After a trip to Agate, the team heads to Pyrite Town. After running into their old allies, Red Eyes and Blue Eyes they head for ONBS to meet more alies in their fight against Cipher.
A bulky man stood guard in front of the tallest building in Pyrite Town. He spotted a large group approaching them. "Halt! Who goes there!" He spotted Michael. "Oh, it's you kid! Sorry, I didn't recognize you at first with the lab coat."
"We're here to see Nett and the others. It's urgent."
"Go right in."
The automatic doors opened and the first thing they saw was a counter where a young girl with long black hair, a blue dress and a straw hat hanging at her back sat. A Shroomish was sitting on the counter. "Welcome to the ONBS! Oh! Wes! Rui!" She stood right up.
"Megg!" Rui hurried over and gave the girl a hug. "How's everyone's favorite receptionist doing?"
"I'm good! I'm good!" the girl laughed. "And you two?"
"Hanging in there as always." Wes replied.
"Shroo!"
Rui petted the Pokemon. "And hello to you too Shroomish!"
Megg then looked at Michael. "Hey Michael! Nice coat!"
"Thanks. Our friends here have information about Cipher's plans. We want to talk to Nett about it."
"He, Secc and Bitt are waiting for you up top. I'll buzz the guard and tell him to let you all in."
"Thanks." Wes signaled the others to followed him. "Heh. Once a group of kids hiding in The Under to mess with Cipher, now leading the biggest network in the region. They grew up fast."
"I'll say." Rui laughed. "And look what they did with this place. It used to be run by Cipher, now it's something new. Something better."
"What were Megg and the others like when they were younger?" Michael asked.
"Megg was a pretty shy girl. But she put a lot of faith in me and Wes. Nett, was a genius even at a young age. He hacked into Cipher's into Cipher's info and got us a complete list of their Shadow Pokemon. Bitt was always the gutsy one, guarding their base. Secc was the one who got our contact info and reached out to us. And Perr…"
"Wait, Perr was one of them?"
"That's right. He was the one getting parts Nett and the others needed. Those kids were a real help to us. That's why I'm sure they can help us here."
"Oh, and to save time." Rand said. "Wes, Rui, you have my permission to tell them everything you learned from us."
"Good." Wes replied.
Getting everyone to the roof was…complicated with how many people there were and how small the elevators going up were. A man stood in front of the door leading to the room at the top of the building.
"Hey Detro." Michael waved.
"Ah, Michael. Megg told me to expect you. Wow…quite a lot of people you got there…"
"All of them have a stake in this matter. Don't worry, they're all on our side."
"Well, if you say so." Detro stepped aside. "Go on int. Nett, Bitt, and Secc are all waiting for you."
"Hope it's roomy inside, we got a large group." Arata said.
The group entered the room. Inside three young men waited at a desk. The one with the red shirt stood up. "Wes, Rui, Michael, thanks for coming."
"Heh. Every time I see you kids, I swear you look taller." Wes smiled. "Team, this is Nett, Bitt, and Secc. Once a team called Kids Grid working under Pyrite Town, they've formed the ONBS broadcasting network."
Rui turned to the three. "It's good to see you again."
"Whao, quite a number of you." Bitt said. "I don't think this room's ever been this crowded."
Michael looked behind them. "These are the people I mention in my e-mail. Takumi, Ami, Kyoko, Arata, Nokia, Yuuko and Yuugo. That's Keisuke, Ryuji, Chitose, Yu and Erika, and over there are Kyoko and Date. Finally, these are the Pokmeon Rangers Rand, Sven and Wendy. Oh! And those two are Red Eyes and Blue Eyes, we ran into them on the way here. Takumi and his gang worked with them before."
"I wish we had more to catch up and for you all to get to know each other." Wes said. "But we better get to the point of the matter."
"Is Cipher really making a return?" Secc asked.
"It seems like it. Just like you predicted we found them in Kalos. That's where we met Rand and his team. Furthermore…"
Summer blinked as she awoke. She must have fallen asleep. She was still locked up in the cell, hands and feet cuffed together forcing her in that awkward sitting position. Her mind was hazy. She felt warm. And was she leaning on something? It was too soft to be the prison wall…She glanced to her left and saw Ben's sleeping face. He was leaning against the corner of the cell, and she was leaning right on him. "EEEEEEEK!" Summer was so shocked she fell over onto her side.
Kate was across the cell giggling. "Wakie, wakie, lovie dovie!"
"Mph…" Ben murmured as he started to stir. "Huh? What happened?" He noticed Summer was awkwardly lying on her side on the floor. "Summer? What happened?! Are you okay?!"
"I-I'm fine…" Summer looked away, not wanting Ben to see her blushing.
"You two really are just too cute." Solana giggled.
"What are you talking about?" Ben asked.
"Either she's poking fun of Summer's personal pillow or she heard you murmuring Summer's name in your sleep." Lunick replied with a sly grin.
It was Ben's turn to blush. "Wait, what?!"
Summer's eyes widened at that. Thanks to the cuffs on her wrists and ankles she was already curled up, but she just wanted to hide from everyone right now. "Aww, don't be embarrassed you two, I think it's sweet!" Kate smiled. "You two are adorable together."
From the other side of the room Keith chuckled. "Those two really are something else huh?" Kellyn was sitting next to him and tried to smile. He knew his friends were trying to raise spirits but… "Kellyn…hey, don't worry man. We'll find a way out of this. Things always work out. Even when it seems like they can't."
Kellyn just sighed. "I hope so…"
"Well…that's…a lot to take in." Bitt murmured.
"So, these "Digimon" come from another dimension?" Secc asked looking at Tentomon, who Keisuke let out when they explained the matter of Digimon. "And Cipher is working with one of them?"
"They call themselves "The Malevolent Fist." Kyoko replied. "Our friends from the Digital World are looking into that name right now, but I wouldn't be surprised if they just took up that name upon arriving to this world."
"But why would someone from another world decide to work for Cipher?" Nett asked.
"We still don't know." Rui said. "But we did find out where the Pokemon Rangers are. It's that same lab in the middle of the dessert. We know Venus is back, but we need more intel on their members and any other base they might have. Think you can poke around for us?"
"You got it. I'll use all our resources into finding more info. If we learn anything, we'll give you a call."
"One more thing." Michael put a flash drive on the desk. "This is information on the changes in Shadow Pokemon we mentioned. Lovrina mentioned strange energy waves. If you can figure anything out it might help us purify them."
"We'll do our best." Secc replied. "And where will you be?"
"Hunting Cipher." Wes replied. "Michael, have you decided if you're in or not?"
The boy sighed. "I've been distancing myself from battling. I don't know how much good I'll be in there…"
"That's not like you." Bitt said. "Come on Michael, where's your confidence? You beat these chumps last time, right?"
"He's right. Even if you aren't as strong as you used to be, you still have experience on fighting Cipher." Yuuko replied. "That alone makes you a valuable ally."
"Are you discouraged by what Cail said?" Ami asked.
"You heard that?" Michael asked in surprise.
"Don't let it get to you." Ryuji said. "If you have gotten weaker you can regain that strength. Or maybe find a new kind of strength and become stronger than ever."
"A new strength?"
"Ryuji's right." Yuugo smiled. "All of us are fighting because we have a motivation or a reason to. That's what's pushed us through the hardest of battles. Think back Michael. When you fought Cipher didn't you have something to believe in?"
Michael took out the Pokeball holding Jolteon and stared at it. "I…I was always interested in becoming a Trainer. But I also want to continue my dad's work…But now I feel like I've been neglecting my Pokemon while doing so…I can feel it. They want to battle, but I also want to be a great researcher like my parents. I…I just don't know what to do…Do I become a Trainer or a researcher?"
"Why not strive for both?" Takumi asked.
"What? Is that even possible?"
"Why not? It's not uncommon to have more than one goal. Listen, back home, Ami and are trying to become detectives like Kyoko, but we're also doing what we can to make sure EDEN becomes a place where humans and Digimon can meet and coexist."
"It's not easy, but we're making it work." Ami said. "But that's just us. You do what you think is right, Michael. Find your own destiny."
Michael stared at Takumi and Ami as they spoke. He then looked back at Jolteon who stared at him through the Pokeball.
"Think on it, Michael." Kyoko said. "My assistants bring up a good point, but you don't need to decide now. I wouldn't recommend going straight to Cipher's base immediately."
"I agree." Rand nodded. "Let's head back to the HQ Lab, formulate an attack plan, get some rest, and tomorrow we'll go stomp those clowns."
"Sounds like a plan." Sven nodded. "Let's head back."
"Good luck, all of you." Nett said. "There's no telling what else those guys will pull now."
"Let's just hope this time we stop Cipher for good." Secc added.
"Agreed." Wes nodded. "To that end, we're counting on all of you. One last time."
"Leave it to us." Bitt replied.
Michael led the team back into the lab. A girl with blue hair dressed in white and blue ran over to him. "Big brother!"
"Hi Jovi."
The girl came to a halt in front of him. "Big brother, you left without saying anything! Jovi got lonely!"
"Sorry about that. Urgent business."
"Is this your sister Michael?" Rui asked.
"Oh, right. Guys, this is Jovi. My little sister. She can be a bit of a handful, but she keeps things from getting dull around here I guess."
Jovi looked behind Michael. "Wow! Are these all friends of yours?"
"Yup. I'll introduce you to all of them on the way to the Purify Chamber. We need to talk to mom and the professor."
Michael stepped away from the PC. "There I put Plusle and Minun back into the Purify Chamber. Don't know what good it'll do though…"
"Well, it's the best option we've got at this point." Professor Krane replied.
"Wow! Your friends have a Plusle and Minum too!" Jovi pepped. "Jovi bets they could be friends with Pluplu and Mimi!"
"I…wouldn't advice that right now…" Takumi said.
"Huh? Why not?"
"Well…"
"They're in a bit of a bad mood right now." Nokia replied. "Hey, Jovi, maybe Agumon and Gabumon can meet your Pokemon!"
"Huh? Who are Agumon and Gabumon? Are they Pokemon?"
"Something like that. I can tell you, but you have to keep it a secret, okay?"
"Okay! Follow Jovi!" the girl ran out.
Nokia went towards the door and winked. "You guys have your meeting; I'll keep little Jovi entertained."
"Thank you, Nokia." Lily smiled.
"We'll update you on the plan later." Wendy said.
After Nokia closed the door behind her, everyone gathered. "Okay, let's review what we know." Rythmi said. "Our target is the Cipher Lab located in the dessert. The good news is we know three people who have been there before." She added gesturing to Michael, Wes, and Rui.
"Technically, we have five." Lovrina said raising one hand and pointing at Naps with the other.
"Six." Professor Krane added.
"It's an underground lap with multiple floors." Wes said. "When Rui and I were fighting Cipher, it was used to create Shadow Pokemon."
"When I had the place running again, we used it to try to find a way to make Shadow Pokemon immune to the purification process." Lovrina added.
"So, it's safe to assume, that place isn't just a makeshift Ranger jail." Arata said. "They're doing some kind of research there."
"And I bet it's what created these changes to Shadow Pokemon." Michael said.
"If we can infiltrate it and hack into their server, we should be able to find the specifications on what those changes are." Erika said. "And from there, we can find out how to undo what they did to Plusle and Minun."
"Wes, you said you knew the person in charge of the facility?" Ryuji asked.
Wes nodded. "Venus. An Admin of the Cipher when we fought them."
Rui nodded. "Long ago there was a city under Pyrite City called The Under. That's where we met Nett and his friends. But Venus ruled The Under with an iron fist, using her television fame. Still, it's weird. When we went to that lab last time it was Ein we fought, not Venus."
"If Venus is back, I wouldn't be surprised if Ein or Dakim showed up as well. If we can capture her, she might tell us more about this boss of hers. According to that goon, only they know the identity of The Malevolent Fist."
"You're not wrong." Rand said. "But remember, this is a primarily a rescue mission. Saving Ben, Summer, Keith, Kate, Kellyn, Solana, and Lunick are our top priority. Capturing Venus and getting info are secondary."
"Okay, so what's our plan?" Red Eyes asked. "Storm the place and find Ben and the others?"
"After losing contact with the team they sent to Kalos, they'll be on their guard." Kyoko said. "What we need is a subtle approach to the matter."
"Agreed." Ami grinned. "And I think I got an idea…"
Kyoko smirked. "Oh? Do tell."
"Naps, Lovrina, you two used to work Cipher. Would either of you by any chance still have your uniform?"
"I'm wearing mine right now." Lovrina replied.
"I got mine in my closet." Naps said. "I've been keeping it as a reminder of the horrible things I've done."
"Yeah, yeah, okay, so what if, we first had one of you go into the lab and gather info on where Ben and the others are being kept, then the rest of us can head straight there."
"Not a bad idea." Date nodded. "So, who's it going to be?"
"They're recognize me if I go in there." Lovrina said. "After all, I was head of Cipher's research and development team. So, Naps should go, he has a common uniform."
"Hey, I was still a commander, not an ordinary grunt!" Naps said.
"Oh, woohoo, a commander, we had like three of those plus the Hexagon weirdoes! I was an Admin and had my own very fashionable attire!" Lovrina bragged with a twirl. "They're more likely to pass off your dull face as one of them in that common getup!"
"…What am I watching?" Yu asked.
"Sibling love Yu. Weird. Hateful. Sibling love." Keisuke sighed.
"Well anyway like you said, you were in charge of that lab." Naps said. "Wouldn't you have an easier time locating the Rangers?"
"I'm sure you can figure it out." Professor Krane replied. "After all, it was you who kidnapped me and dragged me off to that lab, wasn't it?"
"I can't deny that…" Naps sighed. "Alright, if it means making up for that I'll do it. But what if they ask why I'm there? I mean I could pretend to be a new recruit, but they'll question why a newbie is wearing a commander outfit."
"I got a better idea." Wes said. The leader of the team we fought in Kalos also seemed to be a commander. So, you can pretend to be him."
"And if they ask why, I left Kalos?"
Takumi smirked. "Now I got an idea. What if you "captured" one of our Rangers here and said you were bringing them from Kalos? They won't suspect a thing."
"Offer them a gift, not a bad idea at all." Fei grinned. "If they let him bring their present in himself, he can find out exactly where Ben and the others are being held."
"Then that's what we'll do." Wendy said.
"I agree." Sven nodded. "Wendy will do it."
"Sven will do it." Wendy said at the same time he elected her with the Rangers pointing at each other. "What?! I'm not doing it! You do it! You're tougher than me!"
"Well, you're faster than me, it'll be easier to escape!"
"But I-
Red Eyes groaned. "Of for the love of- We don't have time for this!" He pulled a coin out of his pocket. "I'm settling it, heads or tails, Sven, call it!"
"Uh, heads."
Red Eyes flipped the coin, caught it, and slapped it onto the back of his hand. "Wendy, you're up."
The female Ranger gulped. "Um…best two out of three?"
"Seriously?"
"Wendy, come on!" Rythmi said. "Kellyn, Kate, and Keith are counting on us."
"Ugh. Fine. But you guys better not keep me waiting!"
"Sven, Wendy, do either of you have locator beacons like the one Summer used with you?" Kyoko asked.
"I do." Wendy replied. "But it's kind of an old one. The signal range is weak. Why?"
"Give it to Naps so he can attach it to the inside of the room, and we'll be able to find it immediately."
"In that case I got another job for you Naps." Ryuji said.
"Yeah? What's that?"
"Tonight, Erika, Chitose and I are going to work on a backdoor program we used to use for work at Hudie to give to you. Once you drop off Wendy, see if you can install it to their computer. We might be able to sabotage their security."
"Can you make it so it can hack into their database?" Blue Eyes asked. "It would save us some time."
"We still don't know much about this world's programs and whatnot. I don't want to risk deleting the info on these Shadow Pokemon we need. Once you install the program, we'll make our move."
"There are plenty of us, so let's split into teams." Kyoko said. "Ami, Yuuko, tomorrow the three of us will head back to ONBS and help Nett and the others access their systems once the backdoor program is installed. Yuugo, Yu, and Chitose will help Rythmi do the same from here. Takumi, Rand, Nokia, and Keisuke will find Ben and the others. Arata, Ryuji, Erika, Blue Eyes and Lovrina will meet up with Naps and try to access the main computer. The info we'll need should be there. Wes, Rui, Date, Fei, Sven and Red Eyes will headhunt Venus and capture her."
"Sounds like a plan." Wes nodded.
"Ryuji, Chitose, we should get to work." Ryuji said.
"Yes sir." Chitose nodded. "Anybody got a computer we can use?"
"Evreything here is at your disposal my friends." Professor Krane replied.
"Wait, what about Michael?" Rui asked.
"That's to be decided." Kyoko said. "Michael, have you decided on if you want to help us or not?"
Michael stared at the floor. "Michael…If you feel unsure, don't think you're obligated to do it." Lily said.
"I agree." Professor Krane nodded. "You defeated Cipher by yourself last time and purified all of their Shadow Pokemon, including one said to be impossible to purify. Nobody will say you haven't done your part."
Michael thought for a moment. "I'll give you my answer tomorrow."
"As you wish." Kyoko replied. "Well then, I think this meeting is adjourned. Takumi, go find Nokia and tell her our plan."
"Right."
As everyone left an each went off in different directions Michael hurried to Wes and grabbed his sleeve. "Hey, listen. I…I have a favor to ask."
"I'm listening."
Later that night, Takumi looked outside through the glass wall of the HQ Lab. He stared at the stars. "Ben…Summer…everyone…just hold on for a bit longer…"
Footsteps hobbled up from behind him. "Takumi? What are you doing up so late?"
Takumi jolted as he looked behind him. "Rand. I couldn't sleep."
"I see. Me neither. We have an important mission on our hands tomorrow. It makes sense you're nervous."
"I just hope Ben and the others will be okay when we find them."
"Don't worry. You know as well as I do that, they're as tough as they come. They'll be alright. And tomorrow, we'll save them and make Cipher pay."
"You're right. Hmm?" A spark caught Takumi's eye outside.
"What is it?"
"Something's outside."
Rand looked into the distance and saw another flash. "Let's check it out."
Michael stood in front of his Jolteon and Ursaring. Wes stood in front of Umbreon and a Hariyama. Rui was sitting nearby. "Alright, try again." Wes said. "Hariyama!"
"Ursaring!" The two larger Pokemon clashed and grappled. It slowly looked like Ursaring was starting to push Hariyama. Then Umbreon charged into Ursaring. "Hey! Cheap shot!"
"Focus." Wes said. "Remember, awareness is even more essential in Double Battles."
"Ugh…"
"You're getting the hang of it, Michael." Rui said. "Keep it up."
"You two are working late." Both Trainers and Rui heard Red Eye's voice and turned to him as he approached.
"Red Eyes? What are you doing up?" Rui asked.
"I could ask the same for you."
"Michael asked me to help train him and his Pokemon." Wes replied.
"Is that so?" Red Eyes asked. He glanced at Michael. "I take it this means you've decided to join our fight?"
"I have. Over the last year, I've become too lax. Not just on my Pokemon but myself. That's part of why Cipher was able to rise up again behind my back. I have to take responsibility for that. I have to stop them. And to do that, my Pokemon and I need to be as strong as we were. Maybe stronger than ever before. I thought when Cipher fell, the next thing I can do to help Orre is continue my family's research. But Takumi and Ami told me it's possible to pursue two goals. So, it occurred to me that I'm not really doing all I can."
Red Eyes smiled. "I like your attitude kid. I was right. A Pokemon League in Orre could use you. And what about you two? A Trainer that took down a crime syndicate and a Trainer he trained would be helpful. One of you may very well be crowned the first Champion of Orre."
"What do you think Wes?" Rui asked.
Wes folded his arms. "I don't know. Staying in one region isn't my thing. Although, it probably won't be so bad if it's Orre. The region may be dull most of the time but it's still home."
"It's not uncommon for Gym Leaders or Trainers to travel either for oversees training, or personal reasons. And many also have other hobbies and jobs as well, Michael. You can easily continue your research while improving yourself against many Trainers."
"Hmmm…I'll think about it."
"Same here." Wes replied. "Right now, we have to focus on Cipher or there won't be a Orre League. Michael, let's get back to it."
"Right."
"Mind if I join?" Red Eyes asked. "I could go for a little late-night training. Plus, I have a Digimon. You guys should learn how they work if you're going to fight with Takumi and the others. Of fight the Malevolent Fist."
"Thanks, Red Eyes."
"Okay. Rui, you join too, we'll do a team match." Wes instructed. "You and Red Eyes against me and Michael."
Rui sprung to her feet. "Got it!"
In front of the HQ Lab Takumi and Rand watched as Rui got our Espeon and Red Eyes' brought Gotsumon out of the Megavice. "Sounds like your advice did Michael good." Rand smiled.
Takumi nodded. "Yeah. Our chances against Cipher are looking good."
The next morning people started gathering outside. Takumi yawned as he joined them. "Good morning. Hmm? Did Kyoko, Ami and Yuuko leave already?"
"Yeah, they got up early so they could get to the ONBS Building ASAP." Nokia replied. "Is Naps ready?"
The door opened again. "Sorry for the wait." Naps stepped outside doing his old Cipher uniform.
"Perfect, you look just like the guy we fought in Turminus Cave." Keisuke said.
Erika came out next and handed Naps Wendy's Styler. "Here. I installed a tracking program in the Styler. If they put it with the rest of them, we should be able to recover Ben and the others' Stylers as well."
"Good. Ben and Summer' Stylers are the ones with Sign Mode programed into hem." Arata said. "The sooner we get them out of Cipher's hands the better."
Ryuji and Chitose joined them. Naps turned to them. "You got the program?"
Ryuji handed him a disc. "All you have to do is put it in the computer and it'll download the backdoor program automatically. Just try not to let someone see you doing it."
"Right." Naps put the disc away. "I'll send my sister the signal once it's installed and Wendy's in custody."
"Has anyone seen Michael?" Red Eyes asked. "He's not still asleep, is he?"
Rui whispered to Wes. "Maybe we kept him up too late."
"I guess he won't be joining us." Keisuke said. "It's a shame, but I suppose we'll have to make do on our own."
Jovi ran outside. "Hey! Where's everyone going?"
"Oh, hi Jovi." Rui smiled. "We just have…some business to take care of, we'll be back soon."
"Oh. Okay."
"Hey, do you know where your brother is?" Takumi asked.
"He said he had to go get something."
The automatic door opened again. "Sorry to keep you waiting." Everyone turned to the door and saw Michael. But he was no longer in his lab coat. He had a yellow vest over a black shirt, blue pants, black shoes, a pouch tied to his hip, googles around his neck, and a blue headband. But most notably there was the Aura Reader on the side of his head and over his left arm was a silver machine with a blue light on the back of the hand.
Rui looked at Michael's arm. "Is that what I think it is?"
Michael looked at it. "Yup. This is the Snag Machine I used."
"I take it this means you've decided to join us?" Yuugo smiled.
"Yeah. I can't let Cipher get away with what they're doing. I'll protect the people and Pokemon of Orre."
"Is that your resolve?" Ryuji asked. "You're strength?"
"It is. This time I'll make sure they're dismantled for good!"
"That's the spirit!" Nokia grinned. "Glad to have you abord!"
Lily stepped forward. "Michael…"
"It's okay mom. I'll be alright. I'm not fighting alone. Never was."
Lily smiled. "You're right. You have your Pokemon, your friends and your family supporting you. Good luck my son."
Jovi hurried over. "Big brother, are you going on another adventure?"
"Yup. Take care of the lab while I'm gone, okay?"
"Of course! Leave it to Jovi!"
Rand nodded. "Okay Michael. You're with our group. We'll find Ben and the other Rangers. Our mission is to rescue our Rangers, defeat Venus, and if we can, learn more about the new Shadow Pokemon, Cipher's boss, and the Malevolent Fist. Each of us have our own role, but that makes us each a small part of a bigger whole. If everyone gives it their all, we will prevail. Now let's go."
"Right!"
They start fighting Cipher next chapter, I promise.