25 Chapter 25 : Aftermath of the Mirages
TEMPORAL MOVE: FLASHBACK
In the dimly lit room assigned to me within the Mirage Mansion, I carefully retrieved Rotomdex from my trusty bag.
"So, any notifications, buddy?" I inquired, my eyes fixed on the small device.
BEEP BEEP
"Yes, he logged into the virus-loaded drive containing half-assed info on Kleavor and Annihilape."
"Good. Is the virus detected?" I pressed further, already knowing the importance of this covert operation.
"No, it is programmed to destroy itself if detected."
I felt a sigh of relief at that.
Still, it makes me wonder about AI, it is not a monolithic artificial intelligence. Meaning rather than simple processing of data, it seems to be able to use my logic or pattern thinking, something unique to sentient beings. Meaning, it can be as competent as me, but working like a machine.
Even if Yung managed to trace the intrusion, the shield of my fame should dissuade him from confrontation.
Fame, it seemed, was a double-edged weapon—a protective barrier against those with scruples, yet a beacon for those seeking to exploit.
"Good. I want you to go to the main terminal and take control of the systems one by one. As per plan, I will distract him until the surveillance is in our control."
I must distract him because the takeover of the systems can't be hidden, since it's a brute force hacking method.
FLASHBACK ENDED
However, the execution of the plan left me with a lingering sense of regret. The initial strategy involved smuggling Rotomdex out, followed by sending an anonymous complaint to the League officials.
Now, the challenge lay in executing this plan without losing the crucial Mirage data. I need this data because I am sure I can leap across the levels with it. Just the data about the Mirage system spans multiple fields including Robotics, Optical illusions, Force fields Type energy convertors. Not to forget, the other data in his console.
"Rotomdex, did you send a complaint?" I inquired, hoping for a reassuring response.
"I have sent it to avoid any danger to you in case of complications," Rotomdex replied, its digital voice echoing in my earbud, among the exploding lab. I am thankful for the sound modification software in the Earbuds, otherwise my eardrums would have burst from these explosions.
"Good. Open the gates of Pokémon enclosures."
"Archer, the Mirage System is coded with its primary directives to initiate self-destruction, if the Pokémon are released. By self-destruction, I mean one big explosion, not the ones happening from Thunder attack, " Rotomdex informed me of the situation.
Accepting the info, I saw the time and realized I had plenty of time to make my escape safely.
As for the destruction of the system, it wasn't as if the League was oblivious to the Mirage System; instead, they had prohibited Yung's illegal experiments. So, my decision was made.
With a determined nod, I commanded, "Do it."
The gates swung open, unleashing a chaotic torrent of emotions and freedom upon the once captive Pokémon.
Annhiliape, recognizing the significance of the moment, tossed Yung over its shoulder, and we made a swift exit from the burning mansion. Explosions resonated behind us, marking the destruction of Yung's twisted Mansion.
==========================================================
OUTSIDE THE BURNING MANSION
As we emerged into the night sky, the newly freed Pokémon, initially hostile, turned their attention towards us.
The assembly included an Ursarang, a family of Absols, a group of Arons and Lairons led by an imposing Aggron, and a Garchomp bearing the scars of Yung's surgical experiments. A human.
"Well, I might have messed up," I muttered, acknowledging the troublesome situation that lay before me.
Yet, as the words lingered in the air, Rookidee, seemingly understanding the gravity of the situation, began to chirp. Its melodic sounds reverberated through the chaos, reaching the ears of the once-hostile Pokémon.
Surprisingly, the atmosphere shifted.
The Pokémon softened, some collapsing from exhaustion and malnutrition with the receding Adrenaline levels, others displaying signs of trauma, and a few nursing injuries inflicted during their captivity.
Observing the scene unfold, I turned to see Electabuzz efficiently retrieving a medicine and surgical box from the Silph bag.
I'm starting to have mixed feelings about living with Dregen now, for Electabuzz is already prepared to help the Pokémon in critical condition. He is already setting up a charge to jumpstart a few hearts
"Might as well get started," I said, realizing the magnitude of the healing process that lay ahead.
===============================================
In the chaotic triage, the wailing sirens of a helicopter cut through the night.
A contingent of police officers descended from it, flanked by a squad of Growlithes and Arcanine. At the forefront stood a middle-aged man, his suit draped with a brown coat, exuding an air of authority. Two Jenny at his side added to the official presence.
The canine Pokémon formed a protective ring around the scene, and the Jenny on the right barked, "Everyone freezes! You are under the custody of Kanto Police forces."
As tension escalated in the air, and the imprisoned Pokémon became tense, I couldn't help but feel a sense of exasperation.
The Book of Director of Police had such a primary directive to inform, showcasing it in this condition showed some serious boot camp training instincts.
Suppressing my frustration, I retorted, "Would you like me to freeze, or would you prefer my dying patients to remain frozen? Trust me it can happen if I am delayed for a moment longer, though it will become permanent at that point."
The man in the coat nodded to his subordinates, who returned to a rigid formation, but the canine Pokémon remained vigilant. As the medics approached the injured Pokémon, a growl of anger resonated, particularly from the Garchomp.
The man turned to me and explained, "I am Mr. Looker. I can guarantee you can trust us. Mrs Jenny is stressed because every police office in Kanto received a complaint traced from here, detailing illegal experimentation and massive loss of life."
My incredulous gaze shifted to Rotomdex, who beeped out an explanation, "It was an emergency."
Mr. Looker admired the sight, "It's been four years since I've seen a Rotomdex. The last ones I knew using it were Professor Kukui and Samson Oak in Alola."
Nodding in acknowledgement, I responded, "Thanks. He was a gift to me as a Rotom. I built the machine he's inhabiting."
Looker's raised eyebrows indicated a mix of surprise and curiosity, "Is that so?"
Interrupting the ongoing conversation, the irritated roar of the Garchomp demanded attention. "Yes, yes, I'm coming. I'll take care of the big guy; you guys handle the rest."
=======================================
INTERROGATION
In the stern confines of an interrogation tent, Looker meticulously pasted various photos on the table. The visual timeline chronicled my journey, starting from Bharatsa Airport and extending to the recent Saffron Gym match. Accompanying each image was a litany of my achievements, my exploits captured in snapshots.
"Coming from the backward Bharatsa, you achieved much - the Youngest breeder in Kanto, Multiple degrees, 3 gym badges and a unique team."
Two pictures held a prominent place above the others—one, the send-off from Dregen, and the other, my meeting with a suited man whose face remained obscured from the camera's lens: Giovanni.
Looker scrutinized the array of images, his gaze unwavering. "But you share a connection with two people I don't like, both tend to take the law into their own hands. So, I want to ask you, how are you connected to this?"
Feeling the urgency to distance myself from any association with Yung, I replied, "Sir, I was merely here on a visit due to the similar approaches I share with Yung in breeding and research, based on data. It was because of my suspicions during my stay that I had Rotomdex investigate. When I lost contact with him, I searched and found the experimentation room. Yung discovered us, but luckily, Rotomdex had already managed to hack the system to release the Pokémon. I had no clue that the mansion would explode because of that."
A discreet whisper reached Looker's ears from one of his officers, "The mansion self-destructed due to the opening of the cells containing imprisoned Pokémon. The tech traces salvaged confirm it."
Turning his attention back to me, Looker handed over Rotomdex and remarked, "His Rotomdex. We've searched all the data, except for in-depth data on his Pokémon and a few scans and pictures corroborating with your story. We didn't find anything else."
"Can he transfer the data of the Mirage system?" Looker inquired.
"It's impossible, sir. The timeline from the complaints aligns with his story, and Yung is currently unconscious," the officer explained.
"Any other storage devices?"
"None found, Sir."
Looker, still vigilant, extended Rotomdex towards me, saying, "Sorry for the suspicion, Mr. Archer. It was our duty."
I nodded in understanding. "It's fine, sir. I understand."
As I exited the tent, a solitary tone echoed from my AI: [Data processing completed].
----------------------------------------------
"While Pokémon have different anatomy than humans, their minds are also different, capable of driving their respective bodies and even amplifying them with their emotions. For my Mirage System to create the ultimate Pokémon, I need the anatomy data of multiple species and then craft the ultimate battle mind. It's a monumental task, one I can't complete on my own, especially since Oak kicked me out, despite all my influence and wealth.
But I received an offer of support in exchange for my results from Mr. G. While I was sceptical, the resources he gave me were unbelievable. He even provided me with a sample of Mew's genetics – I love the man. I can create an Ultimate Pokémon based on it, but I will never give Mr. G all the data."
-Journal entry 432
I snorted at this revelation. No wonder Yung possessed Mewtwo data in the canon storyline; he had been indirectly researching Mewtwo on his own. The fact that he was willing to part with some of the data was sufficient for Giovanni.
It was obvious to me – any progress, no matter how small in massive project like Mewtwo, was valuable to someone like Giovanni. No wonder, Yung was stuffed with smuggled Pokémon. As far as Giovanni is concerned, money thrown away is not an issue if it gives results.
As I thought about the situation, I couldn't shake the question of how Yung would be silenced—or if he would be silenced at all.
Looker's words echoed in my mind, indicating that the League was aware of Giovanni's involvement. After all, he has multiple gym leaders under his influence, not to mention the hidden moles in League officials. The fact that he managed to smuggle Pokemon from Galar, says he has some level of influence there too.
I put these thoughts aside and got to the benefits of this incident.
From this encounter, I obtained valuable data about pseudo-legendaries and Legendaries, a trove of information that could potentially compensate for any troubles that lay ahead. The risk, the daring move to infiltrate Mirage Mansion and uncover the secrets within, seemed justified in the face of the knowledge I had gained.
As I reflected on my choices, my newest companion, Rookidee, perched on my shoulder. She is a rare Single typing, Flying-type Pokémon.
It showed in her talent.
I gaped at the ease of mastery it displayed over Flying energy, evident in its adept execution of Drill Peck during our brief journey to Vermilion City.
In Vermilion City, as the bustling harbour echoed with the sounds of Pokémon cries and the distant waves, Rookidee spread its wings, eager to explore the vibrant energy of the city. I could see that the lights of the city seemed to invigorate the Pokémon, making a smile come to my face.
It is like my heart became lighter due to freeing the Pokémon. This might be the best benefit in a way. Because of the data, I can get through other ways, but not saving the imprisoned Pokémon would have made me regret it for a long time.
I truly believe that my happiness is important, if it means freeing them so be it. I can at least be relieved that Looker will manage their relocation well.
