Chapter 60: The Deal

Leaf and Ember were running down the stairs to the 3rd level of the basement. It was a square styled spiral staircase with various dimly lit lights sprawled on the corners to illuminate it fully.

"Will Leader be fine on his own?" Leaf asked in a slightly worried tone.

"You are joking right, its Leader he'll be fine," Ember replied confidently.

"Still he is already hurt all over and on top of that he has to deal with the champions."

"Damn… wannabe heroes don't know when to back off, always behind leader." Ember grumbled and this time it was Leaf who laughed.

"You sure it's the champions that bother you or only 'The Champion'." She teased as they continued running down the steps.

Ember muttered some swears under her breath which only made Leaf chuckle even more.

The third basement was the last floor according to the map Spark got for them but once they reached the floor level it was clear it wasn't the end as the stairway hadn't reached the end.

"Hey, tell Leader that the third basement isn't the last." Ember voiced through the comms.

" Yes I realized it too while I was going through the CCTV's but I won't tell him this right now he is clearing the lobby of the floor above as we speak," Spark answered.

"How is he doing?" Leaf asked.

"Well if you are worried about him, don't be he's doing his best."

"Told you didn't I," Ember exclaimed.

"Ya ya." Leaf shushed her.

"We should start tearing this place apart now can't let Leader have all the fun now," Ember said as she took the lead.

"Hey, Spark give us the run-through of this floor," Leaf asked.

"You have to clear the lobby first, as usual, the room connected to it isn't an issue since most of them are just storage rooms but the 4th room from the left is the break room for the security and it looks like it is occupied right now by the night shift."

"So the lobby how many are there?" Ember added.

"14"

"And the break room."

"Around 10 or so."

"Shit….." Leaf said as she disconnected.

"So how'd you want to do this, Leader did assign you command," Leaf asked Ember who glanced at the layout of the map once more on her phone.

Although the layout of the lobby was similar on all floors with the same 4 pillar support setup unfortunately the furniture wasn't and unlike the previous floor on which Frost was this one didn't have multiple cover points so the two of them had to take a different approach to this.

After a few seconds of thinking the redhead begun.

"Okay, we should go for the lobby guards first tell the blonde to lock all doors and shut the lights once we give the word." Ember glanced at the CCTV footage now and along with Leaf memorized the positioning of all the guards.

The plan was to kill the lights and use the panic that resulted to deal with the rest of the guards, the doors were locked during the time so any reinforcements will have to wait and once the lobby is cleared the deal with the guards in the break room.

Leaf nodded along as Ember explained the general plan to her and she promptly informed Spark of his part too.

Leaf had to admit under the angry and generally unsociable personality of Ember was a very calculative mind that could rival even their Leader's as even back in the days' Frost usually assigned her command of the team if he or Rain were not there, at first the others would question this but after seeing Ember leading time after time they realized that the women had a very convincing leading type personality as even through the harsh words she used she always gave solid plans.

"So are we clear." Ember ended.

"Yeah once the lights are out you take half and I take the other half." Leaf summed up as both women stood up ready to go.

"Then let's do this."

Meanwhile, Frost and Cynthia had started capturing all the scientists on the 2nd level after being reunited with Diantha and Lance shortly after their "Talk" as that is how both of them decided to explain it to the other two when they eventually came downstairs. With the help of Lance's Dragonite, the job was very easy as everyone simply followed the dragon type's lead.

"Champion can I ask you to take them to the police?" Frost asked Lance sincerely.

"Alright, Diantha do you want to come with me?" Lance asked the Kalosian.

[It doesn't bother Lance that Frost is leading anymore...] Cynthia summed up as she eyed the lobby once again.

[Well... then again Frost made is very 'clear' that he is the superior one here.]

Diantha seemed to be in a dilemma as after seeing Frost in action for the first time with her own eyes she now believed everything Cynthia told her about the plane incident. Lance and she had come to terms with the fact that they were not going to be any help to the rangers down here and this was the perfect time to leave as well but her moral responsibility as the Champion of Kalos made her question her choice. It was her duty to see this through even though she clearly wasn't mentally prepared for it and giving up would hurt her sense of pride as she would become a coward in her own eyes.

[I can't quit, not after saying all that stuff back then.] she thought to strengthen her resolve to continue.

Frost read in between her expressions as he understood what she was going through.

[They all have strong morals.] he justified.

" Before you answer champion can I speak to you...privately," Frost told Diantha.

"Huh?... yes of course," Diantha said as she snapped out of her thoughts and followed him to the side.

Cynthia eyed the two as they walked to the corner far enough that no one could discern what they were saying.

"Champion I don't want to force you to make a choice but I also don't want you to feel that you must continue because of your responsibilities as a Champion." Frost began immediately.

Diantha was taken aback as she didn't expect this but still answered.

"I didn't expect you to understand…. I am not gonna lie."

"Champion once someone told me that it is important that you overcome any obstacle that comes your way as they make you stronger." He began

"In that case why are we even having this conversation?" Diantha replied rather sternly as if Frost had offended her.

"Because they also told me it is also important to know how to pick your battles….. you understand where I am going with this."

Diantha nodded.

"Champion you are a good person and for sure are not a coward the fact that you are willing to continue just proves it, you don't have to push yourselves and prove this," Frost said calmly.

"Steven and the others are perfectly capable of handling things there…. They don't need my help." Diantha said

Frost smiled at the woman's honest answer as he added

"If you think I am only sending you because I am worried about the champions then you are mistaken I want you to go back because that way you can do your job as the Kalos Champion, Spark reported that the Champions are doing fine but the public is very tense because of all this… I am not asking you because I want to get rid of you but because this is something I can never do, no matter what I do me being there can never fill the public with hope or lift their spirits. A Champion is not just a strong trainer they are a symbol for the people to look up to and as I have learned myself over the past few days they also have a strong sense of justice."

Diantha felt as a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders Frost's words were enough as she understood that in a hurry to resolve this situation she tried to drag herself through it but she now realized it wasn't the best decision as a Champion and listening to Frost made her change her resolve to a more Champion like one.

"Boy Cynthia really knows how to pick them." She said as she added

"Alright then Ranger I'll go back but I can't say the same for her so keep an eye on her." She gestured towards Cynthia who pretended to not look their way.

"I will….thank you Champion." He said as the two of them walked back.

"Lance lets go I'll come along with you," Diantha told Lance as the dragon master asked.

"What was all that about?"

"Don't bother we have work to do," Diantha said as she walked past him and Dragonite who had all the scientists at bay.

"Ah wait a minute," Frost called out as he pulled one male scientist out from the grip of another female colleague and pointed his pistol at him who got caught so off guard that his legs gave way and he fell.

"The 4th level…. What's on it?" he asked clearly as the scientists covered with his hand on his head.

Dragonite tried to intervene but Lance stopped him just in time

"Easy boy." He said as the pokemon stopped.

"I don't know! I don't know please I never got clearance for it." He screamed as he shivered.

Frost eyed the scientist before shifting his gaze on the other standing behind Dragonite.

"Anyone here who knows what's there?" he asked casually like he wasn't holding their colleague hostage.

All of them shook there head sideways at the same time.

"Don't lie to me or else." Frost pressed the gun on the scientist's head who jumped when the barrel touched his skin.

Cynthia was starting to feel the intensity of the situation and all of her body was wanting to jump in front of Frost to stop him even Diantha and Lance were caught in the same mindset.

[No… he won't shoot someone when we are here.] Cynthia reasoned and held back.

Frost looked at the brunette who was holding hands with his hostage as he asked again.

"Do you know something about it… miss?"

The women in question sweatdrop as she fumbled to answer.

"I ….. don't know what is there…." She somehow got out.

Frost pressed the gun even strongly as the man started begging for it to stop.

"Please we don't know…" he said weakly.

"THEN WHY IS SHE LYING TO MY FACE!" Frost yelled as he pulled the man his lab coat's collar and slammed him into the wall.

Pressing the pistol under his chin now Frost turned to the brunette as the other scientist just paled out.

"Last chance miss….. answer truthfully or kiss this man goodbye." He said sternly.

"Hey….. I think you…" Cynthia began but stopped as Frost glared at her making her stop immediately.

The tension in the room was off the roof now as Cynthia and the other Champions were stunned. All eyes were on the brunette as she struggled to maintain composure.

When no answer came Frost said

"Fine then…. If this is how you want to play then." He jerked the man on the ground and this time was almost about to pull the trigger when the brunette broke out.

"It is a containment facility! The higher scientists have permission to go there and store all the pokemon we…..we…."

"WE!" Frost forced her to continue.

"WE WORKED ON I ONLY WENT THERE ONCE NOW PLEASE LET HIM GO THAT IS ALL I KNOW." She yelled as she cried out.

Cynthia saw Frost eye the women carefully probably thinking whether she was lying or not before he threw the man back at her as she gasped and began apologizing to him.

"Get them out of here and tell the police that she knows the most here." He told Lance as the dragon master gulped in response.

"Yeah…. Sure." He got out as he and the Diantha along with Dragonite let the group of now traumatized scientists back leaving only Frost and Cynthia there.

Once the room cleared silence fell on the two remaining people.

"I am sorry if that came out of the blue I wanted your reaction to being authentic so my warning sold well," Frost said after a sigh.

Cynthia took a deep breath as she finally calmed down.

"You are scarily good you know….." she let out.

"I am sorry if I made you uncomfortable." He added.

"It's fine in the back of my head I knew you wouldn't do anything crazy with the champions here, but how'd you pick the scientist out like that?" She asked.

"Well… my target was the brunette from the beginning you see when we were clearing the rooms out for them I picked …. And once she grabbed that guy's hand once we grouped them I knew her weak point."

"She had a relationship of some sort with him?" Cynthia asked curiously.

"Something like that or it is what a presumed." He answered as he gestured Cynthia to the stairs.

"She tried too hard to play quiet that is why you suspected her."

Frost smiled back to her as he answered

"You catch on quick Champion it is a good trait of yours and yes since she didn't stand out much like the others I knew something was up with her." He complimented out of nowhere.

Cynthia sighed as she added human psychology in the list of this man's known abilities God he was an enigma.

[He is more than just well trained at this point…..] she thought as Frost stopped to talk to Spark and after a brief chat, he continued.

"Leaf and Ember will take care of things on the floor below, we should check all the computers here and gather data in the meantime." He said as he opened one of the doors to the lab.

Cynthia could only follow him.

Inside the control room

The man with the pale skin looked at the CCTV monitors shut down and one by one all the sensors also malfunctioned.

[So they finally got in.] he thought as he ordered the subordinates

"Pack up everyone this base is a lost cause now…."

"But sir all the research and scientists…." One of them spoke up.

"Leave them be they are fodder at this point…"

"But tell that woman to send some enhanced experiments along with the three prototypes we'll need a bigger distraction to get out of this now." He said all while smiling devilishly.

"Yes sir." The subordinate replied as all of the workers there began shutting everything down.

While glancing at the news footage of the raid happening spoke to himself

"It was fun while it lasted Ranger, hope you like my little parting gift…"

On the surface, Steven, Ash, and Alder along with a squad of Pokemon Rangers and Policemen had dealt with a lot of Galactic grunts as wave after wave they fought. Pikachu was visibly exhausted and Metagross and Excavelier were also starting to slow down.

[Damn this is taking longer than I expected, mega evolution is not going to last much longer now.] Steven thought as an explosion in a nearby building caught his eye.

"Shit." He swore.

" Steven!" Ash yelled to grab the Hoenn Champion's attention.

"KID! Go there now me and the child has this covered!" Alder added as Pikachu and Excaveleir gave Metagross an opening to leave the battlefield.

Steven understood their intent as Metagross was best suited for this type of rescue, but in the back of his head, he felt this to be a trap after all the explosion seemed too random and out of the blue for it to be a coincidence.

"Dammit," Steven muttered as he steeled himself for the worst and started moving towards the now burning building as he hopped on Metagross

"Steven! Be careful the explosion could be an ambush." Rain's voice came in through the radio.

"I figured as much but I have to make sure no one needs our help." He replied as he hurried forward.

"I'll send you back up." Rain assured.

"Alright."

Once at the scene of the fire Steven yelled out

"Is anyone there! We are here to help!"

When no reply came he told Metagross

"You fly up and check for anyone who may be in danger?"

The Pokemon obliged as he levitated upwards to search for survivors or worse any victims.

Steven in the meantime jumped down and started searching the ground area and once he confirmed no one was present at the time of the explosion he started eyeing his surroundings for clues for the reason for the explosion.

[The streets were clear thanks to the police warning but because of this new commotion few people did come out from their homes to observe the flames erupting from what was previously a perfectly healthy building.] he glanced at the crowd.

After calming down a few of the disturbed people he questioned about the building and was informed that the building was for sale and no one was occupying it for the time being.

"Is that so… please everyone get off the streets for the time being the authorities will take care of everything." Steven assured the people as he sighed in relief as he felt grateful that no one was hurt.

"We aren't worried Champion if People like you are here to keep us safe then what is there to worry about." One of the young boys shouted from inside the crowd.

Steven smiled at the boy no elder than nine years of age as he replied

"Thank you I am humbled by your support, now please return to the safety of one's home we will handle the rest," Steven added as the crowd dissipated and soon Metagross returned from his survey.

"Anything?"

The Pokemon hummed a negative response.

This concerned Steven who assumed this to be the work of Team Galactic to distract him from the main battle.

"I don't want to think this was some freak accident but then again we lack any evidence….." Steven muttered as he Metagross gave him a worried glance.

Steven noticed and replied

"Anyways we shouldn't waste any more time the fire department can take it from here, we should go back and join the others." He said as he patted Metagross.

Jumping back on top of the Pokemon they just started their flight when suddenly Metagross sensed danger and turned sharply mid-air to avoid getting hit. Although the Shadow Ball just barely missed Metagross, it was enough to knock Steven off his Pokemon as he lost his balance and fell down back onto the street.

Thankfully it was not a huge drop but it was enough to daze Steven as once his blurred vision returned he saw two people standing few meters ahead of him, Metagross immediately filled the gap in between them and his trainer as soon both of the figures became clearer.

"Who are you?" Steven asked he stood up his head still aching from the fall.

The blue-haired man Chuckled as he told him.

"I suppose Champion Cynthia hasn't introduced us yet my name is Saturn and I am the acting Commander of Team Galactic and my partner here is Mars." He spoke with confidence.

"Oh, so you are behind all this….." Steven muttered, "I am sorry if I am being forward but we don't have time for mindless chatter so we would like to make a deal."

"A deal?" Steven questioned with a puzzled expression.

"Yes as a matter of fact this will greatly be beneficial for the both us…"

Steven didn't trust this man one as every fibre his body agreed but he still chose to listen.

"I am Glad you are a civil human as expected of the heir of Devon Corp," Saturn said clearly happy with Steven's response.

"Save the flattery and get on with it." Steven cut him as Saturn cleared his throat.

"I propose that you let the remaining Galactic grunts escape by loosening up a few police barricades and in return, we will give up all our research materials to you."

Steven wanted to slap himself for even trying to cut a deal with him but soon answered.

"I am sorry but I have to decline since I am personally against all the unethical research your group has been conducting on innocent Pokemon."

Steven's reply was sharp and straight to the point as Saturn sighed and now Mars was the one to speak.

"I told you this was not going to work Saturn all Champions are the same now its time for my plan."

"I suppose you are right… time for plan B," Saturn said as he and Mars called out their respective pokemon who jumped out from the shadows.

As he eyed the two Pokemon that arrived before the two commanders Steven thought

[A Toxicroak and a Furugly…..] he thought as he focused himself for the upcoming fight.

Author's Notes:

Well, I was initially going to make this chapter around 8k words but then I realized how much more time it was going to take to constructively make it that long so I gave up midway and thought I should split them up in two for better storytelling and stuff. So enjoy this chapter as the next one Steven is going to be pressured into a two versus one fight. Don't forget to follow so you don't miss the updates and feel free to ask questions in the reviews or the PMs. Until Next time

PEACE