Alright chapter 4 here

I own nothing except the stuff I made up


IV-An Unexpected reunion

Gonzap was in what he would probably consider a very dark room. It's only light were of that of the eight screens showing eight shadowed figures.

"Perhaps you'd like to explain how those kids managed to make off with the Snag Machine we entrusted you with? That's a small fortune now in the hands of snot nosed brats!" the figure in the center left snapped.

Gonzap glared. "Don't you think I know that? But with our task in the northern desert and my base blown to smithereens I can't send out a search party right now! And I don't see you lugs sending any Peons out for it!"

"Team Cipher has its own tasks to deal with. While being too busy is a pathetic excuse it is fortunately for you, a valid one." The Figure on the far right replied.

"Let us not concern ourselves too greatly with this. While it is imperative that the Snag Machine be returned as soon as possible, Naps has told his superior that the children's Pokémon barely stood up to the Teddiursa in his possession. Remember it wasn't the strongest Shadow Pokémon created. And as for the children one of them is also said to be a beginning Trainer. I doubt they'll be able to get the rest at a rate worth worrying about if at all." Assured the one middle.

Gonzap crossed his arms and let out a huffed. He looked quizzically at them."So what's the problem if you lot are so smug about your Shadow Pokémon?" he asked.

"First off we can't risk those brats finding a way to purify the Shadow Pokémon. Only our two prototypes have shown to be immune to the methods of purification but still have complications. And if those kids figure any of the ways to free the Shadow Pokémon's heart out it will put our entire operation in jeopardy." The one on the far right explained.

"We can't proceed with the treatment we used on XD's 001 and 002 on the others because of these complications. That should be where Krane comes in, once he agrees of course." The one on the center right replied.

"What makes you think he'll be so willing? Krane loves Pokémon just as much as that idiot Marcus did. Neither one would do anything to harm them" The one on the center left scoffed.

"I have to agree on that point, saying please and thank you only gets you so far. So if were done here I'd like to get back to the Northern Desert. We're scouting for a new base and doing your dirty work." Gonzap stated curtly.

"Hmph you're so rude. we all have our tasks Gonzap. So you need to do yours, to make sure we have no problems. I'd like to keep my power over the town I'm stationed in thank you." the figure on the right stated.

"Same here; The Coliseum in Pyrite has already begun to distribute Shadow Pokémon. We need to keep it that way same with the rest of our operations. "The Figure on the left stated.

"Indeed Gonzap you've failed us once do not do it again!" the Figure in the center stated Gonzap merely scowled and stormed out.

XD XD XD

A feeling of dread wafted throughout the lab the group were standing in one room sadly trying to figure out what to do. Pikachu, Rio, Eevee and Dewa had been healed from their last battle. But the fact that Krane had been taken weighed heavily over them.

"WAAHHHH! They took Professor Krane away!" Jovi cried as Mimi and Pala cried on the table next to her.

"Don't cry Jovi. I'm sure Professor Krane will be okay." Rosa assured trying to comfort the younger girl. Though she didn't sound so sure herself.

"This is my fault, I let them get away." Michael growled at himself.

"And we weren't much help either." Tai mumbled Ash nodding in agreement.

"Don't blame yourselves you all did everything you could." Lily stated.

"I've contacted the local authorities. They should let us know if they discover anything but….I just can't believe this is happening." Aidan muttered.

"That Teddiursa Ash snagged. I bet it wasn't the only Shadow Pokémon made." Michael added.

"I can't believe someone would do that to a Pokémon and worse make an army of them." Ash muttered, his clenched fist shaking.

"Pikachu pika." Pikachu muttered sadly his ears drooping, as he watched Ash.

"Marcus knew someone would make Shadow Pokémon. His prediction was right on the mark." Lily stated.

"If the purification Chamber was finished we could save a bunch of them at one time. But my Dad and Professor Krane were vital to the project! Now that both of them are gone…" Michael replied trailing off.

"It's impossible." Aidan finished.

Lily hung her head she then focused on a nearby picture of the entire HQ lab staff with her family. Consisting of a seven year old Michael, an infant Jovi, her and Marcus and became determined. "Let's finish it we'll complete the project ourselves." She stated.

"But Lily without Marcus or the Professor it's impossible!" Aidan stated.

"You're on the verge of finishing aren't you? This is no time to feel sorry for yourself. We got this far not because of Marcus or Professor Krane but because we worked together as a team. We can't quit now our pride as Scientists are on the line! We'll finish the project as one." She stated. "I'm going to see how the data is progressing." She said heading out to get to work Michael and the others followed as she and one of the other aids were typing on computer.

"How's this?" he aid asked.

"This basic Data should be good. Keep going with it." Lily replied. She then sensed the presence of Michael and the others.

"Good you all came at the right time. I need you Michael to run an important errand for me. The part we ordered for the Purification Chamber is in. Krane was going to get it when he was kidnapped. I need you to go get it for me please." She replied.

"Alright, things are going to get very busy around here. I can tell I'll go to the part shop in Gateon Port. Ash and the others can come with me." Michael replied.

"Where is Gateon port?" Rosa asked.

"South of here." Michael replied as Jovi rushed in.

"Jovi knows the parts shop it's by Emili's house. Can Jovi go Mommy? Jovi wants to help everyone!" she stated as Mimi and Pala nodded vigorously on her shoulders.

"Jovi I appreciate the offer, but this is an extremely important component." Lily replied Jovi suddenly looked like she was going to burst into tears as did her Pokémon.

Michael gave Lily a bit of a pleading look. Partly because he didn't want Jovi or Mimi and Pala to cry. And partly because he didn't mind taking her along if she wanted to come that badly. Despite being six Jovi didn't get into that much trouble. Probably from growing up in a place where you couldn't touch much of the equipment as it was too sensitive. The only things she really bugged him with was the whole super Jovi act and making claim to his bedroom.

"Alright Jovi, you're a member of this staff too. You can go only if you promise to take Michael and his friends with you." Lily replied.

"YAY!" Jovi cheered.

"Great…" Tai muttered, with a slight growl. Ash picking up on this grabbed him suddenly.

"Huh, hey!" Tai yelped as he was pushed along through several doors.

"We'll wait for you guys outside." Ash replied as he dragged Tai away.

"I don't want Jovi to come with us." Tai complained once they were outside.

"Well that's too bad she's coming and that's the end of it." Ash replied, sternly.

"Alright, but I won't like it." Tai sighed.

"At least be nice okay." Ash sighed as Michael and Jovi along with Rosa came out. "So do we walk there or do we need a ride?" Ash asked curiously.

"The Caravan will take us part of the way. Then we can walk the last leg which should only be about a mile or so." Michael replied.

"Sounds good to me." Tai replied. "In fact we need to use this Snag Machine to steal all of the Shadow Pokémon from Cipher. Then find a way to free their Hearts." Tai stated.

"HUH!?" Michael and Rosa gasped then looked at Ash who merely sweat dropped.

"He's not kidding." Ash sighed.

"Pika, Pika." Pikachu added with a sweat drop of his own.

"You can't be serious!" Rosa squealed.

"My minds made up. I may not like the method in fact I hate it...but I want to help these Shadow Pokemon. I want to stop them from suffering. If that means using the Snag Machine then I can't complain." Ash replied firmly.

"I think it's a great idea," Aidan said as he suddenly appeared behind Ash making him yelp. "I was actually going to ask Ash if he could do that. I'll make approaches to the local Authorities as for Pokeballs, here." He replied handing Ash a box filled with about thirty.

"Wow that's a lot." Ash muttered, mentally trying to count them all.

"I'll talk to other people about letting pokeballs be sold in shops across the region." Aidan added. "But that should tide you over in the meantime."

"Thanks Aidan." Ash replied.

"So where are you guys of too?" Aidan asked.

"To Gateon port on a special mission. Big Brother and his friends are all Jovi's assistants." She chirped making Ash and the others hang their heads.

"Pala!" Pala stated.

"Minun!" Mimi agreed. Her two Pokémon agreeing with her made the embarrassment even worse somehow. It was contagious Tai, Ash and Rosa only knew Jovi and Michael for a day but they felt the same way as Michael did already.

"And our dignities go through the Jet powered vacuum cleaner once again." Tai muttered under his breath but Ash heard him.

"I said be nice and it's the Super powered Jet Vacuum cleaner." Ash hissed at him.

"Whatever, our prides are still a fine dust!" Tai hissed back in response.

"Uh well Jovi you're sure lucky to have such dependable assistants." Aidan replied with a small grin.

"That's true." Tai replied immediately switching gears to bask in the compliment. Getting an annoyed look from Ash and Rosa.

"Don't worry we'll be back before you know it!" Michael replied as he hailed the Caravan and the group headed off to Gateon port.

XD XD XD

In said port a Ferry from Kanto had just departed. Leaving three figures to stare down their gate way into the Orre region alone. All of them in sunglasses large hats and trench coats.

"So our mission is to take out the Organizations in Orre. With them gone Team Rocket can make plans to take it for themselves." Said the figure on the right having purplish-blue hair long but cut short to hang just above his chin.

"It won't be easy." Said the female figure with long magenta hair tied back. "You've heard the rumors haven't you?"

Her partner nodded. "Indeed I have the Shadow Pokémon that will even attack people."

The third and smallest figure looked up. He looks suspiciously like a disguised Meowth. "A Pokémon like dat only tinks about fightin' you can't get its mind on anytin else!"

"This is why the boss made it clear don't take them head on. Not that I would want to fight them. But everything we do needs to be executed flawlessly." The female replied.

"Right!" the two males agreed popping out of nowhere was a big blue Pokémon dressed the same way as them holding it's flipper like hand against it's head though it was covered in a trench coat.

"Wobbuffet!"

XD XD XD

"Thanks for the ride!" Michael called as the group walked down the road. It was about a half an hour before Pikachu sniffed the air.

"You smell something Pikachu?" Ash asked.

"Pika!" he replied jumping off Ash's shoulder and running towards the path. He stopped right at the edge of the town which was a small stair case.

"Wow look, look big brother it's the sea. The sea it's so big!" Jovi stated excitedly.

"PALA PALA!" Pala stated.

"Miuu." Mimi added.

"Yeah it sure is." Michael thought.

"Vuii." Eevee agreed.

"Looks like it goes on forever huh Rio?" Tai asked. "It's so amazing!"

"Raaiou," Rio agreed.

"Hey Jovi is that the parts shop?" Rosa asked pointing to a large building that was mostly white and Silver with a large scooter on top. Similar in model to Michael's but was obviously just a model.

"Yes it is! Emili's house is near it Jovi knows this because she's been to Emili's house before." Jovi replied pointing to a house across the street from it. Before racing down the stairs with Tai following.

"This way, this way!" she stated calling back not watching where she was going.

"Jovi look-" Tai tried to warn but it was too late. Jovi crashed right into a man with large pale blonde Mohawk with black shorts with red zig zag patterns on them. With a red shirt with a white rimmed zigzag on it. "Out," Tai muttered as he Mimi, Pala and Rio rushed over to her side. "Are you okay?" he asked helping her up.

"Ouchies Jovi fell down." She replied as she got up and dusted herself up.

"I saw, you've gotta be more careful." Tai told her in a worried tone.

"Sorry about that." Tai replied.

"Sorry, Sorry, Jovi wasn't looking where she was going." She added as they both bowed and went to leave.

"Where do you munchkins think you're going?" the man growled. "Look at what you two did you messed up the happening look of Zook!" he yelled making Jovi, Mimi, Pala and Rio run and hide behind Tai.

"Calm down Duke. It was an accident your 'look' is fine!" Tai snapped, trying to be tough but he showed a little fear as well. Which became more apparent when Zook snarled at him getting his name wrong.

"MY NAME IS ZOOK," he bellowed. "Now you're gonna pay even more!"

"Leave them alone!" Michael called as he, Ash, Rosa appeared on the scene.

"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu shouted as he and Eevee got in front of them cheeks sparking while Eevee growled at him. Ash and Michael got between them as well.

"You two with these munchkins?"

"So what if we are?!" Ash growled.

"By the looks of that Eevee and Pikachu you're both Pokémon Trainers. A lot more fun than a couple of munchkins and their baby Pokémon. I'll squash you flat with my Shadow Pokémon Go ZANGOOSE!" he shouted in a flash of light the Pokémon appeared.

"Uh oh!" Tai muttered seeing the aura surge around it.

"Zangoose Attack!" he shouted Zangoose wasted no time rushing at the group, claws out and teeth barred.

"Ralts use Psychic!" Called a voice that Ash's head turn sharply and quickly he knew that voice! Zangoose mid jump had been caught and was struggling in the air trying to get to Pikachu."Now throw Zangoose away!" the voice called again Zangoose was sent flying into the air but landed on its feet growling ferally.

"Ralts!" called a small white pokemon similar to a small child with a green bowl hair cut that almost completely covered it's eyes. But on it's head was a pink horn of sorts.

"Where did that Ralts come from?!" Tai called as he saw it from behind.

"Could it be…?" Ash muttered as Rosa pulled out her pokedex.

"Ralts the Feeling Pokémon: It uses the horns on its head to sense human emotions. If it catches warm feelings its body warms up slightly. It is said to appear before cheerful people and hides when there is hostility. A Ralts with a positive trainer is said to grow cheerful itself."

"ASH!" called the voice as the Ralts owner came into view. Coming up to them was a boy around Tai's age. He had black hair slicked to one side. He had brown eyes and glasses a green shirt with white sides and neck area where the collar was. And white brown pants and black wrist bands.

"Max!?" Ash stated with a small laugh. "Is that really you!?" He asked rushing over as the two ran up to each other.

"Long time no see." Max happily replied. "Bet you weren't expecting to see me here." He added smugly.

"Yeah small world, buddy!" Ash replied.

"Pikapika chu!" Pikachu agreed as he jumped onto Max's shoulder and nuzzled him.

"How ya doing Pikachu?" Max asked happily, as he scratched under his chin.

"Chaaaa!" he replied liking the attention.

"Ahh guys, I'd love to sit here and chat and catch up but." Tai stated jabbing his thumb behind him.

"YOU DID NOT, JUST FORGET ABOUT ZOOK." Zook screeched as a hate flame burned from his being. His eyes were wide and covered in veins. His mouth was wide open slobber threatening to spill out.

"Uh yeah, I guess we did sorry." Ash replied innocently setting Zook over the edge.

"THAT'S IT! Zangoose forget the Pokémon get their trainers!" Zook commanded.

"ZAN!" Zangoose stated running at them. Ferally passing the Pokemon who rushed after them. Zangoose with the intent to kill rushed at them teeth and claws bared. Until it was caught in another psychic attack and slammed into the ground.

"Enough!" Called a voice everyone turned to see an old man in a purple robe with a cane he was bald with glasses glared over obscuring his eyes. Standing next to him were two men in black outfits the one with long blue hair and had blue in his outfit with an Alakazam standing next to him. While the other had short red hair and red in his outfit both had black sunglasses obscuring their eyes.

"Attacking a Pokémon's trainer disgraceful. You have no sense of honor, Pokémon are not to be used in such a manner." The old man stated.

"Hmph, who do you think you are preaching too old man unless. You want me to pound on you too, go Zangoose!"

"ZAAAANNN!" it shrieked rushing at the old man.

"Look out!" Ash cried,

"Run!" Tai screamed.

"Should I?" the man in blue asked.

"Yes." His employer replied.

"Alakazam use Pyscho cut!" he commanded.

"ALA!" Alakazam touched its two spoons together as they charged with energy. "KAAAAZAM!" It shout releasing the energy with a mighty downward swing of its arms an X made of Psychic energy surged at Zangoose sending it into the water.

"Zangoose!" Zook shouted as they all gathered around to see it floating in the water out cold. "Grrr Return! I'll pound you all into the dirt one day! I'll remember this!" he shouted running off.

"Should I give chase Master Verich?" the red one asked.

"No, that won't be necessary let him be. Now let us be on our way." Verich stated.

"Uh…..thank you." Jovi called out.

"Yeah, thanks a lot Mr. Verich." Tai agreed.

"That hardly deserved gratitude my boy. We did what was needed to be done nothing more." Verich replied as he and his assistants walk off.

"Jovi, Jovi is that you?!" called out a voice there was a women with strawberry red hair, coming over in a pink suit with a little girl with the same colored hair in a pig tail off to the side. She was wearing a white and yellow shirt and a green shirt.

"Jovi!" she cried.

"Emili!" Jovi replied as the two girls ran up to each other. Doing a small dance holding hands.

"It was you, and Michael being harassed by that thug?" the mother asked.

"We're on an important mission. A bad man tried to stop us but Ash's friend Max and that nice old man Mr. Verich helped us." Jovi replied. "Big Brother and his friends are Jovi's assistants today."

"Pala pa!" Pala stated.

"Minun Mi!" Mimi added.

"Does that include me?" Max whispered to Ash.

"Yup sorry." He replied apolgetically with a sweat drop.

"Sigh." Max's head fell with his own sweat drop.

"Right through the Jet powered vacuum cleaner." Tai muttered.

"Super powered Jet vacuum cleaner" Ash corrected.

"Whatever." Tai growled.

"I see you kids met Mr. Verich." Arci the mother replied.

"Yeah you know him?" Rosa asked.

"Not personally, but they say his very rich." Arci replied as they watched his boat take off into the distance. "Sounds mysterious. I want to become an author. So I try to make a story around something mysterious or interesting like that." She replied. "Anyway we need to get going, come along Emili."

"Bye Jovi." Emili called.

"Bye, bye." Jovi stated.

"So Max huh?" Tai asked turning to him.

"How do you two know each other?" Michael asked.

"Well ya see Max traveled with me around the Hoenn region and Kanto Battle Frontier." Ash replied putting his arm around Max's shoulder which he did the same.

"Yeah, I wanted to be ready for the day. I became a trainer so I went with Ash and my sister May on their Hoenn journeys." Max replied.

Ash walked into the gym finding it vacant. "Hello is anyone here hello I'd like a gym battle." He called.

"Would you keep it down?" snapped a voice. Ash turned to see a small boy around eight years old with glasses and a green shirt and brown shorts holding a book and coming over. "I'm watching a video of the Silver Conference."

"Oh sorry." Ash replied sheepishly however the boy got a better look at him.

"Gasp you're him!" he stated.

"Yeah I am, but how do you know that?" Ash replied.

"You were in the Johto League Silver Conference! You lost in the second round!" he replied.

"Uhhg." Ash stated head falling as did Pikachu's.

"Your name, don't tell me, your name….is Alf!" the boy stated.

"It's Ash. "He corrected falling to his knees.

"Pikachu," he muttered flatly.

"Oh, and this is your Pikachu. hi there Pikachu, I'm Max." he stated hugging Pikachu tightly.

"I watched you live on TV. Then I've been watching all the video's I made. You lost in the second round, then you got knocked out by Harrison and his Blaziken. And that was it for you." Max stated.

"Do you have to keep talking about, the ones I lost?" Ash growled, his fist shaking. "I made it to the second match of the Victory Tournament you know."

"I know your Charizard's battle against Blaziken was so awesome. Both kept taking one hit after another. But I guess Charizard couldn't take it. If you had to do it over again don't you think you would've used Charizard's attacks more effectively? You've still got a long way to go if it were me I would've won!" Max stated.

"Hold on there's a difference between watching it and actually battling! It was the second round of the Victory Tournament that takes an awesome trainer!" Ash stated.

"Yeah but you still lost didn't you?" Max asked making Ash's temper go higher. "You've got some nerve coming here after you lost the second round." Max snorted.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore get me the Gym leader that's who I came to see!" Ash snapped angrily.

"That's me." Max replied.

"What." Ash replied numbly, dumbfounded.

"I'm the Petalburg Gym Leader." Max stated proudly.

"Yeah sure" Tai snorted sarcastically.

"Max tried to trick me into thinking that he was the Gym leader." Ash replied.

"But that didn't get me too far, with the fact that I didn't have any Pokémon of my own." Max sheepishly added,

"Hold on Max, aren't you supposed to show your Pokémon first?" Ash stated.

"I out rank you as Gym leader, so the honor is yours" Max retorted.

"No deal Max!" Ash growled as the two were growling at each other heads pressed against each other. Suddenly a girl with blue eyes and brown hair and a red bandana looked into the window.

"Hey Max what's going on?" she asked. They immediately turned to her. Her voice catching their attention.

"Oh hey sis." Max replied.

"Your sister?!" Ash asked in shock.

"Well hello." Asked May's mom as she and her husband popped their heads into the window.

"And who do we have here?" her dad asked.

"Uh, what's going on?" Ash asked as Max grinned nervously.

"My Dad Norman is the Leader of the Petalburg Gym." Max stated proudly at this point as they had stopped for lunch.

"You're Dad's a gym leader that's so cool!" Tai stated.

"Is your sister May a trainer too?" Jovi asked.

"No she's a coordinator." Max replied.

"Just like me." Rosa squeaked excitedly.

"What Pokémon did she start out with?" Michael asked.

"Torchic." Ash replied.

"Those eventually evolve into Blaziken right sweet choice." Tai stated.

"Yeah, not that I was impressed at the time." Max replied, with a sweat-drop.

"Come on out Torchic!" May called as the small orange and yellow chick appeared.

"Torchic." it called cutely looking up at everyone but turned to Max when he yelped in disappointment.

"WHAT!? Why'd you pick THAT?! If it were me I definitely would've picked a Treecko!" Max stated sadly inciting Torchic's rage.

"TORRRRR!" Torchic yelled as it, unleashed a pecking fury on him

"OW, OW, OW, ow, ow, ow GET OFF OF ME!" Max screamed.

"Torchic cut that out right now!" May, called as the Pokémon grudgingly obeyed.

"I think Torchic's a fine choice to start out with." Norman complemented.

"And May it's cute as a button." Her mother added.

"Ah yeah." May agreed hands on her hips.

"Man I just wish I could have my own Pokémon. I'd just love to have a Treecko." He stated only to be pecked again "OW, OW, OW, ow, ow, ow! GET OFF OF ME!"

"Some Pokémon don't like it when you compare them to others." Michael pointed out with Max nodding in agreement.

"I learned that the hard way." He replied.

"Hey Max, that Ralts you have is it the same one?" Ash asked.

"Sure is." Max replied.

"What do you mean the same one?" Tai asked as Rio began to eat a donut that had been on his plate.

"While we traveling to Sootopolis City we found Ralts sick. Team Rocket went after it too." Ash replied.

"Team Rocket?" Michael asked.

"They're a bunch of thieves who steal Pokémon." Max explained.

"Yeah and for some reason they're always trying to steal Ash's Pikachu." Max stated.

"And they were trying to steal Ralts even though it was sick?" Rosa asked very concerned.

"That's not surprising," Tai remarked as Rio licked his paws of icing and cream.

"Team Rocket was getting in the way. So Max and my Glaie back when it was a Snorunt had gone ahead to get to the Pokémon center while me May and Brock held off Team Rocket. He just managed to get it there in time." Ash explained.

"That's good Jovi's glad Ralts was okay." she sighed in relief.

"The two really made a connection during that time once Ralts had been better and Team Rocket dealt with again." Ash added.

"Go Ralts blast them with Psychic!" Max commanded.

"RAAL!" a flash of blue light hit Team Rocket making them fly off.

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!" Meowth and Jessie shouted disappearing. James following via the real Kirlia and Gardevior a few seconds later.

"It was time to say goodbye." Max said.

"Don't worry. When I become a trainer I promise I'll come back and get you." Max told it Ralts nodded and joined Kirlia and Gardevior disappearing. As Rose petals hit the area.

"Promise me Max, Promise you'll come back and get me." Ralts called.

"And you won't believe this." Max replied thinking on the memory. "The night before I began my Pokémon Journey. I was actually on the island where Ralts was with my dad!" he stated excitedly.

"Wow that's so cool how lucky was that!" Tai stated reaching for the Donut on his plate. "Huh where'd my Donut go?" He asked then heard a small burp from below him. "Rio! That wasn't yours to take!" Tai scolded, Rio looked up at him trying to be cute but was very sheepish.

Meanwhile the 'twerps' were being watched by Team Rocket.

"The Twerp's in Orre too." Jessie seethed. "That might make things difficult."

"True so what do we do about AAHHH!" Meowth screamed.

"What?" Jessie and James asked together.

"Look to da left!" Meowth stated they did so and screamed in Unison.

"Aura 001 is alive!" Jessie stated.

"And I don't think he's mindless!" James added.

"Now what this is big. But there's no way that twerp will come to Team Rocket." Jessie replied.

"Right not after Dr. Zager tried to nuke his brain." James added.

"Maybe we don' have ta nuke 'is brain!" Meowth stated.

"What do you mean "maybe we don't have to nuke his brain?"" Jessie asked.

"Care to elaborate?" James asked just as curious as she was.

"If we could get dat kid to become a member of Team Rocket. Da boss won't have ta turn 'is brain ta mush because he'll be working for 'im." Meowth explained.

"Definitely a long term solution but what if Aura 001 puts us out of job?" Jessie asked.

"I don't like the sound of that, especially since all we've been really good at nothing but blasting off." James stated. "All that stuff about kicking Teams Magma, Aqua and Galactic out of Hoenn and Sinnoh that's the twerp! If he realizes the truth we're toast!"

"I doubt it we get the boss Aura 001 back we'll have our jobs forever. deres no way he'd kick us out when we do the greatest ting in Team Rocket History! Even if he did learn we mooched off the twerp." Meowth assured.

"Which is getting back a super powerful experiment!" Jessie stated with Stars in her eyes.

"We still have to convince him." James said still being a little skeptical. "But who says he has to be around the twerp for us to do that!" he added vigorously as it all melted away.

"So time to put operation jump years ahead in aura research in motion." Jessie stated.

"YEAH!" the boys agreed, fist pumping.

"Wobba, Wobba!" Wobbuffet stated.

XD XD XD

The group continued the trek after lunch to get the parts machine. They finall arrived Michael in the lead pressed a button to open the door. "I hope mom doesn't get too mad at me for stopping for lunch, hello Perr." He called. The rest of the kids looked around, it was a large open space with a few shelves and counters. There was a large safe behind the check out. And standing there was a Man in a sailor suit.

"He's not in. He's out fixing the rotation bridges while his Grandpa went off to Kaminko's. Something about some new tech-nic-ca-bob." The sailor replied.

"Okay the rotation bridges got it." Michael stated as he went outside going towards the docks. Tai could easily hear the water lapping against the shore rhythmically. He yelped bring being startled by a mechanical sound of something moving. It was heard coming off a nearby bridge. The Mechanic was a boy a couple years older than Michael. Wearing a yellow shirt with purple overalls and a red sock hat.

"That should do it." he muttered stretching and wiping his forehead of sweat. He then gathered his tools together, before noticing Eevee and Michael and the rest coming towards him. "Well, well, if it isn't Michael and Eevee how are you guys?" he asked.

"Doing great." Michael replied happily before getting serious. "Hey did your Grandpa really go to Kaminko's Manor?" Michael asked.

"Yeah why?" Perr asked.

"I came to pick up the Machine Part for the Lab." Michael replied.

"Vuii Vee." Eevee agreed, nodding.

"Aw man Gramps!" he groaned face palming "I'll get it for you sorry about this you guys." Perr assured.

"Don't worry about it." Max replied as they headed back to the parts shop. Perr punched in a few numbers as the safe which then opened then revealing a small box. He gave it to Michael for safe keeping as the door shut.

"Okay everything in order that's some high tech stuff so be careful." Perr told them before turning to the sailor. "Thanks for watching the store."

"No problem. Although I have absolutely no idea how work a Cash register." He stated rubbing the back of his head before seeing Michael's Eevee. "I see your raising an Eevee."

"That's right." Michael replied.

"In all my travels I've always found Eevee to be the most interesting." He replied scratching Eevee under the chin which she enjoyed. "I have a few things for you if you want them." He started rummaging through his bag but continued talking. "As I'm sure you heard Eevee evolves into seven different Pokémon rumored to be eight." He replied getting out a small rolled up object and unrolling it to show several items.

"What are those things?" Tai asked.

"A Fire stone, a Thunder stone and a Water stone. Those help Eevee evolve into Vaporeon, Flareon and Jolteon but I don't recognize the other four." Max stated

"They look like shards." Rosa mused.

"They are these are alternate methods of evolving Eevee to it's last four evolutions, they're extremely rare. He pulled up a small silver glittering one in the shape of a star. You have the sun shard which you need to give to Eevee at noon in order for it to evolve into Espeon." The next one he pulled out was a small moon stone colored rock with gold stripes in the shape of a crescent moon. The Moon shard evolves Eevee into Umbreon at the night of a full moon."

"Okay what are the other two?" Ash asked.

"They're the moss and Glacier shards give the Moss Shard and Eevee will evolve into Leafeon." The man replied. The moss shard was basically a small rock covered in thick green moss. The fourth and final shard was a small rock in cased in glittering light blue ice that was freezing to the touch.

"And the Glacier Shard evolves it into Glaceon?" Max asked.

"That's right." The man replied.

"Hmmm, to be honest I've never really thought about evolving Eevee. It's such a big decision." Michael replied.

"You never thought about it big brother?" Jovi asked.

"No I haven't." he replied.

"Do you not want too?" Perr asked.

"It's not that I don't want Eevee to evolve. I'd be just fine with that, all of them are very cool Pokémon. But I just don't know which one I want. But there's also the matter of which one she wants to be. I guess is what I'm trying to say..." Michael replied.

"Take everything with you and give the matter some thought. Then you can decide for yourself, no pressure. Just be sure Eevee doesn't touch any of them until then." He replied rolling the items back up and handing him the case.

"You got it." Michael replied, taking the case. "Thank you sir."

"I must be going my ship awaits. I've been all over the world but there's still so much to see." He replied.

"I hear ya. I love going to new places and meeting new people and Pokémon." Ash replied.

"Pika pika!" Pikachu agreed, happily.

"Good luck." Tai stated.

"Rai ou!" Rio called as the man waved and left.

"Well we'd better get going." Michael stated as they headed out. Only to be confronted by a man in red pants. He was wearing a grey jacket with blue pin stripes on the side. He had a mop of well kept grey hair. His eyes were closed and he was smiling a knowing look. It wasn't sinister there was kindness but you could tell the man knew more then you'd expect him too.

"Hello my name is Cyle." He replied simply.

"Uh." They muttered.

"There is nothing to say." The man replied before focusing on Ash and Tai. "You two how about you two and I have a battle, against my two newest Pokémon. I just got them today." He replied.

The boys looked at each other before smiling. "Sure," Ash stated.

"I'm game my first double battle." Tai stated.

Cyle grinned, "excellent the spirit of youth." He stated.

The two boys stared down the older man he wasn't a senior citizen like Verich but he was definitely past his thirties.

"You ready Pikachu?" Ash asked.

"Pika!" Pikachu stated running into the battle field cheeks sparking.

"Rio you get in there too!" Tai stated.

"Rai ouri!" Rio stated pumped for battle and getting to Pikachu's side.

"Alright Poochyena Ledyba let's go!" he commanded sending the pokeballs into the air revealing the two Pokémon.

"Ledyba." Tai muttered, getting out his Pokedex.

"Ledyba The Five Star Pokémon: Ledyba is a timid Pokémon that prefer not to move without it's swarm. During the winter the whole swarm huddles together to keep warm. Ledyba secretes a scent and can convey it's feelings by altering the smell."

"That Ledyba doesn't look timid." Tai muttered then gasped, "A Shadow Pokémon." He stated in his thoughts then saw Poochyena, it two had the sickly black aura that surrounded Teddiursa and Zangoose. "Two Shadow Pokémon!" he stated.

Rosa had pulled out her Pokedex to see information about Poochyena.

"Poochyena the Bite Pokémon: Poochyena is a very persistent Pokémon. Biting anything that moves and chasing after its prey until it is exhausted. However it may turn tail if the pray strikes back. To intimidate foes Poochyena will make the hair on its tail bristle out."

"Okay Rio use Shadow claw on Poochyena!" Tai stated Rio rushed forward and slashed at Poochyena with the ghostly wolverine claws slashing away at Poochyena who growled and shook it off.

"Use tackle!" Cyle commanded Poochyena had struck sending Rio back and hitting the ground he got back up with some difficulty.

"Why didn't that work?" Tai asked.

"Tai, Dark type Pokémon are strong against ghost type moves like Shadow claw!" Max called.

"Use Sky uppercut. Fighting types have the advantage over Dark types." Ash quickly told him. He sweat-dropped when Tai made an oh sound.

"I already told you that." Ash stated, Tai just blinked.

"I didn't forget I just didn't remember right away." Tai defended.

That only made Ash hang his head. "Where have I heard that before?"

"Ledyba use Shadow Blitz on Pikachu!" Cyle stated.

"Be BEEE!" Ledyba crashed right into Pikachu.

"Pika!" Pikachu shouted hitting the ground.

"Pikachu you okay?" Ash called.

"Pika!" Pikachu stated getting up.

"They're shadow Pokemon?" Ash hissed to Tai who nodded.

"Shadow Blitz what kind of an attack is that?" Max asked.

"Uh oh those must be Shadow Pokémon!" Rosa stated.

"We'll explain later Max. Anyway it's nice to know that were doing better against these two then we did against Teddiursa. But it seems Cyle doesn't know what they really are. He seems to think they're normal Pokémon." Michael replied.

"Tai I can't baby sit you and battle at the same you need to get your head in the game!" Ash scolded.

"I know that. No need to be snappy!" Tai snapped. "Rio Sky Uppercut on Poochyena!"Rio ran forward it's right paw skidding across the ground to increase the power of it's attack which hit it's mark. Making Poochyena hit the ground with a vengeful growl it got back up.

"That should've done more damage." Ash muttered.

"Remember what Naps said Shadow Pokemon resist regular Pokemon doesn't matter the types!" Tai stated.

"Cyle isn't from Cipher though. How'd he get them." Ash asked.

"We'll have to figure that out later cause neither was Zook. But right now we need to battle these guys and catch them." Tai hissed to him.

"You're right." Ash hissed back to him. "Pikachu use Thunder Bolt on Ledyba." Ash commanded.

"PIKAAAA CHUUU!" the powerful electric attack hit it's mark Ledyba stood strong but it was not paralyzed.

"Alright!" Tai stated, he then got back in the battle. Poochyena was hit by a quick attack from Rio before it's eyes turned a blood red as did it's aura. It let out a massive roar before charging and slamming down on Pikachu and Rio while Ledyba attacked alongside it.

"Pikachu!" Ash cried.

"Rio!" Tai called he saw that Ledyba was gunning for another attack towards the emanation Pokémon. "Dodge it!" he called Rio jumped out of the way but landed on Pikachu's tail.

"PIKAAAA!" Pikachu yelled in pain as it began to suck on its tail "Pikaaaa." He whined as Rio barked apologies over and over.

"Oops." Tai muttered as Ash faced palmed.

"Yeah oops. You need to be careful of your allies in a double battle!" He lectured. Ash grinned when he saw that Ledyba was tired and unable to move completely.

"Now's my chance….Snag Ball go!" he shouted catching Ledyba. Fortunately for him Cyle was distracted trying to calm Poochyena down who had gotten out of control.

"Poochyena!" Cyle called Poochyena blinked and growled becoming focused and calm (Somewhat) again.

"Whoa Ash when he called Poochyena's name the aura went back to normal." Tai stated.

"Yeah and it calmed down too." Ash replied as he quickly hid Ledyba's pokeball the capture successful.

"Rio use quick attack once more!" Tai commanded. Rio tried but was stopped in its tracks by a Shadow Blitz from Poochyena however Rio skidded on its feet avoiding more damage. Then focusing it put both of paws to the side and growled a blue swirling orb of energy was glowing in it's hands.

"Whoa!" Tai stated.

"Is that?!" Ash asked in shock.

"Aura Sphere, but Riolu can't learn that till it evolves into Lucario!" Max stated.

"Well it looks like there's an exception this time!" Rosa replied in shock as the attack launched. It hit the mark causing a smoke screen around it which Ash used to catch Poochyena the Snag ball. Once again had a black top with a red middle as it shook violently however it stopped quickly to signify capture.

"Amazing you two make a great team. A little shaky but you two know how to work together. And I certainly like the machine on your arm." Cyle stated.

"Ma-Machine?!" Ash asked suddenly horrified.

"Yes, the way it pulsated and lit up one would really think you captured my Pokémon." Cyle stated.

Ash suddenly turned very pale and Tai thought it would be best to recall Rio to it's pokeball and Pikachu thought it wise to jump on Ash's shoulder as they both noticed Max and Tai's wrist get grabbed in a vice grip.

"Where are they?" Cyle asked.

"RUN!" Ash screeched taking off like a bullet with Michael, Jovi and Rosa just barely keeping up while Pikachu held on for dear life. Max and Tai got dragged like a rag dolls needless to say they had to explain the whole situation to Max as Michael promised.

"So, there's really no other way to save these Shadow Pokémon?" he asked.

"Yeah but this strange. Nothing explains how Cyle and Zook got their Shadow Pokémon." Michael stated.

"What if Team Cipher wants everyone to use Shadow Pokémon and is giving them out to people." Rosa stated.

"Maybe it's a little out there though. Would they really just give away something that difficult to control?" Michael asked.

"You'd be surprised what people would be willing to risk for power." Max replied thinking about Team Magma and the events with Jirachi.

"Wow that's scary." Jovi muttered.

Ash was just sitting there head down saying nothing.

"Ash are you okay?" Tai asked.

"Not really I feel guilty that's all. How are we supposed to explain to some guy "Why yes we did steal your Pokemon."" Ash sighed.

"He might not want an explanation." Rosa pointed out. She then got very nervous, "we could be locked up forever!" she squeaked.

"That's why Aidan's going to the authorities to explain the situation. Though I doubt they're going to be any happier about it than we are." Michael replied.

"Ash I'm sorry." Tai muttered he wasn't sure what to say. He had pushed Ash to snag Teddiursa he was also the one to convince him afterward to snag the rest of the Shadow Pokemon despite what that mean. That lead to a loud argument before they had left. Ash however had relented but Tai wondered if he was being insensitive.

"It's okay, hey Rio learned Aura Sphere right let's see it action." Ash stated brightening up.

Tai grinned, "alright!" Tai stated quickly setting up a small target. "Okay Rio use Aura Sphere on the Target." He commanded Rio pumped nodded and jumped up.

"Rai! RRRRRRRR RAI!" the blue orb launched but about half way to the target it suddenly decided to go up and float in the air slowly coming down.

"Okay I've seen Aura sphere. I've read about Aura Sphere. That's not what's supposed to happen." Max stated as they all stared at the attack incredulously.

"Rio needs practice." Jovi muttered.

"Yeah I can see that." Tai muttered in an annoyed tone.

"It's coming back down." Rosa muttered indeed it was. Ash stared at it and went wide eyed when he realized the attack was headed straight for him.

"AHH!" Ash took off running but to everyone's shock and surprise the aura sphere followed. Ash yelped as he took off running, through the streets trying desperately to stay ahead of it and not mow down people at the same time. "Excuse me, pardon me, one side, coming through sorry!" he yelled as he rushed through the crowd everyone stared incredulously as Tai and the others followed.

Ash looked behind him to see it still coming. "Why won't you leave me alone!?" he cried out as the attack continued getting faster. Now a little girl and her mother watched as Ash was now cornered in front of a large building in the shape of a Krabby. He was basically screaming and jumping and bouncing around in the one spot trying to avoid the attack.

"Look at that boy mommy." The little girl pointed.

"Yes look at him dance you're so observant come on we've gotta go!" she stated shooing her daughter away quickly pegging Ash as crazy. For some reason she didn't see the Aura Sphere but Ash did right as it finally hit him.

"Ash!" everyone called as he moaned on the ground.

"Pikapi!" Pikachu shouted getting to his trainer's side

"Are you okay?" Michael called.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Tai stated frantically.

"Ow." Ash muttered as Rosa and Max helped him up.

"Pokémon trainers?" a voice asked they all turned to see a tall man with pale skin and wild silver hair that seemed to move on his own. His eyes were a dark crimson color. He had a purple body suit with black gloves and boots that seemed to fade in with the outfit. He also had a purple grass skirt.

"Yeah were Pokémon trainers what of it?" Tai asked the man looked at him and the look somehow made Tai lose all the courage he had as he backed towards Ash, hiding behind him completely.

"You two seem pretty strong." He replied to Ash and Michael. "My Name is Nascour."

"Nascour?" Ash parroted quietly.

"Pika." Pikachu muttered Rio was hiding behind Ash and Tai not wanting to look at Nascour. Tai merely leaned down and picked him up as his partner not taking his eyes off Nascour afraid if he looked away that'd be it for him. Rio on the other hand didn't want to look at Nascour and buried his face in Tai's chest.

"I'll see you all again somewhere." He replied walking off.

"Wow, that guy was scary." Tai muttered Rio let out a sound in agreement.

"Yeah there's something about him that isn't friendly." Michael agreed.

"Jovi didn't like him either." She replied then thought of something. "Hey big brother, did that Cyle guy make Poochyena back to normal when it went all scary like Teddiursa?" she asked.

"Yeah, Cyle called its name." Tai agreed.

"Hmm let's try something." Michael muttered pulling out Teddiursa's pokeball.

"Whoa, Michael be careful!" Ash stated.

"Don't worry, come out Teddiursa!" Michael called as soon as Teddiursa materialized it growled. "Teddiursa!" Michael called firmly making the Pokémon snap out of its rage.

"It worked! Teddiursa's aura is back to normal!" Tai stated.

"Aura what aura?" Max asked.

"Oh Shadow Pokémon have this aura, around them. How come you guys haven't noticed?" Tai asked.

"Wait you can see it because I can't." Ash replied.

"Yeah I can see it. You guys can't?" Tai asked they all shook their heads suddenly a large metal claw sprung out of nowhere and clamped around Tai pinning his arms to his side then retraced as quickly as it came.

"Tai!" Ash cried.

"Kachupi!" Pikachu yelled,

"Rahhh!" Rio called. Tai screamed as he was raised up towards a familiar balloon. A large Meowth balloon outfitted with a couple of engines and in the basket was a familiar trio.

"Ash help!" Tai cried as they laughed.

"You three!" Ash shouted.

"Pika!" Pikachu growled.

"It's them again!" Max stated.

"Who are you!?" Michael demanded.

"You've asked the question few dare to ask." Jessie began,

"So now we'll tell you as is the task." James recited each was holding a rose Jessie's was red while James's was blue.

"A force that strikes fear in the Hearts of the valiant." Jessie stated doing a downward slash throwing her rose down.

"Snuffing out the light to bring forth the shadows." James added triumphantly holding his rose in his mouth.

"You'll fear us for eternity!" Meowth stated with an evil grin paws on his hips.

In her own mind behind Jessie was a sky a blaze with fire. "Blazing destruction across the sky Jessie!"

James imagined his back ground to be an earthquake with lighting striking everywhere as he held his rose whereas Jessie abandoned hers. "Thunderous strength that quakes the earth I am James!"

Meowth had an enormous whirlpool behind him in his mind. "Wisdom deeper than the sea Meowth!"

"Remember this name Team Rocket!" they all stated together a giant R blazing against a dark background.

"Wobba, Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet stated.

"Team Rocket?!" Michael asked.

"That's Team Rocket?" Rosa asked.

"Let Tai go right now!" Ash demanded.

Team Rocket merely leered at him. "Sorry no can do." Jessie stated.

"He's a Team Rocket experiment. So he's going back where he belongs." Meowth sneered.

"Look at it this way, you keep Pikachu that's sounds fair." James joked as the balloon took off.

"It's been sublime see you next time!" they all called as Ash and Co. gave chase. However Teddiursa didn't move.

"Teddiursa come on their getting away." Michael stated.

"Ursa." Teddiursa merely looked away.

"But Tai's our friend he needs our help!" Michael pleaded.

"Vuii!" Eevee agreed only for Teddiursa to completely ignore him.

"Come on Teddiursa!" Michael stated but Teddiursa merely sat down.

"Fine return." He stated calling Teddiursa back into its pokeball and running after them.

"I have to admit this is going well. We're gaining speed and soon we'll be too far away for the twerps to catch us." Jessie stated.

"You idiots won't get away with this!" Tai shouted at them. from below the balloon. They had pulled him in tied him up and then let him hang from the bottom of the balloon.

"What did you call us!?" Jessie snapped.

"How 'bout considerin' da fact that we've got ya tied up, ya brat!" Meowth shouted.

"You're a captive act like one!" James added,

"Team Rocket let Tai go Now!" Ash yelled as they chased him down.

"Pika Pika!" Pikachu shouted as they followed,

"You're not getting away, Chatot come on out!" Max shouted throwing a Pokeball.

"Chatot come out!" the bird pokemon called.

"Starraptor I choose you!" Ash called throwing his own pokeball releasing him.

"Staaarrr-Raptor!" she called as she joined Chatot.

"Sharda come on out!" Rosa called throwing her own Pokeball. Sharda as they quickly found out was a Froslass.

"Fross." It stated as it levitated over.

"Starraptor use wing attack!" Ash commanded,

"Starrr STARRRRR RAPPPTOOR!" he called rushing at a break neck speed to the rope suspending Tai.

"No you don't Seviper use Poison tail!" she called the gold and black snake like Pokémon appeared whacked Unfeasant back before he could cut the rope.

"Chatot use Hyper Voice!" Max commanded.

"HYPER VOIIIIICEEE!" Chatot stated the sound waves hitting above Tai but hurting his ears he couldn't reach them to cover them.

"Yanmega get out there and stop taht Chatot!" Jessie commanded throwing another Pokeball out came a large Green Dragonfly like Pokemon with darker green spikes and red highlights. It used it's Sonic Boom to cut through Hyper voice and hit Chatot making him cry out in pain.

"Chatot!" Max called.

"Use Silver Wind!" Jesse stated capitalizing on Starraptor's distraction to him him too Ash gasped.

"They still have me to deal with Sharda use ominous wind!" Rosa called.

"FROSS!" the attack hit both Yanmask and Seviper knocking them into Jessie.

"Sharda use signal beam!" Rosa commanded.

"Starraptor use Aerial Ace!" Ash called.

"Chatot use Mirror Move!" Max commanded.

"Mirror Mirrorrr!" Chatot called as it copied Starraptor's aerial ace flying along side Starraptor doing it's own. And green and red beam shot out from Shadra hitting above Tai's head snapping the rope.

"Ahhh!" Tai screamed as he fell.

"Ralts use Pyschic to catch Tai!" Max commanded throwing his partner's pokeball and its eye glew bright blue as did Tai he sighed in relief.

"Tai you okay?" Max asked as he untied him.

"Yeah thanks I owe you guys." Tai stated as Rio jumped into his arms. "I think it's time we said good bye to Team Rocket!" Tai growled.

"Right, Pikachu thunderbolt!" Ash commanded Pikachu jumped into the air.

"Pikaaaa-CHUUUUUU!" the thunderbolt hit it's mark destroying the balloon and zapping them making them scream as they were caught in the explosion.

"TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"

"And that's that!" Tai called.

"Tai are you okay?" Michael called, as he ran up to catch up finally. "I'm so sorry Teddiursa refused to listen and we fell behind." he explained.

"Yeah, I'm alright." Tai replied.

"I feel so bad though." Michael replied.

"Teddiursa wouldn't listen to big brother." Jovi stated.

"Why not?" Ash asked.

"Well sure I could probably use it in battle. But it didn't want to help Tai. It was so frustrating that I just recalled it to its pokeball and ran to catch up." Michael explained.

"Probably because of what Cipher did to it. I betcha Shadow Pokémon can't feel emotions." Tai replied.

"Right maybe we can figure something out back at the HQ lab. We need to get the Machine part back to your mom." Rosa suggested.

"Ash I want to help!" Max stated.

"You wanna come with us?" Ash asked.

"Yeah, I came here with Ralts to compete in the Mount Battle Challenge. But if Team Cipher is hurting a bunch of Pokémon I want to help stop them." Max stated firmly.

"Ral!" Ralts nodded in agreement.

"Stop the bad guys, stop the bad guys!" Chatot stated.

"That has got to be the one of the coolest Pokémon I've ever seen." Tai stated pulling out his Pokedex.

"Chatot The music note Pokémon: Chatot's tongue is like a human's allowing it to mimic Human Speech. If several Chatot gather they will all learn the same saying it flicks its tail feathers like a metronome to keep rhythm."

"To Keep Rhythm, I love Rhythm!" Chatot stated.

Max laughed at his Pokémon. "You two were great, take a nice long rest." Max replied as he recalled them.

"Alright then let's head back to the HQ lab." Michael stated as the group headed off towards the Caravans. Tai however stopped a little bit everything around him went black but only for a few seconds there was a twinge of pain in his head but it faded as fast as it had come.

"Tai you alright?" Ash asked.

"Yeah, I'm coming!" Tai stated.

"Ra ou!" Rio added as they ran towards Ash and catching up from up above Nascour watched grinned.

"There's more to you than meets the eye."


Yup Max will be joining the group sorry if you were expecting May or one of Ash's Hoenn Pokémon Chatot's a really cool Pokémon I think I'm gonna have a lot of fun writing Max's I have a particular line for it later okay I know some people may find it annoying but comments and thoughts on Team Rocket's Orre Motto which I made myself!

READ AND REVIEW!