The mist hung thick over the surface of the bay, mingling with steam rising from the fissures where the ridge had collapsed. The glow of Cinnabar's lighthouse wavered through the haze, casting fragmented gold across the water. For a moment, the world seemed frozen in the aftermath of a storm, waiting for reality to catch up.
Alex floated atop Gyarados, Infernape crouched beside him on the serpent's back, both breathing heavily. Roserade floated near the water, petals glistening, vines still coiled protectively around him. Hydreigon circled above, eyes scanning the horizon, alert to any remaining danger.
The shockwaves from the node's destruction had rippled across the ridge, shaking smaller rock formations and sending tremors through the surrounding waters. Yet, remarkably, the volcanic channels beneath the island had held, stabilizing thanks to Heatran's earlier efforts. Cinnabar itself had avoided catastrophe—at least, for now.
Kai's voice crackled through the communicator, tense but relieved. "Alex… you actually did it. Ridge integrity is holding. Readings indicate minimal secondary surges. The energy is dissipating faster than expected."
Alex exhaled, running a hand down Infernape's flaming arm. "We're not safe yet. That core was only one part of their system. Secondary nodes still exist, and I have a feeling they're moving quickly."
Sariah's voice joined in, calm but precise. "We've tracked energy spikes along three minor conduits leading toward the northern cliffs. If those complete the grid, the island could experience structural failure on a localized scale."
Lila's tone, sharper now, betrayed the worry she had been holding back. "Alex… what's the plan? We can't just keep diving in blindly."
Alex's gaze shifted toward the distant silhouette of the Cinnabar Gym and the town beyond. Lanterns glowed along the streets, people moving cautiously, unaware of the near-catastrophe beneath their feet. For the first time in days, Alex allowed himself a breath, letting the sight ground him.
"We stabilize the surface," he said firmly. "We secure the secondary nodes before they have a chance to reactivate. We control the perimeter while the town remains safe. And we do it fast."
Roserade floated closer, green aura shimmering against the reddish glow of the water. Its presence always had a grounding effect on him. Alex reached out and touched one vine. "We're going to need every advantage we have."
Gyarados growled, low and steady, as if agreeing. Infernape's flames flickered with anticipation. Hydreigon tilted its head, scanning the surrounding sea, ready to strike at any threat.
The team didn't need words. The understanding was instantaneous: this was a battle that demanded precision, speed, and coordination.
By the time they returned to the docks, night had fully settled over the island. Lanterns cast warm reflections on the water, and the faint scent of salt mixed with smoke lingering from minor volcanic disturbances. The streets were eerily calm. Civilians had been evacuated from the most vulnerable areas thanks to coordinated efforts from the Rangers and local volunteers, guided by Kai and Sariah.
Alex dismounted Gyarados, immediately scanning the harbor for Ferris. The old dockmaster leaned against a piling, arms crossed, watching the horizon. His Quagsire bobbed in the water, oddly serene compared to the tension lingering in the air.
"You actually made it out alive," Ferris said dryly, though his eyes betrayed relief.
Alex gave a short nod, still focused. "Barely. And we're not done yet."
Ferris smirked faintly. "I was hoping for a quiet night."
"Not tonight," Alex replied. "We have more nodes to shut down."
Back at the Gym, the core team gathered, drying off, sharing silent nods and brief check-ins. Heatran was stationed near the entrance, radiating warmth to stabilize the structure after the minor tremors. Ceruledge perched atop a beam, its metallic edge catching dim light. Typhlosion H exhaled measured bursts of heat, creating small gusts that dried moisture from the floor. Garchomp stretched, claws scraping lightly against reinforced tiles, and Hydreigon hovered near the ceiling, eyes never leaving the doorway.
Alex allowed himself a rare moment of observation. Each of them bore the strain of the mission—the physical exhaustion, the mental weight—but none faltered. None questioned the plan. They simply existed as a unit, moving as one when it mattered most.
He exhaled, finally relaxing slightly, and allowed himself to look around the room. Lila, still damp from the water, adjusted her hair, her Gardevoir standing vigil at her side. She caught his glance and nodded—a brief, private reassurance.
Kai and Sariah arrived shortly after, coordinating updates and relaying intel from sensors and field operatives. The two were moving fast, calculating risks and outcomes, yet there was trust in every instruction they gave—trust Alex had earned over years of working alongside them.
"Secondary nodes," Alex said, stepping toward the projection table, "are unstable, but still active. We can shut them down, but we'll need controlled approaches. No more full-force strikes. Precision only."
Sariah nodded. "We've identified safe access points for each. Divers can deploy under your guidance."
"And surface operations?" Lila asked.
"We manage them," Alex said. "Infernape, Hydreigon, Roserade, and the others will cover extraction points. Kai, you coordinate the top-side teams. Sariah, you'll supervise underwater teams. We move in tandem."
The room filled with the low hum of agreement. No pep talks. No overdramatic declarations. Just strategy. Just focus.
Alex allowed a small, tired smile. "Cinnabar is our home. And tonight, it stays that way."
Outside, the night air had cooled. Lanterns cast a gentle glow over the island, highlighting the town's recovering streets. Far above, the volcano was quiet, the faintest red glow from the ridge barely visible beneath the waves. The Jewel of Kanto had survived the first real strike against it.
For Alex, that was enough for the moment.
He exhaled, letting the tension drain slightly from his shoulders. His team gathered around, each one radiating strength and vigilance.
This wasn't victory. Not yet. But it was a step.