Chapter 24 : Mirage Mansion

Author's Note: Please comment, review and power stone the fanfic

This chapter is based on the special episode Mirage master-Yung, a researcher who made a mirage system capable of forming mirage pokemon, from a simple frittata to Ash's Pikachu on first encounter and even Mewtwo.

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In the dim light of the setting sun, I stood before the wooden crafted doors, adorned with intricate designs of Pokemon that seemed to shift and morph.

KNOCK KNOCK

The Doorknock echoed through the eerie silence, and soon, the doors swung open, revealing a powerful Alakazam. It looked a bit pale and oddly expressive for the ones I saw occasionally till now.

Its existence was one I could guess is an example of mirage Pokemon. I couldn't help but marvel at the intricacy of the Mirage System's capabilities. No wonder, Yung has the goal to build the ultimate Pokemon using a system.

Knowing the canon events surrounding Yung's controversial experiments, I was aware of his expulsion from the esteemed Pokémon Institute.

In reality, the public, however, remained unaware of his unethical practices, believing he had retired.

The truth, as hinted by the canon, was that Yung continued his work here illegally within Mirage Mansion. With the ability to create even legendary Pokémon like Mew, his experiments likely delved into uncharted territories of Pokémon research- Live experimentation.

As I entered, the atmosphere seemed to hum with a blend of curiosity and caution. Yung descended from a grand staircase, wearing a smile that held both kindness and a hint of mystery.

"Now, what does Kanto's youngest genius want with me?" he asked, his tone inviting conversation.

"Sir," I began, matching his polite tone, "I am a huge fan of your theories and the use of comprehensive data to breed and train Pokémon." A genuine admiration for his work mixed with a subtle intention to establish rapport.

Yung nodded appreciatively, allowing me to continue. I embarked on a triad of praise, acknowledging his noteworthy achievements. However, my focus subtly shifted to the similarities between his data usage theories and my own AI's utilization of data. Not wanting to see that, I stayed in the conversation.

"Even, my training and breeding regime is based on clear-cut data, pursuing efficiency. Rotomdex, come here."

I had Rotom show some examples of Electrivire's breeding plan and I am sure he was impressed. 

"I see you are using Electrical engineering to supplement your Pokemon, rather than the conventional way of the reverse. Nice, idea. I like this rotomdex, it seems to be custom made right, fitted with quite the sensors."

I nodded back, "I made it personally, to fit with my journey."

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The discussion continued for some time, while I am sited with him in the living room.

"Thank you for this wonderful conversation, young Archer," Yung responded, his eyes revealing a seasoned understanding of the intricacies of our respective fields. "It has been some time since I had such a good conversation partner. Still, I am sure it is not just a conversation you are good at, the gym battles on TV were making quite the sensation due to the rarity of your team."

With a twinge of embarrassment, I blushed and scratched my chin as he brought up the rumours about my recent discoveries—two new Pokémon showcased in gym battle videos.

"It's true," I admitted, humbled by the acknowledgement. "I've submitted the reports, waiting for the official documentation and announcement."

Yung laughed heartily. "Those old guys are always so traditional about the procedure. As far as I know, the whole Kanto knows about your achievements now. It should be a matter of days before the dates are finalized for the official announcement."

I nodded, attempting to convey my excitement while maintaining my composed demeanour. "Can I see your Pokémon then?" Yung inquired.

I nodded in response, releasing Annihilape and Kleavor. Yung observed them keenly, offering compliments on their formidable presence. "Wonderful. So fearsome," he remarked while going on a triad of observations.

Seizing the opportunity, I broached the subject of assisting him and sharing my data. "If you want, sir, I could give you the data. But please take me as your assistant." I was hoping to uncover the secrets hidden within Mirage Mansion, and for that, I need access to this mansion for some time.

Yung's demeanour shifted, and he hesitated before responding, "I am sorry for rejecting you, Archer, but since some tragic events in the past, I retired."

 I inwardly cursed at his evasion, realizing he was covering up his expulsion as a personal tragedy.

"I see, sir. Come on, guys, let's go," I said, addressing my Pokémon.

However, Yung surprised me by extending an invitation at the last minute. "But you can stay for a few days to take some rest. Meanwhile, I would like to observe your Pokémon for some time."

My joy was genuine as I nodded happily, accepting the unexpected offer. Little did Yung know that this stay could provide me with invaluable insights into the experiments concealed within Mirage Mansion.

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I spent over a week accompanying Dr. Yung, exploring Mirage Mansion and witnessing his breeding operations at his Breeding House. From common Pokémon like Rattata and Pidgey to exotic species from different regions, his business covered a vast range.

Yung's enthusiasm while introducing each Pokémon was real, and he shared insights not even stored in my AI.

Despite his questionable methods, I couldn't deny his extensive knowledge of Pokémon. Without the aid of my AI, understanding some of his explanations would have been impossible.

As the time came for my departure, Yung expressed his jealousy of my talents. "Archer, I am quite jealous of your talent. Such knowledge at a young age. I am sure you will achieve much in this world," he remarked with a handshake.

 "Thank you, sir. It was a pleasure meeting you," I replied, with waving of hands Yung went inside the mansion.

I too, kept walking away on the road for a brief time before doubling back, once I was sure of the distance.

-------------Mirage Mansion, Night--------

Silently navigating through Mirage Mansion using the map generated by my AI during my stay, I reached an unexplored area. 

Eventually, I stood before the last door, leading to Yung's bedroom. It felt cliché, but my focus shifted to a corner indicating a concealed entrance. A digital panel appeared, demanding a password.

Connecting my headphones to the panel, I had my AI crack the code. "I am really lucky he was expelled from the Alliance; otherwise, the Porygon protection would have been given to him based on his previous status."

The password unveiled an underground tunnel, and I traversed it to discover a hall imprisoning various Pokémon, from Scyther to Unovian species. The conspiracy theories once dismissed as absurd rumours, now unfolded as reality. The Alliance had clandestine connections with regions like Kalos, Aloha, and Galar.

My suspicions about withheld information were true, pointing to political motives and greed.

I followed a Rookidee being sucked into a Pokeball and then transported into a vent through a Pokéball manual transport system.

The next room revealed dissected Pokémon materials, including remains labelled from one day onwards and even Pokémon egg remnants. The sight made me nauseous, making me realize the gravity of the unethical experiments conducted on these Pokemon.

You must know pokémon are their individuals, this is as traumatizing as Human experimentation on a Pokemon trainer.

Soon, I heard the sounds of Rookidee crying and saw a scene that pissed me off.

SMACK

"Shut up. Let me concentrate, Bitch. Otherwise, I will feed you to the Garchomp, I am curious how much data I can gather from the process."

I silently made my way behind the muttering Yung, "Data is insufficient at this stage. Stupid Old guys, the hypocrites. I am sure they have adequate pokémon for their research. While I have to rely on some smuggled goods."

I saw him start a dissector generally used for legal autopsy but seeing him about to do it to the small Pokémon, I couldn't hold back anymore.

I released Kleavor to intervene. "Kleavor, slash the bonds now!"

"HUH!"

The sudden attack caught Yung off guard causing him to stagger back.

As Rookidee gained its freedom, it retaliated against Yung with a fervent Peck. However, the bird's inherently weak nature meant that the attack only caused minor lacerations. Yung, though visibly irritated, remained steadfast in his determination to advance his Mirage System experiments.

"Mirage activate 0065!" Yung shouted, and in an instant, a mirage of Alakazam materialized. With its psychic abilities, the mirage Alakazam held Rookidee in place, preventing any further escape attempts.

"Annhiliape, Shadow claw"

The ghost attack sliced through the air, aiming to free Rookidee from the clutches of the mirage Alakazam.

The tension in the room escalated as Annhiliape's Shadow Claw struck true, sending the mirage Alakazam reeling.

Yung, though initially taken aback, erupted into laughter, a maddening sound that reverberated against the sterile walls of the underground laboratory.

"I knew something was off about you from the start, but your explanations of breeding in terms of data blinded me into thinking I got an admirer," Yung jeered, his manic laughter echoing through the room.

In response, I confronted the man teetering on the verge of a breakdown. "I still admire your skills, knowledge, and your passion. But I can't admire you who can't control your ambition."

Yung's laughter subsided, replaced by a cold and calculated demeanour. He uttered a series of numbers, "0693," and in an instant, a mirage Clawitzer materialized.

The aquatic Pokémon clicked its claws together, ready to unleash a powerful Crabhammer. However, before the attack could launch, Bolts of lightning struck it, turning it back into data.

CRACKLE CRACKLE

I could hear the equipment exploding from the THUNDER.

BOOM

BOOM

Electabuzz, stepped forward, electricity crackling around its body.

Yung, undeterred by the resistance, continued to recite various numbers, summoning different Pokémon with each command. However, my suspicions grew as the mirage Pokémon appeared weaker than expected, getting solved in single moves.

The applause echoed in the room, a mocking symphony accompanying Yung's cold inquiry. "So, dear Archer. Who sent you?" His eyes bore into mine, demanding an answer.

Seeing my silence, Yung, visibly irritated, let out a disgruntled tch and continued, "The Clawitzer and the rest are Pokémon from the outer regions — Aloha, Galar, and Kalos. I saw you responding appropriately to them just now, explaining your knowledge of them. Information is sealed in higher-ups and certain organizations. So, who sent you?"

In a way he is true, but I got my info from watching an anime, what am I supposed to say to a misjudged enemy? So, I answered with the best answer in the world -Silence.

Yung's eyes conveyed a mix of nostalgia and defiance as he continued, "The Alliance, as they call themselves, dismissed me for my unconventional methods. They couldn't grasp the potential of the Mirage System. But do you know why they expelled me? It wasn't just about ethics; it was about fear—fear of the unknown, fear of what the Mirage System could truly achieve."

As he spoke, Yung activated a holographic projection of the early Mirage experiments, showing Pokémon materializing from raw data. "The Mirage System was meant to be a leap forward, transcending the limitations of conventional breeding. I sought to create Pokémon that could defy the constraints of nature. But they couldn't understand my vision," he lamented, his gaze fixed on the holographic display.

I stood silently until he nodded again and again making me question his sanity and started stating, "O149, 0248, 0373, 0376, 0445."

As Yung recited the digits, the atmosphere shifted. A surge of energy filled the room, and one by one, five colossal Pokémon materialized before us, their majestic presence commanding attention. Dragonite, Tyranitar, Salamence, Metagross, and Garchomp stood before me, each emanating a pressure that reminded me of Slaking.

"Wonderful, isn't it?" Yung exclaimed with a triumphant grin. "The power to command them all in a single word. No disobedience, no chance of betrayal."

I maintained my calm, even my Pokémon stood alongside me, not afraid, causing Mr. Yung to be surprised.

"Say, Mr. Yung," I calmly addressed him, breaking the silence that enveloped the chamber. "How do you think I came here undetected, bypassing your Mirage security?"

The question hung in the air, leaving Yung momentarily perplexed. His eyes widened as realization dawned on him. Before he could grasp the full scope of my infiltration, a sudden shock rendered him unconscious. Rotomdex, the silent observer, revealed itself.

"The task is completed, Archer," Rotomdex stated, its digital voice cutting through the room.