Opportunity arises, as Teams Phalanx and Kama learn the location of two more of the Siphon Prison escapees. The elusive, cowardly Sandjaw, and Sol... Time is put against them, and Volcan must divide his already limited manpower to attack both problems at the same time.

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Back at the penthouse, Volcan motioned for quiet in the room, pausing the sparring session between Hank and Lashanne as he put a finger to his ear. “I hear ya Doug. What’s going on?” He asked.

“You want the good news, or the bad news first? I’m cool with either one, but they’re both pretty big pieces of info, so ...you might wanna sit down.” Doug replied.

“Is there a way to let the whole group hear this?” Volcan asked, looking at the others. “It sounds like we all need to.”

“Put your radio on speaker and place it on a solid surface.” Doug instructed.

Volcan extracted the radio from his ear, searching the tiny device or the speaker button and carrying it over to the table where he set it down. The others formed a circle around the table, and Volcan gave Doug the signal that they were ready once everyone was standing still and quiet. “Go ahead, Doug.”

“Alright, well the good news is we’ve managed to make Sandjaw nervous. I just overheard him talking to his lackies about the guys we already bagged, and that he’s considering calling out for reinforcements.” The Dugtrio remarked. “He also let slip where Sol is right now. He’s out burning down the forest East of the city, and from the way he described him, it’s almost as if he’s not really himself at the moment.”

“Wait, the forest?” Sickle asked. As he continued his question, Lashanne turned and went over to one of the windows that faced east. “Why would he send Sol out to burn down the forest - what’s the gain?”

“He didn’t say...or rather, he didn’t know. Apparently the big baddie didn’t exactly leave him enlightened on what his plan is.” Doug replied. “On that note, that’s where the bad news comes in… Sandjaw’s heading to the edge of town to signal directly to Calhoun for help. He’s bringing in the big guns.”

The very mention of Calhoun’s name made Minato’s fur stand on end for a brief moment, and his eyes shrink into beads as he stared at the radio on the table. “...You mean, he’s here?” He asked.

“No, he’s out at sea right now, but apparently he was left a transmitter to signal for him if he felt he needed the extra muscle.”

“Even so, the game just changed here,” stated Volcan, his eyes narrowing. “Is Sandjaw already heading for it?”

“Not yet, but he will be soon. If you guys are planning to bag him, this might be our last chance before the crap hits the fan.”

“Well then what are we doing sitting on our asses here? Let’s go get the bastard before he makes the call for help.” Hank remarked casually.

“Hold on, guys. This is huge,” Volcan stated, bringing the group's attention back to him. “We now know where Sol and Sandjaw are. We can’t pass up this chance.”

“Sandjaw was right about where Sol is. I can see a big column of smoke out there in the woods,” Lashanne commented, pointing out the window. “Looks like he's already gotten started with his torch work out there.”

“But what’s the motive?” Sickle asked. “Calhoun wouldn’t burn down the trees if he needed lumber so why set fire to the forest at all?”

“Maybe lumber’s not what he’s after,” Blaster offered. “Calhoun’s building an army, and an army moves on its stomach, right?”

Sickle caught on. “You’re thinking he’s clearing the woods to turn it into farmland?”

“People are always starving in this city,” Blaster replied. “If he controls the food, he can control them. They’ll work just for a chance to have something to eat. By burning the forest down, the ashes will fertilize the soil left behind, which will make the land ideal for growing crops. But, if the fire gets out of control…”

“It could be carried south with the wind,” Sickle added. “To Bluegrove… even as far as Azure.”

“And Sol is not exactly the definition of ‘control’,” Volcan added, letting out a huff. “We can’t tackle these two separately - we need to hit ‘em both.”

“Well, you’re the brains behind this group,” said Hank. “But I'm not looking forward to taking on Sol again...”

“My team will take on Sol,” Volcan stated. “Sickle, it’ll be up to you to take out Sandjaw. Your group stands the best chance of both intercepting and overpowering him. Take Hank with you too - you’ll need him for subduing Sandjaw.”

Hank let out a sigh of relief. “Thank fucking Arceus…” He said, wiping his claw along his forehead. “That guy I can probably handle.” He looked at Volcan worriedly. “But uh... you got a plan for dealing with him, Chicken Legs? Cause I mean, once he starts going berserk, he ain’t gonna stop until you’re dead.” He cautioned.

Volcan nodded. “I do have a plan,” he said. “It’s a longshot, but I’ve had a while to work on it. I’m pretty sure if we all play our cards right, we can stop Sol before he gets out of control.”

“All I can say is good luck, and hope that plan of yours pans out well.” The Zoroark remarked with a nod. “You just better make sure you come back alive buddy, and not just for our sake.”

“I know,” replied Volcan.

“Should I prep the airship?” Lashanne asked.

“Not a good idea. If we’re going after Sol, the last thing we want is something he can turn into a flying fireball,” replied Volcan. “We go on foot, full sprint. We’ll approach from the west and spread out, try to get the drop on him.”

“And what about Calhoun?” Sickle asked.

“You need to stop Sandjaw before he can call him,” replied Volcan. “If you’re too late, retreat back here and dig in until we come back. Take off in the airship if you have to – we'll have Toby keep it ready for a quick takeoff, but do not engage Calhoun. We're not ready for him.”

Again, the mention of the Dark Blaziken’s name made Minato’s paws clench tight against his sides briefly. The fact that he was so close meant that if he did arrive, he’d finally have a chance to avenge those slain on his former island home... Part of him even hoped Sandjaw did succeed in his call for help, but he didn’t voice his opinion, instead opting to remain silent and keep his composure as the other formulated their plan of attack.

“Alright, we have no time to lose,” Volcan stated. “Sickle, you guys head out first - time’s more pressing for you. Rendezvous with Doug and get after Sandjaw as fast as you can.”

“We’re on our way,” Sickle returned firmly. “Team Kama, and temp,” he nodded to Hank, “let’s move out!”

“Right behind ya, lizzie!” Hank remarked with an a-ok sign with his claw before following after Team Kama out the door and to their assigned target.

“One-side, fuzzball!” Kaen barked excitedly as he zipped around Hank’s legs to take the lead, running almost raptor-like to catch up to Sickle as they started down the stairs. “I’m ready for some action!”

“Oi! Watch it before you trip up something bigger than you!” Hank retorted with a hearty laugh.

Howler and Blaster were quick to follow the three out, and Volcan waited until their steps were distant before he turned to Minato. “I trust you haven’t forgotten how good I am at spotting subtle changes, Minato,” he said. “You tensed up twice at the mention of Calhoun’s name.”

The Lucario let out a sigh, his shoulders slumping before giving Volcan a sidelong look “...Part of me wants Sandjaw to make his call to help,” he admitted to Volcan. “Just knowing that he’s that close to us fills me with both anxiety and rage all at once, that I could finally put that bastard down and avenge all those he killed back home…”

“I know you want to face him, but we’re not ready yet,” Volcan stated. “The last time we encountered Calhoun he mopped the floor with everyone who made even an attempt to fight him. He’s far more dangerous than you know, Minato - believe me, I'd give anything to see him taken down, but we can't beat him yet.”

“Lest we forget the trump card he used against us in Hadleigh,” Lashanne added pointedly. “Which we know was only one of the aces up his sleeve. He still has Mewtwo under his control - even if we were to one-up him, there’s still that to deal with.”

“Let’s just concentrate on Sol for now,” Volcan urged Minato. “Calhoun’s time will come, I promise you.”

He sighed and gave a small nod. “Alright…” He relented, rolling his shoulders a little before that smirk presented itself again. “Taking on someone who has powers of a god should serve as a decent warm up until then.”

Volcan shared the smirk with him, giving a nod. “Alright. So, I’ve been working on a plan for fighting Sol - it’s a lot of theory, but I built the strategy around info I got from Luke. Sol is very powerful - in a straight up fight, so as loathe as I am to do it we'll have to be a bit underhanded. I'll fill you guys in on the way – we better get moving.”

“Fair enough. Lead the way.” Minato returned with a nod.