Surprise! A new chapter! I know there's some issues with Rusty as a character, but I assure you, he's meant more as a joke character that probably won't play a major role. Anyways, let's get started.
Word of warning: the story's gonna get a bit darker and more mature when it comes to the Team Rocket segments, so they're portrayed less like criminals and more like a terrorist organization in Kanto, which is more fitting.
"So, you thought you could spy on us," uttered a Team Rocket captain as he stood before International Police officers, who were held in an interrogation room. "You thought you could stop Team Rocket."
"Your organization will fall," uttered an officer. "We won't crack under pressure."
"Well, I've been given strict orders," uttered the captain as he pulled out a pistol. "Orders from the boss himself."
Several gunshots could be heard, with Jessie, James, Meowth, and Alain watching in horror as the Team Rocket captain kicked the bodies to the side.
"Can't believe the boss has given the captains the authority to use firearms," uttered James. "We're like savages now."
"This is a whole new level of disgusting," replied Alain. "We need to stop Giovanni fast."
"It's good to be back in Vermilion," uttered Natasha. The port city had ships pulling into harbor frequently, with people and Pokémon walking around. As Terrell, Natasha, and Chris made their way to the Pokémon Center, they bumped into a familiar face: Max.
"We meet again," uttered Max. "Heading to Vermilion's gym?"
"I've got some training to do first," replied Terrell. "Want to battle? I want to see if you have any other Pokémon."
"I'm up for it," replied Max. "An Egg I got before I left Hoenn just hatched anyways. One on one good?"
"Sounds good," replied Terrell.
"Kasai, head on out!" exclaimed Terrell. Kasai leapt from his Poké Ball, as energetic as ever.
"Aron, let's go!" exclaimed Max. An Aron crashed into the ground from its Poké Ball, letting out a headbutt.
"Flamethrower!" exclaimed Terrell. Kasai let out a blast of fire at Aron, dealing vicious damage.
"Head Smash!" exclaimed Max. Aron charged at Kasai with his skull out, knocking him across the battlefield.
"Smoke Screen!" exclaimed Terrell. Kasai let out a thick fog that prevented Aron from attacking.
"Use Iron Tail to clear the fog!" exclaimed Max. Aron swung its small tail around, clearing the fog. Terrell clenched his fist in frustration.
"Now use Flamethrower!" exclaimed Terrell. Kasai fired off another pulse of fire at Aron, which managed to burn him.
"Hit him again with Head Smash!" exclaimed Max. Aron charged at Kasai with his skull out, intent on getting a hit.
"Dodge and use Scratch!" exclaimed Terrell. Kasai leapt out of the way, slashing Aron with sharp claws.
"Iron Tail!" exclaimed Max. Aron hit Kasai with a swift tail strike, tripping him up.
"Finish this with Flamethrower!" exclaimed Terrell. Kasai let out another burst of flame, which knocked out Aron. Suddenly, blue light enveloped Kasai. He was evolving!
"Wow," uttered Chris. "Kasai's evolving."
After the blue energy finished enveloping Kasai, he emerged as a Charmeleon.
"You evolved!" exclaimed Terrell. "This is great."
Max stood before the three trainers with a smile on his face.
"Evolution or not, that was a good battle," uttered Max. "See you around."
Max left the battlefield to heal his Aron, while Terrell began his training for the gym battle against Vermilion's Gym Leader.
"Ancient ones, I ask for your guidance in these trying times," uttered Riley as he communed with the Aura. "Gods of space and time, hear my words and say something, I beg you."
"WE HEAR YOUR PLEA. WE FEEL THOSE RIPPLES IN SPACE AND TIME TOO."
"What do you suggest we do?" replied Riley.
"SEE HOW EVENTS PLAY OUT. THE TWO OF US WILL DO WHAT WE CAN TO STOP THE ADHERENTS."
"Thank you," replied Riley. He then stopped kneeling and returned to the other Aura Guardians.
Yeah, the story's getting dark. I know. This chapter was short, but good. Anyways, see you soon.