A/N: Personally… Route 205 is my favorite Sinnoh route theme. If you don't know it, you should take a listen.
- Chapter 6: Clean energy, dirty thieves-
"This isn't fair… why is he here? He's going to ruin everything. The adults already make things so difficult. Now I have to deal with another child? I doubt he's even a Sinnohan!"
A nine-tailed black-furred fox Pokémon lifts its head from chewing on a ball. It appears a bit annoyed at the moment, listening to the ranting accented voice. It's unnatural red eyes watch the figure wearing midnight blue tuxedo pace back a forth.
"It would be so easy, but it looks like fate has the final say." The man places a single hand on his fedora with a sigh. The single feather sitting there nearly falls from this action. His navy-blue eyes match his shoulder-length and smooth hair. They narrow slightly. "Ninetales."
The Pokémon lifts its head again.
"It's about time we meet with the children. As the saying in this world goes; Fate cannot be avoided, but it can be altered," he says, wearing a mischievous grin. "We can play together again, just like old times. So what if he gets in the way? It won't stop me from having fun with my favourite two playmates."
Ninetales huffs.
"Yes. I know there are others who could be after them, but who wouldn't? They are looking for The Insight. I want that power, too. After all, everyone has dreams. I'm just a living nightmare with his own dreams. Hah…"
The Ninetales walks away.
"What? That was a good one! Don't walk away from me! Didn't you get it? Dreams? No? Come on…"
- 0000 -
Nurse Joy informed Mia that healing may take several minutes instead of a few seconds as normal. It's mainly because of Razorleaf. His evolution means that an evaluation will have to be made to make sure nothing went wrong during his physical changes.
As she waits, she looks through her Pokédex. Checking Batty's status, it seems she learned a new technique called Astonish. The description explains it can make a Pokémon flinch, but Mia can't understand why it's labeled as a ghost-type move.
Everything else is the same. Razorleaf apparently has gotten stronger. The device estimated how much. He'll be better in battle now.
After putting the device away, she digs into her bag. She pulls out a sandwich she had made herself earlier. It isn't eaten right away. Her eyes fall on her bookbag, which is now somewhat scratched up and coated with dirt.
Sudden fear hits her like lightning. She just remembered!
She opens the bag in a hurry. She reaches inside, and she pulls out the incubator inside, silently praying that nothing went wrong when she fell down those steps. If the egg somehow cracked or went dead, she'll never forgive herself!
That boy will hate her for it!
She checks for any cracks or damage, but the incubator itself is not even scratched. Looking at the egg, it's completely unharmed. How is that possible? What is the incubator made of? Is it clumsy idiot proof?
Closing the bag, she feels a wave of relief. It's possible the incubator was made durable for reasons like this. Trainers carry them around, don't they?
She has to be careful. What he said to her...
"Seeing how well you handled this one, I think this is better in your hands."
He trusts her. The next time she sees him, if it ever happens, she'll have to thank him. It's not just because of the egg, though she can't figure out what else she wants to thank him for. She'll surely recognize him if she ever does see him.
The healing jingle tears her from her thoughts, followed by the nurse's voice that startled her.
"Your Pokémon has been healed to full health!"
The poor sandwich is dropped to the ground.
"Aw, man!" Mia growls, looking down at the now, un-edible lunch. "And I didn't eat breakfast!"
Nurse Joy immediately feels bad. "Oh dear, I am so very sorry!" She digs into her pocket. After seconds of struggling, she pulls out a bill. "Forgive me for startling you like that. Here's a five, go to the Pokémart and buy you a sandwich. It's a little cheap, but it should be enough for you, since the money can also buy your Pokémon a decent meal."
Mia would decline, but the nurse appears that she won't take 'no' so easily. Reluctantly, Mia takes the bill from her hand. "Um… thank you."
The nurse smiles before turning around, looking at the Chansey that is arriving from the backroom, carrying a tray. "Everything is done?"
The Chansey chirps, handing it to her.
The nurse takes the tray carefully, and she sets it on the counter. "Your Grotle is very well. You don't have to worry about a thing," she says.
"Thanks," Mia says, clipping the capsules in place. She bows her head before turning and leaving the building.
The Pokémart wasn't so bad. She brought what was needed. That nurse wasn't lying, the food there was cheap.
After getting her bite, she leaves. People she passes talk about the situation in the Valley Windworks. It seems the word is spreading fast.
Soon enough, she's returned to where she started. Oreburgh Path will lead her back to Route 203. Crossing it is much quicker, since she knows exactly where to go now. Exiting the cave, she is forced to stop before she could run into a tall figure.
She recognizes who he is in an instant.
The detective, Looker, takes notice of her. "Ah, it's you again, trainer!"
He is straight to the point, giving her no time to even greet him.
"Have you encountered anything suspicious lately? No? I shall be on my way-"
"Hold on!" Mia says quickly before he tries to leave. She has his attention, and she feels a bit uncomfortable on how quiet he is now. She speaks, with a quieter tone this time. "In Oreburgh City… I came across these guys that called themselves 'Team Galactic'. That was who you were looking for, right?"
"Yes, one of the few I am investigating!" Looker says, now interested. "You say they were Oreburgh?"
"Yes, but they got taken care of."
"You took them down yourself, and without getting hurt? It seems you were up against the low-ranking grunts!"
"Grunts?"
"Yes. The grunts are the low-ranks of the organization, and I heard they are like flies," Looker says. "You, my friend, are very lucky to have faced the runts!"
"Oh." Mia doesn't like the sound of that.
"Now if it were to be someone in a higher position, you would find yourself in a bad place. Try not to engage too much, trainer! This is the job for the international police! But engage if you must! In other words… for self-defense! They are harmless alone, but in a group, they can do damage!"
Mia nods. "I-"
"Anyway, there appears to be no one shady in this Jubilife City. However, the city is in a bit of panic due to a power issue. I shall therefore take my investigation elsewhere. But, my friend, I suggest you remain vigilant for shady grown-ups!" He zips past, and into Oreburgh gate.
He didn't even let her say anything else. Strange man…
Maybe he's heading to Oreburgh to see what the crisis is all about? Roark looked like he was going to lose his head.
Mia sighs, boosting her slumping bag before resuming her walk. The way down seems to be much easier, since climbing hills can be a bit of a chore. It's not long until she stands before the steps leading to Jubilife.
Taking more steps, she hears shouting. It sounds like an argument. Mia is positive something bad is going on.
"I won't allow you to do that you fools!"
That sounded like Professor Rowan!
"Professor?!" Without thinking, Mia runs towards the direction of the racket. She keeps going down the street until she reaches the crossroads.
A male voice speaks, and it's somewhat familiar. "Now, now, now, now! Professor Rowan, you must comply. Hand over all your research findings. For free, naturally."
It sounds like it's nearby. Mia turns towards the Northern road, and she freezes in an instant.
It's the same two trouble makers from Oreburgh! They still have that silly uniform, with the yellow "G" smack dab in the chest area. They really are proud of their name. The Galactic symbol is something Mia won't forget.
They seem to be bickering with the professor, and Lucas is present with him, ready to step in.
Okay, so how did Looker miss this?
The male Galactic Grunt speak again. "Failure to comply will result in a painful time for your assistant."
Lucas isn't bothered by the threat. He unclips a Pokéball quickly.
The professor looks back, and he spots Mia in an instant. "Ah! Mia! How is your progress? You seem a little stronger now, compared to when I last spoke to you. Have you earned your first gym badge yet?"
Mia nods slowly, but she is a bit confused. Why is he talking to her so casually when he is being threatened? Lucas takes notice of her as well, and he appears just as confused.
"Oh no, not you again," the female grunt growls, recognizing her immediately. She elbows her partner on the shoulder to grab his attention. The male grunt looks away from the professor and spots her. His expression makes it clear that he isn't so pleased. He mutters something that she couldn't pick up on.
"Mia, be careful," Lucas warns her. "These guys are up to no good."
The professor isn't as concerned. "I say this is perfect timing. You see, those two tried to size me up and steal away my data about Pokémon evolution. Just because I am 62 years old doesn't mean I can't fight back. I refuse to allow fools to steal away my years of hard work!"
"They already caused some trouble before," Mia says.
"Hm?" Rowan is interested with Mia. "You already encountered them before?"
Mia nods. "At Oreburgh City. They tried to steal this boy's Pokémon. I took care of that."
"That was just a fluke!" the grunt shouts. "But must you be so troubling, professor of Pokémon? We have asked and asked, but you stand so firm and in the way!"
Lucas has grown tired of their blabbering. He seems ready to toss the Pokéball. "Listen here. He already gave you his answer. If you want to keep pushing it, we may have no choice but to be bigger trouble for you than you claim we already are."
"Professor Rowan, call off your assistant!" the female grunt warns him with a shout. "This is absolutely unnecessary!"
The professor sighs before his eyes narrow, striking an intimidating glare. He has enough. "Quiet, you lot! Why must you be such a nuisance? Let me list some lessons you still need to learn;"
The professor points at each finger as he begins his scolding list.
"#1: Don't loiter about for no good reason.
#2: Don't interrupt others while they are attempting to converse.
#3: If you don't get your way, don't raise your voice to be intimidating.
#4: Don't think you've grown strong just because you're in a group.
#5: What is with those outlandish outfits you have on? My goodness... You call yourselves adults? You kids, don't grow up to be like these sorry specimens."
The male grunt grits his teeth as he pulls his fists close to his chest. The professor's words had struck a nerve. "Eeeh! You had to make this personal! You have forced out hand into making a show of force! We'll make you regret insulting Team Galactic!"
The female grunt on the other hand just gives him a long look before sighing. Clearly this behavior is normal from him.
The professor isn't bothered by this in the slightest. "You kids, give these thugs a lesson in civility, please."
Lucas prepares himself. Mia on the other hand… she has to fight these two again?
"I had a rough time trying to explain my mistake to the commander, and it won't happen again!" The male grunt growled. He took out a pokeball, and stared at Mia in a challenging way.
Did he say commander? Well, it shouldn't be a surprise. Someone has to be the ringleader of all this mess.
The other grunt chuckles. "Plus, we trained our Pokémon, so good luck trying to beat us this time."
Just as they were about to toss the capsules, a voice grabs everyone's attention.
"Hey, sis! Are they giving you any trouble?"
Mia is frozen now. She recognizes the voice, and it takes so much effort for her to not to get lost in a wave of excitement. "Will?!"
She turns around quickly to see the tween run towards them. He is a bit overdue for a haircut, since his black hair is on the process of becoming a mini-afro.
On his shoulder is a small yellow rodent with determination in its eyes. The yellow rodent is often described as a downgrade Pikachu by those who mock it. But, it's adorable in Mia's eyes. Richard the Pichu is ready for action.
"Will?" The professor is a bit surprised. "It seems you two are reunited."
Lucas looks between the two. "It's been a while…"
Will looks towards the troublemakers. "Looks like I came at the right time. What's with these people? They want to attack the professor? Good luck with that." Will pauses, and his Pichu leaps from his shoulder and lands a couple feet in front of him. "You two are going to be beaten like a level 1 Magikarp by a rookie trainer like me."
The grunts exchange glances. The female one speaks up. "Is it me or did that boy said almost the same thing as the other brat said before?"
"They look alike. Did he call her 'sis'?" the male asks her.
"I'll team up with you!" Mia announces, taking out a Pokéball as well. She looked forward to battling alongside her brother since Johanna announced they would be trainers. She also wants to show him how strong she is now.
"I hope you didn't slack off in training," Will says. It's hard to tell if he's teasing.
"Um, excuse me, but I didn't. I took good care of me 3 little guys, and I won this." Mia takes out her gym case and shows him the badge she recently received.
The professor seems impressed as he turns to the now confused Lucas. "Seems that Mia gains a lot of confidence when she's around him. Well then, Lucas. How about you stand by until they need an extra hand?"
"I guess." Lucas relaxes, but he still holds the Pokéball.
Will takes a good long look at what his sister has. "The Coal badge?" He nods. "Okay, prove it. We'll have a double battle with these grunts."
"A double battle?"
"I'm not wasting my time to explain, just watch and cooperate."
"I see," Professor Rowan says, nodding. "How much you two improved since you left Sandgem town with your entrusted partners? Don't disappoint me, my research is in sake!"
"Research?" Will repeats in question. "What do you mean? What happened?"
"Shut up and fight already!" Mia growls. "I'll explain later!" She tosses a Pokéball in her usual fashion, summoning her Zubat.
"Go, Stunky!" The male grunt tosses his.
"Glameow! This is the opportunity to get your revenge!" The other one yells, and both Pokémon grow out their Pokéballs.
"Ooh. So a double battle is two against two…" Mia feels like an idiot now. She had a battle like that in Oreburgh before.
Lucas is a bit amused by her discovery.
Will doesn't know what to say to her about that, but he does make note of something else. "Why do you throw a Pokéball like you're bowling?"
Why should she answer that when he does the same thing?
Mia looks at her brother, ignoring the question. "We'll see if those two really did improve. This is nothing compared to the gym battle, so it should be easy." She lifts a hand towards the air, a signal to the Zubat that she is about to receive an order. "Batty! Super Sonic on Stunky!"
The grunts are still confused by what she says.
Good.
Batty soars high in the air, and she unleashes soundwaves. The waves hit the Stunky, and the skunk is waddling on its feet, confused as ever.
"Darn it Stunky!" the male grunt growls. "Focus and use Poison Gas!"
The Stunky struggles to focus. It sinks its teeth into its own arm, hard enough to hurt for sure. But why hurt itself?
"Huh?!"
The professor speaks up. "You have a small window. Take that opportunity, you two!"
The female grunt is annoyed by the professor's talking. "Glameow! Use Scratch!"
Batty moves back, but she is slashed by the sharp claws. She hits the ground, but is back in flight within seconds.
"Astonish on the Glameow!" Mia wants to try the new move. She will have to startle the feline somehow. What she learned so far is that Zubat can be frail.
But a look of disapproval from the professor confirms Mia made the wrong choice. Batty flies around the feline, attacking it sharply from behind, but her new technique doesn't bother the feline at all.
It has no effect?
"A ghost-type attack against normal? Kid, this is common knowledge. Those types don't hurt each other at all!" The female grunt laughs. "Use Scratch again!"
Just before the Glameow could lunge, it is struck down by its partner Stunky instead. They both hit the ground, missing their move.
"Stunky! What are you doing?!" the male grunt scolds his Pokémon.
"You are such… and idiot," the female grunt grumbles. She sighs before pointing at Batty. "Glameow, get rid of that pest! Attack it! Use Scratch!"
"Batty!" Mia calls her Zubat. It flies back, avoiding the attack in time.
Lucas steps forward again, but he is lightly pushed back. "Professor, let me-"
"They can handle this. These two problems are nothing too big of a threat." The professor assures him.
Mia turns to her brother, rather annoyed than worried. "Boy! Give your Pichu an order already! I'm not fighting for myself am I?!"
"Let me think!" he tells her. He watches the Glameow for a moment, and he sends his own command in the same fashion as his twin sister. "Easy. Richard! Volt Tackle!"
"It knows Volt Tackle?" Mia hardly knows much about Pokémon attacks, but Volt Tackle is a rare one. It's popular since only the Pikachu line can learn it.
Richard the Pichu start to run on all fours. Static begins to build up on the red circles on each cheek. It builds to small lightning bolts as the Pokémon increased its pace. Within seconds, electricity engulfs its body. He sprints towards the Glameow and tackles it. The Glameow is sent flying several feet and crashes to the ground in defeat. Richard lands, shaking its body free from the electrical surge. He cringes as static goes through his body for a second.
"Impressive." The professor nods.
"That Pichu…" Lucas mutters.
Mia is stunned. There is no way that Pichu could had mastered such an attack in a short period of time.
"Pay attention! Stunky snapped out of its confusion!" The professor sends his warning.
Mia takes notice of the Stunky rushing forward with its claws stretched out. "Batty! Astonish!"
Attacks clash. Batty seems to be suffering more than the Stunky at this point. Why is little damage being done to her opponent? What does it resist?
"Richard! Thundershock!" Will shouts.
A small bolt of lightning is unleashed from the Pichu. The Stunky is electrocuted, and it falls, smoking and unconscious. Poor Richard squeals as its own power turns against it for a second, shocking it once more. The first time makes sense, but now it seems he can't control his abilities very well.
"Ah! No!" The male grunt places his hands against his head. "Not again!"
She feels a bit bad she couldn't do much against the grunts compared to her brother. At the same time, she has another reason to get stronger. He's always one step ahead of her, after all.
The first thing to do is to understand that Pichu a bit more.
"Pokédex. Who's that Pokémon?" Mia asks.
The Pokédex begins to explain;
(Sinnoh Number 103.
Pichu, the Tiny Mouse Pokémon.
Its typing is: Electric. The electric sacs in its cheeks are small. If even a little electricity leaks, it becomes shocked.)
That explains why it got hurt. It doesn't stop her from being impressed.
"What a powerful move!" Mia exclaims as she turns to her brother. "How does your Pichu know how to do that?!"
Will chuckles. "I found him that way. The downside is, even though Volt Tackle is a rare move, it deals with recoil. That's why you saw that static hurt him." He allows the mouse Pokémon to climb to his shoulder.
"We won," Mia says as she watches the grunts recall their defeated Pokémon.
"I can't believe it!" The male grunts growls, squeezing the Pokeball. "How did those two brats beat us without a sweat?! That kid's Pichu is no ordinary one, that's for sure." He looks at his partner. "How am I supposed to explain this to the commander?! The two of us, losing to children?!"
"This won't do… time to retreat," the female sighs. "This mission is a failure."
"We might as well. They are waiting for us with a more important task!"
The pair quickly run off down Route 204. The research is safe.
"You two did amazing!" Lucas praises them as he walks over. "For a moment there, I thought I had to help… but I guess twins do think alike, huh? You are pretty strong when you work together."
"You think so?" Mia didn't expect to hear that.
"It will really work out once you really get the hang of being a trainer," Lucas says. "Those two didn't have much of a chance. But then again, with from what I overheard… they had trouble against you before.
"You did a good job," Professor Rowan says.
Mia smiles shyly. She doesn't know how to take the praise. "Thanks…"
"So that's Team Galactic huh?" Will frowns. "Those guys didn't seem so dangerous."
"That's because who you two just dealt with didn't know what they were doing," the professor says. "Don't get so comfortable about it."
"Gotcha."
Mia looks at her brother. "So I guess we should get going, huh?"
Will nods and points down the direction the grunts ran down. "I'm sure you visited that route before. You can visit Floaroma town from there."
The way he said that disappoints Mia a bit. "You aren't coming with me?"
"I have to take Richard to the Pokémon Center. This battle wore him out," Will explains. "But, you'll be alright. I have to make a run anyway. The next time we meet, I'll stick with you, alright?"
Mia sighs. He isn't the type to break promises, so she won't argue anymore. "Okay. I'll see you later, I guess."
"Cheer up, sis. You did a good job. You won a gym badge without my help. I'm sure you will be okay." Will gives her a quick hug. He steps away, smiling. "See you later."
Mia watches him head down for the Pokémon Center. "Fine… just don't do anything stupid…"
"Don't feel bad. I'm sure he would have liked to tag along," Lucas assures her. "You'll see him again sooner than you think."
"I guess I'm not used to being separated this long," Mia says. "We did battle pretty good together, and that was the first time. I wonder how good we'll be once we get really good?"
"Hm!" Professor Rowan walks towards Mia with a pleased look. "You two seem to have a strong bond with your Pokémon. You left with a Turtwig not too long ago, and you have made great progress." He crosses his arms as if he is waiting for something. "If you may… please do show me your Pokémon."
Without hesitation, Mia unclips the other two Pokéballs from her Pokébelt and tosses them.
The Pokémon are summoned. Aqua quacks as she tilts her head. Razorleaf huffs as Batty hovers above them.
The professor observes her team. He pets Razorleaf first. "That Team Galactic… they were after my research." He stops his petting and looks back at Mia. "I research the evolution of Pokémon. According to my findings and studies, around 90% of Pokémon are tied to evolution. When they do evolve, these mysterious creatures give out some type of energy. Your Grotle is an example. Grotle is the evolve form of Turtwig. I'll ask you this: When you saw your Grotle evolve, did he glow?"
Mia nods twice. "It happened in the Oreburgh Gym. I won and he started to glow… then he changed form."
"Hm!" The professor closes his eyes as he places a finger under his chin. "Certain Pokémon evolve under certain conditions. Some for gaining enough battling experience, others through exposure to certain stones. Sometimes, it is through friendship and happiness. Some do by being in an environment, while others evolve during trade."
"Is that why those grunts tried to get their hands on it?" Mia asks.
The professor nods. "I'm positive they want this information for selfish reasons. We professors do exchange our findings. In a far-off region known as Kalos, Professor Sycamore is studying 'Mega evolution'. I don't know much about it myself, except that it is only possible if the trainer and the Pokémon are connected. This interest some other professors, such as Professor Elm in Johto, who researches the friendship between people and Pokemon. He was the one who discovered some Pokémon can evolve when feeling great trust and happiness."
Well, Mia doesn't really understand the entire process of evolution. She was trying to listen, but now her head is spinning. How many different professors are there?
"Professor…" Lucas calls him. "You're getting carried away again."
"Oh, pardon me. I suppose this has to do with age." Rowan realizes. He waves at Mia. "Just be careful on your way to Floaroma Town. I'm sure that's your next destination. The place has several honey trees that life rare Pokémon. It seems such Pokémon interest those goons. That may be the least of your worries since we are about to experience a power outage…"
What the professor said reminds her of what she needs to do. "Oh! Roark said that they aren't able to send coal over. Something went wrong with the Valley Windworks…?"
The professor nods, clearly familiar with this already. "The Valley Windworks is known to make clean energy. For some odd reason, something is keeping that energy from being sent across Sinnoh. It's like a chain reaction, shutting down operation in Oreburgh, and that makes a lot of companies get into a bit of trouble. The Fuego Ironworks is located near Floaroma Town, so I know they must have felt the wave first. They can't make new products if they can't fuel their fire."
"There's so much going on. Normally, when something goes wrong with the windworks, Sunyshore can back us up but…" Lucas looks at the professor. "It's shut down. Now we are on a timer. It's no wonder why Jubilife is in a bit of a panic right now."
"Mia, you can investigate this, right?" the professor asks. "I hate that we are getting sidetracked, but I can't do much research if the power shuts down. If that ever does happen, I would have to send poor Lucas to the Canalave Library."
"I won't have a problem with that, professor," Lucas says.
"I'll try to look at it," Mia promises.
"Don't try. Do." The professor nods. He begins to take his leave, and Lucas is close to his tail. "I'll be in my lab if you need me. I'm counting on you!"
As soon as they are out of sight, Mia calls everyone back into their Pokéballs. Now she really has to hurry to the next town. Maybe she could wait for Will but…
If it takes longer than expected, the region might lose power sooner than expected. Why couldn't Lucas go? She should have asked when she had the chance.
Roark did ask her to investigate first. He said she was strong enough to handle herself there. If he thinks so, she can't doubt her own strength.
- 0000 -
Entering Ravaged Path now feels different than before. She is extra careful now, not wanting to summon another angry swarm of Zubat.
A towering boulder stands in her way as it did before. She can't climb over it, so what can she do now? She can see light on the other side, so it is the way out.
"How the heck do they expect me to get around this?" Mia places her hand against the rough surface. She notices the cracks sprouted across it. It could be weak enough to break, but there is no way she can do that.
Maybe a Pokémon can.
She calls out her Grotle, who looks at her, a bit curious.
"Do you think you can break down that rock?" Mia asks. "Razor Leaf?"
The Grotle jumps and swings side to side. A swarm of spinning sharp leaves are unleashed, and they slash across the boulder's surface. Somehow, all it did was leave marks.
"Oh. That sucks," Mia comments as Razorleaf looks back at her. "Uh… then how do I get this thing out of the way?! It's not like I can just punch it!"
Wait a second…
Mia removes her bag and sets it down. Reaching into one of the pockets, she pulls out the few discs she was given. The HM Roark gave her is named Rock Smash. It does the obvious, doesn't it?
After putting the other two cases back, she pops open the one she needs. There is a slip of paper clipped on the inside of the case. What's written on it is a description. There's one in Sinnohan, Unovan… and a few others…
The user slugs the foe with a shattering punch. It can also smash cracked boulders.
"This is it! Thank you, Roark!" Mia excitedly takes the disk out, but she hits another wall. "Wait. How does this work?"
She flips the disc over. It looks like any other normal disc. Is she supposed to hook it to a DVD player or something? She knows her gaming console at home can play discs but…
She should have asked Roark or the professor to explain how they work. She has seen Dawn use it before.
Oh, right. She has to press the disc on their head. But why does that work? It's so strange. Won't that scratch it up?
She might as well try. "Here… uh… don't move?" Placing the disc on the Grotle's head, she waits for something to happen. There is nothing out of the ordinary so far.
"Who can learn Rock Smash?"
Her Pokédex beeps in response. Mia is careful, handling it with one hand to open it. A list of her Pokémon is displayed on the screen.
Razorleaf: Able.
Batty: Unable.
Aqua: Able.
But, why hasn't anything happened? She looks at Razorleaf's summary. His moveset hasn't changed. Tackle, Withdraw, Absorb, Razor Leaf…
What is she doing wrong?
She sends out Aqua, and she tries the same thing with her. She checks her moveset afterwards.
Scratch, Tail Whip, Water Sport, Water Gun…
"I don't understand. How does this stupid thing work?!" Mia feels herself growing frustrated. Glaring at the screen, she taps it once.
(Aqua already knows four moves. Should a move be replaced with Rock Smash?)
"Oh… what did I just do?" Mia doesn't have a clue on how the option popped up. She does carry on, a bit hesitant before tapping Water Sport.
The disc begins to glow, and Mia nearly drops it.
"What the?" She looks back at Aqua, unsure if it is even safe to keep going. The Pokédex doesn't guide her any further.
Taking a chance, she presses it on the Psyduck's head again. The disc glows bright, and it fades within seconds. Nothing else seems to happen. She checks her Pokédex again. Water Sport has been replaced with Rock Smash.
"That's it? Nothing else?" Mia puts the disc away. She picks up her bag, somewhat confused. "Are you feeling okay, Aqua?"
The Psyduck tilts her head.
"Well… I guess we should try." Mia looks at the rock now. "Rock Smash!"
The Psyduck just stares.
"Uh…" Mia clenches a fist, and she taps the boulder with it. "You know. Like this."
Razorleaf snorts and steps away as Aqua waddles to the boulder. Aqua forms a fist, mimicking Mia, and she taps the boulder with it in the same fashion.
"No, I meant harder." Mia clarifies.
Aqua throws a harder punch. It doesn't do much.
"Harder than that…?"
Aqua throws a punch again. It still doesn't do anything.
"As hard as you can!"
Aqua slings a hard one, and upon impact, the rock cracks heavily before falling apart as pieces. Mia takes several quick steps back to save her feet from being crushed by any of it. At the same time, she has to take a few seconds to grasp what happened.
"How strong are you?!" Mia has to ask. Aqua just gives her a blank stare. No answers will come. After looking back at the rubble, she smiles. "No one's gonna mess with this Psyduck!"
She feels a little more confident now.
After beating Roark, and some Galactic goons… being a trainer doesn't seem half bad.
She calls her Pokémon back inside their Pokéballs. Holding on to Batty's, she resumes her walk. The exit of the cave is in the same direction as the entrance. It's strange how that one boulder was blocking the way.
Once she exists, she finds herself standing on grassy fields. Ahead of her is a dead end… a cliff.
A cliff?!
Below her is the entrance she took. She stands above the route, and she can see pretty much everything. Most people would find this fascinating, but looking down makes the world spin. Mia takes several steps back, trying to stay in composure.
If she somehow tripped, it would be an ugly fall, wouldn't it?
She tries not to think about it too much. To distract herself, she takes a look at her surroundings. Behind her, there is a large path of tall grass. After that battle between those grunts, she's not in the mood to battle any wild Pokémon who thinks she's a threat. She carefully crosses the tall grass.
The wild Pokémon aren't the only obstacle.
There is a young lady across the patch who is planting flowers. She is accompanied by a Budew. She's obviously a trainer. Mia tries to sneak her way around her.
"Have you been attracted by the scent of flowers?"
She's been spotted. Mia finds the rules of a trainer strange at times. If a trainer spots each other eyes, a battle must be done…
Having no other choice, Mia stands up properly from her sneaking position and looks at the adult in the eye. She does notice the aroma just now. Mia replies, "Well, now that you mention it... I actually do notice it." She pauses, noticing the woman looking at her Budew.
"You think that's sweet?" she asks with a friendly smile. Her smile suddenly transforms into a face full of determination. "Take a whiff of this!" She swings her arm as a signal and points towards Mia. The Budew quickly responds by rushing to a spot in front of its trainer.
Mia tosses the capsule that contains Batty from her pokébelt and tossed it. "Batty!"
The Pokéball opens, and out she comes.
"By gods! A Zubat!" the woman screams as she flees the scene, dropping her gardening materials along the way. This leaves Mia a bit confused. The woman's Budew simply walks away to find its trainer.
"That was weird." Mia notes. At least she has one less battle to worry about.
She goes further down the grassy route, and there is a running kid further ahead. He is dressed in summer clothes, chasing after a cricket Pokémon with a large net in hand. It is apparently giving the boy a hard time.
It has a red and round body, with a cream colored belly. Around the bottom of its head appears to be a suit collar of some sort. It has stubby black feet and hands, and a pair of short atteneas. It is a cute creature.
Mia pulls out her pokédex.
(Sinnoh Number 015.
Kricketot, the Cricket Pokémon.
It's typing is: Bug. It's legs are short. Whenever it stumbles, it's stiff antennae clack with a xylophone-like sound.)
Mia tucks the device away and watches the boy struggle. She would like to help, but she isn't sure about what he is trying to actually do.
"H-hey!" the boy shouts. He lunges at the Kricketot with another swoosh of his net. It misses, and he falls face first to the ground. The Kricketot sees the opportunity and slams its antennas together. Instead of a nice little song, the kids' ears pick up a piercing ring. Mia finds herself on the ground, covering her ears. The bug Pokémon makes its escape into the grass.
Mia's ears keep ringing until she slams her hands against them. Concerned for the boy, who also was a victim to the Kricketot's attack, she decides to check on him. For a moment, Mia thinks he is unconscious, but he stirs, and is back to his feet way faster than she expected.
"Oh no," he says quietly. He looks around, searching for the creature. "No! I missed my chance again! If I could have two Kricketot, I could win a battle for a change!" He releases an irritated huff. He stares at the ground for a few seconds, until he notices Mia. "... You saw the whole thing huh?"
Mia nods. The ringing in her ears return, and she bangs on them again. "You're not the only one who was a victim."
The bug catcher looks a bit concerned. "So you must be a trainer too, huh? You have a Zubat? If I recall correctly, a lady just ran passed me earlier, screaming out something about a Zubat."
"That was me."
He scratches his head. "I see… so…uh" His eyes shift to the side as he says, "You won't mind if I battle you right?"
Mia shrugs. "Okay, let's just get this over with."
His eyes light up. "Awesome!" He tosses a Pokéball, and a Kricketot came out.
Mia can only wonder how having two Kricketot would have an advantage.
She sends an order. "Astonish!"
The bug-catcher is confused by what he heard, but he quickly sends his own command. "Growl!"
Batty is faster. She flies swiftly towards her opponent and lets out a screech which startles the bug. She attacks it, and it is knocked to the ground. It's out cold already.
The Kricketot doesn't seem to be very skilled.
"See what I mean?!" the boy pouts as he recalls his defeated Pokémon. "I can never win anything!"
"Well." Mia tries to give him advice. "You can't just give up. If you really want to win more often, go train your Kricketot by battling wild Pokémon instead of trying to catch them. Then when it's strong enough, I'm sure you can catch some more and then you can win for once."
She finds this ironic, since she is a rookie herself.
She should take her own advice.
"Thanks," he says with a nod.
"No problem." Mia waves and continues down the route. She takes notice of the widening field, and she can see a few roofs ahead. She's close now.
White fencing makes it more obvious. What's caught between it does catch her attention. With closer investigation, she picks it up. "It's a TM," she says to herself, observing the disc inside the case. "TM09 Bullet Seed. I guess somebody dropped it." She places it in bag for safekeeping, and she notices she is almost at the end.
Just a bit more, and she can see what is going on.
"Hold on trainer!" a voice... actually two voices shout.
Mia turns towards the source of the sound. There are two little girls… twins to be exact. "What…?"
"You can't beat us!" one teases.
"We are the best in our class!" the other one adds.
Mia is annoyed at this point. She just wants to head to town. "How many trainers do I have to fight?"
"A lot," the shorter twin says.
"A lot, a whole lot," the taller one adds. "A lot, lot, lot!"
Mia is confused by this. She remembers most trainers starting at an older age. "Aren't you a little too young to battle with Pokémon? Do your parents know about this?" Mia notices that they are holding on to a Pokéball.
"How old are you?" the short one growls.
"12," Mia replies.
"Your 12 and you are a new trainer!" the taller one says in a sassy way. "You say we're too young, but you're too old!"
"What do you mean?! If you're over 10, you can train Pokémon!" Mia protests.
"You say that we can't train Pokémon!" both of them shout.
"Because you're too young," Mia points out.
"Humph! Well you can't tell me or my sister what to do!" the taller one shouts.
"I wanna battle!" the shorter one cries out.
Mia decides the best thing to do is run out of there. She sees no point of arguing with a bunch of little kids. Plus, their screaming is only going to attract attention.
"Come back you scardy-Glameow!" they yell. "You stupid trainer!"
She ignores them and carries on. She grumbles quietly. "Sheesh. These little kids have such an attitude."
Walking under the brown wooden arch that separates the route from town, Mia steps foot in the place she was aiming for. Now that she isn't distracted by angry kids, she can see why the town earned its name.
Mia has never seen so many flowers in her life. While the town is quiet with a few houses, the gigantic field is swallowed by countless flowers. They are planted neatly in sections. The colors are too pretty to ignore. The smell of flowers is so strong, this has to be a forbidden place for anyone with a pollen allergy.
Not far from the right side of the arch is the town's Pokémon Center. It's a very nice spot for trainers just arriving in town. A short Eastern dirt path behind the building leads to the town's Pokémart. In the far East from that is another arch leading out the town, perhaps to another route.
There doesn't seem to be much inside this town. Mia walks further inside, taking another look around. Ahead is a lone house, and nearby is a sign. Mia takes a look at it.
Floraroma Town. Vivid & Scented
That perfectly describes the overwhelming sweet smell. She doubts anyone would need to wear perfume here.
Taking out the town map, she checks her map. Jubilife is South her current location. East is Route 205, which is where she needs to go. The bottom screen gives a quick description of the current town she stands in;
A town of flower lovers, Floaroma Town is always perfumed with the sweet scent of flowers.
In the center of town is the flower shop called "Pick a Peck of Colors".
Mia lowers the device. "Do they really need a flower shop when they could just pick a flower from the ground?" she asks herself.
Further ahead is a small building with the biggest wave of flowers behind it. A lone berry tree is planted at both sides of the glass door. A woman walks out with a child, carrying a box of flowers. That must be a flower shop.
There is no gym here. It doesn't bother Mia too much. She's not exactly ready for her next match. Roark also said the next gym was in a place called Eterna City, which is a far North from Jubilife. Mia is nearly there. However, there is little time to look around. Roark and Professor Rowan requested her to figure out what is happening at the Valley Windworks… which should be located in Route 205...
Pachi-chee...
"Huh?"
There is movement behind her. Mia quickly turns.
Walking past is what appears to be a 1 foot tall squirrel. A single blue stripe runs from the top of its head and down all the way to the end of its tail. Three furry spikes are at the top bush of it. Its ears are blue. Its cheeks are yellow. It moves slowly, but strangely.
"Pokédex… who's that Pokémon?"
It beeps to life and gives her an answer;
(Sinnoh Number 055.
Pachirisu, the EleSquirrel Pokémon.
Its typing is: Electric. A pair may be seen rubbing their cheek pouches together in an effort to share stored electricity.)
Mia would try to catch it, but something seems off about it.
It looked like as if it was in a trance. It didn't look right either, so she begins to follow it, walking past the Pokémart. She enters Route 205, folowing the Pokémon down the long stretch of a dirt path. The field is pretty massive, with a river running alongside it. The route seems to continue down the other side. It's a long field leading to rough terrain. There must be a bridge nearby. She hopes so. If the Pachirisu can swim across, Mia will just have to forget about it.
Route 205.
A quietly flowing stream and hilly terrain with one-way ledges make this a fun area for adventure.
Right now, it isn't. At least she's where she needs to be.
The Pokémon notices Mia and begins to quicken its pace. The dirt path seems to end as part of it branches North, towards a wooden bridge that crosses the river.
It's crossing the bridge. Wonderful.
"Hey! Where are you going?!" Mia shouts as the Pokémon runs faster now. "Slow down!"
"FREEZE!"
The voice startled her. She does what she is told.
"Hold your hands up!"
She spins around with her hands up. The sight police officer with Stunky makes a chill go down her spine.
The blue-haired officer walks towards her, and she doesn't appear happy. "So you're behind the Valley Windworks incident, are you?!"
Mia has no idea it was this bad. If an officer is here, then there's more than just no energy being made, right? What exactly is going on?!
"I'm not talking to myself for my health!"
Mia speaks quickly. "M-ma'am, I j-just saw this Pokémon passing by. It was acting very strange, so I started to follow it." Mia realizes how horribly her voice was shaking. Heck, what else can she do? She's standing in front of a police officer and at risk of being arrested!
The officer places her hands on her hips. "The electric-type Pokémon have been acting strange ever since the windworks suddenly shut down. They are naturally drawn to concentrated energy. If you're following them, surely you know something about this?"
"No!" Mia protests. "I really don't know!"
"Oh, really?"
A new voice catches Mia's attention.
A dark girl about the same age as her walked next to the officer. What stands out the most about her is how long her black hair is. They are separated as pigtails, one on each side. What hair she can't tie is loose around her head. The girl grips the straps of her brown bookbag securely. She probably lives in Floaroma Town, since she smells like flowers. She looks at Mia coldly. "You're obviously lying. I saw you chasing after that Pokémon!"
How can Mia explain now? Oh wait! There's a way!
She begins to reach for her Pokédex.
"Put your hands back in the air!" the officer demands. Her Stunky is ready to attack.
Mia does as instructed. "Just… check my belt! Clipped on it are my Pokéballs… and there's a Pokédex hanging from my right!"
"A Pokédex?"
"You have… a Pokédex?" the girl asks. "If it's yours, you could be innocent. The professor only hands those out to good people."
The officer didn't look too convinced. She appeaches Mia, and carefully grabs the Pokédex that hangs from the chain. "She could have stolen it. There is only one way to find out."
Mia winches as the officer searches her pockets until she finds a small wallet. She watches her pull out her I.D.
Officer Jenny nods. "Alright, maybe I should stop jumping to conclusions. Forgive me for acting so rash."
She was a little too rash.
"We've had trouble with Team Galactic time after time," the officer explains. "Doesn't help we are dealing with hunters, either. Now Pokémon are mysteriously disappearing, but it seems tied with something else. We have several terrible criminals coming around. It seems one group caused trouble for this girl here."
Mia is handed back her items. She feels relieved to be free of suspicion. At the same time, she feels bad to hear things aren't going so well.
The girl looks desperate now. "Please! Officer Jenny! And you! You two have to help me! My mother is trapped in that building over there!"
Mia looks at where she pointed. There is a long dirt path lined with spinning turbines. Next to that is a lone but large building stands in the distance. Several windmills surrounds it. This is it. That had to be the place Mia is looking for. "The Valley Windworks?"
The girl nods.
This situation just got a lot bigger.
"I was on my here, and I found the Pachirisu at the same time," Mia explains. "The gym leader in Oreburgh City can't ship any coal at the moment because the place is having problems. I was asked to check it out."
"It's much more severe now," the officer says. "I doubt Roark would had known things would escalate like this. There are people up to no good in there."
"Me and my mom went there to learn how it works," Lalinda explains. "We got inside, and there was a worker there. He was just beginning his lesson when these guys barged in and demanded energy for something. They kicked me out too. There is no way they can keep me out of there."
She seems annoyed now.
"Well, how come you didn't try to fight them off first?" Mia asks. She realized how rude that sounded. All it did was frustrate her further.
"I tried," she answers. "There were too many of them. I didn't stand much of a chance. I just started training Pokémon not too long ago."
Mia can sympathise. She knows the feeling of being powerless at the start. However, what she said is worrying. "Too many of them? It was a large group of people?"
"Yeah. They called themselves 'Team Galactic'."
Her answer makes Mia freeze. Team Galactic was behind this?! She can see why the officer was so aggressive.
"Fighting alone was the first thing you did wrong." Officer Jenny frowns. "And as a rookie, you don't stand much of a chance regardless. I would contact the few strong trainers I know, but they won't make it here on time to stop this from getting any worse."
"Maybe if we work together… something could happen," Mia says.
"So you want us to barge in there?" the girl asks.
"What else can we do?" Mia agrees its reckless, but they can't exactly wait around. She looks at the officer for any denial.
Officer Jenny sighs. "Well, this might work. You better- we better be careful."
What? She's letting them do this? It seems foolish. Mia was expecting her to earn some kind of scolding. But, one of the huge differences of the people in this world, and the world Mia came from… people here are a lot less… worrisome, she would call it?
"We'll do our best," the girl says.
"By the way…" Mia asks the girl. "What is your name?"
"It's Lalinda," she answers. "Thanks for helping."
"No problem." Mia answers. "My name is Mia, by the way."
They sneak across the field and hide behind a yellow and honey scented tree. Mia peeks and sees the ground sign nearby.
Valley Windworks
Ecological, Wind-Driven Energy.
The sign isn't the only thing nearby. There is a familiar Galactic Grunt standing in front of the entrance. "Darn it."
"What?" Lalinda looks at her.
"Grunts."
"Figures."
"We're going to have to find another way inside," Jenny suggested. "If I call for back-up now, it'll give these criminals a chance to flee."
They sneak to the other side of the building. It's bare on the back, which simply isn't right.
"What kind of building doesn't have emergency exits?" Mia finds herself growling. "This place doesn't make any sense!"
"SHH!"
The demand startles her. "Sorry…"
Lalinda frowns as she lowers her head. "How are we going to sneak past them?"
Mia walks against the wall until she reaches the edge. She peeks around the corner where the guard stands. A Glameow stood next to him. "Darn."
"What now?" Lalinda says, almost whining.
"He has a Pokémon too." Mia responds. Just as she was about to move, a shadow comes lurking towards her. She quickly moves back to keep herself from being spotted.
The shadow belongs to the female grunt Mia battled against on Jubilife. This is where they fled to, apparently. If she spotted Mia, she certainly wouldn't want to deal with her again.
"Now what?" Lalinda growls. "We are practically surrounded by bowl headed spacemen freaks!"
"More like Team Sarcastic." Mia makes a failed attempt of a joke.
"Actually, it's Team Idiotic." Lalinda "corrects" her.
"Hey, enough of that!" Officer Jenny quietly scolds them.
"Who are you calling an idiot, idiot?"
All eyes turn to the grunt that arrived before. She recognizes Mia immediately.
"How many times am I going to run into this kid?" she shouts out. "Hey partner, look who decided to stick their nose into our business again!"
The male grunt from the entrance rushes to the scene. He looks annoyed as well. "Her again? With company? Hey, kid, go bother some other grunts! There's hundreds more out there just like us!"
"I kinda can't. I have someone important with me." Mia points at the officer.
The grunts don't like her gift. They take several steps back. "A cop!"
The female growls at this. "Well kid, you're very smart to bring her along, but here's one thing, we outsmarted you this time!"
They run into the windworks, and shut the door. Mia thought she heard a lock.
"Come back!" Officer Jenny demands. She sprints to the door, and she tries to open it. "It's locked!"
"Do you think it's the time to call for backup?" Mia asks the officer, who didn't look so sure.
"I'm afraid it would scare them off," Jenny replies. "When those grunts saw me, they ran to their building. What do you think would happen when they see more than one officer?"
"You got a point." Mia sighs. Still, most would call for help… is this Team Galactic really that slippery?
"So what should we do now?" Lalinds asks. "We can't enter the windworks. They locked us out."
"The best thing I can do is call for a higher-up to come investigate since they have stronger Pokémon, but even that would take time," Officer Jenny says.
Everyone is quiet for a moment. What can they do? Those grunts outsmarted them by doing the most simplest thing.
Mia crosses her arms. "I… really don't know what to do ne-"
A flash of orange lunges from the grass. Mia jumps back with a shriek, and the officer's Stunky bats it to the ground with a claw strike.
The orange Pokémon falls on its back, but it quickly rolls back to all fours. It appears to be a weasel of some kind… or an otter? Its nuzzle, belly, and the tip of its two tails are cream colored. Blue tiny fins grow from its elbows. It has a tuft of fur on its head, and a yellow ring of a sack is around its neck, like a collar. It steps back and stands on its hind legs, hissing.
"Watch out. It's a wild Buizel." Officer Jenny warns them. "And it's not happy we are here."
"Do you think it's because of Team Galactic?" Lalinda wonders as she takes a step back as well.
Jenny looks towards the grass again. "Stunky! At your nine!"
Stunky looks towards its left, and it jumps back in time to avoid flying mud. It slaps on the ground with enough force to leave holes. Mia can't imagine how much pain it would bring if it struck her.
Slithering out the grass is a 1-foot pink slug-like creature with a white belly. It has several dull horns (is it really?) that circle around its head. Its mouth is yellow, and a thin line of the same color traces between its body and belly. It has a few spikes on its back, which stands stiff.
Lalinda frowns. "That one is not happy, either."
Mia places her hand on one of the few Pokéballs she carries. "Pokédex. Who are those Pokémon?"
Blirr! Blirr! It beeps in response, and it begins to explain;
(Sinnoh Number 056.
Buizel, the Sea Weasel Pokémon.
Its typing is: Water. It spins its two tails like a screw to propel itself through water. The tails also slice clinging seaweed.)
It blinks again.
(Sinnoh Number 060.
Shellos, the Sea Slug Pokémon.
Its typing is: Water. Beware of pushing strongly on its squishy body, as it makes a mysterious purple fluid ooze out.)
Lalinda is impressed. "I never heard a Pokédex set to Unovan before…"
"No time to be interested in that. These Pokémon are not welcoming us." Jenny steps back as more Pokémon come out the grass. A few more Shellos and Buizel… a couple Bidoof…
The sight alone is scaring Mia. There is no way they can possibly fight them all. "Why are there so many of them?!"
"Whatever Team Galactic is doing has disturbed them. Wild Pokémon usually don't try to ambush people. This isn't good. Stunky can't fight so many at once."
Lalinda agrees with a nervous nod. "Yeah… I don't like how those Shellos-thingies are glaring at me."
"Come on… let's hurry to town." Mia halfway begs then to not stand around anymore.
- 0000 -
They gathered near the flower shop for a quick rest. The run back to town was tiring.
"Is Stunky… the only Pokémon you have…?" Lalinda asks the officer, trying to catch her breath.
Officer Jenny lets out a disappointed sigh. "Unfortunately. We don't get much since not much happens here. I had the feeling it'll come back and bite us one day."
"That was scary. I thought they would all jump at us at once." Mia is shaken by the mere thought of it. While Razorleaf could handle a few, she isn't sure on just how much.
"The Shinx and Pachirisu in the area were acting very strange. The disturbance has really made the wild Pokémon restless," Officer Jenny said. "I was told to investigate, but I didn't think it would be this bad."
Her Stunky rubs against her ankle to comfort her.
"How do we get in now?" Lalinda frowns.
"Um…" Mia isn't too sure. She looks around the town, trying to think of something. What she does find isn't what she was expecting. There are two male Galactic Grunts, standing there among the flowers in a deep conversation. They look so similar to the pair she came across before. She points in their direction. "Look there."
Lalinda frowns slightly. "They are running all over my town. They look so alike. Is it a fashion trend in their group or what?"
"They are talking. Listen." The officer shushed them.
Mia focuses on them. Hopefully, they'll say something that would help them.
"What are we doing here anyway?" the first grunt asks with a grumble. "Look at us! Standing here among the fields of flowers! I hate it!"
"Come on partner," the other grunt says, putting a hand on his partner's shoulder. They begin to walk towards a group of trees. "It is our assignment to be here, but all these bug and grass type Pokémon, I don't like it either."
They keep walking towards the cluster, and when they vanish, Mia has to take a double-take to make sure she wasn't imagining things.
She's never going to get used to that.
"There is a clearing on the other side," Lalinda explains. "I go there all the time. Just follow me." She takes the lead, and the two follow. Lalinda leads them to the spot where the grunts vanished. "Here we are." She stomps on a patch of dirt that lays in front of the endless trees.
Once they walk towards it, the world around Mia brightens for a second. Once it fades, they stand in a small clearing that stretches ahead of them. Behind Mia are endless trees.
Mia looks ahead. The two grunts are talking to a man who has his back on them. He seems terrified.
Does Team Galactic enjoy bullying people or something?
"Enough arguing! Lend us all your honey!" the first grunt demands. "We need it to lure hundreds of rare Pokemon!"
'If you don't cooperate, you'll regret it!" the second one says his warning as he takes out a pokeball.
Mia can't let this drag on. She steps forward with the other two. "HEY!"
The grunts spun around and notices her.
This is a repeat of Oreburgh. She's only brave since she isn't alone… just like before...
"Three witnesses?" the first one says with a growl. "Oh man, she brought an officer? What can we do? They'll go around telling everyone what they seen!"
The second one has a solution. "Easy. We'll just shut them up!" He tosses a Pokéball along with his partner. The Pokémon he sends out is large, possibly a good 2 feet. Its body is a rounded oval, covered by nothing but strains of silk… or is its body wrapped with silk?
Mia can see one of its red eyes studying her. Half of the eye is covered with the strains. Can it even move in there?
Summoned by the other grunt is a Pokémon that looks near identical. Its body is a light purple instead, and a cast replaces the silk, so it's apparently harder. The body is much smoother, so it can clearly see with its red eyes. It seems a little more menacing.
Mia unclips a pair of Pokéballs from her belt. "Pokédex, who are those Pokémon?"
It responds immediately;
(Sinnoh Number 049.
Silcoon, the Cocoon Pokémon, and the evolved form of Wurmple.
It's typing is: Bug. It wraps silk around the branches of a tree. It drinks rainwater on its silk while awaiting evolution.)
"Huh? What was that?" the first grunt wonders as the device goes on.
(Sinnoh Number 051.
Cascoon, the Cocoon Pokémon, and the evolved form of Wurmple.
Its typing is: Bug. It never forgets any attack it endured while in the cocoon. After evolution, it seeks payback.)
Judging from the names, Mia has an idea on who is who. From how close their numbers are, they have to be related. But they both evolved from Wurmple?
"Hey, Mia. Let me help you." Lalinda unclips her own Pokéball. "These two don't seem so bad!" She tosses it high, and coming out is a Starly.
Mia nearly flinches as the Starly chirps loudly. She dealt with so many of them, her first instinct is to get away from it.
After managing to stay put, she tosses one of the Pokéballs she holds, and her Zubat is summoned. She clips the other one back in place, seeing she won't need to send Razorleaf out yet.
"We'll make sure you'll regret getting in Team Galactic's way!" the first grunt exclaims a promise before sending out his first order. "Silcoon! Use Harden!
"Cascoon! You use Harden, too!" the other grunt orders.
Both Pokémon stiffen, and their bodies seem to glitter for a few seconds. Orange streaks of light shoot upwards and around their bodies.
That's it. Nothing else.
Mia and Lalinda look at each other before looking back at Officer Jenny, who just shrugs. Mia turns her attention back at the grunts quickly. "I'm going to go after the Silcoon. Is that okay?"
"It's fine. I guess I'll take down the other," Lalinda replies.
"Alright." Mia sends her first order. "Batty! Use Astonish on Silcoon!"
Lalinda looks at Mia, somewhat confused. However, seeing the Zubat attacking, she sends her own order. "Soar! Use Wing Attack at Cascoon!"
Starly flies in, and it stretches out its wings before ramming the Cascoon with one of them, knocking it back. It makes a sharp turn back to its trainer along with Batty.
The two grunts are bothered by this. "Use Harden again!"
Mia watches the pair of the grunt's Pokémon perform the move. Is that all they know? Shaking her head, she sends another order. "Leech Life at Silcoon!"
"Wing Attack again! At the Cascoon!" Lalinda shouts.
Attacks land. While Silcoon is bitten, Cascoon is knocked back again.
"Harden!" The two grunts order.
The same formula plays out, and this time around, Silcoon is unable to tank another hit. It remains slumped on the ground, and it's called back into its Pokéball.
"Not cool!" the first one yells. He glares at Mia coldly. "This is why I'm going to stay as a grunt forever!"
The second one steps back. "Aah! Cascoon! Harden! Harden!"
Despite hardening even more, another Wing Attack from Soar was all it takes to end it. The grunt grabs his hair.
"Our Harden strategy didn't work! I was hoping we can raise our defenses enough to tire them out!" the second grunt shouts.
"These kids are too much! They tore down the barricade!" The first grunt is just as stressed. "Let's get outta here before the cop gets us!" They run off quickly, and the officer's Stunky spits angrily.
"Chasing them down will do no good. I'm positive they'll retreat to the windworks," Officer Jenny says.
"So much for that." Lalinda growls.
"Look at the bright side," Mia says. "At least that man is safe."
The mentioned man walks over to them. "I must thank you for saving me from those horrible people," he says with relief. "They were after my sweet, sweet honey." He notices Lalinda. "Why isn't it Lalinda! My good fellow helper, how's training so far?"
Lalinda says nothing. She just stares at the ground.
"Anything the matter?"
Mia decides to answer for her. "Team Galactic, those guys you saw earlier, they took over the Valley Windworks. Her mother is in there. We are trying to save her, but we are getting nowhere since they locked us out."
"Lock?" The man apparently understands. He looks around for a moment, and grabs something shining in the grass. It was a key. "Those two grunts left something. Maybe it's the key to the windworks." He hands it to her. "It's better in your hands trainer. Go ahead and save your friend's mother."
Mia just stares at the key. There is no way they could have just dropped them.
"They are just as careless as they are foolish," Officer Jenny notes. "We should get going."
Mia nods once, and she runs towards the trees from where she came. She is taken back to the town. She waits until the other two catch up. "Now that we got the key, we can save your mother and the people who work there."
"Hurry!" Lalinda shouts. Let's go!"
They return back to Route 205 and towards the windworks. Mia takes the key and approaches the building. She sticks the key in the lock, and unlocks the door. She turns to Lalinda and Officer Jenny. They nod in agreement, and Mia opens the door. As they walk inside, the male grunt she encountered times before appears surprised.
"How did you get in here?!" he yelps. He spots what Mia had used, and he seems even more panicked. "What?! No way! You have the key? Locking the door was meaningless! I am the loser in this after all!"
"You can thank your buddies. They dropped it after we dealt with them." Lalinda frowns.
The grunt shakes his head rapidly in regret. "Oh, I have no choice! I'll have to sacrifice my promotion to alert the commander!"
He mentioned the commander times before. Are they really here?
Only one way to find out.
Officer Jenny signals them to follow as she chases after the grunt, ignoring the other ones shouting. She comes to a stop as she spots a clerk who appears to also be held hostage. He looks like a scientist of some kind. With him is a woman who resembles Lalinda very well. Behind them are two unfriendly people. One of them is on a laptop. The grunt has spoken to them already, since he stands there meekly.
"Mom…" Lalinda can only whisper, looking at the woman who appears surprised she came back.
Mia slows down next to her. The two behind the hostages appear annoyed with the grunt that ran to them. She's starting to regret getting this far.
Typing on the laptop appears to be an old large man. Despite his grey and balding hair, he appears a bit intimidating. He wears a lab coat as well, but underneath that is the unmistakable Team Galactic uniform. The yellow "G" symbol is there. He adjusts his red round glasses as he turns towards Mia. "Ah. Mars… I think these are the people that grunt was rambling about?"
Next to him is a red-haired woman. Her hair is styled round, excluding the points on the side of her face, and the top of her head. She has the unifrom without a doubt, only hers is feminine, with the bottom portion of the top as a skirt. She takes notice of the invading group and walks towards them. Her red eyes studies then. "I was informed that we had some trouble. How annoying." She looks at the grunt that was the messenger. "How hard is it to keep a door locked? Misplacing a key? You are going to hate yourself later today."
The grunt shrinks, intimidated by her glare.
She's certainty not a grunt.
"Team Galactic… you hold these people hostage. That will not be tolerated for a moment longer." Officer Jenny steps forward. "Come out peacefully, and there will be no trouble."
"No trouble?" The female repeats this with a bit of sass. She snaps her fingers, and many of the grunts surround the officer, accompanied by Glameow, Stunky, and many Zubat.
Officer Jenny takes a step back, looking around and bracing herself. From the look on her face, it's clear she can't fight them all. Her Stunky is backed against her legs, hissing out of fear.
The Galactic woman shrugs. "Even if you called for backup, it would make no difference. You never really know how to deal with us. Not a lot of crime happens in this peaceful region, so you aren't well equipped."
Is that why the officer was unsure of backup? What kind of police force does Sinnoh have? How do people deal with robbery or…
Of course. With Pokémon.
"And it seems the kid came back with a friend." The woman looks at Mia.
Mia regrets listening to her brother. The woman gives off a very different atmosphere compared to the grunts faced before.
"Listen, all of you. I am Team Galactic's Commander Mars. You should be wise, and go back from wherever you came from. I don't know how to feel about hurting a couple kids."
The Valley Windworks situation just became massive now. Mia was expecting to deal with a few silly grunts!
What is she supposed to do against their boss?!
To be Continued in Chapter 7!