033 [Video/Action for Goldenrod + Anon Text]

[soggypastry]

[Private Text to: Riku and Xion]
Team Rocket's list of targets changed. You're both on it now, so stay sharp and watch your backs. I don't know when they'll move on any of us.
[/private texts]

[It's been almost three months since he left, with only a letter to say goodbye. To say that Lightning hadn't been thinking about him as the day that would have been thier first anniversary drew nearer would be a lie, and she's taken it with remarkable grace when all things are concerned.

Or maybe she's just used to getting left behind. Who knows. All she knows is there's a house on the beach with too many memories and dreams, and she can barely look at Lucky or Strike without expecting him to be right at her side. She has to put that part of her past to rest if she's going to be able to lead the Corps in the best way she can, and so she's come to the seaside once more. Something a young boy once taught her matters more than she ever thought it would now.

Those passing close to the Radio tower will find her crouched at the railing, a lit sparkler in one hand and a bottle with a letter in the other as her Lucario stands guard nearby, gear in paw. Today would have been special, if he were here. But he isn't and it's just one more anniversary of loss. One more thing that needs to be shaken off.]

Turn it off, Sen.

[The Lucario in question yelps, but it's only in surprise, not fear. Lightning's voice is steady and quiet, and she rises to her feet as the sparkler burns out and leaves ash in the wind. She moves to the railing now, but Sen manages to end the feed just as the bottle that was in her hand drops out of sight and into the ocean.

A few minutes later, however, something else hits the network. The fact that it's an anonymous text may make people wary, but there's nothing untoward about this one. No, this one is the exact opposites of the others that have gone out.]


[Anon Text]
If someone gave you a chance to help protect this world and everyone who lives here from the people who want to harm it, would you do it? Or would you stand by and watch it burn like the Lighthouse?

Comments

[soggypastry]

No. I could ask you if you were a member of Team Rocket or not, but I doubt you'd come flat out and say you are.

We'd need to meet in person first, before I make any kind of decision about you. What city are you in right now?

[If barely a week in Johto is the truth, then he couldn't have gotten far.]

[grapecape]

Cherrygrove. I've been working at the Pokemon Center since I reached the city, and planned to set out for Violet this Friday afternoon.

[soggypastry]

[A momentary pause as she considers that. Cherrygrove is almost two weeks from Goldenrod on foot, but...she's got a bird. A flier. If she leaves soon, she can meet up with Page and then this guy...she needs a minute to plan, that's all.]

That's a week long trip. I can't make any promises, but I'll see if I can meet you there. You got a name?

[grapecape]

Would it be a shorter trip to Violet? I can leave earlier if needed.

My name is Ondorus.

[soggypastry]

That is the shorter trip. It's almost two weeks from Cherrygrove to Goldenrod, even if you don't stop for anything.

I can't make any promises, but I'll call you when I have a place where we can meet. In the meantime, train up your team on the way to Violet. You're going to need them as strong as they can get before something happens.

[grapecape]

I shall do so. Thank you very much.