Granite Isle — Zircon City
Ash, Serena, Iris, Hayden, Riley, and a mob of the other occupants of Zircon City's pokémon center crowded around the single television screen mounted to the ceiling above Nurse Joy's desk. Joy herself had actually taken a break from the frantic duties of her station to focus on the breaking news flashing across the screen as well.
"...Grey Isle's Crime City is currently under attack as we speak by an unknown force. Hundreds have already perished in the vicious assault, and the death toll only continues to rise by the minute. The Elite 4 and Champion are both on their way to the Grey Isle, and the International Police has dispatched units from their nearest base all the way in Sinnoh, and are expected to reach the city by nightfall at the soonest. It is still unclear what the invaders hope to achieve, but one thing is for sure: the security of the entire Crimson Isles at large may be at risk. Please, keep yourselves and your families safe. We'll update you as the situation unfolds."
Ash felt his stomach rotting from the inside out as the harrowing information stewed into his consciousness. "Who…?"
"The Shadow Paladins," Riley spat.
Ash turned to his mentor, and was shocked by what he saw. Never before had he seen Riley so infuriated. His eyes were bloodshot with rage, and his fists were clenched so tight that his knuckles were white.
"How can you be sure," Iris asked cautiously, gripping Hayden's hand with fervor.
"It has to be. No one but them could've executed such a calculated attack at such destructive efficiency." The master Aura Guardian fumed as he turned away from the group. "I should report back to my people."
"Surely they already know about this attack," Hayden offered. "I have no doubt a calamity such as this would spur your fellow Aura Guardians to the Isles. If it truly is the Shadow Paladins, then the Guardians must be here to greet them."
Around them, the crowd in the lobby was embroiled in pandemonium. Riley pushed his way back into the group. "We should get out of here before we are confined to our rooms. No doubt martial law will soon be imposed, and it may become impossible for Ash to carry out his duties as the Alpha Child." He turned to the raven haired trainer. "I fear your time has come sooner than anticipated."
Ash nodded, and clutched Serena's hand even tighter. "Let's go."
Weaving through the crowd, the quintet exited the pokémon center and into the blustery, mountainous climate of Zircon City. Outside, people seemed to have gotten the news as well, as they rushed down the sidewalks clutching the hands of their children and families. Policemen ushered citizens back into their houses, their pokémon keeping them at bay with resolute growls.
The quintet kept their heads low and speed walked away from the center, Riley leading. He planned on getting them beyond the city borders, then possibly flying to the Grey Isle on Salamence. If the police tried to stop them, he figured they'd have to punch their way out. Ash's role was far too important…
As Riley muddled deep in his own thoughts, he nearly ran straight into police officer. The officer turned to his quintet.
"I'm sorry, this section of the city of closed off. Please go home. It isn't safe out here right now."
"T-That's where we were headed right now, sir," Riley sputtered. "My roommates and I were just heading home."
The officer scowled at them and unhooked a poké ball from his belt. "There are no residential buildings behind me, sir! I'm going to have it ask for your IDs." He activated his poké ball, and an Arcanine materialized onto the pavement.
Riley kicked himself mentally. "Sir," he said forcefully. "We really need to get past here. Please let us continue."
Not picking up on the Riley's urgency, the police officer glared at the Guardian and stook a threatening step forward. "Did you not hear what I said? Turn around and go home, or I'll take you all down to the department!"
"There's no need for that, officer," a voice behind the officer said, landing a humongous hand on the officer's shoulder.
The officer whipped around to find a towering man in front of him. The giant was clad in armored shoulder plates, steel wrist gauntlets, and a flowing stone gray cape. An unnerving scar ran down the man's face and through his right eye. In his other hand, he held a small metallic badge embedded on a leather badge case.
"Y-You— uh, s-sir, I mean," the officer stammered. "W-What're you doing here? With all due respect, o-of course."
"Step aside, soldier," the man boomed. "Some of your cohorts need help dispelling the masses a few blocks east."
The officer gulped and absentmindedly recalled his Arcanine. "I was stationed here, sir…"
"Well, I'm giving you new orders. If anyone asks, you can tell them the orders came directly from me. Now run along. I'll deal with these kids."
The officer gave a parting salute to the towering man, and raced off at the newcomer's request.
The man turned to the quintet. "I'm sorry about that. Rookies always overstep their jurisdiction."
"And who are you, exactly?" Serena questioned.
The man furrowed his brow and crossed his arms. "My name is Nathaniel Barke. I'm the Grand General of the International Police."
The Adventures on the Crimson Isles
Chapter 25
THE END GAME BEGINS
Iris stepped forward. "General Barke. We just watched a news report saying the International Police wouldn't arrive at the Crimson Isles until nightfall."
Barke nodded gravely. "I'm afraid that was a bit of a lie I had to tell. International forces are actually already here on the Crimson Isles."
"So are there units going to the Grey Isle to help the people there, or not?" Ash demanded.
The Grand General inhaled deeply and remained steadfast. "No. There is not. All of our available units are currently on the Smoldering Isle. We could not afford to spread our forces so thin. We are expecting Team Pluto to make their final move at their headquarters on the Smoldering Isle, and we'll need all the manpower we have access to."
"So you're just leaving innocent people to die?" Iris snarled. "I don't think so! You know who I am! I order you to send some units to the Grey Isle, immediately!"
Barke sighed. "This order came directly down from the Council of Mastery themselves, Champion Iris. I'm afraid that's out of both of our jurisdictions. War requires difficult decisions to be made. The sooner you accept that not everyone can be saved, the better off you'll be."
Iris glared at the Grand General, her fists clenched. Seeing the Unovan Champion still at odds, Barke tried to console her.
"If it's any consolation, the Crimson Elite 4 and Champion are still on their way to the Grey Isle. They elected to disobey their orders from the Council and will not be joining us on the Smoldering Isle. They will face the consequences of their actions when all of this is said and done."
"And what is 'all of this,' exactly?" Serena asked.
"As I said, Team Pluto will be making their final move. We've been monitoring them for quite some time, and we believe we finally know what they're up to. But, I'm not going to discuss the details out here in the open. It's time for us to go."
"Us?" Ash asked.
"Yes," Barke said gruffly. "You five will be coming with me to the Smoldering Isle. We will need your help in the final battle against Team Pluto. As I understand it, Mr. Ketchum, you in particular have a specialized part to play."
"And why would you think that," Riley said defensively.
Barke smiled, the skin beside his eyes crinkling with age. "Calm yourself, Guardian. Your collective in Rota holds but a fraction of all knowledge surrounding the Alpha and Omega Children. I know that Mr. Ketchum here is the Alpha Child. I know that he is not the only Alpha Child. And I know that the Omega Child is currently engineering Omegeus' escape from Nonexistence."
"Wait, so then that means…" Serena began.
"Yes," Barke confirmed. "We believe the Omega Child is the leader of Team Pluto."
A hush fell over the group at that revelation. Team Pluto had been targeting them since the moment they'd set foot on the Crimson Isles. That could only mean one thing…
"So the Omega Child knows Ash is the Alpha Child, then," Iris said.
"Yes," Barke verified. "It seems the Omega Child has been trying to apprehend you since your arrival on the Desert Isle. The attack beneath the Desert Cathedral, the numerous traps set for you at the Gloomy Tower, the Fungal Jungle, the Haunted Manor, and most recently, Mt. Vitreus. It's nothing short of a miracle that you still stand before me today unharmed."
The group shifted uncomfortably at that fact. Barke had just put into perspective the amount of danger they'd truly been in.
"Unfortunately, I cannot assure reprieve from the Pluto menace quite yet. There is still one last battle to be won." He motioned behind him. "I have a chopper waiting for us at the edge of the city. It'll take us to the basecamp we've set up on the Smoldering Isle." Fixing a stony gaze on each of them, he continued. "I know you've been through much, and believe me when I say I know what it's like to be a target. To have your loved ones put in danger because of you." He closed his eyes. "But we have to go now. There's no time to waste. We're expecting Team Pluto to act on their machinations today."
After a pause, Iris stepped forward solemnly. "I'll go," she said quietly. "Even if I'm not yet a true Champion, it's still my duty to instill peace wherever I go."
Hayden joined her. "The Crimson Isles are my home. I refuse to distance myself from this evil any longer. I will help you defeat them."
"I'll come too, of course," Serena agreed. "These people hurt the ones I love, and I won't let them get away with it."
"I'll go too," Ash stated, scratching Pikachu's ears absentmindedly. "I have a job to do."
Finally Riley brought a valorous fist to his chest. "As an Aura Guardian, I humbly follow the Alpha Child into battle against our enemies."
Grand General Barke nodded gravely. "I'm glad to hear it. Now, come with me."
Smoldering Isle — Ignus City
The chopper touched down in the middle of a plaza. Outside the tinted windows of the chopper, dark volcanic rock stretched outward, paved down into sidewalks and roads. The plaza itself was built of gray concrete and brick red tile, as was the surrounding houses and buildings in the rolling landscape around them.
A man in a billowing white cape heaved open the door to the chopper. Instantly, hot air blasted inside, and the quintet winced at the sudden skyrocket in temperature. As they clambered out, the caped man helped them, and as Barke himself departed the aircraft, the man snapped a salute.
"At ease, General!" Barke yelled over the roar of the rotors. Turning to the quintet, he pointed to the man. "This is General Vitruvius Valentin! He'll show you to our base of operations!"
"Where are you going?" Riley yelled.
"I have agents to brief! I'll catch up with you five later! General Valentin will handle your briefings personally!"
The general nodded and motioned to the group. "This way!" Valentin led them across the plaza, which appeared to have been closed off to the public. Once they were a ways away from the roaring chopper, General Valentin addressed them.
"On behalf of International, I'd like to thank the five of you for coming. We've already outlined a plan of attack for you five specifically. I'll brief you once we arrive at base."
The general came upon a door and pulled it open, letting the quintet inside before him. They appeared to have entered a mall, though it was nearly empty aside from a black-clad agent walking through. Most of the lights had been turned off, and shadows blossomed along the edge of the hall. The once vibrant storefronts were now devoid of their charm, replaced by a cold militaristic machine. Valentin said nothing as their steps echoed through the halls, his own white cape brushing behind him. Briskly, he turned a corner and walked up a deactivated escalator. Upon arriving at a thick metal service door, he turned back to the group.
"International has set up their base atop this mall we're currently in. From the roof, we have a vantage point over the entire city and all of its entrances, so that when Team Pluto attacks, we will be ready." With that note, he pulled upon the door to the outside.
Once again, the temperature shot up as the group stepped outside. Immediately, they were no longer alone. An array of computers was set up on the concrete roof, each equipped with an attack coordinator from International. Armor clad agents milled between their stations preparing for the conflict, and at the center of the commotion, another white caped man stood, barking orders to his inferiors. Upon seeing the new arrivals, he smirked and walked over.
"So these are the kids then, huh Valentin?"
"Indeed," Valentin replied. Addressing the quintet, he said, "This is my fellow general, General Winston Winters. He's in charge of the city's defense."
The quintet nodded in greeting, at which Winters smirked again. "They look a little nauseous, Val. The hell 'jya do to 'em?"
"We've had a rough past couple of days," Iris bit out in annoyance.
"Oh yes, I heard. Quite the run in with Team Pluto."
"Speaking of Team Pluto," Valentin growled, driving the quintet away from Winters, "we have a briefing to get to."
"Of course!" Winters called behind them. "Wouldn't want to keep you waiting!"
Valentin led them to a corner of the roof that overlooked the rest of the city. It seemed the city had fallen under martial law alongside Zircon City. No one milled about the volcanic streets aside from armored International personnel and the occasional citizen rushing to get indoors. However, what caught their attention was not the empty roads, but rather a looming, smoking presence in the distance.
"That," Valentin said, pointing outwards, "is the Smoldering Volcano. Allegedly it's extinct, though it's recently started to spew smoke." He fixed them with a grave gaze. "We've discovered that Team Pluto's headquarters lies within the Volcano. The smoke is most likely just the facilities ventilation systems at work. We've already sent a team to survey the Volcano and possibly get us some intel on what they best way to assault the facility would be."
"Did you say assault the facility?" Hayden questioned.
Valentin nodded. "Yes. Which brings me to your briefing. International has decided that you five will be split into four different squadrons. Ash, you'll be going with a squadron of agents to breach the back entrance to the facility. Iris and Serena, you two will join the squad that is cracking the main entrance. Riley, you'll be staying here in Ignus City to aid in its defense. And finally Hayden, you'll be joining an elite strike team whose mission is to stop Team Pluto from freeing Omegeus."
As the group digested their roles, Ash spoke up. "You're splitting us up."
Valentin nodded carefully. "Besides the fact that you are each powerful trainers in your own rights, and would excel in more personalized responsibilities, there is still the concern that Team Pluto would try to apprehend you yet again, even in this eleventh hour. Putting all five of you together could make you more of a target, and might end up endangering not just your lives, but also the success of the various operations we'll be running during this campaign."
"Then why are Iris and I together?" Serena asked.
"Unlike Ash and Hayden's missions, you two will be a part of our main offensive force. This strike team will be our largest density of units apart from the Ignus City defense force that Riley is a part of. As such, we figured a personal attack would be quite unlikely, and even if it were to happen, it would have a very low chance of success due to the sheer number of agents that'll be with you. Nevertheless, we made sure to have no more than two of you together. Anymore might raise some red flags."
Seeing their curiosity was sated for the time being, Valentin moved on to addressing each of them personally.
"Now Ash, the back door I was referring to isn't so much a back door, but rather...erm, well, you'll be going in through the mouth of the Volcano. We expect this entrance to be well defended, but its unconventionality may prove to be advantageous. You and your team will be tasked with taking down the leader of Team Pluto."
"The Omega Child," Ash stated.
"Precisely. We don't yet know the identity of their leader, so it'll be your job to locate them. Be on high alert. We can only expect the Omega Child knows that you personally will be going to seek them out. They will most likely be well protected. The agents with you will assist you in any way they can, but we don't expect them to be quite as well a match for the Omega Child as you are. It'll be up to you."
Ash flushed and nodded, internalizing everything the General had just told him. "OK, no pressure, no pressure, Ash," he muttered to himself. Serena smiled grimly and clutched his hand tighter.
"Don't worry, we'll get through this," she reassured, and Ash offered a thankful smile.
"Next, Serena and Iris," Valentin continued. "You're tasks are quite simple. You'll be engaging the bulk of the Pluto army alongside General Winters. That means you take down as many as you can. Eventually, your battalion will begin pushing towards the base of the Volcano where the headquarter's main entrance is located. Once you get inside and secure the entrance, you'll await further orders. At that point, our strategists will reassess each front to decide where we need to divert units, whether that be to assist Ash's squad, Hayden's squad, or to refortify the city."
Both girls nodded at their assignments, and Valentin directed his attention to Riley.
"And you, Aura Guardian. You and I will be tasked with defending the city. Defense is, of course, your field of expertise, and we could use a strong commander when the fighting gets close to the civilian population. We're also expecting the Shadow Paladin's to sweep through the Grey Isle all the way here. We're not yet sure if they'll land on the east bank and march through the city, or simply bypass the city, land on the south bank, and head straight to the Volcano. Either way, if the conflict moves closer to the Volcano and away from the city, then we may decide to move you to a different front. Either way, command here will notify you as the battle unfolds."
Riley nodded stoutly. "Very well."
"And finally Hayden," Valentin began. "You'll be going with a specialized strike team composed of some of our highest trained agents to shut down the dimensional frame Team Pluto has built to free Omegeus from Nonexistence."
"Dimensional frame? What do you mean?" Hayden asked.
"We've already scanned their facility from a distance, and we're detecting copious levels of energy emanating from within, with spikes happening every few hours. Our analysts have already crunched the numbers. The energy building in that Volcano is climbing towards the levels required to open a spatial rift to Nonexistence."
"And the frame?" Hayden pushed. "How do you know they're using a frame?"
Valentin bristled and sharpened his gaze. "I'm afraid that's classified."
Hayden crossed his arms. "If I'm going to be risking my life diving headfirst into enemy lines to take down a portal frame, amigo, I want to know how you know so much about the technology."
"I'm sorry, but that's above your clearance, Mr. Hickory," the General said pleadingly.
"That's not going to fly with us," Serena snapped. "We're a little short on trust right now."
"The International Police is not your enemy," Valentin quickly cut her off. "But you must understand that certain intelligence is off limits to lower ranked officials and the general populace…."
"So let me get this straight," Riley began. "You're asking us, members of the 'general populace' to risk our lives on behalf of the International Police, but you refuse to give us all the details of the mission?"
"That's correct, Guardian!" Valentin snapped, glaring between the five. "I am asking for your help on behalf of the International Police, and they are asking on behalf of world security! Now, you can let us help you, or you can do it on your own. But you kids have heart, and I know you'll try and stop Team Pluto with or without our help. When all of this is over, I'll put in a good word for you as high up as I can, be it Barke or the Council themselves."
The quintet stayed quiet, and Valentin relaxed.
"I don't like this," Iris murmured.
"I'm not comfortable withholding information from you either," Valentin surrendered. "But International is meticulous in its compartmentalization of intelligence."
"You can say that again," came a singsong voice behind them.
General Winters strolled up to them, flashing grins and pointing fingers. However, this time, a woman accompanied him. She wore sharpened wings of eyeliner and pitch black lipstick. Her shirt was a darkened soot-gray, though it looked like it'd only become the color after successive burnings. Finally, she sported black athelic shorts with a red trim.
"What do you want, Winters?" Valentin scowled.
"Oh, you're not making me feel very welcome, Vally," Winters whined. Straightening his composure, he motioned dramatically to the woman. "This is the gym leader of Ignus City, the Hellfire Princess Sonia. She'll be joining Hickory's strike team."
Sonia nodded at the group. "'Sup."
"I hope you're finished briefing our new friends, Valentin," Winters continued. "It's time to move out."
Valentin took a deep breath and nodded, running a hand through his salt and pepper hair. "Very well." Turning back to the quintet, he raised his brows and pursed his lips. "Looks like it's time to part ways for the time being. I'll allow you some time, but we need to move quickly. General Winters and I will wait for you back down in the plaza. From there, we'll dispatch the various teams."
Fixing each of them with a worried gaze one last time, Valentin turned from the group and headed back into the mall with Sonia and Winters.
Ash was the first to speak. "You guys don't have to do this."
"Are you kidding? Iris retorted. "After everything we've been through, I'm not giving up now!"
Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, and he instinctively clutched Serena's hand. "It's just one more fight."
"Assuming everything goes to plan," Riley added pessimistically. "Then yes. When this Pluto threat is in the ground, we'll be back on our merry way."
"We'll stop them," Serena reassured. "I won't stop fighting until we do."
"Then I guess this is goodbye, for now, amigos," Hayden chimed sadly.
Iris looked to him, unshed tears brimming in her eyes, and she wrapped him in a hug. "You're not going to die are you?"
Hayden laughed and kissed her forehead. "I have every intention of still being alive by the end of the night."
Together, Iris and Hayden stared achingly at their three friends. Hand in hand, they each offered a bittersweet smile and departed for the door.
Riley watched them go, and grinned. "Well, I don't want to be too much of a third wheel, so I won't stick around up here for much longer."
Serena and Ash both smiled and hugged the older man. Riley returned the gesture. "It's been an honor to watch you two grow."
Ash extended a hand. "Thanks for everything, Riley. Seriously."
The Aura Guardian cracked a grin. "You're acting like I'm about to die! C'mon now!"
He pulled a poké ball from his belt and dispelled its contents, releasing Lucario onto the roof beside him. The Aura jackal growled and bowed at Ash and Serena.
"Well, I believe it's time for us to get going." Together, Riley and his partner also vacated the roof, leaving Ash and Serena alone.
"Promise me you'll be safe," Serena said softly, her voice barely cracking.
"That's my line," Ash replied, studying her sapphire eyes.
"Promise," Serena repeated.
Ash inhaled deeply and offered a consoling smile. "I don't want to make a promise I don't think I can keep."
Tears welled in Serena's eyes, but Ash brushed them away as soon as they appeared. He stepped closer and draped his arms over her shoulders.
"I'll be as careful as I can. But I'll do whatever it takes to bring the Omega Child down."
Serena buried her face in his chest, Ash planted a kiss on the top of her head. "And you promise me you'll stay safe? And watch out for Iris and that crazy General Winters?"
Her head still down, Serena nodded. Ash lifted her chin gently and their eyes met. He held up his right hand. Serena laced her fingers into his.
"I promise."
Ash squeezed her hand and rested his forehead on hers. "We should go too."
"Ah, about time," Winters cooed as Ash and Serena entered the plaza.
Unlike when they'd first landed in Ignus City, the plaza had become a staging area for International's forces. A legion of black-clad International soldiers stood in formation at General Valentin's command. An array of choppers also sat dormant beside the army, waiting for their respective battalions before taking off. As they'd come out of the mall, one of the choppers had already lifted off the ground.
"That'll be the Hickory boy's ride there," Winters yelled over the scream of the rotors. "Ketchum, you head on over to that chopper there!" He commanded, pointing to another one of the aircraft. "Yvonne, you come with me, and we'll meet back up with the Champion!"
Giving one last look at each other, Ash and Serena went their separate ways. In the distance, the Smoldering Volcano belched another torrent of gases, staining the blanched sky black with fury.
Smoldering Isle — Smoldering Volcano [Team Pluto Headquarters: "the Citadel"]
Queen Persephone stood on one of the balconies that jutted out from the Volcano's cragged mountain face. The winds buffeted her hair and gown, and she reveled in the calm before the storm. Far in front of her, across the fiery wastelands leading to the Smoldering Volcano, lie a single blip of civilization, and the first of many cities to fall beneath her power.
From the shadows behind her, her three Pluto officers stepped.
"My Queen," Macaria said. "We are ready."
Persephone turned around and faced them. Macaria, Melinöe, and Zagreus gazed at her expectingly.
"It's a shame our King was unable to join us for this momentous occasion," the Queen lamented. "Nevertheless, he is on his way." She sucked in the smoky, volcanic air around her and smiled. A bloodthirsty grin split across her face.
"Initiate Project TYPHON… and send the men to burn Ignus City to the ground!"
Next — Chapter 26 : SIEGE OF THE CITADEL!
Author's Note
Holy shit guys, I actually made it. Three years in the making, or five if you count my first shot at writing this story! The battle that's occupied my dreams since the 7th grade is finally about to get written! Hopefully I can translate the epicness as well as I envision it, and I hope y'all are as excited as I am! Please review and leave your predictions! See you all in the next one!
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