AN: I made a mistake regarding the chronological order of sequence of chapter 13 and 14. The previous chapter 13 should instead be chapter 14 and chapter 14 should be chapter 13. Basically, I had posted those two chapters in the wrong chronological order. I had already made the amendment with this update. It is a mistake that should have never happened and I apologise for it.

Hopefully this chapter will be enough to make up for my mistake. Enjoy.

The last time all the regional Champions had a web conference like this, it was right after the Lilycove Invasion about almost a year ago. Another web conference like this held so soon is not a sign of good news.

"Are you certain?"

Wallace's question is understandable. They are all having the same doubts. Not only have they just learnt from Lance that the Indigo League had gotten wind that Team Rocket is planning a large scale attack on Johto during Indigo National Day itself, which is less than a month away, they also learnt that Giovanni, the Gym Leader of Viridian, is the secret leader behind the largest terrorist organisation in the world.

To add the cherry on top, even Indigo's very own President cannot be trusted because of the series of actions that he took that caused the situation to develop into what it is today. Lance is really on his own.

"Champion Lance, our regions are not allowed to meddle in each other's politics, that is the very first rule that was instituted when the PWL was founded." Looker, who is here as a neutral party on behalf of the PWL and also an observer of this meeting, was the first to voice out the real dilemma of the issue. "Your request is asking everyone to toe a very fine line, Champion Lance. Personally, I'm not sure if I like this arrangement at all."

"I understand where your concerns are coming from." Lance stated. "I had given this matter a lot of thought before calling for this meeting. If the situation isn't as dire as it is, I wouldn't have risked incurring such heavy political repercussions to ask for your assistance. The Indigo League really has no other choice left, the only way I have left to ensure the safety of my people is to ask for external help."

Lance took a brief pause to recollect himself before continuing.

"We all know that we are living in troubled times, and that things around the world are only going to be more dangerous. The prophecy said so, the signs are there, bad things are happening around us. The signs are slowly popping up all over the world one at a time starting from the Lilycove Invasion. This was why we decided to join forces and formed the interpol in a last ditch effort to try and avert the outcome the prophecy foretold. The interpol was a sign of trust between all seven regions that we can work towards a common goal, that we can help each other in our time of need."

The Dragon Master lowered his head and bowed.

"So, please. Help Indigo. I know this goes against the rules set up by our predecessors through the PWL but this time, those rules are not able to protect Indigo or the world. I know this is a lot to ask but as Champion, the safety of my nation and people are paramount. Millions of lives are at stake and there's no better way that I can think of to resolve this. Indigo needs help so please, lend me your aid."

There was a brief pause from the other participants of the web conference. Alder was the first to break the silence.

"Champion Lance, please raise your head."

Slowly, Lance raised his head and Alder took this as his cue to continue to speak. This time, the Champion of Unova directed his words to Looker.

"Looker, the PWL was set up through the collective efforts of our region's First Champions in order to maintain a semblance of peace across the world. That peace which we worked so hard to maintain for the past five hundred years is extremely fragile, we all know this. If a single member region were to fall into disarray, it is not a far stretch to say that the alliance we set up through the PWL will crumble. Today, Indigo is about to fall into a state of crisis that can determine the rise or fall of their nation, and subsequently the world we know. I believe this situation calls for several exceptions to be made."

"The First Champions were the ones who wrote the rules and laws that we all abide to even till today. If the collective agreement of all Champions can set the laws in place, then likewise, another collective agreement should be able to change these laws." Wallace spoke up. "If all of us current Champions can come to an agreement to overlook the rule of no interregional interference just this once, I believe that the PWL committee will be agreeable to it as well."

"Times are changing, nothing is eternal." Diantha added. "Seeing Indigo's circumstances and those of our own regions, maybe it's time to rethink if those ancient rules need to be amended in order to keep up with the times. I too, shall offer my support to Lance to help resolve Indigo's current crisis."

Through the screen, it's not hard to see that Looker's face is grim.

"Is everyone present agreeable to answer Champion Lance's request for assistance?" Upon seeing the collective nods, Looker continued. "Very well, as long as everyone is clear about the possible repercussions about this arrangement, I shall respect your wishes and relay them to the PWL committee as soon as possible. I too, believe that such an arrangement, while risky, is necessary. To protect the world however we can, this is the job for the interpol."

"Have you gathered more members?" Wallace inquired.

"Vel and I have identified suitable candidates in our last interregional meeting. They are all people that the various delegations had heavily recommended." Looker explained. "All that's left is to persuade those candidates to join. If all goes well, I would be able to assemble a small team within a few days. Hopefully, within two days from now."

"Speaking of which." Cynthia interrupted the conversation with a serious look on her face. "Just to clarify. Lance, the type of help you need right now are Elite level trainers, right? From what you just told us, Team Rocket is unbelievably huge. Indigo's Pillars will not be enough."

"That is the main factor that made me decide to enlist your help." Lance admitted. "If Team Rocket were to launch a simultaneous attack on every town and city in Indigo and not just Johto, my country's Pillars will have their hands full in trying to protect their own individual city. We will not be able to spare any attention on anything else. From what I now know, Team Rocket is too large and they have no lack of trainers that are close or have attained the strength on par of those with our regions' Pillars. I don't have enough trainers of such skill to aid me in neutralising those threats."

"So you came to us for help because you lack the needed manpower. I see now." Diantha responded in a thoughtful manner. "However, it will take too long for us to send any reinforcements over to Indigo through the seas. They won't make it there on time on your nation's day of founding. You will have to make do with who is already there. Siebold and Valerie are already in Indigo, which makes two. They are experienced Pillars who had their fair share of dealing against internal threats. I will inform them to lend you their aid on behalf of Kalos."

"My region had just snuffed out the threat posed by Team Magma and Team Aqua. Hoenn can also afford to spare a few Pillars." Wallace offered. "Since Drake and Steven are also already in Indigo, I will tell them to do the same thing. They are highly experienced and suited for the task, you can count on them."

"Sinnoh does not have any large threats that need immediate attention at the moment. I can also spare my Pillars to aid you." Cynthia spoke up. "Flint and Lucian are already there, and they had their fair share of dealing with Team Galactic. Flint especially, will be of great use to your cause. I do have another candidate in mind that is extremely suited for the task, but..."

The other participants of the web conference all stared curiously upon hearing the unsure tone Cynthia's voice took. This is not something you would usually hear from the Sinnoh Champion. Looker decided to take a shot in the dark.

"Let me guess, Volkner?"

"Yes, him." Cynthia nodded with a sigh. "Unfortunately, I no longer hold any power over him and he no longer stays in Sinnoh. You had met him once before, Lance, you know how he is. If you need an expert on dealing with something as huge as this, Volkner is the person I will strongly recommend you need to have on your side."

"The interpol had tried recruiting Volkner for our cause. The meeting did not go well, Volkner was very resistant to the idea of being a part of the interpol." Looker said with a sigh. "I am starting to doubt that anyone could ever convince him to help out."

"I know where to find him." Lance replied. "I will personally pay him a visit to request for his help once our meeting here is done. Indigo needs people like him right now."

"I will also inform Grimsley and Elesa to lend their assistance to Indigo on behalf of Unova." Alder pledged.

"I am no Champion and I don't have the authority of one, but I can ask Samson to see if he can contribute in any way. He does have a brilliant mind." Professor Kukui, current representative of the Alola region, spoke through the screen.

"Thank you." Lance said from the bottom of his heart as he did another bow, grateful that his plea for help had been answered and that help had been offered without hesitation. "Thank you."

"So, to make sure that we are all on the same page." Looker cut into the conversation while reading a list, bringing everyone's attention to him immediately. "Firstly, all member regions are agreeable in responding to Lance's request for help to stop Team Rocket's plans. Secondly, the various region's representatives that are already here in Indigo will be mobilised to help Indigo stop Team Rocket."

"If you can get Volkner to help, then that's one more." Cynthia reminded once again.

"That is if anyone can convince him to help." Looker sighed.

"You know, seeing the reaction you and Cynthia have whenever Volkner is mentioned, is he the type of person to really sit out on something as grave as this?" Kukui asked curiously.

"He's good at what he does, but he can be a little… troublesome to work with." Cynthia completed her sentence after some thought. "I can't blame him for acting that way given that his experience with working for the Sinnoh League wasn't all that pleasant, but he is not the type to turn a blind eye towards an issue as grave as this. If Lance is indeed going to pay him a personal visit to request for Volkner to lend Indigo his strength, I believe that there is a solid chance that he will agree, and given that his wife is definitely going to be involved in this upcoming conflict, all the more so."

"I see." Looker nodded in acknowledgement before continuing. "Then all in all, Indigo will receive foreign assistance in the form of the other member region's Pillars and they will be helping out in this coming crisis. As of now, there are two from Hoenn, two from Sinnoh, two from Unova, two from Kalos, and one from Alola. That makes a total of eight additional Pillars and one Pokemon Professor that will be mobilised to help Indigo. Of which, one is a future Champion, five Elite Fours, two Gym Leaders, and a Professor."

"It's a pretty impressive lineup." Alder let out a low whistle upon hearing the breakdown. "I believe that this is the first time Pillars from every region are gathered together like this."

"Maybe we really should have done something like this a long time ago. I have a feeling that we are witnessing the formation of something monumental here." Diantha said with a smile.

"This is a moment that will be recorded into the history books, that is for sure." Cynthia chuckled. "And we are all part of this story."

"Together, we can put up a wonderful show that Team Rocket will never forget." Wallace mused.

"I guess I'm honoured to be a part of this significant moment." Kukui laughed out loud. "Never thought that there will be a day that I will participate in a meeting with Champions."

"Hah! With such firepower on the way, you can be rest assured that things will go well on your end, Lance! So don't put up that long face and smile! You are the Champion of Indigo!" Alder spoke with that booming and upbeat voice of his, lightening the mood in an instant.

"If everyone is agreeable to this arrangement, then this meeting is now adjourned." Looker spoke up. "We have much to prepare for."

"Heya boss! How's your weekend?"

"Still as annoyingly energetic as ever, I see." Pyral started with a tired sigh when the youngest member of his squadron greeted him brightly when they fall in for reveille on Monday morning. For once, he is actually glad to see them on a Monday.

Not like he would ever admit it. These annoying kids wouldn't stop making fun of him otherwise.

"Something came up during the weekend?"

Pyral can feel his left eyebrow twitching slightly at that remark from Amy. Why does his Rangers have to be so perceptive now of all times?

"So something really came up?" Rufus added with a low whistle.

"Alright, boss, I'll bite. What kind of fucked up oh-shit mission have we been assigned to this time?"

"Language, Adam." Jacky reprimanded half-heartedly. "But potty mouth is right, boss. Aren't we supposed to be getting ready for rehearsals today? What changed?"

"Damn. And I thought we finally caught a damn break."

"Nothing came up." Pyral snorted. "It's just that the higher ups realised that we had been too lax in urban evacuation training and running through similar simulations. That is what we will be going through today. For now, rehearsals had been put on hold for this entire week."

"Urban evacuation training? Why now of all times?"

"The recent spike in crime and terrorist activities warranted such a concern. Someone high up in the command chain brought it up and now all three Indigo forces are focusing their efforts to prevent such a thing from happening again." Pyral told his Rangers the official statement he is allowed to reveal to them, surprising even himself at how smooth the lie came out from his mouth.

"It seems that nowadays, terrorists like the Rockets have a penchant for targeting big events that are crowded with people. National Day just happened to be one such event, unlikely as it is to be targeted, but we still have to be extremely careful about it. Nobody expected the Johto National Park to be targeted and look at what resulted from it. Just ask Skye what kind of hell really went on back there."

"Not something I would like to experience again." Skye answered flatly.

"This is just in preparation for the worst case scenario. Hopefully, it won't come to this." Pyral lied through his teeth because he knows things will come to the worst case scenario that day. This will be the shittiest oh-shit-mission that they will be on. The only thing he can do now is to prepare his Rangers as best as he can.

"For the entirety of today, we will be doing squadron level training. Given the kind of shit we've been through all the time I don't think this will be too hard for you guys, so consider today as warm-up practice. Starting tomorrow, we will be doing inter squadron exercises with the other 1st Regiment squadrons that are also here at the Indigo Plateau. That means working with the Kanto group too, so if you have any political opinions you keep your mouth sealed if you don't want to get into any kind of trouble, you hear me?"

In a show of unexpected teamwork, everyone looked to Adam.

"The fucking hell?! Why do you guys always look at me as if I'm the fucking troublemaker?! Since when do you guys see me mouthing off about politics?! Stop looking at me like that!"

The day was over faster than he could blink. Pyral slumped in his chair the moment he had some privacy in his own bunk, where he did not need to put up any facade or mask in front of his own Rangers no less, the kids who he trusted to have his back under any kind of situation. These kids made up the squadron which he led, the Black Squadron of the Johto 1st Ranger Regiment.

He can still recall when everything started to go to shit on that Saturday morning two days ago.

The first sign that some shit is about to go down was when he was secretly called to go to Indigo HQ during the weekend. It irked him because for one, he had to wear that stuffy formal Ranger uniform which they only wear for formal events or ceremonies. Secondly, whenever anyone gets called to HQ, it usually isn't good news.

He was proven right that when not only him, he saw many other people of his rank and even higher was present when he was led into a secret meeting room. His fellow squadron commanders of the 1st Ranger Regiment are all there, for starters. He saw many other hotshots in that same room as well from the other forces. There are STAR commanders and also those from the police. Each of them are high ranking individuals that hold a lot of power in whatever unit or division they are a part of.

And need he say anything about how everybody systematically divided themselves into the 'Kanto' group and the 'Johto' group within the large meeting room they are in? Even the commanders that hail from the Rangers are separated into two distinct groups in which region they came from. The untimely reappearance of the topic of the Kanto Ban really came at the wrong time.

He remembered starting to wish that he never received the message.

Naturally, he went over to the side of the group which consists of people he knew. A round of asking around tells him that his fellow colleagues had no idea what this meeting is about either, which made his eyebrows raise slightly higher. None of them even knew that each of them would also be here in the first place since the whole meeting was supposed to be hush-hush as stated when they received the secret order.

And then he knew things must be very serious when he walked into the room.

Lance Wataru, the current Champion of Indigo.

Lance didn't waste any time. He got straight to the discussion at hand and explained what this meeting is all about. It was then that the literal bomb was dropped onto them.

"Excuse me, sir, but what the fuck?!"

The outburst of one of the STAR commanders from Kanto said it all. All their doubts, disbelief, and whatever fuck shit nonsense are summarised into what that STAR commander just said.

What the fuck.

"You heard me right." Lance said in a firm voice. "Team Rocket is planning a region wide attack on Johto that will be conducted on the upcoming National Day. Viridian's Gym Leader, Giovanni, is the true leader behind Team Rocket. Team Rocket had infiltrated deep into our ranks across all forces. Anyone of a similar rank to you but not here with us right now is considered a part of Team Rocket."

Pyral is sure all of them heard their Champion clearly the first time, but that is not making it any easier to digest the news. There are a few familiar faces that are of his rank and higher within the Johto Rangers that are not here today, which means that these people, his fellow comrades and superiors who he had known for years, are Rockets.

And wasn't that a real sucker punch to the gut?

"I will repeat myself again to make myself clear." Lance spoke in an authoritative tone that made everyone know that this matter is not up for debate. "Anyone within your respective forces of your rank and higher who are not here today are confirmed to be a part of, or working for Team Rocket. My standing order is to keep an eye on them, but do not alert them that we are onto them. We have reliable grounds to suspect that Team Rocket are targeting the celebrations. They will start a region-wide attack during Indigo National Day starting from the Indigo Plateau and unfortunately, there is nothing we can do to stop it from happening at this point, not if we want to put a permanent stop to Team Rocket."

The screen behind Lance had the big bold words of 'Operation Unity' displayed. It will be one of the largest operations undertaken in the history of the Indigo League with all three forces fully involved.

"This is why after much discussion with the Generals of the three forces and the Gym Leaders, we are going through with Operation Unity. We will be going for a counter ambush because while this is a danger of an unprecedented level, it is also the best chance we have in order to exterminate the Rockets completely. This means the element of surprise on our side is absolutely necessary. Team Rocket has eyes and ears everywhere so for this to work we cannot alert Team Rocket that we are onto them, we need to ensure absolute secrecy on our side. Each and every division and squad will receive separate missions and orders to be executed on that day. Our priority is to quell the violence that will no doubt erupt on that day, protect the civilians, and take down as many Rockets as we can."

Lance took a brief pause before continuing his speech.

"I know the distrust in this room is strong right now with the discussion of the Kanto Ban going on, but right now is not the time for petty squabbles or to bring politics into the table. Lives are at stake here." Lance stressed as his sharp gaze swept across the room, making many of them straighten their backs on reflex.

"It doesn't matter right now whether you are a Kantonian or Johtonian, or if you are from the STAR, Rangers, or the Police. Our duty is to protect and save lives. That is the one thing that we all share and swear to when we take on our positions and we will do it right, and that includes putting down our personal differences."

Lance gave another sweeping look across the room, the eyes of the Dragon Master daring anybody to try and challenge his authority.

"Am I clear?"

The following "Yes sir!" was definitely loud and clear.

"Well, glad to see that very few on our side is a Rocket."

The meeting was over after Lance passed down their new secret mission. They were all dismissed and ordered to report to their respective forces where they will take their individual orders from their overall commanding officer. In the case of the Rangers, that person is General Wendell Hartatter, the man who oversees the Rangers of the entire Indigo Ranger Force. Beside him are Lieutenant General Chester Ramper, the commanding officer of the Rangers in the Johto Region, and Lieutenant General Horace Cullay, the commanding officer of the Rangers in the Kanto Region.

"Whatever that needs to be said has already been said by our Champion." General Wendell said in a grave voice. "Each and every division and squadron will be assigned their own individual mission which Chester and Horace will personally pass to you, depending on which region you came from. I know the distrust that comes from the Kanto Ban came at a really bad time and certain things don't simply magically disappear, but I sincerely hope that we can put our individual differences aside. Kanto or Johto, it doesn't matter. What is our foremost duty as Rangers?"

"Protect the balance and peace of humans and pokemon. To save lives." Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Ridge of Kanto Red Squadron recited out loud, which was followed by everyone else.

"That's right. We are Rangers, we save lives." General Wendell gave a nod at these words. "As much as I do not want to admit this, but as you can already see, there are fellow Rangers among our ranks who are not here with us today. You all know what this means. Some of you will be tasked with apprehending them silently on the big day itself. Until then, do not do anything to alert them that their cover had been blown. We do not want to alert Team Rocket that we caught wind of what they are planning, am I clear?"

There was another solemn chorus of "Yes sir!" It is not hard to see the crestfallen expressions on a few of their faces, knowing that the people who they personally knew for years had been revealed to be working for the Rockets.

This feeling really sucks.

"First of all. Commanding officers of the Five Colour Squadrons of the Indigo 1st Ranger Regiment, step up."

As one, ten different commanders, five from each region, stepped up and saluted the General. It was then Pyral had a faint smile on his face, because all ten of them are here today.

The 1st Ranger Regiment really is made up of the best of the best, and he is proud to be a part of it.

"Hold your heads high, Rangers. Be proud." General Wendell said with a large grin on his face and his words were responded when all ten of them straightened their backs and held their heads up high with pride. "Among the valiant men and women in all your squadrons, not a single one of them are found to be affiliated with the Rockets in any way. No words can describe how proud and relieved I am when I first learnt of this. I'm counting on you, Rangers of the 1st Ranger Regiment."

Pyral heaved a mental sigh of relief at that statement, a sentiment he is sure that his fellow commanders share. He isn't sure if he could stomach it if any of his five Rangers are found to be working for the Rockets. He isn't sure if he could bring himself to bring them to justice if that were the case.

Thank Ho-oh his kids are good kids.

General Wendell straightened himself further as he barked out his orders.

"Johto Black, Yellow squadron. Kanto Red, Green, Blue squadron, listen up!"

Pyral straightened his back even further. He idly noted that the squadrons who were called out are all part of the National Day proceedings and will be there at Indigo Plateau on that day itself.

"I will now give you your mission that will be executed on National Day. Lives are at stake. Failure is not an option. Until the big day itself, secrecy is of the utmost importance. Each of the Rangers under your command will have to fly by the seat of their pants on the big day itself because the existence of the mission is not to be revealed even to your men until I personally give the all clear on that day itself. That's how important and confidential this mission is and I trust all of you to execute it properly."

Pyral closed his eyes and sighed when the memory of that fateful Saturday reminded him once again of what is to come.

Once again, it seems that this is another oh-shit-mission that the Black Squadron will be taking. Oh well, at least this time there are four more squadrons undertaking this oh-shit mission alongside them. They will make it work somehow.

He will make sure his Rangers can not only complete the secret mission that they will be suddenly tasked to complete on that day itself, but make it out alive in one piece too. As the commander of the Black Squadron, he will make sure that nobody on his squadron dies.

Not on his watch.

Name: Skye Bale, 16, Female

Known affiliation: Indigo Ranger Force, Johto Region, 9th Ranger Regiment, 1st Ranger Regiment

Rank: Staff Sergeant

Code Name: Zephyr

Pokemon Team:

1. Pidgeot (Crown), male

2. Gliscor (Glide), male

3. Skarmory (Dia), female

4. Crobat (Beats), male

5. Jumpluff (Cotton), female

6. Dragonite (Tino), female

7. Noivern (Echo), male

8. Emolga, (Emi), female

9. Hawlucha (Hawk), male

10. Sigilyph (Cosmo), female

11. Aerodactyl (Aria), female

12. Masquerain (Heli), male