Disclaimer: Pokemon belongs to Nintendo and Shogakukan Comics. This fanfic belongs to me. ‘Nuff said.

Notes: <> for telepathy, ** for thoughts, italics if a pokemon talks

Chapter 3

“They have Kyogre.” Misty broke the news moments after Lance had called her. She wore a golden pendant with the old Indigo League symbol as her receiver.

“Are you sure this information is trustworthy, Misty?” Gary asked. “I mean, I know that he’s on our side, but…”

“The subcutaneous interface his earrings hold is prone to malfunction, you do realize.” Pryce stated.

Misty glared at the occupants of the room. “Listen. I am the Head of this Rebellion and I decide our plan of action. You are here in the capacity of my advisors. Remember that the legendaries are on my side!”

Ash did not reply, not sure if he ought to.

Morty and Sabrina exchanged glances. < We shall trust you, what would you like us to do now then, esteemed Leader? >

Misty did not catch the hint of mockery in their tones.

“We’ll wait for Lance to contact us again.” She said finally. “Dismissed.”

Beautiful one…

Tabitha stirred in his arms. “Oh no! I fell asleep?”

“You’ve been out for two hours.” Lance pointed out gently. “Too much stress getting to you?”

Tabitha sighed. “It’s hard being Archie’s right hand.”

“Of course,” He deferred. “I apologize if my…”

She cut him off. “Lance, you *know* that he trusts you more than he trusts me. You don’t have to defer to my rank. We’re both Administrators, after all.”

“Indeed.” He stated dryly. “There’s been no change.”

“Like there would be.” Tabitha checked the controls. “Seventy percent healed. Technically, that’s enough to fight, but…”

“We’d like full health for maximum results.”

“Yes.”

“I see that Sootopolis base has finally finished construction.”

Tabitha smiled. “Of course. We are prepared for his glorious coming.”

“What of the team sent to capture the Blue Orb? Liza and Tate, did they succeed?”

A scowl grew on her face. “Unfortunately not. They are mere children though. Archie is personally taking the blue orb himself now.”

“Interesting…”

“Yes, our esteemed leader usually does not stoop to these mediocre tasks himself.”

“Ah, but this is no simple mission.” Lance smiled charmingly. “He will succeed, of course.”

Tabitha nodded, as she kissed him. “I know. I must run now, more paperwork to do. Do you mind keeping watch alone? I owe you one… see you later, Lance.”

“What will happen?” Lance said rhetorically as he waved goodbye. Once she was gone, he once again switched his earrings to ‘Off’. * That ought to be enough information to satisfy my greedy little sister… *

The sea basin pokemon opened his eyes with a yawn. Tired…

Shh… Lance whispered. Beautiful. Such a wonderful pokemon should never be caged. And should the world drown so be it…

However, he had his own secret…

Kyogre’s eyes closed as it once again sank into slumber. The HP bar inched its way up to 71%.

Soon, very soon…

The pokemon was healing faster than it ought to. Odd…

“That was fast.” Misty commented, as she set six Master Balls on her desk. What would be good to use…

The birds were too visible, so that cut them out. “Got it! Suicune, I choose you!”

The water legendary cat yawned as she was summoned. Yes, Mistress?

“Find my brother.”

You are certain? He is deep in Team Aqua Headquarters. Surely there is a better way…?

“No, I need something from him. Tell him to give you the Sacred Sword. If he refuses, take it by force. It is necessary.”

Yes, Mistress…

The dog sped off to fulfill her mission.

Ash was bored. He had groomed his new Lapras, and chatted a bit with his new Unown and Ditto, but now, he was bored.

He was understandably surprised when Misty presented herself at his room.

“Misty!” He hastily ushered her in. “I thought you were busy!”

“I am, but it’s being taken care of as we speak.” Misty smiled. “Everything will be all right now.”

“Oh Misty, I’m so confused. Could you please tell me what’s going on?”

Misty grinned. “All right. I’d be glad to. But it’s a long story.”

“I like long stories.” Ash said cheerfully, as she seated herself on the bed and he carefully took a seat several paces away. “Just start from the beginning.”

“Well, why don’t you tell me what you remember?”

“Not much,” Ash said apologetically. “I mean, I was battling Richie, and then this smoke billowed over the whole stadium and most of the people died, I found out later… how’d you manage to make it out alive?”

“Well… they saved us.”

“They?”

“The legendary pokemon.” Misty grinned. “Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, Suicune, Entei, and Raikou managed to save most of us.”

“Wow!”

“I know.” Misty grinned brightly. “It’s so cool!”

“That’s awesome.”

“So now I can control the legendary pokemon.”

“Is that why you founded this Resistance?”

Misty nodded. “Yes, Ash. I’m glad you escaped from Team Aqua…”

Ash grinned, almost like his old self would have done, the former ego… “Aw, Misty, I don’t lose that easily…”

“Sure you do, you just don’t admit it!”

Ash flushed. Maybe it was friendly teasing now, but how was he to know? “So er… what do we do now?”

“Wait.” Misty held up a hand. “I sense something.”

All of a sudden, a clear image of Suicune appeared in the room. Mistress! We have a problem!

“What is it?”

Your brother – he won’t give up the Sacred Sword! And… he’s released Kyogre!

“WHAT?!”

End Chapter

Completed 5/23/05

So is Lance evil in this version? Not telling~!