Episode 227: Stairway to Devon
It was the very next day after his Gym battle with Roxanne, so Brendan was against Roxanne, so the battle was about to begin.
"The battle between the Gym Leader Roxanne and Brendan from Littleroot Town is about to begin! Both Trainers will be using two Pokémon each! Only the challenger will be allowed to switch Pokémon! The battle will be over when both of either Trainer's Pokémon is unable to battle! Begin the battle!" The referee announced. Roxanne took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Geodude!" Roxanne called out. Her Pokéball opened and her Geodude came out to battle. Brendan took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"You're up, Surskit!" Brendan called out. His Pokéball opened and a new Pokémon came out. It is blue insectoid Pokémon. There are semicircular pink markings under its dark, circular eyes. It has a round body with four long, skinny legs extending from it. On top of its head is a yellow cap with a single antenna.
"Hey, a Surskit!" Max said.
"Surskit, huh?" Sora asked, taking out his Rotom Phone and scanned it it.
Surskit, the Pond Skater Pokémon
Type: Bug/Water
If Surskit senses danger, it secretes a thick, sugary syrup from the tip of its head. There are some Pokémon that love eating this syrup.
"Okay, Surskit's a Bug-type Pokémon, and that's a problem," Sora said.
"What do you mean, Sora? Surskit's a Water-type, too, so it's got an advantage over Geodude," Max pointed out.
"That's true, Max, but Sora's right, because Surskit's a Bug-type Pokémon and Bug-types are weak against Rock-types," Riku said.
"You ready, Surskit?" Brendan asked. Surskit nodded. "Great! Use Bubble!" Surskit blew bubbles out at Geodude.
"Dodge and use Rollout!" Roxanne ordered. Geodude rolls into a ball and rolls right towards Surskit.
"I was hoping you'd do that! Surskit! Dodge with Quick Attack!" Brendan ordered. Surskit managed to dodge Geodude's Rollout with its speed. "Okay, Surskit! You use Water Gun!" Surskit fired Water Gun at Geodude, landing a hit.
"Direct hit!" May cheered.
"It's not over yet," Ethan said.
"Geodude! Use Rock Throw!" Roxanne ordered. Geodude unleashed Rock Throw at Surskit.
"Dodge and use Water Gun!" Brendan ordered. Surskit fired Water Gun right at the Rock Pokémon, dealing some heavy damage, hitting a large rock. Geodude was down and out.
"Geodude is unable to battle! Surskit wins!" The referee announced. Roxanne calls Geodude back and she smiled.
"Get some rest, Geodude. You've earned it," Roxanne said. She looked right at Brendan. "Excellent job, Brendan. You have proven to be a skilled Pokémon Trainer in such a short time. But this next one won't be so easy." She threw her Pokéball. "I choose you, Nosepass!" Her Pokéball opened and her Nosepass came out to battle.
"I knew she was going to send Nosepass out to battle me," Brendan said. He calls Surskit back and he took out his next Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Treecko!" His Pokéball came out and Treecko was now ready for battle.
"Brendan made a smart move by switching his Surskit with Treecko. It's a known fact that Water-type Pokémon are weak against Electric-type moves like Zap Cannon," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"Right, but Brendan should know even if Zap Cannon won't do much damage, Treecko should still feel the damage and get paralyzed in the process," Sora said.
"Nosepass! Use Lock-On!" Roxanne ordered. Nosepass placed a target onto Treecko just so he can be easily tracked. "Now, use Zap Cannon!" Nosepass fired Zap Cannon right at Treecko.
"Quick Attack to dodge!" Brendan ordered. Treecko ran with his Quick Attack, making the electrical attack follow.
"He's using the same trick you used on her, Sora!" Ethan said.
"Yeah, but I don't think she's the kind of Trainer who's going to fall for the same trick twice," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"So you're using Sora's old trick on me, huh? But I'm afraid it won't work on me a second time. Nosepass! Jump to dodge!" Roxanne called out. Nosepass jumps to avoid Treecko's Quick Attack, but Treecko got hit by Zap Cannon, resulting in a paralysis.
"You called it, Sora. She saw through that like glass," Kris said.
"Brendan will have to come up with something new if he wants to win this," Ash said.
"Okay, Sora's playbook wasn't going to cut it this time. I need to rethink my plan. Treecko! Use Leafage!" Brendan ordered. Treecko tried to use Leafage, but his paralysis kicked in.
"Use Rock Tomb!" Roxanne ordered. Nosepass unleashed Rock Tomb and struck Treecko hard, dealing some heavy damage. Treecko was taken down.
"Treecko is unable to battle! Nosepass wins!" The referee announced.
"So much for Treecko. All that's left is Surskit," Lyra said.
"Marill, Marill," Marill said. Brendan called back his Treecko and he smiled.
"You did your best, Treecko. Get a good long rest," Brendan said. He took out Surskit's Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Surskit!" His Pokéball opened and his Surskit came right out.
"Well, let's hope Surskit will do a better job than Treecko did," May said.
"Yeah, let's keep our fingers crossed," Leaf said.
"Nosepass! Use Lock-On!" Roxanne ordered. Nosepass got ready to use Lock-On.
"Surskit! Move around!" Brendan ordered. Surskit managed to move around and Lock-On didn't have an affect on the Pond Skater Pokémon. Nosepass tries again, but Surskit kept on moving too fast for the Compass Pokémon to keep up.
"Wow, that's a fast Surskit!" May said.
"Surskit are known for their speed. It's skating on the battlefield like it was on water," Riku said.
"Nosepass, try to get a lock onto Surskit!" Roxanne called out.
"Surskit! Bubble!" Brendan ordered. Surskit fired Bubble, hitting Nosepass on the mark. "Use a full power Water Gun!" Surskit fired Water Gun, hitting Nosepass on the side.
"Nosepass! Use Zap Cannon!" Roxanne ordered.
"Use Signal Beam to block!" Brendan ordered.
Nosepass fired Zap Cannon, but Surskit fired Signal Beam to block the attack. An explosion occurs between the two of them. Surskit skates behind Nosepass.
"Behind you!" Roxanne called out.
"Use Water Gun!" Brendan ordered. Surskit fired Water Gun, hitting Nosepass in the back. "Wrap it up with Bubble!" Surskit fired one more Bubble, hitting Nosepass. The Compass Pokémon fell backwards, beaten.
"Nosepass is unable to battle! Surskit wins! The winner is Brendan from Littleroot Town!" The referee announced.
"He did it!" May said.
"He sure did. Way to go, Brendan!" Sora said.
"You were awesome, Surskit! You did an excellent job!" Brendan said.
"Surskit!" Surskit beamed.
Roxanne walked up to Brendan with a smile.
"That was an impressive display, Brendan. You battled as hard as you could, and you earned your victory. So as proof of your victory here in the Rustboro City Gym, I give you the Stone Badge," Roxanne said, handing Brendan the Stone Badge.
"Thanks, Roxanne. I had a great time battling you," Brendan said. Roxanne smiled.
After Brendan's battle against Roxanne, Sora got on the phone with Professor Oak.
"Ah, Sora. It's so good to hear from you," Professor Oak said.
"Calling to let you know that I won my battle with Roxanne and earned my very first Gym Badge," Sora said.
"I never had my doubts about your win," Professor Oak said.
"I'm glad to have your praise, professor," Sora said.
"And I am assuming that you are heading out for your next Gym challenge," Professor Oak said.
"Yeah. Just heard that the next Gym is located in Dewford Town, so Kairi and I will be getting there by boat," Sora said.
"So well on your way. I must say, I couldn't be any prouder," Professor Oak said.
"Also, I thought I should tell you that Kairi has decided to take on a career as a Pokémon Coordinator after watching a Pokémon Contest; I never had a chance to bring it up," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Sounds like you're both on your way. I wish the both of you luck," Professor Oak said. "And it's always wonderful to hear from you."
"You too, professor," Sora said. Sora has hung up his Rotom Phone and he rejoins Kairi.
"What did the professor say, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Well, he said he's wishing us luck while we're in the Hoenn region," Sora said.
"How nice of him," Kairi said.
"Sora," Ash spoke up. Sora and Kairi saw Ash and Leaf walk up to the couple. "You're going to head for Dewford Island, is that right?"
"Yeah. What about you, Ash? Are you, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, and Lyra coming with us?" Sora asked.
"Actually, we're going to be traveling around Hoenn for a while. But, we'll meet up with you at some point," Ash said.
"So good luck, Sora. You too, Kairi," Leaf said.
"Thank you for the support," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Anytime," Ash said.
With that said, Riku, Naminé, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Eevee, Azurill, and Marill have split up from the group for now. They promised to keep their eyes opened for any Heartless, Nobodies, or Unversed, or for Organization XIII or the masked boy they heard about.
Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel went to book a ship to reach Dewford Island. When they got to the local port...
"What?! No other boats?!" Sora exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, but all of the boats have been booked and we have a very busy schedule. So, you're going have to wait for the next one and it's not until tomorrow," the ferry man said. Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel sighed as they had wasted so much time.
"So, any ideas of how we're going to kill some time?" Sora asked.
"We could just spend a day with each other. I mean, this city is said to be full of all sort of things," Kairi said.
"Okay," Sora said.
The couple went off to spend some time around the city a tad longer. As they were leaving, Pikachu and Angel hears something.
"Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"Eevee?" Angel also asked.
"What's up, Pikachu?" Sora asked.
"What's wrong, Angel?" Kairi asked.
"Eevee!" Angel said, pointing to something. They looked at and they saw a fish Pokémon with a body covered in tiny, sharp denticles. The top half of its spherical body is blue, while the bottom half is red with a yellow, four-pointed star below its mouth. It has two yellow dorsal fins above its eyes that resemble shark fins, and a matching pelvic fin on its belly. Its pectoral fins are also yellow. The caudal fin is composed of two red spines with a thin yellow membrane stretched between them.
"What kind of Pokémon is that?" Sora asked, taking out his Rotom Phone.
Carvanha, the Savage Pokémon
Type: Water/Dark
They swarm any foe that invades their territory. Their sharp fangs can tear out boat hulls.
"Looks like a cool Pokémon to have," Sora said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Go! Mudkip!" His Pokéball opened and Mudkip came out. The Carvanha snarled, looking at the Water Fish Pokémon. Carvanha rushes at Mudkip with its jaws ready.
"He's starting off with a Bite!" Kairi gasped.
"Mudkip! Dodge and use Waterfall!" Sora ordered. Mudkip dodges and then rushes at Carvanha with a Waterfall, hitting him. Mudkip has taken some damage of his own. "Mudkip, you okay?"
"How did Mudkip get hurt?" Kairi asked, taking out her Rotom Phone, getting some information on Carvanha. She found Carvanha's ability.
Rough Skin deals 1/8 of damage when the opponent makes physical contact.
"Oh, boy," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Sora, how about you try a move that won't hurt Mudkip, too?" Kairi asked.
"Not a bad idea, Kairi. Mudkip! Use Water Gun!" Sora ordered. Mudkip fired Water Gun, but Carvanha dodges and came at Mudkip with his body glowing red. "Carvanha's using Rage! Use Mud-Slap!" Mudkip hurls mud at Carvanha, blinding him. Mudkip dodged as Carvanha hits the dock, knocking him out. Sora took out a Pokéball and threw it. Carvanha flows inside as the Pokéball wobbles around and around very violently. Sora knew Carvanha might not stay in so easily. Stars swirls around the Pokéball to confirm the catch. Sora's Pokémon Box goes off asking him if he wants to keep Carvanha with him. He chose to keep Carvanha in exchange for Nincada. Mudkip takes the Pokéball containing Carvanha right to Sora. He takes it. "Thanks, Mudkip. That was a great job." He opened his Pokéball and Carvanha splashed around. Sora summoned his Keyblade and cast his healing spell on his two Water-types, healing them of their injuries. "Feel better?" Carvanha beamed.
"Vanha!" Carvanha said.
"Thought so," Sora said, dismissing his Keyblade and picked the piranha-like Pokémon. He felt how smooth his skin was. "I guess you only use Rough Skin during battle.
Meanwhile, at the Pokémon Center, Max is drinking some soda when he accidentally spills it on May's PokéNav.
"Oh no!" Max gasped. He presses the button on it, and it's not responding. "Oh, man! May is so going to kill me when she sees this." Luckily, May was out shopping and he goes off to find to get the PokéNav fixed before May finds out. He couldn't go to Sora or Kairi since they might tell her. And he couldn't tell Riku, Naminé, or Brendan about it for the same reason. Max walks by a building with a screen on the front. A woman is on the screen, advertising the Devon Corporation.
"From food to fashion to pharmaceuticals, Devon Corporation gives you style with a smile, quality without question, and guaranteed satisfaction," the woman said.
"Oh, how am I gonna tell May that I broke it?" Max asked himself. He hears kids chattering
"Huh?" He spots a small crowd of kids with a man wearing a purple suit. He has white hair under his white derby hat. "Who's that guy?"
"And you're gonna love the next invention I have to show you," the inventor said.
"What is it? Show us!" A kid in a yellow shirt said.
"This guy's some inventor?" Max asked a kid in a purple shirt.
"I guess. He comes and shows off new inventions to us sometimes," the kid in the purple shirt said.
"Oh," Max said.
The first one was model of a wrestler.
"This one's a can opener for soft drinks. You there, come closer," the inventor said, pointing to Max. Max yelped. The can opener wrestler tries to open the soft drink as kids chatter with excitement. "Come on, you can do it."
But the can opener wrestler invention ends up crush the soft drink can and squirt the drink on the man's face.
"Here you go," Can opener wrestler device said, holding the crushed soda. The kids all just laughed.
"His stuff never works," one of the kids said.
"Let's get out of here," another kid added.
The kids all left except Max.
Max sighed, "I've just got to get this PokéNav fixed." The inventor noticed him.
"Hey, kid!" The inventor called out to him.
"Huh?" Max asked.
"What's the matter, kid? That was a pretty hefty sigh," the inventor said.
"My name is Max, not 'kid.' I've got to tell my sister that I broke her PokéNav," Max said.
"Maybe you won't have to tell her anything. You could go to the Devon Corporation," the inventor said.
"And they'll protect me from May?" Max asked.
"Ha. Haven't you heard of the Devon Corporation? We can repair everything, because we make everything," the inventor said.
"Really?" Max asked.
"And did you know that Devon actually produces Pokémon there too?" The inventor asked.
"They can produce Pokémon? No way!" Max exclaimed, awestruck.
"Do I look like the kind of guy who would lie? I'm an inventor!" The inventor said.
But then a limo arrives with the tires screeching.
"There he is!" The man as he shuts the door and ran for him.
"Ugh. Uh-oh. Nice meeting you, Max. Just remember the Devon Corporation. It's the biggest building in town," the inventor said as he runs off.
"Wait! Hold on!" Max called out. He notices the other man from the car.
The inventor ran as the other man gave chase.
The couple paid for their purchase and went on their way to do have some more fun. As they stepped outside, the inventor came running down the street.
"Coming through!" The inventor said as he ran pass them. He disappeared through a nearby alley. The other man came running.
"How does he run so fast at his age?" The man asked. He takes out a walkie-talkie and speaks into it. "This is Kennedy. He's heading your way."
"What was that all about?" Sora asked.
"No idea," Kairi said.
The saw Max just down the street from them and he's seemed distressed about something.
"Max?" Sora asked.
Max looked over their way and freaked out.
"What are you doing here by yourself?" Kairi asked. Max starts to dash off like he took something.
"You didn't see me!" Max yelped. He ran in the direction the purple suited man had ran before. That left Sora, Kairi, and Pikachu totally confused.
"What's wrong with him?" Sora asked.
"I don't know. You don't think maybe he did something to make May mad, do you?" Kairi asked.
"I hope not. Then again, we should ask May when we see her," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
Meanwhile, in the tallest building in the city, the Team Aqua member is seen stepping out of hiding and he saw how the personnels were able to get in. They used their identification cards to enter the building.
"So, that's it," the Team Aqua member said. He waited for a potential victim to walk his way when luck should have it, one did walk by. He grabs the man from behind and and swiped his lab coat and ID card. He ties him up and gags him. "This is much easier than I expected." He went to the door and used to gain access inside.
Back to the Pokémon Center, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel made it back to the Pokémon Center to talk to May who got done with the shopping.
"Hey, May. Is Max doing okay?" Sora asked.
"I don't know. Why?" May asked.
"Because Max was acting pretty weird when we saw him earlier," Sora said.
"He looked like he was distressed about something, so we thought maybe you would know anything about it," Kairi said.
"Not that I know of. He was in such a good mood this morning," May answered.
"Then why was he just freaking out and why he ran off when we asked him?" Kairi asked.
"I don't know, but I think we're going to find out," Sora said.
Back to Max, he made it to the Devon Corporation, just like the inventor said.
"Wow! This must be the Devon Corporation," Max said to himself. He looks at the PokeNav. "'Kay." He walks up the stairs. Once he was inside the building, Max was told that his PokeNav can't be fixed by them. "What? How come you can't fix it?"
"I'm sorry. Here at Devon Corporation Headquarters, we don't handle the repairs on products," the receptionist said.
"Guess he lied," Max groaned, feeling disappointed and walks away.
But as Max walked away he took a peek at the receptionist as she was then approached by Officer Jenny.
"Excuse me," Officer Jenny said.
Max hides behind pillar.
"I'm not gonna give up that easily," Max whispered.
Then the inventor and Kennedy come in.
"Could I help you, Officer Jenny?" Kennedy asked.
"I apologize for taking your time, gentlemen. I have some information. It seems that someone is plotting to infiltrate the Devon Corporation, and I thought you both should know," Officer Jenny said.
"Who, Officer?" Kennedy asked.
"I've instructed my people to find out what they can about the situation. Meanwhile, it's important that you double-check your security system," Officer Jenny said.
"Understood. I'll put everyone on alert," Kennedy said.
The inventor man seeing Kennedy's occupied sneaks away. Max was checking. But then the inventor got behind him.
"Hi! Hiding from someone?" A familiar voice asked. Max screamed, startled, but then gets hand gagged and pulled to cover. Max looked up and saw it was the man from before. "Shh. I know this building inside and out, so I think it's best if you follow me." Max blinks, confused.
"Sir, where are we going?" Max asked.
"Let me see the PokeNav," Mr. Stone said. Max takes it out, but he takes it to look at it.
"Hey! That belongs to my sister!" Max exclaimed. Mr. Stone found the problem.
"Oh, I see. You spilled your drink inside here, haven't you?" Mr. Stone asked.
"Uh, how did you know that?" Max asked. They entered a lab and they're greeted by the scientists inside.
"Shh. I think that Kennedy is still following me around. Don't say a word," the inventor said.
The female scientist chuckled, "Not again."
"Well, now, you know this is always a safe place to hide," the male scientist said.
"Could you take a look at this PokeNav that's shorted out? It got some moisture into it, so I need a quick repair job," the inventor requested.
"No problem. I'll fix it, Mr. President," the male scientist said, taking the PokéNav.
"President?!" Max exclaimed with surprise.
"That's right. This man is the president of the Devon Corporation, Joseph Stone," the female scientist said.
"But he tends to get in trouble with his assistant Kennedy from time to time," the female said.
"Huh? Why can't a president do what he wants?" Max asked.
"Well, that's just the way things are around here," Mr. Stone said. They take a walk down the hallway. "If I'm ever stuck for inspiration or new ideas, I like to get out of this stuffy office and walk around town a bit." Max was amazed. "Kids are a great source of inspiration when I'm looking to create something new, and that's why I love talking to them. And if I'd never met you in the street and pointed you to this building, you would still be out there running scared and at the mercy of your sister.
"Uh... Did I look scared?" Max asked.
"No, you look terrified. She can't be all that bad,"
"She's not really that bad, but she thinks I can't get by on my own. And I just want to prove to her that I'm not a little kid. But when I broke her PokeNav, I didn't know how to tell her. I'm scared of what she'll say to me," Max said.
"Yeah. I know just how you feel," Mr. Stone said.
"Really?" Max asked.
"Mm-hmm. I really do, Max," Mr. Stone said. Max laughed.
We see two scientists looking over blueprints of some sort of machine. Max and Mr. Stone supervise the scientists working.
"And the dream should come out here," the scientist said.
"Whoa! Look!" Max said.
"This is where my company develops and tests new products," Mr. Stone said.
"What kind of new products?" Max asked.
"How would you like to take a tour?" Mr. Stone asked.
"Yeah!" Max responded.
They across a big TV-like machine.
"This machine creates a visual projection of Pokémon dreams," Mr. Stone said.
"Really? Pokémon dreams? Can I see one?" Max asked.
"I'm afraid it's not quite finished yet," Mr. Stone said.
"Darn," Max said with disappointment.
Then they come to a machine with speakers.
"This machine allows you to speak with Pokémon," Mr. Stone said.
"Really? Can we speak with Pokémon right now?" Max asked.
"No, this product is still in development," Mr. Stone answered.
"Not again," Max said, being disappointed again.
Then came to another machine.
"This allows you to become a Pokémon," Mr. Stone said.
"Is it finished?" Max asked, preparing to be disappointed.
"Well, uh, no," Mr. Stone said.
Max gave a disappointed groan.
Max walks up to another machine.
"So do you any inventions in this place that actually work?" Max asked.
"This is a machine that I'm particularly proud of," Mr. Stone said.
"Huh?" Max asked when he sees the next machine. "'Cause it works?"
"Not yet, but my company is working hard to develop this prototype. It's a Pokémon producing machine," Mr. Stone said. Max gasped with amazement. "We'll be producing Pokémon right before our very eyes."
"No. You're serious?" Max asked.
"These capsules are filled with creation fluid. We put a Pokémon fossil inside and extract its data. Then we analyze it with a high-power super computer. The machine creates a blueprint for the organism. And from that blueprint, we hope to grow a regenerated Pokémon. See? It's going to be an exciting day when this machine works for the very first time," Mr. Stone explained.
"Wow! So you're gonna try and bring back Pokémon that are extinct?" Max asked.
"Yes, if there's a fossil. Then we could hopefully bring any Pokémon back to life with this machine," Mr. Stone said.
"You really think we'll be able to see Pokémon that no one has seen for thousands of years?" Max asked. He and Mr. Stone start walking again.
"I can tell you're a big fan of Pokémon, aren't you, Max?" Mr. Stone asked.
"Mm-hmm. I can't wait to have my own someday. And when I'm big, I want to be a Gym Leader," Max stated. Mr. Stone smiled.
"That's great," Mr. Stone said.
"Hey, would it be okay if I bring my friends and my big sister here to see all your machines? I think they're over at the Pokémon Center right now," Max said.
"Well, yeah, why not?" Mr. Stone asked.
"Yeah!" Max cheered.
"Mr. President!" Kennedy said, alerting them both. Kennedy ran up to them with a strict look on his face. "There you are. I've been looking all over for you. You should be back in your officer, sir. You have several appointments."
"It looks like I've been caught," Mr. Stone said.
"But he's the boss," Max pointed out. Kennedy looked at Max.
"Kennedy, I'd like you to meet my friend Max," Mr. Stone introduced.
"Hello, sir," Max greeted.
"A pleasure, Max. I'm the president's assistant," Kennedy introduced himself.
"So you're not a criminal, then?" Max laughed. "I thought maybe you wanted to kidnap the president."
"Kennedy, would you mind running to the Pokémon Center to find Max's friends and his big sister and then bring them back here for a little tour, huh?" Mr. Stone requested.
"Sir. Of course I wouldn't," Kennedy said. "I need only to know their names."
"Okay, there's a boy with spiky hair, and his name's Sora. And there's a girl with red hair and her name's Kairi. There's another boy named Brendan, and my sister's name is May," Max explained.
"Of course. I'll go and retrieve them right away," Kennedy said.
Just then, Kennedy walks in the Pokémon Center and he spots the four Pokémon Trainers; two of them were matching the descriptions
"Excuse me. You wouldn't be Sora, Kairi, Brendan, and May would you?" Kennedy asked.
He said, "I'm Sora."
She said, "I'm Kairi."
He said, "I'm Brendan."
She said, "And I'm May."
"We saw you before. You were after some guy in a purple suit," Sora pointed out.
"Yes, the man who ran just pass you was the Devon Corporation's president, Joseph Stone. He tends to sneak out from time to time. Only he likes to avoid his appointments. Anyway, he has sent me to retrieve you at the request of a child named Max," Kennedy said. May yelped when he mentioned him.
"He would be my little brother," May said.
"Oh, good. If you would all come along with me. Mr. Stone is offering you a private tour of our company," Kennedy said. None of them have questioned it, but they went along with him. As they followed Kennedy right into a limo and drove there.
Back at the Devon Corporation building, the Team Aqua member makes his way through the labs, trying to find the Creation Fluid.
"Okay, where you, just so I could get out of here," the Team Aqua member said. He moved a swiftly as a ninja, being careful not to get caught.
Back to the group, the limo has pulled up to the driveway. As they exited, they were amazed by how huge the building was.
"Whoa," Sora said.
"This building is huge," Brendan said. Kennedy laughed.
"Well, it has to be since so many people all work here," Kennedy said. "This way." They followed him to the building; a couple of security guards glares at the visitors before Kennedy intervened. "They are with me."
"Of course, sir. Please go right in," the security guard said.
"I apologize for that. They're a tad on edge lately," Kennedy said.
"No problem," Sora said.
Over to the Team Aqua member, he found what he was looking for and he took a couple of the capsules.
"Score!" The Team Aqua member said. "Now to make like a banana and split." He started to make his way out when Mr. Stone had gotten suspicious. Max turned to him.
"What's the matter?" Max asked.
"Nothing," Mr. Stone lied. "Why don't you take a walk with me?"
"Um, okay," Max said, not understanding what was going on. They both follow the Team Aqua member without him knowing. "Where are we going?"
"Shh. Quiet, Max. We're following that guy," Mr. Stone said.
"Huh? Why?" Max asked.
"I make it my personal business to know all my employees and I have never seen him before," Mr. Stone said.
"Maybe he's a spy sent by some other company?" Max guessed.
"Maybe. Only one way to find out," Mr. Stone said.
They continued to pursue him quietly. Over to Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, and Kennedy, they had approached the receptionist desk. Officer Jenny has approached them suspiciously.
"Should you four be here?" Officer Jenny asked.
"It's quite alright, Officer Jenny. They're here as guests. They were invited here by Mr. Stone himself," Kennedy said.
"Is that right?" Officer Jenny asked.
"Yes," Sora said.
"Sorry for sounding suspicious. There has been some talk that there will be an infiltration of this building. You can never be too careful," Officer Jenny said.
"Of course not," Kairi said.
"You needn't worry yourselves over it. The police and security personnel are looking into it," Kennedy said.
"No problem," Brendan said.
"It's just nice not having to deal with bad guys for a change," Sora said.
"I supposed not. Anyway, it would seem our president has taken a shine to young Max," Kennedy said.
"Why would he like some annoying little kid like Max?" May asked, making Kennedy laugh.
"You children can be so funny. Come on, I'll show you the tour," Kennedy said. The group followed Kennedy as the tour has begun. Keith made his way to a door that leads outside. He opens it and quickly gets out and slams it.
"He does look suspicious," Max said.
"Let's go!" Mr. Stone said.
Over to Kennedy and the guests, he continues to give them the tour. He takes a look over to Sora and Pikachu
"May I presume that is your Pikachu, young man?" Kennedy asked.
"Yep. Pikachu was the first Pokémon that I ever got started," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I see," Kennedy said as he smiled. He then looked over at Kairi and Angel. "And that could be your Eevee as well?"
"Yes. Angel is the same as Pikachu," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said. Kennedy just smiled.
"I understand," Kennedy said.
"So what about Max?" May asked.
"It's possible that Max reminds the president of his own son, Steven. Steven is a very skilled Pokémon Trainer," Kennedy said.
"Steven?" Sora asked.
"Yes. Steven specializes with Steel-type Pokémon. Though, he would be someone who you would like to meet in your journeys," Kennedy said.
"I don't doubt it," Sora said. Sora wondered about meeting and battling him someday. Brendan spoke up.
"Hey, are you talking about Steven Stone, Hoenn's regional Champion?" Brendan asked.
"Yes," Kennedy confirmed.
"What do you know about him?" Kairi asked.
"Word is, Steven Stone is the strongest Trainer in all of Hoenn. He got to where he is by winning the Hoenn Pokémon League and then, defeated each member of the Elite Four," Brendan explained.
"That's exactly right, young Brendan," Kennedy said. "In fact, ever since Steven was a little boy, all he thought about were Pokémon and dreamt of being a Pokémon Trainer."
"Well, that makes sense why he would be so fond of Max," May said.
"It sure does," Brendan said.
They entered the lab with the scientists in such dismay as they found two of the capsules missing.
"Is something wrong?" Kennedy asked.
"Yes, Kennedy. I'm afraid there is," one of the scientists said.
"Two of the capsules containing the Creation Fluid have gone missing!" The second scientist said.
"What?! How could that happen?!" Kennedy gasped. Sora, Kairi, Brendan, and May all shared his shock. "We have taken every precaution to prevent it from happening!"
"Creation Fluid?" Sora asked. Sora figured it had to be the work of the invader. He wondered who could it be. Possibly it could be Organization XIII trying to bait him, or it could be Team Magma again.
Back to Max and Mr. Stone, they continued to follow Bandit Keith to the rooftop.
"Stay close to me," Mr. Stone whispered.
"Okay," Max whispered back. They followed him silently. The Team Aqua member keeps moving, unaware he's being followed. As they continued to follow him, Max yelps as he trips, making him turn around in shock.
"Crap!" The Team Aqua member exclaimed and ran off.
"Hey you!" Mr. Stone shouted.
"I'm sorry," Max apologized.
"Don't apologize, Max. You helped out," Mr. Stone assured.
"How?" Max questioned.
"Judging by how he reacted and how he's running, he knows he's been caught red-handed. Let's go after him," Mr. Stone said. Max nodded. As they pursued him, Mr. Stone took out his cell phone.
Back to the lab, Kennedy's phone begins to ring. He answers it.
"Yes; this is Kennedy," Kennedy said.
"It's me!" Mr. Stone said.
"President!" Kennedy exclaimed.
"Max and I are chasing after a suspicious character wearing one of our white lab coats! He's heading up on the roof!" Mr. Stone said.
"Sir, two of our Creation Fluid capsules have disappeared, so that must be the person who is responsible for the thefts!" Kennedy said. Kennedy listened from his end of the phone. "Yes, right away." He hangs up. "The president and Max are chasing the suspect on top of the roof of the building." Sora, Kairi, Brendan, and May gasped.
"Do you think Max is going to be alright?" May asked with concern.
"Don't worry, May. I promise he's going to be," Brendan said.
"We'll just have to head up on the roof and help them out," Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"And we should hurry," Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Follow me, I can lead the way! I know a shortcut we use to corner the suspect," Kennedy said.
As Officer Jenny was questioning some of the employees, a security guard came in with the man the Team Aqua stole his lab coat and ID card from. He was cut from his restraints.
"Officer Jenny!" The security guard called out. She turned to face them. "We found this guy outside the building tied up, and we thought we should bring him to you."
"What happened?" Officer Jenny asked.
"I don't know! The guy just grabbed me from behind and stole my stuff! Took me completely by surprise! He tied me up and left me outside!" The scientist said.
"Can you describe this guy for me?" Officer Jenny asked. Before the scientist could give a description, an announcement was made.
"Attention! This is a security announcement! We have an emergency situation! Please remain calm! There is an intruder inside the building and two research capsules have been stolen! The intruder is a male wearing a pair of sunglasses and one of our white lab coats! Please apprehend anyone that matches this description!" Kennedy announced.
"That would be the one! He was also wearing a black bandana on his head! And he was wearing a sailor outfit!" The scientist said. Officer Jenny got suspicious.
"It couldn't be," Officer Jenny said. She takes her leave. "You wait right here!" She begins her pursuit on the suspect.
Speaking of which, the Team Aqua member heads into a hall that leads up to the roof.
"So, you're not scared?" Mr. Stone asked.
"No, just excited!" Max said. Mr. Stone smiled.
"Good! Because this is a good experience for Pokémon trainers to have!" Mr. Stone said. "This hallway leads to the stairway that heads up to the roof, so he'll be trapped." The Team Aqua member made his way out to the roof only to be trapped by Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, and Kennedy.
"Stop right there!" Brendan said.
"The game's up! You got nowhere to run!" Sora said. The Team Aqua member growls as he attempts to go back, only for Max and Mr. Stone to show up.
"Max!" Kairi said.
"Are you alright, Max?" May asked.
"Yep!" Max nodded. "The girl with the brown hair is my big sister, sir."
"Really?" Mr. Stone said, smiling. He changed his smile to a stern look. "Give us back the capsules you stole!" The Team Aqua member grinned.
"I don't think so!" The Team Aqua member said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. Out came a primarily red, crustacean Pokémon with a tan underside. It has circular eyes set in deep sockets and a large, star-shaped growth on its forehead. The upper and lower halves of its underside are separated by a pattern of angular red shapes, and there are two blue stripes on its throat. Its forelimbs have two large pincers with spiked edges and tan lower halves form. There are two sets of hind limbs. The foremost pair are simple claws with two spikes, while the rear pair are large and thick with two white claws. A yellow triangle marks the base of its lobster-like tail.
"What is that?!" Sora exclaimed.
"It's a Crawdaunt!" Brendan said. Sora took out his Rotom Phone and scanned it.
Crawdaunt, the Rogue Pokémon
The evolved form of Corphish
Type: Water/Dark
Crawdaunt has an extremely violent nature that compels it to challenge other living things to battle. Other life-forms refuse to live in ponds inhabited by this Pokémon, making them desolate places.
Sora puts his Rotom Phone away and looked at Pikachu.
"Move in, Pikachu!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said, stepping in.
"Not letting you have all the fun," Kairi said, looking at Angel. "Go, Angel!" Angel stepped in.
"Quick Attack!" Sora and Kairi ordered. Pikachu and Angel rushed at Crawdaunt, hitting it.
"Crawdaunt! Use Crabhammer!" The Team Aqua member ordered. Crawdaunt swings its pincersat Pikachu, landing a devastating hit. "Crabhammer again!" Crawdaunt swings its pincer again, hitting Angel.
"Angel!" Kairi gasped.
"Pikachu!" Sora exclaimed.
"That Crawdaunt is strong!" Brendan said.
Officer Jenny came onto the rooftop.
"Stop right there!" Officer Jenny ordered.
"I don't think so, cop!" The Team Aqua member said. "Use Bubble Beam!" Crawdaunt fired Bubble Beam, hitting everyone around him. He calls it back and heads for a cardboard box and takes out a small rocket and uses it to escape.
"He was planning his escape with that rocket right from the start!" Mr. Stone stated.
"Not for long!" Sora said, taking out another Pokéball and tosses it in the air. "Go! Treecko!" The Pokéball opens and Treecko puts his twig in his mouth. "You're going to need a boost!" Sora took Treecko and threw him just as easily as he throws his Keyblade. Treecko lands right on him.
"Hey! Get off me!" The Team Aqua member barked. Treecko searched the pockets and grabs the capsules. Treecko then jumps right off as the Team Aqua member escapes empty-handed. Sora catches Treecko in his arms.
"Good job, Treecko," Sora said.
"Treecko," Treecko said.
"That was a good idea, Sora," Kairi said.
"Had a lot of practice," Sora said with a smile. "Just who was that guy, anyway?"
"I think I have an idea. Since he was using a Crawdaunt, I can surmise that he's a member of Team Aqua," Officer Jenny said.
"Team Aqua?" Kairi asked.
"Yes. Here in the Hoenn region, there are two criminal organizations that causes all sorts of trouble. Those would be Team Aqua and Team Magma," Officer Jenny explained.
"Team Aqua and Team Magma?" Sora asked. Kairi gasped when she remembered seeing a man dressed as a sailor in the Petalburg Woods.
"Wait, what if that guy we battled before was a member of Team Aqua?" Kairi asked.
"If he was, then we'll be seeing Team Aqua again, along with Team Magma," Sora said. He sighed to himself. "First Team Rocket, then Team Magma. And now Team Aqua. What's next? Team Lightning?"
"Pika," Pikachu said.
That night, the Rustboro City police department searches for any signs of the Team Aqua member, only to find the rocket and lab coat abandoned.
Mr. Stone joins Sora, Kairi, Brendan, May, Max, Pikachu, and Angel for dinner as his way of repaying them for taking back the Creation Fluid. And during the dinner, Mr. Stone hands Max back his PokéNav, good as new.
"Thank you so much for saving an important part of our research project, um, Sora, isn't it?" Mr. Stone asked.
"Yes. You really don't have to thank us. We only did what we knew was right," Sora said.
"And it was a good thing we stopped that guy from getting away with it," Kairi added.
"Couldn't agree more. In fact, my son Steven is out on a journey of his own. He's currently on Dewford Island the last time I heard from him," Mr. Stone said.
"That's where the next Gym is located," Sora said.
"And when you see him there, would you deliver this letter to him?" Mr. Stone asked, handing him the letter. "I was gonna mail it myself, but after today, I'm going to be pretty busy for a while."
"Not a problem, sir," Sora said, taking the letter.
"Also, young Max here tells me that you're a Pokémon League Champion. I could tell that you had champion written on you when I witnessed your battling skills. He even shared a tale about your battle with our local Gym Leader," Mr. Stone said.
"I hope you don't plan on having me sellout, because I don't plan on doing that anytime soon," Sora said. Mr. Stone laughed.
"Oh no, nothing like that, Sora. People would think it, and start making rumors about it, but of course none of it would be true. It's the same way for my son, Steven," Mr. Stone said.
"I would call it a relief and it'll take a big load off of my mind," Sora said. He looked over to Brendan. "Got anything planned for your next Gym battle, Brendan?" He smirked.
"That's a secret," Brendan said, making Sora laugh.
"Figured you'd say that," Sora said as he laughed again.
As the meal had concluded, Sora, Kairi, and Brendan decided to confront Max about what was going on.
"Anything you wanna tell us, Max?" Brendan asked. Max winced.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Max said, playing dumb.
"Max, don't lie to us. Sora and I saw you earlier today and you freaked out when we did," Kairi said.
"And what was that about you saying that we never saw you?" Sora asked. Max gave a small sweat. Kairi decided to do the honors of assuring him.
"Max, you can tell us. And I promise we won't be mad. You can trust me. So, tell us what happened today. Please," Kairi said. Max looked to Sora and he nodded, letting him know that he can trust her. Max took a deep breath.
"Okay. I accidentally broke her PokéNav when I spilled my drink in it and Mr. Stone had his people fix it like it didn't happen and he gave it back to me when we had dinner earlier, and it's already fixed. I didn't tell May about it because she would get mad," Max explained. Sora, Kairi, and Brendan had absorbed the whole thing.
"Is that it? For a moment there, I thought you stole something by mistake," Sora said, before Kairi poked him on the arm.
"Sora," Kairi said to him, sounding a little stern.
"Just saying," Sora said.
"Well, I can understand why you kept it a secret from her. But you know you would have been caught when she sees it," Brendan said.
"And it would have been worst when you tell her that her PokéNav got damaged and you not telling her sooner. I'm sure she would have understood that it was an accident," Sora said.
"I couldn't take that chance," Max said.
"Understandable. Next time when something like this happens, try to tell the truth, okay?" Brendan asked. Max nodded. "And since it's been taken care of, I won't tell May what happened. It'll be our little secret." Brendan winked at Max and he smiled.
"Our lips are sealed as well," Sora said, as he, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel ended up doing a zip lip gesture. Max smiled since he knew he was off the hook; for now.
Now that the next location of the next Hoenn region Pokémon Gym has been located, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel have made it their mission to reach Dewford Island. But what will happen when they run into the Team Aqua member that got away? Just wait and find out.