Welcome to Gaia! ::

The lights were off in the barn and the shutters were closed as Will, Duskull and Turtwig played their game of flashlight tag. Will, being the only one with the ability to wield the flashlight, was obviously it and he was tasked with finding both Turtwig and Duskull. The only restriction was that neither could leave the barn and Will was forbidden from using any other source of light.

He spent many minutes fumbling about. Eventually, he learned a few tricks. The first was to use the light wisely. His eyes were naturally capable of seeing shapes in the darkness but he constantly blinded himself with his own flashlight by happening across highly reflective objects such as the metal pans of shovels or even the bowls used to feed their residents (the Pokémon). When he turned the flashlight off, he was capable of moving without looking by both memory but also through the slight light in the barn. He was able to pick out the hay, the rungs on the ladder, even the rafters overhead but he couldn't identify any of their respective colors nor could he see anything beyond those.

The second ability he began to use was his own hearing. While he was running, stumbling and crying out when he thought he saw something, his own voice was covering up the slight hints his foes were emitting. But, when he stopped to let his eyes adjust, will began to hear the slight 'shoosh' that Duskull made while he moved or the creak of the boards under Turtwig or the crunch of the hay under her footing.

The third, and final trick, was the touch. When Duskull passed behind him or close to him, there was a slight breeze in the direction of his movements. If Gaia climbed the ladder, there would be dirt on the bottom rungs or stray pieces of straw on the floor. With these little clues, Will was beginning to get the jump of his adversaries.

After a few minutes of listening, looking and feeling, Will snapped on the light as Gaia began to descend down the ladder. She cried in surprise then jumped the rest of the way down. They banded together to search for Duskull, who they hadn't heard a peep out of. They ripped through the hay, scanned over the rafters with the flashlight and sat together for a straight minute and a half to listen for any movements. Eventually, they caught something; a slight, soft, chuckle.

"Son of a..." Will smiled; they followed the giggling up to the second floor of the barn, to the back where the hay was. They dug through the hay until they found him, snickering inside of the floor boards. They wouldn't have caught him there unless they purposely there with the flashlight.

"Cheater," Will whined. Gaia stomped angrily as she walked down the ladder and as they opened up the barn again. As they did, a rather loud beeping noise filled air. Hidden around back, below a loose board in the foundation, Will had hidden the Snag, the Hoverboard and the Snag-em device. His parents were the ones that told him about the weak spot in the flooring, telling him that these sorts of things would be best hidden in a secret place, especially if another guest should happen across them. As they opened the boards up, they found the Snag vibrating and emitting that shrill ring. Will opened phone and read the message inside.

"Dear William,
Please investigate." He read aloud. Turning to look at his Pokémon companions, they prodded him for more info and so he get reading.
"The Embodiment of the Moon No. 337 + 338
Poster: Aggravated Astrologist
“I'm an astrologist, or, a studier of the stars, if you don't know. And, whenever I study the sky, I always see little crescent and star shapes in the sky. I am intrigued by this. I believe that these Pokémon are Lunatone and Solrock. Long have I waited to study one of these up close to see what relation they have with the stars and the moon themselves. If you could help me capture one of these Pokémon, I would be forever grateful.”
This is a report posted by an astrologist in Fallarbor town, by the Meteor Falls. The man's location is easy enough to find. He's in the house with the giant telescope protruding from it. You need to talk to him before you decide to explore the falls themselves. He'll probably stick to his report, but he may want to come with you to study meteor falls himself. He might even have a Pokémon or two to help you out.
Objective- Take the Astrologist to Meteor Falls, or deliver the two Pokémon to him.
Location(s)- Fallarbor Town, and Meteor Falls.
Pokémon- You may catch a Solrock or Lunatone for yourself, or if the mission is good enough, you may earn an egg.
Rewards- Aside from Solrock or Lunatone, the poster may have something for you..."
It took a few minutes before Will realized what was going on.

'Snag-em's assigned me a mission.' He thought fearfully. To be sure he was excited to help with the Goldenrod situation but this.

'Fallarbor town's so far away. That's in a completely different region.' He rationed while throwing his hands up in the air.

"It would take an ungodly amount of time to get there." Even though, he told his family about the late night journey and his acceptance into Team Snag-em, he wasn't ready to leave. His family was excited for him sure, especially when they found out that he'd helped Officer Jenny out of a rather dangerous situation. They'd never seen their son act this way.

Gaia and Duskull were a different story. They looked and sounded excited, they were ready to travel the world, or maybe they were wanting another friend. Feeling guilty about his hesitance, he reluctantly gave in and resolved to speak with his parents about it.

*~*~*~*~*

"Fallarbor town?" His mother puzzled.

"I know right. That's so far." Will added. They were sitting at the dinner table with a map of Hoegn draped across it. Their focus was on the two dots labeled Fallarbor Town and Meteor Falls. He had waited until they were waiting on dinner to bring up the subject.

"I know the region. The people are incredibly friend and there's a contest there. That's where I won my first beauty contest." His mother remembered.

"They were nice, weren't they?" His father commented. "If I remember correctly, the Pokémon in that region weren't incredibly strong but that was where I found some of my best companions." He joked; the last part was clearly directed at his lovely wife.

"Awww," His mother cooed.

"Is there a place I can stay while I am there?" Will questioned his parents, nervous about the adventure ahead of him.

"There is a Pokémon Center in Fallarbor town, but then there is also this nice little old lady just outside of town, away from the Falls that I stayed." His father recounted all while showing him the direction and the location of this old lady's residence. "She adores trainers and coordinators. Not so unlike ourselves."

There was a pause as Will looked over his family and his companions. They all looked positive and excited.

"Alright," He caved, "We'll leave in the morning."

*~*~*~*~*

Morning came and went. Will took the Magnet train over to Kanto and then used the Hover board to get him the rest of the way there. He arrived a day and a half later to Fallarbor town. After his conversation with his parents, he left for this avid Astronomer's residence.

It took the teen a few minutes of wandering around the city but eventually he found the house; a large building with, just as the note said, a giant telescope sticking out of the roof.
He knocked the door and then waited. No answer. He knocked, again; a little harder. Will was about to knock a third time when the professor stumbled out.

"Sorry about that. I don't get many visitors. I'd forgotten where the door was." He rambled, while rapidly shaking Will's hand.

'This man's nuttier then a fruit basket,' the teen thought, while he was ushered into the scientist's residence. The place was covered in drawings, renderings, even a few sketches of the marks: Lunatone and Solrock. Literally, there was paper as far as the walls could fit. As they moved into his working space, there were fewer depictions. There was one picture in particular, that caught Will's eye.

"Professor," He called, "What's wrong with this Lunatone and Solrock?"

"Awww, you've found my inspiration."

Nailed on the wall was a gorgeous picture of a Lunatone and a Solrock. In the background was Meteor Falls, but more importantly were a group of Celefairy, Celefable and Cleffa that were dancing around them. Something about both Pokémon’s eyes just snatched away one's focus. They were intense, like little sunbursts, focused into each of their eyes.

"Legends state that the Lunatone and Solrock came from distant planets, where they were literally Suns and Moons, but the people of those planets grew mean and rude and so they left. While they were moving, they hardened and condensed into the Pokémon before us. Supposedly, there are two Pokémon inside the Falls that were the leaders of this mass migration. They are said to have this strange discoloration and to be more powerful than any of the others and that if you frighten or fight enough of their brethren they will immerge."
Will was frightened by this.

"And this is why you put up the poster. To catch and study these two Pokémon?"

The professor looked downwards in shame; he could hear the rejection in the teen's voice.

"Yes, I apologize for not telling you or even including it in the report but, yet. I'm sorry."

Will waited for a moment, his eyes focused on the duo before him.

"The Celestial Duo," He quoted the title of the piece. In the distance, he could imagine the other falling stars to be fellow Solrocks and Lunatone's.

"How am I supposed to flush out these two?" He asked, it wasn't a yes, but he wanted some more information before deciding.

"The two will appear once enough of their brethren have disappeared or if they feel threatened." The Professor turned to look at his young companion.

"Alright,” Will stated. "We'll do it."

*~*~*~*~*

"Luckily," The Astronomer chatted as they walked. "Most of the other Pokémon trainers on this route left when Team Magma and Aqua invaded, and when I ran out of funds."

"What's that supposed to me?" Will asked. They were walking along the way to Meteor Falls together. The professor was going to escort him there but after that we would wait outside of the caves. He has Pokémon of his own to protect him, but they were all unsuccessful in capturing the Celestial Duo.

"I hired the trainers to guard the way into the Falls so as to protect the Pokémon. I couldn't have someone making off with the very reason for my research." He explained. They'd crossed the final bridge and entered into final threshold. There was a patch separating him from the carved path through the mountain into the Falls.

"Most of the Pokémon around the Falls also left but because of the activation of Mount. Chimney." The professor rambled as he walked; not watching as a Swablu swooped down, readying to peck on both of his adversaries.

Will smiled, his father had alerted him of the Swablu's tendency to swoop down and peck on unsuspecting trainers, hoping to make off with some of their supplies when they weren't looking. He'd prepared for this course of action.

"Duskull." Will called out. The ghost Pokémon materialized behind the Swablu and spooked it with Astonish. As the Swablu plummeted from the sky, Duskull shot it with a blast of Night Shade. The bird Pokémon flew off, frightened and hurt.

"Wow, you're certainly prepared." The Professor said as they continued onward into the pass and deeper into the Falls.

*~*~*~*~*

The Professor left William at the Entrance to Meteor Falls, he'd already bungled up his information about the route there and so he didn't wish to do so again.

The Falls were luminously bright; he was expecting dark, black caves with powerful Pokémon ready to devour him and annihilate his companions. However the bright light and the wide open caverns completely obliterated his preparations. He stood in the cave just listening, watching, waiting. Hidden midst the ceiling, there were small colonies of Zubats, and beneath the water he could spy roaming water Pokémon. There was an eerie silence as he stood within the open caverns.

Duskull floated at his side, silent and motionless. Turtwig was still in his pokéball but Will traced over the button on his pokéball. There were no Lunatones or Solrocks floating around like the picture depicted.

"Duskull, see if you can find some Pokémon," Will asks, "I don't like this. It's too quiet."

The ghost Pokémon took to the sky and went invisible. He searched the cave for any sign of life.

Will began to climb the stone staircase, carved out of the different plateaus of rock. He ran a hand along the wall as he did, to have something to clutch to should he stumble. When he reached the stop, the teen took in the entire sight of the cavern. The waterfall next to him crashed and splashed. The fall must be near at least 2 stories, but what caught his eye was the second fall. He could see it better now and began to grasp how extensively huge this cave is.

"It could take weeks to find these Pokémon." He said in a normal register. Will began his descent back down when he heard it.

"It could take weeks to find these Pokémon." The walls of the cavern reflected his own voice back to him.

"Duskull,” Will called out, a plan beginning to unfold in his mind. In the distance, he could hear his Pokémon’s cry back; telling Will that he's doubling back.

"I have a plan. The Professor said that when the two teams invaded, the Celestial Duo appeared. I think they'll appear if we make enough commotion and frighten everything in the cave." Will explained. "Watch,” Taking his hands, he spread them out as far as he could before slamming them together. The resulting clap echoed off the walls and frightened a few of the Zubats. "Make some noise." He called out to Turtwig as he released her. Duskull flew up to the ceiling and proceeded to frighten the colonies of Zubat. Turtwig stomped on the bridge and threw Razor Leaves at the rocks on the walls, knocking loose ones off while the others made CHING noises when they collided with solid material.

Will covered his ears as the original sound waves collided with the walls, reverberated and bounced back, filling the cavern and the surrounding caves. Running back up the staircase, he kept an eye out for either of the Pokémon. It took a few minutes but something happened. Duskull had frightened the colony of Zubats enough that they all took off and flew deeper into the caves, which must have been where the marks were hiding. All of a sudden, the cave is filled with an angry cry. Duskull, Gaia and Will turned to stare down into the cave.

A boulder larger then Duskull flew out of the cave and collided with him, knocking him to the ground. A series of eight blue fireballs ignited on each of the spikes on the Solrock and flew at Gaia and Duskull. Turtwig attempted to intercept them with her Razor Leaves but they only added to the fire.

"Gaia, Withdraw." Will called out. She begins to enter into her shell but obtains a nasty burn across her forehead and front legs. The Will-o-wisps batter her shell but cannot ignite it. Duskull escaped by dissolving into the rock and dispatching his flames with a blast of Night Shade. He eventually made his way over to ones over Gaia and did the same. Emerging from her shell, the Celestial duo readied their next wave. Using his control over fire, Solrock used Fire Spin on the smoldering coals on Turtwig’s shell. The wood bridge was set on fire. If Gaia didn't move, she'd fall into the water on over the Falls. If she did, then she'd be burned by the flames. A second attack from Lunatone prevented Duskull from assisting. A black, shadowy, blob of energy shot out of the caves and smacked into Duskull; knocking him back into the lower plateau.

Will seizing the chance, jumps off his ledge and onto the bridge. He dives through the fires and snatching up Gaia. Staying on the side next to the exit, in case he needs to make a quit escape, the teen calls out. "Duskull."

There is a weak cry but a cry none the less as he begins to return. They hide by the stairs as they wait for a second attack from their foes. "We need a plan." Will says to himself as he looks at his Pokémon. Their attention turns to the bridge as it collapses into the water, where Will receives his second plan. He spies a few Barboach and Whiscash in the water and some other water pokemon.

"Duskull, hide in the rocks and make your way to the cave. Once you're there, fire a few Night Shades into the water, aim for the water Pokémon. Try to get them angry and irritated. Turtwig will do the same on this side. You must make sure when they are significantly pissed, you deal the last blow as if you are the duo. The water Pokémon will help us take them down."

Each of the Pokémon moves into position as Will collects a few of the fallen rocks from the walls. Turtwig emerges from her shell and begins to batter the water with Razor Leaves, she strikes a few Goldeen. They spray her with a blast of Water Gun and Duskull blasts them with a Night Shade. Gaia strikes again and Will threw some of the rocks, imitating the Lunatone's call. This causes enough distress to the water Pokémon that they dive down and rouse the Whiscash, who rise to the surface. There are two Whishcash and manages to skip across one's ahead and smack the other. The Cou de Gras is when they start to quarrel amongst themselves, Duskull pops in with another Night Shade. They turn and shoot Hydro Pumps into the caves, battering the Celestial Duo. Finally, the Lunatone and Solrock emerge from their cave, enraged, and begin to battle the Whiscash.

Everything goes, according to plan, Whiscash blasts the two with Water attacks while the two rock Pokémon try to use their psychic attacks with no avail. Everything goes to plan until Lunatone plummets into the water; fainted. Solrock cries out and attempts to save her, but is shot with another round of water attacks. The two rock Pokémon sink in the water before being shot out of the water by the Whishcash's Hydro Pump. They land on the wreckage of the bridge, fainted.

Bringing out the two pokéballs, he uses them to capture the Duo. Duskull grabs the two pokéballs after they've emitted their signals of capture and returns them to Will. The Whiscash descend back into their muddy lairs and the water clears. Will can't help but feel bad; especially when he sees another pair of blue eyes emerge from the Cavern. There is a small Lunatone that floats out. She looks beaten and worried. She cries out, but receives no answer. The Goldeen and Barboach emerge from the water and soak her down. She squeals and tries to escape from her den, but keeps getting blasted by the water Pokémon. Eventually, she crashes into the plateau that across from his.

'I've just separated a family.' He thought. The teen fiddles in his pocket for another ball and finds one. He tosses it and it hits the Lunatone, who squeals. The ball rocks back and forth as she tries to escape. Eventually, she gives up and the ball stops wiggling. It's not an occasion worth celebrating.

"This is exactly why I didn't want to become a Pokémon trainer." He says as Duskull receives the ball and they leave the caves, terribly silent. They never saw the second pair of red eyes from a tiny Solrock as he watched his family be captured.

*~*~*~*~*

The professor is giddy when Will emerges and presents the three pokéballs. He rambles on about data, plans, methods, telescopes and microscopes but Will hears none of it. His mind is on the little family he just tore apart.

'What if someone did that to him and his parents? Or him and his Pokémon? Did they have lives before this?' They enter town and the Professor says to return to him after he gets some rest.

*~*~*~*~*

Will returned the next day. He didn’t sleep at all nor did he feel so great. In fact, he felt awful. But it was what he had to do. There was no getting around it.

He knocked on the door of the Professor’s residence. The door fell open to reveal a trashed interior. The posters of Lunatone and Solrock were torn down and the bookshelves containing all of his research had fallen and collapsed.

“Professor?” Will called out. He hesitantly entered the residence. The place was in shambles and it only seemed to get worse the further in he went. Will released his Pokémon, Duskull to assist.

“Fly around and see what you can find.” He asked. The teen continued to carefully maneuver the wreckage until he got into the laboratory. The tiny Lunatone was thrashing about inside of a plastic container while outside she had a ghost Pokémon, Misdreavus, hovering around the room. The Professor was knocked out on the floor. Will slowly entered into the room, careful not to frighten the Professor’s Pokémon.

“Professor. Are you alright?” He asked, only to be surprised when he received a response.

“Yes. The Duo escaped. Lunatone hypnotized me into releasing them and then had me trash my house and destroy my research.” The white walled laboratory looked relatively unscathed expect for the hole in the window, the room looked more like all of the papers were thrown around the room.

“Did you learn anything from the night you had?”

“Yes, but not what I wanted to hear. The Pokémon are from space but they are not stars. They are Pokémon. “He groaned as he got up.

“I could have told you that.” Will said, jokingly as he helped the man into a chair.

“What about the little one? Why did they leave her?” Will asked.

“That’s the weird part. I originally had them all together but then they started wailing on the little dear. I separated them but they kept trying to get to her. I guess she was encroaching on their territory. You can take her. I don’t need them anymore.”

“What about your research?” Will asked as he eyed the little dear.

“I’ll keep looking into the existence of outer space Pokémon. But now I’m going to investigate Cleffa. She’s shaped like a star. Maybe she’s the one I should look into.”

Will frowned and returned the Lunatone to her pokéball before leaving this wackjob’s residence. Duskull rested on Will as he jumped onto the Hoverboard and left this crazy town. As they flew he messaged the Team.

“Mission Complete
Pokemon Used: Personal Pokemon: Duskull; Gaia, Turtwig / Secondary Pokemon: Whiscash; Barboach; Goldeen;
Items Used: Three Pokeballs,
Current Rank: Tier 6,
Missions Completed: None
Summary: The Astronomer wanted to a Lunatone and Solrock for his research. I caught them, he released them.”

Will, emotionlessly, typed the message and set it off. He’s heart, and soul, were focused on the little Lunatone in his pocket.

Will was reading in his Team Snagem provided room, when he heard the beeping. Technically, it wasn't even him that heard it; it was Lunatone. The crescent moon shaped pokemon spun around over to his bag and levitated it over to him. He was busy reading from his recent purchase and enraptured all of their focus. Obviously, Artemis was finding this particular passage to be doleful. She, initially, let the noise pass but after a few moments, the noise level increased to the point she could no longer take it. She whipped the bag up off the floor and flipped it open and removed all of the contents. Scanning over the items, she detected the beeping and dropped it into Will's lap.

"Dah." Will jumped when his Snag fell into his bag and eventually dropped into his lap. Shutting the book, he opened the device and began to read aloud once more.

"so i herd u leik mudkips?

In the town of littleroot, the town where kids go to start their pokemon journey, there has been sightings of a trainer who dresses up as a Mudkip and challenges trainers who come out of Birch's lab with their first pokemon to a battle. If the new trainer is beat and has a Mudkip, he'll take it and wait for his next victim. From what I heard, this trainer has a team completely made up of Mudkips and their evolutions. What I need you to do is to go to Birch's lab and convince him to let you borrow a Mudkip and battle this Mudkip maniac and 'convince' him by any means necessary to give the Mudkips back to their trainers. You may have fun with this mission.

Objectives:
-Get a Mudkip from Professor Birch
-Fight the Mudkip trainer and take the Mudkips he stole
-Give the Mudkips to Professor Birch

Opposition
-Any Wild pokemon if you desire
-The Mudkip trainer

Pokemon:
-You may ask Birch if you can keep the Mudkip
-You may Snag a Marshtomp or a Mudkip from the trainer
-You may catch a wild pokemon
-If you choose none of the above, I may give you an egg

Rewards:
7,500 Pokedollars and Varies from there

Will, Professor Birch has asked for you specifically. He believes that the way you can calm any Pokémon can be used on this individual here as well."

After finishing the message, he closed the Snag and glanced around the room. Artemis was returning the items back into their appropriate locations in his bag, Duskull was sitting atop Turtwig while the earth turtle laid before him; both were enraptured by the tale that he was reading. They desired some action, to start their own story.

"Alrighte, Kids. Let's get a move on."

~X~X~X~X~X~

As always, the flight to Hoegn was utterly boring and ridiculously long. He flew to the outer most edge of Kanto, namely Azalea Town, stayed the night before journey out once more into the wide ocean blue. He flew alongside Pelliper and Wingull, watched as Gorebyss and Tentacool danced in the sea and watched the sun set and rise over the ocean. It was a beautiful sight. Once again, he stayed in Mossdeep a night before leaving for Little Root. They arrived late, near five or six in the afternoon, near the beginning of the night.

Instead of barging in town and making a ruckus, he stayed on the outskirts and slept through the night with his Pokémon. They ate, drank and Will read a little more from the book and repeated the process in the morning. Once more, Will returned his Pokémon but left Duskull out to survey the area and to keep an eye out for the trainer. Venturing into town, the snagem trainer kept one pokéball at hand; Gaia. She would be the easiest to remove this trainer.

The small town was spectacularly quiet. There were only three houses, no Pokémon centers, no pokemarts, nothing; a perfect place for a bully to creep up on some little kid and snatch his Pokémon. Knocking on the door, Will waited a moment. There was a rustle of papers and someone called out to get the door. The door opened an a flustered lab assistant returned to his work while pointing him to the Professor in the back.

Burying his head into his palms, Birch was focused on his research of Mudkips and finding a way for him to track them. He was already capable of tracking other Pokémon but now he was focused specifically on this individual species.

"If I were a Mudkip, where would I hide?" He kept muttering to himself. Will smiled a bit.

'I like this guy already.'

"Professor,” Will asked, "Professor Birch?" He inched closer, until the man turned around.

"Hello, how may I help you?" The man said, clearly he hadn't been listening to anything or even heard Will enter.

"I'm from Team Snagem. My name is William, William Errol." Extending his hand, the teen offered it to the professor.

"Call me, Birch." They clapped hands and shook. "I've been needing a second opinion on this matter and none of my assistants are willing to tear themselves from their work so."

"Tell me what you need."

Birch pulled up a second chair and offered it to Will. They sat and began to discuss.

"The trainer appears anywhere. The first trainer I met was out in the woods and they chose the water starter, Mudkip. After I gave it to her, she released it and out popped this crazy man from the bush behind her. He stole the pokéball and rushed away, stealing her Mudkip. The rest were given theirs in my lab. The police have checked a hundred times. There are no bugs, no taps; I live next door so I never heard anyone breaking in. My assistants don't know my schedule and most people come in off the street."

"Ever since I’ve been handing balls out in here but, the trainer initiates a battle with the new trainer and distracts them. Then, he calls out another mudkip, or in some cases a Swampert or a Marshtomp. Using this new Pokémon, he blinds everyone nearby, steals the pokéball and disappears into the woods. None of the police’s Mighteyna, Poocheyna, Growlithe or Arcanine can track, follow or even locate this culprit. He just ducks in, steals the pokemon and darts out. The weirdest part is that he doesn't take any of the other starters. If there is a different one then he knocks them out and runs out. My neighbor has been a big help in taking care of them all of the injured people and pokemon."

Will sat and taught for a moment or two as he digested the information.

"There weirdest part is that he's dressed up as a Marshtomp." The Professor removed a picture of the kidnapper. And true to his word, the young man was dressed in the blue of a marshtomp, with fins, gills, everything a Marshtomp has.

"Do you have a general direction that the kidnapper flees in?" Will asked.

Birch's brows furrowed together as he began to shovel through his desk in search of something.

"I drew this map of Littleroot a few years ago, marking Pokémon habitats and even where the shore line was." Digging deeper into his desk, he found his map and removed it. Laying it across the desk, he showed Will the different markings.

"The culprit always leaves in this general direction. I never quite thought about that. He's fled in the opposite direction but the police trackers always find he's gone around town and heads for the eastern shoreline."

"And you said that he tends to disappear after that?" Will asked. He had an idea of what was going on but he had to make sure.

"Yes. The police lose all trace after that." Birch said; raising an eyebrow. "What are you thinking William?"

"Please call me, Will." Pointing to the sea in between Slateport and Littleroot, he began to calculate the distance. "I believe we have a bigger problem then you first anticipated. With all of this information, you've lead me to the conclusion that this operation is smuggling the water Pokémon into Slateport. I'd hate to tell you this Professor, but you're gonna have to lose another Mudkip."

Birch sighed and began to discuss a plan with the teen.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Will left later that evening, after Duskull said it was all clear. He hid in the forest, away from the eastern coast so as to not spook the culprit in to hiding. The plan was to lose the battle and to have Duskull follow him. Gaia and Artemis would be alright at the eastern coast, waiting. After his loss, Will would hop onto his Hoverboard and fly over the forest and find his waiting Pokémon. They'd all agreed to the plan and decided it was the best course of action. That night, they all gathered around and listened as Will read more from the book and ate their dinner. At points, Will would substitute their names so as to taunt and tantalize them. After an hour, they closed the book and each began their necessary rituals to fall asleep. Lunatone found some place in the tree, while Turtwig dug herself a little hole, Will brought out a blanket and Duskull slipped inside the tree itself.

The night passed without worry or incident. The Pokémon and Will slept comfortable and when they awoke, they broke camp and made their way to the ocean, on the western side. There, they ate, read and splashed in the waters. Their operation wouldn't begin until a bit after lunch. Duskull would fly overhead and search for the individual and then would signal for Will to enter Littleroot, until then, he and the other two Pokémon would remain in hiding.

However as Will, Artemis, Gaia and Duskull played within the ocean, there were no thoughts of plans or even of kidnappers or snagem; just fun and love. Will would slap his Pokémon and they would team up and splash him. If anyone splashed Lunatone by accident, she would drop a big blob of water on their head. Gaia was smacking the water with her leaf, while Duskull would fly underneath of a person and would erupt out of the water beside them, soaking them as well. After a few hours of playing, swimming relaxing and eating lunch, they left again for the mission.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Will entered Littleroot, with nothing indicating of who he was. The Snag was off and the actually snagging device was in his bag. His Pokémon’s pokéballs were hidden as well within his bag and Will was trying his best to look nervous but also excited about receiving his first Pokémon.

The plan was going smoothly; Birch spoke with him about being a Pokémon trainer and what it meant to be a friend to Pokémon. Will took the pokéball containing Mudkip and exited the building.

Taking a few steps away, he released the hatchling. The water pokemon opened his eyes and scanned his surroundings. When he found Will, he playfully squirted him with water. Mudkip ran off behind one of the buildings and the two played for a bit. Will chasing Mudkip and sometime the Pokémon would chase him. Eventually, Will got down on his knees and conversed with his new friend. He asked if Mudkip wanted to join him on his journey and the hatchling agreed and nuzzled up to him.

Will was beginning to leave the area when the bushes rustled and out popped the kidnapper. The human looking marshtomp shoulder checked him and knocked him down. Mudkip's pokéball rolled out of his hands and the thief took the chance to swipe it up and return the hatchling to their pokéball. Mudkip emitted a shrill cry as he was returned and forced to watch his trainer be beaten. The trainer then fled back into the bushes from where he pounced out of. Will cried out for help and snatched the Hoverboard out of his bag, taking off for the eastern coast.

Something had happened in between the time Birch gave him the Mudkip and the time it was stolen. Will was flying furiously to the coast, hoping to get there before the thief. Duskull found something like boat ruts in the ground on his first trip there and that clinched it for Will. The man was a Pokémon smuggler. He flew hard and fast over the forest, keeping an eye out for Lunatone who was supposed to be hovering over the forest to alert him of his direction. After three minutes, William caught sight of the crescent moon shaped Pokémon.

Will stood on the shore waiting for the trainer to show up. He'd heard Duskull's cry, signaling that the thief was close by. Gaia and Artemis were hiding in the forest. Stumbling out of the forest, the thief had ditched his costume and was wearing a Team Aqua outfit.

"Stop right there." Will commanded.

"What the?" The man said as he saw the very same trainer that he'd just knocked down in Littleroot before him. "Who are you?"

"That doesn't matter." Will took a step forward and held out his hand. "Give me back the Pokémon you stole, Now." He took another step.

"Fat chance." The aqua grunt looked out to the sea and said, "Marshtomp, Mud shot, this freak." Will was blasted from behind and sent face first into the sand.

Duskull wasn't going to stand that and shot the grunt with a blast of Night Shade, who fell into the sea. Will dove for the grunt, attempting to wrestle pokéballs from him. Marshtomp was going to shoot Will with another round of Mud Shot but was distracted by Duskull who was appeared in front of him, using Astonish. Stumbling backwards, the water Pokémon left the sea and walked up shore. Will, focused on the grunt before him.

"I'll kill you, kid for getting in my way." Breaking free of Will's grasp, the peon grabbed him by the throat and forced his head under water. Will kicked and fought but was beginning to lose consciences. Out of nowhere, the peon was thrown off of him. Artemis floated overhead. Will burst out of the sea and gasped for air. The peon was in deeper water, now; both figuratively and literally. Marshtomp was firing random shots of both Mud Shot and Water Gun at the ghost, who was popping up out of the ground, spooking the Pokémon with Astonish or knocking it back with Night Shade. After about four times of this, Marshtomp was standing over a leaf stuck in the ground. Gaia knocked out the Marshtomp's knees and burst out of the ground, biting into the Pokémon and activating Absorb. Duskull returned his attention to the peon and disappeared below ground.

Will and the peon were grappling in the ocean. Whenever the peon would gain the upper hand, Artemis would either drop a blob of sea water into his eyes, shoulder check him or even use Smack Down against him. After the second time of using Smack Down, Duskull popped out of the ground and pushed the pokéballs out of their pocket. Everything changed after that.

Artemis dove down and used confusion on the ten or so balls and whisked them away over to Will's bag on the shore. The peon removed one of his pokéballs from his belt and released a Swampert to the field.

"Retreat,” Will shouted to Artemis who wrapped the bag's strap around herself and took off for the laboratory. Duskull stayed behind and used a combination of disappearing below the waves and shooting both peon and Swampert with Night shade. Turtwig stood triumphant over the knocked out Marshtomp. Will sloshed over and scooped him up, before breaking into a full out sprint through the forest.

"NOOOOOO." The team aqua grunt shouted as the Duskull flew off after his trainer.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Will, Gaia and Duskull returned to the lab; soaking wet, grinning from ear to ear and laughing. They'd done it. Will knocked on the door to the lab and laughed even harder as a Mudkip jumped out and squirted him with Water Gun. Artemis was twirling about inside of the lab, ecstatic as well. Birch walked out and clasped hands with Will.

"Excellent work, William. I've called all of the trainers who had their Mudkips stolen and they are on their way here."

"My pleasure, Professor Birch, but there is something we must discuss first."

~X~X~X~X~X~

Will told the professor about the team aqua grunt and the ruts that Duskull had showed him. They called the Slateport police and informed them of a possible smuggling ring over there and the police told them they'd been following an ex-Aqua grunt that was trying to earn his way back in by donating Pokémon to their cause. They gave the police his description and hung up. Deciding against staying and receiving the credit for saving the Pokémon, Will left with his Pokémon and the new mudkip.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Will was flying over the sea when he messaged the team the results.

So I heard you like Mudkips
Mission Status: Completed
Pokémon: Turtwig, Gaia; Lunatone, Artemis; Duskull;
Summary: The Pokémon maniac kidnapped my Mudkip. We laid a trap for him, he fell in it. We stole back the missing Pokémon and Professor Birch is returning them to their rightful owners.

Resting on the hoverboard, Will thought of his Pokémon and which character this Mudkip would be in their story.

The sky was beginning to glow as the sun peeked out from below the horizon, like a child beneath their covers. Pokemon awoke from their deep sleeps to watch the sun set the sky ablaze. Pokemon of all shapes and sizes emerged and turned to watch the sky as if this were the first time any of them had seen a sunrise. Will and multiple other pokemon from the farm were up with him. The team was waiting, waiting for the sun to rise and for the day to begin.
Urgent Mission

Operation Summer Rain / Operation Pitfall

Greetings Snagems, I come to you with a mission of the utmost urgency and ask that any available member please accept this mission. We have obtained intelligence that tensions between the Pyre Cult and PETW have escalated greatly over the past few days, to such a degree that there is fear that one of the two may be planning a large scale attack on the other. As you may have seen already, the feud between the two is drawing innocent people into their fighting more and more each time they clash, and I fear that if the rumors of a massive attack from one on the other are true, that it will be harmful to many innocent people.

That's where you come in, should you accept this mission, you must choose which operation you will under take. With Operation Summer Rain you will attempt to infiltrate the ranks of PETW, or People for the Ethical Treatment of Water, the crazed water environment and Water Pokemon activist group. This group is known to go to great lengths of protecting water environments, Water Pokemon, and anything to do with water, to such an extent that they aren't afraid to break the law and cause harm to people and property. If you succeed in becoming one of them I want you to dig up any info on is going on, what started the spike in tension between the two groups, who is planning to do what, and stuff like that. Attached below is more info on the group.

Alternatively there is Operation Pitfall, you will attempt to infiltrate the ranks of the Pyre Cult, the cult which worships some sort of god of land and believe themselves to be carrying out the god's will by removing water resources and Water Pokemon, they believe their god is at war with the water of the world and they are helping their god win. The Pyre Cult cares little for the well-being of Pokemon, especially Water types, but they do value the advancement of people, and the growth of civilization, the opposite to PETW. If you succeed in becoming one of them I want you to dig up any info on is going on, what started the spike in tension between the two groups, who is planning to do what, and stuff like that. Attached below is more info on the group.

Choose your operation and carry out the gathering of intelligence ASAP, I require all information to be turned over on Friday, December 2, 2011, no later than. I have prepared a substantial rewarded for the most successful member, so good luck.

Objective:
---Infiltrate one of the two groups by becoming one of them.
---Find out why tension has spiked so suddenly.
---Find out who is planning to do something to the other and what.

Opposition:
---Anything or anyone you may have to face in order to become a member of the group and any task they present you in order to keep from blowing your identity.

Pokemon:
---No captures/snags allowed.

Reward:
---3 Snag Coins
---Varies from there

-Additional Information-

PETW: The leader of this group is named Archie, he is an arrogant macho-man with a love of the sea. His "theme" is apparently a cross between a sailing man and a pirate as he is not above commanding PETW to steal from others. He is known to carry a Crawdaunt, Tentacruel, Crobat, and Sharpedo. He is considered very strong and very dangerous.

Archie's "first mate" so to speak, is another man named Matt, a not-so-bright muscle man with desire to destroy all those who disagree with him. He is ruthless in his battles and isn't above attacking people. He loves the Pokemon Carvanha and owns several, he also owns a Mightyena and Sharpedo.

Members of PETW all have at least one Water Pokemon and rarely ever use anything else. They occasionally have Poochyena and Zubat, along with their evolved forms, but outside of that it is mostly Water Pokemon.

The dawn passed before him while he read the mission. He’d have to disappear if he left. Only take a few pokemon, only Mudkip and Feebas maybe Duskull but definitely not Gaia or Baltoy. The teen splashed a little on the lake’s surface with the tips of his fingers. Mudkip surfaced and then Feebas. The teen discussed with them his mission and his plan before communicating it to the rest of his pokemon.

Gaia and Artemis didn’t like the idea of him leaving without them, much less going in behind enemy lines without a full roster. Baltoy didn’t care but Duskull was excited he was allowed to be all sneaky and deceptive.

Will returned to his room with nothing left to do and wrote his parents a small note about the detail of his leaving. He’d wait until after breakfast, and then he’d disappear; leaving Gaia to lead his parents to the note. He gathered his belongings and packed them, only a small amount of things. Stuff that would make him look like he was from somewhere in Johto but wouldn’t tip off any investigators as to which region or city. He packed cloths, three revives, each of his pokemon’s respective pokéballs and then all three of his regular pokéballs. He could risk losing them or having them confiscated should they take them upon entrance. He left the rest of his items like the other balls and his max revive.

At the last minute, he dug through his room to find the last item he received. He’d hidden the item from his mother because he felt bad that she was doing her hardest to naturally beautify Feebas and here he is with a Prism Scale. He resolved to show it to her during breakfast.

~X~X~X~X~X~

“Mom,” Will said, rather awkwardly. “There’s something I have to show you.”

Both his parents stopped eating and calmly placed their utensils down. Will removed the Prism Scale from his bag and set it out in front of him. He glanced up at his parents face, expecting to see frowns and downturned expressions.

“I’m so proud of you, honey.” His mother got up and wrapped her son in a light hug.

Like Will, his father could only look at his wife, very confused.

“Why?” He asked, while his mother took the scale and began inspecting it.

Now, it was his mother’s turn to reveal her truth. “Honestly,” She warned. “When you left Feebas here, I was expecting that you’d left her like dead weight. Since she was useless, you had no reason to associate with her. Now, I know you’d play in the lake but I always thought it was to play with Mudkip. But, this proves that you do care for her.” His mother quit her fidgeting and looked her son in the eye. "I’m so proud, you didn’t leave her and that you respect pokemon this much.”

Will got up and hugged his parents. “Thank you.”

“And,” His mother added. “This is something she’s been wishing would happen for a long time.”

The words tingled in his ears. ‘Wish?’ Even in his mind, the word played on the edges of his conscience. There was something connected to this word, some memory. The feeling passed as quickly as it had come.

They separated and Will helped to clean up.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Wind gusted past the Bronze Snagger’s face as he flew through the air. There was a rumor going around that the P.E.T.W. team was gathering followers in Olivine. After the Lighthouse incident, they were sure to find some Anti-Pyre members just like there were sure to be Anti-P.E.T.W. individuals in Mahogany town. He flew there, hoping that they hadn’t left yet.

He originally was browsing through Goldenrod. Given all of the crime in the city, there had to be someone with connections to the Water Team. Luckily, he’d turned enough leaves to find the right source. They pointed him toward Olivine and even gave him a name.

“Matt.” The teen muttered. The individual was listed in the report. Find Matt and he’d find the way to weasel and worm his way into P.E.T.W.

~X~X~X~X~X~

“Where does one find a muscle bound maniac obsessed with destruction and obliteration?” Will thought, amusedly to himself.

‘If I repeated this statement to him, I wonder if he would understand or just knock me outright just for using “big words”.’ A smile adorned his features as he walked. The day was beginning to reach its midpoint. Noon was a few minutes away and Will was no closer to finding this hulk of a man.
He’d scavenged around the Lighthouse and saw no one suspicious, perused the Gym, browsed through the Pokemon Center and even scouted the vessels docked at the pier. Nothing. He was headed back to the uptown markets where he was hoping to purchase some lunch for himself and his pokemon and have them aid in his research.

He bought some poke food and lovely smelling bowl of stew for himself. Denying the Clampearl shell to eat out of, the teen used a regular bowl and took their food to the beach; the last place he’d scouted.

~X~X~X~X~X~

“Hey,” The deep voice disturbed him along with the hand that suddenly, and forcefully, clamped down on his right shoulder. A large hulk of a man crouched next to him. He wore a blue and white striped tank top that appeared taunt as a piano wire across his enormous muscles.

“An associate of mine from Goldenrod tells me, that you’ve been looking for a specific organization. “ He sat down, and relaxed like Will; stretching out and letting his feet be washed over by the waves. Will had been sitting and waiting for this exact moment but it still spooked him that it was really happening.

After his meal at the beach and finding no leads, the teen had fallen back to outright asking about the group. Initially, he found and heard nothing. But after some stubborn questioning, he wound back up at the same stall that had sold him his lunch. The vendor gave him a spot to sit at and he would be confronted with the examiner.

Will stretched out at the shore line and lounged just like he was instructed. Before he entered the beach, he’d discretely released Mudkip and Duskull and informed them of his plan. They each went to action: Mudkip disappearing into the sea, while Duskull stalked him from the shadows, invisible in more ways then one.
Despite the man’s size, he knew how to control his weight and was able to walk across the sands silently. Will would have had no warning if he hadn’t seen the signal from Feebas who jumped out of the water.

“I was. Do you know who I seek?” He asked. The man matched perfectly with his description and so Will took him as being Matt.

“I am they.” The examiner responded, and began looking over Will’s frame. He’d been instructed to wear a blue bathing suit and to remove his shirt when he got there and lay it out next to him with all of his used pokéballs next to it. The no shirt made him look shallow and vain; he’d been hit on by some many people that it was getting annoying. The teen with all of his travels had earned a nice tan, even before joining Snagem. Coupled with the work he did on the ranch, he was fit and gorgeous. The bleaching rays of the sun had turned his normal brown hair into a dirty blonde look with a few streaks of gold. He was a perfect specimen of masculinity in moderation. This was something that had taken Matt back.

‘$***,’ He swore, ’This really complicates things.' The info made Matt sound as if he was incompetent but coupled with the grammatically correct statements and all of this walking on egg shells made him infinitely smarter then Will had pegged him.

“What is it?” He nodded to the pokéball.

Will called out. “Feebas.”

Once again, the shock was evident on Matt’s face as he saw the ugly pokemon poke its face out of the water and gaze at them lazily.

“What does it know?” He inquired.

“Splash.” Will nodded; bordering on the sarcastic and truthful.

The man snorted and shook his head, a slight sneer on his face.
Keeping a trained eye on the water, the teen kept on eye out for any Sharpedos or Carvanhas. The pokemon was nowhere near battling and even worse she knew no moves to defend herself. Much to Will’s dismay, a lone fin jutted out of the water. The height of the fin and the dark blue color to it Will recognized as a Sharpedo fin.

“Stupid and can’t follow orders. These’ll teach you to follow them to the ‘t’ from now on.” The man smiled as he watched the Brutal Pokemon ripped its way to the shore; straight at Will’s Feebas.

“And this’ll teach you not to assume.” The teen coolly responded after which he snapped his fingers.

There was a blast underneath of the water and Sharpedo was sent flying onto the beach. Matt’s eyes flared, and then glared at the teen. Mudkip waddled up the shore to nestle itself in Will’s lap. Sharpedo was returned to its pokéball and Matt got up to walk away.

“You pass.” He turned and kicked sand into Will’s eyes and landed a solid punch on the teen’s face; knocking him out cold. Mudkip stayed in his lap nor did Duskull jump out to assist. They’d been given strict orders to stay put. Matt picked up the teen and his stuff and walked into the ocean as a small boat raced forward to pick him up. When he boarded the small motor boat, he accepted a Walkie-Talkie from a peon and spoke into it.

“Matt, reporting in. We’ve got a squirrely one here.”

“Good. We’ve gonna need as many as we can get for this plan not to fail.”

~X~X~X~X~X~

Will was shaken awake by a man dressed in blue, with his hair hidden beneath a striped bandana and a pair of shades hiding his eyes. It took a few minutes for his wits to recollect.

The man dropped his bag next to him. They’d obviously gone through it.

‘Good Thing, I left my Snag back at the Ranch.’

“Finally, you’re awake.” There was absolutely no compassion in the man’s voice. He sneered at the teen beneath him.

“You may have earned a little of Archie’s and a lot of Matt’s respect by that little stunt you pulled on the beach, but the rest of us don’t think it so cute.” The teen clutched at his ribs as the man kicked him in the side.

“We will beat you into submission if you don’t do as we say, exactly as we say it.” The man walked to the other side and repeated the process.

“Now, let’s see you act all superior and mighty.” He sneered again before leaving Will.

“Let’s see how Matt and Archie like you now.”

It took him a few minutes for the stars to quit dancing before his eyes. Pain rocketed through his body; every breath was its own hell. The man had meant to bruise his ribs, and he succeeded.

Eventually, Will tumbled over as his entire body was hurled against the wall. He had to fight down tears and take short quick breaths for a while but he now had a piece of information about his location

‘I’m on a boat and it must be pretty fast for it to have thrown me like that.’ He glanced around the room and noticed a porthole which allowed light in. There were no lamps or even safety lights. He tried to stand, but couldn’t. His knees gave out under the pain and he was forced to sit and wait. Will checked for his pokéballs but his captor had only been playing with him. They’d taken everything, even his Prism Scale.

Scared and bruised, Will forced himself to close his eyes. There was nothing to do with two bruised. maybe even broken, ribs and absolutely no way of standing. He needed to recover and the best way to heal was with sleep. He dispelled the theories collecting in his mind and attempted to form a sort of pillow out of his bag and slept in the corner, holding his ribs.

The dream was different. Instead of ending after the two groups left, it continued; this time, following the people who took the egg of water into the sea. He watched them build a huge temple out of the side of some cliff and use some sort of crystal as their keys in and out.

As years passed, the people were battered by others as they attempted to lay siege to the magnificent structure and steal all of their jewels. Even migrating pokemon attempted to manipulate the temple for their own uses. The people had no choice so they split the temple off from the cliff and made it float in some huge bubble. It descended into the ocean and they along with it.

There, they could live in peace and harmony. The people controlled the bubble and the seas around it. As the time grew closer for the ceremony, the tides would take them back to their meeting spot with the other clan and they would lift the temple to the surface.

The dream ended as the two clans disappeared into their respective masses: one of land, the other of water.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Nudged awake this time by the tip of a boot, Will expected to see the same man from before. When he begrudged opened his eyes, it was Matt.

“Don’t be getting Sea Sick on me now, Boy.” He reached out a hand to Will. “Especially after I’ve been talking you up with the Captain.”

The teen shook his head and continued to hold his ribs. “I don’t get sick. Someone came in here and kicked me; bruising each side of my ribs.”

Matt remained stoic but scrunched up his face a bit. “I bet he covered his face and hair.”

The teen could only nod.

“Thought so. Never thought some of my own people would act like stuck up little brats.” Matt snagged Will’s arm and hoisted him up.

“You’re lucky, they only bruised your ribs. If they’d broken them, you’d most likely have died by now. Just get up on your feet and try to walk it off.”

Will struggled as he walked, carrying the empty bag in his hand. They emerged out on the deck of a small cruising vessel, with a bridge leading over to a larger vessel, like a mix between a cruise liner and a battleship.

“Welcome to your new home, William.” Matt said as he took the newest addition around the ship. ‘The Hulk’, as Will began to call him, showed the teen his living quarters, the kitchen, the bathrooms and the training rooms and lastly took him to the medic. The doctor verified that they were merely bruised ribs and there was no damage to the rest of the organs. They walked back to the kitchens, where Will popped the first of his questions.

“I meant to ask you something before you left.” Will started.

“Why did we attack Mahogany?” Matt knew. “Every recruit has asked this question. Normally, I’d tell you about the shipment of pokemon being sent there and that they were by Maxie. But,” Matt turned and looked around to inspect to make sure no one else was around before continuing. “Archie was testing a theory of his. He believes the Regi’s are a collection of Chi’s pooled into their respective resources. He tried to make a Regice over Mahogany and if the experiment failed, he could simply melt the ice to destroy all of the evidence and interfere with Maxie’s plans.”

Will tried to get even more info out of Matt. “But, why does he plan to do with the Regi’s and why now?”

Matt backed off and focused on making his food for a minute before turning to Will; a slight glint in his eyes.

“I’ll make you a deal. Help me out with this next mission and I’ll tell you.”

“What’s the next mission?” He asked hesitantly.

“Capturing Regirock in the Desert Ruins for experimentation.”

~X~X~X~X~X~

After Will agreed, Matt revealed that P.E.T.W. had scaled back its efforts in response to interference by another Team, some runt group called Team Snagem. He and Archie had agreed that it would be best if Matt went alone without any sort of extra escort. This way, they could slip past the other groups; steal the Regirock and get out. A boat would be docked at the outskirts of Mauville for transport back to the larger vessel. They’d leave as soon as possible. A second and third group would be dispatched to retrieve the remaining Regi’s. Archie personally was seeing to the capture of Regice. They were slated to leave as soon as possible, but Matt was determined to see Archie before he left. Will got the sense he was being carted around for some reason.
In the end, Archie had left already and the duo was left to their planning and capturing.

“Allow me to wet your thirst for information.” They were riding the small craft that would take them to Mauville. A peon would drive them there and they’d have to either signal or call for a boat to pick them up. “Archie received a message a few weeks ago from Maxie. The leader was challenging him to a battle and whoever won would rightfully have claim to the region. Archie couldn’t pass the opportunity up. If he won, then Maxie would have to leave. If he didn’t, Archie could kill him right there and have the Pyre Cult in shambles for a time. He left the meeting with two escorts, commanding me to stay behind.” Matt put some emphasis on the commanding.

“I didn’t support this in the least. I knew it was a trap and tried to warn him. Archie met up at the rendezvous point. He waited and waited. Maxie never showed. When he was ready to leave, a group of mercenaries attempted to assassinate him. Maxie had planned to have him killed and paid the group handsomely to do so. As you can see Archie survived but the two escorts died that day.” Something was clearly affecting the man, but Will couldn’t tell. “The woman escort that Archie took that day was my fiancée.”

Will took a moment to comprehend what he’d just learned. The second of his three intel objectives had been learned.

“Did Archie call for a similarly designed meeting against Maxie?”

Matt glared at Will and responded. “What do you take us for? We are pirates, not murderers or assassins, we never stoop to something so low.”

The teen would have rolled his eyes at such a comment but it wouldn’t fit his role. “Why are you recommending me as often as you are?”

“You impressed me.” Matt checked on the peon in front of him before muttering to Will. “Plus, I’ve never been shown up as you did to my Sharpedo. Ever. If you talk to any of the other members about this, I’ll rip off both your arms and shove’em down your throat. Then, feed ya to my Sharpedo and Carvanha.”

Will neglected to mention that the rumors had already spread around the ship like wild fire.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Their time together passed relatively quietly. Will only answered Matt’s questions, never asking any more. He was close lipped about his family and his hometown. He had to be or his cover might be blown. They stopped for the night in the Pokemon Center.

An hour or two before dawn, Will collected his belongings and left for the coast. Matt was gone but that didn’t matter. The teen needed to escape from this P.E.T.W. craziness and spend some time with his pokemon. His ribs were still aching, but nowhere near as much as they did. Feebas and Mudkip played in the water while Duskull floated above it; trying to catch them. Will was turning the Prism Scale over in his hand, debating on when to do it.

Suddenly, a forceful slap hit his back and the scale went flying. Feebas caught sight of the beautiful item and jumped out of the water for it. Her forehead connected with the item and they began to glow. Feebas and the item joined together into a bright ball of light. The orb elongated into a long serpentine shape. Four tendrils emerged from the head as six or so feathers emerged at the tail. As the final changes took place, the light diminished and Milotic settled into the sea.

Will spun around to see Matt.

“Why did you do that?”

The only response Will received was a smile.

“How dare you. You could have killed her.” His eyes narrowed as he backed away from Matt.

“Awww, Shut up.” Matt said as he laid down on the cool sandy beach. “That Feebas was wanting that all along.”

“You had no right. She’s still only a hatchling. She could have died due to the transformation. You say you fight for water pokemon but you’re just as bad as those idiots from Pyre.” Will was fuming, anger clouding his judgment.

At this, Matt took a handful of sand and threw it at Will. The teen rubbed at his eyes, trying to remove it but the older man tackled him and held his head underwater. Will took a few deep breaths and snorted sand into his lungs. As soon as his pokemon saw the two fighting they intervened. Milotic took her new, gorgeous tail and swatted Matt off. Duskull and Mudkip ran to surround him while Milotic helped Will up. Matt spun around and glared at Will.

Once again, the recently evolved pokemon intervened and made a low and long call; calling Matt’s attention to her. Both, Will and Matt, stopped. Something about Milotic made them pause, her beauty, her strength, her love, something.

“My wife was part Milotic. She was one of the escorts that Archie took that day.” Matt spoke, his voice distant as if recalling a long forgotten memory. “We never fought. It kinda felt like this when I looked at her or heard her voice. This simple peace.”

Will could feel it. It wasn’t the kind where he could sit around all day and just stare at her and let the world go to hell but this feeling that everything’s alright.

“I was going to remove you from the mission, but this pokemon will be so much more valuable and useful. We won’t even have to lift a finger against Regirock.”

As the teen looked at his elder, he thought of something. ‘He’s being very open and honest. It’s almost like he’s hypnotized by her.’

“Tell me, what is Archie planning?” Will asked and partially demanded.

“He plans to use the three Regi’s to wake the fourth. When he does, he intends to use Regigas to move the continents together to form one large landmass. While Regigas is moving the land, another team will be researching Kyogre and attempting to copy its Drizzle ability. With this research, Archie plans to create a Regi of Water with the Drizzle ability. This way, he can flood the new continent and give Water Pokemon freshwater habitats but also allow for them freely across the land. This new Regi will be their protector but also will follow our commands, incase another team like Pyre or Snagem can be easily eliminated.”

Will had to pause for a moment. He was expecting something to do with the Regi’s but nothing on this scale.

“If the people do not follow our laws, Archie is prepared to flood the world and to start over. He’s already hidden hundreds of boats and submarines around the world for the Team in case it should come to that. This way, he can start over and water pokemon will finally receive the respect they justly deserve.”
The teen swallowed the lump that had risen in his throat.

“People will learn to revere water and not take advantage of it. They will learn to respect the hurricanes in Autumn, Winter’s Hail, the Spring Storms and even the light Summer Rain.”

Will had all of the evidence he needed. He could leave now and report back. But, Matt would just finish the mission. Regirock would be captured and experimented on. He had to stop Matt; he had to frighten him and to scare him away from the Regi’s.

The teen withdrew his pokemon and walked back into town. He ducked into one of the few phone booths and called his parents to send over his remaining pokemon and to transfer Mudkip home. He’d need them against Matt. None of the older man’s normal pokemon would work in these circumstances so he must likely had a backup plan and team. Stowing the extra pokemon into his bag, the teen prepared to walk the path to route 111, where they were supposed to meet.

~X~X~X~X~X~

Will made it there within an hour’s walk only to find Matt waiting there. He was wearing what appeared to be goggles around his eyes. The teen walked forward and took the spare set the Matt gave him. They were going to walk straight into a Sandstorm and attempt to find a set of ruins in the back of the desert. Matt was lead, obviously. He followed along the cliff side. This way, pokemon and trainers couldn’t creep up on them and they wouldn’t get lost. They only had to follow the wall. He removed a piece of technology from his pocket and it seemed to be some sort of electronic map that also showed his position. It took sometime but they reached the back of the desert and were capable of avoiding pokemon and trainer alike.

Matt took point again this time because he knew what he was looking for. Will was most likely just going to be the designated battler. The footing away from the wall was slippery and uneven. The teen constantly had to focus merely on watching Matt’s feet in front of his so as to not get lost while also watching his own feet to prevent falling over. The desert was like walking on a wet beach, one could easily slip into a sink hole or even merely get one’s foot stuck or stumble into a Trapinch lair. By the time, they reached the ruins, it was five o’clock and they only had a few more before their boat would be gone and they’d have to find alternative transportation out of the region.

The two ran around to the front of the old rock like mound, to find an opening almost like a door. The two entered and let their eyes adjust to the darker interior. The light that entered through the door provided enough illumination that they could see. Matt approached the wall. He scanned his surroundings and punched the wall.

“Where is it?” The wall made a strange noise. They both looked and he did it again.

“It’s hollow.” Again and again, Matt threw himself into the wall but it made no dent, not even a chip.

Will looked above the muscle bound idiot to find a series of dots.

‘It must be another language.’ He’d heard of such a place existing in one of the books his father brought back on an adventure he had. The words contained the secret to getting deeper.

‘Perhaps, I can use this to my advantage.’ Working up his courage, the teen pulled out his pokéballs and threw them into the air.

“Good idea, let’s have…” Matt turned around to see two pokemon, Baltoy and Turtwig, he knew Will didn’t have, and Will standing between them, holding even more pokéballs.

“It’s over, Matt. The door is sealed for two reasons. Regirock doesn’t want people poking around his cave and two.” Will pointed to himself as he said the last part. “We’ve got it.”

It took a few minutes but the veins began to pop out along his temple and down his muscles.
“Which one?” He grunted as he threw out four pokéballs; releasing a Mightyena, Crawdaunt, Poliwrath and Crobat.

“Team Snagem. We’ve decided to investigate and take proactive measures to shutting you down.” Will threw out the last three Pokémon: Milotic, Artemis and Duskull. Even though they outnumbered Matt, the teen still had to be careful and to make sure they didn’t damage the structure enough that Regirock would be exposed.

“Destroy these pokemon. We’ll worry about the door later.” Although Matt was an idiot, he did have at least some grasp of tactics.

Mightyena crouched down as if to attack Duskull or Artemis. Crobat took to the air and flew after Gaia. Poliwrath used Mind Reader against Baltoy while Crawdaunt challenged Milotic. Duskull disappeared while Artemis intercepted Crobat. Both psychic types unleashed Confusion on their opponents, Baltoy against Poliwrath and Artemis against Crobat. Mightyena was able to use Take Down Baltoy and reduce some of the blast against Baltoy. The poison type was severely confused after that. Crawdaunt was mesmorized by Milotic allowing Gaia to get in a free hit of Razor Leaf. The attack was able to distract the water type enough that it broke Milotic’s hold and the rogue pokemon turned to see its attacker. Artemis left Crobat, who was busy running into the walls, to assist Baltoy with his battle against Poliwrath. The moon shaped pokemon descended behind Poliwrath and unleashed a particularly strong blast of Confusion. Baltoy activated Ally Switch and swapped with Milotic. Mightyena, who was attempting to use Sucker Punch, ended up diving forward to attack but stumbled and flopped as Baltoy transformed into Milotic. The water type used her ability to mesmerize the wolf.

Matt, after taking his fill of watching his pokemon flounder about, tackled Will.

“If I can’t capture Regirock, I’ll atleast kill the mole.” Fury was evident in the muscle man. The teen struggled under Matt’s massive weight but could do nothing to fight off his attacker.

Again, Milotic was forced to leave Mightyena to swat Matt off of her trainer. Artemis and Baltoy had combined their powers to finish off Crobat, who was finally beginning to fight off the effects of its last confusion. Matt didn’t stop to recall his Pokémon but dived again for Will. Milotic had had enough and wrapped her sleek and slender body around him, squeezing and restraining him. Eventually, the older man had to pass out. Mightyena, seizing the opportunity, used Assurance against her. Milotic slightly weakened her hold but made sure to not let go. Baltoy left Artemis’s side, who went to help Turtwig, to help keep an eye on Matt.

“Duskull, Will-O-Wisp,” Will huffed as he attempted to recover his breath. The ghost pokemon materialized behind Mightyena and unleashed the blue fire on the dark type.

Milotic retightened herself since she could focus on keeping Matt away from Will.

Gaia and Artemis were having their own time trying to best Crawdaunt and Poliwhirl. Whenever the crescent moon shaped pokemon would try to use Confusion, Crawdaunt would always intercept them. Whenever Turtwig attempted to use Razor Leaf or Absorb, Poliwhirl would knock the leaves away with Waterfall and disrupt his concentration by forcing him to grapple. They needed Baltoy. But, he was busy with protecting Will.

“Baltoy, Ally Switch with Artemis. Artemis Hypnosis.” Will instructed. This was the one benefit of having a trainer advising and not choosing the moves. Most pokemon knew how to fight and even some were masters at it but trainers could focus on strategies and let the pokemon fight the way they knew how. Will learned this tactic from his father.

Baltoy and Artemis found each other and the little gold doll switched their locations; this way, Artemis could help with the battle against Mightyena. It would be impossible for the dark type to fall asleep with its burn but that wasn’t what they needed. Artemis’s eyes grew bright and Mightyena could resist for only a spell before it gazed into the intense blue eyes. Duskull used Night Shade and broke Mightyena’s stupor. The dark type whirled around, giving Artemis the time to ready Shadow Ball. The shadowy orb hit the wolf in the back, right into the burn. Duskull attempted to use Night Shade again but Mightyena was faster and angrier. It used Sucker Punch and nearly knocked out the little ghost. Duskull was sent flying and collided with wall of the cave. He could only lay on the ground and twitched. Mighyena turned on Artemis to see the bright blue eyes again. The dark type fell back into the half-awake stupor, stumbling and burned. Artemis used her psychic powers to find a suitable rock and broke it off from the wall. She used Smack Down against Mightyena and knocked it out.

Turtwig and Baltoy were still having some trouble. They’d scored a few hits but nothing substantial and both were getting tired. Matt’s pokemon were built for these long drawn out battles, where William’s were used to short quick tactics. Artemis’s appearance did raise moral a lot but what was even better was the ball of light released by Duskull around Crawdaunt. The dark water type stumbled around and tried to use Crab Hammer but only ended up hitting Poliwhirl and separating them. The two psychic types combined forces again and used Confusion, whittling down the fighting types health. Will withdrew Duskull and bid Milotic to let Matt go. She did and the man stumbled around. Matt collapsed to his knees and tried to inhale as much oxygen as his lungs could hold. Milotic slithered away only to circle around Will like a protective seal.

Gaia danced around the thrashing Water Pokemon, stealing bits of health here and there. That game ended when she was caught by Crawdaunt’s Night Slash. She was sent flying into Baltoy. Artemis attempted to repeat her previous strategy of hypnotizing. Every time, Crawdaunt would lash out with Crab Hammer, Night Slash and sometime even Guillotine. Gaia, Artemis and Baltoy tried their best, but Turtwig was the one that had to do the damage. This way, she could regain health and be able to defeat the final opponent that stood between them and home.
“Artemis, Distract Crawdaunt. Baltoy creep up behind it and then Ally Switch with Gaia.” They would have come up with the plan eventually, but Will was growing sick of this place and he wanted to get out of there.

They followed their commands. Artemis used a combination of Smack Downs, which the water pokemon countered with Crab Hammer and Hypnosis. Baltoy was capable of sneaking up on the giant crab and activated its move. They switched places and Turtwig launched itself onto the water pokemon’s back. Crawdaunt battered away but both Artemis and Baltoy distracted it with Smack Downs, Hypnosis and Telekinesis. Gaia drained away its health and slashed away with Razor Leaves. Eventually, the crab went down and Will bid Matt Adieu.

“If I ever hear that you or your team even step foot anywhere near these pokemon, my entire team will descend upon you and rip your wretched organization apart.” Will returned each of Matt’s pokemon and threw their pokéballs outside. Milotic squeezed him enough that he lost consciences and tossed him out too. Returning her and Gaia, Will beckoned Artemis and Baltoy outside.

“Find some nearby rocks to create a new door. We don’t want anyone waltzing in.” The psychics used their skills and packed the door way with rocks and boulders, effectively sealing it off. They even for good measure partially buried the doorway in a sand dune.

Returning his pokemon, Will began the long and arduous journey back home. He’d have to find either trainer to Fly him back home or a boat willing to drive him back to Johto.

“Now, I wish that I’d never left my hoverboard behind.” He groaned after he exited the sandstorm. The teen whipped out his snag and sent a report to Sub.

“I don’t know if I should be doing this but here’s the completed Mission Overview.
Urgent Mission
Mission Status: Success
Pokemon Used: Primary: Mudkip; Feebas – Milotic; Secondary: Turtwig, “Gaia”; Duskull; Lunatone, Artemis; Milotic; Baltoy;
Summary: I joined P.E.T.W. and discovered three things.
a) Tensions recently broke out after Maxie and Archie tried to assassinate each other. Archie’s escorts were murdered, one happened to be the engaged wife of his second, Matt. Archie returned the favor and killed some of the Pyre Cult Members.
b) Archie plans on using Regigas to reshape the world. He attempts to form a super continent and then use what he’s learned about Kyogre and the Regi’s to create creature of water to control this new continent. If the people don’t obey him, he will flood it and kill everyone; allowing him to restart. The name Summer Rain is actually how he plans on flooding the world; by creating an endless rain storm.”

Will trudged along until he returned to the Pokemon center where he passed out in one of their rooms, too exhausted to continue.

“It feels like I’ve been up since a week ago.” Will flopped down underneath one of the trees behind the barn. He’d gotten up early; his dreams were becoming more and more unsettling, and got to work before everyone else. Normally, he’d been done by Noon. All he had to do was feed all of the Pokémon, muck out the barn, clean the lake, do any house chores that need to be done and check on all the pokémon. His work went a lot faster with the help of all of his pokémon. Milotic and Mudkip would help him clean the lake. Baltoy and Gaia would remove all of the dirty hay and replace it with clean straw. Duskull visited all of the pokémon while he was working and would alert him if something was wrong. Artemis stayed inside, helping with the household stuff. Despite all of this help, the day just drug on. For some reason, it just felt like there was another chore to do right after the last one.

Milotic and Mudkip were busy playing in the lake with the other Water Pokemon. Baltoy was lounging with him, Gaia and Duskull. Artemis was resting inside the house with his parent’s Alakazam and Gardevoir. He was getting ready to nod off when his snag went off.

“Really?” Will moaned.

“Do ya dig it?

Created by: SubonicXP

Mission to get fossil Pokemon.

Hundreds of feet under the Earth's surface lies a world that existed before ours. Plants, Pokémon, things that existed before our time lie buried deep down, just waiting to be unearthed. Archeologists have found many things in their exploits to learn more and more about this other world that sleeps under there. What an interesting job they must have, of course it isn't easy work but still interesting all the same.

Wouldn't you like to be an archeologist for a day? Well now is your chance! In the four regions, Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Unova, the archeologist there are accepting help. Who are they? (I bet you are wanting to ask.) Well, Brock, Brandon, Roark, and Clay (The last one helps out occasionally on digs.) respectively. Each region has their own unique things to find, such as Pokémon fossils of extinct Pokémon. Who knows, maybe you'll get lucky and find one? And maybe your archeologist will let you keep it? I hear there are places in those regions where they can actually revive fossil Pokémon! Isn't that cool?

But beware, it might have been seven years since Snagem has dealt with any of those small evil teams but like always, there will be someone stupid enough to give birth to one. A rather new evil team is out there causing trouble, one that resembles a previous enemy of ours. They are called Team Eolith; just like the late Team Sandstorm they are crazy about fossils, though not just fossils. Team Eolith unlike Team Sandstorm is crazy about any type of artifact dug up. They seem to be searching for some specific but no one is sure yet. Their region of operations is somewhere in the region of Johto but they expand out from there to the other regions from time to time. Be wary of them, unlike Team Sandstorm they are a bit smarter and stronger. They manly use "Earth" based pokémon, such as Ground, Rock, and Steel types, and our course they love ancient pokémon. They may try to mess with you on your dig. So good luck.


Objective

---Travel to Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, or Unova and request to join one of the archeologists mentioned on their daily dig. Send Team Eolith packing if they come forth.


Opposition

---Team Eolith, the chances are great they will mess with you and maybe even steal your "treasure" they mainly move in groups of three lower ranked peons and carry one to three Pokémon. (Based on the highest evo you can use or lower, but no lower than second stage if you can use third evos.)


Pokémon

---If you find a Pokémon out there in the wild, and you think you might want it, go for it. Let it be allowed for your rank of course. But if you want to revive a fossil you might find then no wild capture. This mission is to help you get fossil pokémon of course.


Rewards

---3x Snag Coins

---A fossil of course, if you find one. If you do find one you maybe revive it in the mission. Other than that the rewards vary.”

As Will looked up, they all kind of slouched too. Everyone was exhausted too but they could rest on the way out there.

“You all know the drill.” Will muttered as he stood up. Duskull went to the lake to find Milotic and Mudkip. Baltoy ‘walked’ back to the house to locate Artemis and his bag. Gaia followed him as he began to walk back to the lake.

“We might be able to back here before dinner.” He joked with Gaia.

*~*~*~*~*

Will took the Magnet Train over to Kanto, and then flew over to Pewter City on his Hoverboard. The journey wasn’t so bad. It was actually quite nice. It was nearing six in the evening by the time he arrived at the gym.

‘I guess, this is where we are suppose to meet our Archaeologist.’ He opened the door and entered. Brock was sitting against one of the boulders talking with a two other people. The first, being an older women, was discussing something with him.

“I won’t allow it. Never!” She angrily exclaimed, throwing her hands up and walking away. “See this is why.” Motioning to him, the women added.

“Honey, please be reasonable.” The second of the two people, an older man came up behind the woman and took her away. “Brock, we’ll talk about this afterwards.”

The rock gym leader sagged a little as he climbed on top one of the boulders. “I assume you are here for a match.”

Will approached the teen. “Nope.” He said with a smile; trying to brighten this kid’s day. “I’m here looking for an archaeologist named Brock.”

The teen instantly straightened up and shushed him. “Don’t say that right now. My parents found out about my digs and started giving me and earful.” He turned to look over his shoulder before continuing. “Especially when they found out about Team Eolith. They totally lost it.”

“Why don’t you just go without telling them?” Will asked, perplexed.

“Someone has to work at the gym.” He remarked with a smirk.

“Makes sense.” Will responded, climbing up a boulder across from him. “Is there anything you want me to do?”

Brock paused for a moment, rubbed his chin then nodded. “Let’s have a Pokémon battle. If you can beat me, my parents might let us go.”

“Why would beating you help your cause? If anything it might hurt it.” Will pulled his egg out from the bag and began to stroke it.

“Not really. I beat my parents so if you can beat me, it’s like beating them.” He reached behind his back and pulled out a pokéball. “So?”

Will smirked before reaching into his bag and threw one of his own.

“Hey, Mom, Dad.” Brock called out, walking over to the door his parents entered.

Turtwig came over to Will as he took up his position in the challenger’s box. “Do me one last favor.” He said, kneeling down. “We’ve got one battle and then you can go back to bed.”

Gaia nodded and stomped her front two legs.

“Awesome. Thanks.” He muttered before patting her on her back.

Brock entered the arena once more, his parents trailing behind him.

“So I’ve heard you’re gonna accompany my son into the Mountain?” His mother told him. “We’ll see if you can beat him. This won’t be so easy.” She smiled.

“I’ll be acting as the official judge of the match.” His father spoke and stood within his own platform.

“Let’s begin.” Brock said, kneeling down he pressed his pokéball into the ground; releasing it directly into the earth. His face was taunt as if something was worrying him.

‘Oh well.’ Will shrugged as Turtwig entered the arena.

“COMMENCE.” Brock’s father shouted, slashing downward with his two flags.

The ground began to shake and rumble as whatever pokémon he released burrowed around.

“Gaia, brace yourself. It’ll most likely come up underneath of you.” Will said as he scanned over the arena; looking for a place she could hide.

Turtwig clambered up one of the boulders in an attempt to put as much distance between herself and whatever was below her.

The ground began to shake and rumble as Steelix erupted out of the ground and let out a huge bellow.

Gaia rolled to the side as Steelix dived forward and back into the ground.

She chased after it but the iron snake disappeared back into the earth.

“This isn't going to work.” He muttered.

Suddenly, Steelix emerged from its previous hole and blasted Gaia with Dragonbreath. She went flying into one of the boulders and cracked slightly.

The little turtle withdrew into her shell and stayed there.

Steelix withdrew fully from the ground and raised its tail. It grew to this whitish hue before he slammed it back down. The small turtle, smart as she was, waited for this. She rolled out of the way at the last minute and ran jumped onto the tail. She climbed further to its center where she preceded to Mega Drain it.

Steelix shrieked and tried to shake it off but she only stopped and used Razor Leaf to beat it even further. The rock snake then turned and tried DragonBreath. Gaia was knocked off as she was hit by the attack but she was able to continue throwing Razor Leaves. It retaliated with burrowing into the ground and disappearing from the stage.

“This is getting more than a little irritating.” Will muttered to himself. Gaia withdrew into her shell once more. This would be the safest method for them. They had no way of knowing where Steelix was while it was underground nor could they know where it was going to pop up. It was a dangerous game of Russian roulette that they were playing. That and there was no way to keep Steelix on the surface. And Brock knew way too much already. He knew three out of four of Gaia’s moves, how crafty she could be and what her weakness was most likely.

“This isn’t looking too good.”

The ground quit shaking for a few minutes before several of the boulders scattered around the field began to levitate and hover. They didn’t move nor did they do anything; they just began to hover.

‘Steelix can’t learn Telekinesis or any sort of psychic move and if it did, the boulders would have a blue aura about them. Gaia has to finish this fast.’ Will thought.

“Rock Polish.” Brock commanded in a clear and strong voice. He wasn’t smug but nor was he too pleased. The ground shook as Steelix cried out.

Suddenly, the great gray serpent emerged from one of its previous holes and blasted the shell with DragonBreath. Gaia was spinning but this time she didn’t hit anything. There would be damage but not as bad as either of the last two times she was hit. She was just emerging from her shell when Steelix began to descend back into the earth.

“Enough. Gaia return.” Will commanded. The small turtle was recalled into her pokéball and out came another.

“If you wanna hide in the dark so badly, then let’s have both of our pokémon play there.” Will snarled. Whatever game Brock was playing, he was getting sick of it.

“Duskull, Steelix’s playing Peek-a-Boo. Flush it out.” Will commanded. The lone ghost giggled and turned invisible. It was an ominous feeling; hearing the wicked chuckling off the ghost as it echoed through the tunnels and off the walls of the gym. The noise began to die down as Duskull found its prey. He stalked it through the tunnels until he grew bored enough and zapped it with some Night Shade. Steelix zipped around in the tunnels but couldn’t find the source of its pain.

Duskull returned the surface and began his giggling again. Will smiled as he listened. He’d never heard the pokémon get this much pleasure out of battling.

‘Then again, I’ve never let him battle like this before.’ While he was giggling, Duskull became visible for but just a moment. Long enough for the boulders to find him and go flying. The little ghost was crushed in between two boulders and had some damage done.

“Awww. Poor thing.” Brock’s mother teased.

Duskull hurt, both emotionally and physically, turned invisible again and entered the tunnels. This time he wasn’t going to play anymore. It was a few minutes wait before they heard anything but the shifting of earth.

At first, it was a shrill cry from Steelix. Then, the earth began to shake and rumble as it thrashed in its tunnels. In the end, the tunnels ended up collapsing and Steelix was forced to surface again. Duskull emerged from the ground, visible and preparing to attack. Black energy circled around the ghost pokémon as it readied its final move.

“Hex.” Will muttered once more, less as a command and more of a realization. The energy coalesced into the form of an eye which fired a series of rings out. The resulting waves of energy made Steelix writhe on the arena’s surface as it was affected by both the blue flames that were leaping off of it and the attack.

The iron snake fainted and Brock’s father called it. The gym leader switched pokémon; throwing out a Golem this time.

Duskull and the new pokémon faced each other in the ring until the signal was given. Golem immediately used Smack Down, but Duskull turned invisible and dodged.

“This is going to be much more difficult.” Will thought aloud. His last pokémon was Milotic but he didn’t wanna bring her out for this. Duskull would have to do some damage or faint before he would feel fine recalling him.

‘Or I could use Turtwig. But I’d feel better having more information before I switched to her.’

Duskull remained completely silent and seemed to be pestering the golem, tapping its backside, popping up in its face and even sitting on its head or shoulders.

The ground type swung around angrily. Swatting at the air and rolling backwards if Duskull tapped it. Nothing could get the little ghost.

“Night Shade, Duskull.” Will commanded. It was time to provoke their enemy into attacking.

The ghost did as told and became invisible above it and shot a beam of dark energy out and zapped Golem. Golem countered again with Smack Down; drawing energy into the gold orb and shooting it at him. Duskull disappeared and dodged the attack. The little ghost however was buffeted slightly by the resulting explosion of the attack.

He descended lower to the ground and began to ready Will-O-Wisp. He became visible and the wreath of blue flames emerged. Golem took the opportunity and used Smack Down one last time. Duskull miscalculated and tried to use the flames to shield itself. The resulting explosion thrust him to the ground and engulfed him in his own Will-O-Wisp. Golem withdrew into itself as it began to roll. The large rock boulder rolled and collided with him. Duskull shrieked in pain as he was sent flying back into the air only to come tumbling back down.

“I’ve no choice.” Will said as he recalled Duskull and sent out Milotic. He now had two very injured pokémon and one at fully strength. His secret weapon was revealed and Brock still had another pokémon he had no idea about.

“You’re up, Love and you’re my last hope.” Will encouraged her. She let out a call of delight as the battle started off.

Golem started off again with Smack Down. Milotic remained calm as the energy shot at her; she raised her tail and called forth a Twister. The mass of swirling winds, appearing to her left, snatched the glowing gold orb and sent it straight into Golem’s face. Golem used Rock Blast and last one of its glowing rings of rocks to the Smack Down orb. The rest were shot at Milotic.
The lithe little water snake dodged them easily and countered with Water Pulse. A blue ball was flicked off her tail and into Golem. The explosion of water severely damaged the pokémon. Golem stumbled back as it withdrew into itself. It began to spin faster and faster until it began to glow a slight orange.

“Rock Polish.” Will said to Milotic. She turned to look at him but was stampeded over by Golem and its Steam Roller.

Milotic let out a terrible cry of pain that quickly turned into an almost roar. As Golem turned to try another move, she used Water Pulse once more and knocked it off its feet. This time, she took off into the air and began to spin with her whole body. The resulting Twister picked up Golem and sent it rolling and smashing into the other rocks of the playing field. Golem tried to stop by couldn’t and so he eventually fainted.

“Golem has fainted. The second match goes to the Challenger, William.” Brock’s father acknowledged as Milotic stopped.

Brock, still kneeling, threw out his final pokéball.

“Everything’s up to you, Rhydon.”

The large rock type materialized and fell to the earth. It landed and shook
the earth, even cracked the field.

“The final battle begins.” The judge said as he commenced the fight.

“Rhydon, Rock Blast.” Again, three rings expanded out from the creature’s body but this time Milotic countered with Twister. This time the little tornado she conjured using only her tail was not enough to stop the attack and she was battered by the storm of stones. To her luck, a boulder was dislodged by her Twister and hit Rhydon but it was nowhere near the damage done to her.

‘Hypnosis isn’t going to work here. She won’t be able to get close to this beast without putting herself at risk.’ Will thought.

Milotic used Water Pulse but Rhydon used Drill Run and was able to negate the attack.

“This isn’t looking good.” Will muttered to himself again as he watched Milotic barely dodge attack after attack while some she even couldn’t dodge.

“Recover.” Will commanded. The water type nodded at her master and burst into a brilliant glittering gold light. The wounds on her body disappeared and she turned to look back at Rhydon, a new flame burning in her eyes.

“Alright, Rhydon, Fire Fang.” The beast roared once before charging after Milotic with a mouthful of flames. Milotic raised her tail once more and blasted Rhydon with Water Pulse. The explosion of water extinguished its mouth and even made it stumble. Milotic moved in and used Hypnosis on it. The woozy rock monster stumbled back and gave Will the chance to recall his pokémon and switch.

“Gaia, Mega Drain.” He smiled. The turtle appeared before them and glowed in green light.

“It’s Overgrow.” Brock’s parents gasped as they watched. Gaia raised her leaf straight up and opened her maw. She shot a beam of emerald green energy out and engulfed the giant stumbling rock pokémon. The rock type tried to fight back by fell face first into the ground as Turtwig’s body was engulfed in the healing red light and lost her green aura.

“Rhydon’s defeated.” Brock’s father raised his green flag and pointed it to Will. “The challenger has won.”

*~*~*~*~*

Brock accompanied Will over to the pokémon center so that they could talk and have their pokémon restored.

“You’re welcome to stay with us.” Brock said.

“Thanks but I’ll stay here. I don’t wanna cause any more problems for you and your family.” Will responded. They entered the pokémon center and handed over their pokémon.

Brock followed him into one of the side rooms so that they could wait for their pokémon and get something to eat. Will removed his egg and began to search through his bag.

“Do you mind?” The gym leader asked, looking quizzically at the egg.

“No,” Will shook his head. “Go head. But be careful it’s getting kinda hot.”

Brock took the egg into his hands and examined it a little.

“Gorgeous.” The rock gym leader fawned over the red flamed egg. He stroked a side of the egg that made the creature inside shudder or even cry.

“How did you do that?” Will inquired as he edged closer to it.

Brock smiled as he passed the egg over back to its owner. “Stroke the egg here.” Will did as told and discovered the area. This time, the creature made a clear cry. It was getting more and more developed.

“There’s always a small portion of the shell that’s slightly weaker than the rest.” He said, motioning to the spot again. “Most pokémon tend to hatch out from there.”

They continued to discuss different topics until they came to the battle.

“What’s going on?” Will asked, “What happened after you had that discussion with your parents?”

Brock turned away from the teen before continuing. “I struck a deal with my parents. If I won, I’d be allowed to go for any excavation. If I failed,” He paused. “I would never be allowed to leave expect for once more to go with you into Mt. Moon.”

Will smiled weakly. “I’m sorry.” The red light above the door binged once and turned blue.

“Don’t be.” Brock stood and walked over to Nurse Joy to collect his pokémon. “It was one of the best battles I’ve had in ages.” He left as Nurse Joy came to sit by him.

“That is a darling egg.” Nurse Joy said as she sat down next to him. “I’ve ran scans on all of your pokémon and they are perfectly healthy.” She handed the three balls over to him and let her eyes rest on the egg.

“Thank you, Nurse Joy.” He collected the storage devices and left for the door. “Please, take care of yourself.”

*~*~*~*~*

That night, he slept beneath the stars. There was nothing to do but wait until after the morning to talk with Brock and find out what they were going to do.

He returned to the gym the next morning to find Brock waiting outside.

“We’re off for Mount Moon. I hope you’re ready.” The two left with much haste.

~*~*~*~*~*~

They entered the mountain and Brock began to discuss the entails of the mission. He lit a lantern and began his march in.

“I do apologize for all of this.” Brock stated as he and Will descended into the mountain. “I’ve kept most you almost entirely in the dark. My parents saw this report on the news about an organization called Team Eolith. They forbid me from going excavating and locked me in the gym. I asked for help and I guess I got it.” He sort of snorted before continuing. “My parents couldn’t reason against me going with someone so I forced them to let me go.” They passed through the tunnels with relative easy. There were a few times that Brock called out his Rhydon or Golem and frightened any of the nearby pokémon away.

“But why?” Will argued. “Why are you going through all of this trouble?” They continued to walk deeper and deeper into the mountain. The pokémon were getting fewer and fewer. There was one incident when a Golbat got a little too close but Golem easily took it down with Rock Blast.

“You’ll see in a few minutes.” Brock said. They continued to follow the path until they came upon a dead end. He threw a pokéball and released the one of his pokémon.

“Alright Golem, Heavy Slam on the wall.” The large rotund pokémon barreled into the wall and smashed it apart. The new entrance led into a grand open area.

‘From the looks of it,’ Will thought, ‘His Steelix might have dug this out.' The room was really tall and there were indents and crevices where he must have been excavating.

“How long have you been here?” Will asked as he approached one of the walls. At eye and even arm’s length, the walls were picked clean but further up the walls were littered with stones and even what looks like pieces of something.

“It’s amazing.” He muttered as he continued to survey the area. “Who knows how many artifacts are hidden here?”

Brock recalled his Golem and released Steelix. “There’s something you need to see.”

The two climbed unto Steelix’s head where he lifted them up unto a higher level. There was a large cave like structure that the iron snake let in. The gym leader led him to a small object half hanging out of the wall.

“This is why I was so set on coming here.” Brock stated and revealed a rather large piece of Old Amber. It was about half the size of his egg and seemed to be a darker orange almost red looking thing.

“So you wanted my help getting this out?” Will asked, just to be sure.

“And whatever you desire you want to excavate.” Brock says with a smile. They begin to discuss his past findings and what he believes is still around.

“I’ve never been much higher than this cave, obviously.” The older teen said as he jabbed his thumb back over at the amber.

“Above us are more fossils and artifacts. There was this one time where I found a small plate. It had these old markings out it. The museum loved the piece but they had to send it to…I think Sinnoh to get any sort of meaning out of it.”

They climbed unto Steelix and they began to inspect the walls. Brock taught him how to use a Hammer and Pick. Everything was wielded in a different way. The gym leader seemed to have a sixth sense for the things.

“See here.” He pointed to a small fleck. Steelix raised them higher so that they could have a better aim at it. Will rubbed his index finger over the spot. It was smooth, as if the years in a river had worn it down.

“Do you see the discoloration? I’d bet that piece of amber down there that it’s an old Omastar shell.” Brock said, and given the fact that he was betting his treasure he had to be right.

“Can we give it try?” Will said. He raised his two tools and inspected the outer edge of the shell.

“I have no idea where the shell is so I shouldn’t really use the hammer…” He thought aloud so that Brock could offer advice or correct him if he was wrong. “I can’t use the pick either because I could damage the shell.” He inspected area around it and even brushed his hand against it. Several bits of rock fell away and revealed a little more of the shell. He turned and asked, “Is the rock around here always this crumbly?”

“No and that’s a good catch.” Brock says as he brushes some of the dirt away from a completely different spot. The wall crumbles away to begin revealing a Water Stone.

“Wow.” He muttered. ‘How he does that is completely beyond me.’

“The rock has dried out a lot and as such tends to break off or erode even with the little air in here now. Further in the rock has had more time to compact and wasn’t stirred by Steelix when it was burrowing this space out for me.”

Will knocked off as much dirt as possible and continued his excavation. He lifted the hammer and knocked cracked some of the dirt like Brock taught and continued to whittle his way closer to the shell. He’d finally gotten a complete outline of the shell when he began to heft his pick.

“Now, you gently have to try and etch it out of its hold. Try to break the rocks that are holding the fossil in.” Brock specifically pointed at areas that he thought would be the easiest to break and would held to dislodge his friend’s findings. Will tapped on the rocks and most of them broke off but there was one that had to swing at rather hard before the shell came tumbling out. Luckily, Brock caught it and presented it to Will.

“That’s a rather intact fossil. You might be able to have it revived at Cinnabar.” Brock mentioned as they continued with their excavation. Brock let Will try his hand at getting the Water Stone out. He did really well and got it out without much hassle. They weren’t so lucky with others. They lost a lot of shards because neither one of them really knew how big they were going to be. Brock found an Everstone and a Damp Rock while Will worked on removing an Old Bone he’d found. They eventually came to an Oval Stone that they both decided should be handed over to Nurse Joy. Working together, they had the sucker out in a jiffy and laid it down with the rest of their stash.

“Ok. I’m calling it.” Brock said as he lost another of the shards.

Will was working on trying to get a Heat Rock out of the wall when his dig collapsed as well. “What do you mean?”

Steelix lowered his head and set them all down on the ground. The gym leader hopped off and opened his pack. There was a small arrangement of food for not only himself but also Will and all of their pokémon.

“Amazing,” was the only word he could get out of his mouth. They released the rest of their pokémon and began their meal.

“What do you say about helping me out with the Amber?” Will stopped as he was bringing his sandwich into his mouth.

“What do you need help with?” The teen said, taking a bite out of his meal.

“The Amber’s in a lot deeper then I’d like. The wall’s already getting a bit unstable so I need someone to help me burrow around from the backside so that we can simply push the Amber out.”

Will debated for a moment but answered. “Sounds like it’s pretty complex but I’ll help anyway I can.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

After packing up lunch, they got to work and started to tear about the wall a meter or two away. Will had chipped away at the rock as near as he was comfortable when he let Brock take over. The gym leader, confidant as he was took a few swings of his Pickaxe before calling out.

“Perfect Job. You got my smack dab up against the butt of the Amber. Now, I need you to keep an eye on the wall if it starts to shake let me know.” Will rested as he watch the wall and the Amber.

There were a few times when it shook a little harder than it should. They were a little bit away from the crucial moment of trying to push the amber out when the first of the peons from Team Eolith arrived. Steelix roared and dove at the doorway.

“STEELIX STOP.” Brock shouted as the wall shook and a clump of stone fell away just above the Amber.

“Look at all the treasures.” The peon released her Kabutops. The pokémon became bathed in water as it slammed into Steelix and made it smash into the wall.

“Will, quick. I’m just gonna shove this through. Catch it.” Brock slammed his entire being into the stone. He felt it slip one and then twice. After a heart wrenching moment, the stone slipped out of its hold and the wall crumbled. Will presented the stone to Brock after he dashed around the corner. Without even inspecting it, they raced to the side of the crevice they were in. Steelix was fighting the Kabutops and trying to protect their treasures at the same time.

Will threw out one of his own pokémon.

“Baltoy, Telekinesis on our stuff.” The little gold doll began to spin on its tip as their items were whisked up to them.

Brock removed another of his pokéballs but Will stopped him.

“Save it. Have Steelix chase the Kabutops out of here so they we can get down. My pokémon are better suited for these battles.” Will reasoned. This was his part of the mission. The gym leader nodded and commanded his pokémon to do as such. Kabutops, with no treasure to obtain, dashed back out of the area and into the tunnels with its master.

Baltoy lowered them to the ground and Brock returned his Steelix. They stashed all of the bounty into their bags and turned to find that the Kabutops was waiting at their only exit.

“I’ll be taking the valuables now boys.” A women said as she sauntered up alongside her pokémon. “Or I’ll just have to let my Kabutops tear it away from you. Your choice.”

Will threw two more pokéballs; a plan hatched already in his mind. Gaia and Duskull appeared next to Baltoy, forming a protective barrier in front of their trainer.

“Shadow Sneak.” Duskull immediately disappeared into the shadows while Kabutops tried to use Night Slash against the ghost. He popped up a moment later behind his attacker and smashed into it. The pokémon wobbled as it tried to turn and slash.

“Telekinesis.” Baltoy caught Kabutops as it slammed one of its claws into Duskull knocking it against one of the walls. The ghost disappeared into the wall while Gaia marched closer. She exploded in a gorgeous emerald green light. The link snaked its way over and consumed Kabutops. The green light turned crimson as she began to drain it off its power.

“Bah!” The women grumbled and threw her second pokéball. “Rollout.” She commanded. Doing as told, the pokémon curled into a ball and began to charge at Gaia. Brock was faster as he called out Golem and used Heavy Smash. With the extra time, Kabutops fainted and it was officially four against one.

The woman began to cautiously step back, after recalling her fallen Kabutops. “Donphan, use Rollout on the wall, collapse the cave in on them.” She turned and began to run; cackling evilly the whole way.

“Does she really not learn?” Will shook his head and watched as the pokémon curl up once more. From behind, his shadow began to ascend and become three-dimensional. Without warning, the form smacked Donphan and disoriented it. The confusion apparent on its face as it turned around to find its own shadow attacking it.

This time, a combined attack of Razor Leaf, Confusion, Night Shade and Rock Blast from Golem caused the pokémon to faint and be recalled by her trainer.

“You’ll still never escape.” She cackled. Suddenly, the cave began to shake and their exit collapsed in on itself.

They slowly approached the cave in, knowing that the tunnel had become unstable.

“I could trying and-” Will hypothesized but was interrupted by Brock.

“No need.” He recalled Golem and called out his Steelix.

“We need a new tunnel out of here.” The iron snake nodded once. Its body began to spin and rotate as it burrowed into the cave wall. The two trainers and their pokémon followed. “This should put us out in the main chamber two floors below the exit.” They continued walking and to Will’s surprise, they appeared just where Brock had predicted.

“Now we just need to head up.” Brock said as he recalled his Steelix. Golem stayed out however.

“Not likely,” said the second peon, a male this time. He called out both of his pokémon. At his side was the woman.

“This is getting ridiculous.” Will said as his pokémon took the front line again. He was beginning to lose his cool, but only just a bit.

“We’ll be taking your discoveries now.” The woman spoke this time, reaching out her hand as if they were just gonna hand them over like that. In new light, she was able to catch a glimpse of the egg in bag. “Oh and be a dear and throw in that darling little egg of yours.”

All of his pokémon went rigid for just a moment. No one was gonna lay a hand on their friend. Even if Will hadn’t seen his pokémon snarl and growl away, he threw out the rest of his pokémon.

“Awww, look at all these cuties.” The woman fawned as she saw the Milotic, the Mudkip and the Artemis. “Might as well throw your pokémon in as well, Love.”

Now his new pokémon were just as infuriated as his previous ones.
“Decimate them.” Will commanded. The peon’s Omastar and Graveler began the attack. Graveler used Rock Polish while Omastar went offensive and used Hydro Pump on Artemis. The high pressure shot of water was redirected by Baltoy who used Telekinesis to douse Graveler with it. Milotic was next up and used Twister on the peons themselves. The twister picked them up and threw them a few yards but they caught themselves. Artemis wouldn’t have it and chased after them. Gaia and Duskull were working together to stop the Omastar while Baltoy, Mudkip and Milotic battered away at Graveler.

Will watched his pokémon work and began to feel his anger subside. He pulled the egg out of his bag and stroked it.

“See. You already have friends that care a lot about you.” Without even touching the sensitive spot in the egg, Will heard the pokémon inside emit a very soft cry. Whatever it was felt happy and grateful.

Duskull was hurt when Omastar used Hydro Pump. He underestimated the speed boost it gained from using Shell Smash. He was sent flying but was caught by Baltoy who used Telekinesis. Graveler used this chance to used Stone Edge on it. The little gold pokémon was sent tumbling end over end until it rest at Brock’s feet. He picked up the pokémon and set it up straight. Baltoy nodded once before he began to spin back to his attacker.

“We need to finish this.” Will thought aloud. “Graveler’s nearly out of health and-”

Graveler fed up and nearly about to faint resorted to its final move. It began to glow red and then yellow.

“That’s Explosion.” Brock said as he ducked into the cave.
Milotic flew away, hiding alongside them. Duskull disappeared into the ground while Turtwig and Omastar where left to fend from themselves. Baltoy and Mudkip were stuck as they tried to escape. Turtwig bounded over there, glowing white herself. Milotic pulled Will into the cave a moment before the Explosion went off. The whole cave shook and rumbled with the blast. What felt like hours of rocks falling and the main cavern collapsing to Will was only a few minutes. He sat their praying and hoping that the rest of his pokémon were safe and sound. He shielded the egg with his body; fearful that a rock would come down out of nowhere and crack the egg.

After the dust settled and Brock said it was safe to go out, they exited from the tunnel Steelix dug and reentered the cavern. Rocks had fallen everywhere and laid a nice coating over the entirety of the ground. Will called out to his pokémon. He waited a moment before calling again. There was a rustle of moment and Artemis appeared. They scanned the rubble for the rest of their friends. After more than a few heart wrenching moments, a pile of rocks shifted and the rest of his pokémon appeared. Baltoy, Duskull, Mudkip and Gaia

“Whoa.” Will muttered and broke into a fierce smile. Turtwig evolved into Grotle almost as if she was doing so only to save her friends. He wrapped them all in a tight hug and cried into Gaia’s neck.

“Don’t ever do that to me again.” He lightly scolded them. His pokémon hovered around him, checking to make sure he was alright and that nothing happened to him. Artemis and Milotic took in the new form of their friend, congratulating her and even remarking about how she looked. She shifted awkwardly under their eyes and seemed to blush a little.

After their heartfelt reunion, Will let his pokémon stay out in case those peons returned or new ones emerged. Gaia happily gave some of the pokémon a ride on her back and even seemed to enjoy the constant company. Baltoy rested as well as Duskull and Mudkip. Artemis and Milotic stayed at Will’s side.

“You really do love your pokemon don’t you?” Brock asked.

“Yea.” Will responded after a moment. He couldn’t take his eyes off of Gaia.

~*~*~*~*~

They emerged from the Mountain without much trouble and left for the pokémon center. Will returned his pokémon and accepted a ride from Brock who called out his Steelix. The iron snake express took less than a minute for them to arrive back at the pokémon center. They dropped off their pokémon and laid out their bounty. They had a few rocks and a bone. There was Will’s Omastar Shell and Brock’s Old Amber.

Will only accepted the fossil, telling brock to either keep the rest or sell it to the museum.

“What is it?” Brock asked. Will had turned around in his seat to check both the light above the infirmary and the door leading outside.

“Something just kinda hit me.” He said, turning around to face his new friend. “These teams that I’ve faced have never once only come with two members.” They sat still and silent for a moment while they let the statement sink in.

“And we escaped out of there way too easily.”

“What are you saying?” Brock questioned.

Will leaned in close and whispered, “I think they are following us.”

“I don’t get it. Why?”

“It makes sense.” Will explained. “Since we are way more powerful than us, they’d have to resort to some sort of underhanded scheme.”

Brock froze. “My parents.” Without warning, he jumped up, nearly knocking the table over in the process. He raced over to the door but stopped. He couldn’t leave, not without his pokémon.

“I know you wanna race over there and check to make sure they are ok. But if Team Eolith is over there we are going to need our pokémon. And besides.” Will said a smirking coming across his face. “I have a plan.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

Much to Brock’s despair, Team Eolith had taken over the gym and captured his family.

They were forced to go ahead with the plan. Steelix was going to dig his way under the gym and into the tunnels he’d already. Brock with Will at his side was going to enter the gym. Duskull would direct Steelix in place under the peons or somewhere that would distract them enough so that the little ghost could go in a free his parents. The rest of their pokémon they’d keep on their person so that they still had something to fight with.

After an intense debate with Brock, they decided to split the peons. Brock would take the two they faced already, the ones that were holding his parents while Will faced what he could only assume was their leader.

With all of their pieces in place, Will and Brock entered the gym.

“So you’ve finally arrived,” said the leader. An older gentleman with a cane in his hand. ‘He looks more like a mob boss then he does a member of Team Eolith.’

“I’ve heard you have a piece of Old Amber.” He said, cutting straight to the point. The older man made a motion with his two fingers to the second floor balcony. “In exchange for the stone, your parents will be set free and we will leave in peace. If not,” His mother made a rather quick squeak as she was pushed against the railing. “My people will push them over and onto all of these nice sharp rocks ya have here.”

The older gentlemen approached and compressed his cane and stowed it in his pocket. He held out a hand to them in the middle of the battlefield.

‘Just stick to the plan.’ Will thought as he took the piece of Old Amber from Brock and approached the field. He needed to get close enough to this man that Will and his pokémon would be able to stop him. Only a moment early, Steelix smashed through the ground and sent the leader rolling backwards. Duskull appeared from behind the peons and shot them with a blast of Night Shade.

“Steelix.” His parents called and they jumped off the ledge and unto its head. He lowered them down to Brock who embraced them.

‘Good.’ Will thought as he released all of his pokémon again. “I think it’s time you left.”

“Bah.” The leader grumbled as he brushed himself off as best he could. “Get ‘em.” A terrifying sight filled the gym as Aerodactyl flew around the gym; its awful cry echoing off the walls. Then, his Dugtrio emerged as well as his Marowak.

‘This is gonna be fun.’

“Artemis, Smack Down Aerodactyl.” Artemis took off after the old fossil pokémon.

“Gaia, Baltoy, you’re gonna take out this Marowak.” The two pokémon spread themselves out, one inbetween Will and the Marowak and other at its side.

“Mudkip, Milotic, you’ve gotta knock out this Dugtrio.” His two remaining pokémon began their assault.

Duskull remained at his side, keeping an eye on his backside for both his sake and the egg’s.

Will had his hands full watching three battles that he couldn’t spare a single thought for how Brock was doing.

Dugtrio burrowed into the ground and disappeared from the field. Milotic tried to flush it out with Twister but it didn’t work at all.

Gaia and Baltoy were working really well together. Grotle with her hard shell and elemental advantage was capable of taking a few hits so whenever Marowak targeted Baltoy, the little gold doll would use Ally Switch.

Artemis wasn’t having as much luck. Aerodactyl was easily dodging her attacks and was even capable of buffeting her. “Duskull, see what you can do about helping Artemis.”

The ghost left his perch and used Will-O-Wisp. The flying fossil swerved to avoid the blue flames and collided right into the waiting Smack Down.

Marowak was nearly out when it used Rage against Baltoy. It didn’t have enough time to switch took a nice bit of damage. Grotle was able to knock it out though and helped her friend to their feet.

“Grotle, Baltoy take Milotic’s place.” The pokémon swapped partners and Milotic was charged with taking out the Aerodactyl. Now between the Twisters, the Will-O-Wisps and the Smack Downs Aerodactyl could hardly stay in the sky.

The other team was still having some problems with Dugtrio. There was no way to keep it above ground.

“Then trap it belowground.” Will huffed. They wouldn’t be able to defeat it but that would atleast render it useless. “Soak the ground.” While his pokémon wet the ground, Will turned to see how the other battle was faring.

Aerodactyl was doing some serious damage to Milotic but she just kept recovering and going back for more. They were slowly wearing the pokémon down. It would only be a few more minutes before this battle was over.

“So are you ready to leave now?” Will taunted the leader. He was bouncing back and forth between his pokémon before he decided on a course of action.

“Dugtrio, Earthquake. Aerodactyl, get us out of here.” The ground pokémon disappeared below ground and shook the earth. The field cracked and jutted upwards as the leader and his peons scrambled aboard the Aerodactyl.

*~*~*~

“I am sorry about the damages to the gym.” Will apologized.

“It’s no biggie.” Brock laughed. “Most of my pokémon battles leave this place in worse condition. This is nothing.”

They said their Good bye and parted ways, but not before he watched as Brock presented the Oval Stone to Nurse Joy. She gave him a quick peck on the cheek and he went all weak kneed.

Will laughed as he turned and left. He flew over to Saffron city and took the Magnet train back to Johto.

“Do Ya Dig It?”
Mission Status: Complete
Current Rank: Tier 4, Snagem Ace
Pokemon Used: Turwig, Gaia; Duskull; Artemis; Mudkip; Milotic; Baltoy;
Items Used: None
Missions Completed: Embodiment of the Moon, No. 337 & No. 338; A Pain in the Grass, No. 001; So I heard you like Mudkips; Tier Advancement # 1; Urgent Mission: Operation Summer Rain / Operation Pitfall; Tier Advancement # 2;
Summary: Brock and I entered the mountain and succeeded in excavating some pretty cool things. When we tried to leave we were ambushed. However, we were able to beat both the peons and defeat the leader.”

Although he felt bad for neglecting to tell Sub that it was because of him that Brock’s parents were kidnapped, but he hoped that whatever the leader didn’t know didn’t hurt him. When he returned home, he let his pokémon run free and introduced his parents to Grotle. They were pleased as punch and even had a little celebration for her.

Work was just beginning to unwind at the Farm. A group of trainers were passing through the area and so Will was helping out his family. As they were leaving, Will was forced to answer his snag and duck out as well.
He’d barely skimmed through the spec’s before he accepted the mission and collected his pokémon. In a slapdash kinda way, he left them a note on the kitchen counter and took off with his pokémon in tow.
As he rode the Magnet Train over to Kanto, he read the rest of the mission.

We managed to recover another fragment of the meteorite, successfully removing an object capable of causing much trouble. However, that said, we were unable to find the person who originally found the meteorite fragment, and stored it away in their warehouse in Veilstone City, we need to find this person and find out what he or she knows about the meteorite fragements, and whether or not they are aware of the dark influence of said rocks, can't be too safe.

I need all available Snagems to head back to Veilstone City and do a little investigating. Ask around town about an individual that collects meteorites and such, the warehouse was filled with various meteorites. Also the individual seems to be in possession of several Lickitung and a Lickilicky, after we were attacked by such Pokemon near the warehouse, I assume the former fragment owner was concerned over their new prize being stolen.

It's safe to assume upon realizing that his meteorite was stolen, and themselves targeted, that the person has fled, which is fine, you aren't looking for them exactly, but rather information. Another clue is that the warehouse was being guarded, not by a police officer mind you, but it appeared to be a rent-a-cop, someone paid to stand guard, maybe if you find the former guard in town you could question him too. Also feel free to search the warehouse for more clues.

(You may RP out in several posts your character completing this task, in this thread, or post it all as a mission, in one post, in this thread also. You may also work together with others. Don't worry too much about messing up others with what you find out, the person(s) who is most creative in their roleplay in this thread will have the information they find out considered canon in the main story, so work hard.)

Objective:
---Investigate the case of the anonymous meteorite collector.

Opposition:
---Anyone who might get in your way, someone or something that doesn't want you to know who had that fragment.

Pokemon:
---You may not capture any Pokemon, sorry.

Rewards:
---2 Snag Coins for participating.
---5 Snag Coins if your discovered information is made canon.

When the train arrived in Saffron Town, William ran for Lavender and then as far south as he could go on Route 13. When he reached the ocean, the teen took out his hoverboard and flew the rest of the way to Veilstone City.
XXXX
After a few hours in air, Will landed in the outskirts of Veilstone, Route 215. He was forced to land due to the heavy rain and the occasional strike of lightning. There was only brisk walk between him and the gates to the city so he ran and called out his pokémon.
“Duskull.” The white explosion of light took him for surprise for a moment before he remembered the updated software from Professor Oak.
The ghost settled on Will’s shoulder as he ran and entered the city.
“This is mission is really important and I’m gonna need your help.” Duskull nodded once as he studied Will’s expression. “A meteorite was recovered by someone in this area. We need to find its original owner, however, they’ve left town. I need you to comb the buildings and see if you can find out anything about a former meteor collector or a trainer who used Lickitung and Lickilicky.” The ghost pokémon nodded once more before turning invisible and heading off.
“Bah.” Will froze and spun hoping he’d turned in the direction Duskull was going. “I’ll be back talking around town to see if I can find anything out. Meet me in the Pokémon Center tonight.”
The teen waited a moment before the ghost scared the daylights out of him by popping up behind him.
They separated and Will went off in the direction of the warehouses.
X-X-X-X-
“Baltoy.” Will’s gold doll whispered as it used Telekinesis. The handle to the door turned and then opened.
“Good Job.” He muttered. They ducked inside and shut the door. The teen fumbled around until he found a light switch. As the rows of lights came up, Will could finally investigate his surroundings. Boxes of meteorites were stacked and crowded the warehouse. The wooden containers were stacked maybe 10 feet high up into the hair with the ceiling only five to seven feet away.
Will opened the flap of his bag and picked out his third pokéball.
“Lunatone,” He whispered after the pokémon appeared. “Hover over the crates and see if you can find anything.”
The crescent moon shaped pokémon floated up and over top of the crates; disappearing out of sight. Baltoy and Will wandered around, trying to find something themselves. Will was beginning to notice a trend based on the stickers on the boxes when Lunatone uttered a low cry from the overhead. She led them over to a set of stairs. While they walked, the trainer continued to read the labels.
‘Most of these meteorites are coming from one of two general locations: Mount Moon or Narcene city. However, Mount Moon has been more popular. He may have a house out there.’ While making a note of his discovery, the trainer continued to follow his pokémon until he reached the stairs. Lunatone descended down into the darkness first. She returned moments later, after deciding that the coast was clear. Will quietly stepped down, his footsteps quiet taps upon the metal steps. When his toes hit the floor, the lights flashed on and blinded everyone. Baltoy had already floated down to the basement, using Telekinesis, when Will’s eyes had adjusted.
The gray slate hallway before him led into two separate chambers. The first led into a small bed chamber. Nothing too special or remarkable, just an iron frame, a mattress and some blankets. There weren’t even any decorations, just the bed; then again, it was just a small room. The lab next door and down the hallway was much more interesting. There were machines and computers have various sizes and most of which he had no idea of their purpose. Artemis entered into the bedroom and after finding nothing, she rejoined the rest of the group. Baltoy and Will were up to their necks in nothingness.
Most of the computers were turned off and the ones that were all displayed the same, single message: No Memory. All of the machines were connected into different computers so there would be no way of recovering the data. The best they could hope for would be someone in Snagem could operate these devices and discover what this individual had found out.
“There isn’t much we can do here.” Will advised his pokémon. “Let’s head out and see if we can’t find this guard.” While they exited the warehouse, the teen sent a message to Sub.
“We did find a sophisticated laboratory in the basement. I’d advise you send someone who can work the machines. It looks as if the scientist has just taken all of the hard drives.”
He signed and sent it before he’d left the warehouse.
X-X-X-X
While Duskull searched the houses and buildings around town for hide or hair of both the guard and the collector, Will was able a few last minute stops at the shops and stores around town; not for himself but for the whereabouts of their targets.
“Sorry. I wish I could be of more help.” The lady behind the counter responded before moving on to the next counter.
Will didn’t even have a chance to thank her for her help.
“Well, that didn’t help.” The teen muttered to himself as he and his Lunatone rode the escalator down to the fourth floor.
“Do you have any good ideas for me?” The crescent moon shaped pokémon elegantly twirled while revolving around Will. Her sapphire blue eyes flashed once with power.
“I have a bad feeling about this.” Will joked. While they rode the escalator down, Artemis peered into the thoughts and minds of the humans. She listened in on their conversations, heard their thoughts and discerned their deepest, darkest secrets. The teen was silent, in both speech and thought; trying to not to distract Lunatone.
As they got off and took another escalator, Will did ask how things were going but she didn’t respond. Her big blue eyes still locked on something constantly just beyond him.
‘She still must be looking.’
Even after they took the escalator to the second and ground floor, she didn’t stop. William was already back inside the pokémon center when she stopped and returned to him. When they were back in his room, Will removed the rest of his pokémon and returned them. Mudkip appeared on the top bunk, Milotic was coiled up next the door, Grotle appeared next to the desk while Baltoy appeared on top of the desk itself. Duskull was still out in about, searching the city.
“There’s nothing we can do.” He assured his friends while they waited. It was beginning to get dark; nowhere near time for their ghost to check in.
“Let me go get some food for y’all.”
Baltoy followed Will out the door and to the front desk where Will ordered them some food. Using his own money, he paid for their meal and some food of his own. Nurse Joy happily agreed and handed over the pokémon food and left to go make his. The gold doll took the bag of food, levitating it with Telekinesis.
‘I need Duskull to get here soon.’ The teen thought as he watched his pokémon eat. Since there wasn’t really anything he could do for the moment, William climbed into one of the top bunks, preferring to leave the bottom ones for the rest of his pokémon and got some rest.
X-X-X-X-X
Deep within a dark cavern, Will awoke within his dream. The darkness was total and absolute. The teen stumbled around a moment before he caught one of the sides with his hand. The stones were cool and moist as if there were a large underground spring or river nearby. With his sight negated, he could feel the drips as the droplets dripped off the stalactites and into pools below. The rush of the river blasted past his ears as if he were in the river itself. The soft earth filled the cavern with its permeating scent.
“Wish.” A tiny voice whispered. Even though he could hear the voice, it didn’t echo off the walls or reverberate throughout the cave. Will was left without a sense of where the voice was coming from but he continued to search; wondering down the corridor.
“Sing to me.” This time, the voice was louder, as if he was getting closer to its source. It was softer this time, getting weaker and sleeper with every moment.
“Sing me a lullaby.” He pleaded. “Please.”
A song began to rise up in his throat, but fear and confusion suppressed the melody. However, the voice could hear his song and demanded once more.
“Please, sing it to me.” Will could feel himself getting closer and closer. This time, he could hear the voice echo and emit itself from the stones themselves. The walls seemed to thrum with energy and assaulted Will’s soul; filling him with the desire and will to sing.
Without a second thought, the teen removed his hand from the wall and approached the owner of the voice. Will’s song started off soft but slowly gained volume. His lullaby was the same as that of the Song of the Sea. As the song swelled and began to reach its peak, the stones themselves changed and began to glow like brilliant gems. They joined in the Will’s song and became his chorus; they took the high when he was low and vice versa.
While he sung, William could feel the content of the drowsy pokémon.
‘Sleep well.’
X-X-X-X-X
Duskull and Lunatone revolved around Will, watching and listening as he sang in his sleep. They’d never seen him do this before and didn’t know if to wake him or to let him continue his dreams. Neither even considered the option that he might be having a nightmare.
In the end, Will awoke and found his pokémon were all returned expect for the two of them.
“Well what’s everyone lookin’ at.”
X-X-X-X-X
Duskull had found something. Lunatone and he had decided that it was something he was looking for. They’d left the pokémon center out the window and were on their way over to the location that Duskull had found something. The night was so bright with a full moon overhead, illuminating the city
The house was near the center part of town so it wasn’t so far away from the pokémon center. When they arrived at the house, Will knocked at the front door while Duskull assured them this was the right house and that the owner of the house was going to see them.
Will waited for a few moments until the door was thrown open. A brawly man, about the size of a tree trunk, burst out of the door.
“What do you want?” The man asked.
“I have a few questions.” Will smiled and tried to be as charming as he could be.
“Come back later. It’s the middle of the night.” The man turned and around and tried to close the door when it suddenly stopped. He couldn’t close the door, much less move; he was frozen.
“I’d hoped we could speak but if this is how you’re going to treat me. I’ll have to have Lunatone get the answers for me.” Will glared. “Now, will you open the door and come out and talk with me.”
Lunatone’s big azure eyes glowed and released a brilliant blue light.
Max stepped out of his house and shut the door; leaning against it as if he were having a casual conversation.
“Good. Thank you.” The teen nodded and continued his investigation. “Now, what do you know about the warehouse and the meteorite maniac that owns it?”
‘This really isn’t how I wanted this night to go but…’ Will didn’t have any other choice.
“I don’t know anything.” Max growled through his teeth.
“First of, there’s no need to take that kind of voice with me.” The teen warned. “I’m not here to hurt you. I absolutely need some information about the owner of the warehouse. He collected, or rather stole, a very powerful meteor fragment. I need to find him.”
“I told you I don’t know where he is.” This time, the old guard was more cooperative and helpful. However, Will looked towards Artemis where she nodded in agreeance. Lunatone were capable of telling lies from truth.
“Thank you.” The teen mentioned before continuing. “Let’s go back then. Did he ever mention a secret hide away?”
Max froze for a moment. “No.”
“Is it in Narcene?” Instead of looking to the guard for his answer, he turned to Artemis. She shook her head immediately. “Not there ‘ey. What about Mt. Moon and Pewter City?”
Artemis waited another moment before nodding her head.
“That’s perfect. Can you tell me the address or a way to contact him?” Again, Lunatone answered with another quick answer.
“No?” Will gave Max a questioning look. “Oh well. Thank you for your help though.”
Before Max could try anything, Lunatone used Hypnosis and brainwashed him; removing all of his memories about their visit. When Max returned to his bed, Duskull left the house and joined them outside.
“Looks like we know where we’re headed.
X-X-X-X
The team left immediately, leaving Veilstone on Will’s Hoverboard. However, they would not fly back to Kanto’s Route 13 but straight to Pewter City. It took him until noon to arrive. He landed in Route 2 just outside of town.
Will entered and then threw out his Lunatone once more; even though he wasn’t looking for his target just yet. He wanted to check in on a friend of his.
“Duskull, can you go snooping again? Pewter city is smaller than Veilstone, if you finish early go look around Mt. Moon. I thought I remember there being a cabin outside of the mountain.”
Disappearing from sight, the ghost left and began to search for their target.
Artemis revolved around Will as they walked and neared the gym. When they reached the door, the teen could hear his friend was in the middle of a challenge.
‘Sounds interesting.’ Shouts were still echoing off the rock walls and seemed to be proving a problem.
They entered and took the stairs up the side of the gym up to the viewing platform. The challenger was a teenager with a Machoke. Brock was sitting cross legged back on his boulder. He was calm and very serious. The teen was clearly losing this fight and it seemed the entire match. Will smiled when he saw the giant hole in the field.
‘Steelix.’ As if the iron snake heard his thought, the pokémon roared. The cry echoed off all of the walls and filled their ears.
The ground shook and cracked as Steelix erupted up out of the ground and bit Machoke; the injured pokémon was thrown into the wall and fainted.
“Machoke is unconscientious. Steelix is the winner. That match goes to Brock.” Will looked over the edge of the railing, directly below him, to see the announcer, Brock’s father.
“Hey.” Will smiled.
The challenger recalled his pokémon and stomped out of the gym. Flint glanced up.
“William.” He said rather incredulously. “What a wonderful surprise.”
Brock’s head immediately snapped up and over to his friend.
Will jumped from the viewing platform down. He’d anticipated Artemis to catch him but much to his surprise, Steelix caught him.
“Thank you, Steelix.” The snake brought its tail over to its head where the teen gave it a small hug before hopping off into the middle of the field.
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen you on that side of the field.” Brock smiled as he approached his friend.
“It’s been a while in general.” Will corrected. They shook hands, hugged and they chatted.
“Who do you have with you today?” Brock asked. They’d each grown close to each other’s pokémon.
Will grabbed all of his pokéballs and threw them out.
Gaia stomped in the ground when she saw Steelix. Although Steelix had kicked her tail, she didn’t hold a grudge. She was actually just playing. Milotic slithered around Gaia, playfully holding her back. Baltoy appeared next to Will, underneath of Artemis. Mudkip was the last to appear and immediately hopped into his trainer’s arms; terrified by the enormous iron snake.
The only one Brock didn’t see was the egg that Will was carrying the last time they’d met.
“Has the egg hatched yet?” Brock asked, curiously.
“No. My mother thinks it might be waiting either for the right moment or it hasn’t been absorbing enough sunlight since I’ve been taking it on so many missions and it stays hidden in my bag.”
“Makes sense.” Brock said, although pretty sure that the pokémon inside simply had a longer incubation period than they’d anticipated; but he didn’t want to ruin their surprise.
“So what brings you to my neck of the mountain?” The gym leader asked. Will was a busy guy; if he wasn’t working on the farm, he was completely a mission for his organization and since he was here that only left one option.
Will knew Brock had already suspected his true motives. “I’m looking for someone. They’re not in trouble, I just need to find them and get some information.”
“About what?” The gym leader instincts were kicking in again. He needed to know if there was someone dangerous in his town.
“They discovered a meteorite a few weeks back and they ran away before we could talk to them about it.” Will answered.
“What’s so special about this meteorite?”
Will debated telling Brock what he’d heard and experienced at the hands of the rock but erred on the side of caution.
“That’s the part we’re trying to figure out. There have been other meteorites that caused havoc and mayhem but this one hasn’t done anything. That’s why I need to find the man who found it and talk with him.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Brock asked.
“No.” Will responded. “This is going to be a simple conversation and a location. I just need to find this guy and ask him what he knows. Rather simple.” The Snagem member could see the knowing look he was receiving from his friend but let it pass.
‘It’s better this way.’
Suddenly, Will felt the hairs on the back of his neck raise and he turned around to see Duskull. The ghost scared him with a single loud ‘boo’ and caused Will to flinch and cower.
Brock bent over crying, nearly laughing himself to death.
When Will’s heart started beating again and their fit of giggles passed, the teen gave his ghost a glare before asking. The ghost, unflinching, nodded once. His eyes flared a little as he made the connection.
‘Duskull’s found them.’
Brock and he talked a little longer about their plans and decided that they’d see each other relatively soon. William and his team left, after exchanging phone numbers and addresses; resolved to at least write each other letters from time to time.
X-X-X-X-X
The small log cabin was nestled right next to the entrance of the cave. From what he could understand by the locations that Duskull brought him too, he either found the man or heard a rumor or something in the pokémon center went around town following them or verifying the rumor and then either followed the mark out there or just ventured out there on his own. In the end, he really had no clue as to how Duskull did it but they found the cabin.
The little ghost went in first to see if their target was home before they continued with the rest of the plan. Will with his Lunatone approached the front door and knocked.
There wasn’t a response so Will knocked again.
Same result. Duskull floated out of the door and nodded.
‘So he’s home just not answering.’ Before Will could think up a plan, both of his pokémon had a plan already in motion. The ghost slipped through the door again and opened it for them. Lunatone entered first but they were all blasted out when a Lickitung used Rollout.
“Well that was a great plan.” The teen moaned as he got up.
“Who are you and what do you want?” A thin, pale, man came out. The Lickitung, from before was on the ground in front of him while three more pokémon, two Lickylicky’s and another Lickitung surrounded the target.
“I’m here to see the meteorite collector.” Will admitted, hopefully the truth would help calm this person down.
“Kill him, he probably works for one other organizations. They’re after my research.” The scientist spun and tried to escape into the house but Duskull slammed the door shut and locked it from the inside.
“Please. I’m not here to harm you.” Will said, after throwing out Milotic.
‘Hopefully, she’ll be able to calm down this loony.’
She opened her mouth and began a beautiful little song. William and his team watched the man with a close eye as he listened to the song. They could almost see the excessive amounts of fear leave his body as Milotic sang.
“Artemis, be ready. You may have to hypnotize him if he tries to resist.” The teen felt bad about taking people’s will from them but this was going to be for their own good. He could hear his parent’s response in his head.
‘That’s how everything starts and then they end up as tyrants or thugs; stealing people’s will for their own good.’
“Please, I need your help.” Will pleaded. “The meteorite you found was special. Have you been able to understand what makes it special?”
The man twitched when he heard the reason of his arrival.
“You stole the meteorite.” Artemis moved faster than the scientist and had him hypnotized before he could give a single command. Milotic was slowly doing the same to the pokémon as well. Eventually, master and pokémon were both hypnotized.
“Have you learned anything?” Will asked.
“Yes.” The scientist responded, emotionlessly.
“What have you learned?” He prodded.
“The meteorite was emitting a small level of chi.” This time, the scientist’s mind seemed to return more as he continued without prompting. “I was in the process of testing what happens after exposure when it was stolen. From what I could tell, the chi is capable of giving its owner incredible power after so much exposure to the meteorite.”
“Do you have more info on the subject?”
“Yes. From what I can tell, the meteorites can affect both pokémon and people. I do not know if the type of the pokémon can expedite the process of absorbing the meteorite’s chi or if it is a set time table. I do not know if the meteorite affects everyone or just some people. For that I would require the meteorite.”
“Why did you flee?” He asked.
“I met someone else who was interested in the stone. They offered me so much money that I grew suspicious and investigated. After my analyses, I discovered the chi radiation. I was in the process of creating a duplicate meteorite to sell to this person when it was stolen. I ran because I was sure they were going to kill me if they didn’t get the meteorite.“
“Why were you going to scam them?” Will asked.
“I use to work for Team Galactic as their head scientist. I was trying to get enough money to restart the team. This time, I was going to be the boss and finally realize the dream we all had before Cyrus turned on us and fell in love with power.”
Lunatone was beginning to become exhausted with controlling so many targets and so they left. The scientist returned his pokémon and returned to his cabin while they escaped.
“Hopefully, that’s enough info for Sub and if not, we found the scientist.” Will muttered as they ran back down the path. After they stopped and caught their breath, the teen returned his pokémon and flew over to Saffron City. There he boarded the Magnet train and sent another message to Sub.
“Mission Status: Complete
Pokemon used: Duskull, Lunatone, Milotic
Summary: I searched the warehouse and saw that the scientist was heading to two locations mostly. Mount Moon and Narcene. While I was searching the warehouse and asking people around town for clues, my Duskull was going through their belongings trying to find guard. Eventually, he did find him and I questioned him. Max, the guard, told me the boss did have a cabin in the mountains. We found him and inquired about his research. He believes the meteors are releasing chi which is capable of altering the person so as to give them extreme power. I’ll include the location of the scientist in the end of the message.”
When Will got home, he released his pokémon and went up into the barn. He hide there, too ashamed by the fact that he was getting use to stealing people’s wills and manipulating them.

Duskull and Milotic beat the teen to the Southern Island. None of them had seen Takashi nor had he heard another peep from the radio. The sky was beginning to turn black with both the approaching night and a huge storm that suddenly rolled in overhead.

The water pokemon was recalled and the four of them dashed through the cavern. Zubat and Krabby were sent flying out of their way by both Duskull and Baltoy. Will would have no distractions on the way there. Many of the tunnels had collapsed due to the frequent tremors coming from somewhere deep within the island.

Dragonite was fighting with all of its strength; and slowly killing itself in the process. The occasional crack of thunder that reverberated down the tunnels even sounded like the snapping spine from their target’s back.

“They probably don’t even realize what they are doing.” He growled through clenched teeth.

Pokemon are various types and sizes begin to flee from his presence, believing him to be a part of the cause that’s shaking their very homes.

Before long, Will’d flown over the final waterfall and entered into a devastating scene. A green Dragonite was strung up by various colors of spider web: yellow, white, green, purple. Huge rocks and boulders littered the staircase leading down to a large basin filled with water while a waterfall poured the water in. The rampage it went on must have been incredible for the stone even peaked out of the water and partially blocked off the waterfall. However, at the moment, the Dragonite was out; clearly ill and near death. He could only watch as a figure, a woman arrogantly strutted out before the barely conscience dragon and snatched up what looked like a large speckled stone. The pokemon squirmed and cried out weakly before a Vespiquen materialized behind the woman and blasted it with Ominous Wind. Will slowly lowered himself into the arena on the Hoverboard to catch a better sight of this woman and the stone she was holding.

Next, she strode over and ripped a scale off of the dragon’s back.

“We’ve done it.” Queenie gloated. Just like a normal queen bee in a colony, she hadn’t lifted a finger; only had her worker bees do all the work. She even dressed in a perverted Vespiquen outfit just to broadcast her position to anyone in any doubt.

“Now. Finish this beast and then meet me outside.”

Will’d dived down, body checked her, caught the scale and was out of there before she even knew what hit her. He flew over to infront of the Dragonite and dumped all of his pokemon out.

“You little punk, you’d bette-” A second trainer, the owner of the voice he heard over the radio, crept out of the shadows with his Ariados, Galvantula, Venemoth and Crustle.

“Change of plans, you kill the boy and then grab the scale. I’ll head up to deliever the egg to my ‘honey’.” The woman, and her pet, took off down a tunnel at the bottom of the staircase.

‘Most likely, a secret escape tunnel.’

Mudkip, Milotic, Artemis, Gaia, Duskull and Baltoy filled in the space between the two trainers before the fighting ensued. Milotic and Mudkip dragged Crustle into the pool. Galvantula fired an electrified web at Baltoy, who redirected it at Venemoth. Duskull dashed in to fight the electric type with Grotle so the two psychics could decimate Ariados. Everything was going perfectly until the Team Ninja member, Bobby, pulled a dagger from his belt.

Will wasn’t expecting to have to fight for his life but, the blinding white pain in his upper left shoulder let him know otherwise. Without a second thought, he wretched the bloodied dagger out and threw it into the pool. His scream echoed off the wall, drawing every one of his pokemon’s eyes. They’d never seen him in pain, much less hurt like he was. That gave their attackers the moment to counter.

Venemoth beat her wings, filling the chamber with toxic spores. Galvantula shot a net of electric spider web at Milotic, shocking her and restraining her against a boulder. Crustle shot a glowing Smack Down orb at Duskull while Ariados disabled Lunatone’s Psychic. The worst of all, Bobby kicked the little water type all the way to Dragonite. The blinded dragon, not understanding what had happened, lifted its leg and crushed everything but Mudkip’s head. Will tried to run over but the Galvantula shot him with Electroweb as well. The electricity surged through his veins, causing him to cry out in new pain. Bobby ground his wound into the muddy dirt and had Ariados use Cross-Poison to ensure Will’s defeat. The teen shrieked, filling the cavern with his cry.

Tears and dirt stung the Will’s eyes. There was no way he could see the waterfall surge with tons of water. Milotic was quickly submerged with Crustle, much to its displeasure. The rush of the water began to overpower everything else until a, long, low rumble echoed into the cavern. Turning into furious growl. The water over the falls, slowed to a trickle. The sound grew a bit louder before disappearing. Every pokemon and trainer had their eyes on those falls, some terrified, others defiant; everyone, however, wanted to know what was about to appear.

Within the blink of an eye, a jet of powerful water shot out of the falls; freeing Dragonite and moving it out of the way. Before Will could reach his fallen friend, Baltoy brought Mudkip to him. Milotic slipped free from her binds while the rest of the teen’s pokemon gathered around their trainer. Bobby and his pokemon stood atop the mound, where Dragonite was bound, to get a better glimpse of what they were facing. The water returned, rather anticlimactically, and began to pour back into the pool beneath it.

“Well, it looks-” The evil man was caught off as the Guardian of the Seas, Lugia, burst out from the falls. With a single flap of its wings, Bobby and his pokemon were sent flying into the broken staircase. The legendary pokemon threw its head back and let loose a terrible screech before it used Aeroblast to annihilate the stairs. With a few beats of its wings, the legendary landed on the mound and crept down to where Dragonite was, drifting in the water. Lugia made a small moan as it rubbed its head against the dragons’.

The legendary turned around and with a single wing, made a gentle breeze. Somewhere either behind the falls or around the them, two chimes of a high pitched bell filled the cavern. Then, as if on cue, there was a response. A tiny, shy response, from the caverns. Again, Lugia rang the bells and again, there was a response. This time however, from the exit the Queen used to escape a Chimecho entered. Lugia turned and watched as the tiny, wind chime, pokemon neared the fallen Dragonite. Chimecho hovered over the pokemon for just a moment before it began to glow a light pink.

Ting.

Ting.

Ting.

Chimecho began to rhythmically ring her bell, which released a surge of pink sparkles that collected over Dragonite. Lugia even rang its own bells in time with the petite pokemon. After a minute or so, Lugia turned and approached Will and their group. By then, the poison was making its rounds through his body and it was beginning to shut down in response. The legendary sensed his pain and the pain of his friends but, also their love and loyalty. Lugia bowed its head to the teen and then spoke.

“Please.” Will, fighting the rising tide of sleep, was startled by the voice, Lugia's voice, as it filled and fought off his exhaustion. “Save my stolen child. Save Dratini.”

Chimecho continued her ringing as she moved over to them. The waves of pink sparkles collected over them and sunk into their skin; infusing them with energy, hope and life. Lugia was gone by the time Will was all healed and Dragonite had returned to her nest on the mound.

Mudkip walked away from the rest of the group as he began to glow. His loyalty and his unconditional love for his trainer prompted his evolution. The little blue fish turned into a bipedal creature.

“Marsh.” The creature exclaimed after its transformation.

Everyone huddled around the newly transformed pokemon and inspected his new form. Marshtomp was tougher, stronger and incredibly faster. Milotic and him were going to race when they got home.

After five minutes of inspecting and questioning, Will and his pokemon left for the fleeing Queen.

‘She didn’t steal just any stone, she stole Dragonite’s egg.’

The tunnels were quiet and devoid of pokemon. Although Duskull hadn’t called or returned, Will knew something was waiting for them. Marshtomp led the rest of the team as they walked, using his sensitive fins to scope out the tunnels and to catch any team members before they attacked. They marched silently, listening for anything and everything.

The low hiss from a snake pokemon caught everyone’s attention.

“Arbok, Acid Spray.” Appearing from the shadows, a girl gave her pokemon a command before sending out the rest. Baltoy, riding Grotle’s shell, used Telekinesis to catch the majority of the liquid and send it back. Arbok and Seviper dodged but, the Roserade and Toxicroak were soaked in it.

Marshtomp was the next to attack, opening his mouth and firing Mudshot at Arbok.

“Quick, Artemis, Use Psychic on Toxicroak.” Will turned to watch Seviper and Baltoy do battle while Grotle faced Roserade with Milotic.

“How did you get off the Western Island?” The teen asked, not really expecting an answer.

“We used our pokemon to dig a connecting tunnel.”

‘That means the man she was with is also here.’

“We’ve got to finish this.” Artemis was nearly finished with her opponent while Marshtomp surprised them all by taking out Arbok with a Mud Bomb. Baltoy was experiencing some trouble getting his attacks to hit the sneaky Seviper.

“Grooot.” Gaia moaned as the poison coursed through her body, taking a greater effect. Milotic used, a move he never saw before, Aqua Tail. Roserade smashed into the wall, slightly dazed by the incredible power. Artemis used Shadow Ball to combine their opponents and unleashed Psychic. Both pokemon were out in seconds.

Marshtomp and Baltoy battered the final snake with Confusions and Mudshots until it too fainted.

While Artemis got into position to use Hypnosis, the woman taunted him.

“You’ll never make to the surface in time. My partner is still somewhere in the caves and the Queen has already boarded a boat with Takashi.”

“Where are they headed?” Will asked, after she was hypnotized.

“To Unova. There is a dragon collector there that wanted the scale to evolve his pokemon.”

The team began their trek again towards the surface, again. They couldn’t rush through the tunnels without getting lost or worse fall right into a waiting trap. Now, that they were out of danger, Will couldn’t help but feel something nagging at the back of his mind. The Beedril in his stomach were buzzing about ferociously, making him feel nauseous and sick. They stopped twice so Will could admisinister a potion to Grotle, who was fighting of the poison. She wouldn’t be in great shape, but she was needed none the less.

Finally, when they neared the surface, Will identified the reason behind the bad feeling and the pit in his stomach.

“Dusk. Dusk. Dusk.”

He’d completely forgotten about his little ghost pokemon.

They ran out of the cave to find, the Queen’s pokemon hitting him back and forth like a beach ball. Baltoy immediately caught his friend and brought him over to them.

“You’re sick.” Will shouted.

With a flick of her wrist, the Queen’s pokemon dashed forward. Vespiquen stayed behind to guard her trainer.

Will and his pokemon readied their counter but the storm, which had fully overtaken the island, blasted them all with gust of wind. The bugs were blown back to their owner, giving Will the chance to start off the attack.

“Razor Leaf, Twister, Psychic, Confusion, Water Gun.” Instead of saying names, he just called out attacks and pointed at targets. The psychics targeted Crobat, Milotic at Beautifly, Grotle to Masquerain and Marshtomp attacked Ninjask. Duskull stayed with Will as the pokemon battled it out. He dropped to a knee and checked the ghost out. There were a lot of cuts and bruises, maybe even a broken bone or two, if Duskull had bones. Grabbing a Revive out of his bag, he dripped some of the amber colored liquid into the ghost’s mouth.

Vespiquen and Queenie stayed out of the fight like he and Duskull. Some of the battles were going remarkably well like Crobat was on its last wing already. The combined might of the two enraged psychics was enough to cripple the Poison type. Milotic, was experiencing some trouble regarding Beautifly’s ability to fly out of her reach, but Twister became incredibly effective when it did. Although the poison still gave her a few moments trouble, she was able to hold her own against Masquerain. Marshtomp was having no luck against the super-fast flying pokemon. None of his ground type moves could connect and even his Water Gun was beginning to miss as the bug increased its speed.

While Will watched the battles unfold, he caught sight of Queenie holding something in her hand.

‘It’s the egg.’

“Duskull,” Will whispered. “Wake up. I need you.” It took a few moments of shaking, whispering and waiting but, the little ghost did open his eye and took in the sight of his trainer’s face. Although he was hurt, Duskull was relieved to find himself in the hands of his friends.

“You have to steal back the egg.” Suddenly, Will froze as the words he said sank in. “You were trying to steal back the egg. That’s how they caught you.” The teen clung tighter to his friend for just a moment. “You took all of that pain so the rest of us wouldn’t have to.”

Without a single word or command, Duskull disappeared and snuck off to snatch the egg. Crobat fainted with a final blast from Confusion, allowing the psychics to be repurposed.

“Artemis, help Marshtomp. Baltoy, over here.”

Spinning over to his trainer, the little gold doll was informed of Duskull’s plan. Baltoy nodded and approached Queenie with Will at his side. Using Telekinesis, the gold doll separated the pokemon from its trainer while Will kicked some sand up into her face. Duskull ripped the egg from her hands and dropped into Will’s bag.

Vespiquen immediately released a swarm of little Combee’s that attacked Baltoy.

A bright flash of lightning struck the ocean, slightly distracting most of the pokemon. Ninjask flew a little bit lower like Beautifly. Rain was beginning to fall and soak everything.

‘Good thing, I didn’t bring Pansear.’ Will thought.

While Marshtomp and Milotic enjoyed the change in weather, Baltoy and Lunatone were less than thrilled. With Crobat down, Queenie only had four pokemon to fight for her. However, with Duskull injured and Grotle badly poisoned, this battle had to be ended quick if they were going to survive the rest of the day.

Milotic let out a cry of panic as one of her twisters began to grow and barrel out of control. She dropped into the ocean as the Twister, picked up speed and water and turned into an uncontrolled Water Spout. The Queen was forced to withdraw her Beautifly before it could be engulfed and lost to the swirling mass of water. The rest of the pokemon even left their battles and fled to their trainers expect Baltoy and Vespiquen who were in a heated battle. Vespiquen was clearly having the upper hand, until the wind picked up. She couldn’t send out her bees without losing them to the storm, which gave Baltoy the chance to attack.

“Milotic, dive in there and use Aqua Tail.” Doing as she was told, she slithered over to Baltoy’s side. The two battled Vespiquen until she was caught in telekinesis. Milotic finished it with a super powerful Aqua Tail.

“Run.” Will commanded, “Grotle and Artemis collapse the entrance when Milotic and Baltoy get in here.”

The raging water spout turned and began to make its way back to the island. Artemis used Psychic to bring both pokemon in faster while Duskull, Grotle and Marshtomp brough down the walls, sealing themselves inside the cave.

They sat there, listening as the Water Spout slowly drew closer and closer. The winds whistled through the cavern until the heavens opened up and the rain came pouring down.

After a moments rest, Will returned his pokemon and began to seek refuge deeper in the caves.

X-X-X-X-X

Against his better judgment, the teen kept his friends within their pokéballs. If something were lurking in the shadows, he would not only have no clue it was there and if it attacked, there would be no way for him to summon one of his pokemon to protect him and the egg.

‘They need their rest.’ He reasoned with himself.

It took a considerably longer time to find his way back down to Dragonite then it did the first time. Various different tunnels had caved in and there was no way to tell on his Snag which had and which hadn’t. It took him two hours to find a route back down to the Dragon. From the rumbling in his stomach and the time on the Snag, it was beginning to go on four. They’d must have skipped lunch in all of the chaos were going to have to miss dinner unless it magically appeared in front of him. His pokemon might be able to make do but, he was gonna have to tough it out. Taking a drink out of one of the pools, a friendly Seel popped its head out of the water and gave Will a rather quizzical look. The creature must have been a newborn because its mother pulled it back under the water and away from the trainer. Despite its mother’s warning, Seel continued to follow him all the way to the chamber where Dragonite slept. The water was high enough that it blocked the pathway leading over to the dragon’s nest so Will pulled out his Hoverboard and flew over. He, rather unceremoniously, pulled the egg out of his bag and placed it before the creature.

Dragonite didn’t bat an eye; it just swept the egg into its arms and curled up for a well-deserved nap. Will watched the creature for a moment before he turned and released his own pokemon. He explained to them about the lack of food and his current plan. Before he could even think of a solution, Seel was crawling up the stairs towards Milotic. Being the dear she was, the tender pokemon allowed the curious pokemon to stare for a moment before sending him back to his family.

Marshtomp followed the pokemon back into the water where they disappeared together.

‘I guess, he’s gonna escort Seel back to its parents.’

Gaia waddled down to the edge of the water where she drank her fill and tried to find a soft pile of dirt where she can rest for the night.

Baltoy and Artemis just propped themselves up against a rock and napped there. Duskull slept in Will’s bag while Milotic swam around the water. The teen lied down on the rocks and took a quick nap.



Gaia was busy munching on what looked like a mound of Seaweed when he awoke. Seel was back playing with Marshtomp and Milotic in the water. While Artemis, Duskull and Baltoy still rested, he got up and crept over to Grotle. She was doing a lot better and the food seemed to help her out a lot. Whenever the food pile got low, Marshtomp and Seel would disappear for a while and bring back more.

‘So that’s what they were doing.’

Will checked the Snag for the time and sort of moaned when he did; it was nine o’clock at night. Suddenly, all of his pokemon froze as a man entered the room.

“Takashi,” He said into his walkie. “I’ve found them.”

He threw out all of his pokemon: Gallade, Mothim and Scizor.

“Duskull, Night Shade. Artemis, Shadow Ball.” Both pokemon snapped awake from the slumber and took off for their attacker. Marshtomp fought with Milotic against Scizor while Baltoy and
Grotle tackled Mothim.

While the pokemon fought, the man relayed information back to Takashi. Most likely, what pokémon he was fighting, what they’re moves were, possible combinations they could use.

Gallade was able to hold its own, dodging most of their attacks. Mothim, at the moment, was a chew toy for Grotle while Scizor was having a tough time against his two assailants.

Will took a moment to search for the Seel to make sure that it was gone. He looked around the pool but couldn’t find it.

‘I really hope it doesn’t come back. It’s gonna get rough in here.’

The ruckus had however startled Dragonite. The dragon flew over to the waterfalls and hid there, away from the attacking pokemon.

‘Good. That should keep him out of the way.’

Gallade came crashing into Dragonite’s nest after Artemis hit it with a round of Shadow Ball. Before it could even get up to flee, Duskull was there beating it deeper into the ground with Shadow Sneak. Artemis finished it with one final Shadow Ball.

“Dang it.” The man swore.

“I’m almost there.” Takashi’s voice echoed down the tunnels.

“End this.” Will commanded to his pokemon. Artemis used Smack Down on Mothim while Duskull used Will-O-Wisp on Scizor. Mothim was able to latch on to Baltoy and leach of some his health before Grotle KO’ed it. The only target left was Scizor who tried to use Bullet Punch on Marshtomp but was intercepted by Shadow Sneak from Duskull. The bug was dragged underwater by Milotic where they finished it off with a barrage of Mud Shot and Aqua Tail.
Takashi arrived just in time to see his peon recall his pokemon and flee.

“Well, Well, Well. We meet again, Will.” The leader walked down the stairs, rolling rocks out of his way or hopping over them all together. When he reached the section where Lugia had obliterated, he merely jumped over down to the staircase below him. “You’ve caused me a great deal of trouble and now, I’m going to return the favor.” Plucking a pokeball from his belt, he threw it and intitated the duel.

Dustox flew into the air and between its wings; calling up a little Whirlwind. Grotle was the only one capable of withstanding it so they began the battle. Diving down, Dustox shot a stream of black liquid out of its mouth. Grotle could only partially withdraw into her shell to dodge the spray.

‘There’s no way she can win against a faster pokémon like that.’

“Artemis, switch in.” With a nod of her head, Lunatone dove into fight Dustox. “Grotle, return.” While the grove pokemon waddled her way back, Lunatone and Dustox fought it out in the air. Given their incredible agility and evasion, both were having the hardest time landing hits.

“Artemis, use Smack Down on the ceiling.” She flew to the top and used her attack. Chunks of rock and stone fell on top of Dustox. It tried to use Whirlwind to blow them away but, the rocks were just too heavy. With the pokemon trapped underneath some rubble, she unleashed Psychic until it was knocked out.

“So,” Grabbing the rest of his pokéballs, Takashi chucked them. “This is how we’re going to play.” Weezing was back along with Shedinja. However, the Samurott wasn’t as familiar to him. The battle was started off with a blast of Hydro Pump; Lunatone was shot out of the air. Baltoy caught her from falling into the pool but, she was definitely out.

“Weezing, fill this cavern with Poison Gas. Shedinja, Shadow Claw that Baltoy.”

With Artemis unconscious, Weezing’s only great threat would be the little gold doll. Baltoy had to be defended at all costs.

“Ally Switch.” Without even thinking, it just lifted its arms into the air and switched places with another of Will’s pokemon. The puff of smoke, which it left, hid the pokemon’s identity; leaving Will to worry over the results as Shedinja dove in.

There was a bit of a brawl between two pokemon but, the teen had other issues to worry about. Weezing’s gas was filling the chamber.

“Baltoy, use Confusion.” After a quick spin, a blue aura spread over its body. Weezing grunted and moaned as the attack took hold. The poison-type spun around once, confirming Baltoy’s possession. It lasted only a minute before Will darted over and snatched his doll off the ground. The poison-type was left worse for wear; confused and beaten.

“Weezing, keep using Poison Gas.” Takashi shouted, trying to rouse his pokemon from its stupor. The only thing it could do was thrash about; hurting itself. He called out again, shouting angrily. Fear made it react, adding further to its confusion and anxiety. Spinning in circles, Weezing, eventually, cracked and used Explosion. It closed its eyes and tensed, glowing white before the whole chamber shook with the shockwave. The ceiling began to crumble and the sparks, from its last resort, ignited the poisonous gases hovering near the floor.

Fire and Rock consumed the small cavern.

X-X-X-X-X

Marshtomp, Baltoy, Milotic, Duskull and Will ran through the caverns. Takashi’s exit was blocked after a portion of the ceiling collapsed. Grotle was returned to her pokeball, after she chomped down on Shedinja. Bite proved special effective, and instantly killed the bug. Given that she wasn’t a fast runner and injured by her battle, Will returned her to her pokeball.
Marshtomp ran in front, finding the best path to escape from the collapsing tunnels. At some points, there was no choice so they busted holes in walls and even plowed through cave-ins. Milotic’s Aqua Tail and Duskull’s Nightshade proved rather effective at clearing obstacles, be they walls or rubble.

When they at last, found the surface, Will emerged from a totally different island then he’d thought.

They were on the western Whirl Island: he could tell direction by the position of the setting sun and the three islands to his east. The weather system, that lingered overhead when they came up the first time, moved to the south, where he could still see it storming angrily.

Before they could leave though, Will sent Duskull into the caverns again to check up on Dragonite and to make sure that there was a route for it to escape.

While he was gone, the other pokemon rested and nursed their wounds. Marshtomp and Milotic bathed in the ocean water, regenerating their lost supply of moisture. Grotle sank deep into the sandy beach; munching on some soil. Baltoy merely collapsed on a slab of stone and slept. Lunatone was down. There was no chance for him to heal her, not yet.

Five minutes passed. Then, ten. Finally, thirty minutes came and went before Duskull returned. It was on the cusp of forty-five minutes when he finally did.

He was tired, but safe. Dragonite was safe, but the nest was destroyed in the cavern’s collapse. He’d moved behind the waterfall, where a vast network of tunnels led to the surface.

They were done. Finally, done.

However, before he could sleep, they needed to return to Cianwood.



“Will.” A gentle nudge on his shoulder roused him from his slumber.

Nurse Joy stood in front of him, four pokéballs in hand, with a grave look on her face. The teen had passed out in a chair outside of the infirmary. Groggy with sleep and exhaustion, he could only extend a hand for his pokemon.

“Will, I have some bad news. Lunatone isn’t faring too well and your Baltoy has a very extreme case of exhaustion.” The teen wiped a few grains of sleep from his eyes as he tried to sober up. “You, yourself, don’t look so well. Will, you need to rest.” Nurse Joy placed a hand upon his hand.

“Is there a way, that I could get both of my pokemon, Nurse Joy?” He asked.

Puzzled, she took a moment to analyze him before answering. “Yes.”

“I can have one of my parent’s pokemon come to pick me up and bring me back.” Stepping back, Nurse Joy nodded and left to ready the pokemon for transport.

Will opened his snag and sent a message to headquarters, asking for use of the Teleporting Claydol.

The response was a bright flash of light before his request showed up in front of him.

Nurse Joy returned a few minutes later with both of his pokéballs. She gave him a list of instructions and ingredients that he should follow and make for his pokemon. The resulting remedy would aid both in their recovery.

They exchanged good-byes before he placed a hand on Claydol.
They were gone in an instant and back in his bedroom.

Before he could even yawn, his mother called upstairs.

“Will, honey, is that you?” Claydol teleported and Will dragged himself downstairs to begin recounting the tale of his adventure.



After a few hours rest, he sent a message to Sub with the details of his mission.

‘So I don’t really know how to tell you, but I failed and succeeded in my mission. Takashi and his gang were able to injure Dragonite and, temporarily, stole his egg. I recovered the egg but Takashi’s Weezing caused a Cave-in. Although, I couldn’t confirm it, I believe that he was killed in the resulting chaos. Dragonite had moved deeper into the caverns and is safe there. I wasn’t successful at protecting the egg and the Dragonite, but I’ve prevented any further harm for being done and both are in a safe place now.’

The rest of the mission details followed after his confession, like normal.

“Mission Complete

Pokemon Used: Grotle, Duskull, Lunatone, Marshtomp, Milotic and Baltoy.

Items Used: Three Pokeballs,

Current Rank: Tier 4, Elite Snagem

Missions Completed: Embodiments of the Moon, Pain in the Grass, so I heard you like Mudkips, Do ya dig it and two Tier Advancements.

Will set the Snag on Silent and crawled back into bed.

~*~*~*~*~*~

The Joys were spread out across the cave. They treated some minor wounds, an infection in one of the Lapras and a broken flipper. Everything was going smoothly. It looked like fifteen, maybe, twenty females were pregnant and one looked like it might have twins. Those pokémon were fed what little the Joys had. The group met on the small strip of land separating the first pool from the others.

‘Will.’ A voice spoke within his mind. He spun around to see the two leaders escorting a third. The new pokémon looked older, fragile, even sickly. The Lapras beached upon the strip of land. The Leaders shook their heads when one of the Joys drew too close.

‘William.’ The voice returned and this time Will could feel from where it was coming.

‘You’re the one talking to me.’ He thought.

The Lapras nodded her head and continued. ‘Our leaders have brought me so that they may speak with you.’

‘What is it they wish to speak with me about?’ He inquired.

The male Lapras nodded toward his back.

Will obliged and went along with them. The trio of Lapras took him back into one of the long corridors off away from the Joys.

‘We would be honored to have you join us on our migration south.’ The telepathic Lapras relayed.

Will nodded, knowing there had to be more. He waited until he continued.

‘There are however, a few concerns the leaders need some clarification on. The first is why you are doing this?’

Will remained silent as he stared at both of the Leaders. He could tell that they could handle the truth he was going to tell.

“There are two reasons why I am here. The first is that I am part of an organization and I was assigned this mission. I’m here to help protect your pod as you journey down to the Orange Islands.” Will confessed. He felt a little cold hearted doing so but he was hoping to redeem himself.

“The second reason is much more personal. My parents have always taught me to protect pokémon, to never interfere with their healing and to never do any harm to a pokémon. If you have to knock a pokémon out, make sure you didn’t do any permanent damage, hide it so that it won’t be eaten by predators. If you see a wounded pokémon on your trails, treat it or take it to the pokémon center. The biggest rule they instilled in me was to protect pokémon, big and small, young and old, dangerous and safe.”

Lapras calls, weak and strong, echoed through the cave; crushing any sort of silence. The two leaders conversed while he and the telepathic Lapras waited.

‘They would like to know who you will put yourself between if it’s one of your own pokémon or someone from the pod.’

“Easy,” Will smiled, “One of the Lapras.”

‘Why is it easy?’

The teen broke out into a gorgeous smile and a little chuckle. “My pokémon can take care of themselves. They might not look like much, but if you underestimate them, you’ll be in for an enormous surprise.”

‘One final question. How do you mean to protect the pod?’

‘Milotic is capable of siphoning off negative emotions. Baltoy will redirect any attempt to injure anyone. Duskull can go invisible and to spook any approaching pokémon. Both Lunatone and Milotic have the ability to hypnotize any pokémon or poachers to leave the pod alone. Marshtomp, with his fins, can detect any danger in or out of water.’

‘And what can you do?’ The telepathic Lapras pushed.

Will paused. He had no idea. ‘I don’t know.’

‘If it came between your egg and a member of the pod, who would you save?’

‘The pod.’

‘Why?’

‘My pokémon can protect the egg.’

‘And if they were unable?’

Will took a pause before he responded, truthfully. ‘The egg.’

The two leaders exchanged looks.

‘The egg is incapable of defending itself. The pod can. I’m sorry if it’s harsh but I also have to think about the unborn. The parents can attack, my egg cannot.

‘The leaders understand.’ The Lapras whispered, ‘they are discussing when to leave.’

‘You must get them to leave soon. The pod needs food.’ The older lapras turned to eye the trainer.

‘I cannot.’

Will opened his mouth but was interrupted.

‘The leaders have reached their decision.’ The group started to head back to land after they told Will.

When the teen disembarked, the elder and male left; the female dived down, crossed under the bridge and surface on the other side. Joy and him embarked and she took them to the entrance. They were silent until the female dived back down.

“What happened?” Joy asked, concerned.

“We have three days.” Will dashed up the stairs.



The three days passed in a flurry. The Joys, including Lily, worked round the clock, inspecting the Lapras and administered vitamins and antibiotics. Will and his pokémon practiced their attacks, their swimming and their special abilities. Baltoy and Lunatone had to forgo their fear of water and large open bodies of water. Lunatone ended up helping Baltoy. Marshtomp and Milotic increased their speed in water and tried their attacks underwater. Twister didn’t work but when it was above water it turned into Water Spout. The rest of her moves, Recover, Water Pulse and Hypnosis, operated just fine. Marshtomp’s Mud Slap was as useless as Water Gun and Growl; his only viable attack was a pseudo-tackle. It wouldn’t be so effective but it could startle an unsuspecting target. Baltoy and Lunatone refused to dive underwater. Duskull’s attacks were much more effective than anyone else’s. His only attack that didn’t work under water was Will-O-Wisp.

While his pokémon tested and fought in the water, Will took his time to grow more acclimated with the rest of the pod. He even had his other pokémon join him so that they wouldn’t be startled by Duskull appearing out of nowhere or Milotic zooming underneath of them. There were too many of them for him to learn their names.

On the last day, Will called his parents from the Pokémon Center, said his goodbyes around town and headed down for the cave. Nurse Joy, the one from Azalea town, accompanied him down the cave.

“Now, the Lapras with a white circle on their backs means that they are with child. The ones marked with an ‘X’ are not.” She informed him.

“Got it.” Will noted to mention this to the rest of his pokémon when they were on the open seas.

“Now, Bugsy was able to get these for you as well.” She presented him with two presents. The first was a large, completely see-through plastic bag; one that was normally used for underwater cameras. The second was a small respirator and goggles for him to use underwater. As Will hugged her, she presented him with two letters; one from herself and another from Bugsy. After all that they’d been through together, they’d grown close.

“Would you mind if I say good-bye to your pokémon as well?” She asked, rather timidly.

Will removed his pokéballs from his bag and called them all out. He handed the large, fiery, red egg to Joy. She stroked it a few times which the pokémon inside made a sad, tearful, wail. Will slipped his own bag into the waterproof one and left it open. Nurse Joy held the egg as she said the rest of her goodbyes. Duskull approached her and let his head rest against hers and stared into her eyes while she stared into his one. Marshtomp came over and pawed at her leg which she lifted him up and pressed her tearful eyes to his face. Next, Artemis descended. Joy and her stared into each other’s eyes before Artemis nodded once and left. Baltoy was the most energetic; he levitated up into Joy’s arms and wrapped his own around her. They laughed and giggled until he let go and returned to earth. Milotic slithered over and coiled around her, giving her a slight squeeze. Both water types entered the pool as Joy handed over the egg. They exchanged a brief good-bye and a long hug. Then, she removed two envelops from her pocket.

“These are from Bugsy and I.” As Nurse Joy turned to leave, the pokémon called good-bye to her and she waved back.

“Thank you, Joy. I’ll see you again, someday.” Will told her as she walked up the stairs.

“I’m counting on it, William Errol. I’ll be waiting.”

The teen returned his non swimming pokémon back to their pokéballs. Will’d taken the liberty of putting his swimsuit on back at the pokémon center. He stripped off his extra layers of cloths and slipped them into his bag. Finally, he took the egg, wrapped it in his cloths and the two towels he’d brought and sealed the bag shut; with the rest of his electronics inside.

With all the grace of a Dragonair, he dove into the water.

‘WOAH.’ Will thought. The water was nigh freezing. He surfaced immediately and started to do some laps in the water; trying to get acclimated. After ten minutes, he swam to the side and drew his plastic bag to the edge. He set the bag on the water and much to his surprise, it floated.

‘What the…’ The trainer thought to himself as he inspected it. ‘It’s the egg; it’s keeping the whole bag afloat.’ There was no choice; the teen had to add more weight so that the egg wasn’t so buoyant.

He added a few rocks at a time until the bag started to sink. Will tied the bag to Milotic’s next so that she could keep protect it but also could swim.

He drew the respirator and goggles on and dove into the water again. This time, he could see the large opening that the pokémon were using to traverse the pools. The large, underwater, arch could easily fit two Lapras swimming through it at the same time. Will and his pokémon swam through and over to the deeper pool, where the Lapras would be waiting.

Underneath of Union Cave’s back pool, there was a series of interconnected tunnels that led out to the sea. That was how the Lapras had entered Union Cave, and how they were going to exit; with Will. The Lapras had already started leaving the cave. They’d started two days ago. The Male Leader had left to secure the area and returned. There was enough food to feed the pod for a day, maybe two, before they had to leave. So Nurse Joy sent some of the rangers out to fetch some of the seaweed and she fed it to them. When the Lapras had enough strength, the male shiny escorted them out to sea and stayed with them.

Now, the rest of the pod was on its way out. There were only five or six left in the pool with the female. Will was going to hold onto her shell while she led the remainder of the pokémon through the caverns. He had no idea of how long the ride might be but he hoped it would be short. The last thing he needed was for the egg to hatch while they were swimming.

Will swam over to the female Lapras as she dove down into the water. He wrapped his legs and arms around one of the spikes on her shell and tapped her shell; signaling she could start swimming. The speed which she moved was breathtaking. Will had to clamp the respirator between his teeth or risk losing it. As the Lapras swam, he kept an eye on them. Milotic and Marshtomp were following up the rear and made sure none of the Lapras veered off course into different tunnels. The swim took about five minutes, possibly ten. When the group passed out of the tunnel, Will let go of the female’s shell and swam to the surface.

After he surfaced, he ripped the mask and respirator and took a huge breath of air. The salty sea scent assaulted all of his senses. He could taste it on his tongue, feel the grittiness in his fingers and smell it all around him. Milotic surfaced to his left and Marshtomp to his right. He slung one arm over Milotic’s side as she propelled them over to the Elder. William would be passed between the Elder and one of the other males in the tribe. The both of them were capable of using Telepathy; able to speak with him if he needed to talk.

The elder welcomed him aboard and took him to see the leaders.

‘Both of them are anxious to get moving.’ The elder informed him. When they neared the leader, the two Shinies let out a loud call. The pod returned it and everyone began moving out.

‘I have brought the human as you asked.’ The elder presented him.

‘Good.’ The male said.

The female turned to inspect the human as she spoke. ‘We apologize for the inconvenience.’

‘But we needed to get moving.’ The male finished. The two sped off to lead the Lapras back to the Orange Islands. Will shook off the excess water and rummaged through his bag. He removed his egg, still tucked in his towel, and released the remainder of his pokémon. Baltoy nearly rolled off the side of one of the Lapras, but Will caught his arm and pulled him back. Luckily, for both the Lapras and Will, and its own sake, the Clay Doll pokémon had the Levitate ability so the little gold doll was only a few pounds. The teen easily yanked the ground pokémon over to the Elder’s shell. While the trainer rolled off and into the ocean, he nearly landed on Marshtomp in the process. The two splashed around, kicking water at each other. Milotic swam by, a slight smile on her face. Togepi squealed as Baltoy used Telekinesis to bring him over to where he was. The little spiked ball was fascinated with the water and constantly ran over to the edge of Lapras’ shell.

“Baltoy,” Will paused from his play battle. “Move the egg over to the younger Lapras’ shell.” The elder needed as little weight as possible and without the added responsibility. The younger of the two had a greater endurance and durability, and even a faster speed.

‘Please, Sir, slip the bag down around the back of my neck.' The second telepath in the group was extremely formal. Will could only smile every time he heard him talk.

Baltoy, instead of adjusting the bag, lifted Will unto the telepath’s shell. He slipped the bag to where the Lapras wanted it. Will made sure the plastic flap was open so that the egg could get a nice breeze while also being protected from a majority of the spray. Milotic and Marshtomp played in the sea while the teen cradled the spiked ball in his lap. Duskull flew about in the sky, playing with the water-types. Baltoy accompanied one of the males, tasked with protecting the pregnant Lapras.

Milotic spotted the Sharpedo as it dashed towards them. She attempted to use her special ability, but it did nothing. The creature still recklessly charged headlong towards them. Its rage was not from negative emotions, only from its territorial behavior. They’d have to fight this one off.

Milotic fired a blast of Water Pulse up to the surface. The disturbance drew every eye and the members of the pod caught sight of the Sharpedo heading their way.

“s**t,” the trainer thought. The only pokémon that had a good move set that could be used underwater was Duskull. However, Sharpedo was a Dark type and could easily endure all of his Ghost type attacks. They’d have to combine attacks and hope to scare off this attacker.

“Elder, Can you help me communicate with my pokémon under the water.” Will asked, rather politely for his assistance. ‘Another thing I didn’t think off.’ The thought ran through his mind.

‘Yes.’ He responded.

‘Tell Marshtomp and Milotic to force Sharpedo to surface.’

The Elder nodded and communicated the message.

“Baltoy, Duskull. We are going to need to blast this thing with as much force as we have while also protecting the rest of the pod.” The two pokémon made their way over to the Sharpedo. The rest of the Lapras shifted and moved out of the way so as to give the offensive members more room. The female Lapras that weren’t expecting formed a tight ring around the pregnant ones. The males, and both leaders, formed a loose offensive ring. The two leaders dived under the water and surveyed the situation.

Milotic and Marshtomp were having a hard enough time fighting the Sharpedo off. It was a lot faster and a lot more dangerous; a single bite could rip them apart. Even worse, the teen had forgotten about Togepi; who was blissfully ignorant of the danger he was in.

Diving into the ocean, the teen swam with all of his strength to Togepi’s location. The string that kept him tethered to his towing pokémon was untied and tangled around his feet. He splashed and screeched in the water until William arrived with a dire look on his face. Sharpedo was not only swimming closer and closer to the pod, but also closer and closer to where they were.

Baltoy must have noticed because they were whisked out of the water. Togepi just giggled as he flew through the air. Will gathered the tiny pokémon into his arms as they landed on the nearest Lapras. After a brief scan, he spotted the younger telepath with his egg. Will moved between the Escort pokémon until the telepath was in arm’s reach.

Marshtomp and Milotic fought their hardest but; their attacks were just too slow and not effective. Duskull dove into the water, trying to draw the Shark closer to the surface.

The teen was about to jump in and help attract Sharpedo’s attention when one of the telepaths stopped him.

“Sir, I believe your egg is getting ready to hatch.”

Will froze and hopped over to the waiting Lapras.

“Not now.” He pleaded. Togepi inquisitively inspected the egg, even once laying his hand upon its shell. He squealed out when the pokémon inside moved and bumped where his hand was.

Sharpedo stopped and searched for the source of the noise; taking off in the direction of the Will and his pokémon. Images flashed across his eyes: Milotic slithering through the water, to put herself between Sharpedo and her trainer. Sharp teeth sunk through soft skin and ripped it to shreds. Blood clouded the water around Milotic. A lone fin pierced the surface of the water, drawing closer and closer. Marshtomp slammed into Sharpedo and forced it into the air. Beams of black energy, from Duskull, blasted the shark up higher into the air. A powerful combination of Hydro Pumps, Water Guns and Water Pulses threw the enraged pokémon several yards away. Smacking the surface of the ocean, Sharpedo lost even more health. Luckily, it remained confused and so instead of being able to chase them, the dark water pokémon swam in circles.

Togepi ripped Will back to his current predicament.

“Groooo.” The egg shook and the creature kept beating the shell; trying to escape. The tiny little egg pokémon squealed and knocked against the egg. With one mighty thump, a rather large fissure appeared in the shell. Warm air poured out of the crack and the briefest bit of flame.

“PIIIII,” screamed Togepi joyfully and kept waving his hand over the fissure.

Again and again, the pokémon bashed against the egg. Several more cracks appeared along the total length before the creature inside quit moving. Distressed about his friend’s lack of movement, Togepi began to slap its own hands against the shell. Pieces of the shell either fell in or out and prompted the pokémon inside to press its face against the shell. Both pokémon worked to escape.

Will’s eyes were glued to the scene in front of him: Togepi forming a bond with a hatching pokémon and then trying to help his friend emerge from the egg. Milotic, Marshtomp, Duskull and Baltoy watched as their new teammate, and friend, was born. The entire pod was actually beginning to congregate around the hatching egg.

With one might thump against the loose shell, Growlithe came tumbling out. The little ball of fire and fluff rolled into Will’s shins. A wave of laughter erupted from the group. With a sleepy yawn, the baby pokémon eyed the human standing above him.

“Hello, little one.” Will bent down.

“Grooooawww.” Opening his mouth wide, Growlithe yawned and called to what he thought was his mother. Scooping the tiny pokémon into his arms, the trainer stood up and cuddled the adorable baby.

“Piiii.” Togepi danced around the trainer; calling out to his new friend.

Plopping down upon the younger telepath’s shell, Will allowed for Growlithe to curl up in his lap. Togepi waddled over and stroked the fire dog’s fur. William let out a deep sigh.

‘It’s finally done. Growlithe is born and the pod’s safe.’ The teen rested a hand upon his hatchling’s back before resigning to a small nap himself.