Bransmir Town, Pokémon Profesor Topaz's Lab
As Polo, Maria and Professor Topaz stepped back into the main lobby of the sizeable laboratory, three Pokémon ran up to the Professor. They were all large in comparison to anything Polo had encountered before.
"Polo and Maria! This is my trusty team out in the field, Typhlosion, Samurott and Decideueye!". Professor Topaz spoke warmly.
Typhlosion, the large badger like mon with blue back and beige front, looked as if it were blushing and sparks of fire erupted from its back, standing on its hind legs.
Samurott, a large four-legged otter with a fearsome headpiece that was horn-like, looked stalwart but proud at the compliment.
Decideueye, a large slender owl, showed no visible change in emotion and looked professional.
"Such a serious guy eh Decideueye? One of us has to be I guess" the Professor chortled and the Decideueye looked a bit sheepish.
"Wow! They look strong!" Polo marvelled and the Professor responded with "Why yes they are! However, I don't think we need their help today. All the wild Pokémon near the windmill are suitable for your training". And at this the three Pokémon dutifully returned to assisting the researchers with their duties.
"Just for your own knowledge, all three of those Pokémon have something in common. Some records show there were variants that looked very different way back when, in the ancient times where we now have Sinnoh. Part of my research is understanding the biome conditions to lead to variations like that. Anyway, let's depart!".
Bransmir Town, Short Path to Bransmir Windmill
As they made their way, Maria started to show Polo some tips and tricks.
"Here, you need to pick your battles wisely. See that Geodude? I don't think Chimchar is in a position to battle it. That Bidoof however…" Maria instructed, and Polo battled with Chimchar against various wild Bidoof and Petilil, using Scratch and on occasion Leer.
"Here, use this Potion. Chimchar is pretty banged up there".
Polo turned around and said "Sorry buddy I didn't know quite how bad it was." Chimchar downplayed the issue proudly, but graciously accepted the Potion.
"I need to pay attention to the difference in status between my Pokémon and theirs". Polo mused.
"Sure, that's part of it. Matchups are also important." Maria explained.
As they were reaching the Windmill area, Chimchar sneezed and produced a small flame in the grass. Polo put it out and laughed "Woah!".
"Haha…it learned Ember" Topaz smiled. "I never tire of seeing the Pokémon grow, it makes me feel like a proud older brother".
"Not like a Father?" Polo cocks his head and Maria glares at him. "Hmm, you ok Maria?"
Professor Topaz merely chuckles.
Bransmir Windmill
As they approach, the crew see three young adults who appeared to be dressed in professional black jumpsuits. The suits had an orange insignia in the centre of the torso, a downward facing arrow with a hexagonal jewel above it. They also had various runic looking patterns all over the jumpsuits. Nearby, poison appeared to be spewing into the water.
"You three! State your purposes here!" Professor Topaz barked and the shady individuals turned around and chuckled.
"Hey…it's that famous Professor. Maybe we can drive him out of town as well?" A woman with sharp blue eyes asked.
"Maybe…stay outta our way you three." One of the two male individuals snarled.
"What are you doing to the town's water supply!?" Maria exclaimed and she looked as if she wasn't going to back down.
"We belong to Team Temporal…we aim to protect the environment and the Pokémon living in this world. We're poisoning this water supply to get these silly humans out of the town, and then Pokémon can reclaim it. Did you know that this used to be a natural riverfront? These selfish humans urbanised the space".
This gave Maria some pause, but the Professor retorted "I believe in the conservation of biomes too. But this is extreme…these humans don't deserve the sins of their ancestors! Further…that Toxel behind you…it doesn't seem to be helping you willingly. How can that be for the sake of Pokémon?" The Professor looked visibly angry.
A small dark purple dinosaur-like creature looked moodily from behind a barricade. Toxic waste slowly dripped from one of it's moves.
"Enough! We'll beat you back here, Pokémon duel challenge!" the woman yelled and released a Ferroseed.
The other two Temporal grunts released a Drowzee and Timburr respectively.
"Polo! You handle the Ferroseed. We can do this without the Professor's help" Maria commanded and released Pawniard, as well as another small fluffy looking Pokemon.
"Pawniard and Hatenna, I need you both!" Maria spoke and initiated a double battle with two of the grunts.
Polo grinned "Dad drilled me with Pokémon matchups growing up. You're weak to fire…super weak!" Chimchar aimed a well-timed Ember and Ferroseed writhed, almost being knocked out in one hit.
At the same time, Pawniard used Metal Claw on the Drowzee, and Hatenna used Disarming Voice, and before long Drowzee and Timburr fainted.
"Grrrr…this isn't over." The three grunts pulled out smoke bombs and left surprisingly quickly and stealthily.
"Hmm….thank you both, you conducted yourself professionally" Professor Topaz remarked but then his brows furrowed "Team Temporal….I sympathise, but this is not the way".
Polo and Maria looked puzzled, but then Polo hopped on over to the Toxel and removed the barricade. The Pokémon looked tired and scared.
Polo sat next to it. "Sorry you went through that. Seems like you're just a baby, but you were so brave! I admire bravery, if you come with me, a) you'll never be bored b) you'll laugh a lot c) you will have a team. So vote Polo!" he waved his arms around manically. Maria looked unimpressed but Professor Topaz laughed. "See?" Polo said pointing towards the Professor as if to prove his point.
The Toxel briefly hesitated, then jumped into the extended Poke ball.
"That was…unconventional, but I don't dislike it." Maria mused, and Polo said "that's a compliment! Thanks!" and even Maria couldn't help but smile at his consistent cheer.
"Not bad kid." Professor Topaz remarked, and continued "I wish I could spend more time here but that Team Temporal…I need to alert the authorities. You should head to Venrof City, to the North past Route 2. There's a gym leader there who can be your first challenge as League pursuers."
The Professor saw the duo off, as they stepped forward into a new route.
NEW:
Polo:
Toxel, Level 5, Naive Nature ( Speed / - Sp Defense)
Maria:
Hatenee, Level 10, Timid Nature ( Speed / - Attack)
CURRENT:
Polo:
Chimchar, Level 7, Hasty Nature ( Speed / - Defense)
Maria:
Pawniard, Level 10, Quiet Nature ( Sp Attack / - Speed)