Chapter Twenty Three – Friendship! The Real Test! (Pt III)
Meanwhile, at the Union…
Ryder sat on a desktop in the research room with his right arm stretched out in front of him. Isaac started to apply a bandage to Ryder's arm; he had already applied bandages to other parts of Ryder's body. Ryder kept his head lowered and avoided eye contact with Isaac.
"It's a good thing Professor Hastings called me for this," Isaac said casually. "Apparently Vatona and Nage are on holiday," he laughed.
Ryder simply sighed quietly. He looked fairly sad, but his eyes were dominantly filled with regret; he was ashamed of himself. Isaac faced Ryder with concern.
"Ryder? You haven't said a word since Keith left. Are you okay?" he asked.
I should've gone with him, Ryder finally said regretfully. I could've helped him.
"How would you help him in your condition? Besides, Professor Hastings told me that you did help him; you told him where Alex is," Isaac said reassuringly.
I know, but I wouldn't have had to use my aura to locate her if I fought harder to save her from Tangrowth! Ryder complained sadly. I've let her down…
"That's no way to talk or think. There was nothing you could do, so try not to worry about it and worry about your own injuries," Isaac advised.
I could have done something! It's a little something I like to call Psychic! Ryder cried angrily. If I had used that on Machamp, I would've been able to free Alex and avoid this whole mess to begin with! It's my fault!
"Okay, that is no way to talk or think," Isaac sighed. "Look, it's not your fault Alex is missing."
Yes it is, and she's not missing! Kincaid's holding her captive and I can't do anything to save her! Ryder closed his eyes tightly in a vain attempt to hold back his tears. He clenched his left paw in an attempt to contain his anger. I should've gone with Keith!
"Keith's more than capable of finding Alex, I'm sure of it," Isaac smiled after he successfully applied the bandage around Ryder's arm. "Besides, the two are the best of friends, I highly doubt Keith will give up so easily."
But his knees-
"That won't stop him," Isaac interrupted. "I know that Magmortar's attack didn't stop him during Operation Brighton either. Alex knows that all too well." Ryder looked at Isaac directly in confusion; the tears he held back were released and fell down his face.
What're you-
"You know what I mean. You were also saved in the process," Isaac smiled. "Listen, Ryder, I'm sure Keith feels obligated to save Alex like she saved him; if I know Keith…he won't let anything stop him from clearing his mission."
Meanwhile…
Keith maintained his ground, protectively standing in front of Alexa, who was timidly standing between Keith and the corner behind her, looking towards the four hypnotised Pokémon over his shoulder. Keith continued to hold his styler out in front of him, and Buizel stood his ground at Keith's side, still with his confident demeanour.
"Hopeful? The odds are stacked against you, Keith," Kincaid laughed. "You're the only thing that stands between me and the Ranger I chose to deter the rest of you; once you're gone, nothing will stand against me."
"So you did want to use her as a repellent?" Keith asked rudely. "Even by your standards, that's pathetic, and a poor way to treat anyone!"
"Oh, come on, how is what did with her any different to what Heath did with you?" Kincaid asked insensitively.
"Simple; he used me just to get his hands on something without putting in any effort, which – though I don't like to admit it – actually worked! Alex's case is entirely different; she was used in an attempt to keep the rest of us Rangers away from you just because you didn't want to face us again!" Keith ranted. "At least there was a good reason – on your part – for my dilemma; your excuse for mistreating Alex was petty and pathetic!"
"And it would've worked if she hadn't tried to spoil everything," Ice shrugged.
"If you didn't want it to be ruined, then why the hell did you tell her the plan to begin with!?" Keith asked furiously. "Seriously, Kincaid, at least Heath was smart when he used me! Your plan failed as soon as you told her what you had planned for Alex!"
"I told her to keep her quiet!" Kincaid shouted in self-defence.
"I don't recall wanting to know what you planned for me, I just took a wild guess and guessed wrong," Alexa said nervously.
"Shut up, Alexa!" Kincaid barked. Alexa winced behind Keith, intimidated. Keith looked back at her in confusion before he looked towards Kincaid again, still confused.
"What was that for?!" he asked in bewilderment.
"I hate that girl so much, I can't even stand to hear her voice!" Kincaid explained.
"So the cloth…there was an ulterior motive to it," Keith said quietly in realisation.
"Exactly. Now, I'll take her back now, if you don't mind, Keith," Kincaid insisted.
"You're insane to think that I'd hand her over to you!" Keith shouted furiously. "If you hate Alex, just leave her alone!"
"Aw, but watching her wince is so much fun!" Lavana complained playfully. "We need her anyway to keep other Rangers away from us."
"It almost worked; I was the only one willing to save her!" Keith declared.
"What?" Alexa gasped in shock.
"What of her Lucario?" Ice asked.
"He was in no fit state to accompany me, although he wanted to," Keith replied sternly. "He would've been fine if it hadn't been for your ambush, Ice!"
"Keith, wasting your breath, you are doing," Heath sighed. "Give her up, we spare you. You agree, yes?"
"I agree, no!" Keith retaliated whilst he mimicked Heath. "I told you, if you want to hurt Alex, you'd have to go through me!"
"Keith…" Alexa whispered worriedly.
"Capture on!" Keith fired his capture disc at the four hypnotised Pokémon.
"How pathetic. Pokémon, destroy that thing!" Kincaid instructed. Nidoqueen, Donphan, Aggron and Weavile all attempted to attack the capture disc.
Keith controlled his capture disc with his right arm. Alexa watched the capture disc spinning around, occasionally around at least one of the four Pokémon, anxiously. She suddenly felt Keith's left hand gently holding onto her own left hand. She looked down at her hand before she looked towards Keith in astonishment.
"Try to stay calm, Alex," Keith said softly. "I'll get you out of here. I promise you." Alexa started to blush as she heard Keith's pledge.
"WEAVILE!" Weavile slashed Keith's capture disc away from the Donphan, which inflicted serious damage to it.
"Urgh…!" Keith had a hard time controlling his capture disc after the damage it received. Alexa watched the strenuous battle between Keith's capture disc and the four hypnotised Pokémon fretfully.
"Keep trying if you want; Alexa can't help you," Lavana laughed. Alexa looked towards Lavana in confusion; her confusion turned into sudden realisation before she appeared to be determined.
"Oh yes she can!" she exclaimed, forcing her hand out of Keith's. She moved over to Keith's right arm and held onto it with both of her hands. Keith looked at her in astonishment while Kincaid and the Sinis Trio watched in confusion.
"Alex, what're you doing?" Keith asked. Alexa looked up at him with a gentle smile.
"Just because I can't help you capture those Pokémon, it doesn't mean I can't help at all," she explained. "Let me help you guide your capture disc; I know how exhausting it gets after a while."
"Alex…" Keith smiled warmly at her. He nodded at her. "Thank you." Alexa nodded in return, and the two of them looked towards the Pokémon again.
"You're insane, Alexa! How can you control Keith's styler when you're not wearing it?" Kincaid asked mockingly.
"I never said that, Kincaid," Alexa countered. "It's called support!"
"Hey, Alex, let's show him the benefits of putting one's faith in others!" Keith suggested.
"Way ahead of you!" Alexa smiled.
Nidoqueen attempted to release bullets of mud at the capture disc. Alexa sharply pulled Keith's arm towards her, which quickly moved the capture disc away from the barrage. Alexa loosened her grip on Keith's arm slightly to allow him to move his capture disc in to circle around Nidoqueen. Donphan started to roll towards the capture disc; Alexa pushed Keith's arm down, which moved the capture disc towards the ground, which then caused the Donphan to crash into the Nidoqueen. While Nidoqueen and Donphan were dazed, Keith instantly spun his capture disc around the two of them, quickly capturing them. Heath and Lavana's Miniremos exploded as a result.
"Wh-what?!" Lavana gasped.
"Happening, this cannot be! How, this be possible?!" Heath asked in horror. Ice and Kincaid glared at Alexa and Keith.
"How is it possible for two Rangers to control one styler?" Kincaid asked quietly. "How is it that a task designed for one Ranger can be carried out by two?"
"Does it matter? I'd say it's time to play rough," Ice suggested inaudibly. Kincaid nodded in agreement.
"Playtime is over," Kincaid sneered. Ice typed into his Miniremos once more. Weavile sprinted towards Keith; Keith and Alexa, however, were dominantly focused on circling the capture disc around Aggron. Weavile leapt into the air with its right claws engulfed in a deep purple light. Weavile then dived towards Alexa. Keith squinted up at Weavile.
"Watch out!" Keith pushed Alexa into the corner and stretched his arms out protectively, virtually trapping her in the corner.
SLASH!
"DAAAAGH!" Weavile's glowing claws slashed across Keith's chest, tearing his jacket and shirt. Weavile ran back to the capture disc as Keith winced in pain as he knelt on one of his injured knees. Alexa was horrified, but she quickly took hold of Keith's arm and pulled it towards her, which made the capture disc move away from Aggron's foot.
"WEAVIIILE!" Weavile, however, tried to slash the capture disc, but Aggron accidentally stepped on Weavile's back.
Keith looked up at Weavile and Aggron and, despite his pain, spun his capture disc around the conflicting duo. Kincaid and Ice's Miniremo units exploded once the captures were successful. Keith lowered his right arm and flinched from the pain on his chest. Alexa knelt next to him and looked at him worriedly.
"Keith, are you alright?" she asked with concern. Keith looked towards Alexa with a reassuring smile and nodded at her.
"You're the one I'm worried about, though," he said kindly. Alexa helped Keith stand onto his feet properly.
"Dammit!" Kincaid fumed. "This time, you two have gone too far!" he bellowed as he ran towards Keith and Alexa.
"Boss, wait!" Ice cautioned hastily. Keith gently pushed Alexa into the corner behind him with his right elbow.
THUMP!
"DUUUH!" Keith punched Kincaid in the stomach. Alexa backed herself into the corner as far as she could, looked away from Kincaid and covered her eyes with her hands a mere second before the punch was delivered. Keith slapped his left hand down on Kincaid's right shoulder and gripped it tightly.
"I thought you said no running in the hallways," Keith taunted. He pushed Kincaid away from him slightly.
WHACK!
"DAAGH!" Keith punched Kincaid in his face, which knocked him down onto the floor. Kincaid landed on his back.
"Boss!" Lavana screamed. Keith quickly recalled his idle capture disc and held Alexa's right wrist with his left hand.
"Boss!" Heath exclaimed as he, Lavana and Ice hurried over to the winded Kincaid.
"Run, Alex!" Keith exclaimed as he quickly ran away from Kincaid. Alexa ran alongside him, with Keith holding onto her wrist, and Buizel kept up perfectly well. The trio fled the room when the Sinis Trio got to Kincaid.
"Boss, are you alright?!" Lavana asked in shock.
"Never mind me, you fools! Get those bloody kids!" Kincaid exclaimed breathlessly. Heath helped Kincaid onto his feet as Ice and Lavana ran out of the room, in pursuit of Alexa and Keith.
Elsewhere…
Keith, Alexa and Buizel ran into the elevator that led to the over-sea part of the hideout. The doors closed behind them and the elevator started its gentle ascent. Keith, Alex and Buizel sighed with relief.
"That was close," Keith sighed. He looked over at Alex with concern. "Are you okay?" Alexa looked back at him with a warm smile.
"I'm fine. But I'm more worried about you," she replied. "Ah!" she gasped in horror.
"What's wrong?" Keith asked.
"Your chest..!" Alexa exclaimed worriedly. Keith rested his left hand on his chest in confusion. He moved his hand away as he recoiled and looked at his fingers; they were stained with blood. More confused, Keith turned to the glass behind him; though his reflection was translucent, he noticed his shirt was torn and was mildly stained with blood.
"How did-"
"Weavile used Night Slash!" Alexa explained, clearly distraught. Keith faced her in confusion; she appeared to be devastated. "It's one of Weavile's strongest attacks! It struck you because it tried to strike me! Oh, Keith, I'm so sorry!" she cried.
"Hey, don't apologise," Keith smiled sincerely. Alexa looked at him in confusion as he approached her. "I promised I'd protect you. I don't care if I get hurt; just so long as you avoid the pain."
"I-I still feel it's my fault…just like Ryder's pain! Ryder got hurt because he tried to save me. And now you…you got hurt because you took an attack that was meant for me…it's not fair!" Alexa complained sadly.
"No, Alex. I'll tell you what's not fair," Keith said truthfully.
"Huh?"
"Kincaid using you to keep the rest of us from ruining his plans just because he can't be bothered to face us himself," Keith answered angrily. "Knowing that you were being held hostage was bad enough, but the fact that you were being used to support Kincaid's newfound laziness is completely ridiculous! At least there was a dignified reason when Heath used me, but it was unfair for you to be used so cheaply!"
"Keith…"
"But it doesn't matter anymore. Once we get back to the union, everything will be fine," Keith smiled amiably.
"Keith…are you sure you should've come after me?" Alexa asked with concern. "Given your knees, I mean."
"Alex, I may have been struck only yesterday, but they don't hurt so much now," Keith said comfortingly. "And even if they still hurt as much as they did yesterday, I would still come after you."
KU-DUNG!
The elevator ended its ascent and the doors opened. Alexa, Keith and Buizel made their way out of the elevator before the doors closed again. They watched the elevator descending.
"We're not out of the woods yet, Alex; I really don't want to find out who called the elevator back," Keith said uneasily.
"We should hurry to the second elevator before that one comes back," Alexa suggested.
"Good idea, that one will finally take us outside," Keith nodded in agreement as he gently took Alexa's right wrist with his left hand. "Can you keep up?"
"I'm not about to slow down, Keith," Alexa replied.
"Good, let's go." Keith ran off and pulled Alexa along with him. She and Buizel kept up easily.
Meanwhile, at the union…
Ryder paced around the Operations room anxiously; he had bandages placed around his forehead, on one of the aura sensors on the left hand side of his head, his right ear, his waist, his right arm, his left wrist and around the tip of his tail. He also appeared to be limping as he paced, as his right ankle and foot also had a bandage around them. Professor Hastings and Chairperson Erma faced Ryder worriedly.
"Stop pacing, Ryder, I'm sure they're alright," Hastings sighed.
I can't help it. I'm worried about them, Ryder admitted. Keith would've reported back right about now.
"He's dealing with Kincaid, dear, I'm sure he's busy at the moment," Erma assumed.
I just hope Alex is unharmed as Kincaid claimed, Ryder said worriedly. I should go over to the Oil Field Hideout and help them.
"I forbid that, Ryder, for obvious reasons," Hastings said strictly. "That's why I've taken the liberty of informing another Ranger of the circumstances."
What? Ryder faced Hastings in astonishment. But I thought you didn't want to take any chances!
"I've done some pondering after Keith left; we were also deceived about the Altru Tower, if you recall correctly, so I realised it was safe to send someone after Alexa after all," Hastings smiled. "Even though Keith sent himself after her. But that is neither here nor there, I've asked this Ranger to head towards the Oil Field Hideout by boat and meet up with Keith and Alexa."
By boat? Ryder asked in confusion.
Meanwhile…
Alexa, Keith and Buizel exited from the elevator and vacated the room. They ended up outside the hideout, and they ran to the round purple and grey helipad. The three of them stopped and breathed heavily to catch their breath.
"Geez, that was a lot of running," Keith complained. Alexa looked towards him with concern.
"How's your chest?" she asked. Keith faced her with a straight face.
"It stings, I must admit," he answered. "But I'm just glad my ribs protect my lungs," he teased.
"Hang in there, Keith. You're doing great," Alexa smiled kind-heartedly. Keith smiled at her.
"You think so?" he asked curiously. Alexa nodded at him and smiled sincerely while she blushed.
"Thanks for rescuing me," she said modestly. Keith chuckled as he approached her.
"I wasn't going to let Kincaid use you like an old sock," he smiled. "You're better than that. Nobody should be allowed to use you like that ever again."
"Thank you," Alexa smiled shyly.
ALEXA! KEITH!
Alexa and Keith looked around in confusion upon hearing their names. Buizel ran towards the helipad and looked down.
"Bui!" Buizel exclaimed loudly. Alex and Keith approached him and looked down along with Buizel; they smiled happily when they recognised the man who called their names.
"Sven!" they cried happily.
"Hey, you alright?!" Sven asked loudly; he and Luxray looked up at them from the same white and blue boat that took Alexa and Ryder to the Haruba Desert.
"We're fine!" Alexa called back.
"How did you know we were here, Sven?!" Keith shouted.
"Professor Hastings filled me in on what's happened!" Sven shouted back. "He's asked me to take you two back to the Union!"
"That's great!" Keith smiled. Alexa looked behind her in confusion. "I forgot to make arrangements for the trip back!" he laughed.
"Aagh!" Alexa's petrified scream caught Keith's attention and confused Sven. Keith and Buizel looked behind them in confusion; their confusion quickly turned into anger.
"Something's going on up there," Sven said to himself. "I don't like it. Come on, Luxray."
"Luxray," Luxray nodded as he followed Sven out of the boat.
Atop the Oil Field Hideout, Ice and Lavana confronted Keith and Alexa. Heath and Kincaid, who recovered slightly, joined them not long after Ice and Lavana arrived. Ice stepped forward. Keith held his left arm in front of Alex protectively.
"You've done well to get this far," Ice said calmly. "But I'm afraid your rescue mission ends here, Keith."
"You're right; my rescue mission does end here," Keith began in agreement. "As soon as we get off of this place, it'll be mission clear!"
"Oh I don't think so," Kincaid said angrily. "It's still one Ranger against the four of us."
"I don't have time to deal with you. Surely you can understand," Keith said mockingly.
"Don't insult me, Keith. Just turn her over and I'll spare you from becoming the first human to undergo open heart surgery without anaesthesia," Kincaid threatened. Alexa winced upon hearing Kincaid's graphic threat.
"Are you stupid or do you just have a short-term memory?" Keith asked rudely. "I thought you couldn't be bothered to deal with another Ranger."
"So that's the score, huh?" Sven asked abruptly, running over to Keith and Alexa. He faced Kincaid with a sarcastic smile on his face. "You really know how to treat a woman, Kincaid."
"You again? This is the last thing I need!" Kincaid complained. "We don't have any Miniremos with us, so we'll just have to take care of you ourselves."
"Enjoying this, I will be," Heath smirked. Sven squinted towards Alexa.
"Alexa, follow Luxray and get on the boat," he whispered. Alexa looked towards him in horror.
"What?!" she asked inaudibly.
"I'll distract them; when I get the chance, I'll join you," Sven further explained in a quiet murmur.
"B-but…"
"Sven, what should I do?" Keith asked quietly. Sven looked towards him and instantly noticed Keith's bloodied shirt.
"Get her to the boat when I say go," Sven finally answered quietly. He spotted the Miniremo ruins just behind Lavana and smirked. "I won't be long."
"Are you sure?" Alexa quietly asked with worry. Sven nodded once.
"Just trust me. I won't be long," he whispered reassuringly. He then faced Kincaid and the Sinis Trio.
"I'll give you one last chance, Ranger," Kincaid sighed. "Turn Alexa over and I won't have to throw you or Keith into the ocean."
"That won't be necessary, we'll be riding on it in a bit," Sven smirked. "GO!"
Luxray bolted towards the ladder leading towards the metal port down below. Keith instantly took hold of Alexa's right arm with his left hand and hurried after Luxray. Buizel followed him and Alexa, who appeared to be startled. Sven instantly ran towards the Sinis Trio.
"Get her!" Kincaid instructed furiously. Ice ran after Alexa and Keith while Kincaid and Heath attempted to challenge Sven. Lavana scoffed and walked casually inside; she couldn't be bothered to give chase.
Heath attempted to throw a punch at Sven, but Sven hopped backwards and ran to his left hand side, towards the Miniremo ruins. He picked up one of the remaining metal poles and part of the Miniremo base before he looked at the duo headed his way.
"Come and get me, boys!" Sven taunted.
Luxray struggled down the ladder, but he jumped off of it and ran into the boat. He looked up at the ladder, and spotted Ice at the top.
"Luxray!" he called. Confused, Keith and Alexa looked up at Ice; Alexa became timid and Keith became angry. As Alexa was lower down, he looked down at her confidently.
"Just go, Alex!" Keith exclaimed.
Alexa nodded once at him and she moved her feet off of the ladder, which allowed her to slide down the ladder freely. Alexa's feet landed on the metal port and she quickly ran into the boat with Luxray. Keith sighed with relief as he saw Alexa jumping into the boat.
"She's safe…thank God…" he smiled. Alexa looked up at him and smiled as she saw Keith climbing down the ladder quickly. He started to run over to Alexa and the boat.
"I wouldn't move any further if I were you," Ice said abruptly, sliding down the ladder. He approached Keith once his feet landed on the port. Keith, however, stood his ground and held out his arms protectively.
"Back off," he threatened.
"That's not in my best interest," Ice stated. He glanced at Alexa, who looked rather frightened. "Come with me, Alexa."
"That's not in her best interest," Keith said sternly. Ice faced Keith with a smirk on his face.
"What are you, her voice? I'm sure she can speak for herself," he laughed.
"Especially now that she's actually free to do so!" Keith snapped. "Just leave her alone!"
"Keith…"
"Alex, stay in the boat!" Keith cautioned. "I can handle this." Buizel secretly ran towards the boat and jumped onto it.
"You can handle it?" Ice asked teasingly.
THUMP!
"D'aaagh!" Ice punched the bleeding wound on Keith's chest. Keith moved his left hand to his chest; he found it slightly more difficult to breathe.
"Keith!"
"Stay…in the boat!" Keith said breathlessly.
"Even now you strive to protect her," Ice sighed. "All the more reason to get rid of you then."
"Yo, blue boy!" Sven called, sliding down the ladder. Ice turned to him sternly as Sven approached him.
"What do you want?" Ice asked rudely. Keith seized the opportunity and staggered over to the boat. He stepped onto the boat carefully and approached Alexa.
"You might want to help your friends; I think they're napping in the wrong place," Sven joked.
Ice stared at Sven for a few second before he sighed heavily. He started to climb up the ladder leading to the upper deck. Sven ran towards the boat and jumped onto it.
"Everybody okay?" Sven asked as he made his way to the ship's controls.
"I'm okay," Keith replied as he breathed deeply. He looked at Alexa with concern. "Alex? You okay?"
"Huh?" Alexa looked up at him in confusion.
"I said, are you okay?" Keith repeated his question worriedly.
"I-I think so," Alexa answered; she sounded unsettled.
"Okay, we're off back to Puel Town now," Sven stated. "Then we're headed straight for the Ranger Union!" He started the engine of the ship, and he started to sail away from the Oil Field Hideout.
At the union…
What's taking so long?! Ryder asked anxiously, still pacing around the Operations room. The suspense is killing me! I need to know if everyone's all right!
"Just calm down, Ryder, everything will be fine," Hastings said reassuringly. "Besides, it's Alexa; they'll be sure to maintain her safety at all costs."
"Hey, Professor!" Sven greeted happily. Ryder and Hastings looked towards the escalator and saw Sven ascending. "Look who I bumped into!"
Sven stepped aside as Keith entered the Operations room. Alexa slowly made her way up the escalator.
Alex… Ryder faced Alexa with tears streaming down his face, though his demeanour was unclear. Alexa looked at Ryder sadly.
"Ryder…" Alexa also had tears streaming down her face. She and Ryder ran towards each other and held onto one another in a tight hug. "Ryder!" Alexa started to weep sorrowfully.
Alex! I'm so sorry about everything that's happened to you! Ryder wept. I should've used Psychic on that Machamp! If I did that, then I would've been able to save you sooner!
"Please don't blame yourself!" Alexa cried. "I-I shouldn't have let my guard down! I'm the one who should apologise!"
Ryder and Alexa released one another from their hug and looked into each other's eyes sadly; both of them still had tears in their eyes.
But I could've protected you, Alex, Ryder said tearfully. I should have protected you, but I let my guard down, and it's my fault!
"I-it couldn't be helped…we both let our guard down," Alexa said sadly.
"Alexa?" Rhythmi carefully approached Alexa. Alexa looked towards Rhythmi, still looking rather upset.
"Rhythmi…!"
"It's good to see you back safe and sound, Alexa," Rhythmi smiled sweetly. Alexa quickly flung her arms around Rhythmi and held onto her in a hug as she started to weep again. Rhythmi gently hugged her upset friend in return.
"Poor Alexa…that Kincaid must've scared her quite a bit," Sven sighed. Alexa and Rhythmi released their hug as Alex looked towards Professor Hastings and Chairperson Erma.
"Welcome back, dear," Erma smiled lovingly.
"I am relieved to see you unharmed, Alexa," Hastings said with relief. "Incidentally, was the ransom a bluff as Keith claimed?"
"Yes," Alexa sighed sadly. "Kincaid…he said he couldn't be bothered to deal with anyone else."
"How odd," Erma said in bewilderment.
"But…why did he have to use you, Alexa?" Rhythmi asked with concern. Alexa looked away from everyone and closed her eyes, which released more tears.
"Knowing my luck, I was probably the first Ranger Ice just happened to come across," she said sadly.
"Alexa, that's no way to talk," Hastings advised. Alexa looked up at him in confusion; she found him smiling kindly at her. "Incidentally, the fact that you're unharmed is reason enough to celebrate."
"You must have had a rough day, dear. Go to your room and try to get some rest," Erma advised. "And Keith? I suggest you pay Isaac a visit before you join her, dear."
"Isaac's here?" Keith asked in bewilderment.
Later…
Alexa and Ryder sat on her freshly made duvet in a warm cuddle; neither appeared to be shedding tears, though both looked remorseful. Keith entered the room from the bathroom; he was topless, but bandages were wrapped around his chest. Ryder looked up at Keith before he smiled warmly at Alexa. He then hopped off of the bed and walked into the bathroom with Buizel, closing the door behind them. Keith approached Alexa carefully.
"Alex? I know I've asked this a lot today, but…are you okay?" he asked with concern. Alexa looked up at him with tears in her eyes again. She sighed as she looked away from him.
"I don't know if I should be," she confessed.
"What do you mean?" Keith asked, sitting next to her.
"Today was one of the worst days of my life…while I was stuck in that chair, I felt like I let everybody down," Alexa explained sadly. "I mean, I've had sand balls thrown at me, a melee with a shirtless foreigner, I've been on the wrong end of Garchomp's Brick Break, my knee slashed by a Scyther in the dark, another melee with the same shirtless foreigner, a thigh burn and a Focus Blast in my face, yet I lived to tell the tale! Two weeks later, I get kidnapped by a Tangrowth, a Pokémon you and I easily captured with our school stylers!" she ranted tearfully. "It just…it just makes me sick to think that someone who endured so much two weeks ago was easily restrained by a Tangrowth…"
Keith shuffled slightly closer to Alexa and he rested his left arm around her shoulders and rested his hand on her left arm.
"Hey…it's okay now, you're free from all of that," he said reassuringly.
"I know…but…" Alexa struggled to talk clearly; she was too upset. "I…I was so scared today," she finally said. "I've only been that scared once before…"
"During the Hippowdon Temple?" Keith asked curiously.
"No…it was…before I met you," Alexa answered half-heartedly.
"Oh."
"Keith? If I explain it to you…will you keep it a secret?" Alexa asked reluctantly.
"Of course! I won't say anything if you don't want me to," Keith nodded. Alexa took a deep breath.
Alexa began to tell her story to Keith. At first, the tale seemed to have started well; neither Alexa nor Keith had a change of reaction. However, as more of the story was told, Alexa gradually became more upset and Keith became more horrified. The story drew to its conclusion when Alexa buried her face in her hands and when Keith was left in devastation.
"Alex…I…I really don't know what I can say," Keith sighed regretfully. Alexa raised her head from her hands and looked up at the ceiling.
"You don't have to say anything," she sighed. "Right about now, I just feel so relieved that I finally got to tell someone I know I can trust what I just told you."
Keith used his right hand to gently draw Alexa closer to him. He held onto her in a secure yet light cuddle, with his right hand softly placed on her back.
"I promise you, Alex…your secret's safe with me," he said tenderly. Alexa held onto him in return.
"I know…I trust you."
To be continued…