The Hybrid Experiment

Chapter 5: Ecruteak City

*Nathan's POV*

Relieved that this other Trainer had found Voltflare, I quickly thank him before asking,

"What happened while you were looking? I heard some fighting and shouting, so I came running, and..." I stop myself when I see Maxwell collapsed against a tree.

I assume that was his doing- good going! Now we have more time to... Wait a second- Ecruteak!!

"Sir, I know I've already bothered you enough, but can you come with me to Ecruteak? I don't think I will be able to stop all of them..." I plead.

"All- of them? Which 'them'?" he responds, seemingly bewildered, and I finally let up and tell him what I heard over my walkie-talkie.

Besides, I owe it to him to tell him what is going on...

I take a deep breath and begin.

"Are you familiar with Team Rocket?" I ask, knowing that he has some connection to them when his face goes pale.

"How did you... Are you one of them?!" he pulls out a Pokeball, his gaze darkening. I hold up one hand in defense, sighing and finally saying,

"Formerly... I abandoned that criminal organization when I discovered the true horror that goes on behind the scenes. An experiment... They took my research too far... And my friend was fused with his parents, mentally scarring him beyond compare. I feel responsible for what happened to him, so I have taken it upon myself to end the injustice that caused him that harm!"

"I see... How does that relate to Ecruteak?" The man still seems skeptical, so I pull out my Rocket-issue walkie-talkie.

"This little device tipped me off," I say indignantly,

"They plan to burn Ecruteak to the ground in only a few hours' time!"

"They... They can't be serious... My home, my family... They shall never harm them! Come, we need to protect Ecruteak- right now!" He dashes off into the forest, heading towards the city. Without hesitation, I recall Voltflare and chase after the man.

We emerge from the forest to see the city in utter chaos- the place is already overrun by Rocket grunts, and many of the civilians are running in terror. Thankfully, neither the people, nor the city, have been greatly harmed by the criminals. The mere presence of Team Rocket, however, gives the place an eerie feeling, matching the one in the hidden HQ at the bottom of the Radio Tower.

As we approach, one of the older townspeople, an old woman, walks up to us and begs us, tears in her eyes. She points to a small house behind her. I can only assume that the house is hers, and it is currently under attack by goons.

"Please, can you two help me?! My... My husband... And my precious Skitty!..." Her voice quivers, and she looks like she could use a hug or something to cheer her up.

"What happened?" I calmly ask her.

However, her sobbing soon reaches a crescendo, and I realize that I won't be able to get any more information from her.

Pulling Voltflare's Pokeball from my belt, I walk over to the house in question, and I press my ear to the door. I can hear shouting from inside.

"Give it to me!" somebody yells. A few seconds later, a man screams, and I hear a piece of furniture being shattered. The same voice retorts,

"No, I won't let you have her! She means so much to my wife! I won't let you have her!"

Another object inside breaks, and I know that I don't have any more time to listen to the commotion inside.