AN: I mentioned this before, if you don't like the story then don't read it. This is how I wanted things to be and how the story I want to write. I've already had enough stress in my life and don't need it anymore, this story is one of my stress relievers, and don't want to abandon it. Thank you to those who read and appreciate it, for those who hate it, don't bother reading. This is supposed to be fun and relaxing nothing grand.

Ch 112 Unlikely Allies

Team Aqua Hideout

It wasn't even an hour, but the Grunts of Team Aqua glared at the group.

"(What's Steven Stone doing here?)" One Male Grunt asked another,

"(I don't think him being here is a good thing…)" One Female Grunt added, glaring hard at the group. "(Especially with that Brat who been getting in both our and Team Magma's way.)" She stated,

"(I don't know what's going on, but I heard that Leader Archie has sent Shelly to meet with them.)" Another Grunt added, whispering to the others.

Both Brendan and N could hear the whispers and the grumbling around them. The young trainer looks up at the former King of Team Plasma. "(I could hear everyone grumbling about us being here.)" He said, knowing why's that.

"Seems like you've earned their ire, Brendan." N chuckles, understanding how these Grunts are feeling. "Something Helena also did when she was visiting Unova," He said, remembering how the Grunts of Team Plasma were.

The young trainer looks at N, smiling at him. "I guess you have some experience with this thing?" He asked the green-haired trainer.

N could only reply with a chuckle, he shifted his eyes to Brendan and answered his question. "You could say that," He said, leaving the question a bit vague.

Steven looks around, seeing he wasn't welcomed here. He looks at Shelly who was kind enough to show the way into the Base. "Seems like our present isn't welcomed."

Shelly sighs, seeing her attitude before wasn't proper for someone. She turned her head, speaking to the Hoenn Champion. "Well, I'm sure you understand why is that, Mr. Stone." She said, "Before, we were at odds with both the Pokemon League and Team Magma."

"What changed, if you don't mind telling us?" Steven asked the Team Aqua Admin.

The dark-haired Woman looks forward, seeing how they have good intentions. However, they were doing it all wrong. "The Battle at the Weather Institute, I was tasked to retrieve information about how Kyogre was going to expand. Unsurprisingly, Tabitha already got there before I could do anything, but I did read what he simulated and a few adjustments; I did the same thing with Kyogre."

"Our goal is to expand the Sea so the Water-type Pokemon can have a better place to live," Shelly explains what Team Aqua's plan was for a good cause. "However, upon reading data about both Legendary Pokemon. I soon realized that Kyogre can indeed achieve what Archie wishes for along with Maxie and Groudon."

"But, it wouldn't have it's cost." The Team Aqua Admin said, admitting they were wrong. "For the Sea or Land to expand, a lot of Pokemon will be sacrificed before that dream can really begin," Shelly said to them,

Shelly looks at the Grunts who returned to their tasks. "I gave Archie the data and explained things to him about our goals." She said, "After reading the data, he decided to stop our progress to wake Kyogre and shifted our plans to stop Team Magma."

"Please forgive my outburst earlier, we were in necks deep with everything." Shelly turned around and apologized to the group, "With you showing up, the stress was at its boiling point."

N looked at Shelly, wondering what they were busy with. "I wonder, what are you exactly doing?" He asked,

Shelly turns back around, continuing to lead the way for them. "I'm not the right person to talk to. Archie will explain what we're doing." She said, leading them to where Archie was at.

The group entered through the door where they were greeted by a Pirate's Cove filled with Riches and Water. A tanned bearded Man wearing a blue Diving Suit was situated at the end.

Next to him was a Machamp, helping him by holding tablets filled with information. Underneath him was a Sharpedo swimming around with a Kingdra and Gyarados.

Walking further in, they were met by a large shirtless tanned Man. He wore what was left of a Diving Suit, on his chest was an enlarged Team Aqua's Logo for all to see. "Shelly, you brought the Champion with you." Matt, another of Team Aqua's Admin spoke to his fellow Admin.

Shelly smiled, looking at Matt. "Yes, they mean no harm or harm to disrupt our plans, Matt." The dark-haired Woman said, already heard their intentions. "I know this is personal between Teams, but I believe that we can come to a compromise. Let us speak to Archie about it."

The large Man looked at the Champion and the other two. His eyes shift to Brendan, chuckling to himself, "Well, I never thought the trainer who foils our plans comes to us for help." Matt smiled, and couldn't help but find it funny.

"Look, I understand how you guys feel about me," Brendan said, looking at the Man who he Battled many times before Archie. "But there is something else that is more important." He said,

Matt nodded, also seeing other things were pressing now. "Matt, let them through." The Large trainer turns to their Leader, looking above the tablet.

"Yes Sir," Matt steps aside, letting Steven, N, and Brendan through.

Steven looks at N and Brendan, "You two, I'll handle the talking. This is my responsibility as Helena's Fiancé and Hoenn Champion." He said, walking to meet with Archie.

N and Brendan nodded, watching as the Steel-blue haired Man took charge and looked at Archie.

Archie placed down his tablet, looking at Steven as he looked back at him. "I should've expected that you might show up," The Leader of Team Aqua greeted the Champion with open arms.

"Steven Stone, the famous Champion of the Hoenn Region." Archie greeted him, placing his elbow on his knee and his head leaning on his arm. "What do I owe this pleasure for this rare visit?" He asked the young Father, giving him his attention.

Steven looks dead-on into Archie's eyes, "I know before we didn't get along, considering that you aim to expand the Sea and Team Magma aims to expand the Land." He spoke, giving his opening words to him. "However, from what your Admin said, you abandoned that goal,"

Archie nodded, eyeing Shelly who convinced him to do so. "Yes, she did. It took some time but she finally broke through to me." He said, aware that Shelly was smiling.

"Archie…" The dark-haired Woman spoke softly,

"I'm not going to risk the lives of innocent Pokemon for a dream with high risks," Archie said, leaning back in his chair. "Team Aqua's goal is to help Pokemon to live better lives. If our goal is risking the peace they have right now, then we're the ones who should be blamed." He stated, turning his head as he placed his hand over his mouth.

"But that…Maxie…damn fool is taking that risk. He's the one who'll take the risk even if it's high." Archie cursed his Rival Leader, seeing him as a fool.

Steven smiled, allowing them to protect Pokemon and People from Team Magma's mistake. "Then we can rectify it if we work-"

Archie raised his hand at the Champion, standing from his throne. "Before you go on and proclaim that we should work together." He grins at the Champion, wanting something in return before working together. "Do me a favor and Battle me,"

"WHAT!?" Everyone but Steven and N knew this outcome was a possibility.

Steven remained calm and proceeded to speak. "Is it because you want to see what I can do?" He asked the Leader of Team Aqua,

Archie gave a fumbled expression at the Champion, "What!? No, I just want to face the Champion in a Pokemon Battle." He stated his reasons why he wanted to Battle Steven. "Not every day you have a Champion right in front of you." He said, always wanting to Battle a Champion.

Steven sighs, about to accept the challenge.

"Um, Steven?" Steven turns around to Brendan, hearing him calling his Name. "Are you sure we have time for a Battle?" Brendan asked, wanting to make sure if a Battle was good now.

The Hoenn Champion smiled at his Friend/Apprentice, "Take this as a lesson, Brendan." Steven said, taking out his Pokeball. "Sometimes, when you need something then you better prepare to fight for it."

N nodded, agreeing with what Steven said to some extent.

Archie smiled, walked off from his throne, and stood before Steven. "Sharpedo, set sail!" He snaps his fingers as the Water/Dark-type Pokemon burst from the Water beneath them.

"Sharpedo!" The Brutal Pokemon roared out, ready to Battle,

Steven saw the Sharpedo, on his fin was a chain similar to Archie's. However, on the side was a white stone with a blue and golden flame within it. "A Sharpedoite."

"Yep, found it while diving. Now, let's see what you're bringing out!" Archie said loudly, wanting to start the Battle.

The Hoenn Champion smirks, taking out his Partner's Pokeball. "Metagross, let's go-"

Just when Steven was about to send out his Partner. A Grunt entered in a panic, "Leader Archie! We have a problem!" He exclaims,

Archie halted, looking at his Subordinate who entered the room. "What is it? Can't you see we're in the middle of something?" He motions to their Pokemon ready to Battle.

"I-I'm sorry, Sir. But our informant sent word Team Magma is setting out now!" The Grunt relayed the information from their informant within the ranks of Team Magma.

Everyone was surprised and a bit panicked, Archie growls as he mumbles under his breath. "(Damnit, I thought we have time.)" He shook his head and looked at Steven. "Tell everyone we're setting out as soon as possible!" He looks over to his two trusted Admins,

"Matt, prepare our Submarine. Based on the information, Maxie ought to be heading near the Sea Floor next to Sootoplis City." Archie commanded his Admin, getting out his Pokeball.

"Yes Sir!" Matt salutes before going off to do his tasks.

The Leader of Team Aqua looks at Shelly, has an important task for her. "Shelly, get these three comfortable in our Sub. Supply them the works," Archie said, turning to Steven and the others.

"Mr. Hoenn Champion, I'm afraid our Battle will be put on hold," Archie said to the Hoenn Champion.

Steven nodded, putting away Metagross's Pokeball. "Yes, I can see that." He turns to his two Companions with him.

"We heard, Steven," N said, already prepared to leave when they left Mossdeep City. "We're both ready." He spoke for Brendan and himself,

Brendan nodded, agreeing with what the former King of Team Plasma said. Steven smiled at the two, before turning to Shelly who walked over to them. "Mr. Stone, I'll help you get ready for our departure. Follow me," She said, leading them to where they kept the Diving Suits.

Team Magma's Base, Hanger Bay

Helena walked forward as the two Grunts led her to the Hanger Bay. Paulo was in front of her, seeing that he couldn't exactly do anything with his Father's subordinate around.

Arriving at the Hangar Bay, Helena's eyes drew forward. What she saw was both unsurprising and shocking at the same time.

In the middle of the Hangar was the stolen Submarine from Slateport City, something unsurprising. However, the shocking part is that they painted the Sub to resemble Camerupt, at the front of it was a giant drill that could break anything.

"So they're really going to do it," Helena said, biting her lips, arriving at the Submarine's boarding side.

Standing at the entrance to the Sub was none other than Maxie, along with his two trusted Admins. Courtney and Tabitha,

Maxie turns to their new arrivals, stepping forward to greet them. "Amazing, isn't Professor Potter? Not only did we achieve a method to travel down to a place no Man has ever been to." The Leader of Team Magma spoke, his eyes then shifted to his Son. "Paulo, prepare a place for Professor Potter in the Submarine."

"Y-Yes, Father," Paulo said, turning to his Mentor, having a plan for this.

Helena could tell Paulo was planning something, she did her best not to acknowledge him as she looked at the red-haired Man. "You're really doing it, aren't you, Maxie?"

Maxie gave a confident smile, answering her statement. "I told you Professor, this is for the betterment of a prosperous Future." He reminded her what he said. "You should be pleased, your work and Research have made this all possible." He said, turning around to board the Submarine.

Helena was completely displeased with this, regardless she needs to play out as their Captive until the end. Then she can Paulo could have a chance to stop this.

The two Grunts escorted Helena inside the Submarine, passing by Tabitha who took notice of her displeased expression. This gave pause as he entered the Submarine.

Courtney followed suit before freezing into place. A vision of two Giant Pokemon rose from the Sea, both Battling each other out over dominance. In the midst of this were Maxie and the others, their face was distraught and filled with fear.

The violet-haired Woman gasps, not sure what she just saw. "Courtney," The Team Magma Admin looks at her fellow Admin, hearing him call her Name. "It's time to go- did you see something in the Future?" Tabitha asked,

Courtney was unsure what she saw, shaking her head. "It's just a prediction, nothing to be concerned over, Tabitha." She said, heading to inform their Leader of her prediction.

Tabitha knew Courtney wouldn't delve into what she saw. The fact she only confided to Maxie and not anyone else is peeving. His intuition was yelling at him that something wasn't right,

Realizing that there is another way to find some answers, he turns to Helena who came with the same result as he did in the Weather Institute. At that moment, Tabitha decided it was time to act,

Inside the Submarine, Helena was situated in a well-guarded chair. Paulo was behind her and was keeping an eye on the two Grunts.

The dirty-blonde-haired Boy saw Tabitha walking over to them, he quickly patted Helena's shoulder. "(Professor,)" Paulo whispered to gain her attention.

Helena could hear Paulo calling for her, her eyes shifted to the large Man who was speaking with his eyes to them. She blinks, realizing what he was saying, "(Professor? What is it?)" Paulo whispered,

"(That Man, Tabitha. I think he wants to confirm something with me.)" The black-haired Woman said, answering her Apprentice's question. "(Will you-)"

Paulo nodded as he went over to the Admin and began asking him questions.

While the young trainer spoke to Tabitha, Brodie who was already inside the Submarine began to speak. "Leader Maxie, we're all set to depart!" The purple-haired Ability User said, turning to him. "All we need is your single to begin our descent."

Maxie sat down in his chair, seeing all the preparations were complete. "Begin descent!" He announced, ordering their departure.

Outside, the water in the docks began to rise from the pipes meant to flood the Bay. The stolen Submarine began to move once the Water level was at its optional level.

Soon enough, Team Magma departed from the Hanger and into the Hoenn Ocean.

The Water-type Pokemon were swimming mindfully in their business when Team Magma's Submarine traveled through their swim path. They all fled once the Underwater vehicle made its appearance, heading down the Ocean Floor.

Courtney was monitoring their movements, checking both their position and the coordinates to their destination. "We'll be arriving at our destination, Leader Maxie." She informed the red-haired Man.

"Keep on course, don't stay off from the Path," Maxie ordered, watching the monitor before him.

Unbeknownst to Team Magma, they were being followed by a Submarine design like a Sharpedo.

Within the Sharpedo Submarine, Team Aqua followed Team Magma's Sub closely but far enough to be not detected. Around them was a Pod of Wailmers.

Archie was at the helm, keeping a close eye on their target. "Make sure we're far enough so we don't engage in an Underwater Battle." He said, "Make sure the Wailmers are close so they don't detect us."

"Aye!"

At the other end of the Submarine, Steven, N, and Brendan were all suited up in Team Aqua's Diving Suits.

N adjusted his suit before looking at Steven. "Steven, what's the plan for rescuing Helena?" He asked, "Rescuing her on Land is one thing, but an Underwater one is a bit tricky." The green-haired trainer commented,

"I mean we do get some Water-type on us; I have Walrein ready, you have Lanturn, Steven has…" Brendan knew Steven has other Pokemon other than his main Team. He just didn't reveal them yet to the Public.

Shelly looks at the Hoenn Champion, wondering if he did have a Water-type Pokemon on hand. "Mr. Stone, do you have any Water-types on you?" The Team Aqua Admin asked, wanting to make sure he was prepared for their departure.

Steven nodded, taking out his Pokeball containing Carracosta. "Carracosta is perfect for this task-" He halted, feeling a Pokeball in his belt open, releasing one of his Pokemon.

"H-Huh? Gardevoir why did you come out of your Pokeball?" Steven and the others looked at the Embrace Pokemon before them.

Gardevoir steps forward, seeing the Submarine that belonged to Team Magma. "Gardevoir…" She spoke, sensing a familiar presence on the other Vessel.

"Why did Gardevoir leave her Pokeball like that?" Brendan asked, never seen a Pokemon coming out on their own till now.

N looked at his Sister's Partner, understanding why she had come out of her Pokeball. "Gardevoirs who have a strong Bond with their Partners will develop a sense of where they are." The former King of Team Plasma explains to the young trainer.

"Then that means, Professor Potter is on that Submarine," Brendan said, following what N said about the Fairy/Psychic-type Pokemon.

Steven nodded, not doubting that his Fiancée was on that Vessel. He was ready to rescue Helena, no matter what the cost might be, "Don't worry, Helena. I'm coming to get you." He said, swearing to himself to do everything for her safe return.

AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.