Recent Global News:

One day ago: Sinnoh entered the Hoenn continent as they succeeded in conquering Slateport. The resistance was immediately put down through the use of deadly force.


The sun was slowly setting on that day as Ash and the rest entered the residence. Ash, Dawn, Brock and May took a seat on the couch as Brendan sat on the loveseat adjacent to them. Soon, Mrs. Birch, Brendan's mother, entered the room with fresh clothes for Ash and his companions. One by one, they changed and took back their seats on the sofa.

Brendan was the first to speak, "So…guys…why were you dressed like that?"

Ash responded, "See, we were actually stuck in Slateport when Sinnoh launched its attack."

Brendan's eyes quickly widened, "Wait, you guys were actually in Slateport during the invasion?"

The group solemnly nodded as they took small sips from their cups.

"So how did you guys escape?"

"See, we found a small row boat near the shore and used it to escape" said Dawn as she smiled inadvertently.

"Wow, so you guys breached the blockade using a row boat? Wow…takes all kinds."

"Yeah, so since we were on the beach just minutes before the invasion, we were dressed in only swim attire." Dawn concluded.

Brendan nodded, "So…what were you guys doing there anyway?"

May, up to then quiet, replied, "See, Ash qualified for the Hoenn champion league. So, he wanted to travel through Hoenn to earn the eight champion league badges, and we decided to join him. But before starting our journey, we decided to take a small month-long break in Slateport."

Brendan's grin widened, "So you're going to challenge the champion league, eh?"

Ash nodded as he placed his cup down, then wiping his mouth on the tissue provided, he replied, "Yeah see, I have to re-earn the Hoenn badges and then challenge the Elite Four. After beating them, I can challenge the champion for the title."

"Well, don't get your hopes up. The champion is really, really difficult."

May stared at Brendan inquisitively, "Hey, Brendan, do you know the champion?"

Brendan leaned back into his chair, a smug grin plastered on his face.

"Well…you could say that. You see, I am the Hoenn champion."


Lilycove City: Hoenn Central Defense HQ

"Commander Archer, sir! We have secured Slateport's general, sir. He is waiting outside." A man with a brown suit narrated. His jaw was clear cut and he was heavily built.

"Good. Send him in."

The man nodded and exited. The oak doors slammed behind him. Shortly, the massive doors opened again and Blake entered. Upon entrance,

"'morning, Blake. How are you doing?" the Archer asked as he glared at the forlorn man before him.

"Good, sir. Thank you for sending the squad to rescue my team."

"All in a day's work, Blake. Now, tell me. Why did you surrender? Reinforcements were sent to Slateport. Remember, Blake, you can be hanged under the conviction that you are a traitor."

Blake, quite shaken by the drastic change in the commander's demeanor, visibly gulped and replied, "Sir! The only reason why I surrendered is because of the civilian casualties. Nearly twenty thousand people were killed during the siege. Any longer and we would have drastically endangered the remaining populace."

Archer gritted his teeth, "You do realize what predicament you've left Hoenn in, don't you Blake? Since Sinnoh has captured Slateport, ALL OF OUR TRADE ROUTES HAVE BEEN AFFECTED! Our status as the top nation is drastically threatened. Our annual growth rate has drastically fallen."

"But, sir, I had no choice! The populace—"

"I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE BLASTED POPULACE!" Archer thundered as he brought down a fist, "Slateport's entire population can die, for all I care. I only want to city to remain in Hoenn's hands."

Blake jerked up and retorted, "How can you say that? It's my responsibility-"

"—to guard the city," finished Archer, "which you have failed in. You are relieved of all your duties, Blake. You will be placed in military jail for the time being. Thank you and get out."

Two guards stepped out of the shadows and handcuffed Blake. They led him out of the room. Archer fell back into his chair as he stared at the ceiling, "That stupid idiot. A few years in jail will do some good for him."


"Guys! 'da twerps ar' in the building!" said a cat-like Pokemon which peered into a window of the manor in which Ash and his companions were residing.

"Really? Let me look!" said a blue-haired man as he shoved the cat-like pokemon aside and took its place.

"James, let me see!" mumbled a lady as she, in turn, shoved the man aside.

"You're right! And so is Pikachu! But wait…who's that white haired twerp?"

James sweatdropped, "Err…Jesse, I don't think that he has white hair. That's just his hat."

"Ugh…whatever, James. Do you think that twerp has any good pokemon worth stealing?"

"I think so. So far all of the trainers that the twerps have met have powerful pokemon."

"So, yea, I'm thinking 'dat we 'oughta take them pokemon from 'dat twerp!" said the cat as it began rubbing its chin, formulating a plan.

"I know!" exclaimed Jesse, "huddle up!"

The trio huddled and and began discussing their latest plot that was already doomed to failure.


It took several seconds before the group could assimilate what Brendan had said. Ash was the first to respond,

"Wait…so you're the Hoenn champion?" he exclaimed incredulously.

Brendan's grin broadened even more as he replied, "Yep! I began my journey at about the same time as May started hers. I managed to earn all eight Hoenn league badges. Due to this, I took the Hoenn league and placed first in my first major tournament."

The group nodded and Brendan continued, "Yeah, so due to my winning of the league, I qualified for the championship league. I retoured Hoenn and re-earned all the eight badges and challenged the Elite four. I emerged victorious!"

May, eyes wide, responded, "That's awesome, Brendan! Why didn't you tell me?"

Brendan arched an eyebrow, "Mainly because you never called. I just assumed you moved on and weren't interested in my acquaintance anymore."

May's face fell, "I'm really sorry, Brendan…I guess I could not keep in touch with you since I was too preoccupied with my coordinating."

Brendan gave a weak smile in return, "It's fine, May. I understand. Let's just move on."

May nodded and walked over to Brendan and brought him into a hug.

After they broke apart, Brendan began talking, "All that remains is to bring Wally here and it'll just be like old times!"

"Wally? Who is that?" Brock asked as he placed his empty cup back onto the table.

"Wally is our childhood friend. Wally, Brendan and I used to be very, very close friends before we went our separate ways." May said as she sat next to Brendan.

"Ahh, I see. Wait, so is Wally a Pokemon trainer too?" asked Dawn.

"Yeah, he is a part of the Elite Four. After I took the title, Wally challenged me but was unable to gain victory. But he was so strong that I decided to make him a part of the Elite Four. He replaced Drake."

May's eyes, for the umpteenth time that day, widened, "So what else are you hiding from me?"

Brendan shrugged his shoulders, "Anyway, give me a moment, I'll have to call Wally."

The group watched as Brendan began trudging to the door while dialing Wally number in his Pokenav.

After Brendan exited the room, Dawn began talking

"Wow…May…you know two Elite Four members?"


After a while's worth of ringing, Wally picked up his phone. Wally's face appeared on the small screen.

"Brendan, m'boy, how are you doing?"

"Hey, Wally, you'll never guess who came to my house today!"

"Who is it?"

"May."

It took a while for Wally to react, but when he did, a huge grin graced his face as he punched his fist into the air.

"Are you serious?" He replied.

"Yeah, she's over here. Come as quickly as possible."

"Definitely, Brendan! Altaria is dying to see you, anyway. Heh…guess your girlfriend has finally come home, eh Brendan?"

Brendan face-palmed, "Just get over here, Wally."

Wally grinned and nodded, "Alright. I'll be there in five minutes. Altaria should not take long to fly me over there. Bye."

"Alright. See you dude."

Brendan closed the navigator and placed it securely in his pocket. He sighted and reentered his house.


"If we can pull this off then we can get all of the twerps' pokemon!" said Jesse as she sat onto the center seat in the massive machine that resembled a Seviper.

"But Jesse…if the twerps destroy this we have to go hungry for a month!"

"Quit whining and sit straight. We can eat at the finest banquets for the next year if we manage to pull this off."

"'an naut to menten that we'll get onto the bosses geod side. And then…" said the Meouth

"PROMOTIONS, LUXURY HOTELS AND ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFETS!" finished the trio, their eyes sparking.

"'Ok…lets go get them pokemon!" said the Meouth as it pressed a green gleaming button. Immediately, the Seviper's eyes began glowing red as it began moving towards the house.


Lilycove North Outpost (Naval – 20 miles from International Waters)

"Sir! Our forces have effectively put the invasion forces at bay." a man dressed in an army suit said as he peered into the video phone.

"Very good, Regional Commander Sanjay. Lilycove is safe for now. We need to gather our remaining forces and attack Sinnoh. Kanto has already sent reinforcements to each of the Hoenn cities." Archer said as a small smile danced on his lips.

The man saluted and cut the call.


Brendan reentered the house, his hands grabbing the navigator tensely.

May, once she noticed Brendan's presence, arched an eyebrow, "Well?"

"Well…Wally's coming. He should be here soon -"

Brendan's conversation was curtailed when his navigator began ringing.

"H-hang on a sec,"

Brendan took the call and placed the navigator to against his ear. Within seconds, his face grew pale.

"When did this happen?" Brendan asked as his hands began trembling. After getting his answer,

"I'll be there as soon as possible."

Brendan cut the call and collapsed onto the sofa. His face began perspiring tremendously as he buried his face into his hands.

"Brendan, what's wrong?" Brock asked immediately.

"It's my f-father…he was in Slateport d-during the invasion. He and h-his team of researchers are held as hostages by the Sinnoh invasion force…" Brendan began choking as tears began cascading down his face. The room immediately grew silent. I have to go and rescue him.

"Brendan…I'm so sorry…do you know where they are held?" May asked, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't know…Wallace called me right now. I need to go to Slateport. Wallace asked me to meet him in front of the city."

"Slateport…but Brendan…it's too dangerous. We just escaped from there. The city is pure carnage right now." Brock said.

"I've got no choice. I'm very sorry, guys, I know this is sudden, but I have to go. I think Wally will join me too."

As Brendan finished saying that, Wally walked into the room,

"Speak of the devil…"

"I will join you for what…?"

May, instantly jumped and rushed up to Wally, catching him in a tight embrace, "WALLY!"

Wally chuckled as he returned the hug, "It's good to see you again, May. It's been a while. Hey, Brendan…why do you look so ghastly? Well…you've always looked bad, but you look terrible now."

"Shut up and listen Wally. We don't have time for your wise cracks now." Brendan said as he got up and made his way towards Wally.

"Alright, fine , aren't you even happy to see me after so long? Come here and give me a hug"

"Wally…I just saw you last week. Listen, my father has been captured by Sinnoh. I need your help. You brought Altaria, right?"

Wally immediately grew silent as his eyes widened, "Yeah, dude."

"Just listen to me. We need to go to Slateport NOW."

"But…Brendan, I was just watching the news. Slateport's a mess. We cann-"

"WE HAVE TO. Listen…you are a member of the Elite Four and I am the Champion. Even though we don't have to fight for Hoenn militarily, this war has just gotten personal. We have to go there now."

"Alright, I'll come. Where do we have to go?"

"We need to meet Wallace at Route 110. It's just outside Slateport."

"Alright, let's go." Wally said as he took out his Altaria's pokeball.

May quickly stepped in, "Brendan, wait!"

"May, I have to go. You and your friends can stay here. I'll be back as soon as I can rescue my father."

"But that might take weeks!"

"Well…see you in a few weeks then. Tell my mom where I've gone. If she hears about this before I leave, she'll tie me up and lock me in a room so that I don't go."

Wally chuckled a little and gave May a hug. After doing so, he exited the building. Brendan copied his gesture and hugged May. After parting, Brendan waved at the rest of the group and ran out of the building, too.

May, forlorn, stared at the now-closed door, Please be careful, Brendan. You've always been there for me when we were young…of course…now it's my turn!

May dashed towards the door and threw it open.

"May, wait!" Ash yelled as he ran after her, the group on his tail.

Luckily, Brendan and Wally had yet to depart.

"Brendan, wait! I'll come too!"

Brendan, stunned by May's proposal, simply blinked, "Are you sure, May? It's pretty dangerous."

"You've always been there for me, Brendan. Now, it's my turn. Come on, it'll be just like the good old times…you, me and Wally."

Wally grinned and slapped Brendan on the back, "Yeah, B-Boy, come on, it'll be fun."

"What part of the maniacal, blood-thirsty, power-hungry Sinnoh hostage situation is fun?"

Wally simply shook his head, "Come on, May. It'll be fine. Altaria can carry the three of us."

May nodded, and ignoring Brendan's indignant retorts, climbed on top of Altaria.

"Alright, May. I guess we'll see you later." Ash said as he looked at her from the ground.

"I promise, Ash. I'll miss you guys. See you!" May yelled as Altaria took off, leaving behind a trail of dust.

"Oh yeah, and don't forget to tell my mom!" Brendan's ephemeral voice said.

Ash turned and looked at Brock, "I guess this is it. It'll be like old times, too. You, me and Dawn."

"Ah well, I guess we better go in and tell Mrs. Birch. I do not know what news she'll take worse – her husband getting kidnapped or her son going out to rescue her husband."


A well-build man, who reached nearly seven feet, stared at a TV screen. The television showed a massive group of people, all heavily armed, standing at attention. They all had a crimson "R" emblazoned on the front of their pitch black uniforms.

Beside the man, stood a petite girl about five and a half feet in height, "I thought owning a private militia was illegal."

"Domino, what part of Team Rocket has ever been legal?"

The girl smiled, "I guess you're right, Giovanni. Nevertheless, this is still pretty impressive."

"Yes, I agree. Butch and Cassidy have done a splendid job of gathering this army. At least now we can create a insurgence that might drive Galatic out of Hoenn."

"So I take it that you and Cyrus are not on speaking terms."

Giovanni snorted, "Cyrus was fine, Domino. This new leader…he's a complete idiot. He's demanding a massive monthly tribute from Team Rocket. If not, he threatens, when Sinnoh conquers Kanto, he'll disband us."

"So you have decided to help Hoenn?"

"Domino, think about this saying. The enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Domino shrugged, "I guess so."


Archer leaned back into the back of his chair, his hands behind his head.

"This leaves me in a very precarious scenario. I need to consult something."

Archer reached into his desk and opened a drawer. Inside it was a book that had several years' worth of dust accumulated over it. Archer reached for it.

"Sun Tzu's Art of War. It is said that anyone who fails to follow the guidelines is doomed to failure. Sinnoh's capture of Slateport has been carefully designed to abide by this book. That worries me."

He blew off the dust of the book and opened it.

"Several millenniums worth of wisdom is stored within these pages."

The phone on the desk began ringing,

"Archer speaking. State your business."

A woman appeared on the phone, "Commander, sir, Galactic supreme commander wishes to speak to you. He wants to discuss the state of Slateport and the Hoennite hostages."

Archer moved to the edge of his seat, "Link me to him."

The woman nodded and the screen went black. Soon, a man with fox-like eyes appeared on the screen, "Well, well, well. Archy. Always a pleasure."

"Don't flatter yourself. This is a parlay. Do not talk rubbish."

"Oh, Archer. I don't consider you my enemy, and you should not do so too. All I want is to negotiate the status of your hostages."

Archer massaged his throbbing temples, "What do you want?"

"I want the withdrawal of the remaining Hoenn troops from Slateport. The trouble your small and dislocated army gives us is too much. I don't want to send my prized boys out there. Just withdraw your troops and denounce any Slateport civilian resistance against Sinnoh, or the researchers will get it."

Archer gave a forlorn smile, "That's where you are wrong. Anthony might have told you about how my good-for-nothing general, Blake, surrendered. Trust me, idiot…I'm no Blake. I don't give a care about those researchers."

The figure in the screen leaned back into the chair, "Wow…you are cold."

Archer sighed inadvertently, "Trust me…Slateport will be re-conquered by Hoenn. Her cities cannot be taken by such a vile force."

The figure simply shook your head, "You might have won the battle against my forces near Lilycove, but I'm positive Hoenn will fall under Galatic's mighty power. After all, the unconquerable Sinnoh government did."

"We'll see, Drake. Just remember. YOU used to be one of Hoenn's Elite Four. Don't be a traitor."

Drake simply laughed, "hahaha, that was before that green-haired boy took my place among the Elites. I found solace in Cyrus and his preaching. After his demise, I vowed to bring Galatic to its fullest glory. Just see where it is now. I am the ultimate ruler. I'd be more of a traitor if I don't carry on Cyrus's legacy."

"Whatever, Drake. You are simply a backstabbing vile citizen of this planet."

Drake simply grinned, and tilted his head a bit, much to Archer's chagrin.

"You believe what you want, Archy. You remember this: you used to be my student."


"So, James, what is that thing on your panel?" Jessie asked as she peered over to James's control panel. The button that she had in sight was a red one with a skull printed on it.

"I'm not sure. Shall we press it?"

"Sure." Jessie reached over the pressed the pulsating button. The sirens inside the machine began blaring.

"Yeu dolts! Yeu pressed them "self-destruct" button!"

Jesse and James began hyperventilating, "WHAT? WHY THE HECK DID YOU INSTALL IT?"

"Wha…dun pin this 'ole rap on me! You teu were the ones who pressed it!" Meouth retaliated.

"This…is…gonna…hurt…"

White rays of light began emanating from the machine as, slowly, smoke began seeping from the cracks. Within seconds, the entire mecha exploded.

"LOOKS LIKE TEAM ROCKET IS BLASTING OFF AGAIN!"