Arc 2 start - The Rescue
Third Person P.O.V
"The latest reports indicate that Team Galactic has risen back up to torment Sinnoh once more-"
"A new development, just coming in from Sandgem Town is that a legend turned human, Mesprit, has been kidnapped by the reformed Team Galactic, while thi-"
"After questioning the Pokemon League on its current actions on this blatant attack in Pastoria and recent kidnapping in Sandgem, they say that all activities are being canceled. Statements show that Gym Leaders, Elite Four, anyone who is strong enough to help, is coming to Sinnoh to rectify the situation. We'll keep you updated but for now we turn to metro-"
As she changed the channels of the T.V, Azelf could only watch as news of the events that had occurred plaster itself across the LCD screen.
Azelf was quite astonished how fast the information got around so quickly, considering these events had only occurred an hour or so ago. The world she used to know took hours, even days, to get information to most of the populace. Every waking minute, she's been getting more and more into the modern tech that has been produced by humans, including the television, and more importantly, the aeroplane.
High above the ground that is the continent and nation of Sinnoh is a small twin-turboprop commuter plane bringing very precious cargo to Jubilife City's Flower Field (Co-owned by Floaroma Town.). On it was Azelf, Fair, Crasher Wake and a few other representatives of the Pokemon League to make sure she was escorted safely to Sandgem Town. Despite the recent kidnapping, it was the safest place for her to be considering all of the most powerful trainers in the world were currently in the small town, creating quite the media buzz in the process.
Though that wasn't the most exciting thing for the populace to hear as much as when one of the very deities they worship was coming into town, bringing quite a lot of the devout and other assorted to Sandgem. She had also heard that her brother, Uxie will be there too, making it possibly doubly hectic on the ground in the area once they were both there.
Within the next half hour, the plane had reached the Coronet Mountain Range, which it passed over, showing the full glory and might that the mountains have to offer in scenery. Once the plane was past the mountains, they were immediately in their final approach to Jubilife City, touching down in a short fifteen minutes before taxing and parking at one of the many gates at the domestic terminal at the airport.
Once off the plane, the first thing Azelf saw was a large gathering of people- journalists, the curious, the wackos. You name it, she saw it.
'It's nice to know that people want a story or to see me personally though at the cost of my privacy and dignity.'
Considering the fact she was basically goddess of sorts, people of many a culture flocked to see her walk through the airport, wanting to catch a glimpse at the human-forme of Azelf.
Azelf's P.O.V
Once I was in the van with Fair alongside me- after a harrowing trek through a large mass of people and their Pokemon wanting to see me- the ride was rather smooth and uneventful. The scenery itself though was a treat in itself ranging from meadows of flowers and brambling brooks to a large city center and it's outlying suburb to quiet exurbia and calm forest, the ride was a magnificent rush of greens, blues and greys. By the time we got to the laboratory though, the scenery was anything but grand.
There were police helicopters and armored cars in certain areas all over town while a whole squadron from the Sinnoh Army was guarding the laboratory. From what I was told, this a precaution as Team Galactic- or rather Neo-Galactic as they took to calling themselves now- have had there threat status upgraded from international crime syndicate to terrorist group after the last few stunts they pulled. Most of those 'stunts' though, were really ruses to keep every eyes averted from Sandgem so they could kidnap my sister. The Pastoria incident was only one of five that day, ranging from robbing a bank to almost derailing a train- though the one I was involved in was definitely the most violent of them all since they were all ready to kill to get their point across. Maniacs...
Fair was relatively calm throughout the ride, seemingly content at watching the scenery fly past. It must be quite the experience seeing a whole new area to explore and get to know. Maybe that's what trained Pokemon wish to experience. Hmm...
We finally pulled into the driveway of the lab, but first the convoy of cars had to go through a security check. It's strange seeing people in full military garb in a world where Pokemon fighting dominates but after the many scuffles with evil syndicates, many of the nations drafted a larger standing army to keep them at bay. Neo-Galactic would think twice about pulling anything when a tank is right outside their door.
When I finally entered the lab, it was best described as total chaos. Paper was strewn about, people were walking to and fro, everyone was on edge. Of course my presence did not go unnoticed by everyone there as they had a strange sense of relief flood through them- though I'm not my sibling Mesprit, I have trained a bit in the arts of emotion gathering enough to pick up the mood well enough, that's not saying I can replace her, only she can do her job.
The first person to greet me with words of any form was the Champion of Sinnoh herself- Cynthia.
"Ah, Azelf I presume. You look tired but that's a given what happened hours ago." I just nodded and looked around to check out the other people in the lab- mostly scientists or trainers employed by the Pokemon League. There were Interpol agents in their own corner as well with another occupied by the intelligence branch of the SAF, or Sinnoh Armed Forces. You learn a thing or two when you watch T.V and the uniforms they wore were are big giveaways.
Fair took this time to go outside to the outer research area and meet the other Pokemon. I know she won't be back for some time unless I go get her.
As I looked around, Cynthia motioned for me to follow while simultaneously moving those who had stopped and gathered around me out the path forward. As I followed, I can see the center of the floor, a large table with a sort-of holographic display system set-up on top of it, showing the details on three buildings- two which I knew, Team Galactic's Eterna Building and their HQ at Veilstone. The last one was blueprints to a massive building that gave way to numerous hallways and a variety of rooms in different sizes and shapes; all of them serving different purposes.
Looking the three buildings over, I can't help but get drawn to the third one- as if something there was trying to call for me. Maybe it's where they took Mesprit as it would be too easy to go straight to Eterna or Veilstone and promptly rescue her. Knowing them and how they are acting now, I'm assuming they're going to have more than just Pokemon and grunts protecting the place. They've already crossed that line back in Pastoria when they shot that trainer and I still feel as if that was my fault for not being quick enough to stop them or just handing myself over but either way, things might've gotten worse. How would it be if I had been captured along with my sister? The world as we know would be changed forever if they were to get their hands on more power.
While I mulled over my thoughts, Cynthia, the SAF representatives and the Interpol agents assigned to this delicate case of rescue were arguing on the best plan of action.
"We know that their newest base in the heart of the Coronet mountain range has the most potential for Mesprit to be found but they know we're onto them as is and will likely be beefing up security there as well as the other two strongholds they currently own and operate. What I propose we do is a sort-of divide and conquer advance." One of the Interpol agents remarked to everyone as they sat at the table, looking over the details of each building.
One the SAF representatives piped up a response to the agents suggestion, one that soured that plan greatly.
"Where will the manpower come from? SAF has it's hands full protecting the major cities from any future and I know the Interpol is being very cautious about this situation considering the fact that funding has been cut time and time again. We can't plan a divide and conquer without manpower." This is where Cynthia cut in with a suggestion.
"Why not use Pokemon League representatives as the bulk of our forces? Almost everyone from each League except the Kalos League will be here. Add that to the Frontier Heads coming as well and we have a formidable force to take down Team Galactic or really, Neo-Galactic as they like to be called."
Her suggestion did go unnoticed as the one of the other SAF representatives voiced his concerns over this.
"If Tea- Neo-Galactic is willing to kill to achieve their goals, shouldn't we be worried about your safety as well as all the other League representatives and personnel considering they won't hesitate to use lethal force to stop any of you?"
"That is a concern but I propose that we have psychic Pokemon in case of such an event so they can block or even send back any projectiles of any sort. It's risky and sounds inhumane but it's the best defense I could think, even if it has it's flaws."
The other Interpol agent, being quiet during the whole discussion, raised one important concern.
"Even if we do get past all their defenses and subdue all of them, how will we find Mesprit? It's not as if they're going to tell us and even with SAF intelligence, we are still unable to locate her on any type of mapping- energy, UV, IF. She doesn't show up on any of them! It would be fruitless to go there and not find her."
"Well, the answer to that is standing close by, mesmerized the detailed mappings of each building. Azelf, if you were to come along, would you be able to locate your sister?"
I pulled my gaze away from the projections and walked over to the table where everyone was waiting for an answer. I thought about how to say this for a moment before I spoke.
"I can but the distance in my current state would be much smaller for me to be able to feel her presence. Even then, since the building is so large, it could deflect some of the energy, giving a false presence."
"Which building do you assume she would be in?"
"The last one looks like the one she's most likely in. What's its name?"
"Its name is unimportant. What is, is how we get in and rescue Mesprit." I looked over, along with everyone else to see a blond haired boy with a pair of glasses wearing a light blue-grey T-shirt and jeans like mine. Along with him was a Sneasel, who was looking around, curious about the lab and what was in it. This boy can only be one person.
"Uxie..." I called out, finally seeing him for some time. He turned towards me with a slight cool smirk, something he did only when he's full of confidence or is angered.
"Azelf." He simply said before looking away from me, reviewing every detail possible on the buildings and their fortifications. He seemed focused on the holograms provided, checking over every hallway, every room. As he looked, he had somehow procured a notepad- probably from a lab assisstant- and was writing out a plan for infiltrating the building.
I walked over to his side and tapped his shoulder. He looked away from the holograms towards me with a stoic, expressionless face- one he wore almost all of the time when he was still... still Uxie. He kept staring at me, waiting for me to say why I had interrupted his thought processes.
"Uxie, you just got here and you're already soaking every bit of information and forming plans. I'm all for rescuing Mesprit as quickly as possible but we shouldn't rush that quickly. There are more pressing matters at hand with the situation."
Uxie just looked at me before turning to the holograms, before turning once more towards me and asked me a question.
"What pressing matters are you referring too? I assume that getting our sister back is the number one priority."
I looked around a bit, trying to think of how to formulate an answer considering the delicate matter that Neo-Galactic has played.
"Well.. Neo-Galactic, as they're now called, are doing something that involves the multiverse and this world. In short, they want to..."
I struggled to find something to call it before Uxie quietly ended my sentence.
"...combine them."
He looked around for a bit to see that the many who had crowded the table had gone about to their business after Uxie entered. A blessing considering the matter of the subject being very delicate to the world as anyone knows it.
As we stood there, Uxie looked around once more and then went over to a nearby seat to sit down and think on what I told him. He had a solemn look on his face but I can tell that deep down, he's a lot more concerned than what he's showing.
I grabbed a chair from the table and sat it down next to Uxie, hoping to get something about the time he had been a human- or at least, cheer him up somewhat.
"Uxie, don't worry, with everyone helping, Neo-Galactic will never be able to finish their plan. And no matter what, I promise you I will not stop looking for Mesprit when we get in there." If it sounded very corny, it was. I was hoping that this was at least going to take some concern of his of his mind though it did little in the end.
"Azzy... what do you suppose would happen if they caught us as well while trying to locate Mesprit?"
"It depends on who captures us. Jupiter would murder me and then be an arrogant hag, Saturn would be the smart-ass he is and Mars would just gloat. I don't know about their dear leader or that scientist if theirs though, though I assume they would capture us on the spot, drain us of whatever energy we have left and leave us for dead. Also, don't call me Azzy." Once I finished, Uxie hesitated for a second before responding.
"Jokes aside, I think we have a chance but a rather slim one from what I can gather together. I do have a plan or two that can increase our chances. How does splitting up the current representatives of each league to different things sound?"
"It sounds like a weird idea but a good enough one none-the-less. Should we discuss this with the others and try and see what they can input?" He said as he walked over to Cynthia, who was talking to one the representatives from the SAF about allocating some soldiers to help.
As I sat in the chair waiting for the others' to come to the table, I thought about something.
What if they've already completed the device and are just teasing us or doing all of this to taunt us? It would certainly be a good strategy. It almost worked the first time with making the three trainers release us first before they made a mad dash to Mt. Coronet's Spear Pillar. It certainly gave Team Galactic enough time to set-up before being shut-down by Giratina.
I was woken from my thoughts by the banter suddenly placed at the table between everyone, I must've nodded off for a good ten minutes thinking. From the little bits I heard, it seems that no one wants to volunteer any resources into something thought up so quickly. From the Interpol and SAF people, I heard them talk about how risky it was to split everyone up the way we did. I started listening as one of the Interpol agents rebutted an earlier statement from Cynthia.
"...should not take a risk we really need to take. Why not let the SAF do the whole operation? It seems logical that the military of this country pick up the slack. Where were you people during the last crisis?"
"The SAF is a recently created government entity in response to the aforementioned crisis. We weren't around for that. Now that we're here, we're finding out that our resources are spread too thin to be effective and that we simply have little to supply for an operation. Maybe one platoon tops but remember that's around fifty to sixty soldiers, so don't get your hopes up for an army." The SAF officer looked annoyed at admitting at what little they had to offer. His look was one of annoyance but concern as well. Before I could think into his statement, Uxie offered up a new idea.
"Back to the original idea of splitting up the resources, why don't we tack on around fifteen soldiers to each operation. It is much better that having none and there is less a liability factor as well. I also propose that only the strongest trainers go to the third facility so that would leave the Elite Four members and the regional champions. The Frontier Brains may be included as well but that depends if any come at all." Everyone looked around for a couple of seconds, looking to each other to try and see if anyone had a better idea or had something to add. My brother's plan is flawed but it's better than any of the other plans they have offered up to this point.
Cynthia spoke up first, saying what most had on their minds.
"Seems like a good plan. I know I have nothing to offer up. Anyone else?" She looked around to see that no one had anything to say. Seeing the blank looks on everyone's face, she continued, "Since no one else has anything to add, let's take a vote. For this plan, raise your hand now," Almost everyone at the whole table raised their hands, it looked a like sitcom how silly this vote is being taken considering how all these people are in powerful positions, "It's decided then, we follow Uxie's idea and divide resources accordingly. I'll go tell the Pokemon League what's going on now."
The Interpol agents got up and headed away, muttering about how main office is going to kill them, they were the only ones not to agree with the plan although they did so silently.
"We'll try and find the best platoon for the job. We'll get back to you all when we do." One of the SAF officers said before rushing of to his sector of the lab with all the other SAF personal.
Now that we have a good idea of what we're going to do, one way or another, we're going to get our sister back if it's the last thing we do and once we do and we're going to put a stop to Neo-Galactic's plans in the process. Hopefully, we'll get there before Mesprit is hurt or worse and maybe I'll get the chance to punch Cyrus in the face if it's the last thing I do to get her back.
We're coming sister.
Sorry for the massive delay in updating for anyone who cares, I just had a lot going on recently (AP exams, regents, finals, graduation and college stuff.) that I couldn't gather up time to write until these last two weeks but at least I have the new arc planned out well. By September, I hope to update this arc twice and maybe finally get that next chapter of Cyanide worked- AFTER I update the story from my old archaic format. (Centered layout, what was I thinking back then!?)
Review because I like critics, especially nostalgic ones.
Next time, anytime, Cyanide out.