Capítulo 172: Planning for the Coming Battle

Why?

Why was HE here?!

I stared dumbly at the man who just introduced himself as Steve Sherwin, who's name and appearance were almost identical to that of a childhood icon of just about every single child of the same generation as me. And I mean from my FIRST life, not this life.

"Uh... Nice to meet you!" I hurriedly said when I realized I was staring, though not so much from being starstruck as being confused by his presence, and awed by the purity of his aura.

I could feel every other person was looking at me weirdly from my reaction to him, though Lady Ilene just nodded her head in understanding, probably because she was the only other one present who could see Steve Sherwin's aura.

After shaking his hand, Steve returned to his seat while the rest of us took ours. This gave Wendy the opening to explain as she gestured to him, "Steve is the number one Top Ranger in the world. His efforts against pokemon smugglers, poachers, and illegal breeders have made him famous in almost every region, and he also has his own show that he uses to show people how to properly handle and care for pokemon. If I recall right, you'll also be adding all of your content to Pokevision soon, right?"

Directing the final part to Steve himself, the man nodded eagerly as he said, "Thats right! We can't add full episodes to it though, so ma wife has been busy cutting and editing our footage to fit their format. Hopefully it'll be up soon!" (A.N. I beg mercy for my poor writing of an Australian accent)

I blinked at that knowledge, and promised myself to follow and watch all of his content as soon as it was up on Pokevision.

Steve Irwin wrangling some of the most dangerous wildlife on planet earth? Legendary.

Steve Sherwin wrangling some of the most dangerous pokemon in this world? GODLY.

My planning was disrupted as Lance swept into the room, taking his place at the head of the long conference table while carrying an aura of gloom and doom. You'd have thought he'd just been told his mother died or something.

"Thank you all for being here." Lance said, beginning the conversation immediately as every eye turned towards him, and he was given everyone's complete attention.

Though all Champions were 'equal' in status, Lance held the most authority amongst them due to the fact that he was Champion over TWO regions versus their one. So even the Gym Leaders and Elite Four members from the other regions paid him the respect due.

"First I would like to begin with an apology." Lance started, confusing the majority of them before he continued.

"Truthfully, the SS. Anne is under threat of the group known as Team Rocket. For those of you from other regions who are unaware of who exactly they are, Team Rocket s a criminal organization that is directly responsible for the numerous incidents that have plagued Kanto and Johto recently.

"Their modus operandi is to use force to steal pokemon and run various shady operations to amass funds and spread their influence. But lately they've upped their antics to acts that could only be considered declarations of war against Kanto and Johto."

Pausing momentarily, Lance then played numerous videos on the monitor behind him before continuing.

"Over the last few years their actions have escalated to the point that they have recently began operating in broad daylight, and targeting high profile locals such as Pokemon Centers and even Gyms themselves. Husdson in particular had his own Gym attacked, and only recently reopened properly after the damage."

"That was only because Daisy decided to renovate the Gym after it was damaged, but yeah. Those bastards tried to take all of the pokemon my family owns in the process." Hudson said with a growl, obviously still pissed about the incident.

"Indeed. They also organized an attack at Mt. Moon that resulted in the entire mountain being remodeled, and what amounted to a war at Lavender town that awoke a True Alpha and reduced the town itself to rubble. And that's not even taking the illegal pokemon AND human trafficking operation that was being ran out of Vermillion city by none other than one of our own Gym Leaders."

Lance's voice turned bitter at the last part, understandably, at which point Falkner asked, "Is that why we were kept in the dark about all of this until now?"

"Yes." Lance said with a nod, making several of the Gym Leaders and Elite Four shift uncomfortably.

"You all need to understand something." I said suddenly, drawing their attention to me. "We are currently facing the greatest crisis the world has ever seen, and Team Rocket is only a small part in the grand scheme."

I nodded to Lance, who took my cue as the image on the monitor changed to show the different criminals organizations in each region.

"Twelve years ago I was visited in my dreams by a pokemon calling itself Arceus, telling me that the world was facing destruction, and that he had chosen me to act as his champion to prevent it."

Then, like I had been doing quite a bit ever since visiting Bill's lighthouse, I explained to everyone present who Arceus was and the 'visions' I had been experiencing ever since of certain Legendary pokemon, such as Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Palkia, and Dialga.

By the time I had finished speaking everyone was staring at me in disbelief, while Blaine directed a look at Lance.

"Is this for real?"

"Unfortunately, yes." Lance answered. He then continued, "A few weeks ago, Ace arrived at the lighthouse that Bill has renovated and converted into his home/lab. And that very same night, the true alpha Dragonite that Bill had been communicating with appeared. Bill personally witnessed the discussion between Ace and the true alpha Dragonite, as it detailed the creation of our world and the hand the Legendary pokemon had in it. And throughout their exchange, the true alpha referred to Ace as either the 'chosen of Arceus', or 'Arceus' champion', before granting both him and his Dratini egg it's blessing."

Lance then gave me a look that I took to mean to show what he was talking about, and sent Dratini out onto the middle of the conference room table.

"Tiniiiiiii!" She trilled happily, despite being the center of attention as everyone looked at her in awe.

I then started channeling my aura and concentrating it into my hand, making my hand glow slightly with my typical amber color until I first channeled the power of Zapdos, making electricity crackle along my arm, before doing the same with the power I received from Dragonite, making my aura change to a royal purple.

"Firstly I used my basic aura, and then I channeled the power I received from Zapdos before channeling the power I received from Dragonite." I explained, before adding, "And anyone who's seen my Charizard shouldn't be surprised to learn that he was blessed by Ho-oh on the first day of my journey, when he too was still in his egg."

In the face of everything Lance and I had told them, everyone had no choice but to believe everything we were telling them.

"So what are WE supposed to do?" Gardenia asked us.

"For the moment, we just need to focus on Team Rocket when they attack tomorrow." Cynthia said from where she sat.

"If we can successfully eliminate the vast majority of their forces during the coming conflict, then all that'll be left is the cleanup." Lance stated to us all, before adding, "And then afterward we can focus on the rising threats in each other region."

I then stood once more and addressed everyone, "In every region there are groups that are either planning something malicious for all of us, or they are meddling in things they shouldn't. Either way, the risk to us all exists in EVERY region. Unless something drastic happens, then we need to deal with Team Rocket first and foremost so they don't have the time to lick their wounds and make a comeback."

"Exactly." Lance stated in affirmation, before the images changed on the monitor once again.

"We already know that Team Rocket is engaging in illegal cloning experiments, so we need to ensure that they are unable to continue them first and foremost, especially since they already created a second Mew. Mewtwo."

"""!?!?!?!?!"""

EVERYONE reacted at that, as almost all of them shot to their feet, or slumped in their chairs.

"They created another Mew?!" Blaine demanded.

"Indeed, and until recently it was under their control." Lance affirmed.

"Mewtwo is no longer a threat, especially since he is busy training with Mew to learn more about himself and what his role in this world is. But what if Team Rocket learned from their mistake, and make a Mewthree or Mewfour that is completely under their control? THAT is why we need to eliminate them first." I stated firmly, earning me numerous looks of confusion.

"And how do you know this?" Hudson asked me.

"Because Ace is the reason Mewtwo abandoned Team Rocket to begin with, and he befriended Mew itself." Professor Oak stated.

"Please professor, you're giving me too much credit." I said with a wry smile, before looking out over the group to explain.

"Mewtwo was first sent to deal with me when we exited Mt. Moon, but he let me live instead of killing me like he was supposed to. Apparently he had his falling out with Giovanni shortly after, and has been visiting me occassionaly since. He was also the one who dealt with the true alpha Gengar in Lavender town, after I helped him mega evolve.

"But we can't rely on him to help us out when we need him to. Mewtwo has a negative opinion of humanity due to Team Rocket, and has no intention to be used as a tool anymore. So don't anyone get the idea that we should just have him help us."

I gave a stern look at everyone gathered as I said that, as I could already feel that several of them wanted me to call Mewtwo to help us fight Team Rocket.

"Indeed. We are on our own when facing Team Rocket, which may also include Legendary grade pokemon within their ranks." Lance declared, before the images on the monitor changed yet again.

"We already confirmed that they have captured the true alpha Beedrill that had made it's home in Viridian forest, adding it to their ranks via an advanced form of mind control device. Thanks to this, not only are the Beedrill remaining in Virdian forest out of control, but there are also numerous reports of Team Rocket agents using numerous Beedrill in their attacks. We are even hearing of various altered species of Beedrill that are being used, telling us that they're experimenting with creating variant species with the true alpha."

As Lance finished speaking he stepped to the side, and allowed Lorelei to step forward this time. I also couldn't help but to notice that her expression and aura were both intense, while she glanced at me repeatedly.

"Many of you have probably heard about the Seafoam islands being frozen over... This was the result of an intense battle in which the lady of ice was attacked by Team Rocket, and has been missing ever since. It is all but confirmed that she is being held captive by those scum..."

Lorelei clenched her fist and grit her teeth in frustration as she said that, showing a side of her that was rarely, if ever, seen. It was understandable though, since chances were we would be having to fight against Articuno tomorrow.

"So you're saying that we would need to battle against the full might of Team Rocket, AND two Legendaries?!" Piers asked incredulously.

"Everything we're saying now is just speculation." Lance said as Lorelei retook her seat, before I spoke up again.

"I have several informants within Team Rocket, and none of them can offer any real information regarding the attack tomorrow. Apparently Giovanni is playing those cards pretty close to his chest after losing so much."

"I see..." Koga said slowly, though I noticed him glance at Giana pointedly.

"Theres no point, so don't bother." I told him in exasperation, already having an idea of what was going through his head.

"Indeed. And if I wanted to go that route, we would have already properly taken Giana into custody when Giovanni was first outed." Lance said in agreement, bringing the discussion regarding her to an end.

"We could spend the entire night sitting here, and debating what Giovanni's plans MIGHT be." Professor Oak said while standing this time. "Or we can discuss what OUR plan will be when the attack happens. We already know to expect it, so we can also make the proper arrangements for evacuation and retaliation beforehand."

"Indeed. Our position as Champions means we have to put the safety of the people first." Professor Kukui stated pointedly.

"You can leave organizing the evacuation to us." Declared a older and grizzled veteran of a sailor, who appeared to be the captain of the ship.

"And if ANYONE threatens the safety of our passengers...." He began in a dangerous voice, his hand resting on the hilt of the saber at his waist. "Then they will be cut down! No matter if they are human or pokemon!"

It was only now that I recalled that in the Kanto region games you could only learn the HM Cut from the captain of the SS. Anne, who was apparently a proclaimed Cut master. Compared to the seasick man from the games, the real life person was certainly a man to be feared and respected.

"Very well. The priority for evacuation will be the civilians and spectators, specifically those without pokemon. All official League trainers will be expected to stay and help with the battle, even if its only by providing assistance to the Gym Leaders and Elite Four." Lance declared with a tone of finality, which everyone nodded in agreement to. After all, us League trainers ARE supposed to be the militant force of each region.

"I also propose strict disciplinary action for anyone who DARES to flee instead of fighting." Koga stated sternly.

"I don't know. Even if it is simply asking them to perform their duties as official League trainers, there hasn't been a proper war in years. Only the few vetrans on board have TRUE combat experience. Those who haven't been in a real battle could only freeze up and get in the way, or be a liability." Blaine said in contemplation.

"That is true, but we can't stop for every single 'what if'. Especially if we have to consider adding Legendary grade pokemon into the equation." Nessa stated.

"I concur." Agatha growled while looking over the Gym Leaders present. "I say we entrust each of you to act as generals and lead the trainers into combat, and each of us will lead you in turn for a proper chain of command."

"Agreed." Lance stated.

"Lorelei will lead the Gym Leaders from Kanto, while I'll entrust those from Johto to Agatha. I trust the rest of you will be able to manage your respective Gym Leaders." Lance asked while looking to the Elite Four of the other regions, who all nodded in affirmation.

"Good. Then us Champions will remain on standby to battle Giovanni and the Legendary grade pokemon if they appear." He concluded, while Steven, Cynthia, Iris, Kukui and Nemona all nodded in agrement. After all, if even professor Oak's Dragonite was tossed around so easily, by Mewtwo, then all six of them would be needed to combat against TWO Legendary grade pokemon.

"What about us?" I asked, gesturing to the rest of us present. The 'protagonist' group so to speak.

"Each of you will be battling alongside the other trainers, and assisting wherever you can." Steven stated seriously.

"Yes. I'll be expecting good things from you two, Lucas, Barry." Cynthia said in agreement. Apparently she was already aquainted with the two of them.

The rest of the Champions nodded in agrement while looking at those from their home regions, Iris to Hilda, Hilbert, Rosa and Nate, Kukui to Elio and Selene, Steven to Brendan, and Lance to Ethan, Lyra, and Gary. When his gazed reach Ash and I though, his expression hardened.

"Unfortunately though Ace, you and Ash will NOT be participating in this battle.

"""!?!"""

"WHAT?!" I demanded while everyone else looked to Lance in disbelief.

"You heard me. When the battle starts, I expect the two of you to be with the first group of evacutees for your own safety."

""!!!""

"What's going on Lance?" Steven asked his fellow Champion, while I could feel the blood thundering in my veins at this news. But rather than immediately answer, Lance pulled out a tablet before he responded.

"This is a list of Ace's medical history. Firstly, at the age of twelve he fought an entire pack of Houndour being led by a Houndoom with only his bare hands, before a freshly hatched Riolu arrived to help him. Both were rushed to the hospital on Giovanni's personal helicopter afterwards, and Ace received life-saving treatment for numerous lacerations, burns, a broken arm, AND a broken leg.

"Five years later, almost immediately after he started his journey, Ace witnessed a battle between a Vespiquen hive and the Beedrill of Viridian forest. He then received a full powered X-Scissor from an alpha Vespiquen, before proceeding to fight the remaining Beedrill until rendered unconscious from blood-loss. He also did NOT receive proper treatment until well into the next day when he managed to arrive at the Pewter city Pokemon Center. Then, while recovering from those wounds, he was sprayed with pepper spray, stunned by a stun-gun, and paraded through Pewter city after being falsely arrested.

"Then, durinng the battle of Mt. Moon, Ace was nearly killed by a horde of powerful Parasect, including several alphas, before nearly being strangled to death by Mewtwo. Again, he did NOT receive proper treatment until well into the day when he got to the Cerulean city Pokemon Center.

"Soon after that he participated in the battle of Lavender town, battling directly against the true alpha Gengar alongside his pokemon. He then managed to perform mega evolution with Mewtwo to end the battle, but doing so completely exhausted Ace to the point that he was rendered comatose for three days afterwards. And then, almost immediately after awakening, he went to meet with Zapdos before breaking his fist while punching it in the face. Not only that, but he also fought a wild Primeape with his bare hands afterwards.

"THEN, Ace made his way to Vermillion city, where he battled hand-to-hand with Lt. Surge. Though he managed to make it through that particular battle with only minor injuries, he still fought to the point of exhaustion against Surge. And lets not forget that just since he's boarded the SS. Anne, Ace literally leapt from the back of the ship into the seas below, and fought another trainer's Hariyama with his bare hands."

"And what does all of that have to do with anything?!" I demanded angrily.

"It has a LOT to do with the current situation." Lance said while looking at me and putting the tablet down.

"You're reckless and seem to possess no sense of self preservation. Not to mention that at times you would readiy sacrifice yourself for the sake of others." Lance said pointedly.

"Normally these are great qualities for a trainer to have, and you're a testiment as to why that is since you've inspired such loyalty and dedication in your pokemon. However, you are too important to the entire world itself to continue risking yourself needlessly. We can't have you going out there and putting yourself into danger unnecessarily, especially since Giovanni himself is out to get you. After all, you STILL have a price on your head. Even if the battle tomorrow goes well, if they manage to take you out of the equation the world itself is doomed. We CANNOT take that chance."

As Lance finished speaking no one said anything, as I could feel them all looking at me with variety of emotions from what Lance just revealed, while I could feel Joy fidgeting awkwardly since she was my personal nurse. Though I suppose the fact that I NEEDED a personal nurse only gave his concerns more credibility.

"You CAN'T sideline me at the most crucial moment! Especially when I did all the work until now!" I almost shouted at Lance.

"I can, and I WILL." Lance stated without appearing moved at all, before looking at Ash. "And your brother will go with you in order to prevent him from being targeted as well, due to your similar appearances.

"No way!" Ash yelled as he stood up in indignation beside me.

"My decision is final, and we will discuss it no further." Lance stated firmly, fixing both Ash and I with a stern look.

"Grrrrrrr..."

"Fine then!" I stated while getting to my feet and storming towards the door, Ash and the girls right behind me.

"Wait Ace!"

"Don't leave!"

"Why not?! Apparently I'm not needed here!" I snarled, marching out of the conference room, and slamming the door behind me.

***

"And that will be all." Lance said as the meeting finally concluded, some time after Ace and Ash stormed out angrily. He then looked to Gary, Lucas, Bredan, Hilbert, Calem and Victor, and added, "I suggest going back to your roooms and getting plenty of sleep. You'll need it for the finals tomorrow, and the battle that will most likely come afterwards."

"""Right!"""

With the meeting over, the group of guys left to do just that while the girls all quickly left to go and find Ace, leaving the Champions, Elite Four, Gym Leaders, Rangers and professor alone.

"What was all of that about Lance?" Oak immediately asked as soon as the door closed behind them closed, and every eye also turned towards Lance questioningly.

"Yes Lance, I would like to know as well." Cynthia added as she crossed her arms under her breasts, giving voice to what everyone else wanted to know.

"Everything I said WAS true." Lance said while leaning back in his chair and looking up at the ceiling.

"Ace is too important to the world for him to continue needlessly risking himself, over and over again. And as I said, Giovanni has a bone to pick with him specifically. But there IS more..."

At this point Lance seemed to age several years instantly as exhaustion appeared to fill him entirely.

"I was ordered to keep both of them safe."

"""?!?!?"""

"What do you mean by 'you were ordered'?!" Steven demanded, giving voice to what was going through ALL of their heads.

Lance was the most influencial Champion in the world, as the man who controlled TWO regions compared to the rest of their one. Even if people assumed Leon of Galar was the strongest trainer in the world, no one knew for sure since the two had never battled.

So who the hell could give HIM orders?!

It was a question that only two other people present knew the answer to.

"Did you hear from 'him'?" Professor Oak asked him urgently, while Agatha narrowed her eyes.

"..."

Instead of answering directly, Lance just nodded slowly.

"Is he returning?!" Oak demanded, making everyone else even more curious as to who they were referring to.

"No.... He's not." Lance said, making the professor deflate slightly.

"But he said that if either Ace or Ash are harmed in the coming battle, if a single hair of their is out of place, or their clothes are scuffed, then he WILL return to Kanto. And if he does, he WILL bring fury and vengance with him."