A Case of Theft

Shadows twisted in and out of shape as the pink outline of the early sun rays appeared in the morning sky high above. The world seemed to shiver in anticipation of a new day with small drops of dew dripping off the trees and onto the damp grass below. Rain from a few days past had left behind an abundance of growing plants and weeds that surrounding Littleroot Town, the smallest town in Hoenn, but also the fastest growing. Time was slowly running out for the single individual awake at such an early hour, but the mission had been yet another success. Diving from each alleyway to another, the city-life would be behind, and the road north to Oldale Town, and headquarters, would begin in a much less-stress form. His organisation remained unknown to the entire Hoenn Region, but he had been doing work like this for a long time. His life's calling, and passion, remained in theft and robbery, but Hoenn would have no idea what was coming now. Too many years of peace and justice had past, and now the time for humiliation and greed to resume its conquest. Things had moved quickly, and the organisation seemed to be completely defunct until a large sum of money had arrived from Kanto. Nobody apart from The Leader knew its true purpose and reasoning, but now high-level theft could be performed at will, and it started here in Littleroot Town.

They all thought they were safe, leaving their doors unlocked and windows opened, but now the common thievery could continue. This was no longer a safe haven, and the true goals of his organisation could finally come to life. Only an hour ago he had crept into the famous Littleroot Laboratory, owned by Professor Birch, and extracted the three rare Pokemon given to new trainers. Individuals, such as himself, would never have a chance to even find one of these in the wild or been given it to fulfil the boring life of training. Why train when the power for infinite growth was already known so many, and he had seen it himself. One of Hoenn's finest trainers had joined the group recently, and his Pokemon had seemed so powerful and strong, but had been brutally defeated under the wealth of the secret weapon. Just thinking about it sent a shiver of adrenaline through his body knowing he would have that power soon as well. The weapon to defeat anyone oppressing him, and to steal more money and prized possessions.

However, he had been slower than usual this morning, and the next corner led him to cover his eyes in shock. The sun had risen a lot faster than he expected, and his black wardrobe had become noticeable and also very suspicious to the wary eye. Another thing seemed to be different to the original briefing notes he read the night just gone. He walked onto the main street and gazed at the shut windows and doors, nothing seemed to move at all, as a small breeze swept through his legs. Everything seemed still and pristine, but then the ground began to shake slightly as he bent down trying to regain balance. He gasped in shock as it began to shake further, and more violently, but the buildings seemed completely unaffected. Falling to one side, another sound appeared to his ears as sirens burst through the silence. Confusion set upon him, and how the police had been notified of him coming.

Officer Jenny's voice burst through the empty street as cars appeared at the end of the street, blocking him off, "Agent Proton, you are under arrest for underground activity that goes against the Hoenn Government. You are unable to escape."

Proton spat on the ground as he tried to stand up and yelled back, as the sound of footsteps appeared around him, "You know nothing, Jenny! Taking me out means nothing!"

Rolling to one side, he grabbed a Pokeball out of his pocket and wheeled it into the air calling, "Golbat! Use Haze, we have to get moving!"

"That won't work, Proton! Swellow use Gust!" Officer Jenny's voice replied as the Bat Pokemon unleashed a heavy smog of dark Haze into the vicinity, but Proton's cover had vanished as quick as it appeared. Golbat was swept aside as it landed onto the shaking ground, completely knocked out, as Proton tried to run up the street. He looked for any sort of escape or alleyway, but the ground increased in moving as he fell and felt the three stolen Pokeballs fall out of his hand. Swearing loudly, he managed to reach one before the other two disappeared down the street. Jenny's voice returned again, "Trapinch, use your Arena Trap!"

Proton tried to escape, but the ground pit-fell beneath him as six Trapinch appeared, their eyes flashing gold. He began to sink into makeshift sand as his Golbat tried to free him with random Air Cutter attacks, but the Ant-Pit Pokemon took the attacks with ease. Their Arena Trap ability made it easy to stop their targets from escaping, but Proton knew he had to complete the mission, even if only partially possible now. He was supposed to deliver all three starters, but he only had one left in his hands. Desperately, with the sounds of police cars and employees approaching around as he sank below, he chucked it into the air.

Proton called, as the sand engulfed him, "Golbat, return to Headquarters! Deliver these for The Leader!"

The Bat Pokemon screeched and escaped high into the air as the five Swellow dove down, and failed to make contact with their attacks. Officer Jenny yelled angrily: "Follow that Golbat, and do not let it escape!"

Her troop of Swellow were taken by complete surprise as Proton's Golbat swooped between them with skill and agility. Steadily each Swellow fell to the ground under a barrage of Wing Attacks and heavy Cross Poison moves as the Bat Pokemon screeched loudly, holding the Pokeball with its two legs. Officer Jenny turned around, her face full of anger, as the other two Pokeballs continued to roll down the street and into a side drain. Agent Proton laughed loudly as the Trapinch continued to trap him with a spiralling whirlpool of sand, but he didn't care any more. He may have failed the mission, but at least he got something out of it, and the feeling of beating a police force always sent a thrill to his spine.

Jenny walked towards him, returning her flock of Swellow to their Pokeballs, as she commanded, "Arrest him and bring him to the station. I want to know who he is working for, and why he stole those Pokeballs."

Proton spat on the ground, his arms trapped under the sand as he replied, "You'll get nothing from me, and the more you sit around, the bigger we get."

A group of other Officers appeared, pulling him out of the sand and instantly cuffing him as he struggled against it before being forced to his knees. Officer Jenny gestured for him to be taken away before issuing more instructions, "I want three of you to find that Golbat, and the rest of you to find where that drain goes. I'll go explain to Professor Birch what has happened."

The all saluted and dragged a distant looking Agent Proton away as the ground was returned to normal. The Trapinch were returned to their Pokeballs as the Police Cars were wheeled away, leaving not a trace of what had happened before. The sun continued to rise higher as the morning wind appeared from the seas as cruise ships appeared on the horizon. Littleroot Town returned to its peace and quiet status, but the shadows seemed to darken even with the sun beating down from above...

…

The S.S. Tidal released a final boost of steam from high above as it anchored next to the Littleroot Town docks. It had taken nearly a week to travel from Kanto, and many passengers had been taken ill from sea sickness along with general fatigue. All on board cheered Captain Stern as he returned from his quarters once again that morning, and many showed how delighted they were to have escaped from the Kanto Region amidst the crisis over there. However, the scenes soon turned to despair and horror as further news of Team Rockets plans were revealed to the officials and locals in Hoenn. The Vermilion City attack was not caught on camera at all, but with Steven Stone's tragic death, stories began to be told of how he died, albeit all different and strange. Only a select four individuals knew what had really happened, and they kept it to themselves as their memories couldn't even comprehend it themselves. Rod had dreamt many times over the past few nights of the scene of Giovanni magically floating a Pokeball in the air and then the crushing of Steven Stone under the weight of rubble. Shivers had been sent to his spine, and many times he had woken up sweating in disbelief that it had happened.

Rod and Forrest had packed their bags the night before and were now following the long queue to leave the ship. After the incident involving the Gyarados, they had rarely seen Roxanne apart from at lunch and dinner times, but she seemed so distant and quiet compared to her abrasive battling style. Rod had ran the battle many times over his head, trying to learn how to counter such sturdy defence, but had come to no proper conclusions. She failed to mention if her Gym was based around a single Type or not, and so Rod could not prepare as best as he wanted to. Rustboro City was still a few days trek away and he had every intention of adding to his strengthening Pokemon team sooner rather than later. The queue continued to move steadily as Forrest led the way forward gazing at Littleroot Town and then at the smouldering volcano of Mount Chimney in the distant background. It remained the highest natural point in the Hoenn Region, and one of the world's most famous volcanoes as it remained active for centuries now. Rumours had it that a Legendary Pokemon lived within it, empowering the volcano, however extensive research was still undergoing around it.

Excitement had been building in Rod's mind for many days now, and his true adventure to become a Pokemon Trainer would finally begin here. Professor Birch would be their first point of contact, and Captain Stern had already sent a message on for them regarding their arrival. Gazing down at the busy dock, Forrest already pointed out where the Professor was. He was a tall burly man with short dark hair and a shining smile with his figure quite large. Rod had done a bit of research, learning how hands-on his research methods were, and understood why he was so bulked up. Moments later, they had left the tiring ship behind and were greeted by the man himself as he wandered towards them smiling brightly.

Professor Birch spoke, his voice booming over the noise of the crowd has head began to turn, "Rod and Forrest! I heard you were coming to Hoenn! Welcome to the greatest Region on earth!"

Rod nearly had to cover his ears as the volume of his voice could literally send earthquakes through the ground. Forrest casually wiped his head, probably warped from his voice, and replied happily, "Thank you Professor, it is really an honour to meet you."

Birch replied, placing his arms around them and dragging them away from the crowd, "Don't mention it! Let's head back to my lab, and we can get acquainted. I have a few things to show you both!"

"Sounds good to me." Rod choked with a forced smile with Professor Birch's arms wrapped firmly around their shoulders. He was much stronger than Rod thought he'd be, but maybe that was something that made him an expert researcher? New personalities and styles of training and studying Pokemon were all part of a trainers journey, and Professor Birch was renown for his research tools and knowledge. They began to leave the main port area of Littleroot behind them as the cobbled roads eventually turned into brown dirt and the path got steeper. Birch explained how his lab was positioned just behind Littleroot Town on the hill so he could get the best views, and also have as much access to the natural world as possible. His lab was much larger than Rod had expected, with large glass windows that allowed the sunlight to travel through easily. Trees and different berries were growing in a large glasshouse nearby as Pokemon flew from the trees acrobatically, and some crept through the bushes, their shadows appearing for only a split second.

Professor Birch took a few steps towards his Laboratory before turning around and exclaiming, "Isn't it beautiful? It is a true technological dream this place, and perfect for new trainers to begin their travels. But of course, none of you are beginners I can assure of that!"

Following him through the large oak doors into the cool lobby room, the whirling of machines being heard in the background, Rod asked curiously, "So Professor Birch, what kind of research are you undertaking at the moment?"

They entered a room towards the end of the corridor as Birch gestured for them to sit down before answering with another smile, "I study the relationship between nature and Pokemon. My research has gone around the world, but there is still so much to learn!"

Forrest responded, leaning in and sounding very interesting, "Are there any new areas of research appearing at the moment, Professor?"

Professor Birch walked around the room and stopped to glance outside as he stroked his chin before turning around, his eyes widening, as an idea had came to mind, "Strangely, I've been invited out to the Kalos Region to examine a mysterious cave. However, currently I am undergo..."

His words stopped dead in his tracks as the sound of a vehicle appeared in the air, driving towards the Laboratory. However, a siren was emitting from it with red and blue lights flashing in all directions: the Police. Rod and Forrest both looked at each other, utterly confused as to why they were here, and walked towards the window and saw the oncoming motorcycle approaching up the hill. Birch led them out of the room and into the main lobby area, opening the door slowly, as Officer Jenny pulled her motorcycle to one side and turned the siren off. She seemed flustered and aggravated by something, her cheeks glowing red as sweat dripped from her blue hair, and as she slammed her helmet onto the roof of the motorbike, she ran towards Professor Birch.

Birch called, "Officer Jenny? Is something wrong, my dear?"

She coughed, wiping sweat from her forehead before responding quickly, her voice in pain, "We have had a situation in Littleroot Town! Thievery from your laboratory. Three Pokemon have gone missing."

Professor Birch wheeled around, pushing Rod and Forrest out of the way, as he ran into his Lab once again and returned a minute later looking furious. His eyes had gone bloodshot and soon his voice was angry and rough, "They took the Starter Pokemon for new trainers. Officer, who are they? I will track them down immediately!"

Jenny looked down, obviously upset, as she admitted, "We captured an Agent known as Proton, but he managed to escape from us and is on the run. He has one of the Pokeballs, but the other two fell down a sewer drain and we are trying to locate them."

Forrest pipped in, albeit quietly as he was slightly nervous, "Erm...any indication as to where Proton escaped to?"

Officer Jenny turned to him and Rod, as if suddenly realising they were there, and shook her head, "We have a few links that Oldale Town is where his...organisation...is based, but nothing concrete."

Rod suddenly had an idea come to mind, and it would make sense if they all split up to find this thief. He never enjoyed the idea of people stealing Pokemon, especially those for new trainers wishing to start their journeys. He called, adjusting his headband, "We can head to Oldale Town, we're on our way to Rustboro City anyway. We can see if anything is happening and report back."

"Absolutely not! You both seem quite young, and this is dangerous. Proton attacked a group of Police Officers and escaped. He is dangerous."

Professor Birch looked at Rod and Forrest as he responded this time, cutting Rod off, "Officer, these two survived the Vermilion City attack, and Forrest is a Gym Leader from Kanto. I think this would help our search."

Rod nodded, hearing his words, as Jenny took a deep breath and responded after a few moments of though, "Alright...head to Oldale Town and report if anything suspicious comes up. Do not do anything stupid. I am returning back to Littleroot Town to continue the search."

She left as quickly as she appeared, the motorbike swooping down the dirt road back into the Littleroot Town with sirens blazing once again. Birch took a deep breath before shaking his head and turning to Rod specifically, his voice now very cautious, "There has been problems like this happening all over Hoenn recently, and we have no idea what is causing it. We need names, information and just more ideas."

A slight sense of dread re-entered into Rod's body, and some of his enthusiasm of Hoenn seemed to sway slightly. Danger had followed him here, but who was behind all the theft and what their true aim? Oldale Town would be three days walk from Littleroot Town at least, and Rustboro was even further away, but if there was someone stealing and taking Pokemon away, he had to be stopped and trainers had to unite. All these different ideas, built from anger and frustration, appeared in Rod's mind as the day continued on. He remained quiet, thinking about things as Professor Birch showed them directions to leave the city and some of the main areas to look at on the way to the north. Clouds seemed to have appeared in the sky above as rain was forecast for the evening, and with no Pokemon Centre until Oldale Town, travelling would become difficult.

Rod and Forrest left Littleroot Town in the early afternoon, using the sunlight left in the day to aid their journey. None of them had any idea what was coming and who they would encounter, but people were watching, they always were watching. Team Rocket may not be active in Hoenn, but as another ship arrived far below at the Littleroot Town Docks, an individual took a few steps onto dry land with a smile patterning his blustering hair. Damon sniffed the air, almost as if smelling blood and his prey, before pushing his way through the large crowd of passengers and local inhabitants until he reached the long main street ahead. Immediately he knew what had happened here, and how Agent Proton had failed to complete the mission successfully. Was he arrested? Caught? He would never know, but by now he should have returned to Oldale Town and delivered the stolen Pokemon.

He breathed, quietly as a few passer-bys looked at him strangely, "Amateurs..."

Damon began running, his black track pants catching the wind as he set his new destination for Oldale Town and to report to his new position as The Leader of the greatest threat Hoenn would ever see...