Chapter Nineteen - Operation Brighton! The Finale!
Alexa stood in front of Isaac – who was still attempting to disable the blue Circuit Ball's programming – and Ryder – who had become exhausted and had temporarily become unable to attack efficiently. She was confronting Rhyperior, Magmortar and Gallade, who were all back under hypnosis. She was panicking due to the fact that she was now aware of how injured she truly was, having noticed how the blood from the cut on her knee was slowly dripping down her right leg. She also noticed that her leg had become bloodstained, since she neglected her knee injury.
"Not so confident now, are you, Alexa?" Ice asked tauntingly. "Why don't you just surrender and I'll take you to the boss? I'm sure he'll treat you right."
No, Alex…please don't do what he says, Ryder pleaded. There must be a way to get through this!
"Don't worry, Ryder; just because I'm not entirely confident, it doesn't mean I won't try to succeed anyway," Alexa promised. "Capture on!" she fired her capture disc from her styler.
"You fool to try again," Heath mocked.
"You can't handle three Pokémon at once, your dear friend Keith always helped you!" Lavana laughed. Alexa became angry.
"Lavana, I hope you're ready to part with your hair because if you make fun of Keith one more time, you will never see it again!" Alexa threatened.
Despite her injuries, Alexa masterfully controlled her capture disc, perfectly dodging any and all of the attacks Rhyperior, Magmortar and Gallade tried to throw at the small spinning top.
"Almost got it…!" Isaac said to himself. "Hang in there, Alex, you're giving me plenty of time!"
Alexa successfully captured Gallade first. Rhyperior and Magmortar were the only ones left. Ryder watched Alexa in awe.
Wow…Alex has improved so much. She's become more skilled, and her personality has changed for the better. Ryder smiled warmly behind Alex's back. If I were a human, or if she were a Lucario, I'd be so proud to call her my sister…
Rhyperior and Magmortar were both befriended and redeemed at the exact same time. Alexa was now exhausted from controlling her capture disc so masterfully due to the pressure she was under. Her injured knee gave way, and she collapsed onto the ground as a result.
"Our boss! On the top roof, he is!" Heath panicked. "Protecting him, we must be doing!" Heath fled from the room.
"I'm too ashamed to show myself in front of the boss!" Lavana panicked. "Not after getting defeated by this brat of a Ranger!" she fled along with Heath.
"Spineless losers. That was only for show, just to while away some time," Ice said to himself. "Unless they can crack the trap program, they're stuck here."
"Got it!" Isaac rejoiced.
"Wha…Isaac…cracked the program?! Having him as the enemy is terrifying after all! Here, take the Yellow Gem! Just take it and go!" Ice fled, abandoning the Yellow Gem. Ryder, now over his exhaustion, collected the Yellow Gem.
"Yeah, we did it, Isaac, we've trounced the Sinis Trio!" Alexa rejoiced as she struggled to stand back up.
"Yeah! Now Ryder can destroy the Circuit Ball!" Isaac added. Ryder held out his right paw as an Aura Sphere formed in front of it.
You'd better step back, Alex. Ryder fired the Aura Sphere. This time, it destroyed the Circuit Ball.
BOOM!
"Aaagh!" a small explosion from the computer terminal hit Alexa and pushed her onto the floor again. Isaac helped her onto her feet; her left thigh had a small burn.
"Are you alright?" he asked. "I never expected Ice to have mastered such a sophisticated programming."
"It's alright, I'll be fine," Alexa replied breathlessly. "I'm worried about Keith, though…I hope he's alright…" Alexa's styler received a voicemail transmission.
"Voicemail, it's Sven here," Sven began. "Nice job on deactivating the barriers, Alexa and Isaac."
"Now we can get close to the Shadow Crystal. Thanks!" Wendy thanked.
"This is Hastings! Sven, Wendy, get as close as possible to the Shadow Crystal," Hastings instructed. "Alexa, get to the top of the tower pronto and meet up with Sven and Wendy! You're doing masterfully! Incidentally, are you alright?"
"I'm getting my ass knocked about, but that won't stop me!" Alexa stated confidently. "My right knee's worse and I've just got a burn on my thigh, but I'll keep going for Keith's sake, regardless of whether he's dead or alive!"
"Although we're hoping he's alive," Hastings said calmly. "Be careful, Alexa, do not get cocky!"
"Sorry, cocky isn't in my nature," Alexa said playfully. She hung up and – along with Isaac and Ryder – left the room.
THIS IS THE ALTRURURURURURU COMPUTER, THE INCREDIBLE MACHINE'S LEVEL HAS HIT 2! POWER NEEDED FOR LEVEL 3 IS 99% MORE! 97% MORE! 96% MORE! GZZZZBBBBBWWWEEEEEEZZZZZZT!
Alexa, Isaac and Ryder panicked as they felt the Incredible Machine's power – at level two – spreading far and wide.
"Oh no! Now the Incredible Machine will have no problems getting to level three!" Alexa panicked. "Even WITH the abnormalities flooding the system!"
"President Hall's going to get his way if we don't hurry!" Isaac exclaimed. "He's at the top of the tower!" He, Alexa and Ryder – still with the Yellow Gem in his hands – exited the floor.
The penultimate floor before the roof…
Alexa, Isaac and Ryder came across a control panel and an electrified floor between the two sets of staircases leading up to the roof. Isaac got close to the control panel and started disabling it.
"This has probably been programmed by Ice too," he assumed. "Don't worry, I can crack it." He soon succeeds in disabling the program, disabling the electrified floor.
"Alright, Isaac!" Alexa exclaimed in awe.
"That ought to do it. Now, let's get to the roof!" Isaac suggested. He was about to leave the panel when…
FYOOP!
"No! It's a time-lapse trap from before!" Isaac stressed, now trapped within the small cubicle. A set of lasers had appeared across the gap, trapping Isaac inside. "I should've known. Sorry, Alex, this is as far as I go."
"D-don't worry, Isaac…I can take it from here," Alexa said nervously.
"Alex, I want to thank you for believing in me while I was with the bad guys," Isaac thanked. "And I'm sorry I yelled at you earlier; I've realised that you probably can understand how I felt at the Union, so my scolding was uncalled for. But you mustn't hang around! It'll soon be midnight, and Blake Hall must be stopped! You're powerful enough to tackle this on your own!"
"Isaac…"
"No, wait, you're not alone! You have friends behind you on this, Alex!" Isaac corrected himself optimistically. His words startled Alexa and made her appear emotional; this was the first time she's had real human friends supporting her for so long. "Now, go! Blake's waiting at the top of the tower, but go when you're ready! I'll try to break out on my own, but in the meantime, good luck!"
"Thanks, Isaac…" Alexa managed to hold back her tears and faced Ryder with determination. "Let's go show Blake Hall what we're made of!"
Oh, yeah, I can't wait to show him a piece of my mind! Ryder appeared to be eager to confront Blake.
On the roof…
Ryder was the first to reach the top of the tower, while Alexa struggled to walk up the steps due to her knee injury. The two of them felt shockwaves from the Incredible Machine's power.
In the Operations Room at the Union…
"The Incredible Machine's power has hit level three!" Rhythmi exclaimed.
"Its effect is even spreading to Pokémon in the Haruba Desert and Hia Valley!" Marcus added in horror.
"I'm getting a flood of reports of Pokémon going out of control all over Almia!" Linda exclaimed in shock. She then confronted Erma and Hastings. "Please, let me go to the operation site! I want to help our Top Rangers!"
"No! I absolutely forbid that!" Hastings denied. "Operators must remain here to collect information and inform the Rangers! That's an extremely important role in Operation Brighton!"
"Things will be fine, Linda," Erma began. "You must have faith in our young Top Rangers."
"Alexa, Keith…hang in there," Rhythmi said to herself worriedly.
On top of Altru Tower…
Alexa and Ryder – despite their respective injuries – confronted Blake, Wheeler and Heath.
"Ah, welcome," Blake began.
"Put your bloody business cards away and tell me why you've been ordering your underlings to kidnap me!" Alexa fumed angrily.
"All in good time. I understand this has been named Operation Brighton?" Blake questioned. "Brighton…my father's name."
"It's a coincidence, and nothing more!" Alexa stated.
"Though that may be the case, I will consider it a family honour. It's also an honour to see someone – especially one as young as yourself, my dear Alexa – go through so much just to see me. Though, personally, I would have allowed myself to be escorted here to keep myself unharmed."
"Yeah, well, here's the thing; you're not me!" Alexa shouted. "I don't fully understand what purpose having me as a hostage would do for you, nor do I care! I just want to stop you from causing suffering for everyone in Almia! Blake Hall, this is where your saga comes to an end!"
"Unfortunately, my dear, you're a smidgeon too late," Blake sighed. "The Incredible Machine has hit full power, bringing all of the Pokémon in Almia under my full and complete control. Pokémon are just to be used by us humans to command, Alexa. I can have them mining, moving cargo, supply heat and electrical energy, or even have them as soldiers to fend off outsiders. That's right, Alexa! This is the dream-energy machine fuelled by Pokémon! Wouldn't you agree the description is a fitting one?"
Alexa was horrified, enraged and speechless beyond words; never before had she heard anything of that nature before. Her horror subsided and became uncontrollable anger.
"Pokémon slave labour is the dream energy you spoke of in Altru Park!?" she interrogated. "I can't believe you view Pokémon so loosely!"
"What seems to be the problem with using Pokémon to do your bidding?" Blake asked. "You yourself have done the very same thing. You're a Pokémon Trainer, or so I've heard."
"Yes, I am a Pokémon Trainer, but unlike you, I care about the Pokémon I've raised!" Alexa began; Blake's words had offended her entirely. "How dare you call Pokémon Trainers people who enslave Pokémon into doing battle for them! I don't force my Pokémon into doing anything unlawful, and they know that!"
Damn straight! We do the battling, but Alex guides us, and we trust her judgement! Ryder added in corroboration. Sven and Wendy were seen in the background, flying overhead. They watched as Alexa was forced to deliver a lecture like she never delivered before. Tears were streaming down her face.
"Pokémon are not tools, they're living beings with their own natures, personalities and feelings! It's true, Pokémon Trainers fight with their Pokémon, but it is the trainer's responsibility to take good care of their Pokémon, even if the Pokémon are not fighting! And even in battle, it isn't the trainer telling the Pokémon what to do, it's the trainer and the Pokémon working in harmony with each other to overcome the opposition! Pokémon are supposed to be our friends, yet what you're describing is merely using their incredible and unique abilities for your own twisted and demented desires that you believe is beneficial to the people of Almia! For the years I have travelled around with Pokémon, I have had to endure these sorts of views and false beliefs about Pokémon and how they should be treated! But never in my whole life have I heard of anything so cruel and heartless! Though, despite everything I've witnessed, NOTHING can match up to how sick and thoughtless your desires are, Blake Hall! Pokémon and humans are supposed to be living side by side in harmony! Neither species should be even attempting to dominate over the other! Your attempt to force Pokémon into becoming mindless drones for slave labour is unforgivable, and my partner Pokémon and I will both ensure that you never get away with your evil plans!"
Sven and Wendy were moved by Alexa's lecture; her heart-filled shouting had reached even the skies above the tower. Wendy was almost moved to tears.
"Child, your words are wasted on Mr Hall," Wheeler began, stepping in front of Blake. "Perhaps you'd like a snack? Would you like a knuckle sandwich? Or Chop Suey? Or maybe-"
"SHUT UP!"
THUMP!
Alexa punched Wheeler with her left arm, causing Wheeler to be knocked over to his left hand side. Alexa quickly recoiled her left arm; she shouldn't have punched too hard. Ryder ran over to her with concern about him.
"Perhaps the power of the Incredible Machine is too much for you to understand," Blake began casually. "But everyone will accept it when the new era dawns. The date will soon change, and Altru will celebrate its birthday."
"That reminds me, when you said we can get better acquainted," Alexa began, looking up at him. "Does its meaning have something to do with Wheeler and who knows how many other minions of yours trying to kidnap me?" Ryder faced her in shock.
"Why, yes it does," Blake confirmed, walking over to a small crystal ball behind him. "I had plans for you, Alexa. Ever since I laid eyes on you in the Altru Building, I knew you were perfect."
"For what, though?" Alexa asked, somewhat interrogatively.
"For being my own personal little treasure," Blake replied. "You see, the Pokémon Rangers have certainly put up an admirable performance in resisting me; I'm impressed. So, I've made a decision; once I've established the Incredible Machine's full power, I'd claim a souvenir, if you know what I mean."
"What!?" Alexa was horrified; she understood what Blake was implying by what he had revealed.
"Now, Alexa, it is time for you to become my treasure!" Blake rested his hands on the crystal ball. "But which Pokémon should I use? This will allow me to summon any Pokémon, whether it's a lone Pokémon or a hoard of them, I can summon what I desire. Gigaremo? Miniremo? Not with the Incredible Machine! Ah! I've found the perfect Pokémon in the Haruba Desert!" He faced Alexa and Ryder again; both of them looked furious. "The development of this enormous machine took exceptional cost and effort. The project only took off when we placed Kincaid as a teacher in Ranger School. He succeeded in recruiting a genius what appears once a century."
"That may have been the case, but why did you attempt to kidnap my Lucario?!" Alexa asked angrily. Ryder faced her in astonishment.
Oh yeah! I forgot all about how I came to be here to begin with! Ryder exclaimed.
"Ah, yes," Blake began. "The kidnapping of your Lucario is insignificant compared to what my Incredible Machine will bring."
A Dusknoir suddenly floated down from the skies, ending up in front of Blake. Blake smiled.
"Ah, here's the Pokémon from the Haruba Desert!" he exclaimed. "Dusknoir, this Ranger is here to join in the celebrations. Do me the favour of bringing her to me." Dusknoir slowly floated towards Alexa.
Stay back, you vile creature! Ryder surrounded himself in his bodily aura and fired two beams of purple rings – Dark Pulse – at the hypnotised Ghost Pokémon. Alex?
"Capture on!" Alexa fired her capture disc at the Dusknoir. Because Dark Pulse had hit it twice and had weakened it, the Dusknoir was easily captured, befriended and released.
"Very impressive, my dear. Truly, your reputation has been surpassed," Blake complimented. "But don't think you have won. Don't you understand? I have already won. Once I have you in my possession, everything I have hoped to achieve from my plans will be realised."
"Oh yeah? You think you've won?" Alexa smirked. "Ryder, be a sweetie pie and show our humbled host what we've picked up along the way."
It'll be my pleasure. Ryder revealed the Yellow Gem as it glowed brightly. Ta da! Not so tough now, are you, Blake?!
"Um… We are meaning to report earlier," Heath began nervously. "But we three fail at protecting it. We figured you not forgiving us, but, sir, Boss, you having that Pokémon already, so okay, I am hoping…"
"Pokémon? Wait! Are you telling me you've captured Darkrai!?" Alexa exclaimed in horror. Ryder looked up at her with the same horrified demeanour as his trainer.
"You oaf! It was crucial to keep the three gems apart!" Blake fumed. "We only needed to retain just one of them! One! And you expect that Pokémon to cover for your mistakes!?" Alexa was regretting what she was about to say.
"Don't tell me you're showing disrespect to your human minions as well?! What kind of heartless monster are you?! I've crossed paths with another heartless person, but at least HE had a certain respect for his employees!"
"Silence, Alexa! I have no need for underlings! With the Incredible Machine, all of Almia's Pokémon are my underlings!"
"NOT A CHANCE!" Sven shouted. Blake, Wheeler and Heath looked up at the sky in horror, while Alexa and Ryder looked up happily.
"Hall! We can hear your raving even up here! Alexa, get yourself ready! We'll put the finishing touches to Operation Brighton!" Sven yelled.
"The three gems have to be close to the Shadow Crystal! Alexa, get the Yellow Gem as close as possible to it!" Wendy called. She and Sven revealed the Red and Blue gems respectively.
"This is it, folks!" Sven declared.
"Staraptor, we're going in!" Wendy exclaimed.
"You think you've won!? You're forcing me to do this! I will call upon that Pokémon!" Blake yelled angrily. He walked over to the crystal ball behind him and touched it again. "Ah, what luck! Midnight has arrived!"
"What?! Oh, no, we've been wasting too much time!" Alexa stressed. "If we don't act quickly, Ryder, Almia's doomed!"
And if that happens, then WE'RE doomed! Ryder added fearfully.
"Arise, my Darkrai!" Blake commanded. Alexa was left horrified and in despair; she had almost lost all hope.
"A Pokémon that stores the power of darkness in its body…Darkrai…the bringer of nightmares…" Alexa whimpered fearfully.
"That's right, Alexa," Blake confirmed. "It is the most beloved of all my Pokémon."
A dark portal revealed itself on the floor in front of Blake. It expanded, nearly covering the whole area, and the hypnotised Darkrai was revealed from within its darkness. Alexa was horrified and scared all at once. Ryder snarled, ready to fight.
"Alexa! If you are not willing to give yourself up to me, then you are meaningless to me! Darkrai, invite this hero-fixated child into your world of darkness!"
Darkrai hovered over to Alexa and she stepped back in fear. Darkrai opened up its dark void underneath her and started to pull her and Ryder into it. Both Alexa and Ryder were unable to resist, causing them to flail as they were being sucked in.
"Alexa! Go into the world of darkness!" Blake shouted. Wheeler laughed happily, yet quietly. Darkrai continued to pull Alexa and Ryder in.
"Ryder! I've failed everyone!" Alexa cried. "I've let them all down! I'm so sorry! Keith!"
ALEX!
"STARRRRRR!" A Staraptor quickly flew passed the duo in distress, pulling them out of the void just before it disappeared. Alexa and Ryder landed safely on the ground, as the Staraptor that saved them hovered down to their level. Alexa and Ryder were ecstatic beyond words to see the one riding Staraptor.
"Keith! You're alive!" Alexa cried.
Buizel! Thank Arceus you're safe, my friend! Ryder exclaimed with relief. Both he and Alexa had joyful tears in their eyes.
"You bet we are!" Keith replied happily. "That attack knocked us to the Lookout Ridge! But we can talk about that later! Alex, let me have the Yellow Gem!"
Ryder gave Keith the Yellow Gem as he and Alexa approached him. Keith faced Alexa, smiling warmly.
"I can tell you've suffered some more, Alex, but at least I'm here to help you if you need it," he said kindly. "I'll join Sven and Wendy now. Alex, let's be safe, both of us!"
"Because we're both as important as each other in this operation," Alexa added, somewhat tearfully. Tears developed in Keith's eyes, despite his warm smile.
"Exactly!" he agreed. The Staraptor flew up into the sky, and Alexa and Ryder watched him go with extreme joy and relief.
"Blasted Rangers," Blake jeered. "I will have to increase the Incredible Machine's power to the forbidden level…Level Dark!"
"What?!" Alexa and Ryder were equally horrified. Even Heath and Wheeler were horrified.
They witnessed the dramatic change with the Incredible Machine. Darkrai appeared to be suffering even more than before as the Incredible Machine's power came close to overloading with the new power level. Blake stepped in front of Darkrai and faced the horrified Alexa and Ryder.
"This is it! The forbidden level of power known only by the infinity that is darkness itself!" he declared. "My Darkrai, your age has come! But you must first swat down the annoying pests flying overhead!"
"Darkrai, no! Blake, how could you do such a thing?!" Alexa exclaimed. The Darkrai created a dark void underneath it. It quickly dragged Wheeler into the void.
"Aagh! M-Mr President! Help me!" Wheeler cried as the dark void swallowed him whole. Alexa, Ryder, Heath and even Blake were horrified at the sudden development. The crystal ball behind Darkrai shattered into pieces.
"Th-the ball! Blake, don't you understand what you've done?!" Alexa asked in horror. "By making the Incredible Machine reach Level Dark, you have lost control of Darkrai altogether! It's no longer following your orders, its too corrupted!"
"No more! I no want this anymore! I going home to the country!" Heath panicked, fleeing from the tower.
"Lost control over Darkrai? Ridiculous!" Blake scolded. "Darkrai is mine to command!"
"If you still think Darkrai's obeying you, just turn around!" Alexa screamed. Blake did so, and found Darkrai attempting to pull Blake into the dark void.
"Darkrai?! What is the meaning of this?! The Ranger is that way!" Blake flailed as he was pulled into the void. "Alexa!" Blake was engulfed by the darkness and the dark void vanished; Alexa and Ryder were left alone to deal with the corrupted Darkrai.
In the sky…
"Darkness! It's spreading all over the tower!" Sven shouted.
"I can't see the Shadow Crystal anymore! Darkrai, Alexa, Ryder and everyone else is in that darkness!" Wendy cried.
"Alex! Can you hear me?!" Keith called out at the top of his voice. "What's happening down there?!"
Down on the roof of the tower…
Alexa and Ryder looked upon the idle corrupted Darkrai with fear running through their bodies. Alexa was breathing heavily in an attempt to calm herself down, but Ryder just froze and didn't move an inch; he didn't even blink.
"Ryder…we're on our own for this…" Alexa fearfully stated. "There's no turning back, and we can't get help!"
What do we do?! Ryder asked with fright.
"Capture on!" Alexa desperately fired her capture disc at the Darkrai. Despite how accurate her control was, the capture disc failed to even affect Darkrai. Darkrai fired a large sphere of energy.
CRASH!
WHAAAAAAAAAAAA!
Alexa and Ryder were both critically hit and cried out in extreme agony as the large attack inflicted severe damage to the pair, not only worsening their current injuries, but also creating new ones entirely.
Their agonised cries echoed to even the skies around the tower. Upon hearing such cries, Sven, Wendy and Keith were horrified and devastated.
"Alex, no!" Keith cried in devastation.
"Bui!" Buizel exclaimed in horror.
"What the hell happened?! Did…did Darkrai attack them?!" Sven asked in horror.
"It must have done! Both Alexa and Ryder cried out in pain!" Wendy panicked. "But what did Darkrai do?!"
"I'm not sure if Alex could survive that!" Keith cried. "She's too badly hurt! I'm not sure how much longer she can cope, we should help her!"
On the tower roof…
Alexa and Ryder lay on the ground, with their consciousness barely maintained. They both struggled greatly just to move, let alone attempt to stand back up.
"Damn…Focus Blast," Alexa hissed quietly, almost in a whisper. "We…we can't…give up…Ryder…"
I…I know…but…how can we…keep going if…the styler…won't affect it? Ryder asked breathlessly.
"Vatonage…we have to…to remember…that word…" Alexa strained. She somehow managed to stand up onto her feet. "We can't give up…we just…can't…" Alexa looked up at the darkness above her, tears falling down her face. "We can't…" She took as deep a breath as she possibly could.
"WE WON'T GIVE UP, GUYS!"
Alexa's loud noble words echoed through the darkness as Sven, Wendy and Keith were ecstatic to hear her voice.
"Alex! She's alive!" Keith cried joyfully. His held back tears fell down his face, but he was overjoyed to hear his best friend's voice.
"And Ryder too, from the sound of things!" Wendy added happily.
"She's one tough cookie," Sven sighed with relief. The three gems suddenly started to glow. "Whoa!"
"This light…it's the same as the pendants," Wendy commented.
"It's as though…they're searching for something," Keith added. The beams of light circled around before finally descending into the darkness below.
"Wh-what the…?!" Alexa and Ryder watched in shock as the three beams of light reacted with the three gems inside her styler. The lights were absorbed into the styler as it regained full energy. Her capture disc shone brightly with the three colours of the shards in her styler, which had been temporarily infused with the power of the three Gems.
Alex, your styler!
"It's as if the three coloured gems are supporting us."
So they loaned us their power.
"We can win now!" Alexa and Ryder ran – as best they can – over to the enraged Darkrai.
"Capture on!" Alexa fired her powered up capture disc at the Darkrai. Ryder, summoning up what energy he has left, surrounded himself with his bodily aura and fired a powered up Aura Sphere at the capture disc. Its power doubled initially, however, but the power of the three gems caused Ryder's Pokémon Assist ability to quadruple in power. Ryder stepped in front of Alexa and held onto her right arm, supporting her and assisting her with controlling her capture disc.
Alex, you said trainer and Pokémon work together to overcome the opponent, Ryder smiled. Let's work together on this.
"Yes, let's. We were all in this together from the beginning," Alexa smiled in return. "And it will end that way too."
With help of each other, Alexa and Ryder both controlled the capture disc together. Teamwork and trust in each other's judgement were what was preventing the capture disc from taking any damage. If Ryder's Pokémon Assist ability faded away, Ryder instantly fired another Aura Sphere to start the ability up again. With their combined effort, Darkrai had become successfully befriended.
As the darkness around the tower faded, Alexa recalled her capture disc. She and Ryder collapsed onto their knees with exhaustion; they used up more energy than they had anticipated. Darkrai, however, was no longer suffering, and remained idle.
"The darkness has lifted!" Sven declared.
"We can get close to the Shadow Crystal now!" Wendy exclaimed.
"Alex, Ryder, you did it!" Keith praised. "Operation Brighton is on again!"
Keith, Sven and Wendy flew down towards the Shadow Crystal, holding the Yellow, Blue and Red gems respectively. The Shadow Crystal soon became neutralised and transformed into a completely transparent gem. Alexa and Ryder watched with amazement and joy as they saw Operation Brighton coming to a well-rewarding end.
Darkrai willingly brought Blake Hall and Wheeler back from the dark world. Neither Alexa nor Ryder were angry upon seeing the former antagonists.
"Is this…I'm alive?" Wheeler asked.
"Yes…" Alexa answered breathlessly. Wheeler and Blake faced her in confusion and are shocked to see how weak Alexa and Ryder appeared to be.
"You saved us?" Blake questioned.
"No…Ryder and I only brought Darkrai back to its senses," Alexa continued.
Darkrai…Darkrai was the one…who brought you back, Ryder said weakly.
"Alexa!" Barlow ran over to Alex while Professor Hastings made his way up to Blake. "Are you alright?! What happened to you?!"
"Focus Blast," Alexa responded. "It's a powerful Fighting type attack…Darkrai used it when it lost all control…of itself…"
"It seems you have awoken from your nightmare, Blake Hall," Hastings began. "What you witnessed was nothing more than a nightmare. And now you have awoken from your long nightmare."
"Nightmare?" Blake asked.
"I have something I must return to you," Hastings continued. He revealed the green book found during Alexa's mission in Chroma Ruins. "Your father, Brighton Hall's diary. It was because of this, we were able to carry out Operation Brighton."
"So that's why you used his name…"
"Indeed. However," Hastings continued, looking at the severely injured Alexa with a smile. "It was because of Alexa that we were able to have the diary in our possession to begin with."
"Alexa?" Blake looked over at the feeble girl; Barlow was helping Alexa get back onto her own feet.
"It was because of her we were able to put the pieces together for Operation Brighton," Hastings added with pride. "And it was her finding the diary that allowed us to discover that your father had promised to save you. Is that not so, Wyatt Hall?"
"Wyatt?" Alexa asked towards Hastings.
"My real name," Blake replied. "I founded Team Dim Sun when the small shards of the Shadow Crystal were discovered. But that alone wasn't enough. The Rangers gathered the three gems and eluded my father. And those three gems awakened me from my nightmare. Operation Brighton…my father finally got his wish to save me today…"
"Blake…no, Wyatt…when things settle down, you are due for questioning regarding your criminal past," Barlow began. "Escorts from the Union are waiting for you at the bottom of the Altru Building. Can you walk out on your own?"
"You…you're letting me walk out of here on my own to meet the escorts?" Blake asked. "Thank you. I am grateful for your kindness." He approached Alexa before leaving the roof. "Alexa…"
"Yes?" Alexa asked.
"I am truly sorry to you for everything I said to offend you," Blake began. "Truth be told, my father told me of your grandfather."
"My grandpa?" Alexa asked in shock.
"Yes," Blake nodded. "He has told me he has a granddaughter who is an extremely powerful Pokémon Trainer. I insulted you knowing this fact. I apologise for what I said to you."
"It okay. Now that I know you weren't truly yourself," Alexa began. "I can't hold a grudge against you." Blake took her right hand gently.
"My father was right," he continued. "You are an extremely powerful Pokémon Trainer…to have such a strong feeling about her Pokémon – no, to have such a noble perspective of all Pokémon everywhere. You are to be admired for that." Blake gently released her hand and walked passed her. Alexa watched him leave in confusion.
"Wyatt!" Alexa called. Blake looked back at Alexa in confusion. She smiled warmly at him. "Thank you." Blake smiled at her before he left the roof.
"Alexa! We've rescued Isaac from captivity," Barlow began happily. "No need to worry about him. But, boy, without his help, this operation wouldn't have been a success." Barlow then made his leave.
ALEX!
As Barlow made his leave, Sven, Wendy and Keith ran over to Alexa and Professor Hastings. Alexa immediately ran over to Keith and the two of them hugged and held onto one another closely.
"You did it, Alex!" Keith cheered. "I knew you could do it!"
"No, Keith. It's not just me," Alexa began. "Everyone who was a part of this all made it possible."
"The Rangers, the Union staff, Isaac and everyone who provided us with information. All of you who love Pokémon made this victory possible," Hastings stated happily. "It was your intelligence, courage and passion that solved the biggest crisis in Almia's history. You have all gone beyond your call of duty. This day has been transformed from Altru's birthday to one of celebration for all Almia. That's it for Operation Brighton. Mission Clear!"
With those closing remarks, Sven and Wendy carried out their traditional and trademark poses; Sven leapt and performed a backward roll, while Wendy spun around on the spot. Keith and Alexa, however, stayed in their hug.
"Incidentally, what has become of the three gems?" Hastings asked. Alexa looked towards where the Shadow Crystal once stood.
"Look!" Keith, Sven, Wendy, Ryder, Buizel and Professor Hastings looked over at the Luminous Crystal. The gems continued to circle around it, giving off a warm light.
Later, in Altru Park…
The Go-Rock Quads – Billy, Garret, Clyde and Tiffany – were all reciting a harmonious and upbeat tune that entertained the crowd beneath the stage. Alexa, Keith, Rhythmi, Isaac and Melody were all at the back, away from the crowd, listening to the band. Both Alexa and Ryder had new and extra bandages on various parts of their bodies. Crawford, Luana and Barlow – with a Doduo behind him – ran over to them.
"Yeah, the Go-Rock Quads rule!" Barlow said happily. "They're perfect for celebrating Almia's new Memorial Day!"
"Barlow, thank you for rescuing me," Isaac thanked. "The way you shouted Target Clear and punched out the beam generator…its simplicity made it cool!"
"My big brother says he's taking a holiday today," Melody began cheerfully. "He said he would play with me all day!"
"That's great. I'm glad for you, Melody…" Barlow trailed off; the happiness was overwhelming him.
"Uh-oh, Barlow's sprung a leak!" Rhythmi laughed. "In spite of his looks, he's famous around the Union for crying easily." She looked over at Alex, and suddenly became confused. "Alexa? Are you alright?"
"Hm?" Alexa looked over at Rhythmi; she still maintained her warm smile, despite joyful tears that fell down her face. She wiped her eyes. "Y-yeah…I'm just really happy for Isaac and Melody as well."
"Hey, Alex…remember the day we met?" Keith asked. Alexa looked up at him in confusion.
"When the Bidoof got away from Janice and you beat me in how many Bidoof we rounded up?" she asked.
"Yeah. But since then, though, you were the one having to bail me out," Keith continued. "That's what makes me so glad I got to help keep you from the darkness. It's like I finally got to pay you back for all the help you've given me."
"People give help and are helped," Barlow prophesised. "That goes for Pokémon too; everyone lives by helping each other. Don't think of it as what you owe to others or what you are owed. By the way, this song…about how the king of Almia fell into the embrace of darkness? And how the princes in red, blue and yellow drew together? It's just like the storybook my grandma used to read me when I was a kid."
"Yeah…I wouldn't be surprised if the said tale becomes alive again because of Operation Brighton," Alexa said peacefully.
"Alexa, you look ready to fall asleep," Barlow stated. "I know you've pulled an all-nighter, but I have a mission for you."
"Mission?" Alex questioned. Keith smiled; he knew what was up, but said nothing.
"Go to Chicole Village." Barlow explained.
"That's it?" Alexa asked.
"This is your final mission from me," Barlow said, giving Alexa control over the Doduo. She and Ryder hopped onto the Doduo's back and the Doduo ran off.
"Keith…you know what's going on, don't you?" Rhythmi asked. Keith watched the Doduo leaving the park, smiling.
"It's best not to spoil anything," Keith replied. "All I can say is…Alex will love it. Come on."
After a short while…
The Doduo Alexa and Ryder were riding on walked through Vientown, where its residents were all lined up on either side of the path, as if to parade for Alexa's triumph. Elaine, Ollie, Big Bertha and Little Tim were all included. Doduo headed towards Chicole Village.
In Chicole Village…
The Doduo stopped outside the two houses at the far end of the village. Alexa and Ryder carefully dismounted as the Doduo leaves the two.
"Alex!" An orange/brunette haired boy – all too familiar to Alexa – ran over to her and hugged her suddenly. Alexa looked down at the boy in shock.
"Hey, bro! What're you doing here?!" she asked happily, hugging the boy.
"We were asked to come down here," a familiar feminine voice replied. Alexa looked in front of her; she saw a blonde-brunette haired woman in a pink dress and a brunette haired man in a cream-coloured suit standing in front of the empty-looking house. Alexa stood up straight and looked over at the two people, feeling emotional. Ryder was left utterly bewildered.
"We were told that you saved the day, Alex!" Alexa's brother said excitedly. "They said you're the hero who saved Almia! That's awesome!"
"As soon as we heard the news, we just had to come down here to wait for you," the woman added. "Breakfast has been prepared for you in our new holiday house, right next to us. After breakfast, you should get some sleep in the nice bed upstairs."
"Mum…" Alexa tried not to cry, but the tears falling down her face made it obvious that she had the urge to. The man approached Alexa and rested his right hand on her left shoulder.
"Well done, Alexa," he began softly. "In spite of the all the adversity you faced, you refused to give up and showed everyone how strong a person you really are. I am so proud of you."
"Dad…!" Alexa could no longer resist the urge to cry, so she ran into her father's arms and wept loudly. Her father held onto her softly. Her mother and her brother walked over to them and formed a group hug.
Ryder looked around in confusion, suspecting something was up. He looked behind him and found Keith, Barlow, Crawford, Luana and Rhythmi watching the family reunion from afar; the warm atmosphere the reunion presented touched all of them. Ryder knew to keep their presence a secret from Alexa, so he watched the reunion with a warm smile.
"You know…Alex sure has a nice family," Crawford began. "I'm glad she got to see them after Operation Brighton."
"I couldn't agree more," Barlow corroborated. "They really love that girl."
"And she loves them," Luana added, almost moved to tears.
"It was a nice thought to invite them here, Keith," Rhythmi complimented. Keith was watching the reunion with joyful tears falling down his face.
"She deserved this," he said simply. "They don't live here in Almia, so I thought she might be a bit homesick. At least just a little. I phoned them a few hours ago, and here they are."
"I don't think Alexa will forget this anytime soon," Barlow assumed.
"No…she won't…" Keith said quietly, watching the family entering the empty house.
To be continued…