Nemo ran a hand over the Pokeballs on his belt, gazing contemplatively at the gate. "Never thought I'd be back on a rescue mission again." He turned to his two new companions "Alright, who has what Pokemon? Let's figure out what we have before we go diving into the death crater." In response, Galaxy released 3 Pokemon. A Lucario, a Porygon-Z, and a Hisuian Goodra "I feel the same." They said solemnly "I have Arc, Z, and Goobert."
Nemo released his own team, Blaziken, Sceptile, Milotic, Skarmory, Espeon, and a Tyranitar. "I also have a Rotom-possessed car, a Mimikyu, and enough supplies for an army." Metaliko, the last trainer to join, sent out her own Pokemon: a Magneton, Magnezone, Scizor, Forretrees, Alolan Dugtrio, and another Hisuian Goodra. The Pokemon mingled amongst themselves for a few minutes, familiarizing themselves with their temporary comrades. Eventually recalling their teams, the trainers ventured into Zero Gate.
The room was dim, lit only by the flashing of monitors and other equipment. Galaxy moved to one of the terminals and typed in a code, the facility springing to life "I still have access from working down here a while ago." They informed their comrades, only to be interrupted by an incessant beeping coming from one of the nearby computers. "That's not ominous at all." They said before being cut off once again by a robotic voice. "Entrance to operations building verified. Life Signals: 3, Containment Signals: 17. Welcome to the Zero Gate." The beeping stopped, but the computer did not stop flashing a message ["RESEARCH STATIONS ENTERED. LOCKS DISENGAGED."]
Reading the message, Galaxy frowned. "That's concerning. Come on, we should be able to fly or teleport to Base One from here." The robotic voice seemed to respond on cue. "Teleporters Online: Zero Gate, Research Station 1, Research Station 2, Research Station 4. ERROR Research Station 3 Teleporter has sustained critical damage, currently offline."
Metaliko spoke up "I say let's split up! Three teleporters and three of us!" Galaxy shook his head at the suggestion "But the mons down here are deadly and won't hold back." Nonplussed, Metaliko nodded in confirmation. "Good point, we don't know what's down there!."
"These Pokemon are dangerous, we'll have a better chance at survival staying together. Why not start at Station One?" Nemo suggested. Galaxy and Metaliko nodded in approval. "It would be a good spot to set up a base camp" Galaxy added.
Seemingly hearing them again, the voice sparked to life. "Confirming Teleport Destination: Research Station 1. Is this correct?" The three trainers voiced their affirmation, and the voice spoke again "Confirmed. Link Established. Destination Set. We hope you enjoy your stay."
In a flash, the trio were inside Station 1, and the voice called out to them yet again. "Welcome to: Research Station One. Last visitor: 3 weeks ago". Strewn around the room were various pictures, drawings, and diagrams of Salamence, Mega Salamence, and Roaring Moon. Galaxy and Metaliko began to scan over the pictures as Nemo remarked "Wait. Someone else was down here?"
"Has to have been" Galaxy replied "These weren't here the last time I came down." Metaliko continued shuffling through the pictures, holding one up of Roaring Moon. "What is this thing?" She asked.
"Roaring Moon. A Paradox Pokemon that lives down here." Galaxy started to elaborate further, but was cut off by the crackling of the overhead intercom. What was unmistakably a Tinkatuff began to warble curiously. "I wasn't aware there were Tinkatuff down here…" Galaxy looked to his two companions, who seemed to be just as confused as he was.
"That's another mystery to solve then." Nemo sighed. "Let's move onto Station 2."
"Should we walk or teleport?" Galaxy asked. "Walk" Nemo responded "We want to miss any clues as to where our guy is." The three of them moved to the door, Metaliko pocketing a picture of Roaring Moon. "Keep at least one Pokemon out, just in case." With three quick flashes, Arc, Blaziken, and Dugtrio followed them out the door.
Upon exiting the building, they were immediately staring down a battle between four Slither Wings and a group of Frosmoth. Hearing the door, the Slither Wings turned around to face the Trainers. The Frosmoth took the opportunity to gather their injured comrades and flee.
Releasing his Skarmory, Nemo directed him and his Blaziken to a target each. Arc and Dugtrio moved to face the remaining two. "Aerial Ace and Drill Peck!" Arc launched an aura attack at his target, and Dugtrio aimed an Earth Power at his. The Slither Wings hit by the flying type attacks are knocked out before managing a return strike. The one hit with the Aura attack takes the hit, but is petrified watching two of its companions go down so quickly. The one attacked by Dugtrio gets both feet caught in a crevice in the ground, and struggles to free itself quickly. With a hiss of exertion the trapped Bug type frees itself, and joins its remaining conscious partner in attempting to grab the two knocked out bugs.
"That's it Dugtrio! Hit them with an Earthquake!" Metaliko calls out in triumph. The Slither Wings reel from the impact, their eyes meeting and nodding quickly before the pair Lunge at Dugtrio. "Dig underground!" The bug types miss, taking up basic fighting stances and moving back to back. "Got them, now for a Tri Attack!" The Dugtrio surfaces, attack already charged. It knocks out both remaining Slither Wings handily.
"Is that it?" Nemo asks, Arc nodding as he senses the area around them. A group of Pawmi led by a Pawmot stare dumbstruck at the scene of the battle, quickly fleeing once they realize they've been spotted.
With the sounds of battle dying down, the Trainers are able to hear the chaos overtaking the formerly pristine Area Zero. The cries of Pokemon and the sounds of battle ring from seemingly every direction. Farther in the distance, dull roars and the occasional explosion can be heard, but with so much other noise it's impossible for any of them to determine where it's coming from.
"Anyone else hear that?" Metaliko asks. Her companions nodded grimly, and they began their march to Station 2.