The four pokemon waste no time leaving the area. As soon as they wake up, they stand and get on their “merry” way. It doesn’t take much long for them to get closer to the manor, however. Having made half their journey from last night, they’re just about almost done with their return journey. To make it go faster, they talk about their personal experiences and better times where Team Rescuers hadn’t interfered with them. Their “happy” moment is interrupted when they notice smoke rising from the trees. The four pokemon rush toward the source and halt with shock before the scene; the entire manor, dilapidated and broken with only some parts of it remaining intact. Sections of walls are gone, some of the windows are more shattered than others, and marks of explosives can be seen in places.
“Oh Arceus,” utters Hachi. “That is not good…”
“What the fuck happened here?!” asks Amber. “Where is everybody?!” She leads the others into the ruins of the structure. They take a few minutes to search the perimeter, but find no signs of life. They then gather into the dining area where the table has been broken up and the chairs are flipped. “Any signs of the others?”
Apatite shakes his head. “N-no… Nobody…” Hachi says the same answer. “W-where are they…? Y-you don’t suppose T-T-Team Rescuers killed them a-all, do you?”
“And risk more outcry against them from the whole region?!” spurts Hachi. “No chance!”
“They’re not all dead,” Zach claims. “They’re all right.”
“How do you know?” Amber asks.
Zach holds a piece of paper in his paws. “This.”
Amber takes it out of his grip and inspects it. The others come close to see what’s been written:
Dear Mom, Dad, and fellow siblings,
Hope you had a wonderful vacation. We had to leave under certain circumstances as the land has become dangerous due to seismic activity. However, should you find this letter, be sure to stop to come visit us at the town of Leafy Creek; a peaceful, little town situated near the border to the east. We hope you’d come to see us there!
Lots of love,
Uncle D.
“W-what…?” Amber tilts her head. “I don’t get how this relates…”
“It’s our friends,” Zach tells her. “Diego wrote the letter. It’s a code, telling us they aren’t dead, and in hiding. They’re telling us their whereabouts.”
“How do you know?” asks Hachi.
“Covered this in training from the Aura Army. I learned how to use and interpret code and fancy words.”
“W-why Leafy Creek?” Apatite queries. “Why t-there?”
“We’ll ask them when we get there,” Zach tells him. “We should get going and not stick around much longer.”
“Agreed,” Amber adds. “The longer we stay, the more prone we are to danger. Know where this town is, Riolu?”
“Of course! That was one of our stops when I was at the circus. Let’s move out.” The four make haste on another journey, leaving behind the battered remains of their former home.
***
Leafy Creek; a small town situated near a small creek and surrounded by woods, hence its name. Its placement makes it an ideal spot for travelers looking for a quiet getaway and nature enthusiasts. Upon arrival, the group wander about to try and look for clues on the others’ whereabouts. They get tipped by some locals to check the tavern for any hints. There, they learn of a small encampment located not far from the town, housing injured and homeless pokemon. They promptly make their way to the outskirts to find the base, which is occupied by the pokemon in armor. On approach, they are greeted by the soldiers, who identify them as friendly faces before being told to enter the medic area. They are then escorted to the large canvas tent with some of the pokemon under. The injured pokemon turn to them and smile.
Olly runs up to the riolu and gives him a hug. “You’re back!” Betty and Ralph come up to join in on greeting their friend, too, as well as greet the other four. Diego walks up to the four, along with Luther Lucario.
Zach looks up at the two tall pokemon. “We got your letter, and saw what happened to the mansion…”
“Mind filling us in on what went on?” asks Amber.
“I’m sure you could guess what happened,” Diego says.
“T-T-Team R-Rescuers?” queries Apatite.
“I’m afraid so,” Diego confirms. “A couple of hours after you guys left to get Zach, two members from Team Rescuers stormed the manor; they weren’t the only ones there… They brought with them a mob of pokemon; the whole town of Heroto. We noticed a pink celebi and goodra were among them.”
“Elle and Gloria,” Zach spurts. “They were part of the attack?!”
“And Lana was the one who orchestrated it,” Diego continues. “She and Elle know about the assassination and what happened.”
“There were a large number of them,” states Luther. “We had to evacuate quickly. Some pokemon got hurt in the conflict.”
“Some weren’t lucky,” adds Betty, tilting her head. “Mary succumbed to her injuries… She did not make it… She’s gone…”
“Oh, Betty….” The riolu wraps his arms around her and hugs her, to which the brionne accepts. “I’m so sorry…”
“The locals of Leafy Creek are kind,” Niko comments. “They accepted us with open arms and allowed us to settle. They said they would help us in any way.”
“So, this is our new home, then?” asks Hachi.
“Doesn’t l-look t-t-too bad,” Apatite says. “I liked the manor m-more, but I don’t mind t-this…”
“In other news,” Luther begins. “Shirley Lilligant and the council have declared a national emergency and deemed Team Rescuers, Lana, Heroto, and all other followers as traitors against the region.”
“So, that’s it then?” Amber utters.
“No, it’s not over!” The pokemon turn to Diego. “As long as those pokemon are still out there, they will not stop! Ezma and Cindy may be gone, but their influences have poisoned everyone’s minds! This all needs to stop!”
Ralph looks at him with an ‘o’-shaped mouth. “Diego, I’ve… I’ve never seen you aggressive before. You’re usually always peaceful and negotiable.”
“Since when has Team Rescuers ever NEGOTIATED anything? When has there ever been any peace? Things will be peaceful with them gone! We must put an end to Team Rescuers’ madness, and we must do it now!”
Gem gives a smile from her bed. “I think I’m starting to like this new Diego.” Gas agrees.
“Don’t get used to it,” Diego tells her. “Pokemon have been hurt, some even dead, because of them!”
“And that is what Shirley wants us to do,” Luther adds. “Hunt down every pokemon involved. All members of Team Rescuers are considered terrorists and must be eliminated, as well as their allies.”
“And the townsfolk of Heroto?” Clara asks.
“Some have die-hard views imposed on them by the corrupted guild. They may fight to the bitter end. I’m hoping it doesn’t come to that and we can maintain order. Just leave the town up to us. You guys worry about hunting down every member of the guild.” He faces the riolu in the blue bandana. “That includes you, Zach.”
Diego nods. “Our mission is clear; find and eliminate the ‘ringleaders of the chaos;’ All pokemon involved.”
“Please let me go after Lana or any of the others,” Zach desires. “I won’t take out Elle…”
“You aren’t strong enough to handle the latias,” Diego tells him.
“Elle’s been nice and gentle. I don’t see her as an enemy.”
“The girl you once knew as your true love is no more. She’s been twisted by the lies and corruption of her sister. There is no use saving her or convincing her otherwise, Zach. And since you know her better than everyone else, you’ll have to kill her…”
Zach lets out a sigh. “You’re right… I’ll have to take her down, and quickly… I don’t know where she is, however.”
“I bet the folks at the theatre may know where she and Gloria are,” Betty suggests. “I’m going with you for this.”
“Me too,” utters Ralph.
“What about Jay the Buizel?” the riolu asks. “Won’t I have to fight him, too?”
“Let me worry about Jay, Zach,” Olly spurts. “He’s my half-brother; I should be the one to take him on.”
“We’re coming with you,” Gem adds, joining his side with Gas. “That buizel has caused the most damage toward us. He’s going to get what’s coming to him.”
“You know what, I don’t disagree,” Diego comments. “We have better chances of taking these dangerous pokemon down in pairs or trios.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute,” interrupts Clara. “We’re all going out to take out these thugs? Every single one of us?” Diego nods. “Barnaby is not too good of a fighter, though.”
“Actually, I’ve seen Barnaby take on the gligar and send him flying away,” Ralph tells her.
“It’s true,” Barnaby confirms. “I made Gar Gar flee, and I’ve never felt so good about it. I can fight, Clara; give me a chance. Apatite and Olly have proved themselves, and so have I.”
“You’re sure about that?” Clara asks him. “I don’t want to lose you.”
“I’ll go with him,” Niko tells her. “I’ll make sure nothing bad happens to him. I plan to hunt the eevee. But, if Barnaby wants to find Gar Gar, we can kill two murkrows with one stone.”
“Clara, I’d like you and Audrey come with me against Lana,” Diego begins. “She is cunning and sly, and I won’t be able to take her on alone.”
Clara faces the dragonite. “What about your injuries?!”
“Do not worry about me.” Diego rips off his bandages, revealing his wounds are three-quarters of the way gone. “I can handle anything.”
“You shouldn’t, Diego… You should rest.”
“I will rest when we’ve saved the world from this threat.”
“Hey, Apatite, Amber,” Hachi begins. “We should go back into the woods to find Monkey Butt and Lizard Boy.” Amber and Apatite smile and nod.
“So, it’s settled then.” Diego recaps everything and finalizes the plans. “All right, we move now, and quickly!” Everyone nods and disperse with their assigned groups. May Arecus bless them all on their mission.
