The following is a sequel to Delta Emerald, which can be found on my profile. Reading Delta Emerald first is suggested, but not absolutely necessary.
Swampert climbed the roaring waterfall, using its powerful arms to hoist its trainer Brendan to the top.
Brendan had spent a couple of weeks on Swampert's back, sailing to Ever Grande City to take on the Pokemon League. Finally, they arrived, landing on the island and greeted by a Pokemon Center.
Past the Pokemon Center, several miles of the island were covered by a two-hundred-foot-tall mountain. Construction crews stood atop the mountain and on the ground surrounding it, some operating cranes. Steel beams rose and fell over the mountain. Steven Stone was outside the Pokemon Center, standing with four others. Brendan approached the group.
"Steven!" Brendan called. "I didn't think I'd see you here."
"I knew I'd see you, Brendan," Steven replied.
"So what's going on here?"
"Victory Road was destroyed by Groudon and Kyogre," Steven explained. "Trainers must get through the cave, which is essentially a giant maze filled with powerful Pokemon and trainers, in order to challenge the Elite Four."
"Is there much hope for its reconstruction?"
"Well, the site was progressing well for a while. We were optimistic that the cave would be perfectly stable in just a few more weeks. But… well, something's come up, and we aren't quite sure what."
"Any way I could help?" Brendan asked.
"It isn't safe," Steven said.
"My Pokemon are strong. If we can bring down ancient legendary Pokemon, I think we can handle a shaky cave."
"It isn't just a shaky cave," a female voice spoke up. The pretty tan-skinned woman in a tropical-style bikini with Steven had joined the conversation.
"She's right," Steven continued. "Something is going on in there. Some of the repair crew have started to go missing."
"I'm Phoebe, by the way," the woman added.
"Yes," Steven said. "I forgot to introduce you. Brendan, these here are Sidney, Phoebe of course, Glacia, and Drake. They are the Elite Four. And you've met me, but there is something I haven't told you: I am the Hoenn Champion."
"You're the Champion? Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"The proper moment never really arose. I was preoccupied by the matter with Team Aqua and Team Magma."
"I get it. It's nice to meet everyone," Brendan said, feeling humbled. "I was planning to challenge you all, but I take it your hands are tied."
"That's right," Sidney said. "Can't do nothin' 'till the cave's all fixed up."
"Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help?" Brendan checked again.
"We're sure," Steven assured him. "It isn't safe for you to go in there. We've got it under control."
"Alright," Brendan said. "But you have me in your PokeNav. Get ahold of me if I can be of use. I'll just get going."
"Wait, Brendan." Steven stopped him.
"What's up?"
"I still fully recommend that you stay out of the cave," Steven said. "But it wouldn't be fair for me to withhold this information from you, and I don't think I'll be changing your mind after you hear it."
"What's that?" Brendan asked.
"May went into the tunnels five days ago and we lost contact with her. No one has seen her since."
Brendan didn't hesitate.
"What do I need before going in?" he asked, returning Swampert and adjusting his backpack.