As his focus returned to the clones and Mega Evolution, Sebastian found the latter absolutely fascinating.
The use of two stones, a Key Stone, and a Mega Stone that has made it possible for certain Pokémon to unleash immense power.
Yet the power is not only temporary, but cannot be unleashed less the bond between trainer and Pokémon is perfect.
Many appeared during a conflict between two of Kalos' legendary Pokémon, Xerneas and Yveltal, many evolutionary stones changing into Mega Stones. They also have appeared during certain meteor showers, evidence from old tablets and carbon dating some of the stones found.
"I wish I could see what one of these Key Stones and a Mega Stone is capable of," Sebastian grumbled as he finished reading another book.
This one spoke about all the individual stones, what affects they have on the Pokémon holding their respective stone. It talked about certain moves or abilities that they may acquire because of it, and much more.
"They aren't easy to acquire I'm afraid," Joel spoke, seeing the other looking somewhat frustrated. "Even if you found one, the other would be just as difficult, and that's if you even have the correct Pokémon."
"So I've read, the Mega Stones seem somewhat easier to find though."
"For the most part, yeah, they are. They could be found just about anywhere, some even found as blanks, having no synch until a Pokémon makes contact."
"How so?"
"Take Charizard, if it's in conflict and makes contact with a blank stone, it has a fifty percent chance changing into a Charizardite X or Charizardite Y. Exactly how or why that happens, no one is certain, including why there could be blank Mega Stones to begin with."
"Rather strange that it has two possible forms though."
"Not really, Charizard are incredibly powerful, so it splits that power based on the trainer and Pokémon's preference. At least that's what some researchers theorized before I came here. I'm sure that there are others similar to a Charizard's power, but haven't been discovered yet."
"Heh…if there was a way to get one, I have an idea what ones I'd like to get, at least to see what they actually do."
"Really?"
"The Steelixite, I know a friend who owns a Steelix, and they have a rather strong bond the last I saw them. If one could be gotten, I'm sure he wouldn't mind having it, not only getting a boost in power, but help out with our studies as well."
"Well, just because they have a strong bond doesn't mean they can handle Mega Evolution. It's a huge amount of power they get; it could potentially drive one or both of them insane if they're not careful."
"I see, that would be problematic."
"But being that we have to work on this anyway, I'm sure you could convince Giovanni somehow to let him go. That is, if your friend is part of Team Rocket."
"He is, and he's trustworthy," Sebastian answered before reassuring the other when seeing his concern.
Like that, he made calls, taking a train to return to Kanto to speak with the boss personally, calling Hun as well to meet up with him.
Arriving at the rebuilt headquarters, he was surprised to see Attila as well by the feminine man's side.
"You two are still partners?"
"Of course, despite what happened with the Miracle Crystal, we still made a nice team. Unlike most partners, we actually get along," Hun chuckled as they walked in. "So what is it you wanted me for though?"
"It is part of a research I'm doing called Mega Evolution."
"Never heard of it," Attila commented, the others ignoring him, mainly since he spoke for his shorter partner as well.
"It's a bit of an unusual phenomenon. It's mostly known in a region known as Kalos, but began popping up in various locations in Hoenn."
"So what does it do?"
"There are various stones, one set known as Key Stones trainers carry, the other known as Mega Stones that a Pokémon carries. One of these Mega Stones is known as a Steelixite, and if I recall, you have a Steelix."
"I see, so you want to see one in action and chose me?"
"Exactly, if you and your Steelix are able to control it, you would be much stronger than you are currently."
"I like the sound of that and I'm sure Steelix would too," Hun laughed softly as he held the Pokéball containing his Pokémon.
"So none I could use for mine?"
"There haven't been any found to Mega Evolve a Skarmory or Muk as of now, but those may simply have yet to be discovered."
"Well if you find out, let me know, wouldn't mind getting my hands on one or two if I'm lucky."
"Even if you do get both Mega Stones for them, if they exist that is, there are some minor problems relating to Mega Evolution."
"How so?"
"For starters, you could only maintain it for a brief while and only with one Pokémon at a time. From what I've learned, when you activate this unique evolution, it drains not only the Pokémon, but trainer as well. Therefore attempting to draw more for multiple Pokémon…"
"Could pose hazardous for the trainer as well," Attila grumbled, grateful to have been filled in on that at least.
"Exactly, and I don't want to put you two or anyone in unnecessary danger until we have more facts about it."
"Not like you to give a damn," the blonde teased before getting elbowed by his partner, silencing him.
Walking inside, they reached Giovanni's office, the scientist knocking just loud enough to be heard.
"Come in," his voice called, the tone indifferent.
"Sir," the two agents greeted, the other saying nothing as he walked in, taking a seat, his mask reformed for the sake of this meeting.
"What do you want, Professor?"
"I've learned as much as I could in regards to Mega Evolution, however, there is still much I don't know about it. I'd like to send a couple of agents, ones with strong bonds with specific Pokémon to try to obtain these stones."
"Is that why you requested for Attila and Hun to come here?"
"Yes, Hun has a strong bond with his Steelix and by chance, there is a Mega Stone specific for that Pokémon. If their bond is as strong as it appears and are successful getting a Key Stone and a Steelixite, I could get much more information watching them in action."
"I see, but what does it do for me?"
"Mega Evolution, while temporary, if a Pokémon and its trainer have a certain bond, they are able to unleash tremendous amount of power."
"I think I'm beginning to understand," the man smiled darkly, the gears already turning on the possibilities with Mega Evolution. "Is there any specific place to go to find these stones?"
"The Steelixite I cannot be for certain, but there have been rumors of some found in isolated pockets in Hoenn. As for the Key Stones, they are mostly obtained from Gurus or certain trainers you could say. I haven't found any book that says where one could find one by chance. Either the authors don't know or have taken some sort of vow of silence relating to their possible locations."
"Gurus?"
"These stones aren't given out to simply anyone with a Pokémon, one capable of Mega Evolution. The trainer must prove themselves to that Guru, so it may be difficult to know if Hun will be successful. Trying to take it by force may prove useless. They are said to be exceptionally powerful trainers."
"I see, so you would need Hun to likely go alone with a completely new identity then?" Giovanni asked curiously.
"Close, I'm positive the Guru would have a psychic type, regardless if it's capable of Mega Evolution or not. They could use it to sense if Hun is a threat or harbors other motives. He would have to be honest in such a way that any lies that are told are believed even by himself."
"That makes sense," Giovanni grumbled, petting his Persian before a thought came to mind. "What of these certain trainers you mentioned?"
"I wouldn't recommend looking for these trainers. Many of them are powerful, most being former or current champions such as Steven Stone or most notably, Caitlin Panthera," Sebastian warned, seeing an angry twitch at the woman's name. "Though some are likely gullible, so one could have more hope in getting a Key Stone if encountered. So long as they don't have knowledge about Hun's involvement in Team Rocket, he may be able to get it easier."
"Look into it; I'll have you three sent off for Hoenn to look for this Steelixite. If you find others, get them. Even if they're basically useless, they could have potential on the black market for collectors."
"Of course," Sebastian answered as they began to leave before stopping. "What of the Beta and Omega project?"
"They can continue without you for the time being."
"Time is winding down, they cannot stay in those tanks forever and I insist I'm there for when they're ready to come out."
"Of course, if word comes that they're due, you'll be first to know."
"And I'll still get the reports?"
"Of course, Professor."
Once they were out of the office and sent to get ready, the professor made a stop to call his team about his sudden absence.
They were a bit upset, but knew that if they're to make progress on the Mega Evolution, he would likely have to go into the field itself.
With that, they found themselves on a private jet so they could freely discuss the best course of action, glancing at the maps given.
Surprisingly enough, they weren't there for long, they not only found the proper Mega Stone, but two blank stones. They were obvious; having the same markings as a normal Mega Stone, but were milky and translucent. Other Mega Stones were found, not a whole lot, finding a total of fifteen, ten of them being duplicates.
Now all they needed was a Key Stone, Hun in the duration working with his Steelix, to ensure their bond truly was strong.
It was obvious he was nervous, having been told of the possibility of him or his Pokémon, even both going insane. He was determined to avoid it, reassured that if such a thing went wrong, they would knock him out as well as Steelix.
Attila showed surprising craftsmanship, creating a perfect harness for Steelix to wear, carrying its Mega Stone without risking harm to it.
What none of them expected was to discover a green serpent flying by, recognizing it as the legendary Pokémon, Rayquaza.
Giovanni learned of their discovery, ordering them to capture it, having done research himself and found it has some connection to Mega Evolution as well.
With that, they took after the Pokémon, other scientists present already at work, the grunts using a combination of missiles and Pokémon to take the dragon down.
Lives were lost by its retaliation, a majority being Pokémon sent out, but in the end, the powerful dragon was detained.
"I don't believe it," Sebastian whispered, in awe as he walked up to glass wall separating him from the Pokémon.
He heard footsteps behind him, internally flinching when the Pokémon let out a pain filled roar when shocked by the restraints.
"We finally caught a legendary Pokémon…" Attila spoke, unsure what to make of the whole thing. "But what do we do now?"
"We would need to study it, but I need it unconscious. Having it attempt attacks or twitching from the shocks won't do us any good," Sebastian spoke as he began working on the computer.
Before long, gas filled the room, the Pokémon hacking a bit before starting to get tired, but the shocks prevented it from fully falling asleep.
Hitting a few more keys, the shocks stopped, the Pokémon falling completely unconscious, slumping into a hopefully peaceful slumber.
Picking up a phone, he dialed a number, holding it to his ear, "Yes, I need a medical team brought in to examine Rayquaza for internal injuries. We need it healthy for studies and any possible uses it could have."
Listening for a bit, he hung up, turning to the other two with a frown, leaning against the railing.
"Are they sending people up?" Hun asked.
"Yes," he sighed as he glanced up at the Pokémon, a look of pity on his face.
"You really seem different, Professor," the blonde spoke, placing a comforting hand on the other's shoulder.
"I'm fine," he answered, pulling himself free as he went to a room to change into proper scrubs.
When he came out, others arriving, fully changed as well, he led them inside, telling them what to look for while taking samples.
"Be careful!" he snapped angrily. The dragon's face twitched in pain, spotting one of the scientist take a rather large tissue sample. "I have the electrical currents shut off, if it wakes up, we're dead."
"Why the hell did you shut them off?" Namba's voice shouted, near the tail end of the dragon.
Ignoring him, he had the hover pad carry him up to the face of the beast, refusing to let the other novices near it.
Reaching a hand out, he gently petted the dragon's snout, warm breath blowing past him as it continued to sleep.
"I'm sorry," he whispered as he used a device to help pry its mouth open.
With tools set up, he began to take various samples of plaque, lightly scraping the gums and tongue for tissue.
"What's this?" he muttered, finding something embedded between some of the fangs, managing to dislodge it. "A rock? No, a meteor!"
But there was something strange about it, it was a small piece, signs it may have been chewed on before swallowing.
Why would Rayquaza eat meteorites?
Could its digestive system be similar to certain fowls and bird like Pokémon?
Getting what he needed, he had the mouth close, now working on getting a mucus sample from the nose, paling when seeing an eye cracking open.
"Shit!" he cursed, feeling his body shaking as it began to wake up.
A soft growl escaped before falling back to sleep, clearly too tired to fight, letting him breathe a sigh of relief.
Forcing his body to calm down, he got the rest of the samples he needed from the nasal cavity and a few from around the eyes.
Finally done, he ordered everyone out, letting the Pokémon rest, deciding not to let it endure further shocks. It was a risk, but if it began to cause a ruckus, he could hit the gas, knocking it out.
"Tch…pretty ballsy, sticking your hands in its mouth like that," Namba taunted, seeing the man shaking a little still.
"And if I hadn't, I wouldn't have found this," he retorted, revealing the drying meteorite fragment.
"Why the hell would that damn lizard eat meteors?"
"I'm not sure. Next time it has a bowl movement, collect samples and go through them. There could be more and perform studies on the stones."
Glaring at the orders given, he reluctantly obeyed, though was going to make others do the dirty work than himself.
Going to his private office, Sebastian sat down, deciding to take personal interest in the space rock.
"Very peculiar," he whispered as he continued doing research, calling up his Mega Evolution specialist, wanting to ask him questions. "Is Joel there?"
"Professor Sebastian?" the man yawned, the other forgetting that it's a different time zone.
"Sorry for calling so late, but I found something of interest. I'd like you to look into some of those lore books you brought regarding Mega Evolution and its origin."
"Any specific?"
"Anything regarding meteors."
"Meteors?"
"We managed to capture a Rayquaza and when we were examining it, I found a meteor fragment stuck in its teeth."
"C-captured Rayquaza?" the man stuttered, fear evident. "Sir, you have to release it immediately!"
"What?"
"Because it may already possess a trainer!"
"Shit, I can't believe I forgot," he growled, slapping a hand over his face.
He remembered reading about that in the papers sometime back as well as on some news channels.
It happened after an incident at the tropical islands, the Orange Archipelago, information revealed to have been caused by some collector as he called himself.
Because of the hunter's actions, he inadvertently created a disruption with the global climate. And it only grew worse with each bird captured or when they began to fight each other upon being freed.
To preserve certain species of Pokémon, namely those of legendary status, any wild ones found are captured by selected trainers.
Instead of containing them in the Pokéballs though, they are removed from normal rotation, allowing that trainer to in a sense carry more than six.
The Pokéballs were designed by a combined effort of several companies, Silph Co. in particular.
They would mark it as the trainer's to avoid others attempting capture for whatever reason. Because some are needed for environmental purposes, they've been designed so they could technically remain in the wild. Their Pokéballs have no real hold other than preventing others from catching them on sight.
But because there are poachers, some not knowing or not caring, trackers were put in to monitor the Pokémon's health and location. If there are any known for wandering the region or planet even, they would be monitored extra closely. That way, if they suddenly stopped and didn't move for so long, a team would be sent to examine, if not the trainer his/herself if they happen to be in the area.
He shuddered at the idea of this Pokémon's trainer coming here, having a gut feeling who may own it.
There are only a handful of trainers who would be trusted with this sort of task, to risk their lives to protect such powerful creatures.
He can't take the risk, not with his daughters' in danger, not with the clones still developing. He just can't risk it…
"I'll have it released immediately before anyone finds out we even had it."
"Just be careful, they're known for being vengeful."
"I wouldn't be surprised…"
Disconnecting, he nearly ran straight to where the dragon was kept, getting things ready for its release.
"What the hell are you doing?" one of the scientists shouted.
He saw that some of the restraints releasing their hold on the dragon's arms, grabbing the other before he could release any more.
"We have a very high chance, and I mean very high chance that this thing has a trainer!" he shouted back, his heart beginning to race. "I rather not take my chances finding out if it's true."
"You don't have that kind of authority!"
"Do you want to run the risk of someone like Panthera storming in here to take her Pokémon back?"
"How are you so sure that this is hers? That it even has a trainer?" Namba asked, walking in with a scowl on his face.
"I spoke with a member of my team…"
"Who gave you permission to make outside calls?"
Hearing the commotion, Attila and Hun were by the professor's side, seeing a standoff forming.
"What the hell is going on, Professor?" the silver haired man asked, staring between the two.
"Professor Sebastian here is planning on releasing our precious cargo," Namba stated, seeing the two look stunned. "How are you so certain of what you say? That your team is so certain?"
Giving a frustrated growl, he told them all that he could remember, specifically the Orange Island incident. Many paled, some recalling it, feeling stupid for forgetting something so important such as that.
"Dr. Namba, sir, I have to agree with the professor. If there is a chance…" Hun started before the other shot him a look.
"Giovanni ordered us to capture it and that's exactly what we've done. Until he gives the authority, we're keeping it," Namba stated, walking past the scientist.
Hitting a few keys, having the restraints return, he began using the electrical shocks to keep the Pokémon still.
"Now, if you're done standing around like a bunch of Quagsire, get back to work!" he snapped, many running off.
"You're making a big mistake," Sebastian growled, storming off.
Hearing the two agents at his heels, he was mildly grateful they stuck to his side than blindly sticking to Giovanni's.
"What are we going to do?" Hun asked, grabbing the other by the shoulder to make him stop. "Professor!"
"We got what we need. If Dr. Namba is going to be a fool keeping Rayquaza; I'd rather not be around when its trainer shows up."
"Then we should get out of here then," Attila smirked, "might be a good lesson for the good doctor to learn some humility."
"I doubt he has the capacity to know what that means," Sebastian joked dryly as they packed their things.
That whole thing regarding Mega Evolution and how the blanks stones I came up with. Right there its so new and from what I could find out, there's really not much. We don't know if every Pokémon is capable of Mega Evolution or its a select few.
And the blank stones, again came up with that since we don't know how some of these evolution stones mutate in a sense, let alone into what we know as Mega Stones. We don't even know where Key Stones come from, if also from various evolution stones, or something else entirely different.
If there's anyone who has a better idea, namely having seen the anime or their own theories would be great.
With the legendary Pokémon, again, just made that up too, though in some ways does make sense for the Pokémon League(s) to do that. It would likely help protect certain species without flatly saying it, so not all, like Ash would know right away. Plus it's recent, so it wouldn't hit everywhere just yet and a number of trustworthy, powerful trainers would have to be chosen.
Hope that this makes some sense.
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