Serena, Wally, Clemont and Bonnie continued their journey in the Hoenn region, leaving Slateport City in order to make their way to Mauville City, where Wally would challenge the gym leader, Wattson, to a battle.
Bonnie sighed. “It’s too bad Opal isn’t going to be traveling with us. She seemed really nice…” She said, looking disappointed.
Clemont looked at Bonnie, and laughed a little, patting her head. “Oh don’t be like that. It’s not like we’re not going to see her again. We’ll probably see her at another Pokémon Contest later on.” He said to her, smiling.
Unbeknownst to the group, a Pokémon with long ears and a rectangular tail skittered about, following them from within the tall grass, watching them curiously.
Bonnie seemed a bit lost in thought now, thinking back to the events that took place right before the Slateport City Contest. The Pokémon she saw with the shadowy aura that nobody else seemed aware of was burned into her memory. When she made it known what she saw, the man who owned the Pokémon tried to attack her.
Suddenly, a yellow and blue Pokémon ran out in front of the group, and stared at them. It had long ears, a rectangular, minus-shaped tail, and blue cheek pouches with minus shapes within them.
Wally looked a bit startled. “Oh! It’s a Minun!” He exclaimed, looking at the electric-type Pokémon before himself and the others.
Bonnie snapped out of her thoughts, immediately interested. “It’s so cute!” She exclaimed, staring at it in awe.
Clemont looked at Minun, and smiled some. He stepped forward, and approached closer to the Minun. “An electric-type from the Hoenn region…I think I’m going to catch it.” He said with a smile.
The blue-and-yellow electric-type Pokémon met the blue-eyed gaze of Clemont, and seemed to understand that his intentions to challenge it. It then shouted into the surrounding air, as if calling out to someone!
Just then, something could be heard scuffling about in the nearby woods. “Hey! Wait up! I have something for you!” A very familiar voice could be heard, as a Pokémon similar to the Minun popped out from the bushes. It had a yellow body with red ears, cheek pouches, hands and tail. Its cheek pouches and tail resembled a plus. The Pokémon met up at Minun’s side, and they clapped a hand together as a greeting!
Not too far behind, a very familiar girl had come out, following the other Pokémon. It was Opal! She looked a bit startled when she’d realized she encountered the same group of Pokémon Trainers that she’d just got ready to part ways with.
Clemont blinked, a bit surprised. “Opal? I thought you were looking for a Pokémon?” He asked, adjusting his glasses.
Opal nodded. “I am! Or, I was! I found it! It’s that Plusle! But suddenly it started to run off!” She explained frantically.
Plusle and Minun both looked eager to battle side by side, staring at Clemont with a great deal of confidence.
Clemont observed the situation. Two wild Pokémon, with clear intentions to battle side by side, as well as himself and another Pokémon Trainer with plans to capture each of them. He smiled, looking over at Opal. “Well, I think you know the solution here. We’ll battle them together, as a team!” He exclaimed.
Opal looked a bit surprised by the suggestion. “Battle them together? But we don’t even have a strategy yet!” She pointed out.
Serena watched the situation. “Well, it’s not exactly ideal to go in without a plan…but you can’t always have a plan for everything. A friend taught me that sometimes you just have to fall back on instinct!” She winked at Opal.
Opal looked at Serena, and seemed to feel a bit of relief at her words of encouragement. She then turned to Clemont. “Okay. I will battle them with you.” She answered, pulling out the Friend Ball that contained her Pokémon.
Clemont nodded, and turned to face Plusle and Minun as a team with Opal. “Alright, come on out Chespin!” He called out, sending out the spiny nut Pokémon! It looked eager to battle!
Opal tossed the Friend Ball. “Bellossom! Sparkle!” She called out, sending out the flower Pokémon for battle! It landed gracefully, ready to fight as well!
Clemont’s Chespin noticed the Bellossom that would be fighting by his side, and immediately showed a great deal of infatuation for the other grass-type Pokémon!
“Chespin!” He called out. “Focus on the battle, okay? I’m sure Bellossom would appreciate it if you help.” He told his Pokémon.
Chespin glanced back at Clemont…and surprisingly gave an understanding nod, smiling eagerly.
“Alright then! Chespin, use Pin Missile!” Clemont started with the first attack order, pointing out at Minun’s direction. “On Minun!”
Opal faced the direction of the two electric-type Pokémon! “Bellossom! Use Moonblast on Plusle!” She called out.
Chespin fired several needles at Minun, while Bellossom fired a blast of fey-like energy at the opposing Plusle! However, the two Pokémon teamed up to use Swift, firing several star-shaped rays to defend themselves against the two Pokémon Trainer’s attacks, cancelling them out like nothing!
Both Clemont and Opal could feel a little pressure at the surprising amount of power and teamwork from the two wild electric rodents.
Wally watched them, nervous with excitement at the double battle against the wild Pokémon duo. “Be careful! Plusle and Minun have the abilities Plus and Minus respectively! When they work together, their moves get stronger!” Wally warned them.
Clemont glanced at Wally. “R-Right, makes sense.” He responded, looking back at them again. He then looked at Opal. “Hey, Opal. Maybe I can get their attention with an attack, and you try to go after them from a different angle. Do you think you can do that?” He asked.
Opal looked up at her current teammate in the situation. She then glanced back at the Pokémon. “Yeah, I think I can do just that.” She said.
Clemont adjusted his glasses with a smirk as his attention returned to the battle. “Chespin! Use Pin Missile, once more!” He called out.
Chespin fired several needles at Plusle and Minun. The duo on the other side of the battlefield started to use Swift once more, firing the star-shaped rays in order to defend themselves against Chespin’s onslaught. Chespin would likely be overpowered if it kept up for too long.
Opal pointed at Plusle and Minun. “Bellossom! Use Mimic, quickly!” The shorter white-haired teen shouted excitedly with her train of thought about how to fight back!
Bellossom performed the move Mimic, her hands glowing. Suddenly, she too started to use the move Swift, firing the star-shaped rays and making them circle around Plusle and Minun rather than hitting them directly. The two electric-types ceased fire, allowing Chespin a break, as they tried to understand what was happening. They observed several yellow, sparkling star-shapes swirling around them rapidly.
Opal looked up, and saw that even Clemont was a bit surprised by the move. “Clemont! Try having Chespin use another attack!” She insisted.
Clemont looked at Chespin, and nodded. “Time to try this move on for size, then…Chespin! Use Seed Bomb!” The blonde male called out!
Chespin jumped into the air, and looked down at the Plusle and Minun. Chespin’s cheeks puffed up, and then as it opened its mouth, it started firing large, hard seeds downwards. Not only did the seeds pelt the electric-type Pokémon, but when colliding with the spinning star-shaped rays, caused several explosions of energy around them! As each move hit one another, it was reminiscent of fireworks!
Serena stared in awe as she watched the way the moves were used. “Oh wow! I didn’t know Chespin could use Seed Bomb now!”
Bonnie looked up at Serena, and smiled. “Yeah! Clemont noticed that Chespin was trying to learn a new move, and did a little training with him until Chespin could use Seed Bomb properly!”
Wally smiled some, looking at Clemont. He started to feel a certain admiration for Clemont, for the fact that despite being an electric-type specialist, he still would take the time to bring out the potential in Pokémon of other types too. It made him happy.
It wasn’t too long until Pokémon from both ends of the battle had begun to feel how each attack took its toll on them. Both sides were starting to look a bit exhausted.
Opal looked at Clemont, and gave him a little smile. “I think it’s time.” She stated, pulling out a Fast Ball from her bag.
Clemont nodded, as he picked up a Poké Ball. “Right.” He responded, taking on a stronger stance as he got ready. He threw the Poké Ball at Minun. “Poké Ball! Go!” He called out!
Opal threw her Fast Ball at Plusle! “Fast Ball! Go!” She called out excitedly, the ends of her hair bouncing a little with her movement.
Both the Poké Ball and Fast Ball landed on their targets at the same time, bouncing ever so slightly as they landed on the ground, and started to shake, the button on the center of them flashing red. Eventually, they came to a standstill, and let out their iconic ding to indicate that the Pokémon inside of them had been officially captured.
Clemont and Opal both excitedly ran over, each picking up their respective ball. They looked at each other briefly, and both of them let out a friendly little laugh.
“Alright! I just caught a Minun! And, it’s my first catch in the Hoenn region!” Clemont called out excitedly, raising his Poké Ball into the air.
Opal had raised her Fast Ball into the air as well. “And I just caught myself a cute little Plusle!” She continued, looking happy.
Bonnie ran up to Clemont excitedly. “Clemont! Can I brush Minun? Pretty please?” She asked, bouncing a little off of her feet, one foot at a time, with joy.
Clemont looked down at his younger sister, and smiled warmly at her. “But of course Bonnie. I bet Minun could really use it, too.” He said, letting Minun out of the Poké Ball.
Minun looked around a bit, and looked at Bonnie as the younger girl had crouched to his level. He seemed a bit skeptical at first, until he felt the gentle strokes of a soft brush grooming his yellow and blue fur. Minun let out a relaxed sigh as he sat down and allowed the girl to brush him.
Opal giggled a bit. “Minun looks like he’s enjoying that. I think I’ll brush my Plusle then, too.” She stated, letting Plusle out. She started to brush the newly obtained Plusle adjacently to Bonnie and Minun.
Serena just couldn’t help herself, and used her Rotom Phone to get a picture of Opal and Bonnie brushing the two electric rodents together. “They just look so content! Even right after a battle.” She commented with a smile.
Wally approached Opal and Plusle, smiling down at them with a soft, gentle smile. “So…now that you’ve caught Plusle, and you’re here with us now…did you want to travel with us too?”
Opal looked at Wally. She rubbed the back of her head. “Well…I’d love to, really, but…the truth is, I kind of have my own agenda that might not always coincide with your adventure. I hope ya understand.”
Bonnie looked at Opal with a sad glance. “Aww…I really wish you would come along with us.” She said.
Clemont placed his hands at his sides as he looked at Bonnie. “Now Bonnie, you can’t just go guilt-tripping people to travel with us. If Opal has her own reasons not to travel with us, we should respect that.”
Opal smiled faintly, grateful for Clemont’s backing. “...Although…as long as we’re currently going the same way, it couldn’t hurt for us to travel together temporarily.” She suggested.
Serena smiled at Opal, putting away her Rotom phone into her backpack. “Right, I’d like that.” She said to the other girl.
As the group walked, Plusle and Minun trailed not too far from their respective trainers, holding hands. The two electric-type Pokémon really seemed to enjoy each other’s company.
Bonnie was following the two Pokémon, smiling. “Plusle and Minun sure seem to like each other quite a lot.” She said.
Opal glanced back, and looked at the two Pokémon, a bit surprised to see them holding hands the way they did.
Clemont looked back as well, and smiled. “Well I don’t see why not. They’re both electric-types. And their abilities go hand-in-hand.” He commented.
Serena just let out a dramatic sigh in reaction to the inventor’s statement. “Oh goodness gracious…” She mumbled, baffled by how dense the other was.
Bonnie looked less than amused, staring down her older brother as they walked along. Even at her young age, she still sometimes seemed to catch on more than him.
Clemont just looked nervous, unsure of why Bonnie was giving him such a look. “What? Did I say something wrong?”
Bonnie scoffed, folding her arms. “Nope. Not a thing in particular…” She said, words dripping with sarcasm.
Clemont sighed, rubbing the back of his head as he walked with the others. He had given up trying to reason with the younger sibling at this point.
Opal glanced between them, and laughed a little bit. She figured this was likely normal behavior between siblings.
Serena glanced at Clemont and Bonnie, smiling softly at the bickering siblings, as it brought back some memories.
Quite suddenly, Serena’s Absol popped out of her Poké Ball, and without warning, turned toward the group and slammed her whole body into them, knocking them back…just in time to prevent them from being hurt by an oncoming attack with a shadowy aura.
Serena looked shocked, looking upward to try to find out what in the heck may have attacked the group. As she looked up, an unfortunately familiar face awaited them from a strong branch in a tall tree, along with an Altaria! It was Kage!
Bonnie gasped. “It’s that weather creep again!” She exclaimed! As she looked at the Altaria, she felt uneasy, seeing the shadowy aura that seemingly nobody else could seem to see.
Serena stood upright, and took on a grounded stance. “You again!? What do you want this time!?” She shouted at the other.
Kage looked down at Serena, narrowing his eyes at her. “I can’t very well just let you go around with knowledge of my Altaria, can I?”
Bonnie’s eyes widened, as Kage had essentially given confirmation of her suspicions about the Altaria’s unusual aura, and demeanor. “So you do know what I’m talking about! What did you do to it!?”
Serena glanced back at Bonnie with a confused glance, and then glared up at Kage. “Yeah, what DID you do to that Altaria that we can’t go around talking about?” She asked.
Kage gritted his teeth as he returned the gaze. “Don’t play dumb with me! Altaria, use Shadow Sky!” He called out.
Altaria uttered a near-soulless screech, flapping its wings! Slowly, the sky started to become littered with dark, unnatural clouds. Streaks of unnatural, dark purple light rained down on the group!
Serena wailed out in pain as a streak of light hit her, causing her a burning-like sensation of pain! “What is this!?”
Clemont pulled Bonnie close, holding her tight to protect her from any oncoming streaks of light. “A Pokémon move!? I think!?” He responded, somewhat terrified.
Opal knelt down quickly, holding Plusle and Minun underneath herself to protect them from harm caused by the strange attack. Serena and Wally stared up at Kage, unsure how to handle the situation at hand.
Kage smirked, satisfied by the helplessly confused group of trainer’s reactions. “Now Altaria, use Hurricane!” He ordered.
Altaria flapped its wings hard, brewing up a strong gust of wind that buffeted the group below them, as well as their surroundings!
Kage laughed maniacally, and then smirked. He tossed a Poké Ball, sending out his Manectric. “Manectric, use thunder!” He called out!
Manectric summoned a bolt of lighting, aiming straight for Opal, who was too busy trying to protect Plusle and Minun to realize what was happening.
Clemont looked up, and realized Opal was about to get hit by the powerful electric-type attack head-on. He quickly ushered Bonnie into the inside of a nearby tree trunk to keep her safe, and immediately bolted toward where Opal was. “Look out!” He shouted, taking a stance in front of the startled Pokémon Coordinator! Clemont nervously stared upwards, a bit scared of the oncoming attack coming toward him.
Opal looked up to see the other Pokémon Trainer standing between herself and the oncoming electric attack. She couldn’t believe the reckless bravery she was witnessing.
In a strange twist of events, quite literally, the Thunder attack suddenly did a complete 180, turning in the direction of the attacker. Kage looked startled, having to jump out of the tree in order to dodge the oncoming attack, taking a rough landing on his feet. He then glared at Manectric. “Manectric! Whose side are you on anyways!?” He yelled harshly at the electric-type Pokémon!
An Espeon landed in front of the group, with a graceful stance as it faced the ill-natured trainer before them.
Serena looked a bit surprised. “An Espeon…?” She asked out loud, glancing around for a Pokémon Trainer.
A young man ran over, and stood in front of the group, next to Espeon. He wore a light red uniform that was reminiscent of a Pokémon Ranger, and black boots. He had a light green long sleeve undershirt on underneath his uniform shirt. “Your Manectric can’t take credit for my Espeon’s work!” He exclaimed. He had smooth, honey blonde hair that extended just to the back of his neck, and light hazel eyes. On his shoulder was an Eevee.
Serena’s eyes widened, as if she may have thought this Pokémon Trainer was familiar. But with the current situation, it wasn’t like she could just casually greet him.
Just after their appearance, a younger teenager with thick, slicked back spiky red hair ran to his side. A Flareon ran by his feet as they approached the situation. He wore a dark blue sweatband with silver accents, just above his ears and below his bangs. He wore a yellow vest with a long sleeve black undershirt, dark blue jeans with red accents, black shoes, and a black bag with red accents around his waist. He wore what looked to be some kind of mechanical arm on his left arm. His teal eyes locked on with Kage’s dark red eyes.
Kage glared at both of them. “Didn’t you learn your lesson the first time you crossed paths with me? This time, you won’t get to live to learn your lesson!” He shouted angrily. “Altaria, use Shadow Break on Flareon! Manectric, you use Wild Charge on Espeon!” He commanded, tossing out Shiftry next. “Shiftry, Rain Dance!”
Altaria swooped down toward Flareon at a high speed, its body surrounded by a shadowy aura that was now more visible with the attack. Manectric recklessly sprinted in the direction of Espeon, body surrounded by crackling electricity. With the two attacking, Shiftry summoned rain clouds with its moves, creating a shower in the general area.
Serena ran over to the side of Espeon’s trainer, along with her Absol. “Absol, use pursuit on Manectric, quick!” The teen shouted.
Absol swiftly homed in on Kage’s Manectric, and slammed into the electric-type Pokémon’s side head-on, knocking it over, and canceling out its attempted attack against Espeon in the process!
Espeon’s trainer looked over to Serena, a bit surprised. He nodded, and looked back at the opposing side of the battle, waving his arm in the direction of the other Pokémon. “Espeon, use Dazzling Gleam!”
Espeon lifted its head upward, and waved its split tail, as a bright flash of light formed from the red gem on its forehead, attacking all of the opposing Pokémon at once! The attack especially caused massive damage to Shiftry and Altaria!
The red-haired Flareon trainer ran up next, and pointed in the direction of Manectric. “Flareon, use Weather Ball!” The young teen called out!
Flareon opened its mouth, forming a blue ball of energy, indicating a water-type attack, and hurled it in the direction of the opposing Manectric. However, Manectric jumped into the air, swiftly dodging the attack!
Kage clenched his fists, trying to keep up with the onslaught of opposing trainers against him, though he could mentally feel himself being backed into a wall. “Manectric, use Hyper Beam!” He commanded!
Manectric fired a massive, full-powered beam, putting its whole body into the attack as it aimed at Flareon. The attack hit hard, and sent poor Flareon flying in the direction of its Pokémon Trainer!
Flareon’s trainer looked shocked, and moved to catch Flareon, being knocked to the ground by the large Pokémon’s weight! “Ah! Flareon, are you okay…?” He asked, teal eyes filled with concern for the fire-type Pokémon.
Flareon looked up at its trainer, and nodded, standing up. Though it stood strong, the Pokémon was clearly wounded by the powerful attack.
Espeon’s trainer looked at Serena. “Quick! Now’s our chance, while Manectric is recharging!” He urged.
Serena looked back at the other, locking eyes with him briefly. “Right!” She responded, before looking back at the opposing side of the fray. “Absol, use Pursuit on Manectric!” She called out!
Espeon’s trainer looked a bit surprised whenever he caught a good look at Serena’s face, but tried to focus on the situation at hand. “Espeon! Use Psychic on Manectric!”
Espeon lifted Manectric with its psychic power, sending a surging pain through the electric-type’s body. Meanwhile, Absol leapt toward Manectric, slamming into it with precision, knocking it down into the ground as Espeon released it from its psychic grip. From that point on, Manectric could no longer partake in the fight.
Kage gritted his teeth, returning Manectric to its Poké Ball. He glared at the capsule in his hand. “Pathetic…” He muttered.
Clemont glared at Kage, taking offense to the way he reacted to his Pokémon’s defeat. “The only one to blame for that loss is the trainer!” He shouted.
Opal stood up off of the ground once she collected herself, ready to join the battle. “Clemont, let’s team up with Plusle and Minun. After all, they’re stronger together!” She urged the Kalos gym leader.
Clemont looked back at Opal, and nodded. He glanced at Minun, and met its gaze. “Minun, let’s go!” He called out, facing Kage alongside the others! “Use Swift!”
Opal stood at Clemont’s side with her newly obtained Plusle, ready to join in on the fight. “Plusle, use Swift!”
Both Plusle and Minun fired several star-shaped rays simultaneously at the opposing Shiftry and Altaria!
“Espeon! Use Dazzling Gleam!” The young man in red called out, arm extended toward the enemy!
“Flareon! Use Fire Spin!” The younger red-haired teen shouted, looking to end this battle before it caused too much damage.
Kage’s remaining Pokémon were bombarded by the onslaught of attacks from his opposers! Shiftry was knocked back, collapsing from the attacks, and Altaria fell down from the air.
The red-haired trainer commanding Flareon opened the palm of his metal-gloved hand, the center opening up with a glow as it sent a Poké Ball upwards into his hand. The Poké Ball illuminated, and without hesitation, the Pokémon Trainer threw it at Altaria, pulling the Pokémon inside.
Serena and her friends all looked shocked by the display, at was not normal for a Poké Ball to pull in a Pokémon that already belonged to another trainer. Kage looked rather peeved. “Oh no you don’t!” He yelled, bolting toward the rustling Poké Ball.
Espeon’s trainer made a break for it, running toward Kage. Once they collided, his hands were entangled with the hands of the other. He struggled with him, holding the blue-haired male back from trying to collect the snagged Pokémon.
The Poké Ball’s turning eventually came to a halt, and the light in the center dimmed, indicating that the Altaria had been captured. The red-haired Pokémon Trainer ran over and collected the Poké Ball from the ground.
Kage eventually shoved Espeon’s trainer back, seething with rage. “This isn’t over! The next time we meet, it won’t end so well for you!” He snarled the words out, returning his fallen Pokémon back to their Poké Balls, and took off running! As he stormed off, the clouds that had been causing rain to pour on the battlefield slowly dissipated, as the effects of Shiftry’s Rain Dance ended.
The blonde-haired male panted softly, trying to catch his breath, his clothes and hair wet and sticking to his skin from the rain water. He glanced back at the others. “Is everyone here alright?” He asked the group.
Serena just stood in shock at the whole situation. The strange and powerful attacks from the Altaria. The capture of the erratic bird Pokémon. And the familiar face that stood before her. Meanwhile, the others behind her were trying to recollect themselves.
Espeon’s trainer returned Espeon to its Poké Ball, and started to approach Serena. He placed his hands on the shoulders of the shorter teenager, and looked down at her, his gaze warm as he smiled upon her fondly. “It’s been a very long time since I’ve seen you, Serena. You’ve grown so much.” He spoke gently.
Serena’s eyes widened, as the young man before her had confirmed her suspicions of his identity. She immediately embraced him, holding onto him tight. “Virgil! It’s really you!” She exclaimed! “I haven’t seen you in years!”
Virgil smiled, returning the younger girl’s hug. He let out a happy laugh. “I didn’t know you’d become a Pokémon Trainer!”
Clemont and Bonnie both looked confused as they observed the moment between Virgil and Serena. The red-haired Pokémon Trainer with the Flareon looked a bit confused as well. Opal and Wally on the other hand didn’t seem too fazed, as they wouldn’t have any reason to know why this may seem strange to any of the others.
The group set up a table, with Clemont setting up a fire to cook a meal for everyone, inviting both Virgil and the red-haired Pokémon Trainer with the Flareon and newly obtained Altaria.
Serena smiled faintly at her friends. “See guys, this is Virgil. He’s my older brother actually.” She explained.
Bonnie looked amazed. “You didn’t tell us you had a brother!” She exclaimed, now glancing at Virgil.
Virgil chuckled, ruffling Serena’s hair a bit. “She has two, actually. Me, and our older brother Davy.” He explained. “Though we haven’t lived under the same roof for many years now.”
Serena giggled, playfully swatting at Virgil’s hand. “Stop that, I’m not a kid anymore.” She responded, looking at Virgil. “Anyways Virgil, these are all my friends. I met Clemont and Bonnie in Kalos and traveled with them and another friend for a while there. They’re brother and sister, just like us.” She explained, pointing out Clemont and Bonnie. “And the boy over there is Wally. I met him shortly after arriving here, and we started traveling together. And this girl here is Opal. We just happen to be on the same path, but we’re not traveling as a group.”
Virgil smiled, happy to meet Opal’s friends. “Wow, you sure have made so many friends, Serena. I’m glad to see it.” He responded. He patted the red-haired teen with him on the back. “Well, this is my friend, Michael. As you may have noticed already, he’s not an ordinary Pokémon Trainer. You see, we were both tasked with responding to some unusual activity here in the Hoenn region. We’re working together for the time being.”
Serena looked at Michael. “It’s nice to meet you Michael. I was meaning to ask you about that Altaria you captured. It…belonged to that guy, Kage, right?” She asked.
Michael nodded. “Right.” He showed Serena the machine on his arm. “This is called the snag machine. It allows me to capture Pokémon that already belong to another Pokémon Trainer.” He explained. “Normally, I’d say it’s wrong to take Pokémon that belong to others…but the truth is, Team Delta, the organization Kage is from, used the same technology to steal some of their Pokémon themselves. Even worse, they closed the door to their hearts, turning them into what we call Shadow Pokémon.”
Bonnie stared up at Michael. “Shadow Pokémon…?” She asked, a bit curious of what this Pokémon Trainer had to say.
Michael looked down at Bonnie, and nodded. “Yes, Shadow Pokémon. They’re Pokémon who’ve been turned into what are essentially fighting machines. They can be quite dangerous to be around as well.” He explained. “They have a shadowy aura about them that people can’t really see.”
Bonnie gasped. “But…That’s what I saw surrounding that Altaria!” She exclaimed, to the surprise of the others.
Virgil and Michael shared a gaze with one another, and looked back at Bonnie. Virgil placed his hand on Bonnie’s shoulder. “Bonnie, you have an exceptionally rare ability to see Shadow Pokémon without the use of technology to aide you. Please don’t make that known to others though. Members of Team Delta may come after you if they were to find out.”
Clemont rubbed his broken arm awkwardly. “...That explains why that guy attacked Bonnie a few days ago…” He stated.
Michael looked over at Clemont, and gritted his teeth a little with a worried expression. “Well that’s not good. That means she’s already in danger…” He stated. “That’s probably why he attacked the lot of you just a moment ago too…”
Clemont frowned as he finished up cooking lunch, putting some thick stew into bowls for everybody. “You mean they’re probably going to keep coming after her? Bonnie’s just a child!”
Virgil nodded. “Possibly. They don’t care what they have to do to silence anybody from going around telling others about their schemes.”
Serena looked a bit angry, slamming her hands on the table. “That’s horrible though!” She shouted. “They’re going around causing destruction by trying to meddle with the weather, and doing terrible things to Pokémon!”
Virgil sighed, rubbing Serena’s back. “That’s why I’m here as a representative of the Pokémon Rescue Squad. Michael is helping me, as he’s had experience dealing with Shadow Pokémon over in the Orre Region.” He explained.
Clemont looked at Virgil. “The Pokémon Rescue Squad?” He asked, looking at Virgil as he started to serve everyone’s meals.
Virgil nodded as Clemont handed him a bowl of stew. “Yes. It’s a Pokémon Rescue started by my father.” He explained. “Both my brother and I joined up when we were old enough to. And I have to say, I quite enjoy it. It’s rewarding work.” He smiled faintly, sharing some of the stew Clemont served him with the Eevee on his shoulder.
Bonnie leaned over dramatically, tugging on Virgil’s arm. “Can I join too?” She asked Virgil with pleading blue eyes.
Virgil looked down at the younger child, and chuckled. “Oh my. Well, I love the spirit, but I’m afraid you’re just a bit too young right now.” He answered.
Bonnie puffed her cheeks a little bit. “Booo!” She let out, clearly not too thrilled with the young man’s answer.
Serena smiled sheepishly, a bit cheered up by Bonnie’s attempt, and looked at Virgil. “So you have an Espeon? Is that the same Eevee that you had years ago?” She asked.
Virgil shook his head. “Actually, no. The one you remember evolved into an Umbreon.” He explained to Serena. “You see, right after mom left Unova with you, at some point I got lost in the forest, with Eevee. It evolved into Umbreon, and helped lead me out of the forest while lighting the way. From then on, I decided I was going to train Eevee and their evolutions.”
Wally looked at Virgil, smiling softly. “That’s such a sweet story.” He stated, looking warmed up by the old tale.
Serena smiled some at Virgil. “Oh! I have an evolution of Eevee as well!” She exclaimed, drawing out a Poké Ball and sending out her Sylveon! The white, pink and blue fey-like Pokémon looked up at the new faces, and let out a cheerful cry.
Virgil looked amazed. “Oh wow, you have a Sylveon?” He asked, gently stroking the fairy-type Pokémon’s cheek, eliciting sort of a purr from it.
Serena nodded. “Yes. I caught her as an Eevee, and she evolved at Monsieur Pierre’s party in the Kalos region. She evolved during a tag battle when I was battling alongside my friend Ash!” She explained.
Virgil looked up from where he’d been kneeling and petting Sylveon, looking at Serena. “Hm?” He stood up. “Did he…by chance, have a Pikachu that didn’t stay in a Poké Ball?” He asked the girl.
Serena’s eyes widened, a bit surprised by the statement. “How did you know…?” She asked her older brother.
Virgil chuckled a bit. “I met him right before the Vertress Conference in the Unova region.” He explained, petting the Eevee on his shoulder, resulting in a happy little purr from the fluffy creature. “Unfortunately I didn’t get to battle him in the Vertress Conference, but I did win the competition myself.”
Serena blinked, a surprised look on her face. “Wait, nobody told me you participated in a Pokémon League! Otherwise I would have watched and rooted for you.” She said, looking a little upset.
Virgil chuckled a little bit. “Oh that’s okay. I’m just glad to see you again now. So, what brings you to Hoenn, Serena?”
Serena smiled faintly. “I’m here participating in Pokémon Contests right now.” She explained. “I just won my first ribbon the other day!” She said, presenting an opened ribbon case, showing off the Slateport City ribbon to her brother!
Virgil’s eyes lit up as he looked at the ribbon. “Serena the Pokémon Coordinator, huh? So I guess that means you didn’t become a Rhyhorn racer either.” He chuckled.
Serena shook her head. “Nope, sure didn’t. Mom sure tried, but she’s come to accept the fact that I’m not interested.” She said, having a good laugh with her brother afterwards.
After a short while, everyone finished their meals, and they started to pack everything up. Virgil and Michael both stood across from the others. The faint glow of the setting sun bathed the area in an orange tint. Virgil looked at Serena, and smiled at her. “Michael and I have to go and take care of a few things over in Verdanturf Town.” He explained.
Opal glanced around, Plusle doing the same on her shoulder, only just realizing that they were at the fork in the road between the paths to Verdanturf and Mauville City. “Oh, I didn’t even realize where we were with all that happened…” She said, looking over at Virgil and Michael. “May I go with you? I’m heading to Verdanturf Town myself.”
Virgil looked at Opal, and nodded. “Sure thing, Miss Opal.” He smiled warmly at the girl as she approached him and Michael.
Wally looked a bit surprised. “You’re going to Verdanturf Town?” He asked. “...If you meet a woman named Wanda, could you tell her I said hi, please…? She’s my cousin.”
Opal looked at Wally, and smiled, nodding her head. “Of course, Wally. I’ll be sure to do that if I meet her.” The white-haired girl answered.
Wally smiled a bit. “Thank you. I-I really appreciate it.” He said, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly.
Virgil looked at Serena, and smiled. “I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for you when you’re competing in Pokémon Contests. I don’t want to miss a thing.” He stated with a grin.
Serena smiled warmly at her brother. “Aw, thanks Virgil.” She responded. “Are you going to compete in the Hoenn League?”
Virgil shook his head. “Nah. I’m satisfied with my win at the Vertress Conference. Besides, I’m going to be quite busy dealing with Team Delta. But with Michael at my side, I know I can do it.” He stated confidently.
Michael glanced up at Virgil, and smiled faintly. “I’m just glad to help.” He said to the older male.
Clemont looked at Michael. “Hey, next time we meet, could I ask you some questions about the machine on your arm…?”
Michael looked at Clemont. “My Snag Machine? Sure, I wouldn’t mind that at all.” He responded. “Though if you want some more in-depth answers, you should ask Professor Krane.”
Clemont looked at Michael. “Professor Krane?” He asked.
Michael nodded. “Right. Professor Krane is a scientist from the Orre region. He and a team of scientists at the Pokémon HQ Lab in Orre helped with the development of this model.” The red-haired teen explained.
Clemont nodded. “I see, so he’d know more about it then.” He observed. “Well, I look forward to seeing you again later, Michael.” Clemont said, smiling.
Michael smiled some, and nodded. He looked over at Virgil and Opal. “Well, we should get going before it gets dark.” He stated.
Virgil nodded. “Right.” He said, looking at the others. “Take care on your way.” Virgil stated, starting to turn toward Verdanturf Town.
Serena smiled and nodded. “You too! And take good care of Opal on the way to Verdanturf Town, please!” The blonde teen pleaded.
Virgil, Michael, and Opal started to walk in the direction of Verdanturf Town. Opal glanced back at the others, her Plusle also looking back. She locked eyes with Clemont for a moment, remembering how he stood in front of her to protect her earlier. She smiled faintly, in awe of his selflessness.
Clemont glanced back when he noticed his newly obtained Minun on his shoulder staring back at the others. He smiled faintly. “You’ll see Plusle again, don’t you worry.” He said, petting Minun’s head gently.
Serena smiled softly as she walked along, leading the group in the direction of Mauville City. The raised up land was surrounded by sea water, which looked a bit reddened by the setting sun. A bike lane stretched out from Slateport City and further out beyond the sight of the group, which at least gave them an idea of the path for their next destination, as their journey continues.
