"Dad, can you tell me a story?"

Michael flinches as he sees a video cam window pop over the online chess game he was playing. His daughter who should be asleep is laying in bed with her hands propping up her head. He quickly goes back to his chess game and sees his dwindling time ticking down to zero. Sighing he resigns the game and returns to the web call with a smile on his face.

"Alright, give me a sec. . ." He stands to close the window blinds. "Tell me what are you doing up at two o clock in the morning?"

"I went to bed early we because Granpda took me to see the ouch back and and I was up all day. And I saw a LOT Of animals like a kingaroo and was super tired when I got home. So I went to sleep and now im awake"

Michael chuckles as he listens to her recount her day. "It sounds like you had a great day. So what kind've story you want to hear about?"

"A story about pokermon." She quickly replies. Michael smiled, as before she left to Australia he had gotten her a Pokemon game. And it seems she has taken a liking to the franchise much as he did when he was her age.

"Ok, put the computer on the nightstand and get comfortable in bed." He watched as she left the view and did as he said. When he saw her lying in bed. With one eye looking at him. He wished he could teleport there and then to put her to sleep in person.

He grabbed his phone and texted his pops. "Shes awake using the laptop. Mind laying next to her until she falls asleep?"

Putting the phone away he turns his attention back onto the little one.

"So once upon a time in a land full of Pokemon. There was a trainer whose name was. . ."

"My name!" She offered her name as she always does. Michael nods and continues his impromptu tale.

". . . the trainer was going to see Profesor Oak. To get her very first pokemon. And that Pokemon was. . ."

He paused once more to see which Pokemon was her favorite this time.

"Bulbasaur and Pikachu."

"And so Alexia traveled the Pokemon world with Bulbasaur and Pikachu. Going around winning gym badges and capturing even more Pokemon. . ."

After some time his only audience member no longer answered as she fell asleep. But he continued his story so his daughter can continue to hear his voice.

The man glanced at the clock, 12:35 pm EST. When he looked back at the webcam he noticed his pops sneaking through the door and onto the bed.

His old man gave him a grin and a wave as he gingerly laid on the bed.

"Hey pops, when you can send me any pictures you took."

A raised hand with a thumbs up comes into view of the webcam and soon after his phone began to vibrate.

This brought a small smile to the mans face. Disconnecting from the call he prepared to begin his work for the day. He grabbed the remote turned on the T.V. and searched one of his many work playlists on spotify.

His concentration broken by the city's air raid sirens. Frowning he opens the blinds to see the New York horizon.

**PRESIDENTIAL ALERT ISSUED.**

**TAKE SHELTER NOW AND TUNE INTO OFFICIAL NEWS STATIONS FOR MORE DETAIL.**

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

He turns to the T.V. emitting the screeching noise of the E.B.S. Followed by an automated voice.

**"This message is transmitted by the order of the president and Department of Homeland Security. At approximately 12:37PM EST, The North American Aerospace Defense Command detected incoming Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. These missiles are believed to be carrying nuclear warheads of unknown yield. Known targeted cities include Washington DC, New York NY. . .**

Michael takes out his phone and calls his dad. While doing so he makes his way to the computer and attempts to hail his daughter.

**"Dallas TX, San Francisco CA, Seattle WA. . ."**

No answer.

Noise abrupts from elsewhere in the building and from the city streets.

**"Pittsburgh PA, Chicago IL, Phoenix AZ, and Columbus OH."**

He pauses when he hears Columbus Ohio. The following thought briefly entered his consciousness before refocusing. "Why there?"

**"If you are located within 100 to 200 miles of any of the listed locations," the TV drones on, "take shelter immediately. Warhead impact is estimated to be in the next 30 to 45 minutes. Keep a radio and tune into local emergency channels. If you do not know your local emergency channels, look them up now. Internet service cannot be guaranteed after impact. Shelter in place and do not move until an all-clear is given. A location underground is optimal. Failure to follow these instructions may lead to injury or death. This message will repeat."**

Michael hears the message but doesn't give it much attention. He turns on his webcam recorder and begins to leave his last words.

"Hey little one. I just want you to know I will always love you. Forever. . ." His throat begins to choke up and tears begin to form. "and always. I know its not fair but that shouldn't stop you from doing your best!" Tears begin to fall. "Remember you're the future, my love. You have the power. . ." The man raises his hand in a closed fist to emphasize his words. He spent most of his time leaving as much wisdom as he could for his daughter.

"But you got to work for it. And remember you have family to rely on."

He takes a breath before he continues. "Pops, mom, all of you, guess I'll be heading out first." He chuckles to himself. "And as we always heard. From our friends and family who left before us. If there is a place after. I'll be there waiting for ya with everyone else. Love ya. Over and out."

He stops the recording and sends it. Glancing at the time about fourty minutes past. Thankfully he got that high-speed internet his brothers told him to get. In a matter of seconds his video was sent.

He got up from his desk, went to the window and waited for the end.

The sky bloomed and it forced him to close his eyes. The image of his daughter appeared in his mind's eye. Then the shockwave came and he entered the void.

Michael awoke in a comfortable bed with various medical instruments sticking out of his arm and wearing a hospital gown.

"I actually survived?"

The notion seemed impossible to him but he was not going to complain. He reached for his phone but remembered he left it in his pants. Sighing he did a quick search for a nurse signal and pressed the button as soon as he found it. After a short time a nurse with pink hair came to his side.

"Oh my you're finally awake! Please tell me how you are feeling? Is there any pain or discomfort anywhere?"

Michael did a quick stretch and despite a few pops he felt a ok. "I'm actually feeling great despite what happened. By the way, may I use a phone to call my family?"

The Nurse listens while checking the various devices. "Before that sir, what did happen? We found some minor cuts and glass but it would be best if I knew the cause of your injuries. So that I may apply the necessary care"

He gave her a baffled look. "What do you mean what happened? New York got nuked."

The Nurse returned his look with a face full of concern. "I'm sorry sir. Unfortunately I don't know the place you're talking about nor the term nuke."

"You don't know New York? Nuke?" Michael slowly said. "You're joking. Where am I then? Whats going on?" Michael's heart rate started to rise and the medical equipment indicated so. Its beeps rapidly increase to match his pounding heart.

The nurse placed her hand on his shoulder. “Please remain calm sir. You’re injuries are fully yet-”

How could he stay calm? He quickly asked himself before his panic bursted from him in the form of rapid breathing and questions.“Where the fuck am I? How do you not know New York!” Michael began to struggle against the woman who was successfully holding him down.

The doors burst open and to Michael's shock. A pink Pokemon with sapphire oval eyes walks in wearing a little nurse's hat while carrying a tray. Following right behind the mon was a Japanese police officer? Michael wasn’t sure and didn’t care as kept his eyes locked on the Pokemon. He also completely stopped struggling. Attempting to process what he was seeing.

The Pokemon quickly put the tray down and turned to face him. It’s ears were twitching furiously and its brow furrowed.

“Audino! Audi. Au- Audin- Audino.” The pokemon voiced out. Michael heard the Nurse take a sharp breath. Her hand moved to his back and began to rub in a light circular motion.

“Sir, Audino says you are in complete shock and disbelief. Are you able to tell me why?”

Michaels brain was overloading as he simply couldn’t comprehend the situation he found himself in. He was just a chef, a really good one mind you, from New York. Barely catching, through his rapidly growing headache, Nurse Joy voice he answers.

“It’s a goddamn Pokemon.” He faints.