Transcendence

Super part 2: Ready set... Execute!

Spectrier, though equally enraged, held a more sinister smile.

"Oh, dear President, do you really reckon your defenses are untouchable? That Kazai's beyond our reach? Nah... you've got it all wrong. If you won't bend, then you'll bloody well break."

The transmission cut off abruptly as the President of Kazai ended the call, refusing to continue the exchange.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then, Glastrier and Spectrier turned to one another, their fury twisting into something more sinister.

"He shall regret that." Spectrier whispered.

Glastrier chuckled darkly.

"Indeed. We shall take what is rightfully ours-by force. Enlist the army, Kazai will be ours in the next days."

***

Back to the present

It was 8:00 PM in Camelot, the heart of Lant, where the resistance's final meeting before their mission unfolded in the grand hall of the abandoned castle. A single chandelier flickered above, casting long shadows over the gathered Pokémon. At the head of the table stood Calyrex, his regal form exuding both calm and urgency as he laid out the battle plan once more.

"We act at midnight." His voice was steady yet resolute. " As per our intelligence, Spectrier and Glastrier take their reckless night strolls away from the core of their forces. The Lantonian army will not be as concentrated, giving us a window of opportunity."

He gestured with his scepter to a detailed map of Camelot, pointing to the narrow alleyways and abandoned districts where Caitlin's Illusions would steer the steeds into a perfect trap.

"Alex and David shall be the main attackers-swift and unrelenting. The rest of our fighters will ensure the army remains occupied elsewhere. As for me..." Calyrex lifted the Rein of Unity, his eyes glowing with determination. "I shall wait for the exact moment to reclaim control of my steeds."

The room buzzed with anticipation. Every Pokémon present had sacrificed and suffered under Spectrier and Glastrier's rule.

***

As the meeting ended, David and Caitlin lingered near the candlelit corridor, their eyes following Alex, who leaned against the stone wall, lost in thought.

David approached, his voice low yet uncertain. "Oi, Alex... are ya sure about this? I mean-really sure?"

Alex blinked at him, confused. "Sure about what?"

David exchanged a glance with Caitlin, who hesitated for a moment before squeezing David's paw, a silent gesture that spoke volumes.

David took a breath before continuing. "Once we finish this, once Lant is free... are ya really sure it'll be you who leaves the Pokémon world? Not me?"

Caitlin's emerald eyes softened, filled with emotions unspoken. The idea of David leaving after everything felt too much to bear-a silent fear she hadn't voiced but one that now lingered between them.

Alex studied their expressions. He felt it-the same overwhelming certainty he had realized that night in Westley Downs. It wasn't a hunch. It wasn't blind hope. It was absolute.

With a huge grin, Alex clapped David on the shoulder. "Don't worry about it. I just know-it's gonna be me."

David and Caitlin both exhaled, relief washing over them.

"If you say so, mate," David muttered, scratching the back of his head. "Guess I should just trust ya on that one."

Caitlin, still holding David's paw, offered Alex a small, grateful smile.