Pokemon: Next Generation

Chapter 39: Mr. Roboto

Chapter 39: Mr. Roboto

Emma

If I thought I had been worried before when it came to getting home, it was nothing compared to this. My thoughts were full of only one emotion- fear. But I also refused to give into fear as I continued to follow Zuko. We'd find Daniel. He'd be ok. We'd all go home together. Everything would be fine.

Because if it came down to it, I couldn't leave Daniel behind. I'd rather them all go home without me than considering that option.

Zuko veered suddenly to the left. We'd been jogging for a while without seeing anything. Reg, my Manectric, stayed on my right side, keeping up for once. Anthony was on my left. He'd returned Snout for Rapier, who slithered silently beside him. If I'd been less distracted I would have realized he was almost as worried as I was.

Almost.

Zuko stopped, ears perked. Rapier crouched lower, hissing. Before I could ask, something human shaped shot like a Draco Meteor out of a tree. Rapier sent a Leaf Storm, Zuko a Flamethrower. Both of the attacks disappeared in seconds, absorbed by a tiny tennis ball shaped orb, which the figure caught as he landed.

And then my mind pieced together what I was seeing. A man in a suit. But not just any suit. He looked like a robot. A slim, super advanced suit that looked like all the super hero movies. Black and red, a mask that covered his face.

Even with Pokemon on our side, he looked like he could take all of us.

"Who are you?" Anthony asked firmly.

"Why does everyone expect me to answer?" He looked directly at me, cocking his head. I frowned, wondering what that was all about. And what was with the Darth Vader voice changer? He threw the orb into the air, catching it again. "You have no right to be here."

"As if. It seems like you need to go back to the Grid where you belong," I said.

"That takes place in the past," Anthony murmured, the know it all of all sci-fi.

"You know what I mean," I whispered at him before turning to Tron. "Where's Daniel?"

"Safe."

"Why is it that I don't trust you?" I growled. Zuko followed suit, definitely more intimidating than I was.

"What have you done to Celebi?" Ash yelled, coming forward.

"Nothing," he said simply.

"What's with burning the forest? And his shrine?"

"Distractions."

"Can't you explain in full sentences?" I asked, irritated.

"No."

I don't know why I expected anything different.

"I'm tired of people from the future not telling us what's going on," Ash said. "We gave him his chance. Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!"

Pikachu jumped from his shoulder, sending the Electric attack at the man. A red Protect shield formed around him as he held his arm at chest height, coming from his outer forearm.

"Leaf Storm," Anthony commanded.

Rapier jumped, sending the tornado at the shield. The man let the shield evaporate and dive rolled quickly, jumping back up into a branch fifteen feet off the ground.

Freaking impossible. Ok super villain.

"Zuko, get that creep," I said.

"We need to find Daniel," Anthony whispered to me. "Why is this guy playing with us? He's not even attacking."