Misty gestured to the fainted and exhausted Pokémon around us. "And what about this? Our Pokémon are wiped out."
I frowned, looking over the group. "Jeez, you guys look like you've been through a war."
"You think?" Paulo said dryly. "It’s your fault we’re here in the first place, you know."
I glared at him. " You didn't need to follow, you know."
I slid down the railing and sighed. " Okay all of you out! I still have to fight those people who took your mom, Lil."
" I'm going too!" Lillie said.
I shook my head. " You're not going anywhere except back to the Pokemon Center, Lil. That goes for all of you. And yes, you too Red."
Lillie clenched her fists, her face flushed with determination. "No way! She's my mom. I have every right to help you!"
I crossed my arms, giving her a stubborn glare. "And I have every right to keep you safe. You're exhausted, your Pokémon are wiped, and this place is crawling with trouble. Trust me—I've got this."
Misty put a hand on Lillie's shoulder. "Mia's right. We can't do much in this state. We should regroup."
"But—" Lillie started.
"No buts," I cut in firmly. "I'll handle this. Go back, rest up, and let me finish what I started."
Paulo frowned. "You're seriously planning to take on all those goons alone?"
I gave him a confident grin. "I’ve handled worse. Besides, Pikachu and I are practically unstoppable."
"Pi!" Pikachu agreed, sparks crackling from her cheeks.
Red's eyes narrowed, and he opened his mouth to speak—something he almost never did—but I held up a hand. "Don't even try it, Red. You need to take care of everyone else. They trust you, and so do I."
He stared at me for a long moment before sighing and giving a reluctant nod.
Blue frowned. "You're insane, kid. Again."
I smirked. "Yeah, yeah. You love it."
Rosa gave me a worried look. "Just... be careful, okay? Promise you'll come back in one piece?"
I winked. "I'll be back before you even miss me. Trust me."
As the group reluctantly made their way toward the exit, I turned back to the shadowy hallway ahead. My heart pounded, but I pushed the fear down. There was no turning back now.
"Come on, Pikachu," I whispered. "We've got a job to finish."
"Pika!" Pikachu sparked, her eyes fierce.
With that, I sprinted down the corridor, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
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