Episode 471: Team Galactic Strikes Back Part 1
We open up to the Sinnoh skies as a plane is currently taking flight. The Eterna City Officer Jenny makes contact with the Celestic Town airport. They were transporting the Adamant Orb to Celestic Town from Eterna City. The police has a Kantonian Growlithe and a Stunky with them.
"This is the Eterna City police. We are presently entering Celestic Town-controlled space," Officer Jenny said.
"Roger, this is Celestic Town Air Control. Weather conditions clear. So you won't need any instruments for this landing," the air traffic controller said.
"Right. Our ETA is 0930 as scheduled. Copy that?" Officer Jenny asked.
"Roger. Loud and clear," the air traffic controller said.
Suddenly, from out of nowhere, a swarm of Beautifly, Dustox, and Golbat appeared and attacked the plane. Growlithe and Stunky both growled.
"What the in the world?! Where did they come from? Status!" Officer Jenny said.
"We have confirmation of a chopper directly overhead, but it's not responding to IFF!" The pilot reported. Officer Jenny gasped when a helicopter hovers above them. A hatch opened as a Toxicroak appeared from a Pokéball.
"Toxicroak!" The Toxicroak roared.
"A Toxicroak?!" Officer Kenny exclaimed.
Up in the chopper, it turns out it was Saturn's Toxicroak. He grinned evilly.
"All according to plan. The Adamant Orb is good as ours," Saturn said.
Over to the Pokémon Center, just when Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel were about to take off for Canalave City, Rei shows up to the couple.
"Sora, Kairi, it looks like things are going well for you two. The couple saw their master approach them.
"Master. Have you been here long?" Sora asked.
"I just arrived, apprentices. Riku told me you spent a week at Professor Rowan's Pokémon Summer Academy," Rei said.
"Yes, Master. It was because we were invited by Professor Rowan to attend, because he felt he could extend our knowledge of Pokémon," Kairi said.
"Pika, Pika," Pikachu said.
"Vee, Eevee, vee," Angel said.
"I think it's a good thing to have a good amount of knowledge under your belt. Like I said, I only just arrived to town, but I caught the Pokémon Contest yesterday. You now have all five Ribbons needed," Rei said. She smiled. "That was outstanding!" She gave a thumbs up. Kairi smiled as well.
"Thank you, Master," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Master, I thought I should tell you that I'm also taking part of the Sinnoh Battle Frontier as well," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"Is that right? It's like Hoenn all over again," Rei said.
"We have more information concerning this morning's theft of the Adamant Orb," Rhonda's voice spoke on TV. This grabs Sora, Kairi, and Rei's attention.
"Adamant Orb?" Rei asked.
"Fortunately, the transport ship made a successful emergency landing, and it appears nobody was hurt," Rhonda said.
"The Adamant Orb was stolen?!" Sora exclaimed.
"Who could be responsible for it?" Kairi asked.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"We have just received a report from Officer Jenny, who was actually on the transport at the time of the incident, stating the organization responsible for the theft calls themselves 'Team Galactic'," Rhonda said.
"Not them again," Sora groaned.
"They are reported to be a secret organization with operations throughout the Sinnoh region. They are also believed to have some connection to the attempted kidnapping of Professor Rowan in Jubilife City, the hostile takeover of the Valley Windworks in Floaroma Town, the Pokémon theft in Eterna City, the attempted meteorite theft in Veilstone City, and the bombing in the Great Marsh. However, at this juncture, their objectives continue to remain unclear. At the time of the theft, the legendary Adamant Orb was in the process of being transported from the Eterna City Museum and heading to the Celestic Town Historical Research Center. The research center is currently conducting research on the Adamant Orb's counterpart, the Lustrous Orb, and has tightened its security in light of the recent criminal incident. The Adamant Orb was en route so that both objects could be researched together. Now, however, it is widely expected that this morning's incident will seriously impede the progress of the research," Rhonda said.
"This has got to be serious if Team Galactic is at it again," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Hey, I just had a thought. Cynthia is from here, so maybe we could go find her and ask her if she knows anything about this," Kairi said.
"It'll be worth a shot," Sora said.
"Excuse me, but did you say you know Cynthia, Sinnoh's Champion?" Nurse Joy asked.
"Yeah, we did. Why?" Sora asked.
"I thought I should let you know that her grandmother Professor Carolina is the head of the Celestic Town Historical Research Center. I heard Cynthia is heading there to meet with her today," Nurse Joy said.
"That narrows down where to look. Thanks," Sora said.
"You're welcome," Nurse Joy said.
A little while later, Sora, Kairi, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel arrived to the Celestic Town Historical Research Center where they saw Cynthia speaking with an elderly woman wearing a white lab coat.
"This is it. The Celestic Town Historical Research Center. And behind it is the Celestic Ruins where the Lustrous Orb was first discovered," Rei said. Cynthia spotted the couple.
"Sora, Kairi. Nice of you to come," Cynthia said.
"Hey, Cynthia," Sora greeted.
"Do you know these children?" The old woman asked.
"Yes. This is Sora and his girlfriend Kairi. The couple who I told you about," Cynthia said.
"So, you're this Sora. The one who took down half of Cynthia's team, including her Garchomp," the elderly woman said.
"Yes, ma'am," Sora said.
"My name is Rei Sakura, it's an honor to meet you," Rei said.
"I feel the same way," Cynthia said. She sets her attention the couple. "I take it that you learned so much since I last saw you."
"Pretty much," Sora said.
Over to Saturn, he and his Team Galactic squad were watching the scene.
"Saturn, sir, there appears to a problem with Phase One of Level E," a male grunt said. Saturn looked into his binoclulars and spots the group.
"So, it's them again," Saturn said. He makes contact with Mars. "G Two, this is G One relaying confirmation of the source of our problem. It's two children from the group that interferered with the Veilstone Plan. The boy with brown spiky hair and the girl with auburn red hair. They each have a Pikachu and an Eevee with them."
"I recognize them. That girl with the Glameow," Mars spoke through the link.
"Begin Phase One, but be prepared to backup plan if need be," Saturn instructed.
"Roger," Mars answered, breaking contact.
Down to the Historical Research Center, Cynthia and her grandmother wanted to hear what Sora and his group had been up to.
"Cynthia was recently speaking to me about your rivals, Sora," Caroline said.
"So, Sora, how are things with Paul?" Cynthia asked.
"Well, we've seen Paul from time-to-time, from the Hearthome Tag Battle Tournament and our way to Pastoria City. That was when Kairi battled Paul and beat him," Sora said.
"I see. And I take it you used Angel for your battle, Kairi?" Cynthia asked.
"Yeah, I did," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel proudly said.
"Sounds to me that you didn't pull your punches," Carolina said. She decided to tease Sora a bit. "But I can assume that you can't beat my granddaughter, huh?"
"Grandmother, stop that," Cynthia said,almost laughing. Her grandmother laughed.
"Kairi and I have been training hard since then. And maybe, I might like to battle you again when given the chance," Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"I am looking forward to it," Cynthia said.
"But I doubt you will win despite your status as a Pokémon League Champion," Carolina said.
"Cynthia's grandma doesn't mince words, does she?" Kairi asked. A laugh is heard. Everyone to see Cyrus approaching. He wore a black suit with a light blue shirt and a blue tie. Something didn't sit right with Rei.
"See, that's just Carolina's way of saying hi," Cyrus said.
"Land, there are a lot of visitors today! And here's one with a big mouth and blue hair," Carolina said.
Over to Saturn and the grunts, the male grunt repported to Saturn.
"Sir, Phase One contact!" The male grunt reported. The female grunt typed on the keybord and hacks through the systems.
"System invasion complete," the female grunt said.
"Phase Two ready and standing by," Mars spoke through her link.
"Copy," Saturn confirmed. At another part of the ruins, Mars and her squad are preparing with Phase Two. They were readying explosives. "Everyone hold your positions," Saturn spoke through his link.
"Roger that," Mars said, grinning.
Back to the front, Cynthia approached Cyrus.
"Oh my. You must be the world-famous mogul of Sinnoh's industrial complex, Cyrus," Cynthia said.
"It's indeed an honor to make the acquiantace of two champions, Sora and Cynthia," Cyrus greeted, bowing his head with respect.
"You see, Cyrus is responsible for building and library construction throughout Sinnoh," Cynthia explained.
"Whoa," Sora said.
"Mark my words, Cyrus is quite a big deal around these parts for sure," Carolina said.
Cyrus chuckled a bit, "Now stop that. You're all too kind, but at this point I'd rather be thought of as an amatuer history scholar, if you don't mind."
"Did your concern about the Lustrous Orb bing you?" Carolina asked.
"Exactly. When I heard about the Adamant Orb theft, I felt like I had to do something," Cyrus said.
"Yeah, it's too bad something had to happen to the Adamant Orb," Rei said. Rei didn't trust Cyrus one bit since it seems like a coincidence that he happens to show up when he heard about the Adamant Orb theft. Croagunk, Glameow, and Stunky came out of their own Pokéballs. Sora looked at them.
"Croagunk, Stunky, what's up?" Sora asked.
"What is it, Glameow?" Kairi asked. Croagunk, Glameow, and Stunky sensed something in the air.
Meanwhile, Count Ernesh is being approached by Aaliyah Ventras.
"Master, Team Galactic has taken the Adamant Orb as you predicted," Aaliyah Ventras reported.
"Then, it won't be long until they succeed in taking the Lustrous Orb as well," Count Ernesh said.
"What's so important about a couple of marbles?" Aaliyah Ventras asked.
"These 'marbles' as you call them are two keys to summon the two Pokémon, Dialga and Palkia," Count Ernesh said.
"Dialga and Palkia?" Aaliyah Ventras questioned.
"You see, Palkia is the Pokémon that has the power over reality and space while Dialga has the power over time itself. Team Galactic is making their move to create the ideal world of their own design; one without emotions or spirit," Count Ernesh said.
"An ideal world without emotions or spirit? That sounds ludacris," Aaliyah Ventras scoffed.
"Yes. I have foreseen that they will fail in their goal thanks to the Guardians of Kingdom Hearts and Sinnoh's Champion. Cyrus is a fool if he believes he can create such a world. Cyrus's plan is doomed to failure," Count Ernesh said.
"Does it have any affect on our plans, Master?" Aaliyah Ventras asked.
"No, it won't. The future isn't always set in stone," Count Ernesh said.
"Regarding the Guardians of Kingdom Hearts, how soon will we move?" Aaliyah Ventras asked.
"Be patient. You will have your chance," Count Ernesh said. A gem began flashing and vibrating, so the count answered it to see Lucius. "Yes, Lucius. What is it?"
"I found Kanako, Master. She's hanging with my old master's union," Lucius said.
"As I thought," Count Ernesh said.
"Shall I take care of it?" Lucius asked.
"No, I will handle it. I want to avoid your emotions over your former union would cloud your judgement. I have a different task for you," Count Ernesh said.
"What is it?" Lucius asked.
"Head for Celestic Town. I want you to make certain everything goes as planned," Count Ernesh said.
"Okay, I'll head there now," Lucius said, breaking contact.
"Why are you sending in the street punk to Celestic Town?" Aaliyah Ventras asked.
"I have learned Sora Ketchum and his lover are currently in Celestic Town for a Pokémon Contest that has occurred very recently. There's no doubt they're meeting with Sinnoh's Champion as we speak," Count Ernesh said.
"You should have sent me instead!" Aaliyah Ventras snapped. Count Ernesh didn't care for her tone.
"You dare to lecture me? You will know your place!" Count Ernesh angrily scolded. Aaliyah Ventras calmed down, knowing better than to argue with him further.
"Yes, Master. Forgive me," Aaliyah Ventras apologized. "Excuse me." She took her leave. Count Ernesh rings his bell, summoning his butler.
"You summoned me, my Lord Count?" The butler asked.
"Prepare the car. We will be stepping out," Count Ernesh said.
"I will start the engine at once, Master," the butler said as he stepped out.
"Kanako, you will rue the day you decided to defy me. I'll make sure you regreat your betrayal," Count Ernesh said as he began to walk out.
Meanwhile, Lucius appeared and disguised a a police officer.
"Backup reporting for duty. Requesting assignment, sir," Lucius said, doing a salute.
"I don't remember hearing anything about backup," the first police officer said.
"Better safe than sorry," the second police officer said. "Report to Officer Jenny."
"Sir!" Lucius said, walking in.
Inside the research center, Sora, Kairi, Rei, Pikachu, and Angel were being led by Cynthia, Carolina, and Cyrus.
"Since the Sinnoh region was known as Hisui, our town had a deep connection with Dialga, as well as Palkia. And all throughout my extensive research of the town's history, I've acquired mountains of material as a result," Carolina explained. They came across two doors and opened them to reveal ancient tablets.
"Look at this!" Sora said.
"Azelf, Uxie, and Mesprit!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel said.
"Azelf had to be the one Lucas and I saw at Lake Valor. The same can be for Dawn at Lake Verity when she saw Mesprit," Sora said. The three adults were surprised to hear that. Cyrus was especially surprised.
"Are you certain?" Cynthia asked.
"Yes. We heard about it when she told us," Sora said.
"It's kinda like when we first saw Ho-Oh, right?" Kairi asked. Sora nodded.
"Chu," Pikachu said.
"Yeah," Sora said. "Cynthia, are the Lake Guardians connected to Palkia and Dialga?"
"Very likely," Cynthia said. "But they have only appeared in legend until now."
"One of the legends states that only the spirits of the Lake Guardians emerge from their lakes, so that they're able to watch and protect humankind. There's a possiblity that your friends might have seen only their spirits," Carolina stated.
"Spirits?" Sora and Kairi asked.
"But what's that thing in the middle?" Sora asked.
"It is either the Adamant Orb or the Lustrous Orb," Cynthia answered.
"Professor, we could show them the Lustrous Orb," Cyrus suggested. "Their reaction might be important to your research."
"An interesting idea. Come with me," Carolina said. Rei knew something was up when Cyrus suggested it. She looked right at him and Cyrus gave off some sort of dark vibe. Cyrus took notice of Rei's glare, but it didn't phase him one bit.
Over to Mars and her squad, the Team Galactic grunts have placed the explosives around the ruins.
"Placement is now complete!" The female grunt said.
"G Two, roger that," Mars stated.
Back inside, Carolina makes a request to see the Lustrous Orb, unaware of Lucius arriving.
"I have bad news," a voice spoke. Officer Jenny said. "Due to our heightened security, I'm afraid I can't let you stay very long."
"Yes, yes, of course we know," Carolina said.
"Anything unusual to report?" Officer Jenny asked.
"No ma'am. Nothing odd to report here," Lucius said. He glanced at Sora and Kairi. He said in his thoughts, "It's them. Sora and Kairi. The Count knew they'd be here. Can't deal with them now since there's a lot of witnesses here. And he didn't tell me to fight them. Better wait for a chance."
Carolina inserted her access card and her fingerprint recognition to open the door. It has been confirmed and the door opens. The Lustrous Orb sat in front of them as they were awestruck by what they were seeing.
"Amazing how it has a strange glow," Kairi said.
"Ah, its beauty is timeless," Cyrus said.
"Indeed," Rei said.
"Tell us what you feel. Anything come to mind?" Cyrus asked. Sora and Kairi looked right at the Lustrous Orb and they both started to have a headache. They started to have visions as their eyes turned into a deeper shade of blue. They looked and saw what looked like Hunter J and her henchmen being devoured by a swarm of Heartless. They saw Palkia and Dialga in red chains.
"What the?!" Sora exclaimed.
"Sora! Kairi! Has a thought come to you?" Cyrus asked.
"Yeah. Something that I can't explain. It's like I saw something just now..." Sora said while confused and puzzled.
"But it was really strange," Kairi said.
"What did you see?! Something about the orb! Tell me!" Cyrus demanded.
"Now, now, Cyrus, no need to get excited," Carolina said. Cyrus regained his posture. "They were only looking at it for the first time."
"Right," Cyrus said, calming down. "Forgive me, you two. But when I'm standing in front of this treasure, it's so hard to try and keep calm."
"It's okay, Cyrus. It happens to the best of them, by now let them take a breath," Rei accepted his apology while also supporting both Sora and Kairi.
"The two orbs are supposed to be directly connected to the beginning of time," Cyrus explained.
"You studied up on that?" Sora asked.
"Cyrus has recently taken up the investigation of many myths that relate to the beginnings of time and our world," Carolina said. Rei crossed a list of things she didn't like about Cyrus.
"Aren't you doing that as well, Cynthia?" Rei asked.
"Yes," Cynthia said. "All to find where our world of people and Pokémon began." Cyrus gave off an evil grin as he stares at the Lustrous Orb.
"Yes! You see, the Sinnoh region is said to have originated with Mount Coronet. Just try imagining the beginning of the world. A time of no war. A brand-new paradise of peace," Cyrus said. Once again, Riku's suspicions didn't disappoint him.
"There you go again, Cyrus. Our Cyrus is a real peacenik, through and through," Carolina said.
"Of course the wars I'm talking about are different from Pokémon battles," Cyrus said. He looked right at Sora and Kairi. Sora and Kairi were surprised by what Cyrus was saying.
"What do you mean, Cyrus?" Kairi asked.
"You see, my dear, as Pokémon Trainers, you both owe it to yourselves to know the difference between battles and wars. You should never ever forget that. Especially when meeting Azelf, Mesprit, and Uxie," Cyrus said. "Now, give thanks for miracles." He looks at his wrist watch as the timer reads fifteen seconds remaining.
"Miracles?" Sora asked.
"Yes. Would you mind telling me about what happened at those lakes?" Cyrus asked.
Over to the ruins, the Golbat all fly around Mars begins out the trigger.
"Begin Phase Two," Mars said, pushing the button. Explosions occurs all over the ruins.
Inside the Research Center, everyone is in an uproar, but Cyrus was the only one who was calm.
"What the heck was that?" Sora asked.
Outside, Mars makes contact with Saturn.
"Phase two complete. Moving now," Mars said.
"There has been an explosion at the ruins! The area is overrun with Golbat!" An officer annoucned.
"Golbat?!" Officer Jenny asked.
"Explosion at the ruins?!" Carolina exclaimed.
"Team Galactic! They're making their move!" Sora said. Cyrus grinned.
"Everything is going exactly according to plan," Cyrus said in his thoughts. Officer Jenny makes contact with her radio.
"Squads 3 and 5, blockade the ruins now! Squad 4 make ure you cover Area B at once! And Squad 6, you cover Area C, and get on immediately! Now go!" Officer Jenny ordered. Carolina tried to close the doors, but something has gone wrong.
"That's odd! The doors don't seem to want to close," Carolina said.
"What did you say?" Officer Jenny asked. Her radio goes off and she answers it.
"The research facility's security system has been taken over! We've completely lost control!" The officer at the other end reported. Officer Jenny growled.
"And that means we won't be able to protect the Lustrous Orb!" Officer Jenny siad.
"Then we have to move it somwhere ele, now!" Cynthia declared.
"Cynthia's right! We can keep it safe if we work together!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"We're lucky that you're here to help us, just like we were lucky in Veilstone City. So, are you ready to go?" Officer Jenny asked.
"You can count on us!" Sora said.
"And what about you?" Officer Jenny asked, looking at Lucius.
"I'm right behind you!" Lucius said.
Team Galactic helicopters were flying above the research center.
"Team Galactic incomming at 4:00!" A police officer reported. Saturn and several Team Galactic grunts descended from the helicopters. Saturn gave the order from his link.
"Proceed in through Areas B and D, since they're not secure. Commence Phase Three," Saturn said. A male grunt threw a ball and it gave off an explosive flash when it hit the roof. Saturn stands on the roof with Toxicroak. Croagunk came out from inside his Pokéball again. Sora turned to Croagunk again.
"Croagunk, what's the matter with you? The only time you get like this is when-" Sora paused when he suddenly realized something. "Toxicroak!"
"What about Toxicroak?" Kairi asked.
"Kairi, you help keep the orb safe, I'll follow Croagunk," Sora said.
"Okay," Kairi said as she and Angel went with Cynthia, Cyrus, and Carolina. Sora and Pikachu followed Croagunk.
"I hope I'm wrong," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
The rest of the group took off to protect the orb. They found that they were confronted by Saturn, a band of Team Galactic grunts, Bronzor, and several Golbat.
"Saturn!" Kairi said.
"We meet again," Saturn said. Cyrus gave the word by slightly moving his head. Saturn nodded in response. "How about handing over the Lustrous Orb now?"
"I get it! Destroying the ruins was nothing but a diversionary tactic to weaken our defenses!" Cynthia said.
"Perhaps you should concern yourself with what's happening now. The turth is, Bronzor's put all of your security forces outside this facility to sleep, and right about now Toxicroak should be taking good care of everyone on the inside," Saturn said.
Speaking of which, Croagunk found his evolved form and glared at her. Sora and Pikachu caught up at last.
"I knew it! It was Toxicroak! And if Toxicroak's here, then so is Saturn. The same can be said for Purugly and Skuntank. Glameow and Stunky were picking them up eariler," Sora said.
Back with Saturn...
"You are now witnessing what is but a tiny part of Team Galactic's brilliant plan!" Saturn said.
"I don't think so, Saturn!" Kairi said.
"Eevee!" Angel added.
"I share her objection," Rei said. Kairi took out Lopunny's Pokéball and threw it.
"Lopunny! Go!" Kairi called out. Her Pokéball opened and Lopunny came out to battle. Rei took out a Pokéball and threw it as well.
"Go! Ampharos!" Rei called out. Her Pokéball opened and her Ampharos emerged from inside.
Bronzor! Hypnosis!" Cynthia took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Garchomp! Battle Dance!" Cynthia called out. Garchomp came on out. Garchomp came right out. "USe Brick Break!" Garchomp uses Brick Break on Bronzor and takes out the Bronze Pokémon. Saturn growls and calls Bronzor back.
"Nice save, Cynthia," Kairi said.
"You've definitely earned the title of Champion, Cynthia," Saturn said.
The Champion of Sinnoh turned to Officer Jenny.
"If you don't mind, Officer Jenny, we'll take care of this. You need to look after the orb," Cynthia said.
"Alright, then! You keep your guard up!" Officer Jenny said. Cynthia turned to Cyrus and her grandmother.
"Cyrus and grandmother, go with her," Cynthia said.
"Right," Cyrus said.
"Fine with me!" Carolina agreed.
"I hope you can forgive me, professor, as this came from my idea," Cyrus said.
"My granddaughter will take care of everything, so don't worry," Carolina said.
"Come with me!" Officer Jenny said. Officer Jenny, Cyrus, Carolina, and Lucius were about to take off when they were cut off by Mars and some grunts and Golbat. Kairi, Rei, and Cynthia all turned around as they all saw her.
"Mars!" Kairi exclaimed.
"Phase Four is now complete! Reunion!" Mars said.
Officer Jenny growled, "We're surrounded!"
The Golbat all flutter around, keeping the group containined.
"Should have realized you were here too, Mars," Kairi said.
"Well, well, well, it's one of the brats from Valley Windworks. Saturn was right to say that you'd be here," Mars said.
Just then, Croagunk was overpowered by Toxicroak as he fell from the glass ceiling. She lunged at Croagunk with Poison Jab. Croagunk passed out from the pain.
"Croagunk!" Kairi gasped. Sora came to the broken glass.
"Croagunk!" Sora gasped.
"Pika!" Pikachu gasped.
"Not on your life! We know you got something up your sleeve!" Cynthia declared, throwing the Pokéball. "You're not getting any of Sinnoh's treasures!"
With overwhelming force on their side, Team Galactic is closing in on the Lustrous Orb. But will Sora and Kairi be able to stop their evil plans? Keep reading and find out.