Chapter 12: Fractures in the Balance

Section 12: Fractures in the Balance

The rustling of leaves accompanies my steps, my gaze wandering between the massive trunks and twisted branches of Viridian Forest. The air is thicker here, saturated with the damp scent of moss and resin.

My thoughts collide, replaying the scene with that man in uniform. The inconsistency in his story, his abrupt departure… and, most of all, the sudden disappearance of the net.

If this really was Team Rocket, then their plan hadn't ended in a simple failed attempt. Something else was still in motion.

I keep walking when the sound of voices and battle noises catch my attention.

— "Charmander, Ember!"

A burst of fire briefly illuminates the space between the trees, striking a Metapod in full defense mode.

The attack briefly scorches the bark of a nearby trunk before fading. The insect Pokémon braces itself, curling into its shell, but the heat eventually weakens it.

— "Metapod is fainted!"

The defeated trainer, a young Bug Catcher in a green outfit, clenches his fists in frustration.

— "Darn it…" he mutters, recalling his Metapod.

My eyes shift to the victor.

Damian.

His arrogant smile appears even before he turns his head toward me.

— "Well, well, look who it is!"

He strides toward me confidently, full of pride.

— "Did you see that?! That was a perfect battle!"

I don't respond. I let him talk.

The Bug Catcher, however, shoots Damian a dark glare.

— "I'll get stronger, and next time, you won't win so easily!"

But Damian completely ignores him, too focused on his own victory.

The Bug Catcher storms off, disappearing into the foliage.

Damian chuckles before turning back to me.

— "So, did you like it? But wait, there's more. I've got a surprise for you."

He grabs a Poké Ball from his belt, spinning it between his fingers before opening it.

A bright flash hits the ground.

A Beedrill.

Its wings vibrate at high speed, producing a menacing buzz.

— "Pretty cool, huh?" Damian says proudly.

I observe in silence.

— "I found it a bit off to the side, away from its swarm. I figured it was a golden opportunity. You know, I've seen a lot of bug Pokémon panicking in this forest. They were all looking for their companions."

…

His comment lingers in my mind.

I lift my gaze slightly.

Isolated bug Pokémon… a forest in turmoil…

There are no coincidences.

The pieces of the puzzle are starting to come together.

— "And you know what else?" Damian continues. "Last night, some kind of aircraft flew over the forest."

My jaw tightens.

— "An aircraft?"

— "Yeah. A ship, a helicopter, whatever. I didn't get a good look."

A nighttime operation.

Who else would act like this, hidden in the shadows, away from prying eyes?

Not hard to guess.

— "How many times have you seen it?" I ask.

Damian thinks for a moment before shrugging.

— "Five times in total. Day and night. But at night, I'm sleeping!"

He laughs, but I don't.

Five times.

The failed net capture… the scattered bug Pokémon… the repeated nighttime flights…

Everything lines up.

Everything becomes clear.

Team Rocket didn't just attempt a simple capture.

They're still here.

And now, I know what to expect.

I thank Damian briefly before continuing on my way.

But this time, my gaze has changed.

I no longer see this forest with innocence.

It's a chessboard.

And I'm the one who will lead the game.