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Disclaimer: I do not own "Pokemon," "Digimon," "The Avengers," or "Justice League," or its characters. They are all properties of their respective owners.

Plot Summary: The Pokémon world, still buzzing with the excitement of the London 2012 Summer Olympics, is plunged into an unprecedented global crisis on August 12th. News breaks of "Operation Phoenix Rising," a brazen act of terrorism by Team Rocket that has destroyed thirteen North American-bound British Airways flights originating from London. Thousands of lives are lost, including many prominent trainers, Pokémon, and ordinary citizens returning from the Games.

As the Pokemon world remembers the lives lost, the American, British and Canadian governments along with help from three superhero groups, respond and work together to hunt down Team Rocket's leader, Giovanni and bring him and his associates to justice.

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"Pokemon: Shadows of the Phoenix"

Written by Jeff Snyder (GoDistance3562)

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Chapter 1

"A One on One with the BBC"

One year…that's how long it's been since the Pokemon World was savagely attacked by Team Rocket on a day when the world as a whole was supposed to come together in unity through the human spirit and through the human spirit of competition. Now I, Ash Ketchum, having achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a Pokemon Master have now become a celebrity, a role model for other trainers to look to. Today, August 12th, 2013, is an important day for the Pokemon World and in just a short time, I would be heading to the Indigo Plateau for the one year anniversary remembrance ceremony. With Pikachu at my side, dressed respectively for the ceremony, I proceeded downstairs and this morning, I would reflect on the events of that fateful day and summarize everything that led up to this point.

"Mr. Ketchum," said the journalist in a British Accent as he got out of his chair to greet me in the center of my living room. "I'm Hue Edwards from the British Broadcasting Corporation. Thank you for taking time to speak to us this morning."

"The pleasure's mine, Mr. Edwards," I replied, trying to be polite as Pikachu looked up at me.

"Call me Hue, let's lighten things up a bit," he chuckled, trying to displeasure the formalities between us. "You're Ash and I'm Hue."

Taking my seat, I noticed that the lighting of our living room was slightly dimmed for the large lights that would be illuminating our interview. After all, it wasn't every day that we would get an international journalist coming to Pallet Town to interview me, although I wish I was being interviewed for achieving my dream of becoming a Pokemon Master.

"Now, Ash," Hue began, taking out his notepad. "The purpose of this interview is to reflect on the events of August 12th, 2012, the events of Operation Phoenix Rising."

"Yes, I've quite a lot to say about that," I replied as Pikachu, who had his own seat next to me, agreed. "Even one later, it still feels so raw."

"Pika, Pika, Pi," said Pikachu as a translator translated what he said which meant that he too feels the same way."

Taking a deep breath, I took in what I was going to say and prepared to go back to that dark day in 2012 that shook the Pokemon World to the core.

"We're set, Mr. Edwards," said a cameraman and the interview began. It was not even sunrise yet and in three hours time, we would be gathering in the Indigo Plateau for the one year anniversary of Operation Phoenix Rising.

"Mr. Ketchum," began Hue, going back to the formalities once the camera started to roll. "If you can think back to where you were on August 12th, 2012, what would you want to say?"

"Well, I just wanna say a few words about Operation Phoenix Rising," I began. "For one thing, Team Rocket had always had a desire to do more than just steal my buddy here. They dealt with criminals, selling Pokemon to them for the purpose of being used as weapons and killers. But, Pokemon aren't suppose to be turned in killing machines or used as weapons. They are no different than you or me and that is something that I learned very quickly once I became a trainer. But one year ago today, Team Rocket set about carrying out the deadliest attack that generations of Pokemon trainers and enthusiasts will remember forever. In fact, I can remember exactly where I was when I learned about the attacks."

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As I spoke, I began to think back to that moment, the morning of August 13th, 2012 when I woke up from a sound sleep after a day of training for an upcoming Pokemon Competition in the Seville Regions. Coming downstairs, my mom and her Mr. Mime, named Mimey, would normally be preparing breakfast, but for some reason, they didn't. Instead, I found my mom sitting in front of the television in the living room. There was something on the news that showed flames on the waters, flames burning in the fields and fire stretching out of small beachside homes.

"Mom?" I asked, walking over to her with a concerned look on my face. "Mom, what's happening?"

Turning around towards me, I remember seeing the sad look on her face, a look that showed murder had taken place. My mom was usually an emotional woman, but this was different.

"Ash, honey, there's something I need to tell you," she said, gesturing me and Pikachu to sit down next to her on the couch. Turning the television off, she gave me her undivided attention. "There's been a problem."

Right away, Pik and I became nervous. Just what was it that showed my mother was upset? Was it something related to the Closing Ceremonies at the Summer Olympics in London? Was there some post-ceremony incident that took place within the stadium?

"What happened, mom?" I asked. "What's going on?"

"They're saying that a bunch of airplanes out of London mysteriously disappeared during the night," she explained, taking a deep sigh of regret.

"Airplanes? How many airplanes?" I asked nervously.

"12 airplanes, from British Airways," she answered plainly as I took in the shock of what I had just heard. Now, I knew British Airways very well as it was one of the official international carriers for the Pokemon league competitions along with Japan's national airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. Even though it wasn't confirmed to me, I knew that somehow this was going to relate all the way back to Team Rocket.

"Did they say where they originated from?"

"They said all 12 originated in London and were all heading to destinations in the United States and Canada. They're saying some of the passengers on the planes were Pokemon Trainers."

Of course, I knew that it was Team Rocket. Only they could carry out something like this, but why? Then again, we were just learning the news for the first time, so I couldn't jump to any conclusions.

"Then, were those fires…?" I started to ask.

"Yes, they were from the planes," my mom explained. "Two flights headed for Los Angeles and San Francisco went down near Kansas City, one or two flights went down over Cape Cod in Massachusetts and the rest went down in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the coast of the Northeastern United States."

Right away, both Pikachu and I began to get pits in our stomachs. Hearing about one plane filled with Pokemon trainers was one thing, but 12? A dozen? This was clearly along the lines of what we as a Pokemon community saw on September 11th when I was only a baby. Immediately, I got up and ran to the phone because I needed to tell someone that I knew of what happened and the first was Brock over in Pewter City.

"Brock, it's Ash," I said, my voice shaking in the phone. "Did you hear…?"

"I did hear, Ash," Brock replied on the other line. "12 airplanes carry Pokemon trainers amongst the passengers. If Team Rocket is responsible, this is low, even for them."

Now, the only time we ever had a strong connection with Team Rocket was through Jessie, James and Meowth. But even they wouldn't do such a thing. It wasn't in their character. No, somebody else within Team Rocket was likely responsible.

"Makes me sick, Ash," Brock said angrily on the phone. "Why take the life of someone just to obtain a rare Pokemon? In fact, they're saying that all Pokemon gyms and competitions are being cancelled as a precaution."

"Have you talked to Misty yet?" I asked, thinking about our other close friend.

"No, I haven't. She hasn't been answering her phone in Cerulean City, but it's likely she is closing her gym too."

"Would you like me to try and call her?" I asked.

"See if you can," Brock said. "Call me when you hear from her."

So Brock hung up and I tried to reach out to the Cerulean City gym to get in touch with Misty, but even I wasn't able to get a hold of her.

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In fact, Misty was in her bedroom just staring at the news coverage of the flames spewing up out of the Atlantic Ocean. Being a water Pokemon trainer specialist, this was a personal attack on her. Even Togepi, Misty's baby egg Pokemon, couldn't get through to her. Like the rest of us, she probably couldn't bear to think of what had just happened.

And it wasn't just the three of us waking up to the news…everyone in the Pokemon world was waking up and reacting to the news that 12 British Airways flights flying from London to North America and carrying Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon as amongst the passengers had just fallen off radar and crashed without warning. Every Officer Jenny and every Nursy Joy in the regions were already taking necessary precautions, ordering all Pokemon Trainers to shelter in place as a precaution. All the Pokemon Centers would only be open for emergencies, cancelling any scheduled appointments.

Essentially, the world of Pokemon and the people in it were essentially stopping because some of our own had most likely be killed and who knows what could have happened in addition to what transpired?

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Meanwhile, in a hotel room in an undisclosed location, two other people and their talking Meowth were also watching the news in stunned disbelief. All three of them had their eyes wide open in shock at the horrors that transpired. The people sitting in that hotel room were our enemies, Jessie, James and Meowth of Team Rocket.

"What have we done?" gasped Meowth, now seeing news reports of people breaking down at crying at various airports. "What have we done, guys?"

"Prepare for trouble, but not like this," said James solemnly.

"Make it double," added Jessie just as solemnly. "Or make it a dozen for that matter. All this time, we were lied to by the boss. The Pokemon we tried to steal…were being used to kill people. How could we do this?"

Anguished, Jessie buried her hands in her face as James tried to console her.

"We didn't know, Jessie," sighed James. "We didn't know that Pokemon could be used to kill innocent people, even if there were trainers on board."

"Either way, the boss had a twisted intention and he succeeded," remarked Meowth. "All of sudden, I don't really feel like I want to be a part of Team Rocket anymore."

"Me too," added James.

"Yes, me too," sobbed Jessie, raising her head to reveal the streams of tears flowing down her face. "I can't…I can't work for Team Rocket after this. Why would we even be considered associated with an organization that is supposed to exploit Pokemon, but instead turn them into killing machines? If I had known…"

"We didn't know, Jessie," said James. "We just didn't know."

"So, what do we do now?" asked Meowth as James deeply considered the fact that there was only thing that they could do: they would have to turn themselves into the authorities for all their past crimes as Team Rocket members.

…

So, as a trio, they walked into a nearby police station as a group of Officer Jenny's and other police officers surrounded them, with half of them drawing their weapons. But Jessie, James and Meowth did the sensible thing and raised their hands to them. They were surrendering themselves to the law of Pokemon.

"We're Jessie Musashi, James Kojiro of Team Rocket," said Jessie. "And this is our Meowth. In light of what has transpired, we're surrendering ourselves to you for all the crimes we committed in the past."

All the law enforcement in the room couldn't believe that such wanted criminals as Jessie, James and Meowth would surrender so easily, but they did. Everything was surreal to the touch and it all stemmed from an attack against the Pokemon world using killer Pokemon onboard those 12 British Airways flights.

But Jessie, James and Meowth surrendering was only the beginning of this story. The first big question I was asking myself was how? How could Team Rocket pull off such an attack when they had tried to do similar in the past and failed? Well, we would have to go back one month earlier in July 2012 when Team Rocket's leader, Dr. Giovanni Sakami, held a meeting with his executives to reveal his ultimate plans for Team Rocket's so-called Operation Phoenix Rising…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 2

"Giovanni's Magnum Opus"

In the years since I had become a Pokemon Master, Team Rocket's evil leader, Dr. Giovanni Sakami had a burning desire for something that had always eluded him: to carry out a bombing or attack on a commercial airliner carrying Pokemon trainers. But, this would be no ordinary plot, this was to be a plot that would put all of Team Rocket's past plots to shame.

In addition, Team Rocket had also expanded and Giovanni had re-acquired the former United States Embassy in Tehran, Iran as a secondary base of operations. The base had previously been attacked after the Lockerbie Bombing and Giovanni had installed additional security measures to fortify the former Embassy.

In the hot Iranian spring of 2012, Giovanni decided to share his plans with his executive team. But on this day, one of the executives, Petrel, was running late as he had unfortunate complications with his method of transportation. But he finally arrived at the US Embassy safely.

"Petrel," Giovanni remarked as he stepped into the conference room. "I was beginning to worry you lost your way. Come, we've saved you a seat."

The crippled Team Rocket executive walked over to a seat next to Giovanni as he began the meeting, his patience having been tested slightly.

"Now, that you are all here," Giovanni began, taking a deep breath and stroking the head of his beloved Persian. "I want to share with you our ultimate goal for the next growth of Team Rocket's future."

"This is concerning the upcoming Olympics, I presume, sir?" asked Proton, a green haired executive member. "In London?"

Giovanni chuckled. "Of course it is, you fool. We need to show the world just how powerful Team Rocket can be and prove that Pokemon are not friends…but weapons."

The rest of the executives nodded in agreement.

"Ever since we contributed to the attacks on New York and Washington over ten years ago, we have proven to ourselves that Pokemon are more than just rare, they can help us achieve our worldly goals. The fighting Pokemon we stole from Cinnabar Island helped the hijackers carry out their mission and Bin Laden considered Team Rocket as a close ally."

One of the executives raised his hand for Giovanni wasn't entirely correct.

"Yes, Ariana?" he asked the lone female executive.

"You forget, sir," she reminded. "That the hijackers on United Flight 93 failed to carry out their mission because they didn't use their Pokemon to stop the passenger revolt."

"That is true, my dear girl," laughed Giovanni. "And that is how we learn from our mistakes."

He then stood up and directed the executive team towards a map of the globe on a flat level, but he particularly focused on the Northern Atlantic Ocean.

"For 10 years," he said, pointing to the map with a pointer. "We have tried time and time again to carry out attacks over the Atlantic Ocean. We smuggled Pokemon in shoes, in packages and even our own imprisoned Domino smuggled a feral Pokemon in her underwear that she tried to release over Detroit, Michigan. But with each failed attempt, our enemies stay one step ahead of us. But, this time, it will be different."

Putting the pointer down, Giovanni revealed his intentions to the team.

"We will try and exploit powerful explosive Pokemon onto transatlantic flights bound for North America. Yes, Ariana?"

The female executive raised her again.

"No disrespect sir," said Ariana. "But you attempted to carry out such an attack on 9 airplanes almost six years ago. The cell was attacked and the plot was foiled."

Giovanni scowled at the reminder of his failure and at the know-it-all behavior of Ariana.

"Yes, it was," he said, pacing back and forth slightly. "However, all of that was because the International Police had our cells in East London, Birmingham and High Wycombe under surveillance without our knowledge. But, it will be different this time. For you see, we will for sure exploit Heathrow's security measures due to the high stress of the Olympic Games. We will not have our cells in England perform this operation."

"And who do you propose carries out this plot?" asked another of the executives, Petrel.

"An agent of ours who is a descendant of a famous English figure that once tried to assassinate England's king and parliament in 1605. Send our honored guest inside."

Pressing the intercom button, Giovanni waited as the door opened and in stepped a young man in his early 30's with a black goatee and mustache on his face. The man stood at the end of the table in front of Giovanni and the executives.

"Allow me to introduce to you, Agent Guido Fawkes," said Giovanni, directing the executives towards their honored guest. "Recently transferred from Celadon City to Tehran."

"You can call me Guy Fawkes," he replied, taking out a cigarette and smoking it. "After all, that was the name of my ancestor of whom I am named after. All of us in the group are named after the descendants of those behind the gunpowder plot."

"And Guy, have you considered using your skills to target anyone?" asked Petrel. "Anyone of importance?"

"Not yet, but I have learned how to use explosive Pokemon on airplanes as well as subway systems," replied Guy. "And I'm very familiar with the city of London."

To prove his point, Guy took out an old newspaper showing the cover of the July 7th attacks on subways and a double decker bus in Downtown London.

"You see, I was a member of the group assigned to carry out the July 7th attacks," explained Guy. "We used explosive Pokemon to carry out the attacks and while they hunted down the rest of the cell, those who were still alive that is, I took what I learned from that day and decided that the best way to target Pokemon trainers and the citizens of our enemies is through aviation."

It was then that Guy handed down another newspaper, with the foiled 2006 plot on the cover.

"This here," he explained. "Was almost close to fruition, but interference prevented us from carrying out the plan. But something good did come out of it…"

"What was that?" asked Ariana as Guy smiled evilly.

"I personally ended the career of Detective Harry Goodman by shooting him in the spine," he answered, producing a .44 Smith and Wesson Magnum Revolver, the same type of weapon Clint Eastwood used in those Dirty Harry movies.

"Detective Goodman was the one who not only orchestrated the initial attack on this base, but also was one of the people who put my mother away for life. Seeing him never being able to walk again was a small victory," smiled Giovanni. "But alas, the plot was unfulfilled."
"Excuse me, Agent Fawkes," asked Archer. "Do you still have the hit list of targets from that plot?"

Reaching into his pocket, Guy pulled out a folded piece of paper that had yellowed with age, but was still readable. Unfolding it, he slid the paper down for Giovanni and all the executives to read:

"Plot to target the following 9 airplanes departing from London/Heathrow Terminal 3:

Air Canada Flight 855 to Vancouver departing at 2:00pm on an Airbus A330

United Flight 931 to San Francisco, CA departing at 2:15pm on a Boeing 777

American Flight 135 to Los Angeles, CA departing at 2:45pm on a Boeing 777

Air Canada Flight 849 to Toronto/Pearson departing at 3:00pm on an Airbus A330

Air Canada Flight 865 to Montreal/Trudeau departing at 3:15pm on an Airbus A330

United Flight 959 to Chicago/O'Hare departing at 3:40pm on a Boeing 777

United Flight 925 to Washington/Dulles departing at 4:20pm on a Boeing 777

American Flight 131 to New York/JFK departing at 4:35pm on a Boeing 777

American Flight 91 to Chicago/O'Hare departing at 4:50pm on a Boeing 777

Date to be determined soon."

"Everything was going according to plan, but there were spies in the fold and had it not been for the spies, the plot would have succeeded. Our objective was to smuggle poison type Pokemon to incapacitate the passengers and crew and then use explosive Pokemon to destroy the planes over the Atlantic."

"And you must also remember one other thing," added Giovanni. "That the main focus of the plot was liquid bombs with support from the poison type Pokemon, who would do it's part while the plotter prepared the liquid explosive to go off with the explosive Pokemon."

Then, Giovanni smiled again.

"But they failed to notice that Pokemon were going to be used in the plot," he said. "So all of their protective measures were all about the liquids and not the Pokemon. And because of that, we were able to be given a second chance to finish what we started. Which brings me to the reasoning for all of you to be here."

Walking over to the map, Giovanni rolled it back up and the words "Operation Phoenix Rising" were written on the chalkboard.

"Operation Phoenix Rising" will be the magnum opus for Team Rocket, the ultimate plot to carry out our message that Team Rocket will show the world that the age of Pokemon as friends is over, they are to be used as weapons for killing. The London Olympics are the perfect timing for 'Operation Phoenix Rising' to take flight.

It was then that Guy made a suggestion.

"If I could make one suggestion, sir," he said. "Is that we don't target US or Canadian airliners. We target only one and one airline alone…the flag carrier of the United Kingdom."

"British Airways?" remarked Ariana.

"Yes, British Airways, the flag carrier of the United Kingdom, a symbol of the Olympics and an airline that most Pokemon trust when travelling internationally more than any other airline. Carrying out an attack on multiple British Airways aircraft flying transatlantic routes will most definitely bring the World, both Pokemon and Human, to it's knees and bow at our superiority."

"Now you see why I selected you for this mission, Guido," laughed Giovanni. "To this end, I also propose that we carry out a test run on the date of the opening ceremonies, not to disrupt the games, but to test security measures and how passengers and crew might react to a gas attack from a poison type Pokemon like Koffing or Weezing. Plus, the staff at Heathrow might be stretched thin because after all…"

He then leaned forward on the table and placing his hands flat on the table, he finished his sentence.

"There is always a weakness to find, right?"

And Giovanni continued smiling evilly as he prepared to carry out the test run of this "Operation Phoenix Rising." As for who would bring the poisonous Pokemon on board, he looked no further.

"Now, Agent Guy Fawkes," he said. "Would you be willing to carry out the test run?"

"Yes, sir," he said, standing at attention.

"Good, you shall exploit the weaknesses that we will take advantage of when the time comes for Operation Phoenix Rising to fully take to the skies. As for which flight to which you will be assigned to, you shall know by the end of the day today. So, prepare yourself well, both yourself and your fellow agents of whom I would like to meet personally tomorrow."

"It shall be done, sir," replied Guy. "It shall be done."

So, the clock was in motion for Operation Phoenix Rising to come to pass as Giovanni and Team Rocket's ultimate accomplishment…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 3

"Meeting the Rest of the Gunpowder 13"

Giovanni's decision to have Guy Fawkes, one of his best agents carry out the test of the plot that would send the Pokemon World into chaos, was just an example of how determined he was to carry out this plot. It was July 27th, 2012, the day of the opening ceremonies in London and it was also the day of the test run. The 12 men arrived at the former United States Embassy turned Team Rocket base early in the morning. They were all young men, all under the age of 30 and held the same ambition to carry out mass murder for the glory of Team Rocket. Giovanni was so eager to meet these agents that he actually stood at the door of the Embassy as the bus carrying the men arrived.

"Giovanni," said one of the men, extending his hand to greet Giovanni. "It is a supreme honor to be standing in your presence. I am Ambrose Rockwood, second-in-command of the Gunpowder 13."

"Introduce me to the rest of your team," Giovanni replied, looking at the other men.

"Very well," said Ambrose. "Robert Catesby, John Wright, Christopher Wright, Robert Wintour, Thomas Wintour, Thomas Percy, Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, John Grant, Edward Digby and Francis Tresham."

"You can call me Frank if you want," said the last member, causing Giovanni to chuckle.

"Excellent, please come inside, it's getting warm out."

So the rest of Gunpowder 13 proceeded into the base and as they stepped into the base, they all knew that they were now on the road to their ultimate destiny. Once again, Giovanni led them to the conference and on the projector was a GPS tracking system, showing the movements of Guy Fawkes. In addition, there was also a small body camera on Fawkes, allowing them to see his every movement.

"In case you are wondering why a camera is strapped to your leader," Giovanni explained. "Because this is what you will be experiencing on August 12th. So, pay attention closely."

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Meanwhile, it was just before 5:30am when Guy Fawkes arrived at the Imam Khomeini International Airport, the gateway to Tehran, Iran. But for him, it was the starting point of the test run. Approaching the check-in counter, he presented a one way ticket to the destination ultimately selected by Team Rocket: BA197 to Houston, Texas departing at 2:50pm from Heathrow's Terminal 5.

"Only hand luggage, sir?" asked the male agent.

"Yes," answered Guy. "And one suitcase."

With the bag tagged, Guy proceeded towards the first obstacle: the security checkpoint at Tehran's main airport. Inside the hand luggage were two poison type Pokemon carefully selected for this particular flight. Placing his carry on on the belt, he stepped through the metal detector and waited anxiously as the bag went through. But the technician on duty clearly didn't see the two Pokeballs at the bottom of the bag. For you see, the staff at Tehran's airport knew very well that Guy Fawkes was passing through, for Team Rocket had paid them to allow the Gunpowder 13 leader to pass through. At the next step, he walked up to the immigration checkpoint and presented the passport, forged and fake with a different name, John Johnson.

"He's using a fake passport, my friends," Giovanni explained. "The Tehran Airport staff have been paid handsomely to allow you to go through undetected."

"Will we all have forged passports?" asked Robert Catesby.

"Yes, you will all have the tools needed to carry out Operation Phoenix Rising."

Back in Tehran, Guy arrived at Gate 102 and blended in amongst the passengers for the first leg of his journey: British Airways Flight 152 to London/Heathrow departing at 8:35am. When the time came for boarding, he kept the camera rolling and the rest of his team followed his movements walking down the jetbridge towards the Boeing 777-200.

"Good morning, sir," said a British Airways flight attendant. "Club World Seat 10K? Down on the right."

"Now be warned," advised Giovanni. "That you must sit as close as possible to the lavatory at all times. Some of you will be on different types of aircraft, but for those of you whose targets are on the Boeing 777, this is where you will be sitting."

Suddenly, a few moments later, the camera switched off which was a sign that BA152 was ready to depart. Just before 9:00am in the morning, BA152 lifted off from Tehran and proceeded northwest towards London. About 25 minutes later, the camera came back on, showing the behaviors of the passengers and crew.

"When you are on your assigned flights," said Giovanni, taking the pointer. "You must pay extremely close attention to the behavior of passengers and crew. You must not let them see you other than as a non-Team Rocket agent."

They then observed the camera moving towards the seatback screen in front of Guy, which showed coverage of the Olympic Games Pre-opening Ceremony on the BBC.

"While in your seats, you are to have the BBC on at all times for they will serve as a signal for you to make your move. The moment that the flame is about to be extinguished is when you proceed with your role in the plot."

"But what if we wanted to play a game to pass the time?" asked Frank.

"The only game you will be playing," answered Giovanni firmly. "Is the game of obtaining glory for Team Rocket. No other games will be allowed."

The 6 hours went by quickly and by 11:30am BST, BA152 arrived at Heathrow Airport, proceeding over to the main hub for British Airways in Terminal 5. Once off the plane, Guy proceeded towards the purple signs for connecting flights.

"Now, here at Heathrow," said Giovanni. "You will be required to undergo a security check, regardless of whether you are connecting to another International Destination or a domestic flight within the UK. But, we also have inside help at Heathrow, you know."

Through the camera, the plotters watched as their leader went through the security checkpoint and just when it seemed like the plot would be uncovered, the staff allowed Guy to pass through undetected.

"The agents you see are not really employed by Heathrow," Giovanni explained. "They are Team Rocket agents pretending to work at Heathrow. It is them who will allow you to pass through undetected. Once you have cleared security, you will proceed to the departure board to locate your target's gate in Concourses A, B or C. In this case, Guy will proceed to Concourse B and gate B42 for his target flight to Houston. You will be taking an underground train that connects all the concourses. Remember, you are to blend in with the passengers, flight crews and airport staff on the trains."

Eventually, Guy arrived at Gate B42 at around 1:15pm and with no else watching, reached into his bag and pulled out the two Pokemon he would be using for the test run. The rest of the Gunpowder 13 watched and took note.

"Even before you board your targets," said Giovanni. "You are to transfer the Pokeballs from your carry-on into your pockets for easy access when the moment comes."

Soon, 45 minutes later at 2:00pm, Guy boarded British Airways Flight 197 to Houston at Gate B42 and again, sat in Seat 10K in Club World of the Boeing 777. As he sat down, Guy could feel his adrenaline running, eagerly waiting for the moment to strike. But he knew he had to wait until the moment came. At 2:45pm, British Airways Flight 197 pushed back 5 minutes early and after a 20 minute taxi time, was airborne from Heathrow. Turning north towards Scotland, all Guy could do was wait for the moment to carry out the test run of a plot that would rival the events of September 11th, 2001.

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 4

"Carrying Out the Test Run"

As British Airways Flight 197 reached it's cruising altitude of 35,000 feet, Guy Fawkes sat in Seat 10K watching the anticipated build up to the start of the opening ceremonies. Turning away from Scotland, BA197 was now over the Atlantic Ocean, but still Guy waited for the moment to begin. For the next nine hours, he waited, not having to get up to use the restroom which was unusual to the rest of the passengers and crew. Finally, it was almost before midnight when the time almost came to lighting the olympic torch. In the darkness of the conference room, the rest of the plotters waited for the signal of their leader to make the move.

"The lighters are taking their position," said Giovanni. "Now the time must come to begin thinking about moving to the lavatories."

Sure enough, Guy rose from his seat and carefully looking around to see no one watching, he proceeded to the lavatory closest to him and once it was switched to "vacant," he stepped into the restroom, proceeding to carry out his work. He then reached into a pocket and pulled out an N95 facemask to protect himself from the gas he was about to release.

Reaching for one of the Pokeballs, he opened it revealing to be a Koffing before opening the second Pokeball and releasing a Weezing.

"All right," said Guy through his facemask. "Smog attack, both of you!"

Doing as they were told, the Koffing and Weezing released their poison gas through the ventilation system. At first, it seemed like it was nothing until around 7:00pm eastern standard time, when passengers in Business Class began coughing loudly. The gas then proceeded into Club World, as more and more passengers began to feel ill, coughing and for some, started throwing up. Then, a flight attendant noticed the smog coming out of the vents and alerted the pilots in the cockpit.

"Captain," cried the purser. "There is smoke in the cabin."

"Smoke?" asked the captain. "Are you positive?"

"Yes," answered the purser as the first officer looked up and saw what appeared to be smoke coming into the ventilation system in the cockpit. "People are getting sick."

"We got smoke in here, too," cried the first officer as he also began feeling the effects of the poison. "It's really bad. We'll try and make an emergency landing, prepare the cabin."

By then, Koffing and Weezing's poison gas had spread throughout 80% of the flight and as passengers and crew fainted and began coughing up blood and fluid from their lungs. There was no choice, BA197 had to land at the nearest airport.

"Attention, this is Speedbird 197!" cried the captain, having both he and the first officer donned oxygen masks. "We have an emergency, smoke in the cockpit and the cabin, nearest airport, 7700, Speedbird 197!"

"Speedbird 197, are you saying you have smoke in the cabin?" asked Air Traffic Control.

"Affirmative!"

"Okay, you are 100 miles out of Bangor International, can you make it there?"

"Yes, we can, but I don't know for how long."

"Speedbird 197, turn towards Bangor Airport. They will have emergency services standing by."

Looking at the radar, the pilots could see Bangor Airport getting closer and closer. After ordering the flight attendants to prepare the cabin for landing, Guy pulled his Pokemon back into their balls and took off the N95 mask before leaving the lavatory and returning to his seat, putting on his own face mask that dropped down.

Down at Bangor International Airport, fire and rescue services awaited BA197 and just after 7:30pm local time, the Boeing 777 landed in Bangor before quickly putting on the brakes and stopping. Inside, Guy Fawkes knew that the test was a success. He had carried out the test run with flying colors. Once the plane had been evacuated, he proceeded down the stairs and joined the rest of the passengers entering the country at their premature destination.

…

Back in Tehran, Giovanni and the rest of the Gunpowder 13 had just witnessed the attack being carried out and had learned everything they needed to know for August 12th, 2012.

"So what happens to Guy now?" asked Thomas Wintour.

"He will escape undetected thanks to our spies in Bangor," answered Giovanni. "The authorities will have a hard time discovering that Pokemon carried out this little attack. But that was just a test run. The real fun begins in two weeks."

Having learned what they needed to learn, the rest of the Gunpowder 13 left the Team Rocket base and returned to their living quarters within Tehran, knowing that in two weeks, they would carry out the imaginable for the first time since September 11th…

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 5

"August 12th"

Sunday August 12th, 2012 began as a hot Middle Eastern summer day in Tehran, Iran. The Gunpowder 13 had taken what they learned from the test run during the opening ceremonies and were now in a large van towards the Imim Khomeini International Airport. Prior to leaving, they prepared themselves to enter paradise, shaving the hair off their chests and praying to God for guidance in their mission.

After checking in at the British Airways check in counter for 12 separate flights to North America via London/Heathrow. The group proceeded through security and once again, they managed to avoid being detected in any way. All the flights that were assigned to them were to be in the air at the same time the signal would take place: when the Olympic flame was extinguished.

"Not yet," Ambrose said to the Wright brothers as they tried to reach for their Pokeballs. "Have patience."

"Sorry, but the urge…"

A hard glance from Ambrose got the brothers back on track and they all boarded BA152 to London/Heathrow from Gate 102, all of whom sitting in Club World. Putting on the games, each of the 12 now had a clock that was ticking inside of them. As BA152 lifted off from Tehran, the 12 settled in and prepared themselves for the next stages of the plot.

…

Back in Tehran, Giovanni and Guy, who had managed to elude the authorities and return to Iran, were watching BA152 proceed towards London.

"May God help us carry out what we must do," said Guy. "Just as he helped me carry out my assignment."

At 11:50am BST, BA152 landed at Heathrow Terminal 5 and with the day of the closing ceremonies, many people were probably heading home after the games, including Pokemon trainers. Going through the purple connections sign, they easily snuck their way through security, in large part because of the undercover Team Rocket agents disguised as Heathrow Airport security personnel.

"Almost time, my friends," Guy whispered to himself. "Almost time…"

Once they cleared security, the 12 men followed the next step in looking at their gates and proceeded to the underground train to take them there. Very soon, the plot would commence.

…

Meanwhile, later that day at around 7:00pm, in the small seaside town of New Seabury on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the Popponesset Inn was bursting with summer nightlife as people enjoyed their seaside dinners, walked the beaches of Cape Cod and a wedding also just happened to be taking place that night. Suddenly, one of the wedding guests noticed something streaking across the sky. First there was one streak, then two and then three.

"Frank, what are you looking at? Come back to the reception!" said one of the guests drunkenly. "Hey, what's that lighted shit up there?"

Turning, Frank looked to his shock and horror of several large fireballs coming directly towards the Popponesset Inn. Acting fast, he darted into the reception hall and took the microphone from the DJ.

"Everyone, may I have your attention?!" he cried. "We need to evacuate the building. There's something coming towards us."

The rest of the wedding stood in bewilderment, not believing what Frank was saying.

"I'm serious!" he cried. "There's something…"

Suddenly, the fireballs slammed into the Popponesset Inn as people screamed for their lives, trying to find safety. More fireballs also followed, hitting not just New Seabury, but also Mashpee, Bourne and Hyannis. Reacting quickly, Frank helped an elderly wedding guest out of the now burning banquet hall only to discover that the entire parking lot was covered in fire with cars burning and trees burning. Reaching into his suit pocket, Frank pulled out two Pokeballs and threw them, revealing to be Blastoise, Staryu and Starmie.

"Guys, try and clear a path here!" he shouted. "Blastoise, use your hydro pump! Staryu and Starmie, use your water gun attack!"

Doing as they were commanded to, Blastoise, Staryu and Starmie attempted to put out as much of the flames as possible. Then, he saw one of the line cooks burning and ordered Blastoise to use hydro pump on the cook. Running to his side, Frank took off his suit coat and covered the cook up. But the three Water Pokemon couldn't fight the flames forever and were soon exhausted. Fortunately, neighboring fire trucks came to the scene. Frank then looked up and saw something floating down towards him. It was a piece of paper undamaged by fire. Grabbing it, he looked and saw that it was no ordinary piece of paper, but an airline ticket from British Airways Flight 215 from London/Heathrow to Boston. Right away, he knew something had happened and that the plane had broken up somehow. Elsewhere, towns in Cape Cod were engulfed in flames as families, both resident and vacationing, tried to flee the scene.

But it wasn't just Cape Cod.

Just outside of Kansas City, Missouri, fire engines raced over to a cornfield where large pieces of flying debris were also found burning in the cornfield. Then, news reports off the coast of Northeast Canada reported seeing fire coming from the top of the Atlantic Ocean.

We had no idea at the time, but Operation Phoenix Rising had been carried out, and God knows how many people were killed both in the air and on the ground.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 6

"The Pokemon World's 9/11"

"Now, Mr. Ketchum," Hue asked as he moved onto the next phase of our interview. "When did you first learn about the events of this so-called Operation Phoenix Rising?"

"Well, to begin with," I answered, as I began to think back to the morning of August 13th. "It was around 9:00 in the morning when Pikachu and I woke up from a sound sleep. At that time, I was preparing for a tournament in the Orange Islands Region and usually, the sounds of my mom and her Mr. Mime named Mimey would be downstairs doing their usual routine."

"And what routine is that?"

"Making breakfast, making sure that the house was ready for another exciting day. Of course, on that morning, it was all strangely quiet."

…

Sure enough, on the morning of Monday August 13th, 2012, I did in fact wake up from a sound sleep. Pikachu and I had been preparing for a Pokemon tournament in the Orange Islands region that Drake, the top dueler and someone whom I considered a friend since our duel together, was hosting. Being that we were now in the Orange League Trainers Hall of Fame, it was no surprise that I was invited to participate. However, when I came downstairs, instead of my mom and Mimey getting breakfast ready, they were staring in front of the television which was not like them at all.

"Oh, it's terrible, Mimey," my mom whispered. "Those poor people. Who could have done such a thing?"

"Mom?" I asked as Pikachu twitched his ears, sensing that something was wrong. "What's going on?"

Quickly, my mom turned around to see that I was standing in the living room. Her face had the look of someone who had just lost a best friend in an accident. Of course, my mom enjoyed the Olympics almost as much as the Pokemon Leagues themselves. But this was different.

"Ash honey," my mom said, gesturing to me and Pikachu to sit down on the sofa with her. "There's been a problem."

"What happened, mom?" I asked, sensing the concern on her face. "Did something happen at the Olympics?"

"No, nothing happened at the games," she sighed. "There's…news that 12 airplanes disappeared over or near the United States."

To hear that 12 airplanes had gone missing was indeed quite a shock to me, the fact that they could just simply disappear without a trace baffled me and as someone who was seeking to one day compete in international Pokemon tournaments made me wonder if any Pokemon trainers were onboard.

"What kind of planes, mom?"

"They are…" my mom sighed. "Planes that had originated in London and were heading to the United States and Canada."

It was also important to remember that six years earlier, Team Rocket hatched a plot to bring down 9 transatlantic flights also leaving from London, but that was foiled. Could it be that Team Rocket had something to do with this?

"And that's what is just coming out," my mom said as the news footage showed seaside cottages burning and airplane parts littering the small streets. "One of the planes went down over Cape Cod."

"Reports are that residents and vacationers here in New Seabury reported seeing streaks of fire coming down towards the village," said a CNN reporter. "It was just around 7:00pm, right around the time people and families were getting ready for a night out in the Popponesset Village or wherever on Cape Cod. There's even reports of injuries at a wedding in the Popponesset Inn, most likely from the plane crash of whom we are reporting that it was a British Airways jet that crashed here. Damage is also reported in Hyannis, Yarmouth, Chatham and Dennisport. We are also getting reports of debris and smoke just off the coasts of Provincetown as well as Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. Whether they are all from the same plane is unclear."

The first thought that came through my mind was who could have done this atrocity? Could it have been Team Rocket or could it have been someone else?

"Pika!" Pikachu gasped, horrified by what he was seeing on the screen. "Pika, Pi."

"Yeah, I know," sighed my mom.

But rest assured that none of us were prepared for what happened next.

"Now we are getting reports from British Airways and this claim is being backed up by the Pokemon Embassy in London that an undisclosed number of Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon were aboard the flights. So, it's very likely to not rule out Team Rocket as a potential suspect in this cowardly act that occurred just as the Olympic flame in London was being extinguished."

"What?" I gasped. "Pokemon trainers? How? And why would the planes go down when the flame was being extinguished?"

So many thoughts raced through my head, thoughts of sadness, thoughts of anger, thoughts of asking why or how could this have happened. It also affected both me and Pik that we could have been on one of those planes. We could have been one of the many Pokemon trainers that were reportedly on board.

Suddenly, my adrenaline kicked in and I knew that I had to ask Professor Oak what was going on.

"Mom, I'm going over to Professor Oak's to see if he knows anything more," I said, sitting up and grabbing my red hat off the hatrack. "I'll be back in a bit."

But just as I was about to leave, there was a knock on the door. This made me stop in my tracks and sure enough, I answered the door and there stood Professor Oak, looking as if he had suffered a major defeat.

"Professor Oak?" I remarked, allowing him to come inside. "I was just about to see you. There was…"

"I am very well aware, Ash," he interrupted. "I've had all the Pokemon on my property go into their Pokeballs as a precaution unless Team Rocket had something planned here in Pallet Town."

To hear that Professor Oak would secure all his Pokemon was a major surprise to me. This, combined with the fact that many Pokemon trainers were missing or dead, would provoke such a precautionary measure.

"Sam," said my mom. "Ash was just about to see you."

"I'm well aware of that, Delia," he said. "I just got off the phone with Officer Jenny here in Pallet Town. She is ordering that all Pokemon trainers keep their Pokemon in their balls until further notice."

Of course, that meant Pikachu had to stay in the house, but he understood the gravity of the situation, despite the fact that he would never go into a Pokeball under any circumstances.

"Professor Oak, these 12 planes that went down. Do you have any idea why?"

"It's obvious that Team Rocket likely did this," he answered, sitting down in disbelief. "I mean, my contact at the Pokemon Embassy in London told me not to jump to any conclusions. But, it's just…so shocking and sad this had to happen, Ash. Have you contacted any of your friends yet? Misty? Brock?"

"No, I haven't. But they are probably finding out through this…"

Suddenly, I felt myself stop mid-sentence as smoke was billing out of a cornfield supposedly in the United States.

"And now we are getting our first pictures of a reported series of crashes in the town of Dyersville, Iowa supposedly near the famous baseball field created for the movie, Field of Dreams. Reports are coming in from air traffic control that the two planes that are deemed missing and presumed crashed also came from British Airways flights out of London, using their air traffic identification, Speedbird."

Just then, another report came into the CNN newsroom.

"Okay, I'm just getting word now that the two planes that crashed in Iowa near the Field of Dreams baseball field are reported to be British Airways Flight 287 from London/Heathrow to San Francisco and British Airways Flight 269 from London/Heathrow to Los Angeles. We are not sure as to what types of planes these flights were being operated by, nor do we have an official list, but it is expected to be in the hundreds and coupled with the missing planes over Cape Cod and the North Atlantic Ocean, the death toll is expected to be in the thousands."

"My God," gasped my mom on the knife edge of tears as I turned towards Professor Oak. "No, I can't believe this!"

"Ash," I heard Professor Oak say. "It is becoming apparent that this is the Pokemon World's 9/11 and may even surpass that too."

As the minutes ticked by, the fact that Professor Oak would make such a statement was too much to comprehend. If it was Team Rocket and it likely was, they had done something that they had tried and tried to do: use explosive Pokemon to bring down jetliners over the ocean and steal any Pokemon balls containing Pokemon that survived the explosions.

Throughout the morning, every town and city in the Pokemon regions were told to keep Pokemon hidden until further notice, giving me the fact that was Professor Oak said was indeed true: what was unfolding before my eyes was the Pokemon World's own version of September 11th, 2001…

Chapter Text

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Chapter 7

"Cape Cod in Crisis"

To Pokemon trainers and non-Pokemon trainers, there is always that connection with Cape Cod and the Islands. No summer would be complete without spending time there from the beaches, to the shops to those world famous New England Lobster Rolls. It seems like nothing could disrupt the tranquility of Cape Cod…

At least until 7:00pm on Sunday August 12th, 2012 when aircraft remnants fell on Cape Cod. Almost immediately, news was coming out that most of the planes who were flying towards airports like New York, Baltimore and Philadelphia had disappeared around Cape Cod. Almost immediately, the International Police and FBI Branches in Boston were speeding their way towards the most damaged…New Seabury. With the wedding he was attending interrupted, Frank set about trying to get people to safety as the Popponesset Inn burned behind him. Once all were evacuated, he immediately grabbed his cell and made a phone call to his superiors.

"It's Anderson, Officer Frank Anderson," he cried, gasping for air as Cape Cod firefighters and their Squirtle and Wartotle's tried to save the Popponesset Inn. "He did it…the son of a bitch did it. It was only a matter of time before Giovanni said he would carry out his threat."

"Frank," said the voice on the other line. "Where are you located?"

"Popponesset Inn, at a wedding," he reported. "They're trying to save the building, the Mashpee Fire Department and their Squirtle and Wartotle. And in case you're wondering why it was a matter of time…"

Frank looked down at the undamaged airline ticket that he had found on the ground to relay the information about what went down.

"I have a ticket here that says British Airways Flight 215 from London/Heathrow to Boston, so it was heading to Logan Airport. This has to be the flight that came down."

"Listen Frank," said the voice on the other line. "See if you can find any survivors or evidence. It may not be possible anyone survived from the plane."

"Will do, sir," Frank answered and hung up the phone dodging the flaming inferno that was engulfing the crash site. By now, out of town firefighters were working together to put out the flames and while some fires were quick to put out, others were not. He then saw the Popponesset Marketplace and ran over to see some of the shops burning from the debris. It was then that he saw the first body…the body of a young man lying face down on the marketplace's mini golf course. There was no doubt in his mind that he came from BA215. Entering the marketplace, debris littered the rock gravel and a piece of fuselage came down from one of the rooftops.

"Help me…" cried a gravelly voice and Frank dashed over to the Popponesset's Cafe as a young woman, badly bloodied, came out from the burning building. "Is anyone out there?"

"I'm right here," Frank called as he ran to the young woman, covered in burns and bruises. "Come on, let's get out of here!"

Fortunately, paramedics were arriving on the scene and they saw the woman.

"What's your name?"

"Casey."

"Casey, where are you hurt?"

"My leg," she whimpered. "It happened so fast. Something hit the building and the next thing…"

There was no doubt in Frank's mind that the girl he had rescued was one of the servers. He then ran back into the cafe and searched for more survivors.

"IS ANYONE ALIVE IN HERE?!" he cried, but the smoke and flames became too much and he had to back out.

"HELP! HELP!" he heard another voice coming from the kitchen area, but Frank knew that if could save a life, it would mean everything. Frank saw one of the cooks trapped by a fallen refrigerator. Acting fast, Frank took out a Pokeball.

"Machoke, go!" he cried and the blue muscular Pokemon came out. "Help get the refrigerator off him! Move!"

Acting fast, Machoke lifted the refrigerator and Frank carefully carried the man out of the cafe.

…

Once out of the cafe, Frank turned the man over to another set of paramedics as several black cruisers came onto the scene.

"Frank!" called a voice belonging to a man in a dark brown suit. "Thank God you're safe!"

"Two people were in the cafe, Looker," Frank coughed, trying to cough up the smoke out of his lungs. "I couldn't find anyone else. It just came out of nowhere…the explosions."

"Get an oxygen tank over here!" shouted Looker and a paramedic did just that as Frank took the mask and blew into it. "We've got more agents on the way and the NTSB."

"Good," Frank coughed. "Where's the wedding party?"

"You mean the people in tuxedos and gowns?" remarked Looker's assistant. "They took shelter in a shack just a mile up. They'll be fine."

"Any other news?"

"Yarmouth took a big hit as did the Barnstable Airport," sighed Looker. "We're also getting reports that a London to New York flight came down over West Yarmouth. So far, two bodies and several pieces of luggage were found at Pirate's Cove Mini-Golf."

"What's the number?"

"BA177 and they are saying that BA69 to Philadelphia and BA185 to Newark might also have crashed here, but we aren't sure."

The fact that multiple planes had crashed on Cape Cod made Frank feel sick to his stomach, as did everyone else directly impacted.

"There was also a British Airways flight, BA229 to Baltimore that went down over Nantucket."

"Is the government doing anything about it?"

"The FAA has issued a groundstop until the morning. Just got word BA293 to Washington reportedly went down over Wentworth-by-the-Sea in New Hampshire."

"Jesus Christ," coughed Frank as he passed the oxygen tank to his Machoke while his water type Pokemon were being cared for by paramedics. "We're gonna have multiple crime scenes, Looker."

"Yes, they're gonna make an announcement soon," said Looker, helping Frank up. "We're gonna have crash scenes set up in Iowa, in Kennebunkport, most of Cape Cod including Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard."

Just then, Looker's cell rang and he received a text message that made him sick to his stomach.

"What is it, Looker?"

"Debris was reported at or near the Kennedy Compound. Supposedly, it was probably BA177."

"How poetic," Frank sighed, rising to his feet. "A plane bound for Kennedy Airport explodes over it's namesake's compound. When is the team gonna get here?"

"As soon as they can, Frank," replied Looker.

But Frank had more important matters to focus on.

"I've got to check on my family and friends," he said. "Where are they?"

"They're taking shelter at one of the cottages that wasn't impacted."

Without a word, Frank immediately flagged down a police car to take him to where the wedding guests were taking shelter. Once Frank was gone, Looker looked out towards the fires burning the Popponesset Marketplace. Whoever would be saved, would be saved and those that weren't, would meet a premature end.

"I should have retired when I did," he sighed to himself. "If only Harry and Tim could be here to see this."

…

But Harry Goodman, former Pokemon detective now confined to a wheelchair after a shooting during a Team Rocket raid, was witnessing the horrors going on in Cape Cod and other locations and a sickening feeling began to fill in his stomach. He then began to think back to that fateful night in Lockerbie, Scotland where 270 people died including 35 students from the Pokemon League Academy in Tel Aviv, Israel and then how a similar plot to target planes over the Pacific Ocean was foiled years later.

"Sweet mother of Arcese," he gasped. "He did it. It was only a matter of time."

…

By now, news of the disaster that was Operation Phoenix Rising continued to spread across the Pokemon World. Gyms were closed, tournaments were cancelled, including the one in the Orange Islands and all Pokemon leagues were suspended until further notice. Soon, more and more data would be coming in and the full list of flights affected would be revealed in time.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 8

"Press Conference With the International Police Chief"

When the sun rose on August 13th, the carnage of Team Rocket's attack on 12 airliners at the same time was very evident to see. The area around Popponesset in New Seabury was something of total devastation as with all the areas affected. Seat cushions and oxygen masks laid in the streets, briefcases and bodies strewn for miles. Cabin doors were found in front of the Picnic Box restaurant at the Falmouth rotary and clothing was found floating in the pond at Uncle Percy's road. In other words, New Seabury was essentially Lockerbie in the 21st century.

"Good morning, this is a special edition of the Today Show," began the sound of Meredith Vieira as images from the crash sites appeared. "In the aftermath of the Closing Ceremonies in London, 12 airliners fall from the sky causing catastrophic damage on Cape Cod, the death toll likely to range in the thousands and fears of Pokemon trainers being on board are stemming quickly."

"It just happened so fast," cried a New Seabury resident. "We saw a fireball and then more and then it came down on top of us."

"This morning, we will show you the devastation in Cape Cod, Nantucket, Kennebunkport and over the North Atlantic. In a sense, we will just paint a picture of an event that could top September 11th, 2001 in terms of deaths. All this and more on Monday August 13th, 2012."

…

As the world news organizations began their coverage, it was already midafternoon when rumors began spreading of just how many Pokemon trainers were aboard the 12 flights out of London/Heathrow. Pokemon Centers were filled with people waiting for news on the disaster as every Officer Jenny tried to keep the peace. The first thing that needed to be done was a final headcount, how many trainers, how many Pokemon were aboard the flights and just how many had a connection to Pallet Town?

At the International Police Headquarters in Tokyo, we would soon get our answers.

…

"Good afternoon," announced the Chief of the International Police to all the reporters and anxious families and friends waiting for news. "As many of you know by now, we have had a national tragedy. 12 transatlantic flights all operated by British Airways were destroyed at the same time during the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics in London. At this time, we are looking at possible suspects in various Pokemon criminal organizations including, but not limited to, Team Rocket and it's leader, Dr. Giovanni Sakami."

Amidst the flurry of flash photography, the Chief continued his statement.

"Right now," he continued. "I want to give you what we have known so far about this terrorist act. The following is a list of flights, all departing from London/Heathrow's Terminal 5, that had gone down at or around the time of the extinguishing of the Olympic cauldron:

British Airways Flight 287 from London/Heathrow to San Francisco, CA, a Boeing 747 that departed at 2:45pm with 280 passengers and 15 crew went down over the small town of Drysdale, Iowa in the United States.

British Airways Flight 229 from London/Heathrow to Baltimore, MD, a Boeing 767 that departed at 3:25pm with 190 passengers and 10 crew. This flight went down over Nantucket in Massachusetts.

British Airways Flight 69 from London/Heathrow to Philadelphia, PA, a Boeing 777 that departed at 3:55pm with 227 passengers and 15 crew. This flight reportedly went down over Martha's Vineyard.

British Airways Flight 177 from London/Heathrow to New York/JFK, a Boeing 747 that departed at 4:00pm with 300 passengers and 20 crew reportedly went down around Hyannis, Massachusetts with debris reported near the Kennedy Compound and in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts.

British Airways Flight 269 from London/Heathrow to Los Angeles, CA, a Boeing 747 that departed at 4:25pm with 300 passengers and 20 crew reportedly went down over the town Drysdale, Iowa.

British Airways Flight 297 from London/Heathrow to Chicago/O'Hare, IL, a Boeing 777 that departed at 4:30pm with 263 passengers and 10 crew. This flight reportedly went down over Camp Marilyn in Andover, New Hampshire.

British Airways Flight 293 from London/Heathrow to Washington/Dulles, a Boeing 747 that departed at 5:10pm with 277 passengers and 20 crew reportedly went down over the resort town of Wentworth-By-The-Sea, New Hampshire.

British Airways Flight 99 from London/Heathrow to Toronto/Pearson, Canada, a Boeing 777 that departed at 5:15pm with 286 passengers and 15 crew. This flight reportedly went down south of St. John's, Newfoundland.

British Airways Flight 85 from London/Heathrow to Vancouver, Canada, a Boeing 777 that departed at 5:15pm with 264 passengers and 15 crew. This flight reportedly went down in Northwestern Alberta.

British Airways Flight 215 from London/Heathrow to Boston, MA, a Boeing 747 that departed at 5:30pm with 295 passengers and 20 crew. This flight has been confirmed to have crashed in the Popponesset area of New Seabury, Massachusetts.

British Airways Flight 95 from London/Heathrow to Montreal/Trudeau, Canada, a Boeing 777 that departed at 6:05pm with 218 passengers and 15 crew, reportedly last seen over the North Atlantic.

British Airways Flight 185 from London/Heathrow to Newark, NJ, a Boeing 767 that departed at 6:30pm with 220 passengers and 15 crew, reportedly last seen over the Atlantic."

And there it stood, the 12 flights that were destroyed at the exact moment the Olympic Flame went out. These 12 flights were now part of history, a rather dark period of Pokemon History.

"As of right now," continued the Chief. "We have crime scenes set up in Drysdale, Iowa, in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, in Nantucket, Massachusetts, in New Seabury, Massachusetts, in Wentworth-By-The-Sea, New Hampshire and in Andover, New Hampshire. We will also have search and rescue scouring the North Atlantic at the last exact location for both Flight 95 and Flight 185. British Airways will also be going through their manifests to determine a number of how many Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon were aboard each flight."

"Chief," said a young black haired woman in a purple blazer. "Lois Lane, Daily Planet in New York. Do you think that Team Rocket could have some level of responsibility?"

"Miss Lane, we cannot confirm until we complete a full scale investigation into this cowardly act. However, given the long history that Team Rocket has had terrorizing the Pokemon world, we are not ruling them out as the prime suspect in this case. I also believe that it is very likely that Superman and/or Batman will be aiding in the search and rescue missions."

"Chief," asked another male reporter. "Do you think that there will be any survivors from the planes involved?"

"Right now, the answer is no, it will not likely appear to be the case that there are any survivors," answered the chief solemnly. "However, we are still holding out hope for any miracles. All I can say right now is that this is the Pokemon World's darkest hour along the lines of the attacks of September 11th, 2001. The death toll in these bombings will very likely surpass 9/11 and become the deadliest terror attack in both human history and Pokemon history. If there is any more information present, it will be passed along to you. Thank you."

And the International Police chief left as reporters clambered for last minute questions that they were likely never going to receive answers for. Either way, there were no simple quick answers to be given and we would all just have to be patient to wait for answers.

Later that same day, Brock and Misty would come to Pallet Town and together, we would mourn the victims and Pokemon lost in this horrifying act of terror.

…

…

Chapter Text

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Chapter 9

"900 Pokemon Trainers and Counting"

Since the Chief of the International Police gave his news conference, all I could think of was that I couldn't just sit around and do nothing. If there were Pokemon trainers on those 12 flights, then we should do something to help. Perhaps there could be a series of fundraisers to help the families of the victims. Perhaps even a charity Pokemon tournament to raise money, something had to be done.

Not long after the Chief's conference, I heard a knock at the door and there stood Misty and Brock. We didn't say anything, we just gathered in a group hug as Misty silently cried. Sure they were gym leaders, but this was beyond gym battles or travelling across the Pokemon world. We were wounded mentally and the only medicine was being together.

"Oh, Misty and Brock," remarked my mom. "We weren't expecting you to come with the lockdowns and such."

"We, we didn't mean to intrude…Mrs. Ketchum," Misty stammered, her voice ragged. "But…we just had to come. Did the International Police say anything?"

"Yes," replied my mom. "12 planes all British Airways flights from London to the United States and Canada."

"Did they say how many Pokemon trainers were on the planes?" asked Brock. "Along with Pokemon?"

"I think British Airways will announce in due course, hopefully. Please, come in."

…

Graciously, Misty and Brock followed me into the living room. The news was still broadcasting with terrorism experts and political figures all brandishing Team Rocket as a terrorist organization. Then again, weren't they always a terrorist organization?

"Of course they are terrorists," said Brock bitterly. "Why else would Team Rocket use Pokemon as weapons? They are not weapons nor items to be sold for money!"

I could tell that the bombings had a profound effect on Brock, almost as if he felt like he knew someone on one of the planes. After all, being a Pokemon breeder, it was his duty to treat Pokemon with respect and dignity.

"I still remember learning how they first raided the Cinnabar Pokemon Center again and gave the stolen fighting Pokemon to the 9/11 hijackers," said Misty, sadly. "I was a young girl then and I still remember Jessie, James and Meowth trying again, but still."

As difficult as it was, I didn't want to feel like moping about and lamenting about the enormous loss of life. After all, not all of the people killed were connected to Pokemon, this affected them too.

"Look, now more than ever we need to stick together as a community," I said, rising to my feet along with Pikachu. "Besides, there might be some good news that perhaps some people, trainers and their Pokemon may have missed the flights. It doesn't erase what happened, but it's worth thinking about."

"Pika! Pika!"

"I guess you may be right, Ash," sighed Brock, rising to his feet. "But it's hard when something of this magnitude happens. Do you realize just how popular Pokemon have become outside of Japan? It's everywhere!"

"That's why we need to look for hope to come out of the darkness," I cried. "There has to be something good to come out of this!"

…

Just then, the BBC "Breaking News" logo appeared.

"This is BBC television from London," said a female British broadcaster. "Reports are coming in now that the British secretary of transportation has issued a groundstop at Heathrow Airport in response to the bombings of 12 North American bound British Airways flights last night during the closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games. No flights can takeoff or land at Heathrow and long range flights are being diverted to other airports in Europe. In addition, similar measures are being taken in the United States. For the first time since September 11th, 2001, all flights are grounded and air traffic control has ordered planes to land at their closest airport. This is, of course, a precautionary measure to ensure Team Rocket does not carry out similar attacks. In the meantime, we are getting our first reports of loved ones of those on board the planes reacting to the news at airports such as JFK Airport in New York, Dulles Airport in Washington and in Los Angeles and San Francisco. British Airways staff are offering grief counseling to families."

Then, we saw what appeared to be a mother screaming in agony over the loss of her child at JFK and at Dulles Airport, a Growlithe designated as a service animal howled in sadness after learning his trainer was on BA293.

"Makes me sick to my stomach," sighed Brock. "I hate to say it, Ash, but I don't think anyone who was on any of the planes survived, whether they be people or Pokemon."

For the first time, I knew that Brock and Misty were indeed telling the truth that no one would have survived the explosions.

"We also stopped by Professor Oak's on our way over here," added Misty. "He's been on the phone with British Airways and so far, they are saying about 900 trainers were on the flights."

I couldn't believe it, 900 trainers? That's more than half of the trainers currently living in the Pokemon World! Given that the Olympics had taken place, there were many trainers probably going home ahead of the Closing Ceremonies. Part of me was also thinking, what if this wasn't the Olympics? What if it was a Pokemon League tournament and instead of trying to steal Pokemon like Jessie, James and Meowth did at the Indigo Plateau, Team Rocket would just kill the trainers and take the Pokeballs off their dead bodies in bombings or shootings?

Now, it was becoming more and more apparent that something needed to be done and who knows? Perhaps maybe more trainers would have been on the planes. We just didn't know! Either way, we had to come together as a Pokemon community.

How would it happen? I wouldn't know for sure until later…

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 10

"The Lucky Pokemon Trainers"

As I had said before, there was no doubt in my mind that by some strange bit of luck, some Pokemon trainers had managed to avoid having to travel on any of the 12 airplanes. Sure enough, little did I know that some trainers that we personally knew managed to avoid the flights altogether.

In her hotel room not far from the Olympic Stadium at the Crowne Plaza St. James, the runner up at the Indigo Plateau Conference that I had participated in was sitting in shock. Next to her was her boarding pass for one of the doomed British Airways flights. This was Assunta, the trainer who had beaten Ritchie to get to the top 3. As a former Pokemon League competitor, she was given the opportunity to represent the Pokemon community at the Olympic Games in London. As she laid in bed thinking about what could have been, she heard a knock on the door.

"Assunta, are you okay?" she heard a male voice say. "Sparky and I were thinking about you."

Getting up, Assunta answered the door and there stood my old friend and competitor, Richie, along with his Pikachu, Sparky.

"Hey Ritchie, hey Sparks," she said with a smile. "I could use the company right now."

Stepping inside, Richie could see the impact the bombings had on his opponent. After all, she was one of several who was supposed to be on the planes coming home from the Olympic Games. Richie looked down at Assunta's boarding pass and saw that it was for BA269 to Los Angeles, one of the planes that went down over Iowa.

"How could this have happened, Ritchie?" she asked, looking out the window over the streets of London. "Just when you thought you were looking forward to coming home, but then decide to stay an extra day to tour the sites of London."

"Well, neither of us knew that this was going to happen, Assunta," Ritchie said. "I've never been to London and neither has Sparky and my other Pokemon. So, I thought, why not spend some time here now that the Olympics are over? Perhaps it was a sign from the almighty."

"What sign?"

"To stay here an extra two days and take in what this city had to offer. Yeah, it was a good thing I didn't take my flight last night."

And Ritchie reached into his pocket and pulled out his original boarding pass for BA287 to San Francisco.

"Has your family reached out to you? My mom reached out to me, sobbing hysterically."

"My dad reached out to me," sighed Assunta, wiping away a tear from her eye. "He and my mom were trying to deny the fact I was on Flight 269. They thought I was dead with all the other people on that flight. You know something, Ritchie? We're one of the lucky ones. But why did we choose to stay here an extra day? Why weren't we on the flights we were supposed to be on?"

Ritchie could tell that Assunta was very much upset by the news just as much as he was. Sure they were safe in London, but there was always going to be that "what if" scenario? What if they had boarded their respective flights? They wouldn't have been able to escape and likely would have been lying dead in a cornfield in Iowa.

…

But they weren't the only ones dealing with the fact that they missed their original flights. In a luxury penthouse in New York, Jeanette Fisher sat looking out her window towards Central Park with her Bellsprout in her arms. Unlike Ritchie and Assunta, Jeanette had managed to take another flight on another airline. Her original flight was BA177 that went down over Hyannis. Fortunately, she had managed to take an earlier flight back to New York on British Airways on BA175. But she too, was dealing with a sense of survivor's guilt.

"It's not fair, Bellsprout," she cried, sitting in a rocking chair in her bedroom, clutching Bellsprout tightly. "Why did this have to happen? I haven't slept well since the news came out. I mean, I came to New York to take the next level as a Pokemon trainer and be with my family thanks to dad's new job."

"Bellsprout."

"Yes, I feel the same way as you do, Bellsprout. We were lucky, but there are many Pokemon trainers that are probably lying dead somewhere. We could have been in the waters off of Hyannis had we stayed on. You, me, Beedrill and Scyther. We would all have been dead."

As she spoke, Jeanette's eyes welled with tears and the trainer who traveled with her own cheerleading squad was beginning to become overrun with emotion. She was lucky, but also harbored guilt for the fact that she couldn't do anything to stop what happened from happening. That was happening with Assunta, with Richie and now, Jeanette. All three were grateful to be alive, but the fact that they could have been statistics haunted them greatly.

For everyone Pokemon trainer and Pokemon that managed to cheat death, there was a Pokemon trainer and their Pokemon that weren't so fortunate. These three were lucky, but the same couldn't be said for the Pokemon Trainers on board the flights with their Pokemon.

…

Later that same day, the first news pictures from the badly damaged New Seabury were beginning to circulate with trees, cottages and the Popponesset Inn riddled with smoke, water and fire damage from the falling BA215. Families on vacation, people working summer jobs here and throughout the Cape…their whole lives were turned upside down in one night…one night. And the long road was to begin as International Police and the FBI arrived to survey the extensive damage that Team Rocket had caused.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 11

"A Long Overdue Surrender"

"What have we done? What have we done?"

Those were words spoken by our main antagonists, our rivals who for many months since we started this journey tried to steal Pikachu or any other Pokemon time after time. But the events of Operation Phoenix Rising had made them question their loyalty to Giovanni and Team Rocket as a whole. At a police station in Viridian City, the officers on duty who were already on high alert, had no idea of what was about to await them. This was the town where Pikachu and I first encountered them and this is the town where they would do the surprising.

"Prepare for trouble, but not like this," said the blue haired James.

"Make it double," added the red haired Jessie.

"We have to do this," said their talking Meowth. "I refuse to be associated with crooks who kill to obtain Pokemon or use Pokemon to kill."

"Let's go," said James.

Slowly, the trio walked towards the Police Station and the officers on duty could see Jessie, James and Meowth coming towards them.

"We got Team Rocket agents outside," cried one of the officers, as he reached for his gun inside his desk.

"Wait!" cried the Viridian City Officer Jenny. "They aren't armed."

"It might be a trick, Jenny," said the officer with the gun.

But Viridian City Jenny didn't want to act hastily. In her mind, she wanted to let the trio give themselves a chance to possibly surrender.

"Ready?" Jessie asked, taking a deep breath and closing her eyes. "We do this together."

"Yeah, together," gulped James. "I just hope we are treated respectfully."

Placing her hand on the door handle, Jessie turned it and the Team Rocket trio stepped into the Police Station. Jenny continued to hold the officers from using their weapons as they came in through the door. Once the door closed behind them, Jessie, James and Meowth did something that they would never dare to do. They raised their hands and Meowth raised his paws in surrender. No struggle, no resistance, nothing. Just a surrender.

"I'll be damned," gasped the officer with the gun. "It's them. The agents who bombed the Pokemon Center…at long last."

Carefully, Viridian City Jenny kept her gun in her holster as she slowly approached the trio. In the back of her mind, she had to remember that this could be a trick that they might possibly pull.

"We come to surrender," said Jessie. "For all we have done in the Pokemon world."

Viridian City Jenny stood before the trio and looked at each one of them carefully, still remembering that it could be a trick given Jessie, James and Meowth's nature.

"Get on your knees," she said in an authoritarian voice, stokely not reaching for her weapon. "Place your hands and paws where I can see them."

Doing as they were told, Jessie, James and Meowth each went down on their knees as several police officers placed handcuffs on them.

"You all have the right to remain silent," Viridian City Jenny said, reading them their Miranda rights. "Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney and if you cannot afford one, one will be provided for you. Do you understand the rights as I have read them to you?"

"Yes," said Jessie as she and her comrades were led into a jail cell in the back of the station. Before entering the cell, Jessie and James were forced to surrender their Pokeballs, with the exception of Meowth.

"Will you take care of them?" James asked. "I don't want Weezing or Victrebel harmed in any way."

"The same goes for Arbok and Lickitung," added Jessie.

But they got no response and instead were ushered into their holding cell to await the arrival of their court appointed attorney.

…

"There's a very good reason why we did this, Team," said Jessie, firmly. "I personally refuse to be a part of an organization that uses Pokemon to kill innocent people."

"Yeah," answered James. "We may be Team Rocket agents, but we have a moral code that the boss clearly doesn't have. I mean, if we were to capture the twerp's Pikachu, we would treat it with respect."

"And respect is given, not stolen," added Meowth, looking down at the floor of the holding cell. "Clearly despite our efforts, the twerp and his friends respected us…to an extent."

And Meowth looked down at a puddle of water on the floor and began to think back to the time he and Pikachu were chained together and how Pikachu shared an apple with him. From that moment on, Meowth could see that the target he so chased after with his friends gave him the most respect.

"I mean, why would we even think about trying to capture Pikachu after something like this?" wondered Meowth. "What was the boss really going to do with him anyway? Use him to attack something like an airplane filled with people? Let's face it, guys, we've been lied to for all the time we spent in Team Rocket. We weren't hired to steal Pokemon for profit, we were hired to steal Pokemon so that they can be used to kill others."

"Either way, we're doing what we should have done long ago," said Jessie. "I just can't believe it takes the deaths of thousands of people and Pokemon to make us realize that."

About an hour later, the sounds of footsteps were heard and a middle aged man in a brown suit and carrying a brown suitcase stood next to Officer Jenny.

"Jessie Musachi, James Kojiro and Meowth?" he asked, to which they confirmed their identities to him. "I'm Terrence Putney, I've been assigned to represent you as your attorney."

"Now we have questions that we need to ask you now that your lawyer is present," advised Viridian City Jenny. "You will answer them truthfully and honestly."

Opening the holding cell door, they were escorted and followed to an interrogation room where the questioning would soon begin in this act of defiance against Giovanni. The questions of what they knew in the planning stages of Operation Phoenix Rising…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 12

"Failure to Prevent"

In the White House, President Obama was demanding answers over how Team Rocket could successfully smuggle Pokemon onboard 12 transatlantic flights and blow them up simultaneously. At that moment, his cabinet came into the Oval Office already feeling tense of the events that took place 24 hours ago their time. The usually friendly and passionate US President was seen to be more impatient and angered by this cowardly act.

"Thank you for coming on short notice," he said, turning around to face the members of his cabinet. "I'm sure you already know by now of the attacks over Massachusetts, Iowa and New Hampshire. I have one question to ask all of you…and that's why? We swore that another 9/11 style attack could ever happen and yet, it has."

"Mr. President," asked Anthony Foxx, the secretary of transportation. "I can assure you that whatever happened at the security checkpoint at Heathrow could have been prevented."

"You're damn right it could have been prevented," replied Obama, raising his voice slightly. "They just took advantage of London's strained security measures because of the Olympics. But that's no excuse for what happened and because of these failures, thousands of deaths of people and Pokemon are likely. Has every plane been accounted for, Anthony?"

"Yes sir," answered the secretary of the transportation. "All planes that have landed, have landed safely under their own power. No other reports have been issued."

Leaning back against his desk, Obama was grateful for the news that no other planes were targeted within the United States.

"How long would you recommend flights stay grounded, sir?"

"I would recommend at least until noon tomorrow, Anthony, because nothing must be overlooked."

It was then that Obama began to think of how the United States could respond against Team Rocket, both with military usage and the other factor was aviation's first line of defense, the security screening checkpoint.

"However, in the years since we increased security measures at our nation's airports," he remarked. "We failed to take into account security measures for Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon. Sure we responded against Team Rocket by having people take off their shoes, prevent liquids from going through the checkpoints and have full body screeners to detect stolen Pokemon in a person's underwear. But even that isn't enough."

"Then what are you suggesting, sir?" asked John Pistole, the head of the Transportation Security Administration. "That we install machines for Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon at the security checkpoints?"

"It would have to be more than that, John," replied Obama. "The TSA must be trained on how to spot a dangerous Pokemon being passed through security checkpoints. Machines are important, but they alone will not stop an attack. I propose that we reach out to the top Pokemon scientists and start making plans for x-ray machines that can detect whether a Pokemon is purposed to attack an airplane."

The rest of the cabinet agreed to this, much to Obama's satisfaction.

"Mr. President," asked John Kerry, the US Secretary of State. "If we are to build an x-ray machine geared towards stopping Pokemon related threats against airliners, what company would you propose we reach out to?"

"It's easy, John," answered Obama. "Stark Enterprises has the capabilities to produce an x-ray scanner to scan dangerous Pokemon. Have a member of your team send Tony Stark an email right away and if I need to meet him one on one, then so be it."

"Will do, Mr. President."

"As for what to do next," he said, lighting up a cigarette. "Is to address to the American people and the Pokemon world how we will respond to this…Operation Phoenix Rising. I want to broadcast tonight at 8:30pm, no exceptions."

"It shall be done, Mr. President."

Obama then turned his attention over to the secretary of defense, Ash Carter, for he knew that the attackers didn't just start in London, they had to have connected to Heathrow from somewhere in the Middle East.

"Ash," he said. "Did any intelligence report of any specific airports in the Middle East where the plotters originated from?"

"Reports state," replied the secretary of defense. "That there was the likely scenario that the plotters had started their journey in Tehran. British Airways has a morning flight that gets into Heathrow around 11:50am local time. It's likely that the plotters could have had inside help at Tehran's airport."

Right away, Obama took this information seriously. He and his cabinet knew just how Team Rocket was able to plant operatives in sensitive areas like airports and given the long animosity the US had with Iran, it certainly wasn't surprising.

"Anthony," he ordered. "Have a representative of British Airways on the phone as soon as possible. I want an investigation into their operations at Tehran Airport."

Then he turned back to Ash.

"Ash, we must prepare for our nation's military to carry out raids and strikes on Team Rocket related operations worldwide," he said.

"What do you propose, sir?"

Obama had several groups in mind in addition to the American Military. He then reached for his phone and began to look up the phone numbers to Stark Enterprises in Los Angeles, Wayne Industries in Chicago and to the Digimon Embassy in Washington.

"Trust me, guys," he said. "If we can finish off Bin Laden, we can finish off Team Rocket. We just need some insider help."

None of the cabinet knew what Obama was planning, but they would find out soon enough.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 13

"Calling Stark Enterprises"

"So, Ash," Hue said. "We've gotten to the point where your enemies surrender of their own free will to the authorities. Now, there's something else that I wanted to touch base on and that is…your thoughts on Stark Enterprises and it's CEO, Tony Stark."

"Tony Stark? Yes, I remember him," I said, nodding yes. "But I remember Iron Man more as the face of the brand. Tony was just the guy running the show. What would you like to know about him?"

"Well, in the Pokemon World, many people have often compared the friendship you share with Misty Cereulean and Brock Pewter to Tony Stark's tight bonds with James Rhodes and Julia Carpenter. Do you see any similarities in that?"

"I can't say that I don't know, Hue," I replied. "But, I do know that they were the leaders of Stark Enterprises, having developed weapons for the American Military. In fact, I remember very well just how the news came that Stark was being paid to help with increasing airport security."

…

The day after the events of Operation Phoenix Rising, Stark Enterprises was in damage control and it's leader, Tony Stark, was trying to make a headcount of employees out of their London offices that might have been on the flights.

"Are you absolutely certain that everyone is accounted for?" he asked in a firm voice over the phone. "Jenkins, I need to have a definitive number."

Tony listened impatiently and eventually, he got his answer.

"I see," he sighed. "Thank you, Jenkins. Yes, I'll pass it along to the families."

At that moment, a red haired woman in a blue business suit with a golden pearl necklace came into the room holding two cups of coffee.

"I take that something must have happened," she said. "Anyone on the flights based in London?"

"One person and two people from our offices in Berlin were on the flight to New York, Julia," Tony sighed, lowering his head in shame. "BA177. Everyone else in London has been accounted for."

"I'm sorry," she said, handing him the coffee cup. "Here, drink this."

Taking the coffee cup, Tony drank it as he continued to grapple with the situation in front of him.

"And before you say it was your fault that three of our employees are dead," Julia remarked. "It wasn't your fault. We didn't know that 12 airplanes would be blown up at the same time."

"It's Team Rocket, Julia. They don't give a damn about the lives of others whether they be human or Pokemon. It's like I said to the Pokemon consulate the other night, Team Rocket would surpass 9/11 in some way. Turns out it was sooner than later."

Sighing deeply, Tony knew that he needed to confront the growing threat Team Rocket had on our world. As CEO, he held the greater responsibility for protecting all of his employees, whether they be close to him or not. To Julia, she could feel her boyfriend's pain both as a lover and as Stark Enterprises' Chief Operating Officer.

"I just wish we can do something as a company," he wondered, taking another sip of the coffee. "Just fight these clowns with something that only we can create. Sure, people will want Iron Man and the rest of the Avengers, but even they aren't enough. We need something that can go into airports to protect people and Pokemon more."

Immediately, Julia picked up on Tony's thoughts.

"Funny you should mention that," she said. "Ever since Rachel developed an interest in Pokemon, I want to protect her from criminals like Team Rocket so she can become a good trainer under a decent protection."

Now, it's important to remember that Julia had been married once before and divorced her husband, taking her daughter, Rachel with her. So, I could only imagine both CEO and COO were thinking the same thoughts.

"We have to stop the threats before they even get onto the plane," Tony said. "Surely Stark Enterprises can aid in the creation of something?"

At that moment, the door opened to reveal Tony and Julia's close friend and associate, Jim Rhodes.

"Don't you even knock, Rhodey?" Tony asked exasperatedly. "I mean…"

"Sorry, Ton, but the door was open," he said. "Hope I didn't catch you both at a bad time."

"No, you were fine, Jim. Julia and I were trying to come up with something that Stark can create to protect the flying public. You're War Machine, what would you do?"

"Well, you can't armor up a security screener," Rhodey said. "Just something to deter a possible attack from Team Rocket. But there's a psychological factor involved here."

Pulling up a chair, Jim sat in front of Tony's desk as the three of them began to put their minds together.

"What kind of psychological factor?" asked Tony.

"Obviously, you can tell someone is having a bad day based on what's going on in their mind. From what I hear, Team Rocket uses some kind of mind control formula to force the Pokemon to carry out their plans. But, not all Pokemon are going to be like that."

"Yeah, I think we're gonna need outside help on this one," Tony said. "But who?"

At that moment, the buzzer rang and Tony answered it.

"Yeah, what is it, Pepper?"

"Nick Fury is here to see you, sir."

Sighing deeply, Tony had no other alternative.

"Send him in."

"I wonder what he wants," Jim wondered. "Hope he's not coming to shut down Iron Man again."

"No, I am not shutting down Iron Man," said a voice as the blonde hair muscle man leader of S.H.I.E.L.D. walked into Tony's office. "In fact, the people are crying out for Iron Man to aid in the response to Team Rocket's attack. For that matter, they are crying out for all the Avengers."

He then produced a piece of paper further clarifying his statement.

"Nick, I get that people want the Avengers to fight back," Tony said, reading the statement declaring that the Avengers assist in the response to Team Rocket. "But how? Especially with Stark Enterprises about to come up with a way to protect people and Pokemon at airport security."

"Look Tony," said Julia. "The world needs Iron Man and the Avengers right now and also remember Iron Man is the mascot of this company."

"Your Chief Operating Officer is correct, Stark," advised Nick. "The President is preparing a military assault on Team Rocket facilities in the hopes of capturing Giovanni and his followers. If Iron Man joins the fight with the Avengers, they stand no chance."

Not wanting to put up an argument with an intelligence leader, Tony begrudgingly accepted the offer to have Iron Man lead the Avengers in the strike against Team Rocket.

"Very well," he said. "Iron Man shall lead the Avengers. Have you reached out to any other Avengers?"

At that moment, a group of people stepped into the office as Tony looked on in amazement.

"Steve, Bruce, Sam, Doctor, Wanda, Clint, Pete," Tony gasped. "What are you all…?"

"Sorry, I'm late," said the voice of a disheveled man as he ran into the room. "Had to take a leak."

"Fine time for you to pick a bathroom break, Lang," said Nick. "The government wants the Avengers leading the charge and it's my job to give it to them."

Rising from his desk, Tony walked over to Steve Rogers, the man known as Captain America. Having put their past differences aside, the two men shook hands.

"Bygones be Bygones?" asked Steve.

"Right," answered Tony, patting him on the shoulder. "Bygones be Bygones."

But there was someone missing.

"Nick, where's Thor?"

"Thor is with the Guardians of the Galaxy and NASA has been trying to get a hold of him," he answered, before turning to the rest of the Avengers. "Now listen up, people. You are all here for one purpose and one purpose alone that you will lead the response against Team Rocket and especially their leader, Dr. Giovanni Sakami. You are to receive instructions from intelligence according to your strengths and weaknesses."

"And when will that be?" asked Peter Parker.

"In due course son," answered Nick. "In due course."

"So, if I'm leading the Avengers," wondered Tony. "Who's going to run the airport screening project?"

…

Meanwhile, later that day back in Pallet Town, Professor Oak heard his phone ringing once again and while he was hoping for more information from British Airways on any more Pokemon trainers aboard the flights, he got a different answer.

"Is this Professor Sam Oak?" asked the female voice on the other end.

"This is he," answered Professor Oak. "Whom may I ask is calling?"

"Julia Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer of Stark Enterprises. I was wondering if you would be willing to consult on the development of a new airport security system for Pokemon Trainers and their Pokemon."

Professor Oak would give it some thought, but knowing he had a responsibility to the Pokemon World, there was no doubt in my mind he would accept, especially from a company like Stark Enterprises. If he was going to contribute to the protection of Pokemon trainers, this was going to be it.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 14

"Cape Cod Carnage"

Throughout the events of Monday August 13th, the memories of Operation Phoenix Rising were still fresh in the minds of all who had been affected. Having gotten very little sleep, Frank Anderson went around to every cottage in the village to see how bad the damage was, if anyone was still alive or if there were any Pokemon that might also be still alive. Instead, it was all nothing but pieces of British Airways Flight 215 littering the streets. Then, he saw on the roof of one of the houses leading down to the beach, a passenger hanging from a row of seats towards the rocky surface below. In the bushes, Frank discovered what appeared to be a pink tail with a white tip.

"Jesus," he cried quietly as he gently pulled the tail out expecting a Slowpoke only to discover that there was no Slowpoke and just a tail. "This Slowpoke got torn to pieces."

"Yes," said a deep voice, catching Frank off guard. "I know. I found him not too long ago."

Turning around, Frank fell on his bottom as he stood up at a figure wearing a black and gray costume with a batmask and matching cape.

"Batman!" Frank gasped. "What are you doing here?"

"The same thing as you, investigating the events of Operation Phoenix Rising. Several members of Bruce Wayne's company were on the British Airways Flight to Chicago, so I've personally undertaken to investigate on their behalf."

Slightly confused, Frank followed Batman as he walked up the rocky roads. As they walked along, they looked up and saw a piece of fuselage on the rooftop of 26 Hydrangea Lane with a piece of the British Airways livery on the side.

"But," Frank asked. "If you're here, why aren't you in Andover, New Hampshire? That's where Flight 297 went down."

"Looking for similarities," replied Batman. "It appears that the death of those on board the flight to Chicago, like all the others, was quick and painless, or so it appeared to be."

"What do you mean?" Frank asked, but Batman said nothing and proceeded to walk slowly back towards the Mashpee Congregational Church, which was now a morgue for the recovered bodies of people and Pokemon aboard the flights.

One body in particular was being examined by the town coroner, but it seemed like he was detecting something spitting out of the body's mouth.

"Batman," said the coroner. "It's just as you confirmed, there was indeed a gas attack on the plane before it came down."

"Gas attack?" remarked Frank. "What is that?"

"It's fluid from inside the lungs," explained Batman as he took the sample from the coroner. "The passengers and crew on board must have ingested it likely before the crash. Whoever brought the plane down wanted to incapacitate the passengers and crew with a poisonous Pokemon."

"Probably to prevent a resistance of some sorts," said Frank. "If it happened here, then perhaps it could have happened on all the flights. Did anyone check the Flight Data or Cockpit voice recorders?"

"The flight data and cockpit voice recorders are believed to be in the Atlantic Ocean just off shore," replied Batman. "As for where, an ally of mine is using his abilities to find it."

…

Having heard this, I proceeded towards the damaged Popponesset Inn restaurant as I saw a group of agents awaiting the arrival of what appeared to be the black boxes of BA215. Pulling them out of the water was a man dressed in orange and green and carefully laying them down on the beach, he turned them over to the investigators.

"Aquaman?" Frank asked. "What's going on here? First Batman, now Aquaman? They must have recruited the Justice League to help in the investigation."

Of course, having the Justice League help in the investigation was indeed the furthest thing from the truth. But something else was catching my attention as the bodies of several dead Pokemon began washing up on shore, including a Charmander with the tip of its tail extinguished as a result of being in the Atlantic Ocean and a Venusaur, laying flat on its back. To Frank, this was just another case of the collateral damage of Operation Phoenix Rising. Then, more human and Pokemon remains along with luggage and debris continued to wash up on shore. One of the bodies that washed up was that of one of the pilots…his uniform in taters, but still recognizable. Disgusted, Frank turned and left the scene to look at other areas of Mashpee and Falmouth.

About an hour later, he was called over to John's Pond not far from Otis Air Force Base.

"What's going on here?" he asked.

"One of flight 215's landing gears," answered the agent. "It's likely that the plane had disintegrated as it fell from the sky. We're looking to get it out as quickly as possible."

Still, the damage from BA215 continued to grow far beyond New Seabury. On the small beach of John's Pond, reading material and a safety card for the Boeing 747 was also recovered.

"What about Pokemon or their trainers?" he asked.

The agent then turned to show Frank a small bag of evidence and carefully, Frank studied what was inside and one of the items he found inside was an open Pokeball.

"Shit," he muttered. "Whoever's trainer this was must have tried to release his or her Pokemon as they fell. Almost as if it was a last ditch effort to save the Pokemon's life."

…

Moving on, Frank drove into Falmouth and found what appeared to be a series of Pokemon lying on the streets and then he also saw more broken Pokeballs, another telltale sign of that valiant last ditch effort to save the life of a Pokemon.

In the parking lot of the Falmouth Fish Market, more debris littered the streets as Frank noticed what appeared to be a hole in the roof of the building. Stepping inside the fish market, he saw the source of the roof's damage: a dead Golem was lying face down on the floor, its large body having also created a large hole in the floor.

"So, it appears to be that some trainers attempted to release their Pokemon as they fell from the sky," Frank said to Looker later that day back in the Popponesset village. "Despite the fact they were poisoned, some trainers were still conscious enough to act quickly."

"Well, it's been described as a valiant attempt, but all for nothing," sighed Looker as he and Frank looked into the church turned temporary morgue. "So far, we've recovered 55 human remains and 20 Pokemon remains. God knows how many more we will find?"

All we could do was sigh in disbelief at the prospect of more bodies coming into the church, all being laid on the pews and lined up. However, I wasn't prepared for what Looker said next.

"By the way, Frank," he said. "I just got a text from Washington and there are rumors that the plotters may have started in Tehran and flew British Airways to London in order to connect with the targeted flights."

"Why am I not surprised?" he muttered as he left the church to get further clarification. Could it be that Team Rocket had possibly paid the airport security staff in Tehran to allow explosive and poisonous Pokemon to pass undetected? There were still going to be a lot more questions to be answered over the course of this investigation.

Chapter Text

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Chapter 15

"Black Panther and the Spies in Iran"

At the CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia, Everett Ross had been monitoring activities in Iran at the same time of Operation Phoenix Rising. Of course, there was only one individual capable of sneaking into Iran and investigating the security measures at Tehran's Airport. Suddenly, word arrived that a pair of Team Rocket agents disguised as airport security personnel had been detected.

"Are you certain that they are with Team Rocket?" Everett asked as the camera zoomed in on a pair of young women.

"I am certain, Agent Ross," replied the voice on the other side. "Rest assured that they will not escape me."

"See that they don't," Everett ordered and turned off his radio.

…

Meanwhile, the shadowy figure hid from the view of other passengers and airport personnel and studied the two women closely. He could see them as allowing Pokemon trainers to pass through the security system undetected. Acting fast, he disappeared into the shadows and laid in wait for them to go off duty. Sure enough, the two women were granted a break and went off the line.

"How much longer are we going to keep this up, Annie?" asked one of the women. "It's only been one day since Operation Phoenix Rising and Giovanni should have pulled us out."

"Unless he's planning to target more flights, Oakley," answered the other women as they walked into the employee break room. "Either way, you should be grateful you've been given this opportunity. We're going to be paid beautifully for this assignment."

"I guess you're right," sighed Annie as she poured a cup of coffee. "Still, this place gives me the creeps. Can you imagine how many weirdos have had their eyes on me? Why couldn't Giovanni send a guy to do this job?"

"What he says, goes, Oakley."

Suddenly, the two women heard strange sounds coming from inside the ceiling of their breakroom. Standing on the chair, Annie tapped the ceiling.

"Is it a mouse?"

"No, it's too big to be a mouse. Someone is watching us."

Nervously, the two women prepared their Pokeballs to counter the supposed intruder. Then the noise appeared again and again, followed by what appeared to be a low growling sound.

"If that's a mouse," whispered Annie. "Why do I hear growling?"

"It's probably nothing, maybe just the air condition with the heat and all."

Then just as it began, the noises stopped, but neither Annie nor Oakley were convinced that they were being tracked, they just weren't sure who was tracking them. Then, they heard the growling again, deeper this time and unmuffled.

"Who's there?" called Annie, drawing a Pokeball. "Come out and show yourself. We've got Pokemon and we aren't afraid to use them."

Quickly, the women walked around the break room trying to figure out who was stalking them.

"We're giving you one last chance," cried Oakley. "Come out or else! 1, 2…"

Suddenly, a figure dressed entirely in black emerged from the men's locker room and tackled Annie to the ground. The cat-like creature held Annie in a tight embrace as Oakley prepared to summon a Pokemon to combat this cat-like intruder.

"Drop your Pokeballs now!" the creature commanded. "Do it!"

"Do as it says, Oakley!" Annie pleaded. "My life isn't worth dying for!"

Shaking her hand, Oakley quickly surrendered and lowered the Pokeball, dropping it on the floor. The creature then released Annie from his grasp and threw her towards Oakley. A few moments later, a group of officers also disguised as airport security personnel emerged from the men's locker room. Then, they heard the figure speak in a strange language to the men, holding out spears towards them.

"On your knees," commanded the cat creature. "Get on your knees with your hands on your head!"

Nervously, both women did as they were told and indeed got on their knees.

"Who are you?" cried Annie. "And what do you want with us?"

The figure stepped forward and looked down crossly at the two women, retracting its' claws and putting its paws on his head. The women looked on amazingly as the figure removed a helmet to reveal an African man who looked down on them with anger and with pity. Both women gasped upon who they saw behind the mask.

"I am T'Challa, king of Wakanda and the figure that has served my people for generations…the Black Panther. You are under arrest by order of the Central Intelligence Agency."

"For what?!" protested Oakley as the girls were forced to their feet and had their hands bound with zip ties.

"For conspiring to commit mass murder," answered T'Challa, pointing right at Annie. At that moment, an African woman with no hair stepped out of the woman's locker room and dressed all in red emerged holding a spear.

"Jasmine?" Annie cried.

"My name is not Jasmine," she said. "My name is Okoye, general of Wakanda's Dora Mijal. I have orders to bring you back to the United States."

"In other words, we all have orders to do so," T'Challa said, before turning to his men. "Take them away!"

As they watched the two women being taken away, T'Challa and his top general looked at each other with looks of disappointment and disbelief.

"Such a waste, general," he said quietly. "Such a waste to work for Team Rocket."

"Yes, such a waste indeed. But at least the world has two less problems to worry about," remarked Okoye. "As does Wakanda."

Once in captivity, Annie and Oakley were blindfolded and forced onto an awaiting helicopter to take them out of Iran. Once they boarded the helicopter, T'Challa and Okoye joined them.

"My king," replied a Wakandan. "Agent Ross has been contacted and he has instructed us to bring the Team Rocket agents to him."

"Thank you," T'Challa said as the helicopter lifted off from Tehran's airport with two captive Team Rocket agents in tow.

…

Back at the CIA, Everett Ross was studying how Annie and Oakley managed to obtain security clearance at Tehran Airport and for that matter, how they were able to obtain jobs. But his current main focus was what they were doing on the morning of July 27th.

"So, they are in the line for the test bomber to go through undetected," he said, asking the technician to stop the video. "There's the test bomber right there, Guido Fawkes, in business attire."

Then he saw Annie and Oakley seemingly walk over and give the technician a signal that whatever was found in the suitcase was nothing of importance.

"Essentially, they were allowed to pass through undetected," Everett remarked. "This leads to one of two scenarios with the most likely being the Iranian government must have been paid by Team Rocket to allow these guys to pass through undetected. If this is still revenge for the accidental downing of that Iranian jetliner 34 years ago…which it probably isn't."

There were still a lot of questions for Everett Ross to seek answers for, but the important thing was that he had two Team Rocket agents in custody. But there were still more to be found and as Operation Phoenix Rising approached the 24 hour old mark, the work was just getting started to wipe out Team Rocket once and for all.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 16

"A Royal Reaction"

The events of Operation Phoenix shook up both the human and Pokemon worlds greatly, but none more so than the country where the targeted planes departed from…the United Kingdom. At her summer home in Balmoral, Queen Elizabeth II had summoned the Prime Minister to her residence and wanted answers to this despicable plot in her kingdom.

"Your majesty," said a butler, stepping into one of the Queen's drawing rooms. "The Prime Minister is here to see you."

"Send him in," she ordered and Prime Minister Cameron emerged into the drawing room. Nervously, he bowed to her and stepped forward.

"I came as soon as you commanded me," he said. "I can assure you that every step will be taken to find whoever is responsible."

"Yes, I'm very sure," remarked Queen Elizabeth II. "Given that these barbaric acts took place after the closing ceremonies, it's no wonder that there are no choices in finding who is responsible. Have MI6 recovered any security footage from Heathrow?"

"They have, your majesty. As of right now, they are being studied from not only August 12th, but also on July 27th, the day of the Opening Ceremonies."

The Queen suddenly felt a sense of surprise given what was just said to her. Up until now, she didn't know something had transpired on the day of the Opening Ceremonies.

"Why what happened?"

"MI6 said that there were reports of gas being released on a British Airways flight bound for Houston, Texas in the United States. From the looks of it, it was probably a test run."

"He certainly had his ducks all in row," sighed the Queen. "Doing a test run and then waiting until the games close to make his move. Did MI6 learn anything else?"

"We have word from our partners, the CIA in America, that two women affiliated with Team Rocket were arrested at the Tehran Airport. They are believed to have taken up positions at the Tehran Airport and disguised as security personnel to allow the plotters to pass through undetected."

The queen sat in thought and wondered just how failed security measures in Tehran could lead to exploitation at Heathrow Airport.

"Prime Minister," she said. "I want you to have MI6 and perhaps Scotland Yard look into who is legal to work at Heathrow and if you see anyone suspicious. If you do, they are to be held without precedence until a lawyer is present."

"Of course, ma'am," Cameron acknowledged. "It shall be done. Whoever did this will face the stiffest of punishments."

"Yes, but there is someone who I would love to see take most of the blame for these acts," said Queen Elizabeth II, firmly. "And that someone is Dr. Giovanni Sakami. What about our military and law enforcement?"

"They are awaiting commands to start carrying out raids on Team Rocket cells in our kingdom. Our military jets are prepared for counterattack strikes against Team Rocket locations."

"Good," said Queen Elizabeth II. "Report to Scotland Yard and the MI6 that permission is granted to start any possible raids. In the meantime, I have a speech to address our people to prepare for tonight."

The queen then lifted a piece of paper off a side table and studied it closely.

"I, too, have a speech prepared, ma'am," stammered Cameron. "On behalf of the British Parliament, of course."

"Very well," she said. "You shall present your speech after I give mine. If there is ever a time England needs her queen and government to step up…it's now."

The Prime Minister then noticed a look of concern on the Queen's face.

"Ma'am?" he asked. "Is something wrong?"

"This may sound ridiculous," she answered, turning away slightly from the Prime Minister. "But, I can't help but feel for all the Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon killed in these attacks. As someone who loves animals, particularly my corgis and my fell ponies, it is such a shame that this had to happen and it makes me angry."

"It makes us all angry, your majesty," remarked the Prime Minister. "Team Rocket and all the other Pokemon criminal enterprises are nothing but cowards who use innocent Pokemon to kill people. Trust me, I will not rest until Team Rocket is brought to justice."

Having heard this, the Queen dismissed the Prime Minister and set about rehearsing for the speech she would give in due time to the people of the United Kingdom. But before she did, the Queen went to the stall of her favorite fell pony, Emma, giving her a good rub down on her back.

"Lillibet?" called a male voice.

"In here, Phillip," she called as her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, came into the stable dressed in carriage driver clothing.

"Giving Emma a rubdown, I presume?" he remarked. "Took the horses for a run in the carriage, good exercise for them."

"Yes, I need to do something to take my mind off of what had happened yesterday. Why do people do this to Pokemon? Steal them from their owners or habitats and use them to kill people? It just doesn't make any sense."

Sighing, the Duke came into the stall and placed a hand on his wife's shoulder.

"Some people I'm afraid are just like that," remarked Phillip. "Believe me, I dislike Team Rocket a lot more than you do. They are cowards, the lot of them."

Emma let out a small whinny upon hearing Phillip's statement.

"I think she agrees with you, Phillip," said the Queen with a wry smile. "But even though we don't have Pokemon of our own, nor do we ever intend to, there is always that level of sympathy towards them, especially if trainers come from within the commonwealth."

"Do you think you might mention that in your speech tonight?"

"Something like that, yes," the Queen answered. "Something like that. Pokemon are docile creatures that need to be treated with the utmost respect, much like with Emma and the Corgis. They shouldn't be used for cruel knavish tricks."

And as the Queen continued to care for her pony, she remembered the anthem's line "Oh Lord, our God arise, scatter her enemies and make them fall. Confound their politics, frustrate their knavish tricks, on thee our hope we fix, God save us all."

For that's exactly what would be reflected in the speech given to her wounded nation that night.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 17

"A Worthy Prison Deal"

Having surrendered themselves and their Pokemon to the Viridian City authorities, Jessie, James and Meowth sat in the interrogation room of the police station nervously awaiting whatever future could come out of the fact that they confessed to all their crimes in the Pokemon World. They weren't looking to go free, they knew that they had to spend time locked up which in their mind was a good thing.

Just then, an older looking man in his late 70's came into the interrogation room with a younger looking woman in her early 30's. Both Jessie and James took an enormous gulp at what was about to transpire.

"I'm Jack McCoy," said the man. "I'm one of the Executive Federal Assistant District Attorneys for the International Police. This is my assistant, Alexandria Borgia, Federal ADA for the International Police. You came here of your own free will to confess all of your actions as members of Team Rocket. Is that correct?"

"Yes sir," Meowth replied, nervously gulping. "We just want you to know that we're not killers."

"Of course, that's what you confessed when you surrendered," said ADA Borgia. "However, given the circumstances surrounding Operation Phoenix Rising, law enforcement is taking no chance in rounding up any cells that are connected to Team Rocket. You are probably the only ones so far that willingly surrendered."

"We had no other choice," cried James. "When we joined Team Rocket, all we were taught to believe was that Pokemon should only be stolen for experimental and profiting purposes. We were never taught to believe that Pokemon should be no more than killing machines."

"Giovanni lied to us from the very beginning, Mr. McCoy," Jessie added. "Him and his executives. They kept secrets from us, secrets that we didn't know about until too late."

"My clients are willing to tell everything about the leadership's role in Operation Phoenix Rising," said Terrence Putney. "They also claim that they did steal some of the Pokemon used in the attacks."

Jack's eyes went from side to side, wondering just exactly what Jessie, James and Meowth had done to contribute to the event known as Operation Phoenix Rising.

"What are you offering in terms of jail time?" Jack asked.

"Whatever it takes," answered Jessie. "You can do what you want with us as long as we remain together."

"We'll keep that in mind if you cooperate with us," advised ADA Borgia.

"Are you sure this is what your clients want, Mr. Putney?"

"That is correct, Mr. McCoy," he answered.

"So…talk," Jack said icily. "How did you come to be in this plot?"

"Well, a couple of years ago," Jessie confessed. "Giovanni wanted us to capture all the Pokemon from the Pokemon League at the Indigo Plateau and we would have succeeded had the twerp not interfered."

"The twerp that we are referring to is Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town," added James.

It was then that Jack somehow remembered a similar situation that took place that nearly caused the Pokemon League to be cancelled.

"It's also worth noting that your actions at the Indigo Plateau landed the three of you on the International Police's most wanted list," he said. "Intelligence reports said and I quote…"

Jack took a piece of paper containing the intelligence and read it aloud to them.

"That Team Rocket was planning to steal all the Pokemon competing in the 2008 Pokemon League Championships at the Indigo Plateau. The goal was for the extracted Pokemon to be sold, experimented on or later used in an attack against a high ranking target. Once they were to be turned over, they would all be considered Team Rocket property."

"Is this all true?" asked ADA Borgia.

"It's true," said James.

"But that was because Giovanni promised us $1 million for the actions we took that day," confessed Jessie. "As far as we were concerned, they were going to be sold on the black market and nothing more."

"And yet," cautioned Jack. "Somehow, not all of the Pokemon you stole from that tournament were returned to their owners. 144 of the Pokemon were still missing. Do you remember what happened next?"

"Well, we were still feeling the agony of defeat by the twerp, but nevertheless, we sent what was left to Giovanni."

"And what kind of Pokemon did you end up sending to him?" Jack asked.

Taking a deep breath, Jessie, James and Meowth each made their confessions, for they knew of the consequences that would come out of this.

"They were all Voltorbs, Electrodes, Koffings and Weezings," Jessie confessed. "He wanted more, but that was the best we could give him."

"Well, another intelligence report states that Giovanni never intended to sell the Pokemon you stole from the Pokemon League," remarked ADA Borgia. "Intelligence says that Giovanni was going to unleash every single Pokemon on major cities in the United States including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Atlanta."

Jessie, James and Meowth all felt their hearts sink that the Pokemon that would be extracted would be unleashed on major American cities.

"And furthermore," added Jack. "That Ash Ketchum's Pikachu was to be used to kill President George W. Bush during the 2008 United States Presidential Election."

All three ex-Team Rocket agents felt themselves turn white with fright. They weren't stealing Pokemon for profit, they were stealing Pokemon so that they could be used to kill people: men, women and children, all for the supposed glory of Team Rocket.

…

"I swear to you," pleaded Jessie, placing her hands on Jack's wrists. "We were never told of any of this. Please, you must believe us!"

"And yet," Jack said calmly. "144 Pokemon that you stole from the Indigo Plateau and were never returned to their trainers were used to poison and then potentially kill up to 4,000 people and Pokemon last night. As far as we are concerned, you were involved in crimes against Pokemon and crimes against humanity. That alone warrants a possible death sentence for each of you."

Now, Jessie, James and Meowth were scared as if they had never been scared before. They didn't want to die, they wanted to live.

"But, given that your attorney Mr. Putney says that you wish to plead guilty to all charges against you, it is my recommendation that you serve 10 to 20 years in a medium security prison and…if Giovanni and his associates are ever captured, you will testify against him."

"Is everything you said on there true?" asked Jessie. "That we indirectly caused the deaths of 4,000 people because of the Pokemon we stole?"

Without saying another word, Jack replied that everything that was said on the intelligence reports were indeed true. Jessie, James and Meowth, our longtime enemies of Team Rocket, had indirectly contributed to the downing of 12 jetliners the night before. At this point, they didn't care about anything else other than spending time in a medium security prison for the next 20 years.

All they wanted was to atone for their actions and this was a start. Somewhat….

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 18

"Searching for Survivors"

Meanwhile, in the northern Atlantic Ocean, the ship Queen Mary 2 was travelling on a transatlantic run from New York to Southampton when her passengers reported seeing flaming streaks of light coming down from the sky. Now, nearly 24 hours after the planes fell, the ship was scouring the crash site for any survivors.

"My God," muttered the captain. "There must be someone out there whose alive."

"I don't know," added the chief steward. "I think we arrived too late. All we've pulled so far are bodies and airplane debris."

As night fell on the North Atlantic, the crew of the Queen Mary 2 could see that their efforts were futile. But just over the starboard side, a lookout reported two large bird like creatures and a small fairy like creature coming towards them.

"Those must be Digimon," said the Chief Steward. "Maybe they can help us."

Turning on the lights, the three flying Digimon were identified along with three human girls on the back of one of them.

"If you are seeking survivors," said the captain, speaking through a megaphone. "You are probably too late! We've been here for almost 24 hours and no one has been found."

Approaching the ship, the two large bird-like creatures began to glow as they descended downwards. The three girls jumped off one of the birds and landed on the deck as their partners became small bird like creatures.

"Seems like you'd better go talk to them," advised the chief steward as the captain sighed and proceeded down to talk to the three girls and their Digimon companions.

…

Stepping down onto the main deck, the captain of the Queen Mary 2 faced the three girls and their digimon.

"Good evening, ladies," he said. "I'm Captain Hill of the Queen Mary 2. Have you come on behalf of the Japanese and American governments?"

"We have," said the oldest girl. "I'm Sora Takenouchi and this is my digimon partner Biyomon."

"I'm Yolei Inoue," said the slightly younger girl. "This is my partner Hawkmon."

"I'm Mimi Tachikawa," said the other oldest girl. "This is my partner, Lillymon."

"Nice to meet you," said the fairy digimon, extending her hand to shake the captain's.

"Well, I must say that we are grateful you came to help us, but I'm afraid there is nothing to be found other than bodies and debris."

"We're aware, Captain," said Sora. "We've been sent to recover any debris that might be used as evidence against Team Rocket."

Looking back towards the ocean, the Captain could only hope for the best of what was to come in due time. Perhaps finding valuable evidence could be a decent contribution.

"You think we'll find anything, Hawkmon?" Biyomon asked.

"It's quite a long shot, but I guess all we can do is try," he answered, as they looked towards the sun beginning to set over the ocean. "And we'd better hurry, the sun's about to go down."

"Okay, get ready, guys!" said Sora as she and Yolei held out their digivics towards Biyomon and Hawkmon who leapt back into the air to assume their digivolutions.

"Biyomon digivolve to…Birdramon! Birdramon digivolve to…Garudamon!"

"Hawkmon digivolve to…Aquliamon!"

"All right, let's hope you can find anyone out there who might be alive," said the Captain, worriedly as Garudamon, Aquliamon and Lillymon flew towards the floating debris while their partners watched from the ship.

Scouring the waters, the three flying Digimon could see nothing but airplane parts floating in the water, pieces of luggage including a Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse set of plushies.

"Over there!" called Garudamon as she flew over towards a large floating object. "It's an airplane tail!"

Bending down, Garudamon picked up the tailfin with her talons and began to return to the ship to drop it off.

"IS ANYONE ALIVE OUT THERE?!" shouted Aquilamon into the warm summer. "CAN ANYONE HEAR ME? IS THERE ANYONE ALIVE OUT THERE?!"

Flying down closer, Lillymon came across a series of dead human and Pokemon bodies, but what she saw next broke her heart tremendously.

"No!" she gasped as she saw what appeared to be a tiny doll floating in the water just as at the same time, a shark was coming towards it. "Stay away from him! Flower Cannon!"

And Lillymon fired her geraniums at the shark, scaring it off. Bending down, the fairy digimon picked up the tiny object revealing itself to be a tiny and naked infant baby boy. Overcome with emotion, Lillymon began to sob loudly as she held the tiny baby in her hands.

"Lillymon, what is it?" asked Aquliamon, flying over towards her. "What's wrong?"

"Look," she sobbed as Aquilamon looked down at the deceased baby. "It's only a human baby! He didn't deserve it, none of them did!"

Just then, Garudamon returned after picking up some more airplane debris and bringing it back to the Queen Mary 2.

"We'd better get these bodies to the ship," she said, quietly. "Give them the respect they deserve."

So they did just that. Returning to the ship, the bodies were turned over to the ship's doctors. But even after devolving from Lillymon, Mimi's partner Palmon was still grappling with the small baby she found. Tears continued to flow out of the plant Digimon's eyes.

"Mimi," she cried, still looking down at the baby as her partner came over to console her. "He didn't deserve this. Why did this have to happen?"

"Sometimes, it's just like that, Palmon," Mimi answered, getting emotional herself. "Life is made up of meetings and partings. That's the way of…"

But Mimi couldn't control her emotions and quietly sobbed alongside her partner Digimon. A little while later, the baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes, was turned over to the doctors who were now watching over the bodies of the dead.

"Could you find any more?" asked the captain.

"No, we couldn't find anything," said Biyomon sadly. "All the bodies that we recovered were the bodies that were there."

"So now what do we do?" asked Yolei.

"We'd better get back to Japan and report our findings," sighed Sora.

Just then, Mimi and Palmon stood at the edge of the deck and, grabbing a bouquet of flowers, threw them into the Northern Atlantic waters in memory of those who died. Seeing the body of a dead baby was very traumatizing to Palmon, whether she was her usual self, her Champion form Togemon and her Ultimate form, Lillymon, the emotion was still raw.

"Will the next of kin be notified?" asked Mimi to the Captain.

"Of course they will," answered the Captain. "You have my word on that."

Those words did little to comfort Palmon, but the plant type Digimon knew she had to be brave and strong. Standing in front of the ship's computers, the girls activated the digiports and teleported themselves and their Digimon back to Japan as the Captain and his crew looked on.

"Where to, now?" asked the chief officer.

"To Southampton," the captain answered solemnly and so the Queen Mary 2 resumed its course towards England carrying the bodies of the dead and pieces of the airplanes that went down.

…

Meanwhile, President Obama was preparing for his address to the American People and the Pokemon Community.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 19

"A Cowardly Act of Terrorism"

In the oval office of the White House, President Obama took a deep breath as he prepared to address his stunned nation of the events of Operation Phoenix Rising. As President, he felt this as the most difficult part of his job: addressing a national tragedy such as this. His address following Bin Laden's assassination was confident and joyous, a speech that brought people together for the first time since September 11th, 2001.

Now, 11 years later, he was about to do what his predecessor did after 9/11 and he wasn't looking forward to it. The flag of the United States was flanked by the flag of the United Kingdom on the left and the flag of Canada on right, signifying the countries affected the greatest by Operation Phoenix Rising.

"We're on in 5, Mr. President," said a television producer and Obama walked closely towards his desk and sat down, staring right at the cameras. As last minute touches were applied to the president, one of his officials came in and whispered into his ear.

"Two Team Rocket agents have been captured at Tehran's airport," he whispered. "They are being brought back to the United States as we speak."

Despite this sudden news, Obama couldn't break face with what he needed to say in his address. The five minutes came and it was now 8:30pm, the time for him to make his speech.

"Good evening," he began. "My fellow Americans, and citizens of the Pokemon World both here in the United States and beyond, today, hearts ache with grief and anger. Last night, over 24 hours ago, a cowardly act of terror was witnessed in the skies over the North Atlantic, over Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Andover, New Hampshire and in central Iowa. This has been described as a senseless attack on innocent travelers on British Airways flights bound for North America from London. These attacks, orchestrated by the Pokemon criminal organization, Team Rocket, have taken lives, shattered families, and left a wound on the collective spirit."

…

As Misty, Brock and I watched along with my mom, Mimey, Pikachu and me, we could all agree with what the president was saying. Everything he was saying was true.

"Deepest condolences are extended to the victims and their families," he continued. "The entire United States, and the international community as a whole, stands with them in this moment of profound sorrow. Everything possible will be done to support them in the difficult days and weeks ahead."

…

The address was broadcast in various Pokemon cities, including Ryme City, causing citizens and their Pokemon to drop what they were doing and give their full attention to President Obama.

"Team Rocket believes they can strike fear and disrupt life," Obama added. "They believe they can exploit the very creatures that are cherished, using them as instruments of destruction. However, they are mistaken. Their actions are an affront to the values held dear: peace, safety, and respect for all life, both human and Pokemon."

In Vermillion City, the city's gym leader, Lieutenant Surge and his Raichu watched the address as he pulled out his old United States Marines Uniform, showing that being a patriot of his country was far more important than being a Pokemon Gym Leader.

"The United States, in partnership with allies, will pursue those responsible for these barbaric acts. Every resource at its disposal will be used – intelligence capabilities, law enforcement, and a commitment to international cooperation – to find them, hold them accountable, and dismantle their networks."

In their hotel rooms in London, Assunta and Ritchie watched the address together, still grateful that a sudden change in their planes had kept them alive.

"Immediate steps will also be taken to enhance the security of air travel, working closely with international partners to prevent such attacks from happening again," Obama continued. "This will involve new protocols and measures, particularly in relation to the transportation and handling of Pokemon, and everything necessary will be done to ensure the safety and trust of travelers, especially Pokemon trainers carrying innocent Pokemon."

…

On Seafoam Island, our friend Victor and his Pikachu, Puka, watched and wondered just how the chances for such measures could affect surfing competitions, especially when Humungadunga would make an appearance.

…

"This attack was not simply on American lives, but on the principles of peace and friendship that define the Pokemon World. Efforts will be redoubled to ensure that Pokemon are never again used as tools of terror, just as efforts have always been made to protect Pokemon from harm and exploitation. Trainers, researchers, and every responsible citizen will work together to safeguard these extraordinary creatures and prevent them from falling into the wrong hands."

…

In Las Vegas, the Magician, Melvin and his Exeggutor could see the extra police presence on the Las Vegas strip which he knew could very well affect his audience numbers.

…

"This is not a fight against a particular people or region. This is a struggle against a hateful ideology, an organization that seeks to sow chaos and fear for its own misguided agenda. They will not succeed."

…

As Obama spoke, he began to develop an authoritative sound in his voice.

…

"They will not be allowed to define their hatred," he finished. "This is a nation and a world defined by hope, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to justice. This challenge will be overcome, just as countless others have been throughout history. The world will emerge from this stronger and more united. May God bless the victims and their families, may God bless the United States of America, and may a brighter future for the Pokemon World prevail."

…

In several US and Pokemon Cities, people cheered at President Obama's speech, confirming that they agreed with every word spoken. In his office on Pallet Town, Professor Oak also watched the speech and immediately began to think of ways he can help protect Pokemon Trainers and their Pokemon from possible attacks on commercial airlines. Just then, his grabbed his phone and made a call direct to the United States.

"Yes, can you direct me to Julia Carpenter, please?" he asked the operator, who obliged and fulfilled his request. "Thank you."

"Hello?" Julia asked. "This is Julia Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer of Stark Enterprises…"

"Yes, yes, I know who you are, Miss Carpenter," Professor Oak interrupted. "When do you want to start planning on developing those proposed airport security screeners for Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon?"

"I'd like to set up a video call tomorrow to discuss those exact steps for the morning. Would you be available?"

"Of course, Miss Carpenter. Whatever works best for you."

"How about 9:00am your time? And please call me Julia."

"Yes, see you then, Julia."

Hanging up the phone, Professor Oak set about preparing to draft up his plans for how airport security would combat Pokemon related threats against aviation.

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Chapter 20

"Remarks from a Wounded Empire"

Following the rousing speech by President Obama, Queen Elizabeth II sat in one of her drawing room at Balmoral Castle feeling nothing but sympathy for her kingdom, especially the Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon who were among her subjects. Spending time with her fell pony, Emma, gave her a chance for a moment at least, to take her mind off the events that forever cast a dark shadow over the London Summer Olympics.

She would keep her speech short and to the point, for she knew that after she gave her speech, the Prime Minister would give his speech from 10 Dowling Street back in London. With Prince Phillip watching from behind the camera, the Queen was cued to speak.

"Good evening," she began. "I want to begin by acknowledging my thoughts, and those of my family, are with all those who have been affected by the devastating attacks on British Airways flights from London's Heathrow Airport to the United States and Canada. To the families and loved ones of the victims on board the 12 flights, our hearts go out to you in this moment of profound loss and anguish. The United Kingdom, and the wider Commonwealth, mourns with you."

…

In her hotel room in the east end of London, the illusionist Duplica and her Ditto listened closely with Duplica clutching her transformative Pokemon tightly.

"This act of senseless violence, carried out by Team Rocket, is a betrayal of the trust placed in fellow beings and a misuse of the extraordinary creatures that share the world. Such barbarity is condemned by all," continued the Queen. "The deepest gratitude is expressed to the brave individuals from the emergency services, those who acted selflessly to help others, and the countless people who have offered support and comfort. The very best of human nature has been demonstrated in the face of such darkness."

On Fukahara Island, the old man Umberto listened with intent and wondered if there was ever a prophecy for preventing such an attack much like he had with the Pokemon fossils.

"As the enormity of this tragedy is grappled with," added the Queen. "Strength must be drawn from shared values and an unwavering belief in justice. Fear or intimidation will not prevail. Instead, stand together, with resolve and determination, to ensure those responsible are brought to account and that the safety and security of the skies are restored."

…

On Mandarin Island South, the Magnemite owner Ethan sat in his cabin, loading what appeared to be a shotgun as his Jolteon looked on with a hint of confusion.

"This incident has cast a shadow over the joyous spirit of the Olympic Games, a time when nations come together in friendship and healthy competition. It serves as a stark reminder that vigilance is paramount, even in moments of celebration. Learn from this, strengthen defenses, and work alongside international partners to safeguard innocent lives and the peaceful coexistence of humans and Pokemon.

By working together, and by holding true to the values that define, this challenge can be overcome. Better days will return. Rebuild, and emerge from this period of darkness with renewed strength and a renewed commitment to a safer and more harmonious world for all."

With the cameras turned off, the Queen sat in her drawing room as two of her corgis came running in to greet their mistress. This made the Queen shed a tear knowing that while her corgis remained at her side, there were plenty of humans and Pokemon that were forever torn apart by Operation Phoenix rising.

…

Meanwhile, back in London over at 10 Dowling Street, British Prime Minister David Cameron, stepped out under a light rainfall as he addressed the world media. Much like his monarch, the Prime Minister would focus on the importance of unity, resolve and a very strong international response.

"My fellow citizens," he began. "And to all who share this planet with its wondrous Pokemon, today a terrible loss is mourned. The senseless and barbaric attacks on British Airways flights leaving from Heathrow Airport, orchestrated by Team Rocket, have taken innocent lives and inflicted pain upon families across the globe. Deepest sympathies go out to every person affected by this tragedy."

…

On Cinnabar Island, the gym leader Blaine raised both an American and British flag out of respect to the two countries. The gym leader who lost his firefighter brother in New York on September 11th, 2001, vowed to remain strong in the fight against Team Rocket.

…

"These cowardly acts serve as a stark reminder of the threats faced," continued the Prime Minister. "Team Rocket's willingness to exploit Pokemon for such heinous purposes underscores the need for vigilance and a resolute commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. Those responsible for these attacks will be pursued relentlessly. Every resource will be used – intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and close cooperation with international partners – to bring them to justice."

…

In Dark City, the rival gym leaders Yaz and Kaz were preparing for a possible strike on Team Rocket locations in their region with Scyther sharpening his sicles and Electabuzz charging up his electric powers.

…

The United Kingdom will not be intimidated," reassured the British Prime Minister. "Those who seek to divide with hatred will not succeed. The United Kingdom will stand together, united in its resolve to defend its way of life and the values that define it: tolerance, respect, and freedom."

…

On the Navel Islands, the gym leader Danny was on the phone to see if he could get extra security at his gym, becoming of the first gym leaders to personally request security presence.

…

"The United Kingdom will work closely with its allies in the United States, Canada, and across the globe to strengthen air security measures and counter-terrorism strategies. This includes developing new protocols for handling Pokemon in transit and ensuring the highest levels of safety for all travelers," explained the British Prime Minister. "This attack comes at a time when London was hosting the Olympic Games, a symbol of unity and global camaraderie. Even during moments of celebration, vigilance must be maintained. However, the spirit of the Games will not be extinguished. The power of sport and the enduring bonds that connect as a global community will continue to be celebrated."

…

Back in another part of the Orange Islands, the Supreme Gym Leader, Drake, may have had his upcoming tournament cancelled, but he was in the process of developing a new tournament to support the families of those affected.

…

"This is a struggle not against a religion or a people, but against a warped and dangerous ideology. The United Kingdom will work with our allies, the Pokemon World's leaders, researchers, and every responsible citizen to safeguard these remarkable creatures and ensure they are never again exploited for malicious purposes. The United Kingdom along with the rest of the commonwealth, remains steadfast in its commitment to a secure and peaceful future for both humans and Pokemon alike. This challenge will be overcome, as challenges have been overcome in the past. The United Kingdom will emerge stronger and more united, with a renewed dedication to building a better world for all. God Save the Queen!"

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Chapter 21

"A Broken Maple Leaf"

The last speech of the night would come from Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada and while it probably might not be as impacted as Obama's speech or the Queen's and Prime Minister's speech, Prime Minister Stephen Harper was expected to show defiance and determination to the people of Canada. Flanked by two Canadian flags, one with the Maple Leaf and one with the Union Jack as a commitment to the Queen, he took a deep breath and addressed his people.

"Fellow Canadians and friends around the world," he began. "Today, our hearts are heavy with grief. Last night an act of senseless barbarism took place, a horrific attack by Team Rocket on innocent travelers aboard British Airways flights, with three of the targeted flight destined for Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. Canadians, Americans, and citizens from around the globe have tragically lost their lives. To the families of the victims, Canada extends its deepest condolences. You are not alone in your sorrow."

…

In Ascorbia Island, Captain Aidan was in the process of training his squadron of Wartotle on their ice attacks to be used in the event of an attack.

…

"The attack was an assault on individuals and the values of a free and democratic society. Team Rocket's actions, using Pokemon as weapons, are a perversion of the spirit of companionship and wonder these creatures represent, and will not be tolerated," explained Prime Minister Harper.

…

In it's circus winter quarters, the circus run by it's ringmaster and owner, Stella, was meeting with it's security detail to protect both the show and the attendees who come to it.

"Canada's resolve to combat terrorism, both at home and abroad, has been strengthened," elaborated Prime Minister Harper. "Make no mistake that those responsible will be pursued relentlessly. Canadian security agencies, in cooperation with allies, will track them down, bring them to justice, and dismantle their networks. In 2012, Canada released its first Counter-terrorism Strategy, "Building Resilience Against Terrorism," or BART, which guided efforts to prevent, detect, deny, and respond to terrorist threats."

…

Back on Seafoam Island, the creator of the Pokedex, Professor Westwood V, was also receiving a phone call from Stark Enterprises to consult on the creation of a new security system.

…

"The safety and security of Canadians remain the top priority. Air travel security measures will be reviewed and enhanced in collaboration with international partners to prevent such attacks from ever happening again. New protocols and technologies to safeguard air travelers, especially regarding Pokemon transportation, will be explored and implemented. In 2014, amendments were made to the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations to strengthen airport and non-passenger screening programs."

As the prime minister spoke, all Canadian Pokemon Trainers and their Pokemon could only hope for the best in the aftermath of Operation Phoenix Rising.

"The international community is united in condemning these attacks. Canada will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its allies in the fight against terrorism, a fight that transcends borders and ideologies. Canada will continue to champion the cause of peace, freedom, and the rule of law. Canada's Counter-terrorism Strategy emphasizes international cooperation and information sharing with domestic and international partners."

As he finished his speech, Prime Minister Harper had one more set of parting words to the people of Canada.

"Canada will not be intimidated by those who seek to spread fear and division. This country will continue to be a beacon of hope and opportunity. Canadians will emerge from this tragedy stronger, more united, and more resolute in its commitment to building a better, safer world for all. May the memory of those lost be a blessing, and may God keep Canada, the True North, strong and free."

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 22

"Pallet Town Press Conference"

"I think everything that was said by the American, British and Canadian Governments was all true and to the point," I said to Hue. "Team Rocket are nothing more than terrorists and rather than using a gun or a knife as a weapon, they would rather use Pokemon."

"Indeed," remarked Hue. "I actually did the BBC Special Report on the Queen and Prime Minister's reactions to Operation Phoenix Rising."

"Pika."

"Now, if I seem to recall, you yourself made statements related to the attacks."

Of course, I knew that Hue was going to bring this up eventually. Making a statement to the Pokemon was necessary, but difficult.

"I did, two days after the attack."

…

And so, I began to think back to August 14th, 2012, nearly 48 hours since the events of Operation Phoenix Rising. Professor Oak, myself and Gary were asked to speak to the Pokemon World press and other members of the press regarding how we reacted to the news. Sure Gary and I were both champions and Professor Oak was our mentor and Gary's grandfather, but we were also human and had human feelings. Terrorism should not be allowed, especially in the Pokemon World.

Standing in front of Professor Oak's lab, Gary and I watched as Professor Oak stepped up to the podium to address the crowd of reporters gathered. It was evident that what Professor Oak said would be empathizing the importance of the sanctity of the bond humans and Pokemon have for one another as well as the importance of scientific understanding.

"Good morning," he began, wiping away a small tear from his eye. "Let me be very clear and to the point, that this is a dark period for our world. The misuse of Pokemon in such a destructive way as demonstrated on Sunday Night is a profound betrayal of the trust and bond shared with these magnificent creatures. Pokemon, from the smallest to the largest, are never meant to be weapons to be wielded in anger or hatred to harm others. They are companions, partners, and wonders of nature. Research has always been dedicated to understanding and fostering the connection between humans and Pokemon, and it is clearer now more than ever how vital that work is. The events that took place over Iowa, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, Kennesbunkport, Maine, Andover, New Hampshire and the Northern Atlantic Ocean demands that efforts are redoubled to ensure Pokemon are protected, cherished, and never again used for such destructive purposes. It is important to remember that the vast majority of trainers and Pokemon share a bond of love and respect. And as we gather for memorial services to honor the 4,000 people and Pokemon who were slaughtered, we must remember that is the spirit that must endure and triumph. Thank you."

…

Once Professor Oak stepped down from the podium, it was my turn to go up and address the press. With Pikachu on my shoulder, I took a deep breath and began to speak, drawing on the importance of my personal connection to Pokemon and my unwavering belief in their overall potential for good, no matter what type they may be.

"Good morning," I began. "Let me start off by saying that what happened on Sunday Night is just terrible. To think that Pokemon, who are supposed to be friends and partners, were used in such a horrifying way to blow up 12 transatlantic flights and kill up to 4,000 people and Pokemon… it makes me sick to my stomach. In our world, battles with Team Rocket as I have personally experienced, happened countless times, but this is a new low. Let me make it clear that Pokemon are meant to be loved, cared for, and battled with fairly, not used to hurt people and their Pokemon. As a Pokemon Master and as a human being, my heart and my Pikachu's heart goes out to the victims and their families. I can assure you that everything will be done to help stop Team Rocket, and ensure that Pokemon are never again used to spread fear and destruction. Pikachu and I, and all my Pokemon, stand with you. Thank you."

…

Last but not least was my rival, Gary Oak. Like Pikachu, his Eevee rested on his shoulder as a symbol of the bond humans and Pokemon share with one another. As a formidable and respected Pokemon league champion like myself, he would largely focus on justice for the victims and the protection of innocent Pokemon and human lives.

"As Ash and my grandfather have stated," he began. "The attacks attributed to Team Rocket targeting and destroying transatlantic flights during the Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony are nothing short of an outrage, a complete and utter outrage. As Champion, I am committed to upholding the peace and safety of every Pokemon region and the entire Pokemon world. The reckless disregard for life shown by Team Rocket is an affront to every trainer, every Pokemon, and every citizen. I also echo Ash Ketchum when he says that they will be held accountable. As a Pokemon trainer, I trust that full cooperation with international efforts will be given to track down and neutralize this threat. Fear must not be allowed to paralyze. Instead, strength must be drawn from the bonds shared with Pokemon and work together to ensure that such a tragedy never repeats itself ever again."

As we took questions with the Pokemon and the world press, we didn't know that at the same time during our press conference, a video had been circulating the internet and landed on YouTube. It was a video from the puppet master, the prince of darkness, the master of evil, Dr. Giovanni Sakami himself. In a background similar to that of President Obama, he would make his own statement using veiled threats, self-aggrandizement, and a distorted justification of his actions, rather than apologizing or admitting guilt. All he wanted was power and control and that was exactly what he preached in the video.

"Citizens of this deluded world," he began, sitting in an undisclosed location stroking the head of his Persian. You have witnessed the true power of Team Rocket. The events you call a 'tragedy' are but a necessary step towards a future where true power reigns supreme. You cling to your sentimental notions of human-Pokemon partnerships, foolishly believing that these creatures are meant for trivial pursuits and innocent games."

As people watched the YouTube video, some grew angry and bitter at every word that was coming out of Giovanni's mouth.

"Team Rocket's vision is a world where the mightiest prevail, where the untapped potential of Pokemon is finally harnessed for its rightful purpose: to forge a new order, not to be bound by the whims of the weak. The events of 'Operation Phoenix Rising' are merely a taste of what lies ahead for those who stand in the way of progress."

And to further illustrate this, he showed pictures of high profile buildings in the United States burning and exploding with Pokemon destroying them.

"Do not mistake this for senseless violence," he warned. "Every action taken by Team Rocket is a calculated step towards fulfilling our ultimate goal: to bring the world under our control, where strength dictates destiny. Those who resist will be swept aside by the unstoppable force that is Team Rocket."

Meanwhile, back in the Viridian City jail, Jessie, James and Meowth were watching their former boss make his crazy speech on a laptop computer used by one of the police officers. Jessie seethed with fury as Giovanni spoke.

"Let this be a warning to all who oppose Team Rocket. Team Rocket is a force to be reckoned with, and it will not hesitate to use any means necessary to achieve its objectives. The world as it is known is coming to an end. A new era, an era of Team Rocket, is about to begin."

And as the message ended, Jessie leaned forward against the bars and cried out in a loud and anguished voice:

"YOU LYING AND MURDERING BASTARD! I HOPE YOU ROT IN HELL ONE DAY! I SWEAR IT!"

And she had a reason to be angry, she, James and Meowth were lied to. Every Pokemon that they were sent to capture were to be used to potentially kill people instead of being sold like they were taught to. If there was one thing that the bars of their holding cell had was that they were restraining Jessie, which was probably a good thing.

But either way, the emotion was raw and it would continue to be raw as the Pokemon World would come together to mourn for the trainers and Pokemon lost in Operation Phoenix Rising.

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Chapter 23

"Widespread Damnation"

The fact that Giovanni had the nerve to come out and publicly congratulate himself on carrying out the deaths of 4,000 people caused widespread anger to Pokemon trainers and non-Pokemon trainers around the world. In cities around the world from New York to London to Dubai and Tokyo, the condemnation was palpable.

"Dr. Sakami is a monster!" cried one New York based trainer. "People like him shouldn't even be alive!"

"I hope he gets what's coming to him," said another trainer, based in London speaking to a BBC reporter. "I hope they all do!"

"This murdering bastard uses innocent creatures to kill for his own amusement," said yet another London based trainer. "Well, we'll see how he likes it when the law comes for him and his hellish organization!"

…

Yes, there are plenty of trainers who share the same view about Giovanni as a cold blooded murderer. In fact, there's an old saying to not "poke the bear" and that's what Giovanni did, he poked a very big bear.

"Murdering bastard!" remarked Prince Philip, the morning after his wife's address as they ate breakfast at Balmoral. "Goes on to say that his actions were justified. In a way, it…it reminds me of him."

Queen Elizabeth II who was drinking her morning cup of tea, raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

"Of who?" she asked.

"You know…him. The one your uncrowned poor excuse of a king uncle admired."

It was obvious to Elizabeth that Philip was referencing Hitler. Then again, people were looking for someone to compare Giovanni to.

"Yes, I know whom you are talking about, Philip," sighed the Queen. "My uncle did admire him and I can understand why even many years after he died has this family renounced him. Dr. Sakami is like Hitler, to a degree."

"How?" wondered Philip. "That Pokemon are like all the Jews he tried to exterminate when your father was king? That's what I think of. Pokemon are no different than any living creature on this earth and for them to be brainwashed to kill people on the most important night in our country's history is just…infuriating."

The Queen took note of her husband's rage and in a way he was right, Giovanni was our world's version of Hitler who had warped views and viewed Pokemon as something other than everyday living creatures.

At that moment, a butler walked into the dining room and bowed to them.

"The Pokemon Ambassador of the United Kingdom requests an audience with you, ma'am," he said. "It's regarding the release of the names of those on board the flights."

"Isn't that the job of British Airways?" she asked.

"No, it's about the names of the Pokemon trainers on the flights," answered the butler. After a moment of thought, Elizabeth agreed to see the ambassador.

"Very well," she said. "Show him in."

As Elizabeth got up to meet the ambassador, Philip continued to scowl at the newspaper showing Giovanni's face with the headline saying that he had justified his actions on YouTube for all the world to see.

"Your mother was right, Lillibet," he muttered to himself. "Your abdicating uncle was a monster…just like Giovanni."

…

Downstairs in one of the Queen's offices, the Pokemon ambassador to the United Kingdom explained what was happening.

"And so you see, your majesty," he said, pacing back and forth in front of the Queen. "We must provide families in the Pokemon regions some sense of closure to their deceased. British Airways asked me to come ask you, if you get the idea."

"Well, I get the sensitivity on British Airways' part," she said. "But you're right, the world does need to know what nationalities were on the planes. Clearly, it's not just citizens from Britain, America and Canada who were affected. It was from other nationalities."

"Your highness," continued the Ambassador. "Every Pokemon ambassador in Europe and North America has been in constant contact with British Airways to release the nationalities of all on board the flights. We obviously can't keep the families of the victims in suspense."

At that moment, one of the Queen's corgis came into the office, staring up at her and the ambassador. Seeing the corgi gave the queen another idea.

"What about the names of the Pokemon as well?" she suggested. "After all, they were victims of these attacks, too."

"Yes, every ambassador should have mentioned to include the names of the Pokemon killed as well," remarked the Pokemon Ambassador to Britain. "Many of my fellow ambassadors were hesitant, but I think releasing the names of the Pokemon along with their trainers will send a message to Team Rocket of the horrors of their actions. To them, Pokemon don't have a name, they are nothing but weapons."

As she bent down to pet her corgi, she then realized her royal duties for the day involved meeting the families of the victims at Heathrow Airport.

"Of course, someone needs to be with them in this time of crisis," she said. "Some families haven't even left Heathrow since news broke and if for a moment, at least I can provide some comfort. Yes, you can tell British Airways to include the names of the Pokemon along with their trainers. That should send a strong enough message to those barbarians of what they had done."

Then, the ambassador had another thought.

"Ma'am," he said. "Would it be possible if I accompany you and the Duke of Edinburgh to Heathrow today? If families are still waiting for answers, then perhaps I can at least give them some answers and some comfort on behalf of all the Pokemon regions."

"Yes, of course, Mr. Ambassador."

…

Meanwhile, as the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh prepared to head down to Heathrow Airport to meet with families. The second day after the attacks was upon us as the United Nations prepared to invoke Chapter VII of the UN Charter as well as discuss possible sanctions against countries that support Team Rocket and their actions.

President Obama was also on his way to Dulles Airport outside of Washington to meet with the families of those aboard BA293. Alas, this was another part of his job that he didn't like and that was being consoler in chief and not commander in chief. Some of the trainers lived in the Washington, D.C. area and seeing their most famous resident and neighbor brought a sense of comfort to them, only for a moment.

But at the same time, the message was becoming very much apparent that the time for unity was now. Pokemon Trainers and the Pokemon that stood by them needed support in this time of crisis. Giovanni's words were just that…words that no one would even choose to remember.

However, the comparison of Giovanni to someone like Hitler was strongly apparent. In fact, there were even reports from other Pokemon regions that several trainers photoshopped pictures of Giovanni and put him next to Hitler. One photoshopped picture had the words "brothers in arms."

Even in Pallet Town, one resident put on his white picket fence a photoshopped picture of Giovanni with Hitler that caused some anxiety among the residents.

"To make others go as far as to compare Giovanni to Hitler," sighed Misty as she looked out my window while she rubbed her Togepi's head. "It makes me sick to my stomach, but it's true. Giovanni and anyone at Team Rocket who is loyal to him are just monsters."

Then, I began to get a thought that passed through my head regarding a few people we knew who were affiliated with Team Rocket.

"What about Jessie and James?" I asked, rising to my feet from sitting on the sofa. "I know they were part of Team Rocket, but they wouldn't go as far as to kill anyone, let alone 4,000 people and Pokemon."

Sure enough, no sooner did I make those words come out of my mouth did the BBC come back on.

"We are getting reports that two Team Rocket agents and their Meowth who apparently can speak clear English," said the reporter. "Have reportedly surrendered to authorities in Viridian City in Japan and are fully cooperating with the investigation."

The reporter said their names, but I didn't need to hear them. In fact, I saw Pikachu starting to shake a little bit and who could blame him after what happened the last time Team Rocket attempted something like this? He was still dealing with the trauma of that time and the events of Operation Phoenix Rising didn't make things any better for him or for any of us. Yes, I still remember where I was when I learned that Pikachu had been found on a British Airways flight to Boston after being stolen from me. Sure, I don't have time to tell that story now, but I will another time.

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Chapter 24

"How We Questioned Our Loyalty"

When Jessie, James and Meowth were brought into the interrogation room for the second day of their questioning, all three of them had a sense of betrayal deep in their faces, a sense that they had been lied to after so many of devout loyalty to Team Rocket. In fact, the events of the year before were still fresh in their minds.

"So, let me get this straight," asked Jack, tapping a pencil on the table by it's eraser. "You say that your involvement with the foiled transatlantic aircraft plot Team Rocket attempted last year is what made you surrender to the law now? Why didn't you surrender then, given your respective criminal histories?"

"Because back then, the plot wasn't carried out," replied Meowth. "I mean…last year, we had done the impossible. We captured Pikachu and turned it over to Domino, who was going to take it to a cell of ours in Boston. Then, when we heard that Pikachu escaped and was rescued, we…we began to question our own loyalty to Team Rocket."

"I see," murmured Jack. "Although, I also seem to recall you were going to carry out an attack on British Airways transatlantic flights using gas type Pokemon. This was a plot you wanted no part of."

"Yes, but that was because there were going to be innocent people on the planes," answered Jessie. "If it was full of Pokemon trainers, it would be different. Had we taken part in that plot, we would have not just stolen Pokemon, but we would have killed people with the poison gas that would be released."

Taking a sip of water from the cups that were given to them, Jessie, James and Meowth all looked back on that foiled plot and regretted every single moment of it.

"And why didn't you speak up?" asked ADA Borgia.

"Because to speak up would have meant insubordination," answered James. "You gotta understand that joining Team Rocket was more than just joining an organization, it was a job, a job where you earn money for every Pokemon you steal and bring in."

"That was after we brought Pikachu over to England," said Meowth. "We tranquilized it from the twerp's house and placed it in a Pokeball to bring over to England. At first we were confused, why were we going to England and not to Viridian City where Giovanni is when it was he who wanted Pikachu most of all? Something didn't seem right and it was right after we landed in London did the truth come out."

"And yet then, you still didn't give up because of the fear of insubordination?" remarked Jack. "If you don't mind my asking, what was the punishment for insubordination?"

"The same whenever we failed to bring a Pokemon to Giovanni," explained Jessie. "Agents who were insubordinate were beaten, tortured, threatened with death, threatened with physical harm to any family or friends we had."

Just then, Meowth leaned in and whispered into Mr. Putney's ear to which he later revealed to Jack and ADA Borgia.

"Meowth also wishes to clarify that there were threats made against him personally if Team Rocket refused to comply with the gas Pokemon plot," he said, catching Jack and his assistant's interest.

"So, you did in fact try to speak up against taking part in the foiled plot?" asked ADA Borgia.

"Yes," said James. "It was right after we were told that we were going to gas planes filled with passengers and steal any Pokeballs from any trainers that were on board. We knew the dangers of insubordination, but it didn't hurt to at least speak up. Giovanni refused, of course and he…"

James couldn't bear to finish the sentence, so Jessie did.

"He threatened to have Meowth stripped of his ability to talk like us and then have him put to death."

Meowth looked down in complete shame of himself and fear of what could have happened to him, had they been insubordinate.

"And…that is why you went into hiding for all these months?" asked Jack. "Because of the shame of your actions in the foiled plot?"

"A plot we wanted no part of whatsoever!" cried James in a pained, yet passionate voice. "Our job at Team Rocket from Day 1 was to steal and exploit Pokemon, not use Pokemon to kill and maim innocent people like what happened Sunday night at the conclusion of the games! In fact, we never again tried to go after the twerp's Pikachu ever again after what happened last year because we were so ashamed!"

"And this is why you wish to claim responsibility for all your actions now?" asked Jack.

"Yes," answered Jessie in a hushed voice. "That's why. We deserted Team Rocket and now are answering for what we did in exchange for mercy and the chance to be imprisoned together."

The fact that Jessie, James and Meowth would desert Team Rocket for over a year was still a major surprise for the prosecutors and even their appointed attorney. The fact they still wore their Team Rocker uniforms after deserting showcased the inner conflict they had. But they had chosen their destiny and are now atoning for all the actions they did while following that destiny.

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Chapter 25

"From Stadium to Memorial"

In the nearly 48 hours since the events of Operation Phoenix Rising, the Indigo Plateau where the Pokemon Competitions were held each year, instead became more than a venue. But a place where Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon would come to lay flowers and mementos in honor of their loved ones. Eventually, we would make our way to the Plateau for the national prayer service, but the only trainers that were there were past competitors at the Indigo Plateau, including Mandi, the first trainer I defeated when I entered the Pokemon League.

"Here at the Indigo Plateau," explained Anthony Mason, a reporter from CBS News as the camera captured the growing memorial behind him. "Trainers from all over the Pokemon community are flocking here to lay flowers, stuffed animals and pictures of those 900 Pokemon trainers who were killed in Sunday's attacks. Right beside me, I have the president of the Pokemon League Competition Committee, Mr. Charles Goodshow, who has been here all morning or rather since word broke out here early yesterday morning. Mr. Goodshow, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today."

"Oh, it's my pleasure, Anthony," he said, sitting next to the CBS reporter.. "It's such a sad time in the world of Pokemon right now and there's no other place I would rather be right now than right here at the stadium which has now become a shrine of remembrance. We mourn together as a community and as a world in the light of Sunday's attacks that killed 900 promising Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon."

"Mr. Goodshow, when you first heard about what happened in Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and the North Atlantic Ocean, what were your initial thoughts?"

"Well, Anthony," replied the old man. "My first reaction was that Team Rocket is public enemy number one in the eyes of the Pokemon world. They tried to shut down the competition several times in the past, first by stealing the flame of Moltres at the opening ceremonies and then by trying to rob all the competitors of their Pokemon. Looking back now, I see that Team Rocket only had one purpose in mind that year: to cancel and then steal all the Pokemon who would then be used to kill people…innocent people whether in the air, on land or on sea, many of whom are Pokemon trainers at heart or have a deep interest in these special creatures."

"Well, Mr. Goodshow, as we look behind us, you can see that the memorial has indeed been growing by the hour and that there are plans for a national day of prayer and remembrance for the Pokemon world. Could you give us a little insight into the memorial service to be held here at the Indigo Plateau stadium?"

Taking a deep breath, Mr. Goodshow gathered his thoughts and answered the question as the rain started to pick up a little bit.

"Well, I'll tell you," he said. "That the national memorial service here at the Indigo Plateau will be a time of prayer, unity and remembrance. We are planning to have the flame of Moltres burn as a symbol not of competition, but of the spirit of remembering the 900 trainers who were killed along with all the other passengers and crew on the British Airways flights. There will be songs of remembrance, readings and reflections and a symbolic release of Butterfree to represent the souls of the dead going to heaven. I will be hosting the ceremony and all the denominations of faith will be represented here."

"That is wonderful to hear that you will have religious ministers of all religions here at the Plateau to represent the faiths of the dead. Now, I do want to point out that in light of Sunday's attacks, have you discussed with the community the possibility of adding extra security not just here but all competitions."

"We are considering taking those measures into account," explained Mr. Goodshow. "Especially after the events of Team Rocket's interference because nothing is more important than the safety of all spectators, trainers and their Pokemon. Metal detectors, bag searches and security cameras throughout the stadium and the stadium grounds will be installed. You can be sure that Team Rocket will never again threaten a Pokemon league competition of any kind, just as the United States responded following the attacks of September 11th, 2001."

Then, Mr. Goodshow looked directly into the camera and addressed the viewing audience.

"All that I and the committee ask is that you be patient with us," he reminded. "As we all try to navigate this new reality that is sometimes violent, but I want to tell you all something that the great Fred Rogers used to say after tragedies like this, and that is to look for the helpers. Those who will be manning the security checkpoints are indeed going to be the helpers that Mr. Rogers brought up time after time. We are also seeing helpers come to pass in Iowa, in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, in New Hampshire and especially the hardest hit areas of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. In the darkest of times comes the light of humanity."

"All right, Charles Goodshow, thank you for taking the time to speak with us."

"It's my pleasure, Anthony. We appreciate your support."

…

Meanwhile, at the same time, the first list of passengers from the affected flights were released to the public in order of their departure time from London/Heathrow Terminal 5, which began with British Airways Flight 287 from London/Heathrow to San Francisco, CA:

85 British

50 American

25 French

20 German

20 Belgian

20 Dutch

15 Italian

15 Greek

10 Swiss

10 Russian

5 Indian

5 Japanese

4 Spanish

3 Canadian

3 Mexican

2 Israeli

2 Irish

1 Portuguese

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 26

"A National Day of Mourning"

The declaration from Charles Goodshow that the Pokemon world would be entering a new reality was not something that surprised me or my friends greatly. The fact that security was going to be a key focus not just at the airports but at venues like the Indigo Plateau was something we were just going to have to get used to. But, for now, all we could think of was when the day of national mourning would take place and it didn't take long for the news to come out.

"They're saying that this coming Thursday August 16th to Monday August 20th, 2012 will be a period of national mourning," Brock read off his cell phone as we decided to get some fresh air. "Services during these five days of mourning will be held in the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., the 9/11 memorial and museum in New York City and at Westminster Abbey in London. The Pokemon World will also hold memorial services at the Indigo Plateau, the Orange Islands stadium and in Pallet Town."

"Well, how do you think such a service would play out guys?" wondered Misty. "For one thing, there obviously must be something to honor the trainers and their Pokemon. What if there could be something like broken Pokeballs to signify the deceased Pokemon?"

"That could be an idea, Misty," I remarked. "There would also have to be pictures, flowers and mementos of those who began their journeys in Pallet Town and trust me, there's a lot of them."

Naturally, it was obvious just how important Pallet Town was to the Pokemon community. How could a small town in the Pokemon regions of Japan have such a major impact on the lives of those who were killed on Sunday Night? A small memorial service in Pallet Town would be a reminder to the rest of the world the importance of being a Pokemon trainer always having a beginning.

"There's something else," I wondered, looking up at the cloud filled sky.

"What else is there, Ash?" Misty asked.

"Pika."

"Butterfree," I whispered, suddenly turning my attention over to the Pallet Town lake. "There needs to be a point in the service where Butterfree are used to represent the souls of the dead. I mean, look out over the lake, guys. Can you see a flock of Butterfree flying towards the sky as if to say that the trainers are going to heaven?"

Yes, I'm pretty sure you were wondering if I was thinking about Butterfree, the first ever Pokemon I set free. I was, because it would be nice, even for one moment, if Butterfree could come back and participate in the service along with that Pink Butterfree he fell in love with.

"That would provide such an emotional punch to the service, Ash," remarked Brock. "It would be just like when you released Butterfree, but 10 times more powerful."

"But it needs to be done, guys," I said firmly. "There needs to be that symbolism of the souls of the dead going to heaven where no one, not even Team Rocket, could harm them or their Pokemon."

"I do remember something when I was growing up," said Misty as we suddenly saw what appeared to be a rainbow starting to form. "It was a story called 'The Rainbow Bridge.'"

"The Rainbow Bridge?" I asked, having never heard of this story until now.

"It's where pets and Pokemon go to await their masters or trainers," Misty explained. "I'm not gushy when it comes to the hereafter, but I bet the souls of all the Pokemon killed on Sunday are probably waiting for their trainers to come over the Rainbow Bridge. Perhaps, the Rainbow Bridge could play a key role in the service."

Whatever this rainbow bridge that Misty brought up could mean something, although it would still be a mystery, even after all is said and done. But one thing was for sure was that the only thing that lives when we die is our spirits. Our earthly bodies are nothing more than shells and it's our souls who belong to the hereafter.

"Professor Oak might like the idea of a rainbow bridge," suggested Brock. "The Oak Corral is a perfect spot to have a replica of the bridge for all to see and behold. Let's see what he thinks of it."

So, we all went to Professor Oak's lab to share our ideas for the service with him. The service in Pallet Town was going to be small, but powerful and nothing more.

…

At the same time, British Airways released the second manifest of the 200 passengers and crew from the second flight affected which was British Airways Flight 229 from London/Heathrow to Baltimore, MD:

80 American

50 British

25 German

20 French

10 Russian

5 Italian

5 Greek

3 Swiss

1 Spanish

1 Portuguese

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 27

"Interrogating Annie and Oakley"

Following their capture in Iran, the Team Rocket agents Annie and Oakley were bound and blindfolded both of them. When the blindfolds were removed, the two agents found themselves strapped down to a pair of gurneys and were surrounded by shadowy figures armed with guns.

"This is scary," whimpered Annie. "What is this place?"

"I don't know," added Oakley, maintaining her tough nature. "Whenever I get my hands out of these bonds…"

"You aren't going anywhere," replied a voice and both agents looked to see the Black Panther and CIA Agent Everett Ross walk into the room, causing Annie to tremble in fear. "You are now in the custody of the United States government and the Wakandan government."

"Who are you?" Oakley asked defiantly towards the Black Panther. "What do you want with us?"

Retracting his claws, the Black Panther removed his helmet revealing the head of Wakanda's King T'Challa underneath. Both agents gasped at the fact that they were now in the presence of a king.

"Much," answered T'Challa, putting his helmet down on a table. "Considering that Team Rocket in the past, had bombed Pokemon embassies in Wakanda."

"That was someone else who did that," protested Oakley, leaving T'Challa and Agent Ross unfazed. "Look, I don't know what you want with us, but let us go or else."

"Or else what?" remarked Everett. "You have precisely nothing to threaten us with and the reason why you are strapped to gurneys is to prevent any escape attempts. And don't even think about using your Pokemon, they are in protective custody."

Looking down, both agents realized that their Pokeballs were gone.

"We have intelligence," said Everett, walking between the two gurneys. "That you were harboring the bombers of Sunday's attacks. How long were they in your protective custody?"

"Why ask us?" asked Oakley. "Why don't you ask Giovanni if you can catch him?"

Insulted, Everett grabbed Oakley by the collar of her uniform.

"I'm asking you!" he said sternly. "You were providing a safe harbor not far from the former United States Embassy in Tehran where Giovanni is believed to be using the embassy as a base."

"What makes you believe that we were harboring Guy Fawkes and those crazy guys?" asked Annie defiantly, tears forming in her eyes.

"Because, my child," remarked T'Challa, walking beside Annie and towering over her from the right. "Guy Fawkes and his band of merry men needed to go somewhere other than Viridian City. Did Giovanni order you to provide housing to them?"

"Yes, but only for a week," Oakley replied. "No more."

"I find that hard to believe," remarked Everett as a guardsmen prepared to fill a syringe filled with a blue fluid. "Guido Fawkes had been told by Giovanni to carry out a test run on a British Airways flight from London to Houston, the day the Olympics began. So, he must have been there for more than a week."

Both agents watched as the syringes were administered with the blue fluid.

"We have ways of making suspects talk, you know," said Everett as the guardsmen prepared to give the two agents the intravenous drug. "This truth serum will make you remember exactly everything that transpired leading up to the bombings."

Panting, Oakley scowled the CIA director and King of Wakanda angrily, thinking that she couldn't be harmed in this manner.

"Why don't you go screw yourself, little man?"

Insulted, Everett slapped Oakley twice with the back of his hand.

"Shut up!" he hissed. "Do you realize what Team Rocket has done? Both of you? You committed the deadliest terror attack in world history surpassing September 11th, 2001. 4,000 people and Pokemon are dead and you are going to tell us everything, even if we have to do this for as long as it takes."

"Then, tell it to the dead," Oakley snapped, but T'Challa feeling unfazed by Oakley's hollow threats, walked over to her and placed his hand on her chest, between her breasts.

"That won't be necessary," T'Challa said. "The living are not done with you, yet, either of you."

Suddenly, Oakley felt something stick into her arm, causing her to wince in pain only to discover that the truth serum was being injected into her.

"Now, answer my question again," said Everett. "Did you or did you not, harbor Guido Fawkes and his fellow bombers in Tehran?"

"Yes," cried Annie.

"Annie!" cried Oakley, angered that she was being screwed over by her own partner. "Shut your mouth!"

"The serum will change your attitude," explained T'Challa. "I don't want to harm either of you, let my hate take over the same way it did when my father was murdered. This serum will be your savor when all is said and done."

"I'll tell everything," pleaded Annie, her eyes widening back and forth in fear. "Please, I hate needles! Don't hurt me!"

Gesturing, T'Challa stopped the guardsman from administrating the truth serum into Annie. As long as one of them was talking, that was all that mattered.

"Giovanni did task us to provide housing for them," she answered, her voice filled with fear. "A flat not far from the Tehran headquarters."

"The former United States Embassy?" asked Everett. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," cried Annie.

"What about Pokemon?"

"I don't know about any Pokemon," Annie cried. "I didn't see any in their possession except the ones they used in Operation Phoenix Rising. I swear, I'm telling you the truth!"

Without say another word, T'Challa walked out of the interrogation room and saw a man with a metal left arm standing in front of him.

"What happens now, your highness?" asked the man. "Do we conduct raids on the flat?"

"I trust you to do so at once, Mr. Barnes," answered T'Challa, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Knowing Team Rocket, they will keep Pokemon in any dangerous conditions. Good, go at once."

Having received his orders, Barnes left to carry out T'Challa's orders and investigate the proposed safehouse.

"The White Wolf strikes again," T'Challa thought to himself. "And he won't be alone."

Later, Barnes and a group of soldiers boarded a private supersonic jet at Dulles Airport with a destination of Tehran, Iran and the flat supposedly used by the plotters.

Meanwhile, the third flight manifest from British Airways was released, this time listing the 232 passengers and crew from British Airways Flight 69 from London/Heathrow to Philadelphia, PA:

75 American

50 British

30 French

30 German

15 Italian

15 Greek

10 Russian

8 Ukranian

…

…

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 28

"Drake's Charity Tournament Idea"

Ever since I defeated him on the Orange Islands, I've always had a tremendous amount of respect for the supreme gym leader, Drake and especially his Dragonite of which my Pokemon fought tooth and nail with to obtain that trophy. While like the rest of us that Drake would be entering this new reality that we were going into, he wanted to figure out a way to support the families of those affected. To this end, he gathered all the gym leaders of the Orange Islands, including Danny, who had become proactive and established security at his gym.

"Thanks for coming on such short notice guys," Drake said as they all gathered in the living room of his home. "I really appreciate it."

"Well, we just felt like we should just do something instead of sitting around and moping," suggested Rudy, one of the younger gym leaders. "We need to bring the Pokemon world together by any means necessary."

"My younger brother was talking to me this morning," said Cissy, the very first Orange Islands gym leader I battled. "He thinks that we should have a series of tournaments with the money earned to go towards supporting the families of the victims."

"For a kid whose only 10 years old," remarked Danny. "He's very wise beyond his years. But where would we hold it, Drake?"

It didn't take long for Drake to respond to Danny's questions.

"At our respective gyms, of course," he said, pacing back and forth in front of his fellow gym leaders. "One thing that makes our league different from any other Pokemon league is that we incorporate different ways of battling. Cissy, you hold water gun tests and ice races; Danny, your speciality is toboggan racing, Rudy you specialize in target testing and Luana, your speciality is Double battles. I mean, what other Pokemon league holds something like this?"

"Certainly no one," remarked Cissy. "But, I agree on the fact that what you are proposing Drake is sure to bring the Pokemon world together and rather than just having the trainers compete the traditional way, the winners at our respective gyms automatically get put in the hall of fame."

The rest of the gym leaders agreed to this idea, much to Drake's delight.

"There is something else I would recommend," added Danny. "I propose we install security measures like the ones they have at the airports. The last thing we want is an attack or interference on our watch."

"I agree with Danny," said Rudy. "We want everyone who attends this proposed tournament of Drake's to be as safe as possible."

"But," interjected Luana. "Would the security measures keep trainers away? We don't want to scare anyone, but this is a new reality for the Pokemon World and should have been done long ago."

Drake pondered the suggestion and knew that Luana was right, especially since Team Rocket's previous attempt to target transatlantic flights was foiled the year prior.

"It's important to remember, guys," he cautioned. "That the security measures are meant to protect, not to scare. However, I propose that we have volunteers and sensory friendly Pokemon to help with anyone attending who are feeling nervous."

"So, you are saying, Drake," remarked Danny. "That we are going to be inclusive?"

"That is the whole point," said Drake. "People and Pokemon alike need a distraction and this is going to be the one who serves as that distraction. We, as a community, need to show Team Rocket that they have failed to break our spirits and this tournament to benefit the victims will plaster it right on their faces. What do you say, guys?"

The gym leaders commended Drake's idea and preparations were soon made for the first of many charitable Pokemon tournaments benefiting the victims of Operation Phoenix Rising.

…

As Drake was sharing his idea with the Orange Island gym leaders, British Airways released the manifest for the fourth targeted flight carrying 320 passengers and crew, British Airways Flight 175 from London/Heathrow to New York/JFK:

75 British

75 American

60 French

60 German

30 Dutch

5 Russian

5 Spanish

2 Swiss

3 Italian

3 Greek

1 Indian

1 Croatian

…

…

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 29

"Infiltrating the House of Plotters"

In the two days since Operation Phoenix Rising was carried out, groundstops at US and UK Airports were lifted and operations were slowly getting back to a sense of normality. However, the fear and anxiety of Operation Phoenix Rising was still high, with many Pokemon trainers opting to cancel airline tickets, thus forfeiting their chance to compete in many Pokemon tournaments worldwide.

As a result, many tournaments were cancelled due to low participation rates and to Team Rocket, this was a sign of victory for them. In fact, one of the reporters covering the story from Rhyme City, Lucy Stevens, had actually travelled to Haneda Airport to report on the balking of Pokemon trainers.

"Ever since Sunday night's attacks on 12 British Airways flights," she said. "The lines here at Haneda Airport are becoming more and more normal. The only difference is that not very many of them are carrying Pokeballs containing Pokemon. Pokemon competitions around the world have been cancelled or postponed due to the events of Sunday because trainers are simply too scared to travel by air. I have with me a Pokemon trainer named Jason who was supposed to fly to a Pokemon competition in Sydney and decided to cancel. Jason, what made you decide to cancel flying to your Pokemon competition?"

"The safety of my Pokemon is of most importance right now," he replied. "There are going to be more tournaments in the future, but I can't risk that right now. If I could say one thing to Pokemon trainers worldwide is that whatever tournament, competition or league you are participating in over the next few weeks, tell them that your safety and the safety of your Pokemon is more important than any tournaments."

"Thank you, Jason," said Lucy. "There definitely is a sense of fear amongst the Pokemon community and much like the aftermath of September 11th, 2001, there will be a new normal for airport security measures for Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon around the world."

…

At Stark Enterprises in Los Angeles, Tony Stark was down in the armory tuning up one of his Iron Man armors for the long fight ahead. As leader of the Avengers, he was going to be leading the response against Team Rocket and he needed Iron Man to be ready.

"Tony?" he heard a voice belonging to Julia Carpenter, his company's Chief Operating Officer, turning to see her in casual work clothes. "How's the armor coming along?"

"Just needs a little tuning up before the big fight again, Jules," he replied, looking inside the armor's faceplate. "FRIDAY, is the armor satisfactory?"

"It is satisfactory sir," replied the Artificial Intelligence. "Will be performing similar checks on your other armors too."

Tony then stepped away from his armor and looked up at the reports coming out of Tokyo.

"Pokemon trainers are afraid to travel," Tony sighed. "If Team Rocket wanted to instill fear, they certainly succeeded. Any word from the other Avengers yet?"

"Bruce is on his way here and his little green friend is eager to make his appearance," said Julia. "Steve is coming in an hour, Natasha is God knows where and I managed to finally get in touch with Thor, the Guardians of the Galaxy are bringing him here as they speak. Everyone else? I don't know…"

"Well, they've got their own issues to sort out before coming here," Tony remarked. "Pete is in New York and doing "back to school" shopping of all things, Dr. Strange is giving interviews on the psychological effects of Pokemon trainers, even though it's not his forte and Clint is trying to get out of an archery tournament. Yeah, it's getting more and more difficult to get the gang back together."

Groaning, Tony rubbed his hands on his face at the every growing frustration of not having all the Avengers together. The more he waited, the more that those affected would not get the justice they deserved."

"Everybody's got their own issues," said Julia. "In fact, I'm trying to get some Pokemon experts for the new security machines we are manufacturing."

"Did you get someone?"

"A big one, Professor Sam Oak from Pallet Town."

Tony felt himself brightened that his COO managed to get one of the top Pokemon experts in the world involved on the project.

"Yes!" he cried, pumping his fist. "We got Professor Sam Oak as a consultant. This is huge."

"I've also managed to get in touch with Professor Westwood."

"Which one?" Tony asked. "The second, third, fourth or fifth?"

"The fifth," Julia answered, clearing her throat as Rhody walked into the armory with Bruce Banner behind him. "Ah, Rhodey, looks like Bruce showed up."

"Sorry that I'm late, you know how the LA traffic is," said Bruce. "Had to keep the Hulk from coming out I was so frustrated."

"Well," Tony joked. "If the Hulk came out, you would have gotten here sooner."

Everyone shared a small chuckle at Tony's joke.

"What about the others?"

"They'll be here, it's just taking a little bit of time. Besides, I've been getting my armor ready for the fight ahead."

And Tony showcased all the varieties of his Iron Man armor based on the elements. Each one was going to be a valuable asset in the fight ahead.

"Have we received any orders yet from anyone?" Bruce asked. "Fury? Obama? Who?"

"Eventually," sighed Rhodey. "I don't know about you guys, but I feel like kicking some Team Rocket butt right now."

"Sure you do, Jim," remarked Tony. "But, we don't strike until the gang is altogether, you know that. Besides, Steve's metal armed friend is paying a visit to Iran."

"For what?" asked Bruce.

"To visit a safehouse that the plotters were staying at before the attacks. They want to know if any evidence and Pokemon could be found there."

…

Later the next morning, Bucky and his group of fellow Avengers arrived in Tehran and disguising themselves as a Canadian news crew, drove into the heart of Tehran.

"This is it," he said as they pulled up in front of the house. "Remember, we are looking for any evidence and to clarify that the plotters stayed here. Ava, lead the way."

"Will do," she said and walking through the car doors, she floated towards the house and once she was inside, Bucky and the rest of his team got out, each of them splitting up and covering each entryway of the safehouse.

"Stand clear," Bucky told his teammates as he pointed his weapon and opened fire on the alarm system, destroying it and allowing them to get inside. "All right, let's go."

As Bucky and his team entered the house, they each went from room to room, checking to see if any evidence or Pokemon could be found. One of the members, an Avenger similar to Captain America, saw something in one of the rooms.

"Buck, in here!" he called as Bucky went over to him. "You gotta see this!"

Running over, Bucky joined his fellow Avenger and saw what appeared to be empty cages.

"What the hell?" Bucky whispered. "John, what do you think was happening here?"

Walking up to the cage, John bent down then looked down and saw a collar that belonged to a small sized Pokemon.

"What do you expect, Bucky?" sighed John. "Domesticated Pokemon being trained to kill people."

"There's something else in here," cried a female voice in a Russian accent as she stepped into a closet. "Buck, come take a look!"

"What is it, Yelena?" cried Bucky as the Russian woman came out with what appeared to be evolution stones, one fire, one electric and one water. "Where did they get these?"

"Probably stolen from somewhere," she sighed. "In any case, it is most likely evolution mountain in the Pokemon regions."

Bucky then developed a pretty sick hypothesis which I am sure was not a surprise.

"Were these stones going to be used at the same time?" he asked, turning to face Yelena who was holding the stones in her hand. "Turn the Eevee or whatever was in that cage into a monster capable of killing or carrying out an attack? Where is the Eevee?"

Trusting his instincts, Bucky ran downstairs and he suddenly began to pick a strange smell from the backyard of the safehouse. He noticed a fresh dug grave that was emulating a strange smelling sensation.

"All Thunderbolts assembled!" he shouted. "Code X!"

He knew that there was something in the grave and it was probably a murdered Pokemon, possibly the Eevee. Could it be that Team Rocket was planning to use a mutated Eevee for an attack somewhere? That was the question going through his mind.

…

Later as we arrived at Professor Oak's lab to share our ideas for the Pallet Town memorial service, the fifth manifest of victims from Operation Phoenix Rising was issued, this time listing the 320 passengers and crew from British Airways Flight 269 from London/Heathrow to Los Angeles, CA:

75 American

75 British

60 French

60 German

30 Russian

5 Italian

5 Greek

3 Spanish

3 Portuguese

1 Mexican

1 Dutch

1 Japanese

1 Malaysian

…

…

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 30

"Lapses in Security"

In her short, but notable career at the New York Times, Lois Lane had uncovered some of the most notable secrets hidden from the public view. However, in the days following Operation Phoenix Rising, she was doing her own investigation into how the plotters managed to get on board, despite a similar plot being foiled one year earlier. While playing paper basketball at her desk, her game was interrupted by her trusted colleague, Clark Kent.

"Does Perry know you are playing paper basketball on his time?" Clark asked, holding the crumpled piece of paper.

"It helps me think," replied the young reporter. "Why wouldn't those security measures be implemented for Pokemon trainers and the Pokemon? It doesn't make sense."

"You're obviously referring to the foiled plot in England, the one where Team Rocket was going to gas up four planes and blow up nine others? It's politics, Lois. It's politics."

"Of course, it's based on politics, Smallville," Lois remarked as she threw another crumpled piece of paper in the wastebasket. "I mean, ever since the 9/11 attacks, I felt like our country has gotten more and more divided. Believe me, if our government leaders had come together, then this wouldn't have happened."

"You should also remember that the planes all originated in England," advised Clark. "Not in the United States. And also if you remember that the British government felt that the security measures after the liquid bomb plot was enough. Guess, that's not the case."

Just then, Lois' phone rang and taking it out of her purse, she answered it.

"Yeah?" she asked.

"Ms. Lane," said a voice in a British Accent on the other line. "It's Pete Peterson at British Airways. I have something that might interest you deeply: security footage from Sunday afternoon that clearly showed the plotters."

"What about the videos?"

"The videos showed several security officials seemingly breaking protocol and merely just hand-wanding the plotters when they made the security system go off. If you like, I can send them to you."

"Please do, Pete," she answered firmly. "Hasn't Heathrow or British Airways done anything to check to see who was working that day?"

"It was the day of the closing ceremonies, Ms. Lane and it was very difficult for supervisors to really know who or what was working."

"That's no excuse, Pete," said Lois in a still firm voice. "I have every reason to believe that those were Team Rocket agents disguised as airport security personnel to allow the plotters easily through."

Suddenly, she turned to see that Clark was gone from her sight.

"Miss Lane?" asked Pete.

"Uh, yeah, I'm still here. Someone just left the room that I'm in right now."

…

But little did Lois know that at that moment, Superman was already flying over the Atlantic at hyperspeed and in 10 minutes time, he arrived at Heathrow Airport and found himself in the offices of airport security at Terminal 5. He looked down at a man sitting at his desk working on his computer, only to turn and become shocked when Superman stood before him.

"Who are you?" he gasped. "What do you want with me?"

"I'm surprised you don't know who I am," remarked Superman, folding his arms together. "I'm investigating the workforce you had in place on the day of Operation Phoenix Rising. Some of your workers that day weren't really workers, but Team Rocket agents."

The supervisor was taken aback by Superman's accusation, but felt the need to go with whatever flow he had to follow.

"Who did you have working between the hours of 1:00pm and 7:00pm?" asked Superman.

"If you are looking for a list of people working that day," he answered nervously. "I can reference you to human services. Let me just call them and…"

But as the supervisor attempted to reach for the phone, Superman had disappeared from view. The Man of Steel knew very well that security measures were not followed and was determined to find out who was really working for Team Rocket at Heathrow Airport and who wasn't, by any means necessary.

…

Meanwhile, the next passenger manifest was released containing the list of the 273 Passengers and Crew from British Airways Flight 297 from London/Heathrow to Chicago/O'Hare, IL:

80 American

50 British

30 German

20 French

20 Italian

20 Spanish

10 Portugese

10 Swiss

10 Greek

10 Russian

10 Indian

5 Egyptian

5 Kenyan

3 Dutch

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 31

"If You Built It, They Would Come"

Ever since he created the baseball field in his cornfield, Ray Kinsella had become an American celebrity. He cared deeply for his creation as well as the people around him. It seemed like nothing could shatter the tranquility of his farm.

That was, until 6:00pm on Sunday August 12th, 2012.

That night, like all Americans, Ray and his wife Annie were watching the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics along with his brother-in-law, Mark. At around the time the Olympic flame was extinguished, a sudden rumbling befell on the house.

"What in the hell?" Mark asked, standing up on his feet. "It's it an earthquake?"

"It can't be, Ray replied, who was just as confused as he was. "It sounds like something is coming down."

Fearing the worst, Ray opened the back door of his farm and no sooner did he open the door, did streaks of flaming light crash onto the cornfield, setting the corn on fire. More and more pieces of the mysterious object fell from the sky like rain and just as Ray stepped out outside, he saw a horrific sight: the sight of bodies landing in front of him.

First there was one body, then there was another body that landed on the center plate of his field of dreams. Then, another body landed on the roof of their home with a loud thud, rolled down and landed on the far left side of the house.

"Annie, call 911!" Ray cried as pieces of the aircraft, debris and bodies surrounded the house. Doing as she was told, Annie called the Dyersville Emergency services.

"Dyersville Emergency, what's your emergency?" asked the dispatcher.

"Hi, we heard a loud explosion and all of sudden," answered Annie, her voice trembling with fear. "Things are falling out of the sky. It might be a jetliner."

"A jetliner?"

"Yes, we need someone to come over and see if anyone's alive. Our cornfield is also on fire."

"All right, we'll send police and fire to your residence. Where are you located?"

"The field of dreams."

…

Meanwhile, Ray and Mark concentrated on keeping the fire in the cornfield from reaching the baseball field and the house by shooting off water from the garden hose. But as the dry summer heat continued, the corn began to pop which sounded like gunshots. At the same time, Mark looked up and saw an object falling straight towards them.

"Ray, look out!" shouted Mark as he pushed his brother-in-law out of the way and onto the ground. Ray and Mark stayed down for a few more minutes as the fire and police departments arrived on the scene, several firefighters releasing Blastoise and other Water type Pokemon to put out the flames. Getting back up, Ray walked over and saw what fell from the sky: a fox like Pokemon named Vulpix that was lying down completely on it's back. A few feet away was the body of a male individual, wearing nothing but a pair of underwear.

"Mark!" Ray called, gesturing him to come over. "This is a plane crash."

"Of course it is," replied Mark. "There's got to be survivors."

Grabbing a flashlight, Ray flashed the light of his flashlight and walked into the cornfield. Walking towards one of the baseball stands, they saw the bodies of more people and even several Pokemon, including a Nidoking which crashed through the , they spotted the body of another passenger holding what appeared to be a baby in her hands.

Looking out amongst his baseball field, Ray looked at the scores of passengers that laid out on the baseball field: dozens of Men, Women, Children and Pokemon all gathered together in one place. This was not what he had created, nor wanted in the first place.

"Hello! Is anybody out there?!" Ray shouted as he could smell the strong scent of jet fuel covering his cornfield. Suddenly, he tripped and fell to the ground and taking his flashlight, he saw a dead Oddish lying on it's back. Not wanting it to stay in the cornfield, Ray took the Oddish and darted out of the cornfield, realizing that there were likely no survivors.

"Ray!" cried Mark. "Did you…?"

Mark looked down and saw the dead Oddish, doing a sign of the cross out of respect.

"I don't think anyone is alive," Ray said sadly. "This Oddish…was all I could find."

Mark then had more words to Ray.

"The FBI is coming in from Minneapolis and Chicago," he said. "These were two planes blown out of the sky coming in from Europe."

"What?" Ray asked as Mark reached into his pockets and pulled out a pair of airline tickets: one for BA287 to SFO and BA269 to LAX. "Mark, are you sure about this?"

"Yes," he said. "They're saying it might be a terrorist act."

Still clutching the dead Oddish, Ray turned around and looked at the bodies strewn on the baseball field while crews worked to put out the fire.

"Where's Terrance Mann when you need him?" Ray whispered as his field of dreams now became a crime scene thanks to Team Rocket.

…

While the unfolding chaos of what happened in Drysdale continued, two days later, the next manifest was released, listing the 297 passengers and crew for British Airways Flight 293 from London/Heathrow to Washington/Dulles:

60 American

60 British

40 French

20 Spanish

20 Portuguese

20 German

15 Swiss

15 Russian

10 Italian

10 Greek

10 Danish

5 Mexican

5 Canadian

3 Swedish

2 Finnish

1 Australian

1 Israeli

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 32

"We Know What It Feels Like"

In New York City, the Pokemon community was much like the city itself, resilient in the face of adversity. Now two days after Operation Phoenix Rising, the Pokemon community of New York wanted to create a place to gather and reflect on the lives lost. Flowers were being left at the Pokemon Consulate General in Manhattan and a book of condolence was being written out.

At the 9/11 memorial and museum where the twin towers of the World Trade Center once stood, there were no items being left, but a candlelight vigil was held, the second one in a row since the bombings. Taking in the site of trainers and Pokemon at the memorial, a middle aged businessman observed what was happening, for he knew firsthand of what these trainers had gone through.

"What's going on here?" the man asked the teenage boy..

"It's a memorial," came the reply. "The Pokemon trainers have been coming here since Sunday night."

The man sighed and turned to the teenage boy.

"You know, I completely understand what they are going through. I used to work in the twin towers."

"Really?' the teenager asked.

"Yes," replied the man. "I was on the 81st floor when the second plane hit, blew me back against my office. I survived, but many didn't. Even now, I still process the guilt of not having to save anyone that day."

As they stood, more trainers and their Pokemon descended on the 9/11 memorial and museum holding candles almost as if they were pilgrims making their way through a forest chanting "Ave Maria" like that scene in that Disney film that was all nothing but music. New York was nothing like Pallet Town, but it was still a community nonetheless.

"These people on the planes had no idea what was coming," said the man. "Much like those on the hijacked planes that flew here, to Washington and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. One minute you are flying home after a big event like the Olympics and the next, you're heading to paradise prematurely."

The teenager then turned to the man and looked at him right in the eyes.

"What's your name?" the teen asked.

"I'm Stanley Praimnath. Yours?"

"Peter Parker."

Both man and boy shook hands at the sudden respect that developed between them for they understood the gravity of the situation that happened Sunday night. To Peter, he had an even deeper feeling for these trainers and their Pokemon.

"Have they ever taught you about what happened here?" asked Stanley. "In school, I mean?"

"Yeah," Peter replied. "Back when I was in Middle School."

Suddenly, Peter felt his hairs stand on end and he knew that he had to leave, but not before saying goodbye with Stanley.

"Listen, um, Stanley," he stammered, trying to hide his growing stimulation. "I gotta get going…my aunt's probably waiting for me."

"Of course, delighted to meet you," said Stanley as he watched Peter hastily walk away into the Manhattan jungle. Now alone, Stanley witnessed the sounds of "How Great Thou Art" being sung by candlelight and seeing all this to him, brought back memories of that dark day 11 years ago when the world was changed forever.

…

Elsewhere, a strange figure in a red and blue suit with spider markings hid in the shadows across the street of a very well famous restaurant known as the Russian Tea Room. Suddenly, he activated an x-ray vision and zeroed in on what was going on inside the restaurant, focusing on two men having a conversation. The figure then tapped into a microphone on his person and listened in to what was happening.

"Operation Phoenix Rising has been carried out," said the first man. "This is a great day for Team Rocket. I don't think I have seen Giovanni so happy in my life."

"Why else wouldn't he be?" asked the second man. "After all, we struck a blow against the English monarchy and one day, Giovanni will carry out that plan he wanted to carry out years ago."

"The one about releasing Pokemon into major American cities, killing people that they come across? That plot would have happened if those two bumbling fools and their Meowth didn't screw up at the Indigo Plateau. I mean, could you imagine what it would have been like to have Pikachu assassinate the American President with electricity?"

Shocked, the figure turned off the microphone and the x-ray vision and hastily left the scene.

"Wait until Mr. Stark hears about this," the figure said as he swung using webbing from his wrists. "Good thing he sent New York's friendly neighborhood Spider Man."

…

At the same time, the next manifest was released containing the list of the 301 passengers and crew aboard British Airways flight 99 from London/Heathrow to Toronto/Pearson, Canada:

120 Canadian

50 British

50 French

20 German

10 Dutch

10 Russian

10 Italian

10 Greek

5 Swiss

5 Spanish

5 Portuguese

3 American

3 Egyptian

3 Indonesian

1 Danish

1 Ukrainian

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 33

"The Dead Eevee"

Upon hearing their leaders' call for Code X, the rest of the Thunderbolts arrived in the backyard of the safehouse and immediately, John and another of the Thunderbolts, known as Sentry, began to dig up the shallow grave. It took a few minutes, but the grave was uncovered and the worst fears were confirmed…it was an Eevee and it was dead.

"Wow," gasped Yelena, who said a prayer in her native Russian.

"Poor thing," added Alexei, known as Red Guardian. "Probably buried here for no good reason."

But Bucky had every reason to believe that the Eevee was being used to create a monster using all three evolution stones. They came for evidence, but the one piece of evidence that would prove vital was right in front of them.

"Do we have a body bag?" Bucky asked, turning to face his crew, who didn't want to answer him right away, but John raised a hand. "Then get one. And…"

The rest of the Thunderbolts stopped to hear what Bucky had to say.

"Notify Valentina," he finished. "She's gonna want answers as well as Everett Ross."

Doing as they were told, the Thunderbolts gathered the Eevee and the evidence they collected and left for the United States as fast as they could.

…

Back in Washington, Everett Ross was in the middle of getting ready to question Annie and Oakley some more when his phone rang.

"Ross," he said, answering his cell phone. "What? What do you mean there was an Eevee buried in the backyard? Well, have it turned over to the medical examiner and see if it was stolen by Team Rocket. They're on their way now? Good. Keep me posted."

Hanging up his cell phone, Everett yanked the door to the interrogation room open and slowly stepped in towards Annie and Oakley, still strapped to their gurneys.

"Looks like your pals' dirty work has been uncovered," he said. "A dead Eevee was found in the backyard of the safehouse. Mr. Barnes and his team are bringing it back to the United States as evidence along with three evolution stones. Care to explain to me?"

"I told you that they shouldn't have killed it," whispered Annie, who was met with an eyeroll from Oakley.

"Silence!" demanded Ross, catching both of their attentions. "The only one who should be talking is me right now! The gunpowder 13 was planning something with that Eevee and you are going to tell me right now what that plan was."

"The Eevee…" gulped Annie. "I swear, we didn't mean for it to be killed. I didn't want to kill it."

"Shut up, Annie!" cried Oakley, defiantly. "Our orders were to use all three stones on the Eevee and use it in an attack."

Turning off the lights, Ross shined the headlights on the captured Team Rocket agents. In his mind, he was wondering what a mutated Eevee would have been used for. Could it have been used to be sold or something else?

"And what, pray tell, was that attack?" Everett asked, looking intently at them. "Were your friends planning to carry out an attack on people leaving the games? To have an innocent Eevee turned into a monster to harm groups of people? What was it?"

"What is that to you, dwarf?" mocked Oakley, only to be met with a slap across the face from the back of Everett's hand.

"Do not test me," he said quietly. "I know you Team Rocket scum and I know how you operate. To you, Pokemon are just weapons…killing machines…profit turners."

"So what if it was?" Oakley cried defiantly. "Pokemon only exist for the power and the glory of Team Rocket to one day rule the world!"

"Which world?" Ross asked, suddenly raising his voice as he spoke. "The Pokemon World OR THE ENTIRE WORLD?!"

Oakley said nothing as Annie whimpered, fearing what Everett would do to her.

"I thought so," Ross asked. "Well, sooner or later, everything is going to be revealed. Attacking 12 planes loaded with passengers was only the beginning, Giovanni wanted to use a mutated Eevee to create a monster with the capabilities of killing scores of people. Tell me, what were you going to use the Eevee for? Were you going to attack civilians leaving the Closing Ceremonies in London? Oh wait, you already did! Were you going to attack another airplane packed with passengers? That must be something your beloved Giovanni enjoys more than anything."

"Agent Ross!" called a voice as the door opened to reveal a female CIA agent with long black curly hair. This made Everett stand at attention. "What's going on here?"

"Director de Fontaine," he said. "These two Team Rocket agents are refusing to give information about that Eevee that was found in the safehouse in Tehran. We have every reason to believe that Team Rocket was planning a post August 12th attack using a mutated Eevee."

"I see," said the director. "And as of this moment, Mr. Barnes and the New Avengers or Thunderbolts, whoever they are, are bringing back the Eevee to the United States along with other evidence from the safehouse."

Just then, T'Challa, still wearing his Black Panther vibranium suit, came into the room followed by two Wakandan guards.

"What's going on?" Annie whimpered as the two guards began to release her and Oakley from the gurneys. "What are you doing?"

"You're being placed under arrest for being accomplices to the Operation Phoenix Rising bombers," explained T'Challa. "The American Government has asked me to put you under Wakandan guard because we have ways of making you talk."

As the handcuffs were put on the two girls, they were forced out of the room by the Wakandan guards with Oakley giving a defiant look towards her captors.

"I just got a report from our intelligence officers in the Middle East," explained Director de Fontaine, once Annie and Oakley were taken away.. "The Eevee was stolen from a trainer in the Pokemon Regions as were the evolution stones. According to the intelligence, they were planning to attack the Boston Marathon this spring with the mutated Eevee."

"Is it related to Operation Phoenix Rising?" asked Everett.

"Sort of," answered de Fontaine. "But, it's perhaps more about finishing what was started last year with Ash Ketchum's Pikachu being stolen and then rescued in Boston. Right now, the big question is whether or not this and Operation Phoenix Rising are related or it could have been a separate plot."

Just then, de Fontaine's phone rang and she answered it.

"Have they returned?" she asked. "All right, thanks."

"What's going on?" asked T'Challa.

"The Thunderbolts have returned with the Eevee and the evidence collected from the safehouse. They are taking the Eevee to Water Reed Medical Center for an autopsy to determine a cause of death."

"So, now what do we do?" asked Everett. "Do we move to Walter Reed?"

Although it may seem like a plot to attack the 2013 Boston Marathon using a mutated Eevee was not as vital to this story, it would be. For Team Rocket had a test run planned on another transatlantic flight that would determine whether or not a mutated Eevee was capable of killing.

…

Still, nevertheless, the manifests of those aboard the destroyed planes kept getting released and this time, the latest list contained the 289 passengers and crew on British Airways Flight 85 from London/Heathrow to Vancouver:

50 Canadian

50 British

25 American

20 French

20 German

15 Dutch

15 Swiss

15 Italian

15 Russian

15 Ukranian

10 Greek

10 Belgian

10 Finnish

5 Kenyan

5 Indian

3 Jordanian

1 Lebanese

1 Danish

1 Ukrainian

1 Spanish

1 Portuguese

1 Irish

1 South African

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 34

"Lieutenant Michael Surge's Decision"

"Now, Ash," said Hue, as our interview continued. "There is a story about one of the gym leaders you faced at the beginning of your journey who abandoned his Pokemon gym to join the US Military. Do you know about Lieutenant Michael Surge?"

"Of course I do," I replied. "Lieutenant Surge was the third gym leader I faced in order to get into the Pokemon League. He hands out the Thunder Badge to those who defeat him and his Raichu. Why do you bring him up?"

"Because there is a fascinating story about his decision to fight back against Team Rocket. Ash, did you ever learn that Lieutenant Surge was a decorated military veteran for the United States Marines?"

I gotta tell you that when Hue asked me this question, I was most definitely taken aback. How could I know that Lieutenant Surge, the third gym leader I ever faced, was a military veteran? I knew he was called Lieutenant because of his tough guy attitude, but not because he was a soldier.

"Well, there's a documentary about him coming out later this year," said Hue. "And in it, he discusses how Team Rocket's Operation Phoenix Rising inspired him to get back in the military."

…

As Hue spoke, I began to think back to just exactly what he was saying. I mean, how could I forget Lieutenant Surge? This was the gym leader in Vermillion City who called me and Pikachu babies, this was the gym leader whose Raichu put Pikachu in the Pokemon center and nearly made me use the Thunder Stone on him which would have made him into a Raichu…forever.

…

But as I would later discover in the documentary that would come later, Lieutenant Surge did have a strong commitment to the United States government. The morning after the Operation Phoenix Rising attacks, he made his way to the US Embassy in Tokyo with Raichu at his side. Getting out of the car, Lieutenant Surge was stopped by the embassy guards who demanded what his business was.

"I need to speak with the ambassador," he said, showing the guards his credentials. "I'm a former soldier with the United States Marines."

"The marines?" asked one of the guards. "But you were honorably discharged…"

"I'm aware of that," he said firmly. "I want to express interest in rejoining the marines."

Having said his peace, Lieutenant Surge was allowed into the embassy where Japanese citizens were applying for American Citizenship among others. His sudden presence made a few of the asylum seekers nervous, but he ignored them.

"Can I help you, sir?" asked the secretary.

"I need to speak with the ambassador," answered Lieutenant Surge, as the secretary looked down to see his Raichu looking slightly nervous. "I want to rejoin the US Marines."

"What is your name?"

"Surge, Lieutenant Michael Surge of the United States."

"Very well, I shall notify the Ambassador that you wish to speak with him," said the secretary. "Please, have a seat."

Gesturing him to sit with the others in the waiting room, Lieutenant Surge did as he was told. As he sat down though, a Japanese teenager took an enormous gulp at him.

"Lieutenant Surge?" he asked in a timid voice. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be running the…"

"The gym's closed, kid," Surge hastily interrupted. "I've got more important things to do than to just hand out Thunder badges. So, if you're looking to battle me in Vermillion City, you're gonna have to wait a while."

The teenager then looked down at Surge's Raichu as Lieutenant Surge scratched it's head. Looking at Raichu, the teenager could see that it was nervous, but trying to keep a brave face for its trainer.

At that moment, an American man in a dark suit came into the waiting room.

"Michael Surge, Lieutenant?" he asked as Surge stood up.

"Yes, it's me, Mr. Ambassador."

"Please come in."

Following the Ambassador, Lieutenant Surge tried to remain as steadfast as possible, knowing that he was about to go back into the firing line. For years, he devoted his life to the Vermillion City gym, but the events of Operation Phoenix Rising made him change his mind greatly.

…

Stepping into the office, the ambassador gestured to the Vermillion City gym leader to sit down at his desk.

"Lieutenant Michael Surge," he said in a Brooklyn accent. "What brings you here to the Embassy?"

"Mr. Ambassador," explained Surge. "After the 9/11 attacks, I joined the US Marines and fought in both Iraq and Afghanistan. After I was discharged, I became a Pokemon trainer in Vermillion City and now, with what happened last night, I want to rejoin the Marines, Mr. Ambassador."

Sitting back in his chair, the ambassador contemplated what he heard and looked at Lieutenant Surge as carefully as possible. After all, it wasn't every day that a former soldier came back to him begging to be reinstated.

"Well, Lieutenant," he remarked. "I can see that you are very passionate about serving your country. But, I can't help but wonder about something."

"What's that?" asked Lieutenant Surge as the ambassador looked down towards his Raichu. "Is it because of Raichu?"

"Well, it's my personal belief that as a Pokemon trainer who has served the United States in her armed forces, you also want to participate to protect your Raichu and the rest of the Pokemon world, is that true?"

"That's part of it, Mr. Ambassador," said Surge, speaking in a passionate voice. "And also, when I was a boy, Team Rocket had a cell in my hometown that tried to recruit me into joining them. I refused and they warned me that if I ever became a Pokemon trainer, I would be targeted for whatever reason whether its because I have Pokemon or because I am a trainer. To them, Pokemon are just objects to hurt and kill others. I may be a tough gym leader, but even I have standards and what happened last night further proved that."

…

Now, you might think that Lieutenant Surge is acting out of character here, but he wasn't. In the days and weeks following Operation Phoenix Rising, many American Pokemon trainers joined the US Military to fight against Team Rocket and other Pokemon crime groups. Lieutenant Surge was going to be one of them.

"Well, Lieutenant," said the Ambassador. "I'm certain you are not the first and you certainly won't be the last Pokemon trainer to come from the United States who wishes to serve his country to protect the people and Pokemon he loves. I shall get in contact with a recruiting officer here in Tokyo and you will have to undergo retraining at a location to be determined."

"Can it be San Diego?" Surge asked, rising from his seat. "That's where I used to live when I was a kid."

"I'll see what I can do," promised the ambassador, extending his hand out to Surge. "But for now, America is grateful for your re-entry into the service, Lieutenant Surge."

Shaking the ambassador's hand, Surge saluted him as he and Raichu prepared to depart the ambassador's office. Right away, Surge began to think of the Marines uniform he hadn't worn since his honorable discharge years ago.

He joined the Marines to battle in the War on Terror and now, Lieutenant Surge, with his Pokemon gym in Vermillion City temporarily closed, was going to go back into the fight. But the ambassador had one more question for him.

"But, Lieutenant Surge," he asked. "According to your records, you lived part of your life on Cape Cod and were stationed at Otis Air Force Base for a time after the terror attacks on September 11th. Did what happened in New Seabury influence your decision to rejoin?"

"Yes, Mr. Ambassador," he replied quietly and after saluting him again, departed the embassy filled with determination to ensure that his second home would be avenged by any means necessary.

…

At the same time, the manifest for the flight that came down on New Seabury, was released, listing the 315 passengers and crew onboard British Airways Flight 215 from London/Heathrow to Boston, MA:

75 Americans

75 British

25 French

25 German

20 Irish

20 Spanish

20 Portuguese

10 Italian

10 Greek

10 Russian

10 Swiss

5 Dutch

5 Finnish

1 Canadian

1 Danish

1 Swedish

1 Austrian

1 Norwegian

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 35

"Looking to a Higher Power"

Since the bombings, Ritchie and his Pokemon like most Pokemon trainers worldwide were greatly impacted in the sense that because of Operation Phoenix Rising, Team Rocket was successful in instilling fear in trainers like him. What's more was that he and Assuta, the trainer who defeated him in the Indigo Plateau finals, were starting to form a close bond with one another. For the moment, they weren't rivals, they were friends united by a national tragedy. Still, the guilt that they shared of not being there for their fellow trainers weighed on them mightily.

…

"Richie," called Assuta as he stepped into the lobby. "Where are you going?"

"There's a church a couple blocks over that I'm heading to," he replied. "I'm going over there to pray for a little while. Care to join me?"

"Oh, uh, of course," stammered Assuta.

"Unless, you were planning to do anything else…"

"No, no, I need to get out a little bit," she interrupted and joined Ritchie in leaving the Crowne Plaza St. James. Soon, they found themselves in front of a church where flowers and mementos dedicated to the Operation Phoenix Rising victims were placed in the Piazza. It was one of many memorials that were being put together and Westminster Cathedral was no exception. Stepping into the church, both Ritchie and Assuta could see that the church contained more Pokemon trainers than anything else and even some Pokemon were joining their trainers in prayer, which was quite a surprise.

"It doesn't hurt to at least pray together," Richie remarked as he released his three Pokemon from their Pokeballs: Sparky (Pikachu), Zippo (Charmander) and Happy (Butterfree).

At that moment, a clergyman came forward towards Ritchie and Asunta, gesturing them to come inside the church and join their fellow trainers.

"Please," he said. "Come and pray with us for the victims and their Pokemon."

Stepping forward, Ritchie, his Pokemon and Assunta sat in the three sets of pews from the front. There was no talking, no sounds, just silence in the magnificent cathedral that reflected the word of God.

But just then, the silence was broken.

"If anyone wishes to speak now in regards to the tragedy," said a clergyman. "Speak now or forever hold your peace."

Sighing, Ritchie got to his feet as his three Pokemon followed him to the altar. Bowing before the altar, Ritchie proceeded up the stairs to the podium and addressed the Pokemon trainers gathered.

"I'm going to keep this very brief," he said, performing a sign of the cross as Happy flew over his right shoulder. "Because I know you are all feeling the same way as me: our way of life as Pokemon trainers was shattered with the deaths of 4,000 people and 900 of those were fellow trainers and their Pokemon. I've…often asked myself why would someone as evil as Team Rocket would kill in an effort to obtain Pokemon? Isn't killing one of the ten commandments that many of us who grew up in the catholic, protestant and anglican faiths were taught? You may know me as a Pokemon trainer that got as far as the semi-finals at the Indigo Plateau, but I am also a Christian. I'm one of you, trying to make sense of what has happened. Sometimes, if we were to ask our lord and master why this had to happen, he would probably say to me…'Ritchie, this is the ultimate test of your faith. Not to say that any of us wanted to see 4,000 people murdered because we didn't. The disciples also didn't want Jesus to suffer, but he did, for all our sins."

The rest of the congregation looked up somewhat confusingly at Ritchie.

"And it is because of his ultimate sacrifice of dying on the cross," continued Ritchie. "Those who were killed were given the keys to the kingdom, a chance to live with Christ in his heavenly kingdom for all eternity. I've always said that God has a love and affection for all Pokemon and those who are saints like Francis of Assisi would say the same thing. Because that's what we are doing as Pokemon trainers, we are setting the example that Francis of Assisi set when it comes to taking care of all animals. We don't use our Pokemon to harm others, but to compete with decency and respect towards one another."

A hushed cry fell on the congregation as Ritchie spoke his words.

"Why do I bring this all up?" he asked. "Because I was one of the lucky ones who weren't on the planes that were destroyed. I was supposed to be on one of them, but I didn't. I sometimes wonder to myself, what if I had been on one of those planes? Would I have had to undergo the ultimate test? That I can't really say, but it makes us all think about one thing, was that this was a test that none of us were prepared for. Some of you may think that I'm lying, but…I'm telling the truth. The ultimate test of being a Pokemon trainer isn't catching Pokemon, fighting to win gym badges or win Pokemon leagues, it's about being there for one another in times of crises like this one. Thank you."

Stepping down from the podium and bowling before the altar, Ritchie took his place next to Asunta.

"I hope I wasn't too preachy," he whispered to her.

"I don't think you were at all," Assunta whispered back as they resumed praying with the rest of the congregation.

…

Meanwhile, Jeanette Fisher found herself in quiet reflection, not at a church, but at the September 11th national memorial. With Bellsprout at her side, she looked up to the sky while praying for the souls of those killed.

"Take a good look, Bellsprout," she said as she placed Bellsprout on her shoulder. "These are the names of people who were killed over ten years ago, I have a feeling that something like this will be built in the Pokemon world. We must never forget what happened on August 12th, the same way we never forget what happened on September 11th."

As Jeanette reflected, she could only imagine herself as one of the lucky trainers, not just because she changed her original flight at the last minute, but because she never got to experience what Team Rocket could have done with the Pokemon they stole from the Indigo Plateau that all the Pokemon stolen would be turned into cold blooded killers. She couldn't bear to see Bellsprout or any of her Pokemon be just like the explosive Pokemon that brought down a dozen airliners.

…

Still, she had her feelings that something needed to be done, something that was needed to honor those killed. From a distance, she could see Pokemon trainers in a candlelight vigil, singing and chanting hymns of remembrance.

"I wonder if Papa has any ideas on creating a memorial," Jeanette thought to herself and she left the 9/11 memorial, but not before leaving a Pokeball over one of the names of the 9/11 victims. Jeanette was a fierce competitor, but like Ritchie, she had a moral compass and was also a Christian.

There was going to be a memorial to those killed in Operation Phoenix Rising, but neither she nor any other trainers would figure out what…

…

Meanwhile, the next manifest was released listing the 233 passengers and crew aboard British Airways Flight 95 from London/Heathrow to Montreal/Trudeau, Canada:

50 Canadian

50 British

25 American

25 French

20 Swiss

20 Italian

20 German

10 Russian

10 Greek

3 Dutch

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 36

"Studying the First Black Box"

As Cape Cod, particularly New Seabury, continued to grapple with the events of Sunday Night, the black box and cockpit voice recorder from British Airways Flight 215 was driven back to the FBI office in Boston and a group of FBI and International Police officers were gathered around the two objects in a conference room.

"Boston Center," said one of the pilots. "We are requesting clearance to descend to 25,000 feet, Speedbird 215."

"Speedbird 215, request granted," replied the air traffic controller. "Descend to 25,000 feet."

"Will do, Speedbird 215."

Among those watching and listening to the recordings was Tim Goodman, the detective who, along with his father, investigated the Pan Am Flight 103 bombings and helped foil the attempted Bojinka Plot.

"Okay, so it seems normal," remarked one of the FBI agents. "That is until…"

At that moment, the sounds of coughing could be heard in the cockpit voice recorder catching everyone's attention.

"Boston…" gasped the pilot handling the radio. "Speedbird 215, we have an emergency. There is smog in the cockpit."

"Smog in the cockpit?" remarked one of the FBI agents. "Somehow they must have smuggled a gas Pokemon into the cockpit."

"I don't think it's the cockpit," Tim said as the sounds of a female flight attendant were heard, gasping for air.

"Speedbird 215, do you copy?"

"Our purser has informed us…that there is smog throughout the cabin and people are getting sick or dying."

"Do you wish for emergency services to meet you, Speedbird 215?"

"Yes, please…"

"Speedbird 215? Come in, Speedbird 215."

After a brief sound of coughing, the rest of the recording fell silent until the recordings were abruptly cut off.

"So, it appears that there was gas throughout the cabin," guessed an International Police officer. Whoever was on the plane had intended to incapacitate the passengers and crew with the gas."

"It makes sense," said an FBI agent. "That Team Rocket would have a group of people smuggle gas Pokemon to prevent resistance of any kind."

To Tim, hearing the sounds of coughing and the tapes being cut off, brought back dark memories of the previous year where his life was changed forever and he joined the International Police.

"So, it appears that Speedbird 215 had started it's descent into Logan Airport just as the recording went silent. If Team Rocket wanted to carry out mass murder at the time of the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, they certainly did just that."

"But we need to find out who or what the so-called gunpowder 13 are," remarked a female agent. "That is according to the latest intelligence report, that they were all descendants of the gunpowder plot of 1605."

"I propose we get a warrant against British Airways to release all their security camera footage of the members getting on the planes at Heathrow," Tim suggested. "Plus, I believe that the gunpowder 13 did not start their journeys in London. They must have come from somewhere like Tehran."

"Goodman is right," said an International Police captain. "We must remember that once upon a time, Team Rocket occupied the former United States Embassy in Tehran as a base. The base was attacked, but was given back to Team Rocket after 9/11. There is probably no doubt that they started in Tehran."

"Should we also add security camera footage from British Airways in Tehran?" asked Tim. "It might be the best move."

The rest of the agents and officers agreed at Tim's suggestion and proceeded to gather a warrant to be used against British Airways for their manifest and any security footage from Tehran and London. But Tim also had one question that he was asking himself: why would British Airways even offer service from Tehran, Iran to London, England in the first place?

But most importantly, he was also asking himself how Team Rocket once again gained control of the former United States embassy as their headquarters. After all, he was part of the group that raided the embassy all those years ago.

So what could have happened? Who could have Team Rocket reached out to in order to regain control of the former embassy?

That was the question running through Tim Goodman's mind.

…

At the same time, the final passenger manifest was released listing the 235 passengers and crew from British Airways Flight 185 from London/Heathrow to Newark, NJ:

75 American

75 British

20 German

20 French

10 Russian

10 Dutch

10 Spanish

5 Italian

3 Greek

2 Swiss

1 Israeli

1 Lebanese

1 Saudi Arabian

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 37

"We Didn't Know This Would Happen"

It was now August 15th, three days since the events of Operation Phoenix Rising. The pain and emotions were still as raw as they have ever been. The same was true for Jessie, James and Meowth who had surrendered themselves and were now undergoing questioning about their frequent actions. But as they marched into the interrogation room, Jack and ADA Borgia had found something that caught their attention. If you may remember, Jessie, James and Meowth had done something that nearly caused the Indigo Plateau games to be nearly cancelled.

"Something came into our office this morning," Jack said, holding in his hand a DVD with the label 'Operation Pokemon Massacre' on it. "Do you know what this is?"

"A DVD?" asked James, causing Jessie to raise an eyebrow.

"Yes, but it contains important information about a plot to have Pokemon going on killing sprees in several American cities. Do you recall a mission to steal and extract all the Pokemon from the Indigo Plateau league competitions?"

Our three enemies gave each other a worried glance, for they remembered their actions just as much as we did.

"Yes," said Jessie, nervously. "But our intention was to steal and turn the Pokemon over to Giovanni so that he could sell them."

"That's not what is said on the DVD," replied ADA Borgia as a television was rolled in. "Your former superior had a goal in mind…a murderous goal."

Putting the DVD in, the television was turned on and the DVD showed Giovanni sitting before a camera with the a map of the United States behind him.

"Listen to me clearly, you blundering fools," he said. "I have a mission for you to do for me: a mission to rob every single Pokemon from the Pokemon League tournaments at the Indigo Plateau and bring them to me so that I can sell them. Do I make myself clear? Complete this plot and you shall be handsomely rewarded."

"Okay, that I can remember," interjected Meowth. "I remember him telling us that we would be handsomely rewarded."

"But this is what he didn't tell you," said Jack as the DVD kept rolling with Giovanni moving to the side and placing a pointer on the map of the United States.

"What we are plotting is a plot that will put those Al-Qaeda fools to shame," he explained. "The Pokemon that we will steal from every trainer will be sold into servitude and forced to kill for the glory of Team Rocket. They will have no memories of their trainers, but us and our mission."

Both Jessie and James' eyes widened for they could see that the plot that they had temporarily executed was going another step further.

"Our plan is to send every stolen Pokemon into the following cities: New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, San Francisco, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Minneapolis, Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh. "Every one will have orders to kill anyone who stands in their way whether it be man, woman or child. They are to be given no quarter. Nothing would make me happier than hearing the screams of attacked Americans and all this will be as revenge for what happened to the Axis Powers."

"I can't believe this," gasped Meowth, placing a paw over his mouth. "100 hundred Pokemon in the bag…were going to be used to kill people…innocent people."

A small tear came to James' eyes that he wiped away in total shame. Like his partner, he would never have agreed to such a plot in the first place. But Jessie developed a look of hatred on her face, a looking in her eye that could scare anyone.

"Turn it off," Jessie whispered. "We don't want to see any more of this."

Fulfilling the request, the television was turned off, but Jack had to show them one more piece of evidence on the DVD.

"But there is something else," Jack said. "You also stole a Pikachu belonging to Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, yes?"

"Of course," said Jessie as the DVD was turned back on to show Giovanni, this time showing a picture of the White House and the US Capitol building in Washington. "What was he intending to do?"

"Wait and see."

"And with the rare Pikachu that I have been longing for many years," he said. "I shall use it to grow it's electric powers powerful enough to kill the American President and the entire United States congress so that the United States can become mine. Every American citizen will turn to me as their supreme dictator and savior."

Finally, the television was turned off and the DVD was extracted.

"How did you get all of this?" wondered James, a strong hint of guilt in his voice. "We know Giovanni wanted the twerp's Pikachu, but not to kill the leaders of the United States."

"We had intelligence disguised as Team Rocket agents who filmed Giovanni as he spoke," explained Jack. "What you have just seen was never told to you. But, if I eat my Wheaties, you could be charged with conspiracy to commit terrorism for all the times you tried to steal Ash Ketchum's Pikachu and that's not all, for there is more."

"What do you mean more?" asked Jessie.

"Do you remember succeeding in stealing Ash Ketchum's Pikachu and bringing it to England?"

"Yes, we were told to give Pikachu to Domino, then it would be given to our cell in Boston."

"Did you also suspect that Team Rocket was planning to carry out an attack on this year's Boston Marathon at the finish line?"

"No."

"Well, we did suspect that and after Domino was arrested on British Airways 239 at Logan Airport, she confessed to using the Pikachu to carry out a series of electrical attacks on runners and spectators at the Marathon. And there's even more because you were also forced to participate in a plot similar to what happened last year? You were planning to smuggle gas type Pokemon onto four US bound British Airways flights, yes?"

"I swear on my late mother's life that we never planned to take part in such a plot," Jessie shouted, slamming her hand on the table. "Giovanni forced us to participate."

"Why?" asked ADA Borgia.

"Because he needed four agents to carry out the attacks," Jessie confessed. "The plan was to gas the planes and steal Pokemon trainers from any trainers on board. We didn't want to take part, but Giovanni said…"

"That he would silence me and kill me," interrupted Meowth. "He would have stopped me from speaking like this to youse guys and take my life away!"

"He forced us to work with Cassidy and Botch," cried James.

"That's Butch," corrected Jessie, giving her partner a raised eyebrow. "They were going to attack the two other planes. The last thing we wanted was to work with them for anything."

"So, Giovanni forced you against your will to participate in the plot," remarked Jack. "A plot that ultimately evolved into Sunday's attacks over Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and the Northern Atlantic Ocean."

A disgusted and guilt ridden look fell on the faces of Jessie, James and Meowth. Everything that they had done had led to Operation Phoenix Rising beginning with the robbery of every Pokemon at the Indigo Plateau. They thought that they were in it for the money, but instead they were in it for the kill.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 38

"Burns of the Past"

Blaine, the head of the Cinnabar Island Pokemon Gym, may have seemed like a guy who used fire type Pokemon to battle aspiring trainers seeking the Volcano badge as well as perform the occasional riddle. But, he had another side to him, a side we had never seen before until Operation Phoenix Rising. For you see, Blaine had a strong connection to the attacks of September 11th, 2001 attacks and when Operation Phoenix Rising occurred, he was unhesitant in shutting down the Cinnabar Island Pokemon Gym.

Standing inside the volcano where his gym was located, all he could do was think of why, why would another attack against innocent people be carried out? In his hands were the flyer announcing Drake's charity Pokemon tournament on the Orange Islands. He was going to enter, but not in the way we would think.

…

Well, Tommy," he whispered to himself. "I can't believe that this is happening again. Losing you on 9/11, seeing 4,000 people killed in one set of blasts. Seeing fires and smoke coming out of Iowa and Cape Cod, its just not fair.

Leaving the gym, Blaine walked up to the top of the volcano and looked out over the ocean around Cinnabar Island, holding the flyer in his hands. As he looked out, he began to wince at the moment his brother was killed.

"Are you Blaine Kimmel, Tommy Kimmel's next of kin?" asked an American Embassy official that day Blaine's life changed forever.

"Yes," Blaine asked in a panicked voice. "Is he alive?"

"I regret to inform you that he is not," replied the American Embassy official. "He was killed when the south tower fell."

At that moment, Blaine's eyes welled up with tears. He had lost his best friend, his own flesh and blood, his own brother.

"No, No, NO!" he screamed. "It's not true! TOMMY!"

…

Blaine could well remember that day his brother was killed in New York and now Operation Phoenix Rising was bringing back those memories. At that moment, a fire type Pokemon walked up to Blaine and the gym leader took notice of this.

"Magmar, if you are asking if I am okay," he said, looking away from his best Pokemon. "I'm not. It's just like Tommy all over again."

"Mag…mar."

"It's not fair. Why do more people have to die for the glory of scumbags like Team Rocket? They stole Pokemon from the Pokemon center here and they were used by those warped clowns to do what they did. In doing so, they killed Tommy."

"Magmar."

"Well, at least you are trying to help me feel better, Magmar," Blaine chuckled as Magmar touched his hand. "Still, it doesn't erase what happened 11 years ago, not by any means."

Sighing deeply, Blaine walked back downstairs and with Magmar following behind him, returned to the Cinnabar Island hotel where he kept his front. Walking into his office, he saw his brother's firefighter's helmet, bent and damaged as it was that fateful day.

"Everyone who was killed on Sunday night was just like Tommy," Blaine cried. "Tommy was a firefighter doing his duty. He didn't deserve what happened to him, no one did that day."

Blaine then looked to his left and saw the folded US flag next to his brother's helmet. At the bottom was an inscription that Tommy was a firefighter for the New York Fire Department and died while trying to save lives.

"I'm going to enter this tournament in the Orange Islands for you Tommy," Blaine said, clutching his fists tightly. "I don't care about winning the whole thing because whatever I win will be in your memory and those who were murdered."

"Magmar."

"Yes, Magmar, I'm certainly going to call on you to battle in the tournament. All my Pokemon will also be at my side."

Holding his six Pokeballs in his hand, Blaine swore to do whatever it took to honor his brother and all the victims of both September 11th and August 12th. He was going to compete, but not to win.

…

At the same time, in Saffron City, another Gym leader from the Kanto Region was also preparing to participate in the Orange Islands. This was Sabrina, the psychic Pokemon trainer who had her toughness broken thanks to Haunter.

"Sabbie?" she heard a voice belonging to her father as Sabrina packed her things. "Did I catch you at a bad time?"

"No, dad," she sighed. "You didn't. I'm just thinking about all those people who were killed on Sunday. Makes me think of when I cheated death myself."

What Sabrina always kept in the sidetable drawer in her bedroom was an airline, but not just any airline ticket, it was for United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston to Los Angeles, the plane that crashed into the World Trade Center's South Tower.

"Dad, this whole situation with what happened three days ago," Sabrina said. "It's bringing back memories of when I missed that plane in Boston."

Sabrina then felt her father touch her hand and made her stop what she was doing.

"It was an act from the almighty that saved your life that day, Sabrina," he said as Sabrina looked back at him. "I'm not psychic like you, but I am your father and I am just grateful that you are still alive."

"Dad, think of how many families and friends of the victims who probably wished that were the case," Sabrina sighed. "I'm competing in this tournament to honor those killed and also send a message to Team Rocket."

"What message?"

"That I will not be a sacrificial lamb for a sick, twisted ideology."

The sound in his eldest daughter's voice made Sabrina's father step back slightly. But there was no arguing about it, Sabrina, like several Pokemon gym leaders, was going to send a message that she was not going to turn over and bow down to Team Rocket.

Not by any means…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 39

"New Security Measures at Heathrow"

At London's Heathrow Airport, the third day after Operation Phoenix Rising began with a heightened state of alert. Passengers and Crew, regardless of airline, had a heightened sense of fear of the possibility that more Team Rocket attacks against aviation were in the works.

"If you are a Pokemon trainer," shouted a Heathrow employee standing at the security checkpoint in Terminal 5. "Please step to the side for additional screening."

No sooner did the employee utter those words did a Pokemon trainer approach the security checkpoint. He wasn't just any trainer, he was a member of an exclusive group of Pokemon Trainers.

"I'm sorry sir," said the employee. "You have to go through the security reserved for Pokemon trainers."

"Do you happen to know who I am?" the trainer flounced, but the employee remained steadfast. "I happen to be a member of…"

"I don't care who you are," the employee interrupted, gesturing him to go over to the line reserved for Pokemon trainers. "All Pokemon trainers are required to undergo additional screening, regardless of trainer or Pokemon type."

Rolling his eyes, the trainer reluctantly did as he was told and proceeded towards the reserved security line for Pokemon trainers.

"Please ensure that all your Pokeballs are placed on the belt," cried a security officer. "And step through the body scanner."

The security staff watched as Pokeballs were emptied onto the dishes provided along with any additional hand luggage. For the most part, trainers passing through did so without incident, until a security officer spotted a suspicious Pokemon hidden in a Pokeball.

"I've got something suspicious," he said, pressing a button to send the Pokeballs down a separate belt.

"Are these your Pokemon?" asked a female agent, taking the Pokeballs out of the bin with her gloved hands in front of a trainer in front of a muscle sized trainer.

"Yeah, I don't know what is going on here," replied the trainer. "None of my Pokemon should be deemed as suspicious."

Placing the Pokeballs on a separate table, the agent took the Pokeball that was suspicious and showed it to the trainer.

"With your consent," she asked. "May I release the Pokemon in the Pokeball?"

"Of course, go ahead," answered the trainer. "It's not like I have anything to hide."

Activating the Pokeball, the Pokemon was revealed to be a Machamp, a four armed fighting Pokemon also muscular.

"Machamp," it said as the agent patted it down, much to the Machamp's confusion as well as the trainers. "Machamp."

"Why was my Machamp suspicious?" asked the trainer, a confused look on his face.

"If the machine suspects a Pokemon capable of causing harm, we have to examine it, sir. How long have you had this Machamp?"

"For about three years, since he was a Machop."

"Has Machamp been involved in any past criminal related activities against Pokemon or humanity?"

"No, of course not," the trainer answered nervously.

"Has it been out of your control since you packed it with your other Pokemon?"

"No, it has not been out of my control. Look, I get things are tense here, but my Pokemon are good Pokemon."

"Changes are coming, sir," said the agent. "This is only the beginning. You may return your Pokemon to it's Pokeball."

Returning the Machamp to it's Pokeball, the trainer nervously left, still unsure why his Pokemon was selected. He then stayed briefly in the security lane to wait for his travelling companion, who also was pulled over for extra screening.

"Please remove this particular Pokemon from it's Pokeball, sir," said the agent and disgruntledly, the trainer did as he was told and a Dragonite emerged from the Pokeball.

"I don't see what the problem is with Dragonite," remarked the trainer. "He hasn't hurt anybody or anybody I know."

But the agent pressed on with her examination.

"Has this Dragonite been out of your control since the time you packed it?"

"Why would it be…?"

"Answer the question, sir!" barked the agent.

"No, it's been in my control since the time I packed it, ma'am."

"Lance!" called the muscular trainer in a low voice. "Just do as you are told. There's been enough hardship as it is!"

Reluctantly, Lance allowed the agent to continue her questioning, rubbing her fingers up and down Dragonite.

"How long have you had this Dragonite?"

"For six years," Lance muttered, reluctantly.

"You may return the Dragonite to it's Pokeball now," she said and Lance did just that, but not before the agent had something else to say. "And as the leader of the Elite Four of Pokemon trainers, I'm surprised that you weren't as cooperative."

"So, you know who I am?" asked Lance, snatching his Dragonite's Pokeball out of her hands. "Good, because you'll be hearing from my…"

"Lance, please!" cried the muscular trainer walking over to move him away from the agent, while also apologizing to the agent for Lance's behavior. "Sorry, ma'am."

…

Once they were cleared, Lance and the muscular trainer moved away from the security checkpoint with Lance still irked by what had transpired.

"Lance, what's the matter with you?" he asked.

"Did you see what she did, Bruno?" Lance angrily remarked in a hushed voice. "Did you? My Pokemon have never hurt anybody. I mean, I get that they have to protect us, but don't you think this is unnecessary? I mean, don't these people go after Pokemon with the ability to explode?"

"They are just doing their job," sighed Bruno. "Let's just let it go and get back home where we belong, all right?"

Still irritated, Lance boarded the underground tram along with Bruno. Of course, it wasn't just at Heathrow that these temporary new security measures for Pokemon trainers were enforced. All airports around the world had created specific lanes for Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon. If you're a trainer like I am, you are sent to a special lane for trainers and their Pokemon and if one of your Pokemon is subjected as being suspicious, then you have to undergo extra screening.

…

Meanwhile over at Stark Enterprises in Los Angeles, Julia Carpenter went into one of the labs to inspect the construction of one of the proposed machines, a pressure machine designed to measure whether the Pokemon has the ability to explode or not.

"Miss Carpenter," said one of the scientists. "You're just in time, we're doing a test run right now."

Julia watched as the Pokeball went through the machine as the machine then made a pushing noise for a second before sending the Pokeball out on the other side.

"This machine is designed to detect a Pokemon's pressure system as well as it's brainwaves."

"Let me see what Pokemon was just used," she requested and the Stark scientist did as he was told as a Poliwrath was released. "A Poliwrath? These don't use explosions."

"But they can be used to commit air piracy, Miss Carpenter," warned the scientist. "Remember, Team Rocket can carry out hijackings just as well as bombings of aircraft."

Julia couldn't help but feel pity for Poliwrath, but as Chief Operating Officer, she had a responsibility to her boyfriend's company and to the overall public.

"Very well," she said. "Carry on. But once our consultant arrives in two days, be prepared to make the necessary adjustments."

"Yes, Miss Carpenter."

As she walked away, Julia took in a deep sigh and hoped that a humane machine capable of detecting whether a Pokemon was being used for evil, would come out of this. She didn't want to see Pokemon suffer, but these were challenging times we were living in.

"I'm just glad Rachel isn't here to see this," she whispered to herself as she left the lab.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 40

"Humane vs. Safety"

As she made her way up to her executive office, Julia sat behind her desk and rubbed her fingers through her long strawberry blonde hair. Like all of us, Pokemon trainer or not, these were changing times and honestly, as a Pokemon trainer myself, I feel like it should have happened long ago. After a few moments at her desk, Julia removed her gold pearl necklace and blue suit jacket before rolling up the sleeves of her long sleeved white button down blouse and walking over to a punching bag that hung from her office.

Using her spider strength, Julia threw all of her frustrations into her punches, hitting the bag with tremendous force. The blows being heard from down the hall as Rhodey walked into her office.

"Whoa, whoa! Easy there, chuckles!" he said as Julia threw another sharp punch and he put his hands on her shoulder. "Save your spider strength for later."

"Okay, okay, sorry Jim," Julia gasped. "Just letting out some frustrations, that's all…about the new security machines we are putting together. I mean, why do you think Tony allowed us to all have punching bags in our office?"

Sighing, Julia sat back at her desk as Rhodey poured her a glass of water.

"This really burns you, Julia?" Rhodey asked as he handed her the glass of water.

"Of course it does, Jim," she answered. "These are Pokemon we are talking about here being put through those machines. A lot of Pokemon protective groups are going to be upset about this…that we are violating a Pokemon's rights by having it screened to protect people on airplanes."

"Well, Professor Oak will be here later, won't he?"

"He's heading a memorial mass in Pallet Town and then he'll be flown here afterwards," sighed Julia, unbuttoning the top of her blouse, freeing her neck and exposing the top of the white full slip she was wearing under her suit. "Honestly, Jim. I'm more upset for Rachel and others like her. If she ever becomes a Pokemon trainer, this is the new reality she'll be facing..just like what we face now whenever we fly commercially."

Now, Julia did have a very strong point. This was a new reality for the Pokemon world that to be honest, should have come a long time ago after that dark day in 1988 when Pan Am Flight 103 exploded over Lockerbie and killed 35 Pokemon League Academy students among 270 people.

"As her mother, I'm supposed to protect her," said Julia. "You know that, Jim. I mean, isn't there anyone who is going through the same feelings?"

"As if…?"

"Someone who has a child and they long to be a Pokemon trainer?"

Just then, the buzzer rang on her desk and Julia pressed it to answer the call.

"Yes?"

"Miss Carpenter, there's a Mr. Scott Lang here supposedly to see you."

Hearing the name of Scott Lang made Julia perk up.

"Send him up."

Quickly rising out of her chair, Julia buttoned her blouse, threw her suit jacket back on and put her gold pearl necklace back on, much to the surprise of Jim. A few moments later, the door opened and in stepped a man in a black t-shirt and jeans.

"Scott," Julia said, extending her hand to Scott's. "We weren't expecting you, being that Tony is heading the Avengers response and all."

"Well, he was worried about you and asked me to check on you," sighed the former petty criminal. "Being that it's Rachel and all. Honestly, I've been feeling the same way about Cassie. I've had to explain to her that if she wants to be a Pokemon trainer, this is what she is going to have to live with."

"Well, can't you just grow into a giant and squash Team Rocket flat?" remarked Jim. "Isn't that what you do as Ant Man?"

"Jim, let me give you some advice," Scott said as he took an orange slice and ate it. "Team Rocket agents are like roaches. For every one you destroy, there's a million more just like the one you destroy."

"Where'd you get that from? Hank Pym?"

"No, some homeless guy on Law and Order said that," Scott said. "Some episode that involves drug dealing and a father going bananas on his son in the interrogation room. Ben Bratt's character got chewed out for it…an episode I think was called Slave."

Sighing, Scott ate the orange slice and gently punched the punching bag with one hand.

"Speaking of which, Scott," Julia asked. "Did Tony say anything about will happen next?"

"You mean, about what The Avengers' response against Team Rocket will be like?" remarked Scott. "No, not yet. In fact, the kid was eavesdropping on a couple of Team Rocket agents last night at the Russian Tea Room in New York."

He then handed Julia and Jim a series of small pieces of paper with intelligence written on it containing important information about the conversation.

"So, it appeared that Giovanni must have gotten inspiration from this foiled plot," she remarked. "Something about unleashing stolen Pokemon on American cities and killing the President with Ash Ketchum's Pikachu."

"Yeah," added Scott. "And they also mention something about striking a blow against the English Monarchy. Honestly, I wouldn't touch the Queen with a 39 and a half foot pole, not after that one guy broke into Buckingham Palace that one time."

Ignoring the remark, Julia and Jim handed the intelligence back to Scott.

"Well, we can't take this lightly," Julia said. "After all, Pokemon are creatures that are never meant to be purposed to kill."

"Chuckles is right," added Jim, nudging Julia in the side playfully.

"Chuckles?" asked Scott, raising an eyebrow. "You call the COO of Tony's company 'Chuckles'"?

"It's a long story, Scott," answered Julia. "Anyways, tell Tony that I'm doing okay, just going through a little parental anxiety and if he needs me for any missions, he can contact me."

"Well, with what's to come," remarked Scott. "You are definitely going to need all the spider strength you can get, Julia. Call me if you need anything."

After Scott left her office, Julia went about controlling her parental anxieties concerning her daughter and remained focused on the task at hand…but there was a silver lining and that was Professor Oak was coming to consult, but first, we as a community of Pallet Town were coming together to remember those lives lost on Sunday night, as was the rest of the world.

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 41

"A Mid Air Scare"

On the day of the memorial service in Pallet Town, I was in my bedroom busy rehearsing my speech for what to say to the small crowd that would be gathering. After all, many of the Pokemon trainers killed in the bombings began their journeys right here in Pallet Town. The Oak Corral was set up in a manner that gave it a sense of unity: chairs were placed in a circle with an altar table, flowers and mementos commemorating the dead.

Suddenly, as I was preparing to rehearse for the umpteenth time, I heard the sounds of my phone ringing.

"Hello?" I asked.

"Ash, turn on the tv," I heard Brock on the other line. "Something just happened in Detroit."

"What?" I cried, not believing that this could happen again and sure enough, I turned onto the BBC and there it was: a Delta Airlines jet parked in an isolated area of Detroit's Metro Airport in Michigan. The headline read "Suspicious Team Rocket agent detained after discovery on Detroit-bound airliner."

"They said it was coming in from Amsterdam," Brock said. "That's all that was said."

At first, I refused to believe it. How could Team Rocket want to carry out another attack so soon especially after they slaughtered 4,000 people and Pokemon in the skies?

Then, I saw what appeared to be a short red haired girl being taken off the plane in handcuffs and loaded into a police cruiser.

"Yeah, Brock I'm watching it right now," I said. "She looks sad and frightened. I mean, did they say about ANY threats made against the flight?"

"I'm not sure, but she is being taken in for questioning," replied Brock. "I'll see you later today for the service."

"Take care," I said and I hung up the phone. Who was that red haired girl and what was her connection to Team Rocket? That's what I was trying to understand.

…

At Detroit Metro Airport's police station, the red haired girl was taken to an interrogation room where she was surrounded by police and FBI agents. Her Pokeballs had been taken from her, but those were the last things on her mind.

"Do you know why you are here?" one of the officers asked, shining a bright light on her. "Our intelligence sources in the Netherlands found you on a no-fly list as a member of Team Rocket."

"Look, I swear, I wasn't going to hurt anybody," she pleaded. "In fact, I was trying to run away from Team Rocket."

"It's a likely story, Ms…"

"Lisa, Lisa Yakamoto," she answered. "Why won't any of you believe me?"

"Because we have our reasons, Ms. Yakamoto," said one of the agents. "You were planning to take a Pokemon on board Delta Flight 253 and launch a gas attack on the plane as it approached Detroit?"

"That's a lie!"

"Then what are we lying about here?"

…

Outside the interrogation room, a young man with dark blue hair was watching what was going on and beside him was a green worm, sitting on his left shoulder.

"Ken," asked the worm. "Do you think she's telling the truth? Was she really going to hurt all those people?"

"I can't be sure, Wormmon," answered Ken. "In a way, she is kind of like me, following a warped ideology that amounted to nothing. Perhaps, she can confess with a one-on-one. Those agents are making her uncomfortable."

Ken and Wormmon then began to notice the girl starting to break down and cry softly, getting no sympathy from any of the officers and federal agents, who just stood there in dismay.

"I can't let them do this," Ken said and proceeded into the interrogation room. "Guys, let me talk to her. Can't you see she is frightened?"

The lead FBI agent looked at Ken with a hard stare upon hearing this request.

"It's obvious she shows remorse for what she did," Ken protested to the officers and the agents. "Like I still do."

Although it was against his better judgment, the lead FBI agent ordered all the men out of the room. Once the door was closed, Ken and Wormmon sat down in front of the girl.

"Who is he?" asked one of the FBI agents.

"That boy used to be the Digimon Emperor," answered another of the agents. "The one who enslaved Digimon for his own free will. Even to this day, he is still repenting for what he has done. Perhaps he can get her to repent as well."

…

In the interrogation room, Ken handed a glass of water to Lisa who gratefully accepted it.

"Do you know who I am, Lisa?" Ken asked.

"No," she answered, her body shaking with fear. "I don't."

"I used to abuse creatures like Team Rocket does with Pokemon," Ken said. "I used to be a figure known and called the Digimon Emperor, thinking that Digimon weren't living breathing creatures, but just objects to be used for power. Now, I've given up my past and fight for those who are oppressed by evil organizations like Team Rocket."

"Well, I was trying to escape from Team Rocket," Lisa said. "In fact, I was flying here to surrender for all I did as a Team Rocket agent. Ever since what happened Sunday, I feel ashamed for what I've done as a Team Rocket agent."

Ken sat back in the chair and tried to fully grasp the situation involving this child. To him, Lisa was young, almost looking like a teen prodigy, like he once was.

"Team Rocket is nothing but an organization of monsters," Lisa cried, taking another sip of water. "I did what I did and now, I have to live up to it. In fact, Detroit was not even my final destination."

"Then what was?"

"It was Washington, D.C., I was going to surrender directly to the FBI headquarters there. But, someone misinterpreted me and said I was going to bring down the plane I was on. Look, Mr. Ichijouji…"

"Call me Ken," Ken advised.

"Look Ken, you don't know what it was like growing up in a broken home with your parents dead and raised in an abusive foster home. I ran away from home and joined Team Rocket to try and amount myself to something. But, I was wrong."

Ken and Wormmon could see that Lisa was just like Ken all those years ago as the Digimon Emperor. He wanted to be just like his older brother, Sam, but in doing so, he broke his trust and now his brother was dead before he could fully atone for his actions.

"Look, I just want to confess everything, Ken!" she pleaded. "All the Pokemon I stole, tortured and sold for a meek purpose that now amounts to nothing but kills people and Pokemon. It makes no difference from when I was living in the foster home."

As Ken listened, he could detect the fact that this child, this Team Rocket agent, was trying to escape the life she felt trapped in and Team Rocket was her only ticket out of it.

"Please," she sobbed, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. "Don't let them hurt me, please."

Ken and Wormmon looked at the girl with deep sympathy and a little while later, left the interrogation room feeling nothing but guilt and sympathy.

"Well?" asked the lead agent.

"She did come from a foster home that was abusive to her," answered Ken. "And joined Team Rocket to make something of herself. Right now, all she wants to do is surrender herself and pay for her crimes."

"But the intelligence says otherwise, Detective," advised the lead FBI agent, showing Ken the intelligence report. "Giovanni had given her orders to gas and blow up Delta 253 over Detroit."

But Ken didn't believe it.

"We checked all her Pokemon and found…"

"You found nothing," Ken interrupted firmly. "You found no Pokemon that had the capabilities of bringing down a jetliner. Where is all her Pokemon? Let me see them for myself!"

…

So, Lisa's Pokemon were all put into the lineup room, all six of them as Ken and a court appointed lawyer studied them. Jigglypuff, Chansey, Vaporeon, Butterfree, Pontya and Marrill stood before the FBI and Detroit Airport police looking nervous and apprehensive.

"None of these Pokemon have the ability to explode," Ken declared. "They look just as frightened as Lisa does."

"So, now what do we do?"

"I would like my client to put into protective custody pending a hearing," requested the public defender. "Effective immediately."

…

"I suggest you do so at once," said Ken firmly and the officers and agents did as requested. Ken watched as Lisa was led away in handcuffs, still feeling like a frightened child who tried to run away from her past, but was unsuccessful in doing so.

"Are you planning to issue any more subpoenas or requests?" Ken asked the defender.

"Likely."

But one thing was for sure and that was that Lisa was repentant for her actions to the point where she flew all the way to the United States to surrender to the proper authorities. Ken also knew he needed to do a little investigating of his own: just exactly where did the intelligence come from and why would someone like Lisa be chosen who was repentant for her actions? It just didn't make sense to him, but it soon would be.

…

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Chapter 42

"British Airways' Future in Iran"

While the investigations started to ramp up in the United States, back in England, British Airways itself was trying to figure out how 12 plotters working for Team Rocket managed to get through security at Tehran's Airport without being detected. Like all major airlines, British Airways took airport security seriously and they had gone one of two routes: that they were loopholes in the system or if the right people were not performing those highly standardized measures.

In fact, in his office at British Airways headquarters in the Waterside building near Heathrow Airport, CEO Keith Williams was considering the future of British Airways in Tehran, knowing that not one, but two incidents came from flights originating in Tehran.

"Gentlemen, I assure you that we have just experienced the deadliest terror attack since 9/11," he said, his back turned on the team gathered in his office. "The fact that this all started in Tehran brings up an important question: what is our future in Iran?"

He then turned around and sat down in front of the three men gathered in his office.

"Keith," replied one of the men. "As head of security, I think it's time we reevaluate our position in Tehran. Even though not everyone who comes from Iran is evil, the government is dangerous and I have no doubt that they aided Team Rocket in carrying out the attacks."

"Fred," Keith remarked. "You bring up a good point. The Iranian government and Team Rocket have had strong terms with one another for many years. After all, they were the ones who gave Team Rocket a presence in Iran by giving them the former American Embassy to be used as a base of operations. It is my responsibility as CEO of our kingdom's official airline to make any decisions that will protect the Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon who fly our airline along with the rest of our passengers and crew."

"I agree with Fred here," said another man. "The last thing we want is for British Airways to be used as a weapon by Team Rocket to instill fear across the globe. If we were to pull out of service in Tehran, it would send a strong message. Besides, the profits from our routes between Tehran and London have been very poor."

But to Keith, it wasn't going to be easy. As he said, the Iranian people were not the bad guys, the Iranian government was. They were the ones who supported Team Rocket by any means necessary.

"Harry, I get what you are saying, but the question is how are our customers going to react to this? If we outright cancel our service to Tehran, those who live here in England that have relatives in Iran are going to say that we are doing this because of them. That is not true…we're doing this to ensure that Team Rocket's operations in the Middle East are affected greatly."

"I've had Pokemon Embassies all over Europe calling our offices since Sunday," said a fourth man. "And they are begging us to reconsider flying to countries that support Team Rocket, including Iran, despite the fact we have a diplomatic post in Tehran."

"It's a shame that it has come to this, Keith," warned Fred, feeling a hint of sympathy. "But what's more important: the safety of those who fly on our planes or keeping an unprofitable route that is only going to be purposed to transport Team Rocket agents here and board more of our flights with the intention to kill people and Pokemon."

As Fred spoke, Keith turned around to see one of his company's planes leaving Heathrow Airport. Keith knew that as CEO, he held a position of responsibility and that includes making hard decisions.

"Fred has a point," added Harry. "What if Team Rocket doesn't just attack our flights out of Heathrow? What about Air France flights out of Paris? How about Lufthansa flights out of Frankfurt and Munich? There was also that Delta Airlines plane from Amsterdam that was met by authorities."

"What Harry is saying," protested Fred. "Is that if we are to be a responsible flag carrier, we have to pull out of Tehran as soon as possible."

Keith contemplated all that was being said and knew that they were right…he had to make the difficult decision to cut a highly unprofitable route that was merely going to be used as a launchpad for Team Rocket agents to come and attack flights out of Heathrow.

"Yes," he said quietly under his breath.

"Keith?" asked Fred, gesturing to him to speak up.

"We will suspend flights to and from Tehran," he declared. "The profits from the routes are low and at this point, they are just deadweight and merely going to be used by Team Rocket agents to transport stolen Pokemon or weaponised Pokemon. All passengers who have flights booked to and from Tehran going forward will be reimbursed or given flight credit. You are all right, I cannot risk this company's reputation any longer. For many years, Pokemon trainers travelling globally have counted on us as the official carrier for the Pokemon Leagues and I want us to continue that trend."

…

Sure enough, later that day, an announcement was made that British Airways was suspending flights indefinitely between London and Tehran. But that wasn't all. The staff in Tehran who checked in Guy Fawkes and the rest of the Gunpowder 13 were being summoned to British Airways headquarters for intense questioning as to how they allowed them onto the return Tehran to London flight.

Keith Williams could smell a rat or two and was determined to get to the truth.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 43

"Gas and Explosives"

At the FBI office in Boston, the studying of the cockpit voice recorder from British Airways Flight 215 revealed a rather shocking loophole that Team Rocket had carefully carried out a methodical plan to make Operation Phoenix Rising possible. Agent Tim Goodman was trying to get a picture of what it must have been like on board the 12 planes that Team Rocket targeted. He, his father and their Pikachu had investigated terror attack on airplanes caused by Team Rocket in the past, but this was the first time he was really getting the feel of actually being on the plane.

To this end, he listened to the cockpit voice recorder again while he was alone and was taking notes as the tape went along.

"Speedbird 215, do you copy?"

"Our purser has informed us…that there is smog throughout the cabin and people are getting sick or dying."

"Do you wish for emergency services to meet you, Speedbird 215?"

"Yes, please…"

"Speedbird 215? Come in, Speedbird 215."

…

Turning the tape record off, Tim wrote down his hypothesis of what may have been going on not just on Flight 215, but all the other flights as well.

"So, it appears that they unleashed a poison gas type Pokemon in an area of the plane where they wouldn't be so easily detected," he guessed. "It makes sense, given the fact that an airplane's lavatory would be an ideal location on the aircraft. Then again, they could have just unleashed the gas type Pokemon in the cabin to make the gas go faster, which is how it made the smoke come up to the cockpits."

Tim then looked at a blueprint of the Boeing 747 that was operating BA215 and had circled some possible lavatories where the gas type Pokemon could have been placed.

"If they were trying to incapacitate the pilots," Tim guessed. "It would have had to been here in the forward section of the plane, but they were focused on getting the passengers incapacitated as well, which meant one of two things, that the Pokemon on board had enough gas powerful enough to send the gas at a rapid pace or there may have been a Team Rocket agent disguised as a passenger to unleash the explosion from a different lavatory."

Just then, he heard a knock at the door of the office.

"Come in," he called and a young sleek woman of Israeli descent walked into the office dressed in a gray business suit and pink blouse. "Um, who are you?"

"You may call me Viper," the woman said. "Ex-thief turned security consultant for the Bechtel corporation."

"Yes, I've heard of you, you used to be a cat burglar. Why are you with the FBI?"

"The FBI and International Police need someone with security experience to aid in the investigation, if that answers your question."

Viper then bent down and studied the blueprint of the 747 model.

"What are you looking for?"

"If there may have been a second Team Rocket agent on board the planes," Tim answered. "People think it was one agent, but there may have been another who could have flown to London from another airport or checked in at London."

Now, the idea of a second Team Rocket agent hiding on board the targeted aircraft was an idea that many investigators wouldn't even think of, but Tim had his reasons to believe.

"If the Gunpowder 13 had additional help," he guessed. "Then the help would have been seated in the back while the plotter was seated at the front of the plane. Of course, they are all dead, so we can't interrogate them."

"If I were you," advised Viper. "I would focus on possibly how they knew of the time that the flame would be extinguished. We know that Team Rocket wanted to carry out the attacks the exact moment the Olympic Flame was put out in London. Now, one thing we did know, was that British Airways had satellite television as part of the inflight entertainment system, so they could have moved in just as those participating would have been getting into position."

To Tim, this hypothesis made some sense. The plotters were probably watching along with most of the passengers on board the moment when the flame extinguishers were being put into position.

"So, it appears as the extinguishers are taking their places," Tim guessed. "That's when the plotters moved into position whether it was the front or middle lavatories. Then, as the flame is going out, that's when they unleash the poison gas type Pokemon into the cabin and the cockpit, incapacitating the passengers and crew. Then once the flame was totally burned out…BOOM!"

It all made sense to Tim, in fact, it was all right there for him to see that Team Rocket had sent additional agents to aid the Gunpowder 13 in carrying out the plot. Now, the question was, who were these additional agents and where did they start their journeys: could it have been in Tehran with the other plotters, could it have been from within the United Kingdom airports or could they have checked in at Heathrow to avoid suspicion?

"The gas would have prevented any resistance from any of the passengers," suggested Viper. "Even if someone did try to stop the plotters, they would have still been met with resistance. Believe me, as a member of the J-Team, we met with plenty of resistance."

Tim was confused.

"The J-Team?"

"That's for another story," Viper remarked. "Let's just focus on the task at hand here."

…

Meanwhile, back on New Seabury where BA215 crashed, it had been three days since the bombing and while most of the fires had been put out, Frank was sent back to oversee the recovery of any bodies that were in the trees in other low lying areas. Eventually, he came across a body hiding in the bushes along a path between the marketplace and one of the villages. Putting on gloves, he ordered the body to be carefully removed. Clothed in just a pair of white underwear, the male passenger showed no signs of pain, a clear indication that the lungs may have collapsed during the fall if it wasn't impacted by the gas.

"Got another one over here!" called another International Police officer as the body of another wearing a pair of blue underwear laid on his side. Much like the other body, it appeared that this body suffered no pain.

"Then they all must have not suffered anything," said Frank. "Their deaths were quick and painless."

Frank could feel nothing but sympathy for the two men, that was until that moment a black Cadillac escalade pulled up to the scene.

"Hold it," Frank cried firmly. "This is a crime scene, you shouldn't be here."

"Those two men you see there owe us money and we've come to take it back," said the leader of a group of five mobsters

"I'm sorry, but if you are looking for money, their clothes were torn away in the fall," Frank said firmly. "Now, get back and let us do what we have to do!"

Grunting the five men left the scene leaving Frank just exactly who and what this was all about.

Could British Airways Flight 215 had been carrying wanted criminals or members of organized crime on board? The answer would come later, but the task of recovering bodies from the dead remained the highest level of priority.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 44

"Cornfield of Carnage"

When news that Team Rocket blew up 2 of the 12 planes over the American midwest, most people didn't expect the news to happen giving the fact the the initial plan was to blow the jetliners over the Atlantic Ocean. The world famous Field of Dreams owned by Ray Kinsella was now a crime scene, like all the other locations.

In the back of an International Police van, Digidestined One Izzy Isumi was studying the black boxes and cockpit voice recorder from the two crashed planes.

"Speedbird 287," asked the air traffic controller on the radio. "Are you reporting smoke in the cabin?"

"Affirmative, Speedbird 287. We need to land at the closest airport if possible. Please give us options."

"Okay, your options are Kansas City, Minneapolis and Chicago. Did you get that Speedbird 287? Speedbird 287, acknowledge. Speedbird 287?"

Turning the recorder off, Izzy moved onto the next CVR from BA269.

"Speedbird 269, confirm that you are recording smoke in the cabin?"

"Yes," coughed the pilot. "We are receiving smoke into the cockpit. Flight attendants are reporting passengers are getting sick, one is vomiting. Give us alternative landing sites, Speedbird 269."

"We have landing sites in Kansas City, St. Louis and Minneapolis," replied the air traffic controller. "Which would you want, Speedbird 269? Speedbird 269, come in."

Then, the recording stopped.

"So, it appears as if the gas was already consuming the cockpits at the time of the attacks," guessed the first Digidestined's tech wizard. "Obviously too incapacitated to send out an SOS or a mayday. What do you think, Tentomon?"

Izzy then turned to the robot ladybug like Digimon who hovered beside Izzy.

"Well, I think from the looks of it," remarked Tentomon. "There could be one of two scenarios: the bad guys must have told the gas Pokemon to release all it's gas at full force, like seeing someone passing gas loudly for all to hear."

"Okay, I didn't need to hear that from a Digimon."

"Well, I've alternated between the Digital World and your world long enough to know just what you humans do sometimes."

Izzy decided to ignore the remark and remain focused on the task at hand.

…

Meanwhile, Ray continued to aide the FBI and International Police in recovery efforts for any evidence or bodies of the victims, scouring the cornfields around his beloved baseball field that was now a crime scene.

"Over here!" called an FBI agent catching Ray's attention who ran over to see what was going on. The flamed out body of a Rapidash was found lying on its side as a blue tarp was covered out of respect to the dead horse Pokemon.

"Third Pokemon we found in the past hour," sighed the FBI Agent. "And there will be plenty more where that came from."

"Makes me sick," added Ray. "Why would Pokemon be targeted? For profit? To be used as weapons? Makes me think of the 60's."

At that moment, Ray turned to see two more agents covering the body of a dead passenger from one of the planes. With each body, human or Pokemon, being found and covered with tarps, he couldn't help but think of the words that Terrance Mann spoke about.

"The 60's?" asked the FBI agent. "The 60s were a polarizing time in our country, Mr. Kinsella. We had assassinations, race riots, Vietnam…"

"Yeah, yeah, I know that," Ray sighed, turning to look at the lines of bodies on his baseball field. "Its just why out of all places would Team Rocket want to bring planes down onto my baseball field, a field that is supposed to bring people together?"

Slowly, he walked over to a short blue haired man examining the remains of a dead woman aboard the planes.

"Another case of someone who died quickly and without suffering," he said. "Most likely the lungs collapsed from the lack of air in the fall."

"Looks like that way, Mr…"

"Dr.," answered the man. "Dr. Joe Kido, I'm one of the old Digidestined."

"Nice to meet you," Ray said, shaking Joe's hand. "Have you been examining all of these bodies?"

"Yeah, I'm checking to see if there were any traces of toxic spores in their lungs caused by the poison gases. It'll be a big part of the investigation."

Joe then sighed deeply at the prospect of inspecting the dead bodies.

"Still," he said sadly. "Being a doctor means saving lives, not whatever this is."

"We could sure use another Doc right now to help you," Ray whispered, thinking of the former baseball player turned doctor that once saved his daughter's life. "But, he's not coming back."

"Dr. Kido," replied an international police officer with another body in tow that showed a red paw sticking out of it. "We found another one. A Pokemon."

"What type is it?"

"A fire type, a Magmar."

Sighing, Joe ordered it to be placed in the line of bodies.

Just then, the sounds of loud footsteps were heard as Joe's ultimate level Digimon, Zudomon, emerged from the corn fields and devolved back into his partner Digimon, Gomammon.

"Gommmon, did you find anything?" Joe asked. "Airplane debris? Parts?"

"Well," said his partner Digimon, wiping the sweat from his brow. "We did discover what appeared to be one of the plane's engines, dug up deep in the ground. I used Vulcan's Hammer several times to get the engine out. Once I recharged, I'll head back out and look for some more evidence."

"I have some popcorn if you want to munch on those," Ray offered to Gommamon. "Anything to charge me up to digivolve again later."

"Follow me," Ray said as Joe chuckled at what he was seeing. Still, he had a deeply grim task to undertake in terms of detecting any traces of poison gas in their bodies. Joe had always wanted to be a doctor, but not in this capacity. However, this was something he was going to have to live with.

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 46

"Pulled for Questioning"

Meanwhile, going back to the story, the news was coming out that a Team Rocket operative was captured off a Delta Flight in Detroit, but now there was reports of yet another incident just three days after Operation Phoenix Rising. This time, it was at Kennedy Airport, where another Pokemon trainer that we had encountered long ago and who stole Pokemon of his own accord was pulled off a plane on suspicion of being a Team Rocket spy.

Seeing law enforcement step into his cell, the boy trembled with fear as two New York City Police Officers and a member of the International Police towered over him.

"Guys, where's my Farfetch'd? What did you do to him?"

"We're merely putting it into protective custody while we try to figure this out, you, Keith Keita, a freelance Pokemon thief at here in New York City? Why?"

"Just to see relatives, that's all," Keith said, his feet trembling with fear. "Look, I know I used to steal Pokemon in the past, but that was long ago."

"And yet, we have intelligence that you were planning to rob or blow up this United Flight to Los Angeles," said the airport police detective. "We've checked out your Pokeballs and found six of them to be of explosive material."

…

Just then, the door opened as one of the Pokemon, a Voltorb, was brought in a glass cage, much to Keith's horror.

"Tell me something," he said. "Did Team Rocket tell you to steal this Voltorb or not and you acted alone in this case…given your track record?"

"The Voltorb was only to be used for training purposes," protested Keith. "Please, you gotta understand that I used to steal Pokemon from other trainers with my Farfetch'd."

"And why is that?"

"Farfetch'd was just too weak to battle."

"Tell me something, Mr. Keita," asked another NYPD officer . "If your Farfetch'd was too weak to battle and you resorted to using stolen Pokemon to get what you wanted, then you must have had Team Rocket recruit you for this mission."

"What mission? I don't know what you are talking about!"

The NYPD officer grabbed Keith by the scruff of his shirt and shook him around.

"You know perfectly damn well what mission," he snarled. "You were planning to attack that plane, weren't you? The one we pulled you off of. The one where you were planning to use explosive Pokemon to carry out an attack this morning."

"That's a lie!" Keith cried. "I used to steal Pokemon from others, but I stopped long ago. What makes you guys think that I am doing this for Team Rocket?"

"Your rap sheet speaks for itself, son," replied another NYPD officer. "You stole all these Pokemon and only just got a slap on the wrist for your crimes. Well, you won't be so lucky this time, buddy, because stealing Pokemon is now going to be a federal crime!"

Keith felt his stomach sink upon hearing those words. He had no idea that what he was doing was being considered as a federal crime.

"Look, guys," Keith cried. "I stopped stealing Pokemon right before the COVID-19 pandemic, sure I went back to my old ways, briefly, I'm a changed man now."

"I find that hard to believe, Mr. Keita. The Pokemon that were on your person aside from your Farfech'd that you own puts you as a spy for Team Rocket. So, unless you want to cooperate…"

"I want a lawyer," Keith protested. "You have no right to do this to me. I have rights!"

But the officers didn't listen and instead began the process of checking him into the John F. Kennedy International Airport police station. Apparently, it seems that Keith didn't learn his lesson the first time around and that was a shame in itself. He had potential to learn from his mistakes and atone for his actions. But that didn't seem to happen and unless they found out the truth, he was still going to be in custody as a potential spy and smuggler.

Again, what he did was shameful the first time around and if he was smuggling stolen Pokeball's into the united States, it would be likely he would spend the rest of his life in federal prison.

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Chapter 45

"The Harsh Reality of Terrorism"

"Ash," said Hue as the interview continued. "Being a Pokemon Master, you've had to experience plenty of harsh realities over the course of your journey. What would you say is probably the biggest and most harsh reality the Pokemon World has had to come to terms?"

"Well," I answered, "Given that everyone thought that Team Rocket would only steal Pokemon for profit and not for terrorism, it's still a harsh reality to accept that Team Rocket would kill people using Pokemon. I mean, what good will it be if there are no Pokemon trainers to hold Pokemon ripe for Team Rocket to take? Sure, they've attacked us before, like at Lockerbie and others, but nothing like this."

"Do you recall the political effects of Operation Phoenix Rising and if so, what would your views be…?"

But, I was quick to interrupt.

"Develop better protection measures for Pokemon and their trainers," I interrupted firmly. "Honestly, this should have been done long ago, particularly after Pikachu was kidnapped and rescued from Domino on that flight to Boston. But instead of creating a proper security response, our politicians failed to protect both Trainers and their Pokemon."

Now, of course, there was always going to be that fine line of trying to install safety precautions, but also think of a Pokemon trainer's basic human right to live their everyday lives.

"Why didn't they act on Operation Overt is beyond me," I continued. "I mean, Operation Overt was right there. 9 transatlantic flights were targeted for destruction, 4 more transatlantic flights were targeted to steal Pokemon off of unconscious trainers. I don't go for politics, Hue, but something at least should have been done."

Even one year later, the fact that no country's government acted on Operation Overt still baffles me. Especially since Pikachu was constantly targeted by Jessie, James and Meowth.

"Yes, it does anger me that nothing more was done to protect trainers and Pokemon alike. I mean, where was the security when Jessie, James and Meowth stole all the Pokemon from the Indigo Plateau? I mean, Team Rocket was going to brainwash the Pokemon they stole into killing people in the streets of American cities. But the governments failed to act because they didn't want to impact any freedoms. If I were in any of those governments, I would have at least offered a compromise."

"And what kind of compromise would you have offered, Ash?"

"That Pokemon trainers could continue battling one another, catching Pokemon that they would treat with respect, but also be willing to go through extra screening for their own mutual security and protection. Airports, train stations, just anything that can stop Pokemon related crime from ever occurring and perhaps, even saving 4,000 lives. There's always going to be that give and take scenario, Hue. You gotta give something if you want to get something."

"So, it appears that what you are saying is that Pokemon trainers should be subjected to additional security screening?"

"Yes," I answered firmly. "If you see something, say something because whoever is suspicious might be a Team Rocket agent in disguise."

…

Hue then moved onto the next question, which was concerning two of the most famous trainers in the Pokemon world.

"Yes, well," Hue cleared his throat. "An example of this stems from an incident at Heathrow Airport shortly after the attacks in which a Pokemon trainer reportedly said he felt violated of his rights as a trainer because of the new security measures put in for trainers and their Pokemon."

"This was about Lance and Bruno, right? Two of the Elite four."

"Yes."

"Yeah," I said. "As head of the elite four, I would say that Lance should have be more open and welcoming to the idea of protecting trainers and their Pokemon. I'm sorry he felt like he was violated, but at the end of the day, do you want a dangerous Pokemon capable of killing innocent lives going onto an airplane? I mean, it should have been done after Air India 182 that killed 329 people including 80 Pokemon Trainers off the coast of Ireland, it should have been done after Pan Am 103 that killed 270 people including the 35 students from the Pokemon League Academy over Lockerbie, Scotland. In fact, something should have been done after September 11th, where Pokemon stolen from Cinnabar Island's Pokemon Center were used to hijack airplanes and fly them into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon while the hijackers on Flight 93 didn't use their Pokemon to fight back."

Hue listened with awe at my rambling.

"So, yes, I do think Lance and Bruno should have handled the situation better," I declared. "This is a new normal for all of us and we have to live with it."

The words I had spoken were clear and right to the point. This was a new normal for Pokemon trainers everywhere to ensure that what happened on August 12th, 2012 never happens again. Nowadays, if you were a Pokemon trainer and wanted to get on a plane, you had to go to a security checkpoint designed for Pokemon trainers to thwart any possible terror attempts. To not put in security measures would be a total disgrace to Pokemon and their trainers worldwide.

"I mean," I stammered. "It's just a fact of life that we have to live by, regardless of whether you are a high ranking Pokemon trainer or a lower ranking Pokemon trainer. At the end of the day, lives are far more important than any Pokemon tournament or Pokemon league."

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Chapter 47

"Grilling the Tehran Staff"

When the British Airways staff at Tehran landed at Heathrow Airport on the morning of August 15th, they had no idea of the grilling that they were about to endure. But Keith Williams, the CEO, could smell a rat amongst them and was determined to get to the bottom of this.

"I suppose you are all wondering why I summoned you here today," he said, as the core British Airways staff in Tehran gathered in his office. "For the past two days, we have been doing internal investigations into Sunday's bombing of 12 of our flights. We have reason to believe that there are amongst you, spies for Team Rocket working as airport staff."

At that moment, one of Keith's secretaries came into the room with a manifest of those checked for the BA152 flight to London on Sunday morning.

"12 men came through your station and you did not follow protocols in pulling them aside for additional questioning," he thundered, slamming the manifest hard on his desk. "Do you have any idea how serious this is? You have risked the integrity of our airline and not to mention that all this happened on the day the Summer Olympics ended in our city."

"Mr. Williams, I can assure you…"

"SILENCE!"

The employee backed nervously upon being hissed at in that manner.

"You will not speak unless you are spoken to," he said, hissing at the employee like a snake as he crawled from behind his desk. "And I assure you, those who among you helped 12 bombers carrying explosive Pokemon onto BA152, will not only be terminated from this airline, but will be turned over to the International Police as accessories to terrorism…personally, by me."

The employees all gave each other nervous glances as Keith studied who among them could aide such evil men.

"And it won't be just the check in staff," he added in a low voice, walking amongst the Tehran staff. "It will also be gate agents, security personnel, even baggage handlers who ensured that the explosive Pokemon got onto the flight. Anyone who does not step forward and admits responsibility, you will all be found…just as guilty. So, I encourage those who are not real employees to step forward…now."

Just then, two London police constables stepped into the office along with two London police detectives with handcuffs in their hands.

"Well, who is it?" Keith asked.

One of the staff members cracked under the pressure and stepped forward, a blonde haired strong man in his early 30's.

"Who are you?" Keith asked icily towards the man. "State your name and who you really work for."

"My name is Attila, Mr. Williams," he said.

"And what was your position at our station in Tehran?"

"I was responsible for airline security at Tehran."

Keith then looked down at Attila's bare hands and raised them up towards his face. Then, he opened up Attila's dress uniform shirt, revealing the Team Rocket uniform underneath.

"Do you see who you really are?" asked Keith. "You're not an employee of this company and you're not even a crook, you're a terrorist and some of the blood of those who died on Sunday night are on your hands, Attila."

He then turned to the rest of the agents.

"Anyone else?" Keith asked as a gray haired young man stepped forward and much like with Attila, Keith roughly opened up the man's dress uniform shirt revealing that he was also wearing a Team Rocket uniform. "Who are you?"

"My name is Hun, Mr. Williams," the man answered, seemingly unfazed by the tension he was receiving. "Agent of Team Rocket…"

But before he could finish, Keith slapped Hun across the face, causing the other staff members to wince in reaction.

"Not another word, terrorist. What is your role in Tehran?"

"Cabin security, sir. I'm responsible for watching every passenger who boards BA152 to Heathrow."

"So, what we have here are two spies who allowed the bombers to pass security and another who made sure they got on the plane in Tehran," Keith declared, forcibly turning them around towards the officers in the room. "You are both hereby terminated from British Airways and I now turn you over to the International Police."

But just then, the agents stepped aside and a man clothed in gray and black spandex with a long flowing black cape and batmask stepped into the room.

"Batman," remarked one of the astonished employees, as Batman gestured to the officers to take Attila and Hun into custody. As they were led away, Batman gave a silent farewell to Keith and left the room. However, Keith was not done as he lowered his tension slightly now that the problems had been eradicated.

"As for the rest of you," he said, suddenly sounding remorseful as he walked back behind his desk. "In light of the events of the past week, I am officially suspending British Airways operation in Tehran, effective immediately. However, if you wish to transfer to another of our stations in the Middle East, the option is there."

But the employees stood steadfast having just witnessed spies in their midst and now all of a sudden wanting a change in atmosphere.

"Mr. Williams," said the Tehran supervisor. "We would all like to take up on your offer to reassign, as hard as it is to separate from one another."

…

So British Airways operations in Tehran were suspended, dealing a crippling blow to Team Rocket's positioning in the Middle East. But that was of little consolation as at that moment, citizens and Pokemon trainers of Pallet Town were gathering together to honor those with Pallet Town connections who were killed in Operation Phoenix Rising.

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 48

"Pallet Town Memorial Service: Part 1"

As the sun began to set on Pallet Town, I stood in my bedroom wearing a black suit and tie readying myself for the memorial service that was about to happen. The news that a suspected Team Rocket agent in Detroit was arrested from an inbound flight from Amsterdam was just the beginning of the world's retaliation against Team Rocket. Looking out the window, I could see other citizens in mourning clothes walking in the direction of Professor Oak's lab.

"Are you ready, Pik?" I asked my first and best Pokemon. "And if you need to cry during the service, I'm not going to stop you, buddy."

"Pika," Pikachu remarked sadly as we made our way downstairs to my mom and Mimey, also clothed in mourning attire. It was kind of unusual to see a Mr. Mime in a suit, but my mom was keen on having him attend being a Pokemon and all.

"You look handsome, Ash," she cried, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Silently acknowledging, we proceeded towards Professor Oak's lab where many trainers, their Pokemon and non-trainers were gathering to pay their respects.

…

Upon arrival, we could see that the Oak Corral was fully decorated with flowers and mementos to the deceased Pallet Town trainers. At the front of the assembly were a collage of pictures of the trainers and their Pokemon. Even before the service were to start, I could hear the sounds of crying from some of the mourners.

"Ash," I heard a voice as I turned to see Misty wearing a black suit consisting of a jacket and dress, not typical for someone like her, having just arrived. "Oh, Ash."

Embracing, Pikachu and I were sympathetic for our friend and embraced right back.

"I was on the fence about coming, but…but, I had to come."

"It's okay, Misty," I replied with a gentle smile, wiping away one of her tears from her eyes. "It's okay."

Just then, Brock arrived in his mourning clothes. He held what appeared to be a bouquet of flowers supposedly for the memorial at the front of the corral.

"These flowers are from all of us," he said. "In memory of those killed."

It made me kind of silly to think that I didn't bring anything to memorialize the victims, but that didn't matter. Brock was always one to be mindful of sensitive situations like this.

"How are you holding up?" he asked out of care.

"I'll…survive," cried Misty, trying to hold in her emotions. "I've been through worse."

"If you need to let out, let it out," Brock said out of care. "It's a sad time for all of us."

…

Making our way towards the front, we came to the memorial for the 39 Pokemon Trainers and their Pokemon who began their journeys here in Pallet Town. Already, flowers, ribbons, handwritten letters and stuffed animals were placed at the foot of the large memorial picture. Quietly, I bent down and placed the flowers at the foot and stood back in silent reflection. These 39 trainers had their whole lives ahead of them, trainers whose careers were cut short in the most horrifying way. Even as I sat down next to Gary in a reserved seating area for famous Pokemon trainers to come out of Pallet Town, it seemed that just for a moment, all we could think of was for all those killed in Sunday night's bombing.

"The service will begin momentarily," said a female voice over the loudspeaker. "Please, take your seats."

"Your grandfather certainly came prepared," I remarked to Gary.

"Yeah, he wants things to run smoothly, Ash and who could blame him?" he said. "There's been too many attacks against Pokemon trainers and it needs to stop."

The sound in Gary's tone made it clear he was fed up as were the rest of us. Too many Pokemon trainers were being killed by Team Rocket just so they could get their hands on their Pokemon.

"But tonight…we remember."

Just then the sounds of gentle piano music were played and looking towards the back of the congregation, we could see a small girl holding what appeared to be a basket of broken Pokeballs and behind her was a Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle, holding the flag of the Pokemon World, a large flag with a giant Pokeball in the center. Rising to our feet, the piano music played its gentle sound as the little girl and the three Pokemon behind her stepped forward. Behind the Bulbasaur, Charmander and Squirtle, several Officer Jennys from nearby towns held the flags of the United States, United Kingdom and Canada as well as France and Germany acknowledging the nationalities of those killed. Slowly, they walked forward as at the front of the memorial, a soloist and a small choir sang the anthem of the Pokemon world in a slow and mournful tone to the sounds of the piano.

I wanna be the very best

Like no one ever was

To catch them is my real test

To train them is my cause

I will travel across the land

Searching far and wide

Teach Pokémon to understand

The power that's inside

…

It's you and me

I know it's our destiny

Oh, you're my best friend

In a world we must defend

A heart so true

Our courage will pull us through

You teach me, and I'll teach you

Pokémon

Gotta catch 'em all!

Gotta catch 'em all!

…

And once the anthem was sung, the service began and let me tell you that there wasn't a dry eye in the memorial service.

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 49

"Pallet Town Memorial Service: Part 2"

Taking a deep breath, Professor Oak, dressed in mourning clothes instead of his usual white labcoat, stood before the congregation trying to maintain a sense of dignity to those who were gathered to remember the deceased. He had met some of them personally and took the events of Operation Phoenix Rising personally.

"Tonight we acknowledge…a really terrible loss," he began. "As many of you know, a cowardly act of terrorism, unlike anything we have seen before has occurred. Team Rocket, the number one enemy of the Pokemon World, murdered 4,000 innocent men, women, children and Pokemon in a brazen move called Operation Phoenix Rising."

In the back of the congregation, we heard the sounds of a grandmother crying for her lost granddaughter.

"But this service," continued Professor Oak, opening out his hands like a religious figure. "Is not just a remembrance of the deceased members of the Pokemon Community, but rather a celebration of their lives, their accomplishments and their dreams which unfortunately will forever remain unattained. In this service, you will hear stories, songs and personal reflections of those killed in these barbaric attacks. I, for one, have come to view any trainer who starts his or her journey here in Pallet Town as one of my own. Perhaps no one took more pride in being a Pokemon than Charles Spencer, whose parents and older sister are here tonight and whom you will be hearing more of during this service. Tonight, we honor the lives lost in these attacks and call to mind the innermost spirits of those whom we consider as our guardian angels."

Just then, we looked over and saw a smartly dressed gentleman, sitting at the front of the congregation.

"At this time," Professor Oak finished. "I would like to invite the United Kingdom ambassador of Japan to step forward for the first lesson."

Rising to his feet, the ambassador slowly walked up to the podium and opened up a bible that had been provided for the service.

"A reading from the holy gospel according to St. John," he said as several of the congregation blessed themselves with the sign of the cross. '"Amen, amen, I say to you,a whoever does not enter a sheepfold* through the gate but climbs over elsewhere is a thief and a robber. But whoever enters through the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens it for him, and the sheep hear his voice, as he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has driven out all his own, he walks ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice. But they will not follow a stranger; they will run away from him, because they do not recognize the voice of strangers.' Although Jesus used this figure of speech, they did not realize what he was trying to tell them. * So Jesus said again, "Amen, amen, I say to you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came [before me] are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. A thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy; I came so that they might have life and have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. A hired man, who is not a shepherd and whose sheep are not his own, sees a wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away, and the wolf catches and scatters them. This is because he works for pay and has no concern for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep* that do not belong to this fold. These also I must lead, and they will hear my voice, and there will be one flock, one shepherd. This is the word of the Lord."

"Thanks be to God," replied some of the congregation as Professor Oak stood to the podium again.

"Thank you, Mr. Ambassador," he said. "Tonight, we are to hear from the families of those who called Pallet Town and as what was described in the lesson, we are all sheep who follow one shepherd, whether they are alive or deceased. But, it's important to remember that while we are sheep in the spiritual sense, we are also nothing more than ashes to ashes and dust to dust. But, we are also stardust to stardust and at this time, we will now hear the song "Stardust," by Nat "King" Cole to remind us of just that.

Just then a pre-recording of the song, "Stardust," played over the loudspeakers as we listened to the sounds of Nat "King" Cole performing:

And now the purple dusk of twilight time

Steals across the meadows of my heart

High up in the sky, the little stars climb

Always reminding me that we're apart

You wandered down the lane and far away

Leaving me a song that will not die

Love is now the stardust of yesterday

The music of the years gone by

Sometimes I wonder how I spend

The lonely night

Dreaming of a song

The melody haunts my reverie

And I am once again with you

When our love was new

And each kiss an inspiration

But that was long ago

And now my consolation

Is in the stardust of a song

Besides the garden wall

When stars are bright

You are in my arms

The nightingale tells his fairytale

Of paradise where roses grew

Though I dream in vain

In my heart it will remain

My stardust melody

A memory of love's refrain

…

Once the song had concluded, the family of Charles Spencer, whom Professor Oak had mentioned at the start of the service stepped forward to the podium. Looking at the family, I could see that they were like all the others, broken over the savage killing of their son, brother and friend.

"I'm Charles Spencer, Sr," said the father, wiping a tear from his eyes. "This is my wife, Diana, my daughter Anne and one of our daughter's Pokemon, Growlithe. Our son, Charles Jr., was a beacon of light in our family. All his life, he had one dream to one day compete in the Pokemon League at the Indigo Plateau. But, he also had a desire to battle other trainers around the world. This ultimately led to him boarding British Airways Flight 269 from London/Heathrow to Los Angeles, CA, him and his Pokemon, whom he referred to as his second family."

Stepping back, his mother was the next to speak.

"And to say that our son had more than one family would be considered an understatement," she continued. "He viewed Pokemon not as tools for victory, but rather, living breathing creatures that are no different than you or me. When he became a trainer, with a Charmander that was given to him, he often jokingly referred to the Charmander as his 'little light.' and not just because of the flame on the tip of its tail. He ensured that Charmander was there during thunderstorms whenever we lost power, there to light campfires that we held in the backyard of our house because it was too dangerous to go camping in the woods."

The daughter was the next to speak.

"If there is one thing I want to say about my brother, Charlie," she said, trying to hold back tears. "Was that he would be there for you whenever you needed help with anything, how to properly train your Pokemon for battle and to just treat them like one of the family. There will never be another…like Charlie and I love and miss him every day, despite the times I would bug him at inopportune times."

Too emotional to continue, the daughter stepped back from the podium.

"If there is one about Charlie that also defines his character," said Charles Sr. "Was that he was a young man that refused to let anything get in his way. When he was 18 years old, Charlie graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in our hometown of Grenada HIlls and unlike most of his graduating class, who would pursue careers in medical science, law or economics, he wanted to be a Pokemon trainer. He wanted to be a Pokemon trainer to serve as an inspiration to others in his community and even in death, we will continue to ensure that he continues to inspire others to follow in his footsteps. Charlie, Charmander, wherever you all are, your mom and dad and your sister love you and we will never forget you."

Overcome with grief, the family stepped down from the podium and what we heard about continuing to inspire others resonated with me. Yes, I wanted to be a Pokemon Master, but I also want to be an inspiration for others and Charlie was doing just that. He didn't do it for the trophies, he became a trainer to learn about Pokemon and to show what it meant to respect them for who they were.

…

Just then, a young woman in her mid 30's came forward to the microphone and strumming her guitar began to perform the next song in the program, a song that I knew all too familiar:

…

I close my eyes and I can see the day we met,

Just one moment and I knew:

You're my best friend, do anything for you.

We've gone so far and done so much

And I feel like we've always been together.

Right by my side through thick and thin,

You're the part of my life I'll always remember.

The time has come,

It's for the best, I know it.

Who could have guessed that you and I -

Somehow, someday, we'd have to say goodbye.

You've helped me find the strength inside

And the courage to make my dreams come true.

How will I find another friend like you?

Two of a kind, that's what we are,

And it seems like we were always winning.

But as our team is torn apart,

I wish we could go back to the beginning.

The time has come,

It's for the best, I know it.

Who could have guessed that you and I -

Somehow, someway, we'd have to say goodbye.

Somehow today, we have to say goodbye.

…

There would be more speakers and songs to come, but with each song and speaker, the emotions were only going to get higher and higher as the service progressed.

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 50

"Pallet Town Memorial Service: Part 3"

Hearing the song, "The Time Has Come," was more than just an emotional experience. It made me think of the worst decision I had ever made as a Pokemon trainer: leaving Pikachu behind with his own kind. But tonight, it wasn't about that, it was about honoring those who died in Operation Phoenix Rising and unlike my situation, the situation was permanent.

"At this time, I call on the family of Elizabeth Jones to step forward to share reflections on their daughter," said Professor Oak and a middle aged American couple came forward, holding a picture of their daughter holding an Oddish in her hands. Stepping up to the podium, they began to eulogize their only child.

"Good evening," said the father. "My name is David Jones and this is my wife, Deborah, from Georgetown, Maryland. Our shining star, Elizabeth, along with her Oddish and her other Pokemon, were killed Sunday night aboard British Airways Flight 293 from London to Washington, D.C. In fact, just this morning, we received word that her body had been found at the crash site in Wentworth-by-the-Sea. Like many Pokemon trainers, Elizabeth began her journey here in Pallet Town. I can remember that morning at Dulles Airport where we brought her to catch her flight to Tokyo. She said that she was going to be a Pokemon trainer who specialized in grass type Pokemon because all she wanted to do was take care of our planet. I said to her, perhaps there is someone in the Pokemon Regions that would be willing to take you on as an apprentice, a mentor. She told me that one of the Pokemon gym leaders, in Celadon City, ran a greenhouse and was more than willing to take her on as an apprentice."

Little did I realize that I saw Erica, the gym leader in Celadon City, sitting in the congregation with her own Oddish and holding a picture of the girl who looked up to her as a mentor.

"Back on August 9th," continued David. "Three days before our daughter was savagely taken away from us. She said to me in a text message: 'Dad, I'd like you and mom to come out to Celadon City and meet Erica. Perhaps mom and her might have something in common about agriculture and they could be really good friends.' How could I, a prominent lawyer in the Washington, D.C. area, be the father of someone who wants to spend the rest of her life tending plants? But, I didn't complain. My wife and I wanted what was best for our dear, Elizabeth."

He and his wife then turned their attention towards the skies.

"Elizabeth," he said, becoming choked up with emotion. "Your mother and I…are proud of you for all you have done…for grass type Pokemon. You are always and forever will be an inspiration to us all. Rest easy, my baby…"

But they couldn't finish because they were so overcome with emotion. Even Erica started to cry as she hugged the parents tightly. It was the perfect segway into the next song on the program, a pre-recorded performance of Frank Sinatra's, "My Way."

…

And now, the end is near

And so I face the final curtain

My friend, I'll say it clear

I'll state my case, of which I'm certain

I've lived a life that's full

I traveled each and every highway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

…

Regrets, I've had a few

But then again, too few to mention

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption

I planned each charted course

Each careful step along the byway

And more, much more than this

I did it my way

…

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew

When I bit off more than I could chew

But through it all, when there was doubt

I ate it up and spit it out

I faced it all, and I stood tall

And did it my way

…

I've loved, I've laughed and cried

I've had my fill, my share of losing

And now, as tears subside

I find it all so amusing

To think I did all that

And may I say, not in a shy way

Oh, no, oh, no, not me

I did it my way

…

For what is a man, what has he got?

If not himself, then he has naught

To say the things he truly feels

And not the words of one who kneels

The record shows I took the blows

And did it my way

…

Yes, it was my way

…

…

Chapter Text

Chapter 51

"Pallet Town Memorial Service: Part 3"

As the final notes of Frank Sinatra's magnum opus finished, Professor Oak stepped forward once again addressing the congregation gathered. Before he presented the next of kin to share the memories of another victim, Professor Oak needed to say something to get off his chest. I could see that he was developing a hard time keeping his composure, but at least he was trying to, given the circumstances.

…

"You know," he said. "During the previous musical interlude, there was something else I can't help but think of. Every time that a Pokemon trainer from anywhere in the world starts their journey here in Pallet Town, I always develop a strong connection with the trainer almost as if he or she was a member of my family. For many people aspiring to be Pokemon trainers, if you want to be a Pokemon trainer, you would have to not only earn the respect of the Pokemon that you will catch and take care of, but also you have to earn the respect of the culture as a whole. When we catch a Pokemon, we make a vow, an oath, to ensure that no harm falls before a Pokemon. At this time, I would like everyone who is a Pokemon trainer to rise for the reciting of the Pokemon Trainer's Oath."

Doing as we were told, Gary and I rose to our feet as did Misty and Brock seated behind me. Professor Oak then took a small bible he had under his suit coat and placed it on the podium.

"I, do solemnly swear," began Professor Oak, placing his right hand on the small bible and raising his left as we repeated each word he said. "That I, the Pokemon trainer…"

And for five minutes, all the names of the Pokemon trainers gathered at the memorial said their name, one trainer at a time.

"...shall to the best of my ability, protect and respect all types of Pokemon. I shall do no harm in any way to all Pokemon and view them as creatures that the creator intended them to be. I shall use my Pokemon fairly in battle and care for my Pokemon when it is injured. I will respect all Pokemon and failure to do so, shall result in my forfeiting my privileges as a trainer of Pokemon. So help me God."

"So help me God," all the trainers finished as we all sat down in our seats.

Just then, Professor Oak walked over to the table where the basket containing broken Pokeballs was placed, a symbol of the life that was broken, a life that no one would ever want to have broken.

"In times such as these," he said. "It is perfectly proper to symbolize our sadness and our anger with the basket of broken Pokeballs. The purpose of the Broken Pokeballs is not just to symbolize, but to remember the souls of all Pokemon who have been killed either for profit, by trainers who abuse, or for the spirit of Pokemon and trainer killed by Pokemon related terrorism. These Pokeballs will never be fixed, a reminder that those who die will never return."

Just then, I turned to hear Pikachu quietly crying, tears falling down his face as he sat in Brock's lap. Taking him from Brock, I hugged Pik as he cried during Professor Oak's sermon.

"The only thing we can do is remember the good times we had with the deceased, the accomplishments we had helped them achieve because a living spirit never dies. Our bodies and the bodies of Pokemon are nothing more than vessels for our spirits to live in. When our time comes, our spirits leave and go to a beautiful place of happiness, virtue and freedom from pain and suffering. These broken Pokeballs are a clear representation of that. The bodies are broken, but the souls still live."

…

But those words did little to help Pikachu as my poor buddy continued to sob quietly. To make it even more surreal was the fact that Pikachu never wanted to be in a Pokeball, to which was what made that dark period last year even more raw for the both of us.

"For the 900 trainers, their Pokemon and the over 4,000 lives we mourn tonight in these barbaric acts, we are reminded that they shall be comforted in the hands of God and be brought into his heavenly kingdom."

Taking a deep breath, Professor Oak turned his attention back to the congregation.

"At this time," he said. "I would like the son of Cleavon Schpielbunk to step forward to say a few words about his father."

Cleavon Schpielbunk? The movie director that brought Misty's Psyduck together with a Wigglytuff? Neither me, nor Misty, nor Brock knew or imagined that he would be one of the victims in this act of terrorism.

It wasn't surprising the son of a famed director like Cleavon would be just like his father, with movie director-like looks. It wasn't until we looked at the memorial board and saw a picture of Cleavon that we had missed, at the bottom right corner of the memorial board.

"Our bodies are just like empty shells, but our spirits are eternal," he began, trying to keep himself composed. "This is just like something my father would say to me. Being a director, my father was a storyteller, determined to capture the hearts and minds of humans and Pokemon alike. For the past 25 years, he stood behind the camera and demanded the best out of his actors. But, he always made sure that reality was separated from fiction. I remember him telling me a story about how he was creating a Pokemon movie and how there was one unscripted moment where Team Rocket agents tried to steal all the Pokemon, probably to be used to harm others if nothing else. He told me that out of some miracle, by the grace of God or the idiocy of the moment, only a Psyduck was uncaptured."

As Misty listened, I turned to see her wiping away several tears as the Psyduck Cleavon Jr. was referring to was hers.

"Ever since my father was killed on British Airways Flight 269 to Los Angeles on Sunday night," continued Cleavon Jr. "I've come to deeply reflect on that story. That the Psyduck who managed to avoid capture was symbolized as the immortal spirit leaving the broken bodies, referring to the situation that was happening at the time. Much like Psyduck, his spirit was released and he is probably up there directing the next Pokemon movie with Wigglytuff at his side."

All Misty, Brock and I could do was lower our heads in remembrance, for we were stunned that Cleavon's Wigglytuff was among the Pokemon killed. In fact, we could think of how Misty's Psyduck could handle that his friend, the love of his life supposedly, was killed along with her trainer in the most savage way possible.

"Dad," said Cleavon Jr., looking up to the skies. "Please know that your legacy will be just like your soul…forever eternal. I'm proud to call you my father, just as you were proud to call me your son. May God bless you."

Slowly, Cleavon Jr. stepped down from the podium as we looked on in profound sympathy.

…

Just then, a small cage was brought out to the front of the congregation and inside, I could hear the sounds of Butterfree coming from inside.

"Please join me in welcoming the one and only, Miss Bette Midler, who will perform her song, "The Wind Beneath My Wings."

At that moment, a woman in a flowing red gown with a Pokeball pin attached, stepped to the microphone to perform her song. I actually couldn't believe or for that matter, anyone could believe that such a high profile celebrity like Bette Midler would be asked to come to Pallet Town. Just then, the all too familiar opening to her signature song began to play, background music and all as she sang with her heart's desire:

Oh, oh, oh, oh

It must have been cold there in my shadow

To never have sunlight on your face

You were content to let me shine, that's your way

You always walked a step behind

So I was the one with all the glory

While you were the one with all the strength

A beautiful face without a name for so long

A beautiful smile to hide the pain

…

Just then, the cage was opening and the Butterfree were sent flying into the air as they flew above and around the Oak Corral and they continued to do so throughout the song.

…

Did you ever know that you're my hero?

And everything I would like to be

I can fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings

…

It might have appeared to go unnoticed

But I've got it all here in my heart

I want you to know, I know the truth, of course I know it

I would be nothing without you

…

Still, the Butterfree continued their circular flight, a symbol of the spirits of those killed going to live forever in paradise.

…

Did you ever know that you're my hero?

You're everything I wish I could be

I could fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings

…

Did I ever tell you, you're my hero?

You're everything, everything I wish I could be

Oh, and I, I could fly higher than an eagle

For you are the wind beneath my wings

'Cause you are the wind beneath my wings

…

Oh, the wind beneath my wings

You, you, you, you are the wind beneath my wings

Fly, fly, fly away, you let me fly so high

Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings

Oh, you, you, you, the wind beneath my wings

Fly, fly, so high against the sky

So high I almost touch the sky

Thank you, thank you

Thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings

…

And as Bette finished her song, the Butterfree flew away into the night sky as people sobbed and cried while they applauded.

"God bless you all," Bette said. "And remember that they are the wind beneath your wings."

…

As Bette left the center, Professor Oak stepped forward as we all took our seats.

"Thank you, Bette," he said. "And yes, every single one of those we mourn are indeed the wind beneath our wings. As our time together draws to a close, we will do whatever it takes to ensure that we will continue to honor the memories of those we mourn here tonight. Our way of life will go on because that's the way every single one of the 4,000 souls lost would have wanted it to. People and Pokemon are more than just companions, we are brothers and sisters to them, to fellow trainers, to Pokemon we probably may never encounter in our lifetimes. Carry this message in your hearts and remember that now and forever. At this time, I would like you all to stand if you can for the final blessing in the words that our lord and savior taught us:

Our father, which art in heaven, hallowed by thy name

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done

On Earth as it is in Heaven

Give us this day,

Our daily bread

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive those who trespass against us

Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory

Forever and ever, Amen."

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 52

"You Came Back…"

"Well, I'm pretty sure that it was a beautiful service, Ash," said Hue as we reflected on the services. "It raises the importance of just how symbolic Pallet Town is to the Pokemon world."

"Yes, Pallet Town may seem small," I replied. "But, it's a close knit community where Pokemon trainers, like myself, began their journeys."

I then turned to see Pik wiping away a tear from his eyes. Apparently, reliving the Pallet Town memorial service was hard for him.

"And that wasn't all," I continued. "For the very first Pokemon I ever captured and later released came back to me in our world's darkest moment."

"And what Pokemon was that, if you don't mind my asking?"

…

So, I once began to think back to the reception that Professor Oak held on the grounds of his lab following the service. Sure there were hors d'oeuvres, but I wasn't really hungry. My concern was for Pikachu, who was still having a hard time processing everything that transpired and again, who could blame him given the torture he went through last year? All he could do was just sit on the edge of a small hill overlooking the lake in solitude reflection.

"Poor Pikachu," Misty sighed. "It must have been hard for him. Being kidnapped and used in a plot to attack the Boston Marathon sure brings back memories."

"Yeah, memories I'd rather forget," I whispered to Misty, turning to her. "And I'm sure Pikachu would feel the same way. Being kidnapped in the middle of the night, forced into a Pokeball against it's will, taken to England and then to Boston with Team Rocket intending him to be used to harm others at the Boston Marathon. I mean, when is it going to be enough, Misty?"

The sound of my sharp voice caused Misty to jump back slightly in surprise. In response, I lowered my voice slightly.

"When is it going to be enough?"

"I don't know, Ash," Misty said. "The world is nothing like what we hear in fairy tales where the story begins with once upon a time and ends where everybody lives happily ever after."

But to Pik, this wasn't just a matter of a fairy tale ending. He had trauma from the darkest of all periods during our conflicts with Jessie, James and Meowth. As he sat on that hill, I saw him just sitting there with his ears dropped back and the movements that meant he was still crying slightly. I wanted to go up there and be for him, but he wanted to be alone with his thoughts.

Eventually, I decided to walk up to Pikachu and sit down next to my buddy. His eyes were bloodshot red and heavy dark bags were under them, a sign that he was exhausted from the service.

"Would you like some company, Pik?"

"Pika," he answered quietly, so I sat down next to him.

"I know it was a hard service," I remarked, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Seeing the broken Pokeballs, the music, the personal stories, it was a lot. But, you hung on as best you could than most people, Pikachu. You're the bravest Pokemon I know."

Holding back tears of my own, I pulled Pikachu into an embrace and hugged him tightly as we both sobbed quietly. Pikachu was more than just a Pokemon, he was a friend, a brother, someone that I could depend on in good times and in bad times. We were both hurting not just from Operation Phoenix Rising, but from all the traumas we had with Team Rocket.

…

Watching from down below the hill, Misty and Brock could easily sympathize with the both of us.

"Poor guys," sighed Brock. "Having to experience another of many experiences. No one should ever have to deal with this nightmare. I mean if this doesn't wake up the law to pursue Team Rocket for war crimes, what will?"

Just then, Misty looked up and saw what appeared to be two flying Pokemon coming towards me and Pikachu. As they flew closer, the Pokemon revealed themselves to be a pair of Butterfree: a pink Butterfree and a regular purple one with a yellow ascot tied around its neck.

It was hard for us to see because our eyes were kind of teary, but there they were. Butterfree and his mate. I couldn't believe what I was seeing and reached out to touch Butterfree on its head.

"Butterfree," I said, trying to smile through my raw emotions. "You came back."

"Pika Pi," Pikachu cried as he and Butterfree hugged. I couldn't believe it, the very Pokemon I ever captured as a Caterpie and released as a Butterfree had returned.

"Free, Free," Butterfree chirped as he and his mate flew above us. "Butterfree."

Of course, there was the matter of why my Butterfree would return, given that there was the flock of Butterfree that they were a part of. Unless, of course, there was a good reason.

"Hey Butterfree," I heard Misty and Brock call as they ran up the hill. "It's good to see you again."

It was then that I noticed something about my Butterfree. During Bette's song, there was the flock of Butterfree that was released and I remembered seeing two of the Butterfree that looked familiar.

Could it be that he and his mate had returned for good? It was hard to say, but all I knew was that Butterfree was back after so many years and there was no better time than now during the Pokemon World's darkest hour…

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 53

"The Brave Flight Crews"

When it came to Operation Phoenix Rising, there was very little warning that such an attack would take place during the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics. Sure, Team Rocket had made hijacking or bombing of airliners their top method of obtaining Pokemon, but this was something that we had thought had stopped with Ramzi Yousef's capture in Pakistan 17 years ago.

But it wasn't just the 900 Pokemon Trainers and their Pokemon who were massacred nor was it just the other 3100 passengers, but also the 190 flight crew members aboard each of the flights: pilots, flight attendants, pursers, and even the off duty British Airways flight crews who were going on vacation after working hard during the Summer Olympics. Each flight crew was dedicated to their job, they were passionate about connecting London to the rest of the world. They had families, some were nearing retirement, some even were engaged and due to be married, only to have it snatched away because of Team Rocket.

…

At the same time we had the memorial service in Pallet Town, a memorial was also being held at Heathrow Airport's St. George Chapel to remember those flight crews.

"I'm sure many of us here," said Keith Williams, the CEO of British Airways at an impromptu memorial service at Heathrow Airport's St. George Chapel. "Are in just as much shock as the rest of the world. Innocent creatures used against their will to carry out mass murder over the Atlantic and over the United States. Much like the Pokemon world and communities around the world, our world at British Airways has suffered a great deal that is on the same level. 190 pilots, pursers, flight attendants and honorary members of the British Airways family died doing what they loved to do the most…meet people from all over the world while representing the British Commonwealth at our national airline. We now honor their memories by each of the selected flights that were targeted."

…

Just then, a television just over the podium began to list each of the flight crew members that were lost:

British Airways Flight 287 from London/Heathrow to San Francisco, California (15 Crew Members):

…

Captain John McDonald, Age 55

First Officer David Dodds, Age 44

Flight Engineer Oliver Wendell, Age 47

Chief Purser Richard Conte, Age 52

Purser Amy Andrews, Age 50

Flight Attendant Felicity Goodman, Age 46

Flight Attendant Bianca Marjorie, Age 41

Flight Attendant Robert King, Age 39

Flight Attendant Elizabeth King, Age 37

Flight Attendant Mary Sibber, Age 34

Flight Attendant Christopher Gordon, Age 33

Flight Attendant Melanie Knight, Age 31

Flight Attendant Brittany Holmes, Age 29

Flight Attendant Charles Manel, Age 28

Flight Attendant Christine Carpenter, Age 26

…

British Airways Flight 229 from London/Heathrow to Baltimore, Maryland (10 crew members)

…

Captain Thomas Woods, Age 43

First Officer Jason Whittaker, Age 42

Purser Carly George, Age 36

Flight Attendant Elise Combs, Age 36

Flight Attendant David Jones, Age 34

Flight Attendant Gregory Jones, Age 33

Flight Attendant Walter Ford, Age 31

Flight Attendant Paula Hutchinson, Age 30

Flight Attendant Jessica Chen, Age 29

Flight Attendant Tanya Chabert, Age 28

…

British Airways Flight 69 from London/Heathrow to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (15 crew members)

…

Captain Morgan Douglas, Age 53

First Officer Monica Franklin, Age 46

Flight Engineer James Romero, Age 34

Chief Purser Ingrid Hunt, Age 49

Purser Martha Oliver, Age 47

Flight Attendant Melanie Blanc, Age 44

Flight Attendant Frank Johnson, Age 41

Flight Attendant Ellen "Dory" DeGeneres, Age 39

Flight Attendant Lyman Rutledge, Age 36

Flight Attendant Benjamin Bartlett, Age 34

Flight Attendant John Stark, Age 32

Flight Attendant William Nighy, Age 30

Flight Attendant Nelson Riddle, Age 28

Flight Attendant Jeanette Eddy, Age 26

Flight Attendant Jamison Kerse, Age 23

…

British Airways Flight 177 from London/Heathrow to New York City/John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York (20 crew members)

…

Captain Jack Borgia, Age 46

First Officer Paul Charbonnet, Age 39

Flight Engineer Matthew Gardner, Age 35

Chief Purser George Mountbatten, Age 55

Purser Alexis Smaldone, Age 52

Flight Attendant Gregory Peters, Age 49

Flight Attendant Natalie Revins, Age 46

Flight Attendant James Wilson, Age 44

Flight Attendant Donald Crosby, Age 42

Flight Attendant Douglas Crosby, Age 42

Flight Attendant Amanda Bell, Age 40

Flight Attendant Monica Evans, Age 38

Flight Attendant Stephanie Barber, Age 36

Flight Attendant Paul Garland, Age 34

Flight Attendant Gary Snow, Age 31

Flight Attendant Donna Bolger, Age 30

Flight Attendant Maggie Nelson, Age 29

Flight Attendant Patricia "Patty" Francis, Age 28

Flight Attendant Lana Lane, Age 27

Flight Attendant Micah Butler, Age 25

…

British Airways Flight 269 from London/Heathrow to Los Angeles, California (20 flight crew members)

…

Captain James Thompson, Age 55

First Officer Robert Prowse, Age 48

Flight Engineer Wendell Holmes, Age 36

Chief Purser Edward Francis, Age 54

Purser Matthew Lewis, Age 52

Flight Attendant Rebecca Hoff, Age 48

Flight Attendant Dana Hector, Age 46

Flight Attendant Martin Downey, Age 43

Flight Attendant Laura Plummer, Age 42

Flight Attendant Chloe Alden, Age 40

Flight Attendant Fred Davis, Age 37

Flight Attendant Jason Chevrette, Age 35

Flight Attendant Pamela Taylor, Age 33

Flight Attendant John Corey, Age 32

Flight Attendant Abigail Proctor, Age 29

Flight Attendant George Nurse, Age 29

Flight Attendant Stanley Halloway, Age 27

Flight Attendant Thomasina Tuttle, Age 26

Flight Attendant Michael Morgan, Age 25

Flight Attendant Peter Thompson, Age 23

…

British Airways Flight 297 from London/Heathrow to Chicago/O'Hare International Airport, Illinois (10 crew members)

…

Captain Peter Peppers, Age 44

First Officer Paul Axelrod, Age 43

Purser Diane Devonis, Age 55

Flight Attendant Gordon Avery, Age 50

Flight Attendant Roger Como, Age 47

Flight Attendant Michelle "Shelly" Duvall, Age 44

Flight Attendant Helen Edwards, Age 40

Flight Attendant Philip Mastronni, Age 35

Flight Attendant Giselle Marcia, Age 32

Flight Attendant Jane Singleton, Age 30

…

British Airways Flight 293 from London/Heathrow to Washington/Dulles International Airport, Washington, D.C. (20 crew members)

…

Captain Clark Haynes, Age 58

First Officer Ralph Snyder, Age 54

Flight Engineer Jerry Bratt, Age 45

Chief Purser Robert Kaplan, Age 55

Purser Deborah Levine, Age 46

Flight Attendant Dinah Beaumont, Age 50

Flight Attendant Katherine Sienna, Age 47

Flight Attendant Jonathan Gottfried, Age 45

Flight Attendant Cecillia Barnes, Age 41

Flight Attendant Benjamin van Buren, Age 40

Flight Attendant Linda Underwood, Age 36

Flight Attendant Kimberly "Kim" Costello, Age 34

Flight Attendant Cho Chong, Age 32

Flight Attendant Thomas Guerin, Age 29

Flight Attendant Isadore "Fritz" George, Age 28

Flight Attendant Andrea McNair, Age 26

Flight Attendant Frank Bertucci, Age 26

Flight Attendant John Butler, Age 25

Flight Attendant Alexander Woods, Age 25

Flight Attendant Michelle James, Age 24

…

British Airways Flight 99 from London/Heathrow to Toronto/Pearson, Canada (15 crew members)

Captain Sam Capiro, Age 55

First Officer Frederick Norman, Age 43

Purser John Warner, Age 53

Flight Attendant Aubrey Decker, Age 50

Flight Attendant Stephen Sherwood, Age 47

Flight Attendant Nicholas Pontecelli, Age 44

Flight Attendant Francine Campbell, Age 42

Flight Attendant Gladys Johns, Age 39

Flight Attendant Jeremy Bikel, Age 35

Flight Attendant David Hutchinson, Age 33

Flight Attendant Maxine Andrews, Age 31

Flight Attendant Howard Bogart, Age 29

Flight Attendant Robert Gibbons, Age 27

Flight Attendant Leslie Thompson, Age 26

Flight Attendant Rebecca Lawrence, Age 22

…

British Airways Flight 85 from London/Heathrow to Vancouver, Canada (15 crew members)

…

Captain John Crane, Age 53

First Officer Patricia Cornwall, Age 49

Purser Mary Jane George, Age 48

Flight Attendant Elizabeth Thornberry, Age 45

Flight Attendant Nicole St. Germain, Age 44

Flight Attendant Peter Goodman, Age 41

Flight Attendant Henry Brando, Age 39

Flight Attendant Raymond Lahr, Age 36

Flight Attendant Tabitha Oliver, Age 36

Flight Attendant Christine Allen, Age 35

Flight Attendant Victoria Salt, Age 34

Flight Attendant Charlotte Conn, Age 30

Flight Attendant Jason Mann, Age 28

Flight Attendant Sarah Clinton, Age 26

Flight Attendant Nicole "Nicky" Sampson, Age 24

…

British Airways Flight 215 from London/Heathrow to Boston, Massachusetts (20 crew members)

...

Captain John Darling, Age 50

First Officer Michael Barrie, Age 50

Flight Engineer William Conried, Age 45

Chief Purser Wendy Darling, Age 55

Purser James Cook, Age 49

Flight Attendant Helen Beck, Age 46

Flight Attendant William Harding, Age 45

Flight Attendant Jennifer Gale, Age 43

Flight Attendant Patrick Graham, Age 40

Flight Attendant Norma Chaney, Age 38

Flight Attendant Zachary Thomas, Age 35

Flight Attendant Ronald Coldman, Age 33

Flight Attendant Elizabeth Bow, Age 32

Flight Attendant Victoria Bonham, Age 30

Flight Attendant Laura Hope, Age 28

Flight Attendant Danielle Brisbaux, Age 27

Flight Attendant Sandra "Sandy" Combs, Age 25

Flight Attendant Julius Goulet, Age 25

Flight Attendant Mary Moore, Age 24

Flight Attendant Stacie Brimhall, Age 22

…

British Airways Flight 95 from London/Heathrow to Montreal/Trudeau, Canada (15 crew members)

…

Captain Joseph Brady, Age 52

First Officer Thomas McDonald, Age 28

Purser Courtney Sykes, Age 35

Flight Attendant Julia Daggett, Age 35

Flight Attendant Charles Daggett, Age 35

Flight Attendant Gilbert Pradieu, Age 33

Flight Attendant Andrew Dickinson, Age 32

Flight Attendant Thomas McCoy, Age 30

Flight Attendant Erin "Casey" Rogers, Age 28

Flight Attendant Irina Pacheco, Age 27

Flight Attendant Morganna Soucie, Age 25

Flight Attendant Robert Kostal, Age 24

Flight Attendant Richard Kostal, Age 22

Flight Attendant Nicholas Cummings, Age 21

Flight Attendant Sean Marshall, Age 21

…

British Airways Flight 185 from London/Heathrow to Newark, New Jersey (15 passengers and crew)

…

Captain George Windsor, Age 56

First Officer Steven Morgan, Age 46

Purser Lauren Timmons, Age 45

Flight Attendant Judith O'Rourke, Age 43

Flight Attendant Julian Molina, Age 41

Flight Attendant Noelle Doniel, Age 38

Flight Attendant Vanessa Phillips, Age 37

Flight Attendant Shirley Basse, Age 35

Flight Attendant Robin Fields, Age 34

Flight Attendant Percival "Percy" Maddison, Age 32

Flight Attendant Sam Barry, Age 30

Flight Attendant Eric Barry, Age 30

Flight Attendant Roger Howard, Age 28

Flight Attendant Simon Merridew, Age 28

Flight Attendant Danielle Rogers, Age 23

…

…

Now, I know it seemed like a lot of what you might call "show and don't tell" but as a human being more than a Pokemon trainer let alone a Pokemon Master, these people were the first lines of defense, tending to passengers as well as trainers and their Pokemon affected by the poison gas from the gas Pokemon for as long as they could. Being the CEO of a major airline like British Airways, Keith was going to ensure that a memorial for these brave men and women would be created at Heathrow Airport in Terminal 5, where they all started their journeys from London on Sunday August 12th, 2012 and never returned.

…

"For as long as I am head of our national airline," he declared. "I will ensure that our 190 friends, neighbors, fellow Brits, Scots, Welsh and Northern Irish will be honored for their sacrifice in being there for our passengers. Today, August 16th, 2012, I make that promise."

…

But, of course, there were plenty of famous names in the Pokemon world that were also on the planes, not just Cleavon Schipelbunk, people that you would probably never even hear of…unless tragedy strikes.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 54

"The Famous Pokemon Names Lost"

At the memorial service in Pallet Town, we had heard stories from those who lost loved ones in Operation Phoenix Rising. Of course, there was Cleavon Schipelbunk, the famous film director who was on British Airways Flight 269. But there were others within our community and the Pokemon World as a whole who lost their lives in the bombings. As I said in the previous chapter, you might never know who these people are unless tragedy strikes. Among those killed in Operation Phoenix Rising include:

…

Lorelei "Prima" Kanna (Pokemon Master/Member of Indigo Plateau Elite Four)

Originally born in Pennsylvania, Lorelei was someone who was among the best of the best and for a time she was a member of the Elite Four in the Indigo Plateau. Specializing in Ice-type Pokemon, she was also nicknamed "Prima" because she wanted to be viewed more as a Pokemon master like me, than an Elite Four member. I remember meeting her on Mandarin Island in the Orange Islands and I strongly remember her using Jynx to send Team Rocket away during one of their many attempts to steal Pikachu. Prima was someone who wasn't afraid to freeze her opponents and in that case, you might call her "Icewoman" or "The Snow Queen," but she always preferred Prima, because that's how she was. Eventually, she settled in Hamburg, Germany and opened up a Pokemon gym there because as she put it, "Some Pokemon Master's have one goal in mind: to open their own gym."

On August 12th, 2012, she was on her way back to her home near Philadelphia for her mother's 65th birthday, having flown from Hamburg to London/Heathrow on British Airways and then connecting to British Airways Flight 69 where it exploded off of Martha's Vineyard.

…

Agatha Kikuko (Member of Elite Four/Ghost Pokemon Specialist)

One of the oldest Pokemon trainers in the world and originally from Southern California, Agatha, at age 78, was still in the prime of her career as a specialist of Ghost Pokemon with Gengar being her signature Pokemon. As a member of the Elite Four, Agatha didn't let her age slow her down. In her spare time, she was a big fan of the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood, even though that was more of Melvin the Magician's territory. At the time of her death, she was taking up being a paranormal expert, seeking ghosts in the highlands of Scotland. For some reason, Agatha seemed to enjoy Scotland, admiring it for it's culture and for the fact that men work kilts, which made her seemingly attracted to them.

On August 12th, 2012, after flying British Airways from Glasgow to London, Agatha boarded British Airways Flight 269 to Los Angeles to visit her children and grandchildren in Simi Valley.

…

Martin Kureskov (Construction Foreman)

Martin Kureskov was someone that if he caught messing up one of his construction projects, he would certainly let you know it. This was the case when Diglett and Dugtrio were messing up a project of his, but at the same time, taught him an important lesson about the importance of the Galva Dam. Still, that didn't stop him from conducting other projects with somewhat moderate success.

At the time of the bombings, Martin was living in Bucharest, Romania and boarded British Airways Flight 95 in London to fly to Toronto to attend the funeral of his mother, a funeral that he would never make it to.

…

Fiorella Cappucino (Actor)

One of the youngest and most dashing actors of his day, Fiorella Cappuncino was one of the judges of the Princess contest that both Misty and Jessie participated in. The prize for the winner: a doll set and a picture with him. By 2012, he had gotten bored with just doing film roles and wanted to expand his horizons to the stage and on August 12th, 2012, he flew British Airways from Venice, Italy to London where he would connect to British Airways Flight 177 to New York/JFK and then meet up with a talent agent for Broadway Actors the next morning. His body was among those found at Pirate's Cove Miniature Golf in West Yarmouth, floating face down in the water.

…

Todd "Snap" Toru (Amateur Photographer)

One of the companions that we had for a short time was well known photographer Todd "Snap" Toru with a strong, dynamic passion for photography. Eventually, we parted ways so he could focus on his photography and in 2011, he was employed by Charles Goodshow to be the official photographer for the Pokemon League competitions in the Indigo Plateau. His work with the Pokemon League caught the attention of the International Olympics Committee who offered him the opportunity to take photographs of the competitions, to which Snap accepted. On August 12th, 2012 at London/Heathrow, Snap boarded British Airways Flight 85 to Vancouver, Canada to capture photos of the British Columbian landscape before returning to the Pokemon regions. Two days after the bombings, his camera was found amongst the wreckage in Northern Alberta. He was a photographer to the very end.

…

AJ Akira (Pokemon Master)

One of the very first rivals I came across as a Pokemon trainer was AJ Akira, who ran a gym not funded by the Pokemon League with the goal of becoming a Pokemon Master. Once he reached 100 victories, he set out on a quest to earn gym badges and enter competitions, to which by 2012, he had competed in over 100 competitions. You might say that 100 was his lucky number, but not even that was enough to save his life on August 12th, 2012. He had just completed a Pokemon tournament in Amsterdam and was on his way to another Pokemon competition in Boston where he boarded British Airways Flight 215 at London/Heathrow. His body was later found in a tree in the Popponesset Marketplace and his Sandshrew, was found lying on the wooden staircase having been thrown out of it's Pokeball in the fall.

…

Those were just some of the notables in the Pokemon world who were killed in Operation Phoenix Rising. More would be revealed in due time as the investigation then turned to the next big question: trying to put themselves in the shoes of the bombers and how they gassed the planes before blowing themselves and the aircraft up using the explosive Pokemon that had been smuggled for them to use.

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 55

"What It Was Like On the Planes?"

As Day 5 in the aftermath of Operation Phoenix Rising commenced, it was now recovery instead of rescue. Bodies, airplane debris and passenger luggage continued to wash up on the shores of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket even more than five days after the bombings. Now, the big question was what may have been going on onboard the planes…where were the plotters located? What were their exact positions? Was there an accomplice that came through security at Heathrow Airport undetected?

There were so many questions that investigators were asking. In one of the hangars, Tim Goodman, having flown in from Boston on the overnight flight to London, arrived in the presence of a Boeing 747-400, taken out of service to be used as evidence.

"Okay, so they would have come in through this door?" Tim asked, climbing up the starboard side of the jetline.

"That is correct, Detective," replied the Scotland Yard officer. "According to the manifest, the bombers would have been sitting in Club World."

Stepping into the Club World section, Tim and Pikachu carefully studied which seats could be chosen by the bombers, most likely they would have been close to the lavatories, where they could work in privacy.

"How often are people using the restroom?" Tim asked, placing his hand on the club world lavatory door. "I mean, typically?"

"It depends," said the Scotland Yard officer. "Sometimes, it's frequent…other times, it's not."

Opening the door, Tim stepped into the lavatory and studied the small shoebox sized washroom up and down. He needed to identify exactly how the plotters moved, which Pokeball did they reach for first and how did the gas trickle into the cabin. Tim looked up and saw what appeared to be a ventilation system just above the bathroom mirror.

"Take a look at this," Tim gestured. "You see the ventilation system? It's possible that they had the Koffing or Weezing placed right at these vents."

Pikachu climbed up and stuck it's hand into the vents to measure their size because the bigger the hole, the quicker the gas was dispensed. Then there was the matter of how much gas was inside the Pokemon at the time of the bombing?

"Pika, Pika, Pi," Tim's Pikachu said, jumping off the wall and back onto the sink.

Tim then had another hypothesis regarding the toilet.

"What are you doing, Detective?"

"The plotters knew that they had to get the Koffing or Weezing close to the vents," answered Tim. "I mean…you plaster a poison gas filled Pokemon to these vents and they are bloated, the more bloated, the bigger the gas. I'm no scientist, but the gas would have come from here and through the air conditioning vents over each passenger seat. But in order to do that, the plotter would have to stand on the toilet."

Demonstrating this hypothesis, he stepped onto the toilet and took out an empty Pokeball, pressing the button.

"Then they would press the Pokeball and release the Pokemon inside of it. They would then plaster the Koffing or Weezing against the window. The gas would be expelled through the top of the Koffing or Weezing."

"So, you would have Koffing or Weezing spraying gas through their tops and depending on the amount of gas they would be carrying, passengers and crew would have been incapacitated rather quickly."

"How much time?"

"About 10 to 20 minutes at most," sighed Tim, stepping back into the cabin. "The gas would have gone in two different directions: towards the front where Club Business and the cockpit are located and then towards the back towards Economy class. Who would be affected right away would probably be those with underlying health issues? They would be knocked out cold before anything knew what hit them."

Tim then moved towards the stairs where the upper Club Business Class seats and the cockpit was located. He directed to the Scotland yard officer the vents where the gas would have travelled to, affecting the entire upper section. Finally, he approached the cockpit and opened the door. Looking up, he tried to see exactly where the gas would have come into the cockpit.

"What about the pilots?"

"They probably will have had no time to reach for their masks," replied Tim, reaching up towards the compartments where the masks were located. "It's like if you're constipated from drinking Mountain Dew or eating fiber. You want to get it out of your system at a fast pace, but you would have had to tell people to get out of your way before you do your business. The gas would go at such a speed that the pilots wouldn't have reacted as quickly…nor anyone for that matter."

Leaving the cockpit, Tim led the Scotland Yard officer back to the restroom and once again stepped inside the lavatory. Tim then took out a second Pokeball that was empty and pressed the button.

"And this…" he said, pressing the Pokeball. "Was when the explosive Pokemon would have been released and the plotter would have given it the order to use self-destruct or explosion. Neither the passengers nor the crew would have heard the order being given because of the gas effects. It would have been fast and would have taken at least 5 minutes to break up and fall from the sky at the speed it would have fallen."

"Killing themselves and all onboard?"

"Yes," Tim sighed. "Those who had succumbed to the gas would have obviously been dead and those who were incapacitated would have not been able to act or even know what was happening."

…

Tim then turned around and stepped back out into the cabin. He had painted the best picture he could of what was going on during those moments. There would be no timer, but a signal given for the plotters to act. Tim took a look at the IFE screen in the seats and could see that the closing ceremonies themselves were the timer.

"They wanted to wait until the exact moment the flame was extinguished," Tim hypothesized. "Usually, there's a line of people during this part of the ceremony. Once they were lined up, they would have gotten out of their seats and if the lav wasn't occupied, they would go into the lavatory to prepare."

"But how would they have known the flame was being extinguished?"

Tim answered the officer's question by taking his cell phone out of his pocket.

"They would have been livestreaming the closing ceremonies on their phones," he said. "While they were in airplane mode, of course. Most likely, they would have placed the phones here and would have released the Koffing or Weezing first just as the flame starts to go down. Once the flame is fully extinguished, the plotters would have acted and carried out the explosions using Voltorb or Electrode, almost acting move for move."

"So they would have been using the livestreaming events on their phones tuned in to follow the exact movements of the flame extinguishing?"

"Correct," sighed Tim. "Following the exact movements."

Leaving the plane, Tim could probably think that everything he did happened exactly on the planes. Those who died from gas inhalation had no pain, those who were partly sedated or sickened, had their last moments of life be nothing of horror. But either way, death came to 4,000 people and Pokemon and there was no escape.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 56

“To Visit or Not To Visit?”

The Oak Corral memorial service to the 900 trainers and Pokemon lost in Operation Phoenix Rising was definitely a moving service, climaxing to the return of Butterfree and his mate after so many years and the moving performance of Bette Milder’s “Wind Beneath My Wings.” However, there was a twist to the evening that would put me in a bind of judgement, a decision that would determine my overall character.

“Well, Ash,” said Hue, during my interview with the BBC. “The Oak Corral memorial service is a strong definition of what it means to be a Pokemon trainer. However, there is something else I seem to recall that you were on the fence about, if you don’t mind my asking.”

I knew very well what Hue was going to bring up. That moment after the service where my greatest enemies would see me once again.

“You’re talking about Jessie, James and Meowth, aren’t you?” I asked.

“I am, Ash. The night of the service, they were transferred to a prison in Viridian City on charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism, despite the fact they showed remorse. You had a visitor who persuaded you to see them.”
“Yes, the lawyer. Terrence Putney.”

…

Following the memorial service, a man in a dark brown suit came into the service and almost immediately, everyone went silent. Before the service, everyone knew who this guy was and it showed. However, he was a lawyer who was acting on behalf of his clients and I couldn’t be rude to him, even on a night remembering the 4,000 people Team Rocket murdered.

“Are you Ash Ketchum?” he asked.

“Yes, I am he,” I answered. “Who are you?”

“I’m Terrence Putney,” he explained as Misty and Brock came over. “I’ve been appointed to represent two Team Rocket agents and their talking Meowth on charges of conspiracy to commit terrorism.”

Now this is where the inner conflict comes into play here: because even though Jessie, James and Meowth spent years hunting down my Pikachu and any other Pokemon, they had a conscience to them, a sort of “even evil has standards” type of people. In fact, there were times we had to put aside our differences and work together, such as escaping the St. Anne during one of our first encounters with them.

“Why did they surrender, Mr. Putney?” Brock asked.

“Because they feel ashamed for what they have done over the years,” replied the lawyer. “They asked me to ask you, your friends and your Pikachu to come to the Viridian City jail and see if you can forgive them.”

Naturally, I wasn’t all that keen on seeing Jessie, James and Meowth. Even if they wanted to see me from behind their prison walls, it still doesn’t erase all the times they targeted me and my friends. What’s more, I didn’t want Pikachu to be even more traumatized than he already was. Jessie, James and Meowth kidnapping him and taking him all the way to England to be used to harm people at the Boston Marathon was the last straw.

…

“Look, Mr. Putney,” I said, trying to sound polite. “I appreciate you coming here on their behalf, but…”

“It might do you some good, Ash,” I heard Professor Oak say as he walked up behind me. “Jessie, James and Meowth have good characters. They were just led in the wrong direction, that’s all.”

“And it takes killing 900 Pokemon trainers, their Pokemon and 3100 other innocent people to make them come to their senses?” I remarked with a sense of bitterness in my voice. “If they were truly sorry for what they did, they would have quit Team Rocket when they had the chance.”

“All they ask is for your forgiveness,” said Mr. Putney. “Even if its just for a few minutes, it would mean the world to them. What do you say?”

Although it was against my better judgement, I ultimately decided to face them in their cell. But, I didn’t want to stay long at the jail. It had been an emotionally draining service and Pikachu’s PTSD was still high. Still, there was a human side to me as much as a Pokemon Trainer side and I went along with Misty and Brock at my side.

…

Meanwhile, Jessie, James and Meowth arrived in Viridian City in the back of a police van with their arms and wrists shackled as they were marched into the jail. Because of the nature of Team Rocket’s actions. The Viridian City jail was placed under guard because according to the charges against them, Jessie, James and Meowth were considered terrorists, despite their surrender.

“Well, here we are,” Jessie sighed looking at the small window of their cell, her and James having traded in their Team Rocket uniforms for orange prison jumpsuits. “Forced to account for our actions. But, I still think we did the right thing.”

“Yeah, the more I think about it,” said Meowth. “The more I see that we were never going to get promotions or recognitions by Giovanni. And that’s not just because we kept screwing up to catch Pikachu or any other Pokemon out there. What good would that have done for us? We were just cogs in the machine.”

“I agree with Meowth on this,” James sighed. “That’s what we were, cogs in the machine that could easily be replaced. I thought that the Pokemon we stole were going to be sold for profit, not to kill innocent people. And when we heard that twerp’s Pikachu was going to be used to…”

“I know what Pikachu was going to be used for,” interrupted Jessie firmly. “You don’t have to repeat it, James. That was when the truth came out and made us see the era of our ways. All we can ask now…is for the twerp’s forgiveness for all we did to him and his friends over the years.”

…

Just then, they heard the sounds of footfalls coming down the marble steel floor of the prison as Jessie, James and Meowth were now standing face to face with me, Misty, Brock and Pikachu. As far as we were concerned, it wasn’t going to be easy forgiving people for tormenting you for a good part of your life.

“I brought them here as you requested,” said Mr. Putney to which Jessie and James thanked him. “The guards say you have 5 minutes.”

Once Mr. Putney had left, we stood in front of the imprisoned Team Rocket trio, no longer seeking victories and favors for their crimes, but remorse and forgiveness. Seeing them in prison uniforms was partially satisfying, but there was a side that I felt sorry for them.

“So you surrendered yourselves?” I asked. “To account for all you have done as Team Rocket agents?”

“Yes, we had to,” answered Jessie. “Because we were in reality stealing Pokemon to be used to kill innocent people. How were we supposed to know about this? We were never told.”

“And yet, many times,” said Brock bluntly. “You did attempt to carry out Giovanni’s work. What were you really going to expect out of him? Think about that for a second.”

And so Jessie and James did think about it along with Meowth.

“Promotions…recognition…favoritism…higher salaries. Maybe even fame and fortune, but instead we caused nothing but hurt…anger…fear…all for a warped ideology.”

But Jessie, the leader of the Team Rocket trio, soon lost her composure and fell down on her knees.

“You have to understand,” she cried, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. “We were trained to use Pokemon for the glory of Team Rocket, not understanding that Pokemon and humans are meant to be friends, not weapons to commit crimes. We chased Pikachu so we could make a living, not for it to be used to kill people at the Boston Marathon.”

“And yet, you did chase us, you did chase and capture Pikachu and you actually succeeded a couple of times,” I remarked sharply. “And for what? Absolutely nothing. You guys are better than what you were…Jessie, how would your mother react to this?”

“My mother was a Team Rocket agent…”

“Who was lied to by Madam Boss,” I interrupted. “Yes, Giovanni’s mother. And what about you James, how would your parents react to the news that their son was a member of a terrorist organization like Team Rocket? What would your Growlithe say to you?”

The mention of his former pet Pokemon made James wide eyed in shock as he sat back down on the edge of his prison bunk bed.

“And I’m not forgetting you, Meowth,” I continued. “You had dreams of being in the movies and when Hollywood turned it’s back on you, look where you ended up. We all had been lied to, we all have had troubles we tried to run away from, but in our effort to escape the pain, we take our anger out on others. You ran away from all your problems and joined the circus that is Team Rocket, just so you couldn’t face reality. And now you are asking me and my friends for forgiveness?”

A hushed silence fell on the prison after my fiery speech. Everything that I said about Jessie, James and Meowth was true. They had troubled pasts and instead used the pain and misery of those troubled pasts to steal Pokemon from their habitats and from the trainers who cared and respected them.

“Eventually, over time, we will forgive you all for what you have done,” I finished, looking at them right in the eyes. “But for now, the only thing I can say to you is that…you did the right thing by admitting what you have done for so many years was wrong.”

Just then, Pikachu who was holding an apple in his hands, gestured to Meowth to come over and Pik split the apple in half, giving the other half to Meowth, who was overcome with emotion as it reminded him of the time he and Pikachu were bound together.
“You see,” said Misty. “Even Pikachu, the Pokemon you targeted the most, is starting to accept your forgiveness. Let that apple be both a symbol that you can be better people, but also a reminder of the lives you unintentionally helped break.”

Just then, the guards gestured us to leave and we left a shell shocked Jessie, James and Meowth alone in their cell to think about what we said to them. Like I said, we weren’t going to forgive them right away. It was going to take time for us to fully forgive them…a very long time.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 57

"Choosing the Targets"

Since Sunday's attacks, both the American and British intelligence sources were hard at work selecting the executives, the scientists, the agents of Team Rocket who were the masterminds of Operation Phoenix Rising. It was now Friday August 17th, five days after the bombings. Tony Stark and Steve Rogers had been in close contact with the CIA and were now on their way to Andrews Air Force Base outside of Washington to meet up with the other Avengers. Thanks to Doctor Strange's portal spell, many Avengers were quick to arrive. Now, they were all placed in a hangar awaiting the moment to strike.

"Came as quick as I could, Mr. Stark," said Peter Parker as he stepped through the portal. "Back to school shopping was later than I thought."

"Aunt May must like spending money," he remarked, gesturing him to sit down next to Thor, who had arrived with the Guardians of the Galaxy. "Have a seat next to Thor."

The young Avenger sat down seemingly intimidated by the presence of the God of Thunder.

"Good to see you again, Spider Man," he said, shaking Peter's hand tightly. "Sorry for the grip."

"Hope we get paid for something like this," said Rocket Raccoon to the Guardians of the Galaxy's leader, Peter Quill. "We didn't get diverted from the galaxy to not get paid."

"Rocket, you have got a lot to learn about what happened here five years ago."

Roasted, Rocket said nothing, much to Groot's amazement.

"Hey, I was only saying that I'd like to get paid, like all the other missions we've been on," he remarked. "I mean, isn't that what we do?"

As the Avengers finished arriving and sitting down, Tony and Steve stepped forward to the front of their fellow Avengers along with Everett Ross, the deputy CIA director.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," he said.

"All right," Tony said to the Avengers. "I suppose you are wondering why we are here and not at the Avengers HQ. We're being dispatched to hunt down the ringleaders of Sunday's attacks. These plans are based on the intelligence that have been gathered by the CIA as well as the intense interrogation going on not too far from here. Drax?"

Pulling down the projection screen, Tony waited for the hulking member of the Guardians to start the slideshow, but he fell asleep in exhaustion.

"Hey, Mr. Clean," Tony shouted in a loud voice. "Wake up why don't you?"

Immediately, Drax awoke and attempted to start the slideshow, but was having trouble how, much to the annoyance of Tony.

"Seriously, who left him in charge of the slideshow?" Tony muttered as Doctor Strange took over the projector from Drax, using his magic. "Thanks, Doctor."

"Of course."

Slightly embarrassed, Drax returned to sit with his fellow Guardians. Soon, the first intelligence picture appeared before them, showing a location in the Pokemon regions.

"Okay," Everett said, taking a pointing stick and pointing it at the picture. "Our latest intelligence gathered by our sources in the Pokemon regions and by our interrogations of the agents captured in Iran has revealed our first location to raid. This is Lake Rage, north of Mahogany Town in the Johto regions. In this area, we have learned that Team Rocket has a research lab that is purposed for forcing Pokemon to evolve."

The slideshow then turned to the next slide of a sleek man with short black hair and a black goatee.

"The facility is being run by Professor Sebastian Shiranuni," continued Steve. "Who is conducting the project known as Project R. It is believed that through this project, Dr. Shiranuni forced several of the Voltorbs and Koffings used in Sunday's attacks to evolve into Electrodes and Weezings."

"Our agent in the field who has been dispatched to this region is reporting that there is also a red Gyarados being held prisoner at this location."

"Must have been a rare Pokemon to capture," said Peter Parker.

"Wise beyond your years, Parker," replied Tony. "Agent Romanoff has reported that the Red Gyarados is being prepared to be used in an attack against American and British interests in both the Middle and the Far Easts."

"Romanoff?" asked Clint Barton aka Hawkeye. "Tony, are you sure it was a good idea to send her by herself?"

"Natasha knows what she is doing, Clint," Tony said, much to Clint's dismay as the next slide was shown, showing a map of another area not far from the first target. "But she is not the only one to report on intelligence. Wakandan intelligence has reported that our next target, Dr. James Namba, has a place of operations in this region and is holding a Lugia and baby Lugia prisoner for unknown reasons."

Dismayed, Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch raised her hand.

"I'm sorry," she said. "Did you say mother and baby, Tony?"

"Yes, I did say that Wanda," replied Tony as a hint of anger fell on the telekinetic figure's eyes. "I know it reminds you of Vision and the children you both have, but please stay focused here."

Wanda it seemed now had a bone to pick with Dr. Namba and was going to plead to take part in hunting him down. But this was a group effort and needed to be treated as such.

"To this end," said Steve. "We are going to launch raids on these two locations and bring both Namba and Sebastian into custody alive, so that they can face the people they helped murder."

Just then, T'Challa walked into the hangar armed in his Black Panther suit, having been driven over from the CIA headquarters.

"Your highness," said Tony, greeting the king of Wakanda. "Thank you for joining us."

T'Challa silently nodded in reply, acknowledging the greeting.

"Okay," said Steve. "Sam, Scott, Clint and Wanda, we'll deal with Namba. Although, it's important that you maintain self-control Wanda."

But Wanda didn't maintain her self-control because hearing that families were in trouble was a trigger for her, especially since she lost her loved one VISION at the hands of Thanos.

"T'Challa, Rhodey, Parker, Thor, Doctor Strange and Bruce will join me in paying Professor Sebastian a visit and stop the Project 'R'."

"Um, excuse me," said Rocket. "What about us? You're not going to let us kick some butt?"

"You will be dispatched to assist in raids on Team Rocket cells in the Middle East," replied Everett. "We need more Team Rocket affiliates to be interrogated which tends to work best when they are in captivity. In fact, there are several bounties on the heads of a few of our targets. If that makes you feel better that you are being paid."

"Hey, I'll take it," Rocket laughed.

"When do we leave?" asked Peter Parker.

"We leave…immediately," answered Tony and so they did, aboard several Air Force Ones that had been loaned for just such a mission. For they intended to fill the seats aboard the spare Air Force Ones with Team Rocket captives to ensure that they never again would carry out something like Operation Phoenix Rising…

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 58

"Interrogated by a Bat and Man of Steel"

Upon revealing themselves as the spies sent into the British Airways operations in Tehran, the Team Rocket agents Attila and Hun were brought to an International Police Station in London, shackled and covered in black hoods like common criminals. Now, they were placed in a dark room and put on racks knowing that they both would be tortured for information.

A few moments later, the two Team Rocket agents were now in the presence of Batman and Superman, both leaders of the Justice League glaring down sharply on them.

"Do you know why you are here?" Batman asked sternly, his arms closed together.

"Because we were acting on behalf of Team Rocket," answered Attila. "To help carry out Giovanni's magnum opus."

"It's also worth noting that several of Bruce Wayne's employees were on one of the planes you helped destroy," said Batman, walking up to Attila and grabbing his cheek. "Tell me something, how do you feel about seeing the families and friends of the victims you murdered?"

"What is it to you?" Attila remarked defiantly and Batman signaled to the officers to begin stretching out Attila, causing him to scream in pain.

"A lot," answered Batman. "4,000 people you helped murder just to satisfy Giovanni's lust for killing and power."

"It wasn't just killing for power," cried Hun. "We have a goal to one day rule the world and…"

But before he could finish, Superman signaled to the International Police Officers to begin stretching out Hun sharply, causing him to scream loudly.

"We can do this the easy way, or we can do it hard," Superman said with a disappointing glance.

"I swear," Hun cried. "We're telling the truth."

"Not the whole truth," said Batman, crossly. "How did Giovanni select you to disguise as British Airways employees in Tehran?"

"He…" gasped Hun as the rack continued to stretch out his muscles. "He had a connection within British Airways."

"And who is this connection?" Batman asked as the rack was stretched out more on Attila. "Where is he and who is he?"

"He calls himself the Iron Masked Marauder," answered Attila, wincing in pain, but it wasn't enough to keep the rack from being stretched further. "I swear, that's his name!"

"We need his real name," said Superman. "Who is he?"

"His name is…" gasped Attila. "Victor Vicious."

"Victor Vicious?" asked Batman. "Where is he now?"

"He's at British Airways headquarters," cried Hun. "You just missed him."

Suddenly, Attila let out a loud scream as the rack was stretched again.

"Hey, stop it!" yelled Attila. "We're telling you everything!"

But those words did little to satisfy the two iconic caped figures as they turned and left the still racked Attila and Hun in the interrogation room.

…

"So they had an insider at British Airways?" remarked Batman. "And he's loyal to Team Rocket."

"I propose we bring this Victor Vicious in for questioning too," suggested Superman. "But, we can't be aggressive and cause a scene at the British Airways headquarters. How do you want this to work?"

Ever the clever detective, Batman attempted to come up with a plan to do just that. Reaching into his belt, he pulled out a bat shaped phone and placed a call to their fellow Justice League member…who was already carrying out raids of Team Rocket cells in London.

"Flash here," said the figure, wearing a red spandex suit and yellow accents as several Team Rocket cell members were loaded into a London police van. "What is it?"

"West, it's Wayne," said Batman into the phone. "I need you to go to British Airways headquarters and bring in Victor Vicious, also known as the Iron Masked Marauder. I'll send you more information shortly."

"Got it, Batty," said the Flash, turning to the London police officers. "Um, guys, can you watch our guests for a minute? I gotta go take care of something."

Getting assurance that they can handle their own, the Flash took off for British Airways headquarters to bring the Iron Masked Marauder in for questioning.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 59

"Why Were We Forgiven So Easily?"

After we had left the Viridian City jail, Jessie, James and Meowth sat in their cells reflecting on our brief, but impactful visit with them. All Meowth could do was stare at half of the apple that Pikachu had given him. That one gesture, that one act of kindness may the three ex-Team Rocket Agents wonder about one thing…why were they forgiven so easily?

…

Just then, police officers then brought another prisoner in, a man in his mid 40's, placing him in a cell across from the trio. He then turned to them with a forlorn look on his face.

"What are you looking at?" asked Jessie.

"Nothing in particular," he replied. "Just the fact that I am now on death row for murder."

"What kind of murder?" asked James.

"I killed a police officer in the heat of passion," sighed the man. "He was an undercover cop investigating fraudulent documents. Because of my actions, my wife and children are going to have to start living without me. What are you in for?"

"We are in here for doing the right thing," said Meowth, taking a bite of the apple half before it got dry. "Admitting our actions for everything we did in Team Rocket."

"Team Rocket?" the man remarked sadly as he laid down on his prison bed. "You did much worse than I did: you blew up 12 airplanes and killed 4,000 people. That's worse than what I did."

"Who are you?" asked Jessie curiously.

"I'm Paul Sendig," the prisoner answered. "Up until now, I was an accountant and now, I am a murderer. I pleaded for mercy, but I got none of it."

Getting up to his feet, James joined Jessie at the front of their cell and stared at Paul. This man, this husband, this father, never worked for Team Rocket and yet, he was on death row for killing a police officer. This made Jessie, James and Meowth realize the importance of how we were able to forgive them so easily.

"Why didn't they forgive you?" Jessie asked. "Did you show remorse?"

"Yes, and they still thought I deserved to die," Paul answered, sighing deeply. "Do people think you deserve to die for your crimes? Being Team Rocket agents and all?"

"So, you know about us?" asked Meowth, joining his friends and partners at the door of their cell. "Your might probably think that we relished in killing those people?"

"I never said that."

"We're in here because we did the right thing," said James. "We gave up on Team Rocket because unlike our boss, we're not murderers. Perhaps that will go easy on the jury…when that day comes."

"Let's hope the jury is merciful on you…whatever your names are," said Paul.

"We're Jessie, James and Meowth. And we hope so too."

Suddenly, they saw Paul develop a small tear in his eye, a sign that he showed remorse for his actions.

"Do you need a friend, Paul?" asked James, with a sympathetic voice.

"I could sure use some right now," answered Paul. "Because…I don't want to die. I really don't. I did kill a cop, but it's not worth forfeiting my life over. You bombed 12 airplanes and you might end up being executed, but you feel like you don't deserve to die, just like me."

"Paul, we have to accept whatever fate is given to us," said Jessie. "But perhaps there might be a sympathetic judge who could overturn your death sentence for life imprisonment. Our fate led us here to this cell and we can't erase everything we did. Perhaps you can admit your guilt and the judge can spare your life. We admitted our guilt and will likely live a good part of our lives in jail. Perhaps, you could do the same thing."

However, the former accountant and new inmate was not sure. In his mind, his fate had already been sealed up. But Jessie, James and Meowth had a fair reason that they were still alive.

"If I am to die," said Paul. "I want the people I hurt…to accept my forgiveness for what I did. I never wanted to kill anyone, but I had no choice, given the circumstances. Surely, you must have had people already forgive you for your actions?"

"It's a start, but we may have started to receive the forgiveness we want," replied Jessie. "The people we targeted for their Pokemon came in here and said that it would be time to fully forgive us for what we did to them. But it's a start…maybe you can start thinking the same mindset."

Sighing deeply, Paul began to take what Jessie, James and Meowth said to him. All he could do was hope for two things: to be forgiven and to be spared execution.

…

But, of course, the rest of Team Rocket would never admit that what they did was wrong. Even killing 4,000 people and Pokemon would not justify as something to seek forgiveness for. In their minds, what they did in the skies was only justification to their own warped goals and ideologies.

Jessie, James and Meowth weren't like most Team Rocket agents, they had standards and a moral code that Giovanni would never approve of, but it was because of that moral code that, just maybe, they could possibly be spared a lengthy prison term of even the death penalty. Until then, the road to forgiveness for them was going to be a long one, just like their new fellow inmate.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 60

"Arriving in Tokyo"

As the Air Force One carrying Tony Stark and his faction of Avengers neared Japan, they all wondered just what they were going to find inside the Lake Rage laboratory that Team Rocket was running. How were Team Rocket going to defend itself against them and for that matter, would they use any Pokemon against the Avengers?

"Um, Avengers," said the pilot over the intercom as Tony Stark sat in an executive office aboard the plane. "We'll be landing shortly at Haneda Airport. Might want to start thinking about getting your gear on."

Sighing, Tony reach for the mobile phone in the office and dialed the number for his COO, the love of his life.

"Tony?" she asked.

"Hey," answered Tony, with a small upbeat smile. "Just wanted to check in to see how the new machines are coming along."

"Well, it will take time," Julia replied, who was now lying in her bedroom overlooking the Pacific Ocean. "Actually, Professor Oak is arriving here in the morning to oversee the project. You?"

"Pilot just came on, we'll be landing in Haneda shortly."

"Not Narita?"

"Nartia is too far from where we are going,"Tony answered. "They want us to raid, capture and bring the captured back here in an undisclosed amount of time. So, they chose Haneda. Listen Julia, we're getting below 10,000 feet, so I gotta sign off. I'll call you when we are done here."

"Please do and Tony…"

"Yeah?"

"Be careful and I love you."

"I love you, too."

…

Sighing, Tony hung up the phone as the Air Force One they were on landed at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Once on the ground, they taxied to an isolated area of the airport, where they looked out the window and saw several digidestineds standing in front of the plane.

"Huh? Who are those guys?" Tony wondered as the plane came to a stop.

…

Down below, Tai and Agumon along with Davis, Veemon, TK, Patamon, Kari and Gatomon watched as the plane pulled up.

"Sure is a big plane," Agumon cried in a loud voice as the jet engines were turned off.

"It's one of the Air Force Ones, Agumon," Tai said. "The best of the best for this mission."

At that moment, the forward door opened and each of Tony Stark's faction of the Avengers stepped down off the plane single file. Just then, a portal for Doctor Strange was revealed and out stepped the Master of the Mystic Arts.

"Didn't want to waste my time with formalities," he said. "I'm Dr. Stephen Strange."

"Nice to meet you," said Kari. "Are you a wizard?"

"Sort of."

At that moment, Tony's faction walked up to the group and greeted Tai and the other digidestined.

"You must be some of the digidestined," Tony said in his Iron Man armor. "I'm Tony Stark and this is my team consisting of T'Challa aka Black Panther, Jim Rhodes aka War Machine, Peter Parker aka Spider Man, Thor and Dr. Bruce Banner aka the Incredible Hulk."

A loud clearing of Dr. Strange's throat made Tony include him as well.

"Our resident wizard is Dr. Stephen Strange," Tony remarked. "Now that the formalities are out of the way, does everyone know their assignment?"

"Yes," said Tai. "Agumon, Davis, Veemon and I handle the front while TK and Kari go in and attempt to save the Pokemon being held prisoner."

"Good, you're learning a lot," Tony replied, pulling out a picture of Professor Sebastian. "All right, just remember that this is our main target: Dr. Sebastian Shimuri. He's wanted for crimes against Pokemon and humanity for overseeing a forced evolution project. All other agents that are in the building are also to be captured and any evidence that can be used in a court of law is also to be collected. Is that understood, everybody?"

"Yes, sir, Mr. Iron Man!" called Agumon, saluting Tony much to the embarrassment of all present.

"Better get your digivices ready," Tony advised as the four Digidestined took their digivices in hand. "We go towards Lake Rage immediately!"

"Ready to kick some butt, Veemon?" asked Davis, holding out his digivice.

"Ready!"

"Patamon?"

"Ready, TK!"

"Gatomon, ready to slice up the action?"

"I love your 'tude, Kari!"

"Okay, suit up, guys!" Tony ordered and the digivolutions began, beginning with Agumon.

"Agumon warp digivolve to…WARGREYMON!"

"Digi-armour, Energize!" called Davis to his digivice as a digiegg containing the crest of Courage appeared.

"Veemon armor digivolve to…Flamedramon, the Fire of Courage!"

"Patamon digivolve to…Angemon! Angemon digivolve to…MagnaAngemon!"

"Gatomon digivolve to…Angewomon!"

…

With the Digimon digivolved, Tony led his faction and assigned Digidestined towards their target on Lake Rage. Their mission? To capture Dr. Sebastian Shimuri and his group of agents and free any Pokemon being held prisoner.

…

Meanwhile, at Narita Airport, the Air Force One carrying Steve Rogers and his faction arrived as Matt and his Digimon Partner, Gabumon awaited them along with Sora and her Digimon Partner, Biyomon, who arrived fresh from the Queen Mary 2 as well as Yolei and her partner, Hawkmon as well as Mimi and her digimon partner, Palmon.

"You must be Captain America?" Matt called Steve in full Captain America gear. "Nice to meet you!"

"Great to meet all of you," he said. "These are my faction: Sam Wilson aka Falcon, Scott Lang aka Ant Man, Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch and Clint Barton aka Hawkeye."

Just then, Steve noticed the somewhat angered look on Palmon's face.

"What's with her?" he asked.

"She found a baby at one of the crash sites out in the Atlantic," answered Biyomon. "Dead."

Sighing, Steve walked over towards Mimi and Palmon and bent down to Palmon's level.

"You doing okay, Palmon?" he asked, the plant Digimon. "I'm sorry about what you found in the Atlantic."

Taking a deep breath, Palmon let out a long sigh.

"Thank you," she said. "Thank you. He didn't deserve to die, none of them did."

"Well, we're going to do something about it," reassured Steve. "But, we're gonna need your help."

"Captain America is right, Palmon," said Mimi. "We're going to make sure that the baby and all those people who died didn't die in vain."

Trying to hold in her still raw emotion, Palmon refocused herself on the task at hand.

"All right, you all know our assignments to head to the Whirl Islands and free a Lugia and it's young as well as capture this man, Dr. James Namba!"

Steve showed a picture of the Team Rocket scientist for the team to see.

"Any other Team Rocket agents are also subjected to arrest, so no one gets off scot free and any Pokemon being held captive are to be freed. Now, get your Digivices ready!"

So, the digidestined did and Gabumon was the first to digivolve.

"Gabumon warp digivolve to…METALGARURUMON!"

"Biyomon digivolve to…Birdramon! Birdramon digivolve to…Garudamon!"

"Palmon digivolve to…Togemon! Togemon digivolve to…Lillymon!"

"Digi armor, energize!" called Yolei as the digi egg bearing the crest of love appeared.

"Hawkmon armor digivolve to…Halsemon, the wings of love!"

With the Digimon fully evolved, Steve Rogers and his faction headed north towards their target in Whirl Island.

The die was cast and the first set of raids against Team Rocket for their involvement in Operation Phoenix Rising was about to begin.

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 61

"Raiding Lake Rage: Part 1"

The night his world was to be turned upside down began just like any other night for Professor Sebastian Shimuri. The forced cries of Pokemon being forced to evolve ringing through his ears like the sounds of a happy melody. To him, hearing Pokemon being forced to evolve against their will was like listening to Pavarotti deliver an aria in Italian. But on this night, not even the Pokemon whose pleas for mercy touched his dark heart could bring a smile to his face.

"Professor," said a voice belonging to a hulking Team Rocket agent. "There seems to be no sign of any spies throughout the facility."

Professor Sebastian, who was overlooking his greatest prize, a red Gyarados, turned to the agent.

"Are you certain, Tyson?" the Team Rocket scientist asked. "Have you checked everywhere again?"

"We're very much certain, Professor," answered Tyson. "Still, I've increased security measures around the facility as a precaution. Rest assured that our secrets will be guarded with our lives."

"See that it is," he warned, pointing a finger at Tyson's chest. "Or you, yourself, shall suffer consequences."

Unfazed, Tyson heeded his superior's warning and left. Professor Sebastian then turned back to the Red Gyarados in it's large cage.

"Your time to contribute to the glory of Team Rocket is at hand, my friend," he said sinisterly. "You cannot escape, Gyaradoes. You belong to me and you belong to Team Rocket."

Laughing evilly, Professor Sebastian left the large holding cell and turned right down the hall. Little did he know that there was a spy in the Lake Rage compound, disguised as a Team Rocket agent. Hiding up in the ceiling was a figure holding what appeared to be binoculars in it's hands. Once Professor Sebastian was gone, the figure disappeared into the ceiling. Waiting for the moment to come, the figure jumped off the roof and landed with a quiet thud, ducking down as she attempted to avoid detection.

Meanwhile, about 5 miles from the facility, in the town of Mahogany Town, a pair of helicopters landed on the roofs of several buildings. Stepping out of the helicopter first was Iron Man, using his detection abilities to spy on the Lake Rage facility. Doctor Strange was the next to disembark from the helicopter, joining Iron Man.

"Looks to me like they are trying to fortify the facility," he remarked. "In other words, they must know there is a spy in there. Which in this case is Natasha."

"How do you want to work this, Tony?" asked Dr. Strange, taking in a deep breath. "They might be expecting us."

"Of course they are expecting us, Doctor," replied Tony. "But what they aren't expecting is a full fledged assault of which we will bring to them."

Just then, the other Avengers stepped out of the helicopters: T'Challa, Peter Parker, Thor and Dr. Bruce Banner. Together, they stood over Mahogany Town looking out towards their target.

"Mr. Stark," said Peter. "Do you think there might be Pokemon imprisoned in that facility?"

"Very likely, Pete," he remarked, looking down towards his protege. "But, we're gonna get them out…all of them."

At that moment, a second helicopter landed next to the first helicopter and out stepped, Tai, Davis, TK and Kari clothed in US military camouflage.

"All right," Tony said as Dr. Strange produced a live map of the Lake Rage facility. "It's clear that they will be expecting us. The Lake Rage facility is small, but should be manageable."

Just then, Wargreymon, Flamedramon and War Machine arrived and landed.

"Did we miss anything, Tone?" asked Rhodes, removing his War Machine mask.

"No, I was just getting started," Tony answered. "Now, it's obvious the first thing we do is cut out their power. Without electricity, the defenses will fall and the Team Rocket grunts guarding the facility will be at a disadvantage."

"Whom are you proposing to cut the power?" asked Thor as all the Avengers and Digidestined turned to him. Thor became confused. "What are you all looking at me for like that?"

"You're the God of Thunder," Tony chuckled. "Isn't electricity your speciality?"

"Well, yes, but…"

"Good, then you can use your powers to destroy the electrical tower where the power is being collected. WarGreymon!"

The mega level form of Agumon stood at attention upon his name being called.

"Yes, Iron Man?" he asked.

"I want you to lead us in storming the lab," directed Tony, pointing towards the underground electric fence. "Once Thor disables the power, the electric fence will be rendered completely useless. Any Team Rocket agents that try to attack will be at a disadvantage."

Tony then turned to Kari and TK along with their Digimon, MagnaAngemon and Angewomon.

"TK, Kari," he said. "I want you and your Digimon to focus on helping any Pokemon imprisoned be evacuated. MagnaAngemon and Angewomon, you have healing powers which makes you perfect for this part of the mission."

"You can rest assured that no Pokemon will be left behind," declared Angewomon. "My Heaven's Charm and MagnaAngemon's Magna Antidote will be used to help as well."

"But what about the Red Gyarados that is being held?" asked Bruce. "You know that he might be resistant to being freed?"

Hearing this, Tony turned to TK and Kari again, gesturing to them to reveal the tranquilizer guns they had in their holsters.

"I've instructed our friends, TK and Kari, to use tranquilizers on any Pokemon that may be resistant to anyone. Remember, all the Pokemon that are inside that building are to be liberated. Any questions?"

But before Tony could speak, a grappling hook clung itself onto the side of the roof and Tai and Davis ran over to help the figure climbing up the side of the building. Stepping into the light, the spy revealed herself as the Black Widow herself, Natasha Romanoff.

"You're not gonna believe what it's like in there," she gasped. "It's sickening."

"Aren't they all?" remarked Bruce.

"Remember also, that we have an arrest warrant for Sebastian Shimuri," cautioned Tony. "Our instructions are to capture him alive. He will likely try to resist arrest so Thor, Pete, Dr. Strange, his highness King T'Challa, Bruce, War Machine and I will focus on capturing him.

"What about our Digimon?" Davis asked.

"Your jobs are to ensure that those at the entrance to the facility are kept in check," Tony answered. "And don't worry, you will have law enforcement officers assisting you. Are there any more questions?"

The silence of the team made Tony realize that the time for action was now.

"All right, Thor…"

Clutching his hammer, the God of Thunder prepared himself for his part in the mission as Dr. Strange created a portal for him to step through. Leaping into the air, Thor went through the portal and landed in the woods on a cliff overlooking the base.

"Okay," Tony said. "We move out once the power is out. Suit up."

The clunking of masks signaled that the Avengers and Digidestined were ready for the invasion.

…

In his office, Sebastian was placing a call to Giovanni.

"The Red Gyarados is being prepped for transport, sir," he said. "It will be taken to the proper location first thing in the morning."

"Good, Sebastian," Giovanni replied on the other end. "Now that we have struck a blow to the Americans and to the British, we must prepare to strike a blow to the Israelis. The Red Gyarados will serve us well."

"It shall be done, sir. And the fighting type Pokemon you requested to be forcefully evolved will also be prepared to be deployed tomorrow. You can be sure that those foolish embassies won't know what hit them."

Little did Professor Sebastian know at that moment that Thor stood over the cliff overlooking the facility and taking a deep breath, powered up his hammer and letting out a loud cry, slammed the hammer down and sent a powerful bolt of lightning to the electrical tower, severely crippling it.

"What?" Professor Sebastian cried as the power went out in his office. "What's happened? Sir, Giovanni, are you there? Tyson, get in here!"

Just then, the door opened as Tyson appeared holding a flashlight.

"Sir, the power's out!" he cried.

"I know that! What's happening?" demanded Professor Sebastian.

"We're not sure," replied Tyson. "But we need to take you to a secure location immediately."

Just then, the Avengers and Digidestined led a group of International Police Officers, heavily armed with shields and batons towards the facility, ready to storm it and take down anyone who stood in the way.

Overhead, WarGreymon and War Machine flew towards the facility.

"With the power out, they won't detect us," War Machine said, to the Mega Digimon. "Ready?"

"Ready," replied WarGreymon as the mega level Digimon gathered all the energy around him. "Terra Force!"

And WarGreymon threw a ball of fire at the facility, hitting the building and causing it to shake.

"Go! Go! Go!" shouted an International Police Officer as Iron Man and his group of Avengers charged the facility as the grunts released their Pokemon from their Pokeballs in an attempt to stop them. But hiding in the bushes, snipers armed with tranquilizers fired at the grunts' Pokemon knocking them out. Charging, WarGreymon and Flamedramon, who had been hiding in the bushes, emerged.

"Fire Rockets!" called Flamedramon, sending several balls of fire at several grunts, causing some of them to catch on fire. Some of the grunts attempted to shoot at WarGreymon with shotguns and pistols, but the bullets ricocheted off of them thanks to the chromo digizoid on his body. War Machine further assisted, by firing blasts at the agents.

"Okay, move!" cried Iron Man as Bruce let out a loud yell and turned into his green alter ego. "Come on!"

With WarGreymon, Flamedramon and War Machine holding off the guards at the front of the building, the Avengers attempted to storm the doors, but found that several grunts were attempting to barricade themselves.

Elsewhere, Professor Sebastian was being rushed to a nearby vault on the grounds of the property.

"Hurry, you idiots, hurry!" Tyson cried as he and the other grunts tossed Professor Sebastian in the vault and stood guard, ready to protect one of Team Rocket's top scientists with their lives.

"They can't hide forever!" shouted Iron Man as he fired a beam of light at the doorknob while several grunts approached them. "Hold them off!"

Acting on Iron Man's orders, Black Panther and Doctor Strange faced off against the grunts and their Pokemon.

Using his powers, Doctor Strange shot a beam of magic at several grunts that were up on the roof, causing them to fall down hard as Black Panther scratched and clawed at both grunt and Pokemon. Using the time they bought, Iron Man commanded the Hulk to punch down the door, breaking it and the makeshift barricade, allowing Iron Man and the others to get inside.

Several Team Rocket grunts appeared and attempted to fight the Avengers, but they were quickly subdued. One grunt tried to lunge at Spider Man, but the young teenager used his mechanical spider legs to avoid the grunt, kicking him into a wall.

"Let's go, move!" cried Iron Man as a blast bore through the wall, revealing the blast to come from Thor. Hastily, they went up the stairs, searching every room that Professor Sebastian was supposedly hiding in.

"Come on!" cried Tyson as he and another grunt stormed towards the sounds of Iron Man's voice. Reaching for a Pokeball, Tyson threw it at the approaching Avengers in an act of desperation. "Fearow, go!"

Screeching loudly, the flying type Pokemon spread out it's wings and charged at the approaching Iron Man.

"Drill peck, now!" Tyson shouted as Iron Man took notice and the Fearow attempted to peck at Iron Man's armor. Growling, the Hulk grabbed the Fearow's left wing and squawking in pain, the Fearow was thrown against the wall.

Firing laser blasts from his hands, Iron Man shot at the grunts flanking Tyson as the lone Team Rocket agent attempted to fight back against the Avengers, only to be quickly subdued by Spider Man as he fired webbing at Tyson, bounding him up.

"All right pal, where is he?" Iron Man demanded, picking Tyson up by the scruff of his neck. "Where's Professor Sebastian?"

Tyson refused to answer, so Thor used his hammer and struck Tyson in the legs, breaking them and causing him to scream loudly in pain.

"Answer me!" Iron Man demanded. "We have a warrant for his arrest!"

Just then, an International Police SWAT team came up the stairs, armed with guns, clubs and shields.

"Please don't kill me!" Tyson pleaded. "Don't kill me, please! I'll do anything! Anything!"

"Then, tell me where he is!" Iron Man snarled, but Tyson didn't answer. "All right, we'll do this the hard way then!"

And Tony's faction of the Avengers proceeded from room to room, from lab to lab, destroying anything in their path until they reached the vault Professor Sebastian was hiding in.

Inside the vault, Professor Sebastian reached for his weapon hidden under his lab coat. If he was going to go down, he was not going to do so without a fight!

…

…

Chapter Text

…

…

Chapter 62

"Raiding Lake Rage: Part 2"

Professor Sebastian began to realize that he was now at the mercy of a raid. He knew that the law was coming for him and was determined to not be taken alive.

Whimpering, the pained Tyson was forced to the doors of the vault as Iron Man held him by the scruff of his neck. The rest of the Avengers were ready, waiting to pounce as Doctor Strange and Black Panther appeared through one of Strange's portals.

"The entire front of the building is secured," gasped Dr. Strange, cuts and bruises on his face. "All are captured or killed."

Using an amplifier in his armor, Iron Man banged on the door of the vault loudly for Professor Sebastian to hear.

"Professor Sebastian Shimuri!" he called out. "We have a warrant for your arrest! Come out now and surrender!"

Iron Man and the others waited for a response, but got nothing.

"Professor Sebastian Shimuri!" Iron Man called again. "Do you hear me?! This is your last warning!"

The Team Rocket scientist ensured that his secrets would be kept secret and cocked his weapon.

Just then, he heard the sounds of banging on the door to the vault, followed by the sounds of the Hulk growling and roaring. Then, he heard another set of bangs, this time coming from Thor as he flung his hammer.

"You have nowhere left to run, Sebastian!" Iron Man shouted. "And don't even think about taking the easy way out!"

"Yes," added Black Panther. "The living aren't done with you yet!"

Professor Sebastian then noticed the doors to the vault starting to break from the hinges. He readied his weapon, sweat dripping from his face and ready to die for the glory of Team Rocket.

Just then, the door broke open and Professor Sebastian fired his weapon at the Avengers, but they were quick to respond as Spider Man fired webbing at the Professor, placing him against the wall of the vault. Doctor Strange then commanded his cape to provide additional bondage on the professor as Iron Man and the others stepped into the vault while Sebastian struggled against his bonds.

…

Meanwhile, TK, Kari and their Digimon were trying to find their way to the room where the imprisoned Pokemon were being kept. However, at that moment, a Team Rocket grunt appeared and attempted to stop them. Stepping forward, MagnaAngemon used his sword Excalibur and slashing him across the chest. Another grunt raced to the scene, only to be met by guns pointed at her.

"Freeze! International Police!"

She tried reaching for her Poke Ball, but couldn't.

"Get on your knees! GET ON YOUR KNEES! HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEAD!"

Doing as she was told, the female Team Rocket grunt got on her knees and held her hands behind her head. TK and Kari stepped forward as Tai, Davis and their Digimon also arrived, having secured the front of the building.

"Do you want to live?" TK asked, pointing a tranquilizer gun at the grunt's head. "Hello! Do you want to live?!"

Whimpering, the grunt felt the sharpness of the tranquilizer needle against her head, determined to protect everything that Professor Sebastian had worked for.

"TK, steady," ordered MagnaAngemon in a firm but gentle tone. "We need her alive to tell us where the Pokemon are!"

"Where are they?" asked Kari, crossily. "And don't lie to us because it will do you no good!"

The agent remained silent and Kari was left with no option, using her soccer skills on the agent, kicking her in the chin.

"Do you want me to kick you again?!" she asked in a loud voice. "Do you?!"

"Kari," said Tai to his little sister. "Hold on."

Coughing and spitting up blood, the agent forced herself to her feet.

"STAY ON YOUR KNEES!" shouted an International Police Officer SWAT member.

"Please…don't kill me," she pleaded. "I'll take you to them…even to the Red Gyarados. Just don't hurt me."

TK then pointed his tranquilizer at the agent as she was forced to her feet.

"And take him too," added another officer, as Tai and Davis picked up the agent who was slashed across his chest.

"Now lead us…" Tai commanded as the two captured grunts led them towards the imprisoned Pokemon.

…

Back in the vault, Iron Man and the other Avengers looked down crossily on Professor Sebastian. As far as they were concerned, they still had work to do, but they got their target.

"On your feet," Iron Man commanded as Black Panther and Thor forced him up to his feet. "You're under arrest for crimes against Pokemon and humanity. You have the right to remain silent and all that other bullshit. Get him out of here."

Doing as they were told, Black Panther and Thor led Professor Sebastian away, but not before Iron Man had one more thing to ask of them.

"And give me his keys because we also have a search warrant!"

Obliging, Black Panther reached into Professor Sebastian's pocket and snatched the keys from it.

"What do you want us to find, Mr. Stark?" asked Spider Man.

"Everything that can be used in a court of law," answered Iron Man firmly. "Now, get to it, all of you!"

…

Meanwhile, the two captured Team Rocket grunts led the others to a secluded room in the facility, surrounded with cages as the sounds of whimpering and frightened Pokemon were heard. Taking a flashlight, one of the officers saw a whole variety of Pokemon, including Pikachu, Eevee, Vulpix, Shellder, all young Pokemon treaty with such cruelty.

"They've been emotionally scarred," said Angewomon in a sympathetic voice as she looked at more Pokemon including a Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur all in one cage. "We'd better get them out of here."

"Yes, let's do so at once," agreed MagnaAngemon.

"We'll check out the Red Gyarados," said Wargreymon as Flamedramon devolved back into Veemon. "Veemon, you'd better armor digivolve into Radrimon in case it needs to be subdued."

"Right," Veemon said as Davis readied his digivice once more, producing the digi egg of friendship. "Veemon armor digivolve to…Raidramon, the Storm of Friendship!"

With Veemon having undergone his costume change, he, Tai, Davis and WarGreymon proceeded towards the cell holding the Red Gyarados using the male grunt as a guide. As expected, they heard the pained sounds of the creature roaring, a giant scar appearing on it's left eye.

"You sick son of a bitch," Tai whispered to the grunt as the Red Gyarados roared in pain and anguish as the Pokemon revealed more scars on it's underbelly. "Get on your knees! GET ON YOUR KNEES!"

The sounds of Tai's authoritative command caused the Red Gyarados to roar even louder, it's mental health scarred completely.

"We're gonna need to tranquilize it," said an International Police Officer to Radrimon. "Can you get him to hold still?"

"This might hurt a bit," Raidramon warned the Red Gyarados. "Thunder Blast."

And Raidramon produced a circle of lighting that held the Red Gyarados in a bind as the officer aimed the tranquilizer at an open spot in it's armor. Firing, the tranquilizer hit its target and after a few moments, the red Gyarados became drowsy and fell on it's side.

"Now what?" asked Tai.

"We get him out of here," answered WarGreymon, looking back at his partner. "All of them."

…

With the facility secured, all of the Pokemon that were once held prisoner by Professor Sebastian were taken out of the facility and put into the protective custody of the International Police. For Professor Sebastian, this was humiliating as he was forced to watch the Pokemon he held captive be taken from him.

"You…won't get away with this," he weakly said to Iron Man, but Iron Man was unfazed.

"We already have, Sebastian," he replied firmly, his arms crossed. "These Pokemon are being returned to where they truly belong and you…are going to be facing justice for your crimes."

But the Pokemon wasn't all that was found. One of the International Police Officers held what appeared to be a box of evolution stones in his hands and something even more disturbing.

"Tony?" asked Dr. Strange, holding what appeared to be a box in his magic aura. "Look at this."

Taking the box from Dr. Strange, Iron Man looked inside and couldn't believe what he was seeing. This made him angered and he pushed Sebastian into the concrete ground, causing his head to split open.

"You sick pervert," Iron Man said as Sebastian was forced to his feet. "Get him out of my sight!"

And Iron Man watched as two International Police Officers dragged Sebastian away, along with the rest of the captured grunts.

"Is it true?" Iron Man asked Dr. Strange, turning to face him sharply. "Is it true what you found?"

"Yes, Tony," answered Dr. Strange solemnly. "There were Pokemon forced to evolve here to be used…to be used to attack our country 11 years ago."

Still in a fit of rage, Tony could only imagine what was going on in Professor Sebastian's mind. What was he thinking? In fact, what were they all thinking to hold innocent Pokemon like common criminals?

But at least one thing was for certain, Professor Sebastian had been captured alive to face justice for his actions.

"I want this building destroyed," Iron Man said firmly, much to Dr. Strange's shock. "I want it brought down to the ground until it is nothing but rubble! You hear me? I want it wiped from existence!"

"At least until the investigation is complete, Tony," Dr. Strange replied loudly, stopping Tony from using his armor's powers to destroy the building. "Believe me, I want this building destroyed as much as you do, but the justice system needs to take it's course."

Reluctantly, Tony lowered his arm and gave into Strange's suggestion. Removing his Iron Man helmet, he turned his back away from even looking at the facility.

"I told you that it made me sick," remarked Natasha.

"Shut up, Romanoff," Tony whispered bitterly and angrily.

…

As the hours ticked by, news was beginning to spread that Professor Sebastian and his followers had been captured. But there was still one more raid to be conducted in the Whirl Islands…

…

…

Chapter Text

Chapter 63

"Raiding the Whirl Islands: Part 1"

At his research facility on the Whirl Islands, Dr. James Namba was now back in the lab testing a new device that his lab had been developing for some time: the rage crown. Using a captured Electabuzz, Dr. Namba watched as a technician placed the crown on it's head. Once the crown had been applied, the Electabuzz stopped struggling and after a few moments, it's eyes turned red.

"Excellent," said Dr. Namba, smiling. "It works at last. Giovanni will be pleased."

"The Electabuzz's brain waves are moving according the commands of the crown, sir," said the technician. "Shall we prepare to carry out the test on the core subjects?"

"Prepare them at once."

As the order to prepare the core subjects was carried out, Dr. Namba left the lab and no sooner did he step out of the lab, did his top agents, Butch and Cassidy rush in.

"Cassidy, Bob!" he cried. "How many times do I have to tell you that there is to be no running in the lab?"

"It's Butch!" cried the gravelly voiced agent. "And no we weren't running…just walking fast."

But Dr. Namba could see that something was happening just from their body language.

"Sir, the boss is on the phone and needs to speak with you immediately," said Cassidy. "It's urgent!"

"Very well," said Dr. Namba. "I was going to call him anyway. Are the Lugia's prepared for the test?"

"Yes, sir," answered Cassidy, but Butch was still annoyed about his name being screwed up once more. "We shall move them at once."

Heading back up to his office, Dr. Namba picked up the phone and answered it, revealing it to indeed be Giovanni on the other line.

"Giovanni," said Dr. Namba. "The test on the rage crown is successful so far."

"That's not important right now," he replied, his voice filled with haste. "Our Lake Rage facility has been breached and I have not heard anything from Professor Shimuri. Can you try to contact him?"

"Are you sure about this, Giovanni?"

"I'm very positive, James. The International Police have already begun targeting Team Rocket facilities and cells around the world. I want you and everyone else to be on your guard and defend if necessary."

"But what about the crown…?"

"Just focus on fortifying your lab. I've given all the other facilities the same warning."

Hastily, Namba heard the sounds of the phone hanging up on the other end. One moment he was celebrating the successful test of the Rage Crown, and the next, he was hearing that Team Rocket facilities were being raided. He also knew that he had a bounty on his head for crimes against Pokemon and humanity. Picking up the receiver again, he called his top agents into his office.

"Dr. Namba, the Lugia's are ready to receive the crowns," said Cassidy as she came into her boss' office. "Shall we…?"

But she suddenly stopped when she noticed the concerned look on her superior's face almost as if to say something was wrong.

"Sir? What's happening?" Cassidy asked nervously.

"They've started."

"Who has started?"

"The International Police, they've already started raiding our facilities," Dr. Namba said quietly, taking in a deep breath. "The boss said that Lake Rage has been breached and who knows what could be next?"

For the first time, Cassidy and Butch could see the worry in their superior's eyes, almost as if to say that a possible attack was intimate.

"Sir, I think perhaps it could be a…"

"Do not speak unless spoken to, Bob."

"It's Butch, sir."

Just then, Dr. Namba's phone rang again and he quickly answered it.

"Dr. Namba?" called a Team Rocket grunt.

"What do you see?" he asked.

"There's some kind of strange sounds coming down the road about 2 miles away," came the reply. "Shall we prepare to engage the intruder?"

"Do so at once," ordered Namba, who hung up the phone. "Go to the red alert, you two! If this is a raid…we must not let anything fall into the law's hands!"

"Got it!" said Cassidy. "Come on, Ben!"

"For the hundredth time, it's Butch!" the green haired agent groaned angrily.

Acting quickly, Dr. Namba pressed a red button on his desk that sent alarm bells ringing throughout the facility. All work inside the facility stopped and the transportation of the Lugia's was halted.

"What's happening?" wondered a technician.

"What's going on?" wondered another technician.

Almost immediately, Team Rocket grunts were already mobilizing around all the corners of the lab, determined to protect it at all costs. Armed with weapons and with Pokeballs at their belts, they were ready to defend the facility at all costs.

…

…

A few miles down the road, Captain America and his faction of Avengers were hiding in the bushes, seeing the facility become fortified.

"They must be expecting us," said Sam Wilson, getting his wings ready for flight as Hawkeye ensured he had plenty of arrows in his quiver. "How do you want to go about this, Cap?"

"I say we give them the element of surprise, Sam," suggested Captain America. "If we attack on the roof, we can gain a strategic advantage on executing the warrant."

"What exactly are we looking for, Steve?" asked Hawkeye.

"Any evidence related to Operation Phoenix Rising that can be used in a court of law," he answered, tightening his shield around his left wrist. "And to capture Dr. James Namba for war crimes against Pokemon and humanity."

Captain America then turned to Matt, who, along with Sora, Yolei and Mimi were all dressed in military camouflage.

"Matt," he said, gesturing him over. "You and MetalGarurumon shall begin the raid at the guardtowers. Sora and Yolei, you and your Digimon will assist Sam in providing aerial support. Mimi, you and your Digimon will assist Scott in breaching any areas where Pokemon are being held."

Mimi then turned around to see Lillymon with a scary look in her eyes, a look that meant anger and sadness drilled into her mind. The memories of rescuing the dead child in the North Atlantic were still fresh in her mind.

"Is she still angry?" Captain America asked Mimi.

"She's been like this since we were on the Queen Mary," answered Mimi. "Who can blame my partner Digimon for being so angry and sad? Actually, seeing Lillymon like this makes me feel like wearing this camouflage means something."

…

And Lillymon leaned back against one of the International Police vans still thinking about the body of the infant baby she saved from the Atlantic. Whether she was Togemon or whether she was Palmon, it was all the same spirit. At that moment, Wanda Maximoff noticed Lillymon and went over to her side.

"And I was told to keep my self-control in check," she remarked. "I'm sorry about what happened the other night."

"You don't know what it was like out there, Scarlet Witch," Lillymon said bitterly. "How could humans do such a thing all for the sake of evil? If only I had a nightmare claw attack…"

Lillymon then began to think back of when she first came into existence where she defeated DarkTyrannomon only to be struck by Myotismon's Nightmare Claw.

"It's not justice that you're seeking," guessed Wanda. "It's revenge."

"It's not revenge, Wanda," cried the ultimate level fairy Digimon. "It's justice. Justice for all those families that will forever be changed. Have you felt the same way yourself?"

"I have."

Wanda then began to think back to the day that the intergalactic conqueror, Thanos, had murdered the love of her life all for the sake of an Infinity Stone. Like Lillymon, Wanda wanted justice, but had to settle with Thanos being turned to dust.

"But at the same time," she explained, putting on her Scarlet Witch's crown. "I'm constantly reminded that revenge is something VISION would never want. He would want me to go on living my life, but it still doesn't erase the pain."

Lillymon then knew that Wanda had a point. She couldn't bring back to life the baby she recovered from the North Atlantic, but fretting and getting depressed was going to do more harm than good.

"But we can at least try and prevent more Pokemon and humans from being just like the baby in the North Atlantic," added Wanda. "There's no better way to honor their memories than right here and right now. What do you say?"

Although slightly bitter still, Lillymon knew that the best way to honor the memories of those killed in Operation Phoenix Rising was to stop Team Rocket from harming anymore people. She then flapped her wings and took to the sky as Scarlet Witch looked on.

"Looks like your pep talk cheered her up," remarked Scott, ensuring that his Ant Man suit was ready.

"Yeah, I know what she's feeling because I've experienced it myself, Scott."

Just then, Steve received a call from the International Police headquarters. The warrant had been signed.

"Okay, Avengers, assemble!" he cried. "We're moving in. MetalGarurumon, you're up!"

"Be careful, big guy," warned Matt and the metallic wolf Digimon nodded that he would be careful. Just then, MetalGarurumon let out a loud howl and then took to the air, flying towards the facility.

"Metal Wolf Claw!" he cried, unleashing a blast of ice at one of the top towers, striking it with tremendous force and sending the Team Rocket grunts inside to the ground.

"All right, go! Go! Go!" shouted Captain America as the Avengers, Digidestined and International Police charged towards the lab. Running outside, Butch and Cassidy saw the approaching danger and armed their Pokeballs for battle.

"Hondour, go!" shouted Cassidy.

"Go, Hitmontop!" shouted Butch as the dog like Pokemon and the small fighting type Pokemon took to the battlefield.

Taking to the air, Falcon joined Aquilamon and Garudamon in providing aerial support. Looking towards the tower to the east, they began their attack.

"Attack that other tower!" Falcon cried out as Aquilamon carried out the order.

"Blast Rings!" he called as rings of pink energy struck the tower and knocking the agents off of it.

"Wing Blade!" cried Garudamon as she produced a flaming bird that struck the the top of the building on the left, causing the room underneath to nearly cave in.

"Hondour, flamethrower!" commanded Cassidy as the fire dog Pokmon aimed itself at the flying Lillymon. "Take out that pixie!"

Yelping, Lillymon ducked out of the way as Hondour was suddenly shot at by several International Police Officer snipers, hiding behind the wooden bridge.

"Hitmontop, rolling kick!" cried Butch as it aimed towards Captain America, only to be met by the Captain's shield and a punch from him. "Hitmontop, get up now! Use Rapid Spin and stop Mr. Spandex!"

Rebounding, Hitmontop attempted to carry out Butch's order, only for it to sudden get caught in a telekinetic field.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Butch shouted as he saw Scarlet Witch throw Hitmontop back. "No, Hitmontop!"

Her eyes glowing red, Scarlet Witch then began to levitate Butch off the ground and throw him back into a window as Captain America threw a punch at several Team Rocket grunts, determined to make his way into the facility and execute the arrest warrant on Dr. Namba.

"Flower Cannon!" cried Lillymon, producing a firing flower that sent holes into the facility, exposing one of the labs. "Off you go!"

Taking to the air, Ant Man enlarged himself into human sized and it was then that he came face to face with the Rage Crown wearing Electabuzz.

"Guys, I got a problem here!" he radioed as the Electabuzz, threw a thunder punch at Ant Man, who quickly ducked out of the way.

"It's the crown!" cried Falcon. "Can you disable it?"

"I'll try," replied Ant Man, gasping as he shrunk down to ant size and climbed into the rage crown. Back outside, Captain America suddenly found himself confronted by Cassidy's Hondour as the dog Pokemon attempted to bite at Captain America's mask.

"That's it, Hondour," laughed Cassidy. "Show him who is boss!"

Using his strength, Captain America managed to push the Hondour off of him and ran towards the door. Hondour attempted to charge at Captain America again, but failed to see Hawkeye behind it, firing an arrow at it and causing it to yelp in pain.

"Hondour!" cried Cassidy as she was tackled by several International Police Officer SWAT officers. "Get off of me!"

Seeing his partner was in trouble, Butch ran over to try and help, only to be met by MetalGarurumon.

"Stop where you are! Ice wolf snout!"

And firing two beams of ice from his nose, Butch was hit by the sharp ice that sent him flying against the wall.

Finally, Captain America managed to get to the door and using his leg, managed to kick it down and breaking into the facility followed by Falcon and several others, including Scarlet Witch.

"James Namba!" he shouted. "We have a warrant for your arrest! Come out and give yourself up!"

In his office, Dr. Namba was down on the floor and loading his shotgun, determined to fight until the death against the invaders. As the enemy grew closer and closer, he could only pray for the best as the secrets of Team Rocket he was guarding were at risk of being revealed.

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 64

"Raid on Whirl Island: Part 2"

Storming into the facility, Captain America, Falcon and the rest of the International Police SWAT team were now focused on one target: finding Dr. James Namba and taking him into custody. Moving up the stairs, they moved carefully and slowly to avoid any booby traps that might be planted.

Moving from room to room, the former World War II super soldier searched for any sign of the target. Then, they heard a loud noise coming from down the hall.

"Wait!" whispered Captain America. "This way!"

Moving swiftly, they approached Dr. Namba's office and both Falcon and Hawkeye took their positions on each side of the door. With guns drawn, the SWAT team prepared themselves for anything, but the objective was clear: to take Dr. Namba alive.

"James Namba!" called Captain America in a commanding voice. "This is Captain America! The International Police has a warrant for your arrest! Open the door and come out peacefully with your hands in the air!"

They waited a second, but the door didn't move.

"Let's go, James!" cried Falcon. "Don't make this harder than it already is!"

In his office, the scientist who held a close friendship with Giovanni was now in a conflicting situation: to either surrender or die fighting? Either way, he was going to stick to his beliefs and the ideology of Team Rocket. He clutched the shotgun tightly, preparing himself to die for the glory of Team Rocket.

"Listen to me, James!" shouted Captain America. "You should know…that most of your agents and their Pokemon have either been captured or killed including Butch and Cassidy! Many of them probably joined Team Rocket because they have nowhere else to go…so for their sake, come out right now and give yourself up!"

A tense silence fell between the door protecting Namba from his captors. The weapons were drawn and one false move could jeopardize the execution of the arrest warrant.

"Don't make this harder than it already is, James!" cried Hawkeye. "Because nothing good is going to come out of it! You know you have blood on your hands because 4,000 people and their Pokemon are dead because of scientists like you. There's no use in running or hiding at this point!"

Still, Namba remained defiant. He had already done what he set out to do for Team Rocket, so what was there left for him to do? Besides, Captain America was the only one who got Butch's name correct.

…

Meanwhile, in one of the labs, Ant Man had managed to get into the inside of the rage crown and slowly, but surely began to mess with the interior of the crown. Electabuzz attempted to resist the mind control as he growled and snarled. Racing into the room, Scarlet Witch saw the Electabuzz was being pained and knew she had to do something.

"Can someone hold him still?" begged Ant Man. "I can't seem to disable this thing."

Acting fast, Scarlet Witch used her telekinetic powers to get the Electabuzz to stop moving. With the electric Pokemon restrained, Ant Man was able to disrupt the rage crown and it quickly fell off the Electabuzz's head, returning it to it's normal state of mind.

Exhausted, the Pokemon collapsed as Ant Man fell out and grew himself back to normal size.

"Wanda," he groaned, gasping for air. "You got any orange slices on you?"

….

Meanwhile, back in Dr. Namba's office, the standoff between Captain America and Dr. Namba continued with no sign of the other making a move. Just then, Lillymon flew over to where they were all gathered.

"Lillymon, what are you doing here?" whispered Captain America sharply. "This is dangerous!"

But Lillymon wasn't moving. As far as she was concerned, there was justice that needed to be served and it started with someone from Team Rocket accepting responsibility and surrendering.

"Dr. Namba?" she called as Mimi arrived, much to her horror. "Dr. Namba, can you hear me?"

Inside his office, Namba was surprised to hear a female voice, but still he remained in the position he was in.

"Who are you?" he asked, clutching his shotgun further. "And what do you want?"

"You know what I want, you know what we all want," Lillymon said. "I cradled a baby that was killed on one of the airplanes. I bet that makes you proud, doesn't it? To be part of a plot to kill innocent people and Pokemon at a time when both sides come together? Well, let me tell you, it doesn't make me proud! How would you feel if Mimi was on one of those planes?"

"Lillymon, what are you doing? Why are you bringing me into this?" Mimi asked in a shocked voice.

"Face it, Dr. Namba!" Lillymon declared. "You've accomplished nothing in your actions! Only infamy! We're not leaving until you surrender, so do it now!"

Just then, the door slowly began to open as Captain America and the others stood at the ready. But, little did they know that Dr. Namba was not going to surrender easily. He was going to let no one, not even a small weak Digimon tell him what to do. Proactively, Lillymon held out her Flower Cannon as the door slowly opened. For a moment, it seemed like Dr. Namba was going to surrender peacefully. But when the door opened, he wasn't there.

And without any warning, he appeared from behind the door and opened fire with his shotgun, striking Lillymon before she could fire her flower cannon. Mimi watched in horror as her best friend, her partner Digimon, was flung against the wall. Acting fast, Falcon and Hawkeye tackled Dr. Namba to the ground as Captain America kicked the shotgun away. Screaming, Mimi raced over to Lillymon, who was bleeding from her stomach.

"Lillymon, Lillymon!" she cried.

Just then, Lillymon disappeared and slowly devolved back into Palmon as the plant like Digimon coughed up some more blood.

"Palmon, are you okay?" Mimi cried.

"I had…to do something…Mimi," Palmon gasped as she slowly slipped in and out of consciousness.

"Get a doctor, somebody!" Mimi screamed to Captain America as she removed the top of her camouflage uniform to try and stop the bleeding coming out of her stomach. As Dr. Namba was being led away, all he could do was look defiantly at the downed Palmon.

"Palmon, stay with me! Stay with me!" Mimi cried, but it was apparent that Palmon was badly injured and needed to be treated right away.

We had succeeded in securing the Whirl Island facility, but at what cost?

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 65

"Project R and the Rage Crown"

"So, Ash," said Hue, as we continued the interview. "When you first heard that a Digimon, not a Pokemon, was shot by a Team Rocket scientist, what was your reaction?"

"Anger, sadness, basically anything that you can come up with to summarize a cowardly act such as this. Digimon are just like Pokemon, ordinary living creatures and anyone who tries to or succeeds in killing them is a coward to me."

"Still, two prominent scientists had been captured," continued Hue. "However, it was only the beginning."

"Yes, it was only the beginning," I continued. "Because Digidestined's and their Digimon around the world were aiding the International Police in carrying out raids against all Team Rocket cells."

"And what about Jessie, James and Meowth? Your former enemies?"

…

Now it wasn't surprising to me that Hue would bring up how Jessie, James and Meowth felt about the raids and the shooting of Mimi's partner, Palmon. But, of course, like all the rest of us, they were just as shocked.

"Dr. Namba was always a coward," Jessie remarked, pacing back and forth in the prison cell. "Doing something we wouldn't even dare to do to a Pokemon."

"Well, we did attempt to turn Eevee into a monster," reminded James, much to Jessie's annoyance. "Remember? We planned to use all three evolution stones…"

"Yes, I remember that James," Jessie sharply interrupted. "Isn't that part of why we are here according to our free will?"

"Yes it is," said Meowth as the door to the wing opened. The three ex-Team Rocket agents knew well that this meant they would be in for more questioning. "Speaking of which…"

Two guards escorted them back to the interrogation room as this time, they were to be questioned about the recent raids that took place on Lake Rage and the Whirl Islands, where many of their fellow agents were captured or killed in the raids. In their minds, Jessie and James could really care less about them, especially after living firsthand just exactly what was happening inside those facilities.

"Good morning," said Jack as he and ADA Borgia sat before them. "I trust you heard about what happened yesterday? That two raids were carried out in the Whirl Islands and Lake Edge. We want to know just what exactly was going on in those two facilities."

Taking a deep breath, Jessie went first.

"Well," she began. "You see, at the Lake Edge facility, there was a project going on called 'Project R' where Pokemon were forced to evolve against their will. Our belief was that the Pokemon would be forcefully evolved and sold on the black market. The same was said for the Red Gyarados that was captured."

"Did you at any point hear of any talk about Project R being a focus for an attack against airplanes or any other forms of transportation?" asked Jack, sliding a newspaper over to them to look at. "Intelligence was gathered from the Lake Rage facility that Team Rocket had received a shipment of Voltorb that was stolen in China and brought to Lake Rage. The Voltorb were to be evolved into Electrodes and used in a plot to bomb multiple planes."

Looking down at the article, Jessie and James each gave one another a confused stare for they, like all the other activities Team Rocket was doing, had no idea that such an act would even be considered.

"Well, perhaps something must have been said," answered Jessie, studying the intelligence. "Our belief was that, again, the Pokemon would be sold."

"Did you really think that?" asked ADA Borgia. "Because we have intelligence that goes back 13 years, about two years before the 9/11 attacks. Apparently, Project R was an ongoing project because fighting type Pokemon were being brought into Lake Rage and being forced to evolve into more stronger fighting types, capable of hijacking an airplane and flying it into a building."

Suddenly, Jessie, James and Meowth all began to think back to an event where they did try to steal fighting type Pokemon from a Pokemon Center in Cinnabar Island, only to be stopped by me and my friends.

"Are you certain about this?" asked Jessie, worriedly. "Are you sure that the Pokemon we were going to steal from Cinnabar Island were going to be used for some kind of terrorist attack? I…I didn't know about this. It was kept secret from us."

"Project R has been in operation since 1999," advised Jack. "Perhaps even longer than that. We also have intelligence that was recovered from Namba's lab in the Whirl Islands that there was a device that he was always working on. It's called "The Rage Crown."

"Yes, we remember the Rage Crown," said James. "It brainwashes the Pokemon who wears it. Dr. Namba was the one responsible for creating it in the first place."

"He has always had a fierce loyalty to Giovanni," added Jessie. "In a sense they were like blood brothers. It's no wonder Cassidy and Butch looked up to him and part of me believes they brainwashed Meowth and all those other Pokemon using a Drowzee."

Then, another thought came into Jessie and James' mind, regarding the possibility of the explosive Pokemon being used in Operation Phoenix Rising could have been forced to wear these so called "Rage Crowns."

"Do you think that they were planning to use this to control the Voltorb and Electrode and force them to blow up the planes?" asked James.

"We aren't sure, but we have a certainty that might be the case," said ADA Borgia. "Tell us something, how much money did Giovanni put into these projects?"

"I don't know the exact amount as James and Meowth because it was a lot," answered Jessie. "As far as we were concerned, it was what Giovanni referred to as one of the best investments he ever made as head of Team Rocket."

The words about being the best investments ever made struck a chord with Jack and ADA Borgia. The fact that Project R and the Rage Crown were the primary tactics used to force captured Pokemon to do Team Rocket's bidding.

"When did you hear him say that?"

"The morning after September 11th, 2001," answered Jessie, grimly.

For the first time, Team Rocket's role in another deadly terror attack was going to be revealed that occurred 11 years before Operation Phoenix Rising.

A door was about to be blown wide open…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 66

"The Ultimate Rejection"

Jessie, James and Meowth looked down nervously as the evidence presented to them showed that Team Rocket wasn't just focused entirely on Operation Phoenix Rising. Could it be that Team Rocket was involved in another operation that none of them knew about?

"September 11th?" gasped Jessie, placing a hand to her mouth in shock. "What does that have to do with us?"

"Not indirectly towards you, but towards Team Rocket," replied Jack. "You see, Giovanni had thought of a way of striking at the heart of the United States. A plan that ultimately succeeded, but one, Team Rocket initially wanted to get involved in."

"This is a joke, right?" asked James. "Is this a joke? The fact that Team Rocket had anything to do with the 9/11 attacks?"

"Not exactly," explained Jack. "Evidence that was found at the Lake Rage facility shows a conversation Giovanni had with the most wanted man in the world. Dated June 12th, 2000, Giovanni had flown to Afghanistan and came face to face with Osama Bin Laden."

Now, Jessie and James felt like they wanted to throw up. For the first time, the idea of joining Team Rocket initially was a foregone afterthought, especially if Team Rocket planned to use Pokemon to hijack the planes.

"What was the conversation?" asked James bitterly and angrily, slamming his hand on the table. "Was it about using Pokemon to fly planes into buildings and kill innocent people in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania? Is that what this is about?"

Like all the other bits of evidence, Jessie, James and Meowth all had no idea of what went on behind the scenes at Team Rocket.

"That's what Giovanni wanted to do," came the answer from ADA Borgia.

"What are you talking about?" asked Meowth. "What did he want to do?"

"Giovanni had always admired Bin Laden and his works," explained Jack. "And came to Afghanistan to propose an idea: to use forcefully evolved and controlled Pokemon to take over airliners and fly them into symbols of American power like the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. But, Bin Laden refused the offer."

"Why?" asked Meowth.

"Because Bin Laden did not want to use Pokemon to carry out terrorist attacks," explained Jack. "Giovanni was rejected and since then, vowed that he would one up Bin Laden one day, not by hijacking planes, but blowing them up, much like his mother did with other flights like Air India Flight 182 and Pan Am Flight 103."

Jack then produced a small red book with the words "mein Tagebuch" written on the front.

"All the information we found out," he said, holding the book up. "Was in this book, sent to us overnight from Lake Rage. Only then did Giovanni truly accept that blowing up airplanes was the only way to commit devastation on Pokemon trainers."

Shocked, Jessie got up and paced herself back and forth for a few minutes. Much like her partners in crime, she couldn't bear the idea that Giovanni wanted to use Project R and the Rage Crown to help launch a 9/11 style attack on America. The more she thought about it, the more sick she felt.

"And yet, he never told you about any of this," remarked Jack. "Not a thing."

"All this time, he kept the truth from us," gasped James, getting up out of his seat to look out a window. "Operation Phoenix Rising was his response…to September 11th."

"That's right," answered Jack. "He was trying to be something he wasn't and once he realized this, he succeeded in killing more than those on September 11th."

…

Back in Lake Rage, International Police Officers were combing through the evidence collected from the Lake Rage facility, going through papers and videos of Team Rocket's proposed plan to get involved in September 11th. Those bits of evidence admissible in a court of law were put in small plastic bags.

"Giovanni had everything planned out," said Rhodey as he sat in an office going through the evidence. "The types of Pokemon he wanted them to use to hijack the planes, how they would be used and which ones were capable of killing. This guy is sick."

"And he had nothing better to do with his life," sighed Tony, bitterly. "All the Pokemon his agents stole from other trainers and from their natural habitats were going to be turned into killing machines. It was only because Bin Laden refused that this never came to pass."

"Well, when you have two projects going on capable of grooming Pokemon to become weapons of mass destruction," said Rhodey. "Not everyone is going to be on board with the idea."

The more Tony pondered, the more he thought of Team Rocket wanting to make their mark on terrorism, a mark that they succeeded in.

"So, he decides to affect another country like the United States and that country is the United Kingdom," remarked Rhodey. "Look at this communication, Tony from July 28th of this year: 'Professor Sebastian, there is a shipment of Voltorb coming in from Fuschia City. I want you to initiate Project R on some of the Voltorb by the end of the day and make them Electrode."

"Which was the day after the test run on British Airways 197," Tony added, as he suddenly began to get another thought. "Almost as if to say that the test run was a success and we have to move onto the main event."

"Whoever is going to be the jury in the upcoming trial is going to have a field day with this. I mean, if you were turned down an offer to assist the deadliest terrorist who ever lived, wouldn't you try to strike out on your own."

"That's what you think?" Tony added. "Giovanni and Team Rocket carried out Operation Phoenix Rising to one up the terrorists in the Middle East? Well, we can't be sure at least until Professor Sebastian is interrogated."

So, it was apparent that everything about Operation Phoenix Rising was a direct response to September 11th, an event that Giovanni was denied to participate in by Osama Bin Laden himself. It was obvious that was what this was about, to create a September 11th using Pokemon and Team Rocket had succeeded.

But there was still more to this story than met the eye, much more…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 67

"The Eton College and Gordonstun Raids"

Elizabeth II always had high regard for Eton College, not far from Buckingham Palace where she had been partially educated. This was where her grandchildren had gone to and where she wanted her eldest son to go, but her husband was adamant about going to Gordonstun in Scotland. Yes, both schools were schools of importance to the Queen and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh. So, as the one week mark approached since the execution of Operation Phoenix Rising, nothing seemed out of the ordinary until the morning of August 20th when International Police Officers descended on the schools.

At Eton College, there was no armor, weapons were loaded with rubber bullets and the officers were given specific instructions to not harm any innocent students. As a precaution, Headmaster Tony Little ordered the campus to be locked down while the officers scouted the campus.

"Right in here," said Headmaster Little as the International Police officer knocked on the classroom door. "Open up, Mr. Johnson. It's only the headmaster."

Slowly the headmaster and the officers stepped into the classroom, directing his attention to the students huddled in the corner.

"Allistair Barclay?" he asked. "Come forth at once."

Without putting up much of a fight, the young Etonian stepped forward and was ordered to get on his knees and put his hands on his head.

"Quiet, boys," cautioned the Headmaster as Allistair was searched and found a pair of Pokeballs hidden on him.

"Allstair Barclay," said the officer. "You're under arrest for conspiracy to commit terrorism as a member of Team Rocket. You have the right to remain silent."

And Allistair wasn't the only one as more suspected students were taken out of their classrooms and were rounded up in the Eton College courtyard.

"Okay, let's go, get inside," cried a policeman as the Etonians were herded into the back of a police van. The Headmaster could only look in disbelief of the fact that some of the students under his care were now placed in the back of an International Police van.

…

…

At Gordonstun, the school where several of Elizabeth's sons went at the behest of the Duke, International Police Officers parked their vans in front of the school and came up to the front door. Immediately, the headmaster, Peter Green, opened the door.

"Do you have a warrant?" he asked in his thick Scottish accent, to which one of the officers presented it to him. "Please come in."

Approaching the headmaster's office, the officers came across a group of Gordonstun students all sitting together under the watchful eye of the school's security guard.

"Recieved reports that these boys wished to unleash Pokemon on our school as a demonstration of power."

"Did they now?" remarked the lead officer. "All right, lads, on your feet. You're under arrest for conspiracy to commit terrorism as members of Team Rocket. You all have the right to remain silent…"

…

…

But the raids on Eton College and Gordonstun were just several of many raids on London and several suburbs around the city. The mere fact that students at both schools could be in cahoots with Team Rocket clearly disappointed the Queen and her husband.

"This is preposterous," remarked Phillip as he and his wife had tea the morning after the raids. "How could these boys be working with Team Rocket?"

"Team Rocket operates everywhere, Phillip, you know that," said Queen Elizabeth II. "All part of the raids that I've instructed the Prime Minister to oversee. Still, it's a shock that the schools our children and grandchildren went to were part of the raids."

"Perhaps those boys at Gordonstun were rebelling that they were going against their will," guessed Phillip, remembering the resistance he had from his wife and his brother-in-law about sending Charles there.

"That's no reason to turn to someone like Team Rocket," said Queen Elizabeth II, firmly. "If the boys had any frustrations, they should have talked to a counselor or whatnot."

Just then, the door knocked and a representative from the Prime Minister's office stepped in. Bowing he handed the queen a handwritten note containing intelligence about the boys arrested at Eton and Gordonstoun.

"Hmm, it appears, Phillip," sighed Queen Elizabeth II. "That the boys had been recruited by Team Rocket cells around London and Glasgow as well as Edinburgh. Of course, these were young boys and they didn't know better. I'm hoping that no more raids are carried out on the schools…for both our sakes."

But the raids around London stepped up as International Police Officers and Digidestined went to various locations around the city.

"Fist of the Beast King!" cried a Leomon as he broke down the door of a barbershop, allowing International Police Officers to barge in and make the arrests.

At the London eye, a teenage couple were just completing a cycle when the ride suddenly stopped and they came face to face with two International Police Officers who took them into custody. As the hours passed, the raids continued to grow and grow around London and there was even a raid carried out on the Crowne Plaza St. James hotel where they caught a group of agents swimming in the hotel's swimming pool where they encountered a group of Divermon. Another agent who had ordered room service was instead met by an officer disguised as a waiter. These arrests were just an example of the many that were taking place around

"Today, raids are being carried out around London against Team Rocket cell members," said a BBC news presenter. "All part of the global response following Last Sunday's bombing of 12 North America bound British Airways flights. So far, 40 to 50 suspected cell members of Team Rocket have been arrested pending further investigation."

Back in Pallet Town, my mom was watching the news reports as she and Mimey cooked dinner while I came in the door after another day of getting fresh air with Pikachu.

"Mom," I asked. "Did they say anything about the raids?"

"40 to 50 people in addition to those captured at Lake Rage and the Whirl Islands," she answered. Such a waste, you know."

"Pika."

"These people…they didn't know any better," I replied. "How were they supposed to know that they were part of a terrorist plot?"

But then again, at the same time, they knew what they were getting into by aligning themselves with Giovanni and his twisted organization. Still none of us were expecting every single Team Rocket affiliate to be arrested and found guilty in a court of law. As far as I was concerned, find the true core members and punish them according to the law.

Coupled with the evidence found in Lake Rage and on the Whirl Islands, a case was slowly starting to be built against Team Rocket for their roles in Operation Phoenix Rising…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 68

"Nowhere to Run, Nowhere to Hide"

"Of course, you remember Ash," said Hue. "That in the days following the bombings, the International Police and Digidestined allies conducted raids on Team Rocket cells around the world. I wanted to see what your thoughts were on that."

Naturally, the idea of raids being carried out on Team Rocket cells worldwide was not surprising to me at the time. Basically, you could be a Pokemon trainer going through a hard phase of life and then someone like Giovanni comes along and offers you a chance to basically be like that song Tim Curry and those Muppets sing in "Muppet Treasure Island," called "Professional Pirate" or something like that.

"And also you might remember the raids that took place at Eton College in London and Gordonstoun in Scotland."

"Yes, yes, I remember those," I remarked. "24 students in all and they had stolen Pokemon in their possession. Such a waste."

"Pika."

…

In fact, if Hue was looking for how I would react to the raids, I would give him a very good answer. The raids took place during the week of August 20th and Team Rocket cells around the world were being targeted in cities like New York, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Tokyo. Basically, if you were even remotely close to being affiliated with Team Rocket in any way, there was a bounty on your head unless you surrendered like Jessie, James and Meowth did.

The news of the raids dominated the airwaves: armored SWAT International Police Officers aided by Digidestined and their Digimon storming raids and dragging Team Rocket cell members into police vans. The raids affected Professor Oak more than me and my friends and it showed a few days after the memorial service at the Oak Corral.

"It's such a shame, you know, Ash," he sighed as I watched him feed a Zubat it's breakfast. "These Pokemon trainers that are being arrested, they are no younger than you are."

"With all due respect, Professor Oak," I said. "They chose the path they took. Team Rocket offered them a better chance at life by stealing Pokemon from habitats and trainers. Still, even I can't help but feel sorry for them."

The words were harsh, but they were to the point. We both felt sorry for the young Team Rocket agents being rounded up, but the law was the law and they broke it.

Later, when we took a Ponyta and a Rapidash for a walk around the corral, the conversation continued.

"Professor," I asked as I guided the Ponyta while he guided the Rapidash. "Do you think all the agents captured will be put on trial or just the higher ranking executives like Giovanni?"

"It isn't just going to be Giovanni who is wanted," Professor Oak said. "It's his executive team, high ranking agents and just about anyone who is an accomplice of Team Rocket. In fact Ash, did I ever tell you the story of how a wounded animal is a dangerous animal?"

"No, but I've heard about it from others," I remarked.

"Well, think of the Pokemon World, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada as wounded animals," Professor Oak explained. Team Rocket didn't kill the animals, but merely wounded them. Those animals have become dangerous and have a look in their eyes that signals something scary about them. That's what Team Rocket has done and now, the animal is striking back."

The metaphor of Team Rocket's victims being like wounded animals hit deep with me very well. In a way, perhaps, it's kind of like how I felt when Pikachu was kidnapped and sent to England then Boston only to be rescued before touching down at Logan Airport. I was essentially a wounded animal and I fought back with help from the Boston FBI, the Massachusetts State Police and a few others. I was a parent trying to protect it's child, just basically, I was just that a wounded animal and I was at my most dangerous.

"Professor," I asked again as we went around the corral for another lap. "Will there be others like Jessie, James and Meowth who will accept for what they did?"

"Oh, I'm sure there will be, Ash," replied Professor Oak. "But they won't be getting off scot free, not after something like Operation Phoenix Rising. It's also like when you are going to your judgement day in Purgatory, you will have to answer and reveal the truth of your actions."

"But what if they refuse to cooperate?"

"They will be forced to cooperate, Ash. Jessie, James and Meowth are wise enough to realize that cooperating means mercy and God only knows how many other Team Rocket operatives will follow their lead."

…

Sure enough, news images of Team Rocket agents, bound, chained and marched into cells dominated the news landscape over whatever else was going on at that time. This was Team Rocket falling apart, but Giovanni wasn't going to go down without a fight when his time would come.

"If they want a fight," he said angrily, throwing a glass object at the television screen depicting captured Team Rocket agents forced to sit while bound in chains, damaging the screen. "Then, I'll give them one. No one harms my agents and gets away with it!"

But little did Giovanni know that every movement was being watched by the International Police and the first Digidestined's technical wizard, Izzy, who was at the NTSB headquarters in Washington also following on flight data and cockpit voice recorders from the other 10 flights.

"Harming his agents?" asked Tentomon in a state of shock while Izzy looked down at a watch that was tapped into Team Rocket HQ's radio system. "We're not harming his agents, aren't we, Izzy?"

"Well, they will try to portray that we are harming them," answered Izzy, tapping into the watch. "But, most know of the consequences of their actions and are cooperating. Still, we've got other matters to worry about."

"Yeah, Palmon," acknowledged Tentomon sadly. "I hope she pulls through from being shot."

"And Mimi, this must be a nightmare for her. Wish we could be there for her right now."

But they couldn't, Izzy and Tentomon had a job to do and they were going to focus on it.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 69

"A Digimon Fights For Her Life"

Immediately after she was shot by Dr. Namba, Palmon was flown to a Pokemon center in Vermillion City and was quickly rushed into emergency surgery. Now, Mimi was forced to sit and wait for news on her best friend's condition. The blood from her Digimon partner was still on her camouflaged uniform. But even this fashionista was putting her interests on hold for the sake of her partner's health.

"Oh, Palmon…" she cried, her face buried in her hands as Sora and Yolei tried to console her. "Why did she have to get shot? Why?"

It was then that both Sora and Yolei had a belief that Palmon was motivated to confront a Team Rocket operative ever since she pulled the deceased baby from the North Atlantic waters. Palmon had been filled with a rage, an anger that was not like her.

Their own Digimon felt the same way as they stood a few feet away.

"No wonder Palmon was so angry, Hawkmon," Biyomon remarked as the two bird Digimon sat a few chairs over. "For her to go this far."

"Yes," acknowledged Hawkmon. "I saw that anger firsthand, you know. When she pulled that human baby from the water. Biyomon, do you think that Palmon was trying to avenge the baby by confronting the scientist?"

"It's a possibility," said Biyomon. "In fact, I still remember a conversation that we had after we got back from the Queen Mary 2."

…

"Humans aren't supposed to hurt each other," Palmon said as they stood in the American Embassy in Tokyo. "I'm…I'm not going to stand by and watch humans do this sort of thing to each other."

"Palmon," Biyomon warned. "You know that Team Rocket members are dangerous to go after alone. Besides, we don't harm humans. It's not in our character."

"Well, what about the Digimon Emperor?" she snapped, causing Biyomon to go into a state of shock. "Enslaving Digimon with those Dark Rings and Dark Spirals, you remember what he did to Agumon. It just makes me so…"

Groaning, Palmon punched the wall of the room they were in, in a fit of angered rage.

"Palmon…"

"I'm sorry, Biyomon," Palmon panted. "But this makes me so angry."

"It makes all of us angry. Sure we fought against, Devimon, Etemon, the Dark Masters, Apocalymon and especially, Myotismon, but humans hurting Pokemon? Its just as worse as hurting Digimon like us."

Then, Biyomon had a thought that she wanted to pass along to her fellow Digimon.

"But," she added. "If we hurt humans, all it does is just bring about more hurt and sadness. Is that what you want or do you want this to stop as soon as possible?"

Palmon gave it some thought and ultimately decided to give into Biyomon's words. They were right, they couldn't hurt anyone. Sure, they could defend themselves, but hurting someone intentionally went against everything that they had done.

"Besides, Armadillomon says that humans have a justice system. Cody's been having a deep interest in human law. I know it's hard, but we have to let the human justice system run it's course."

Palmon still had the thought in the back of her mind, but perhaps her fellow Digimon was right. They needed to let the human justice system run it's course.

…

…

Just then, Matt and Gabumon walked into the waiting room along with Steve and Sam.

"Any word yet?" Matt asked, sighing deeply as he walked over to Sora, Yolei and Mimi.

"Nothing yet," answered Sora. "Matt, I just wish we can get something. Anything."

"Me too, but we gotta be patient," sighed Matt, lowering his head. "Let the doctors do what they need to do."

"Yes, let's do that," added Gabumon. "Joe would say the same thing."

"Yeah, wish he was here right now."

Just then, the door to the operating room opened and they all turned to see Palmon, under anesthetic and being wheeled to a recovery room as the Vermillion City Nurse Joy came out followed by the Doctor. Rising to her feet, Mimi dashed over to them eager for news.

"How is she?" she asked, the redness in her eyes blaring like a red stop light. "How's Palmon?"

Everyone gathered around as they awaited the news.

"Well," said Nurse Joy as she removed some of her protective gear. "For one thing, Palmon's very lucky to be alive. The bullets were just inches from her spine, so she avoided being at risk for paralyzation. But, she does have extensive damage to her abdomen and she also has a collapsed right lung from the second bullet."

Just the mere statement that Palmon was still alive was a breath of fresh air for Mimi, who nearly collapsed in shock. Moving her to a chair in the waiting room, everyone else waited for more news.

"We have her in a medically induced coma for the time being as a precaution," continued Nurse Joy. "But, as of now, she will survive this."

Grateful, Mimi's tears of sadness became tears of joy that her Digimon partner was going to be okay. It would take time, but Palmon was going to survive this.

…

At the same time, Dr. Namba was in a holding cell at a jail on the Whirl Islands where he and the rest of his underlings were being held by the International Police. Just then, an international police officer came towards his cell with a small smirk on his face.

"Namba," he said, as the moustached scientist looked back at him. "I just got off the phone with the Pokemon center in Vermillion City. That Digimon you shot? She's going to survive, so if I were you, I would be grateful you are receiving attempted murder. Still, your day of reckoning is coming."

At that moment, two International Police Officers stepped forward and forced Dr. Namba to his feet and he was taking to an interrogation room where he would questioned for everything he had done. There was no running from the truth for him…it was as the officer said, Dr. James Namba's day of reckoning was indeed coming.

…

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Chapter 70

"The Man Behind the Mask"

Victor Vicious was a man of many faces…a former circus performer and impressionist, he had the misfortune of falling into a bad situation that led to him leaving his passion to join Team Rocket. Now, he was going undercover for the organization, working as a security manager for British Airways. As a security manager, he worked on hiding his identity under the impression that he was brought onto the company to manage new security measures.

The day he was captured, Victor Vicious left his undercover job carrying a laptop supposedly containing British Airways information, but in reality, he was looking at loopholes for a sequel plot: a plot that would never come to fruition.

"Ugh, I don't know how long I can keep this up," he muttered, opening the back of his car and putting his suitcase and laptop inside. "But, all the same for Giovanni and the glory of Team Rocket."

He was just about to getting in the car, when a strange figure approached him in a business suit and tie.

"Nice day out, isn't it?" the figure asked. "Figured I'd take a walk around Regent's Park later today with my dog."

"Why don't you mind your own business?" Victor asked crossly, turning around sharply to the figure. "If you are looking to have a conversation with me, I am not interested."

"Oh come on, Vic," the figure said. "I thought we were co-workers and friends. I mean, we all have the same goal in mind: to protect those who fly our planes."

Victor suddenly became suspicious of the figure and a gut instinct in him told him that he needed to leave.

"I mean, blowing up 12 of our planes over the Atlantic, it's such a pity, isn't it?" remarked the figure. "I mean…who does Team Rocket think they are? Terrorists? Because, that's all they are to me. Surely, you agree with me?"

"I really need to go now," Victor insisted. "So goodbye!"

"Before you go, Vic," asked the figure. "Tell me something, what is your reaction to all those raids going on in Downtown London? Do you think that all who are being rounded up deserve it? Do they deserve to be punished for plotting to use Pokemon as weapons to kill, money to be made, rather than the respectable creatures we are supposed to treat them as?"

Now, Victor was becoming nervous and knew he needed to get away as quickly as possible.

"I have nothing else to say to you," he panicked, jumping into the car and starting the engine, quickly pulling out of the parking lot and hitting another car. Flooring it, Victor darted out of the parking lot, but the figure was quick to act, taking off in a burst of speed.

Trying to escape, Victor looked at his rear view mirror and saw the same figure running towards him. Nervously, he put the pedal to the metal as he ran through red lights and nearly knocking over pedestrians. All he wanted to do was escape, just get away from the figure who wouldn't leave him alone.

"Get out of my way! Get out of my way!" he pleaded angrily, nearly running into a sidestreet merchant, selling merchandise.

Soon, he was nearing Buckingham Palace, traveling quickly down the road leading to the palace. The Grenadier guard on duty saw the car driving fast and knew there was trouble.

"Stop that car!" he bellowed and he and two other guards darted towards the gate, trying to keep the speeding car from breaking through the gates. Victor attempted to turn, but because he was going so fast, Victor lost control and the only thing keeping him from crashing into the palace was the Victoria memorial. With a sudden crash, he crashed sideways into the memorial and turned upside down into the water as onlookers got out of the way just in time. The figure dashed to the crash site and stopped, reaching into the passenger side door.

"I got this guys," said the figure to the Grenadier Guards, removing the shirt and tie to reveal himself as Wally West aka the Flash. Looking inside, he saw Victor Vicious hanging upside down and trying to undo his seat belt. "You know, there's an old saying, you can run, but you can't hide."

At that moment, several London police officer dashed onto the scene and aided Wally in removing Victor from the Victoria monument pool, placing him on the ground.

"You didn't think we would find out, did you, Vic?" Wally further remarked. "Well, my friends from Chicago and New York would like a word with you."

As Victor was thrown into the back of the police car, he knew firsthand that he had been exposed and soon, he would be forced to reveal the truth.

…

Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh were making their way back towards London from Balmoral when one of their bodyguards received a message.

"Ma'am," he said. "I just got a message from Scotland Yard. A Team Rocket member has been arrested outside of Buckingham Palace."

Both the Queen and her husband gave a confused look on their faces.

"Are you certain?"

"I am, ma'am," the bodyguard answered. "The Prime Minister will be briefing you upon arrival at Buckingham."

To Elizabeth and her husband, this was a shock and sudden surprise to hear that someone had crashed in front of their home. But, they were grateful that it could have been a lot worse.

…

Meanwhile, at MI6, Britain's secret service, a transmission was coming in from one of the intelligence gatherers.

"It looks like Mr. Fawkes has been spotted," said the MI6 agent, sitting in a dark room with only the light of a laptop computer giving him light. He then proceeded to pick up a telephone and speak into the receiver. "Sir John, I just got intelligence from our sources in the Middle East. Guido Fawkes has been spotted in Tehran. Should we notify our ambassador in Tehran?"

After hearing the response, the agent proceeded to make the following actions.

"Very well," the agent replied. "I'll notify the Prime Minister at once."

In his office at MI6, Sir John Sawers proceeded to contact the British Ambassador in Tehran regarding the information he received.

"Are you certain, Sir John?" asked the ambassador. "That he is here in Tehran?"

"That's what the intelligence says," answered Sir John. "I want you to send a message to all British residents in Iran to consider Guido Fawkes armed and dangerous. If he's seen, he is not to be approached. Understand?"

"Yes, Sir John. I'll make a declaration at once."

The ringleader of the Operation Phoenix Rising plotters was hiding in Tehran and the British government was not going to rest until he was captured like all the others…

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Chapter 71

"Hiding in Tehran"

Ever since his test run of Operation Phoenix Rising, Guido Fawkes had been hiding from public view. He knew that the world was going after Team Rocket, he knew that the governments he affected were going after Team Rocket. But Guy was the ringleader and he had to ensure that if Team Rocket was going to survive any interference, he would have to avoid capture.

To this end, he was given shelter in Tehran, not far from the old US Embassy that Team Rocket had one of it's core bases at, but at the Russian Embassy.

"Mr. Fawkes?" asked a Russian embassy official as Guido sat in front of a laptop. "Am I interrupting you in any way?"

Turning his attention away from the laptop, he turned to the official.

"No," he said, trying to cover up his actions. "I was just doing some Team Rocket related business, nothing to worry about. Does the ambassador wish anything of me?"

"He does not," replied the official. "But he does wonder how long you will be staying here. Remember, you are a wanted man, Mr. Fawkes."

"For as long as it takes," retorted Guy. "Russia has had tremendous support for Team Rocket and it's goals. I wish to send my regards to President Putin for the hospitality."

Seemingly taken aback, the official agreed to let the message reach Moscow.

"I shall do so," said the official. "I'll pass along your request to our ambassador."

Nervously, the official stepped out of the room and shut the door. With the official gone, Guy returned to his work and opened up the screen to reveal something that would have shook the Pokemon world to it's core again: a second wave of bombings against transatlantic flights. For you see, if Team Rocket was going to have a major success, they were going to capitalize on it. Looking at the screen, Guy studied ten different flights all bound from Europe to the United States.

"Giovanni is sure to be pleased by this," Guy chuckled evilly as he sent the list over to the Team Rocket headquarters in Tehran and then, he also printed himself a copy. Once that was done, Guy turned off his computer and proceeded to grab the telephone.

"Get me Giovanni," he said, calling the Team Rocket headquarters in Tehran. "I have some news for him."

After waiting a few moments, the head of Team Rocket answered the phone.

"Giovanni," said Guy. "It's Guido Fawkes. I'm taking refuge in our allies' embassy in the city."

"Which one?" Giovanni asked, sitting in his Tehran office.

"The Russian Embassy. I'd bring you what I'd found over myself, but there is a rumor that there is a bounty on my head."

"On all of our heads, Guido," Giovanni said. "I've ordered the security around our headquarters to be fully tightened in case of an attack by the International Police. What did you send me?"

"A capitalization of Operation Phoenix Rising. But this time, with a little twist. Not only would we once again target flights out of London, but I think we should target flights out of Paris, too."

Giovanni chuckled at the suggestion that his top man was suggesting. An attack on more transatlantic flights between Europe and the United States would cause even more damage than Operation Phoenix Rising. Just then, he saw the list of flights being proposed as potential targets. Giovanni liked the list, but something about it was off.

"Your list is in accordance with Operation Phoenix Rising," explained Giovanni, studying what was on his computer screen. "But, why do you suggest we target December 24th as a date for the plot?"

"Because that is the day before Christ is born, sir," Guy explained. "Don't you see, sir? If we carry out the attack on the day before Christ is born sir, we can send a message that Team Rocket is the true savior, not the figure Christ."

Giovanni then began to imagine himself as head of the Catholic Church. An attack on Christmas Eve would indeed send a message even more deadlier than an attack around Easter or Christ's second coming: it would show further determination that Team Rocket would have more power over the world from a religious standpoint.

But, nevertheless, Giovanni needed more time to consider his options.

"Guido, if we are going to capitalize, then we need to consider the possibilities before we make any actions," Giovanni warned. "Yes, it's a capitalization, but we need more time."

"Sir…"

"We need more time," Giovanni answered firmly and hung up the phone. Guy was surprised, he thought that an attack on Christmas Eve would send a message similar to Operation Phoenix Rising, a message that would show Team Rocket's dominance on the world as a whole. So, in his mind, Guy wondered why Giovanni was hesitant?

But he probably had a good reason to be worried for the raids against Team Rocket cells continued around the world as International Police Officers and Digidestined along with their Digimon grabbed anyone with the slightest suspicion of being a Team Rocket agent or associate. Not to mention the Avengers and Justice League already carrying out raids on Team Rocket facilities that resulted in the capture of his two top scientists.

Giovanni was already developing a sense of fear and knew that he was going to be captured himself one day…but he wanted to be doubly sure about it and there was someone who could help him understand the situation.

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Chapter 72

"The Children of Operation Phoenix Rising"

A Pokemon trainer's journey can start at any age and at any time. It doesn't matter how old you are, how wealthy you are, how poor you are, you start with your first Pokemon on that journey to becoming a Pokemon Master. Among the 900 Pokemon trainers lost in the bombings were a majority of children Pokemon trainers, some under the age of 10.

They were the future, the beacon of hope that was snuffed out first with poison gas and the second from an exploding Pokemon. I had a feeling that Hue was going to bring up my reactions to children being killed in Operation Phoenix Rising and I had to prepare myself for it.

"I suppose you are wondering what I am going to ask you next, Ash," said Hue.

"Yes, about the kid Pokemon trainers who were on the planes," I answered solemnly. "I'd much rather not discuss it, but I guess it's part of your job, isn't it?"

"Regretfully, it is, I'm afraid," sighed Hue. "Let's begin with the first group of children that is known. What are your thoughts about Timmy Manabu, the 5 year old boy who was on Flight 269?"

"Yes, Timmy," I sighed, reflecting on him and his adopted Meowth. "I remember his relationship with that Meowth who saved him and I from being crushed to death. He had a dream of one day competing in the Pokemon League and I certainly would have liked to see that. What was he on Flight 269 for?"

"He was going to Disneyland for a vacation," answered Hue. "Apparently, the parents revealed that he wanted his Meowth to experience the joy of the Happiest Kingdom on Earth."

The fact that Timmy wanted to give Meowth the best of what the human world had to offer was sad in it's own right. Timmy was only a boy, a kid just starting to spread his wings as a Pokemon trainer. What's more was that the Meowth he adopted almost has a fierce relationship with him, just like me and Pikachu.

"Then there was also Arnold Hajime," said Hue. "A young boy who was once hypnotized by a Hypno. How well do you know him?"

"Well, not really all that much, except he was acting like a Squirtle or something like that," I answered. "I can imagine he probably started with one as a trainer. The only thing I do remember was that he and I had a strange resemblance. What flight was he on?"

"He was on Flight 293 to Washington/Dulles," said Hue. "Apparently, he was going to begin attending a Pokemon school in the Washington, D.C. area while his father served in the American Marine Corps at Rammstein Air Force Base in Germany."

Hue's last statement was a reminder of Lieutenant Surge, the fact that he had an American military background while also being a Pokemon gym leader. Only in this case, it was the father who was strictly military and the son was the Pokemon trainer.

"What about the trainers, Ralph Snyder and Emily Titone? Do you remember them?"

"You mean the ones with the Nidorino and Nidorina?" I remarked, a sense of shock on my face, remembering the powerful bond they had with each other and the love that their Nidorino and Nidorina had with one another. "What happened to them?"

"They were on Flight 177 to New York/JFK, also going to a Pokemon training school for children in Manhattan. In fact, many of the children Pokemon trainers were going to Pokemon League schools in the United States. There was one child who was supposed to be on those flights, but ended up changing her plans at the last minute. Do you know the name of Cherry Smith?"

Now, we were going into Johto territory because Cherry was the one who had the Girafarig that would warn her of approaching danger, such as when Team Rocket attempted to steal psychic Pokemon.

"Yes, I know her. She had the Girafarig," I answered. "What about her?"

"She was supposed to fly to Boston for a late summer vacation on Flight 215, but they ended up switching to a direct Japan Airlines flight. Tell me something, Ash, if your Pokemon, like Pikachu for example, sensed something dangerous approaching, would you heed it's warnings?"

"Of course I would," I replied. "I've known Pikachu long enough to know whether or not we are entering something dangerous. Most of the time we don't know when Jessie, James or Meowth would strike. But Cherry probably had that psychic feeling of danger thanks to her Girafarig."

"But, you of course know that this isn't the first time Team Rocket targeted students of Pokemon League schools and academies."

"Yes, I'm very well aware of that," I replied. "35 Pokemon League students studying in Israel were killed over Lockerbie, Scotland and before that, Team Rocket blew up Air India Flight 182 over the Atlantic targeting Pokemon trainers returning to India after a tournament in Vancouver. Then, there was last year…"

I suddenly then began to notice Pikachu start to shake and picked him up to console him.

"Let's face it, Hue," I said. "Targeting children and their Pokemon for a terrorist attack is the lowest thing you can do. Trust me, I've met many children Pokemon trainers because I was one long ago. They were harmed before getting their chance to make a mark on the Pokemon world. If I could say one thing to Jessie, James and Meowth right now."

"What is that?"

"At least you had the common sense to surrender yourselves for your actions," I answered. "Unlike most Team Rocket agents who view children Pokemon trainers as obstacles in order to get to their Pokemon."

Yes, I had no regrets at all for telling Jessie, James and Meowth on camera that they did the right thing by surrendering themselves to law enforcement. The young children who had dreams of competing in a Pokemon tournament and that those dreams were dashed in the worst possible way.

If only the rest of Team Rocket would do the same thing just as easily…

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Chapter 73

"Interrogating Professor Sebastian"

Upon his capture from his lab on Rage Island, Professor Sebastian was brought to an International Police station where he was strapped to a gurney and put under heavy guard. He was stripped of his labcoat and was now barechested at the waist. But, there was little the Team Rocket Scientist and mastermind of Project R could do. Outside, Tony Stark could only sneer at the fact that this madman was in his presence.

"This really burns you, Tony?" asked Jim Rhodes, taking note of his friend's anger. "Burns me up, too. Forcing Pokemon to evolve against their will, I mean, who does that?"

"Well, I'm gonna break his spirit," Tony answered crossly as he was also joined by T'Challa, his Black Panther helmet off his head.

Together, the two Avengers stepped into the interrogation room and starred at the imprisoned Professor Sebastian. Tony starred down at him with a look of disgrace, fury and all around hurt. As far as he and T'Challa were concerned, they didn't care what would happen to the Professor.

"You…" Tony snarled, rubbing his metal iron hands together. "I'm gonna tell you a little story. A young kid named Tommy lives about 15 miles south of here. He had a dream…a desire to go to the United States to learn about becoming a Pokemon trainer. He had just gotten a Charmander as a starter Pokemon and already had a Caterpie and Rattata at his side. Tommy was only 15 years old, on the verge of teenager years. He was supposed to attend the Pokemon League academy in Providence, Rhode Island and how was he supposed to get there?"

Professor Sebastian still said nothing.

"Flying over the Pacific via either Los Angeles or San Francisco to Boston or maybe even direct on Japan Airlines from Tokyo to Boston, but he didn't," continued Tony, grabbing an electric rope in his hands. "Because he wanted his Pokemon to be treated with the utmost care and respect and the official carrier for International Pokemon trainers is British Airways. He boarded Flight 215, sat in Club World and left London/Heathrow on the day of the summer olympics closing ceremony just after 5:30pm."

Tony then stepped up to Professor Sebastian and got into his face.

"But before he could land at Logan Airport, some Team Rocket ASSHOLE," he screamed loudly in the professor's face. "First incapacitated all the passengers and crew on board, then used an explosive Pokemon to blow the jet out of the sky. And what about Tommy? What about his Pokemon? Did they survive? No, they didn't. In fact, their bodies were found in the Mashpee Commons shopping mall, Tommy landed on the roof of an ice cream parlor. As for his Pokemon? They were found in the parking lot of a Roche Brothers Supermarket."

Tony then sneered at Sebastian again.

"And do you know how it feels to fall from the sky at 25,000 feet?" he asked. "HUH?!"

Taking the electric whip, he struck Sebastian in the chest, causing the Team Rocket scientist to yell in pain.

"Your lungs essentially explode from all the air going into the body," Tony finished. "All the oxygen is starved out of you. Essentially, you die before you hit the ground. That's what happened to Tommy. He was found early the next morning and is now in the morgue at Mashpee Congregational."

"What does this have to do with me?" Sebastian asked.

T'Challa stepped forward and taking his claws, scratched the side of Sebastian's face, causing it to bleed slightly.

"A lot," T'Challa said, circling around Sebastian like a predator to it's prey. "In Wakanda, the penalty for terrorism is no different than it is in the other countries. Animals are treated with respect and care, just like Pokemon are. If a Pokemon is harmed, the penalty for the offender is death."

Tony then gestured to two international Police officers and then undid the belt around Sebastian's pants and dropped them. Once his pants were dropped, Tony then proceeded to roughly grab at Sebastian's genitals, causing him to yell in pain.

"And that's where you are most likely going to unless you cooperate with us, Sebastian," Tony whispered, further twisting Sebastian's crotch. "Where did you get the explosive Pokemon?"

"What…is that…to you, Iron Man?" he groaned, only to be met with a sharper twist of his genitals.

"Much," Tony answered with fury in his voice. "We actually did a little research on Project R and Giovanni would put in money to fund your little operation. It appears that 6 of the Voltorb you received were forcibly evolved into Electrodes. Now, where did you get them?"

"They came in as a shipment," Sebastian groaned. "But, I wasn't going to hurt them, because what use…would that be?"

Tony then twisted Sebastian's crotch some more.

"That's not true," Tony hissed. "Because I don't believe you. You tortured Pokemon in your facility, you stole Pokemon from their trainers and their habitats so that you can forcefully evolve them. And what about the evolution stones? Where did you get those?"

The two officers then proceeded to push the gurney down so that Sebastian was flat on his back. One guard then proceeded to fill a bucket of water and another had a wool facecovering. Grunting, Sebastian tried to resist what was going to happen to him, but it was no use. The guard placed the bucket over Sebastian's head and dumped the water on the area where his face was.

"What was the ultimate goal of Project R?" Tony asked as Sebastian spat up water. "What was it really meant for? To make money or to take lives? We also found something related to September 11th, that you were planning to force fighting type Pokemon to evolve so that the hijackers could use them to take over the planes? Is that true?"

"No, it wasn't. Bin Laden rejected…"

But Sebastian felt another bucket of water dumped on his face.

"What do you mean he rejected it? The evidence is overwhelming, Sebastian. The whole purpose of Project R was to breed Pokemon to be used for terrorist attacks, wasn't it? WASN'T IT?"

But Sebastian could only answer with coughs and gasps as Tony looked down at him with pity and disgust.

"The rest of your team is willing to confess for their actions," T'Challa warned. "So, you might as well confess now."

Gasping, Sebastian coughed up some more water and the guard removed the cover around his head, revealing a Professor Sebastian red in the face and spitting out both water and blood.

"I want a lawyer," he gasped. "I want a lawyer so I can sue all of you."

"You are entitled to a lawyer," Tony said, his arms crossed. "But, see what good that does to you."

Having done enough, Tony and T'Challa left the interrogation room and left Sebastian in his underwear strapped to the gurney.

"He said he wants a lawyer," Tony remarked to T'Challa. "He'll get one, but either way, it'll be curtains for him."

"Yes, it will," replied T'Challa. "I'm just glad Baba isn't here to see this."

At that moment, Rhodes and Parker came in as well as Romanoff.

"My guys say they will agree to testify against Sebastian in exchange for mercy," said Rhodey.

"As did my guys, Mr. Stark," added Peter. "How'd it go with the big man?"

Stepping aside, Tony and T'Challa allowed for the youngest Avenger to get a look at the interrogated Professor Sebastian.

"How come he doesn't have any clothes on?" Peter asked, curiously.

"Sebastian chose to not be clothed when he refused to cooperate, Pete," said Tony as Peter looked at him. "Either way, he's going to lose. All of them are, no matter what aggressive defense they might have."

"Many of my prisoners are willing to talk," Peter said, much to the surprise of Tony and T'Challa. "Most of them are frightened and are begging me for mercy."

"I'm not surprised," sighed Tony, once again turning to face Sebastian. "But, then again, we're going to get the whole truth even if we have to be forceful at it."

And Professor Sebastian could only retort with a hard stare at his captors, angered that his plans were ruined, angered that the Pokemon he held captive were in protective custody, but most of all, he was angered by the humiliation and the embarrassment he was forced to endure. Still, he deserved it for all he did while running Project R, a project that was now no more…

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Chapter 74

"Interrogating Dr. Namba"

Similar to his counterpart Professor Sebastian, Dr. James Namba found himself strapped to a gurney as a pair of International Police Officers stood in one corner of the room armed with a bucket of water for waterboarding. A few moments later, the door opened and in stepped Steve Rogers and Sam Wilson, who up until now were in their guises of Captain America and Falcon.

"Dr. James Namba," muttered Steve. "I almost feel sorry for you to see you in this condition. As a soldier whose country fought against the original founders of Team Rocket, I've come to expect you as someone that I thought I would never get to see. But, I stand corrected. Do you know why you are here?"

Namba refused to answer the question, prompting Sam to step in.

"Answer the question, Dr. Namba," he said.

"Because we are the losers and you are the victors," he answered. "You can do what you want with me, but leave my agents alone."

"That's up to them," said Steve, walking up to Namba, sitting down on a stool next to him. "Right now, I want to focus on you, James. So, answer me this: what was your intention with the rage crown? To make Pokemon kill or seriously hurt innocent people?"

Namba refused to answer the question and Steve grabbed Namba's right hand and pulled it roughly causing the Team Rocket scientist to wince in pain.

"Remember, that's the median nerve," Steve warned, grasping Namba's hand tightly. "And I'm pressing on it. On a scale of 1 to 10, that's a 2."

He then pressed on Namba's hand again as the Team Rocket scientist winced in pain further.

"That's a 3," Steve said calmly. "You don't want me to go to 4, because if I go to a 4, you shit yourself and you don't want that to happen, I don't want that to happen, they don't want it to happen. So answer the question."

Gasping, Namba struggled to control himself with his pain, but to no avail.

"Yes," he gasped. "The rage crown was designed…to control Pokemon…through their minds."

"What was Giovanni planning to do with them?"

"To attack American cities," Namba gasped. "He wanted to kill Americans with Pokemon. The Sakamis have had a hatred…for America…since Japan surrendered over…65 years ago."

Steve then pressed down on Namba's hand again.

"Relax, it's still at a 3," Steve said. "Give me a list of cities…are they the same ones the planes were destined for?"

"Yes…" Namba whispered.

"I can't hear you."

"YES!" yelled Namba, who could no longer take the pain in his hand. "They were the same cities as the flights were going to! God, stop it! You're hurting me!"

Having gotten the information, Steve released the grip from Namba's hand, the scientist unable to feel his hand.

"I'm not trying to hurt you intentionally, James," said Steve. "And so does Sam, here. All we want is truth and nothing but the truth. But, do you also realize that you are also being charged with the attempted murder of a Digimon."

Outside the interrogation room, Mimi and Matt were watching everything that was happening.

"He doesn't have any remorse," Mimi said, her eyes from all the crying she did. "Just like all the others. He tried to kill Palmon because he felt like it."

"Yeah, that's what I feel," Matt replied, shrugging his shoulders and sighing. "Kind of reminds me of Piedmon. Someone that showed no remorse in his actions."

"He's only showing remorse because of what Steve did," Mimi retorted. "He has no good in his heart…no sincerity!"

…

Just then, the door opened and Steve gestured for Mimi to step into the interrogation room. Trying to keep her composure, Mimi slowly stepped into the room, her eyes locked on the man who tried to kill her partner Digimon.

"Do you know…who I am, Dr. Namba?"

"You're a Digidestined," he gasped.

"Of whose partner Digimon you shot," Mimi snapped as she lunged at Dr. Namba, only for Steve and Sam to restrain her. "Palmon is fighting for her life right now because of you, you animal!"

"I'm sorry that I shot her, but what was I to do?"

"You're not sorry, Namba! Palmon knows that too, especially after we found the body of a baby in the Northern Atlantic. "You are not sorry…not you or your fellow underlings!"

Calming down slightly, Mimi loosened herself from her restraints as Steve and Sam backed away.

"Do you know what crest I happen to hold, Dr. Namba?" Mimi asked. "Or are you just too blind to see it? I am the bearer of the crest of sincerity and I see no sincerity in you, not after what you did to all those Pokemon, throwing them in cages just turning them into killing machines. If Palmon ends up dying, I'll make sure you live to regret it!"

The sounds of Mimi's anguished screams echoed through the interrogation room as she then uncharacteristically spat in Namba's face and stormed out of the interrogation room.

"James, you sure as hell have a lot to think about right now," Sam said. "Because you aren't walking free ever again after this."

Still strapped to the gurney and feeling sharp pains in his hand, Namba was left alone in the interrogation room. There was no waterboarding, no twisting of the genitals like Professor Sebastian, only the pain he felt from Steve pressing on his hand. But he was forced to reveal a secret of Team Rocket's, a secret that he immediately regretted as he now began to consider his future outlook along with the rest of the rounded up Team Rocket agents.

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Chapter 75

"Help from the Greatest"

When Professor Oak landed in Los Angeles, I'm pretty sure that he felt like he was in a different world. LA was certainly no Pallet Town nor any other town in the Pokemon region. Yesterday, he was overseeing a memorial service to the 900 trainers lost in Operation Phoenix Rising, today he was standing at the front gates of Stark Enterprises.

"Professor Oak," he heard a voice belonging to Julia Carpenter as she stepped towards him while the car stopped. "Welcome to Stark Enterprises, I'm Julia Carpenter, Chief Operating Officer. It's an honor to have you here."

"But, of course," replied Professor Oak, shaking Julia's hands. "I must also say that I am delighted Stark is doing everything it can to help the Pokemon world."

"Well, that's what we are here for. I apologize that Tony isn't here, he's aiding in the raids on Team Rocket facilities."

"So I heard and he's got you running the show by yourself? It must be very impressive."

Stepping into Stark Enterprises' headquarters, Professor Oak continued to be amazed at the sight of how such a business could operate. When it came to defense, Stark was the top of the food chain. Now, they were defending Pokemon trainers, their Pokemon and the overall flying public.

"Well, welcome to the armory, Professor," Julia said, showing Professor Oak around. "This is where Tony keeps his armor and where we construct our top projects."

Soon, she led Professor Oak towards the security machine prototype that Stark was working on. Showing random Pokemon being put through the machine as a technician monitored the Pokemon's brain wave activity.

"So as you can see, Professor," explained Julia, leading Professor Oak to where the technician monitored the brain waves. "We've been in the process of testing out an airport security system that can detect a Pokemon's brain motions. That way, if Team Rocket or any other criminal enterprise tries to smuggle Pokemon designed to kill, we would know about it."

Professor Oak then watched as a Magikarp flapped itself about as it was put onto the belt by another technician. Looking up at an x-ray screen, Professor Oak could see blue wavy lines coming out of the Magikarp's brain and up at the top, the machine gave off a green light to signal that the Magikarp was safe to travel.

"I must say that it is very impressive," remarked Professor Oak. "But what about if Pokemon are displaying abnormal brainwaves?"

No sooner did he say that did a Rhydon came in, it's body filled with aggression and restrained with rope. Professor Oak suddenly felt taken aback by the Rhydon's aggressive nature. It took a moment, but the Rhydon was loaded onto the belt and put through the machine. Not surprisingly, the machine gave off a red light and the brain activity was red and zigzagged. Then, he saw the Rhydon diverted in a different direction from the Magikarp and a technician placed it in a Pokeball, marking it with a red star on top of it.

"Hmm, well, Miss Carpenter," remarked Professor Oak. "It's very…interesting to say the very least. But, won't the Pokemon be in their balls when they go through the machines?"

"Yes," answered Julia. "But some trainers like to keep their Pokemon out of their Pokeballs until they get on the planes. Airport security officers will be trained to monitor every Pokemon's body language as they approach these machines."

Then, Professor Oak had a thought pass through his brain.

"Now, there is one question I have to ask," he said. "One of the greatest Pokemon trainers to come out of Pallet Town has a Pikachu that will not go into a Pokeball. It also suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, so how would you approach this?"

It was nice of Professor Oak to look out for me and Pikachu, but Pik would be like all the other Pokemon going onto an airplane. Julia then realized the psychological side of the protection her boyfriend's company was producing.

"I think we should ask our resident wizard for that answer," she answered as she led him to a much larger screen and pressed a button that revealed a strange looking figure that could almost pass for Bib, the Michelin Man. "Professor Oak, meet HOMER."

"Um, nice to meet you," he stammered, not quite sure what to say of this.

"Professor Oak is one of the top Pokemon experts in the world," Julia explained to HOMER. "I've asked him here to consult on the airport security machine we are creating."

"Indeed," remarked HOMER. "Well, charmed to meet you, Professor. I trust Miss Carpenter has been a good hostess to you."

"Well, she sure has and…"

Just then, HOMER came off the screen and materialized in front of Professor Oak, causing him to jump back slightly.

"You can come off the screen?" he gasped.

"Yes, is that a problem?"

"No, no problem at all."

"HOMER has the ability to appear off the computer screen as he was created to do," said Julia. "You might say he is a living proof of artificial intelligence."

"I see," Professor Oak said uneasily. "Um, HOMER, if that's what you are. I have a question that I hope you can answer."

"What is it?"

"Well, one of the trainers who began his journey in Pallet Town has a Pikachu that refuses to go into a Pokeball and it has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder," explained Professor Oak. "How would you approach the situation?"

It took a moment for HOMER to think, but he finally gave his answer.

"Well, the Pikachu you are referring to," he said. "It just so happens to be Ash Ketchum's Pikachu, isn't it? The one who was rescued on that plane landing in Boston last year?"

"How do you know that?"

"I'm artificial intelligence, Professor. I know everything. I also know that Pokemon are no different than any other living creature who has a spirit and a mental health state."

He then turned to Julia.

"Miss Carpenter, do you recall the body scanners that were created in response to the underwear bomb plot almost three years ago?"

"Yes."

"Well, I recommend that a similar device be created for Pokemon that display mental health damage or anxiety related contemplations," he said. "If there are Pokemon who refuse to go into Pokeballs and need to be scanned, then I suggest a similar measure be carried out."

"What do you think, Professor?" Julia asked. Professor Oak thought for a second and considered the possibilities of having a regular body scanner. And it wasn't going to be just Pikachu, but all Pokemon that don't consider a Pokeball as their place.

Still, Professor Oak knew that we needed to stay one step ahead of Team Rocket or any other Pokemon criminal organization that might use a Pokemon to attack or bring down something like a passenger jet.

"I would say to try it out, Miss Carpenter," he said. "Remember, we have to be open minded to a Pokemon's specific mental state and not all of them will want to go through a machine such as this."

Taking this as a mental note, Julia passed along Professor Oak's recommendations to the technicians. But there was something else in Professor Oak's mind that he needed to address to Julia…the creation of a program similar to the Transportation Security Administration in the United States, but something geared towards Pokemon Trainers and their Pokemon.

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Chapter 76

"A TSA for Pokemon Trainers"

In the days following the events of Operation Phoenix Rising, there had been hushed discussions going around Congress in Washington and Parliament in London about trying to come up with ways to better protect Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon as they got onto an airplane. But most of the focus and conversation was happening on Capitol Hill in Washington. Transportation Security Administration Director John Pistole was summoned before Congress to give his thoughts on a TSA like program for Pokemon and their trainers.

"Mr. Director," said a congressman as the TSA director sat before the panel of politicians. "It has come to our undivided attention that in the wake of the August 12th bombings of 12 commercial airliners, the congress proposes that a program similar to the Transportation Security Administration be created to protect Pokemon and their trainers. How do you say to this?"

The TSA director thought about his answer for a moment, then he carried out his answer to the panel.

"Well, ladies and gentlemen of the congress," he said. "As head of our nation's airport security program created in the aftermath of September 11th, I believe that a similar program for Pokemon and their Trainers is appropriate. I am also aware that Stark Enterprises based in Los Angeles has been working on a machine to detect the abnormal behavior of all Pokemon going onto an airplane."

"Yes, so they are," muttered the lead congressman of the panel. "Mr. Pistole, it is worth recommending that you promote some of the best performing TSA agents and retrain them to provide security for Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon. It's our belief that they can be in a similar position to where they are now, but working for the well being of the Pokemon community."

"And it is my belief that you wish that this program be rolled out at all US Airports and overseas airports that have US pre-clearance programs. But, I must warn you that if we are to take this approach, it needs to be done in a gradual manner."

The panel took this recommendation into account for the Transportation Security System wasn't created overnight, it took time to develop.

"For starters," Pistole continued. "We need to select a few of our country's largest airports for pilot programs. I'm thinking of airports like New York/JFK, Chicago/O'Hare, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami and Boston, airports that take in the highest amount of international travelers."

"How would the program be designed, Mr. Pistole?" asked a congresswoman on the panel. "Will the agents have uniforms similar to the TSA uniforms?"

"That would be the scenario for two reasons," explained Pistole, taking a sip of water. "Number one, instead of the blue shirts that are part of the TSA uniform, we would have agents wearing yellow shirts as part of their uniform. It creates identity and distinguishes the Pokemon security program from the TSA program. Yellow also is the color of the main Pokemon mascot, Pikachu, so both trainers and their Pokemon will feel a sense of ease."

The panel took the response into account. But one of them had an additional question for the TSA director.

"Mr. Pistole," said a woman congressman. "What we are proposing here today is something that hasn't been done since the aftermath of September 11th. Every system will not be perfect and I don't expect it nor do any of my fellow congressmen that this program will indeed be perfect."

"This new pilot program is not going to be perfect, ladies and gentlemen of the congress," replied Pistole. "There will be bumps in the road, there will be flaws that will need to be fixed on the spot. We will learn to navigate these waters the same way we did when the Transportation Security Administration was created. I can assure you of that."

And the congressional panel absorbed what he said on account that the creation of a TSA style program for Pokemon and their trainers would indeed take time. But how much time would it take remained to be seen for as September 11th created the TSA, August 12th would create a similar program to ensure that something like Operation Phoenix Rising would never happen again.

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Chapter 77

"You're Not Crooks, You're Terrorists"

As Jessie, James and Meowth entered their fourth day of questioning at the Viridian City jail, they had not yet known about the raids on Team Rocket labs in Lake Rage and the Whirl Islands. But that was all about to change when they stepped into the interrogation room. The three of them noticing Jack McCoy looking crossly at them in a way that they hadn't experienced yet.

"Uh oh, Jack's pissed," thought James. "As is his lady friend."

As they sat down next to Mr. Putney, their court appointed lawyer, they immediately picked themselves up on the fact that something had happened and that they were going to be questioned intensely of it.

"I thought you'd like to be aware of something," began Jack, sliding a newspaper towards them. "Yesterday, a pair of raids were carried out on Team Rocket facilities in the Whirl Islands and on Lake Rage. Do you know who these are?"

"Yes," answered Jessie, nervously. "We've been there before because of the projects that were happening: Project R and the Rage Crown. What does that have to do with us?"

Jack loudly dropped the pen he was holding and gazed grimly at them.

"Much," he said sternly. "Professors Sebastian and Namba have been captured and will now await their days in court. Now, you must give us insight into these two projects Team Rocket was producing."

"What about Cassidy and Bob?" asked James.

"If you mean Cassidy and Butch, they are also in custody," added ADA Borgia. "All the Pokemon that the operatives had were confiscated and are in protective custody. Now, about the projects."

Knowing that mercy was within reach of them, Jessie, James and Meowth had to remain cooperative even if it meant revealing the secrets and plans Team Rocket had been cooking up.

"Well," began James, nervously gulping. "Giovanni, our former boss, had always lived in the shadow of his mother, Madam Boss. All his life, he wanted to go beyond simply stealing Pokemon for profit and blowing airplanes over oceans to obtain the Pokemon off their dead trainers. He wanted to use them as weapons to kill, because he felt that if he were to succeed, he would finally escape his mother's shadow."

"His mother's shadow?" wondered ADA Borgia. "You mean Giovanni wanted to do something similar to what happened on 9/11?"

"That's exactly what he desired to do," added Jessie. "In fact, it was the third of the last part of that plot Ramzi Yousef was planning on his behalf, the one where Pokemon would be used to hijack planes and…"

"We know what you are going to say, Miss Musachi," interrupted Jack, sharply. "Because there was a time that Giovanni had traveled to Afghanistan and had meetings with Osama Bin Laden himself, trying to sell on him the idea that Pokemon can be used to commandeer planes and fly them into buildings. Do you remember hearing anything about that?"

A sudden chill came up through the spines of our enemies, almost as if they had learned something terrible happened personally. Right then and there, they were learning the harsh truth.

"No," gulped James. "We were too busy tracking that twerp's Pikachu…"

"Ash Ketchum's Pikachu," interrupted Jack, sharply.

"Ash Ketchum's Pikachu," continued James. "And we never were kept in the loop of what was happening within Team Rocket except for the occasional orders that would come directly from Giovanni."

But Jack then reached into his bag and pulled out another newspaper from Cinnabar Island, showing pictures of the Pokemon Center that they had once tried to rob powerful fighting type Pokemon from.

"Did he order you to carry out this attempted robbery on the Pokemon Center on Cinnabar Island?" asked Jack, pointing to the picture of the facility.

"Yes, he did," answered Meowth. "But only because they would be worth a great deal of income for the organization."

"That's what he wanted you to think," Jack said. "Another piece of evidence that was recovered from the Whirl Islands raid involved using the rage crown on these Pokemon you were attempting to capture and then they would be given to Bin Laden's hijackers."

"What?" gasped Jessie, horrified to hear such an accusation. "Where…How…how is that even possible?"

"Of course, according to the evidence," Jack continued. "Bin Laden refused Giovanni's offer because in his mind, Pokemon were not considered weapons. In fact, when the 9/11 attacks happened, Giovanni felt betrayed that Pokemon weren't used and would stop at nothing to prove himself that Pokemon could be used to carry out such an attack on a devastating level. How does that make you feel?"

"It makes us feel bad," Jessie cried in a shocked tone. "I mean…how were we supposed to know that Giovanni would do such a thing?"

"But he did," said ADA Borgia. "He combined the plots of Bojinka with the idea of exceeding the death toll of September 11th, 2001. 9/11 killed 2,977 people, Operation Phoenix Rising killed 4,000 people and it was an effort to prove himself that Team Rocket could use Pokemon to carry out large scale attacks on innocent civilians and their Pokemon."

"Tell me something," said Jack. "Do you still consider yourselves to be merely petty crooks?"

"Well, yeah," Jessie said, trying to diffuse some of the situation. "Considering we're crooks, it's a steal!"

"Well, I've got news for all three of you," replied Jack icily. "From what I am seeing here you are not crooks…you're terrorists in the eyes of the law."

Those words hit Jessie, James and Meowth like a piercing arrow that was fired at their chests. To be called crooks was one thing, but to be called terrorists was another thing. But, that was what they were, terrorists who potentially contributed to the deaths of 4,000 people on a single night in August.

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Chapter 78

"A More Secure Pokemon League"

As president of the Pokemon league committee, Charles Goodshow had a responsibility. His responsibility wasn't just allowing trainers to battle it out for glory with their Pokemon, but also he had a responsibility to make sure everyone was safe. Thanks to Operation Phoenix Rising, he and his fellow Pokemon League committee members were considering adding new security measures to their competitions.

"I want to thank you all for coming on such short notice," began the old man as they all sat around his living room near the Indigo Plateau. "As you might have surmised, raids were carried out on Team Rocket facilities in the Whirl Islands and Lake Rage revealing plenty of damning and chilling evidence that indirectly targets our respective Pokemon League Competitions."

"And they just keep coming out with more and more evidence," added a man in a purple suit and pink bowtie. "Have you seen this morning's paper?"

"Raoul, I am very much aware of that as are the rest of us," said Goodshow. "But, all of us in this room have a responsibility that goes beyond hosting competitions. We need to ensure that all Pokemon, their trainers and all spectators at our competitions are safe and protected from outside intrusion."

"What exactly do you have in mind, Charles?" asked Lilly, the head of the Sinnoh Valley Conference. "Are you saying we install metal detectors at our entrances?"

"Well, yes I would strongly consider that, Lilly. However, I think it needs to be a little more than that. My good friend, Professor Oak, sent me pictures from Stark Enterprises in Los Angeles for a project to detect Pokemon that could be mind controlled."

Taking his cell phone, Goodshow revealed the pictures for all to see.

"While these machines are being designed for airports," he continued, putting the phone back in his pocket. "I feel it is warranted that these machines are to be used at the entrances to all our competitions."

"Not everyone is going to like the idea, Charles," said a heavyset man in a brown business suit. "Many will feel that their personal boundaries and that of their Pokemon will be violated."

"Freddy, if these machines were created simply to invade personal boundaries," replied Goodshow. 'Then we would all be having a different conversation right now. I'm sure your people at the Vetress Conference Committee would have the same answer as me."

This made Freddy back away slightly in embarrassment.

"I agree with Charles on this," said Lilly, with a troubled look on her face. "The Sinnoh region's largest city is similar to that of New York City in the United States. Since September 11th, 2001, my greatest fear is having what happened in New York happen in Sinnoh. I mean, you could have a Team Rocket agent come in and carry out a bombing and they would steal every competitor's Pokemon while also potentially killing or injuring dozens of people."

The idea of protecting her competition was a top priority for Lilly, but Goodshow also wanted to hear from other members of the committee.

"What say you on this, Sebastian?" asked Goodshow. "As head of the Hoenn conference?"

"I say that we take the security around our competitions beyond just machines and measures," said the gray moustached head of the Hoenn League. "I propose we use measures that are used for events like the Super Bowl and the Olympic Games. Such as having law enforcement monitoring every aspect and every area of the competitions whether they be undercover or having snipers hidden around the area of the stadiums with shoot to kill orders if any threat is imminent."

The rest of the committee agreed on this.

"So, it is in agreement that we all step up the security measures around our stadiums and surrounding areas?" asked Goodshow. "Those in favor?"

Most of the committee raised their hands.

"Those opposed?"

Only Freddy raised his hand.

"Then it is settled," declared Goodshow. "Effective immediately, security measures will be made to protect all those participating and attending our competitions."

For the lone voice of dissent, Freddy, it was more of a wait and see approach to see if this would even come to pass. But at the end of the day, it was the safety and security of Pokemon trainers, their Pokemon and attendees that was on the line.

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Chapter 79

"The Importance of Digimon"

When it came to the hard and hitting response from Operation Phoenix Rising, the American, British and Canadian authorities could not have done it alone without the help of Digimon, creatures that came from the annals of digital technology and live in a plane known as the Digital World. In fact, I can remember hearing stories of monster fights in Tokyo and other parts of the world thinking that these creatures were a threat to humanity. But, as time went on, we started to learn more about Digimon and that not all of them were considered threats. They were living creatures who could make good partners, just like Pokemon are.

If the raids on Lake Rage and the Whirl Islands were of any indication, Digimon had one advantage that Pokemon did not have and that was communicate in the human language. This proved to be useful to law enforcement in the ongoing raids across the country. But, Digimon were just as prone to getting hurt as much as a human or as a Pokemon. This was the case with Mimi Tachikawa's partner Digimon, Palmon, who remained in a medically induced coma at a Pokemon Center not far from Lake Rage.

"Well, she took one for the team," sighed Sora, sitting down next to Mimi in Palmon's room. "Mimi, I'm sorry that this had to happen."

"No," Mimi sighed, clearly exhausted from releasing all her raw emotions. "Ever since Palmon rescued that baby from the ocean, she just wanted to get justice for it. We knew the dangers, but she did it anyway."

Yes, that was the case with everyone who agreed to take part in this dangerous mission. However, there was an additional reason for Palmon to do what she did.

"And that wasn't the only reason, Sora," Mimi replied. "It's almost like Palmon wanted to prove something while as Lillymon."

"What do you mean, Mimi?" asked Sora.

"Well, Palmon never really singlehandedly defeated anyone in her ultimate form," Mimi explained, reaching down and grabbing Palmon's claw. "Remember when she first fought Myotismon, he used his Nightmare Claw on Lillymon? Or when MetalSeadramon struck her with his tail? It's like she wanted to personally contribute to the fall of someone evil without getting hurt."

Mimi then sighed deeply again, this time reflecting on another dark period of her life.

"It was just like 11 years ago after the attacks in New York," she said. "Do you know how many Digimon volunteered their time in searching for survivors? A lot. Palmon was one of them and as Lillymon, she did save a few lives from the World Trade Center. The smell of death, the sight of destruction, its something that she took personally."

Then, Mimi began to remember when her first time in the Digital World had come to an end and how Palmon was too sad to say goodbye.

"It's also like Palmon was afraid of saying goodbye to anyone, especially those who were innocent or we were just starting to get to know each other. Who knows what of those killed we could have met, could have become Digidestined like us or Pokemon trainers?"

Sora pulled her fellow Digidestined to her side in a hug as they continued to look down at the comatose Digimon.

…

Outside, the remaining Digidestined, their Digimon and the two factions of Avengers were waiting outside the waiting room for any news on their fallen comrade. In fact, Izzy, Joe and their Digimon transported themselves through the Digi Portal when they heard what had happened.

"I just got off the phone with the International Police offices in Tokyo," Steve said to all who were gathered. "Dr. Namba is going to be charged with 2nd degree attempted murder."

"Good, that's what he gets," said Matt, bitterly. "Coward. Shooting one of our own like that."

"Let's all be thankful that Palmon is still alive," suggested Agumon. "And that most of the Team Rocket operatives have been captured."

"The little dino has a point," remarked Tony, taking a drink of water. "We couldn't have carried out this operation if it weren't for you guys from the Digital World."

"But the work continues," said Dr. Strange, who had been looking down at the floor in a trance like state. "I've been looking at various futures in how we manage to get Team Rocket fully defunct."

Now, it's important to remember that Dr. Strange was someone who despite having a medical background, was also a master of the mystic arts and someone who would predict the future.

"And one of those futures," he revealed. "Is that we all confront Giovanni…together."

"And how do we do that?" asked Yolei.

"Probably the same manner in which the NAVY seals took out Bin Laden," answered Steve. "Although I could be wrong that it would be exactly that way."

Just then, the doors to Palmon's room opened and Sora stepped out of the room, looking at the crowd gathered.

"How is she, Sora?" asked Joe. "How's our warrior?"

"She's still in a coma," Sora sighed. "Hopefully it won't be long before she wakes up from it."

"Steve just said that Dr. Namba will be charged with second degree attempted murder along with his other charges," said Matt, getting up to hug his girlfriend. "Small bit of justice."

At that moment, Tai heard his cell ringing and stepped outside to answer it. A few moments, Natasha also heard her cell ringing and went to answer that too. When they came back in, they both had the same look on their faes.

"Guys, we just got some news out of New York," Tai said. "A bomb went off in the area where a raid was being carried out."

Almost immediately, a shocked look came onto everyone's faces.

"What kind of bomb?" asked Izzy.

"I'm not sure, but several are hurt, including a Digidestined's Seadramon."

No sooner did Tai say that did the door open and Mimi stepped outside with a shocked look on her face.

"Michael's Seadramon is hurt?" she asked. "Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear."

Sure enough, a CNN reporter broke in with news of an explosion at a Team Rocket cell in New York City that injured 10 people and 3 other creatures.

"Tony?" asked Steve as the leader of the Avengers got to his feet. "We'd better get over there and see what happened. Anybody coming?"

Fortunately, several of the Avengers and a few Digidestined agreed to come, including Joe, who was the only one with medical capabilities. But when Dr. Strange opened the panel, the smell and sight of smoke came through the portal, meaning that the explosion had freshly occurred.

"All right, let's go!" Tony cried as they all went through the portal, including Peter Parker, who knew that New York needed its friendly neighborhood Spider Man.

Upon stepping into New York City, Tony and the others saw the police and fire officials at the scene. He then saw what appeared to be a small furry figure coming towards them.

"Rocket!" called Thor as he ran over to the injured raccoon bounty hunter, followed by Joe. "Rocket, what happened?"

"Explosion," coughed the raccoon. "Must have known we were coming."

"Did you see anyone leave the area?" asked Tony. "And what about Quill and the other Guardians?"

But Rocket was too hurt to answer Tony's question. Looking back to the Digimon that had accompanied them through the portal, the Avengers suggested they digivolve immediately, to which they did.

"Agumon digivolve to…Greymon! Greymon digivolve to…MetalGreymon!"

"Gabumon digivolve to…Garurumon! Garurumon digivolve to…WereGarurumon!"

"Tentomon digivolve to…Kabuterimon! Kabuterimon digivolve to…MegaKabuterimon!"

Gomamon digivolve to…Ikkakumon! Ikkakumon digivolve to…Zudomon!"

With their Digimon digivolved, the team darted towards the scene of the explosion: the Metlife Building. Who could have carried out the explosions and who could have wanted to prevent Team Rocket's latest secrets from being revealed?

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Chapter 80

"Raiding Hershey's Chocolate World"

Upon arriving at the Metlife building, New York City police and fire officials were already hard at work investigating the explosion and treating the injured. Just then, Tony saw Peter Quill aka Star Lord being treated for injuries on his arm and neck.

"Quill, what happened?" Tony asked, running over to him.

"Bastards must have known we were coming," groaned Quill. "We were serving a search warrant and all of a sudden…BOOM!"

"A bomb?"

"Looks that way."

A few feet away, the group saw another one of the guardians, Drax the Destroyer, being wheeled on a stretcher into an ambulance.

"Did you see anyone leave the area?" asked Steve. "After the explosion?"

"I don't know, maybe 3 or 4 people, perhaps more. Shit, this hurts!"

"Tony Stark!" called a voice belonging to an African American woman in a purple skirt suit. " Detective Terri Lee, NYPD. Thank God you're here!"

"What happened here, Detective?"

"We were serving an arrest warrant on a Team Rocket cell operating out of the ground floor of the Metlife Building. They must have known we were coming because we were in there for 5 minutes when the bombs went off. As far as I'm concerned, they might still be in the area."

"The cell members?" asked Tony. "Where do you think they could have gone?"

"Do you realize how many Team Rocket cells are in this city?"

"A lot," said Tony. "As far as I am concerned, they might still all be in Manhattan."

He then turned to the Avengers and Digidestined's who accompanied him.

"All right, guys, listen up!" Tony barked. "We've got a few Team Rocket cell members on the loose within Manhattan! We should each cover a specific area of the city that people frequent. Matt, Tai, can you go with Hulk, Hawkeye and Captain America and scour Times Square and Broadway?"

"Sure, we can do that!"

"Natasha," Tony continued. "You, me, Thor, Izzy and the big red beetle here check out Chinatown and Little Italy?"

"I'd better stay here and treat the wounded," suggested Joe. "Zudomon, can you go with Tony, Natasha, Thor and Izzy?"

"Got it, Joe!" cried the ultimate level form of Gomamon, readying his hammer. "Be careful!"

"All right, let's split up and meet back here in an hour!" Tony ordered as the teams split up.

…

Heading towards Times Square, Steve Rogers and his group scanned for any traces of an explosion on the pavement such as a footprint or a dropped Pokeball. Just anything that could lead to the trace of a potential Team Rocket cell member.

"All right, so where do we go first?" asked Hawkeye.

"Whoever it is might try to blend in with the crowds," suggested Steve Rogers. "I suggest we hit some of the landmarks in the area. Tai, MetalGreymon and Hulk will check out the M 's world. "Matt, WereGarurumon, Hawkeye and myself will hit Hershey's chocolate world."

"Why is that?" asked WereGarurumon.

"Team Rocket agents like chocolate, that's why," answered Steve. Just then, a panhandler dressed as a Batman came rushing in. "Oh great, these guys. Look, uh, we don't have time for a picture and we don't have any money…"

"Are you the real Captain America?" the panhandler asked. "Some dude with a torn Team Rocket uniform came running through here and into the Hershey's Chocolate World. I mean, I know a gangster when I see one!"

"In here? All right, let's hit Hershey's first!"

Once they arrived at Hershey's Chocolate World, Captain America led the charge of going into the store. People didn't bother him on account that he might have looked like a panhandler. Putting his shield on his back, Captain America and his group scoured each possible area of the store. As far as each was concerned, both customer and employee could be a potential Team Rocket cell member. Blending in with the crowds, they all searched high and low for any possible leads. Finally, they spotted a suspicious looking figure trying to sneak out the back of the store.

"This way," he said, motioning for them to follow him to the Hershey's chocolate tour attraction. Quickly and quietly, they scoured the area as the suspect waiting impatiently for the next available car to come through.

"HOLD IT!" shouted Hawkeye, aiming his arrow at the suspect as he jumped over the gate and onto the track below. "AVENGERS! STOP!"

"Guys, go that way!" Tai said to the Hulk, MetalGreymon and WereGarurumon. "We'll go this way!"

Chasing the suspect, the group split apart as one went to the left and the other went to the right. Running past the dairy farm animatronics, Captain America, Hawkeye and the two elder Digidestiends carefully walked quietly, not wanting to scare the suspect away. By the time they reached the area for "Hershey's Chocolate Factory," they stepped their guard up further.

"AVENGERS!" shouted Captain America. "IF YOU'RE IN HERE, COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP!"

Slowly, they walked past the area that said, "Hairnets required" where the cocoa beans were cleaned and approached the area where it said "Bean Blending," but still, there was no sign of the suspect.

"Ecuador, West Africa…" whispered Hawkeye. "These might be more than just countries where these chocolates come from."

Suddenly, they then came up to the section where it said "roasting" and after going through the hot tunnel, they then approached the area where it said "pressing" and they saw what appeared to be a counterfeit version of a Hershey's chocolate bar standing on the platform.

"AVENGERS! FREEZE!" shouted Captain America and the suspect jumped off the platform as they gave chase. Captain America darted for the suspect and attempted to tackle him along with Hawkeye, Tai and Matt, but the suspect was quick to push them off of him. With a loud yell, he pushed the four men off of him and sent Matt into the chocolate vat. Now, the chase was on as the suspect ran faster and faster.

"Banner!" shouted Captain America into his microphone. "We got him! See if you and the others can cut him off!"

Taking his shield, Captain America tossed it at the suspect, hoping to knock him off his feet, but to no avail as the suspect grabbed the shield and flung it right back at him. Hawkeye fired an arrow at the suspect, but he quickly dodged him. Soon, they came to the area where the Milk Evaporation area was. Seizing a moment, they tried to catch and restrain the suspect again. But, the suspect grabbed Tai and threw him in the vatted bowl of evaporated milk. Again, the suspect gave chase as he soon found himself cornered by the Hulk, MetalGreymon and WereGarurumon, who proceeded to tackle him to the ground. But much like the other times, the suspect kicked the Digimon away from him.

"Mega Claw!" MetalGreymon cried, releasing his metallic claw on the suspect to try and catch him off balance. Suddenly, they came to the area where the chocolate was mixed as WereGarurumon attempted to try and lunge at the suspect again.

"Wolf Claw!" he shouted, but missed his target. The suspect then reached for a Pokeball, only to have knocked out of his hands by Captain America. "You got him?"

"I got him!" cried Captain America as he and the werewolf Digimon attempted to keep the suspect restrained. Just then, MetalGreymon ran over to assist, but the Pokeball that was dropped, opened up to reveal a Tauros that MetalGreymon ended up getting hit by and sent into the chocolate mixer, devolving back to Agumon as he fell in.

Moments later, the Hulk arrived and growling fiercely, grabbed the suspect and pinned him against the wall with tremendous force.

"Banner, grab the Tauros!" Captain America ordered and the Hulk did as he was told, jumping on the frightened Tauros and stopping it from moving around.

"Get on your feet, ON YOUR FEET!" ordered Captain America, once again slamming the suspect against the wall. "Do you know who we are?"

"The Avengers," the suspect hissed as the milk and chocolate covered, Tai, Matt and Agumon arrived. "You won't get away with this! Giovanni will save us all!"

Grabbing a pair of handcuffs, Hawkeye placed them on the suspect's wrists.

"Keep dreaming, pal!" Captain America whispered as New York City Police Officers, FBI agents and International Police Officers darted into the attraction. Unhesitantly, Captain America tossed the suspect over to them.

"Captain," said a NYPD Police Sergeant. "We checked the M&M 's world, all clear."

He then turned to Tai, Matt and Agumon.

"As for you three," he remarked. "Take a shower."

But that was the least of their worries for at least of the one of the cell members had been captured. Now, the attention was to shift to Little Italy and Chinatown for the other suspects.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 81

"A Planned Second Wave of Attacks"

Lois Lane was a highly respected journalist at her job and in order to gain that respect, she sometimes had to go where no reporter had gone before. She had informants, contacts within organizations who gave her information about what criminal activity was taking place.

Now, Lois found herself in New York's Little Italy, following in on a lead towards a Team Rocket cell based there. Lois found herself at a restaurant called Sal Anthony's SPQR where she was due to meet her contact. The sounds of her high heel stilettos pierced the silence and atmosphere of the restaurant. Lois knew the dangers, but was willing to take the risk. Her contact was a scientist for Team Rocket, a well respected scientist named Dr. John Fuji.

"Miss Lane," he said, rising to his feet and shaking her hand. "Please, sit down."

Lois sat down and kept her set plan in place: get the information from her informant and then leave the restaurant.

"Dr. Fuji," Lois began. "You said you had something for me."

"I do," replied the scientist, handing her a floppy disk that said 'Operation Grinch' on it. This piqued Lois' curiosity. "Operation Phoenix Rising was only the beginning. There's something else, something that Giovanni is planning to do even greater. This disk was to be sent to our headquarters in Tehran."

Lois was amazed that one of Team Rocket's scientists would do such a thing, but in her mind she wondered why he would give this to her.

"What does this mean?" she asked curiously as Dr. Fuji took a sip of water. "Is Team Rocket planning something we should know about?"

"They are," whispered Fuji, looking around to make sure no one could hear him. "Listen to me, Miss Lane. You probably may have known me as the man who created Mewtwo and lived to tell the tale. But, all I thought was that creating Pokemon was for profit. My creation was sought after and once upon a time, served Giovanni. But, he escaped and now is in hiding with clones of Pokemon he created."

But, Lois was still confused as to how the creation of Mewtwo would resonate with the disk she had been given.

"What does that have to do with this?" she asked. "This Operation Grinch?"

"Giovanni ordered me to create a Pokemon that was capable of killing," he explained. "This plot…that they are trying to create, uses Pokemon that are injected with the ingredients that Mewtwo was created with, Pokemon forced to do so."

"But the name…"

"Operation Grinch was the name chosen for this plot," Fuji explained. "You grew up watching 'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' every year, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"Well, perhaps you should know that the Grinch wasn't born hating Christmas. He developed the hatred over time, based on his own past experiences. Giovanni wanted to create a Pokemon that had no feelings, no heart, nothing. So, I did and succeeded."

Still, Lois was unsure if or what Dr. Fuji was trying to get across to her. Could it be that the Pokemon to be used in this so-called "Operation Grinch" plot were to have the same genetics as Mewtwo?

"Listen to me, Miss Lane," he whispered. "I had just arrived from Paris earlier this morning to meet you. Our cell over there is injecting explosive Pokemon with the same genetics that were used in Mewtwo's creation. With these genetics, the Pokemon used will not only destroy the aircraft and it's passengers, but also…"

Suddenly, he stopped midsentence and saw what appeared to be two gangsters coming out of a Lincoln towncar. Lois could see that they had Pokeballs at their belts.

"Oh, God!" he cried, trying to duck under the table as the gangsters walked into the restaurant. Pushing the matri'd aside, the two gangsters approached the table and Lois got up quickly.

"Hold it," she ordered them firmly. "What are you doing here?"

"Get out of the way, lady," replied the gangster. "There's a traitorious rat sitting behind you."

One of the gangsters reached for one of his Pokeballs, preparing to throw it at Dr. Fuji.

"What makes you say he is a traitor?"

"Because he is a traitor. He stole…"

The gangster then noticed the disk that Lois was holding and snatched her wrist holding the disk.

"Well, what do we have here?" laughed one of the gangsters as the other picked up Dr. Fuji roughly from under the table. "A spy? Or could it be the world famous Lois Lane? Too bad Superman isn't here to help you. But, we could use some insurance to protect our cells. Let's go."

Acting quickly, the two gangsters prepared to leave with the disk, Lois and Dr. Fuji. Other patrons got up, but were ordered to sit back down at their tables when one of the gangsters fired a gun into the air. But just once they got outside the restaurant, they saw what appeared to be a bolt of electricity strike their car, causing it to explode and send glass into the restaurant.

With a sudden hard landing, Iron Man landed in front of the gangsters with his weapons drawn. The gangster attempted to fire at Iron Man, but their bullets ricocheted off of him.

"Don't you guys learn that bullets can't penetrate iron?" Iron Man remarked with a slight chuckle. "Let the woman go!"

"Why should we when you clowns are holding our agents as prisoners?" snapped one of the gangsters. "You take prisoners, we take prisoners!"

But the gangster holding Lois didn't take her high heels into account and Lois stepped the spike of her heel on one of the gangsters feet, causing him to yell in pain, before doing a spinning kick on the other gangster holding Dr. Fuji.

"Daddy was a black belt!" Lois said as at that moment, several cars marked with the letter "R" arrived in Little Italy. Everyone knew that these were Team Rocket agents and gangsters in those cars.

"Looks like you got some help," Iron Man remarked as the two gangsters got to their feet, while their allies got out of the cars with Pokeballs drawn. "Guess what? So do we."

Just then, the agents looked up and saw MegaKabuterimon and Zudomon coming down from the sky, landing with a loud thud onto the ground as NYPD officers arrived on the scene with their guns drawn.

"Now, put your Pokeballs down and surrender peacefully," suggested Iron Man, but the agents and gangsters didn't respond. "I don't want to have to do this the hard way!"

Just then, one of the gangsters fired his gun at Zudomon, but the large ultimate level Digimon shielded himself with the large shell on his back. At the same time, people were pouring out of SPQR, trying to get out of the danger.

"That's it!" Iron Man cried as he and Thor led the charge against the gangsters while Natasha and Izzy helped with evacuations. The Team Rocket Agents and Gangsters opened fire and threw Pokeballs at them, but the Pokemon inside were no match for the power of Iron Man's armor and Thor's hammer.

"Hornbuster!" cried MegaKabuterimon as he and Iron Man fired lighting blasts at several cars, sending them flying into the air and landing on top of one another.

"Vulcan's Hammer!" yelled Zudomon, slamming his hammer down at the same time as Thor's hammer, throwing more cars on top of each other and sending more gangsters flying into the air.

As a result of the combined attacks, the agents and gangsters were quickly defeated as NYPD and International Police officers moved in to capture them.

"Well, that was fast," remarked Thor.

"Yeah," added Iron Man. "Let's get these guys rounded up."

Hiding behind a police car, Lois and Dr. Fuji quickly got up as two additional police officers moved in and arrested Dr. Fuji.

"Hey! What are you…?" cried Lois.

"This guy's wanted for a variety of Pokemon related crimes," replied one of the International Police Officers. "Including creating an engine of destruction."

Amazed, Lois watched as Dr. Fuji was led away in handcuffs as Lois remained in possession of the disk he had given her…this disk talking about the proposed follow up to Operation Phoenix Rising…"Operation Grinch."

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 82

"The Mystery of Operation Grinch"

As the raids on Team Rocket cells in New York City continued to ramp up, Lois was taken to an International Police Station in Manhattan for more information on the disk known as "Operation Grinch." After being looked over for any injuries she had sustained in the short confrontation, she joined several International Police Officers in an interrogation room where Dr. Fuji was being questioned.

"Do you know why you are here, Doctor?" asked the interrogator, looking right at Dr. Fuji's face.

"Because I created Mewtwo," he answered. "But if you want to know where he is then…"

"We don't want to ask about Mewtwo," interrupted the interrogator. "We want answers about…this."

Lois then handed the interrogator the floppy disk, waving it in front of Dr. Fuji like a fan.

"Miss Lane says you had stolen this from a Team Rocket cell. Where did you steal it from?"

"I had taken it from one of our cells in Paris," he said, nervously. "It's for a plot."

"What plot is that?" asked another interrogator.

"A plot targeting passenger planes on Christmas Eve over the Atlantic."

Right away, Fuji's sudden confession caused an eerie silence throughout the room. The fact that Team Rocket would want to attack more planes after Operation Phoenix Rising was mindboggling.

"Transatlantic Flights?" asked the first interrogator, putting the disk down on the table. "Are they all leaving from London/Heathrow? Are they British Airways flights?"

It took a moment for Dr. Fuji to answer the question, but he ultimately did.

"Not entirely," he answered. "We were also planning on flights departing from Ireland."

"Dublin? Were they Aer Lingus flights?"

"Yes, they were!" answered Dr. Fuji, hoping that his cooperation could result in mercy and compassion from the law. "All of them were going to the same seven cities in the United States."

"What's the list?"

"New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston and Newark," Dr. Fuji confessed. "Please, all I ask for is for mercy. I wanted nothing to do with this."

"Then what were you doing in Paris, Doctor?" asked the interrogator, but Dr. Fuji was too nervous to answer. Right away, this interrogation meant two things right off the bat: that 14 flights operated by two European airlines and heading to the United States were to be targeted by explosive armed with genes that were used to create Mewtwo. But, there was still more.

"Answer the question, Doctor."

"Gentlemen, I…" he said. "I need a second opinion. I want a lawyer to help me answer the question."

"Very well," replied the first interrogator, gesturing to a couple of officers to take him away. "Take him back to his cell until his court appointed lawyer arrives."

As Dr. Fuji was led away, he gave a look to Lois as if to say that she must be the one to reveal Operation Grinch to the world.

Sure enough, Lois would do so the very next day at the New York Times. She placed the disk in the slot of her desktop and waited patiently for the information to download. Eventually, the information came up and Lois studied it carefully:

British Airways flights from Paris (CDG) to London (LHR) (Pokemon to be used: Enhanced Voltorb)

BA305: An early morning departure from Paris (CDG), typically arriving at London Heathrow (LHR).

Plausible Timing (Christmas Eve 2012): Departure around 7:55–8:15 a.m., arriving at London Heathrow between 8:15–8:45 a.m. (local times).

Aircraft Type: Airbus A320.

BA307: A slightly later morning departure to London Heathrow.

Plausible Timing (Christmas Eve 2012): Departure around 10:30–10:40 a.m., arriving at London Heathrow between 10:50–11:00 a.m. (local times).

Aircraft Type: Airbus A320.

...

Aer Lingus flights from Paris (CDG) to Dublin (DUB) (Pokemon to be used: Enhanced Electrode)

EI521: A morning flight from Paris (CDG) to Dublin.

Plausible Timing (Christmas Eve 2012): Departure around 10:10 a.m., arriving in Dublin around 11:00 a.m. (local times).

Aircraft Type: In 2012, this route was typically operated by an Airbus A320.

EI523: A later morning flight option to Dublin.

Plausible Timing (Christmas Eve 2012): Departure around 11:20 a.m., arriving in Dublin around 12:10 p.m. (local times).

Aircraft Type: Airbus A320.

...

British Airways flights from London/Heathrow (LHR) on Christmas Eve 2012

Flight

Route

Plausible Departure Time

Aircraft Type

BA175

LHR to JFK

Morning/Midday (e.g., ~11:00)

Boeing 747-400 or 777-200

BA217

LHR to IAD

Midday (e.g., ~12:45)

Boeing 777-200

BA285

LHR to SFO

Late Morning (e.g., ~11:00)

Boeing 747-400 or 777-300

BA283

LHR to LAX

Late Morning (e.g., ~10:00)

Boeing 747-400

BA295

LHR to ORD

Midday (e.g., ~11:00)

Boeing 777-200

BA213

LHR to BOS

Afternoon (e.g., ~15:00)

Boeing 777-200

BA185

LHR to EWR

Late Morning (e.g., ~11:00)

Boeing 777-200

...

Aer Lingus flights from Dublin (DUB) on Christmas Eve 2012

Flight

Route

Plausible Departure Time

Aircraft Type

EIN105

DUB to JFK

Morning (e.g., ~10:00)

Airbus A330-300

EIN117

DUB to IAD

Early Afternoon (e.g., ~13:00)

Airbus A330-300

EIN61

DUB to SFO

Early Afternoon (e.g., ~13:00)

Airbus A330-300

EIN69

DUB to LAX

Early Morning (e.g., ~01:00)

Airbus A330-300

EIN123

DUB to ORD

Midday (e.g., ~11:30)

Airbus A330-300

EIN133

DUB to BOS

Late Morning (e.g., ~11:00)

Airbus A330-300

EIN101

DUB to EWR

Morning (e.g., ~10:30)

Airbus A330-300

…

"Oh, my God," Lois gasped with a horrified look on her face. "This is a sequel to Operation Phoenix Rising!"

Judging from what Dr. Fuji had given to her, Lois began to hypothesize the possibility of an equal amount of deaths to that of Operation Phoenix Rising, if not slightly more. Knowing that the information was valuable, she hastily printed out the information and then proceeded to bring the information to her editor, Perry White.

"Are you certain this is what he gave you, Lane?" asked the New York Times editor. "These 14 flights?"

"It's a hit list, chief," Lois replied. "In other words, its a goddamn sequel to Operation Phoenix Rising only this time it's targeting transatlantic flights on Christmas Eve. What do you say, do we publish the findings?"

Perry gave the matter a thought…on one hand, the public needed to know and posting such a story would drive sales on New York Times newspapers. At the same time, though, he thought perhaps it would be best for the American, British, Irish and French governments, as well as the Pokemon Embassies in Washington, London, Dublin and Paris to post warnings about this Operation Grinch plot.

"Lane, do you have any contacts in any of the embassies in Washington?" he asked.

"Yes, I do."

"Then, I suggest you pass this information onto them. I do not want this going out in our papers unless everything is credible, understand?"

Doing as she was told, Lois reached out to her contacts at the embassies in Washington. Still, the information Fuji had given her had shaken the fearless reporter to her core. Team Rocket was planning a second wave of transatlantic bombings targeting Pokemon Trainers and the mindset was there: Operation Grinch would never see the light of day.

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 83

"Unmasking the Iron Masked Marauder"

When Lois Lane looked at the floppy disk containing the chilling details of the so-called "Operation Grinch," the race was on to put a stop to the plot beginning with sending word to all American, British, and Irish embassies around the globe. Even though Christmas Eve was only a few months away, no one was taking any chances. What was more was that the advantage was to get ahead of Team Rocket cells in and around Paris. Even though raids were being carried out, Team Rocket was still going to find a way to bypass it.

In a police station in central London, the man who had been leading a double life as the Team Rocket agent, the Iron Masked Marauder was now sitting in the manner of someone who was about to be electrocuted to death. He had been restrained at the wrists and ankles and only Batman, Superman and the Flash were with him.

"What do you want with me?" he demanded to the three Justice League members. "I've done nothing wrong!"

"You have done something wrong," cautioned Batman, walking up to him. "You've done something very wrong, Vicious. How does impersonating a security officer at the British national flag airline sound to you? Because that sounds very wrong."

"This is a mistake," Victor pleaded. "I am nothing more than an employee of British Airways and…"

Suddenly, he felt a sharp electrical surge move throughout his body and when he turned to find out who was responsible, he found the Flash sitting next to an electrical switch.

"Are you sure about that?" remarked the Flash. "If you work for British Airways, why don't you have a British Accent? Why don't you hum 'Always on the Bright Side of Life' and whistle to that song? I've never met someone who works for a country's flag carrier and doesn't have an accent."

"The Flash has a point," said Superman. "What is obvious to the three of us is that you are merely a spy planted by Giovanni. Now, tell us everything about what you were doing at British Airways working as a security officer."

Victor gasped as the feeling of electricity continued to surge through his body, even though the switch wasn't activated.

"How long had you been at British Airways?" asked Batman.

"About 10 years," answered Victor, only for the Flash to pull the switch again and shock him briefly.

"That's a lie," warned Batman, grabbing Victor's shirt and pulling Victor to his face. "When you lie, the electricity will go through your body, Victor. Now, tell us the truth."

Roughly releasing his grip on the restrained Team Rocket officer, Batman stepped back as a dark skinned woman wearing a blue blazer over a black dress walked into the interrogation room. The woman sneered down at the captured Team Rocket agent.

"I trust you admire the accommodations," she remarked.

"Who are you?" hissed Victor, his spit falling on the woman. "Are you with them?"

"As a matter of fact, I am," said the woman, wiping the spit away from her eyes. "I'm Princess Diana of Themesycra."

"For a second there, I thought you were the other Princess Diana who came back from the dead…"

More electricity surged into Victor's body after airing the insult.

"Or perhaps, you can call me…Wonder Woman," said Diana.

"I don't care who you are," retorted Victor.

"Well, you should care," cautioned Batman. "You're in the presence of a princess now, so if I were you…I'd show a little respect."

Growling and hissing, Victor scowled at the four Justice League members who were holding him captive.

"Now, tell us again," said Superman firmly. "How long had you been working for British Airways and did you have any help finding flights to the United States and Canada?"

Gasping, Victor did not want to go through another electrical surge and decided to come clean.

"All right, all right," he cried. "I'll tell you, just no more electricity. I've been working undercover at British Airways for a few months. I was working in their security offices as an officer. I was responsible for observing the security measures at Heathrow and any other airports British Airways serves."

"That includes Tehran as well?" asked Batman.

"Yes, including Tehran, where our top ranking base is located," gasped Victor. "Giovanni wanted an insider and I was the man for the job."

"Did you provide the details of the 12 flights impacted on August 12th?" asked Superman.

"Yes, yes, I did," answered Victor. "Giovanni would pay me $50,000 dollars if I could find a dozen flights leaving around the same time."

All the Justice League could do was look at Victor with sheer disappointment on their faces. The fact that he was tasked with finding timetables was low enough, but there was more.

"What about the agents that were planted at the checkpoints?" asked Batman, showing Victor pictures of some agents already captured. "Did you give them any instructions to allow the Pokemon to pass through the checkpoint twice?"

After a moment, Victor confessed further that he did give them instructions.

"So, you had given them instructions? About which lane to choose at Heathrow Terminal 5 and at Tehran Airport?"

"The agents at Tehran, they aren't affiliated with Team Rocket. They were approached to provide support for our plot and be paid $10,000 for it."

"Are you sure about that?" asked Wonder Woman.

"I am sure…the Iranian government supports Team Rocket's efforts and is willing to provide money in order to achieve our goals."

The Justice League fell silent in thought over what Victor Vicious had revealed to them. Airport security officials in Tehran, willing to do anything for extra money.

"If you have any names of the officials you communicated with in Tehran. I suggest you put their names on here at once," advised Batman, handing Victor a pen and notebook paper and so, Vicious began writing down what he had conversed with in the days leading up to Operation Phoenix Rising.

Just then, there was another knock on the door and the warden gestured for Batman and Superman to join him outside. Right away, both of them noticed the distressed look on the warden's face.

"What is it warden?" asked Superman.

"There's been a plot uncovered," answered the Warden. "A followup plot to Operation Phoenix Rising. Set for Christmas Eve 2012."

Both Batman and Superman glared at each other over this sudden development that was told to them. If Team Rocket was planning a follow up, they would need to interrogate Victor Vicious some more.

And that was just what they did…

…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 84

"Focusing on Paris"

In the hours following the leak about a possible second wave of airliner bombings over the Atlantic Ocean, American, British and Irish embassies in Paris and around the world immediately and hastily put up notices to warn their citizens of what was discovered. The Pokemon community, drained and pushed to the brink, knew that the last thing they wanted was to hear of another plot to kill more trainers and steal more of their Pokemon.

In fact, French police forces were stepping up security around Pokemon facilities in Paris, including the Pokemon embassy. Any Pokemon trainer and their Pokemon in the French capital was subjected to further scrutiny and questioning for their own protection. One of those was Pete Pebbleman, one of the trainers I defeated at the Indigo Plateau as he was preparing to compete in a Pokemon tournament at the Stade de France.

"Monseiur Pebbleman?" asked a French security officer for the tournament as he walked into the locker room where Pete was preparing for his match along with a pair of French policemen.

"Yes, what can I do for you?" Pete asked, looking back in surprise to see the officers. "Is…something wrong?"

"In light of recent events, Monsieur Pebbleman," answered the French security officer. "We are performing extra screening on all competing and non-competiting Pokemon trainers in today's tournament."

"Is this about that notice that was posted on the Pokemon Embassy this morning?" he asked, feeling a little nervous.

"It is," came the reply as the security inspector asked for Pete to hand over his Pokeballs. "Have any of your Pokemon been out of your control since you last used them?"

Pete became nervous as the questions were asked.

"Well, n…n…no."

"Has anyone unknown to you asked you to carry any Pokemon that is not yours?"

"No, no one asked…if that's what you're wondering?"

"Are your Pokemon capable of causing harm to persons or other Pokemon?"

"No," Pete said. "Look, I appreciate you trying to protect the Pokemon community, especially after what happened, but I'm always very careful with my Pokemon. I don't like Team Rocket as much as the next person."

"I'm sorry, Monsieur Pebbleman, but these are part of our new security measures. A plot was uncovered yesterday."

He handed Pete's Pokeballs back to Pete.

"What plot?"

"A plot to attack transatlantic flights to the United States over the Christmas period, Monsieur," said the Security Officer as he asked for and looked at Pete's passport. "Targeting British Airways flights out of London and Aer Lingus flights out of Dublin."

The young Pokemon trainer was surprised to hear such a thing, but he also knew of how dangerous Team Rocket could be in their neverending quest to steal Pokemon either for profit or for weaponization.

"Thank you, Monsieur Pebbleman," said the official. "You may go to the stadium floor now."

Feeling somewhat taken aback by what had just transpired, Pete made his way to the stadium floor. But, Pete wasn't alone. Security around the Stade de France was heightened in an effort to rat out any potential Team Rocket members. Some were okay with the measures, others were not as they felt it was an invasion of their privacy. In fact, by now, all Pokemon gyms, competitions and leagues were starting to become adjusted to this new way of life.

…

Meanwhile, on the Orange Islands, Drake's decision to hold a tournament to raise money for the victims of Operation Phoenix Rising was in full swing. Pokemon trainers from across the region signed up knowing that they would be helping their fellow trainer.

But as the supreme gym leader of the Orange Islands, Drake once again had to remind himself the importance of keeping his competitors safe. And at a press conference to announce the tournament, he was about to be asked his thoughts about security measures for his planned tournament.

It seemed that the uncovering of Operation Grinch had once again raised concerns and fears in the Pokemon community…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 85

"Drake's Commitment to Safety and Security"

It had been 10 whole days since Team Rocket carried out Operation Phoenix Rising, but the revelation of a second wave of aircraft bombings targeting transatlantic flights had struck raw fear into the minds of Pokemon trainers worldwide. Now, there were even questions about the future of Pokemon tournaments outside of the Pokemon regions merely because of the constant fear Team Rocket possessed.

As he stood at the podium in the Orange Islands, Drake had to come up with words to try and reassure the Pokemon community that it was indeed safe to travel.

"Drake," asked a reporter. "Richard Engel, NBC News. Are you very much aware that a terrorist plot targeting more transatlantic flights was recently revealed by the New York Times and if so, what would be your reaction to this news?"

"Well Richard," Drake replied. "First of all, I'm surprised but not surprised that something like this would come to light. Team Rocket is nothing more than an organization that operates with a display of cowardice and that they feel the only way to obtain a Pokemon is by killing its trainer at 40,000 feet. I believe what that Team Rocket scientist revealed should serve as a warning that the Pokemon community will not be detrimental by these wannabe terrorist bombers."

"Drake, Pierre Thomas, ABC News," said another reporter as he stepped forward. "Many Pokemon gyms and stadiums are already in the process of installing new security measures to deter any attempts by Team Rocket, including the installation of metal detectors and body scanners. Do you suppose that this will deter trainers from attending your charity tournament that you and the other Orange Island gym leaders are putting together?"

"Well, to answer your question, Pierre," Drake answered. "First of all, I want to reassure the Pokemon community that the installation of metal detectors and body scanners are solely intended to not frighten anyone. They are purposely to stop any Team Rocket agents or other Pokemon criminals from coming into the area. Myself and the rest of the Orange League gym leaders have already begun the process of instilling security measures at all our gyms. Our planned charity tournament will have these measures in place and in fact, I have reached out to Julia Carpenter, the Chief Operating Officer for Stark Enterprises to have a machine sent here as soon as one is ready."

"But what if it isn't tested?"

"When I spoke to Miss Carpenter, she told me that nothing is going to be 100 percent in terms of the machines actually working. I also want to reassure the Pokemon community that these measures will also not be 100 percent and I speak on behalf of Pokemon gym leaders worldwide to have patience during this transition."

"What percentage are you looking to have the procedures be at in order to be satisfactory?"

"Somewhere between 85 and 95 percent. In any case, these security screeners that Stark is producing will serve as the ultimate test for the Pokemon community in terms of detecting any suspicious activity."

"Drake, Anthony Mason, CBS News," said another reporter. "I recently interviewed Charles Goodshow, head of the Pokemon League Committee and he vows to ensure that all Pokemon league stadiums have these measures installed. Will you follow his lead?"

"Yes, myself and my fellow gym leaders will follow the lead Mr. Goodshow is suggesting we all follow," Drake answered confidently. "Our tournament to benefit victims and their families will be a testament to the protection and security Mr. Goodshow is intending all to follow."

"What will happen if there are any Team Rocket agents detected at the tournament?" asked a BBC reporter.

"If a Team Rocket agent or Pokemon criminal organization attempts to interfere with this tournament or all tournaments," warned Drake. "They will be punished to the fullest extent of the law which could result in imprisonment or a possible death sentence, depending on the severity. But my responsibility to focus on preparing for the tournament and keeping all those attending safe is what is being focused on right now. Thank you for your questions."

As reporters clamored to ask more questions, Drake stepped down from the podium and took a deep breath while Danny watched from backstage.

"Nice job, Drake," he said, tapping his fellow gym leader on the back.

"Thanks, Dan," replied Drake, sighing heavily as they walked into the Orange League championship stadium entrance. "I've done press conferences before, but nothing like this. They are really hoping that we provide the best protection for our tournament in addition to supporting the families of those lost."

"And as God is our witness, we will provide the best protection," Danny reassured Drake. "And again, nothing's going to be perfect at least at 100 percent."

"Let's hope so," Drake sighed as he proceeded up to the stadium floor. "I'm gonna give my Pokemon some fresh air. It will do them good."

"Got it, Drake. Want me to join you?"

"If you want to," Drake offered with a warm smile on his face and the two gym leaders proceeded to the stadium floor to give their Pokemon some much needed exercise and to give them a distraction from the ever growing changes to protect the Pokemon Community from something like Operation Phoenix Rising.

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Chapter 86

"Roast Beef Sandwiches are the Best Medicine"

"Now Ash," said Hue as the interview progressed. "Being a Pokemon master, you obviously are a big influencer in the Pokemon Community. I have to ask you as a Pokemon Master, how much more hurt could a community take?"

"Obviously never enough," I replied as I stroked Pikachu's head. "When Operation Phoenix Rising took place, I think it was more than an attack on 12 airplanes carrying Pokemon trainers and their Pokemon, it was an attack on our community."

…

I then began to think back to the days after the memorial service that we had in Pallet Town. It seemed like there was a sense of fear amongst Pokemon trainers everywhere, trainers trying to ensure the safety of their Pokemon from groups like Team Rocket. Some even had plans to travel abroad and compete in Pokemon tournaments, but cancelled because of that fear. Others like Lieutenant Surge at Vermillion City, went back into the American military service because he wanted to personally confront Team Rocket agents himself.

Despite the pleas of Pokemon Gym Leaders everywhere, the attitude was there. Pokemon trainers were too scared to go anywhere. Even those gyms that were not official Pokemon gyms were being affected. This was the case in Dark City, where the Yas and Kas gyms, once in a gang war to see who would be an official Pokemon gym, now were practically begging for trainers to compete in their gyms.

"I don't know, Scyther," sighed Yas as he worked out on weights, while the praying mantis Pokemon was sharpening up it's sicles. "I just don't know why Pokemon trainers are afraid of coming here to compete. I mean, we aren't an official Pokemon gym, but that doesn't mean Team Rocket is just going to come and steal Pokemon from us, aren't they?"

"Scyther."

"I hear you, buddy. Violence never solves anything, even gang wars with the Kas gym doesn't solve anything. That Tom Ato and his friends made us see it that way."

Now, in case you were wondering, Tom Ato was the name I had chosen to protect my identity during their gang war.

"Yas?" asked a Yas gym associate. "Just got off the phone with a trainer, another cancellation."

Sighing deeply, Yas put down the weights and after putting Scyther back into it's Pokeball, walked over to the local restaurant where his counterpart, Kas, was having his lunch. Since we left, the two gym leaders had become very good friends, much to the relief of the town's citizens.

"Kas, I didn't expect to see you here," Yas said as he sat down while his friend at a Roast Beef sandwich. "I also didn't expect you to eat a roast beef."

"Why?" remarked Kas with his mouth full. "These are hectic times, Yas. We need to divulge from our daily bread sometimes."

Needing to blow off some steam himself, Yas decided to stick around for lunch.

"I'll have what he's having," Yas said to the owner of the restaurant, before turning back to Kas. "Kind of reminds me of what we used to do as kids…just go to the local diner and reflect on life over roast beef sandwiches."

"Yeah," said Kas. "Been hankering for one of these all day. Had about 15 cancellations today. You?"

"Same here, buddy," remarked Yas as the roast beef sandwich was served to him. "Thanks."

"Tab's on me," Kas added. "Still working on paying that 2 year debt to you."

The owner chuckled and left the two men alone with their roast beef sandwiches.

"In fact, I've been thinking of something. That gang war we used to have, where we battled one another to see who would be an official Pokemon gym? It just seems so…trivial right now. Lately, I've been asking myself: what is it that me, Electabuzz and the rest of my gym are going to get out of this, becoming an official Pokemon gym when 4,000 people and Pokemon are dead?"

"The community is scared, Kas," said Yas as he ate his roast beef. "Talk to any Pokemon trainer and they will just say that they are too scared to even think about having a gym battle. Most people that I have come to know have considered Pokemon as the friends that they never had. The last thing anyone wanted was for friends to be separated by evil forces."

Just then, the diner owner who had been overhearing their conversation stepped over to the table.

"You'd be surprised as to how many Pokemon gyms are seeing more cancellations in planned battles. Its as you said, trainers are scared to fight. Kind of like when you had your gang war."

"Back then," said Yas. "We never really considered Pokemon as friends, but as tools to fight. Now, especially after something like this, we have to take the moment to appreciate all that Scyther, Electabuzz and the rest of our Pokemon have done for us both off the gym floor as much as on it."

"I also don't know if you both heard," said the owner, pulling a wrapped newspaper out of his apron. "The Orange Island gym leaders are hosting a charity tournament to benefit the families of the victims."

The two gym leaders took the newspaper and read the cover showing Drake addressing the media about his plans for the tournament that also include stringent airport-like security measures.

"Is that so?" asked Kas. "I mean, I give the guy credit for at least trying to put a tournament together. But, don't you think the security measures will scare people away?"

"Drake is one of the most compassionate and charitable Pokemon trainers out there," said the owner. "He cares about the safety of all Pokemon and their trainers above all else. But, more importantly, he's trying to bring the community together in times of crisis such as this. Perhaps you two might consider joining because after all, all who compete are compensated regardless of their final positions. Besides, he also has an Electabuzz, Kas, so you already have something in common with him."

Kas considered the thought and competing in a tournament that Drake was putting together would give him and his friend the opportunity to at least continue to atone for their actions as a result of their gang war that terrorized the residents of Dark City.

"You thinking of signing up for this?" Yas asked. "It will do us some good."

"Sure, why not?" Kas answered.

So, Dark City's former rivals were going to compete in Drake's tournament…all while eating roast beef sandwiches.

Chapter Text

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Chapter 87

"Raising the Security in Tehran"

When news that Dr. John Fuji had revealed the details of Operation Grinch to Lois Lane, right away he was branded as a traitor in the eyes of Team Rocket. Although Giovanni still wanted the plot to be carried out eventually as Team Rocket always found a way through these issues, he wasn't taking any chances.

To this end, security around the former United States Embassy in Tehran was heightened. Team Rocket grunts and their Pokemon were standing guard with orders to kill anyone who came in within 100 feet of the Tehran headquarters.

"How could that fool do this to us?!" Giovanni seethed as he paced back and forth around his Tehran office in front of Guy Fawkes. "Fuji? The man who created Mewtwo: a project that I personally funded. Do you know what this means, Guido? Do you?!"

"Yes, that means the authorities will be closing in."

"Ding ding ding!" cried Giovanni, mimicking the sounds of the "That's Correct" sound you hear on game shows. "Congratulations for winning the final round! Your prize is you get to be taken on an all expenses paid trip to an island of your choice, but first you have to pay your debt to society that includes the likelihood of being hanged!"

Huffing, Giovanni kicked over a tea set sending glass all over the floor, causing his Persian to retreat into the closet of the office.

"Sir, perhaps you might be overreacting to this," suggested Guy, which only seemed to spike Giovanni's anger further.

"Overreacting, Guido?!" Giovanni snapped, his eyes wild with anger. "Overreacting?! This is the same kind of shit that got my mother locked away for the rest of her life. Don't you remember or are you just galactically stupid to even remember?"

"Giovanni, I do remember what had happened the last time this headquarters was raided. Our secrets were exposed, but I can assure you that we will not have a repeat."

Giovanni then began to think back to Steve Jordan, his former advisor whom he had killed after Operation Bojinka was foiled. He killed him because he didn't want to hear the truth.

"Sir, I implore you to remember this," Guy said. "After all, the raid here was a learning experience for all of us. We've trained our grunts better as well as their Pokemon in terms of defending the base."

But those words did little to comfort Giovanni. He knew very well that the American and British law enforcements had ways of finding loopholes in the system. Now, with the Avengers, Justice League and Digidestined's from around the world helping round up Team Rocket cells, it was going to be more difficult.

"Guido," he sighed, turning his back to Guy for one second as he let out a deep sigh. "I appreciate your words of encouragement, but you must remember something else: our spies in Washington reported to me that the United States is looking at taking the former Iranian Embassy and turning it into a Team Rocket maximum security prison. Here, they'll carry out trials, convictions and executions. They are even giving it a name for it: Team Rocket Alcatraz."

What Giovanni knew was that the United States government was not screwing around when it came to Team Rocket operatives. Already, news coverage were showing planes of captured Team Rocket cell members being flown into Andrews Air Force Base and then herded like cattle to the prison.

"You can be assured that all Team Rocket cell members will be held here pending their respective trials," said the Pokemon ambassador to the United States as he was being interviewed by CNN. "The objective here is to find the leaders of Team Rocket and bring them here to face justice for their crimes. We are also looking at the possibility of the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, Germany as well as the possibility of converting the Viridian City gym into a courtroom."

"Is there a list of likely targets or defendants that the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and it's allies are seeking in addition to Dr. Giovanni Sakami?"

"Right now," answered the ambassador. "We currently have three of Team Rocket's top scientists in custody as well as several of their high ranking agents, two of which were arrested a few days ago at the Tehran Airport posing as security officers. I continue to urge Pokemon trainers around the United States and the world to be on their guard for any sign of Team Rocket agents who might retaliate as a response to the raids and arrests."

"Mr. Ambassador, do you have any words for Dr. Sakami and his top executives?"

"I will say this," said the ambassador firmly and with a determined look on his face. "You can run, but you cannot hide. You will be found and you will be punished to the fullest extent of the law."

Grunting, Giovanni threw a Pokeball at the screen and destroyed it, much to Guy's shock.

"It will be a cold day in hell when that day comes, Guido," Giovanni seethed. "Now, you will see why I have ordered to kill anyone that comes within a 100 feet of this building. They attacked it once, they will not attack it again."

Guy took in what the enraged head of Team Rocket said and prepared to put the entire base into lockdown.

…

Outside the former American embassy, a small white van was parked right outside and inside the van, a pair of MI6 agents were studying the movements going on in the building and reporting them back to Tokyo, London, Ottawa and Washington. There was going to be a raid on the former American Embassy in Tehran and the preparations were already underway.

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 88

"Meowth's Request"

Jessie, James and Meowth have been in the Viridian City jail for nearly a week. To them, it was probably the safest place they would be in following something as destructive as Operation Phoenix Rising. Right now, it was all about atoning for their actions and Meowth had a thought that could be an act towards redemption.

"You guys know that there is going to be a trial, eventually?" he said to Jessie and James in their cell one night while having a bowl of gruel. "The boss, executives and scientists are going to go before a judge."

"Don't forget Cassidy," added Jessie.

"And Bill," added James, once again screwing up Butch's name.

"Yeah, him too," corrected Jessie, hastily. "Why do you ask this, Meowth?"

"Well, the prosecution is going to need witnesses."

"And?"

"It's likely Ash's Pikachu will probably need to testify and since I'm the only one who speaks like youse guys…"

This made Jessie and James stop eating.

"What? It's the best there is and no one has more encounters with Team Rocket than them."

"Meowth, the only Team Rocket agents who sought after the twerp's Pikachu are sitting right here in this cell," James retorted in a shocked voice. "After all we did to them in order to obtain Pikachu and all the other Pokemon we targeted, you want to support them on the stand?"

"I'm saying that the humans in the court will need to understand what Pikachu is saying," suggested Meowth. "I can translate for him."

"Meowth, even though we surrendered, do you think that Giovanni is going to like the fact we are siding with the enemy?" asked Jessie, bluntly. "Do you remember what he warned us about if we didn't carry out taking Pikachu to England? That they would put together their own court and kill us for treason!"

"Only Giovanni won't be doing anything," reassured James. "When you're in the dock, you can't do anything except hear the truth about your actions. Sure, you get to speak, but truth speaks louder than words!"

Truth spoke louder than words…that sentence resonated with Meowth. If there was one thing that Jessie, James and Meowth had learned from their time with Team Rocket was that Pokemon, especially Ash Ketchum's Pikachu, had a voice and everything they did. All the times that they captured Pikachu and any other Pokemon, they had a voice and Pikachu was going to have a voice not towards them…but towards Giovanni.

"Well…yes, truth does speak louder than words," said Meowth. "But, if I'm going to betray Giovanni and his pampered Persian, I'm going to do it through Pikachu's voice and no one is going to stop me! Now, eat your dinner."

Doing as told, Jessie and James proceeded to eat their gruel along with Meowth. But Meowth's mind was made up: he was going to speak on behalf of Pikachu and he didn't care what the consequences of his actions would be like.

…

Meanwhile, not too far from the police station, the closed Viridian City gym was being visited by an American Attorney General and his entourage. The Attorney General stepped towards the gates of the gym and was studying it carefully, almost as if he was looking at remodeling it into something else.

"So, this is it," said the attorney general. "The Viridian City Palace of Justice…before it was turned into a gym."

"How long has it been like this, Bob?" asked his secretary.

"For too long, Elsie," replied Bob, placing his hand on the gate. "Giovanni transformed this building into a gym to serve as a front for Team Rocket's operations. Well, he's going to get a taste of his own medicine when he is tried for his crimes in the very gym he operated."

Bob then turned to an American soldier who had accompanied them to the location.

"This is it," he said to the soldier. "This is the place to hold the impending trial."

"Give me the word and I'll have General George dispatch his lot of captured Team Rocket agents to begin work immediately."

"I'm giving you that word now."

"Yes, sir."

And Bob looked up at the Viridian City gym with a strong expression on his face, knowing that the ultimate irony of all ironies would befall upon Giovanni and his associates, where they would be tried for all of their crimes before and after Operation Phoenix Rising.

The Viridian City gym would be no more…and the Viridian City Palace of Justice would take it's place.

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 89

"Palmon Wakes Up"

It had been an agonizing few days for Mimi and the rest of the old and young core Digidestined. While they assisted the Avengers and the Justice League in rounding up Team Rocket agents, Mimi stayed at the bedside of her Digimon friend, Palmon, who had been in a coma since Professor Namba shot her. As Mimi slept, Palmon suddenly began to move, her palmed hands touching Mimi's. This caused Mimi to open one of her eyes.

"Palmon?" she whispered and saw one of Palmon's eyes open up weakly. This, to Mimi, was a welcome sight. "Palmon, it's me! Mimi!"

"Mi…mi…" she said weakly. "Where…where am I…?"

"Shh, it's a long story, but you're alive!" cried Mimi, crying out happy tears knowing that Palmon was alive, especially after being shot at by Professor Namba. "Thank heavens you're alive!"

Weakly, Palmon looked around and saw that she was in a hospital room, attached to iv's and monitors. She suddenly then noticed a small sharp pain in her stomach in the spot where she had been shot.

"Mimi," she groaned. "Careful, that's my stomach."

"Oh, sorry," Mimi cried as she got up. Just then, the door opened and one of the doctors came into the room to assess Palmon's condition followed by a pair of Chansey's.

"Did we…did we get them all?" Palmon asked, trying to seek answers for what happened after the raid.

"Yes, we got them. All of them, including Namba."

Palmon was relieved, despite the pain she was feeling. Mentally, the plant Digimon still felt that she needed to take care of unfinished business.

"I see you've awakened, Palmon," said the doctor. "The effects of the coma will start to wear off soon."

"That's a relief," she said as at that moment, Sora and Yolei walked into the room along with their Digimon, also happy to see that Palmon was awake and alert.

"Palmon, you're alive!" cried Biyomon as she gently hugged her fellow Digimon.

"Glad to see you awake," added Hawkmon.

"She fortunately is now coming out of the coma," said the doctor. "Might still seem a little groggy, but that's normal. We'll be doing a CAT scan later to see how the stomach has healed."

"But what about Namba?" Palmon asked.

"He's been captured," said a voice that belonged to Matt as he and Gabumon walked into the room. "Charged with attempted murder among others, Palmon."

Right away, Palmon began to think back to that moment in the North Atlantic waters when, as Lillymon, she rescued that dead baby. In her mind, justice still wasn't served. Killing her would have meant nothing and both digidestined needed her for the coming battle ahead. But then, something else took notice.

"You've got chocolate in your hair," she said as Matt wiped some chocolate away from his forehead.

"Yeah," Matt chuckled embarrassingly. "Things got a little messy last night in New York. A bomb exploded at the Metlife building and we were rounding up the cell members who escaped capture."

"So, what are the next steps?" asked Yolei.

"Supposedly, questioning is going to be still going on," Matt sighed. "Some are talking, some aren't. Tai and Agumon actually went to question the agent we captured last night in New York. Once we get all the information we need…the next steps are to carry out a search and arrest warrants on the former US Embassy in Tehran. No doubt in my mind that Giovanni and Guy Fawkes will be there."

"When will that be?" asked Palmon. "I want to take part in the search warrant."

This was a shock to Mimi, who had to just experience the fear of nearly losing her best friend and partner.

"Palmon, absolutely not!" Mimi cried. "I cannot risk you getting hurt again!"

"Mimi is right, Palmon," advised the doctor. "Tehran is a very dangerous city and none of us want your health being jeopardized in any more way than it already is."

"What if there is a safer way for Palmon to participate?" wondered Yolei to the doctor. "I know it sounds crazy, but…"

Sighing, the doctor answered the question.

"My professional recommendation is that you remain here," he suggested, much to Palmon's disappointment. "But, since you may be needed to provide support, I'm only going to let you do so under one condition."

"What's that?" asked Mimi as the doctor reached for a vial of intravenous fluid.

"This is a fluid that acts like a body armor for organs," he replied as he injected it into the iv container. "It's known to work on Pokemon and Digimon, but not on humans. It takes up to 12 hours to take effect. You might feel funny and numb at first, but that's a sign that it's working."

"I was thinking that as a compromise," suggested Hawkmon. "Palmon can provide aerial support to prevent any outside threat. As Lillymon, Palmon can be elusive in avoiding quick attacks from the ground."

"That's true," suggested Biyomon. "Plus, my ultimate form of Garudamon can also provide protection."

"Very well," suggested the doctor, admitting medical defeat. "But I don't want you anywhere near the former American Embassy, Palmon. Only the Tehran city limits."

"That doesn't matter," Palmon declared, sighing deeply while wincing from the pain in her stomach. "I've done what I needed to do."

So, the decision was set for Palmon to participate in the raid that was soon to come in Tehran…just as soon as both warrants were issued from the federal courts in Washington and London.

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Chapter 90

"Preparing for the Inevitable"

Giovanni knew that his time was coming…he knew that the full hand of the law was coming after him. He knew that Team Rocket would likely cease to exist when all was said and done. In his office at the Team Rocket headquarters in Tehran, he sat alone drafting up what appeared to be a document…a rather important document. So much so, that he had one of his many lawyers in the office.

"And are you certain that this is what you want?"

"Yes," he answered firmly. "This is what I want…to ensure that Team Rocket will live on in some way or another."

Giovanni then reached into his desk and pulled out a picture, a picture that he had kept hidden for many years at least until now. In the picture was a younger version of him with a young woman.

"Shall I send this back to headquarters?" the lawyer asked as Giovanni's attention was shifted from the picture.

"Yes," Giovanni answered, just as the lawyer got up to leave the office. "But…only until after my death, whether it'd be here or after I am executed."

Acknowledging, the lawyer left Giovanni alone as he merely sat at his desk, looking at the picture of the woman he once loved.

"Oh, Delia," he sighed. "If only I didn't have to follow the future my mother planned out for me. I didn't want to steal Pokemon, I didn't want to kill, but I had to in order to ensure a better future for the world with Team Rocket as its figurehead. I hope someday you'll forgive me and that you tell…tell your son that I am proud of him for what he has done as a Pokemon trainer and now, Pokemon Master."

Putting the picture back in his desk, Giovanni began to think of what was to come in the not so distant future: could he die here fighting to protect Team Rocket's secrets that he harbored from falling into the hands of his enemies, the secrets he had harbored to build a better world with Team Rocket as the head of everything.

Turning around, he looked at the barred windows overlooking Tehran, the Team Rocket agents and their Pokemon standing guard ready to defend the former American Embassy that Team Rocket was gifted to by the Iranian government.

"Sir?" asked Guy, as Giovanni turned to see him standing in the doorway of his office. "The base has been locked down. I've already instructed the clerical staff to start destroying classified documents."

Guy then noticed the dejection in his superior's body language and went over to sit beside him.

"Sir, what's wrong?"

"Guido," he said, reaching into his desk and pulling out the picture of Delia again. "Do you have a wife and children?"

"Sir?"

"I was wondering," Giovanni said. "What is the last thing you will say to your child when you are about to die for a cause?"

"Well," replied Guy. "I once was married…but she and my son were tortured to death by those barbarians when they accused us of conspiring to participate in the attacks on New York and Washington, even though Bin Laden refused us."

"Yes, I remember that," Giovanni replied, solemnly. "I remember that very well. All I wanted to escape from was my mother's shadow of just simply blowing up airplanes to take dead Pokemon from their dead trainers. But, when Bin Laden refused, I had to accept my fate that this was the only tactic Team Rocket would have."

"But, you did attempt to attack the Boston Marathon, remember?"

"Yes, using that Pikachu those blundering fools tried to bring back to me time after time with failing results," muttered Giovanni, slamming his fist down on the desk and deeply sighing. "Guido, do you know why I wanted that particular Pikachu?"

"Why? To attack the Boston Marathon?"

"It was more than attacking the Boston Marathon," he answered. "It was to get a piece of my old life back…a reminder of what could have been for me and Delia."

Little did Guido know that Giovanni was harboring a secret, a secret that would be revealed in due time.

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 91

"Umberto and the Explosive Breakthrough"

Like all embassies around the world, the United States Embassy in Tokyo had been on the highest alert level since Operation Phoenix Rising. Although it seemed like business as usual, there was an undertone to the matter that a terrorist attack was still fresh in the minds of many. By now, it had been 11 days since Operation Phoenix Rising and while many Team Rocket operatives were captured worldwide, the big fish still needed to be caught.

However, at that moment, as a late summer rain came down on Japan, a cloaked figure walked into the embassy, with only the blue sandals on it's feet revealed.

"May I help you, sir?" asked the secretary as the figure stormed up to the desk, slamming his hands on it. "Sir, there's no need to…"

"Where is the ambassador?" he asked. "I have information about Giovanni that I must share with him."

"He's in a meeting," the secretary replied timidly, but the figure was having none of it, grabbing the secretary by the collar of her blouse. "Sir, what are you…?"

"I need to speak with him at once! Get him out here…now!"

The thunder in his voice caused many in the embassy to feel a sense of unease and the secretary did as she was told. At that moment, a Nurse Joy came into the embassy and seemed to recognize the figure.

"Mr. Ambassador," the secretary said nervously as she spoke into her telephone. "I have a disgruntled man who wishes to speak with you. Please come out here at once!"

"Umberto!" called Nurse Joy, seemingly recognizing her voice. "What is the meaning of this?"

Turning around towards Nurse Joy, the cloaked figure revealed himself as a dark skinned old man with gray hair and clothed in South Pacific garb.

"Is there another prophesy that you have to reveal to us? Like the one where you warned us about the red moon?"

Umberto stepped away from the desk and proceeded over to Nurse Joy with a menacing body language, but the nurse stood steadfast.

"What are you doing here?" he asked. "Don't you know that it is dangerous to travel to the United States right now?"

"What's going on here?" said a voice as the US Ambassador sharply spoke to Umberto. "Who are you and what do you want?"

Turning his attention away from Nurse Joy, Umberto approached the ambassador.

"Mr. Ambassador," cried Nurse Joy. "I know who he is…he's from Fukuhara Island."

"Fukhara Island?" remarked the ambassador. "There's a military base not too far from there."

"Are you the ambassador?" Umberto asked.

"I am. And what is your name?"

"You may call me…Umberto, Mr. Ambassador. I once spoke of an ancient prophecy, which implies that anyone who comes to the island to disturb the Kabuto will cause the island to be swallowed up by the sea. It has come to pass, but there is another prophecy that I must reveal to you."

Everyone in the embassy grew nervous as Umberto reached into his pocket and pulled out a handwritten piece of paper, handing it off to the ambassador.

"Read it."

Opening the paper, the ambassador read the words "Pokemon will one day attack America again as they had done 10 years ago."

Putting the paper down, he stuck it in his pocket as Umberto stared at him.

"How do you know about this?" asked the ambassador.

"Ever since the island sank into the sea," revealed Umberto, trying to ensure that everyone in the embassy was listening. "I've been seeking out other prophecies related to the Pokemon world. This may seem like a shock to you, but Pokemon were once used for evil in America. It led to the destruction of twin towers in a large American city and a military nerve center in the capitol, the only part of the prophecy that didn't come to pass was the destruction of the American capitol building."

It was becoming apparent to the ambassador that what Umberto was speaking of was that Pokemon were indeed used in the September 11th attacks 11 years earlier.

"If you don't believe me," said Umberto, his voice slightly calmer. "Then take what happened after the world games as a warning that this is only a continuation of that dark day."

"Please ask this man to leave," said a Japanese woman in fluent English. "He is scaring my children."

This caught Umberto's attention.

"I did not come here to scare," he said, glaring over at the woman and stopping two soldiers from taking him away. "I came here with the truth about what the Prince of Darkness did 10 years ago."

"How did you know Team Rocket assisted in the 9/11 attacks?" asked Nurse Joy, firmly. "If you had, why didn't you use the tactics you used when we went to study the Kabuto fossils?"

"It was not possible to do what I had done before," Umberto confessed. "All I know is that Giovanni did aid the king of darkness in providing Pokemon to be used to harm others on the planes."

Realizing what was being said, the US Ambassador took an enormous gulp and all the information given to him as seriously as possible.

"Are you certain that Giovanni provided Pokemon to the 9/11 hijackers?" the ambassador asked. "Our current sources reported that Osama Bin Laden refused to use them."

"That's what they want you to believe," Umberto retorted. "But since the island was sunk, I have sworn to protect ancient Pokemon treasures and the Pokemon species as a whole. What you believe Team Rocket to have not participated in that black day is not true. 15 Pokemon were used by the intruders that dark day."

Now, it was becoming clear to the ambassador that Umberto seemed to have information that no one had spoken of before or since.

"How many years have you been following Team Rocket, Umberto?" asked the ambassador. "And why come to us now?"

"If I had come to you before, you wouldn't have believed me," he said. "Tell your president, tell your white house, tell anyone of the highest order of what I have said to you that is true and nothing but the truth."

With his peace spoken, Umberto donned his raincoat and prepared to walk out of the embassy. But, the ambassador had one more question of his own.

"Wait!" he called, stopping Umberto from walking out. "Are you saying the the events of 11 days ago was linked to 9/11?"

"For ten years, Giovanni tried to capitalize on what he did and he succeeded. Now, he is planning a second wave of death and destruction and he must be stopped! Don't let the United States of America become like the island that sank by the pink moon."

Without saying another word, Umberto left the embassy walking back out into the Tokyo rain. Once he was gone, Nurse Joy walked over to the ambassador.

"Mr. Ambassador," she pleaded. "I'm sorry about Umberto, he's a strange man, but he means well."

"We are not taking this information lightly, Nurse Joy," he said. "It appears that Team Rocket was an accomplice to the deadliest attack on our country…and no one told us the truth about it until now."

Turning around, the ambassador returned to his business and Nurse Joy also left the embassy after doing her business of obtaining a temporary visa to the United States for an upcoming trip. But the fact that Team Rocket had hid the truth about their involvement in September 11th for so long made anyone in the Pokemon community feel sick and angered.

And as the message started to spread, Team Rocket's co-participation in the 9/11 attacks as a precursor to Operation Phoenix Rising was about to be revealed…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 92

"Reliving The Darkest Day"

Umberto's rant at the American Embassy in Tokyo was a shock to many, for we had all believed that Team Rocket didn't have anything to do with helping to carry out the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In Washington, D.C., both the FBI and International Police were notified and were now once again studying air traffic control recordings from the day that changed America forever.

"I can't believe Team Rocket would lie like this," cried an FBI agent as Tim Goodman, who had flown in from London upon hearing the news, joined them in the conference room. "How the hell did they get Pokemon to the hijackers?"

"You know how they are," remarked Tim. "Supposedly, they had Pokemon that we must have overlooked."

A few moments later, an FBI technician brought in recordings that many believed would never be heard from again. The main focus of the recordings was on American Airlines Flight 11, where an idea of what may have been like in the cockpits was given, but then there was the matter of what was going on in the passenger cabins.

Everything was being looked over again with a fine toothed comb.

Fortunately, American Airlines itself turned over to us what appeared to be a recorded phone call from Flight 11 concerning a couple of its flight attendants. One of the flight attendants, Betty Ong, had the longest phone call first to the American Airlines reservations center in Cary, North Carolina and then to the American Airlines Operations Center in Fort Worth, Texas.

"Are you certain this was also from Flight 11?" asked our superior and the agent handling the tapes said it was. Playing the tape, we heard the sounds of a calm, yet scared flight attendant on the other line.

"Okay, my name is Betty Ong," the voice began. "I'm number three on Flight 11."

"Okay."

And the cockpit is not answering their phone, and there's somebody stabbed in business class, and there's—we can't breathe in business class. Somebody used Weezing to spread poison smog through it."

So it appeared that there was more than just the fighting type Pokemon from Cinnabar Island that were used in the hijackings. But that wasn't all.

"Our number 1 got stabbed," Betty said on the call. Our purser is stabbed. Nobody knows who stabbed who, and we can't even get up to business class right now 'cause nobody can breathe. Our number 1 is stabbed right now."

Stabbed? Then that gave the hunch that the hijackers used a Pokemon that could stab such as a bug type Pokemon, like a Beedrill or even a Scyther.

"And our number 5—our first class passengers are—galley flight attendant and our purser has been stabbed. And we can't get into the cockpit, the door won't open."

Then a member of operations came on.

"This is Operations. What flight number are we talking about?"

"Flight 12."

"No, we're on Flight 11," Betty corrected. "This is Flight 11."

"It's Flight 11."

"Boston to Los Angeles."

…

As they listened in, the first signs of Pokemon being used by the hijackers were revealed.

It appeared that the terrorists had begun the attack of Flight 11 by having a Scyther or Beedrill stab two of the flight attendants. Then, they used a Weezing to spread poisonous smog or smokescreen throughout business class to force the occupants to the back of the plane.

Coupled with the Machoke in the cockpit, it was apparent that the Fighting type Pokemon were primarily used to kill the pilots using their strength or some sorts.

"Okay, so we have to add that poison type Pokemon and Pokemon that stab were used to take over the planes," said one FBI agent. "Unless it was just for Flight 11."

But another had his suspicions.

"No, no I think this same tactic was used on the other planes. I just know it. Is there any recording from the cockpit of Flight 11? The moment they broke in?"

"I don't know…but I'm going to find out. In the meantime, let's look at the recordings from Fort Worth."

Adjusting the tapes, the recordings from Fort Worth were heard next.

"American Airlines emergency line, please state your emergency."

"Hey, this is Nydia at American Airlines calling. I am monitoring a call in which Flight 11—the flight attendant is advising our reps that the pilot, everyone's been stabbed."

"Flight 11?"

"Yes."

As the recording went on, the American Airlines operations center got on the phone with Air Traffic Control to inform them of what was going on.

"We contacted Air Traffic Control, they are going to handle this as a confirmed hijacking, so they're moving all the traffic out of this aircraft's way," said the American Airlines emergency representative. "He turned his transponder off, so we don't have a definitive altitude for him. We're just going by—they seem to think that they have him on a primary radar. They seem to think that he is descending."

"Well, it's obvious they would turn off the transponder," said our deputy.

"Of course, Rick. So, that ATC wouldn't monitor their exact location. If these guys were to get close to the cockpit, they would be seated in that area."

Fast forwarding the recording again, they came across a segment where that question would be answered.

"Hey Betty, do you know any information as far as the gents—the men that are in the cockpit with the pilots, were they from first class? They were sitting in 2A and B. Okay, I'm still on with security, okay, Betty? You're doing a great job, just stay calm. Okay?"

It was soon becoming very clear that what was going on on Flight 11 was the first battle in the next level of America's war on Pokemon Crime. But then Tim began to get a thought that Team Rocket was trying to finish what they started with Operation Bojinka, six years before September 11th.

"Play the recordings from Air Traffic Control," he requested. "I've got a belief that there were Pokemon in the cockpit."

Fulfilling his request, the air traffic control recording from Boston was played.

"Is that American 11 trying to call?" asked the air traffic controller.

"Buddy," said a voice following by a faint sound of what appeared to be a Machoke standing in the cockpit, supposedly guarding the door.

"What?"

"We have some planes," said the hijacker flying the plane. "Just stay quiet and you'll be okay. We are returning to the airport."

"And, uh, who's trying to call me here?" the air traffic controller asked again. "American 11, are you trying to call?"

"Nobody move! Everything will be okay," replied the hijacker. "If you try to make any moves, you'll endanger yourselves and the airplane. Just stay quiet."

Listening further, the agents heard the third communication from the cockpit of American 11 as the sounds of a Machoke were heard again, appearing to be growling and snarling.

"Nobody move, please," ordered the hijacker. "We are going back to the airport. Don't try to make any stupid moves."

Turning the recording off, the immediate thought was that Team Rocket was simply trying to finish what they started in late 1994 with the exception of assassinating the Pope.

"And Team Rocket claimed that they had no involvement," remarked an International Police Officer. "That clearly was a lie and the Machoke in the recording proves that otherwise."

"Something tells me that there was a robbery at that Pokemon Center on Cinnabar Island a few months prior and 15 of those Pokemon stolen were never recovered," said an FBI agent.

All Tim could do was sigh in disbelief, Team Rocket aided in the attacks on the deadliest terror attack on our country and Operation Phoenix Rising was the long awaited followup. Now, the time had come to reveal the truth to Jessie, James and Meowth and who knows what their reactions were going to be like.

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 93

"The Truth Comes Out"

When Jessie, James and Meowth went in for their 12th day of questioning at the Viridian City jail, they had every reason to believe that everything that they were telling Jack McCoy and ADA Alexandra Borgia was the truth and nothing but the truth. But, they hadn't heard about what Umberto revealed at the US Embassy in Tokyo. However, they would soon find out.

"What do you make of this?" Jack asked sharply as he threw a copy of the newspaper about the revelations that Team Rocket could have contributed to the 9/11 attacks. "It seems like Operation Phoenix Rising isn't the only terrorist attack Team Rocket was a part of."

They studied the newspaper that showed a picture of the second plane flying into the South Tower of the World Trade Center with the headline, "TEAM ROCKET REVEALED TO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN SEPTEMBER 11th ATTACKS ON AMERICA." Almost immediately, their hearts sank in disbelief and disgust.

"Where did you get this?" Jessie asked in a shocked voice.

"It was being sold in a convenience store just down the street from here," replied ADA Borgia. "Since you have very limited access to the outside world, we both thought you would like to know."

"Mr. McCoy, Ms. Borgia," interjected Terence Putney. "My clients are certain that they had nothing to do with Team Rocket's involvement in the September 11th attacks."

Still, McCoy and his assistant district attorney were not going to let them off easily.

"We just need to be sure of that, Mr. Putney," advised Jack, coldly staring at Jessie, James and Meowth. "Because now that the world knows Pokemon were used to hijack four passenger planes, I have to ask the question: did any Pokemon you captured end up in the hands of the 19 hijackers?"

Almost immediately, the three of them began to think back to their robbery of all the trainers' Pokemon at the Indigo Pokemon League and the fact that not all of the Pokemon were recovered.

"What Pokemon were used?" asked Meowth.

"Supposedly fighting type Pokemon and Pokemon capable of physical harm," answered Jack. "And since you committed a mass robbery at the Indigo Plateau, that makes you three possible accomplices."

But Jessie and James were willing to defend themselves. Sure, McCoy branded them as terrorists instead of crooks, but even they had standards.

"Look, I've told you before, Mr. McCoy," cried Jessie, standing to her feet and raising her voice slightly. "We only did what we did to make a living, not kill anyone. How were we supposed to know that Pokemon would end up in the hands of hijackers?"

"You couldn't possibly have known because that's what Giovanni wanted you to believe," remarked ADA Borgia. "That you were stealing Pokemon for profit when in reality, it was to harm others. 19 Pokemon helped 19 men kill nearly 3,000 people almost 11 years ago. The evidence is stacking, so if you wish to plead not guilty now…"

"Wait!" James cried, not wanting to face a trial. "Wait. Please listen to me."

"James…"

"We have to reveal it, Jessie!" James cried, coldly looking at her in the face, before turning back to McCoy and Borgia. "You see, while we were in the Indigo Plateau, Giovanni had a project that he was developing for a group in the Middle East. It was a conference call with all the agents and grunts. This call was to inform us that we were to support the project by sending Pokemon we captured to Professors Sebastian and Namba who would then prepare the Pokemon to be used for the group."

"And what name was the group?" asked Jack.

James didn't want to answer the question, but he also didn't want to change his plea and avoid the humiliation of a trial with Giovanni and the other condemned.

"Al-Qaeda," he said, sighing in defeat. "It was Al-Qaeda that had reached out to Giovanni about using Pokemon to hijack those four planes. Obviously, we couldn't do anything about it, because he never told us who was using us as accomplices to them."

Jessie was shocked that James could make such a statement, but even she couldn't help but feel a sense of guilt.

"It was…Al-Qaeda," he said again. "Giovanni wanted to finish what he started with Bojinka. He felt that by using Pokemon to fly planes into buildings and then using Pokemon to blow up 12 planes out of the sky at the same time would he finally prove something to his mother and to the world for that matter."

A hushed silence fell on the interrogation room as the cat was now out of the bag. Team Rocket had helped carry out two of the deadliest terror attacks in recent memory, 11 years apart.

…

Back at a hideout at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, Tony Stark was ensuring that the final confrontation with Giovanni in Tehran was swift and sudden. All the evidence he and his team found on Lake Rage was unanimous: that Team Rocket was a contributor to the deaths of nearly 7,000 people.

"Tony?" asked a voice that belonged to Dr. Strange as he walked into the makeshift armory. "How are you feeling?"

"Sick, angry, pissed at the fact that Team Rocket would aid in something like this," Tony sighed as he oversaw the modifications made to his armor. "Strange, these are people who are ten times as worse than what Steve dealt with in World War II. I keep asking myself, why? Why would they take something as innocent as a Pokemon and turn them into weapons? Why?"

"Some are just like that, Tony," he said as Dr. Strange sat next to him. "I'm not a psychologist, but I can see the anger inside of you. You want every single member of Team Rocket dead out of vengeance."

"Yes, but not in the way you are thinking," Tony snapped. "It would be too easy. If Giovanni and his goons are lucky, they'll be executed after a trial. If not, then they are all going to watch their lives rot away in the mirror of a prison cell."

Tony then buried his face in his hands, not out of sadness, but out of anger.

"What Team Rocket did was unforgivable, both with 9/11 and Operation Phoenix Rising along with all the other stupid acts that they did even when his goddamn mother was alive! They must be held accountable for their actions, Doctor and they need to be alive."

Outside the armory, Jim Rhodes watched Tony unleash his anger as Julia, who had just arrived in Tel Aviv from Los Angeles, joined him.

"He's pissed," she said.

"You guessed right, chuckles," Jim remarked, sighing deeply. "The sooner we get these guys, the better. Honestly, we should have done this long ago right after the attacks in New York and Washington."

Julia agreed heartedly with her best friend. Even she couldn't help but feel that the security measures for Pokemon and their trainers around the world should have been put in long ago.

Well, very soon, they would all get their chance…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 94

"Locking Down Tehran"

How do you lock down a city of 8.7 million people in the Middle East? Why would you want to lock down an entire city of 8.7 million people just so you can go in and arrest a terrorist leader that uses Pokemon for weapons? I can't imagine directly what was going through the minds of all those who would be participating, but all I knew was that it had to come to an end at some point. In a large conference room at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, the large team of Digidestined, Avengers and Justice League arrived on the scene with Batman, Superman, Flash and Wonder Woman having arrived from London.

"All right," Tony said, beginning the briefing as he stood in front of a chalkboard with a map of the former US Embassy in Tehran drawn out. "I guess you all know why we are here. We are here to get Giovanni and his Team Rocker cronies into federal custody. I propose we attack from all sides: each corner of the embassy, so that no one escapes at least alive. Group 1 will be led by myself, Tony Stark aka Iron Man."

Scanning the gathered, Tony carefully selected his group.

"T'Challa aka Black Panther, Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, Peter Parker aka Spider Man, Dr. Stephen Strange, Jim Rhodes aka War Machine, Julia Carpenter aka Spider Woman, Tai and Agumon, Sora and Biyomon, Izzy and Tentomon, Davis and Veemon, Ken and Wormmon, you're all with me taking the front entrance on Talequni Street."

Next to come up was Steve Rogers aka Captain America to select his group.

"Okay," he said. "I will be in charge of Group 2 coming in from the Bizhan highway. Sam Wilson aka Falcon, Bucky Barnes aka Winter Soldier, Scott Lang aka Ant Man, Wanda Maximoff aka Scarlet Witch, Clint Baton aka Hawkeye, Matt and Gabumon, Joe and Gommamon, Mimi and Palmon, Yolei and Hawkmon, Kari and Gatomon will be my team."

Next to come up was Superman to select his group which included the Guardians of the Galaxy despite their injuries:

"Group 3 will attack from Torabi Street," he said. "Wally West aka Flash, Peter Quill aka Starlord, Mantis, Drax the Destroyer, Nebula, Arthur Curry aka Aquaman, TK and Patamon and Cody and Armadillomon are under my command."

The last to put together his group was Batman and he had some last minute additions that no one knew about.

"Group 4 will attack from South Mofatteh Street," he said. "Rocket Raccon, Groot, Thor, Dr. Bruce Banner aka Hulk, Dr. Stephen Strange, Princess Diana aka Wonder Woman, John Walker aka U.S. Agent, Robert Renyolds aka Sentry, Alexei Shostakov aka Red Guardian, Ava Starr aka Ghost shall be under my command."

With the teams assembled, the next part of the briefing began.

"Okay," said Iron Man, taking a pointer and pointing it at the key points. "So, I want to be very clear about this: we are to go in, get what we need and get out as fast as possible. However, Team Rocket will have many agents around the Tehran area. So, with aerial support, we can keep them busy. Can those who fly be able to do that?"

"Yes," came the reply.

"Tai, Matt, Davis and Ken," said Captain America, gesturing them to come forward. "The four of you are the stronger digidestineds, so you and your digimon will be the only ones to grant access to the base in search of your targets."

Captain America then placed Giovanni and Guy's pictures on the chalkboard.

"To this end, you will need to be at your respective mega levels which may or may not include DNA Digivolution from Agumon and Gabumon's own mega forms."

"And speaking of Mega forms…"

Just then, a pair of American soldiers stepped forward carrying a large chest with a lock on it. It seemed to everyone in the room that there was something glowing from within the chest.

"Can you guess what these are?" asked Tony, taking a key and opening the chest to reveal 8 glowing crystal balls inside of them.

"Prodigious!" gasped Izzy, standing to his feet in amazement. "Those are Digicores! But, where did you get them?"

"We managed to do some negotiating with one of the Digimon Sovereigns," said a voice that belonged to the Digidestined's old friend, Gennai, in his younger form.

"Gennai!" cried Tai. "What are you doing here?"

"The American and British governments have asked me to provide you with digicores that will enable those of you who could only go far as ultimate to have the option to digivolve to mega."

Biyomon and Palmon gave each other shocked looks on their faces as did Gommamon and Tentomon.

"Mega levels?" asked the flying insect Digimon. "This can't be real, can it?"

"It is real," remarked Gommamon. "I can almost feel the power inside me growing."

"Me too," added Biyomon.

"But you must understand," warned Gennai, closing the chest. "That your mega forms can only be called upon in extreme circumstances. It should only be when required and not to be foolishly wasted."

"So, should we still fight in our ultimate forms?" asked Patamon.

"Remember, Patamon, that we can also DNA digivolve with Hawkmon and Armadillomon," reminded Gatomon to her fellow Digimon.

With the idea that the digicores being only used for emergencies, there were also far more important matters such as evacuating downtown Tehran itself.

"In the meantime," suggested Superman. "I suggest we help in evacuating those in the area around Team Rocket's headquarters."

"I agree with Superman," suggested Captain America. "The last thing we want is civilian casualties or worse. Once everyone is evacuated, then we attack."

"All right, we'll begin the evacuations at once," said Iron Man. "In the meantime, ensure you are all at full strength. This is going to be one of the toughest fights some of you will ever have participated in. Meeting adjourned."

With the meeting adjourned, attention now shifted towards the evacuation of Tehran and it's innocent civilians. So much was going through the minds of all who would be participating. Would they succeed? Would they fail? Would they get their targets?

All would be answered in due time…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 95

"The Evacuation of Tehran"

"Ash," asked Hue as our interview continued. "As you and I both know, you had plenty of encounters with Team Rocket in the past. What would transpire shortly would be something unlike anything we had seen in Pokemon history. But first, there was the evacuation of Tehran that needed to happen before the raid on Giovanni could begin. What do you think was going through the minds of the residents who wanted or had nothing to do with violence of any kind as they were being evacuated?"

"Probably the same as anyone who is being forced to leave their homes in a sudden manner," I answered. "Not everyone is a Pokemon trainer and some would much rather not give Pokemon a second thought. I said some because Pokemon are universally loved by everyone. Hell, there were even some trainers in Tehran who were probably fearing for their safety. It wasn't their fault to be living in the vicinity of a Team Rocket base of operations."

And I quickly began to picture the moments leading up to the raid. Local Tehran, Iranian national police officers and International Police Officers going from door to door telling people to get out of their homes that were in range of the Team Rocket headquarters.

"Ma'am, you and your family need to evacuate. A raid is going to be conducted at the former embassy."

"Sir, we're evacuating this street. Please comply."

And I am sure that all the replies were the same…

"Why? What has America done now?"

"Sir, my children are only 4 and 2. Can't we stay here?"

Of course, the request to stay was denied. The last thing we all wanted was for innocent civilians to get hurt. The powers that the Avengers, Justice League and Digimon had was going to be enough to cause damage of a variety of sorts.

"Okay," said an International Police Officer as Tony Stark and Steve Rogers stood in a computer room at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv. "Operation Novocain is moving along well."

"Why Operation Novocain?" remarked Tony. "Couldn't you have chosen a better name?"

"It's like the doctors are anethesizing you before a procedure," explained Steve. "We're cleaning the site of the procedure."

"Where's the hypodermic?" Tony asked.

"The hypodermic will come when all is cleared, Mr. Stark."

And the evacuations continued with most complying and others, particularly children, having a hard time processing the idea of leaving their homes. Many were wondering if their homes were going to be damaged in the coming confrontation. There were so much anxiety amongst the residences of Tehran who had been through war or forced into situations they didn't want to be in.

I mean, did every citizen of Tehran oppose the idea of having the US Embassy stormed in 1979 and held its people inside for 444 days? Did they oppose the idea of those six embassy staff who escaped with the help of the Canadian government?

No, but that was how the game was going to be played out.

"What do you think Giovanni is probably thinking right now?" asked Steve as he put on his Captain America mask.

"Probably thinking why the hell all my neighbors are being forced to leave?" Tony remarked. "I think he's probably preparing himself for battle because he knows…he knows we're coming for him and that he wasn't going down without a fight."

…

Sure enough, the former US Embassy in Tehran was in a state of preparation, a state of preparing for the moment when the law would storm with warrants to search and arrest. Giovanni was preparing for the moment where he would be invaded, but all that mattered to him was one thing:

"Delia, forgive me for what must be done," he thought to himself as he locked the doors to his office, the picture of Ash's mother, his true love interest sitting on his desk. If anything were to happen, she was going to be a witness to it.

2 hours later, the evacuations were complete and the die was cast for the battle to come…

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Chapter Text

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Chapter 96

"Time to Digivolve"

The instructions were clear to Iron Man, Captain America, Superman, Batman and their groups…Giovanni and Guido Fawkes needed to be captured alive and anyone who aids in their protection are also to be captured or killed. Many of Team Rocket's most prominent scientists and agents were already in custody, but the big fish was still to be caught.

"All right," said Tony Stark as the groups got together on the roof of the US Embassy in Tel Aviv as helicopters roared behind them.. "You all know what needs to be done. Remember, we come at the former Embassy from all directions. Fliers, you are to provide support and keep any agents or Team Rocket personnel from reaching the Embassy. Those of you providing ground support know that you are to infiltrate the building. Any questions?"

The response was silence.

"Good," Tony said. "Now remember, and this is protocol: there could be physical violence, there could be gunplay and there is the slightest chance that somebody might even get killed. If you want to back out now, who am I to stop you?"

Of course, seeing that her partner digimon was nearly killed by Professor Namba, Mimi was probably thinking about stepping back, but being one of the senior Digidestined's, she had to set an example.

"Thanks," Tony declared. Avengers and Justice League, load up in the helicopters…except for those who can fly. Digimon, suit up!"

Stepping forward, each Digimon digivolved to their strongest form, beginning with the younger Digidestined as well as older Digidestined's TK and Kari:

"Veemon digivolve to…ExVeemon!"

"Wormmon digivolve to…Stingmon!"

Then, came the first DNA digivolutions.

"ExVeemon!"

"Stingmon!"

"DNA Digivolve to…Palidramon!"

"Palidramon Mega Digivolve to…Imperaldramon! Imperaldramon mode change to fighter form!"

…

"Hawkmon digivolve to…Aquilamon!"

Gatomon then stepped forward to DNA Digivolve with the large bird digimon.

"Aquliamon!"

"Gatomon!"

"DNA Digivolve to…Silphymon!"

…

"Armadillomon digivolve to…Ankylomon!"

"Patamon digivolve to…Angemon!"

Then came the third DNA digivolution.

"Ankylomon!"

"Angemon!"

"DNA Digivolve to…Shakkuamon!"

…

With the younger Digidestined at full forms, the older Digidestined stepped up next with 4 of the 6 older Digimon partners knowing that they could call on the digicores at any time.

"Gomamon digivolve to…Ikkakumon! Ikkakumon digivolve to…Zudomon!"

"Palmon digivolve to…Togemon! Togemon digivolve to…Lillymon!"

"Tentomon digivolve to…Kabuterimon! Kabuterimon digivolve to…MegaKabuterimon!"

"Biyomon digivolve to…Birdramon! Birdramon digivolve to…Garudamon!"

Then came the only two older Digimon that had mega forms.

"Gabumon Warp Digivolve to…MetalGarurumon!"

"Agumon Warp Digivolve to…WarGreymon!"

…

Now, that all the Digimon were fully digivolved, the time had come to act.

"All right, people, let's move out!" called Tony as the Digidestined's, their partner Digimon, the Avengers and the Justice League supported by two teams of International Police SWAT team members headed northeast towards Tehran. Everything that Tony said was true and that they all had to prepare for the unexpected.

But this was an opportunity that could not be passed up, they had to end Team Rocket's reign of terror once and for all.

…

90 minutes later, the helicopters and all the flying participants landed at a landing zone on the edge of Downtown Tehran.

"Okay, everyone knows their assignments!" said Iron Man, holding two pieces of paper in his hand. "This is our passport to the embassy: search and arrest warrants signed by the newly appointed military tribunal that will prosecute these sons of bitches! Any more questions?"

"The time for talk is over, Mr. Stark," said Spider Man as he approached Iron Man with Spider Woman. "Miss Carpenter and I can knock out their electricity."

Tony then looked over towards the reasoning for the selection of the landing zone: a generator that was specifically used to power the former US Embassy in Tehran.

"It's not quite that simple, Pete," Iron Man warned. "This generator only produces some of the power. If we want to hit the real core, we have to hit the power cables surrounding the embassy."

"How are we gonna do that?"

At that moment, a pair of Mercedes Benz cars with the Team Rocket logo on small flags pulled up.

"We use the element of surprise," suggested Captain America. "Much like what happened at Entebbe."

Getting into the Mercedes Benz cars, a majority of the Avengers and Justice League members drove into the now evacuated downtown Tehran. The first thing that needed to get done was to get close to the embassy while the aerial support would confront any incoming Team Rocket agents.

Everything had to be precise and carefully orchestrated because one wrong move could mean missing the chance to ending Team Rocket's terror. T

There was no room for error…

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