Eevee Therapy for Little Magi, Chapter 49: Another Fire to Put Out

Lance shook Kiritsugu’s hand, a tired smile on his face. “Thank you for your time, Mr. Kiritsugu. I don’t think I’ll be able to repay the favor anytime soon, but if you ever need anything here in Indigo, please feel free to reach out to my office.” He paused, tilting his head. “And if you need a pardon for any prior crimes, I’m sure we could work something out.”

“None I’ve committed in this world,” Kiritsugu replied blandly. “I’ll be doing my best to repent for them either way. There are things I’ve done that I regret, even if the goal I was pursuing by doing them isn’t.”

Lance nodded quietly. “I’ve met a few men who said the same thing.” He clapped Kiritsugu on the shoulder. “You’ve done well by our world, at least. That means something.”

Kiritsugu moved to respond, only to be interrupted as Elle quickly entered the room. “Partner, we have a situation back in Kalos. Flare just staged a terrorist attack on Dendemille Town, for reasons unknown. Looker wants us back in Kalos, to respond as soon as we know more.”

“That’s… odd,” Kiritsugu stated, offering Lance a look of apology. “My partner and I must be going now, Lance. Where are we heading to be picked up, Elle?”

“To the teleport point we came in at, the League is linking up local assets from both Kalos and Kanto.” Elle said, leading him down the hall. Lorelai gave them a wave beside Will and Fergus, not interrupting them as they entered the chamber they’d come into.

Inside, a young woman with long blue hair stood in front of a much older woman in an intricate, star-studded dress. The two broke their glowing gaze from each other, the young woman giving a shallow bow. “Greetings, Kiritsugu-san, Emmanuelle-san. Thank you for coming to help relieve my city while I was absent.”

“Leader Sabrina,” Elle greeted professionally. “It was our pleasure. However, we do not exactly have time for pleasantries.” 

“I know. Your concern is evident–” Sabrina began, before she was cut off by the woman beside her.

“Young one, do not intrude on others’ minds without pressing need.” The star-studded woman gave them both a nod. “Forgive Sabrina, her family trained her for power but left other things– such as control and ethics– from her until it was nearly too late. I am Olympia, Gym Leader of Anistar.”

Sabrina ducked her head, a blush spreading across her face. “...sorry.”

“It is likely not your fault,” Kiritsugu stated blandly. “However, as my partner stated, we are operating on a tight schedule and don’t have time for pleasantries.”

“That is true.” She nodded to Sabrina. “You are learning quickly. Remain open, and you shall go far. Nothing you have done has damned you, though I suggest following your heart as much as your head in the years to come.” Sabrina bowed, then linked hands with the older psychic, both lighting up.

“Take Our Hands,” they spoke as one, and both the agents did so. As soon as the circle was complete, Sabrina and the world around them seemed to vanish, replaced by a Kalosian pasture outside a small town.

“Welcome back to Kalos.” Olympia grimaced. “I, unfortunately, cannot stay. Flare has come out publicly, and we leaders have been ordered to secure our homes against further attacks.”

“That is not protocol,” Elle frowned, raising an eyebrow as she released her team onto the field, “Regardless, do what you must. We’ll do what we can as well.”

Olympia frowned. “I can do little, as I do need to keep fear from spreading through Anistar. I will say this; this attack is only a distraction.” She pointed away from the city, and both agents turned to see a forest surrounding a spire of rock. “Unless you follow the paths into the forest, I foresee a wildfire, and perhaps worse.”

“I see,” Kiritsugu nodded, letting his team loose as well, “In that case, we’ll leave the aftermath of the attack to the other Interpol forces.” Whipping out his phone with admirable alacrity, Kiritsugu dialed Looker’s number.

Thankfully, the man picked up. “What is it, Kiritsugu?”

“We’re breaking off from the aftermath of the attack to investigate a tip from Olympia. She foresees a wildfire or worse if we don’t, and I’m not inclined to ignore a Seer.”

“More details, please. I will scramble agents and fire-dousers,” Looker said hurriedly.

“We’re being sent into… Ashsprout forest, aiming at the mountain in the middle.” Elle paused as Looker cursed violently. “Chief?”

“That is Mount Molteau, a semi-active volcano… and a restricted Pokemon habitat. There is a Legend which has made her nest there for the last fifty years,” Looker explained.

“I think that merits a mobilization of local League assets, Looker,” Elle replied immediately, already picking up the pace as she and her team advanced towards the boundary. “Kalos’ legends aren’t to be trifled with. It’d be worse than XD001.”

“It is not a local legend, thankfully. This is a transplant, a Storm-Level threat. Reports are not conclusive, but given both the location and the descriptions, we believe it’s a Moltres,” Looker responded.

“Still not ideal, Looker,” Elle grumbled, looking towards Kiritsugu, who thankfully didn’t look lost. “Are there any Ace Trainers in the area? Heck, I’d take some Rangers at this point.”

“We can get Rangers on-route.” Looker responded immediately. “Ace Trainers will be more difficult. I will interject if we can wrangle some who are rated to deal with a Legend.” He stopped. “And speaking of which– is there a method for you to call Lugia? She might be able to help.”

“Regardless of if you can or not, we’ll likely be on our own for a bit, Elle,” Kiritsugu cut in as the group of humans and Pokemon crossed the boundary into the forest. “Speaking of, it’s too quiet. Looks like Olympia’s vision was correct, at least to some extent.”

“Whatever she sensed is definitely a threat,” Braixen added. She paused, looking up on a branch. “Excuse me, did you see anything interesting?”

A Vivillion shifted on the branch she was looking at. “I’ll say I did! A bunch of humans in red, ploughing their way into the forest, scaring everyone! Trampled through territories, shooting guns. Guns!” Vivillion hissed. “And they’re heading straight for where the Lady has her nest. No respect.”

Kitisugu stepped forward, Amelie relaying the gist of what the bug-type was saying. “How many of them were there? Did they have any vehicles with them?”

“None of their metal machines, no,” Vivillion relayed. “As for size… one-third of a flutter, or thereabouts?” The bug hummed. “I was busy ducking.”

“She means about twenty people, Kerry,” Amelie passed to her trainer.

“We’re going to need backup,” Kiritsugu grumbled immediately, nodding towards Elle. “That said, we’ll have to do our best to stall them. We can’t afford to let a Legend fall into Flare’s hands. Hit them hard, hit them fast, and don’t give them a second to breathe.”

Elle nodded, and the two agents and their Pokemon set out at a fast jog through the underbrush. Haboo spent just long enough to give Vivillon a grateful nod before they ducked into the shadows and ripped off to race through the forest.

--(0)--

By the time the forest started to thin and the ground began to rise, the advancing party could hear the sounds of battle from the slopes of the volcano above. Peering upward, Kiritsugu could see Flare grunts clashing with wild Pokemon along the rough trails leading to the peaks, Magcargo, Rhydon, Fletchinders, and Torkoal fending off a force of Grunts mainly fielding rock, water, and electric type Pokemon, the water types having the most success against the defenders. Kiritsugu did a quick head count, and cursed. “I count a dozen Flare humans. We’re missing a lot.”

“Doesn’t matter. We can worry about them after we clean this group up,” Elle stated without pause, gesturing to send her team forward. The Flare grunts were sent into disarray as Braviary, Ampharos, and Houndoom charged into their ranks, while Jumpluff, Meowstic, and Haboo moved to support them.

The Flare leader spun, snarling, only to pale as he saw Kiritsugu and his team clear the treeline. “Oh schiesse. It’s the reaper!” He screeched, yanking a phone and a gun out of his jacket. Sadly for the man, he had absolutely no chance to react beyond that as a bullet slammed into his leg. As the leader fell, Kiritsugu urged his team forward, Amelie and Braixen opening with a volley of ranged attacks as Frogadier and Quilladin surged forward to engage their own targets. Kiritsugu himself fired another shot directly next to the leader’s head as he moved to rise, keeping the man pinned for fear of death.

Amelie popped over and yanked the phone from his shaking grip. Peering at the screen, she chirped in amusement. “Apparently, we’re worth a dedicated panic button now.” She informed her partner, absently levitating his gun into the air and fired it at an incoming Herdier, the dog yelping as the bullets connected.

Elle ducked behind a barrier thrown up by Meowstic, firing her own sidearm to peg two of her opponents with her gun. Growling as they started to get back up, she swapped magazines. “I should really stop using rubber bullets. How does Agent Chisato make it look so easy?” she grumbled. “Kerry, do you even use the rubbers?”

“No. No sense in using them when they aren’t going to offer us the same courtesy. Easier to aim for nonvital points if we need to incapacitate,” Kiritsugu replied blandly, dropping an unimportant grunt permanently. They only needed the one who’d actually have information alive, after all, and it wasn’t as if Flare wasn’t coming at them with lethal force.  

“I’m already dead. What excuse do you two have to be trading banter right now?” Haboo asked while he slammed down on one of the few still upright Pokemon.

Kiritsugu looked around, keeping his gun out as he looked around the unconscious, dead, or writhing Flare Pokemon and grunts spread across the slope. “You may have a point.” He strode over to the downed leader, levelling his weapon at the man’s forehead. “One chance, and I give you medical attention. What are you here for?”

“Moltres! We’re here for the bird!” He clutched his leg, staring up at Kiritsugu. “We need its power, and the scientists need to check how to control such a creature!”

“Good enough for me.” Kiritsugu nodded towards Elle, who immediately returned the gesture. Turning his head towards Amelie, he continued speaking, “Secure him to a tree, if you’d please, then teleport to catch up. The rest of us are going to continue forward.”

“Got it.” Amelie levitated some rope out of their bags, going to work on the man as the two agents and their teams advanced up the hill. Before they could get too far, the wild Pokemon who’d been attacking Flare stopped them, a Magmar brushing up to the head of the gathered group to eye the trainers.

“You’re not locals, rangers, or Chosen, strangers,” the fire-type rumbled, crossing his arms. “You helped fry those trespassers, but I’m going to need a good reason to let you up to see the Lady.”

“We have reason to believe your lady is being attacked by those who will field Master Balls to catch her without her consent.” Frogadier stepped forward and bowed. “We should–”

“Nah, I got it. Militia, fall in! Magcargo, Torkoal, you watch the idiots and burn the dead, everyone else, let’s rumble.” Mgmar barked, turning to lead his team uphill, before glancing up at the sky. “Huh, those yours?”

Three Rangers dove onto the scene, riding on a Corviknight and two Altaria. One of the Rangers winced as he took in the scene. “Interpol Agents Kiritsugu and Emmanuelle?” he asked, even as one of the other two retched as one of the Magcargo turned a flamethrower on one of the corpses.

“That’s us. You our backup?” Elle barked, waving them forward. “Regardless, we don’t have time. Flare likely has access to Master Ball technology and are going after the Moltres said to reside here.”

“Master Balls? Ugh.” The Ranger grimaced. “Lee, you stay here and watch the prisoners, Gabby, you’re with me.” The Ranger remounted his Corviknight, taking off and heading uphill. “I’ll go ahead, follow fast!” He said as his partner’s wings began to beat.

When he took off, the female Ranger of the group fell beside Elle and Kiritsugu as they advanced uphill. “Don’t mind Leonell, he’s a bit headstrong. I suppose poachers and terrorists are kind of a normal fit, eh?” she asked as they ran.

“Seems that way,” Elle muttered as the whole group approached the caldera of the volcano, heat slowly rising just as the sounds of battle could be heard.

Leonell landed, panting. “Moltres is fighting back against the poachers, but she’s hemmed in; they managed to force her mate and their chicks into firing range, and they’re pinned down. They’re trying to surround her.”

Kiritsugu nodded as they continued to dash uphill. “Which way to the nest? We need to get the pressure off her,” he said, outpacing Elle and Gabby as he reinforced his limbs. Leonell panted as he struggled to keep up, pointing in a direction which pushed them closer to the magma basin. Clearing the ridgeline, Kiritsugu took in the tableau in front of him, slowing time to look over the battle.

Kiritsugu hadn’t known what to expect from a Legend, the first time he’d heard about meeting Hoopa. The little gremlin had been extremely powerful, but he’d been more capricious than any sort of nature spirit or deity Kiritsugu had considered from his past life. But as he watched Moltres flap her wings, waves of heat and fire battering at the eight trainers and two dozen Pokemon arrayed against her, he couldn’t help but see a natural disaster, barely contained by a slowly closing cage of water, barriers, and stone. Behind her, on a spire of rock jutting from the caldera, a massive Talonflame fanned his body over a trio of much smaller golden birds, one wing crooked. Moltres hovered in front of the nest, keeping herself between the attackers and her family.

One man, wearing a more ornate outfit than the rest, was shouting orders, his Blastoise and Rhyperior watching the battle with guns fixed on the legendary bird. “Eight o’clock, second form! Two o’clock, third form, rotate defender, sci-three get on healing!” he yelled, his words slowly becoming easier to comprehend as he got closer.

The last figure on the battlefield was a familiar one, the metal-suited infiltrator Kiritsugu had fought before standing impassively beside the commander, unmoving and silent. The only differences from his last engagement was a small metallic backpack hooked into his rear, and a pair of pistols holstered at each hip.

Kerry paused, letting the rest of the team catch up, then pointed at the Flare agents on the left flank. “Militia, hit there. Rangers, go over the battlefield and hit the right flank. Elle, you and I will ambush the center.”

Magmar didn’t even hesitate before he blasted forward, leading his pack to smash into the rear of the left flank, instantly forcing the well-oiled machine on that side to fall to pieces, trainers and their Pokemon desperately trying to fend off the swarm of attackers. The rangers remounted and took to the air, dive-bombing the right flank.

Elle and Kiritsugu darted in, the last group pivoting to face the mess developing on the left flank and spotting the incoming ambush. The commander spotted the tall ex-assassin, and immediately pointed at him. “EXS, kill him!” He barked, the suited elite immediately moving into high gear, feet digging into the rock as he hurled himself at Kiritsugu, one hand drawing a pistol.

“Amelie, Braixen, Quilladin, Frogadier, you’re all with me. Elle, deal with the chaff and the commander,” Kiritsugu barked calmly, a quick burst from his own firearm forcing the EXS to dodge, snapping off a few bullets in response. “I’ll take the EXS,” he finished, ducking the incoming rounds.

EXS was, for obvious reasons, unphased by the gunfire. Resuming his charge, the human triggered the metal box on his back. A near imperceptible field of energy snapped into existence around him moments later, absorbing both the deluge of flames from Braixen and blast of pressurized water bullets from Frogadier without any issue. Undeterred, EXS continued forward to strike at Braixen. Utterly unbothered, the vixen continued forming her next move, her more defensively oriented teammate jumping in to take the strike with a shimmering shield of his own. The Protect faded smoothly the moment the pressure from the blow let up, and Quilladin was quick to bring his arms down in a textbook execution of Hammer Arm.

Unfortunately, any picture perfect execution of a move was wildly predictable. EXS dodged the blow without any issue, though he was sent flying regardless. Frogadier smirked a froggy smile as the human managed to bring his abrupt flight to a halt, Braixen’s followup psybeam deflected to the side as a Porygon 2 emerged from the pack on the man’s back.

A shockwave from the aforementioned ‘mon discouraged the water-type from pressing his attack, and for a moment, there was a pregnant pause in the battle.

“Psychic, get that Porygon away from them,” Kiritsugu barked, cursing as he reloaded. Responding to his command, Amelie reached out and blasted the artificial Pokemon, the duck rolling back through the air before Quilladin was on it with a Rock Smash. With a flash of light, the Porygon 2 did something to itself, its new opponent’s second attack phasing through it.

“Frogadier, seek it out,” Braixen said, a pre-prepared Shadow Ball crashing into the temporary Ghost-type. 

“On it.” Frogadier used Pursuit on the temporary Ghost, intercepting the data-duck with a surge of Dark energy.

EXS, meanwhile, was busily keeping Kiritsugu occupied, fists, feet, knees, and elbows flying at the man as he ducked, weaved, dodged, and shot in response. The EXS suit was absorbing more force than he’d previously seen, the bullets which had impacted the armored plates causing them to crack and distort but not break. Kiritsugu darted back as a fast rabbit punch darted through the space he’d occupied.

Narrowing his gaze, Kiritsugu triggered Time Alter, holstering his sidearm, and drew his Contender. As the armored warrior slowly closed in, Kiritsugu leveled his weapon at his opponent’s chest, letting time resume as the high-caliber bullet careened into his opponent’s chest.

As he did so, Amelie jolted, gaze spinning to look at the faceplate of EXS. “Kerry, I can feel him–” Her words stopped as the armored figure saw the bullet coming, and rather than dodge, dove.

The bullet impacted the top of the helmet, sending the shield generator into an absolute fit before it gave out entirely; the helmet itself buckled, bent, and shattered, leaving a face half-exposed. EXS kept his forward momentum, bowling over Kiritsugu and leaving the assassin with the armored man atop him. For a few moments, Kiritsugu could see half of his opponent’s face; blood dripping from shrapnel wounds, one exposed eye flatly twitching, and metal plating fixed into the side of his skull.

Kerry prepared to defend himself, his situation untenable, but before he could act, EXS threw himself off his opponent. The armored man scrabbled at his collar, trying to yank off the remains of his helmet, before the Porygon 2 broke off from his battle and dove into the suit. Seconds later, man and suit vanished in a pulse of pink light, even as Kiritsugu rolled to his feet.

Amelie moved to speak, only for a loud round of cursing to sound from the Flare Admin, the pompous man scrambling away from Elle’s bullets even as the last of his team fell to her own. “You thrice-damned bastards, how did you show up so quickly? This was supposed to be easy!” He screeched, pulling a Pokeball from his belt– a familiar purple-and-red pokeball. He turned, about to throw the Master Ball, only to see Moltres fixing both blazing eyes on him, the forces he’d set to distract and harry her broken and in disarray. “Oh–”

Moltres opened her beak, a jet of blue flames consuming the man in one fast exhale. Flesh, metal, cloth, and bone were carbonized in seconds, scattering red-hot fragments and blackened fibers through the air.

Motres landed, breath coming in long, harsh gasps for a few moments, before she straightened, looking around. After a few seconds, she focused on Elle. “Human. I can tell you are not with those who sought to bind me today, and I thank you for your aid.” Her eyes narrowed as weighty words filled the minds of every Pokemon and human present. “But I wonder how a man such as that came to bear a device which by treaty and promise is not to be given to those in whom trust absolute cannot be confirmed.”

“It was stolen, ma’am,” Elle said, holtering her gun. “Along with several others. We came to retrieve it, and prevent its use on your person.”

“Good. Now, go. I must set my mountain back in order, reward my guardians, and calm my chicks.” Moltres swept her gaze over the defeated Flare grunts, eyes hardening. “The Rangers may stay, of course. But you agents take those that survive and take them from here immediately; or I will burn them to ash.”

“Understood, we’ll get out of your way.” Elle began to round up the captives, leaving Kiritsugu to overwatch and observation. Amelie appeared on his shoulder, shifting nervously.

“That was awful…” She mumbled.

“Indeed. Flare is hunting legendaries, and they attacked a nesting mother as a trial run,” Kiritsugu murmured in response.

“Well, yeah, that’s bad. But the man in the suit… when he dove into your shot, he was trying to get his helmet off, doing everything he could to do it. And he didn’t care if the bullet went too deep and… killed him.” Amelie shivered. “When he was trying to take it off… it was like chains around his mind. Who did that to him?”

Kiritsugu pursed his lips, drawn back into bad, old memories. “Monsters in the form of men, or men who pursue goals not caring what they become,” he said slowly. “Flare has victims within their own ranks, it seems.”

“...we’ll have to save them, then. And hope our salvation isn’t the permanent kind,” Amelie said in a resigned response, her partner nodding along sadly.