Unlock: Prologue

Cold, dark air swirled throughout the dim room. The stone walls and chill in the atmosphere gave the chamber an ominous feel. Light shone through the open doors and windows, but only barely lifting the veil of darkness. The night’s only light was the pale moon, a cruel replacement for the sun that the world so desperately needed.

Its murky light shone down on the man’s face, making his skin as pale as the long white coat that he wore. The man looked almost colorless in the moon’s glow. He was altogether quite unremarkable in his appearance, looking much like any other in his profession. His only distinguishable trait was his blond hair with its swirl of blue that went up and around his head.

He enjoyed this time of night, when there was nothing but the moon to light his way. Sometimes he wondered why he enjoyed the cruelty and harshness of the moonlight. It reflected his inner nature, he supposed.

The sound of the door opening made him turn, his glasses flashing as he turned away from the glow. So he’s finally here, then. Three figures entered the room, each clothed in black that seemed to mix with the shadows in the room. And he’s brought friends, the scientist thought, amused.

The cloaked man’s pale green hair with its three prongs reflected the moonlight like ice as he continued forward into the room. The other two stayed by the door, respecting the man who clearly outranked them.

The researcher couldn't help but mentally flinch as the cloaked man turned his gaze to him. There was some sort of distortion in that face, apart from the red shield over his right eye. Cruelty somehow shaped his appearance to create uneasiness in anyone who saw it. But perhaps I look the same way to others, the scientist mused. I certainly hope not.

The man seemed to grow taller, more intimidating as he spoke, his icy, rasping voice seeming to slice through the air. “You better have a good reason to summon me, Colress.”

Just what I expected him to say, Colress sighed in his mind. But he kept the sigh off his face, replying, “Of course, Lord Ghetsis. I never do things without reason, and I understand you are often busy.”

Ghetsis’s glare sharpened, harsh enough to cut stone. “If you do have a reason, then kindly get to the point.” His voice was almost like a snarl. Colress glanced towards the two figures by the door. The Grunts here... may make this difficult. The plan depended on secrecy. The less people knew, the better. Colress turned to face the moonlight, crossing his arms, though not in a way that was disrespectful. “It is about… that which we spoke of earlier.”

The matter was a very well hidden operation, one that only the sages and Colress knew of. Even N, the projected King of Team Plasma, knew not even a whisper of it. So much for an all-knowing King. Colress was amused at the thought.

Colress felt his leader’s gaze release a little. “…I see. Well?” the sage said, more like a demand than a question. Colress turned to face Ghetsis again. “All I wanted to say is that everything is in position. The prime opportunity is now.” A sinister half-smile played at his leader’s face, barely noticeable in the dim light, but enough to shift it slightly.

Colress hid an amused smirk creeping upon him. “All there is left for us to do is-” he caught himself, his eyes involuntarily flickering to the Grunts. It was hard to speak with their prying eyes upon him. They were dying to know what he spoke of. But they couldn't know anything, or it would be disastrous to the project. “All there is left to do is … acquire... them.”

Ghetsis’s half-smile disappeared as quickly as it came, replaced by a stern scowl once more. “Then I see no need for hesitation.” Colress smirked. No need to waste time, eh? They’ll be quite useful, especially now that our numbers have dropped so low. Though I do wonder how you’ll fetch them without telling any Grunts, seeing as you never do anything yourself. He chuckled mentally at the thought.

Ghetsis closed his eyes as if lost in his sinister thoughts. “With their power… their name shall be known across Unova.” Colress raised an eyebrow. So you are willing to spill some things, are you? Seems you’ve lost character.

“…And after tomorrow, they shall be servants of Team Plasma.”