Author's Note:
Here it is, the weather institute and the meeting points for a lot of different ongoing plot lines. Now I'm sure many of you are wondering why I had May leave the group for a short time last chapter and that is simple. Firstly, I felt like having her and both Leaf and Gary at the same time was too large a group and secondly, it's to further expand upon her current arc. On to this chapter, we get to see an evolution and a new capture. Those who have played the gen three games probably know which capture it is, but I will say, I had several ideas for who to give it too. Originally, I felt like it would be a good performance Pokémon but with a single gimmick, I felt like said gimmick could be handled much better by different Pokémon. Then I felt like giving it to Leaf or Gary as the visitors but it's such a unique Pokémon, I wanted to see it more than with a side character who isn't always around. So, I hope who ends up with them at the end will satisfy you readers. I'm still accepting name suggestions for Max's Treecko so give 'em through PM or review. Don't forget to vote in the poll, this time it's about the grand festival and which coordinator you think will win in this arc. With that, let's begin!
Chapter Fifty-One: Theft at the Weather Institute
Ash sighed and rolled his eyes. His pure water type sat on his shoulder as they walked around the mountain side which housed the weather institute. Glancing around he noticed Leaf and Serena off to the side, gossiping together as Max rode on the back of Gary's Arcanine. His oldest male friend locked in a conversation with Brock. Shaking his head, he refocused his attention on the Pokémon riding his shoulder.
"Cum pan man wah di issue here?" he asked.
"I am not going to help you get with Milotic," he replied, "end of discussion."
"But wah bout Pokémon taking afta dem trainer's?" he asked, "surely yuh haffi help a mon out. Its di bredda code."
"Firstly, you're only interested in her because of her looks," he replied. His water type simply shrugged in response, "and secondly, she is working through some stuff so the last thing she needs is some dude who just wants... I'm not even gonna go there."
"Mi cyaa help it eff mi like fi share di luv," he replied, "it ow it wuk inna di wild man."
"What are you, part ditto or something?" he asked.
"It real possible," he nodded, "mi neva meet mi parents. Mi cud even be part Kyogre, yuh kno."
"Uh huh."
A cold wind blew past them, and both stopped in their tracks. Looking around he found a few droplets falling from a quickly forming black cloud above them as some sort of white Pokémon floated around, transforming into something else. The lower half resembled a storm cloud while the head turned blue, resembling a raindrop. Reaching to his Pokédex, he scanned the new Pokémon:
No data.
"Huh, weird," he uttered, putting the device back in his pocket.
Narrowing his eyes to get a better look at the Pokémon, he noticed two scientists stood on the cliff edge above, the cloud fading just as quickly as it formed. The Pokémon floated down to them, taking up a pure white bottom shaped like a cloud, while the head turned orange and developed small spheres around. It seemed to resemble not on the sun but a flower as well.
"You won't find Castform in any of your Pokédex, I'm afraid," the male scientist called out, "I take it one of you is Gary Oak?"
"That's me," his spikey-haired friend called back.
"We've been expecting you," he replied, "my name is Bart and I'm the genetic scientist who's built this little one."
"And I'm Millie," the female scientist replied, "head of the weather institute rehabilitation and reserve programme. Why don't ya'll make your way up and we can continue this conversation face to face."
He silently followed his friends, recalling his pure water type as he noticed Gary do something similar with his Arcanine. Max seemed to grumble about not getting to ride him still but didn't complain. His Treecko sat nicely on the young boys shoulder. Reaching the top of the cliff, he took in the two scientists, both dressed in the traditional lab coats, Bart had dark, navy-blue hair while Millie had brown ponyta-tail hair, which sat on her shoulder.
"It's so nice to have you all arrive," Bart greeted, "please follow us, we don't have much time to waste."
Following the two inside, he couldn't help but watch the unknown Pokémon floating around Bart. As they entered the large building, he noticed the Pokémon transform once more. This time resembling a plain, grey cloud with a single wisp extending from the top of the head. While the bottom half had two spheres hanging under the head, which he was certain Duskull would just have a field day making inappropriate jokes about.
Shaking his head at the thought, he noticed the Pokémon float closer to Max, circling around him in a playful manner. His pure grass type climbed onto the young boy's shoulder, reaching up to touch the unknown addition.
"Castform here is my own creation," Bart explained, "she is a Pokémon specifically designed to help with the weather. Although, I was only able to build the species to handle three weather conditions, those being bright suns, rain and snow."
"You built a Pokémon?" Serena asked.
"Of course," he nodded, "I'm no-where near the first to do so."
"We have seen Porygon before, remember Serena," Ash chimed in, with his mind thinking to a certain cloned Pokémon also created by humans.
"Correct but even before Porygon, Ditto was the original genetically created Pokémon," Bart interjected, "I actually used a lot of the same genetic make-up that those scientist created but Castform's body is made up of water molecules which allow her to transform based on temperature and humidity."
"It's sooo cool seeing a one-of-a-kind Pokémon like this," Max muttered.
"That's not exactly the case," Millie giggled, "is it, Bart?"
"No son," he shook his head, "I originally built the three different models for the three weather effects, but this girl is the first one with the capability to switch between the forms. I had wished to incorporate a different form for all known element types which Pokémon can harness but-"
"You told my grampa that you wanted him to overlook some research?" Gary interjected, "I guess it has something to do with that."
"Correct," he nodded, "I assume you know of the recent events concerning those criminals gangs known as aqua and magma?" They all nodded in agreement with a slight mutter confirming, "well the officers leading the investigation came to claim we were a potential target for them."
"So, you wanted us to take your data to the lab in Pallet before they get their hands on it?" Gary asked.
"Yes and no," Millie replied, "we do want you to keep a copy of our data but its more specifically our Castform research we'd like your help with. You see, we're moving the lab to the Alola region to continue our research there, but it would be great if we could help study this new Pokémon, so we'd have a head start once the move is finished. We'd also need some help training up Castform to see how it develops like other Pokémon do."
"Our goal here is to revolutionise weather patterns so we can help counter extreme incidents which threaten lives. Whether adding rain into a serious drought or countering natural disasters such as hurricanes or tornados. Which is where Castform comes in."
"That's so cool!" Leaf gushed.
"But we also want to properly have an understanding so once the current embryos of Castform we're growing at the moment take form, we can release them into the wild to coexist with other life," Bart continued, "the creators of Porygon never took that step and the species as a whole became co-dependent upon humans. It's why you'd never find one in the wild or why they only evolve with man-made items to help improve upon the original design."
"Genetic engineering Pokémon sounds super complicated," he added.
"It can be, I spent seven years in university to learn how to bring Castform to life," Bart explained, "I was actually offered a similar project back in Kanto a few years back but-"
"But Bart and myself were at the same university and came up with the two combined ideas together," Millie interjected, "so he turned down the offer and we each worked towards making this project a reality."
"So, Gary," Bart cut off, "why don't you and I go to download the information on Castform."
"I'll come too!" Leaf opted, following them down the corridor.
"And I'll be happy to show the rest of you how this whole building is meant to operate," Millie added, turning to the rest of them.
Leading them down the main corridor, she pushed open two double doors to reveal a wide dome-like building. Multiple pieces of equipment filled the room but if he were honest, he couldn't name any or say what they did specifically. She continued to lead them to a large desktop with three monitors and a large screen hanging over head. Typing some things down on the keypad too quick for him to actually notice them.
"So, this mainframe is attached to the satellite dish on our roof. You might've noticed it on our way in," she explained, "with it, we can connect to our orbiting satellite which we use to mark upcoming weather patterns. We're able to predict the main weather in any point in Hoenn for up to two weeks, with a ninety-three-percent accuracy."
The large screen lit up with a large map of Hoenn. On the top corner he saw the date and time as mid-afternoon tomorrow. A bright sun icon surrounded most of the region, but a strong sea storm seemed to be affecting the route west of Slateport.
"That's sooo cool," Serena cooed, "I remember when I met my Jumpluff. We met a women who'd predict oncoming storms by using them to-"
"Ah, the storm chasers," Millie cut her off, "that is quite the old-fashioned method, but it worked for it's time. The main issue with it was the lack of foresight which came with it. You could only predict for up to twelve hours ahead with hopes for any sort of accuracy."
The lights in the room cut off, along with all the technology. The sound of smashing glass echoed as the sheets shattered against the floor, having fallen from the window-dome which made up part of the ceiling. Soon a swarm of grunts dressed in Aqua uniforms landed and released an onslaught of Poochyena, Wingull, Corphish and Spheal. With a long, long jump, a women came down last, standing in front of the others with arms crossed.
"Sh-Shelly." Serena's fist tightened as she grabbed a Pokéball. Stepping forward, in front of the others, he followed suit. Taking out his own Pokéball, he noticed Brock joining the stance.
"Stay behind us Max and Millie," he whispered, "we don't know what they're after yet."
"That, child, is very simple," she declared in a loud, booming voice, "we just need access to your computer. Don't stand in our way and we won't have a reason to hurt you."
"Too bad," Millie called out, "the powers out, in case you didn't notice. We couldn't access them even if we wanted too."
"We cut the power to prevent your alarm going off," she explained with an unamused expression, "our tech-support outside will be able to restore the power for us once we've got access to your systems. No need to worry about that."
"It doesn't matter!" Ash declared, "we're not going to let you get your hands on anything! You'll just try to destroy-"
"Impudent child!" she yelled, cutting him off, "we're the only one's trying to save this world!"
In a flash of light, two familiar Pokémon appeared in front of them. The first being a large Milotic, who stood tall in front of them. Much taller than Serena's own one. While the other was an Azumarill, who slammed a closed fist into an open palm with a sinister smirk on her face.
"Max, I want you to try and sneak away to safety. Try and find Gary, Leaf and Bart," Serena's mental voice echoed through his head, he noticed a Pokéball subtly floating through the air into the young boy's hand, "I'll send Zangoose to help keep you safe."
"I'll send Duskull too," he mentally added, handing over his own device, "try and keep Castform safe. The further away she is from these guys, the better."
"And Lairon can help hold off plenty of opponents too," Brock added, handing over his own Pokéball.
The young boy gave a small nod, attaching the three devices to his belt. Turning back to the battle at hand, he took out a second device. Throwing both into the air, he released Grovyle and Swellow into the field ahead. "Swellow, take to the sky and handle the outer ring! Grovyle, we're going head-to-head."
"Swellow, think you can give Bagon a lift to help with the grunts?" Serena asked.
"Sure." His bird mentally shrugged.
"Let's go, Dustox! Bagon!" She tossed both her Pokéballs forward.
Bursting open, her bug poison type materialised above the ground, just next to his wood gecko Pokémon, with her newest capture right underneath. His large-ish bird swooped down under her fully evolved Pokémon, snatching the dragon type up in her talons. He smirked watching her ascend over the grunts, dropping the first stage Pokémon, who coated herself in dragon type energy.
"Wouldn't Cacnea have a better type advantage?" he mentally asked his girlfriend.
"No reason to use both our grass types from the start," she replied, "and poison is good against fairy, remember."
"I'm gonna help lead the containment," Brock uttered, "think you can handle Shelly?"
Before either of them could reply, the doctor-in-training took off, releasing both his Vigoroth and Lombre. Seeing his own ghost materialised, he blinked as Max seemed to disappear into a shadow with both his Treecko and the Castform. Inwardly smirking, he turned back to his own opponent.
Milotic raised her tail, water swirling around it. Swiping it down between the two Pokémon. Splashing the liquid out in all directions, so he raised his arms.
Peaking behind them after the impact, he noticed his pure grass type. He dodged to the side and took off. Two leaf blades extended out to the side.
On the other side of the sea-serpent, he noticed Azumarill in an aqua jet. Flying high into the air, in some sort of dance with Serena's Dustox.
Leaping onto her body, his middle-staged starter ran up to her. She took a deep breath. Leaping past her, he delivered a swift slash to her neck.
Landing behind her on one knee, her head flew backwards. An ice beam shooting out and striking the wall behind them. Hitting her partner, the veil of water surrounding her froze completely. Azumarill began falling down to the ground with Dustox chasing after her.
"Poison powder!" Serena echoed.
Swooping in her decent, the poison moth Pokémon released a thick purple powder over the spot where Azumarill crashed. In the blink of an eye, his fully evolved normal flying type shot through the powder, catching some herself. Slowing down, he noticed a purple mark over her beak.
"I may prefer burns, but this'll work just as well," she squawked, diving back into the sea of grunts.
A cry drew his attention as he turned back to his own battle. Milotic swung her tail round, snatching Grovyle up and sending him over to Azumarill.
Both Pokémon were caught up by his girlfriend's poison powder. Rolling through the ice together.
"Wanna team up and take out Azumarill first?" he asked.
"Sure," she replied, "you set it up and we deliver the strike?"
With a small nod, he took a deep breath. Calling out his instructions to his partner, who pushed himself up, disappearing in a quick attack.
Bursts of bullet seeds shot out. Striking the water fairy type as she tried to push herself up, causing her to fall stumble back down.
The pure water type wrapped her tail around the aqua rabbit. Water surrounding both of them as a mystic healing glow surrounded Milotic's tail, who protected her partner from the barrage of attacks.
"Now Dustox!" Serena shouted.
Diving down from the top, he saw the fully evolved bug poison type. Diving down from the ceiling, she shot out a large ball of toxic sludge.
The sludge bomb landed directly in the bowl which Milotic created to protect Azumarill. Splattering out as a cry of pain echoed out from the water fairy type.
Milotic quickly withdrew, slivering back towards Shelly. Seeing her prepare to water gun wash the sludge away, he made his own move.
Grovyle charged forward, delivering a solid leaf blade straight into her aqua rabbit's side. The two went flying under the water gun. He came to a stop with a smirk as he twirl the twig in his mouth. While their opponent rolled to a stop, swirls replacing her eyes. A red light quickly engulfing her from sight.
"Finish off that Grovyle!" Shelly shouted, tossing a device forward, "Starmie! Milotic!"
Spinning as it materialised, the giant red centre jewel glew. A wave of ESP engulfed his wood gecko Pokémon, holding him in place.
Dustox swooped down with two fangs filled with bug type energy forming at her mouth. Diving straight for Starmie as they landed on the ground.
A beam of ice shot out of Milotic's mouth. Striking his pure grass type and sending him flying backwards. Crashing into the wall behind. Turning to go after him, he glanced around as Serena's fully evolved Pokémon landed her leech life directly on the new opponent.
Cradling his slightly frozen middle-staged-starter, he silently recalled him back to the Pokéball. Standing up, he returned to his girlfriend's side.
He watched Dustox dance around the sky as an ice beam tried to shoot her down. Along with glowing white balls of rock type energy.
While she seemed to perfectly move between the onslaught of attacks, thanks to her performance training, he knew sooner or later she'd tired and get struck by either move. Reaching to his belt, he went through his options. Torkoal was hardly ideal right now and given they're facing a psychic type, neither is Seviper. Snatching the final device off his belt, he tossed it forward, "I choose you, Corphish!"
His pure water type materialised, snapping his claws together. Turning around to smirk at him, "Mi kno yuh wudda cum round kid."
"Nope Corphish, this is a battle!" He declared, "nothing else!"
"Mi cya rough it up wid di best of 'em," he replied, turning back around.
Launching himself forward, his claws were coated in water, spinning around. Delivering a crab hammer straight into the centre jewel of Starmie.
Using the water psychic type as a launching pad, he followed through to the second opponent. Vice gripping his second claw around Milotic's neck. With the onslaught of attacks halted, Dustox redirected herself to deliver her next follow up counter.
Max panted heavily as he felt the glasses slide down his face. Pushing them up with the back of his hand, he glanced up. Floating either side of him was Ash's pure ghost type and Castform. Hiding in the shadows, they were able to use the battle commotion to sneak out without aqua noticing.
Running around the curving corridor, he skidded to a stop as another aqua member came into sight. She stood with a Pokéball in hand, tossing it up and down while the hood covered most of her face. If it weren't for the physique, he wouldn't even know if this person was a guy or girl. Tripping over his own feet as he tried to reverse his run, he flopped down onto his stomach. Looking up weakly, he saw the two floating Pokémon stop as the grunt turned towards them.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" she asked, tightening her fist around the device she was previously tossing. Walking closer, he noticed the normal type float behind him as he struggled back to his feet, "you're in luck kid-"
"No way am I giving you Castform!" he declared, snatching the first Pokéball off his belt, "Duskull fall back for now because I'm gonna use Treecko... go!"
In a flash of light, his starter materialised in front of him. Hopping from one leg to another, he tightened his fists, making punching motions towards their opponent. He smirked seeing him already to charge in with a proper battle and since aqua only uses water types, they'll be in a good position regardless.
"Heh, I could use a way to pass the time," she shrugged, "you're on kid. I call... Surskit."
He frowned at the sight of their first opponent, mentally running through what he knew about the species, "bug water type. Lives on or near ponds. Very fast-" Inwardly smirking, he realised she'll have a tough time getting the most out of the mobility in a long corridor like this oppose to a wide-open field.
The pond skater Pokémon shot off from her spot. Zooming straight towards them in the blink of an eye, knocking Treecko towards the wall.
"Climb!" he shouted.
His pure grass type looked up, shaking his head. Reaching up, he started crawling across the wall. Turning his head, he launched out a small burst of yellow seeds... which popped into thin air, not even halfway towards the ground... he blinked, staring towards his starter in surprise.
While the female grunt burst out laughing, almost crippling over, holding her stomach, "sorry kid. Real sorry. But that was hilarious. Phew, sorry but it's been really serious as of late, so I needed that. You know what to do, Surskit."
A thick white string shot out of the top yellow antenna. It struck his starters foot, and their opponent began running away, tightening the tension in the string.
"Pound!" he hollered.
His starter went flying towards their opponent, unable to escape the sticky trap. Moving with the force, he swung his tail around, smacking into the Surskit.
The pond skater Pokémon went flying and her string shot snapped in half. Smacking into the wall just like Treecko previously had.
"Not bad kid," the grunt commented, "you remember me of this guy I use to know. Always easy to keep distracted. Do it now!"
He stepped back in surprised, glancing around to try and find her accomplices but to no-avail. Sighing in relief, he glanced back to the field and saw the worst possible situation. His starter was trapped to the floor with his legs completely coated in a sticky web, Surskit skating around, adding to the trap.
Glowing with a red outline, the pond skater charged to the side. Throwing her antenna forward to smash into the wood gecko Pokémon.
His starter cried out in pain. Taking a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart, he reached into his pocket to grab his Pokédex for the new move:
Fell Stinger: If this move is used to finish off an opponent, it massively fills the user with adrenaline and increases the offensive capabilities
As he put the device away and saw his wood gecko fall forward. The vibrating pond skater zoomed around, letting out a series of angry cries. Shakily, taking the device off his belt, he silently recalled his starter. Taking another deep breath to stare at his opponent, he glanced around with his eyes only.
"Duskull, I need you to go back in!"
A black shadow shot across the ground and the requierm Pokémon leaped out. Tackling straight into their opponent and sending her back to the wall.
He watched a ring of blue fire balls form around him. One by one, the will-o-wisps flew forward smashing into the downed pond skater Pokémon.
Water spewed out of the fire and followed was the water bug type, skating away. Flames still surrounded her body as she skated around the aqua grunt.
Diving back into the ground, the two Pokémon went zooming around. Even climbing onto the walls, as they bashed around each other in a high-speed chase.
Ash's pure ghost type jumped out and shot out a single, zagged black-beam with a red outline. Striking the water bug type and knocking her away.
Surskit shook her body as she skidded to a stop just in front of her trainer. Another string shot fired out of the yellow antenna on top of her head.
The pure ghost type dived and just narrowly avoided being hit. Floating back up and pinching the web which stuck to the wall, he turned back to face them.
"Dus Duskull!"
In a flash of light, Serena's pure normal type materialised behind him. The large, clawed paws covering his ears as he shouted something bad. Flickering his eyebrow down, he wondered just what the two were talking about but another part of him... probably didn't want to know.
"Duskull." The requierm Pokémon turned back, shrugging none-chalantly.
"Disable!" He cried, pulling away from the cat ferret Pokémon.
Another string shot hit his face, but a red outline surrounded it. Travelling down the web, the move engulfed Surskit completely. The webbing crumbling into nothing as he charged forward. A purple face of ghost type energy surrounded Ash's first caught Hoenn Pokémon. Flying down, it exploded over Surskit.
As the hex fade, he noticed a red light recalling the water bug type. She quickly switched devices and sent out another Pokémon, "I call... Clamperl!"
Smiling, he saw one species he came to know quite well thanks to his sister. Quickly examining the pure ghost type, he figured this would be an easy win since the species didn't really do much. Sure, May's put on a nice water display in the contest, but she hardly ever battled.
"You alright to keep going?" he called out. Receiving a sort of thumbs up gesture from the ghost type, "great! Then do what you did against Slaking!"
The pure ghost type surrounded himself with a ring of fireballs once more. One by one they rained down over the closed shell.
A veil of water surrounded Clamperl, intercepting each will-o-wisp. With a mystic glowing light consuming her body. Losing the last fireball to the aqua ring shield, he peaked open and launched out a jet of water which struck Duskull head on.
"Duskull!" he called out, "I've got a plan! Use the string shot!"
Shaking his body as he floated away from the water gun, he looked around. Grabbing one of the loose threads from the previous opponent off the ceiling.
Pulling it down, he dodged to the side of the next blast of water. Spinning the web like a lasso, he sent it flying down. Landing on Clamperl's shell as he closed up. A metal sheen shimmered over the shell as Ash's ghost type started spinning the opponent around, whacking him into the floor, ceiling, and walls.
"Heh, you really are just like him," the grunt seemed to mutter, "whirlpool."
Water spewed out of the Bivalve Pokémon soon engulfing the close-ranged battle. Zangoose covered his body and block his view as rushing water echoed.
Once the move finally finished, he glanced behind Serena's normal type. On the ground, Duskull laid with swirls in his eyes and water soaking his body through while the pure water type sat next to him, swirls in his own eyes and what seemed to be sick in the shell.
"Interesting," the grunt mused, recalling the bivalve Pokémon, "you up to keep going kid? This is more fun than I expected."
"O-of course, we're not about to let you get Castform or anyone or thing else!" he yelled, gripping a Pokéball which he used to recall the ghost type. Turning to the normal type, he smirked, "you ready to go next, Zangoose?"
With a simple nod and slightly narrowed eyes, he stepped forward. Stretching both arms, he lowered down onto all fours, his claws lightly scratching the wet metal floor. His nose twitching although not a single sound uttered as he watched their opponent.
"Now we're talking," she smirked, taking out another Pokéball, "I'll call... Marill!"
In a flash of light, he saw a Pokémon appear which he could only recall from textbooks. A round blue body with a small face and two round ears. A white belly circle with an ocean blue colour over the back and face. A round ball attached by the thin black tail. He quickly ran through what he knew of the species.
"Water fairy type... straight forward attacks... capable of packing a punch thanks to hugh power..." Taking deep breath, he glanced back to his own partner for the match up, "careful Zangoose! We can win but I don't think it'll be as straight forward as before."
He turned back to give a small nod. Taking a deep breath to warn him, the words died in his mouth. A blast of water shot into the side of his face.
Raising his arm up, his claw pointed straight into the water gun. It harmlessly splattered to the sides, adding to the reminence of Clamperl's move.
As the water came to a stop, a speedy blue blur crashed into Zangoose's leg. Stumbling back, their opponent bounced off the wall. Colliding back into his leg once more, he fell forward. Marill continued to roll between the two walls, picking up momentum and colliding into the cat ferret Pokémon.
Darting his eyes around, he tried to come up with a counter, but he couldn't even see where the aqua mouse was. His bottom lip trembled in fear.
A glowing caught his attention and he saw the normal types claws extend. With a swipe upwards, he sent Marill flying upwards, losing her momentum.
Standing back up as she uncurled, repositioning her body for a body slam, he thrusted his claw up. A purple tint mixed with the glow.
Striking the water fairy type in the stomach, she cried out. Flying backwards from the impact as Serena's normal type stood with a smirk on his face.
"We maybe down but we're not out," the grunt comment, causing his eyes to widen
"Swords dance, quick! We need to be ready for whatever they're planning!" He hollered.
The cat ferret Pokémon took a deep breath, closing his eyes. A glow seemed to engulf his body and his arms shot out to the side, his claws extending, and it could've been his imagination but seemed to get sharper. Glancing back, his eyes seemed to shrink at the sight-
"Lookout!"
Marill smashed into his chest with a glow of her own. This one, however, had a tint of orangey-brown. Causing Zangoose to stumble back from the impact.
She landed in front of him. Grabbing her ball tail and throwing it up, blocking his claw as she scurried between his legs. Delivering a punch to the knee.
Falling backwards, he spun around and caught the aqua mouse Pokémon. Bringing his claw down on her head with a bright white glow engulfing the razors.
While their opponent stood, using her tail above her head to block the impact. With eyes almost squeezing completely shut, prominent lines between her two eyes, wrinkled nose, and heavy breathing, she let out a loud cry. A bright light engulfed her body and her shape changed.
He gasped as the evolution finished, looking just like Sakura's back in Rustboro's contest. Gulping as he watched the two Pokémon entered a close combat.
It was difficult to properly see who was winning, each hit from both sides seemed effective... "but ho-wait!"
"You finally worked it out kid?" the grunt asked.
"You had Marill-erm-Azumarill, use copycat on Swords Dance!"
The female grunt smirked and crossed her arms. He racked his mind for something to give them the edge, but it seemed Zangoose moved first.
Using a claw to deflect her blow, she stumbled back from the impact. Using the opening, both his claws glew with a purple tint. One by one he thrusted them each forward, delivering a barrage of poison jabs. She tried to walk away but couldn't move quick enough from his onslaught.
With one final slash to the side, she was knocked over. Rolling over to the wall with swirls replacing her eyes, quickly followed by a red light engulfing her.
"Not bad kid but I'm afraid I've saved the best for last," she declared, flicking another Pokéball out, "I'll call... Tentacruel!"
His eyes widened at the sight of the large jellyfish
"Well... good thing May's not here at least." Sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose, a low grunt drew his attention. He found Serena's normal type staring at him, asking a silent question in his harden stare, "yeah, I'm fine. It's just... we barely won against Azumarill and- Lookout!"
A series of tentacles flew forward, each with a purple tip. Striking his shoulder, stomach, chest, lower arm, in that order. He stumbled backwards.
Kneeling over from the swift assault, his eyes narrowed. Leaping forward with his claws glowing during each pounce.
One final push and he went flying straight towards the water poison type. A ferocious roar echoing through the corridor.
The tentacles quickly raised up, tying around the four limbs. Bringing the pure normal type to a halt in the air. Spinning him around, the jellyfish Pokémon slammed him back down onto the floor. Lifting up the face appendage, a steaming blast of water shot out, striking his back, and sending him flying.
Serena's cat ferret Pokémon crashed into the wall and slumped down. Running over to his side, he kneeled beside him trying to check if he was alright. He was joined by Castform who floated closely behind him. Shaking the protective Pokémon, he saw him slowly blink awake struggling to his feet.
"N-no Zangoose, your too hurt and tired from your previous battles," he whispered. Pulling out the Pokéball, he recalled him into the device before any argument could be made. Picking himself up, he switched to the last Pokéball in his possession. While he knew this would be a long shot, he had a slight plan in mind which could work... with a deep breath, he pressed the centre button, "go Lairon!"
With a heavy thud, Brock's steel rock type landed on the soaked metal floor. He let out a loud roar and stomped his front foot in the puddle.
"Hmm, you saved a Pokémon with a type disadvantage until last?" the grunt questioned, "and here I thought you was smart. Tentacruel, let's finish this."
Lifting up the appendage once more, she shot out a second boiling scold. It struck Lairon head on, trying to push him back but his claws gripped into the floor.
"Atomise into take down!"
A shimmering light engulfed his body. His claw glew brighter than the rest of his body. Whacking his own body, cracks formed within the shimmering coat. In the blink of an eye, he shot forward through the scold. Crashing into Tentacruel and launching her back into the female grunt.
The girl tripped over, and her hood flew back, revealing her face. His eyes widened and mouth dropped as they darted around. He tried to swallow as he recognized the face in front of him... from the pictures Brock, Serena and Ash showed from their previous journey's.
"Quick!" he finally yelled, seeing the two pick themselves up, "block the corridor up!"
Walking back, Lairon turned back to face them. Rearing up onto his hind legs, he slammed the front ones down on the ground. Giant rocks burst out of the floor and walls, creating a makeshift wall between them. Seeing that they couldn't make it through to them, he collapsed down onto the floor, leaning against the new wall. Huddling his knees up to his chest, with the image of the girl in the front of his head... how could he tell Serena & the other's about this?
Brock's rock steel type slowly walked forward. His head rubbing against his hand in a comforting manner, while Castform floated down to his chest. Embracing the hug from the two Pokémon, he felt tears sting his eyes and steam fogged up his glasses.
He couldn't be sure how long he spent in that position, but the sound of movement and muffled voices drew his attention. Drying his eyes and cleaning his glasses, he stood on the back of Lairon to peak over the makeshift wall. Biting into his lower lip at the sight he saw.
Misty, as he knew the grunt to be, was chatting with some guy in a lab coat. The guy handed over some sort of small computer stick before she took off through the far side of the building. The man turned to see him and while he couldn't say he recognized him specifically, the I.D. card attached to his lab coat showed him as a member of staff at the weather institute. The guy turned around and stared directly at him.
His heart stopped and eyes widened. A cold chill shivered down his spine.
The guy raised a finger up and placed it too his lips. Shushing him with a wink, he turned and disappeared around the corner of the corridor. Gulping at the silent threat, he fell down and sat on Lairon's back. Keeping Castform close to his chest. Time seemed to just stand still.
The echoing of footsteps drew his attention. Looking down the corridor, he squeezed his eyes shut, expecting an army of aqua members to swarm him, "hey kid, you alright? What happened here?"
Peaking open, he saw a group of four police officers, dressed in G-Men uniform. Letting out the breath he was holding, he relaxed onto Lairon's back.
Ash clenched his fist as Corphish landed back in front of him, panting heavily and covered in sweat... or water, it was hard to tell at this point. While two more Pokémon fell beside him. Both Starmie and Dustox were down as Milotic stood tall in front of them. A red light engulfed the two fallen Pokémon each. Casting a glance to the side, he saw Serena close her eyes, sending a mental message to her fallen poison moth before switching devices.
"Alright Cacnea, you're up!" She held the device out and her first caught Hoenn Pokémon materialised. With a wide smile on his face, he turned back around and leaped at her. Serena barely had time to put up a psychic layer to protect from his spikey-hug, "yes, yes, very nice Cacnea but we need to battle."
Hopping back down, he gave a serious nod and hopped back beside Corphish. A bright flash drew their attention and a large, diamond shaped Pokémon with a dark blue top and white underneath appeared hovering in the air. He bite down on his inner cheek, knowing this would put Cacnea on the back foot.
"If we ground Mantine then we can easily beat it," Serena's mental voice explained, "think you can keep it busy?"
"Sure, but what about Milotic?" he asked.
"One problem at a time," she sighed,
The large water flying type dived down. A pale sky-blue outline of flying type energy surrounded the body with wings spread. Both Pokémon leaped to the side but were caught by the tips of the aerial ace. Mantine swooped back up into the air, using the momentum for a swift fluid movement.
"Launch yourself and get in close!" Ash shouted.
Pointing his claws down, two high powered jets of water shot out, one from each claw. Rocketing himself high up into the air with great speed.
Mantine finished turning around and the two head antennas stood together. A multicoloured beam shot out straight towards his pure water type.
"Knock off!" Spinning his claws around, ending his rocket-jets. A dark colour engulfed both with a purple outline. Smashing into the oncoming psybeam, he continued forward harmlessly. Easily reaching their opponent from his previous thrusters.
Smashing the claw down on her face, he used it to push himself up. While sending her downward. Snapping his claw around an antenna to land on her back.
Whacking his claw into her back, adding to her downward momentum. He heard a joyous laugh from his ruffian Pokémon.
Cacnea stood below the oncoming duo and spun in place. Several brown seeds erupted upwards and caught their opponent.
Corphish leaped off as the seeds burst open. Roots expanded around Mantine's body, and a red light sucked her energy. A mystic healing light surrounded Serena's pure grass type who jumped up. His glowing arms spun with a tint of green and smashed into the oncoming face.
Knocking their opponent completely into the ground, he spun onto her back. A series of cotton balls emerged out of him, trapping the flying type to the floor.
"Corphish!" Ash shouted, "charge Milotic now!"
Seeing the oncoming hydro pump from the sea serpent, his own pure water type charged forward. Crossing his claws, a protect shield formed around them.
Knowing the water absorb ability could give Mantine the chance she needs to recover. He was able to outlast the fully evolved opponent.
Opening both claws, he launched two streams of bubble beams straight into Milotic's face. She had to raise her tail to block them.
While the cactus Pokémon continued his onslaught off attacks. From poison jab to needle arm, he relentlessly hammered away. Using his previous cotton guard as a trampoline, he launched himself high into the air, spinning over the downed opponent. Shooting out large brown seeds, they erupted on Mantine.
As the smoke cleared, Serena's first caught Hoenn Pokémon landed in front of her. Swirls replaced the water flying types eyes as a red light recalled her.
Cacnea stood tall before crippling over. A bright light glew over his body and his eyes squeezed shut. Holding himself in a sort of hug, the light tried to expand further but after a few flashes, calmed down. He sighed and stood back up.
A powerful blast of ice shot him straight in the chest and knocked him across the wall. Curtsy of Milotic as she waved her tail around, Corphish clutching it.
As it flung up, he let go, flying straight up to her head. Soaring past her next, he snapped the claws down on the pink-hair-fin... thing.
Flying backwards, his body was engulfed by a bright light. Slamming down on the floor, he tossed the sea serpent overhead, spreading her out over the floor and even crushing some of grunt Pokémon Swellow was dealing with. Releasing his grip, the newly evolved Pokémon walked back towards him.
He had a primarily red shell covering the body, but the underside was a more tanned beige colour. The upper and lower halves of him were separated by a pattern of angular red shapes, and there were two blue stripes on the throat. His forelimbs had two large pincers with spiked edges and tan lower halves. There were two sets of hind limbs, holding him up like legs. The foremost pair were simple claws with two spikes, while the rear pair are large and thick with two white claws on each foot. A yellow triangle marked the base of his fin tail. While his head had a massive star shape sticking out. Smiling at the sight, as the newly evolved Pokémon walked over, he pulled out his Pokédex and scanned him:
Crawdaunt, The Rogue Pokémon. The final evolved form of Corphish. Crawdaunt has an extremely violent nature that compels it to challenge other living things to battle. Other life-forms refuse to live in ponds inhabited by this Pokémon, making them desolate places
Type: Water / Dark
Ability: Hyper Cutter
Hidden Ability: Adaptability (Note: This hidden ability is currently unlocked)
Gender: Male
Nature: Impish (Note: This is unlikely to change because the Pokémon can't evolve further)
Move(s): Water Gun, Harden, Vice Grip, Leer, Taunt, Bubble Beam, Knock Off, Double Hit, Protect, Night Slash, Razor Shell, Swords Dance, Crab Hammer, Brick Break, Dig, X-Scissor, Metal Claw, Slash, Swift
"Dis calls fi a week lang mardi gras!" his newly evolved Pokémon cheered, as he put the device away, "an wi cya all bring di beads!"
"We're not finished yet!" Shelly spat, drawing their attention. Her Milotic had been recalled and she stood with one final Pokéball in hand. Narrowing his eyes, he saw his water dark type snap his larger claws. Before another move could be made, the doors burst open.
A loud roar echoed through the room as officers dressed in black G-Men suits charged in. Arcanine, Manectric and Machoke accompanied them as the officers started placing the grunts in cuffs, recalling the Pokémon, and placing the devices in specialised cases to prevent them releasing themselves. Blinking in surprise at the turn of events, he didn't notice when an officer came over with his Manectric.
"Whose Crawdaunt is this?" He asked. The pure electric type growled and lowered next to his water dark type. Seeing the sparks over his body, Crawdaunt turned and snapped his claws in an offensive manner. Each one daring the other to attack first.
"N-no don't!" he called out, running in between the two Pokémon, "they're the good guys. We don't fight them Crawdaunt."
"Yuh mess up all di fun."
"If it's yours, return it now," the officer threatened.
Not wanting to get further in trouble, he grabbed the device off his belt and quickly recalled his newly evolved partner. As he stood back up, he noticed a pair of hand cuffs placed around his wrist, curtsy of the officer. Who took the Pokéball from his hand, placing it in one of the special cases.
"Now don't think you get away with it by changing your outfit," he replied, "your under arrest for trespassing, criminal damage and domestic terror-"
"Hang on their constable," a familiar voice cut him off, turning to the side, he saw Lance approaching with his Dragonite behind him, "he's not one of the aqua lot. Let him go, now."
"B-but sir," the officer stuttered, "he had a Crawdaunt a-and-"
"And aqua don't have a copyright on the species," he replied, "he isn't even dressed like one of 'em. Now go and help your fellow officer and leave them with me."
The officer released the cuff around his wrist and returned the Pokéball. Rapidly blinking, he couldn't quite process what was gonna happen as he found himself stood in front of the dragon type specialist, "L-Lance."
"You remember me?" he smiled, "how you doing kid?"
"G-good... or well, I guess as good as we can do with... this going on," he stuttered, "thank you."
"Don't mention it," he shook his head, "this is gonna be one major blow to aqua's operations. I bet we've secured at least twenty arrests."
"Twenty-seven and still counting," an officer approached from behind. Glancing over to him, he saw Max sat on Lairon's back behind him. He was looking down with a frown spread over his face and "including one of the admins."
"Good," the red-haired leader replied, "I don't want her to have contact with any of the other arrests we've made. Take her to the operational base for questioning and split up the containments between Fortree, Mauville and Lilycove stations for the others."
Glancing across the room, he noticed an officer bring her closer with her hands cuffed behind her back. She stood with a stoic expression on her face.
"One more thing, sir, we had word at least one of the grunts did manage to escape," the officer informed, "our witness claimed he saw her make off with some sort of data stick, but it was a fleeting encounter. He couldn't really give us more than that."
"When the second squad shows up, have them fan out. Head south to the water source first," he instructed, "they'll likely try to make contact with the next in command now that this one is in custody."
"Hehehe, it seems today wasn't a total waste either," Shelly smirked.
"Sir!" The officer saluted, marching off with the female aqua leader.
"Alright kids, sorry but I have some business to attend to," he apologised, "I'll have some detectives come and question you and debrief then you'll be free to leave."
"W-wait Lance," he found himself stopping the elite four member from leaving.
"Sorry Ash but I don't have time to talk about Gyarados-"
"N-no, it's just that..." he took a deep breath, "our friends. Gary and Leaf were in here too with a guy named Bart."
"Don't worry about them, some other officers have them and they're safe," he replied, a small smile on his lips, "after they've been debriefed, you can reunite but we just need a little patience right now."
Nodding in understanding, he watched the red-haired individual walk away. Letting out a long breath, he fell down onto his behind. In the moment, he became super focused on the proceedings but now it's over... He's just glad it wasn't like the radio tower or even Silph co.
Lance inwardly smirked as he watched his officer drag Shelly off to an isolated room while waiting for her transport. No doubt she'll be able to get word out by one or more of her grunts once inside so the other commanders in Aqua shouldn't have a reason to distrust Misty's story.
Making his way out of the building, he glanced around before spotting a seeming spotlight shining down from a nearby cliff. Sighing, he pinched the bridge of his nose. He turned towards his partner Pokémon, he crouched low. Climbing onto his dragon types back, he quickly took off. In less than ten seconds they were landing on top of the mountain, where a man dressed in a lab coat stood. He smirked, scratching the head off the ditto on his shoulder.
"Brodie."
"Heh, guess not all of them can be winners." He pulled the lab coat overhead and flicked it overhead, revealing a magma uniform and a birthmark over the man's right eye, "what? Not gonna ask how I seamlessly changed so quick?"
"First, tell me about your mission."
"It's actually quite simple," he smirked, "you see my suit is built with holographic projection so I can effortlessly change my cloths at a moment's notice. It's also helps changing my body type, at least by sight. I can't make myself taller, but I can be shorter by slouching, and you know... heels exist so-"
"The mission."
"Okay," he held his hands up, "I got the actually data they were after. Saved on a hard drive and left with that Oak kid. He and his girlfriend thought I was just some extra hands to help out. Told 'em I overheard some grunts. Then made two copies of fake data, one of which I left with the little mermaid."
"Her names Misty," he declared, "and if she could be endangered because you-"
"She's undercover, of course she's in danger," Brodie cut him off, "but as long as they believe the data to be legit, they'll be lead straight into our trap when searching for Kyogre. If she can keep up her routine that long, we'll be in the clear with aqua."
"They're only one half of the equation," he frowned, "we also have magma-"
"Which is where this comes in." He held up a separate data stick, "which I'm gonna take straight to Magma, and sell it to them as the info aqua was after and since their step-back at mount chimney, they'll wanna slow down aqua by any means. I'll negotiate our way to the leader and pull him out into another trap."
"I'm glad you're so confident," he sneered.
"What can I say, you made a good pick for undercover agents... at least on the magma side," he replied, turning around. His ditto jumping down by his feet, but he momentarily turned back, "I do have one question, Lance."
"What?"
"Why don't you trust me?" he asked, "I'm putting my neck on the line for you so a little honesty is the least you could give."
He sighed, "it's hard to trust someone who can so easily change their face. Like it's nothing more than changing clothes in a closet."
"Easy to say when your face is one of respect and power in both law enforcement and the league." Brodie climbed onto his Ditto-who transformed into a version of Dragonite. With a kick off the ground, they took off into the sky, quickly disappearing from sight.
With a heavy sigh, he turned back around. His first parter staring at him with wide eyes and open arms. Glancing to the side, he watched as a squad of cars and vans set off south to Mauville, while another squad arrived from the west. His mighty dragon wrapped his arms around him and while he would've voiced his disapproval with his partner, he knew him well enough to know it would just tighten his embrace.
After about twenty minutes, he noticed the group of kids set out west from the weather institute. One of his detectives was chatting with them as the another worked on the two main scientists for this lab. Turning around, his starter ended his embrace and he pulled out a small phone, dialling the only stored number.
"Hey dad," Misty's voice appeared over the other end, "what sup?"
"Can you talk?" he asked.
"Course. We're just heading to the water now; some other trainers are battling nearby but I can hear you fine."
"Are there any other aqua members with you?"
"No. It's just me and Azumarill-"
"Right, well take the decoy left in your pocket and deliver it Matt. We've set up specific details for them to follow and we'll trap them through it," he explained, letting out a low breath, "so once that's done. We'll work on pulling you out. As to not raise suspicion, we'll need you to stay in Hoenn until their capture in case you need to go back in but that's just a formality."
"Yeah, dad, it's fine. We're gonna make it sooner than expected so we should all group up tomorrow," she replied, "Mattie even sent coordinates so we'll be swimming out to his boat tomorrow. Everything's going to be fine, your such a worry wart."
"Just make sure they get the decoy, and you get out safely."
"Yes daddy," she sighed, "bye."
The line went dead, and he slowly lowered the device back into his pocket. He let a small smile cross his lips as he realised how effortlessly she now referred to him by his cover. When prepping her for the mission, that seemed to be a big cause for concern with her but over the months, she's fitted right into the role and now they're closer than ever to ending both Aqua and Magma... and given the pressure and responsibility she's been under during this time, he'll be sure to nominate her for some medal once it's all over... but first, they have two organisations to stop.
About an hour later and Max was stood outside the institute with the others. He silently watched Castform floating around over, as Gary continued to converse with both Bart and Millie. He never could bring himself to speak to the others about who he ended up fighting... how could he? They might think he's making it up or even send him back to Petalburg for talking against their friend... could they even take Treecko away from him?
"Yo kid, come over here for a minute!"
Blinking, he looked up to see Gary looking at him. Pinching his lips together, he slowly made his way over. Could they already know he gave the officers a description? That he named her to them? Before his thoughts could get too deep, he found himself stood next to him and the scientists.
"So, look kid, I'm not gonna beat around the bush with ya," he replied, "we want you to take Castform as part of your team."
"You... wha-"
"Like Gary said, Max," Bart kneeled down, the pure normal type floating down into his arms, "as a new species, we need a trainer to help bring out her potential. And you was suggested because all the other trainer's here already have extensive experience. It would be difficult to distinguish what's natural to the species and their own influence which has been built through their own previous partners."
"So, I said the best option would be a trainer whose gonna grow with her," Gary interjected, crossing his arms with a smirk, "your welcome."
"I-I don't know what to say."
"Say you'll do it, please," Millie added, "it would really help us out. And after how you stood up for Castform earlier, I think she'd pick you if given the choice."
"Cast!"
"I-erm-yeah," he replied, a smile breaking over his face, "I'd love to take Castform then!"
"Great," Bart smiled, pulling some rectangle device out of his pocket, "now I'd just need your Pokédex."
Pinching his lips together once more, he pulled the device out and held it out. Flipping it open, the screen lit up. The genetic scientist held the device over and after a few seconds, a loud beep echoed. Standing back up, the man held the Pokéball out and put the device away.
"There," he smiled, "now I just input Castform's data into your Pokédex and transferred trainer-ship to you. Your Pokédex will be gathering data on her development so we can study it and her growth. Your now Castform's official trainer."
"Awesome! I got Castform!" He cheered, jumping up with his fist thrown into the air. The pure normal type floated up beside him. Landing back down, he engulfed his new team member in a hug. Pointing his device at her, he scanned:
Castform, The Weather Pokémon. A genetically-engineered Pokémon. After the effective implementation of Porygon into the cyber world, Castform was created to help with the weather institute and revolutionise their studies. This Pokémon has three alternative known forms when adapting to the weather
Type: Normal
Ability: Forecast
Hidden Ability: - (Note: N/A)
Gender: Female
Nature: Quiet (Note: This is unlikely to change because the Pokémon can't evolve further)
Move(s): Tackle, Rain Dance, Sunny Day, Hail, Weather Ball (Note: this isn't the list of all known moves in the alternative forms)
"Congratulations Max," Ash smiled, while he put the device away, "I bet you two will make a great pair."
"But it's gonna be hard work," Serena added, "with the different forms, it sounds like you'll need to do like three different lots of training to properly unleash the potential in Castform."
"We're ready for it, right Castform?" He asked, to which she nodded, "oh and if you don't mind. I think I have a nickname for you."
"Cast?" She blinked, turning her head to the side.
"How does Ozone sound to you?" he asked.
She smiled widely and nodded. Swirling around him in a playful manner. He laughed at her playful manner and after the others bid the two scientists goodbye, they set off west towards Fortree. He let his new team member meet Treecko and they ran ahead together.
"So Max," Brock caught his attention. His mind instantly thought back to the events in the weather institute and his head fell, "what's wrong?"
"Huh?" he blinked, "n-nothing."
"I was going to ask about Treecko's nickname but-"
"We're still brain storming," he dismissed.
"Something's bothering you."
"I-I'm fine-"
"Look Max," Serena stopped them, kneeling down to his height, "you don't need to worry. Just tell us what's going on and we can try to help. Is it something to do with today and team aqua?"
"Well..." He chewed on his inner cheek, "yeah... but y-you'll get mad if I say it."
"I promise I won't," she offered, "just tell us."
"Erm, well..." he took a deep breath, "The grunt I saw. The one I ended up battling. I was able to knock her hood off and I got to look at her face."
"And your scared she's gonna come and try to silence you or something?" Gary asked.
"N-no, it's just-" he paused, glancing down to look Serena in the eye, "erm... I recognized her. I could even tell the officer her real name."
"Who was it, Max?" Brock asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"I-it was... your friend," he muttered, "Misty."
"Misty?" Ash questioned, "no way. She's back in Cerulean getting ready to take over the gym."
"I know who I saw!"
"Calm down, both of you," Serena interjected, "there's an easy way for us to all know who you saw, Max."
"What's that?" he asked.
"Let me into your head," she replied, "I can see your memory of the incident and share it with everyone else. Then we'll all be on the same page."
Unable to bring himself to say anything, he gave a small nod. Seeing her smile, she raised her hand and placed two fingers on the front of his forehead. He felt his cheeks burst into flames at the contact but tried to ignore it. Some sort of rush entered his head, giving him a similar sensation like the gas he had at the dentist before. Spots formed in his eyes as the battle and events flashed in front of his eyes.
Stumbling backwards, he looked around and found everyone looking at him. His eyes focused on Serena who had her eyes closed. A wave of ESP radiated out of her head and struck the others, who stumbled back from the impact. Standing up, he noticed the other's quickly recovering.
"I-I guess you really did see Misty," Ash muttered, "sorry Max... but I don't get it."
"I'm sure there's a good reason, Ash," Serena insisted.
"I mean, she was all about water," Leaf opted, "maybe aqua's recruitment has reached Kanto."
"She wouldn't do something that would hurt innocent people," he declared, "there must be some other explanation!"
"I agree Ash," Brock replied, "but we're not going to get any answers just standing around. How about we continue to Fortree and when we get there, we can try to contact her or Rudy for some answers. All I know is, she didn't hurt Max or Castform. So, whatever she's up to, I don't think we need to worry."
"Unfortunately, when you get to Fortree we'll need to head off too," Gary added, "given the interest Aqua's shown in the research, the less time we're in Hoenn the better."
"Won't you be hanging around for my gym battle at least?" Ash asked.
"Afraid not," he replied, "but you can be sure we'll be ready to catch ya emerald league matches Ashy-boy!"
Not wanting to get caught up on the conversation, Max turned his attention ahead. His two Pokémon were running ahead in some sort of game of tag. Smiling at the sight, he took off to join them. Ideas of how these two could complement each other in battle already filling his head.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...