On with chp. 4!
"TAKE OFF" Giovanni bellowed, "GET US IN THE AIR"!
The Rocket leader launched himself into the waiting chopper, sliding across the metal floor and hitting the opposite wall. Matilda threw herself into the copilot chair, pressing and flipping buttons and switches. The blades began to spin up.
A horrific metal shriek stung her ears, and she heard Giovanni clamber back to the open door.
"Stop it Nidoking" Giovanni demanded, releasing his Pokemon, "Body Slam"!
They had just retreated out of Oak's lab, unsuccessful in capturing Mew, Suicune, or even the Professor. Once the attacks had detonated, Professor Oak had recalled his Pokemon, and retreated with Suicune into the dust. By the time any of the Rockets could regain their bearings, Dominion's had assaulted the lab. Only Giovanni, Matilda, and one lone Grunt had made it outside to their helicopter.
The Dominion smashed itself into the Nidoking, pushing it back through the dirt. The big Pokemon held firm, and grappled back against the Dominion.
"TAKE OFF" Giovanni barked, sending spittle down his chin.
The chopper slowly rose into the air, and Nidoking temporarily lost its grip on the Dominion as it watched its master flying away. Up high, Giovanni slid the door shut as the Dominion cut down the Nidoking with a bloody swipe of its third arm.
Matilda and the Grunt maneuvered the helicopter as high as they could, taking cover in some clouds so they couldn't be spotted by a Dominion below.
"Sir" Matilda began, letting out the breath she had been holding, "orders"?
Giovanni straightened the collar of his suit before answering, "we're getting that Mew"!
Matilda nodded swiftly, and turned her silver eyes back to the controls, "what about Ash Ketchum? Everett did inform us he has some immunity to these Dominion's".
"Contact Anni and Oakley" Giovanni began, now straightening his hair up, "have them accompany you as you track down those four with Mew. I'll deal with Ketchum".
Helicopter blades thundered on, attempting to drown out Misty's thoughts, but they were unsuccessful. She had long since slipped into silence, her tears had dried out, and her sobs gone. Each beat of the helicopter resembled the numbness beating from her heart and through her body. She was aware of Pikachu still cradled in her lap, his ears tucked down low as he watched his trainer.
Ash had gone silent as well, staring only at the floor blankly. He hadn't moved an inch in the last hour and a half, once he had stopped crying. Lance had regained himself and moved into the cockpit with Kyle, who Misty had noticed was a muscular blonde man. He hadn't said much yet, only asking the destination Lance wanted.
"Indigo Plateu" Lance had replied, "we have to alert Kanto and the other regions"!
And so, Kyle had shifted course over Viridian City, and headed west. Misty had glanced out of the window as they turned. The city lights danced below her, completely oblivious to the death and destruction just a few miles south of them.
It was about this time that Lance had started to radio Professor Rowan and Dawn in Sinnoh.
"Dawn" he said, clicking the radio's mic on, "Rowan? Come in, this is Lance speaking".
He fiddled with a few of the dials, and tried again, but received only static.
"There was that snowstorm coming in when we left Lance" Kyle tried to reassure him as Lance gripped the mic tight, "I'm sure it's just interfering with their signal".
Lance didn't respond, continuing to fiddle with the dials and try again. As they flew into the mountains, Lance tossed the mic to the floor furiously and turned back to helping Kyle pilot the chopper.
Misty absentmindedly reached down and pet Pikachu between the ears. The mouse raised his head slightly, but remained focused on his trainer. Ash had to move sometime right?
The chopper rattled from the mountain wind, making Misty tense up just a bit more. Kyle turned the chopper to its right, and Misty decided to glance out the windows. To her left, Mt. Silver loomed in the distance, blocking Johto from view. To her right the exit to Victory Road, leading right up to the gates of the Indigo Plateu.
A towering structure of four levels, each with their own battle arena inside, the building was designed to have a castle like appearance. Before the gates lay the town of Indigo, and Misty could see the arena Ash had placed 16th in so long ago. The town was lit up just like Viridian had been. Homes and offices casting light through their windows, each filled with unsuspecting workers or families.
Kyle flew straight over town, and Lance began to fumble around beneath his seat for the mic he had tossed. Clutching it, he pulled it up to his lips and spoke into it, "Indigo Plateu, this is Lance Silver returning with code warning 1680. Personal authorization number: 9647".
There was a moment of static, and then the radio came to life, "copy that Master Lance. Lorelei will be waiting for you at landing pad 31".
Kyle, hearing this, turned the chopper so that they would circle to the right of the Plateu building. Misty glanced out of the window again as Lance continued communicating with the Indigo Air Control. She had been to Indigo many times for a few Official League meetings and updates. The Cerulean Gym was slowly becoming the top Gym, the last Gym trainers were going to get their final badge. She had been proud of that, and then Ash showed back up, and the Gym became unusable for months.
She actually felt the tips of her mouth curl up, but only slightly. In fact, only three days prior to Ash's unexpected arrival in Cerulean, she had been in Indigo for a private meeting with Lorelei. The Elite Four Member, also Misty's hero, had taken her out to lunch and informed her that her Gym was now the second hardest Gym in the region, and that if she kept up the track she was on, Lorelei might even consider Misty as her replacement. Man did that give her a rush! She then returned to Cerulean, went on that date with Mark, and then literally bumped into Ash...that all seemed so long ago...
"Might be a bumpy touch down" Kyle's voice interrupted her train of thoughts, "the mountain wind is pretty brutal today".
He wasn't kidding. Misty was jostled back and fourth as he descended, battering Pikachu between her arms as she tried to hold him still. Ash still was not moving, letting the turbulence jolt him left and right in his seat. The rattling stopped just as soon as the chopper touched the concrete, and Misty loosened her grip on the electric mouse. Lance swooped by her, his cape brushing against her cheek. He quickly slid open the side door, and vanished outside.
Misty unbuckled her belt, and placed Pikachu on her shoulder. She turned to the still motionless Ash, and bent down in front of him. He was no longer so pale, and had slight green tint to him. Misty looked up into his brown eyes, but they were distant, cut off from the world around him. She held back a sigh, knowing that he was slowly processing the destruction of his childhood, of all innocent memories.
She unbuckled his belt so that she could help him out of the helicopter, but as soon as it clicked free, Ash bolted past Misty and went outside. She was knocked back in surprise at his sudden burst of movement, and her temper was about to flare until she heard retching over the dying chopper blades.
Kyle stood up out of his pilot seat, and turned to Misty, "maybe you should check on him"?
Misty felt her temper flare up yet again. Really?! Check on Ash?! That's GENIUS! Why didn't she think of that!
She turned to face Kyle and take her anger out on him, but spotting his light blue eyes filled with such innocence and concern, deflated her courage to do so.
"Yea" she started instead, "I should".
"Pikapi" the mouse agreed.
She stepped out of the helicopter, and into the night air. The immediate area was lit up all around with giant arena like lighting on the outskirts of the landing pad. Several more were lit up in the distance, with parked helicopters underneath them. The backside of Indigo Plateu towered before her, and from her perspective, it seemed to reach higher than the surrounding mountain tops.
Indigo League officials were running up to them, headed by Lorelei, and Lance was briskly making his way. Misty swiveled her eyes around until she found Ash on all fours a good ten feet from the helicopter. His head was ducked down, and Misty saw him arch his back as more vomit forced its way out. Kyle gave her a pity look, and with a quick glance back over to Lance speaking with the other officials, he said to Misty, "Lance will be ok without me for a moment, I'll help you with him".
Misty nodded her thanks, and made her way to Ash. The pool of sick underneath him churned her stomach, but she grit her teeth and gently placed her hand on his back.
"Misty" Ash croaked out before vomiting yet again.
"It's ok Love" she cooed softly, starting to rub his back, "I'm here".
"Pikachuuuu" the rodent added just as softly.
Kyle stood a foot back, waiting until he was needed to help support Ash.
Ash spit some of the taste from his mouth, and slowly sat back on his legs. He stared down at his pile of vomit as he choked out, "she's gone...".
Misty didn't reply, but her rubbing hitched. She looked down at the concrete before her, feeling Pikachu's claws pushing into her shoulder.
"We'll never get to see her again" Ash continued, "my mother...it just doesn't feel real".
Kyle could feel his eyes beginning to burn as Ash spoke, and he quickly blinked a few times as he noticed Lance approaching with Lorelei in tow. He cleared his throat, causing Misty to look up and notice them too. She tapped Ash on the back, and then stood up. Ash followed her example, still staring off in deep thought.
The two Elite's stopped in front of them, and Lorelei gave them a funny look. It was then Misty realized her and Ash were still in their wedding clothes. Her dress was ripped and torn in several places, and she had lost her frilly light blue wristband. Ash's suit was ruffled and ripped down the side, and he had specks of blood splattered over it.
"Would you mind explaining to me now Lance" Lorelei said condescendingly, "what the hell happened"?!
Misty gave Lance a puzzled look, which he answered, "I figured it would be best if the two of you helped me fill the others in".
He then turned to Lorelei once again and added, "I need you to put Kanto on Red Alert. All League and Police officials are to be out and ready to defend their respective towns until we can form a better plan. Then get Agatha and Bruno, and set up the conference room. Dial in all Kanto and Johto Gym leaders, and the Champions of each region right away. The longer we wait, the worse this will be".
"You called in with a priority code 1680" Lorelei started to protest, "That's NEVER been done! What I'm God's name is so important-".
Lance cut her off before she could finish, "now Lorelei"!
She huffed her irritation, but with a quick glance back to Misty and Ash, she marched away.
Turning back to Ash and Misty, Lance spoke quickly, "if there is anyone either of you need to call, do it now! Once this meeting is adjourned, we're departing for Sinnoh".
Ash remained unresponsive, but Misty quickly ran through a list of people in her mind. Most had been present in Pallet Town, except for...
"My sisters" she exclaimed suddenly, "I think they've just came back to the Gym from Hoenn"!
Lance nodded and looked to Kyle, "take them to a video phone, then bring them to the conference room"!
Kyle nodded, but looked a little confused, "no medical"?
"No time" was Lance's response, and then he whisked away with his cape flowing behind him.
"You good" Kyle asked Ash, stepping up beside him.
Ash nodded, and Kyle replied with a curt nod of his own. He then led the way across the landing pad. Misty walked in pace with Ash, and Pikachu took his opportunity to crawl onto his trainer's shoulder. As Kyle led them down some stairs, and onto a sidewalk in the middle of a grassy patch, Ash thought of different people in his mind. Anyone within immediate danger of the Dominion's had been present during the attack. He did however, have someone he needed to call...
They approached the giant building, and Kyle held open the door for the battered couple. Cool air blasted them in the face as they stepped inside the brightly lit hall.
"This way" Kyle said, retaking the lead, "we'll bypass the main lobby, and the people there. You know, so they don't ask questions about your appearance".
"The League wouldn't happen to have spare clothes here, would they" Misty asked, running her fingers through a hole in her side.
"I'm sure I can find something while you're on the phone" Kyle smiled at her, he then cast a glance to Ash, "so, you're Ash huh"?
Ash simply nodded.
"I've heard a lot about you" Kyle started, "Lance has told me about the Lake of Rage, and Hoenn incident. I've also had me ear talked off by Dawn".
He chortled to himself before continuing, "she likes to talk about you and this Brock guy quite a bit".
Ash only nodded once again, making Kyle falter in trying to get Ash to talk. He cleared his throat and added, "well, it seems we'll all be spending quite a bit of time together now, so it's kinda nice to know you before I knew you".
Misty could see the restraint in Kyle's expressions. This was a guy who was normally the...for lack of better wordage, class clown. He was goofy, but kind and caring, and right now he was holding it all back because of what happened not even two hours ago.
"Here we are" Kyle said after another ten minutes of walking in silence, "this room is designated for video calls only, so just pick a phone and dial away. Don't take too terribly long though! Lance will be expecting us soon".
He turned the knob of one of the many doors down their hallway, and let them inside. The room was lined with a dozen video phones, and it was currently empty of people.
"I'll pop down the isle here and see if I can't find a change of clothes" Kyle added, and then closed the door behind them.
Misty immediately sat down at the nearest phone, and dialed swiftly. One ring. She tapped her finger against the desk. Two rings. Ash sat down a few video phones away from her. Three rings. Who could he be calling? Four rings. Misty was sure her sisters had returned home by now.
"Hello? Misty"!?
Violet appeared onscreen, and was instantly taken back by the battered and bruised Misty before her.
"What the Hell-"?
"Violet" Misty cut her off, "thank God you guys are home! There's no time to explain, but the three of you need to leave! Right now"!
"Is that like, Misty I hear" Daisy's question came from offscreen, then her face appeared next to Violet's.
"Like, Hi little sis"!
Violet looked bewildered, "leave? Why do we need to leave? We just got home".
Daisy noticed Misty's appearance and frowned, "Like, what happened"?
"Is that Misty" Lily's face popped in on the opposite side of Daisy, she then too looked confused, "why are you beat up"?
"I'm not kidding" Misty nearly shouted, "leave! Don't stop to pack, just grab the Pokemon and get the Hell out of there"!
The Sensational Sisters looked from one another then in unison asked, "what's going on"?
Misty growled, they certainly didn't have the time, but they wouldn't leave without some kind of explanation.
"Remember when I told you guys about the Dominion" her sisters nodded together, "they're here! Pallet Town is destroyed and...Delia is dead".
She lowered her voice on that last part, glancing over her shoulder at Ash. He hadn't heard.
The sister's each gasped dramatically, and Daisy even began to tear up.
"So get, the, Hell, out, of, Cerulean" Misty said each word harshly, as if they were poisoned.
Before one of her sister's could reply, a siren went off in the distance in Cerulean, followed by an explosion. The sister's glanced offscreen, and Misty's eyes widened.
"Like, what was that"?
"That sounded awfully close" Violet trembled.
"GO" Misty shouted, "get out of the-"!
A massive boom rattled the screen on her sister's side, and made the speakers crackle with feedback. The three girls screamed in unison, but it was cut off as the line went dead.
"DAISY" Misty shouted, slamming her fist onto the dark monitor, "VIOLET! LILY"!
She dialed the number, again and again, but nothing happened. Only a busy signal beeped in her ear.
"Guys..." her voice came out almost a whisper, trembling with fear.
Strong arms slowly wrapped around her as she stared at the blank pixels. They squeezed her gently, and she felt a head rest on her shoulder blade. Her fingers slowly began to fall down the black screen until her hand dropped to the desk.
"Misty" came Ash's voice from her shoulder, but that was all he said.
"No" Misty choked up, her eyes beginning to burn. Hadn't she already cried all that she could tonight?
Her chin dropped to her chest, and she felt the warm water trickle down her cheeks. Ash's arms tightened their grip as a lone sob escaped her.
"I'm so sorry Misty" came a female voice through the video phone Ash had vacated.
Misty raised her head and spotted Iris on the other end. Pikachu had remained on the desk by the phone. Iris looked at a loss for what to say next, she opened her mouth to say something, then closed it again.
"Go finish your call Ash" Misty forced herself to speak, "I...I need a minute...".
Ash slowly pulled his head from her shoulder, "you sure"?
She nodded, unable to say anymore. Her eyes caught his for a moment, but she could see how distraught he already was, and seeing her like this only added to the grief. The truth was she didn't wan't him to let go, to just hold her forever and make every bad thing that had happened go away. He needed to finish his call though, he wouldn't have made it if it wasn't important.
Ash gently placed his hand on her shoulder, and paused for the briefest of moments. Then he walked away, back to his video call. He glanced back at Misty has he sat down. Her head was hanging low to her chest, and her shoulders were slumped. He could see the tension in her shoulders as she tried to not break down.
"Will she be ok" Iris asked softly, to which Ash replied, "no...not yet".
"How about you"?
He didn't answer her.
"Well..." Iris said slowly to regain Ash's attention, "to answer your question before...well, Cilan has been helping me out with recruiting everyone else. We're making headway, but apparently not enough if the Dominion's are already here".
"How many"?
"Only fifteen, including Cilan and myself".
"That's it"?!
He hadn't men't for it to sound so condescendingly angry, but he wasn't able to stop himself either. Iris winced at his tone, and added on, "do you know how hard it is to track down everyone that you know! You've acquainted a lot of people Ash".
Ash took a breath to steady himself, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap".
Iris sighed, "it's ok".
With everything going on so fast, Ash was amazed he wasn't bashing his head into the wall...though the thought was enticing...
"We'll double our efforts" Iris pushed on, "and we'll start gettin the ones here to train. We'll need to be prepared for when you call right"?
"Yes" Ash nodded, "we don't have a plan yet, but we'll get one. We'll strike back, that's guaranteed"!
He clenched his fist, slamming it on the desk. No matter how hard the Dominion's hit him, no matter who they took down, he was going to stop them. Gary, his mother, Maria, Terrence...he glanced back at Misty...her sister's. They all deserved a life to live, and if Ash couldn't give them that, then he would destroy the ones who took it from them.
Kyle re-entered the room, carrying a sack in his arms. He glanced around the room, spotted Misty, and then nodded to Ash to signal he would wait outside. Ash waved that he understood, then Kyle set the bag on the nearest desk, and left.
"We need to go Iris" Ash said, turning back to the screen.
"Sure thing" she nodded, then quickly added, "be careful! All of you".
"Pikachupi" the Pokemon motioned with his hand to signal he would watch them.
"We will Iris".
With a quick wave, Ash disconnected the call and swiftly got to his feet. He fumbled through the sack Kyle left, and pulled out two pairs of clothing. Whether they would be a fit, or not, remained to be seen. Ash set the clothes back on the desk, and took a moment to breath in and collect himself. Misty had been strong for him, now he had to be strong for her.
He heard another lone sob escape her, and he spun to speak.
"Hey, Misty" he started softly, walking up to her and bending down to be at her eye level, "we have to get changed. We have to keep...".
He couldn't finish it. How could he? How could he tell her that, when he himself, could barely keep going? Her watery eyes lifted to his, causing his to tear up as well.
"What are we going to do" she asked in a whisper.
Ash's heart stopped. Never before had he heard her sound so terrified, so vulnerable. Like a 4 year old who had just lost their parents. The sound of her voice shaking so terribly forced him to clench his jaw, lest the tears fall fast from his eyes. Then and there, he decided he would never hear her sound that way again. It didn't matter how scared he was, how lost, how angry. Because Misty might usually be the strong one, the one that would tell him they could do it. They could win. But this time, he was doing it for her. He would be strong for her!
A single tear fell from his eye as he opened his mouth to speak, "we're going to fight. We're going to take them down. Because that's what your sister's would want, that's what mom would want. What Gary, Tracy, and Everett would want. Whether we win or lose...we'll go down swinging. We'll take as many of them with us as we can"!
Misty hung her head, letting the tears roll down the bridge of her nose. As one dripped off the tip, Ash's fingers gently placed under her chin and tilted her head back up. With his other hand, he brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"I Love You Misty" he whispered, "and I intend to drive the Dominion's to the Darkness they came from. I'll do this, because when all is said and done...I still want you to marry me. I want to see you as my bride. So we'll win, and we'll do it together".
"Pikapi"!
The mouse bounded up onto Ash's shoulder, pumping his fist in the air. Misty smiled at his antic, but focused on Ash's eyes.
Her mouth opened slightly before she spoke, "oh Ash...".
She wrapped her arms around him, and he hugged her back, pulling her close. There was a knock at the door, followed by Kyle's voice, "Lance just called down. He needs us in the conference room right away"!
Lance put down his PokeGear as he continued to stare at the map up on screen. Inside the Indigo Conference Room, the meeting between the regions had already begun. Lance had grown tired of waiting on Ash and Misty. He sat at the head of a massive oval shaped table. Built from Oak wood, and shined to perfection. To his right sat Agatha, and Bruno. On his left was only Lorelei. A massive TV screen was mounted on the far wall, showcasing a map of Kanto and Johto, a handful of Kanto Gym leaders, each of the eight Johto leaders, and the Region Champions. Drake from Hoenn, Lucian from Sinnoh, Caitlin from Unova, and Drasna from Kalos.
Missing from the Kanto roster was the Viridian, Pewter, Cerulean, and Celadon Gyms. The large map was broadcasting reported Dominion attacks and sightings, and they were spreading like wild fire.
"Dominion's" Drake said slowly, "these are what you claim to be attacking"?
He held up a photo to the screen. The image was blurry, and taken at night, but a dark creature could be seen hovering above a few homes in Pallet Town. It had three arms, one located between the shoulder blades, and glowing yellow eyes.
"Yes, they are" Lance nodded, "did anyone not read my report on them"?
A few Gym leaders scratched the backs of their heads, avoiding Lance's gaze.
"We read it Lance" Caitlin said, "you must understand how this sounds".
"I do" Lance agreed grimly.
The door swung open, and banged off the wall. Catching the attention of all connected to the call. Kyle burst into the room, and halted when he saw every pair of eyes had trained into him. He gave a weak, goofy smile and a small wave, before sidestepping to allow Ash and Misty to enter.
"But understand this" Lance continued, regaining the attention, "whether or not you believe the origin of these creatures, they are here. Pallet Town is effectively wiped off the map, and it seems the absent Kanto Gym's are under siege now as well".
Misty's breath caught in her throat as she spotted the black Cerulean box on the monitor. The door burst open yet again, and a single League Official ran in.
"Master Lance" he began out of breath, "reports have begun to flood in from Viridian City. They are under attack, and most of the City is in ruins. Whatever they are, a large force has broken off and is headed straight for us".
"What about the Gym"?
"Gone sir".
Silence followed this news. And each of the present Elite Four members cast wary glances between each other. Misty let out her breath, and stepped forward. She was a Gym leader...times of crisis required her involvement.
"Cerulean Gym is gone too" she reported shakily, "the call with my sister's was just disconnected by an explosion".
Lance's expression shifted quickly from shock, to pity, back to business. If Misty hadn't been watching him, she would have missed it entirely.
"Adam" Lance spoke to the League Official that had burst in, "prepare the Plateu for battle. Get the population of Indigo evacuated to the basement as swiftly as possible. You have my permission of the use Authority Code 1147".
The League Official, Adam, straightened up with a salute, "yes sir"!
He then sprinted out of the room. Sirens began to wail from the TV monitor, and Lt. Surge jumped in alarm.
"It appears they're here" Surge barked through the speakers, "this was fun, but duty calls! We'll give em Hell, you save the Regions"!
Before anyone could protest, his screen went black.
"Lance" Drake caught the Dragon Master's attention, "what's your plan"?
Lance grit his teeth, and averted his gaze before answering, "I...don't have one".
A look of shock spread across each face on the screen, and Lance quickly added, "the reality of the situation is...Kanto will be effectively lost before this even begins to get worse. We were caught completely off guard. You want a plan? Johto Gym's, evacuate your towns, and nearby towns to Unova. Champion's, evacuate your regions to there as well. It is located far enough away that it should give you all some time to come up with a battle plan. Kanto Gym's, evacuate if possible, otherwise...give those things Hell".
After another moment of silence, Drake asked, "that's it? That's the plan"?
Lucian came to Lance's aid, "if that's the best we can do on short notice, then consider it done"!
"What of the Orange Islands" Drasna wondered.
"They fall under Kanto jurisdiction, I'll see to it they are evacuated as well" Lance replied.
There was silence once again, so Lance took his opportunity, "if that's that, then go! Begin immediately"!
The remaining onscreen faces nodded, and began to disconnect.
"Lucian" Lance called out before the Sinnoh Champion could disconnect, "an extra moment please".
Lucian returned his hand to his lap and nodded. Lance grabbed for his keyboard, and began to type a phone number in. Lance's other Elite Four members cleared their throats, and Agatha asked, "what's your plan for Kanto"?
"I wan't you three to evacuate as many of the citizens as you can" Lance told her without looking up.
Agatha's lips tightened, but she stood up and beckoned for Lorelei and Bruno to follow her out of the room.
"Might I ask what this is about" Lucian asked as soon as they were gone.
"Do you remember the temple Professor Rowan found"?
The map to Kanto disappeared and Lucian's screen and a black screen with a phone dialing in the center covered the TV.
"Yes, I remember" Lucian nodded, "Professor Rowan and yourself requested League assistance, and your report said it may have a connection to the Dominion's".
"Well it did" Lance replied bluntly, placing the keyboard back down, and then staring at the dialing symbol, "I'm going to request your League assistant again, and this time, I WILL need as many Officials as you can give me".
The black screen lit up, and Professor Rowan's face appeared before them, "Ah Lance! I was beginning worry".
"Lance" came Dawn's excited voice offscreen, "is he coming back yet"?
"Rowan" Lance began, getting right to the point, "the Dominion's have arrived".
"What" Dawn's voice squeaked, and Rowan's brow furrowed.
"Arrived" he asked carefully.
"Yes! Kanto is under assault, and I believe that Temple will be a prime target for them" Lance informed, "Lucian will be sending some League Officials to help with the packing, we'll be there within the next day to assist".
Lance cast a glance back to Ash and Misty, while Lucian fumbled, "now hold on Lance, I never said-".
"Lucian" Lance spoke deep, threateningly. His powerful demeanor shining through the situation, "without your help, we will not get the essential information out of there in time. Don't be part of our failures".
Lucian babbled incoherently for a moment before swallowing, and nodding, "Leage Officials will be there within the hour".
And his screen disconnected.
"Begin packing Rowan" Lance demanded.
"Right away"!
His screen disconnected as well, and Lance rose to his feet. He turned to Ash and Misty, and for the first time, took in their appearance. They were battered and bruised, covered in dry splotches of blood, and wearing clothes slightly too big for them.
He opened his mouth to speak to them, but a siren rang out, and the lights shifted a deep red. An explosion went off in the distance, and Lance immediately swooped from the room.
Man, another chapter down! Things won't be slowing down for Ash and Misty for a while, so strap in! The next chapter will follow them also, instead of jumping over to the others. Hope you all enjoyed this one, see ya on the next.