Alexandra watched as Mount Silver gained a serious makeover. Mario was just not good at mounting watches. However, she was. She had ordered her men to use cave trails to climb to positions of value. Fortunately, the only casualty had been a flashlight, which was dropped during a climb. So far, no human or Pokèmon died from her wishes.

"Alexandra! What are you doing?" Mario yelled to her. He ran over and glared at her.

She noticed that when he grew furious, a large vein popped out of his head. With that in mind, she answered, "Keeping a better eye out for Crystal. With your watch, I'm surprised that you've maintained such a secret position for so long. I mean, Crystal could easily march right up here and knock on the door."

Mario growled at her and hissed, "Well at least I have a home base. You had yours taken over."

"Do not lecture me!!! I know what happened." Alexandra glared at him fiercely.

Mario smiled mockingly and said, "Oh yes. You do remember. You remember the night when it rained ice. You and your people had to flee from your houses. I can see it now. Your face had to have shown complete horror when you realized what was happening. Crystal caught you off-guard, didn't she? Well, it was the last time your guard was dropped. Aren't I right?"

Alexandra glared angrily and said, "That's correct. Ever since that awful night, I have not dropped my guard. And you would be wise to do the same, my friend."

"I understand your warning. Still, I doubt Crystal would attack these mountains. Too risky."

Alexandra rubbed her chin thoughtfully. "Granted that might be the case, but we should not take any unnecessary risks. I still think we should post several sentries. Just to be safe."

Mario hesitated. He was still unsure at whether or not Alexandra should even be trusted. She had helped him in the past, but Mario usually suffered several losses on his end. And yet, Alexandra might be trying to help. Really trying, instead of just going through the motions, he thought, biting his lower lip with indecision. He hated being under her thumb. So many things could go wrong. Too many for his liking.

"Hmmm? What's this?" Alexandra leaned out of the window and reached out. A Pidgey landed on her arm. "What's around its leg?" She wondered aloud, picking at the piece of paper.

"A note? Maybe Crystal is going to surrender." Mario suggested.

"It is a note, but it's not from Crystal. It's from Kanto." Alexandra read the paper. "Says here that you and I are supposed to meet up with a bunch of bozos from Kanto to discuss our current situation."

"Why do they care about what we do?"

"Probably afraid we might attack them," she answered with a shrug. "Nevertheless, I think that one of us should go and the other should stay."

"Why?"

Alexandra rolled her eyes and said, "So that way if Crystal attacks, there will be someone here to fight her. Jeez, Mario! Sometimes I wonder about you." With that, she tucked the paper in a pocket and allowed the Pidgey to fly back to its masters.

Mario sighed, "So how do we decide who stays?"

"Well, let's look at this logically. Which one of us has the most firepower? And which one of us has the strongest defenses?"

He considered her question for a second before saying, "Well dragon Pokèmon obviously have more firepower than steel types. But my Steelix has a much higher defense than, say, your Aerodactyl. I guess that means that you're going and I'm staying. Right?"

"Right. If Crystal attacks, you and your people have steel Pokèmon to defend against her. This is the most logical choice, Mario. If she attacks and I'm here, I won't stand much of a chance. Isn't that right?"

"Agreed. So when are you leaving?" Mario asked.

Alexandra rubbed her chin thoughtfully and answered, "I'll leave later this evening. At dusk." She smiled, "Looks like your wish has been granted. I'm out of your hair for the time being." With that, she left the room and walked down the hall. Her boots clicked on the rock floor. Flying will be the best way to reach their location. She glanced down at the paper and saw that the meet was supposed to take place in Saffron. Saffron City? Hell, they could probably predict my flight. This might be a trap.

"Alexandra!" Mario yelled, running down the hall. He stopped when he neared her. "Are you going unarmed? You should know that the inhabitants of Kanto aren't to be trusted."

She nodded, "I know. However, if I go in carrying a gun, they're going to consider me the enemy and I really do not want that to be the case. Besides, I won't be completely helpless. My Pokèmon will be there. Not just Aerodactyl, Charizard, and Dragonite, but Salamence, Garchomp, and Flygon. I think I have plenty of backup."

"Jeez, do you even realize how much power is in those six Pokèmon?" Mario asked.

She nodded, "Right. That I do know."

"So you want me to remain here and wait for your return?" Mario asked. His voice sounded hopeful. With Alexandra away, I can regain control over Mount Silver, he thought.

Alexandra nodded her head, "Yes. Wait until I return so we can launch a full scale assault on Crystal and the NIA."