Author's Note:
Here it is, the start of the big evil teams arc. Originally, I planned on more of a battle between the evil teams but due to them having massively different goals, it couldn't believably be done. I kinda did it in the Jirachi arc remember anyway. So, we have them both moving into the final stages of their plans... at the same time. Hope our heroes can stop two teams spread over the region. Onto this chapter specifically, we have a lot of set up, checking to see where the players of this arc are and just setting up the board. We also get an evolution, any guess of who? Oh yeah, we also get to meet another member of the elite four, they will play a decent role throughout this four-part arc. Not to mention we get to visit the lab again; it feels like forever since we last came over. Expect the next few chapters to be shorter, as I'm also working on the league battles some more around the same time. Before we get going, I want to ask something. I'm currently writing a big part in Hitmontop's story, which given his arc, involves some strong language. Given the nature of his arc, I want to ask, would you like me to censor the strong language or not? If I don't, I feel it'll be more impactful, but I don't want to alienate readers who'd be triggered. You can either reply with a review or PM. We also have a new poll, this time around Ash's Hoenn team and which is your favourite so don't forget to vote and with that, let's begin...
Chapter Seventy-One: Aqua & Magma - Passing Ships
Metang shook his self as he burst out of his Pokéball. Looking around, he found himself in some sort of laboratory with cold metal and machinery all around. He already had breakfast and spoke with Ash, who confirmed the plans to send them to that... Professor Oak fellow. Glancing around, he noticed a few more flashes. Duskull, Crawdaunt and Torkoal all appeared around him but the former two wonder off towards an old wooden door.
"W-wait, where are you guys-"
"Remember, they've both been here before, but we do have some Pokémon to meet." The fire type noted. Using a light confusion, he lifted the coal Pokémon up and neatly placed him on his head. "Remember a thousand-mile journey starts with a single step."
"I... don't walk, remember." He mareepishly uttered.
"It's a figure of speak," Torkoal replied, "now what're you waiting for? If it's for perfect conditions to start your training, then we'll be here a long time."
Floating over to the door, he froze, realising there was a slight size issue. Turning around, he noticed a larger than normal window wide open. Realising it would be big enough, he turned and flew straight out. Seeing the large expansive grassy ranch ahead. Over in one direction, he noticed a series of lakes, connected by streams of water and the other side had a large rocky-mountainous area. A large forest covered a further back section.
"Hello?" a female voice greeted. Letting out a high-pitched squeak, he turned to see a large brown... flying Pokémon, perched on the roof.
Instantly falling down to the ground, his passenger would've fell off had he not used a weak psychic pulse to keep the fire type seated. Swirling around, he barely managed to not crash into the floor. Spreading his arms out, inches away from crashing, he let out a sigh of relief.
"Hello again." He glanced up to find Venusaur once more. Relaxing from his racing heart, did his best smile he could. "Unless I'm mistaken, this is both of your first time visiting the lab, correct?"
"You are certainly correct." Torkoal nodded. "Now we're after some assistance. Ash suggested we speak with Pikachu and Sandslash."
"Hmm." The grass poison type frowned.
"Is something wrong?" the fire type asked.
"I just got one of those gut feelings... our trainer's walking into danger," he muttered. Launching a couple razor leaf's into the sky. It didn't take long until a small, white flying Pokémon zoomed over with great speed and a wide smile on their face. "Togetic. This is Torkoal and Metang. You two, meet Togetic!"
"Hiya!" They went on to give general introductions with the small fairy flying type.
"Could you show these two to Pikachu and Sandslash please?" Venusaur asked, as he started to walk away.
"Where are you going?" the happiness Pokémon asked.
"To get some of the heavy hitters ready..." Venusaur explained, "I fear what our trainer's walking into already."
"Okie dookie!" He waved. Metang couldn't help but smile at the young one's innocence. He really reminds him of how he used to be before the incident where he met Ash. "So, you two would like to see Uncle Pikachu?"
"Yes, young one," Torkoal replied, "we were unaware of your familiar ties? We also wish to meet a mister Sandslash."
"Why would you want to meet him?!" Togetic exclaimed. "He's scary!"
"He is?!" His voice was meke, higher pitched then he would've liked.
"The last Pokémon who visited him, he put in the owie bed for a long time," Togetic nodded.
"I believe you mean Seviper? We heard of their encounter," Torkoal replied, "I believe we'll be better equipped for our negotiations."
"You sure?" he asked.
"I am." Torkoal nodded. "Ash suggested himself, since those two are in the most unique situation to help with our training."
"If, you're sure!"
Togetic zoomed off and the two of them followed him across the green-grassy-field. As he floated over, he noticed Togetic already next to Sylveon and Pikachu who were tending to the three eggs. He couldn't help but smile widely at the family gathering, with the echoes of some singing filling the airways,
Walking down this endless highway
With nothing but my friends beside me
We'll never give in, we'll never rest
Advanced Battle is the ultimate test
He couldn't help but notice that the one singing was Pikachu, who was rubbing one of the eggs with a cloth. Togetic was swirling around the other egg with bits of sparkles sprinkling over them. Sylveon was lying with the second egg and seemed to roll her eyes at her boyfriend's antics.
"Hello, you two," the fairy type eeveelution raised her voice, to draw her boyfriend's attention. Who turned to them, the words dying in his throat, "what do we owe this visit? Business or pleasure?"
"It's always a pleasure." Torkoal nodded. "How are the young ones?"
"They're good, thank you." She smiled. "And I'm sure they're thankful for the intrusion... or at least the peace."
"Hey!" Pikachu whined.
"Don't worry, Uncle Pikachu." Togetic chimed in. "I liked your singing! And I can't wait to meet all my cousins! What do you think they'll be?"
"We don't know, and we want to keep it that way." Sylveon interjected. "So, we'll find out when they hatch."
"Aww... but who knows when that'll be," Togetic exaggerated with his stubby arm movements. "I really want one of them to be another Togetic! I could-"
"It... doesn't work that way, I'm afraid." Sylveon cut him off. "I can be certain they'll either be Pichu or Eevee. That much is set in stone."
"Okie-dokie!" He smiled regardless. "Hey guys! Didn't you want to ask Uncle Pikachu something?"
"We did." He nodded in agreement.
"What sup?" he asked.
"We've been working on Metang's training... and we took on the seventh gym," Torkoal explained, "where we discovered a new piece to the puzzle. This being that electrical charges really set him off. Our training against fire hasn't been as useful as we would've liked."
"Bummer," he shrugged, "but I guess that means you need some extra juice to get the training serious?"
"I think they were starting off easy and building up, which is why they're here dear," Sylveon whispered with a small giggle.
"Hey-"
"We were planning the same resistance training but with electrical energy over flames, building up like before." Torkoal nodded. "But why should we switch up our training partners when we could have a singular team to see this training through."
"Team?" he perked up.
"We're also going up to see mister Sandslash!" Togetic announced.
"Ash believed he might help Metang on the psychological aspect of the training," Torkoal explained, "then I'd be on hand in case he loses control. I believe we've got a good method for dialling down the danger after so many times of doing it."
"Sorry." His raised his iron arms to block his face.
"You only need to apologise when you give up on trying to improve the situation." Torkoal noted, turning back to Pikachu. "So can we rely on your help?"
"I dunno," he gestured back to Sylveon and the eggs. "I've got-"
"Yes, he can," Sylveon replied, wrapping up both eggs in her feelers. "I can spare the help for a few hours each day and besides... you need to keep up the exercise. This isn't nineteen-ninety-eight dear, and I was the one carrying the eggs, remember."
Pikachu went to object but couldn't from the sheer embarrassment. Bidding his family goodbye, Togetic lead the way further across the grassy field, soon reaching an incline where a rock could be seen high at the top. As they walked closer, he noticed the undeniable sound of some sort of weapon being sharped against a rock. The group came to a stop, and he couldn't help but notice a small ring circling around the rock.
"So, what're we-"
A soft growl cut him off. With a deafening silence over the entire area, his eyes locked on the rock as a small, spikey brown Pokémon walked around. His eyes seemed to scan each of them and Metang wasted no time in diving behind the fire type, trying to make himself disappear from sight.
"Kay bye!" Togetic quickly zoomed away down the side of one of the hills. For his small size, the speed was quite impressive.
"What?" The gruff voice asked.
"Hey, old buddy, old friend, old pal o' mine," Pikachu smiled, stepping forward. "We-"
"Your over the line."
The electric types eyes widened, and he stopped. Glancing back with a river of sweat forming on his forehead and he let out a nervous laugh, walking backwards to their side as he scratched the back of his head, surprisingly similar to Ash.
"You..." He stared directly at Torkoal. "Speak."
"Mister Sandslash, I presume." His mentor smiled softly. "We've come here today because we believe you could help us with our dilemma-"
"I don't help." He turned and started walking away.
"It was our trainer's idea, Ash." He stopped in his tracks. "I believe you know him?"
"He wouldn't send you here unless you was desperate," he uttered, glancing back, "I'm listening."
"You see, Metang here has-"
"No." He cut Torkoal off. "If it's for him, then he explains it."
"I erm-" he slowly raised up from behind the fire type. "You see, I kinda have a problem. I end up losing control and people get hurt and-and Ash said he thought you could help so..."
"I can't help you," he replied, "now get."
"Come on, Sandslash, you just need to-" Pikachu interjected.
"Last chance to leave before I make you-"
"Please!" His voice was louder than he would've liked. Swallowing hard, he continued in a more neutral tone. "Ash said you knew what I was going through and... I can't live like this. Scared that at any moment I'll end up hurting those around me."
His eyes scowled before he turned around. "Alright. I'll talk to you... but the others need to get lost first."
He felt it hard to swallow as both Pikachu and Torkoal made their way back down the hill. Moving to the side, the ground type seemed to wait until they were a decent distance away. Letting out a low sigh, he turned back to Metang himself.
"I meant what I said," he whispered, "I can't help you."
"But why?" he asked.
"Because the only one who can help you is yourself," he replied, "they can help with training, and you'll need a friend to help when the days get rough."
"Did you have a friend for getting over-"
"Just let me make it clear, I never got over it. I'm always angry!" He cut him off, growling the last part. "It's called anger management, not anger removal. I can only give you one bit of advice on how to handle it yourself."
"Which is?" he asked.
"Imagine everyone has a boiling point. It's like a bottle of water and when your filling it, the boiling point is when it can't hold any more," he explained, "this is when things go bad. You lash out and people get hurt. No matter what, you can't change anything about that bottle."
"So, what do I need to do?" he asked.
"You control the water," he replied, "the reason your quick to burst is your water level is always near the top so just a little will blow it over the top. You need to bring down your normal level down to half full of less. Then when pushed, you won't be forced over the edge."
"Thanks, Sandslash," he whispered, "that really makes it easier to understand."
"Don't thank me, just get it done," he replied, "and you can have those two to help with training. And you can have others help keep you on the right path but if you're not ready to face the horrid truths of yourself... then you'll always end up failing."
"Ash was right, you really could help." He turned to float down to the others.
"Wanna know a secret about Ash?" he asked, causing him to stop in his float-path.
"Sure."
"He said he trusted me, right?" he asked, to which he nodded. "Wanna know how I earnt that trust?"
"How?" he asked.
"I stabbed him... twice."
Swallowing hard, he turned and quickly floated down the side of the hill. While it certainly made him feel a little better about when he first met Ash, after all, if he trusts Sandslash like how he talked then it gives him hope for their future relationship. He soon made it down to the two experienced Pokémon.
"So, what did Snippies say?" Pikachu asked.
"I... don't think I can tell you," he muttered.
"Which is fine," Torkoal replied, "just remember whatever he said as we get our training underway."
"And this is where I come in," Pikachu stretched his body. "Maximum effort."
"Huh?" he blinked in surprise.
"Sorry, I kinda stayed up last night wating the Deadpool films." He shook his body. "It was weird... like some guy met Gengar and decided to turn her into a superhero movie."
"I don't think I understood that," he whispered.
"Doesn't matter." He walked over before turning back and sparking his cheeks. "I say we start by seeing where your intolerance already is."
"I concur." Torkoal nodded. "And don't worry, Metang, I'll be ready in case things get to much."
"And I bet a big enough bolt will get someone else's attention if needed." Pikachu added, launching out a massive bolt of electricity.
He raised his metal arms and squeezed his eyes shut. Wincing upon impact, he felt the electrical charge surge through his body. His eyes burst open!
Brodie inwardly smirked as he felt the cape wrapped around his shoulders. The feeling of power blowing around him spread throughout his body. Glancing around he noticed the squads of cops and G-Men with numerous vehicles ready to go. His partner stood beside him, transformed into the shape of Lance's orange dragon to make up the part. Glancing back to the target location, he pulled out his radio and held it up to his mouth.
"On my signal, we go." He instructed. Narrowing his eyes, he saw the large building which once housed a pristine school on the edge of Mauville. While it was moved to a bigger ground in the centre city, this one was still owned by the magma leader and head teacher. No wonder so many magma grunts ended up being young kids, they were indoctrinated by the headmaster. With a deep breath, he pushed the button down once more. "Now!"
Syrones sounded and the large grey riot trucks led the charge. Bursting through the old, rusted gates, the cop cars followed behind and he charged in on foot with dozens of other officers. Surrounding the main exit, he noticed the next wave stopping and creating a barrier on the outside of the exit.
Running up to the front of the building, he kicked the doors in and found numerous kids dressed in magma gear running around. He took off and caught the sight of his officers arresting the underlings as he reached the staircase. Grabbing the barrier to help with his turn, he took off up to the second floor. The thunder of footsteps marching behind him followed and once again he found more of the underlings.
"What the-"
Seeing the large known admin, Tabitha, walk out of a room in his pyjama shorts and scratching his stomach didn't help. He slid across the floor and kicked the man's chin. Causing him to tumble over, he shot up behind him and pulled both hands behind his back. Zip-cuffing them together as two sergeants ran up.
"One out of three down," he explained, "get him in the truck and read the bastard his rights. I'm going after the big prize."
Seeing them lift the man up, with one of the officers giving the old speech, he watched as the large man followed with a slump. It's funny, being a hired criminal, he seems to know that resisting would only give him more pain. As they disappeared down the stairs, he turned back around.
Running down corridor, he saw the large double doors with two guards outside. Both were shaking in their boots. He tackled one into the wall, leaving him to cripple down onto his knees before swiping his foot around. Tripping the second guy up. Leaving the officers on his tail to perform the official arrests.
Standing back up, he stood in front of the double doors and kicked them open. Walking inside, he found the magma leader dressed in the red-uniform whilst stood against the window, clearly watching the commotion below. Walking up to him, he noticed Tabitha being dragged into one of the riot trucks.
"Maxie, I'm placing you under arrest for conspiracy to commit terrorism, attempted murder and abuse of a position of trust. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law." He recited as he pulled the man's arms behind his back to handcuff. "You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, then one shall be provided to you."
"You're making a big mistake," he replied.
"Sure thing, Lex Luthor. That's what they all say," he sarcastically replied as he forced him around. Marching him through the mansion, he noticed the number of officers still searching with minimum magma personal still hanging around.
Making it back outside, he handed the professor off to one of the trucks with heavily armed guards waiting. Watching as they put him in the back where more guards sat, waiting to escort him back, he waited until the doors slammed shut. Seeing the truck take off, he turned and approached one of his officers.
"Sargent!" He approached one of his leading officers, who promptly turned and saluted him. "What sort of numbers are we looking at?"
"Currently on twenty-three arrests including both Maxie and Tabitha." He smiled. "With them in custody magma won't survive much longer."
"Good," he nodded. "And what about the third head? Courtney?"
"Not heard of her," he replied, "but we're still-"
A flaming burst erupted out of the base and a red blur shot past. Leaping high over them both, he took in the sight of a rather large Blaziken overhead. In the arms of the fire fighting type was the purple haired girl. Tightening his fist, he took off after them.
"She's making a run for it!" He yelled.
His partner Ditto, in Dragonite's form, took off from across the police zone. Zooming close to the ground, he quickly reached the starter.
Landing on one leg, the blaze Pokémon's feet were burning with flames. Spinning on a foot, he struck ditto in the orange snout.
Knocking him sideways, the starter breathed out a massive flamethrower. He lifted the cape on his shoulders to block from the intense heat which radiated off the newly formed fire wall. Peeking out from behind the makeshift shield, he noticed them running off into the distance, disappearing from his sight.
"Shit!" He growled, stomping his foot down.
"Sir," the Sargent interjected, "what should we do?"
"Get this fire put out and make sure the other prisoners are secure." He pinched the bridge of his nose. "Last thing we need is more of them escaping. And get someone to update Lance. He's gonna start getting his cape twisted up if we don't clock in soon."
Seeing the sergeant head off, he wiped his forehead. How the man can stand being inside this suit all day is beyond him. It's boiling and he has to do everything he can to avoid tripping over the cape. Walking over to his partner, they quickly transformed back into the purple jelly-like body. Shaking themselves from the impact of the fire fighting type. He might've copied Lance's Dragonite but that doesn't mean he has all the same experiences as them.
"Lance wants to speak with you." The sergeant from before held a phone out.
With a low sigh, he glanced at the phone in his hand. He remembered the pre-mission brief from the dragon tamer. Stressing so much about keeping the key players in sight. Something about how one of the executives went missing during the Goldenrod lockdown. Last thing he needed was a lecture from him. He bite down on his inner cheek and raised the phone to ear, "Brodie speaking."
"Get back to base..." Lance's voice on the other end sounded stressed. "Now!"
Misty smiled as she saw the freighter approach as she sat on top of her water poison type. Swimming alongside her was none other than Gorebyss. Stood at the top of the outer metal ladder was none other than Matt, who stood with arms crossed but due to the sun, it was difficult to make out anything else.
Reaching the side of the boat, Tentacruel helped her by using a couple tentacles to lift her partly up to the climbing tool. Hooking one arm through the ladder ridge, she pulled out a Pokéball and recalled her newly evolved pure water type. Her oldest partner used the stickiness of her tentacles and climbed up the side of the boat as she followed suit. Making it to the top where Matt seemed to be waiting for her.
"Good to see you again, Serena." He smiled.
"How are you, Matt?" she asked.
"Good," he replied, "I see your Clamperl evolved."
"You said take a vacation and a little research showed me a group of islands where I could evolve him," she replied, "it just seemed like the right thing to do."
"Right." He noted. "Now before we continue, I need you to recall your Tentacruel."
"Sure." She frowned for a fraction of a second. Taking out her Pokéball, she recalled the water poison type. Stuffing the device into the pocket of her aqua hoodie, she kept her hand firm on it. "Can I ask why?"
"You know how it is, the boat can only hold so much so unless doing something, we don't want to weigh it down with excess Pokémon," he shrugged, turning around, "there's also a storm on the way so safety first. Now we need to get going."
She quickly followed him as they started across the freighter. Glancing up to the sky, she noticed a slightly grey cloud forming a little bit away over another part of the ocean, but it hardly seemed like a storm to be worried about.
"Where are we going?" she asked as her attention turned to those around her. Even if the crew were working, she couldn't help but feel like the centre of attention as she'd catch some of the grunts or scientists frowning in her direction for a brief moment before turning away... could it be her imagination?
"The captain wants to meet ya," he replied, "it's due to your success at the weather institute. Your hard work is about to pay off right now!"
"Hmm." She mumbled but kept her thoughts to herself for the time being. She couldn't explain how, but things just felt... different.
Some cries of agony echoed as a familiar sight entered her vision. Manaphy was trapped inside a bubble of water with strands connecting him to the centre crystal. His eyes squeezed shut as he kept trying to break out but to no-avail. A sickening pool in her stomach reeked as she remembered the heart break of her friend from when she last saw this disturbing scene. A man stood behind the prison, overlooking the ocean and the darkening cloud.
"You okay?" Matt asked.
"Sorry." She blinked, turning to Matt. "I-its just-"
"I know it's a tough sight, but some evils are necessary to still save this world," he whispered, taking a deep breath, his voice raised as he turned back, "I've got Serena here, Archie."
She could've sworn she heard a pin drop as the muscular man turned around. His eyes were bloodshot from clearly crying. She could only imagine it had something to do with Shelly's fate, but it didn't help her current unease. Maybe his grief has caused the tension on the-
"It good to finally meet you Serena..." He continued closer, with his muscular figure blocking out the sun. "Or should I say Misty."
Her eyes widened and she took an instinctive step back. Her eyes darted around, and she noticed a large Pelipper leap off the boat rail to Archie's side. She continued to find a circle of grunts around, each holding their own Pokéball, ready to move on either's command.
"Yeah, we learnt of your treason and attempted mutiny!" She went to pull out her own Pokéball, but a back hand came down too quick. It slapped straight across her face and a sizzling sting followed instantly. The force knocked her sideways and she ended up on the floor. Glancing at the boots of the heads.
"Calm down, bucko, I think she gets it." Matt grabbed Archie's shoulder. "Let's throw her in the brig and-"
"She killed Shelly!" Archie knocked Matt's arm away. "No way am I letting the ruley wrench live upon my ship."
"But this is what we-"
"I only told you that, so you'd get her here," Archie explained, "Crew. Stop ole Matt-y from interfering."
Seeing the grunts move around the second captain, she pushed herself back up. The sting of her cheek still present but she knew it wasn't a priority right now. Instead, she focused on the man slowly approaching her.
"Y-you think I killed Shelly?" she asked, with ragged breath. His hand reached down and grabbed her hair, pulling her up to her feet.
"You don't get to say her name!" Archie yelled. "If it wasn't for you, then the job would've gone off without a hitch. She wouldn't have been arrested."
"Or they would've arrested her anyway," she tried to keep her voice from cracking. "Do you think Lance would-"
His hand wrapped around her throat making it difficult to breath. As the boat started spinning, she realised the lack of oxygen was quickly taking effect. Her hands reached out to scratch the man's face, but it hardly seemed to affect him. The roar of thunder and rain drops started around them.
"Mana! Mana!"
Tears stung her eyes as they lingered on the prince off the sea. She could always see bolts of lightning in the distance as she tried to break free of the man's grip. Her eyes darted around for something... anything which might help her escape this situation.
With the full force of his strength, Archie threw her. An influx of air quickly refilled her lungs as she splashed into the cold water below.
Strikes of lightening coloured the sky above her as she waved her arms around in a frantic manner. Pulling herself back up above the water surface, she took another deep breath of water. A massive wave of water blew against her, pushing her further away from the metal freight ship.
Getting pulled back under the water once more, a rumble of thunder boomed. She reached into her pocket and struggled with her collection of Pokéballs.
The salty sea water stung her eyes, and she squeezed them shut. Failing her arms about once more, she somehow managed to pull herself back up to take a two-second breath before another wave washed over her and dragged her back down. She continued to try and tread water but the fatigue from the effort and lack of oxygen was quickly becoming apparent. Changing plans, she reached into her pocket once more.
Rattling her hand around her collection of Pokéballs, she couldn't even focus on which one she was grabbing. Pulling it out of her pocket, she instinctively took another deep breath, but the water rushed inside. A bright flash nearly blinded her as her vision succumbed to the situation.
Something smashed into her gut, but it was already too late. In the last couple of seconds, the darkness filtered the sight of the ocean deep with her small, red, and blue fish Pokémon pushing against her stomach. A bright light was the last thing she saw as she accepted the fate, she found herself with.
Coughing hard, she fresh air surrounded her once more and she found herself once again above the surface. Leaning over the surface of whatever she was on, she ended up throwing up into the water beside them. Wiping her eyes, she found her vision weakly returning.
Misty found herself lying on top of a new Pokémon, who had a dark blue skin colour and pale-yellow star design. Seeing the large fin sticking up out of the water, she shuffled over slightly and hugged it for more support as the sprits of water splashed up.
"Car-Carvanha?" she muttered.
"Shar!"
The sprinkle of rain hardened with another rumble of thunder. Glancing up to the sky, she noticed the now fully black cloud. She couldn't be entirely sure what but this weather hardly seemed natural... maybe it was from the subvariety, or the fact Archie seemed to be waiting for it.
Glancing back to the freighter, she saw it fade into the everlasting darkness. Reaching forward, she scratched her newly evolved Pokémon on the head.
"Th-thanks for saving me," she managed to utter.
"Sharpedo."
Wincing slightly, she pulled up her hand to see a burning red rash on her skin. While she knew it was from her Pokémon currently carrying her through the raging storm, she couldn't deny that it wasn't a massive issue right now. As long as she was safe.
Seeing a massive wave to the side. She threw herself around his large fin. Squeezing it tightly, the wave crashed into their side.
Misty closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Moments later, the familiar feeling of water surrounding her entire self-returned, but she refused to let go.
A mumbled echoed of thunder shot through her entire body. Hopefully, they'll be able to escape the storm-filled waters.
Lance sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Closing his eyes, he let the information he just heard wash over him. Taking in the silence for a moment, the aching in his ribs whined but he did his best to ignore it. Looking back up, he glanced to the side where Brodie stood with his Ditto on his shoulder.
"So, Courtney escaped?" he asked.
"Yeah, but we got both Maxie and Tabitha so it's all good." He shrugged. "What harm is a young girl gonna do?"
"Don't you think Maxie gave her such a position for a reason?!" He raised his voice.
"I thought he gave her the position because of her positions... if you catch my drift." He smirked. "Teacher's pet and all that."
"Your disgusting." He turned to the interview room. "Look, I'm going to conduct his interview. Try and find out something. In the meantime, get the guys back out there and find her! Before she tries to blow up another space centre or worst."
Seeing the man-of-a-thousand-faces turn and walk away, he heard the light grumble from the undercover officer. Waiting for the sound to disperse, he made his way into the room and eyed both Maxie and his lawyer. Closing the door behind, he moved over to the device panel.
"Interview with Professor Maxie Matsubusa on the charges of terrorism, conspiracy, theft, and breach of teaching codes at eleven-past-noon on the fifth of the ninth held in the temporary Hoenn base for the ongoing Alpha-Omega investigation." He explained for the recording of the interview. "Presents are Inspector Lance Wataru, the leading officer into the criminal activities of aqua and magma, duty brief defence attorney Alex Brigston and Professor Maxie Matsubusa."
"I want my own lawyer." The professor spoke up. "That is my right."
"Under section thirty-two, paragraph three of the police and criminal evidence act, I have reason to believe that alerting anyone of your arrest shall compromise an ongoing criminal investigation, so I have hence forth surrendered your right," he explained, "mister Brigston is here as your duty brief."
"You may get away with this sort of tactic with other people, dragon tamer Lance." The old man took off his glasses and seemed to clean them on his shirts red sleeve. "But until I get to speak to my own council, I have nothing further to say."
"Max... may I call you Max?" he asked but the man simply placed his glasses on his face. "I'm going to be straight with you. We know you're the head of team magma. Numerous reports, eye witnesses. Forensics picked up from the base of your arrest. You're going down for life, there's no doubt about that."
"You have no right to do this," he muttered.
"I'm here because when we raided your base this morning, some of your underlings escaped," he explained, "now I'm offering you chance to bring them in. If you give us information which leads to their capture then-"
"You expect me to turn in children to your tyranny?" he asked.
"I'm offering you the chance to get your side of the events first," he replied, "if you help us finish off this job and capture Courtney then-"
"I stand as the head of a prestigious class, with a humble goal to propel humanity to even greater heights of progress and evolution," he explained, "and now you ask me to turn in those who may shape our societies future to save myself. I'm running out of ways to say the same thing."
"What have you planned with her?" he asked.
"Hmm, it seems I've struck a nerve." He closed his eyes. "Courtney is a bright girl. She knows how this world works and what must be done."
"What have you got in store?" he asked.
"Me?" Maxie asked, with a fake gasp. "I'm right here. Surely you'll be enough of an alibi for whatever you're going to try and pin on me."
"As a part of team magma, your conspiring," he explained, "I can still charge you with whatever Courtney ends up doing."
"Officer, this is hardly-" Mr Brigston interjected.
"Do you know what happens to men like you inside a cell?" he asked, "sure, they're criminals behind those bars but most of them have their own limits. They might even have kids themselves on the outside."
"I don't know what your implying but-"
"Once they hear of yourself and your... special student... well I'm sure they'll love the new cell mate."
"Officer!" Mister Brigston shot up.
"Interview terminated at twelve-twenty-three." He reached over and turned the device off. Holding his side, he let the agonising pain from his ribs numb slightly before turning and walking out. Closing the door behind, he slouched against it and scrunched up his face.
"Sir!" He turned to see one of his lieutenants jogging down the corridor with a phone in hand.
"Did they find her already?" he asked.
"We've not heard anything from the searching party," he explained, "this call came straight for you."
"Thank you, soldier." Accepting the device, the man saluted him before taking off down the corridor he just approached from. Taking a deep breath, he held the old-fashioned device up to his ear. "This is Lance."
"Long time." A familiar male voice appeared on the other end.
"Steven?" he asked.
"One and only," he replied, "you missing something?"
"I'm sorry but I've kinda got a lot going on at the moment-" the champion cut him off.
"I saw on the news, you led a raid on magma's base and made some pretty big arrests," he replied, "but this is big as well. It's to do with aqua."
"What's wrong?" he asked, frowning, and taking off down the corridor with haste. Misty contacted him last night, explaining she'd been summoned back to the freighter but given the situation since she last went undercover, he forbid her from returning.
"I just got off the phone with one of my elite four, Drake," he explained, "he found a girl in aqua uniform in the middle of a storm with a Sharpedo. And she had a message to get to you."
"Misty!" He gasped.
"She's alright, a little bruised but she's tough... and that's Drake talking so it's gotta mean something," he replied, "but she wanted to warn you that they have the prince and seem to be using him to-"
"-create a storm." He winced as the image of her the young gym leader moving into a hostile environment filled his head.
"Any time you wanna clue me in I'll be happy to hear it," he replied, "are my people in danger?"
"We all are," he uttered, stopping in his tracks. "Aqua wanted to use the weather institute to locate the resting place of Kyogre-"
"-but you stopped that by feeding them fake data," he replied, "so how could-"
"By using the prince of the sea. They're playing Torchic to try and force Kyogre out to save him," he replied, "this is bad."
"So, the storm-"
"Is just the start," he replied, "we need a crew to get through to the freighter now and stop them. They have no way to communicate or control the beast so everyone on board is dead unless we stop them. I'll get-"
"Slow down, your still a no-go for field work." Steven cut him off. "I'm already on my way to Drake's boat. Metagross is able to easily transverse this drizzle so we can handle the take down. None of your crew have the ships needed to get through this weather anyway."
"But-"
"And you've still got some magma bits to handle, as I understand it," he replied, "don't worry about it, we'll have that prince free and this whole aqua mess cleaned up by the time you've finished your loose ends."
"I doubt it'll be that easy," he muttered, wiping his eyes before finishing by pinching his nose. "Just... be careful, after what happened to Shelly, I don't want to second guess what their leader might do. And under no circumstances is Misty to board that ship. From the sounds of it they already tried to kill her once."
"I completely agree," he replied, "and I'll call you once this is all over. Hopefully, this'll be the end of our aqua and magma affaires for a while."
As the phone went silent, he flipped it shut. Leaning against the hall wall, he let out a wheezing groan as he held his side. The thought of Misty nearly drowning after being frown overboard isn't an image he likes. As the pain took over his body, he tried to push it back down.
"Sir?"
Glancing to the side, he found one of his his female officers whose eyes were pulled together and widened her eyes. She kneeled slight beside him, as if to offer her shoulder for support. Shaking his head, she shot back up to attention and struggled to follow suit, with more controlled breaths to help ease his pain.
"I need you get word to the coast guard. Send all ships from both Lilycove and Slateport to the freighter ship," he explained, "we're launching the raid on aqua now! Lead by Steven Stone and they'll be needed to assist in containment and arrests."
"Yes sir." She nodded.
"And get me the surveillance sergeant on the line," he growled, setting off towards his office, "she's got some explaining to do."
Ash smiled as he leaned against Lapras' neck as they sailed across the water. He was dressed in just his swimming shorts due to the lovely weather and everyone deciding it was a good chance to go swimming during the journey across the ocean. Even Seviper was swimming beside them, which kinda surprised him how effect she was in the water. Brock and Max were off with Marshtomp, Castform and Shuppet. May was sunbathing on Altaria's back, who was floating.
A flick of water caused him to flinch and shake his head. Turning to the source, he found Serena by Lapras' side. Using a little ESP to carefully lift herself up onto the transport Pokémon, he couldn't stop himself from gawking at her in the red, two-piece bikini. Water soaking her entire body and giving her a magical sort of glow. After their morning make up, he figured she'd be more flirty for a while.
"Glad I got your attention." She crouched just in front of him. Her dripping body allowing the sun to bounce off in a mesmerising way. She leaned forward and his lips instinctively plucked, expecting the familiar electrical sizzle but she purposely kept just out of reach. "Slow down big boy. I need your help."
"What with-" His muttered question answered when a bottle of sunscreen landed in his hands. He glanced back and she just offered a soft smile. Lying back on the shell, she extended her leg out and he felt his heart race harder at the situation.
He knew she was trying to get him flustered, partly as payback for the recent turn of events but also because she just seemed to enjoy it. Not only did they nearly miss breakfast because the alarm she set 'didn't go off' but when they first decided to enjoy the sun, she entrusted him with the same task. One might think why is this worst but given the fact she was now dripping wet just added another level to his attraction for her.
Reaching out, he started 'applying' the sunscreen by massaging it into her long, smooth leg as he admired her lying down in front of him. His heart thumped hard against his chest and the groans escaping her mouth didn't help. He knew she was putting on, but each sound seemed to tighten his shorts even more.
Closing his eyes and trying not to focus on her rises, he continued to glance around his friends. He couldn't help but chuckle at the calmness of Altaria, slowly plopping along like one of the romantic carnival rides couples normally take to-
"Don't you think you've done that leg now, Ashy?" Serena's mental voice echoed in his head. "I know that's your thing, but my other leg needs attention too."
Nearly choking on the hot air around them, he felt his cheeks burst aflame. Which wasn't helped by Lapras' stifled giggles from the interaction. Shaking his head to try and regain a little composure. He kept his eyes shut and just started the same process on her second leg.
"It might help if you actually used some sunscreen." Serena's teasing voice echoed once more. "I didn't mean for you to just feel me up with a massage... but I'm not complaining... maybe we should save this for tonight-"
A cool drop of water hit his face, sizzling from the heat emitting off them. Blinking. He glanced up to see a dark cloud quickly covering the sky and blocking out the sun. An icy wind blew past them, and his eyes glanced up to Serena who lost her playful expression for a move serious one.
She shot up to her feet and glanced around. Sending out a wave of ESP, she started levitating. Turning around on Lapras, who was already fighting the strengthen currents, he pulled out the Pokéball from his bag to recall Seviper, who was slowly being pushed from their group. Tightening his grip onto the transport Pokémon, he glanced around to see where everyone else was.
Serena levitated herself onto Milotic's back. Using her powers on the two guys out in the water, she moved Max behind herself on the sea serpent. Brock, however, she lifted onto Lapras' back. Having more space and being the more experienced swimmer made her idea for the two fully grown guys. Both of the other boys took a moment to return their Pokémon, leaving no Pokémon out who wasn't helping fight the weather.
Which had turned into a massive storm, with the bullet-like rain drops hammering down around them. If you looked closely, they even bounced up off the surface of the ocean. A crack of lightening enlightened the sky as a massive boom followed. While Altaria had took off with May, she barely flew over Milotic.
"Look out!" His ice water type let out a loud cry. While his friends wouldn't understand her, their Pokémon certainly would.
Not two seconds later, he tightened his grip around her neck. Waves crashed up against her sides, throwing her side to side but she was able to hold out.
"Milotic! If I take the others, you can help control the current!" Lapras cried out.
Hearing another cry, he couldn't quite make it out but that hardly mattered. Another crack of lightning struck down and she instantly started forcing her way towards the cream-coloured water type. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried to wipe them from the heavy rain which blurred his vision.
Another boom of thunder echoed, and he noticed the gap between them increasing with every moment. Closing his eyes, he felt his aura tingle through his veins. Placing a hand on the back of her neck, he let his powers surge through into her to try and help fight the storm.
Hearing another set of screams, his eyes burst open, and his powers stopped surging as his head snapped. Max came flying across the gap with a wave of ESP around him. Throwing his body with Lapras to help add to her momentum, Brock reached out to grab the young boy's hand. His bottom half fell into the water, and he cried out as the water tried to tear him away.
"Max!" He heard May cry out but her dragon flying type couldn't be seen in the nearby area.
A bright light above them nearly blinded him but as his eyes adjusted, wiping them once again, he noticed Serena hovering above them with a platform of ESP covering the rain. While it didn't stop the rough currents, it certainly helped as Lapras moved underneath her floating body. The doctor-in-training quickly pulled Max up and wrapped a towel around his body. Milotic disappeared under the water and within moments they seemed to be calmer despite the waves.
His girlfriend slowly lowered back down, and her psychic umbrella flickered out of existence. Tensing up, the heavy rain once again made impact over them and and he honestly felt like he'd be covered in scratches from the force. He chanced a glance back to see Brock wrapping another towel around Serena but the part which concerned him was the trail of blood running out of her nose. While her umbrella was nice, but he knew she couldn't keep it up indefinitely with this storm.
Lapras let out one more cry and he turned around to see what she was warning about. Two Pokémon burst up out of the water, one being a species he recognized as a Kingdra. Who moved in front of Lapras, as if helping break the frontal currents for her. The next one, however, he didn't know.
A clearly aquatic Pokémon which shared some resemblance to Kingdra in body shape but was much larger. The body curved in a way which vaguely resembled the top of a number three. Light purple sides with slender vertical lines, while most of the body seemed to be a dull brown. Moving behind, as if to help to also keep them on track, revealed a light purple patch on their face, surrounding the burning red eyes and a tubular, upturned snout and a small appendage sticking out of the back of their head. On top of the head was some sort of red, leaf-like crest with two brownish-green antennae. Either side of the skinny body was more leaf-like appendage. Maybe it was partly from the situation, but he couldn't help gulping at the intimidating Pokémon.
"A-Ash!"
Serena's voice caused him to turn back and see a large wooden pirate ship right in front of them. Glancing around, he noticed the two Pokémon seemed to be guiding them to the ship and he noticed May's Altaria floating onto the main deck. While he couldn't be sure who or what the boat belonged too, he knew it was better to be on there than roughing this storm.
With some difficulty, they made it to the boats side and used the wooden ladder built onto the side to climb up to the deck. One by one they went up, with both himself and Serena recalling Lapras and Milotic, respectively. Being the last one to climb, he gritted his teeth against the rocking ship.
Making his way on top of the ship, he found different workers dressed in stripped blue and white shirts with ripped, baggy white bottoms. They seemed to all be running around the massive, black-board ship with white sails, each performing some sort of job. Brock offered him a towel, which he quickly wrapped himself in. Looking ahead he found another man stood in the centre of the deck.
He had a puffy white captains hat with a golden seal of the Pokémon League Association stamped over the bill with a large white moustache spread out. His chest was on show due to his large black trenchcoat blowing open in the wind, revealing a muscular body. His bottoms were made up with roughed up jeans.
"Ahoy there, me names Drake an' this here ship be mine. We saw a bright light in the sky an' thought it been the me good eye o' this here storm. Imagine me surprise to find ye kids." His voice boomed. "What was ye even thinking, bein' out in this here storm?"
"W-we set out this morning... i-it just-" he stuttered, feeling the coldness and fatigue take over. "The weather just turned on us."
"Let this here be a lesson to yarr, in 'er natural state mother nature be a cruel mistress!" He couldn't help but cringe slightly at the heavy dialect but given the man just saved them it was the least of his worries. "At times, she'll 'inder us. At times, she'll 'elp us! To live alongside 'er as a residence o' this here world... do ye know what it takes? what be needed? Yarr need to be more careful when out on the water like this here."
"A-aren't you gonna recall your Pokémon?" he asked, gesturing to the two Pokémon behind them.
"Haha, this here storm be little more than a light shower fer them." He laughed. "Why don't ye go down to the lower deck to get dressed. It be not exactly sunbathin' weather as we speak."
Thanking the man along with his friends, they set off towards one of the wooden walls of the ships which had a door in. One of the crew seemed to take up the job of leading them down through the ship. While cracks of thunder echoed and the ship rocked, he couldn't help but feel like the ship was sturdy enough.
"Ahoy!" He stopped at the bottom of the wooden staircase and found none other than Misty. She stood in the dimly lit hall with two sets of rooms either side of her. "I'm sure you've got questions, why not dry up and clean up then we can chat. Guys to the left, girls to the right."
Entering the room with Brock and Max, they quickly changed back into their normal clothes. Of course, some of the clothes were slightly damp but it was better than the alternative. Hearing a knock on the door, he checked, and the other guys were dressed so he verbalised it was good. The three females walked into the room, and they settled down with Misty facing most of them.
"So, what's going on?" he asked, "what're you doing here, Mist?"
"Long story," she sighed, "but I'm acting as a liaison for Drake."
"Liaison for who?" he asked. "And who is Drake anyway?"
"He's a member of Hoenn's elite four," Max interjected, "he specialises in dragon type Pokémon."
"And we're working with him to handle the current situation," Misty added.
"What situation?" Serena asked.
"... it's Aqua."
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...