Chapter 53: Hell Comes Crashing Down
For many Pokémon the Team Rocket base within the Ichis region this place was the equivalent of Hell. And now, that very same Hell was falling apart. For those on the outside this was a welcome sight, but for those still inside it would more than likely be their final resting place. Among those still within the crumbling base were Firefly and two Azurill sisters. After coming to their aid it appeared as though their path was clear, but now it appeared as though they would join those who would never make it out, for at that moment the ceiling above them was falling down on them.
"What do we do?" the younger sister cried. Looking up Firefly knew that there would be no way for her to get both of them out in time, so she did the only other thing she could think of. Using her body as a shield she dove on top of them.
"I may not be able to get them out, but I can at least protect them…" She braced for impact, prepared for the worst. Seconds later she heard the ceiling hit the ground around them, but strangely she did not feel the weight of it on top of her. When she opened her eyes she saw the debris from the collapsed ceiling all around them, while they were protected within a shimmering dome.
"What the… where did this come from?" Firefly wondered.
"You know, you have got to stop putting yourself in these situations. It's bad for your health." Looking up Firefly saw the last person she expected to see there.
"I-Indigo! What are you…"
"You were taking too long so I decided to come look for you," he explained. "Looks like I got here just in time."
"I'll say you did," Firefly agreed. At that moment a violent tremor rocked the base, letting them know it was just about to go up.
"We can finish this conversation once we're outside. Right now we've got some escaping to do," Indigo suggested. The three females all agreed with him.
"Come on. You two can ride on us," Firefly said.
"Okay," the elder Azurill said. She climbed onto Firefly while her sister climbed onto Indigo. The Azurill then used their tails to anchor themselves to the two Fire types, coiling them around Firefly and Indigo's waists.
"Okay… here we go!" With a flap of their wings Indigo and Firefly took off, their precious cargo holding on as tightly as they could.
Some distance away the rest of Firefly and Indigo's friends were waiting for them to return. Many of them were able to remain calm, but a few were growing a bit restless. Especially Rusty.
"Come on… there's no way it should be taking them this long," he griped.
"Would you calm down, Rusty. If anything had happened they would have let us know," Pearl said. She was currently sitting with Rubic, who was clutching an egg tightly in her paws.
"Pearl's right, bro. I'm sure everything's fine," Rubic agreed.
"But what if it isn't? How do we know that they didn't get caught as well?" Rusty worried.
"It'll be alright, Rusty. I know Indigo and the others will get Firefly out," Rubic replied.
"She's right. Indigo will get sis out," Firestar added. Rusty would have argued further, but at that moment Hoshiko sensed something.
"There's a large group of Pokémon heading our way," the Espeon announced.
"Just how large is 'large'?" Solarflare asked. Before Hoshiko could reply all the Pokémon that managed to escape from the base came into view.
"I see what you mean. That certainly is a 'large' group," Firestar commented.
"Do you think they all came from the Rocket facility?" Farris asked.
"Where else would they have come from," Shadowfire answered. As the number of Pokémon continued to grow Summer, Kaiser, Tsunami and the others that were with them came into view.
"Hey! It's Summer and the others!" Farris shouted.
"I see them… but I don't see either Firefly or Indigo. Y-You don't think they got left behind, do you?" Rusty wondered. This sent a shiver up everyone's spine.
"Whew… we finally made it," Summer gasped.
"So… So this is what freedom feels like," Ole commented.
"No more walls. No more stupid guards. We are free, baby!" Houkai shouted. While he relished in the fact that they were free Farris, Rusty and a few of the others ran up to them.
"Summer! Are you guys okay?" Farris asked.
"Yeah, we're fine," the Bayleef answered.
"Where are Firefly and Indigo? Weren't they with you?" Rubic asked, panic filling her voice.
"Mother went to blow up the base's generator. Father stayed behind to wait for her," Summer explained.
"Blow the generator? But she has no idea where that is!" Rusty shouted.
"And even if she did there's no way should could blow that thing and get out before it takes the entire base down," Rubic added. While they went back and forth an earth-shaking explosion occurred. Off in the distance everyone could see the Team Rocket base go up in a fiery explosion.
"There it goes," Inferno commented.
"But what about Firefly and Indigo?" Rubic panicked.
"I… I don't know. We can only hope they got out in time," Ryley prayed. Everyone gazed in the distance towards the now-destroyed Team Rocket facility with bated breath, hoping to catch a sight of Indigo and Firefly.
"Come on… come on… where are you guys?" Rubic silently said. After a nearly five minute wait something was seen approaching in the distance.
"Hey, I see something!" Aqua shouted.
"I see it too!" Farris said. "Do you think…"
"It has to be! It just has to!" Solarflare said. As everyone watched two flying objects came into view, though no one could tell what they were. That was, until…
"Hello down there!" Everyone's eyes lit up when they saw Indigo descending with Firefly right behind him, the two Azurill still riding on their backs. As soon as the two of them landed Rubic, Solarflare and Firestar ran towards them.
"There. We're all safe now," Firefly said, not knowing who was coming her way. Indigo and the Azurill sisters knew though. As quickly as they could they got out of the way.
"Hey, what are you guys doing?" Firefly questioned.
"Firefly! You're alright!"
"Sister!" Before Firefly could react she was tackled to the ground by her sisters and Rubic.
"Thank Mew you're alright!" Rubic cried.
"We were so worried about you!" Firestar said.
"I'm glad to see you guys too… but could you please get off me. It's hard to breath under here," Firefly gasped. The three of them got off of her just as the rest of the group gathered around them.
"Man, you have no idea how long we've waited to see your face again," Farris said.
"We've been wondering if you were alright ever since Giovanni first took you from us," Shadow commented.
"There wasn't a day that went by that I didn't think of all of you and wonder how you were doing without me," Firefly told them. "Sometimes… most of the time, thinking of you was the only thing that kept me going. The things I had to do… many of them I'm not proud of."
"Well none of that matters now. You're free and back with us," Rusty said.
"That's right, and we're not letting you go anytime soon," Pearl added. Looking around her Firefly couldn't help but smile at all the warm faces that were looking back at her.
"Thanks, everyone," she said. She then turned to Ryley and the others.
"So, what will you guys do now?" she asked them.
"What do you mean?" Ryley questioned.
"Well, now that you're all free what do you plan to do?" Firefly repeated. At that moment it sunk in that they had the freedom to do whatever they wanted.
"You know… I hadn't thought about that," Ryley admitted.
"I don't think any of us have," Inferno said.
"Well, why don't you come along with us," Indigo offered.
"That's a great idea," Firefly agreed.
"I don't know. I mean, you already have a large enough group," Ryley said.
"Come on, now. There's more than enough room in our family for a few new members," Aqua replied. The rest of the group also voiced their approval, leaving the decision up to Ryley and the others.
"So, what do you say?" Firefly asked. After a few seconds Ole spoke up.
"I think I can speak for all of us when I say… we'd love to join you," she answered. As soon as she said that everyone began introducing themselves.
"Our happy family keeps getting bigger," Indigo commented.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Firefly said.
"Uh-oh… that can't be good," Farris commented. She pointed behind Firefly. When the Vulpix turned around she saw Shin approaching her.
"Shin… he made it," she said to herself.
"He looks like Hell," Faber commented. The Raichu's body was covered in various bruises and cuts, the most noticeable one being a large gash over his right eye. Glancing behind him Firefly could see Rei, Zan and the rest of Shin's allies, along with the body of Shin's brother draped across Zan's back.
"What do you think he wants?" Indigo wondered.
"If he's here to start trouble then…" Before Houkai could go any further with his statement Inferno raised a paw, signaling him to be silent.
"Shin's not going to start trouble," the Flareon said.
"And how do you know that?" Houkai questioned.
"Look at him. Does it look like he's in any shape to cause us any problems?" Inferno said. Though he had a point everyone was still unsure of Shin's intentions. As he approached them everyone stood back, giving him a clear path to Firefly. He stopped feet from her, his eyes never leaving her.
"You and I have some unfinished business, Vulpix…" he said.
"I don't know what kind of business you're talking about, but you're in no condition to do anything," Firefly said. "You can barely stand on your own two feet right now."
"My condition is of no concern to you," Shin replied. "I could drop you where you stand and not bat an eyelash, even in my current condition. But…" At that moment he unexpectedly paused and looked to the right.
"Giovanni was responsible for the death of my brother in the arena, and because of that he has to pay for what he's done immediately, meaning that our issue will be handled at a later time," he continued. This revelation surprised Firefly.
"Giovanni killed him? But how? I was the one fighting him when he died," Firefly argued.
"He was poisoned before the battle ever started," Shin explained. "The strenuous activities in the battle didn't kill him, but I'd go out on a limb to say that it attributed to him dying slightly earlier than if he were relaxing." This didn't make Firefly feel any better as she cast her guilt-filled eyes downward.
"If that's the case then I'm just as guilty," she sighed. "I may not have killed him, but I contributed to his death." As she said this Shin turned his back to her and began walking away.
"If that's what you want to believe I won't argue. Your guilt isn't my concern," he said. "We aren't through, not by a long shot. I will come back for your life, Firefly." As Shin walked away some of Firefly's friends gathered around her and watched him go.
"I wish that bastard would try to come take your life," Rusty growled.
"I doubt if he'll try anything soon," Shadow said.
"He won't," Firefly stated.
"What makes you say that?" Firestar questioned.
"He just lost the only family he had left. He'll more than likely tend to that first before focusing on anything else," Firefly explained.
"Like seeking revenge on Giovanni?" Indigo inquired. Firefly nodded in response. At that moment a loud explosion occurred in the distance. Looking everyone saw what remained of the Team Rocket facility crumble to the ground.
"There it goes. That little piece of Hell is finally gone from the face of the Earth," Hoshiko said. No one said anything. Everyone just stared as they let the fact that the one place that had been the cause of so much pain and agony was finally gone. After a few minutes Rusty finally spoke up.
"I don't know about any of you, but I don't feel like staying around here any longer," he stated.
"Me neither," Ryley agreed. "So, where to?" As everyone turned their eyes to her Firefly couldn't help but smile. She missed this feeling.
"Anywhere but here," she announced. With a resounding cheer from the rest of the group they all set off for their next destination.
"I wonder what happened to Giovanni," Ole said.
"With any luck he was still inside and got crushed by his own crumbling building," Houkai barked.
"I doubt if that happened," Indigo said.
"He's right," Firefly agreed. "Knowing him he had a helicopter ready to get him out of there before the facility came down."
Just as Firefly and Indigo assumed Giovanni had escaped just before the facility was completely destroyed. He was currently in his private helicopter circling the now destroyed research facility.
"We lost some vital data as well as key personnel," the pilot stated. "I'm afraid this may set Team Rocket's research department back a few years."
"On the contrary, this is only a minor issue that is easily resolved," Giovanni said. "Now, set a course for the Mt. Silver facility."
"Yes sir," the pilot complied.
"Also, inform the personnel there that I shall be delivering an important package to them," Giovanni added. Again the pilot complied with his orders. As their course was set Giovanni reached into his suit pocket and took out a vial. Within the vial was a thick red substance. An evil smile came across Giovanni's face as he stared at the vial.
"Soon… very soon… your power will be mine to command and control," he gloated.
Now that Firefly was free and the Team Rocket facility destroyed the group was able to travel with the knowledge that they had more than likely seen the last of Team Rocket for a very long time, putting everyone in a good mood.
"You know, I haven't felt this good in a long time," Rusty boasted. "I think this calls for a drink. Hey Pockets! Bring me a bottle!"
"Okay!" the Kankid called. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle of wine, handing it to the Jigglypuff.
"Thanks," Rusty said, taking the bottle and popping the cork.
"Just make sure you don't get too drunk. The last thing we need is to have to carry you," Pearl warned.
"Come on. You know it takes a lot to get me drunk," Rusty argued.
"Yeah, but we also know that when you start you usually don't stop until you either get drunk or Pearl and I stop you," Rubic pointed out. Up towards the front of the group Firefly and some of the others were listening, and were finding it to be quite hilarious.
"Oh man, no matter how many times I hear it that never gets old!" Kaiser laughed.
"Tell me about it. Whenever it comes to Rusty and his wine you never know just what will ensue," Summer added.
"Do they do this often?" Ole asked.
"Only when Rusty goes for his wine stash," Indigo explained. The group continued on without a care in the world.
"Firefly…" The Vulpix paused. That was a voice she'd recognize anywhere.
"E-Empress Ho-oh…" she gasped.
"Yes, my child. It is time…"
"Time? Time for what?" Firefly asked.
"For you to fulfill your destiny…" As soon as she said those words Firefly's mind was filled with images. As Firefly stared in front of her Indigo glanced her way, noticing the far-away look in her eyes.
"Firefly?" He got right in front of her, staring directly into her eyes.
"Hey, you in there?" he asked. He waved his paw in front of her face, trying to get her to snap out of whatever trance she was in.
"Firefly, what's wrong?" he asked, getting the attention of everyone else in the group.
"What's wrong with her?' Shadowfire asked.
"I don't know. Everything was fine and then she just went into this trance," Indigo explained. While he tried to get her back to reality Firefly's mind was being flooded with various images.
"W-What is this? What am I seeing?" she inquired.
"The location of Pokétopia," Ho-oh explained. Firefly gasped as she continued to look at the images. One image showed a beach. From there she was taken across the ocean, passing by numerous small islands. Eventually she was brought to a large island that resembled a crescent moon.
"Where is this?" Firefly asked.
"Crescent Moon Island. It is there that you shall find Pokétopia and the location of the Pokémon Elder Council," Ho-oh explained.
"T-The Council?" Firefly gasped.
"We shall be awaiting your arrival, my child…" With that the images faded and Firefly was returned to the conscious world.
"Firefly! Hey, snap out of it!" Upon hearing Indigo's frantic voice Firefly blinked her eyes a few times and looked around.
"Finally. You had us worried there for a second," Shadowfire said. "What happened? You were just staring out into space." Rather than wait for a response Indigo asked the question that would solve everything.
"It was Empress Ho-oh, wasn't it? She contacted you, didn't she?" Firefly looked to him and nodded.
"She said it's time for me to fulfill my destiny," she said.
"Fulfill your destiny? What does she mean by that?" Rubic questioned.
"Firefly… you have to leave us again, don't you?" Solarflare said. Immediately Firefly's face turned sympathetic.
"I know we just reunited and I really hate to do this, but this is something I need to do," Firefly explained. "Who knows. If I succeed I may be able to bring down Team Rocket once and for all."
"You really think you'll get that kind of power?" Firestar inquired.
"Maybe. It's worth a shot," Firefly replied. No one knew what to say. They knew that this was something Firefly needed to do, but none of them wanted to see her leave again right after getting her back.
"… Firefly?" She looked to Indigo, who was the one who spoke up.
"None of us want to see you leave, but I think I speak for everyone when I say we all know how important this is," he said. All around them the rest of the Pokémon nodded in approval of what he was saying. With their support Indigo continued speaking.
"As tough as it is to say this if Empress Ho-oh believes now is the time then we feel you should go."
"Are you sure about this?" Firefly questioned. "I mean, if you'd rather have me stay then…"
"Don't worry about us. We'll be fine," Farris said.
"She's right. You need to be focused on your destiny," Aqua added.
"I'll make sure everyone stays safe while you're gone," Indigo reassured. "Just make sure you don't take too long." A smile followed that statement, one that Firefly was glad to return.
"Well, if you're sure, then I suppose I could take one small detour," Firefly said. "Are you sure you can hold down the fort while I'm gone?"
"I think I can manage," Indigo replied.
"And if her can't we'll be here to back him up," Solarflare declared.
"Well, I feel better knowing you guys will be here to pick up the slack," Firefly said.
"Oh come on. You make it sound like I'm not trust-worthy," Indigo griped, feigning insult.
"Well someone needs to be here to keep you in line, and who better than my sisters. That way it'll be like I'm still here," Firefly joked.
"Oh, you're no fun," Indigo said, still playing along. This earned a round of laughter from everyone in the group. After everything settled down Firefly looked out towards the horizon.
"Well, I guess I'd better get going. It wouldn't do to keep the Elder Council waiting," she said.
"Take care, sis," Shadowfire said.
"Make sure you come back to us safely," Firestar requested.
"I will, and when I do it'll be as Queen," Firefly declared.
"Just don't expect any curtsies when you get back," Rubic joked.
"I don't know. I'd love to see you try one," Rusty challenged. Rubic narrowed her eyes at her big brother.
"I still have that 'you-know-what', and I'm sure you wouldn't want that to get out," Rubic warned. The Jigglypuff was instantly silenced.
"Well, take care," Firefly said. With those parting words she flapped her wings and took to the skies, heading East towards the coast. Everyone waved as she flew off in the distance and became nothing more than a small speck in the distance.
"Well, there she goes," Farris sighed. "Do you think she'll be okay?"
"With everything she's survived over the years… oh yeah. She'll be just fine," Aqua reassured.
"That she will," Indigo agreed. "Well, let's go. We've got to find a proper place to welcome her back to once she returns." Filled with optimism Indigo lead the group away from the remains of the Team Rocket facility, their thoughts with Firefly and the task that now stood before her.
Weeks went by before Firefly was able to catch a glimpse of the ocean. As she stood on the sandy beaches her mind went back to the images Empress Ho-oh had shown her.
"Now, if I remember right I'm supposed to stay on my current heading until I arrive at Crescent Moon Island," she mused. She continued to look out over the ocean, seeing flocks of Wingull and Pelipper fly by. She took a deep breath, breathing in the scent of the ocean.
"Okay, time to get moving!" With a flap of her wings she was airborne once again, head East towards Crescent Moon Island.
Finally, at long last, her true journey had begun…
Firefly's reunion was one that was months in the making, but unfortunately had to be cut short as a message from Empress Ho-oh has her on her way to Crescent Moon Island to fulfill her destiny. Will she succeed, and if she does will she truely have the power to bring an end to Team Rocket for good? Find out in the next chapter of Firefly: Queen of the New Breed!
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