Before we begin, I'd like to hear some opinions on something. Now that the cat's out of the bag, should I just put Wes's name on the character listing seeing how he has a large role in this? Or should I keep it as it is for anyone who stumbles upon this story so I don't give it away?
After Michael and Krane returned, the professor was able to finish the Purify Chamber. Michael put all of the Shadow Pokemon he caught into it, and the process was underway. But that didn't make him feel any better after today's revelation. Wes…them man Michael was inspired by all these years is now leading Cipher. All the inspiration he had…crushed the moment he actually got to meet him. He just laid there on his bed. Staring at the ceiling.
Jovi suddenly walked into his room.
"Big Brother?"
Michael turned away. "I'm not in the mood to talk right now."
"Professor wanted Jovi to tell you that he reported the boss of those Cipher people to the police. They said they were going to put it on the news."
Michael felt his heart sink further. He knew that it had to be done. But to think his hero would become a villain…
"You admired him, right?"
Michael sat up. "Of course, I did. Even when I went into that lab, when I was taking on the bad guys and their Shadow Pokemon I asked myself "What would Wes do?" And now I finally meet him and he's leading the bad guys. Is that the answer?"
"Jovi heard he's really strong."
"He is. He took two of my Pokemon down in like, five seconds. Even after all that training…"
"Really? Than you can't beat him?"
Michael looked directly at her now. "Jovi, not only am I not strong enough to beat him, I don't think I even want to! I know he's my enemy now but I…I…"
Jovi's Plusle and Minum walked over to her feet.
"Plaaa!"
"Mi, Mi!"
"Big brother…does this mean you're…giving up?"
Michael noticed that Jovi seemed sad now.
"Jovi didn't think you'd ever give up…You said you were going to take the bad guys down. Don't you want to stop those bad guys and be like the hero?"
"Of course, I do!"
"Then be the guy that was a hero! Not the guy that's a bad guy now!"
Michael looked at Jovi's determined eyes.
"Mimi and Plapla believe you can do it! Jovi mom and the Professor do to! So, go be a hero! If the last hero won't stop the bad guys someone else needs to! And Jovi thinks it should be you!"
Michael blinked for a second. Then he smiled and stood up. "First the hero of Orre becomes a bad guy and now I'm being encourage by my crazy little sister? What's next, swimming Dugtrio?"
"Of course, Jovi helps big brother when he's sad!" the girl smiled. "That's what a leader does for her assistant!"
Michael walked over to Jovi and gave her a small hug.
"Thanks Jovi. I mean it, I…really needed that."
"You're welcome! Jovi is going to play with her Pokemon now!"
Michael watched her and her Pokemon leave.
Michael stopped his scooter in front of Agate. He walked over to the house at the top of the hill. After knocking he waited for a moment.
Eagun opened the door. "Oh, Michael!"
"Hi Eagun…I wanted to talk to you about something. Can I come in?"
"Is it about what happened with Wes?"
The boy looked at him in surprise.
"You know? Was it put on the news already?"
"Actually, we saw it on tv just now. But Krane called, saying that he saw you leave on your scooter. He explained what happened and figured you were going to talk to me."
Eagun stepped aside so Michael could walk in. Beluh was on the sofa.
"Hello Michael. I heard you were coming."
Eagun sat down next to her. "We were told you were devastated when you met Wes."
"And you two?" Michael asked.
Both were silent for a moment. "It is hard to believe." Eagun finally replied. "Wes fought harder than anyone to dispose of Cipher. And now…Well, naturally we were shocked…"
Michael sighed. "I…I don't know what to do…He's the greatest hero this region has ever known…I know what he's doing is wrong, I know I should stop Cipher but…I don't know if I can do it without having an example to believe in. He was the main reason why I wanted to stop Cipher in the first place."
"Who said you had to stop believing in him?"
"What?"
Eagun looked at the photo he had set on the table. "You can still look up to Wes for what he was before. Not who he is now. Even after this…I still think of him as my friend."
"And we both know he would never do this without his reasons." Beluh added. "We believe in him. It is fine for you to do the same."
"Even with what he does now, his brave actions still exist from the past. Orre might not be here if it were not for him." Eagun said. "The brave things he did will live on in all our hearts. No mater how much he decides to change it won't change the fact that he was…maybe in a way still is a hero."
Michael thought for a moment. "You're right…I guess I still believe in him."
"Good to hear." Eagun smiled.
"Thanks, you two. I needed to hear that."
"Anytime Michael. Do come by if you need anything else."
"I will."
With that he left.
Michael walked into the HQ Lab. Lily, Jovi and Professor Krane were waiting for him.
"Did you have a nice talk with Eagun?" Krane asked.
"Yeah…Sorry for leaving without saying anything."
"It's alright." Lily replied with a hand on her son's shoulder. "As long as you're feeling better."
"I am. And I'm ready to stop Cipher."
"I told you, you could do it!" Jovi jumped.
"Good to hear." Professor Krane smiled. "First things first. One of the Pokemon you put in the Purify Chamber are ready to have the door to it's heart opened. Let's head over to the Purify Chamber, shall we?"
Michael walked into the room and onto the circular platform. Krane nodded to one of the scientists who pressed a few buttons on the computer. The area around Michael faded and showed a virtual space all around him. Right above him were projections of some of the Pokemon he caught. The Houndour, Seedot and Spheal were rotating around the Shadow Shroomish. He saw a light crawl up the walls ant to the ceiling before dropping down on the Pokemon. Just like his visit to the Relic stone a light formed around Shroomish and black smoke faded from it.
"Looks like it worked!"
The area returned to normal and Michael returned to the lab.
"All of the Shroomish's readings are normal." The scientist at the monitor said. "Shadow Blitz and Shadow Mist have been changed into Mega Drain and Stun Spore."
"Well done Michael." Krane said. "Everyone's hard work was a success. We can purify Pokemon much faster with this."
Michael smiled with a nod. "I'll become a hero of my own. Even if it means I have to take Wes down to bring him back to his senses. I will put a stop to Cipher no matter what!"
"Sounds like the Michael we know is back." Lily smiled.
Krane turned to her. "Oh, speaking of Cipher…Lily, have you made any progress with that data ROM we brought back from Cipher's lab?"
"Oh, yes, I've asked Datan to analyze the contents of that data ROM. It should be ready soon. Michael, could you go upstairs and ask Datan how he's doing? Datan is the man in the room next to the Director's office. Remember? He was complying the basic data."
Jovi hurried to the door
"Big brother's tired, so Jovi will go!"
"It's alright, sis." Michael replied. "I can-
The girl left the room and rushed to the elevator.
"Ahaha! Seeing Jovi and her boundless energy makes me realize I'm back home." Professor Krane laughed. "Anyway, I wonder what's on that data ROM."
"Oh, Jovi. There's no stopping you." Lily sighed. "Please Michael, go ask Daltan how he's doing in his office upstairs."
"On it!"
Michael ran to the elevator. It took him to the top floor where he turned to the office and entering the door connecting it to Daltan's room.
…Only to find the room empty, save for Jovi.
"Oh? Isn't Datan the man who's always fooling around with his computer here?"
"He isn't here?" Michael asked. "Huh…I've never seen him anywhere else before."
"This is strange. Jovi wonders where he went."
"No idea…I'll look downstairs. You check this floor."
"Right! Leave it to Jovi!"
Ten minutes of searching and neither have found Datan. Then Michael heard that he was seen heading outside. He exited the front door and looked around. He then saw the man on the pathway on the edge of the HQ.
Michael ran down the steps and over to him.
"Hey, Datan!"
The man turned around in panic. "Waah! I'm sorry, Professor! I couldn't decipher it!"
Michael was taken aback. "Datan?"
The man sighed in relief. "Huh? Oh, it's you, Michael. You scared me half to death!"
"Wait, so, you couldn't get it to work?"
"That data ROM is heavily protected like a bank vault. It would take a seriously talented guy to break through and get at the contents."
"A seriously talented guy, you say."
Michael looked behind him to see Professor Krane approach. Datan was thrown into a fit of panic again. "Awaah! Professor! I'm terribly sorry!"
"Oh, boy." Michael groaned.
"Ahaha, it can't be helped." The professor laughed. "And if it's a seriously talented guy we need, well, I think I may have a solution."
"You do?"
"Who would that person be?" Datan asked.
"Michael, I'm sorry to spring this on you, but can you deliver the data ROM to ONBS in Pyrate Town? Datan, hand the data ROM to Michael please."
"Oh, right away!"
"ONBS?" Michael asked as he received the ROM. "Aren't they the news people?"
"ONBS is known as a TV network, yes, but they're much more than that." The professor replied.
"What do you mean?"
"The people that later founded ONBS were actually instrumental in breaking Cipher's conspiracy five years ago."
"Really?"
"Indeed. Please deliver that data ROM to Nett at ONBS. He's the right-hand man to Secc, ONBS's leader. I'm confidant that he will be able to get at the contents of that Data ROM. Pyrate is past Agate. It's quite far, so be careful when you're traveling out that way."
Michael seemed lost in though.
"Hello? Michael? Were you listening?"
"Huh?! Uh, right, on my way!"
He hurried off towards his scooter.
"Nett…Secc…where have I heard those names before?"
It was a fairly long drive, but Michael did reach Pyrate town. The ONBS building wasn't hard to find. It stuck out easily. As he walked in he was a girl with black hair on the counter, A Shroomish was sitting on top of it.
"Welcome to ONBS! All visitors are free to wonder the ONBS building to see our network in operation. My name is Megg and I'm the official guide. Glade to meet you."
The Smroomish turned to her. "Shroo."
"This Shroomish is my friend. Isn't it cute?"
"Uh, hi. My name is Michael. I'm here to speak to a guy named Nett."
"Wait…you're Michael? The guy who saved Professor Krane?"
"Uh, yeah. Did he tell you about me?"
"No. A old friend of ours did." Megg said standing up. "We've wanted to speak to you about something. Come on. I'll show you the way."
Megg leaded Michael to the elevator. Once they reached the second floor Michael spoke up.
"Have I seen you somewhere?"
"I don't recall us meeting before." Megg replied.
After a brief walk they came across a office. A young man with brown hair and headphones around his neck was there.
"Hey, Secc." Megg called.
The boy looked up from his paperwork. "Hey, Megg. Did you need something?" He then noticed Michael. "Oh, hi. Sorry, didn't see you there. Welcome to ONBS. The name's Secc. I'm supposed to be in charge here. I'm glad to meet you."
"Hi, my name is-
"This is Michael, Secc." Megg said.
Secc's eyes widened. "Michael? The kid who went to that Cipher lab?"
"Uh, yeah, that's me."
A small smirk came to Secc's face. "Well this is rather convenient. We were thinking of calling you over and here you are. Come on. We'd better tell Nett."
Michael, more confused by the minute followed Secc and Megg who lead him to the roof. Another door was guarded by a blond figure.
"Hello, Secc. Megg."
"Hey, Detro." Secc waved "We've got a visitor here. We have some things to talk about with Nett."
"Right away."
Detro opened the door and lead them in. Inside there was a boy with brown hair and a red shirt at his desk. Next to him was another kid with a cap.
"Nett. We have a visitor." Secc said as Detro went back outside. "This is Michael."
"Oh, good timing." The young man at the desk smiled. "I was just about to call the Lab. I'm Nett."
"Hi."
Nett turned to the boy standing next to him. "And this is Bitt. He's my friend and an invaluable partner."
"Pleased to meet you!"
"We heard about you from Eagun." Secc said.
"You know him?" Michael asked. Then seeing the four people in the room with him made him remember. "Wait a minute…you guys were in that picture!"
"Picture? Bitt asked.
"The one at Eagun's house! The one with the hero!"
"Oh wait." Nett said with a smirk as he reached to a picture frame at his desk. "You mean a picture like this?"
He turned it, so it was facing Michael. The photo was a copy of the one Eagun had.
"Yeah! You guys were friends with Wes!"
"That we are." Megg smiled. "We owe him for who we are now."
"Started by kids five years ago during the "Shadow incident," a tiny network has grown into this today." Secc added. "I operate this place with my partner, Nett. We're convinced that reporting the unvarnished truth will be for the good of peace and justice."
"Looks like the same could be said for you, Michael." Bitt grinned. "Sounds like you pulled off a daring rescue."
Michael rubbed the back of his head nervously. "Well…someone had to do it. It was no big deal really…at least not until Wes showed up…"
The room went deadly silent.
"Er…sorry. Forget I said anything."
"Actually, we wanted to talk to you about that." Nett said. "I take it you know that we put the identity of the new boss on the news?"
"Yeah…they're calling him a wanted criminal and a thief…it's…it's awful…"
"Believe me, we know." Secc said. "To be honest we were reluctant when Chief Sherles told us to put it on the air…but he insisted that the public needed to be warned."
"I still can't believe he's doing this…"
"Can't say blame you." Nett said blankly. "Because the four of us don't believe it. At all."
Michael looked up at him. "Huh? What do you mean? I saw him right there!"
"But was it really him?"
"What?"
Nett took the mouse for his computer and clicked a few things. "Come take a look at this." Michael walked to the other side of the desk and saw an image on the computer screen. It showed the fountain where the picture with Wes and his friends was taken. And in front of it was Wes. In front of him a Togetic attacking a jogger. "Bitt got this on film five years ago." Nett explained.
"That's Wes! Why is he attacking that guy?"
"He isn't. That's an impostor."
Michael turned to him. "An impostor?"
"Yeah. He was a Cipher goon. He disguised himself as Wes and started attacking people with a Shadow Togetic."
"Why would he do that?"
"Wes took down the organization he worked for and ruined their goals." Secc replied. "So, in turn, faker here wanted to ruin his reputation. Worked well until the real Wes clobbered him, and the idiot removed his disguise and confessed in front of a live broadcast."
Michael looked at the group. "So, wait…are you saying that the Wes I ran into at the lab might be a fake too?"
"It has to be." Bitt replied. "And for my money, it's the same guy. Fein."
"He's more determined, I'll give him that." Secc said. "He even brought Cipher back this time."
"Then we need to let everyone know!" Michael said.
"No. We thought long and hard before the news report." Nett replied. "But we decided that for now, we need to lure this guy into a false sense of security. Make him think his plan worked. If we can do that, he might get cocky enough to slip up like he did last time. Then we'll track him down, catch him, expose him, and show the word, that the real Wes is no criminal."
"Are you sure?"
"For now, yes. The real Wes hasn't been in Orre for years, so we don't need to worry about caching him by accident anyway."
"Then what do we do now?"
"Whatever we can to slow down Cipher. That's what Wes would tell us to do."
"Do we know where to start, Nett?" Bitt asked.
"I'm still working on that…"
"Actually…" Michael said fishing into the pouch on his hip. "I've got something. It's the reason why I came here. When I was at the Lab I found this data ROM. We couldn't decipher it, so Professor Krane suggested I give it to you."
Nett took it from Michael and examined it.
"That's promising. Think you can handle it, Nett?" Secc asked.
"I deciphered something similar before, remember?" Nett grinned. "This brings back memories." He hooked up the ROM and started working on the computer. "Okay…I think it's going to take some time to check the contents of this data ROM. Can you wait while I do that?"
Bitt turned to Nett. "Hey, Nett! How's this for an idea? Our news team should be out visiting Dunking at one of his Poke' Spots to file a story about wild Pokemon. Since Michael's got free time, why not have him go visit Dunking as well?"
"Hey, that's good. Good suggestion Bitt."
"Wait…Dunking…" Michael said. "He was friends with Wes too, right?"
"Yup. Are you interested in wild Pokemon?" Bitt asked. "It wouldn't hurt to go look, you know."
"You could also check out the Pyrite Colosseum while you're here." Megg suggested. "I think you'll do good."
"Sounds like fun!" Michael grinned.
"Oh, yes. May I have your P*DA number?" Nett asked, sliding his own P*DA over to Michael. "I'll contact you as soon as I find anything."
"Sure."
"Thank you. I'll try to decipher this as quickly as possible." Nett said as Michael registered his number. "By the way, Bitt. Where is our news team?"
"Um…I think they said the Rock Poke' Spot." Bitt said taking a map out of his pocket. He put it on the desk and pointed to an area west of Pyrate town. "I think this Poke' Spot was the destination."
"Done." Michael said giving Nett his P*DA back.
"Okay, Michael, go out to the Pokespot and wait for me to call. Who knows, you may see some wild Pokemon."
"Okay. Thanks guys."
"No problem! Say hi to Dunking for us!" Megg smiled.
Michael hurried out of the room.
"Working together to take down Cipher…" Secc smiled. "Somethings never change."
"Yeah…Michael kinda makes me think of Wes." Bitt added.
"You think so?" Megg asked. "He seems more like Rui if you ask me."
"Well, either way let's do for him what we would them." Nett said. "Our best."
"Let's do it then Grid Kids!" Secc rooted.
"Yeah!"
Michael arrived to the dessert area. He saw a man matching the one in Eagun's picture. He also saw the news team.
"Hello, people! It's time for Pofty's Fast-Break Report! We bring you news while it's breaking!"
"What does that even mean?" Michael muttered.
"Today, we're visiting Dunking, the discoverer of Poke' Spots where wild Pokemon appear. Dunking is said to be the driving force behind the booming popularity of wild Pokemon in Pyrite."
The reported turned to the towering man next to her. "Dunking, so is this the Poke' Spot that you discovered?"
"Hello, Dunking here! Yeah, that's absolutely right! For fifteen long and torturous years I toiled, snatching sleep only grudgingly, to find this Poke' Spot!"
"Fifteen years?! Is that true?!"
"Yeah, uh…One shouldn't let details get in the way of the story, isn't that right, Betty?"
"It's Pofty!"
Michael couldn't help but snicker. "I can hear Jovi and Professor Krane laughing at this broadcast from all the way out here…"
"All right!" Dunking bellowed, eager to change the subject. "Let me explain how one goes about attracting wild Pokemon to a Poke' Spot." He then looked around to the people with him "Well…Seeing as you're here, wouldn't it be better if I got someone to demonstrate?" He then spotted Michael watching. "Oh! You there! Yes, you, kid! Come over here, mate!"
"Huh? Uh, okay."
He walked over to Dunking.
"Oh, wait, mate. Not over here. I need you this way between, between me and Betty, right?"
"It's Pofty!"
Trying his hardest not to laugh, Michael walked to the circular platform near them.
"Alright, my friend. Let me show how you attract wild Pokemon to a Poke' Spot. First, and above all else, you need these: Dunking Brand Poke' Snacks. Here, I'll give you some."
The man handed a bag.
"All right, my friend. Lay those Poke' Snacks out on that plate there, Go on now."
Michael opened the bag. There were ten triangular snacks inside.
"How many should I lay out?"
"As many as you think."
Michael took four snacks to start. He put them down in a quarter circle on the plate.
"Very good, mate." Dunking smiled. "That's how you do it! When you've laid out the Poke' Snacks, leave the area. Eventually, a wild Pokemon will come along, jut you wait. The more Poke' Snacks you lay out, the longer a Pokemon will stay to eat, making it that much easier to catch."
He then took something small into his pocket. "This is also important. My special made Spot Monitor. This, I'm sure you'll agree, is truly something awesome.
"Thanks." Michael replied taking it.
"My goodness!" The reporter said. "You developed this device yourself?"
"Yeah, uh…One shouldn't let details get in the way of the story, isn't that right, Betty?"
"It's Pofty!"
"So, what does this do?" Michael asked.
"I'm glad you asked me that." Dunking replied eagerly. "My Spot Monitor is a dandy! It lets you know what's happening at any Poke' Spot Wherever you are. Here my friend as thanks for you hearing me out patiently, I'll make a gift of this, too! Slot it into your P*DA. That's all you need to do to make it work. Simple!"
Michael inserted the data as instructed.
"All right, now you're set! Now, when a wild Pokemon appears at any Poke' Spot your Spot Monitor will respond and alert you."
"There are others?" Michael asked.
"Yup. I've found three Poke' Spots in all. There's one to the west of this one here. Use the Poke Spot's and catch yourself some wild Pokemon. Give it a try, mate!"
"Okay. Thanks!"
Later Michael arrived at what appeared to be an Oasis. He put three more Poke Snacks onto the plate.
"Oh, it's you!"
He looked behind him to see Dunking approach. "You're that lad who helped us out on that news show. Thanks much, mate!"
"I should thank you. I'm glad Bitt suggested I go over to watch."
"Ah, yes, you're Michael, right? Nett messaged me. Didn't want to say anything in front of the camera but…did he tell you about our plan?"
"To lure out that weasel pretending to be Wes and catch him red-handed? Yup."
"Heh, heh, heh! Perfect, ain't it? It's just like wild Pokemon. Ya lay out the bait, wait for him to make his move and BAM! Go in for the catch!'
"Eagun said Wes helped you with something."
"Sure did! He went into a Cipher facility just to save my Plusle. I owe him. That's why I'll do whatever it takes to nab this punk ruining his rep!"
"Yeah…" Michael stared at the bait he put out blankly.
"What's wrong mate? You sound let down."
"Sort of…I'm glad Wes isn't really the one behind this but…I guess I'm a bit disappointed that I never met the real hero in the flesh."
"Understandable. I haven't heard from him in years. Hope he's doing well."
"Can you tell me more about him?"
Dunking rubbed his chin. "Wes was hard to read. Rarely showed emotion. He was a cool-headed guy, but we all knew he always did what he thought was best for others. Even though he never showed it. He was a strong trainer. Never seen him lose a battle. And he always took great care of all his Pokemon."
"I see…"
"Well, any way, I'd better get going. Oh, by the way, if you go way off to the northeast, there's a Poke' Spot that's hard to find because it's inside a cave. That's my favorite Poke Spot. You've got to go see it. Well, I guess I should be going on my way. Real pleasure chatting up with you again mate. I'll be heading back to Pyrite Town. Come visit whenever you'd like!"
"I will. Thanks Dunking!"
"Let's meet again, mate! Adios!"
Michael watched as he left. "I'll do it. I'll stop this faker and become a hero like the real Wes."
And so, we meet more characters from the past and see their reactions and theories to the news. See more of what's really going on next time!
