AN: I'm trying writing directly into fan fiction rather than copy pasting the story. Sorry if any formatting errors occur.
"OK everyone," Light began. "It's time for our battle debriefing."
The top officers of the New Age Alliance were once a"gain seated around a table to discuss the outcome of their most recent battle.
"Quick question boss man." Grunt said. "Where's the chick from last time who helped train our troops?"
"I have sent Scarlett back to Fallarbor Town to continue recruitment and training." Light replied. "Her talents were needed for the battle but I think she can make the biggest difference in training our troops."
"Besides we can't have all of the top members of the NAA present all at once on this consistent of a basis." Momo cut in. "It would make us too big of a target to ignore."
"That is correct." Light replied. "Now, back to business. How many people did we lose?"
"The gaff in timing the start of the battle cost us a large number of personnel but, if we're being honest here, I think we were lucky to win the battle at all." Momo stated. "Nate has more specific numbers"
"About 65% of our ground forces were wiped out in the battle while only 45% of our aerial forces are still battle ready."
"Dang that's bad!" Grunt blurted out. "Would we even be able to defend ourselves if e were attacked?"
"We all knew the risks to taking on the two superpowers at the same time Grunt. This is just one of the calculated risks we've had to take." Light replied.
Turning to the rest of the table, Light continued, "Now you understand why I sent Scarlett back to Fallarbor Town. We need to increase our numbers quickly if we are to remain on the offensive."
"Nate, of our remaining forces, How many were also participants in the Battle for Fallarbor Town?" Momo asked.
"I'd say only about 100 people." Nate replied. "Which is pretty bad considering we came here with a force filled almost 50/50 with Fallarbor vets and new trainees."
"Such is the cost of war." Light said. "As we fight even more battles we will find which of our troops have talent, and those who are just lucky. The veterans from Fallarbor Town, make sure they all have ranked positions and have them assist with the new trainees both here and with Scarlett."
"Of course Light." Momo replied. "It may also help moral if we make a spectical of the ranking. It will be the first time anyone has held an official rank in this organization besides Nate, Grunt and myself."
"That is a fine idea Momo, we can use the ceremony to announce our next target as well." Light replied. "Which brings us to our next topic: What is our next target?"
"It don't matter who we fight, the New Age Alliance will just tear them to shreds." Grunt said enthusiastically.
"That may have true up to now but we no longer hold any advantage against our enemies." Light explained. "We no longer have the element of surprise or misinformation. With our victory here, the NAA is now on the center stage and we have to acknowledge that."
"So what do we do?" Nate asked. "It seems like our options are pretty limited."
"We must capitalize on chinks we see the the enemies armor rather than trying to make them ourselves." Light responded. "When opportunities arise we shall strike, creating opportunities ourselves is not a sustainable path for us to follow."
"When you put it that way, our next target should be-"
Nate was cut off as a soldier guarding the door suddenly burst into the room.
"Ohy wassup with you boy. You need to learn your place." Grunt scolded. "We're conducting an important meeting here."
"I'm sorry sirs it there is an important messenger here to speak with Light."
"I'm sorry but I'm going to need more information about this messenger before I speak with them." Light responded.
"He says he came from Fortree City."
"Fortree!" Momo exclaimed, "That is Pokemon territory. Why would a messenger from Fortree come here?"
"I'm not sure either but I think we should at least here what he has to say" Light said. "Please send him in."
The soldier left the room and returned with a a skarmory in tow. Light and the newcomer then quickly began to size each other up.
"Thank you." Momo said quickly to the soldier, mostly to break the awkward silence that had developed in the room. "If you could please step back outside, I think whatever.."
"Byakushiki." The skarmory broke in.
"Yes, whatever Byakushiki wants to say he would rather do so in private." Momo finished.
"Of course ma'am." The soldier replied obediently. "If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask."
"Now that he is gone perhaps you could enlighten us about reason for being here." Light said with a cold chill to his voice.
"As I said before, my name is Byakushiki and I come with a message from Fortree City for Light, leader of the New Age Alliance. My lord Mach, Commander of the forces in Fortree City has been observing your exploits and sees you as a worthy challenger. He would like to invite you to Fortree City for a one on one match against him."
"What incentive do I have to accept his challenge?" Light asked.
"If you accept milord's challenge he is willing to bet control of the city on the outcome of your match."
"A whole city on the outcome of a single match?!" Momo, Nate and Grunt exclaimed in unison.
"That is correct." Byakushiki replied. "If Light is able to defeat my master in one on one combat, he will surrender the city to the New Age Alliance without a single shot fired."
"It seems too good to be true." Light said apprehensively.
"That is just the type of man Lord Mach is." Skarmory explained. "I will stay in this base for an hour while you consult your officers about the offer. We await your answer."
With the offer on the table, Skarmory left the room only leaving the shocked NAA to contemplate their options.
"This offer's too good to pass up" Grunt said. "We gotta take it."
"No," Nate countered. "It's obviously a trap. We have to pass on the offer."
"But Light can take that goon." Grunt replied. "An an entire city without a full blown fight is exactly the way to keep up the offensive."
"We don't know what they have planned. It's too risky."
"Take it!"
"Leave it!"
"Everyone stop your bickering." Light exclaimed as loud as possible without losing his composure. "I don't deny that I think it is a trap as well but this is an opportunity we can't pass up."
"If you know it's a trap, why accept the offer?" Nate asked.
"There is an old proverb stating that the best way to get rid of a trap is to simply spring it but under your own terms. This way you have control of at least a single part of the situation."
"Momo what do you think?" Nate asked. "You've been awfully quiet during all of this."
"I'm just thinking." Momo replied. "Mach seems to be treating this like a bet. If he is putting Fortree City up for grabs, what are we 'betting'. In other words what will Mach gain if he defeats Light?"
"He obviously has something else planned." Light replied. "But we will too."
"What do you mean?" Nate asked.
"While I am conducting my battle in Fortree City, you all will launch an attack on the unsuspecting and weakened Mauville City." Light explained. "Most of their troops were defeated in the battle for Mt. Chimney so they should be an easy target."
"I get it." Momo interrupted. "They won't be expecting an attack without Light at the helm, giving us the edge we would've been lacking."
"Exactly. Now send in Mr. Byakushiki." Light said.
A few moments later, Byakushiki re entered the room.
"So, have you come to a decision?" He asked.
"Yes we have." Light replied. "I will accept your gracious offer to fight Mach one on one for Fortree City. What other the details of the fight?"
"Lord Mach understands you have pressing matters that you can't simply leave undone so the match will be held in three days time. Lord Mach will be waiting in the town square at noon, don't be late."
"Are there any other details I should know prior to the fight?"
"All other details will be revealed by Mach at the time of the fight." Skarmory responded. "It's time for me to take my leave and Light, Good Luck. Heh Heh"
"What do think he meant by that?" Momo asked.
"I'm not sure." Light replied "But we have quite a bit of work to do if we want to launch an attack on Mauville on three days time. Let's get to work."
Fortree City
"Welcome back Byakushiki." Mach said coolly as his friend landed. "Did they take the bait?"
"Yes milord." Byakushiki replied.
"Good." Mach said evily. "Now the stage is all set for the destruction of the New Age Alliance!"
AN: Hellooo Readers. Sorry for the delay but the ne wchapter is finally here. What does Mach have planned? Will Light be able to thwart Mach's trap and diabolical scheme. Find out next chapter same bat-time same bat-channel.
PS: After the Mach/Fortree storyline finishes, I will be out of OCs. If you want to see yours in Pokemon New Age, see the details at the end of Chapter 10.