AN: Hello readers. I've deleted the first Summary Chapter as I believe it was impeding the growth of the story. Any content that was in the the summary chapter is now in the new first chapter of the story (if that makes any sense to you). If any chapter number issues are still present, please let me know. Thanks! Now on with the show...
Upon hearing of Grunt's capture, another strategy meeting was called so that even Light, just recently recovered from his injuries could weigh in on the situation.
"It's obvious what we have to do." Nate said. "We have to go in there and rescue him now!"
"I agree." Silver said, "The sooner we can get him back the better."
"You both act as though it's as simple of going to Verdanturf and walking out the front door with him." Light said. "We need to wait and stick to our original plan of attack."
"With you there with us, it would be that easy!" Nate shot back.
I "Have I taught you anything by being here!?" Silver piped in. "You need to look out for your troops, especially when they're in trouble, Especially when they are one of your top officers!"
"Have You learned anything from our past few battles Silver? The enemies keep getting stronger and I am not as infallible as you might believe." Light said.
"He may have a point..." Momo muttered.
"What do you mean he might have a point?" Silver yelled.
"Objectively speaking we just received new intel on the enemy's base. We should use that information to craft a battle strategy that is sure to work." Momo said. "I'd like to get Grunt back too but we can't let our emotions cloud our judgement and force us to go in unprepared."
"Maybe but we have to do something for him!" Nate pleaded, desperate to try and get his friend back.
"And we will." Light replied. "You just have to be patient. We'll analyze the data we've gathered and launch an attack as soon as we're properly prepared."
About a week later
After analyzing the data gathered by Rattata, who escaped capture during the scouting mission, a plan to fight Verdanturf was finally made and the troops set off.
Once on the outskirts of Verdanturf, Light made a short prebattle speech.
"I don't need to tell you all what's at stake here." Light began. "Our comrade in arms, Grunt has been captured by the enemy. He was a true supporter of our cause and so we fight for him today. We fight to further the cause that he had sacrificed so much for. So let us defeat the Pokemon and rescue our friend. Send in the first unit."
Learning from their past mistake in Slateport, the strategy for Verdanturf consisted of a staggered engagement. The NAA would try to keep the enemy off balance by using small groups of powerful troops. When the enemy concentrated forces on repelling the first unit, a second would be deployed to where the defenses were weakened.
Light, staying back from the frontline directed the NAA forces using information gathered by Nate, who was viewing the battle from the air.
After the first few waves of attack were successful, the remaining officers were sent into action.
"OK, here's the plan." Light said. "LC and Momo are going to take over the direction of the troops, meanwhile, Nate, Silver and I will loop around the back of their line and stage Grunt's rescue. Any objections?"
"Nope" Silver said
"None here." Nate replied.
As the trio headed to the west, the forest which had previously dominated the landscape was replaced by mountains, slowing progress tremensly. They traveled in silence until Nate posed an important question.
"Hey do we even have any idea what part of these mountains Grunt's being held in?"
"Nope." Light replied offhandedly.
"If we don't know where he is, how are we supposed to rescue him? How do we even know where to enter the mountain?" Silver asked, suddenly very worried about their situation.
"I'm working on the first part and the answer to your second question is arriving now."
Coming from the Northeast, a Pokemon completely encased in fire suddenly appeared in front of the trio.
"What do you three think you're doing here!?" He asked as the flames began to dissipate.
As the Pokemon's full figure came into view, Light uttered a single word under his breath, "Flamerunner."
Inside the enemy base
Grunt sat alone in the middle of a large cavern. He was tied to a chair, as was the usual when he was being interrogated, but something felt different this time.
The enemy had already figured out that he knew nothing of the battle plans as he was sent to gather information for its planning but then why would they bring him back again?
"Hello again." Knight said as he walked into the room. "Back in the seat of honor I see."
Ever since Grunt was captured, Knight had taken a perverse pleasure in overseeing his interrogations, ensuring that they were as painful as possible. Perhaps Grunt was closer to defeating him than he wanted to admit.
"Oh yeah, it's a real honor getting to sit in your musty old cave all day tied to a freaking chair. There definitely wasn't anything else I wanted to do this last week."
"I'm glad to hear that" Knight replied playing along with Grunt's sarcastic remarks. "Now if you'd be so kind as to tell us a little about your comrade's weaknesses, we'll be on our way."
"They ain't got any so your out of luck."
"Everyone has a weakness." Knight replied. "You just don't realize what your comrade's are. Now think a little harder."
After thinking for a few moments, Grunt replied, "You know you're right everyone does have a weakness like that big mouth of yours."
Knight's are twisted in anger as he knocked over the chair holding Grunt and held a Leaf Blade to his neck. "I still defeated you even with this big mouth of mine, now how about you tell me those weaknesses Right Now."
"So that's what's happening." Grunt said coming to a realization. "They're here aren't they? That's what feels different."
"What?!" Knight replied.
"It's written all over your face." Grunt said. "My friends have begun to attack the city and you're desperate for anything that will twist the battle in your favor."
Still scowling, Knight turned to an aide on his left and said, "Hook him up to the electrodes and juice him as long as you can without killing him." Raising his voice slightly he added, "For each piece of useful information he gives, you can turn it down a notch."
"Bring it on!" Grunt challenged, "I can take whatever you dish- AAHHHH!"
A small smile crept onto Knight's face as he exited the chamber, Grunt still crying in pain behind him.
Rescue Party
"Flamerunner." Light muttered under his breath.
"You three shouldn't be here." Flamerunner said. "But I guess it's just my lucky day."
"Do you think he recognizes us?" Nate asked in a loud whisper.
"We aren't in any disguises you dummy." Silver replied, "Of course he recognizes us!"
"Light, Silver, and Nate, three of the NAA's top generals. "Each one of you is infamous in the ranks of the Pokemon army." Flamerunner said. "If I'm able to defeat even just one of you, I'll be known worldwide."
I don't think he recognizes me. What a relief. Light thought. I wasn't counting on running into anyone from my old life.
"What's the plan Light?" Silver asked.
"We.."
"I'll fight him." Nate declared.
"What!?" Silver cried.
"They took my friend and I'm itching for a way to turn the hurt back on them." Nate said. "This seems like the perfect opportunity."
"OK we'll leave him to you. Good Luck." Light said before he and Silver ran off in the direction that Flamerunner had come.
"Where do you two think you're going?" Flamerunner yelled as he began to give chase. He was soon cut off by a Sonicboom from Nate's AK.
"I'm your opponent now." He declared. "If you can defeat me, then you can go after my friends."
"Sounds like you have this all figured out" Flamerunner said, "But let's see if you can back up your words."
AN: I'm not dead yet guys! Sorry about the long wait between chapters, May was a hectic month, but I'm beginning to strike a good balance of writing again so hopefully you won't have to wait as long for the next one.
Lots of plot twists lie ahead as we near the end of the second arc of Pokemon New Age! What do you think will happen next? Leave a review with your prediction.
OC submissions are still ongoing see Chapter 17 for details on the final two slots!