The trip to Cerulean was a hurried one. The hospital there was only a couple years old but it was often busy. It was built over a set of old homes that resided next to the Nugget Bridge, and when Riker arrived via copter, his concern resided on the top floor.
"How is he?" After checking in and spending thirty agonizing seconds in the elevator, Riker met the other Executives.
"Calm yourself champ." Stotler put a hand on his shoulder and held him back. A short man of only 5'2, Stotler would've been easy to push aside. Instead Riker calmed himself and stepped back. "It's a minor heartattack at worst."
"This is his third this year." Kelly said, winding a strand of hair around her finger. If there was ever a person who cared more about dye than Riker, it was Kelly. Her color changed every other week. At the moment, she was rocking a mauve base with ice blue tips, all pulled up into a ratty ponytail atop her scalp. Unlike her hair, she kept her outfit simple with a solid knee length black dress.
Sanchez, a man in his sixties with streaks of gray and crows feet at the corners of his eyes, agreed with a nod. Riker often considered him the most dedicated of anyone he knew. He was there when the organization fell apart and was the only existing executive to date that helped to rebuild. "His health has been going downhill for years. I'm not sure how much longer he can hold on."
"Regardless." Stotler said. "I think it's best we keep his ongoing health issues between us. If our enemies catch wind of this, they'll think our Organization is weakening."
Kelly sighed and folded her arms. "Speaking of which..."
"Probably not what we had in mind when we talked about meeting." Riker pulled a chair up, sitting on it backwards and resting his arms on the back. "But like I told Stotler, this is beyond us at this point. They have the power to cause problems for any unlucky enough to cross them."
"In his current state, I don't think delivering this kind of news would be beneficial." Stotler remarked.
"We don't have much of a choice." Riker pulled another seat aside for Arlia to sit on. He was surprised the nurses hadn't commented on her being out of her ball. Perhaps it was the intimidation of a six foot tall, fire breathing, ass kicking bird that persuaded them to keep quiet. "One of us has to tell him." When the other three Executives focused their vision on him, he rolled his eyes. "If you think for a moment me telling him is going to dampen things, you're delusional. If anything it'll make things worse."
Kelly made her way towards the room. "Don't be cowards. We ALL should tell him. We're Executives for a reason. Acting like a bunch of titty babies isn't going to make the situation better."
"She has a point." Sanchez remarked. "C'mon pups, lets get this over with."
Despite their new found courage, they still pushed Riker in first.
The room was dark and cold. The heavy, white curtains pulled over the windows and the linoleum tiles were chilled to the touch.
"Stay out front." Riker told Arlia, "Come get us if anything happens."
On the bed, in the center of the west wall, a body lay still with several IV's hooked up in both arms.
Riker wondered if the Boss was even awake. This thought changed when the person shifted his head to look at them. Once they all piled in and shut the world from view, the Boss attempted to sit up, using the remote near by to elevate the bed into an upright position.
"I suppose I should feel loved, with all of you here." In his youth he was a healthy, prideful man. Now, he was decrepit and deteriorating. Roughly the same age as Sanchez, he was thin and gaunt. His once booming voice was weak and raspy.
This didn't deter his leadership. He still ruled strictly and had a tempter to match.
Sanchez approached, taking the Boss' hand and kissing it. "I've never been one to miss a party sir."
The Boss laughed, coughing as he did so. "You're a good man." He gave Sanchez a pat on the cheek.
After, he waved the others over. "Don't just stand there like a bunch of scared Lilipups, there's plenty of space around the bed." They approached hesitantly. "You have some news to tell me...of a negative persuasion from the sounds of it?"
"How did you-" Kelly was interrupted.
"Considering the string of petty crime in the area, I figured it'd find its way back to us." The Boss wheezed. "And I heard your conversation outside. You weren't inconspicuous."
Stotler was the first to speak. "I had a squadron of men disappear a few weeks back." He crossed his arms. "Sanchez and I both did. Riker's men had a run in a little after-"
"There was an attack on my facility yesterday." Riker said. "From what we've gathered, our enemies are either recruiting our men into betraying, or doing away with them when they refuse." He glanced to Kelly. "And I say men because they don't seem keen on allowing women into their ranks. One of my female subordinates was attacked, and they made it very clear they had...uncouth plans for her had we not fought them off."
Kelly scoffed. "Disgusting swine."
"One of my men defected, he's taken his research and it's given the enemy an advantage." Riker felt ashamed when saying it. "It's my fault for not realizing his intentions. I'm sorry."
The Boss inhaled, taking a labored breath while listening to the melodious chirp of his heart monitor. "What is your plan to fix this issue?"
"The Lab is currently working with an old blueprint to try and reciprocate the effects of the experiment."
There was a silence for a few minutes. In that time, the nurse came in for her hourly check up, examining the monitor and IV's.
"I think..." The Boss said after the nurse left. "It'd be best if we re-purposed the research to another region."
"I planned on asking Sanchez if his Lab would be willing to split the work. As long as we forwarded the blueprints to him." Riker frowned, his anxiety mounting. "I worry about pushing too many onto the project. If these men are determined to break us down, they're going to attack the weakest limb first. My branch is the worst for labor. They tried to take over our building once already."
"What I want to know-" Stotler said. "Is their reason. What vendetta do they have against us?"
Leaned against the far wall next to the window, Kelly pushed the curtains back to get a view of the reddening evening sky. "Uh...guys?" She pulled them back the rest of the way. "The gym's on fire."
The others approached to witness the roof of the Cerulean gym up in flames. Fire personnel were on the scene, spraying the building and the surrounding area to make sure the flames didn't spread.
It was lucky for Kelly that she took a step back, because as soon as she did, a bomb was lobbed through the window. Hitting the ground, it injected a thick cloud of smoke into the air.
Vision obscured, the Executives stumbled around in desperation to find breathable air.
Through the coughs and watery eyes, Riker managed to get the door open and clear out the area.
All rooms on the top level had been accosted with similar bombs, including the security room to the right of where they were staying. (Why security wasn't on the ground level, Riker didn't know.)
A thunderous explosion came from the entrance way, rocking the floors above and causing the four of them to lose their footing.
"They know how to make an entrance." Riker said, still coughing and trying to catch his breath.
"How did they find us?" Kelly asked.
"I don't know, but I know who they're after." Calling Arlia, he looked back. "Sanchez, Kelly, stay with the Boss, Stotler and I will head them off." The two men rushed to the stair well (being the elevators were no longer operable). In the process, they had to fight through swarms of nurses, doctors and patients all while slipping and sliding on the wet tile floor. (Due to the sprinkler system sounding).
Pushing through the double doors to the first floor, a large Gengar was busy accosting two terrified nurses. Arlia took initiative immediately. She charged and tried to plant a flaming fist squarely into the Pokemon's forehead.
It had little effect. (Though It did turn the Gengar's attention from the unfortunate women).
"We can't do this here." Riker said.
"Not a problem." Stotler tossed out his Dusclops. "Lets try and push him outside." Dusclops managed just that, using a powerful wave to scramble and confuse the Gengar enough to get him through the front doors. "Where's the trainer?"
"Somewhere nearby. I bet you that thing is chipped." Riker was shoved aside when Arlia ran through, joining Stotler's Pokemon in a full frontal assault.
Looking down, Kelly started chewing on her bottom lip. They were doing a good job of keeping the enemy out of the hospital, but they were taking a major beating in the process. "They aren't going to last much longer. I have to get down there."
The Boss held up an arm to stop her. "Wait..." He pointed the chair where his jacket was hung. "In the front pocket..."
"Sir, are you sure?"
"Take her. She's old, but she can still get the job done." The Boss chuckled. "I wish I could say the same for myself."
Down below, Dusclops was still standing, able to withstand the constant barrage the Gengar was throwing at him. Arlia, however, wasn't as fortunate. Her attacks were barely making a dent and when she took a knee from exhaustion, the Gengar took that as a sign to throw out a finishing blow.
Arlia was hit with a wave of psychic energy so great that she flew back, skidding across the ground and landing in a still pile on the sidewalk.
Riker rushed over to her, within blasting distance of their enemy.
"Arlia." He tried to help her up. She got up on her hands and knees, but was wobbly and fatigued. "Stotler, she can't take much more of this!"
"Hang on guys!" Kelly threw her ball into the ring upon appearing, casting her Pidgeot into the fray. She held up the other Pokeball and smiled. "A present from the old man." Dusclops and Pidgeot could've made short work of their enemy, though when Kangaskhan was tossed in, the very presence of caused the ground to shake.
The Boss was right, she was old. So old in fact that the baby in her pouch had since grown up and moved on.
War torn and battle scared, she was tough, and rugged. (And cranky from having her nap disturbed).
Taking two steps, she roared, the force of which caused the Gengar to tumble. The ground rumbled, knocking the creature around. With their adversary distracted, the Pidgeot lifted into the air, flapping its wings and creating a wind gust that caused the surrounding signs and light polls to bend. All the while, Dusclops went full on offense and started pelting the Gengar with everything it had.
"Riker." Stotler called over the battle. "You two try to figure out where their trainers are hiding. They should be near by!"
Getting Arlia to her feet, Riker fought his way through the gusting winds and flying debris.
Going around the side of the hospital towards Nugget Bridge, he saw a black, windowless van parked in the tall grass near by.
Around it were several men and more Pokemon.
"I see how it is." Riker muttered. "Distract everyone up front so they can go in from the back." Picking up his Transceiver, he dialed Sanchez's number and moved closer along the bridge. Crouching down with Arlia behind the rail, he waited impatiently for the ringing to stop. "Sanchez, they're getting ready to invade from the back entrance...yeah, I'm gonna try and interfere before they can. Be prepared just in case."
Hanging up, he directed his next words to Arlia. "I know you're tired, but I need you to aim for the van. Knowing how big of a contraption is needed to control those things, blowing their van sky high should do the trick." He sighed. "Or, I'm wrong and we'll both get the shit beaten out of us. Either way, it's better than nothing."
The Pokemon surrounding the van were nothing special: A Machop, two Grimers and a Butterfree. Though considering their eyes were glowing a deep, red, hue, (something Riker noticed with all the enemies' Pokemon), it was a safe to assume they'd be a handful.
"I'll try and take down the stragglers in the grass." Riker jumped the rail and skidded along the shore of the ravine. There was a small stone path over the stream. He waited until Arlia enacted her part of the plan before crossing.
When she got within distance, Arlia blew the roof off the van, incinerating not only the vehicle but the grass around it. The men around the van were sent into a frenzy, with some caught in the blaze and throwing themselves into the waters.
With the others distracted, Riker jumped across and clothes-lined a man standing on the shore. He was easy to dispatch, as he fell to the ground and hit his head on a protruding bolder.
The other near by wasn't as easy and got a few punches in. He must've had brass knuckles or a particularly sharp ring, as his final blow landed onto Riker's face, slicing a deep gash across his cheek.
Through the pain, Riker was able to get the upper hand, returning the favor and nailing the man in the groin with his knee before throwing him into the stream.
With the van destroyed, the Pokemon went back to normal. The redness in their eyes dissipated.
(They fled the scene the moment they had their wits about them).
As soon as the chip was deactivated, the Gengar out front went down where it stood.
Kelly went up to it and ripped off the chip attached to the lower part of its skull.
"So, this has been causing all of our problems?" She put it in the front pocket of her dress. "We better let Sanchez know we're clear."
Standing in the 4th floor waiting area, Sanchez took the silence as a sign that everything had calmed. He found himself disappointed that he'd been left out of the fun...that was until a patter of feet came scurrying up the stair case. It would seem, even though Riker and the rest had done a good job of wiping out the men, a straggler still managed to sneak in and was determined to complete his mission.
"Why, hello there." Sanchez greeted, Pokeball in hand. "Allow me to applaud you on your tenacity. I'm afraid this is where your journey ends. Allow me to say congratulations." The lone intruder shrieked when he found himself staring down an angry looking Salamence. "And goodbye."
Much like after the attack in Aurora island, the aftermath to Cerulean was eminence.
The gym took major damage and the gym leader, an older woman with ginger pigtails, was going off on the fire chief.
The hospital windows were all broken, several rooms had damaged machinery because of the smoke grenades and the foyer was blown out completely.
"I can't get it to stop." Riker pulled his kerchief back from his cheek. He grimaced at the soaking of his blood on the white fabric.
"You might want to pop in for some stitches." Kelly examined his wound and wrinkled her nose. "Sooner rather than later please."
It was only a matter of time before the police started poking about. Riker was in the process of being tended to when an entire team of officers arrived in marked cars.
"Great." Kelly rolled her eyes.
Several uniformed men in matching outfits stepped out. The final one was a man of no physical significance. Though, his outfit varied in color, choosing a black coat instead of the usual blue. Fastened to the pocket where his Transceiver and several pens were was a badge reflecting the word 'Deputy'.
Taking a look around, he saw Kelly and shook his head. "Kelly. Fancy seeing you here."
Kelly folded her arms. "Dixon. When there's wind, there's rain." The officers began investigating, letting their Growlithes prod the debris.
"I could say the same for you." Dixon pursed his lips. "I'm guessing this was your doing?"
"For your information." Kelly chastised. "If you knew how to do actual POLICE WORK, you'd see we had nothing to do with it. Maybe a 'thank you' is in order?" As they spoke, the remaining intruders were collected, put in cuffs and crammed into the surrounding police cars.
"Sir." One of the officers called to Dixon. "I think she may be right."
Stotler watched as the attackers were loaded up and driven away. "Oldest technique in the book." He commented. "Create a diversion and sneak in the back. I'm guessing the fire and gas were supposed to confuse us?"
"I suppose a filthy criminal would know how the other animals think." Dixon removed his shades and clipped them onto his collar.
"I could say the same thing about a seasoned detective." Sanchez sneered through a locked jaw. "Someone in your position should be willing to follow proper leads."
Instead of snapping back, (something Dixon was prone to do), he exhaled and ran his fingers through his hair. "Considering the string of vandalisms, I had your people pegged as the culprits." He smirked. "However, I'm curious why all four of you are gathered here..."
Riker, stitched up but still covered in his own blood, wasn't about to let the police know where the Boss was located. "You haven't read us our rights, we have nothing to say to you."
Kelly stopped alongside him, chuckling and giving him a punch to the arm. "Calm yourself pipsqueak, we're getting out of here anyway." She retrieved the chip she detached from the Gengar. "Here's that thing you were talking about. Pass it to your lab." After a short conversation, Kelly and Sanchez chose to stay at the hospital until the Boss was discharged . "It was great seeing you again Dixon. We'll have to do lunch sometime."
Kelly's sickly sweat demeanor produced a sarcastic smile on Dixon's lips. "If this keeps happening, I may take you up on that offer."
Riker, tired from the drama and sore from his injury, called Ms. Morre to inform her that he'd be heading home. After, he got to the copter and dozed off on the trip back.