Pokemon: The Gameboy Effect-Chapter 273: Rainy Night At The Frontier

(A/N: New Patreon Alert: Jacob Staten! Better late than never, right? Here's your shoutout and Chapter, thanks for being part of the crew!)

The night was dark and chaotic, with thick storm clouds blotting out the moon. The scent of wet grass filled the air as raindrops drummed steadily against the dense foliage.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

The rhythmic sound of rainfall accompanied the quiet march of a covert investigation team, led by Zachary, moving swiftly through the border between Draconia and the Grassland Republic. Their objective was clear, intercept a smuggling unit from the Asuka Group before they could cross the border. Intelligence suggested that their leader, known as "Eagle," might be among them.

This mission was urgent. If Eagle successfully infiltrated Draconia, the entire Asuka Group would go underground, making future arrests nearly impossible. That's why the government's Pokemon Investigation Bureau had chosen to strike now. Even if a few lower-ranked members slipped away, eliminating the leadership would cripple the organization.

"Everyone, release your Psychic-type Pokemon and use Psychic to shield yourselves," Zachary ordered as the team reached the border.

One by one, the investigators released their Psychic Pokemon. In the Bureau, frontline agents were required to have at least one Psychic-type. Without them, they'd be sitting ducks for enemy operatives with Teleportation capabilities. Statistics showed that missions without Psychic support had a seventy-percent casualty rate.

John, one of the younger investigators, released his Gardevoir. With a graceful motion, she waved an arm, spreading a shimmering psychic field over them like an invisible cloak. Instantly, the chill of the rainy night vanished, replaced by a comfortable warmth.

'I never thought of using Psychic like this before,' John muttered to himself.

Beside him, Mira, another investigator, watched his Gardevoir with open admiration. She had an Espeon of her own, but John's Gardevoir was particularly striking, its shimmering coat giving it a rare, almost ethereal presence.

Daisy, the newest recruit, was also on the team. She released her Slowking, which promptly raised its own psychic barrier.

"Confirmed," Zachary's voice crackled over their earpieces. "Eagle is among the smugglers. Stay sharp."

The team's tension skyrocketed. The possibility had now become a certainty.

They had all studied the Asuka Group's files extensively. Eagle was the organization's ruthless mastermind, his Braviary as infamous as the group itself. Every one of his top lieutenants specialized in Flying-types, making them incredibly mobile and hard to pin down.

The latest intelligence report estimated Eagle's strength at Gym Leader level, at least two years ago. Given the resources Asuka had access to, he was likely even stronger now. As an international criminal syndicate, they didn't play by the same rules as legitimate trainers. With access to rare Pokemon, stolen TMs, and even experimental battle enhancements, they had more than enough firepower to overwhelm standard law enforcement.

That's why the Bureau had deployed two of their best investigators for this mission, Bill and Zachary.

"Teams of three, spread out and prepare to intercept," Zachary instructed.

The squad quickly split into four units, each positioned around an investigator with a canine Pokemon. Normally, Arcanine was the preferred tracking partner, but given the rainy conditions and the airborne enemies, Electric-types like Manectric were a better choice today.

John's group consisted of himself, Mira, and a younger agent named Hugh Jass, whose Manectric was already sniffing the air.

"Odor Sleuth," Hugh commanded.

The Manectric pressed its snout to the ground, inhaling deeply. Within moments, its ears perked, and its eyes sharpened.

"What's it searching for?" John asked.

"Scents," Hugh replied, barely above a whisper.

"What kind of—"

Before he could finish, the Manectric tensed, baring its fangs in a silent snarl.

"Grrrrr..."

Hugh's voice was hushed but urgent. "Captain, Team Four has detected a foul odor."

"All units, hold position and stay hidden. Await my command," Zachary ordered.

The three of them crouched lower. Hugh quickly returned Manectric to its Pokeball, keeping its glow shielded under his coat.

"Criminal organizations often release Pokemon with the Stench ability to mask their scent while crossing borders," Hugh explained in a whisper. "It disrupts scent-based tracking, making it harder for us to pinpoint their exact location."

John nodded. He had read about this tactic before. It was a classic countermeasure against Odor Sleuth. He had seen it in practice once, but experiencing it firsthand was different.

Suddenly, Zachary's voice cut through the earpiece. "John, I have a special assignment for you."

"Understood, Captain. What do you need?"

"Your team is closest to the enemy's path. They're moving directly toward your position. Once you have a visual, fire a warning shot and break their formation."

John's pulse quickened. "Understood."

"The rest of us will close in immediately," Zachary continued. "We'll take down their grunts first, then focus on Eagle together."

Initially, Zachary had planned to strike first himself. But with John, a Gym Leader-level investigator, on the team, he could afford to play it safer. His main priority now was preventing Eagle from escaping. If the criminal leader tried using his underlings as decoys, they had to be ready to intercept.

John exhaled slowly, steadying himself. He glanced at Mira and Hugh, who nodded in silent confirmation. This was it. Their moment to strike.

The darkness remained still for now, but soon, the storm was about to break.