The crisp ringtone sounded.
The two Pokémon, who had just been glaring viciously at each other as though they wanted to wipe out each other's entire families, instantly returned to normal.
Then, as if nothing had happened, they silently separated and stood in front of their respective Trainers.
Together with Red, three faces simultaneously turned curiously toward the Pokémon Gear in Heiduo's hand.
"Sorry, sorry, I forgot to put it on silent." Heiduo gave the three of them an embarrassed smile. Getting a call right when the fight was getting good was seriously annoying.
Red, on the other hand, had no complaints. It was not a serious battle, so being interrupted was perfectly normal.
He answered the call.
It was from Yujian.
It was not anything particularly important, really.
Yujian simply gave him a brief rundown of what had recently happened in Johto, then asked Heiduo to go to Indigo Plateau and help the Chairman with something. The important part was that if any Trainers started fighting, he was to protect the innocent civilians present.
Heiduo was not required to actively join the conflict.
The explanation had been rushed and rather baffling. If Heiduo had not known the inside story, he would definitely have been staring blankly in confusion.
Wasn't this just asking him to work security?!
Naturally, Heiduo refused. Why would he go join the fun at a transfer station like Indigo Plateau? He would obviously stick with Red and head straight for the boss room to fight the bosses alongside the chosen ones.
Yujian did not get angry upon hearing that. He and Heiduo were not in a superior-subordinate relationship, and Yujian himself had not wanted Heiduo to wade into this mess. Otherwise, he would have called Heiduo back when they were in Ecruteak City. Why would he