Team Nova - Episode 13: Rebirth

Timeskip;Day 3:On a Boat somewhere at Sea

He'd decided to take a break and rest. He didn't need to be there before nightfall anyways.

He looked at the brught, blue, vast sky. He knew they hadn't wanted him to go, or go alone for that matter. They'd fought tooth and nail to get him to let them come. He refused to put them in danger, though.

He sighed and turned towards the wheel. Break over. As he was about to start the engine, he heard a crash from below deck.

"Ow!"

He recognized the voice. Quickly, he rushed downstairs and almost shattered when he saw them.

Dawn was sitting on the floor, a bucket on her head that must've fallen from the shelf above. Lucas approached them and assisted Lyra in helping Dawn up.

"Are you okay?" Dawn smirked as she removed the metal pail and spouted off, "No need to worry!"

Lucas took a step back while Dawn dusted herself off, his face growing red with anger. "Why are you two here!? I told you to stay behind at Realgam!"

Dawn pursed her lips before telling back at him. "There's no way we let you go alone, Luke!"

Lucas frowned."Coming with me is just making this harder! I can protect all of us!"

"You don't have to! Lyra and I are perfectly capable of caring for ourselves and pulling our own weight, Luke!"

Lyra clenched her fists at her sides. Her face was sullen and turning red with fury. " Shut up both of you!"

Both of them turned to her, shocked. " He's my best friend! We've been best friends since we were kids! So of course I'd come and put my life on the line for him! For Ethan!!!"

---

Day 9; Realgam Tower, Austin's Quarters
Austin had gotten up early that morning to go to the cafeteria and get some breakfast for himself and his Pokemon. He'd ran into Jacquelyn and agreed to meet her back there once he'd fed them back in his room.

After setting out the food, some biscuits and bacon along with some poffins on a plate.

Austin bent down and sat on the floor. He brought his hands through Ace's wing, combing his feathers. "There you go, Ace. Nice and groomed."

The Staraptor gave a cry and nuzzled his head into Austin's chest.

Victini looked up from the food Austin had just set out. He hopped over onto Austin's shoulder and mimicked Ace's nuzzles.

Shogun just watched, arms folded.

"Quit it you guys. " He stood up and walked towards the door."I'm going to see Jacquelyn today. I probably won't be back for awhile, but you guys have the day to do whatever you want. Don't make too much trouble." With that, he exited the room and headed for the cafeteria.

---

Day 3;An island at Sea

It was dark since the sun had set over the horizon long ago. They'd docked the boat a little ways out in case they had radar. They had swam the rest of the way to the island.

The island was as small and inconspicuous as Lucas expected it tto be. He'd doubted it'd show up on any maps at all, but they'd managed to dig one up. Officially, the island didn't exist. But Lucas knew better.

They each had the only 2 Pokemon that had survived with them to this point. They'd stolen a fee handguns and two Assault rifles from Realgam, along with a single Bullet-proof vest and some Military clothes. Lucas was already wearing his equipment, but Dawn and Lyra weren't outfitted yet.

They'd decided they'd camp the night and day and strike the next night, since light would come soon and they needed nightfall to strike. Since they'd brought no sleeping bags, however, they'd have to sleep on the ground.

Dawn had laid down and promptly fallen asleep. As Lucas stripped off the best and his shirt underneath, Lyra approached him.Her expression was serious and stern." Lucas, we've come this far, so don't you think we should think through this plan a little more? We only get one chance."

Lucas stared out into the dark Depths of the forest. "I know." He said to her." But there's only three of us and I promised to protect you two. I still don't think you should be here. It's not too late for you two to go home you know."

Lyra wanted to punch him. In fact, she did. "Bargh, my shoulder!" Lucas turned to her, gripping his shoulder. It would definitely leave a bruise. "I told you I'm not leaving. Why you and Dawn leave? I'd be fine on my own. "

"Go to sleep." They turned. Dawn was sitting up, running her eyes. She held up her thumb and gave a tired smile. "No need to worry. Besides, how would anyone escape if someone left?"

With that, Dawn went back to sleep. After giving each other a quick look, Lyra and Lucas separated to either side of the small clearing.

Corva gives her new best friend a cheery wave as she slips into a portal with Phantom Force.  She pops out onto the roof of the department store.  Oops, looks like there's a guard.  A hand wraps around his mouth and a knife slips into his back.  Several times.  Corva carefully lowers him down and starts to scan the rest of the rooftop.

Yep-yep, just like she expected!  A pair are over in one corner.  One's crouching with a big pair of binocular-things, the other's lying down spooning a long rifle.  Corva Levitates over silently and stops a few feet behind them.  She starts looping her whip into a lasso.  "Anything?" she demands in her best serious-commander tone.

"No signs of movement, ma'am," the spotter reports.  "IR's clear, too."

"Cowards probably ran off again.  I doubt they're coming back tonight," the sniper adds.

"I see.  Remain vigilant, though.  Just in case."

"Yeah, well, if those bastards come back, I'll take them out in a heartbeat.  I'm the best damn sniper in all of Nova," the sniper boasts.

"Oh-ho?" Corva asks.  The pair seems to realize they have no idea who they're talking to.  In four quick movements, Corva loops her whip across the sniper's mouth, stabs her knife through the spotter's neck, flings his corpse back onto the roof so he doesn't fall off and alert everyone, and drops her knees into the prone sniper's back.  She pulls back on the whip like a pair of reins, turning it into a makeshift gag.

"Rrrrmmmph!?" the sniper demands.  He stops struggling as Corva stretches out on his back and lightly presses the knife tip into his neck.  She whispers into his ear.

"Hey-hey, calm down, calm down.  So.  So.  You're a good sniper, right?  Right, yeah, that's what you said, 'best in Nova.'  Hey.  So.  I have a new friend coming.  Yeah.  So.  Bad luck for you!  If he's as good as they say, you're dead.  So, so very gonna die.  Hehe.  But.  But-but I want you to try, 'K?  Re-e-eally try to kill him, 'K?"

"Mmmph!?"

"Yes, I did just tell you to kill one of my men.  But.  But if he can't beat the best Nova sniper, he's not worth having, hm?  Yeah, he can do it.  Probably.  I even evened the odds for him!" Corva points to the dead spotter.  "Aren't I just so sweet?  Hehe.  I'm the nicest commander ever."

"Grmph."

She yawns and rests her chin on the sniper's shoulder.  "Y'know, it's a shame you're Nova trash. 'Cause you're so-o-o-o comfy...  Hey-hey, if you live, maybe you want to join Yveltal instead?  You can have a spot as my pillow!  I mean, it's that or I have to kill you.  Sor~ry."

"Rrrrph."

Corva giggles and rolls off.  She swings around and lets her legs dangle over the edge of the department store.  "By~the~way, don't try anything stu-u-u-upid like trying to call for help or shoot me or something, 'K?"  She ruffles his hair, and an icy chill grips his heart.  "Gooood luck!  Oh-oh, I'll be quiet.  Guess you need to focus, huh?  Don't let me dis~tract you..."  She sits on the edge, kicking her feet, softly humming to herself, holding her whip-gag like a leash in one hand and her handgun - pointed at the sniper - in the other.

The sniper's mind cracks a bit.  He's really not sure what in the Distortion World's going on.  So he does the only thing he can think of and starts scanning the treeline.

"There's a Sniper on the roof of the Department Store."

I would be disappointed if there weren't. Where are they looking?

"Back towards the treeline. You're already clear. But the crazy lady is up there too and she hasn't stopped him. I think she's betrayed you. Can I eat her now?"

No. She hasn't betrayed me. She hates Nova too much. Most likely, it means she's testing me. She wants to see how good I am.

"Fine. But if she tries anything funny, I'm going to eat her."

Despite himself, he couldn't help but smile. And I'll probably let you. Now focus.

Unnoticed, Micah slipped silently across the street and into the southern patch of woods. Moving like a wraith, he came out on the southern end of the city near a house. Latias assured him the way was clear, but just in case he dropped to his stomach and low crawled out of cover. The old Contest Hall was only a few feet away, and there were two trees on either side of the building. Very climbable trees. The closest Nova patrol was on the other side of the Contest Hall, and there was a guard posted at the port entrance. Micah resisted the urge to spring up and sprint towards the tree. He was too expertly trained for that. Instead, he low crawled a few feet further, slowly rose to a crouch, and moved very carefully to the side of the building. The old Contest Hall was one of the largest buildings in town, and the roof offered him the perfect vantage point to reach all his targets. Without a moment's hesitation, he launched himself up the tree, climbing quickly and quietly through the branches like he was an Aipom. He reached the top in less than half a minute, and effortlessly swung himself up onto the roof, making virtually no noise at all as he landed with a soft, barely audible thud. He dropped to his stomach again and waited to see if anyone had heard him. Satisfied no one had noticed, he unslung his Sniper Rifle, double checked the Keen Eye scope was inserted, and moved to the southeast edge of the roof, and checked his target's location.

The blonde Sergeant hadn't moved. She was smoking a cigarette now, while the two soldiers next to her were chatting and joking with each other. They were all on break. Perfect.

Latias, give me the Sniper's location.

"Left shoulder, 45- no, 40 degree turn, 180 degree elevation... I think?"

That's good enough. I can find his position.

He shifted ever so slightly as Latias instructed, raised his rifle, and looked through the scope. It didn't take him long to pinpoint the enemy Sniper's location. And said Sniper was still geared towards the treeline. He had no reason not to be, after all. He wasn't very good, Micah thought with grim satisfaction. No Sniper worth their salt would focus only on one area of sight, instead they would scan multiple areas at odd intervals. While Micah's rifle was painted solid black, it wasn't invisible when he wasn't wearing it on his back, so he knew there was a chance it could be seen. A very slim chance, but still a chance. The mistake of a rookie Sniper would be to unnecessarily prolong his shot. And Micah was no rookie. He had his targets. He had his escape plan. The wind was minimal, and he had already calculated for it. The time was now.

Micah's breathing turned deep and steady as he entered that trance-like state before pulling the trigger. His mind empty of everything else, his entire being attuned to the environment around him. He released the safety and gently squeezed the trigger.

It all went down in seconds. Micah's rifle was fixed with a military grade silencer, and it made only a dull thudding sound as it fired. He knew instinctively as soon as he pulled the trigger that the shot was perfect. There was no need for him to verify the kill and so he instantly swung around, took aim, and fired three more rounds. Again, he knew immediately that all the shots hit right where he had wanted them to.

The Nova Sniper on the roof of the Department Store had no time to react. His face was a grim mask of surprise as the bullet ripped through his skull, right between his eyes, and turned his brain into mushy soup. His head snapped violently back from the force of the shot and he fell over immediately, dead. The female Sergeant lurched forward and fell over the cliff, down to the beach, a gaping hole in the back of her head, as blood and brain matter exploded in a eruption of gore. Her two comrades joined her nearly instantly, their conversation abruptly cut off forever, never to speak again.

Micah reacted instantly, setting his rifle back on safe, grabbing it, and slinging it back onto his back. The camouflage suit kicked in, and the rifle faded from sight. Micah snaked back across the roof, quickly, but not too quickly. His heart was hammering in his chest, and he resisted the natural urge to rush back to the cover of the woods. Haste would betray him now. His training asserted itself, and he calmly slid down the same tree he climbed before, dropped to a low crouch, and began making his way back across the street, towards the treeline.

-----
He was already nearly there when chaos erupted all over the city. It quickly rose to a dim roar of activity, like a beast awakening from slumber, as Nova frantically searched for the unknown shooter. However, it was still the uncoordinated attempt of a confused mob. The Lieutenant had yet to regain control of his soldiers, and Micah would be long gone by the time he did. Little more than another shadow among the night, Micah faded back into the forest with almost contemptuous ease. In a few more minutes, the chaos of Lilycove City was lost in the distance behind him. He periodically checked to make sure no one unexpected had tailed him, and even had Latias keep watch. But it was only a formality, really. He hadn't even been seen.

He didn't deactivate his camouflage suit until he was already inside the hideout. Then he casually leaned against the cave wall, closed his eyes and folded his arms, and waited for his Commander to show herself.

"Mission accomplished," Micah reported, his voice devoid of emotion, when he sensed his Commander enter.

Micah opens his eyes just in time to catch the flying lemonade can. Luckily, his reflexes saved him from what would have been a very embarrassing moment. Of course, he shows no outward signs of this near catastrophe, and seemingly catches the can in one hand with ease.

He thinks for a moment, then decides to take off his helmet to drink. Drinking through the visor was always difficult and sloppy. Besides, I don't think there's any chance of her recognizing me- I would have remembered her if we had met before. The other soldiers I can't be sure of yet, so I'll have to remain cautious around them for now.

Shoulder length messy dark brown hair spilled out around his face as he removed his helmet and set it down against the cave wall. His hair was wild and a little unkempt, as if he had combed it recently, but hadn't actually had it cut for a long time- almost as if he had spent recent weeks living in the wilderness, away from civilization. Which, of course, he had. His face was youthful, obviously that of a young man, but it was equally obvious he hadn't lead an easy life. His brown eyes were hard and dark, and had the look of someone who had seen far too much and slept far too little. He was still a very handsome young man, with a prominent nose and high cheekbones, but it was very clear life had taken a considerable toll on him. He popped the lid off the Lemonade can, and took a sip, carefully measuring how much he drank. He did this instinctively, without thinking about it, which would tell someone who noticed and recognized it that the boy was used to going without anything to drink for a long time.

"Thank you, Commander," he said to Corva, inclining his head in gratitude. "Just between you and me, Commander, I really wanted to take out the Lieutenant. Take out their central command, soften them up, then hit their base with a coordinated assault in the midst of the confusion. Free Lilycove in one fell swoop."

His arms full, Micah nods his thanks. He spreads his sleeping mat, blanket, and pillow out in the corner then turns back to face the others. "Codename's Ghost- Yes, I know it's cheesy, but it's what they call me and I don't really care. Not big on introductions and I'm not here to make friends. Don't take it personally. I specialize in long range and close range assassinations, Infiltration, and Intelligence. I know a lot about Nova-"

He turns to the Commander. "- So if you need to pick my brain, you have but to ask. I hate the bastards."

He turns back to the others. "Yes, I have some psychic abilities, and no, I can't read your thoughts. If absolutely necessary, my Salamence has enough firepower to level a city. That's all. Nice to meet you."

He turns back to Corva again. "Is there an isolated part of the cave where I can train?" "... Alone," he adds, trying to get his point across. He needed some time out of his suit.

It was only later that Micah would realize he had been holding the Duskull toy the whole time.

Beneath his helmet, Micah's eyebrows raise questioningly, but he takes the earplugs and places them in his suit's pocket. He was a good little soldier, after all. "Understood. Won't question it."

He looks around at the small cave and resists the urge to sigh. "I'll just go outside for some fresh air. But not a good idea to do much else while the Ants are still scurrying around. Better to wait a couple days for them to calm down a bit."

He walks back over to his bedroll in the corner and places the Duskull toy on the pillow with surprising care. He tried not to show it, but he really did treasure the gift. It was the first one he had been given in many, many years.

He then walked towards the cave entrance and discreetly- so that no one would notice- activated his camouflage suit. To the others in the cave, possibly except for Corva, Micah simply appeared to fade from existence. Like a ghost.

Molly leaned down slightly towards Shaymin. He (she?) was so adorable, Molly couldn't help but ease up a little bit.

"Hey there," Molly said gently, "I didn't know you had a trainer. But I have some friends who need your help."

She straightened up a bit and looked at Meridia, Riley, and Marley. "And I suppose it can't be helped but I should explain myself to all of you as well."

"The friend in question is the legendary pokemon Volcanion. He was very recently rescued from Nova imprisonment, but he's in a very bad state. We were hesitant to bring him to any facility that might exploit him further, or have any possible leaks to Nova. Unfortunately, Mewtwo has had several incidents involving infiltrators and moles, so I was hesitant to trust anyone here..." Molly trailed off, "...but I feel like I trust all of you, for some reason."

She made a mental note of how odd saying that at knife-point was, but continued.

"The main reason for secrecy is Volcanion's current sanctuary. It doesn't ordinarily exist, and the only humans who know how to access it are me and my partner in this endeavour. I was hoping to find Shaymin independently, but we had no idea he was still so young. Volcanion has been subjected to many psycho-active toxins, beyond just Gracidea serum, and despite the many Pokemon we have to assist us, none have been able to successfully treat him. So that's why I'm here, to check for the development of a Gracidea antidote, and to find Shaymin and ask him to lend us his purification abilities."

Molly addressed Shaymin specifically again, "I don't know if you know how to help. You might not either. But we felt like your instincts were our best chance."

Back to the group. "And if it helps any...my partner is Blue Oak, former leader of Mewtwo. His location and status are also top secret, but if you want to speak to him yourself I can have that arranged."

"Pika Pika Pika," Pika said to Grace. Pika then goes ahead and makes sure Yuzu is okay.

"I am fine, it actually kinda of tickled," Yuzu said as she giggled towards Grace. "Now now why are you staring at me like that," Yuzu asked. Grace

Meanwhile......

"So its true that you guys had to fight Nova right and some of the Nova soldiers you had to kill right," Carleen said rather grimly. "I am not naive enough to think we can peacefully deal with this group, but well I never fought another trainer before," Carleen said. "Well we had Pokémon battles, but this is different, this is kill or be killed," Carleen said to Vern.

"Vern how did you.....how were you able to handle that, your Pokémon did they change after attacking people?" Carleen asked. "Its just I am so unsure about this whole taking another life," Carleen said. "Yet its something that has to be done, right?" Carleen asked unsure. "Well you seen the persona I show as someone who's completely carefree and don't give a HootHoot a out anything?" Carleen said. "Truth is I am absolutely terriefed of going out there into a war," Carleen said clutching her fist. "Yet I am even more terrified of hiding and watching the world crumble before me," Carleen said.

"I don't want my Pokémon family to get hurt," Carleen said. "I don't want you guys Jude, Cass, and you to get hurt who have become like my family," Carleen said. "Yet how can I take a life if my hands are clean," Carleen said. "How can I do what I have to do if I never done it," Carleen asked. "How can I weild a weapon if I never even made a fist," Carleen asked.

"Vern I am sorry for just coming out like this but I figured if I am going to say it," Carleen said. "I might as well say it now, before things get real," Carleen said. "I know I am just a naive little kid who doesn't know anything about the real world," Carleen said.

Anna who was following Carleen and Vern from a distance landed on Carleens shoulder. Anna then tried to give Carleen some encourament chirps but Carleen was already starting to tear up.

After reaching the cozy little glade, Micah had Latias retrieve his bag of personal belongings that he had buried before meeting Corva and her crew, in case he needed to make a quick escape. Then he changed out of his suit and laid it against a nearby tree. Latias quickly returned with his backpack, and Micah slipped into a pair of faded blue jeans, leaving his chest and feet bare. He was a very fit and athletic young man, and very well muscled, though he wasn't bulky by any means. He was built like an athlete- lithe, muscular, and fast- and it was clear he maintained a strict workout regimen. A deep, jagged scar ran across the length of his back, stretching over his right shoulder down to the small of his back, and it looked like it had been done by a sword or similar kind of blade. Most of his chest and arms were covered in smaller scars, some old and faded, some more recent. He dropped to the ground and performed a series of rapid push-ups- two handed, one handed, and alternating push-ups- while Latias materialized into full view to watch.

"I wish you wouldn't push yourself so hard, Micah... You need your rest."

"I do what I have to do, Scarlet. You know that."

He sprung to his feet and dropped down for another set, then switched to sit-ups, then to pull-ups on a nearby tree, then back to push-ups. After a few minutes of that, he stood up and wiped the sweat out of his eyes. Latias floated over and gently Nuzzled his shoulder. Micah smiled and turned around, reaching up to wrap his arms around her neck. He rested his head against hers, and Latias cooed happily.

In hindsight, he should have realized Corva could have used Phantom Force to teleport before he could sense her presence. He should have realized it. But he was distracted, and he didn't.

He whirled around at the sudden sound in the bushes, protectively pushing Latias behind him. "Who's there?! ... Commander? Is that you?"