Frontline Mission #11

Jackson gripped the handle as he pulled himself back into the truck, his shoes leaving muddy imprints. In the driver’s seat Greg was still clutching the wheel, his eyes wide. “That was terrifying.” He said, still trying to recover from watching Jackson and Atlas face off against attacking shadow pokemon.

“Well, you had the shelter of the truck at least.” Jackson replied with a small laugh, although Greg didn’t seem to think that made his experience any less terrifying. Jackson could feel the truck lurch as the driver pushed down on the gas, having to speed up slowly due to the sticky mud. 

“How much further do we have?” Jackson questioned the driver. The trainer was escorting the truck through Murkhaven, which so far had presented some challenges. 

“Not much further, we’re nearly there actually.” Greg answered, his voice sounding relieved. Jackson thought whatever the company was paying him wasn’t enough. 

The two sat in silence as the truck moved over the muddy surface. At first it was quiet and Greg seemed to finally relax a bit, but after seeing a flash ahead of them he slammed on the brakes. “D-Do you think that’s another shadow pokemon?” He stammered.

“Probably.” Jackson said with a sigh as he got out of the truck. The trainer had already pulled out a pokeball, which he then tossed in front of him. A delta ghost turtwig popped out, looking around curiously.

The trainer saw a shadow pokemon begin to rush towards his turtwig, named Shadow. This pokemon was in the shape of a vulpix but consisted of purple swirls. It collided with Shadow, causing him to slide through the mud as he braced himself for the attack.

“Use tackle!” Jackson shouted as his turtwig recovered. Shadow followed the command as he dashed into the shadow pokemon. It then swiped at the pokemon, hitting the delta turtwig’s flank. 

“Hit ‘em again!” He commanded. Shadow had a determined look as he slammed into the shadow pokemon again, sending it flying backwards. This time it took some time to recover which allowed Shadow to get in another attack.

The shadow pokemon got up and then shook its body, turning and running back into the darkness. “Good job, Shadow.” Jackson said as he took out the pokeball, holding it out as the pokemon disappeared. He turned back to the truck with a sigh, swinging the door open and using the handle to get back in.

“Can’t believe there was another one.” Greg said, his voice trembling.

“Well, hit the gas. Let’s get out of here.” Jackson responded, at this point ready to be done with the less than scenic drive through Murkhaven. Greg didn’t say anything as he pushed on the gas, the truck rumbling as it continued along.

The increased amount of light beacons signaled the end of Murkhaven and the beginning of less dangerous civilization. The ground transitioned from purplish mud into greenery, the truck’s wheels leaving a trail until all of the mud finally left its tires. 

Greg turned into a parking lot next to a nearby building, giving out a very relieved sigh as he finally let go of the wheel and stepped out of the truck. Jackson also got out, shutting the door behind him and moving around it to talk to Greg.

“Well, my work is done here.” He said and the driver nodded.

“The company will make sure you get your payment. Thanks for the escort.” Greg replied as he shook Jackson’s hand.

“Alright. You better ask your company for a raise, doesn’t seem like you’re paid enough for this shit.” The trainer added and Greg laughed.

“I think I’m going back to regular transport now. The hazard pay wasn’t worth it!” The driver explained and Jackson nodded with understanding.

As the two parted ways Jackson headed to a nearby river that flowed into Murkhaven. The start of it consisted of clear, blue water. He took off his shoes and dipped them into the river, watching the mud slowly rinse off of it. He then took out 2 pokeballs, throwing them onto the ground.

Shadow and Atlas popped out and immediately began to splash around in the water. Jackson could see the mud being washed off their bodies as they played. The trainer sat down on the grass as he watched his pokemon. He was relieved the transport mission was now over and was happy to see his pokemon enjoying some playtime. They had undoubtedly done a great job against the shadow pokemon.