Cipher, an organization that was once secretive and operated using Shadow Pokémon, Pokémon who have had their hearts closed, turning them into non-feeling fighting machines, not even afraid to attack trainers. However, Aria Blaze who worked under an affiliated organization called Team Snagem, decided to fight back and utilized a new device of theirs: the Snag Machine, a machine that turned Pokeballs into Snag Balls, allowing her to snag these Pokémon away from the trainers using them so they could be purified.
It was once thought that after the defeat of Evice, Cipher's activities would cease. However, they have now announced their return to the world and have gotten even stronger than before. Now…our heroes rise again to battle this threat on the world.
The group watched on a map for a few days seeing the rise in evil organization activity running rampant all across the Pokémon world.
"Ever since Cipher's announced return, the villains here have become bold and started causing chaos all over. And it doesn't look like it's stopping anytime soon." Vera said.
"Yeah, it's getting pretty bad down there. But we don't know where to start." David said.
"Unfortunately, we can't start…least not yet." Aria said. "A number of us are good trainers but…you lack the tools needed to fight these guys."
"What do you mean? We have Pokémon." Carmine said.
"She's talking about the Snag Machine. She's the only one that has one." David said.
"Exactly. Which is why we're going to mass produce them to all of us here." Hatsume said.
"What? Just you, Miu, Mari and Entrapta?" Adora said.
"Weisz can help too with his Ether Gear, I mean he did create his Arsenal suit." Shiki said.
"Yeah…but those snag whatevers sound very complicated." Weisz said.
"Which is why we had to bring someone back on." Jexi said.
"You did…" Hope said as the doors opened. "No way.."
"I came as soon as I saw the announcement. So…how can I help?" a figure asked before it was shown to be Tails.
"Tails!" Mari smiled, pulling him into a hug.
"If it isn't our favorite fox." Yuri said.
"Yeah….I was analyzing the Snag Machine awhile back when Aria decided to join us. So of course I was gonna be called in to help." Tails said. "I'm back and ready to provide all I can!"
"Oh what the hell? If the fox is in, so am I." Weisz said.
"Count me in on that." Kazuichi said.
With that, the production team was soon off to get to work.
"Okay…we got snagging covered but there's still purification too. While I can purify these guys, not sure I can purify a whole army." Hope said.
"Don't worry…cause after they finish supplying us with snag machines, they have another device to create…a Purification Machine. It utilizes the energy of the Pokémon in Habitat to purge the darkness within the Shadow Pokémon, returning them to normal." Miles said as he showed the blueprints.
"Wow, did you start planning all this right after that broadcast?" Mark asked.
"Actually, it was on-and-off planning after that Cipher Peon in Kitakami." Aria clarified. "But now that we know the big shots are back, now's the perfect time to get it built."
"So we have all those covered, now…comes the tricky part…the widespread chaos happening worldwide. At least 10 regions have been affected." Vera said. "Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, Paldea and Orre."
"And it's probably from their home teams, right?" Dan asked.
"More than likely." Vera said.
"Cipher has been busy. They must have been planning this for months." Aria said.
"And the villains aren't the only threat." Vera said showing images of trainers attacking other trainers. "Powerful trainers from around the globe have been adding to the chaos. Though, not willingly. Seems the villains have figured out how to utilize Pecharunt's poison for more effective mind control."
"You know, I'm really starting to miss the weird chicken dance." ZS quipped.
"No one else is." the group said.
"I'd want to bleach it out of my mind as soon as possible." David said.
"All we have to do is defeat Pecharunt again to break this, right?" Hope asked.
"Problem is the organization has been keeping Pecharunt's whereabouts a secret." Vera said.
"Given it's Cipher, it's probably being kept in one of their bases in Orre." Aria said. "I think we should send a small team of non trainer spies to try and find these places."
"Did someone say spy?" SE spoke up. "What better spy than a ghost?"
"Hmm…okay…but Espio is coming with you since he can go invisible." Hope said.
"And Revali could go and search from the air." Jexi said.
"Works for me." Revali said.
"A trio should work. What about the attack team…or is that teams?" Scarlet asked.
"While some of the non-trainers will be dividing up to tackle the regions, the actual ones will have to hit each region one at a time. Dan, Tsumugi and Simon will lead the trainers on the Kanto run." Jexi said.
"No complaints here." Tsumugi said.
"Same here." Simon added.
"David, Sectonia. None of us have to ask if you two got the Hoenn run, right?" Hope asked.
"Nah. We wanted to see it for ourselves anyway." David said. "Jude, Leia, I know you two are curious about Kalos and Unova as well, correct?"
"Yeah. I need to know why Lysandre is back." Jude said. "Leia, you think you're going to be okay against Ghetsis?"
"Yeah. Besides, I'm worried about N." Leia said. "Along with Keldeo."
"I'll be heading to Galar. I can't stand by while its in danger." Titanica said. "Plus, Chairman Rose was repentant for his actions after what happened with Eternatus. I need to know if he's with Cipher willingly, or if Pecharunt subdued him with his Binding Mochi."
"I'll go with you." Zacian offered.
"You sure you're gonna be okay, Zacian? Without Reformed Society here, Zamazenta won't be able to accompany you." David said.
"I know. But I'm one of the previous Heroes of Galar. Like Alice, I cannot stand by while this crisis is abound." Zacian said.
"I shall accompany Madamesoille Alice as well." Ash C said.
"Meaning me, Shun'ei and Mark along with Nemona, Arven and Penny will head the Paldea attack team when the time comes." Himiko said.
"All right. We'll all hit Kanto first since it's the one in the most peril right now." Jexi said.
"Where do we start when we get there?" Perfuma asked.
"We'll need to find out what Giovanni's up to as one of Cipher's admins." Hope said.
"Yeah, but knowing he's under Pecharunt's control, he isn't at fault at least." Simon said.
"I don't know about that… It could be possible he was simply biding his time until this very moment." Tsumugi said.
"C'mon Tsumugi, do you really think Giovanni would willingly work under someone else?" Eddy pointed out. "I mean, I guess he could be faking his brainwashing and is looking for a chance to take over, but…eh, could be a little bit of both."
"Guess we'll find out soon enough." Simon said, putting a lollipop in his mouth. "We'll kick his ass either way."
Kanto Region, Vermilion City…
The Galaxy King landed in the harbor as the trainers could look out and see all of the chaos happening.
"Whoa…this…is a lot." Titanica said.
"I know…why isn't Surge doing anything?" Dan asked.
"Uh…I might have a good idea why." Jude said as they saw Lt. Surge taking part in said chaos.
"No way… Surge is in on it?!" Kazuichi said.
"Hold on. I'll scan for Binding Mochi in his system." Kokonoe said, running a diagnostic on Lt. Surge's body. "Yep. He's afflicted by it."
"That's gonna be a pain… can't we whip up a cure for Pecharunt's poison snacks?" Ragna asked.
"If we can get a sample of the poison, yes." Kirumi answered.
"Oh…yeah, we're going have to subdue him for now." Gohan said.
"Right! Dan, Simon, Tsumugi, you're up." Emo pointed at the three. "Get down there and send 'em back to boot camp."
"You're all going too!" Jexi said.
"What? But that meeting…" Titanica said.
"Was to decide leaders…not to divide up the group." Jexi said.
"You guys seem obsessed with the idea for some reason." David said.
"Okay…that's on us." Emo apologized.
"Ah…enemies…" Surge said in a distorted voice. "Attack!" he said, sending out a Kilowattrel.
"Hmm….ah!" Dan said as his comm acted up. "What…"
"It's a new app I just installed in all your comms. The Aura Reader. It can read the aura of living things." Tails said as the group could see the darkness surging around Kilowattrel.
"Whoa… we can see a Shadow Pokémon aura now!" Akane said.
"Well, that makes our lives easier." Scarlet said. "So, what's the plan?"
"Well, us non-trainers don't have Pokémon, so we can't really play by the rules against grunts and trainers." Amethyst said.
"Just focus on any wild Shadow Pokémon you see." Tsumugi ordered.
"Why don't we take this thing for a test drive?" Dan said, holding his new Snag Machine as a ball appeared. He then hurled it right at Kilowattrel, pulling it inside. The ball moved for a bit before clicking. "Yes! It works!"
"Yeah but…" Applejack said as Team Rocket grunts were surrounding them.
"Sorry, chumps. But no one is coming to save ya." one of them said.
"Hydro Pump!"
"Leaf Storm!"
A barrage of water and leaves sent the grunts flying away from the group.
"What the?" Dan said as they looked over to see two familiar female gym leaders with a Vaporeon and Leafeon.
"Misty? Erika?" Ash K said.
"Ash! Didn't expect to see you today!" Misty said. "So, you're with Dan and his friends again?"
"Yeah, I rejoined them a while back. Are things like this all over Kanto?" Ash K asked.
"I'm afraid so. It's all a mess right now." Erika said. "A small number of us trainers have formed a small group to try and reign it in but its not doing well since Red went missing."
"The Elite Four are on the move trying to keep things orderly against the raging Pokémon, but even that's starting to take its toll on them." Misty said.
"Well, we're here now. So we're ready to help however we can." Hope said.
"Thanks…let's regroup inside the Pokémon Center." Erika said.
In the Vermillion City Pokémon Center…
They entered the center to see a few trainers, a notable few being Blue and Lillie.
"Lillie? Why are you here?" Twilight asked.
"I was visiting Kanto after something strange was happening to my mom." Lillie said.
"So what happened to Surge?" Dan asked.
"He was made that way after he was shot up with something. Not just him. Koga, Blaine, Sabrina, and Brock were all hit with it too." Misty said.
"We have no idea what's affecting them. It's definitely a type of poison but…" Blue said. "I've got no data on any poison type who can control people like this."
"We know who's the cause of it. It's this Pokémon called Pecharunt. It uses the poison it makes from its body to control anyone it gets into."
"Yeah. Cipher's using them to brainwash people." Mark added. "As you probably saw from their broadcast, they're trying to take over the world, and so far…it looks like they're doing a good job of it."
"And we still don't know where Red is." Erika said.
"Eh, I'm sure he's around." Eddy said. "Let's start talking about how we're gonna save the world."
"Won't be easy. Giovanni is leading the front while his four admins are prepping things in Johto. Not only that but he's gotten hold of a Mewtwo." Blue said.
"Hmm…where is he right now?" Dan asked.
"He's in Saffron City, running it all from the Silph Co." Misty said. "But they're using some Mr. Mime to create barriers to keep people out."
"Gah, it's always those accursed mimes…" Vegeta growled.
"Yeah you would have problems with them." Dan said. "But it's no big deal…we'll plan a raid on Saffron City and fix all of this."
"We'll help too." Misty said.
"Yeah." Erika added.
"So, what's the plan? Do we just go straight for Saffron City and blitz Giovanni?" Tenko asked.
"No, I think we need to be smart about this. Saffron is closed off due to Mr. Mime protecting it." Adora spoke up. "We need a way inside the city so we can confront him."
"Isnt Sabrina the Gym Leader of Saffron City? If she weren't under Pecharunt's control, maybe she could help us find a way inside." Glimmer said.
"Yeah, but if she is, then we're stuck." Mark said with a grimace. "Ugh, if only we could cure the poison. Last time, it went away after we beat Pecharunt, but now…"
"Wait a second… Maybe we don't need to beat Pecharunt to cure the affected Gym leaders." Adora said. "Sabrina, Blaine, Brock, Lt. Surge and Koga all have Pecharunt's poison in their system. All we need to do is capture one of them, then extract some poison from them."
"If we can study the composition of Pecharunt's poison, then…. We might be able to make an antidote for it!" Mikan said.
"Now that's a good idea! Which one do we hit?" ZS asked.
"Hmm…Surge has probably left the city by now…" Hope said.
"You mentioned Sabrina earlier. She's running an operation with Brock in Mt. Moon." Blue said.
"So we can capture and cure them, and get a way inside Saffron City all in one go. Nice." Lei said.
"One problem. Sabrina is a natural born Psychic, how are we supposed to get the jump on her?" Keebo asked.
"Oh, good point. We'd need someone with no thoughts to read. Just a completely empty head. Almost like it was artificial." Alkaline said as everyone turned to look at him. "...What?"
"You just described yourself in a nutshell." Mermista said nonchalantly.
"Oh….Oh…." Alkaline said.
"Don't worry. We'll be close by if something goes awry." Mark said.
"Something always goes awry!" Alkaline pointed out. "But sure, I can do it. Send me in, coach!"
"Good. So, here's the plan…"
Mt. Moon, Kanto Region…
"Uh…don't like this." Alkaline said as he was heading into the mountain as Mark and Team Go-Go, as well as Dan, stayed close.
"Like I said, we're right behind you." Mark said.
"No, no, I'm cool with facing two Gym leaders, one of whom is psychic. We've dealt with worse." Alkaline clarified. "What I'm talking about is…well…"
The steam golem was garbed in a costume resembling a Geodude.
"Why the heck am I dressed up like this?!" Alkaline asked. "I think this would draw more attention!"
"Well, you can't just go in like you are. Steam golems aren't normal in this world." Dan pointed out.
"So you're going in as a Geodude." Emo said. "They're native to this area. You'll blend in."
"I'm too big to pass as a Geodude! Couldn't you have dressed me like Graveler or something?" Alkaline pointed out.
"There aren't any wild Graveler here." Cap-P said.
"Oh, there aren't any wild Graveler here, they said…" Alkaline muttered in annoyance as he entered the mountain. "Alright, we'll just have to play it by ear."
As the steam golem ventured through the mountain tunnels, he soon spotted Brock and Sabrina leading a mining operation as the controlled trainers were hauling out Moon Stones and fossils.
"Looks like a mining operation…" Alkaline whispered back to the others.
"Man, how many moon Pokémon do they have, to need so many?" Emo asked.
"More than they should have." Cap-P said. "Alkaline, your time to shine is now. Go forth!"
"Ugh, this is so embarrassing…" Alkaline sighed before he curled in on himself and began rolling. "Geodude. Geodude. Geodude."
He moved closer and closer to Sabrina before he jumped and grabbed her.
"Geodude, Geodude!" Alkaline cried out as he rolled away with her back to the group. "Okay, I know I'm a golem, but please tell me I'm dreaming. I refuse to believe that plan actually worked."
"Nope. It actually worked." Dan said.
"...I have…mixed feelings." Alkaline admitted.
"Quick, let's bind her!" Cap-P said as they tied her up as they looked over the balls she was carrying.
"Hmm…looks like the only Shadow Pokémon she had was Kadabra." Dan said.
"I'll take that one." Mark said taking it. "Got a feeling it's one of those species the others were looking for."
"Now let's go before the team inside realizes what's happening." Dan said before they took off.
"We're back!" Alkaline announced as the group returned to the Pokémon Center, Sabrina being carried over the golem's shoulder.
"Great, well do- why are you dressed like a Geodude?" Penny asked.
"...It worked. And I'm sad that it did." Alkaline said blankly as he put Sabrina down on the floor.
"Don't know why he's complaining…Geodude is a cultural ambassador to Iwate Prefecture." David said.
"It's not the fact it's Geodude, it's…ugh, nevermind." Alkaline shook his head. "So, we can synthesize an antidote now, right?"
"Yes. Once it's made, we should be able to cure the other Kanto gym leaders who were affected by Pecharunt, as well as any other Gym Leaders in the other regions." Mikan said. "Chopper, if you don't mind, would you help me?"
"I'm on it." Chopper said.
And so, Mikan and Chopper worked together to create a cure for Pecharunts poison. First, they took a sample of Sabrina's blood to analyze the poison in her bloodstream. After separating the poison from Sabrina's blood sample, they took a look at it.
"Wow… Pecharunts poison is so complex. I can understand why it uses it to make its Binding Mochi." Mikan said.
"But maybe now we can try and use it to compile an antidote." Chopper said.
The two continued to compile and construct until a working antidote was finally created and administered to Sabrina.
"Let's hope this works…" Kieran hoped.
"If Chopper and Mikan were on the job? It'll definitely work." Hope assured.
Sure enough, the Aura from Pecharunt's poison completely dissipated around Sabrina, and she lost the purple color in her eyes.
"Ugh… what… what happened to me?" Sabrina asked.
"It worked!" Misty cheered.
"Science One, Mythical Pokémon Powers Zero!" Rainbow Dash-2 cheered.
"But how did you two know it was even possible to make a cure?" Erika asked.
"It's a poison. While a number of them are fatal, Pecharunt's isn't so there was likely a way to find a cure for it." Chopper said.
"Now we'll be able to cure everyone who Pecharunt poisoned, including Mother!" Lillie said in relief. "Thank you so much, Mikan! You too, Chopper!"
"O-oh… it was nothing, really…." Mikan said nervously.
"Stupid, we're not happy cause you thanked us." Chopper said, dancing a little.
"With the Anti-Pecharunt Serum and Sabrina now back with us, we have everything we need to take it to Giovanni." Adora said.
"What do you mean? What's going on?" Sabrina asked.
"It's like this, Sabrina…" Tsumugi said, as she explained the situation to the Psychic Master, including Giovanni's takeover of her home city, and his front inside Silph Co.
"I see…so you need me to help you in. Those Mr. Mime were probably from my gym. I should be able to get them to drop the barrier." Sabrina said.
"What about the other Gym Leaders? Should we cure them before attacking Giovanni?" Glimmer asked.
"No need…they're likely going to the same place anyway." Tsumugi said.
"Oh, a siege! Cool, we haven't done that in a while!" Mark said.
"Get ready…we strike at dawn." Erika said.