Hey Everyone,
I'd like to apologize for the two week delay. Keeping up with the World Cup was already tricky enough due to the unusual scheduling. On top of that, my workload for my college classes increased due to preparing for finals, which impacted my story schedule. But I'm back now, and ready to go.
Now, On with the story.
Chapter 9: Rushed Management
(The Next Day, At the Headquarters of the International Police's Alola Branch.)
"Good Morning. The work you all have done and provided for the case has been invaluable. As of now, we have 52 hours until these kidnappers go for their next victims. We all know how many people are missing currently, we cannot, under any circumstances, allow our perpetrators to add two more to that number." Explained Mateus. "Detective, are there going to be any increased patrols this time? Eon?" Asked Serena. "Yes. However, the patrol plan should be finalized today. Any additional questions?" Everyone then raises their hands, causing Mateus to raise an eyebrow. "Any additional questions that do not involve patrols?" Everyone minus Hau then lowers their hand. "Yes, Hau?" "What about any additional evidence?" Asked Hau. "Excellent question! I was just about to get to that."
(Mateus then turns on a projector show a slide of evidence.)
"Thanks to the Collection Team, we now know that they target families living in houses. Specifically, one to two floor homes that leave their windows open. If they strike during the day, they try to do so when not many people are home. If they strike at night, they try to do so when most of the family is either in one room or away from the house. In both cases, they wait until their target is isolated from the rest of their family to strike." Explained Mateus. Bonnie then raises her hand. "Yes, Bonnie?" "What about homes that are guarded by Pokémon?" Asked Bonnie. "There have been cases of this, in which our perpetrators also the sleep powder devices on them. Should that be the case, they may also be avoiding houses that inhabit Pokémon that have either the 'Insomnia', 'Vital Spirit', or 'Sweet Veil' abilities." "Those three abilities prevent a Pokémon from falling asleep. If they can place the guarding Pokémon to sleep, then it would be easy for them to carry on with their operation." Said Clemont. Mateus then turns to Clemont. "Exactly. Our perpetrators also go through the windows and exit out the back to ensure that there is as little suspicion as possible."
(Mateus then switches to another slide.)
"Additionally, thanks to Clemont here, we have been able to figure out how the device works. Clemont, could you come down and explain everything?" Asked Mateus. Clemont then comes down to the projector. "Yes. In the center of the device, near the middle, there's a small notch. This can twisted with two fingers. Once twisted, a very small timer will go off. This gives a person one minute to throw the device through a window or to the intended area. When the timer expires, it will release the encapsulated Sleep Powder into the air. Thanks to a small engine, this device can empty itself of the Sleep Powder efficiently and quietly. It is like, as Sophocles said, 'A super-fast incense'. Using these instead of a Pokémon allows the kidnappers to carry out their operations as they have without the fear of leaving a trace. However, it's clear that this one was left behind due to an oversight." Explained Clemont. Korrina then raises her hand. "So you're saying they have more of these devices?" Asked Korrina. Clemont then turns his eyes to Korrina. "Unfortunately, that seems to be the case. It also means they have a lot more Sleep Powder as well. Any more questions?" Goh then raises his hand. "If that's the case, then how do the perpetrators do not fall asleep themselves?" Clemont's eyes then turn to Goh. "They likely have gas masks to prevent the inhaling of sleep powder. Anyone else have a question?" With no one raising their hand, Clemont then heads back to his seat and Mateus returns to the projector.
(Mateus then switches to one more slide.)
"Both of our Information teams have gone around Kanto and Johto to gather any information from the affected families. The distinctive common element is that the parents were either away from their home or knocked out with Sleep Powder as well, which reconfirms what we know. Take the time to discuss and review your finding or take a break. I'll need to head to my office, since, Commissioner Blake and several other higher ups are planning to discuss patrol plans for the next two nights in a video call." Said Mateus, who then leaves the room.
(Several Hours Later, At Mateus' Office.)
"I just don't think a mandatory curfew is necessary, especially in this case." Said Mateus, while attending a video call with his higher ups. "Detective Cobalt, I fear that you may not understand the weight of this case." Said an official through a video screen. "Damn well, I understand the weight of this case, Ricardo! It's been on the back of my mind since I've been brought on!" "Then explain why you don't see the curfew as necessary." Said Ricardo through a video screen. Mateus then takes a deep breath. "The vast majority of my career as a detective for the International Police has been spent in Alola. Alolans are a peaceful people with a desire to help others when needed. In addition, there are many in the region whose livelihoods are only available or dependent on the night sky. If we place a mandatory curfew, we could deal with ramifications that can taint our reputation." Ricardo then interjects. "Detective, I understand your concern. However, this is only a short term measure." "Even a short term measure has the potential to have a long lasting impact. Remember when it was revealed that Anabel, as our commissioner, conspired with Team Rocket to sabotage our investigation regarding Serena. A lot of people lost their trust with the International Police. We've worked so hard over the past five years to try and regain that trust. We should not do anything to derail that progress. Placing this curfew could potentially allow that, it can also make us look as if we're acting out of paranoia instead of reason." "Detective Cobalt, I suggest that…" "Enough, Ricardo. Detective Cobalt has clearly made his point. All those in favor of a curfew raise your hand." Said Commissioner Blake through a video screen.
(Ricardo is the only one seen raising his hand.)
"Very well then. It seems as if the curfew idea has been defeated. I'll inform the Alolan branch of the updated patrol plan in a few hours." Said Commissioner Blake through a video screen. "Thank you, Commissioner." Said Mateus. Everyone besides Blake logs out of the video call. "I know that there are many in the International Police that are losing their trust in your ability to solve this case. However, I am not one of them. I know you have the ability to solve this case effectively, no matter how long it takes." Mateus then lets out a sigh. "I know I've said I won't let you down, and that I try to be a man of my word. But this is not an easy case." "I know Detective. Take all the time you need." Blake then ends the video call and Mateus then closes his eyes. "Time, I feel as if I'm running out of it." Thought Mateus to himself.
(One Hour Later)
While waiting for an update from Mateus, Ash was outside sitting down on the roof of the branch's headquarters, looking at the late afternoon sky and pondering to himself until he saw a familiar sight. "I see that you were wondering where I was. I didn't want to interrupt you while you were calling your Mom." Said Ash. "Goh told me where you were. Also, you don't have to worry about interrupting me while I'm calling mom. Eon." Said Serena. "I know I've focused on the case more than the twins lately. This is every parent's worst nightmare, and when you have kids of your own, it just hits you differently." "How so, Ash-kun." "I feel, more than ever, the feeling of not wanting to let them down Sweetheart. Because, I can't imagine what I'd do if this happened to Wyatt and Stella." Serena then sits down next to her husband. "Then let's lake our minds off the case for a little bit. Eon." "How?" "I remember the night you freed me from the lab. How you offered me some berries, helped me up to the roof when I had nothing but a blanket on me, and made sure I was comfortable in your home. All of that with a bright and assuring smile. Sometimes, all I need is one look at that smile, and everything feels like it's going to be okay." Ash then smiles and giggles. "I remember that. Remember the night we mutually acknowledged our feelings in the kitchen." "Of course I do! How about the time we awkwardly exchanged gifts on our First Year Anniversary? Eon?" "That, I won't forget. Oh! The day I proposed to you, Sweetheart." "Oh, Ash-kun, that was surreal. You introduced me to all of your friends, had a battle with Korrina that was nothing short of legendary, and asked me to be your wife. What else? Ah! That time I told you I was expecting, and then Delphox told us we were having twins after you went shopping?" "That was a shocker." Ash and Serena then laugh. "It's hard to believe that what we overcame and experienced together all began because our paths just so happened to intertwine five years ago in this building. Eon." "Then we interconnected our hearts, held on and interweaved, became interlaced, and now, we're one happy interlinked family. And to be honest, I wouldn't have it any other way." "Neither would I."
(Ash then hugs Serena.)
"I know things have been tense and I haven't said this to you as much I should lately, But, I want to let you know that I love you, Sweetheart." Said Ash. "I love you too, Ash-kun. Eon." Said Serena. Ash and Serena then continue hugging each other for several minutes before heading downstairs to meet with the rest of the group.
(Ten Minutes Later)
"Alright, I just finished speaking with the higher ups and confirming the patrol plans for the next few nights. As early as this evening, we won't just have patrols on the ground, but also in the air and on the sea. I know it seems like a lot, but we do require a larger scope. We made sure to discuss and consider the best course of action that can give us said scope without running the risk of trampling or interrupting the lives of the people of Alola." Explained Mateus. Hilbert then raises his hand. "What are we to do?" Asked Hilbert. Mateus then turns to the Unovan Champion. "Each of your teams are going to assist the ground patrols. The Analysis Team is staying here in Melemele Island. Information Team No. 2 will be heading to Akala Island. The Collection Team will be leaving for Ula'Ula Island. Lastly, Information Team No. 1 will be assisting in Poni Island. We have roughly 48 hours before these perpetrators go for their targets, let's get as much of a head start as much as we can." "Alright." Said everyone at once.
(All of the teams then leaves to head to their assigned destination, expect for Information Team No. 2.)
"Detective?" Asked Goh. "Yes Goh." Replied Mateus. "Is it alright if Ash and Serena spend some time with their kids at their place while me and Chloe head to Akala?" "Goh. Eon." Said Serena in shock. "I know we're busy at the moment, But Ash and Serena do talk about their children at various points of the day and I think it'll be best for them to see the twins to lighten things up a bit." "Goh, I appreciate the sentiment, but we have a case to work on right now." Said Ash. "Plus the patrols start in the evening Goh." Said Chloe. Mateus then closes his eyes and ponders for a second. "I'll let Ash and Serena spend a few hours at home with their children, but you'll need to be Akala Island by sunset." Serena then turns to Mateus. "Detective? Are you sure you're okay with this?" "I am. If you excuse me, I've got work to do." Mateus then heads to the room where the Analysis Team is waiting.
(One Hour Later, At the Ketchum Residence)
Serena and Ash were talking to Grace and Charles while taking care of Wyatt and Stella. "Many parents have been cautious with their children as a result of this case. Many parents are contacting their children regularly and some are postponing their journeys until this is all settled." Said Charles. "I'm not surprised. Many parents want their children to be safe, me and Serena are no exception to this." Said Ash. Charles then nods to Ash. "As you should." Serena then turns to Grace. "How have the twins been? Eon?" Asked Serena. "Excellent. I feel as if I can't get enough of them. Professor Kukui and Burnet's daughter has stopped by to help almost every day." Said Grace. "Amelia? Really?" "Yes. She absolutely adores them. She comes over after school every day and helps until dinner." "That's nice. I'll have to thank her when I get the chance. Eon." Charles then turns to Serena. "One of Ash's coworkers also comes by from time to time. What was her name again?" Grace then turns to her husband. "Kahili, if I'm correct." Ash then turns to Serena. "Looks like we have two people to thank, Sweetheart." "Indeed we do, Ash-kun."
(The Next Day, At the Headquarters of the International Police's Alola Branch)
"You've been keeping track of the patrols throughout the night and into the morning. You look like you need some sleep." Said Prof. Alva. "I don't need sleep, I need answers." Said Mateus. Prof. Alva then places his hand between his eyes and nose. "You shouldn't have to overwork yourself for the case." Mateus then turns to Prof. Alva. "I know. But these people, they operate at such great efficiency, it makes you worry. I don't want to miss a thing." "I understand that Mateus. I'll keep an eye on the case for now. Get some rest. I'll immediately inform you if anything comes up." "Alva, you are one determined son of a Houndoom. And I owe you one." Mateus then leaves the room to go to sleep.
*End of Chapter 9*
That was quite the World Cup, even if the team I wanted to win wound up getting eliminated. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, so Merry Christmas if you do celebrate it, and Happy Holidays if you don't. Regardless, I hope you have an excellent time.
Normally I wouldn't post so close to a holiday like this, but due to factors beyond my control, I figured you all waited long enough. Updates should keep a consistent schedule from here on out (If all goes well).
For those who Favorited and/or are Following any part of the "Tied in Love" Trilogy: Thank you! It brings me joy to know that you enjoy reading these stories as mush as I do writing them.
It was recently announced (While I was gone) that Ash's journey is coming to a close in the Anime. It is sad to hear this. However, I don't think this is the last we'll see of him, as with every ending comes a new beginning. I also heard about the two new protagonists who will be taking Ash and Goh's places. I've heard about many ideas and theories that are out there regarding the two. Though they are interesting, it is best to keep a grain of salt until more information is available.
I hope you have and Holiday Weekend, See you next Friday.
