Chapter Seven: Predeterminism
Torok looked around his new home. He ran about, poking his head into every crevice and exploring every hole or cranny. Obsidian patiently followed him, ensuring he did not get into too much trouble.
“She was sold at auction in June last year. The event is called ‘Atama ya o’. The orchestrators are Unovian. No one knows their identities beyond that. The Teamsters, mainly the Rockets, are there every month, as are the Shiners and the Cipher organization. There are always a dozen or so private parties and other anonymous buyers. The records of the event are of course not public by any means. We will need to take a copy from the next auction.” She says. Izumo nodded and sat thoughtfully.
“Where is the auction held? I could probably stage a raid-”
“We won’t get anything from a direct approach. The location changes cities and buildings every month, but it is always held at midnight. This month’s auction is somewhere in Celedon. The actual address is sent out the morning of the auction. They won’t let you in without knowing who you are backed by. I can’t appear in person. It would be far too suspicious. Only idiots don’t send a proxy.” Madam Kuroi says.
“I can be your proxy. Wouldn’t be the first time I have been undercover. What sort of protection can I take?” Izumo asks.
“No traditional weapons of any kind. You are allowed one Pokémon as long as it remains in its ball the entire time. If you are my proxy it will have to by a psychic type. They will scan the ball when you enter, so you can’t take Citrine. Her chip will show she is a member of the NPA. Take Obsidian with you. And speaking of chips…” Madam Kuroi says, turning to the hallway. “Torok! Would you come here please?” She calls. Torok happily runs into the room, and hops up into her lap, giggling the whole time. Obsidian follows after him, and takes her spot on the floor next to Kuroi’s chair. Madam Kuroi gently takes the Charmander’s wrist, and holds her phone to it. There is a beep, then information scrolls on the screen and plays out loud.
Torok Kuroi
Spieces: Charmander♂
Age: 4 (approx.)
OT: Sèbastian Cyprès - OT-ID: KAL-012-23712
CT: Kerra Kuroi - CT-ID: KAN-000-01212
Catch date: 10/11/2001
Catch Location: Mt. Moon - Kanto
Class: B-1 (destructive)
Assignment: Saffron Institute of the Mind
“Do you like your name, Torok?” Kuroi asks, “I could give you a new one if you like.”
Torok shook his head. His name carried a pain with it. It hurt him to hear it. It reminded him of all the pain he suffered. Of all the pain he gladdly suffered, thinking that it was love. And then he thought about the butterfly, and decided that he needed to feel some pain. He laid on his back, and his new trainer, Madam Kuroi, rubbed his belly. That was not painful. Maybe that is what love felt like.
“I promise I will do my best to save her...” She says quietly.
* * *
Madam Kuroi’s car pulled up to the front entrance of Tamamushi, Celadon City’s primary hotel. Saji stepped out of the car, adorned in a very formal and almost needlessly exquisite dress. She produced a wheel chair from the trunk of the car, and set it down in front of the rear door. Izumo exited from the driver seat. He handed a set of keys to a waiting attendant. He wore a slate bushiness suit that had the Kuro monogram embroidered on the front pocket. From the right side of his belt, six luxury balls sat, gleaming in the morning sun. the black lacquered surfaces reflected the face of anyone who looked at them. Each was inset with a gemstone on the top. Each stone was a different color, and was the size of a 50 yen coin. Obsidian stepped out of the passenger door. She wore a white collar studded with diamonds and pearls. Torok was next. He was likewise adorned with a golden collar, set with rubies and sapphires. He wore a tabard emblazoned with the Kuro monogram.
Madam Kuroi sat in her wheel chair. With the mean of a Lady returning to her home, she and her retinue stepped into the Hotel. Attendants hurried after them, carrying her luggage. The hotel’s owner was there to personally greet them. As Madam Kuroi rolled up to the front desk, the entire staff bowed and greeted her. There was not a single individual in the lobby who was not aware of her arrival, and word of her presence spread throughout the staff and guests at a speed no sane person would consider possible. All was going according to plan.
The Hotel Owner sank to one knee and took Madam Kuroi’s hand, bowing his head in respect. “My Lady”, He said. “Welcome to Celadon City. Your reservation states that you will be spending three days with us. Your suite is prepared as instructed.” He says. “Thank you all.” Kuroi says. “As I noted in my reservation, I deeply value my privacy. During the extent of my stay, I would prefer that no one enter my room other than my associates.” She says coldly, as if she is reminding a child for the tenth time to keep their voice down. After a few more bits of formality and protocol, They were finally alone in the suite.
Obsidian and Torok playfully fought over the rights to the sunniest spot in the room. Saji busied herself brewing tea at the kitchenette. Izumo and Kuroi sat at a table.
“Everything is ready.” Kuroi was saying, “Your name is Inugami Murasaki. You are a Student teacher at SIM, specializing in the Psychic arts and how they relate to the law. You are one of my personal care-givers, and have been such for the majority of your time as SIM.” She says. She hands over an ID bracelet and wallet. “Instructions for the auction will be here soon.” She says.
As if intent on proving the Madam correct, there was a single knock at the door. Immediately after knocking, a piece of paper is slid under the door. Torok, who had lost the fight with Obsidian, gathered the paper and handed it to his trainer. The paper was wrapped around a Unovian silver Dollar. The minting date on the coin had been expertly filed off, leaving a smooth blank area in its place. An address was written on the paper. “The Celadon Condominiums.” She announced. We have several hours before midnight. Let’s go over the plan again.
* * *
Inugami Murasaki walks up to 12000 Kiln Street. He flicks a silver coin up into the air, and catches it. It was the newest condominium in the complex, and was still under construction. A fence was erected around the building, with large caution signs barricading the only entrance. There was the sound of a portable gas generator, which was feeding a pair of floodlights. Workers were busy digging up the ground outside the complex, preparing it to accept various manner of flora. As Inugami approached the barricade, the work foreman approached.
“Are you lost sir?” He asks. “I am looking for the Leasing Office.” Inugami replies. He flicks the coin into the air. “The office is closed. Come back Tomorrow, or Monday.” The foreman says. “Would you prefer Tomorrow, or Monday?” Inugami asks. The coin flies through the air again, ringing out in the night, before landing in his hand with a light smack. “Why don’t you toss a coin?” The foreman suggests. Inugami nods. “Sure. Heads or Tails?” He tosses the coin across the barrier. The foreman catches it and examins the date. He places the coin in a bag hanging from his belt. By the sound it makes, there are a number of other coins waiting in the back to greet it. The foreman returns to his job Inugami walks past the signs, and into the Condominium.
“Good Evening Sir. Please check in here.” An attendant says. Inugami was in a side room, separate from the main gathering of attendees. There are two men before him, the attendant, and his body guard. Inugami holds his wrist under a scanner, allowing the bracelet to be read. The attendant looks the tablet connected to the scanner. “Mr Murasaki. Will you be representing someone this evening? Rest assured that their identity as well as yours will be known only to myself and key staff. Your privacy is our primary concern.” He says humbly. “I will be representing the Kuroi Family.” Inugami replies. He produces a single Luxury Ball, inset with a black diamond. “This will serve as my proof of association. I believe Madam Kuroi has an established credit arrangement.” He says. With the care of a man who knows his life depends on how he handles his cargo, The Attendant takes the Pokéball and places it in a second scanner designed to accommodate it.
Obsidian Kuroi
Spieces: Umbreon♀
Age: 62 (05/12/1940)
OT: Kerra Kuroi - OT-ID: KAN-000-01212
Catch date: 05/12/1940
Catch Location: Saffron City
Class: B-1 (domestic)
Assignment: Saffron Institute of the Mind
The Attendant studies the screen for a time. “This will be sufficient. Welcome to Atama ya o.” He says. “He hands a paddle over to Inugami,” You will be bidder seventeen in this auction. Please visit here again after the auction to confirm payment and schedule delivery. Also, please be reminded that no communications devices of any kind are allowed inside the building. If you have a phone or other personal device, I am going to request that you surrender it now. No firearms or other weapons are allowed. In addition, you are allowed only one Pokémon on your person. Inugami turned off and surrendered his cellphone, then he set down the five other Luxury Balls he was carrying. Finally, he accepted a pat down from the bodyguard. You may retrieve your possessions after the auction. Buy well, Mr. Murasaki. We appreciate Madam Kuroi’s business.”
Izumo reaches out with his mind, to find Saji waiting for him. The Alakazam is hiding on the roof of the condominium. She acts as an antenna, allowing Izumo to commune with Kuroi.
“I am inside. So how are we going to get into their system to get the records we need?” He thinks.
“You already have, the moment they scanned your ID.” Kuroi responds. “I should have the records in a while, but you need to remain at the auction to keep up appearances. Plus, we may be able to save a few innocent Pokémon while we are here.”
“Attention everyone. Please take your seats. We are about to begin.” A staff member announces. The attendees all move to take their seats. Izumo finds the seat marked with number seventeen. Sitting in the seat is a tablet. Izumo picks it up. ‘Welcome Bidder Seventeen’ is displayed on it.
“Ladies and Gentlemen. Welcome to Atama ya o, August 2002.” The auctioneer announces. “As always, this event will consist of anonymous bidding. Our quests are requested to only refer to themselves by their allotted number. You will be able to place bids on your provided tablets, or out loud using your paddles. You can also access further images and information about each item via your tablets. We will begin with inorganic items. We begin with Lot 001. A collection of seven Lefaucheux M1858 pattern revolvers. These Kalosian firearms are chambered for 22mm pinfire cartridges. Our opening bid is ¥300,000”
