The suffocating air that fleeted from our intake masks had already absolved itself as soon as Virginia and I liberated our helmets. As weak as the oxygen was in our tanks. It was a wonderful feeling to be able to breathe air that was similar to Earths.

"Phew," I relieved with ease.

Though this welcoming air did not replace the feeling of dread that was sensed around us. The lobby was dimly lit, and I even had the discernment that someone. Possibly Solress, or Hanz were watching us.

"I don't feel good about this at all." Quivered Virginia nervously.

"We need to stay calm and keep quiet." I responded.

The Poké Ball along the belt line of my waist wobbled and twitched open. The pressure of the light emitted from the capsule was enough to throw me off balance. When out appeared the pink, round green eyed cutie from the opening.

"Jiggli!" Shouted Jigglypuff with a determined look on her face.

This was all too serious of a situation. But her cute little round puffy face was all I really needed for my small sparks of fear to be relieved. A tsunami of emotions that rippled like the ocean were only waves at this point in time.

"You ready to face on the enemy Jigglypuff?" I Inquired with resolute curved eyebrows.

"Puff!"

I could tell she was upset and angry, but her face was just too much for me I couldn't help but giggle from her little antics.

Turning to face Virginia I looked over her shoulder. There seemed to be a hallway that lead to the second tower and behind me. Another hallway that marked to the first tower within the main antechamber.

Do they plan on splitting us up on purpose? Either way, we can't be staying together where the enemy could outflank us. It's too dangerous to move to the same room if Hanz and Solress are not in the same room together—

Suddenly, a loud speaker etched across our eardrums. The sound was horrid as if a teacher was using chalk scraping across a blank chalkboard.

When the sound had finally ceased its screech a familiar voice had made its surprise ingress through the communications speaker box.

"Welcome to the Depository Black Clover!"

"Wha—?"

"Just as I thought! You were able to make your escape. I always knew you would be able to come through you intuitive brat!"

"Solress?"

"Hehe-hahahahahahahahahaha!!! You thought it would be your humble compadre Hanz? He's busy in the second tower trying to steal a Pokémon for me."

"Where is Red Solress!?—

"Oh, I'll tell you where he is, but I need you to meet me in the first tower! I got something really amazing to show you. A brilliant mind like yours would really help me out greatly. Seeing as how you have a keen eye with scientific perspective."

"Yeah, well whatever it is, it sucks. Let my friends go!"

"I'll force your opinion out once we meet. You can't escape Leaf, we have the place on lockdown. If you truly want to save your friends you better hurry, because in the next thirty minutes. You won't live to see your friends or continue on your adventure. The choice is yours Leaf. Stay in the lobby and suffer your body and mind to be consumed to the vacuum of space or meet me at the top so I can show you my latest invention. I'll be waiting, get ready!"

The intercom screeched with a shudder and then fell to silence. Echoing across the two hallways before me and Virginia.

"Jiggli?"

I could hear the curl of Virginia's gloves as it rubbed along her curved fists. She and I were expecting to face both of them as soon as we arrived. After all, a tag team combo would have massive advantages for us both.

"I'll go to the second tower." Said Virginia with a gulp.

Who wouldn't be scared to face Hanz? He's a very powerful Pokemon Trainer. Comparative to a Rocket Grunt's strength I get the feeling that she might be no match against him. She does have an oddish, but her Pokémon against his will be devastated by his attacks.

"Think about this logically Virginia, if you go, you are going up against an Apostle. If you stay here, you can defend the hallway leading to the first tower."

"No I want to be useful. Ever since I've joined Team Rocket. I've been nothing but weak and disposable. That's why I want to do something. I keep getting this itch in my spine that is aching me to move forward. However, I can't just do nothing." She said nervously but with firmness in her voice.

I could feel her conviction. She feels like she is the only one that is looked down upon in her organization.

How disgusting that Giovanni mistreats some of his members like this who are loyal to him. Does he not have a heart for human service and sacrifice?

It surely doesn't justify his actions in the slightest. These people harm Pokémon and she became the victim of circumstance.

"Let's regroup as quickly as we can when we defeat them. We only have thirty minutes before this whole building is depleted of oxygen. Use your communicator from your suite to call me if you need anything... Virginia?"

Her body was shaking, her face was turning pale. She looked like she was suffering from a stomach ulcer. I could tell she was nervous and scared just as much as I was.

"Virginia?"

Hmm?—umm—yes?" She quivered.

"You call me, you understand?"

She nodded with small head gestures. She never wanted to be the one in a situation where she's the only one who faced danger head on. She relied on a group or team to be able to see things through.

Firmly placing my hands along the bottom of her shoulders. I reached in to pull her shivering body forward and embraced her firmly. This gesture of warmth, surprised her, almost calmed her from within like she had been given refuge from darkness, even if it was temporary it was what she wanted. I could feel she yearned for it.

"We are never alone. No matter how crazy it gets Virginia. We are going to face it together."

She nodded with a gracious look upon her face. Tears flowed reverently down her face as kind thoughts of love and warmth had been poured outward from my embrace.

"Why do you care so much?—

I don't care about your circumstances, people can change, I know what it's like to not feel useful to someone." I smiled warmly.

After I relaxed my embrace, I turned toward the darkened hallway that lead toward the first tower. Dashing steadfastly toward the hallway. I left Virginia behind with all the strength I could muster. I was ready to face Solress and defeat him at all costs.

"Promise me that you'll meet with me back here before the thirty minutes is up? Promise me!"

As I waved back at her. Virginia's face turned sickly. Her fists clenched at her side and her somber frown stared blankly toward the ground. The girl nodded as her tears fell in a constant stream towards the ground below.

Never vindicated, never free, always a prisoner.