Hello, guys!

Sorry for the late update! Being a medical student is hard, sympathize with me, guys..╥﹏╥

Anyway, when I read all your reviews, I suddenly got motivated to update and here I am! I won't delay you guys from reading the chapter! Go ahead and enjoy! (I'm as lame as ever with naming the chapters... *sighs*)

Chapter - 37

The Search

"Dawn's location has been tracked!"

I stood up from my seat in surprise while a wave of relief rushed over me. I had a hunch about where she might have been taken to, but… knowing her exact location would be a lot more convenient than just some random guess.

"Pip-lup?" Piplup jumped in joy and climbed onto Gary's shoulder.

Pikachu also asked, delightfully, "Pika?"

While making my way to Gary, I asked, "Where is she? And how did you know?!"

He replied, "I'll tell everyone at once. Come, let's go to my room!"

I nodded as I followed him to his room, which was just a few doors away from mine. After entering, I could see the other three members of our team seated on the bed and couch. I took a seat next to Drew on the couch.

"So, Gary. Tell us how you traced her location," Leaf said, her gaze serious.

He nodded as he quickly connected his laptop to his mobile. He pressed a few keys and typed a bit. He said, "You all know that the girls were given an earring, which contained a mini tracking and a Bluetooth device, right?" We nodded. "Yeah, she has used that."

May asked with her eyers widened in curiousity and concern, "You mean, we can find her now? Where is she?"

"Since it was just a mini tracking device, it ranges from five to six kilometres only. I just got the notification that the device has been switched on. And from what it seems, her location can't be tracked from here," Gary explained.

"You mean, we aren't in the range of the device, right?" Drew raised an eyebrow, wearing a thoughtful expression.

Gary nodded. "Exactly. So, we'll have to be at least near the device… then, I think we'll be in the range of the GPS… and we'll be able to track her location pretty easily."

I said, with a hand under my chin, "I think I have an idea as to where they might've taken her. Remember what Gary said? That the rites are to be performed at the Spear Pillar, somewhere in the Mt. Coronet."

Drew said, "Which means Dawn has to be somewhere near that tower, right?"

"Absolutely right." I nodded. "It's just as simple as that."

May grinned. "Yeah, then, we can find her quickly!"

Leaf intervened, "Guys, we'll have to hurry up! Remember, tomorrow is the solar eclipse, which means..."

"Team Cosmic will move one step ahead! Tomorrow is the final day for them to summon the legendaries, exactly at twelve in the afternoon!" Gary continued.

Drew nodded. "Yeah, guys. We'll have to hurry up because we're running out of time."

I agreed, "Yeah. You're right. We'll leave at six in the morning. Is it clear?"

"Yes!"

I woke up early in the morning. By now it was only five, but I had already taken a bath and was dressed up. I was wearing a black T-shirt with a blue jacket on top, and some black jeans with blue and white sneakers. I had my usual cap on my head and the fingerless gloves pulled over my wrist.

After half an hour, we all were up. I had to go and inform my parents about our plan, so I was on my way to the living room, where they might be gathered. I pushed the door open, as I wished them, "Morning."

They nodded, "Morning, dear!"

Mom and Dad were sitting next to each other on the couch. Mom was reading a magazine, while Dad was reading the newspaper. I saw Aiden seated on a single couch, playing a game on his mobile.

Aiden greeted me, with his eyes still fixated on the screen, "Morning, brother!"

I rolled my eyes at his way of wishing before speaking up, with a serious look on my face, "Mom, Dad, I'm leaving for the mission now. So, I don't know when I'll be back."

They put their papers aside as they looked at me with matching smiles. Mom came up to me and said, "Going to rescue your friend?"

"Yes." I nodded.

"Pika."

Mom smiled at me warmly. "I hope you all bring her back safe and sound. Also, that you catch the criminal behind it."

I smiled lightly as I replied, "Thanks, mom."

I was looking at Dad for a reaction. He usually doesn't speak much about my job. It's because I became an officer against his wish. He had actually wanted me to remain the champion of Kanto. My case was somehow just like Dawn's... similar to her, I have to become the next successor of the chain of textiles my father owned.

When he didn't reply, I sighed as I turned around to exit. He won't say anything, will he?

"Do your best."

I halted as I heard that rough and harsh voice. From his tone, I still knew that he wasn't siding with me and was still not in favour of my job, but he seemed to just encourage me.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw him staring back into his newspaper. I couldn't help but smile at his concern. I started walking again, but stopped when I felt a tug at my jeans. I looked down to see Aiden.

"I'll be waiting for you, Dawn, and the rest of the team! Best of luck, Ash!" He grinned. "I won't talk to you if you don't come back with her."

I shook my head, amused, as I squatted down and ruffled his hair. "I promise I will. Till then, will you take care of mom and dad?" I smiled.

"Pika-pi?" Pikachu patted Aiden's head, still on my shoulder.

Aiden nodded. "Of course. Who do you think was doing that when you weren't present for half of the year?!"

"Alright, then. See you!" I got up and walked out of the living room. When I came out, I saw Serena standing across from me. I didn't meet eyes with her, but instead just stared at the ground.

Suddenly, I felt a pair of arms wrap around my body, and a head on my chest. I looked down to see that the blonde lady hugging me. I was surprised, but didn't return the hug. I just looked in the other direction. Pikachu jumped down in surprise.

"Ash, I'm sorry for arguing with you last night. After seeing you so worried about Dawn, I've come to realise that… you really are in love with Dawn…," I heard her muffled voice say.

I didn't know how or what to reply. "...Yeah."

She hesitated before saying, "Are you willing to do anything for her? I mean, what if something happens to her… or what if something happens to you! I don't want you to be in danger just because of her… what I want to say is… will you please stay? Don't-"

I interrupted her, saying, "I will do anything to get her back and no one's going to stop me. She and all the other members of this group are very important to me." I pulled Serena from me, holding her by her shoulders. I said, "Listen, Serena. I'm an officer and you have to understand that my life is never too easy nor is it predictable... That's why I think that you aren't suitable for me or my job. You can't understand and... you'll just become an obstacle in my way. I'm sorry."

I released her as I walked ahead of her, leaving her behind. But, she held my hand. I could hear her sobbing. She said, "A-ash... I understand." She turned around and faced me with a smile on her face, tears dampening her cheek. She closed her eyes and smiled brightly, "Go and save your girl!"

What… did she say?

I wasn't able to believe what she was saying. I took a deep breath and smiled back at her. "Thanks."

"Come back safe!" She waved at me and I nodded as I ran away. Pikachu climbed back on my shoulder.

I met up with the rest of the gang outside the house. I had ordered my butler to take us to the Mt. Coronet in our car because we couldn't possibly reach there by foot. It would take us hours to do that. I signalled to him, and he nodded as he walked away.

I asked, "Are you all ready?"

"Pika?"

I saw Piplup in Leaf's arms, looking as determined as ever. "Pip-lup!" I couldn't help but feel even more motivated after seeing him.

The rest of the gang nodded in agreement. They all had serious expressions plastered on their faces.

"Sir, the ride is ready," I heard one of the servants say as he bowed and walked away. I nodded to him as we entered the black Volkswagen.

We were already near Mt. Coronet, so we asked the driver to leave us and we'd continue on our foot, from there. We used our multifunctional boots to reach the Spear Pillar faster, using the jet reactors. We had to wear some warm clothes, since the entire mountain was surrounded by snow.

When we were next to the Spear Pillar, Gary said, looking at his mobile, "The tracker has to be somewhere here! I can see it on the screen."

Looking around, we could see nothing on the ground. That's when May shouted, "Guys! Here it is!" We all ran to her and saw her holding that blue gem carved earring cum tracking device.

"But, it's just her earring and nothing else!" Leaf said, as we all gathered around May, staring at the piece of jewelry in her palm.

Gary nodded. "Yeah. The radar is flashing red, too."

"Maybe… she left it behind before she was being taken?" Drew suggested.

I thought for a while before saying, "There's a possibility for that to happen. Though, she was unconscious… when she was awake she must've dropped it to let us know where she is." I looked around and saw that we were standing just below the tower.

...Why did it end up here?

"To think about it… if Dawn left it somewhere here, then she must be near!" Drew exclaimed.

"But where?" Leaf wondered.

I said, trying to think of a possibility, "Actually, since they will have to bring all the statues and do the preparations for the summoning to the Spear Pillar, they'll keep their base somewhere here. It has to be invisible or something."

"Pika-pi!"

May said, "But, Ash, there is not even a single building here!"

Gary suggested, "Let's look through our Eye-techs."

We nodded as we quickly switched it one and looked around. If there was any suspicious thing, then it would be detected. After not being able to find anything, we decided to think about what is possible.

Wait. Let's think clearly.

Dawn dropped that thing on the ground here. So, it's probably that she had woken up when they were about to land. If I know her correctly, then she might've dropped it right when she felt him landing close to the ground, which obviously meant that they reached their destination.

So, since there is nothing around it. What if they are hiding in the tower? ...But, no! That's absurd! There's no way they'd do that!

"Urgh!" I clutched my hair, frustrated.

I heard Leaf say in irritation, "Where is she?! Did the sky gulp her or the ground ate her?!"

My eyes widened. I snapped my fingers and exclaimed, "Exactly!"

"What happened, Ash?" May scrunched her eyebrows in confusion.

"Yeah, I got it!" Everyone turned to me as I spoke with smirk, "If there is nothing on the ground, then it has to be in the ground!"

"Pika-pi ?" Pikachu asked me, confused.

"Pip?" Piplup raised his eyebrows.

I saw Gary smile. I guess he understood. "That means, their base has to be underground! Because they can't live very far away from the spear pillar nor very close! Or else they'll be discovered!"

"Mm, so, we'll have to find a path that leads to the underground, right?" Drew knitted his eyebrows questioningly.

Gary beamed. "Absolutely!"

"Let's get back to work, shall we?" May took a deep breath as she cracked her knuckles. We all nodded as we started looking for a clue. Piplup and Pikachu were also helping us out.

Just then, Piplup shouted, "Pip-lup!"

We all ran to him and saw that he was pointing ay something, which was half-buried in the snow. I frowned as I crouched, removing the snow, and picked it up. It was a... blue sandal?

"It's Dawn's! She was wearing that with her gown!" Leaf remarked.

"If her slipper is here, then it must've dropped when she was being carried. So… the entrance gate must be somewhere here!" Gary said, with his hand under his chin.

"Mm, let's see," Drew said. Just then, my gaze fell on something bumpy. I moved towards it slowly. Carefully, I examined it with my Eye-tech, searching for any danger or alarm. When I saw it blinking red, I knew that they had set an alarm.

I called out, "Guys!" They all came to me with questioning looks, and I pointed at the thing before me. "It has an alarm fixed in it... if we press it, then it will start buzzing, alerting the enemies."

"Let's take the risk. We don't have any other choice." Gary shrugged. I nodded and was just about to click it-

"Ash, stop!"

Startled, I pulled my hand back, when I heard Leaf yell. I turned to her with a frown. "What happened?!"

"I guess, it's just a trap. Look here." She pointed at something and I got up from my position, walking to her. "I can see some footprints, though they're vague but are visible. I think Jack must've stepped here in order to get inside their den."

We all looked at it carefully. From the way they looked, it was certain that he had stepped here. Though, I'm surprised that the snow didn't cover those. There was only one pair of footprints, which obviously meant that he landed right there.

The only question is: how might he have entered?

Just then, we heard some people behind us, and we quickly turned around to see that the grunts of Team Cosmic were standing behind us with guns pointing at us. We sighed, simultaneously. Why do they have to interrupt every time?

Left with no choice, we took out our guns, which were filled with paralysis bullets. When they were about to shoot us, we quickly hid behind some snow-covered rocks, defending ourselves. We started firing out bullets, which automatically paralyzed them.

One by one, we finished all the targets. None of them except one were standing anymore. They all were lying on the ground, without moving an inch. The bullets' effect would be over within twenty-four hours.

They were quite the easy enemies to deal with, huh? Not much skill, I guess.

I saw May walk to the one remaining guy. She pulled him by his collar and threatened him, "Tell us, where is the gate to enter your base?! Tell us!" She enlarged her eyes menacingly as she glared at him. It looked like she could kill him, any moment.

He held a very scared look as he stuttered, "N-no! I...w-won't tell!"

We all rolled our eyes at his stupidity. If he was scared, then why was trying to be brave? They were all so troublesome.

I saw May pull him even closer to her intimidating face and held him more tightly than ever. She glared at him. Then, she intimidated him, with a venomous tone, "If you don't tell, then, I'm going to warn you that I won't leave you capable of walking ever again!"

I resisted the urge to chuckle. She could be very frightening at times. I wondered how Drew handles her and her anger...

Annoyed, I said, "At least, tell us where it is. We'll figure out the rest."

He gulped as he pointed in a specific direction with a trembling finger. When he did that, Drew went to May and pulled her arms away from him, freeing him from her hold. She glared at him for doing so, but kept calm.

We made our way to the pillar. Just on its foot, was some kind of lock, which had a pin. Gary went forward and switched on his Eye-tech, analyzing the numbers. He said, "I can see fingerprints on two, five, seven and zero..."

Drew said, "Which means, these are the numbers of the lock. We just have to arrange it in its correct pattern."

"Yeah," he said. He pressed the buttons, while muttering, "Let's see… 2570?" The buzzer went off and flashed some words in a red light.

"Wrong. You have more two chances."

He hissed. "I'll try again." We nodded as we looked at his actions, intently. "...Uh.. 7052?" He clicked those and the same buzzing sound came with the same words flashing, again.

Gary cursed in frustration. "Damnit!" Then, he closed his eyes, thinking about the possibilities. Then, his eyes opened in realisation as he pressed. "2057!" This time, it didn't give any sound, instead it showed a "correct" on the screen in green light.

Leaf asked, "How did you figure it out, Gary?"

"I saw this number on Jack's watch," he replied, nonchalantly.

Drew clapped his back. "Good job, pal!"

"Piplup!" Piplup praised. He was now in Leaf's arms.

Suddenly, a passage opened. The snow fell from it, revealing the stairs to the underground. We quickly went inside. The gate closed itself automatically after we had crossed it.

There were lights so it was easy for us to walk through the stairs. I couldn't help but be very surprised that they created such a huge path underground… just to achieve their aim of destroying the universe.

The stairs led us to a hallway, which had many grunts standing. Before they could see us, we hid behind the walls. We decided to attack them secretly. We took them, one by one, knocking them unconscious by hitting on their napes.

Once our path was clear, we walked freely. But, there were some cameras, so Gary quickly deactivated those using his mobile and Eye-tech. We were quite lucky to have an intelligent hacker like him.

Just then, we saw a huge metal door and we just had to see what's inside. The door opened as soon as we clicked a button. I was surprised that they didn't keep any security on that door... In fact, it's kinda weird.

That steel door moved away, making way for us to enter. Once we entered, the door closed behind us. The room was very dark with just one source of light coming from the ceiling. It was a blue light… it somehow seemed like a romantic atmosphere to have a meal.

Leaf pointed. "Look, there's a half chocolate lava cake on this table!"

I walked to her and noticed that she was right. I instantly knew who ate it. I couldn't help but feel a bit angered at her. How stupid of her to have a romantic breakfast or lunch with a stranger!

"It has to be Dawn!" May confirmed.

"It does look kind of romantic… maybe Jack had this fresh breakfast with Dawn? Looks like he really is in love with her, to arrange such a diner," Gary remarked as he walked to a table. "Here's a music box, too!"

I narrowed my eyes and I could feel my nerves ticking off. They even danced?! Again?! Damn. This is plain frustrating, now!

"But… how did he know that she loves chocolate?" Gary wondered.

Drew said, "Maybe, she told him about it during the party, that day?" He shrugged as he said that.

"No, no, I don't think so," Leaf spoke up. "If he liked her and ended up bringing her here, then it obviously means he has known her long enough to know her likes and dislikes."

"Like a stalker?" May raised an eyebrow and she shrugged.

That could be a possibility. She never had any boyfriend, neither any other guy friend except for Gary. He might someone who had a crush on her but didn't have the courage to confess. I breathed out, sweatdropping. "For a guy like him, who is a part of this destructive team, to like her... She's sure a trouble magnet, huh?" I muttered. She-

Just then, I felt someone behind me and reflexively, I turned around, hitting that guy with my fist. I saw that we were surrounded by many grunts!

"I guess, it's action time!" Gary said as he cracked his knuckles. We all nodded our heads as we got into a batting stance.

I punched some of them on their faces, throwing them far away from us. Many of them kept lunging on us. I kept on hitting them, on their stomachs and face as they all started to fall down.

I saw Gary help Leaf, when one of those tried to hit her from behind. He pulled that guy and punched him on his stomach, knocking him out.

May and Drew fought with them pretty easily. They were working together, saving each with others' backs. They were in perfect sync, as expected of their years together.

Just then, all the grunts were lying on the ground, unconscious. I muttered, "Why do they interrupt so much?!"

"Guys, you'll be even more shocked to see this!" We turned our heads to see May standing in front of another door. We rushed to her side, wondering what she saw.

When we were on her side, all of our eyes widened and our jaws dropped. The entire room was covered with various photographs of Dawn! Even the ceiling was filled with them! Every picture was taken in different angles and positions! Even her expressions were different...some were smiling, crying, angry, distressed, irritated, and many more, but most of those were of her smiling and laughing expressions.

"What… the hell?!" Gary muttered with huge shock evident in his voice.

We entered further, viewing them even closely. There was only one huge bed arranged in the middle and a desk in the corner with a lot of wires connected to a laptop.

Leaf said, disgusted, "It looks like it's Jack's bedroom, because he stuck some of his photos with Dawn's."

"But, whoa! Don't you think he loves her a bit too much?! I mean, look at these pics… it's like he has his eyes set on her and only her!" May exclaimed, while looking at the pictures displayed on the walls.

I couldn't help but feel annoyed at her sentences. I retorted, "I'd say he's more like a stalker than a lover." I crossed my arms, extremely annoyed and disgust overwhelmed me. I can't believe she attracted a stalker like him! Ugh, that asshole.

Even Pikachu and Piplup agreed with me. "Pika-pi!" "Pip!"

"Aw, is someone jealous?" I heard Leaf's teasing voice. I just glared at her, which made her mouth shut. Though, she still laughed at my reaction.

"Actually, I agree with Ash." I turned around to look at Gary as he spoke. "Because look at all these pictures! It's like he was stalking her! Besides, if this is called love then, I wonder what kind of love I have," he scoffed.

"Exactly! Does he have no shame to stalk a girl?! I'd rather tell her my feelings than take pictures of her without knowing." Drew shrugged.

I rolled my eyes. "A high definition of creepiness, it is."

"Oh, man!" May slapped a hand over her forehead. "Look at these two overprotective brothers! Getting worried about their little sister! And Ash getting worried for his fellow teammate!"

Leaf wrapped an arm around Gary as she said, "Boys, chill!"

Now is not the time to be jealous or angry. "Looking at that dining table, it looks like they had breakfast recently," I said with a hand under my chin. "Maybe, half an hour ago? Because it's left with the plates still uncleaned. The cleaners should've come any moment and cleaned, but they must've just left this area," I deduced.

"Yeah, you're right!" Drew exclaimed. "Also, after knowing that we were here, they took her away from this place and ordered those grunts to attack us!"

I nodded. "Mm." Of course they'd know, since they sent a bunch of their goons to welcome us at the entrance.

"Guys, it's ten, already!" May exclaimed while glancing at her watch. "We'll have to reach the top floor of the Spear Pillar! I'm sure Dawn will be there!"

Gary nodded. "Yeah, she's right. We can't afford to lose our time in this place, we will have to get moving."

I turned to Drew, who spoke next. "To think about it, Jack will be sure to take her there, too."

"Yeah," I agreed. "Anyway , let's go!"

We quickly exited the room and ran towards an elevator. We climbed in and pressed the top floor button. They are just too clever! They dug up an entire underground base and connected it to the spear pillar! How much more evil can they get?! But I must admit, they have done it all very well planned.

Then, we heard the 'ding' sound, which meant that we had reached our floor. We quickly stepped out and rushed.

"Where do you think you all are going, cops?"

I saw Trip standing in front of us with Miette next to him and many more grunts behind him. They were maybe more than twenty-five. I rolled my eyes at him, irritated. What a drag.

I really wanted to growl at him, but I knew there was no point in doing so.

"What do you want, now?!" Drew groaned with an exhausted expression.

He replied, while smirking, "Have fun." He signalled his grunts and they ran to us.

"Dude, I'm just tired of dealing with these weak humans!" Gary exclaimed, to which Leaf nodded.

"Even I agree with you," I said. I rolled my eyes and sighed as I said, monotonously, "Pikachu, use thunderbolt on them, and Piplup, hydro pump." I could give Piplup orders, since he didn't have his trainer, for now.

"Pika-chuuu!" Pikachu hopped off from my shoulder, higher in the air. The yellow electricity sparked from his red cheeks as he shot the attack at half of those, passing them out.

"Pip-lup!" Piplup jumped from Leaf's arms and shot the hydro pump at another half of that group, throwing them on the ground, unconscious.

We were just too irritated after fighting with more than fifty of those! Taking a deep breath, I said, "Look, Trip. We're in a hurry, so please don't get in our way."

Trip answered, "Actually, sorry. But… we simply just cannot follow that order because we're going to follow only our master's command. Also, we're here to stop you from getting in our master's way."

Miette nodded, coyly, "Yeah! Sorry, honey but the orders are more important than you. If I could then, I'd surely have you three!"

I cringed. "I'd rather have a fight with you."

Gary nodded and said, disgusted, "Yeah. I totally agree with Ash and besides, I already have a girlfriend now."

I could see Leaf and May glaring at Miette, while Drew didn't even make an effort to say anything. I just shook my head at how much of an annoyance they were.

I turned my head to Drew, who spoke up, "Guys, you all go ahead. We'll deal with these two. You two go and find where Dawn and Jack might be. We'll meet you, there." He winked with a smile on his face.

May nodded as she beamed. "Yeah. Don't worry about us! We'll meet you soon after getting over this." She pointed at Trip and Miette.

I thought about it for a while and then nodded. "Alright. We're trusting you with those two. Make sure to teach them a lesson." Those two nodded, while flashing a thumbs up. "Have fun!"

I gave them a two-finger wave as we rushed inside. May waved at us while shouting over her cupped hands, "We will!"

We ran through the doors, searching for Dawn or any sign of the statues. I could see Piplup very concerned about his master as he held a very determined expression.

Dawn, you just wait. We'll be there with you soon!

So, how was it? As much as you expected? Any shocking events? Hopefully, it was a good chapter for you! Any predictions from you guys? Lemme know!

The thing is, I had this chapter written long back but I couldn't update it due to certain circumstances and now, when I was re-reading it, I felt like "whoa, really? Is that what is happening?" Like, I could read the chapter from the readers point of view and I was kinda thrilled. I kinda understood how thrilled you'd be to read the next chapter ASAP.

I'll definitely wrap up with this story before new year of 2022! Wish me luck, guys! I'm serious this time!

(PS: It's gonna be my first multi-chapter fic which would be completed! UwU I feel sad!)