Transformation: New Dawn

Chapter 19: Voice of hope

A/N: I have another update for all you patient readers. I feel terrible not updating this story in such a long while and I do wish to return to finish the tale of Cindy and her friends. I decided to return to this story though it was hard to churn out. For those who have waited patiently for this, this is for you.

Disclaimer: I do not own pokemon, Nintendo does. I also do not own the Transformationuniverse created by TurtlesandMonkeys; I am only borrowing it from her with permission. John and Sarah belong to Swack16, Mary belongs to TurtlesandMonkeys, and omega belongs to Lord Nalthren.

-0-

The bumping of the Humvee lessened when the road became smoother. Kyle was leaning against the seat decked out in some spare army fatigues that they had found in the back. They had to pull over so he could dress in the bushes. Linda couldn't help but cast shy glances at him to see if he was done dressing and when he was she signaled the rest that he was. John couldn't help but roll his eyes at this, Mary only shrugging and chuckling. Now they were getting closer to Delta base, according to Yui.

"So what exactly is this Delta base?" Kyle asked. Yui closed his eyes. "It's where we've been holding our primary operations for the past few months, our second biggest base that handles the containment and distribution of viral pokemon captured since the start of the Quarantine crisis."

"Distribution?" Linda asked. Yui nodded. "We distribute them to various labs across the region for study and to test for any Human-turned-pokemon among them. Our number one priority on this mission however is the retrieval of Akira." He looked to John. "Remember?" John nodded. "Right." Yui leaned back in his seat. "As soon as we hit the base you can call your relatives and we can have someone drop you off unless you want to help." Kyle nodded. "Ok, sir." Linda leaned in to Mary and whispered. "He looks cute in the uniform." She giggled. Mary giggled too and shook her head.

John leaned in toward Kyle. "So what do you remember about the Quilava that attacked you? Anything distinct about it?" Kyle shrugged. "I don't know, it didn't look that much different from any other Quilava, except…"

John leaned in expectantly. "Except what?"

"It seemed rather…afraid to attack me, as if it was forced or something."

That's got to be Cindy…

Kyle turned his head questionably. "Why do you ask?" John shook his head. "It's nothing." So Cindy is somewhere near this area...or was anyway…

The Humvee stopped at a checkpoint where a solitary guard waited with a rifle in his hands. He looked in the window and saw Yui. Yui held a badge out. "Commander Yui Izumi of the 302 division." The man nodded and let them pass.

John saw out the windows as they passed through a chain-linked fence with barbed wire running along it and armed guards on posts by searchlights. Memories of Rustboro came back to him when he went through his first HDC camp.

The Humvee drove down a tunnel that led into a massive open enclosure filled with large tents and shacks, military vehicles and personnel. Tall guard towers outlined the outer fence and John could hear helicopters buzzing through the air. Amid the military chatter and hustle, chirps and roars of Pokemon could be heard.

"Pretty big facility." He heard Kyle muse. John nodded. "Probably as wide as a stadium."

"As you can guess, manpower is a little short for an operation of this size.' Yui said from the front seat. Mary leaned forward. "So all this is just to look for one person?"

"That and try to salvage what we can of the region amidst this nightmare. They capture Viral Pokemon before they get near populated areas. As you can guess with so many trainers going out by themselves that isn't always easy." Yui explained.

"So you still continue those checkpoints?" Linda asked. Yui nodded. John rolled his eyes. "As if that worked the first time." He muttered.

The Humvee came to a stop in front of the center of camp, a large Pokemon center that was converted into a large command center. John could see the large satellite dish attached to the ceiling and could tell it was recently added. "This center used to be a stop-in for trainers on this route before all the trouble began." Yui stated, causing the youths to turn to him and back to the center. "It's our only solid shelter incase we fall under attack."

The doors opened and John walked out, Mary getting by his side. Kyle stood up and Linda blushed at how nice and tall he looked in the military fatigues. Yui could see guards posted in front of the center doors and he saluted to them and they returned the gesture.

" I'm sorry Commander, there is a meeting in progress with General Kikari inside." Said one of the guards. John perked up at the mention of the General but Yui nodded and crossed his arms behind him. "Understood. We'll wait but in the mean time can you give us a status on the mission here?"

"Yes sir." Came a voice from behind, Yui turned and saw a reedy private with glasses giving a salute. "Private Arthur Harrison, I was sent to update you when you arrived, commander." Yui nodded. "Proceed."

"We've sent the dispersal teams out and have captured a substantial number of VP's. None of them match the targeted Ninetales we were looking for though." Yui nodded. "Ok what else?"

Harrison fiddled with his glasses. "Well strange reports of a group of minors roaming around have been constantly popping up in this region, especially in the Danger zone by Lilycove."

Mary narrowed her eyes. "The Society."

Harrison had a confused look. "Society?" Yui waved his hand. "Long story."

He gestured to John and the others. "These kids will help us in the search." He looked to Kyle. "And this one needs to get in contact with his family." Harrison nodded. "Yes of course sir, once the center is available he can access the vid-phone."

The private turned to Mary and John. "I take it you know what we're up against?"

John smirked. "Some of us have been turned into a pokemon more than once yet here we are still fighting." Harrison's eyes widened. "You were turned, and then turned back?"

Mary nodded. "There is a cure to this."

Yui put a hand on Harrison's shoulder. "You're new, aren't you?"

Harrison nodded meekly. "I transferred from Petalburg reserve last week." Yui pinched the bridge of his nose. "Heck of a first assignment, eh kid?"

The doors opened and a group of soldiers walked out, surrounding a tough looking man dressed in a general's outfit. Yui and Harrison saluted as he passed when suddenly John stepped in front of the general. The soldiers stopped when John suddenly swung his fist and caught the general across the face, yet he still stood. Mary and Linda gasped. He swung again but was immediately held back by the other soldiers. The general took off his hat and then hooked his fist into John's stomach while the soldiers held him. After a second jab made him cough out the general put his hat back on and leered at him. "Striking an officer, not a very smart thing to do, boy." John leered back. "It's all your fault."

The general tried to show no change in his demeanor. "What are you-"

"It's your fault this got out of hand." John said with venom in his voice.

"Shall we hold him in the brig?" one of the privates asked.

General Kikari shook his head. "No, unhand him." The soldiers did so. Yui stepped between John and the general. "General, pardon the behavior of my young friend here."

"This boy with your unit, commander?" Yui nodded. "Yes sir."

General Kikari closed his eyes. "Young man, it is my understanding that you've been tasked with aiding the commander here in the search for Akira and my daughter, is that right?"

John only stared back. The general circled around him. "And I take it you blame me for the current crisis our region is facing?"

"It was your unit, it did little to stop this." John narrowed his eyes. "And many trainers have suffered under your procedures that were said to help people, help them and their families." His fist trembled. "Instead they trapped and doomed them."

Kikari turned away. "No, you're wrong." He turned his head down. "I would never allow such a thing to happen if I was in charge." He sighed. "Truth is, I was a retired man, and only when Keys' unit grossly mishandled this situation were my services called for…when my own daughter was one of those victims you mentioned." He turned, visibly shaken. "You think I would allow such a thing to happen? My mistake was not acting when I had the chance." He straightened his gaze. "And I am repairing that mistake."

He walked past John toward a waiting motorcade but stopped and turned to John. "I'm not asking for forgiveness, I just want my daughter and Akira back safely." He opened the door and entered. "Do what you must."

As they drove away John just watched them. Yui swung him around. "Just what the hell was that for?" He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Next time you decide to pull a stunt like that again, I may not be there to bail you out." Harrison cleared his throat. "Um, shall we go inside?" Yui nodded and the group began to move inside.

Yui gestured to the main waiting area. "Why don't you guys just sit here and wait while I go to deliver my report about the society attack we witnessed? Private, if you would show this young man to the nearest vid-phone?" Harrison nodded. "Yes sir." He turned to Kyle. "If you will come this way." Linda began to follow. "Is it ok if I come along?" Harrison raised a brow while Kyle smiled. "It's all right, you can come." Kyle said and Linda began to blush before regaining her composure and following to the vid-phone area. Mary and John just sat in the lobby, Mary giggling. "She sure likes him." John raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"Linda. Even in a time like this she can find time to like someone." She sighed with a smile. "Even you…and me…we both found time to…you know, find someone we like."

John smiled. "Yeah…" He looked skyward. "If there was just some way I can reach her…"

He saw someone exit from a door in the back and he stood up, seeing the soldier walk into an area where the restrooms are. John got up and looked inside the open door, seeing radio equipment. Mary saw the mischievous smile oh John's face. "What are you going to do?"

John got up without answering and headed inside the radio room.

-0-

The sun began to creep through the windows, slowly rising on Cindy's face, the Quilava curled up by the door to Sarah's room. She opened her eyes and yawned, stretching herself on her forepaws. She could see her friends curled up by couch and smiled to herself. She saw her reflection and saw Quilava staring back at her. "Qui-lava." She murmured, imitating the way her old friend used to greet her every morning when they used to be together.

"Good morning." She turned with a gasp to the voice behind her and sighed when she saw Joy's ditto body. Joy giggled. "I didn't mean to startle you." Cindy shook her head. "It's ok, just thinking about the past, that's all." She looked past Joy toward the door. "She'll be out soon?" Cindy asked. Joy nodded. "All she needs to do is wake up and she'll be all right." Cindy sighed in relief again. "Thank you, once again."

"Well it's my job." Joy said with a smile, raising a small gelatinous digit out into a crude victory sign. She then began to close her eyes and glow, her shape growing taller and forming outlines of clothing until the light faded and revealed a perfectly human Nurse Joy. She smiled proudly. "I've been practicing more." Both girls began to laugh.

"Well I'm going to go in the back and prepare something for the group." Joy said as she began to walk. Cindy nodded. "You go ahead. Is it ok if I can visit Sarah?"

Joy nodded. "Of course, but keep it quite. She might be sleeping." Cindy nodded and went through the door.

Cindy walked to the bed Sarah was sleeping in. The Quilava stood up on her stubby hind feet and leaned against the bed, standing level with the Luxray's sleeping face. She couldn't help but smile at how peaceful Sarah looked.

John, if only you could see her now…

Thinking of John, Cindy couldn't help but rest her head next to Sarah's and rest with the Luxray.

In the main room, Joy was preparing the rations when Chansey appeared with a box. Joy cocked her head to the side. "What's this?" She asked.

"I found it in the back. I don't think it's been opened." Chansey said. "It's pretty heavy."

Joy leaned in and opened the top. "Oh?" She pulled out a radio receiver. "Oh! I forgot I ordered this just incase of emergencies." Chansey looked downward. "Except no one would probably understand us."

Joy took it out and set it on the counter and turned it on, static coming through. "Hmm…still we could listen for outside news or something to see if the crisis is under control, it would be a great way to receive information." She put the radio down and left it on, the static pouring through as she searched for a working signal. "Oh, how did sis tell me to operate these things again?" After awhile she sighed and gave up. "I better prepare the rations."

She went back to the front while Chansey looked at the radio one last time before heading back to help her.

-0-

John sat at the edge of the radio and clicked it on. "I hope she's listening." He moved the signal to cover any radio receivers in the area. Mary came behind him. "What are you doing? We could get into a lot of trouble doing this." John didn't turn to face her. "I have to tell her to come to a safe place or something, or if she's cured that I'm ok." He looked at her pleadingly. "Please…" She looked to the side before nodding.

He pressed on the radio mike and approached close.

"This broadcast is for anyone caught up in this viral outbreak and are searching for hope…."

-0-

Back at the center the group was already eating the rations Joy had prepared. Sophie fluttered her wings. "Is Cindy up yet?"

Joy nodded. "She's with Sarah, I'll go get her."

As she passed the back she heard the radio flicker with life as a young man's voice came through. "…Anyone caught up in this viral outbreak and are searching for hope…listen."

Joy stopped in her tracks. The radio continued. "…I know this virus seems unstoppable and that the HDC told you no cure was found, but…it's a lie."

"There is in fact a cure, I knew the scientist who tried to tell everyone about it, I knew Sherice. She cured me when I was a Pokemon,"

Joy rushed back to the group. "We got to hear this." They got up and began to follow, Cindy hearing the activity and poking her head out the door. "What's going on?" she asked. Before anyone could answer she heard his voice.

"The cure is in fact injecting yourself with uncontaminated human blood. That will not only stop the process but reverse it." Cindy's heart leapt. It was him, she knew his voice.

"John." Sarah said weakly as she stirred from sleep. Cindy rushed to her friend. "Sarah?"

The Luxray tugged herself from the wires and stumbled off the bed, grimacing. Cindy rushed to her but Sarah shook herself up and began to weakly walk toward the radio. Cindy helped her walk to it. "It's him Sarah, it's John." Cindy said with a smile.

" If you are in Pokemon form and can still think don't be afraid of those from Omega, they can cure you if they receive this broadcast too. And if you see a Pokemon that doesn't attack you, bring them to a cure clinic and if there aren't any, go to a Pokemon Center. To all the nurses, if a trainer brings an infected human, cure them the way I told you."

Cindy and Sarah leaned closer to the speaker. "If we pull together we can beat this virus…we can't let it separate the bond between human and Pokemon…"

"This is John Ping, and if you're listening to this Cindy, I'll find you."

The radio then clicked off.

The group stared at the radio for a few moments before Cindy stood up. "This is our chance, our chance to be cured." Steve stood up. "But what about your friends?"

Cindy looked to the side. "If we find them they can be cured too, and with that radio message more people should know about the cure then they might cure them too."

She smiled at them. "Besides, you're my friends too."

Joy nodded. "Very well then I'll prepare some supplies if you plan to go on a journey."

Cindy looked to her. "Aren't you going to come with us?"

Joy smiled. "It's ok, I don't mind if you go without me. Besides, I have a responsibility to the center."

Joy was walking back when Chansey stopped her. "You can go, I can stay and watch the center." Chansey said. Joy's eyes widened. "But you need my help around here."

Chansey smiled. "You can help when you are better, when you are cured along with Cindy and her friends." Chansey smiled. "Besides, I'm sure I won't have my hands full when you're away and they might need your skills out there on the field."

Joy stared at her pink friend for a long time before kneeling over and hugging her. "Oh Chansey, you are a great friend."

Chansey smiled back. "When you're happy, I'm happy. That's the way it is with all us Chansey." Joy nodded." Still I have to do a final check on Sarah then prepare our supplies for our journey, but you can help if you want."

Chansey smiled again. "Always glad to."

Cindy looked to Sarah who gave her a hopeful smile.

Cindy looked back to the radio. Now more than ever she felt hope inside her. Thank you John, you'll keep me going…

-0-

Done. This was a chapter to get things rolling after this story stood still for so long. Parts of this chapter were actually reused from unpublished drafts of earlier chapters such as the arrival to delta base but the newly added ideas came after suggestions from some friends that suggest that somehow John get a message out to Cindy. I also felt I should reintroduce General Kikari and show some resentment John had over the handling of the last situation with the Quarantine of the Hoenn region. The transmission was suggested by a dear friend, Maxsilverfox, and Swack and TaM also helped fuel some ideas to get this story moving again, so those of you who have waited patiently, I hope this shows you I haven't abandoned this story yet.

Things will really start moving now that Cindy and Co. has a new sense of purpose, a new goal to shoot for. But what will they find in the end? We'll find out soon!

Please review!^^

Jonesycat, out!