(A/N: You know, I realized last chapter I could've been so mean and just said that the story is over. But it's not, obviously, since you're seeing this. Last chapter on is practically Act 2 of the story, and you'll see why soon.)

Chapter 11: Putting the Pieces Back In Place

The next morning, Chris was sitting up on his bed, reading the morning newspaper. One of the articles mentioned the recapturing of Sunyshore, if you could call it that, with all details about the entire operation. "Guess you can never win a fight without losing something, huh Emily?" Chris thought.

Some may think it's crazy that he talked to Emily in his mind, but then again, she may have been gone, but it still felt like he was having a conversation with her. He then read a small commentary from a citizen stating that while what Zena has done is terrible, such a situation will cause the region to be put under military control. Funny how he could easily dismiss that statement.

Soon, a nurse came in, serving breakfast. "It's good to see you're in much better shape," she said. "SIP is always gonna need your help."

"Well, I guess that's gonna be a problem once I grow old and retire," Chris said with a smile.

The nurse, who appeared to only be a couple years older than him, smiled. "By the way, this letter came in this morning," she said, looking to the envelope that was on his tray.

"I see," Chris said, picking it up. She was about to leave the room before he said, "Excuse me, did whoever give this to you say who it was from?"

"Afraid not," the nurse said. Once she left, Chris took another look at the envelope. It said his name in bold letters. Only thing was, there was no address back, meaning it must've been important. He opened the envelope and took out the note. It was a small piece of paper which read:

If you want to rid Zena Corp. for good, meet me inside the Vista Lighthouse at 4 pm.

The Vista Lighthouse? That was only about ten minutes from here, driving distance. Last he heard that area had been one of the last places to be cleared up. Of course, he knew this war wasn't over, not until he personally dealt with them. He then clenched his right hand into his fist. He still remembered what Emily asked for him to do, and he would fulfill it to the fullest.

Chris started thinking as he started to eat his breakfast. He would be cleared to leave the hospital at two, giving him plenty of time to arrive there. Still, it sounded suspicious, so it was best he'd come prepared. He then flinched a bit in pain as he put a hand to the cuts in his neck. He was still worried they were going to keep an extra eye on him because of what happened, and it greatly annoyed him.

Chris then looked back to the note. Whoever this person was, they must know Zena Corp. inside and out. Maybe perhaps he could get some answers as well. Maybe then he could finally end this once and for all.

There was then a knock at the door. "Come in," Chris said. The door then opened and Sadie came inside. "Hey," he said. "Wait a minute, since when are you up at 8:30 in the morning?"

"Well, that's what happens when you join the military," Sadie said, taking a seat right next to Chris. "Besides, you yourself were a lazy bum at one point."

"Touche'," Chris said as Sadie then took the newspaper. "Is Pikette still sleeping?"

"Yeah, she is," Sadie said, reading the paper. She then laughed. Apparently she read the same commentary as he did. "Oh, this is too good," she said. "I can easily imagine someone saying something just like this in Hoenn. Military control..."

"You think that's interesting, take a look at this," Chris said, handing her the note he received.

Sadie took a look at the note for a couple seconds and looked back to Chris. "Is this person for real?"

"Possibly," Chris said. "Wouldn't hurt to check it out. Besides, I get cleared at two anyway."

"I don't know," Sadie said. "It sounds risky. Maybe I should tag along."

"No," Chris said. "If this person wants to see me, they'll want to see me alone. Sadie, this could be our one chance to stop Zena for good."

"If you say so," Sadie said.

Chris then smiled slightly as he laid back in his bed. "So, were you really just asking that so you could tag along with me?" He then gave her a wink.

"Not true," Sadie said quickly. Chris' smile widened and soon Sadie found herself blushing. "Shut up."

"Awww," Chris said playfully. "What's wrong? Does Sadie want to be with her wuver, Chris?"

"Actually, I think Sadie wants Chris to shut the hell up," Sadie said with a smirk.

"Alright, alright," Chris said, putting up his hands in a peace gesture. "I don't think we need a fight here in the hospital."

Sadie laughed. "No, I think not." Her face then changed to sadness. "If you're going to see this person, that means you're going back out there? You think you can handle it?"

"I'm not sure," Chris said. "I think I can pull it off. What about you? What will you do?"

"Not sure either," Sadie said. "Guess it kind of depends on where they put me."

"Well..." Chris then said. "Maybe if I can, perhaps you can come along with me."

"Really?" Sadie said. "I'd appreciate that if you could." She then got to her feet. "Well, I better get going. Starting to feel pretty hungry."

She was about to leave but Chris quickly got to his feet. "Sadie, wait!" He then grabbed her wrist and without even stopping to think, he then kissed her full on the lips, catching her by surprise. After a full minute, they finally broke the kiss. Chris had a smile on his face. "I thought maybe you could stay a bit longer and we could... chat or something."

Sadie appeared to have second thoughts. "I suppose I could," she said. She then smirked. "But if I end up here more than an hour, you're coming with me to the cafeteria."

Later in the day, around three, Chris put back on his uniform, which had been cleaned for him. He then looked at the pistol Emily had given him. It was interesting how the littlest of things could trigger the biggest of memories, but he was alright. He slid it into his holster, making a promise to himself and Emily secretly that he would put it to good use.

"So, going back out there I see?" a voice then said.

Chris didn't have to turn around to know that it was Pikette. "Well, you know me," he said.

"Yes, I do," Pikette said, going up onto the bed. "Sadie told me where you were going. You sure it's not a trap?"

"That's a chance I'll have to take," Chris said. "If this is the key to finally stopping Zena, I'm willing to take it."

"Yeah, I guess you're right," Pikette said. "Just... be okay out there alright?"

"Hey, it'll take more than a bullet to take me down," Chris said. He then bit his tongue, wishing he hadn't said that. "Anyway, Pikette, there's something I need to tell you."

"I know," Pikette said. "You and Sadie are having feelings for each other. I understand."

"And how exactly do you know that?" Chris asked.

Pikette smiled while pointing to her temple. "Have you forgotten what I'm capable of doing?"

"I thought I told you not to do that?" Chris said.

"Hey, I couldn't help but sneak a peak," Pikette said. Chris then threw one of the pillows at her.

"Thanks, I'll make sure to keep my mind closed from now on," Chris said with a bit of a smile. "But, you're okay with that?"

Pikette just shook her head. "Chris, Chris, Chris," she said. "You know it's not like that anymore. True, I've had feelings for you before, but it came out when you were stuck as a Pikachu. That's why my feelings finally came out. But, this is better for you. Besides, we're just best friends now."

"Always?" Chris asked.

"Always," Pikette responded. "Don't worry, I'm not gonna cry in a little corner if I see you kiss another girl. Although, I have to admit you seem to go through women a lot. First Dawn, then me, then Emily-"

"Hey!" Chris said angrily, causing Pikette to laugh.

"I'm just kidding," she said. "I can understand how humans are like. Now, just don't be cheating on Sadie, you hear me?"

"Yes ma'am," Chris said.

"Good," Pikette said. "So, you all ready to go?"

"Sure am," Chris said. "Things are about to get a lot more interesting."

Chris, Sadie, and Pikette soon found themselves in the hospital parking lot. "You know, I've just come to realize something," Chris said. "I don't have a way of getting to the lighthouse. My car and bike are back in Jubilife."

"Oh, I think I have a solution to that," Sadie said, taking out a pair of keys and pressing a button on the keypad. Soon, a black Dodge Challenger came right up to them.

"Nice," Chris said. "Where'd you get this bad boy from?"

"SIP donated it," Sadie said with a smile. "Guess it's appropriate since you tend to save everyone's butts. I personally picked it out, since I've always been more of a Dodge person, but I think it fits your tastes too." She then flung the keys to him.

"Thanks Sadie," Chris said, catching them. "I'll make sure to take good care of her."

It was quiet for a couple of moments until Pikette finally broke it. "Ahem," she then said.

"What?" Chris asked.

"Well, are you gonna do it?" Pikette asked.

"Do what?" Chris asked, not knowing what she was talking about.

"Oh for crying out loud, are you going to kiss her or not!?" Pikette almost yelled.

Both he and Sadie instantly started blushing. Chris then looked to Sadie. "Just so she finally shuts up," he said, placing his lips against hers. After almost a minute, they finally parted.

"So, I have an idea," Pikette said, who was right between them on their shoulders. "When this is all over, I say we take a much-needed vacation down at the beach."

"I've got a better idea," Chris said, taking Pikette into his hands. "How about we go on vacation and you stay at home maintaining the apartment?"

Pikette obviously didn't like that much as her answer came in the form of electrocuting Chris.

"Pikette!" Sadie said, completely shocked, no pun intended. "Why did you do that?"

"No, it's fine Sadie," Chris said, getting up. The last time he had that experience was with Pikachu all those years ago. Unfortunately, Pikette's attacks were a lot worse. "I guess I deserved that."

"Yes, but I only did it because I love you," Pikette said.

"Alright," Chris said, brushing off his sleeves. "Time for me to head off. I'll let you both know when I get back." And with that, he got into his new car and headed off towards the Vista Lighthouse.

About ten minutes later, Chris finally arrived at the lighthouse. It was larger than he had expected. Getting out of the car, Chris went to the entrance doors, which opened for him. There was no one inside. Something didn't seem right.

Pulling out his pistol, he continued walking into the lighthouse. It was rather dark, and hard for Chris to see. All of a sudden, the lights flashed on and he was quickly surrounded by troops, but they weren't Zena troops. "Hold on," one of the soldiers then said, raising his hand. "Stand down." After the other soldiers lowered their weapons, the soldier that had spoken came up to Chris. "We were told you were coming," he said. "Follow me."

Slightly confused, Chris followed. The soldiers looked like SIP, but their uniforms appeared a bit different. They then went down a large hallway, and Chris was surprised to see what he saw. There were plenty of turrets, most likely motion-sensored. Then, going through another door, they went up a rather large set of stairs. Soon, they both got into an elevator which took them to the top floor. Once the doors opened again, they found themselves in a large room with a large window that displayed the ocean before them. "I will take my leave," the soldier then said, going back down through the elevator.

Chris, now alone, took a look around. There was a large desk and chair in front of the window, giving a nice view. He then walked up close to the window and looked outwards. Despite it being cloudy, it was still a breathtaking view.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" a voice then said. Chris turned around to see a man about in his mid-forties come up to him. "I'm glad you could come," he then said, holding out his hand. "The name is James."

"Chris. Chris Johnson," Chris said, shaking his hand.

"Yes, who wouldn't know that name by now?" James said, smiling slightly. "You've most certainly given Zena quite a bit of trouble lately."

"Yes," Chris said. He was rather curious. "Those soldiers... Are they part of SIP?"

"A private part of SIP," James responded. "They work under me. You may never have heard of them before, and that's a good thing. Exposing our identity would jeopardize us indefinitely."

"I see you've installed security to this place?" Chris said. It wasn't often you would see a lighthouse with turrets.

"Oh yes, the turrets," James said with a smile. "That's not all though. If one was able to get past them, they would have to deal with a laser grid. Very deadly. And even if someone made it past that, it wouldn't matter. Those stairs you went up? Once the door closed, the room immediately becomes filled with microwaves. No one tends to survive them."

"Looks like you got this place pretty secured," Chris commented, seemingly impressed. "Now, you said you could help me?"

"Yes," James said, taking a seat in his chair. "You see, at one point I was once part of Zena, one of the scientists to be exact. I may not be a military expert, but I have a good feeling what Zena likes to do."

"So you can expose what they may plan to do next?" Chris asked.

"Not exactly," James said. "We have a satellite scouting their current whereabouts, but they've hidden themselves pretty well. If I had to guess, they must be outside the outskirts of the city, regrouping. Reinforcements may not come until later on."

"I see," Chris said. "So, what do you want me to do?"

"Before I tell you, I need you to do me a favor," James said. "We may be part of SIP, but we have to keep our identity hidden, so what I am asking you to do is keep all information on what you do confidential. It's for the best. Also, as much as we would love to take down Zena quickly, this could easily become a war of attrition. However, attacking them day by day will cause them to lose their moral, and it will eventually cause them to quit. This making sense?"

"Yes, understood," Chris said. So much for Sadie tagging along in this. "So, what will I do first?"

"Our Intelligence has confirmed there is a Zena base about a klick outside the city limits," James explained. Taking it out will cause a huge dent in their attempts to counterattack. I will have my men supply you with what you need, seeing as you're going in alone. One more thing. Have you ever been put on any assassination missions?"

"Can't say I have," Chris responded.

"Well, then now will be good practice," James said. "There in that base is General Betz, one of the major generals in the war effort. Taking him out will also cause a great deal of moral loss."

"Wait, but won't the explosion kill him in the process?" Chris asked.

"Perhaps, but we can't take the chance that he might survive," James said. "You remember the July 20 Plot?"

"Good point," Chris said. "Am I to leave right away?"

"Yes," James said. "Contact me once the job is done. My frequency is 143.58. Then meet me tomorrow and we will discuss what will be done that day."

"Understood," Chris said, taking his leave and heading towards the elevator. Once going down, an idea came to his mind and a smile etched on to his face. Pulling out his cell phone, which he used for specific conditions, he then dialed a number onto it. "Yes, about that item I bought. I'm going to need it for something. Here's where you'll meet me..."

(A/N: Yeah, I told you it wasn't over yet. This is actually where things will get interesting, especially next chapter. Anyway, hope you enjoyed the chapter and I have one other thing to say... YOU JUST LOST THE GAME! XD)

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