Episode 397: Close Encounters of the Bad Kind
Okay, originally, I was gonna have Mars appear early on, but I thought of having her show up when she raids the Valley Wind Works would work better, and yes, the kid versions of Nurse Joy will show up in it. Anyway, here it is and enjoy.
Shortly after the Jubilife City Contest has reached its conclusion, so Sora, Kairi, Riku, Naminé, Roxas, Xion, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Michael, Pikachu, Angel, Eevee, Azurill, Xipak, Celeste, Marill, Volt, Maple, and Piplup had come to the Pokémon Center to rest a bit before heading off for Oreburgh City. Speaking of which...
"Okay, to get to Oreburgh City from here, it's by going west of Jubilife City and make our way through Oreburgh Gate just on Route 203," Rei said.
"Well, at least we know where to it is," Roxas said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"Yeah, but that leaves us with the strategy to cook up," Lucas said.
"I think I can help you out with that, Lucas," Riku said. They all looked at Riku.
"Yeah, Riku? How?" Ash asked.
"Well, on the way over here, Naminé and I overheard some Trainers talking about the Oreburgh City City Gym, and we were told that the Gym Leader uses Rock-type Pokémon," Riku said.
"So, it should narrow down on what type of Pokémon for you to use," Naminé said.
"That actually works out. My Turtwig is a Grass-type, my Piplup is a Water-type, and my Riolu is a Fighting-type, so it works out for me," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"I have some Grass and Water-types to use, too," Roxas said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"Then, you're already well on your way," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Hey, Sora, wouldn't Pikachu's Iron Tail be enough since Rock-types are weak against Steel-type moves?" Dawn asked.
"You're right to bring that up, Dawn. But there are strong chances the Gym Leader's Rock-types are also Ground-types. I remember Brock having a Geodude and an Onix. Those are Rock and Ground-types. And there was Roxanne who also has a Geodude," Sora said.
"And that's why having a Grass-type or a Water-type Pokémon is the one way to counter them since it's a known fact Rock and Ground-types are weak against Grass and Water-types," Brendan said.
"Yeah, but I remember the stories you told me about your last journeys. You had a hard time even with a Grass-type or a Water-type," Chase said.
"Pikachu," Volt said.
"That's true," Sora said.
"So, you three will have plenty of time to train for the upcoming Gym battle after we have a night's worth of sleep," Rei said.
"Alright," the group said in unison.
"Well, after the thrill of the Contest, I could really use it," Dawn said.
"You get no argument from me, Dawn," Michael said.
With that said, the group all fell asleep and drifted off to their dreams.
Meanwhile, a squad of people have arrived to Jubilife City by truck. As they were parking, a police officer knocked on the driver's side window. The driver lowered the window a little bit.
"Something the matter, officer?" A woman's asked from inside.
"Look, lady, I don't know what this could be about, but you cannot park here," the police officer said.
"I'm only making a delivery," the woman said,
"In the middle of the night and not within business hours?" The police officer asked.
"Yeah! You got it," the woman said.
"And where is the delivery being made?" The police officer asked.
"Uh, that is a need-to-know basis," the woman said.
"I think you're hiding something," the police officer said.
"Hiding something? What gives you that idea?" The woman asked.
"Because a ligit delivery person would mention the place he was making a delivery to a place. So, I ask again. Where are you making the delivery to?" The police officer asked.
"I'm not at liberty to answer," the woman said.
"Yeah? Why don't you hand me your ID," the police demanded.
"I don't need to give my personal information to you," the woman said.
"Okay, missy, how about you step out of the vehicle," the police officer said. Just then, silk suddenly wraps around him. "Hey! What the hell is going on?!" The woman stepping out is revealed to be a member of Team Galactic. She wore the same silver and black outfit and her hair is turquoise. Several more Team Galactic grunts came with some Beautifly and Dustox. It turns out that the Beautifly and Dustox were responsible for the
"It's about time. I told you to keep your eyes opened for police," the female Team Galactic grunt said.
"We did, but we didn't count on this one," one of the male Team Galactic grunts said.
"You're all Team Galactic! You're all under arrest for-" the police officer is silenced when one of the Beautifly shot a String Shot over his mouth.
"We cannot have any interference from the likes of you, can we?" Another male Team Galactic grunt asked. The first female Team Galactic grunt made contact with HQ.
"This is Solar Flare Leader. We have arrived to Jubilife City as requested. We only need to wait for Professor Rowan to arrive," the female Team Galactic grunt said.
Meanwhile, over in an unknown location, Saturn has received the transmission.
"Excellent Solar Flare. You may proceed," Saturn said.
"Acknowledged, Commander Saturn," the leader of Solar Flare said, breaking contact. "Listen up, everyone. As you know, Professor Rowan is arriving here from Sandgem Town. His research of Sinnoh's legendary Pok# 233mon is the reason we need him. In particular, Palkia, Dialga, along with the Lake Guardians. These Pokémon are the keys we need to meet our ultimate goal. The professor's knowledge will prove useful to us and we will have the information we need. And we will have it, even if we have to use force."
On the next morning, Professor Rowan had arrived to Jublife City and to the local lab where a scientist is seen greeting the Pokémon professor of Sinnoh.
"Ah, Professor Rowan. Good of you to come. We have been expecting you," the scientist said.
"Yes, when we spoke over the phone, you told me you wanted my research on Darkrai and Cresselia if I'm not mistaken," Professor Rowan said.
"Yes. I'm sure our new batch of scientists would be thrilled to hear your theories of these legendary Pokémon," the scientist said.
Unknown to anyone, a Team Galactic grunt was watching from a distance, so he made contact.
"I have eyes on our target. I am transmitting coordinates, now," the Team Galactic grunt said.
"Good. Monitor the professor until we arrive," the Solar Flare leader said.
"Understood," the male Team Galactic grunt said.
Meanwhile, the group were starting to gather some supplies before they could take off for Oreburgh City.
"Okay, what we need is some food, and everyday things like soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Oh, and we mustn't forget dental floss," Kairi said, going over the list.
"Gotcha covered," Xion said, holding some floss.
"Alright, we also need some ingredients for some Pokmon food and some poitions, antidotes, and other medicines," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"That sounds about right," Ash said.
"Alright, we'll meet back here in the Pokémon Center once we have what we need. Also, we call one another if we see any Heartless, Nobodies, Unversed, or anything else," Sora said.
"Got it," the group said in unison as they went off in different directions.
Sorrel stepped out of the Pokémon Center.
"Sora, you don't mind if I go out on my own for a bit, do you? I feel I should catch up on my research," Sorrel said.
"Not a problem, Sorrel. But we should definitely hang again when we meet each other again," Sora said.
"I strongly agree," Sorrel said, shaking Sora's hand. So, Sorrel has taken his leave to continue on with his own journey. Sora and Kairi knew they would see Sorrel again at some point, but they had to focus on getting some supplies for now.
Roxas, Xion, Xipak, and Celeste had bumped into Tai, Matt, Sora T, Izzy, Joe, Mimi, TK, Kari, Davis, Ken, Yolei, Cody, Meiko, Amy, and Little Mei when they separated from the group just to pick up supplies.
"Hey, guys," Roxas greeted.
"Good to see you," Xion said.
"Same thing, Roxas, Xion," Mimi said.
"You don't mind if we hang out with you again, do you?" Davis asked.
"I don't mind. Do you, Xion?" Roxas asked.
"I have always liked having you around," Xion said.
"Pikachu," Xipak said.
"Eevee," Celeste said.
"If it's okay with you, I would like to have some practice battles with you sometime," Roxas said.
"Sure. Anytime, Roxas," Matt said.
"All you gotta do is ask," Sora T said.
"We will," Xion said.
"Eevee!" Celeste said.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Team Galactic grunts had arrived. They took out some Pokéballs and opened. Out came some Croagunk, Beautifly, Dustox, Zubat, Golbat, Glameow, Skorupi, and some new Pokémon.
One is a small, skunk-like Pokémon with dark-purple fur. Its face is large and rounded, with a narrow orange nose, orange-rimmed eyes, and two pairs of somewhat "V"-shaped cream-colored whiskers on the sides of its face. It has two pointed ears that appear orange on the inside. A stripe of cream-colored fur runs along its back from the neck to the tail, with a small tuft protruding from the base of the neck. Its tail is raised high and ends with spiked hair pointed behind it. It has a cream-colored underbelly, and four short legs, that end in paws with three small, white claws. This Pokémon is known as Stunky.
Another is a flat, circular, blue-green Pokémon. Six dark blue spheres bulge from its rim. It has two round, yellow eyes and a large nose-like sphere surrounded by four small circles in its center. A crest resembling an herb or branch is on its back. This Pokémon is known as Bronzor.
"Move in," the Solar Flare leader said. The Team Galactic grunts complied with their leader and entered the lab. She turned to two of the grunts. "You two, gaurd the entrance. No one gets in, no one gets out." They stayed and gaurd the entrance. A security guard comes out.
"Hey, you can't just-" the security guard was cut off when a Stunky sprayed a foul-smelling odor, making him gag. A Dustox fired String Shot on him, wrapping him up.
The Team Galactic grunts entered a room. The scientists were being overpowered by their Pokémon.
"What is the meaning of this?" The head scientist asked.
"We are here to speak with Professor Rowan," the Solar Flare leader said.
"And what is this all about" Professor Rowan asked.
"Just about your research on the legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh: Palkia, Dialga, and the Lake Guardians," the Solar Flare leader said.
"Why would you want with that kind of research?" Professor Rowan asked.
"That is for us to know," the Solar Flare leader said.
Inside, a little girl is hiding under a table as the Team Galactic grunts were rounding everyone up. She was there with her mother, and she had been hidden ever since they came. The little girl has black hair, fair skin, and blue eyes. She wore a pink dress with a frilly skirt and wore black shoes with white socks. She managed to find a back door and sneak out before they noticed her being gone. She ran to find some help. She saw Roxas, Xion, Xipak, and Celeste as they went to meet up with Sora and the rest.
Everyone met back at the Pokémon Center after they got the supplies they needed.
"Is everyone ready?" Sora asked.
"We got everything we need," Ash said.
"Awesome," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Now, we can..." Sora paused when he saw the little girl. "Look." They saw the girl running up to the group.
"Please, help me," the girl said.
"What's wrong?" Sora asked.
"And what are you doing here by yourself?" Rui asked.
"I came running, looking for help because my mommy is in trouble," the little girl said.
"What kind of trouble, sweetie?" Kris asked.
"I don't know what is going on exactly, but some scary people came to the lab and they sent out their Pokémon to grab everyone, even my mommy," the little girl said.
"Scary people?" Lucas asked.
"Sounds like we got trouble," Ethan said.
"Sure do," Lyra agreed.
"Rill," Marill said.
"Okay, how about you tell us what happened?" Sora asked.
"My mommy is a scientist working at the lab. She brought me over to the lab so I would see where she works, but then some scary people came and had their Pokémon attack everyone. My mommy told me to hide, so they got her. When I saw they weren't around, I snuck out the back door after I saw it. They told me only to use it in case of an emergency, and when I did, I thought I'd go and find some help, like the police," the little girl explained.
"Well, it was a good thing you got away," May said.
"And it was a good thing we didn't leave yet either," Leaf said.
"Okay, what do these 'scary people look like? What clothes do you remember them wearing?" Riku asked.
"I saw that they looked like they're from the moon," the little girl said.
"From the moon?" Naminé asked. The little girl nodded.
"Alright, kid, you think you can lead us to where you saw these moon people?" Kairi asked.
"This way," the girl said, leading them to the lab. They arrived and they saw the Team Galactic grunts.
"I take it that they're the moon people," Lucas said.
"They've got some Zubat, Golbat, Croagunk, Glameow, Beautifly, Dustox, and some other Pokémon I've never seen before," Leaf said.
"Better get some info," Sora said, taking out his Rotom Phone and scanned the skunk-like Pokémon.
Stunky, the Skunk Pokémon
Type: Poison/Dark
To protect itself from attackers, Stunky sprays a foul-smelling odor from its rear end, driving the attacker away. The stench that lingers lasts for 24 hours of being sprayed.
"Well, that stinks, no pun intended, so let's check out the other ones," Sora said, moving his Rotom Phone on the scorpion-like Pokémon.
Skorupi, the Scorpion Pokémon
Type: Poison/Bug
It grips prey with its tail claws and injects poison into it. It tenaciously hangs on until the poison takes its toll.
Sora moves it on the floating Pokémon.
Bronzor, the Bronze Pokémon
Type: Steel/Psychic
They are found in ancient tombs. The patterns on their backs are said to be imbued with mysterious power.
"That answers that. Lucas, Dawn, you know who these jokers are?" Sora asked.
"Not a clue," Lucas said.
"I've never seen them before, but if they're here to cause trouble, then it's a good thing we're here," Dawn said.
"We could just storm right in," Chase said.
"Pikachu," Volt said.
"Through the front? No, but she did say there's a back door," Michael said.
"Michael's right. We can use that," Elaine said.
"Eevee," Maple said.
"It's this way," the little girl said, leading the group to the back door. "See?"
"Guess those spacemen has a blindspot," Ash said.
"We can take them by surprise if they hadn't found it yet," Riku said.
"Right," Sora agreed, looking at the rest of the team. Everybody get your Pokémon ready. That includes you and you," Sora said, gesturing to Lucas and Dawn.
"Let's do this thing," Riku said, letting out his Pokémon, which consisted of a Lucario, a Staravia, and a new Pokémon. This Pokémon is a feline, quadrupedal Pokémon resembling a young lynx or lion. Blue and black fur cover most of its body. Its ears, face, hind paws, and front half of its body are blue, while its hindquarters are black. Additionally, it has a tufty black mane surrounding its face. The insides of its rounded ears are yellow, as are its eyes. There are two yellow rings around each front leg and a yellow, four-point star on the tip of its tail. This Pokémon is known as Luxio.
"You'll have to stay here until it's safe. We don't want to risk you being caught by them," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"But I-" the girl said.
"Sorry, but she's right. It's too dangerous for you," May said.
"We'll be back before you know it," Wes said.
"Okay," Wes said.
The group entered inside with their chosen Pokémon.
"Okay, we'll be easily spotted if we stay together. We'll have to break into smaller groups and deal with them," Sora said.
"How is it gonna go down, fearless leader?" Chase asked.
"Okay, Riku, you take Ash, Leaf, Ethan, and Elaine with you and go that way. Roxas, you take Xion, Naminé, Kris, Lyra, and Brendan with you and go that way. The rest of you are with me and Kairi," Sora said.
"I like the sound of that," May said.
"Let's go," Riku said.
"Vee," Eevee said.
With that said, Sora's squad consisting of May, Chase, Wes, Rui, Michael, Lucas, and Dawn. Riku's squad consisted of Ash, Leaf, Ethan, and Elaine as Roxas's squad consisted of Xion, Naminé, Kris, Lyra, and Brendan.
Sora's squad have made their way through the halls as the Team Galactic grunts spotted them.
"Hey, how did you kids get in here?" One of the grunts asked.
"So much for splitting up," Chase said.
"It doesn't even matter, because we would have been spotted anyway," Wes said.
"Okay, guys! Attack!" Sora shouted.
"Starly! Quick Attack!" Sora and Kairi ordered. The two Starly dashed at the Bat Pokémon.
"Piplup! Bubble Beam! Buneary! Ice Beam!" Dawn ordered. Piplup and Buneary fired Bubble Beam and Ice Beam, hitting the Croagunk and Glameow.
"Dustox, Beautifly! Poison Sting!" The grunts ordered. The Beautifly and Dustox fired Poison Sting at their enemies.
"Blaziken! Fire Blast!" May ordered. Blaziken fired a Fire Blast, pushing the Poison Sting combo back and hitting the final evolved forms of Wurmple.
"Okay, Volt! Use Pika Papow!" Chase ordered. Volt unleashed a Pika Papow and struck one of the Golbat.
"Jolteon! Shock Wave!" Michael ordered. Jolteon fired Shock Wave, shocking the Zubat.
"Espeon! Psychic! Umbreon! Dark Pulse!" Wes ordered.
"Plusle! Use Helping Hand!" Rui ordered.
As Espeon and Umbreon fired their attacks, Plusle does a Helping Hand, boosting up Espeon and Umbreon.
"Chimchar! Flame Wheel!" Lucas ordered. Chimchar plowed right into a Dustox.
Over to Riku's squad, the Team Galactic grunts had their Pokémon attack.
"Skorupi! Poison Sting! Stunky! Sludge Bomb!" One of the grunts ordered. The Skorupi and Stunky fired their attacks.
"Eevee! Shadow Ball! Luxio! Thunder Fang! Staravia! Use Steel Wing!" Riku ordered. Eevee fired Shadow Ball as Luxio came at a Stunky with Thunder Fang and Staravia lands a Steel Wing on a Skorupi.
"Charizard! Mega Punch!" Ash ordered.
"Venusaur! Vine Whip!" Leaf ordered.
"Typhlosion! Flamethrower!" Ethan ordered.
"Maple! Use Veevee Volley!" Elaine ordered.
Charizard, Venusaur, Typhlosion, and Maple unleashed their attacks and land a hit on their opponents.
Over to Roxas's squad, they battled the Team Galactic like the other two.
"Delcatty! Use Shadow Ball! Bronzor! Psywave!" One of the grunts ordered. The Glameow fired a Shadow Ball at the opposing Pokémon as the Bronzor unleashed a magenta psychic energy.
"Xipak! Thunderbolt!" Roxas ordered.
"Celeste! Swift!" Xion ordered.
"Azurill! Water Gun!" Naminé ordered.
"Wani-Wani! Hydro Pump!" Kris ordered.
"Marill! Bubble Beam!" Lyra ordered.
"Sceptile! Seed Bomb!" Brendan ordered.
Their Pokémon launched their attacks on the Team Galactic Pokémon.
Back with Sora's squad, they managed to fight their way the Team Galactic Pokémon and made it to the main lab. They saw Professor Rowan with the Solar Flare leader.
"Professor Rowan!" Sora exclaimed.
"Sora, Kairi, Lucas, Dawn. How unexpected to see you again," Professor Rowan said.
"Do you mind?! The professor and I have some important matters to discuss," the Solar Flare leader said.
"I don't know what you have planned for Professor Rowan, but you're not going to get away with it!" Sora said.
"Is that so? We're going to see about that," the Solar Flare leader said, taking out two Pokéballs and threw them both. Sneasel, Dusclops! Go!" The Pokéballs opened and out came a female Sneasel and a Dusclops.
"Sora, you think I can battle alongside you?" Lucas asked.
"If that's what you want," Sora said. Pikachu and Chimchar looked at each other and nodded.
"Sneasel! Use Scratch on Pikachu! Dusclops! Night Shade on Chimchar!" The Solar Flare leader ordered.
"Dodge it!" Sora and Lucas called out. Pikachu and Chimchar dodged their ooponents' attacks.
"Thunderbolt on Dusclops!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt and lands a hit on Dusclops.
"Chimchar! Use Power-Up Punch on Sneasel!" Lucas ordered. Chimchar lands a Power-Up Punch, hitting Sneasel and increasing his attack. "Now, use Flame Wheel!" Chimchar plowed into Sneasel with Flame Wheel, landing some additional damage.
"Shadow Punch on Chimchar! Icy Wind on Pikachu!" The Solar Flare leader ordered. Dusclops gave Chimchar a hit on Chimchar and Sneasel blew an Icy Wind on Pikachu. Both Pokémon had taken a hit. "Use Slash on Pikachu!"
"Iron Tail!" Sora ordered. Pikachu swings his tail at the female Sneasel, dealing some heavy damage. "Lucas, let's end this at the same time!"
"You just read my mind," Lucas said. He took in a deep breath. "Okay, Chimchar! Use Ember!"
"Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered.
Pikachu and Chimchar unleashed Thunderbolt and Ember, combining the fire and electricity. Both Sneasel and Dusclops were struck hard by the powerful combo, resulting in a double knockout.
"We won," Lucas said. She called back her two Pokémon and made contact with the other grunts.
"Attention, all squad members! The battle is lost! Retreat!" The Solar Flare leader ordered. She turned to Sora and Lucas. "Savor your victory while you can, but you hadn't seen the last of us. This is a warning. Stay out of our way or suffer the consequences." The Solar Flare leader took off along with the rest of the Team Galactic grunts.
Officer Jenny was arriving on the scene, but she came too late since the Team Galactic grunts got away.
Back inside, the group reunited as they gathered.
"Are you alright, professor?" Elaine asked.
"Yes, I am thanks to you," Professor Rowan said.
"You know who those people were?" Kairi asked.
"I cannot say that I do, but for some reason, they wanted my research on the legendary Pokémon, Palkia, Dialga, and the Lake Guardians, but that woman did not say why," Professor Rowan said.
"What do you think, Sora?" Roxas asked.
"I have a feeling those guys will show themselves to us again. I just know it," Sora said.
There was quite a crowd gathering outside, and the DigiDestined was among the people gathered outside the lab. The little girl from earlier was reunited with her mother/ She was glad her daughter was safe. They stepped out of the lab.
"Ketchum, what happened in there?" Tai asked.
"Well, it's like this, Tai. We were about to head off for Oreburgh City when we were told about some spacemen attacking the lab, so we had to rush on over, and they wanted Professor Rowan's research on legendary Pokémon," Sora explained.
"Spacemen?" Kari asked.
"I think I know who you're talking about," Officer Jenny said, approaching them. They all looked at the policewoman. "Judging by the description of these 'spacemen', I can only guess you had a run-in with Team Galactic," Officer Jenny said.
"Team Galactic?" Everyone all asked in unison.
"Yes. In the Sinnoh region, there is a criminal organization calling itself Team Galactic. They had resurfaced only recently, but they made it clear that they're out there," Officer Jenny explained.
"Team Galactic. What is it that they could want?" Sora asked.
Meanwhile, the Solar Flare squad had made their successful escape from the police when Saturn made contact with them.
"Saturn to Solar Flare squad. Report. Were you successful in your mission?" Saturn asked.
"Unfortunately, no, Commander Saturn. We had Professor Rowan in our custody very briefly, but we had some interference from an outside source. My squad has described to me it was a band of Pokémon Trainers," the Solar Flare leader reported.
"I see. Return to base immediately," Saturn said.
"Yes, sir," the Solar Flare leader said, breaking contact.
In the distant location, Saturn sighed to himself.
"I was not expecting this to happen," Saturn said.
"Would that be the Solar Flare squad's failure, Saturn?" Charon asked.
"Charon, I told you to remain in your lab," Saturn strictly said. Charon just snickered. "I will not tell you a second time."
"I only came here to inform you that the next piece of the puzzle we need is over in the Valley Windworks, just outside of Floaroma Town," Charon said.
"Is that right. Then, I will inform our leader of this development since I was about to make my report to him anyway," Saturn said.
"Do you believe your next plans will triumph?" Charon asked.
"It will. Our goal to creating the world depends on it. After this fiasco, a single mistake is something that we cannot afford," Saturn said. He stands up. "Now, if you excuse me." He stood up and went off to his boss's office. Once he has arrived, he knocked on the door.
"Enter," the voice from inside said. Saturn entered and there was Cyrus who is looking out his window. "Saturn, I trust you have something to report to me."
"Yes, Master Cyrus. I regret to inform you that our plans to abduct Professor Rowan for his research on the Lake Guardians, Dialga, and Palkia has failed," Saturn reported.
"There is no room for regret, Saturn," Cyrus said.
"I'm sorry, sir. But there is more. There next key we need to make our new world a reality may be in the Valley Windworks, just outside of Floaroma Town. After our failure, I strongly recommend we carefully plan this attack," Saturn suggested.
"Very well, Saturn. You may plan it," Cyrus said.
"Yes, Master Cyrus. I will make the necessary arrangements at once," Saturn said, taking his leave. Cyrus continued to look out his window.
"I will create a world that is not tainted by the frailties as emotions and spirit. A pure world," Cyrus said.
Now that Sora, Kairi, and their friends now knows about Team Galactic, what are these keys Saturn mentioned before, and what did Cyrus mean by a world without emotions and spirit? Only time knows the answer to that, so stay tuned if you wanna find out.