Timeline of Errors

Part 19 - The Search

A few days passed in peace, where I fortunately got to train with my new team. Of course, that also means the league challenge was drawing closer and closer. But of course, that just means all of these chaos will be over soon.

About three days away from D-day, I was out training around Loquat with Antonio, who sometimes decides to tag along after work.

"No like, seriously, the gate was pushed all the way to the wall, blending in with the vines and plants. So I didn't see it at all when I walked in," I said, "then not long after, I saw some tables and chairs in front of a small house, and was like, huh?"

"Not buying it, you're definitely trespassing on purpose," he said and chuckled.

"It's the map! The map told me to cut through that path!" I said, "I thought that's a public road! It looks just like any other road-"

Then suddenly, there was a soft ring tone coming from the young man's coat pocket. He took out an XTransceiver, which displayed a notification for a message from "Nia".

"You finally unblock her?" I said.

"Yeah, look, I just wanted to make a point, and I think that was clear enough," he said and opened the message, "let's see..."

However, his words trailed off and petrified in his spot. His eyes widened as they stared at the device's screen, gripped tightly.

"...Everything alright, Antonio?" I asked.

He turned to me, his face paled.

"...it's a danger code. Something happened," he answered, "I need to go,"

"I'll come with you," I said.

"Valen-" I said.

"If it's a danger code, it's probably safer to go with an extra person," I said, "if you got ambushed like me-"

"...you're right, come on then," he said and put his Xtransceiver back into his coat pocket, "Salamence, to Garnet Town,"

~~~

Within half an hour, Salamence landed and brought us in front of the familiar-looking vacation house on the edge of Garnet Town. In the evening, the house seemed quite dark with the exception of the second floor. Soft lights from the living room escaped from beneath the curtains, peering out of the window. Meanwhile, the big bay window on the first floor was completely dark, indicating that there was no inhabitant in that space.

"She should be home around this time, so if something were to happen-" he said as he made his way through the unlit dark brown wooden staircase.

I followed him closely behind. He unlocked the door and looked around, checking the space for any hints. A takeout box was left next to the yellow bean bag on the corner. The curtains were closed and a crumpled blanket was left on the sofa. I looked around and walked up to the egg shaped rattan chair. Then turned to the fan hanging above the ceiling, staying as still as death. However, there was nothing unusual on scene.

"What about the first floor?" I asked.

"This way," he said and lifted a hatch on the floor, revealing a staircase to the lower level.

I followed him down the stairs and found ourselves standing in the dark. I could make out the shape of a bed and an end table right across the room. Suddenly, I heard a voice flowing through my head.

"More people broke into the house. This isn't good. I gotta get out of here,"

I turned to the bed and looked below. Antonio quickly took out a flashlight and shone it around the room. Underneath, I could see a Pokeball lying still under the centre of the bed. It turned to me, surprised, and screamed for help as I reached for it.