Chapter 45: The Crest

  Ian realized his breathing had started to slow, with his heartbeat's breakneck pace calming as well. "Are the kids safe?" Ian asked.

  Mina nodded enthusiastically and pointed at the office building Barbaracle had busted parts of the first floor wall of. "I told Auntie Pula to take them in here and I'd distract the guys."

  Ian breathed a sigh of relief. "Thanks goodness. How was everything here?"

  "Oricorio did his best at being a diversion, same with Ribombee and Smeargle," Mina explained.

  A loud commotion drew Ian's attention from his now safe girlfriend and turned to the canal bridge where he spotted more Pearl Clan members overtaking the position, with a couple even heading toward them. Oh yeah, there's still a battle going right now.

  "Hey there! We're over here!" Ian shouted out to the oncoming Pearl Clan members.

  "Ian?" Lian shouted back as he jogged along the canal. "How'd you get out of jail?"

  Ian shook his head, the sense of relief becoming outweighed in his heart by a temporary torrent of anger. Hyde of all people… Lian's approach brought Ian back to the matter at hand, and he remembered he had the captured Sincair next to him. "Someone must've had a backup plan, all I figure."

  Lian nodded respectfully before turning his attention to Sinclair. "You look more like a 'Sinclair' to me," Lian said before plugging his nose. "But why's this Sinclair guy so foul smelling?"

  Ian raised his hand. "That's me. Jail-stink," Ian said.

  Sinclair cleared his throat. "I take it you're a Pearl Clan leader?"

  Lian shrugged. "I guess?" More commotion drew the group's attention to the other side of the canal directly across from the school, and Ian watched multiple Team Skull members running desperately, with one of them sticking out more than others. Rook!

  The goateed Team Skull leader waved a couple more Team Skull members and even a Sinclair crony away from what Ian assumed to be Pearl Clan pursuers. They're running to the wall? Are they dumb? Ian gasped as he realized where they were actually headed. "The secret door!" Ian said, pointing ahead of them. Where Mina and I snuck back into Po Town after our first date…

  Ian burst into a sprint along the canal, knowing he couldn't double back to cross the bridge, and there was no bridge around the school. But there was still something he had to do. "Hey Rook!" Ian bellowed.

  Rook turned his head and made eye contact with Ian before shaking his head in disgust.

  "I won! Eat shit, asshole!" Ian sneered from across the canal.

  Rook turned his back to Ian, giving him one last middle finger before disappearing around a corner. "Hey Sinclair, you guys got here on a boat, right?" Ian shouted back to Mina and Lian.

  "Yeah," Sinclair said. "Pulled her right up on the beach close to the front gate."

  Ian scowled. My Pokemon are in no position to pursue him… He resigned himself to being powerless in the situation and decided to recall Sawsbuck. You've earned one hell of a rest, buddy. Right as the thought crossed his mind, suddenly Gaeric sprinted forward into view with a Lucario Naruto-running alongside him. "Gaeric, get his ass!" Ian shouted encouragingly.

  Gaeric gave him a thumbs up but continued the pursuit. Moments later a half dozen Pearl Clan warriors followed after Gaeric, clearly not the physical specimens Gaeric was. Ian sighed, shaking his head as he made his way back to Mina, Lian, and Sinclair with his surrendered men.

  "Sinclair, if Rook gets to your boat and goes back to your island, are we just gonna have another pirate lord on our ass?" Ian inquired.

  Sinclair shook his head. "My flagship's the only thing that's seaworthy after the storm. Poor girl's barely hanging on. It's why we tried this whole scheme of Rook's in the first place."

  "Fine," Ian grumbled as he redirected his attention to the canal bridge, where more of Sinclair's men held their hands up, surrounded by Pearl Clan members and various Pokemon from Sinnoh. Ian began making his way to the canal bridge, only to notice Hyde with his massive black eye trying to join the group but there appeared to be resistance from the Pearl Clan members. What have you down now, jackass?

  When Ian and his entourage did get to the grouping at the canal bridge, Ian immediately turned to one of the Pearl Clan members who had a Staravia resting on their arm. "What was up with that stuff with Hyde just now?"

  "Hyde?" The woman asked.

  "The Team Skull guy you were just yelling at," Ian said.

  Her hard face stiffened with resentment. "The young man's Pokemon are uncontrollable. One of them attacked us, nearly gave us a grave injury."

  "Great," Ian grumbled sarcastically. He's a backstabbing asshat AND he can't control his Pokemon? Dude continues to surprise me with his stupidity every day. Ian looked down The Spine to the front gate, noting more Pearl Clan members with Sinclair's men scattered up and down the street, all in various forms of submission. Irida and Palina drew his gaze, and the Pearl Clan leader gave him a wave in return before hurriedly marching to him by herself.

  "Irida, thank you!" Ian shouted as she got within earshot. "Po Town really owes all of you."

  Irida bowed her head reverently. "It does." She continued over to him before eyeing him up and down. "It appears you were just freed from confinement?"

  Ian nodded. "Yeah, just a few minutes before me and Sinclair started battling it out." Ian pointed to his left where the defeated pirate captain stood, freely, albeit without the wind in his sails.

  "Are there any pockets of resistance still in town?" Sinclair asked.

  "Ingo put the last of it down," Irida said. "He fought an elderly man using a Pokemon called Hariyama?"

  "Ol' Red," Sinclair admitted. "He's not causing anymore trouble is he?"

  "No," Irida said quickly.

  "Ian!" A red haired male in a Team Skull uniform called out as he hurried over.

  "Slash, you're okay!" Mina cheered.

  Following right behind Slash panted the pudgy form of Sophocles. "Sophocles!" Ian shouted in amazement. "Dude, sorry I couldn't save you from that Pangoro."

  Sophocles shook his head, sporting a big smile on his face. "Thankfully it was nothing too bad. I take it Sawsbuck turned things around for you?"

  "Boy did he ever," Ian said, dapping up his chubby savior. "Morgrem was my last Pokemon."

  "Hell of a throw there, kid," Sinclair begrudgingly admitted.

  "So that's it? We won?" Sophocles asked.

  Ian looked around, shrugging. "Looks like it. Hopefully Gaeric can nab Rook before he gets on Sinclair's boat…"

  Slash sighed. "Sorry I couldn't hold him off. Him on top of everyone else-"

  Ian shook his head. "You guys were heavily outnumbered, right?"

  Slash nodded. "Yeah, and the Pearl Clan really saved our bacon." Slash bowed his head respectfully to Irida.

  "Happy to help our ally, even if one of their leaders was a turncoat. Especially so, in that case," Irida said. "But now, who is in charge of Po Town? Who do we formally hand it over to?"

  Ian pointed at Slash, but Slash pointed right back at Ian. "Slash, you're the only ranking officer here."

  "Techinically Tom is, but hearing you beat Sinclair in single combat? I figure the Prince of Po Town's running the show until Guzma's back," Slash said.

  Ian rolled his eyes. "I don't know how long I'm sticking around here honestly. Someone go find Tom, tell him to come here."

  "I can," Mina offered.

  Ian opened his mouth to protest, only for him to realize Slash was the only other Team Skull member around. "Okay, we'll be here," Ian said. Mina gave him a quick nod and took off up The Spine.

  Palina began approaching from the other way, flanked by a few Pearl Clan members. "One of your Team Skull members has surrendered and is offering to talk."

  Ian rolled his eyes. "One of Rook's?"

  "He's very tall, and has an injured arm," Palina said simply.

  Probably Ruckz. Rook left his own brother behind? What a cunt. "Bring him here," Ian ordered bluntly.

  Palina then turned to the Pearl Clan leader. "Irida, Ingo's wondering if you still would like him to hold the front gate," Palina asked.

  Irida nodded. "Until we get this business sorted out. Shan't be long."

  Palina nodded. "Understood. I shall bring the prisoner."

  "I'll come with," Slash grunted angrily, following Palina closely, leaving Ian with Sinclair, Sophocles, Irida, and Lian.

  "Pardon me, Ian," Irida began. "May we speak privately?"

  Ian sighed. "Sure." Ian turned to Sophocles and gestured with his head to tell him to give him some space. Sophocles dutifully obeyed, following Lian and Sinclair as they walked out of earshot.

  "What's up?" Ian asked lowly.

  "What is your long term plan?" Irida asked.

  Ian grimaced. "Gonna take Mina to Outrigger, work until I can pay someone for a boat ride to another island and get away from this place."

  Irida frowned. "Ian, I am very sorry to hear that your heart has been so wounded by Team Skull, but without you, we of the Pearl Clan will have no reason to maintain our alliance."

  Ian sighed. "Look, I tried. I tried to make it work here, but if I'm gonna be beholden to Guzma's idiocy then I'm done. Who knows when he throws another temper tantrum and tries to lock me in a cell again."

  Irida nodded understandingly then lowered her voice. "It would be impossible to conceive throwing you in a cell ever again after what has transpired today. And Ian…" Irida paused.

  "... I must confess we were planning on freeing you from your cell tomorrow night."

  "Really?" Ian whispered.

  Irida nodded once more. "We were going to move a large contingent to Fort Acuity under the cover of night, then take you there with us. Losing us and you would likely cause Team Skull to negotiate with us and Sinclair."

  Ian shook his head. "That's good of you, but I don't know what good it would've done for you in the long run. Mina's family's on another island and I want to get her there, not to mention me too."

  Irida grimaced. "I am sad to hear that. If you were to go to Outrigger, how long would you be there?"

  "No clue," Ian said. "Why do you ask?"

  "Just thinking of how quickly we would need to reconsider our living arrangements," Irida answered.

  So what happens to the Pearl Clan now? Do they starve? If they leave the alliance with Team Skull, is someone going to try to have them as allies again? Ian shook his head in frustration, the feeling bubbling up in his body as the unappealing answers to his questions became obvious to him.

  "It seems our private time is over," Irida said lowly, indicating someone was approaching from deeper in Po Town.

  Mina led the way, with Tom and Hyde following close behind, making Ian tense at the sight of his black-eyed nemesis. Leaving will at least get me away from this asshole, that's a good enough reason on its own. Ian signaled Lian and Sophocles to come back to him with Sinclair.

  Tom grinned from ear to ear. "Ian, I'm glad to see you out-"

  Ian shook his head angrily, venom in his veins. "Get Hyde the fuck away from me, now!" Ian roared. "I don't want to see his face until I'm outta this town!"

  Tom tensed a bit in surprise, but turned to Hyde and pointed him in the opposite direction. Hyde gave Ian a long, regretful look, but Ian shook his head once more and mouthed "fuck you." Hyde shook his head dismissively but turned back up The Spine.

  "Good to see you though, Tom," Ian said much more calmly as Mina took his side.

  "I suppose there is a lot to catch up on," Tom said nervously. "I take it you're in charge at the moment?"

  "Yeah," Ian croaked. "But you're the only Bone left in town. I figure you're making decisions."

  "Mina tells me you defeated Sinclair in single combat," Tom explained. "I know that's not a promotion, but it means something to me. What's been done so far?"

  Ian shrugged. "Pearl Clan's holding the gate, Gaeric and some guys are chasing Rook down outside…" Ian paused.

  "Going for my flagship most likely," Sinclair interjected.

  "Pearl Clan's got a lot of Sinclair's crew held prisoner, but I take it we don't have enough cells to put them in at the moment?" Ian asked.

  Tom nodded attentively. "That would be correct."

  "We're lost, I fully accept that," Sinclair stated. "I just ask you to be reasonable with my men who just followed orders. I understand the cadre will be different."

  Tom turned to Ian expectantly, which made Ian sigh. "Tom, I'm not sure I should be making big decisions like this. I doubt I'll still be here come nightfall."

  Tom gasped. "Ian, why? If Hyde did something-"

  Ian shook his head. "It's a lot more than that." An uneasy silence came over the group.

  Sinclair cleared his throat. "If you have cuffs or something to detain my man even temporarily it'll make things easier."

  Tom nodded. "I have zip-ties in the warehouse, and we do have one pair of cuffs we keep around."

  With that Tom left for Shady House, only for Gaeric to come running up The Spine from the gate. "Ian, I must beg your forgiveness!" Gaeric bellowed as he kneeled before Ian and Irida. "I was unable to prevent that traitorous scum from taking the boat and leaving, although Lucario was able to damage the vessel as it took to the water."

  Dammit. "It can't be helped…" Ian paused as he spotted Palina approaching, holding a Poke Ball Belt with a hunched over Ruckz by her side. Ian's hands tightened into fists. "Well, well, well…" Ian began. "Looks like your brother left without you, Ruckz!"

  Ruckz gritted his teeth but relented, dipping his head defeatedly as he held his left arm with his right. "Damn…"

  Ian crossed his arms and approached. "On the ground," Ian ordered simply.

  Ruckz got on his knees, wincing as he did, still clutching his dangling arm.

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  "Where's Rook going?" Ian demanded. "He has Sinclair's boat."

  "No idea," Ruckz said. "We didn't discuss backup plans, Rook didn't want to even think we had a chance of failing."

  A weak answer. "So what was the plan? How was this all supposed to shake out?" Ian asked. "I got Sinclair here too in case you lie and try to save your own ass."

  "Well… I can tell you, but I want some protections-"

  "Someone died because of this stupid power grab of yours, and a lot more would have if this worked out in your favor," Ian said, the image of Jayjay getting thrown from the boat after Alpha Huntail's attack, making him tighten his fist. "You're in no position to be negotiating, not anymore."

  Ruckz tensed, but shook his head. "Okay, fine… Rook knew Trickz and Plumeria would be able to sniff things out and cause problems, so we needed them gone. That's why Rook wanted the boat operation to be with them, then afterwards Sinclair's guys would attack the survivors. Guzma would lead Team Skull out in force, leaving the town undefended. Ian, you weren't supposed to be involved cuz we'd need Sawsbuck to keep the Pearl Clan loyal to us long term. So he didn't want you down there. Rook originally wanted to imprison you for trying to take over while Plumeria's squad was away."

  Ian scowled. "And Guzma just went along with all of this?"

  "Yeah. Once you start getting him worried about losing control of Po Town he just tunnel-visions on that," Ruckz answered. "Rook said that's why we had to overthrow-"

  "I don't want your fucking excuses," Ian growled. "Rook wanted to run this shit and was okay with sacrificing Team Skull members to make it happen."

  Ruckz quieted down.

  "So how'd you get Sinclair over to the beach to ambush us in Mahiki Bay?" Ian asked.

  "I dunno, Sinclair said he'd do it," Ruckz answered bitterly.

  Sinclair cleared his throat. "We went under the cover of night without our lights. After you got away we waited for night, then went beyond the sights of your radio network so it would look like we hadn't left Momi Isle."

  Ian nodded. "Okay."

  Sophocles piped up. "And how'd you get the Shady House radio to stop working?"

  "We set up a jammer in the side yard," Ruckz admitted.

  Damn. "So Guzma doesn't know what the fuck's happened yet then, right?" Ian asked.

  "Unless someone went to him for help. But he's probably at the bay by now so they wouldn't reach him anytime soon," Sophocles said.

  "Sophocles, find that jammer and shut it off. Then tell the nearest member of the radio network he needs to come back if he still wants Po Town," Ian ordered.

  "Will do!" Sophocles said as he began speed-walking up The Spine.

  Ian refocused on Ruckz. "So you guys open the gate to Sinclair and he comes in and helps you take over? That was the plan?"

  Ruckz nodded. "We needed Sinclair to take the kids hostage so it wasn't Rook doing it. Rook would negotiate the peace, with him running Po Town and Guzma not being allowed back in. Everyone who didn't join us would starve without you and Sawsbuck, so they'd come on side eventually."

  Ian sighed. Having Sawsbuck's great, but anywhere I go will end up coveting its ability if I stick around too long. All in a moment, Ian imagined some farmer on Poni Island observing Sawsbuck's Grassy Surge ability in a casual battle and politely asking for Sawsbuck to help grow their crops faster, but over time growing more and more demanding and controlling. Or imagine if I ended up in a televised battle, I'd have the wealthiest people in agriculture offering tons of money and probably demanding some control over Sawsbuck and I… Something about the thought of Sawsbuck being contractually bound felt downright disgusting and he cringed at the thought.

  "Ian, is something wrong?" Irida asked.

  "Just thought of something troubling," Ian grumbled before refocusing on Ruckz. "But you thought Rook could beat Guzma?"

  "With the wall and Sinclair supporting us? Yeah," Ruckz answered. "But Guzma would have to risk the kids getting killed and he'd lose a lot of support if he did."

  Ian glared at Ruckz, pure loathing in his eyes. Speaking so casually about killing children, about the death of Team Skull members… You're irredeemable, Ruckz. "I've heard enough, I'm putting you in that cell you told me I'd never get out of," Ian spat.

  Ruckz shook his head in protest. "But Ian, I can maybe help against my brother-"

  "You'd be useless as a hostage cuz Rook would let you die than hamper his plans in any way," Ian said with finality.

  "I'll take him," Slash offered, putting his fist out for Ian.

  Ian reciprocated the fist bump and sighed with annoyance. "Is that everything I'm needed for?" Ian asked aloud.

  "The Pearl Clan will continue patrolling the perimeter until Guzma returns," Irida said.

  "Thanks," Ian said. "I have some stuff I need to take care of."

  "Like what?" Mina asked.

  "Gonna take my team to the Pokemon Center, then I'm gonna take the longest shower I've ever had in this town," Ian said with a grin. "Think I've earned it."

  "And uh… Ian?" Sinclair asked uncertainly.

  Ian shrugged. "Come with me, we'll stop by Tom's and get you those cuffs you keep asking for.."

  In Mina's dark eyes he saw nothing but love and gratitude and he kissed her right on the lips. He took her hand in his and began making his way back across the bridge, only for a young feminine voice to start calling out his name.

  "Mr. Ian, Mr. Ian!" Rylee shouted out, running along the canal street to him,

  "Rylee, you're okay!" Ian said with a big smile. He squatted down and she practically tackled him as he embraced her, lifting her off the ground.

  "That was the most amazing battle!" Rylee screamed excitedly. "Auntie Pula said to stay away from the windows, but I wanted to make sure Ms. Mina was okay, then you fought the bad guy…"

  Ian laughed, squeezing her even more tightly. "Next time you gotta listen to Pula, okay?"

  "I was distracting them so you and the other kids would be safe," Mina chimed in, putting her hand on Rylee's shoulder as Ian let her down. "You getting seen would've undone everything, Rylee."

  "But everything worked out, right?" Rylee asked.

  Ian shook his head. "Yeah, but that doesn't mean you stop listening to Pula, okay? Pinky promise me."

  Rylee pondered the thought but saw the serious look in Ian's eye lowered her head. "Okay…" She said, the wind taken out of her sails. Ian held his pinky out, and after they wrapped their pinkies around to make the promise, Ian brought her in and hugged her once more.

  "I'm so glad you're okay, Rylee," Ian confessed.

  "Thank you Mr. Ian…" Rylee said, squeezing him as hard as she could. "But why are you so stinky?"

  Ian laughed, an easy, carefree laugh. "I was in jail for a bit. It was really stinky in there."

  "Why were you in jail? I thought only bad people went to jail," Rylee asked, her voice heavy with concern.

  "Some bad people put me there," Ian said. "But I'm out now."

  "Okay…" Rylee squealed. "And did Impidimp evolve? Was that Pokemon the one who fought the evil penguin?"

  Ian laughed some more. "Yes Impidimp evolved. I didn't want to tell you because he's not as nice as he was as Impidimp."

  "Aw…" Rylee said.

  "But he helped protect everyone, and he sacrificed himself so I could win. All my Pokemon are getting some big treats when I…" Ian's voice trailed off as he mentally completed the sentence. ...when I leave. His heart sank with despair as he held Rylee in his arms. Fuck.

  "Well I'm gonna do this shower thing so I'm not so stinky anymore," Ian said, releasing his grip on Rylee and standing up straight.

  "Hey Mr. Bad Guy!" Rylee said, pointing at Sinclair who'd stood behind and watched the whole interaction. "Pfffffft!" Rylee said as she stuck her tongue out. "Mr. Ian beat you!"

  Sinclair cracked a grin. "Yes he did."

  Ian patted Rylee on the head and pointed behind her to where Auntie Pula and the other children watched. "You gotta go back, okay?"

  "Okay…" Rylee said, turning around and dashing back to the other children.

  Before the group got to the Pokemon Center, Tom met back up with them and put Sinclair in cuffs, with Slash taking official custody of Sinclair.

  As Ian pushed the Pokemon Center's front door open, he spotted Doc writing in a notebook on one of the counters. "Guzma back?" The resident Pokemon healthcare worker asked in her blunt, accented voice.

  "Not yet," Ian said as he made his way to the counter and began pulling the shrunken balls from his belt.

  "Why still here?" Doc asked, still annoyed. She turned up from her notebook and froze as she took in the rather bizarre grouping of people, with Ian being accompanied by the captive Sinclair, Tom next to him, with Mina and Irida accompanying.

  "You didn't hear the battle going on?" Tom asked.

  "Battle? What battle? And who stink up my Center?" Doc demanded.

  Ian shook his head in disbelief. "Rook opened the gates to Sinclair while Guzma was away," Tom explained.

  "Really?" Doc asked in disbelief before taking a closer look at Sinclair. "Junior, why you here? And in that hat?"

  Junior, what?

  Sinclair was taken aback. "Doctor Ishik-"

  "No!" Doc said as she waved her arm to shoosh him. "Name is secret."

  "Ah…" Sinclair said, nodding. "So this is where you went to when Breon-"

  "Secret!" Doc said angrily. "I never thought lil' Benny Junior would become pirate, become enemy."

  Sinclair shook his head. "Not what I planned initially either, Doctor. But it would comfort my late father to know you're safe."

  All Doc replied with was a quick "hmph" before turning to Ian. "Dumb-dumb, why you here?"

  "Just need my Pokemon healed up," Ian said.

  "You fought battle?" Doc asked.

  "He beat me," Sinclair announced.

  "Dumb-dumb, you beat Junior? How?" Doc asked bluntly.

  Ian shrugged. "Uh…"

  "Maybe not so dumb-dumb after all… Maybe just dumb," Doc teased with a grin. "Come back in twenty for team."

  Ian nodded. "Thanks Doc!" Ian then turned back to the party. "I'm gonna take a shower," Ian said, then leaned in close to Mina. "Wanna join?" He whispered.

  Mina smiled as her cheeks reddened, but she shook her head. "There's something I've been working on I wanted to show you," Mina explained.

  "Like what?" Ian asked.

  Mina's smile turned from lascivious to more mischievous before she answered him. "A little… flag."

  ***

  Ian had never felt so clean in his life after the five minute shower he'd been able to take, even rubbing the bar of soap through his hair to wash out the grime he rarely was able to do. He did get time to ponder his conflicted predicament, the guilt from leaving Rylee, Tupp, and Plumeria behind creeping into his mind more and more. No matter how big of an idiot Guzma's been, a lot of people that call Po Town home don't deserve to starve… But I've definitely earned rubbing this in Guzma's face even if I do leave.

  Upon drying off and getting dressed, he ran into Sophocles who immediately gave him a thumbs up. "The radio network guy down in Fort Acuity's getting Guzma now. Told 'em war's over, the Prince of Po Town saved us!"

  Ian smirked, but shook his head. "It was more the Pearl Clan than anything."

  "But if you don't beat Sinclair, the kids would've got taken hostage, right?" Sophocles asked.

  "I mean… yeah."

  Sophocles shrugged. "So yeah, that's mostly you by the sound of it."

  "Oh…" Ian said, acknowledging the truth in Sophocles' words. I don't really take praise well, do I? "Who am I kidding, thanks again Sophocles."

  Sophocles then gave Ian a playful jab to his arm. "It's Slugg, remember?" He teased.

  Ian smiled. "Well when Guzma and all them finally get back here, I'll have to mention who saved my ass in the Sinclair battle. Most of all, Rapp."

  Sophocles' cheeks went bright red at her mere mention. "Y-yeah…" Sophocles stuttered.

  Ian gave Slugg a pat on the shoulder before exiting Shady House's front doors, only for Mina to be waiting out front holding a six foot tall flag pole, where at its top a black flag with a green design danced in the light breeze. The design looked like two stylized green deer antlers with leaves sprouting out of them, with a green cross in the center. Ian studied it with his eyes in complete awe of the flag's intricacy. "Mina, that's amazing…" Ian said in stunned disbelief.

  Mina giggled. "That's what you said about the mural, Mr. Prince of Po Town. You're gonna have to come up with a different compliment."

  "Oh really?" Ian bantered, taking her in his arms and picking her up, laying a sloppy smooch on her lips as he did. "It's breathtaking," he whispered. "The leaves are-"

  Mina shooshed him with her own kiss, and time stood still for the two as a warm, loving glow flowed throughout Ian's body. He eventually did put her back on her feet, but the two clung to each other tightly.

  "So… Plumeria thinks you're leaving once you're out of the cell," Mina said as the smile faded from her face.

  "Yeah…" Ian said, a pit of dread forming in his chest. "I was thinking of going to Outrigger, eventually get someone to take us to another island, then get you home to Seafolk Village."

  Mina smiled. "You'd be a pretty big hit there," Mina said. "There's a hole in your theory though. I would've done that by now, except the ASF doesn't let any boats from this island through."

  Ian grimaced. "Well maybe Driftwood's got a way around it."

  Mina shrugged. "It's worth a shot."

  Ian nodded. "Yeah…"

  Ian gave Mina a tight squeeze, feeling her warmth against his body until she broke the silence. "So were you gonna stick around here until Guzma gets back?"

  Ian grinned. "Yeah. I wanna see the look on his fucking face when I give the town back to him and start to leave."