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Chapter 7: Pursuit

The eight Gym Leaders of Hoenn have gotten together to discuss whether to keep the Pokémon League running for now or not. The first to speak up is the Petalburg Gym Leader, Norman.

"So what do we do here? Do we follow what the gang in Johto did and stop the League to keep the focus off of more battling in the present condition of Hoenn?"

"I do not know what the smart decision here is. There have been riots in Slateport City, if I heard the news right" calmly said Juan.

"But maybe that's the perfect reason to keep the Gyms open!" responded Roxanne.

"Man, I don't know what to say here. There's good and bad for both." stated Brawly.

Suddenly, the just arriving Wattson barged in, shouting (as usual) "Hey, guys! Turn on the TV! Breaking news on the Gyms!"

Norman turned on the large television mounted to the wall and Gabby was up on the screen, in front of the Pokémon League building in Ever Grande City.

"We have breaking news here! The Pokémon League in Sinnoh is closing for the time being. We are trying to get a word with Sinnoh champion Cynthia right now."

The room became quiet. Soon after, Juan stated: "Ladies and Gentlemen. We need to cast a vote here. Who wishes to close the Gyms?" Norman, Winona, Tate and Lisa raise their hands.

"Who wishes to keep the Gyms open still?" Roxanne, Brawly, Wattson and Flannery raise their hands. "That makes 4 to 4."

"And you Juan?" asked Winona. Juan closed his eyes and sighed for a moment.

"I vote closure..."

Slowly, Norman stated "Then it's settled… We shall close the Gyms."

XXXX

In a small isolated village in the southern plains of Hyrule, Link and Epona walk through the central square as a villager approaches him.

"Welcome to Faroa Village. My name is Olret. I am this village's mayor. You look familiar. Should I recognize you from somewhere?"

"I am Link, swordsman and friend of Princess Zelda. Thanks for the welcome, Mayor Olret. It is very kind of you."
"You are close with the Princess? Lucky boy. Haha. Mighty fine horse you have here. Looks like a Lon Lon breed."

"That's because Epona is a born Lon Lon horse. So I have a question. Where exactly is this village? My map is not very clear on areas south of the Lost Woods."

"We are right where you said. South of the Lost Woods. About a days trip will get you to the land of the Kokiri. You've heard of them, boy?"

Link smirked, reminiscing about the years he spent in the forest with Saria and the other Kokiri. "Absolutely I have." Suddenly, a man approached Link and Olret, a look of concern on his face.

"Stane, what is wrong?" asked Olret.

"The cave…monster…" the man wheezed as he collapsed. The village healer had quickly rushed over and Link and the mayor helped carry the unconscious man into the Inn.

"Mayor Olret. I must go and find the monster and destroy it." Link stated, ready for some action.

"Link, I can not ask you to do this."

"Well, I've taken down Ganondorf. I'm sure I can take down whatever's in here."

"The caves get dark."

"Darkness can't stop me." Link retorted as he headed out the door.

"Boy, wait! It's dangerous to go alone in the dark! Take this!" the Mayor shouted out, tossing Link a lantern.

XXXX

Meanwhile, in the Mushroom City, newscaster Lakitu gets off the phone with Bowser, who told him what to report to the Kingdom. The lights dimmed as a Shy Guy prepped Lakitu.

"And we're live in 3 seconds. And… now."

"Hello, Mushroom Kingdom citizens. Princess Peach is still kidnapped by King Bowser, whose intentions are still unclear. The Mario Brothers are still not around, saving the Kingdom like they once were. Also, I have just become aware of this glaring information. I wish for you all to keep this in mind. The governments of each world are likely all very corrupted now. Think about it. The Pokémon Gyms are all shutting down from Trainers, Peach is kidnapped, and King Dedede isn't even in Dream Land. Over in Hyrule, I would say that Princess Zelda and the Hyrulean forces are quite ill-equipped to defend against the likely Ganondorf returning scenario."

XXXX

A man wearing a spacesuit by the name of Olimar listened to the news as he was waking up in the Toad House he was spending the night in. He heard Lakitu's propaganda filled messages and chuckled. The sap is without a doubt working for Bowser, Olimar thought to himself. He stepped outside and watched as three oddly-named Onions all landed around his Hocotate Ship in the Parking Lot. The Onions were colored Red, Yellow and Blue. Out of the three Onions came several Pikmin. There were 91 Pikmin, to be exact. There were 30 Yellow Flowered Pikmin, 30 Red Flowered and 30 Blue flowered ones. The 91st was a Red Leaf Pikmin who fell behind and tripped a lot. But he had one special quality. He was a trooper. His name's Steve the Red Pikmin.

Olimar and his Pikmin walked into the town square. He was in the Mushroom Kingdom to bring his boss, the Hocotate Freight President, back to their home planet. Olimar looked over and saw half a dozen Goombas running off with several coins and mushrooms. The last one in line had a Toad being held hostage. Olimar was shocked at what he saw. How could this have happened to such a nice and friendly little town? Is Bowser really that power hungry? Olimar had fought back, and had managed to stomp one Goomba by himself, as the Pikmin all swarmed the other 5 Goombas. They were successful. Five of the Goombas were defeated, and all of the Coins and Items were all saved. But the Goomba with the hostage escaped. Steve had saw this, and chases the Goomba down. Olimar tried to follow, but lost Steve and the Goomba as they headed into the brush. Olimar and his 90 Pikmin have a rescue mission to take on now.

XXXX

Pikachu woke up in a dark jail cell. He looked around. Where did those thieves take me? Pikachu wondered. He turned around and saw the Balloon Pokémon, Jigglypuff.

"Hello! Welcome, Pikachu!"

"Who are you?"

"I'm Jigglypuff! You've been kidnapped by Team Rocket just like me. Don't worry. We'll get out of here soon enough. Right guys?" Jigglypuff called out to the Staryu, Togepi, Munchlax, Clefairy and Torchic who were also trapped here in the cells.

"Yeah, don't worry!" comforted Torchic.

"Hyaa! Welcome, friend!" said Staryu.

Near Team Rocket's base in Celadon City, a blue racecar speeds down the highway, recklessly dismissing any speed limits. The driver, bounty hunter/racecar driver Captain Falcon was heading straight for the hideout of a mafia group. The Captain was very full of himself and confident as he jumped out of his racecar, the Blue Falcon, and walked straight up to the building. He tried the door. It was locked. He couldn't find a window, either. That left the Captain with one more option. He stepped up to the back wall, held out his fist, and let out a massive "FALCON PUNCH!" He broke into the base.

XXXX

Link had neared the cave he was told about. He had slowly walked up to it, only to see a Moblin enter the cave from out of the woods. Link was utterly shocked. Wait. If there are Moblins here, it can only mean one thing. Ganondorf.