Chapter Twenty One – Friendship! The Real Test! (Pt I)
Alexa, Keith, Ryder and Buizel were in the Operations room at the Union, facing Professor Hastings and Chairperson Erma. Rhythmi, Linda and Marcus were all hard at work behind the union heads.
"It shames me to tell you this, but Kincaid somehow managed to escape arrest at the Altru Tower," Hastings sighed.
"So he's still at large?" Alexa asked worriedly.
"Unfortunately, yes, dear," Erma nodded in confirmation. "And we have reason to believe that he will turn Team Dim Sun into his own."
"Or Team Debonairs," Keith scoffed mockingly. "Seriously, that name didn't make any bit of difference to the team! They still sucked!"
Need I remind you, Keith, that you're the one who took the cheap shot at the knees? Ryder asked rhetorically. In confusion, Keith looked down at the support bandages Alexa had carefully placed over his knees.
"And that is why they suck! They're so cheap!" Keith fumed.
"Yeah…I know," Alexa sighed. Keith looked towards her in confusion.
"What's wrong?" he asked her.
"You're right; Team Dim Sun Debonairs are cheap. You and I both know how low they're willing to go just to get what they want," Alexa sighed.
"Oh." Keith understood the implication behind Alexa's explanation.
"Rest assured, we're not willing to give up until Kincaid is caught and his team is disbanded," Hastings smiled.
"In the meantime, dears, I want you to take care while you're out on patrol today," Erma said sensitively. "It seems Kincaid's grudge is dominantly for the two of you."
"But mostly to me," Alexa sighed.
Bah, what're you so worried about? I'm more than happy to kick his head in! Ryder smiled.
"I'm worried about Kincaid showing up again," Alexa admitted. "I've never liked the guy, and the day we rescued Barlow explained why that was, if you recall correctly."
I do, and I'm mad at him for pulling that on Barlow! Especially causing his styler to break at Drapion's hands! Speaking of Drapion, were the Drapion and Gliscor we encountered at Altru Inc the same ones as from the cargo ship and the Oil-Field Hideout respectively? Ryder asked.
"I doubt it, but if they were, Kincaid has issues," Alexa said plainly.
"Like he doesn't have issues already?" Keith asked cheekily. "Look, if anything goes wrong, just let me know and I'll help you out."
"Thanks, Keith," Alexa smiled towards him.
Outside…
Alexa and Ryder walked along the Chroma Road. They suddenly stopped when they saw a familiar-looking black and purple helicopter landing in the Chroma Highlands.
"Oh, crap…"
It's them again! Ryder snarled. I don't know what to call them now, they have two names!
"I'm still going to call them Team Dim Sun," Alexa stated, instantly holding her styler in front of her. She tried to establish a contact.
"I'd put that down if I were you," threatened a familiar-sounding casual male voice. Alexa and Ryder looked around cautiously.
"And what if I don't, Ice?" Alexa asked suspiciously. Ice made his way out of the wilderness situated on Alexa's left hand side. She and Ryder instantly faced him angrily.
"Simple; I'd have to hurt you," Ice answered simply.
"Oh, what do you want now, Ice?" Alexa asked with annoyance.
Wanna give us some candy, you hothead? Ryder asked mockingly.
"Actually, that would be kinda nice," Alexa teased.
"Say what you want; I'm only hear to pick something up," Ice shrugged.
Oh yeah? You can pick up my Aura Sphere and shove it up your a-
"Ryder!" Alexa exclaimed abruptly. "Not funny!"
Really? I thought it was, Ryder chuckled.
"When you're done playing around, I'd like to elaborate," Ice sighed.
"I don't think I want to hear what you're after," Alexa huffed.
Me neither; knowing him, it's more candy, Ryder joked.
"No, it's not candy. But it's just as sweet, though," Ice smirked. Alexa noticed Ice's smirk.
"Ryder, I think we should get out of here," she cautioned quietly.
Why would I want to leave when I'm having so much fun? Ryder asked. I really want to get back at the other two as well.
"It's just a shame you won't see them, my blue friend," Ice sniggered. "But, not to worry; I'm sure your partner will tell them you said hi."
What?!
"See, that's why I wanted to bail out!" Alexa exclaimed quietly. "Wait a minute…" Alexa faced Ice in horror. "You're still after me?!"
"Ah, but this is for an entirely different cause," Ice nodded. He set up a Miniremo unit in front of him, which startled Alexa and Ryder.
How the bloody hell do you still have that monstrous contraption?! Ryder asked in anger. I thought Operation Brighton put an end to that crap!
"So did I!" Alexa cried. "How is that still even working?!"
"Oh, we made a lot more than you think, Alexa," Ice stated as a hypnotised Tangrowth and a hypnotised Machamp made their way over to Ice. "The Oil-Field Hideout made the Miniremos, and the effect from the Luminous Crystal never reached underwater."
Say what?! Ryder exclaimed in horror.
"If I knew that, then we could've-"
"Stopped us ultimately? Here's the thing, though; you had no inkling," Ice smirked as he typed into the Miniremo. The Machamp moved swiftly towards Ryder with its right fist enveloped in a cloak of fire. Alexa jumped away from Ryder moments before he jumped away from the fiery attack. As soon as the Machamp looked at him, Ryder fired a ready charged Aura Sphere in the Machamp's face.
"Yeah, you go, boy!" Alexa cheered. "Capture-"
GRAB!
"Whuh?!" Three strings of pink and blue vines wrapped around Alexa's body, restraining her arms. She looked towards the hypnotised Tangrowth, which had used its three fingers to ensnare her. Ryder looked towards Alexa in confusion upon hearing her startled cry. He then glared towards Ice.
Let go of her! Now! Ryder snarled demandingly.
"Boss's orders," Ice shrugged. "Nothing I can do."
"Boss?" Alexa asked worriedly.
Kincaid? Ooh, I'm going to love getting my own back on him! Ryder growled angrily. But first on my priority list is getting Alex away from you scum!
"That will be impossible," Ice said simply. "By the way, you might want to look out behind you."
You're bluffing, Ryder jeered.
"No, Ryder, it's Machamp!" Alexa cried.
Huh? Ryder turned around in confusion.
WHACK!
D'AAGH! With its arm shining in a bright white light, Machamp delivered a devastating karate chop-like attack at Ryder. Alexa watched helplessly as Ryder crashed into the ground.
"Brick Break! Ryder, be careful!" Alexa warned worriedly.
"That's the least of your worries," Ice said calmly.
"Whoa!" Tangrowth retracted its vines, which pulled Alexa over to it and Ice. Ryder glanced up at the Tangrowth.
Let her go…right now, Ryder demanded breathlessly.
"You're still weak from Darkrai's Focus Blast, are you not? You shouldn't be battling yet," Ice taunted.
It was your bloody idea! Ryder snarled. It wasn't like I had a choice either way!
"Ryder, watch out for-"
BANG!
D'AAAAAAGH! Machamp forced its flaming fist down on Ryder's back, inflicting serious damage.
"Fire Punch…!"
"I think we've accomplished enough here," Ice sighed with relief. "Tangrowth, it's time to pack up."
"Let me go!" Alexa exclaimed, struggling to get loose from Tangrowth's grip. Ice approached her and took hold of her right wrist.
"Well we can't take that with us, can we?" he asked rhetorically, removing Alexa's styler from her wrist. He threw it behind him; the styler's collision with the ground slightly damaged it.
Okay, that's it…you're going to pay big time! Ryder vowed, struggling onto his feet. The Machamp glared at him from behind.
"Ryder! Behind you!" Alexa cried.
Huh?
BANG!
D'AAA-AAAA-AAA-AAA-AAA-AAAGH! Machamp unleashed a devastatingly rapid fury of powerful punches and kicks at Ryder; Machamp was extremely close to Ryder, but it was attacking too fast for Ryder to counter-attack.
"Ryder!" Alexa screamed in devastation as she watched Ryder fall in defeat after Machamp's fury had ended. "Close Combat…Ice, how could you?!" Alexa asked angrily.
"I did what was necessary. Kincaid told me not to return to headquarters without you," Ice explained.
"What?!"
"Well…either you or Keith…"
"Keith?!" Alexa gasped in horror; Ice would've targeted Keith?
"But since Keith had his time with us, I think it's time for the damsel to be in distress for a change," Ice laughed.
"Not funny!" Alexa exclaimed. "Let me go! If I ever get out of this, I swear you'll-mmph!" Tangrowth carefully wrapped its third finger vine around Alexa's mouth. Ice glanced over at her with a smirk.
"What was that you were saying?" he asked tauntingly.
Elsewhere…
RING-RING-RING-RING!
Somewhere in Vien Forest, Keith and Buizel stopped in their tracks when his styler picked up a voicemail. Keith held his styler in front of him and answered the transmission.
"Voicemail, voicemail, Keith, it's Rhythmi," Rhythmi stated, sounding worried. "Keith, can you get to the Chroma Road? Alexa's signal's weakened."
"How's it weakened?" Keith asked.
"I don't know; for all we know, her styler may be damaged, but Professor Hastings wants you to check it out anyway," Rhythmi replied.
"I'm on it," Keith nodded, quickly ending the transmission. "Ready for a run, Buizel?"
"Bui-bui!" Buizel nodded eagerly. Keith and Buizel headed north, towards Puel Town.
At the Chroma Road…
Keith and Buizel casually ran along the path, but they became panicky when they spotted a familiar-looking Pokémon lying in front of them.
"Ryder!" Keith cried as he raced over to the injured Lucario. Buizel struggled to keep up, but he spotted a recognizable red item lying not too far from Ryder.
"Ryder, what happened, are you okay?!" Keith asked hastily. "Wh-where's Alex?! Is she okay?!"
"Bui!" Buizel exclaimed. Keith looked towards his partner and instantly became concerned when he noticed the item in Buizel's arms; Alexa's slightly damaged styler.
"So that's why her signal was weak," Keith said to himself worriedly.
Keith… Ryder struggled to sit up. Keith looked over at Ryder and carefully pushed him back down.
"Don't strain yourself. Where's Alex? Is she alright?" Keith asked.
She'd better be…Ice kidnapped her, Ryder jeered with frustration. Keith was left virtually speechless; it was either hearing Ice's name or hearing that Ice kidnapped his best friend that shocked him.
"What?!"
That smarmy swine…he had the nerve to pull a cheap trick…and that Machamp…bloody hell, that guy was cheap… Ryder growled. Tangrowth snatched her before she had the chance to use her styler…Keith…we have to rescue her!
"D-don't worry, I'm sure we'll think of something!" Keith stated uneasily. He picked up Ryder in his arms and he and Buizel, with Alexa's styler in his arms, ran out of the Chroma Road, headed for the Ranger Union with the terrible news and shocking evidence.
Meanwhile…
"So the mission was a success then?" Lavana asked Ice. They, Heath and Kincaid were all in a cold metallic room with virtually nothing inside.
"Need I even give an answer?" Ice asked rhetorically, looking over at Alexa. She had been tied to a chair with rope; her wrists were tied together behind her, and her torso was tied to the back of the chair. She glared at Ice angrily.
"For your sake, Ice, Ryder had better be okay after Machamp's onslaught," she threatened.
"Alexa, you're in no position to make threats," Kincaid said calmly.
"I don't care! Ryder had better be okay!" Alexa exclaimed.
"Focus Blast, he survived, yes?" Heath questioned. "Machamp fight, he live, too."
"Personally, I'd be grateful that it's not Keith Ice managed to snag," Lavana taunted.
"Don't even get me started on you, Lavana!" Alexa hissed angrily. "Don't think I've forgotten what your Magmortar did to him!"
"That's enough of that, Alexa," Kincaid warned, approaching her. Alexa looked up at him, rather timidly. "We still have another matter to discuss."
"W-we do?" Alexa asked shyly.
"It's about why you're here," Kincaid explained.
"Let me guess; you're planning to make a ransom demand to the union telling them to come and get me just so you can catch them in a trap you've set up," Alexa guessed randomly.
"No. Something far simpler than that," Kincaid stated. "You're here to ensure that nobody stops me."
"I don't follow," Alexa admitted.
"Oh, I think you will. Once I tell the union I'm holding you hostage, their first instinct will be to send someone to rescue you," Kincaid explained. "However, they won't."
"Why's that?" Alexa asked.
"The demand will ensure that they won't; they are not to interfere with my activities…or else I'd do you harm," Kincaid smirked.
"What?!" Alexa gasped in horror.
"At least, that's the impression I want to leave. I have no intention on wasting my time aimlessly beating the crap out of you when there're better things for me to be getting on with, nor do I want to deal with the Rangers again. So, in a sense, we'd be fooling the Union once again," Kincaid explained.
"Tough break, Alexa," Lavana laughed.
"Still, I can imagine you're thinking it's better you than Keith," Ice shrugged.
"Heath, can you go and get what we need to communicate with the Union please?" Kincaid requested.
"Right, sir," Heath complied as he left the virtually empty room. Alexa continued to look up at Kincaid, but looked more frightened than before.
"You won't get away with this!" she exclaimed. "Someone will find a loophole in your demands!"
"I'd love to see them try," Kincaid scoffed, moving behind Alexa.
"I'm sure you'll see it when they smack you right across the face!" Alexa jeered. "Besides, if I tell them it's a joke, they'll listen to me instead of you!"
"I'm sure," Kincaid smirked.
"Mmmph!" Kincaid took out a white piece of cloth and tied it over Alexa's mouth. With the cloth gagging her, Kincaid stood back up and faced her directly.
"That's why I came up with this idea," Kincaid continued. "Now we'll see who the union will listen to."
"Mmm-mmm-mmph!" Alexa attempted to talk back at Kincaid, but her efforts were wasted and short-lived; not only was she tied up tightly, but also the gag around her mouth prevented her from talking.
At the union…
Keith and Buizel ran up the escalator that led to the Operations Room and approached Professor Hastings and Chairperson Erma. Keith still held Ryder in his arms, as well as Alexa's styler.
"Good gracious! Whatever happened to you, Ryder?" Erma asked in horror. Ryder looked towards her regretfully before he looked away from everyone else.
I…I should've done something, he sighed. It's my fault…
"I don't recall becoming severely injured your fault, even if one is allegedly accident prone," Hastings stated.
That's not what I meant…it's my fault…Alex… Ryder trailed off into a sigh.
"Alexa? What happened to Alexa?" Hastings questioned. He looked around in confusion. "Where is she?"
Th-that's the thing…Ice…showed up. Ryder attempted to move himself out of Keith's arms, but he flinched when he moved his back.
"Ice?" Erma asked.
"Bui," Buizel approached Chairperson Erma and held Alexa's styler in front of him. Erma gently took the styler from Buizel and showed it to Professor Hastings out of concern.
"So that's why her signal weakened," Hasting observed quietly. He faced Keith, looking somewhat worried himself. "What happened?"
"I don't know for sure," Keith sighed.
It's Ice, I told you! Ryder growled. He ambushed us and abducted Alex! And all the while I was getting my tail handed to me by a big penguin-faced four-armed freak of nature!
"What?!" Rhythmi exclaimed in shock, quickly facing Ryder in horror. Ryder looked over at her, looking somewhat calmer.
A Machamp, he explained.
"I don't think that was what she meant, dear," Erma sighed. "Do you have any idea where she is now?"
"N-no," Keith sighed. "I think Buizel and I arrived too late."
Only Alex and I knew what was happening; the fact that nobody else knew what transpired can't be helped, Ryder said reassuringly. But now all I want to do is to get Alex back.
"And we will. We just have to conjure a plan of action," Hastings pondered. "But how can we do that when we don't know where she's being held?"
RING-RING-RING-RING!
"What the…the direct line?" Hastings questioned, glancing over to the telephone next to Rhythmi. "Put that on the loudspeaker if you will please."
"Of course," Rhythmi nodded. She pressed a button next to the telephone. "Pokémon Ranger Union-"
"Yes, I know whom I've called. Do you pride yourself in telling others what they already know?" Kincaid answered sternly.
Kincaid! Ryder snarled furiously, forcing himself out of Keith's arms. I want answers! What've you done with Alex?!
"Don't worry, she's safe. At least, for now," Kincaid taunted.
"Give it to us straight, Kincaid! What do you want?!" Keith asked demandingly.
"What I want from the Ranger Union is simple, and I think you'll comply to it," Kincaid began.
At the same time…
"Given the fact that it concerns your favourite Ranger, at least," Kincaid scoffed. A black telephone was placed on a large metal table, and Kincaid sat in the wooden chair next to the table. The phone appeared to be on loudspeaker similar to the telephone at the Ranger Union. Heath and Lavana were nowhere to be seen, but Ice stood near Kincaid. Alex was at the other side of the otherwise empty room, still restrained to the wooden chair she sat in, and still with the gag Kincaid tied over her mouth. She watched Kincaid with fear in her eyes.
"Oh do get on with it!" Hastings scolded. "What is it you want?!"
"Simple; if I see any other Ranger apart from Alexa, then I'm afraid her condition will worsen," Kincaid replied.
"Worsen?!" Keith asked in horror.
"Mmmph? Mmmph!" Alexa quietly struggled within her binds.
"So you have hurt her?!" Keith asked angrily.
"You misunderstand, Keith, as per usual," Kincaid huffed. "She wasn't exactly in good condition when we last encountered, am I correct?"
"Your stupid admins pushed us down the steps, did you expect us to survive it without getting a bruise or two!?" Keith jeered.
"My point exactly; if I see another Ranger, Alexa will get more than a bruise or two," Kincaid simplified his demand. Alexa suddenly gasped for air; her gag had slipped off of her mouth.
"Keith, don't listen to him!" she cried fearfully. Kincaid and Ice glanced at her, looking mildly frustrated.
"Alex!"
Alex, are you alright?! Ryder asked with concern.
"Keith, Ryder, don't listen to him!" Alexa cried again. She failed to notice Ice approaching her casually. "Just don't listen to him, it's a blu-mmph!" Ice suddenly clasped his hand over her mouth from behind her.
"Let her go!" Keith shouted furiously.
"Calm down, Keith," Hastings cautioned.
"As I was saying," Kincaid sighed. "Before I was so rudely interrupted," he glared towards Alexa before he looked back at his phone. "If you see anybody from my Team Debonairs, ignore them. You'd do well to do so if you value Alexa's health."
"A craven play…" Hasting jeered.
"You coward!" Keith fumed.
"I wouldn't call it cowardice. I can't be bothered to deal with you, and holding your precious Alexa hostage will see to that," Kincaid smirked.
Tauros crap! You just don't want us to defeat you again! Ryder exclaimed accusingly.
"This conversation is over," Kincaid sighed. He pushed another button on the phone, ending his phone call. He glared at Alexa angrily; Ice still held his hand over her mouth, and she looked towards Kincaid timidly. "Thanks for nearly spoiling everything," he said sarcastically.
Back at the union…
Rhythmi pressed a button on the phone, which ceased the annoying dial tone it emitted. Ryder snarled with frustration, but Keith wandered away from him, Erma and Hastings.
Damn that Kincaid to hell! Ryder ranted. I don't care what he says; he's being a bloody coward!
"Bui-bui!" Buizel nodded in agreement.
"What should we do, Professor?" Erma asked worriedly. Hastings sighed quietly.
"It seems we have no choice but to go along with his demand," he said regretfully. Ryder glared at him in anger.
So you're just going to leave her at Kincaid's mercy?! He asked interrogatively. While you expect us to twiddle our thumbs in hopes that he'll keep his word!?
"Ryder, you don't have any thumbs anyway," Hastings began. "But there's no other alternative."
I say there is! What say you, Keith? Huh? Ryder looked over at Keith in confusion. You okay?
"Keith? What's on your mind, dear?" Erma asked softly.
"Alex…" Keith answered simply.
I promise you, Keith, Kincaid is going to pay for-
"No, that's not it; it's what she tried to say," Keith added abruptly.
"What she tried to say?" Hastings queried.
"Don't listen to him," Keith repeated Alexa's petrified words.
"She's the type to put herself at risk for the sake of others, Keith," Hastings sighed. "It's natural she'd say that."
"What do you think she tried to say?" Rhythmi asked with curiosity.
"Don't listen to him…it's a…something," Keith said to himself. "What was she trying to say…?" Ryder scoffed.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if Kincaid was bluffing about the whole ransom demand, he smirked. After all, if he fooled everyone into thinking that he was a teacher, then he's clearly got a skill at deception.
"That's it!" Keith exclaimed joyfully. Ryder, Buizel, Erma, Hastings and Rhythmi faced him in astonishment.
"What's it?" Hastings asked. Keith faced him, looking fairly happy.
"What Alex tried to say! She was trying to tell us Kincaid was bluffing!" he exclaimed.
Say what?! Ryder asked in shock. Keith faced him, still with his ecstatic demeanour.
"You were right! Kincaid did fool everyone into believing that he was a simple teacher with a hatred for hallway runners! Alex must've known about the legitimacy of Kincaid's demand, which is why she was cut off!" he explained.
"Keith, I know you're worried about her, but are you sure you understand what you're saying?" Hastings asked carefully.
"Are you certain you want to take the chance that Kincaid will be true to his word and do her harm?" Erma asked.
"Yes, and he won't hurt her," Keith answered truthfully.
"How do you know he won't?" Rhythmi asked worriedly.
"Kincaid isn't the one I trust; Alex is," Keith replied.
"Keith, your assumption of what Alexa tried to say is only based on Ryder's assumption of Kincaid's motives behind the ransom demand," Hastings assumed. "Are you absolutely certain you're willing to risk her safety?"
"How can I risk her safety if it's not even at risk?" Keith asked rhetorically. "Kincaid just wants to use her as a deterrent for the rest of us!"
Of course! It's like a Repel! Ryder exclaimed. Erma looked towards him.
"A Repel?" she asked. Ryder looked towards her calmly.
A Repel is a spray a Pokémon trainer uses to keep wild Pokémon away from them, he explained. According to Phoenix, Alex seldom used one, but when she did, no Pokémon came within five feet of her until it wore off.
"Exactly what Kincaid is hoping to achieve!" Keith concluded. "He's just using her to keep us away from him!"
"Even if that were true, Keith, the chance of him harming her still floats around," Hastings warned. "I ask you again; are you absolutely certain that Kincaid is indeed bluffing?"
"Even if Alex said nothing whatsoever, I would probably still say that he's bluffing," Keith nodded. "Besides, I have complete faith in Alex. It's her I trust, not Kincaid."
"But Keith-" Rhythmi began worriedly.
"I know, I know, you don't want to take any chances," Keith sighed abruptly. "But let's not forget how Alex ended up on my back after she and I returned from the Hippowdon Temple."
Oh, you had to bring that up, didn't you? Ryder sighed.
"Alex took a chance for my sake. She risked her health – no, her life – to save me without giving Heath the Yellow Gem," Keith explained. "If that's not being a true friend, then I don't know what is. Deep down, I knew I wanted Alex to save me, but I was more concerned about Dim Sun getting the Yellow Gem. But after Ryder gave it up, I knew Alex was more important."
"Ah. That explains your sudden outburst upon your return," Hastings smiled.
"And now Alex is the one in peril. I wouldn't call myself her friend if I didn't take any chances for her," Keith sighed. "She's the best thing that's happened to me, and I need to save her! No, I want to save her! I want to save my best friend!" He shouted.
"Even if we wanted to, Keith, we have no idea where she is," Rhythmi said worriedly. "Although, wherever they are, I heard Kincaid's voice echoing. They must be somewhere where voices can echo."
"I highly doubt they'd be in a cave, Rhythmi," Hastings assumed. "The only cave capable of hiding someone is the Chroma Ruins, and even then the echoed voices would potentially attract attention."
Who said they're in a cave? Ryder asked rhetorically. Hastings, Erma and Rhythmi faced him in confusion. Certain rooms are capable of echoing voices as well.
"Do you have an idea where she is, Ryder?" Keith asked, sounding hopeful. Ryder knelt on one knee and rested his right paw on the floor in front of him. He stared at his paw.
Let me use my aura to track Alex's aura, he requested. In doing so will hopefully give me an idea as to where Kincaid's hiding like a coward.
"Are you sure you should? You're weak enough as it is," Erma said with concern.
Believe me, ma'am, using my aura is like breathing to me; it's second nature, Ryder nodded as he closed is eyes softly. His four aura sensors lifted.
Keith, Buizel, Erma, Hastings and Rhythmi all watched Ryder concentrating in silent anxiety. With the exception of the occasional twitching of his sensors, Ryder remained motionless, as if he were a sculpture. Keith took the time to note Ryder's countless bruises and burns, which he had suffered during Machamp's assault. After a short while, a smirk crept onto Ryder's face.
I knew it, he smiled.
"You know where they are?" Rhythmi asked in amazement.
I really should've known, given how Tangrowth and Machamp obeyed Ice. He used a Miniremo, Ryder stated.
"A Miniremo!?" Hastings gasped in horror. "B-but I thought the Luminous Crystal ceased the use of those accursed things!"
As did Alex and I. As it turned out, the effect of the Luminous Crystal never reached underwater, Ryder sighed. Meaning that Kincaid's hiding in the Oil-Field Hideout.
"Of course! Sven reported that Team Dim Sun made the Miniremos there!" Hastings exclaimed. "No wonder why that came as no surprise!"
Ryder stood up properly and looked up at Keith, looking guilty and sincere in one facial expression.
I've done all I can in my condition, he sighed. Keith looked down at Ryder in confusion.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
If I go to the Oil-Field Hideout, I'd just be making Alex worry a lot more than she needs to, he admitted sadly. And it would be foolish of me to go all that way with neglected wounds. Please, Keith. Bring Alex back…
"No need to tell me twice," Keith nodded. "And don't worry; I'll be sure to tell her you're in safe hands."
Thank you, Ryder smiled gratefully. He, Erma, Hastings and Rhythmi watched as Keith and Buizel raced out of the Operations Room. Keith, however, was careful as he ran; he still wore his support bandages over his knees.
Meanwhile…
"You're a stubborn little thing, aren't you?" Kincaid asked rudely. Alexa's left cheek had a fairly large graze on it, and Alexa appeared to be flinching as she looked away from Kincaid.
"Wasn't that a bit extreme, boss? Slapping her like that?" Ice asked. Kincaid looked towards Ice as he tossed a thin piece of wood in his right hand.
"She annoys the hell out of me," Kincaid stated. "But her outburst is meaningless; she failed to tell the Union of my bluff."
"Someone will figure it out," Alexa hissed. "Someone will figure out what I tried to say. Then they'll stop you."
"You wish, Alexa," Kincaid huffed. Unbeknownst to Alexa, Ice began to untie the fallen gag and took it from her neck.
"No. You know what I wish for?" Alexa asked, glaring up at Kincaid angrily. "I wish I never knew you."
"Same to you," Kincaid retaliated calmly.
"Mmph!" Ice tied the cloth around Alexa's mouth again. He made sure the gag was tied underneath her hair before he stood up and approached Kincaid.
"What should we do now, sir?" Ice asked curiously.
"Ice, you and I will stay here as I have instructed earlier," Kincaid replied. "Heath and Lavana are patrolling around the hideout, just in case what Alexa speculated turns out to be true."
"That someone will take the chance? And if someone is found?" Ice questioned.
"Easy; throw them in the ocean," Kincaid answered coldly. "I don't have time to deal with any other Rangers right now."
"I don't know; I rather enjoyed seeing her suffer during her raid on the Altru Tower," Ice smirked, glancing back at Alexa.
"Mmmph…!" Alexa glared at him angrily.
"Even so, I will make sure there are no other Rangers around," Kincaid said calmly. "I'll be back in a while, I'm just going to do some patrolling of my own. You stay here and guard her."
"It's not like she can do anything, but I guess I can keep her company," Ice scoffed.
"Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmph!" Alexa fumed. Ice looked over at her with a smirk as Kincaid left the bare metallic room.
"No sense in complaining, Alexa; Kincaid's not going to surrender you so easily," he said calmly.
"Mmmph…" Alexa looked away from Ice, looking rather worried.
To be continued…