Chapter 6

A day had passed since the previous day. Barry and Joe now found themselves inside the familiar environment of a Pokemon center. The space somehow managed to be barren yet comfortable. A good place to catch up on the news, and it just so happened that a flat screen in the corner was showing just that: a tale of the latest events.

"Just today, the Ministry was robbed. This is the third theft this week, which puts the number of stolen Pokemon in the hundreds. Among the stolen items were magical artifacts known as the Chaos Emeralds. It's likely the wizards involved were part of Team Rocket, and authorities are doing their best to track them down. Additionally, the investigation continues into the current leadership of Team Rocket. Recent rumors point to connections in America. Just how far does this criminal network spread?"

Joe shifted in his chair as the screen changed to show another newscaster in another location. "Kingsley is here with us today to discuss the safety of the tournament. Kingsley, thank you so much for being here. I know you must be incredibly busy. Can you tell us if we should be concerned about Pokemon thieves making an appearance at the upcoming tournament?"

"We understand that there will be many rare Pokemon as part of the tournament. However, because safety is our number one concern, there is nothing to worry about."

"Thanks for your time, sir. To all our viewers out there, make sure to report any suspicious activity and keep your Pokemon safe."

Joe rose to his feet, fists and teeth clenched unable to sit still. "This is sick! Stealing Pokemon?! We have to do something, Barry!"

Barry, who had not been listening to the news, let out a tired sigh. "Joe, we don't have enough manpower. We couldn't even do anything about the grunts in the cave. We don't have the ability to do anything at the moment."

Joe ground his teeth, unable to come up with a retort. Barry continued in an attempt to change the subject. "I'm going to call Michelle before we head out." Joe nodded stiffly as Barry left.

Joe paced around, gripping his wrist behind his back. Occasionally, he would pause to look at the TV before shaking his head. Then, he abruptly came to a halt mid-stride. His hands found a Pokeball at his waist. Joe took a deep breath before tossing it into the air. Moments later, Knuckles appeared.

"We finally out of that cave?" Knuckles enquired.

"Oh yeah, that was a few days ago," said Joe.

Knuckles eyes widened and in a panicked voice he said: "The Emerald! What happened to the Chaos Emerald?!"

"We have it, don't worry. Actually, I wanted to ask you a quick question. On a scale of one to ten, how good are you at destroying international criminal organizations?"

"What?" Joe watched as Knuckles struggled to reorient his view of his current situation. "Let me get this straight. We have the Chaos Emerald?"

"Yes."

"And we need to take down some bad guys is what you're saying?"

"Yes, a whole criminal organization."

"Hmmm…are they tough?"

"They've got us beat in both numbers and strength. That's why I was asking if you might have the ability to do something like that, because at the moment, we're powerless. We can't do anything about them." Joe said with a voice tainted in frustration.

Knuckles' speech suddenly grew intense. "That's no way to think! There's always a way! And if there isn't, you build your own way!" He started to become more excited and stepped onto the coffee table. "You have to work hard and push yourself mercilessly! When all you think about is getting stronger, that's when you'll get results! If you throw yourself into your cause with everything you've got, then you'll be able to achieve anything your heart desires!"

Joe's eyes started to turn intense. "Hell yeah! We have to fight them with everything we've got no matter what!"

"Yes, that's the spirit!"

When Barry returned, he was not amused to see Knuckles standing on the table and making a scene. "Joe, what's going on? Why is he out?"

"Barry!-!—We can't let them do this! We have to train without end to be the heroes this world needs! We have to get strong to beat Team Rocket!"

"That's right, Joe! You tell 'em!" Said Knuckles from the table.

"Joe, as much as I'd like to become some vigilante hero and take down Team Rocket, there's no way to do that."

"Not with that attitude, Barry! We gotta want it more than them! Blood, sweat, and tears, Barry!"

"Yeah!" said Knuckles now making fighting poses on the table.

"It's not that simple," said an exasperated Barry.

"We have to start somewhere!" said a determined Joe puffing his chest out.

Barry sighed. "Well, I suppose there is some truth to that. Let's pack up and head out. It seems we need to burn some energy."

Joe took out his Pokeball and recalled Knuckles who was in the middle of doing pushups on the table. "I can't wait," said Joe.