Resistance: Part Six

“How stupid can you be to leave the back entrance unlocked?” the mysterious stranger questioned as he eased his way through the door, keeping close to the crouching Gold who was leading from the front.

Gold’s eyes sharpened, looking side to side just in case the professor had fallen asleep in the lab again. He wiped his forehead. “Well you don’t expect your neighbours to steal from you in this town,” he growled.

The red haired man hummed with disinterest, shrugging as he spied a few shards of broken glass. Never once did he stare directly at Gold for if he did, he'd notice his tense and rigid body movements. "By that look he gave you earlier I'd suspect he was your father, not your boss..."

Gold grit his teeth. “Shut up, will you?” He held back his urge to scream, instead whispering in a melancholic tone that was laced in a thick anger. The man let out another laugh as he checked all the corners of the dark room.

“No cameras, right?” the roguish young man asked apprehensively.

Gold shook his head, slipping his hands into his pocket. “What did I say about this town again?” He asked. The man didn’t reply, instead focusing on a few lab instruments he’d picked up; one of these was a scalpel. What is he doing? he wondered as the man began to swipe the air with deadly efficiency.

A lump formed in his throat. Who is this man? He wondered as the stranger put the scalpel back down and smirked. Clearly he was putting on a display.

Gold’s breathing fastened. “So, how did you know?” He asked to keep his mind busy.

“Know what?” the man feigned ignorance as he donned a tantalizing smile.

Gold clenched his fist, wanting nothing more than to break his tormentor’s jaw. “How did you know I was going to steal a Pokemon?” he seethed.

He kept silent, yawning with disinterest. “Don’t want to talk?” Gold grinned tauntingly.

The man picked up yet another instrument, inspecting it all over. “All bark and no bite,” he answered, looking at his own reflection on the metal surface.

Gold’s eye twitched. “Say that again!” he dared.

He shook his head, letting out another amused grunt. “Don’t have to.”

Gold’s brows furrowed. Arguing with this guy was like having a fight with a brick wall, only the aggressor would come off with broken knuckles. “Whatever,” he scowled, nursing his pride as he stormed off to the safe.

He stood in front of the door, the password dancing in his mind, tormenting him. Zero, Seven, Zero and Three. His breathing hitched at the memory, chest tightening painfully. Gold’s voice reached a pained whisper. “Just... remind me, why do you get a Pokemon despite me doing all the work?”

The stranger’s red eyes squinted. “Accomplice or witness, it’s your choice.” His voice was low, yet still strangely feminine.

There was no choice to be made. “Accomplice,” he mumbled and quickly input the password; hands shaky as he did so. The lock clicked, door flinging open making the stranger smile properly for the first time.

“About time,” he stated, effortlessly pushing Gold aside. Then in thievish nature he reached into the safe, decisively pocketing a pokeball. Gold wasn’t even sure the man knew what he’d taken, perhaps he didn’t even care.

He however, cared a lot. “That better not be Florence.” Gold hissed, opting to pull out the tray where they sat. He grinned, eyes softening. Sitting there on the far left was a pokeball caked in dust whilst the other that sat directly next to it was in pristine condition. He grabbed it without hesitation, throwing it to the floor excitedly.

There was a flash.

For a brief moment the entire laboratory was illuminated a bright white as Florence materialised, her short bossy form spreading a rare feeling through Gold’s body. Happiness. He looked down, staring directly into her eyes, knowing exactly what was coming. “Florence...”

”Why are you smiling like an idiot?” Her sharp, reprimanding tone brought an amused smile to Gold’s face.

He leant down, picking her up so they were face to face. “It’s good to see you again too, Flo.” Gold laughed. She frowned, kicking her legs, forcing him to laugh. “Fine,” he answered her unspoken request, placing her upon his shoulder.

The stranger just watched them, his facial expression not changing at all. “I’m not even going to ask why you’re talking to that thing,” he sighed and made his way to the door. “We should get out of here.”

Gold glared, his happiness didn’t ever last that long it seemed. “Why are you in such a rush?” He asked aggressively, Florence backed him up with her own barks.

The red haired man’s face sharpened. “Perhaps because you were stupid enough to release your Pokemon indoors, do you know how much light that thing gave off?” He asked condescendingly and he swiftly strode out the door, his cloak billowing behind him as he did so.

Florence growled. ”He is such an ass.” She hissed.

Gold pet her as a reward. “You’re telling me, but he’s right. Let’s go.” He sighed and followed the man out the door, turning to take one last look of the lab, he smiled.

“Goodbye, Professor.”

<***>

“Hah, what does he know anyway?” Gold scoffed as he made his way to the edge of town. As if anyone was actually going to notice him sneaking around at night, New Bark Town was a sleepy place after all.

Florence looked sided to side as they gradually approached the boundaries. ”Where are we going?”

Gold grinned, eyes glittering at the sight of the Route 29 signpost. “We’re going travel the region,” he stated confidently, picking up the pace.

Footsteps, quiet, yet audible ones hummed through the town. They were out-of-sync, one sounding more like a sprint whilst the other sounded like walking pace. Unfortunately for Gold, it was already too late for him when he finally caught on.

He stopped on the spot, he was going to be seen, and for some reason he knew who it was going to be by. “Are you crazy?” a loud, high pitched scream echoed through the town. Nobody woke.

Gold’s tone instantly went soft. “Lyra,” he whispered, eyes closing. The woman was spluttering and coughing, hands on her knees. She was wearing nothing but a pair of modest, light blue pyjamas. She hadn’t even bothered to put her shoes on. “Why are you here?” he asked, looking back at her from the corner of his eyes.

She continued to pant, her arms crossing across her midriff. “I-I saw a light coming from the lab, I thought you were going to do something stupid... but this.” She stuttered; biting down on her lower lip as her eyes fell on Florence.

Gold turned, placing a finger over Florence’s mouth, knowing full well that she was about to bark. If it was at anyone else he wouldn’t mind, but Lyra was different. “...So do you intend to stop me?” he asked with a sad smile, daring her to try.

Her body began to shake. “What do you think? Somebody has to stop you from doing stupid things!” her teeth chattered as she unsteadily closed the gap between them. Gold gulped, knowing that she was one opponent he could not face, and by the expression in those eyes, she wasn’t going to back down.

He stepped back. “Lyra, sorry, but you won’t be able to stop me this time.” Gold’s voice was faint, almost like he was begging her. She continued to step forward, her eyes glistening with a thin layer of moisture. He shook his head; he didn’t want her to cry.

A lone tear escaped her eyes. “Why?” She sounded betrayed.

Gold looked away, his own breathing almost hitching.

“What happened?” She was almost inaudible as she grabbed Gold by the scruff of his jumper. Her arms shook, yet to Gold they were so powerful that he couldn’t pull away. Gold looked to the side.

Her voice began to tremor. “Look at me.”

Gold winced, eyes clenched shut.

“Look. At. Me.” The words were delicate, yet held absolute authority over the young man. He turned to her, not wanting to stare into her eyes. That would be painful.

He tried to step away. “Lyra, let go.” He whispered.

She shook her head. “No,” a few more tears fell.

He sighed, hand reaching her wrist. “Let go.” He demanded.

Her wrist went limp.

Gold jumped backwards, re-establishing the distance, his eyes falling on the girl. Her knees were shaking, her face was starting to puff and her hair fluttered in the chilly mid-night breeze. Yet she looked strangely beautiful. He grimaced, knowing he shouldn’t think like that of his friend. He didn’t want to be a burden.

“What happened... did someone trick you into leaving?” she asked, eyes shining with hope.

Gold shook his head.

She gulped, shaking her own head side to side. It was confusing. Why was he leaving? “D-Do you just intend on leaving the professor behind...? W-what about me?” She trembled, her canines biting down heavily on her lip, drawing blood.

His eyes widened as he watched the red fluid trickle down her lips. “Lyra, please stop,” he begged, but she shook her head.

“No!” her teary voice echoing throughout the town once more.

Gold closed his eyes. “You’re acting irrational again.” He whispered, it was too painful to see her like this, especially when he was the cause.

Her eyes widened, large watery orbs that pierced Gold’s heart more efficiently than any blade ever could. “What do you mean by again?” she whimpered, stepping forward, throwing her face into his chest. “I’m just trying to help you!” her muffled voice demanded.

Gold grimaced, his heart clenching painfully. He leant down, lips moving to her ear. “...But I don’t want your help,” he whispered as he softly pushed her away. She tried to move back in but Gold stopped her.

She finally stepped back, her hands shakily forming into limp fists. “W-What?” She sounded like an abandoned puppy.

Gold looked away. Staring her in the eyes would just give her hope.

“Y-You’re joking, right...? Y-you can’t leave!” She barely had the energy to scream, Gold’s declaration having sapped the strength from her.

Gold turned away. Lyra ran forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, shoving her head into his back. “Please don’t leave. You can’t leave, not you too.” She wept heavily, her tears soaking the back of his jumper.

He sighed, bringing his hands to hers, stroking them before carefully prying them off his abdomen. He turned, still holding her hands. “Now, you look at me.” His voice shook, she stared up, her eyes questioning.

“I’m not leaving forever. I won’t get killed, I promise you. I’m going to get this town protection, even if I have to destroy the league in doing so.” He spoke with a fiery determination, all the while softly stroking her palms.

“... You don’t speak like this,” she whispered, her eyes peering down at the ground. “My Gold doesn’t speak like that.” Her eyes mazy yet still so open and clear at the same time.

Gold just continued to stroke her hands, pulling her in towards his chest. He wrapped his arms around her. “Please, just stop.” His voice was strained, he was almost crying.

“Do you hate me?” she asked him.

He shook his head. “No, I couldn’t. But... you have your own life to live, right?”

She looked up to him, eyes begging for answers.

He let go of her and began to walk away. “You need to stop being so reliant on me,” he delivered an ultimatum.

She quickly caught up to him, grabbing his arm, but he kept moving forward. “Why – Why are you acting like this?”

He stopped still. “You know.”

She lowered her eyes to her feet, whispering her answer almost inaudibly.

A long and thoughtful silence followed.  

Gold smiled grimly, nodding as he set forth towards the boundaries once more. “I will come back.” He told the woman who stubbornly held onto his arm. “And when that time comes I know you’ll be a stronger person,” he spoke with a cheerful optimism, one he rarely shared with anybody.

Lyra seemingly smiled, losing concentration long enough for him to escape her grip and cross the border.

They now stood in two different worlds. “Lyra, you believe in me right?”

The young woman kept quiet and then nodded. “Y-Yes,” she cried, desperately trying to wipe her tears.

Gold smiled brightly. “Then do one last thing for me, please?” He asked.

Lyra, bit down on her lip and nodded. “What is it?”

He chuckled and began to walk away. “Stop biting your lower lip.”

She laughed, wiping away her tears, nodding to his retreating back.

“Thank you,” he whispered, biting back his own tears, forming a small smile. “And please... extend that to the professor, okay?” He asked and finally broke into a sprint, not even waiting for a reply, for he hated tearful goodbyes.

<***>

”You really are a mushy guy, aren’t you?” Florence practically stated.

They’d been on Route 29 for almost ten minutes and had yet, to their great fortune, run into nothing. Not a single wild Pokemon.

Gold sighed. “Shut up, Florence.” He slapped her on the head softly, making her giggle as he waded through some knee-high grass.

She shook her head, stomping her paws on his shoulder softly. ”No,” she said in mid-giggle, spluttering everywhere.

Gold shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. He was having fun.

Unfortunately, good things don’t last long.

Standing at the end of the grass, back leant against a large evergreen tree was the mysterious stranger. His eyes were closed, completely relaxed despite being on a route. It was almost admirable, yet frustratingly annoying at the same time.

Gold stomped forward. “You waited for me?” He taunted as he approached the red-haired man.

The man didn’t mind, opening one of his red eyes, a small smirk playing on his lips. “I guess you could say that.” He remained ambiguous as he pushed himself off the tree. He turned to face Gold, almost sniggering as Florence turned her nose up at him. “So, what do you intend to do from here?” he asked suddenly.

Gold remained quiet, shrugging as he looked off to the side.

“People don’t become trainers for no reason.” He hissed, stepping forwards so he could glare directly into Gold's eyes. “Tell me your reasons.”

It was Gold’s time to smirk tauntingly. And he did so, just before walking past him. “You’re really annoying, do you know that?” Gold asked, not offending the man in the slightest.

The stranger grunted in amusement, watching Gold’s back with intrigue.

Gold sighed, shaking his head. “Well I guess there’s no harm in telling.” He turned, staring at the stranger. “I’m going to defeat the league,” he told him confidently, waiting for the inevitable response that it was a childish dream.

It never came.

The stranger’s wide eyes bore into him, his smirk wavering as he tried to restrain himself. But he couldn’t. He burst into laughter, sounding like a madman crossbred with a clown, possessing a deep seated amusement coated in a layer of sinister delight.”Interesting,” he snorted, one hand covering his right arm.

Gold stepped backwards, his instincts told him he was in danger again. “W-What?” he asked, locking eyes within him only to flinch in fear. There was something about those eyes now, something that was inspiring yet frighteningly chilling at same time.

The red haired man stepped forward, pulling his pokeball out of his pocket. “You’re interesting. So let’s see if you have what it takes.” He spoke in riddles and he threw the ball to the floor releasing his Pokemon.

It was the one Gold had wanted, Cyndaquil, a small creature that kind of looked like a hedgehog with flames shooting out of its back.

Gold felt a little jealous. “If I’m interesting, then you’re crazy.” Gold accused him, raising his fists defensively.

The man didn’t seem to care. “Say, how do you feel about killing Pokemon?” he asked, making Gold drop his guard, he didn’t even need time to think of an answer.

“It’s fine in self-defence.”

The man arched one of his brows. “And what about humans?” he asked, his eyes catching Gold’s as they flashed that inhuman golden colour once more.

Memories came flooding back; making the young man shut his eyes violently. “I-It’s absolutely unacceptable.”

The stranger glared, he was unimpressed. “Then you are a hypocrite... for now.” His androgynous voice reached a deepness Gold didn’t think was possible.

He lifted his arm and pointed at Gold.

“What are you –“

The man grinned sadistically. “Cyndaquil use ember!” He ordered without hesitation. The creature obeyed, spouting searing hot flames in the youth’s direction. Gold didn’t have time to think, he dived instinctively, narrowly avoiding the barrage of flames.

”Fire! Get it away Gold, I hate it!” Florence cried in terror, burying her face deep in his shoulder.

Gold’s body began to shake, his heart rate increasing tenfold as he stared up at his assailant. The man didn’t seem bothered, in fact he seemed intrigued, almost impressed. “What the hell is wrong with you?” Gold barked, his muscles tensing as the adrenaline rush from the previous night returned.

The man didn’t respond, pointing at Gold again. “Cynda –“

Gold glared. “Two can play at that game, Florence we’re fighting back!”

The small grass type leapt onto the floor, turning to him with a look that asked if she could really do it. Gold nodded, pointing at the Cyndaquil. “We’re going to kick his ass!” Gold declared childishly as he got back to his feet.

Florence shook heavily, but her eyes steeled. Despite all of his bravado, Florence still trusted her trainer. She growled, leaning down, poised and ready to attack.

“So you’ll fight?” the red haired man asked, slipping his hands into his cloak. “I guess I should give you more credit, but you can’t win.” He laughed madly once more, stepping back a few paces.

Gold glared back weakly. “You don’t intimidate me.”

The man shrugged. He didn’t care in the slightest. “Cyndaquil use ember.” He ordered again, the creature nodded, firing another array of flames towards their foes. Florence and Gold scattered, diving in two opposite directions.

The man smirked. “Lesson One: Be in sync with your Pokemon.”

“What would you know?” Gold hissed, eyes sharpening. He pointed towards his opponent. “Florence use tackle on Cyndaquil’s side!” Gold ordered, Florence obeyed, charging directly at the fire-type.

The man smirked. “Cyndaquil, use tackle on the man.”

Cyndaquil sprinted forward at the right time, narrowly avoiding Florence who tackled the air ferociously; sending herself flying across the floor. She looked up, turning to the side as she watched her opponent make a beeline for her trainer, he was defenceless.  

Crunch. Cyndaquil ploughed into Gold’s abdomen, sending him flying through the air like a ragdoll. Snap. Another sickening cry of bones weeping occurred as he collided with an evergreen, slouching down it without any control over his body.

He collapsed face first, winded. He tried to talk, but all he could do was watch as the man and his Cyndaquil surrounded Florence. They double teamed her. She stood no chance, collapsing shortly after him.  He wanted to call out to her but all the air was gone from his lungs. He struggled to his feet, stumbling towards the red haired man, a fist clenched.

He swung, but the man dodged it, sidestepping him effortlessly. Gold roared, swinging again, stumbling forward each time his opponent avoided his assaults. The man smirked, locking eyes with him. I can’t win... right now. The sudden realisation hit him, this man was too strong.

He decided to attempt a retreat, diving for Florence, picking her up in his arms.

The man let out an amused grunt. “Lesson Two: Never ignore your opponent, you’ll die otherwise.”

Cyndaquil charged into Gold’s abdomen again, sending him and Florence flying across the clearing and into the tree once more. Florence rolled over in his arms, she was unconscious. At least he hoped that was her condition.

“What the... how are you so...?” Gold stuttered in pain, wheezing heavily in the process.

The man slowly approached him. “Final Lesson: Stop being so soft. People will use their Pokemon on the trainers too.” He stopped directly in front of Gold.

The young man glared as powerfully as he could. “Fuck you,” he tried to sound aggressive but he sounded more like yapping Poochyena than a ferocious Granbull. The man smirked, seeing through his facade as Gold winced and leant back against the evergreen. “Don’t look down on me,” Gold hissed, spitting blood onto the man’s trousers.

Crunch. The man slammed his leg into the side of Gold’s head, instantly knocking him unconscious as his head hit off the floor. “Weak,” the man taunted, yet the smile on his face told a different story. He pulled out a hyper potion and a max repel, kneeling down to apply them to Florence and Gold respectively. “For a rookie... you’re not half bad. You actually fought back.”

“Master Silver.” A familiar voice caught the man’s attention, forcing him to get back to his feet as its bearer who wore a purple suit and black mask materialised at his side. “Was the operation a success?” he asked whilst petting his Abra which clung to his shoulder.

Silver shrugged. “Yes it was, Will.”

The man smiled, clapping his gloved hands together as his eyes fell down on Gold’s unconscious form. “And who’s the boy?”

The cloaked man turned and looked down on his opponent. “Not sure, but he has a grudge against the league.”

“Is that so?” Will sounded amused as he wrapped an arm around Silver’s shoulder, pulling him close. “What should we do with him?” he asked, sounding perfectly natural as he stroked his shoulder.

Silver sighed. “Leave him here. We have more important things to attend to.”

The masked man nodded. “As you wish, Master Silver. Abra,” he murmured, and as if they’d spoken telepathically the Pokemon teleported them away, leaving behind the unconscious Gold in the centre of Route 29.