Frontline Mission #4

A pokemon let out a startled shriek as a beam of bright light appeared, sending it scurrying back out into the darkness. Jackson and his partner pokemon, Atlas, were currently standing at the top of a tall tower. Being that they were in Murkhaven the area around them was dark with sickly looking trees. Below them there was a group of researchers who were pushing light beacons into the ground. As the new beacons flickered on they created a new circle of light that cut through the darkness.

The researchers were currently trying to place new light beacons around Murkhaven in order to keep the fog at bay. Since the fog also had a tendency to turn pokemon into highly aggressive shadow pokemon, someone was needed to help defend the researchers. That’s where Jackson came in as he controlled the light cannon to scare off the shadow pokemon, or those who got hit by the light cannon had a rather unfortunate fate. Atlas was also helping his handler by alerting to the shadow pokemon whenever he saw them by letting out a loud bark.

It was rather slow work as the researchers moved back to the tower then further out, having to use a fair amount of strength in order to drive the light beacons into the ground. Many of them had pokemon that helped with pushing the light beacons in or bringing new ones, but it still wasn’t enough to pick up the speed of the operation. Even with Jackson watching them with the light cannon most of them also felt nervous, moving carefully and cautiously. 

Jackson’s arms had also started to grow tired as he continued to move the light cannon around. The longer they stayed there the more shadow pokemon also seemed to appear, with increasing aggression. Some of them were starting to be rather fast, meaning Jackson had to have speed and precision as he shot with the light cannon.

As Jackson operated the light cannon Atlas started to bark much more frequently. The trainer was starting to have a hard time keeping up with the amount of shadow pokemon that were appearing from the fog. “Shit, I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up.” He muttered to himself. He could also still see that the pile of light beacons was pretty substantial, so there was no hope of them being close to finishing.

Jackson heard someone shout out with fear and as he looked towards the sound he saw a shadow pokemon attacking one of the researchers. It looked like a growlithe, although it was colored a foggy purple and had a rather soulless look to it. Atlas was barking and growing repeatedly in that direction, his fur bristling.

The trainer quickly shot the light cannon at the pokemon, which seemed to disintegrate into a light purple mist. The researchers were now shouting amongst themselves and some of them put their pokemon back in their balls as the poor creatures became extremely fearful.

While the researchers and pokemon below were panicking Jackson had to continue shooting the light cannon as shadow creatures appeared. At this point he was really struggling to keep up with the amount of shadow pokemon. The researchers rushed into the tower, some of them racing up the stairs to where Jackson was at. By the time they got up there they were out of breath.

“I’m sorry there’s too many to keep up with.” Jackson apologized as he looked below them. There was still a fair amount of shadow pokemon running around the area.

“I know… There’s so many.” The researcher said in between breaths. Despite the situation Jackson did find this relieving since it at least seemed like they weren’t blaming it on him.

“I think more of them are realizing that we’re here.” Another researcher said as he stepped onto the balcony. The researchers began to talk amongst themselves as Jackson leaned against the railing of the balcony.

“I think we need to leave for now and come back another day.” One of the researchers sighed as he turned towards Jackson. “We can leave the light beacons and other supplies here but we’re going to need to get out of here.”

“Uh huh…” Jackson replied, seeing where this seemed to be going. Someone had to operate the light cannon while the others were leaving. Otherwise they’d pretty quickly be attacked by a number of shadow pokemon.

“I’ll stay behind. I’m head of the project and was afraid this might happen.” One of the researchers said as he pushed up his glasses. “There’s cars and trucks parked below so you and the other researchers will have to get to them while I try to keep the shadow pokemon off your backs.” He explained and Jackson nodded.

The trainer turned towards Atlas and held out his pokeball. “Alright buddy I’m afraid this situation is too unsafe for you. Especially with us rushing to get in vehicles.” He said. Even though Atlas couldn’t reply back to him Jackson thought he had an understanding look in his eyes as a blue beam of light extended from the pokeball until the noctyena disappeared.

Jackson descended the metal stairs with the other researchers, having to go at a slower pace due to his prosthetic leg. “Everyone ready?” One of the researchers questioned and as people nodded he pushed the door open.

Once the door opened there was a mad dash to the vehicles that were parked nearby. Doors swung open and slammed shut as people rushed into the cars. Jackson was slower than many of the other researchers so he was grateful when one of them kept a car door open before pulling the trainer in. Jackson slammed the door shut behind them.

His heart raced as he heard the growls and shrieks of pokemon. Some of them ran towards them and others were destroyed by the light cannon. The driver slammed on the gas as the car lurched forward and then began to speed over the muddy ground.