Chapter 10: The offer
During the next training session, Luck wanted to be my sparring partner and at the end of the training, he wanted to have a fight.
"Give everything you have! Don't hold back! You cannot hurt me" he explained.
I gave everything I could, but I had some difficulties to defend myself, which was something, he noticed for sure.
"Well done Xero! You have a great potential and I was able to feel a strong will inside you."
"Thank you master."
"But a strong will alone isn't enough. You are thinking too much."
"Sorry, I'm a bit distracted today."
"Don't sweat it. If you want to talk, my door is always open."
"Thank you!"
After 2 weeks, Iron Valiant told me that I got ordered to meet with Luck in his castle. On my way, I thought a lot about why he wanted to see me during my working hours. I didn't do anything wrong, so it couldn't be something bad.
"Oh, hello. How are you doing? Take a seat" he said.
"Good morning. You wanted to talk to me?" I said a bit nervous.
"Yes sure! I have some sort of a promotion for you" he said happily.
"You know what we're doing here in this building?" he continued.
"No, not really."
"Ok, then let me ask you a question: Are you happy how everything works for now?"
"Yes, sure. I have a nice job and I really like it here."
"Please be honest with me: Is a job that you like the only thing that you need to be happy in life?"
"No, there are 2 other pieces that are needed: Friends, I have these that's fine, and a relationship."
"If you don't mind, can I ask you how it's going on that behalf?"
"I hope that's not a problem, but I really like one of my coworkers."
"No worries about that. And, don't get me wrong, but don't you think that's a bit selfish?"
"How do you mean that?"
"To be happy, you only care about yourself. You want a good future, sure, who doesn't? But what's about the world around you? Don't you care about the other Pokémon?"
"No, it's not like that. I think I'm just too focused on my own goals."
"But you know that Darkness is getting more and more active these days?"
"Yes, but Darkness is in the heart of every Pokémon, since the beginning of time."
"And it doesn't bother you?"
"There was a time, when it really bothered me. Prejudices, not keeping promises, not being loyal and honest, not getting noticed or even getting rejected… I swore to never become like that."
"What if I tell you that we can defeat Darkness? Look: Let's say, it continues to work everything well for you. Then you have what you want, but the problem is not solved. What if Darkness takes the lead and takes everything away you worked so hard for?"
"Good point. It happened already that I lost some friends and meeting someone like Picilla is very rare. It only happened 2 times and they were all deceptions…."
"I'm sorry to hear that, but you know that Darkness is a strong enemy lured and fueled by negative emotions?"
"And what do you want from me now?"
"That you are joining the Organization VII. But no panic: I'm not requesting you to give up your current job, at least not fully. You would work 50% for the Internet Company and 50% for the organization. On top, you'll get a bonus of 200€ from your current salary."
"Hmmm… What would I do in the organization?"
"You would help us to fight against Darkness. There are 2 types of them: The first sort is the most purest form of Darkness, hence it's name Pureblood Darkness, looking like Pokémon, although with distinctive black colors and either red or yellow eyes. Secondly, there are Darknesses that hide inside people's heart. They are the mightiest I'd say, but we aren't to decide if someone holds Darkness in their heart or not."
"You know, I hate Darkness above everything. It hurt me very often. Made me feel negative emotions. I'd like to help!"
"I'm sorry for what you had to go through, but I'm happy that you accept this mission. You'll work for us in the afternoons. See ya tomorrow at 14:00 in my office. If you want, you can take the rest of the day off today."
"Thank you!"
Chapter 11: Organization VII
On the next day, I told my boss and Picilla about the news.
"If you're happy about it, then I'm too 😊"
"Yes, it's just a bit sad, that we don't see each other, that often anymore."
"Yes, but you're here in the mornings."
"Right and I can also stay for lunch. The castle is not far away."
In the afternoon, I got greeted by an Obstagoon, distanced in characteristics, who was just able to say a short 'Hello'.
"May I introduce you: This is Badger! He's my righthand man and he'll be accompanying you in today's mission. It's the first time you're going to fight against Darkness, but don't worry, be brave. You'll be sent to Kratos Mountain, where some Darknesses are blocking pathways. Defeat them and come here safe and sound. Easy peasy" Luck explained.
"Ok boss. I'm ready!"
Badger nodded too and opened a dark portal. "Are you coming?!" he asked annoyed.
Luck then told me, that I shouldn't worry about him. In the beginning he's skeptical about anyone.
Once we arrived at the Chargestone-Cave, we almost got instantly attacked by Darknesses. "Now, you can show, what you've got" Badger said with an arrogant tonality, not ready to help me against 3 Drifloons.
I was firing a few Electro balls at them, while evading their tornados. After a few hits, they went K.O.
"And?" I asked very proud.
"That was an easy one. A baby would've achieved the same results."
I didn't wanted to comment further on this.
"What is this place?"
"You mean the chargestones? They are a special kind of rock, able to create and save electricity."
Shortly after that, we got assaulted by 2 Wobuffets. Badger was able to protect himself, but I wasn't prepared and I had to take a hit. "Gosh, you always need to be prepared and keeping a good defense."
I knew, although it being Darknesses, that Wobuffets have the ability to bounce attacks back, using their psychic-energy. That's why I waited for them to attack first, but it wasn't easy to defend against 2 enemies wanting to punch you with all they've got.
The second time, I was able to grab their hands to instantly paralyze them. Therefore, it was easy for me to turn tables, since they often failed to use their Mirror Coat attacks.
"Not bad" my team-mate stated. We then had to follow a passage on the outside with no enemies along our way. I found this calm a bit embarrassing. Apart from that, I was also quite curious about Badger's story.
"For how long are you in the Organization VII?"
"I was present when it got founded" he replied briefly.
"And can you tell me, why you are part of the organization?"
"Ok, but then, I don't want to hear anymore stupid questions."
He made a little pause…
"I got born into a clan, who saw Darkness as the absolute source of power. People from that clan were mainly Pokémon who got rejected by society. But, I believed, like some other members too, that their way was wrong. However, they firmly hold to believe that the Pokémon who brought up the first World War in the years of 600, would eventually return.
That Pokémon, with the name of Alpha-Omega, saw, that this world was plagued by Darkness and he wanted to save it. But in the end, he got sealed away. You already had this in school, do you?"
"Part of it. It's not that much known about the World War."
"In any case, I was the one who one day stumbled across this exact Pokémon."
"So, Luck want to start another World War?!"
"No, calm down, kid! He changed his attitude. Now shut up."
"I just wanted to tell you, that you shouldn't be so grumpy all the time. We're on the same side, after all."
"Well, you have yet to prove your loyality."
"How?"
"You shall see…"
Once we entered the cave again, we heard desperate cries, asking for help. I was immediately on my way, while Badger took it slowly.
Pushed into a corner was a Magmar-mother trying to protect his little Magby from a Darkness-Rhydon. I instinctively wanted to help them, although, I had to admit that this fierce enemy scared me a bit.
The Rhydon tried to defeat me with strong punches, but I'm fitter than most Pamomamos, so I jumped up and kicked him in his face, leading him to fall on his butt. But the fight wasn't over yet. He threw boulders at me and I used them as trampolines to get closer to him. 'Kaboom!' – Yet another kick. But this time, Rhydon was able to grab me.
Unable to move, Badger yelled at me to get angry. Just before Ryhdon was able to throw me at the ground with full force, I set some dark energy free, that defeated Rhydon.
Magmar and Magby remained shocked for a while and started crying. Although, I'm not very used to embrace people, I felt it was appropriate to calm them down.
"Thank you so much! You risked so much for us. We cannot thank you enough."
"Everyone would've acted like this. I'm happy that you are doing good now."
"I'm rather worried if you are doing fine too?"
"No worries, just a few scratches. It's not usual to see someone around here. May I ask you what you are doing here?"
"We need some chargestones to cure my husband. He's got some serious problems with his lungs and since we're living not far away and as the hospital are quite overcrowded these days, we wanted to gather some of these stones by our own. The electroshocks will certainly help him.
"Oh, I'm sorry for him. I hope he's doing well soon. We'll bring you home safe and sound."
Badger then told me that this isn't part of the mission. But I argued, that they need protection, in case another bully like this shows up. He wasn't excited about it, but he agreed.
On our way to the town, we didn't encountered any more Darknesses. The mother gave us pocket money and I could take some Lava Cookies. My faves 😊
When we returned from our mission, Luck asked us, what took us so long? Badger explained that I wanted to help some Pokémon.
"I see. Good job guys. See ya tomorrow."
After I left, Luck was eager to know how I performed.
"His light still shines brightly, so he had no issues defeating Darknesses. But he slowly begins to doubt and to question things, which will weaken his light. I noticed it, when I was explaining to him why I joined the organization. Had to lie though, regarding the World War. In any case, he had to use Darkness in order to save himself."
"Then everything works as intended. Well done!"
"How was it?" Picilla asked excited, while giving me ice-cream.
"More exhausting as sitting in the office, but interesting nonetheless. We, or no, I defeated many Darknesses and I helped a mother with his child to return back to town."
"Wow, cool! What do you mean with 'we'?"
"Badger, Lucks righthand man, accompanied me. But he is a kind of his own."
Mewtwo had to smile: "You always find friendly words. Just say straight up, that he's an idiot."
"He's mistrustful at first, but I was excited to learn why he joined the organization."
"And?" Picilla asked, eagerly awaiting my answer.
"Basically, the same reason as mine: To free the world from Darkness."
"And you think that's possible?"
"It's worth giving it a shot, don't you think?"
"As long as no one gets hurt."
"I trust in my father. Can't wait until we defeat the Darkness. I desperately want to explore planet Xenos" Mewtwo explained happily.
"So, you never left Lucks world?" Picilla asked astonished.
"Just one time for a short mission with Badger."
"I'm certain, that you'll like it. And our world isn't that bad. It's not like there's Darkness lurking around every corner. Have to go now. Bye 😊"
After she left, Mewtwo told me, that he got the feeling that she wouldn't share our opinion as much.
"I don't know what to believe myself either, to be honest."
"Yeah, because of her."
"No, look. There are many evil Pokémon, that's for sure and I've got hurt a lot, got treated bad, etc… Maybe it was my fault sometimes, because I'm too calm. I don't know, it's complicated. But not everyone's bad. And as of now, I'm not 100% sure if Lucks way is the right one. It has to prove, I think."
"Ok, I see…"
The next days were in its essence the same. The following week though, Luck asked me if I wanted to move here.
"We've got a free room, Nr. 1307. Are you interested to move here? Don't have to give me an answer right away, but I think this might be interesting for you. You would be a bit more independent and the best part is that you don't even have to pay rent. How does that sound?"
"Sounds interesting. It's a big decision though and I first want to talk with my parents about it."
"Sure, no pressure. Take your time. Until tomorrow then."
On the next day, I told Luck, that I would like to move in during the week and that I would return home during the weekend.
"Sure, big step, but hey! I'm happy that you want to live here. Just give me second, then I show you around."
The term room wasn't appropriate. It was rather a small flat composed of a living room, a kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. I was very happy with it, since it has enough place for everything.
Luck was also showing me the cafeteria, the community room and the garden, which were all easy to find.
But today, I didn't had much time to explore my new home, since I've got an appointment at the dentist. I decided to drive there instead of teleporting. After I was done, I was quietly walking to my car, but it shouldn't stay that peacefully…
On my way, I saw that 2 Wartortles were bullying a Pichu. They took some of his stuff out of his back, threw him on the ground and insulted him.
"Hey!" I shouted at them.
"What do you want?!" one of them asked me aggressively.
"Leave him alone and give his stuff back!"
"Or else what?"
"I wouldn't take the chance on it."
"Mind your own business boy. If he doesn't want us to take his stuff, then he should better defend it."
"What a stupidity! If you don't leave immediately, I call the cops."
"Oh, is that everything you can do?"
And then they attacked me. I was able to grab one of their hands respectively and punch the opposite in their face. I also had to take a punch from their other hand, but I could at least weaken them a bit.
I then used Electric Balls to keep them off distance, but they rolled themselves into their shell to better dodge my attacks. They were planning to attack me from the side, but I was able to jump high, but they threw me down with a Water Gun attack.
This hurt me a lot. This pain made me really angry. As the 2 were approaching, dark energy came out of my body, just as it happened when I was fighting Rhydon. Darkness came out of my body and it threw the Wartortles a meter away. They got scared and left in a second. I was able to calm down.
The Pichu started to cry.
"Hey, it's all fine. They're gone now and I won't do anything to you."
He then gave me a hug.
"I'm so sorry that you hurt yourself because of me."
"It's okay, at least I could help you. Say, do you often get bullied by these Wartortles?"
He nodded.
"I can imagine a bit how you feel. I didn't experienced any physical damage, but…
I rather prefer not to talk about that."
"Really? I'm sorry for you."
"It's ok. Besides, I can't remember much of it either. It's just sad, that those who think are stronger, always feel the need to prove it. Same goes when someone's introverted. Forcing someone to talk and forcing someone to become extroverted is not a good idea… In any case, you should tell your parents about it, don't worry about what the other kids are thinking. I'm certain that things change the better for you and you might come to a class where you don't get bullied.
"Did you talked to your parents? Or did you tried to solve the issue on your own?"
"No… Like, I said. It wasn't that bad for me."
"Maybe you didn't wanted that someone was thinking you were weak or you didn't wanted to provoke a strive."
"Might be. But your case is very different. I'm bringing you home, in case those idiots show up again."
This rage… I know that it's inside me for as long as I can think. I also felt it in my father and grandfather. It is able to cause tremendous damage. That's why I always try to be nice, solve things in a calm and friendly manner. And even in situations, where most people would flip out, I'm still trying to stay cool. I was thinking a lot about this rage. But I'm always overthinking.
On the next evening Picilla didn't got time and Mewtwo had an appointment. But instead of staying in my room, I went to the garden and played a videogame on my PokéGear.
As I was very concentrated to defeat a boss, a Cacturne nudged me, which scared me to death.
"Did I scared you?"
"Yes, you did."
"Then turn off your device and talk with us" he said while pointing at Armaldo & Banette, who were sitting at the rounded table, next to me.
I agreed.
The Cacturne then asked me and the others if they wanted a beer and we agreed. Armaldo told me that I shouldn't worry, since it lies in Cacturnes nature to spook people.
"Cheers! Say, are you also a member of the organization?"
"Yup and yesterday I moved here."
"Really? If that isn't a reason to cheers again."
"What do you work as in the organization?" I asked them all.
"I work as a gardener, Armaldo is programming the security cameras and Banette here is a though mafia brite. Better not mess with her."
"What does that mean?" I asked confused.
Then the selfnamed queen of frightening had to laugh.
"It's relatively easy. I'm the leader of a mafia organization."
"I'm sorry, but what does a member of a mafia doing in the organization?"
"I help this Luck guy to scare some folks here and there. He's giving me some manpower in return. And I get paid pretty well. Doing this another 2 or 3 years and I'm all good."
"Yes, he'll pay us very generously."
"Because that devilish bastard robbed dozens of banks within a few months time. Sure, it's an easy play if you can change your appearance on the fly and if you are able to use portals. Some people estimate that he has a few trillions on his bank account."
I couldn't believe what I just heard. I knew right of that bad that Luck isn't angel, but this still left me baffled.
"But what do you mean, when you're saying that you're helping him to spread fear?"
Before Banette was able to say something, I felt an hand on my shoulder. It was Badger who order me to follow him. A few miles away, I asked him what I did wrong?
"Those folks are no good company for you."
"How do you know? I'm not as mistrustful as you are. Explain me, what Banette meant, when she was saying that she helps Luck?!"
He had to sigh: "I knew that it wasn't a good idea to bring you here. But it's up to him now to put this right."
We went to Lucks office and Badger told me to enter, while the latter one was waiting outside.
