Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing our heroes arriving in Mauville City (given that the only episode in between Mauville and Verdanturf is "Delicato Got Your Tongue", and with no Team Rocket, along Naruto and May able to look up Abby's past Contests on their PokéNav Plus's, there's really no reason to include the episode). So, without further ado.
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A week has passed since Brendan and Max revealed their decision to split off from Naruto and May to head back to Littleroot Town and Petalburg City, respectively. With Brendan wishing to visit his father for a while, before continuing his own journey. While Max wanted to study under Professor Birch and his father to prepare for when he'll go on his own journey. And while Naruto and May were saddened at them leaving, they also understood their reasonings for wanting to go their own ways.
With the group having now finally reached Mauville City, with nothing unexpected happening on the way here, much to their relief that it was an easy trip. The four heading straight for the Pokémon Center to let their Pokémon rest up and be looked at, from all their training while on the road.
"So, who's going to battle Wattson first?" May asked while looking between Naruto and Brendan, wondering who'll be battling the Mauville Gym Leader, who they learned was named Wattson and specialized in Electric-type Pokémon.
"I'd be fine with battling first." Said Naruto, not minding if he battled Wattson first, giving him a chance to see how his team's training has paid off against a stronger Gym Leader.
"Maybe I should battle him first. That way Max and I can head out once I'm able to get my Gym Badge." Brendan said, with Max nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, you guys also wouldn't have to wait around for us and could keep going on, after Naruto gets his own Badge." Added Max, making Naruto and May frown at this.
"Well, if you guys plan to leave once Brendan gets his Badge, then maybe Naruto could go first, so you two would have a chance to look around the city and see what there is." Stated May, with Naruto nodding in agreement, since while they accepted their desire to go on their own, they hoped to have them stay just a little longer.
"Guys, it's fine, really. Besides, I wanna see how much stronger Swellow and Mightyena have gotten after evolving." Brendan replied, eager to see how much stronger his Pokémon have gotten since they evolved.
This made Naruto and May sigh, but nod in acceptance, before they began thinking of their own Pokémon and their training. With Naruto's Gallade, as well as May's Combusken and Beautifly, having all gotten used to their new bodies, allowing them to move more smoothly and easily.
With Beautifly having also managed to get Silver Wind down, with Gallade and Combusken having also gotten the moves they learned/unlocked after evolving down as well. Making it so May didn't have to worry about Combusken overpowering her attacks or being unable to control them.
Grovyle's own training having also come along nicely, with Naruto deciding to get some help from Brendan and his own Grovyle to teach his Energy Ball. Given they'll be leaving once they're done in Mauville, the Uzumaki didn't want to lose the chance for Grovyle to learn the attack. With the Grass-type being able to learn and get the hang of the move, thanks to Brendan and his Grovyle's help.
While for their other Pokémon, May's Skitty was able to master her Egg Move's, along with being able to successfully learn Safeguard, while making good progress on learning Iron Tail, thanks to Naruto's Pokémon. And her Eevee being successful in learning Charm, Attract, and Sunny Day, with May also planning to have her help Skitty in learning Sunny Day. With her also making good progress on learning Hyper Voice and Payday.
For Naruto, Zorua has succeeded in unlocking his own Egg Moves, being able to get Shadow Ball and Aerial Ace down, though he still needed some work on mastering Dark Pulse and Extrasensory. While Sword Dance and Incinerate were still works in progress. Zigzagoon has been able to get both Pin Missile and Thief mastered, and managing to get Assurance down as well, though Ice Beam and Thunderbolt are still a work in progress for him. With Eevee he's managed to learn Dig and Shadow Ball, the latter of which with Zorua's help once he got it down, but Retaliate was also a work in progress.
Finally, Magikarp has been making good progress on Bounce and Tackle, though Hydro Pump was still giving him trouble due to how powerful of an attack it was. With Naruto getting the feeling that Magikarp will only be able to fully master it, after evolving into a Gyarados. As it will give him a stronger body that will be able to properly handle that kind of power.
Though he was able to get a good handle on Flail, which will really be useful in a pinch and as a last-ditch move. Along with looking into ways to use Splash, since while it didn't deal any damage, it could still be a useful move, even if it's just as a distraction.
"All I'd need is to think of some strategies to use against Wattson's Pokémon. While I have some ideas that I've thought of to battle Electric-type Pokémon, I'm not sure how effective they'd be against a Gym Leader." Brendan said, since none of his Pokémon were really effective against Electric-types, and even with Swellow's new strength from evolving, they'd still be weak against Wattson's Pokémon.
And while he's thought of strategies to try and counter Electric-type Pokémon, that would be against normal Trainers, not against a Gym Leader who'd be much stronger.
"Would you like me and May there to watch your battle?" Naruto asked, since he might be able to learn something from Brendan's battle against Wattson, which would also give May and Max some time to spend together before the latter leaves with Brendan.
"No, it's fine. I can have Max come with me and watch the battle to see how it goes. After all, I can't have you learning all my secrets so soon, now can I? Besides, I think May would like to spend some time with you." Said Brendan with a slight smirk.
"I can't deny that Naruto-kun." May said while smiling at the Jinchūriki, unable to deny that she would like to spend some time with Naruto, even more so now that she knows he likes to go shopping with her.
And May was perfectly fine with modeling new clothes for him and see what reaction they'd get out of him.
Naruto nodding at this, while remembering the agreement he and Brendan had, that outside of asking for help and advice, they would train in areas where the other wouldn't be able to see them. In the spirit of good sportsmanship and showing that whenever they battled, it'd be fair to whoever wins.
"Okay, then good luck and do your best against Wattson." Naruto said, with Brendan nodding in thanks.
"I plan to." Replied Brendan, knowing he'll give it his all against Wattson, whether he wins or loses.
"I'll call you guys after Brendan is done with his Gym Battle and we're ready to leave." Max said, with Naruto and May nodding in agreement, while already knowing to meet them at the southern exit that'll take them to Route 110 and then to Route 103.
After collecting their Pokémon, Max and Brendan headed for the Mauville Gym, leaving Naruto and May at the Pokémon Center.
"So, what do you want to do Naruto-kun?" May asked while looking at her boyfriend.
"Well, if it's alright with you May-chan, do you think that we'd…be able to on a date?" Naruto asked nervously, since even if they were now in a relationship, he still remembered all the times he tried asking Sakura out, only to be punched and rejected.
Only to relax when the Coordinator smiled happily at him and took his hand.
"Of course it's okay, we are together now. And I'd love to Naruto-kun, now come on, I saw some shops on the way here and I wanna see what they have!" May said, before pulling Naruto along as they left the Pokémon Center.
After arriving at the shops, Naruto and May went to several of them to see what they had to offer, with the two mostly getting more supplies along with some items that caught their eyes. Once they finished their shopping, the couple went to get some lunch, before taking notice of a movie theater, one that was playing a re-release of "Enter the Beartic". A movie that May was familiar with and convinced Naruto to see it, the Uzumaki being intrigued after learning it was a martial arts movie.
With Naruto being amazed the longer the movie went, with the whiskered blonde being a fan once it was over and they exited the theater.
"I know it's just a movie, but it still makes me want to catch a Beartic of my own." Naruto stated, having been amazed at Beartic's strength and power in the movie, along with the way it fought against Brycen's character, wanting to now catch his own.
"Maybe we should get you an outfit like Brycen's if you do, after all, you're just like his character. A strong, brave, and determined fighter that fights against evil organizations. But you're much cuter." Said May while kissing him on the cheek.
"All that's missing would be a damsel in distress to save." Replied Naruto, making the brunette raise a brow.
"Oh? Do I not count, or would you just not save me?" May asked raising a brow.
"No, I'd always save you no matter what. I just know you're more than able to take care of yourself, but that doesn't mean I still won't protect you." Naruto said, with May now smiling at him before kissing him again.
Their attention then turned to another building with flashing lights and a neon image above the entrance. Getting their interest as they walked up to the building, only to stop when a person walked out with a depressed look on their face.
"Uh, are you alright?" May asked, confused and worried about what was wrong with the person, who let out a sigh and nodded.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just lost bigtime at the Game Corner." Said the person, confusing the couple further.
"Game Corner?" Questioned Naruto, getting another nod from the person as they motioned to the building, they came out of.
"Yeah, the Mauville Game Corner, it's where people can go to play the games, they have to win coins which they can exchange at the Prize Counter. They usually have stuff like souvenirs, Pokémon dolls, TMs, and even some rare Pokémon." Explained the person, surprising Naruto and May to hear about the prizes they could win, even being able to win rare Pokémon.
"Huh, maybe we should check it out May-chan." Naruto said, interested in playing some of the games, with May nodding in agreement.
"If you're going to the Game Corner here, you'll need a Coin Case. I doubt I'll be using it again. There should still be some coins in it, that you both can use. Have fun and hope you have better luck than I did." The person said, giving them their Coin Case before taking their leave.
"Well that was…nice." Said May, now wondering just how hard these games could be, while Naruto checked to see how many coins were in the case.
"There's ten coins in here, so we each have five to use. Let's go see what this place has." Naruto said, handing five of the coins to May, before they entered the Game Corner.
Finding it to be just as extravagant on the inside as it was on the outside, with slot machines, roulette tables, card tables, and several other games.
"When he said Game Corner, I wasn't expecting…well these kind of games." Stated Naruto, not expecting for it to basically be a casino, one that's apparently more kid friendly.
"Yeah, but we're here now, so we might as well see how we do." May replied, with Naruto nodding in agreement, before they split up to play the different games.
With May finding herself to be surprisingly good at some of them, being able to win several dozen coins, while Naruto's luck was helping him win the most out of everyone there. As he was winning even more coins and filling up their Coin Case very quickly, much to the shock and amazement of everyone watching.
Though it wasn't long until they both got a call from Max, telling them that Brendan's match was over, and that he'd managed to earn the Dynamo Badge.
"Guess it's time then." May said, sighing, since they'd be saying goodbye to Max and Brendan now, with Naruto nodding in agreement while putting a hand on her shoulder.
"Don't worry, I'm sure we'll see them again." Said Naruto, with May nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, you're right. Though we are coming back here again, before we leave." May said while looking around the Game Corner, wanting to come back to play some more.
"Definitely, maybe we'll see about getting some prizes." Naruto replied, also wanting to come back to the Game Corner.
The two then left before making their way to the southern exit of the city.
*Later*
Once they arrived at the southern exit, Naruto and May waited until Max and Brendan showed up, with the two doing so not long after they arrived.
"Sorry we're late, I wanted to stop by the Pokémon Center to get my team healed up, before we left." Brendan said, which the couple waved off.
"It's fine. So, I guess we'll see you guys later then." Said Naruto.
"Yeah, I'm sure we'll run into each other at some point. If not, then we'll definitely be seeing each other again at the Ever Grande Conference. Though make sure you come prepared, since I intend on winning." Replied Brendan with a smirk, which Naruto returned.
"Oh I will, I'm coming prepared to go straight for the Championship." Naruto stated, fully intent to not just win the Ever Grande Conference, but also challenge the Hoenn Region's Elite Four and Champion.
"Take care of yourself Max, tell mom and dad that I said hi." Said May, while hugging her brother.
"I will May, and good luck in your Contests, we'll be cheering for you. And you too in your Gym Battles, Naruto." Max replied before looking to Naruto.
"Thanks and take care of Shroomish." Said Naruto, with Max nodding in response.
Max and Brendan then exited the city and headed down Route 110, waving to Naruto and May, which they returned. The two waited until they were out of sight, before making their way back to the Pokémon Center.
"It's going to be quieter with them gone." May said, with Naruto nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, but like I said, I'm sure we'll see them again eventually." Replied Naruto, with May nodding this time as they reached the Pokémon Center.
"Well um…since it's now just the two us, what do you think…about us…sharing a room, Naruto-kun?" May asked with a light blush at sharing a room with Naruto, with the Uzumaki looking at her in surprise.
"Sh-share a room?" Said Naruto, while sporting his own blush.
"Y-yeah. N-not like sh-share a-a b-bed o-or an-anything l-like th-that! J-just sh-sharing a room, you take one bunk and I'll take another." Said May, making Naruto relax slightly at hearing this.
"O-oh, yeah, that's…fine with me, but only if you want to." Naruto replied, with May smiling and nodding in response.
"Yeah, since it would save us more time than if we were in separate rooms." May said, with Naruto nodding in agreement, before they headed into their now shared room.
The two getting changed into their pajama's, with Naruto changing in the bathroom to give May some privacy. Before getting into bed, with Naruto taking the bottom bunk and May taking the top one.
"Goodnight, May-chan." Naruto said.
"Goodnight, Naruto-kun." Replied May.
With the couple falling asleep soon, afterwards.
So, what did you think, good. Yep we see how Naruto's and May's training for their Pokémon has come along, while it's decided Brendan will be battling Wattson first, allowing him and Max to depart soon after, with Naruto and May going on their first official date as a couple, along with stopping at the Game Corner after learning about it. With them spending the remaining time there before going to exchange farewells with Max and Brendan, before returning to the Pokémon Center where they decide to share a room. Now onto the Omake!
Omake: An Uneasy Alliance
Shino, Tamaki, and Temari all sat inside the Pokémon Center in Phenac City, a tense air surrounding the three.
"It would seem that…things aren't quite as peaceful here as we originally believed." Shino stated, making Temari roll her eyes.
"Gee, ya think?! It's not like we got held hostage, or that Kankuro and your little friends were taken prisoner! Oh wait, all of that did happen!" Temari retorted sarcastically, causing Tamaki and even Shino to wince, knowing she was right.
"Yes…that. While I doubt it does much good, I…apologize that our rash behavior lead to that happening." Said Shino, knowing it was him and Kiba starting a fight with the siblings that left them all open to ambush and taken down by Team Cipher, just like the rest of the citizens of Phenac City.
Even worse was the fact that somehow, they placed handcuffs on each of them that suppressed their Chakra, which only worried them more at them being capable of doing such a thing. Even worse was when they took Kiba, Shiho, and Kankuro as prisoners, bringing them to who knows where.
It was only thanks to a Pokémon Trainer, someone named Michael, arriving and driving Team Cipher off and freeing everyone. But by the time they were free and could use their Chakra again, there was no trail left for them to follow to where they took the others.
"How did they even have something like that to suppress our Chakra?" Tamaki said, knowing that's something to definitely worry about, since as far they knew, no one else from the Elemental Nations should be in the Orre Region.
"The best guess is that someone from the Elemental Nations is working with Team Cipher, likely someone with less than kind intentions and is aware that others from the Elemental Nations are also here. While providing Team Cipher the means to render them helpless." Guessed Shino, knowing that's the only way they could be able to do such a thing.
"Great, and now they have my brother and your friends." Temari said before standing up to leave.
"And where exactly are you going?" Shino asked, making the former Kunoichi look at him with narrowed eyes.
"I don't know about you, but I'm not going to sit around and do nothing! I'm going to go save Kankuro!" Said Temari, refusing to lose the last family she had left.
"That would be rather foolish, not only going off alone, but the fact we have no idea where they were taken or where Team Cipher's base could be. Even if by some chance you do find them, you'll likely only be captured as well. If we have any chance of saving our comrades, then it'd be best if we…worked together." Shino said.
"Work together? Are you serious? After you and dog boy attacked us, leading to this mess in the first place?!" Temari demanded, not believing he's actually suggesting that.
"Whether we like it or not, we will most likely be targeted as well, our best chance of finding the others and not getting captured, is by sticking together." Said Shino.
"It would be good to work together, rather than separately. That way we could watch each other's backs and find the others more quickly." Tamaki added, with Temari looking at them with narrowed eyes.
"…Fine, we'll stick together." Temari replied reluctantly, not wanting to work with them but had to admit, it was her best chance at finding Kankuro.
*Citadark Isle*
Meanwhile on Citadark Isle, the headquarters of Team Cipher, Kiba and Akamaru, Shiho, and Kankuro sat in a cell, all of them wearing collars that were keeping their Chakra suppressed. Something they found out, after they woke up and tried breaking out, only to be unable to access their Chakra nor did they have any weapons on them.
Though the three looked up, when the door opened up and Hiruko walked in.
"Who the hell are you supposed to be?" Demanded Kiba, angry at being locked up and left helpless.
"I am Hiruko, and much like you three, I am from the Elemental Nations. Though unlike you, I was a Missing-Nin from Konoha, specifically." Hiruko replied.
"And now you're working with these guys." Kankuro stated, looking at Hiruko with narrowed eyes.
"Yes, though truthfully, I have no loyalty to Cipher. But their research and plans intrigued me enough that I chose to join them, allowing me to continue my research unabated, even taking it farther than I could have ever hoped. But as I'm sure you are aware, no one here possesses Chakra or knows how it works, leaving me rather limited in having to work alone. But lucky for me, I just had the perfect assistant drop right into my lap." Said Hiruko, while looking at Shiho when he mention an "assistant".
"And what makes you think I'd help you, or that I could even help you?" Shiho said, while trying to hide how nervous she is.
"For starters, you kept your Ninja ID on you and it not only lists you as a member of the Konoha Cryptanalysis Team, implying that you also have talent in other scientific fields. But that you also possess an IQ of nearly two hundred, putting you on the same level as those of the Nara Clan in intellect." Hiruko revealed, shocking both Kiba and Kankuro that Shiho was that smart.
"As for why you will help me, you've all seen certain Pokémon here, ones that seem to behave more aggressively than normal. They're known as Shadow Pokémon, ones that have had the doors to their heart artificially closed, robbing them of their emotions and turning them into pure fighting machines. Tell me, would you be curious to see what doing such a thing to two humans and a Ninken would result in?" Questioned Hiruko, while looking at Kiba, Akamaru, and Kankuro, making them nervous at such a thing happening to them.
"Either you help me in my research, or your friends here will be the first human and animal test subjects to undergo the Shadow Pokémon process. And should you try anything foolish, then all of you will undergo the process." Hiruko said, making Shiho gulp before looking at Kiba and Kankuro.
"I…a-alright, I'll help you." Shiho said in resignation, knowing if she didn't help him then they're all screwed.
At least this way, they were safe and hopefully she could try to get some information while working with Hiruko as well.
*Greevil's Office*
Meanwhile, within the top of the base was the office of the leader of Team Cipher, Grand Master Greevil, or as he's known as to the Orre Region and the rest of the Server Regions as a whole, Mr. Verich. Who was currently speaking with one of Cipher's agents in Hoenn, Cecil Chronoros, otherwise known as CC. The leader of a branch of Team Cipher, known as Team Ciel.
"Tell me Cecil, how are things proceeding in the Hoenn Region?" Questioned Greevil.
"Slowly. Team Magma and Team Aqua however have begun making their moves, I have agents watching them should they become a threat to us. Though I believe it won't be long before they make their attempts to awaken Groudon and Kyogre." CC said, with Greevil humming in thought since as much as he liked the idea of capturing Groudon and Kyogre to turn them into Shadow Pokémon, he also knew with what Teams Magma and Aqua were planning, it'd be better if they stayed asleep for the time being.
"And what of any Trainers or Pokémon there that would be worth recruiting or converting into Shadow Pokémon?" Greevil asked, with CC shaking her head.
"No, I haven't seen anyone or any Pokémon of interest, nor have I gotten word from any of my agents throughout Hoenn." Replied CC, with Greevil simply nodding in response.
"Very well, keep me posted should anything change." Said Greevil, with CC nodding before ending the communication.
"Oh, my poor CC, all alone in Hoenn! She must miss me terribly." Said someone, with Greevil looking at the person to see one of Cipher's top scientists, Mao, who also had a dangerous obsession with CC.
But what made Mao really useful, was the fact that he was a Psychic Trainer, much like the Kanto Gym Leader Sabrina. With Mao having focused his abilities on being able to read minds, though still trained himself in the other powers that his psychic abilities grant him.
"Yes, I'm sure she is. It's a good thing I'm sending you to Hoenn to keep an eye on her Mao." Greevil said, getting Mao's attention.
"You still believe she will betray us?" Questioned Mao.
"No, I know Cecil will betray us. I know she has her own agenda, given her grudge against Maxie and Archie for what happened to her father. I have no doubt that she'll betray Cipher the moment it's convenient for her, if she hasn't already." Said Greevil, knowing CC isn't as loyal to Cipher as she acts.
"So, you'll be going to watch her and what she's planning." Greevil said.
"I am unable to read her mind and she will undoubtedly keep her plans close to her chest and keep her subordinates far away from me." Mao said, being unable to read CC's mind due her own ability to use Aura, which only made her all the more alluring to him, that he can't hear her thoughts.
"Then you'll simply need to stay close to her." Stated Greevil, with Mao smiling and bowing.
"Of course Grand Master, and should my darling princess truly seek to betray Cipher, I will show her why she belongs here, no matter what I have to do." Mao said darkly, having now problem with killing anyone or anything, if it means he gets have CC.
"You do that, but if she still proves to be threat, dispose of her." Greevil said, knowing despite his obsession, Mao was still loyal to Team Cipher.
"Yes Grand Master, I shall depart at once. Though I do request that should I have to kill her, I can at least keep her head." Replied Mao, with Greevil being disturbed and disgusted by the request, before reluctantly giving Mao the okay.
With that, Mao turned to leave and prepare for his trip to Hoenn.
And we see a continuation of the Ninja in Orre, learning they'd been caught off guard by Team Cipher and taken hostage, with Kiba and Akamaru, Shiho, and Kankuro being taken prisoner as well, leaving Shino, Tamaki, and Temari to reluctantly work together to try and save them. While we see Hiruko forcing Shiho to help him in his research (as it is stated she's supposed to be nearly as smart as Shikamaru). Along with seeing Greevil contacting Cecil Chronoros, or CC, the leader of Team Ciel (French for Sky), a branch of Team Cipher in Hoenn for an update, though knowing she isn't loyal to Team Cipher. Resulting in Greevil sending Mao (from Code Geass) to watch her, while being disturbed and disgusted at his desire to keep her head if he has to kill her. So, review if you liked go away if you didn't.
Storm out