Having spent a majority of time in the clinic, Diego the Dragonite is now back home in Misfit Manor. He lies back in a makeshift bed in one of the rooms with several pokemon around him, all gracious for his return. In the room with him are Luther Lucario, Mayor Mary Azumarill, Ralph, Olly, Betty, Gas and Gem.
“Things have been a bit shaky for the last few weeks,” Mary starts. “Since Ezma and Cindy’s deaths, the pokemon of Heroto have been restless and agitated; riots, violence, and mass protests against the misfits, as well as my administration, the council, and the Aura Army. Even with the regional news of the team’s corruption, the entire town denies it and view them as martyrs. However, drastic measures have been taken as the council has taken notice and Luther Lucario has stepped up security. Other guilds have come to aid with curbing the instability. Yet, things are turning around for us a little.”
“Many other pokemon from other cities and territories are delusional about the corruption, and are siding with Heroto and Team Rescuers,” Gem says. “Some of them have put the blame on us and have attacked us, but we hit them back.”
“Some pokemon are spreading lies, in other words,” Betty adds. “Yet, through our story in the press, we have gained allies ourselves.”
“It is a civil war,” Ralph explains. “With guilds and towns taking sides. It’s a messy start, and we’re nowhere near done with Team Rescuers. I fear we have more work before we can finally close the book on them.”
Diego looks around. “Where’s Zach?” he whispers. The group all look at each other, remaining quiet. “Where’s Zach?” utters the dragonite again.
Luther steps forward and leans a little closer to him. “It was Zach - who killed Cindy and Ezma.” Diego’s eyelids stretch open more. “Don’t worry, though; he’s safe. He’s showing his worth and loyalty to everyone.”
“W-what…?” Diego sits up. “Where is he?!”
“Whoa…” Luther moves closer, as does the others. “Take it easy there.”
“Zach isn’t safe, Luther…! Team Rescuers… They will find him…!”
“Don’t worry about it, Diego… We’re working to get him back. Even with the chaos all over, we’ll make sure he comes home safe and sound.”
Diego ceases. “The latias… Cindy’s sister…”
“We’re on top of everything. Just get some rest. We have everything handled, okay?” The dragonite grunts and lies back. The lucario and others exit the room. After he shuts the door, the lieutenant faces the pokemon. “We have a lot to do around here.”
“Hey Luther,” begins Gem. “You think you can find out where that buizel is hiding? Gas and I can make sure he doesn’t interfere.”
“Gem,” Ralph begins. “Things are starting to turn around a little for us. You go after Team Rescuers; all hell will break loose! We need to let the smoke clear. That way Diego can talk to them.”
“Diego can’t do anything until he’s all better! Gas and I are going to decide what’s going to be done!”
“I’m afraid not,” Luther tells her. “We cannot take any chances. I know it’s best to strike while the iron is hot, but that would be a stupid move. Ralph is right; we need to allow more time.”
“And who made you the boss?” asks Gas.
“He’s not the boss,” Mary states. “He’s handling the security and sanctity of the manor and region. I, on the other paw, will be handling you guys for now, while Diego is recovering. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everything is all taken care of. However, I have a task for you: I need some of you to go out to where Zach is and ensure he comes back safely.”
“Wait a minute!” Gas spurts. “You want us to go all the way to where the riolu’s hiding and escort him back here?!”
“Glad you’re paying attention, Gastly. Now, despite the confidentiality, I fear Zach isn’t completely safe. With how things are, it’s only a matter of time before Team Rescuers seek help from their allies to track him down.”
“And you know this, how?” asks Gem.
“We have sources, and you know Team Rescuers. So, with that said, I need the both of you to go.”
“You kidding?” asks the gastly. “Where that riolu is, that’s too far for us.”
Gem extends her arm out to her brother while keeping her gaze on the azumarill. “What’s in it for us?”
“Are you serious?!” asks Betty. “Zach is our friend, and you guys want payment for his return?! I might as well go out and get him.”
“Too dangerous, Cousin,” Mary tells her. “I don’t want to risk you getting attacked by crazy pokemon.”
“I’ll go,” says Amber. “I know the way there better than anyone. I’ve traveled that path before.”
“You can’t go alone,” Mary informs her. “Another pokemon should accompany you.”
“You don’t need to worry about me. I can handle myself fine.”
“I’ll go with her, Mayor,” adds Hachi. “Haven’t had much excitement around here for a while, and I’d like to get out. Besides, I figured Amber could use the company.”
Amber smiles sarcastically. “Oh, you’re very brave, Pichu Boy. Certainly, a trustworthy protector.”
“I-I’ll go, too,” Apatite adds.
Gem faces him. “What? I don’t see you leaving the manor. You’re going to travel with these three losers, too?”
“I-I want to try… Zach is our friend, a-and he showed courage and loyalty by standing up for us… I-it’s time I do the same…”
“You better be careful out there, Cousin…”
“I-I will… Don’t worry, Gem…”
“Well,” Azumarill finally begins. “I wish you four good luck. Just be careful.”
***
Back in Heroto, in Lana’s shack, the remaining members of Team Rescuers are sat around the table. They discuss the events leading up to this point.
“I can’t believe it,” Casey utters. “Driven into hiding… I wasn’t meant to be labeled as a fugitive!”
“This has gotten way out of paw,” spurts Miffy. “Our good reputation… ruined…”
“That runt has gone too far,” says Jay. “Him and those other misfits! I’ll kill him if it’s the last thing I do!”
“Why not now?!” Kenji demands. “We should go there and deal with every single one of them!”
“Relax, all of you,” interrupts a voice. They turn to see the latias appear, floating before them. “That is the reason you were all summoned here to this meeting. We have all been affected by the misfits in ways. Which is why we are going to be discussing the next plan. However, with many eyes watching us, it will not be easy.”
“Sorry we’re late,” says a voice. The pokemon turn to see who it is and find the shiny celebi floating before them, alongside her goodra mate. “We got held up by our daughter.”
“Not to worry,” says Lana. “You didn’t really miss anything. We were just beginning. Please, sit.” Both girls do as they are ordered and take their seats at the table. “Now, as I was saying; we are being watched with everything we do. Not to worry, however, for there are ways to go about this, now. It’s all about divide and conquer.”
“Divide and conquer?” repeats Jay.
“Yes. And I know where to start.” She activates her crystal ball with the wave of her arm. Revealing in the center is the riolu in the blue bandana.
