Pokemon Rebellion
Chapter 5
The Relevant
It had to be one of the most awkwardly silent car rides for everyone. Justine was at the driver seat, Chloe was in the shotgun seat putting pressure against her wound, while the two boys were in the back seats with Armaan holding on to Froakie who’s temperature continued to rise. They arrived in a remote area where Justine pulled up to a booth that asked for a card scan. After scanning the card she was granted access past the gates and into the area. As Justine parked the vehicle, a medical response team immediately came and took Chloe away for treatment. It was at this moment that Justine took the opportunity to ask Armaan to trust Froakie with the medical team. Armaan was very hesitant as he wasn’t sure what they were going to do with his friend. However, there weren’t many options and he didn’t know anyone else who could help. He handed Froakie over to Justine and she called for one of the nurses. The nurse who took Froakie in her arms was named Ruby, “I will have Doctor Chaggar look after this immediately!” she responded with urgency. “Oh and take Da-Wei with you as well. He’s just gone through a tough battle so just run a check up on him in case.” Justine added. Da-Wei was reluctant as he tried to convince Justine he was completely fine but he knew better than to waste his energy arguing with her so he left with Nurse Ruby.
With only Armaan and Justine left, they continued to make their way through the massive facility that resembled that of a large hidden military fortress. Armaan was enamored by the vastness of the place but he also began to piece together that Justine was more than just a grade 7 school teacher. There were many questions going through his head:
Who was Justine really? Was Froakie going to be fully healed and alright? Where were they going to?
They had arrived at the place that Justine had intended. It was similar to that of a war council room, very spacious with a giant map in the middle for strategic planning. Standing in front of the map was none other than the leader of the operations General J. Corrin. He looked to be in his middle 30s and had a very commanding presence about him. Armaan felt quite intimidated as he was wondering why a general would want to see a kid like himself.
“Well if it isn’t my rival Armaan!” shouted a familiar voice. Armaan looked towards his left and saw Zaid who was also called into the room. Although there was a sudden feeling of shock, he felt less anxious having a familiar face with him in the room. Before Armaan could ask any questions from Zaid, the general began to speak.
General Corrin: Now that you are both here, I would like to get started. My name is General Corrin and I will be your executioner today!
(Armaan and Zaid looked at each other frightened to death)
General Corrin: Just kidding! You should have seen the look on both of your faces!
(Armaan and Zaid look completely unamused)
General Corrin: Wow tough crowd. Onto more serious business then. I, General Corrin, have been leading this organization known as ‘The Relevant,’ a group of people devoted to protecting pokemon against the wild pokemon. However, with the pokemon attacks getting more rampant, our forces have been spread thin and taking quite a beating. My team has been doing their best in every way they can from supporting the military and developing technology to help deal with any threats.
Armaan: So why do you need us?
Zaid: Yeah why would you need Armaan? Obviously, I will be enough to handle whatever it is you throw at me.
Armaan: Zaid!
Zaid: What? That’s rival trash talk!
General Corrin: Ahem* We have been keeping a close eye on you at Diamond Academy for a while. We know you both have a special bond with pokemon, specifically with the pokemon you both hide.
Armaan: Zaid you have a pokemon?!
Zaid: Ummm… no…? (very unconvincingly)
Armaan: Wait. What are you going to do with Froakie? You aren’t going to hurt him are you?
General Corrin: That will depend on what you choose to do from here. Some of my colleagues have thrown the idea that under the proper training, you and your pokemon could aid us on our quest. Of course that is assuming you and your pokemon can handle the intense training program.
Armaan: And what if we decided not to comply?
General Corrin: Then you sir will have the awesome privilege of feeling the guilt that you could have helped save many lives and done a great service to the world.
Zaid: Wow, he’s good! (speaking to Armaan)
Armaan: Ok understood. I’m in.
General Corrin: Excellent choice! I knew you would make the right one!
Zaid: Like we had a choice…
(A woman enter the room)
General Corrin: Perfect timing! Everyone, this is Major Sam, she will be giving you the tour of the facility tomorrow first thing bright and early. As for now, you both had a long day and had a lot to take in. Major Sam will lead you to your new quarters where you will be staying for the next little while.
(Everyone begins to leave the room)
General Corrin: Oh by the way Major, your shoelaces are untied that is a violation of section…
Major Sam: Haha very funny, you tried that one a week ago and I’m wearing boots this time.
Both the young boys were following the major into their new home. Major Sam seemed much less intimidating than the General so Armaan began to ask her about the General’s intriguing personality. “After all he has been through, it’s quite a relief to see him in good spirits.” She replied. Zaid and Armaan were confused as to what she was referring to and asked her to elaborate.
‘Growing up the general was always a high spirited kid who longed to go on epic adventures and dangerous quests. Him and his close friend always talked about exploring the world and finding legendary artifacts and treasure. When they became teenagers they set out on their journey into the wild forest beyond the city. Their adventure started out with great excitement but no one could have predicted what was about to happen next.
As they continued through the forest, they noticed a meteorite that seemed harmless from afar. Intrigued by the mysterious rock they attempted to approach the object but were met against heavy opposition from the pokemon. The general narrowly escaped from the forest that day with his life.
After hearing the story, Armaan and Zaid gained new perspectives but still had many questions left unanswered. Out of curiosity Armaan decided to ask, “So what happened to his friend?” In response Zaid elbowed Armaan in the gut as he had a feeling how the story ended. Major Sam paused for a bit before answering, “Maybe another time, we have arrived to where you will be staying. Make yourself at home and get some rest. You will need it for tomorrow.”