Hey Everyone, It's been a while (Three Months, to be exact) since I've posted the last chapter. I had college finals, and was working with my dad for some time, and before I knew it, I completely forgot about the story. But don't worry, it's almost over. Additionally, we got a review to respond to!
LacquerDrinker (Intertwined): I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I generally try to write the character's actions as they happen so that it's not bombarding of quotes. Additionally, it's also to make it easier for people to see who's saying what as opposed to constantly using "Said Ash.", "Said Serena", etc. Though I do see how it can be awkward for some readers. The "Stella" usage in the last chapter was because Detective Mateus and the Alola gang weren't with Ash and Serena and didn't know her real name yet. The typos were mere oversights that I missed when grammar checking. As for Team Rocket, In this story, I imagined them being darker and more evil than they're seen to be in the games and anime. I did ponder the idea of what it would have been like had Ash and the others not made it to her on time. This was one of the the ideas I eventually expanded in the series of side stories, "Interconnecting Stories", where it's story #3. But once again, I'm glad you got to enjoy the story, and feel free to read the rest of the trilogy and, if you're interested, the two series of side stories.
If you have a question or would like to leave constructive criticism, feel free to leave it in your review.
Now, on with the story.
Chapter 20: Barraging the Base (Part 2)
(At the Rose of the Rondelands Hotel, Wyndon, Galar.)
Ash and Serena were in their room packing up to go to Paldea. As the lights shined brightly in the Galarian capitol, so did the feeling of uncertainty creep on to Serena's mind. Delphox knew what her trainer was thinking, so she decided to take matters into her own hands. "Serena?" Said Delphox telepathically. "Delphox? Cut it out. I'm trying to pack up here. Eon." Thought Serena. "I know you're feeling uneasy. You can relay your thoughts to me." Serena then sighs. "You're right. I am uneasy. I know what we volunteered for, but I don't know why I feel this way." Delphox then turns her head. "It looks like I'm not the only one who noticed." Serena then turns around to see her husband Ash looking at her with concern. "Sweetheart? Are you okay?" Asked Ash. "Ash-kun, I'm honestly scared about this. Delphox was reading my thoughts and, and…" Said Serena. Ash noticed that Serena was beginning to hyperventilate and quickly hugged her. "Serena. Take a deep breath." Serena then takes a few deep breaths, helping her calm down. "Thank you, Ash. Eon." "No problem. Do you want to tell me what's on your mind?" "Yes. I know Detective Cobalt has a plan and everything, but I have the fear that something will go wrong. We volunteered to help him with this case, however, if something goes wrong, what ramifications could this have on our children? Aren't you worried about that?" Ash then places his hand on his chin. "I understand why you feel this way, and to be honest, I'm actually worried too. But, I know Mateus accounts for a lot of things when planning something. He isn't the one to ignore possibilities." "You're right, Ash-kun. Eon." "Oh. And about the kids, Sweetheart, we can contact your parents later to see how they are." "I'd appreciate that."
(One Hour Later, At the Ketchum Residence, Melemele Island, Alola)
Charles and Grace were still at Ash and Serena's home taking care of Wyatt and Stella. Grace was feeding the two Eevee-Human hybrid infants when she heard the door open. "Je suis à la maison, mon cher. (I'm home, dear.)" Said Charles. "Charles, cher. Comment s'est passée la conversation avec les professeurs Kukui et Burnet? (Charles, dear. How was talking with Professors Kukui and Burnet?)" Asked Grace. "C'était plus un contrôle, honnêtement. Depuis que ces vauriens bons à rien ont kidnappé leur fille, Amelia, les professeurs Kukui et Burnet travaillent essentiellement sans arrêt. (It was more of a check-up, honestly. Ever since those good for nothing scoundrels kidnapped their daughter, Amelia, Professors Kukui and Burnet have essentially been working nonstop.)" Grace then turns to Charles. "C'est dur. Dans des situations comme celles-ci, soit vous devez craindre le pire, soit vous devez vous occuper juste pour essayer d'éloigner toute pensée. Cela peut vraiment vous faire du mal mentalement. Nous avons eu la chance de pouvoir revoir notre fille, bien qu'un peu plus âgée, et en hybride Nymphali-Humain. J'espère juste que ce sera le cas pour toutes les familles touchées par cette affaire. (It's hard. In situations like these, you either have to fear for the worst, or you have to keep yourself occupied just to try keep any thoughts away. It can really do a number on you mentally. We were lucky to be able to see our daughter again, albeit a bit older, and as a Sylveon-Human hybrid. I just hope that will be the case for all the families affected by this case.)" Charles then turns slightly to Wyatt and Stella. "Comment vont nos petits-enfants? (How are our grandchildren?)" "Bien! Je viens de les nourrir. Cependant, j'ai l'impression qu'ils veulent peut-être leurs parents. (Good! I just fed them. Though, I have a feeling that they may be wanting their parents.)" "Cela semble compréhensible, cela fait plusieurs semaines qu'ils ne les ont pas vus. Je ne serais pas non plus surpris si Ash et Serena les manquaient également. (That seems understandable, it has been several weeks since they have seen them. I also would not be surprised if Ash and Serena are missing them as well.)
(Charles' Rotom Phone begins to ring.)
"Quel est ce son? (What's that sound?)" Asked Grace. "Ce serait... Mon Motismart! (That would be... My Rotom Phone!)" Replied Charles. Grace then looks at Charles. "Qu'est-ce?! (Who is it?!)" Charles then has a shocked but happy expression on his face. "Parlez de Giratina, c'est Serena! (Speak of Giratina, it's Serena!)" "Qu'est-ce que tu attends? Répond à l'appel! (What are you waiting for? Answer the call!)"
(Charles then answers the call.)
"Hello? Mom? Dad? Eon?" Asked Serena over the phone. "Hello dear. How's everything?" Asked Grace. "Good. What time is it in Alola?" "It is currently 11:00 AM here in Alola, which makes it 10:00 PM in Galar, if I'm correct." Said Charles. "You are correct. How are things with the kids? Eon?" Grace then looks at Wyatt and Stella. "Excellent. Though I am beginning to suspect that they miss their parents." "Aw. Is it okay for you switch this to a video call? I'd like to see them." "Of course, dear."
(Charles then switches the audio call to a video call.)
Charles then shows Wyatt and Stella sitting in their high chairs, causing Serena to smile, before turning the Rotom Phone back to them. "Where's Ash?" Asked Charles. "Oh. Ash is just finishing packing up. Eon." Said Serena. "How are things going with the case, dear?" Asked Grace. Serena then sighs. "I can't give any specific details, but we do have a lead and we're going to investigate it." Charles then places his hand on his chin. "I see. Is that why you two are packing up?" "Yes Dad. Eon." "I do hope you two succeed, and feel free to call us if you'd like to talk." "I will, Dad. I'll have to end the call since I want to help Ash finish packing our stuff." Grace then places a hand on Charles' shoulder. "That's fine, dear." "Bye Mom, Bye Dad." "Bye, dear." Serena then ends the call.
(Two Days Later, Heathwick Airport, Wyndon, Galar)
Sitting down on a chair, Mateus could be seen drinking a coffee and looking at his laptop. A nervous Serena then sits next to him. "I have the feeling that something is on your mind, but generally, you come to me either to say hello or if you have questions." Said Mateus. "I talked to Ash last night. We were able to talk out our feelings. But, I still feel some uneasiness about the possibility of something going wrong. Is that normal for you? Eon?" Asked Serena. "I've been doing this for little over fifteen years now. In cases like this, you always get a case of uneasiness or uncertainty near the end. Your feelings are valid, Serena. I'm not certain about how things will end with this operation, but I am certain about one thing." "What is that?" "You, Ash, and everyone who worked on this case by my side, are some of the bravest damn people I've ever met." Serena then places her hands on her lap. "Thank you, Detective. Eon."
(Several Hours Later, Levincia, Paldea)
"International Police forces should be here soon. You all know the plan, right?" Asked Mateus while overlooking a view of the city from the window. "Yes." Said the group. Mateus then turns to the group. "Tomorrow night, we'll conduct the raid on Levincia's docks. A lot can happen, so I want you all to be on your guard and watch your six." "Yes sir." Mateus then closes his eyes. "You're all dismissed for the night. It's best you all get some rest."
(A Few More Hours Later)
Rosa is seen sitting down, but with fear in her eyes, worried for her older sister and dear friend. Rosa's older brother, Hilbert, and her father, Prof. Alva, are also seen sitting by her side, comforting her and attempting to light up the mood, when someone unexpected walks in. "I see that you're worried about Hilda and Bianca." Said N. Rosa then looks up at N. "You're one to remain calm. Isn't Hilda your girlfriend? Why aren't you worried like the rest of us?" Asked Rosa. "I am worried, and while it is true that Hilda is the love of my life, there's a more important fact at hand." "And that is?" Asked Hilbert. N then turns to Hilbert. "She is your sister, Hilbert. I am more worried for you and your family than I am for myself." Rosa then sighs. "He does prove a point. N, while you are like family to us at this point, it's not a good idea to set aside your worries for someone else." "I understand." "Natural Harmonia Gropius, Hilda told me about you in her letters." Said Prof. Alva. "It's an honor to finally meet you in person, Professor Alva. Please just call me N. I'm sorry to hear about what Team Rocket forced you to do as well as what happened to Kaihaku. It's comforting to hear that she's doing well." Prof. Alva then closes his eyes. "Yes. It is. But we won't feel full relief until this case is solved."
(The Next Night)
Everyone in the group was at the southern dock of Levincia. The shipping hub of Paldea was normally quiet at night. Knowing the situation, it was clear that everything had to go to plan. "It's time. Open the door." Said Mateus in a quiet tone. Sophocles and Clemont are then able to access the door, allowing it to be opened, prompting everyone to go in quickly and hide. A guard then walks to the door, seeing no one, he then closes the door and heads back to his post, meeting with another guard. "Anything at the door?" Asked the Second Guard. "No. Nothing I could find." Replied the First Guard. The Second Guard then looks at his co-worker. "Doesn't that seem odd?" "Could be. But I saw no signs of suspicion. Plus, the door has been known to be a bit faulty at times. Should I check again?" "No. you heard the lady, we are to stay at our post until we are prompted to leave." "Very well then."
(Mirai then opens her ears, allowing her emit waves of psychic energy.)
"Hey? Do you feel… sleepy?" Asked the First Guard. "What… do you mean… sleepy? We're not… supposed to… feel…" Replied the Second Guard before falling asleep along with the first guard. The group then walks up to the door of the lab. "That was easy. Almost like pushing a sound button." Said Mateus. "Let's get the door open." Said Korrina. Mateus then looks at Korrina. "Right. Clemont, Sophocles, you know what to do."
(Clemont and Sophocles then use a decoder to unlock the door, after a few minutes, they successfully manage to do so.)
The group then follows Mateus' lead, going through a dark hallway. "It's quiet. Too quiet. I don't like this feeling." Said Mateus. "I don't like it either. It gives me a sense of déjà vu." Said Ash. Mateus then briefly closes his eyes. "Right." The group then continues to walk down the hallway until they come across a door, prompting Mateus to examine it. "Should we use the decoder?" Asked Clemont. Mateus then turns to Clemont. "No. It seems as if the door is already unlocked. I have a bad feeling about this. Everyone, stay behind me." The group then gathers behind Mateus.
(Mateus then opens the door, revealing there to be a group of scientists.)
The group of scientists then look stunned at the group of people following Mateus. The scientists, unsure on what to do, look at the group and are about to draw out their Poké Balls until… "Hold! I'll deal with them!" Shouted a feminine figure.
(The Feminine Figure makes her way to the group, who is revealed to be Madeline.)
"Madeline." Said Prof. Alva. "Dr. Archer, It's time you face the consequences of what you've done. Where are the missing people?" Said Mateus in a stern tone. Madeline then chuckles. "I'll tell you. If you can get me." Said Madeline. "What are you trying to do here?" "I'll cut you a deal, Detective. I'll challenge one of you to a Pokémon Battle. If I lose, I'll simply turn myself in to you and the International Police. But, if I win, the rest of your group will have to deal with my team of scientists. If you try anything else, they're willing to draw out their Pokémon to help me escape." Mateus then sighs with discomfort. "You have a deal. Which one of us are you willing to battle?" Madeline then goes into a thinking pose and moves her finger around. "I'll battle you." Madeline then points her finger in the direction of Serena. "Me? Eon?" "Of course. I've had a dream of battling you since the report came out five years ago. Ash then turns to his wife. "Serena, are you sure you want to battle her?" Asked Ash. "Ash, I know you don't want me feeling like I have to do something if I don't feel comfortable with the idea. But, she did choose to battle me and we do a deal in place. I don't like it, but if it leads us to the missing people, I'll do it. No matter what." "If that's the case, I'll be rooting for you. Never give up 'til it's over." Serena then gives an affirming smile. "Alright. Eon."
(Serena then separates from the group.)
"How many Pokémon do you have?" Asked Madeline. "I have two. My Delphox and Pancham. Eon." Answered Serena "Then that makes this easy. Let's do a double battle, we draw out both of our Pokémon and whoever has any remaining at the end of the battle wins." "Alright. Delphox, Pancham, I choose you." Delphox and Pancham are drawn out of their Poké Balls. "It seems I'm starting with a disadvantage, but I can manage. Chesnaught, Tyranitar, get ready." Madeline then draws out a Chesnaught and Tyranitar.
(Meanwhile, Clemont leans close to Mateus' ear.)
"Tyranitar and Chesnaught? She's really starting with a big disadvantage." Whispered Clemont. "I know. And that's what worries me. Thankfully, regardless of the result, I have a contingency plan." Whispered Mateus. Clemont then checks Mateus' back, seeing his right hand carrying Decidueye's Poké Ball hidden behind it. "I see."
(With Serena and Madeline.)
"You may have the first move." Said Madeline. "Delphox, use Hidden Power, and Pancham, use Dark Pulse! Eon!" Commanded Serena. Delphox then uses Hidden Power aimed at Chesnaught, While Pancham uses Dark Pulse on Tyranitar. "Chesnaught, block it with Hammer Arm. Tyranitar, do the same with Stone Edge. However, Madeline's timing was off, causing both of her Pokemon to be hit by the respective moves. "Damn, I was too late! Again! Tyranitar, use it on Delphox! Chesnaught, on Pancham!" Tyranitar and Chesnaugt prepare to use Hammer Arm and Stone Edge on Delphox and Pancham respectively. "Pancham, dodge and use Ice Punch! Delphox, Use Flamethrower." "Pan. (Right.)" Cried Pancham. "Delphox. (Okay.)" Cried Delphox. Pancham manages to dodge Chesnaught's Hammer Arm and deals a super effective Ice Punch, While Delphox's Flamethrower manages to get hot enough to break the stones and hit Tyranitar, which is not as effective but still manages to deal some damage. Madeline then ponders for a second. "Chesnaught, use Vine Whip to trap Delphox! Tyranitar, use Crunch on Pancham!" "Delphox, counter the Vine Whip with Fire Blast! Pancham, use Arm Thrust on Tyranitar! Eon!" While Delphox was able to use Fire Blast to nullify Chesnaught's Vine Whip, Tyranitar was able to land the Crunch on Pancham before launching him back. "Pancham! Are you okay?!" Pancham then struggles for a bit, but is able to get back up, relieving Serena and Delphox. Madeline then chuckles. "Both of you, use Giga Impact!" "Delphox, use Flamethrower on Chesnaught! Pancham, use Stone Edge on Tyranitar. Delphox and Pancham use Flamethrower and Stone Edge on their respective opponent but are unable to land them causing both of them to get hit by Giga Impact. Delphox manages to get back up, but Pancham falls to the ground. Unable to battle, Serena draws him back to his Poké Ball. "Thank You Pancham, you did your best and you battled well. Take some rest. Me and Delphox aren't giving up just yet. Eon." Pancham's Poké Ball then nods up and down before Serena closes her eyes. "I'm down a Pokémon, but I still do have a type advantage. Plus, Giga Impact does require that a Pokemon cool down after using it. I've never had Delphox use this move before. But, with what's on the line… I can't afford to not take a risk! Eon!" Thought Serena to herself.
(Serena then opens her eyes giving a fiery gaze.)
"Here goes nothing! Delphox, Use Mystical Fire on Chesnaught! Eon!" Commanded Serena. Madeline's eyes then widen, since the Giga Impact cooldown left Chesnaught unable to dodge or counter, causing the Spiny Armor Pokémon to get critically hit by Delphox's Mystical Fire. "Not what I was hoping for, but I have no choice but to take this." Said Madeline, who then recalls Chesnaught back to his Poké Ball. "Tyranitar, use Hyper Beam!" "Delphox, dodge it and then use Hidden Power!" Delphox then jumps before performing a roll to dodge Tyranitar's Hyper Beam. The Fox Pokemon then uses Hidden Power on the Armor Pokemon, which, thanks to the training help from Ash, is revealed to be extremely effective on the Rock/Dark Type, causing it to faint.
(Madeline then recalls Tyranitar with a defeated look on her face.)
"I'd suppose you're happy that you've won." Said Madeline. "Where are they?! Eon?!" Asked Serena in a firm tone. Madeline then smiles. "A deal's a deal. I surrender myself." Mateus then comes in to handcuff Madeline. "Where are the missing people, Madeline?" "I'll lead you to them." "Do anything funny and you'll surely suffer the consequences." "In the elevator, up ahead." The group then follows Mateus and Madeline to the elevator.
(Several Minutes Later, Inside the Elevator)
"Why did you do this? What point are you trying to make, Madeline?" Asked a worried Prof. Alva. "You'll see very soon, Professor." Answered Madeline.
(The Elevator then makes a *ding* sound.)
"We're almost there. Good." Said Madeline. "How much farther down?" Asked Mateus in a cold tone. "Approximately 30 and a half meters, or little past 100 feet left."
(The Elevator then makes another *ding* sound, reaching the designated floor before its doors open.)
The doors then open, and the eyes of each member of the group begin to widen as it does so, shocked at the sight they are seeing. "Pokémon-Human Hybrids. So many of them, and of numerous species." Said a shocked Mateus.
(Everyone in the group except Prof. Alva and Mateus then went into the room while the duo stayed behind to question Madeline.)
"Madeline, why?" Asked Prof. Alva. "I did it. I spent many years looking for any records of your whereabouts. When the news of what Team Rocket had you do to Serena, as well as her recovery with Ash and Detective Cobalt came about, I began to wonder if there were any positives that could come as a result of hybridization. I searched about what Team Rocket did and eventually found this place. The records of Rocket Systems Incorporated being a front for Team Rocket were found hidden on this floor. Eventually, I hatched a plan that would allow for me to see if the possibilities I had wondered, could come true. So I got a team together, and began to scout for potential people while I stayed behind and ran computer simulations on how the make the hybridization process as painless and efficient as possible. Once I got the desired results, I was ready for the next phase." Explained Madeline. Mateus then turns to Madeline. "And so you proceeded to orchestrate the kidnapping of 150 people around the world." Said Mateus. Madeline then closes her eyes. "I knew that the International Police would eventually come after me, so I factored that into the plan. But, I also wanted Professor Alva to see the potential positives firsthand, So, I personally made sure that Hilda and Bianca were selected." "To drag him into the investigation." "Exactly, Detective Cobalt. How else was I supposed to have him see this?" Prof. Alva then glances at Madeline. "Madeline, are you aware that you could lose your job, your accreditation as a Doctor, as well and possibly spend the rest of your life in prison, if you're lucky." "I'm not stupid, Professor Alva. Why would I risk everything I worked tirelessly for in my life for nothing? Alva, you are the brightest and smartest individual I've ever met as well as the best boss I've ever had. The point I wanted to make was to prove you wrong. You were always so worried about the ethics of, and any potential harm regarding, hybridization. I wanted you to see that it could be done painlessly and efficiently. You're a good man, and I didn't want to see you thinking only of the negatives of what your theory and work could bring. While it is understandable, you do not deserve to live in fear of your work. What you did under Team Rocket, and I, of my own volition, have undoubtedly changed the world. The question is, what type of change do you want it to be remembered as?" Prof. Alva then silently looks at Madeline, unable to immediately answer her question. Mateus then places his hand on Alva's shoulder. "I think we're done with her for now. Go. Go be with your family." Prof. Alva then leaves to be with Hilbert, Rosa, and N, with his mind still heavy from Madeline's question.
(Meanwhile, With Ash and Serena.)
"Amelia? Amelia? Eon?" Called a worried Serena, Hoping that the daughter of their family friend is safe. "There's so many hybrids here. It won't be easy to find her" Said Ash. An Eevee-Human Hybrid then walks behind Ash and Serena. "Mr. Ash? Mrs. Serena? Eevee?" Asked the Eevee-Human Hybrid.
(Ash and Serena then turn around.)
"Amelia?" Asked the couple. "Yes. I'm an Eevee-Human hybrid now, just like Wyatt and Stella." Said Amelia. "That's clearly the case. I'm just glad that you're safe. Eon." Said Serena. Ash and Serena then hug Amelia. "I guess we're not the only family with hybrids anymore, huh?" Asked Ash.
(Meanwhile, With Hilbert, Rosa, and N.)
"Any sign?" Asked Rosa. "Unfortunately, no." Said N. "I haven't had much luck either, sadly." Said Hilbert. "Hilbert, Rosa, N! I found them!" Called Prof. Alva. Hilbert, Rosa, and N then turn around to see Prof. Alva catching his breath. "Dad, Slow down a bit. Voir." Said a Gardevoir-Human Hybrid. "Voir. You don't want to tire yourself out, Professor Alva." Said another Gardevoir-Human Hybrid, but this one was with its shiny coloration. Hilbert and N quickly realize the situation. "My sister and girlfriend are Gardevoir-Human Hybrids, and the latter is a shiny. This will take some getting used to." Said Hilbert awkwardly, who then turns to N. "Agreed." Said N in an awkward tone. Rosa, who was happy to finally see her older sister and dear friend again, finally began to feel the full weight of her emotions and began to break down sobbing, prompting Prof. Alva, Hilbert, Hilda, Bianca, and N to hug her.
(After Several Hours, The group, along with the International Police were able to get the new hybrids, out of the dock.)
In a press conference, Mateus, along with Professor Alva, and Commissioner Blake, are seen answering questions. "Detective Cobalt. Alola TV Channel 3, KMMI, What are the courses of action to take now, if any?" Asked an Alolan News Reporter. "The first thing to do is to reunite these victims with their families. That's the most important thing. The second is to not only help these hybrids get accustomed to their newfound changes, but to also ensure that they'll be able to return to society. Next question please." Said Mateus. "Professor Alva. Pokéstar Studios Television Channel 5, WPKS, Knowing that Dr. Archer once worked with you, would you happen to know her intentions behind the kidnappings and experimentation?" Said a Unovan News Reporter. "I do. However, it is not my place to reveal that information. Right now, my main focus is that of my family." Said Prof. Alva. "Commissioner Blake. Canal 6 from Kalos. What do you think is the most likely punishment for Dr. Archer?" Asked a Kalosian News Reporter. "We here at the International Police are well aware of the charges against Dr. Archer. Whatever outcome that stems from these charges will only be determined by the judicial system."
*End of Chapter 20*
Although it looks like I'm leaving it with a cliffhanger, this is NOT the end of the story.
Chapter #21 will be posted Next Friday. This will be, of course, the last chapter of the "Tied in Love" Trilogy. Also, As usual, I will have a series of questions and answers regarding "Interlinked" and the trilogy as a whole.
To all those who have Favorited and/or Followed The "Tied in Love" Trilogy: Thank you! It brings me joy to know that you enjoy reading these stories as much as I do writing them.
I hope you all have an excellent weekend. See you all next Friday.
