J-Awesome_One

Or you can catch a male Dunsparce, level it up to when it learns Ancient Power and then breed that with a female Swinub and boom! Ancient Power on your newly born Swinub! Also, welcome to the forums and remember... Make sure you have an AWESOME time here!

The next day, I woke up. It felt like I had been asleep for 12 hours or more. I got out of bed, stretched and was getting mentally prepared for whatever we were gonna be doing today to get out of this situation. When I looked over to the cell, I could see that it was opened. That was very strange. Was someone in my cell area with me? Or was it just open to let the prisoners out and about? I looked up at a clock and could see that it was 2 in the afternoon. I literally slept for 17 hours. Was I really that tired? I couldn’t believe it. I ran out and ran up the stairs. When I made it to the top, Valarie was there. It seemed she was waiting for me to come up there. Valarie: There you are. Geez. You’re a heavy sleeper. Matthew: Sorry. I have no idea how I slept for that long. I didn’t even feel that tired. Valarie: Well you must have been really tired. Saki, Adam and I all tried to wake you up but we couldn’t do it. Matthew: Damn… This whole thing must be really getting to me then. Valarie: You mean Aelita? Matthew: Yea… Valarie: That would make sense… Anyways, Saki told me that she introduced you to Braixen? Matthew: Yea. Wasn’t expecting her to talk but I think I’m used to it by now. Valarie: When Saki’s involved, prepare to expect the unexpected. Anyways, I’d liek you to meet up where Braixen is. Matthew: Why? You got a plan brewing? Valarie: Well… Yea… Maybe… Not really. But I think it’s time we start to devise a plan on how to get all of us out of here. Matthew: Yea. I agree. We need to get out of here and fast. Valarie: The longer we stay passive, the more I feel like we’re grasping at straws. Matthew: Wait. Was I given an assignment today? Valarie: You were but don’t worry about that. You were put on flower duty again but I asked Saki to do that for you. Matthew: Wow. And she did it without complaining? Valarie: I know you’ve only know her for about 2 days but even you should know her by now. She whined about it. But then when I told her that she’d be paying you back for getting you into trouble, she sighed and reluctantly agreed to do it. Matthew: Heh. I’ll have to thank her. Valarie: I’m heading over to where Braixen is now. Come there as soon as possible. Matthew: Let’s just go together. I’m not doing anything now. Valarie: Alright. Let’s go then. The 2 of us exited the castle and and made our way to the field area of Blacksteeple. It felt nice to walk alongside of Valarie. There were many times that I just wanted to reach out and grab her hand while walking but I knew this wasn’t the time or place for this kind of thing, even though I really wanted to do that. When we made it to the spot, we made sure that the guards weren’t watching us. When the coast was clear, we went through the opening and inside the shack. Braixen was there, reading a book. The 2 of us joined her. Braixen: Ohh! Valarie and… Matthew right? Matthew: Yep. You got it. Braixen: Ohh thank Arceus. I was worried I’d mess that up. Valarie: Hey Braixen. What’s with this book? Braixen: Hmm? Ohh. I dunno. It was there when I got here. It’s pretty heavy stuff. Too heavy for me personally, but you can see that it was taken out by a person named Anathea. Matthew: Ahh… I see… Valarie: Well disregarding the books, I thought we’d come up with some strategy. Braixen: Ohmigosh! We’re finally going to get something done around here? Matthew: How long exactly have you all been here for? Braixen: Counting today, almost a full 2 weeks. Matthew: Damn. You’ve been sitting around for 2 weeks Val? Valarie: Don’t even. I thought we’d have more time but with what’s been going on lately, we have to act now. Braixen: Well count me in. I can’t stand being in this frigid shed any longer. Have you considered any possible directions we could take this? Valarie: Well let’s see… We can’t have everyone in the castle come back here. Matthew: Yea. It’d be too suspicious if everyone were gone at the same time. Valarie: Plus, not everyone is allowed on this site at the same time. Matthew: Hmm… I know! What if we just took the other trainers’ Pokemon out here and called them out? Valarie: I considered that but then a problem might come out of it. Braixen: What problem would that be? Valarie: Well there’s a couple to be exact. What if they freak out seeing us there instead of their trainer? O-Or if we send them out and some of them are natural predators to the others? It’s too high risk, high reward. Just then, we could hear the guard yelling out to Saki. Apparently she was doing something she wasn’t supposed to. But knowing her, this was the usual. The 3 of us ran out of the shack in case she would need some kind of help. We listened in as the 2 of them had the weirdest argument that I might have ever heard in my life. Matthew: Wow… Is Saki really Japanese? Guard: Damnit! I’ve had enough! Fire! Braixen: W-Wait a minute! Didn’t you guys tell me that the turret on this side was faulty? Valarie: Ye… Ohh no. Matthew: What’s going on? Valarie: Look out! The turret fired but instead of going to wherever it was intended to go, the laser shot off towards us and hit some trees. The 3 of us hit the ground in case there were gonna be more misfires. When we didn’t hear anymore firing, we cautiously got up off the ground. The area was now all smokey. I could barely see Braixen or Valarie. Matthew: Holy fuck… Valarie: Yikes… That’s a really faulty laser alright… Braixen: That thing almost hit us! Valarie: You’re not kidding. I think it hit some trees. We should go check and make sure there’s not a fire. We can’t afford having attention brought this way. -walks to where the laser hit with Braixen and Matthew- Luckily no fire but those trees are so gone. Matthew: Do those lasers disintegrate anything they blast? Braixen: Seems like it. Valarie: But take a look at this! -points out an entrance of some kind on top of some rocks- Matthew: Is that a cave entrance to somewhere?! Valarie: Damn sure looks like it… Braixen: But how are we going to get up there? Valarie: Hmm… Valarie dug into her pockets and pulled out a hammer and a chisel and started to chip away at the rocks. It took some time but eventually, she was able to make stairs out of them. I was impressed that she was able to do that. Matthew: Nice job Val. Now we can investigate that. Valarie: Yea… Can’t say I’m a fan of this thing though. You take it Matt. -hands it over to Matt- Matthew: -takes it from Valarie- Thanks but what if you need this? Valarie: If the guards ask, I’ll just tell them that the old 1 got destroyed on the job. Now let’s check out what this cave has to offer us. The 3 of us walked up the man made stairs and into the cave. Instantly, an awful smell was going through my nostrils. I would rather be in the Abandoned Sewers back in Gearen City at this point. It was also very hot. That also didn’t go very well with me. Matthew: Fuck this place stinks! Braixen: Yea. It’s awful. Valarie: Kind of smells like… burning dust and rubber. Matthew: Sure it’s not shit? Sure smells like it. Braixen: Whatever it is, it’s the worst smell ever. Yuck! Valarie: What’s the purpose of this cave? Matthew: Well let’s go deeper into the cave… as long as this stink doesn’t kill my sense of smell. Braixen: Yea. You’re not going to find out anything if you just stand here! The 3 of us walked down some steps and could see some metal things in the ground. It seemed like maybe a protective cover for some possible electricity wires. When we got closer to a door, we all could hear voices. We crept closer as close as we could and tried to listen in on the conversation. Madelis: Are you kidding? You can’t fix a simple program like this? Mom: I’m sorry but I just wasn’t made like the others… I don’t know anything about this program. Nastasia: It’s just an overheating issue. How hard could that be to fix? Mom: I just… I don’t know. Madelis: I told you that whole thing with the S.S. Oceana was a bust. And you got in trouble for doing an unauthorized mission for this trash? What’s even the point of keeping all these people in the castle? Did you know that Madame X gave Neved my room? MY room! Nastasia: Madelis, I already explained the purpose of keeping all of the people here. Plus, orders are orders. If you didn’t fail at Carotos Mountain, things may have ended up better for you. Anyways, stop complaining. You can have your room after Madame X is done with them. Madelis: Ahh. So Madame X has finally decided to slaughter them all? I heard Neved say that she’s going to be arriving soon. Tomorrow I think? Nastasia: She’s not going to slaughter them all in the way you’re thinking. Her methods are quite unconventional when it comes to blatant murder at least… Madelis: Why do you trust Madame X so much Nastasia? If I recall correctly, you’ve got absolutely nothing on the line here. Why even do what you’re doing? Nastasia: That’s none of your concern Madelis and frankly- Mom: Um… I really can’t fix it. Nastasia: Ohh. You’re so boring that I forgot that you were here. If you were smart, you probably would have just walked away without saying a word. But you’re not that smart are you? You musn’t be if you can’t fix a simple issue. Madelis: Wow. That was rude even for my standards. I think you hurt her feelings. Nastasia: Ohh please. Don’t act as if it can feel anything. Anyways, if she can’t fix our problem then we’re going to find a different approach. Madelis: I heard Neved has a Froslass. Perhaps we can get it to cool this place down? Nastasia: Anything to get out of this place. It’s absolutely horrid in here. Valarie: Madame X… Is that their leader? Matthew: I’ve heard that name thrown around a lot whenever I run into them. Braixen: Well whoever she is, she’s going to be here soon… Oh no! No no no no! We can’t let that happen! Valarie: We’re not going to let that happen. Matt, we… Matt? Is everything ok? Matthew: Yea. Just… 1 of those voices… It sounded familiar… Valarie: Someone you know? Matthew: It does but… it can’t be who I think it is… Forget what I’m saying. Let’s do whatever we’re gonna do. Braixen: What are we doing?! She said that woman is gonna be here tomorrow! Valarie: Well, we’ll just have to speed up our plans. Matthew: Do we even have a plan yet? Valarie: Shush. In the meantime, we should check out what they were fiddling with. The 3 of us started to walk up the steps but when we did, the door in front of us started to open. We got prepared for whatever trouble was about to come through those doors. But who I saw come through almost made me faint. It was her. It was my own mother. I was right. She was 1 of the voices I heard through those doors. My jaw dropped and I stood there just staring at her. Finally, after almost 2 weeks, I finally found my mother. Mom: Ah…! Braixen: Oh no… She saw us Valarie! Valarie: Don’t worry! I’ll get her myself! Matthew: No wait Valarie! Stop…! Valarie: What!? Our enemy is right in front of us Matthew! We can’t stop now! Matthew: She’s not our enemy! Valarie: Then what is she then?! Matthew: My mother! Mom: Matthew… Valarie: Hold on… This person is your mother?! Matthew: Yes… She is… Mom: It is true but- Nastasia: What are you doing out there? Just take what you need and get back here! Mom: …I’m sorry but I can’t talk anymore. Matthew: Wait. Why are you helping them?! Mom: I… I can’t answer that at this time. Matthew: What!? Mom: But listen. Before you leave, please take a look at the device above here. I will distract Nastasia and Madelis so that they won’t disturb you. Valarie: But won’t you get in trouble for doing that? Mom: Maybe but it’ll be worth it knowing that I’ve helped you all in some way. And Matthew…? We’ll have our moment. So don’t worry about me ok? Matthew: Mom… Ok mom… Thank you… My mom looked at me and gave me a little smile and then went back inside to distract Madelis and Nastasia. I couldn’t believe it. I finally found her. I finally found my mother and we still were separated. It killed me. I wanted to rescue her right now at this very point. But what she was doing now was very important. Valarie: Matt… I know this is all very shocking to you but we gotta get going and see what’s up there. Matthew: Yea… Yea I know… Valarie: Gotta say though, she’s a nice lady… Why is she working with Team Xen though? Matthew: Long story short, me and her were on the S.S. Oceana. Team Xen attacked us and they kidnapped almost every passenger on that ship. I’m the only 1 that escaped that wreck. Valarie: That’s… horrible. Matthew: Tell me about it. Valarie: You know, I remember hearing something about that in the news. If that’s the case, are all the S.S. Oceana passengers here at the castle? Matthew: I’ve recognized some of them in the castle. So yea. They are. Valarie: Then that means the captain’s here too right? Matthew: Well… I haven’t seen him anywhere but I would assume so. Braixen: What does that mean for us? Valarie: It means that we can have him get us all out of here. We’re on an island and if Madame X is coming, then I’m assuming she’s coming by boat. Matthew: Hmm… I think I get what you’re getting at here. We gather everyone, take out her and Team Xen, take her boat and strand them here and get outta here. Is that right? Valarie: That’s the idea. Braixen: That’s a good idea but how are we going to fight back? Valarie: I uhh… Matthew: Haven’t gotten that far yet huh? Valarie: Matthew…! Matthew: What?! I’m just being honest! Valarie: I’m sure an idea will come in time. Come on though. Let’s see what’s up here. The 3 of us walked to the top of the structure and looked it over. I had no idea what any of this stuff was. I wasn’t a mechanical nerd of any sort. I couldn’t even begin to explain what this stuff did. Valarie however seemed to have found something great. Valarie: This machine… It’s controlling the nullification signal around the castle! Matthew: Wait. Are you sure?! Valarie: Yes! Braixen: Ohh! This is great! So if we stop this machine from functioning, everyone will be able to use their Pokemon once again? Valarie: That’s about right. Matthew: Yes! Everything is turning in our favor now! Braixen: Something… about this looks all wrong though. Matthew: Ohh don’t say that Braixen. You’re gonna ruin the good mood. Braixen: I’m just telling the truth. This whole machine. It’s running just a simple program that allows the signal to pass through the area. But right now, it’s going through a whole lot of stress. Matthew: Why’s that? Braixen: Hmm… Take a gander at this icon here. Braixen started to explain everything about this machine. 1 of the screens seemed as if someone tried to sabotage it which could cause it to overheat. What she said next though was a bit worrying. It was a ticking time bomb. This machine was the reason why it was so damn hot in this cave. Braixen got the idea though to sever the wires from the pipes on the ground below us which would then make the antennas cease to function. I was kind of surprised she was this knowledgeable about all of this. Matthew: Braixen, I don’t mean to pry into your life but how do you know so much about this stuff? Braixen: Well whenever Saki was in class, I’d hang out at the community center. A gal learns a thing or 2 from listening to geeks talk about nonsense. Matthew: Uhh… Where is all that at? Valarie: Grand Dream City. Have you ever been there before? Matthew: I’ve heard of the name but never been to the actual place itself. Valarie: Well maybe sometime I’ll show you around the place. We gotta get out of here 1st though. Braixen: Well we should head back down and see what we can do about these pipes. -goes down to the lower ground with Valarie and Matthew- Matthew: I’m gonna be honest, unless someone tells me what to do, I have no idea what any of this stuff does, Braixen: Ok. So if I remember what Saki taught me… These boxes are what we need to cut. Valarie: Are you sure? Braixen: Yes. Cutting the pipe that extends the other ones will also work but… Matthew: What’s the bad news now? Braixen: See these small boxes? They’re basically backup generators. Matthew: So even if we cut the wires, the function of our PokeBalls will still fail. Braixen: Well there will be a time limit but too long for us to just wait for it to run out of power. We have to destroy these and then cut the pipe leading into the machine itself. And that… happens to be right here. There’s another 1 opposite to this 1 as well. Valarie: I saw some pipes with some wiring coming out of it. Is that a concern in any way? Braixen: Nope. But it does explain that faulty turret you told me about earlier. Valarie: Well alright then! Let’s burn these boxes then! Matthew: Let’s do this! Braixen: Are you 2 insane?! Do you really want me to heat up this room anymore than it already is? Matthew: Well what’s the problem now? Braixen: 1 blast of fire would be enough to send us packin’! Valarie: Well do you have any suggestions on what we can do? Braixen: I don’t but maybe Saki can make something useful… Valarie: Hmm. After that display earlier back in the fields, she’s probably back in her cell. Matthew: Leave it to me! I’ll go to her and see if she can do something to solve this problem. Valarie: Ok Matthew. We’re counting on you. Good luck. Braixen: You got this Matthew! I started to head back towards the cells. I had so much going through my mind though. How we were gonna get out of here. How we were going to rescue Aelita. How we were gonna rescue my mom. My mom was actually here. I couldn’t get that thought out of my head. My mom was alright and well. 2 weeks apart and now reunited. Even though we weren’t at the current moment. When I finally made it to Saki’s cell, I looked into her cell. She didn’t seem to care that she was in there. Saki: Matthew! You’re here! Matthew: Do I even wanna know what you did to get locked up in here? Saki: Probably not. Matthew: Won’t ask then. Anyways, I think we found the source of that signal. Saki: Really? That’s awesome! You guys can take that out yourselves right? Matthew: Uhh… Well… Saki: HA! I’m kidding. If you could, you wouldn’t be here right now. Matthew: Well you don’t have to be a smartass about it. Saki: So you need me to build something strong enough to cut through metal huh? Matthew: Yea. You got anything you can make in your cell? Saki: I don’t have anything in here to build for something like that. Matthew: -sighs- Damnit. Saki: Hmm… I have a small idea but it may just be enough! Matthew: Great! Lay it on me! Saki: Remember that antenna I ripped out of the ground? Matthew: How can I not? Saki: Find it, bring it to me and I might be able to do something with it. Matthew: Find it? But I have no idea where it landed. Saki: I think I saw it somewhere by the castle. More specifically, on top of the walls. Matthew: Alright. I’ll get to searching. I went back outside of the castle and started to search the tops of the walls of the castle. At this time, it was starting to get dark. It didn’t take me long for me to find it. A Xen Guard was right there next to it. I don’t know but I just strolled right on up and tried to take it from him while he was watching. Of course, he stopped me as soon as I attempted to even touch it. Xen Guard: Hey! What do you think you’re trying to do?! Matthew: Umm… I need to take this for a bit. Xen Guard: For what?! Matthew: I uhh… It’s just laying up here and not being used… Just gonna throw it away. Xen Guard: Ha! Nice try! This obviously fell from space! It’s mine! Matthew: -thinking to myself- He thinks this antenna fell from space…? How stupid are these people? Adam: Hey. Guard. Matthew: Adam? Xen Guard: What do you want? Adam: There’s some trouble going on in Blacksteeple Field. We’re going to need you to come with us right now! Xen Guard: …Fine. I’ll go with you 2 but this antenna is coming with me! Adam: Heh… That’s no problem. The guard followed us as we walked him to where the “trouble” was. Technically, it was Adam leading the way. He obviously had a plan and I didn’t know what it was. So I just followed suit. We were coming up to where the hidden grotto was and soon, we were in it. The guard seemed very puzzled by this place. He led him up a bit further up. Valarie was standing there, waiting for us. Xen Guard: Hey. Wh-What’s going on here? Valarie: Sorry but you have something we need. Xen Guard: Huh? What could I possibly have that would help- Wait…! This space antenna! It’s mine! Adam: Space antenna? Seriously? Xen Guard: You! This is why you were truly trying to take this away from me weren’t you!? Matthew: Well… guess you got me. Xen Guard: So all of this was a set up… Adam: Guilty as charged… Xen Guard: Wow… I can’t believe how incredibly STUPID the 3 of you are! I’ll just use my Pokemon to safely leave! And after that, I’m going to report you and this place to the warden! Matthew: Ha… Hahaha… Hahahahahaha! Xen Guard: What… What’s so funny?! Valarie: Not sure if you noticed or not but there aren’t any antennas or turrets back here. Which means 1 thing. We can fight back! Xen Guard: You… you won’t be able to take me down! Valarie: You’re not battling me. Adam: Or me. Matthew: You know… You’re not Neved… You’re not that Emma person… You’re not even an executive of Xen… But you people have pissed me off… Xen Guard: W-W… I don’t- Matthew: Quiet! I’m not done talking…! You take my good friend and torture her… You treat me and my new friends like shit and think you can get away with it… You people even went onto the S.S. Oceana and abducted those people… 1 of them being my mom! Xen Guard: What are… What are you getting at!? Matthew: All of this pent up aggression? And you being here right now? I need some stress relief. I threw out my PokeBall and the battle began. It felt so good to battle someone after not being able to do it for almost 2 days. My Pokemon seemed to have be aggravated too. Their hits were way harder than usual. It seems they wanted to take out their frustrations as well. At the end of the battle, I was victorious. But this wasn’t really a battle. It was more like a massacre. The Xen Guard looked up at me with fear in his face. Adam: Holy shit… Valarie: Whoa… Well bam, slam, thank you ma’am. We’re going to be taking that antenna now. I’m gonna give this to Saki. I’m sure you 2 can handle the rest? Adam: With Matthew here, I think we could handle anything. Matthew: Yea… We got it Val. Don’t worry. Valarie: Good. Be back in a couple of minutes.~ -leaves the area- Adam: And as for you… We’re going to have a little talk. Even though Adam said that, no talking happened. Both me and Adam gave a good couple of punches to the Xen Guard’s face, knocking him out. We tied him up and then put him in a ditch. We then went back to the open area of the hidden grotto and waited for Valarie to return. When she did, Adam voiced out his concerns. Adam: Ok. 1st off… Have you all completely lost your minds?! Matthew: Honestly, maybe a little. Adam: Uhh… Well- Valarie: What are you talking about Adam? Adam: I’m talking about this whole plan you’ve all “cleverly” come up with. Valarie: All I asked was for you to help Matthew and Saki make something we could use- Adam: Y-Yea. I know and I made a decision I wasn’t proud of… Matthew: You mean knocking that guy out? Don’t get down on it. It’s not worth it. You did kind of show up at a good time though. I was really fucking that up big time. Adam: Trust me. I know. I went to speak with Saki and she told me you were looking for some antenna. All I thought I had to do was go on a treasure hunt for a stupid antenna. Suddenly, we’re both punching the guard and then we put his body in a ditch. Valarie: Still worked out didn’t it? Now we have an antenna that doubles as a laser, thanks to Saki. Matthew: We’ll be able to disable the signal and leave here… with everyone. Valarie: And that all happens tomorrow. Just then, the turrets started to go off. A cell search was going to happen which meant that we all had to go back to our cells. We knew that if we didn’t show up, we’d be punished somehow. Before leaving though, Valarie went inside the shack and gave the laser to Braixen. When she came back out, we walked back to our cells and went inside. What happened next though, we didn’t expect. Guard: Good. Now that everyone is snuggled tightly in their cells… CLOSE ‘EM! MEANWHILE IN AKUWA TOWN Wynaut: Wynaut... ???: Ooo! A Wynaut? Here? Hmm... I think you'd make a great addition to my team! Wynaut: Wy?! Naut Naut Wynaut! Nim: Huh? What's gotten you so riled up little 1? Wynaut: Wynaut Wy Wynaut Naut. Nim: Wait! You know Matthew too?! Wynaut: Wy? Wynaut? Nim: Well Duh! Of course I can understand you! I'm not an idiot. Wynaut: Wy… Wynaut Naut. Nim: So you feel something's gonna happen to him as well huh? I haven't seen him come out of this place for the past 2 days. I think he and that girl he was with have been taken just like the others. Wynaut: Wynaut!? Wy… Naut... -tears dwelling up in its eyes- Nim: Huh? Oh no no! Don't cry little Wynaut! I'm sure he'll get out of whatever situation he's facing. That's just the kind of person he is. Wynaut: Wynaut… Wy Wynaut? Nim: You... have a crush on him...? THAT IS SO FREAKING ADORABLE! Ok. I won't catch you. In fact, I'm gonna help you. Wynaut: Wynaut? Nim: Mhm. I'm gonna take you to where he's being held. It might take some time but we'll get there sometime tonight. Wynaut: Wy Wynaut! Nim: You want to be stronger to protect him? Wynaut: Wynaut! Nim: That is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard in my life... Ok. Before we go, I'm gonna help you get stronger. Just stand still for a couple of seconds. Wynaut: Wy? Nim: HUUUURRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! POKEMON TEAM REJUVENATION CHARACTER RATES TIME SPENT IN AEVIUM QUESTION OF THE THREAD

Wow. That’s kind of surprising. I mean I know people wanted that but over difficulty settings? Damn.

I woke up the next morning. I sat up in bed. I was shocked to see that I was in a cell. But then I remembered about the previous day. I guess I had such a great sleep that I forgot that I was a prisoner in this castle. I got out of bed and stretched to fully wake up. Today, we had to try to come up with a plan to get out of this hell hole. It was in the middle of the morning so I assumed that I would be given my work assignment sometime soon. But instead, fate had something else in store for me. The same hooded stranger that came to the island last night walked up to the front of my cell and looked inwards. I had no idea what was going on. Why was this person on the outside and not a prisoner like the rest of us? She spoke to me in an uncaring tone. ???: You there. Come here. Matthew: -walks up to the bars- How… How aren’t you a prisoner? Emma: That doesn’t matter. The only thing that does matter is that you remember my name. Emma. Matthew: Alright then Emma. What do you want? Emma: Watch. Come poppet. The hooded girl looked to her right as she waited for whoever was coming to get there. I heard Saki gasp in the cell next to me. And soon enough, I could see why. It was Aelita. She didn’t have her hair in a ponytail anymore. And her face seemed devoid of any emotions. Except pain and sadness. I ran up to the bars in shock. I couldn’t believe this was actually happening. Matthew: Aelita! Aelita! Emma: Master Neved has asked me to bring this girl to you as a reminder. Matthew: Reminder?! Reminder of what?! That when the time comes, I’m gonna kick his ass?! Emma: Hmph. Foolish of you to think of that. After her thorough rehabilitation, she has learned to speak only when spoken to. Or perhaps she’s lost the will to speak at all? Matthew: That’s because of you bastards torturing her! Emma: Nevertheless, this is the punishment given to those who refuse to adhere to Neved’s commands. Say hello to your old comrade poppet. Aelita: … Matthew: Aelita… No… Emma: Unfortunately for her and for us, she still needs a bit more work. Matthew: Are you kidding me? A bit more work…? Just leave her alone! She hasn’t done anything wrong to you! Emma: I am sorry… but we’ll break through quickly I presume. Matthew: You… Ugh! Emma: Also, I’m here to give you your 1st order of business. You are on flora duty on the west wing of Blacksteeple Field. From this moment on, passing through the right checkpoint will either result in warning or corporal punishment. Ple- Matthew: Just shut up… Shut up and leave me alone. Emma: …As I was saying, be intelligent with your choices. That’s all for now poppet. Let us return. Aelita left to go back to wherever she was being kept in this hell hole of a prison. Emma went over to Saki’s cell and informed her that she’d be in charge of looking after me for today. She then screamed for the cells to be opened and they were. I slowly walked out of my cell. Saki ran over to see if I was ok. Saki: Oh my Arceus! Are you ok Matt?! Matthew: I… Did you see her Saki? She’s… emotionless. Saki: We have to free her ASAP. Matthew: You’re damn right we do! But what do we do? Saki: Hmm. You knoooow Matthew, I think you should visit the library on the 2nd floor. Matthew: Visit the library? Why? Saki: There’s a certain book you should go read. It’ll be very helpful. Matthew: What? I don’t have time for your games Saki. We need to find a way to save Aelita! Saki: Trust me. We will. Just please do it. It’ll have a purple cover on it. Matthew: …Fine but this better not be a game or a joke. What do I do afterwards? Saki: Come to Blacksteeple Fields. You won’t find me out in the open but… Matthew: But what? Saki: Ohh come on! You have a brain right?! You aren’t like Adam. You can figure this out! Later dude! -runs out of the area- Matthew: Wait! Saki…! Ugh. She’s so weird. -sighs- Might as well go find that library. I went out of the castle and headed up the stairs and opened the doors. The library was where Saki would be. I started to check all of the bookcases. There were a lot here. I searched from top to bottom. It took hours to scope through every bookshelf I was able to look for this book Saki was talking about. At last, I was able to find the book. Of course it was my luck that I found it on the last bookshelf I looked for it. I picked up the book, opened it and started to read it. Matthew: “They say that there’s 1 thing you must do when the being of disaster and misfortune arrives. You must walk past it and hide yourself underneath the bridge of fortune. Only then will you shroud yourself from the eyes of the shadows.” Huh… Some of these words are highlighted. I wonder what this means? I examined the highlighted words over and over. Then I had an idea. I put the book down and left to go to the fields. When I got there, I started to look for a clearing of any sort. It didn’t take me long to finally find it. It was right behind a statue of an Absol. When I got through, I could see Saki there, looking bored out of her mind. When she saw me, she seemed relieved. Saki: Like oh my gawww! Finally! Do you know how long I’ve been waiting here!? Did it really take you that long to figure that out?! Matthew: No. It took me that long to look for it. It only took me about 5 minutes to find this place after I read the book. Saki: Ugh. Well at least you found this place. Matthew: Why didn’t you just tell me about this place before? Saki: Sorry but I couldn’t risk talking about this place out in the open. Matthew: Well… I guess that makes sense. Saki: This place is completely secret. Not even the warden knows about this hidden grove. Matthew: Seriously? Well this is fantastic then. Saki: You don’t even know the half of it! Matthew: What do you mean? Saki: Well we’re also in a blind spot from all points of the castle! So we can do whatever we want! And as you can plainly see, there are no antennas back in this corner. That means you’ll be able to safely use any of your Pokemon while back here! Matthew: What?! That’s great! I… Hold on… What did you just say? Saki: I… Umm… Matthew: You can let your Pokemon out back here?! Saki: Shhh! Keep it down! Matthew: You’ve known about this place and the fact that you can send out your Pokemon from here this whole time?! Saki: Ok. Ok… You got me. But to be honest, all of us actually knew that beforehand. Matthew: Valarie and Adam know about this place too?! Saki: Yes… Matthew: And you couldn’t have told me that instead of making me think that there’s no way at all of sending out my Pokemon?! Saki: Look, we couldn’t just tell you it because you got abducted. What if you were like… a creepy stalker or something?! What would’ve happened if we told you all our secrets? Bad things would happen! That’s what! So you better forgive us. Matthew: -sighs- Alright. Fine. That makes sense. Wait. Where’s Val and Adam? Saki: Those 2 have mining duty at the quarry so it’s just gonna be us. Matthew: But what about the guards? Won’t they notice us missing? Saki: They’re dumb. They won’t notice. But there’s someone I want to introduce to you to. I’m sure you’ll love them! Follow me! Saki rushed upwards into this hidden grotto. I followed suit and was able to catch up to her. When I got there though, I was a bit confused. I could hear someone cheerfully humming a tune and also see a Braixen walking about. Saki scared the Pokemon. When it turned around a noticed me, it ran into the little shack that was behind it. I was now even more confused. Matthew: Uhh… Saki? Where’s the person that you’re trying to introduce me to? Saki: Well technically, it’s a Pokemon and you just saw her run into that little shack. It seems as though I spooked her a bit much though? Matthew: You brought me back here… to meet a Pokemon? Saki: Yep! But trust me. You really wanna meet her. Follow me! Again! -enters the shack along with Matthew- Braixen: Saki! That was so embarrassing…! I didn’t need anyone else to see me like that. Saki: Sorry but we were sort of in a rush! Braixen: Don’t lie to me Saki! I saw you standing outside for a long time! Saki: Well… Blame him! He took so long to find that darn book! Braixen: I just didn’t expect someone other than you or the others to show up when they did. Saki: -sighs- Just relax a little! Jeez! You’re a Pokemon! It’s cute! Anyway, I want to introduce you to my friend Matthew. They’re a part of our group now. Matthew, this is Braixen. Braixen, this is Matthew. Matthew: …Uhh… Braixen: Saki, did you get permission from the others to do this? I know it’s not easy to find this place but a little courtesy would do you wonders girl! Saki: Yea yea. I asked Valarie and Adam already. Would you stop worrying already?! Braixen: …Matthew? Umm… Why is he just staring at me like that? Ohh no! Is there something on my face?! -starts washing her face- Saki: Nah. I just don’t think they’re used to seeing Pokemon talk is all. Matthew: Yea… How exactly is that possible? It’s not like she’s using some kind of telekinesis powers. Or moving her mouth for that matter! Saki: See that thing around her neck? Matthew: Yea? Saki: I built that for her a while back. Pretty impressive huh? Matthew: Wait. You built a Pokemon translator?! Saki: Mhm. Matthew: Wow. You are a genius with inventing stuff. Saki: Finally!~ Someone recognizes my inventions! But anyways, you may be wondering why Braixen is back here all by herself. Matthew: Actually yea. Does she belong to 1 of you? Saki: Umm… Kind of but not really…? She was abducted with us back in Akuwa Town. Braixen: Pretty sure he got that part. Saki: I’m getting there silly! Geez! She’s not actually owned by anyone but we have a PokeBall for her so that she can’t be captured. Valarie returned Braixen to her ball before they got us. If they caught Braixen as she was, we don’t know what would’ve happened. Matthew: Wow… Well I’m glad you’re safe now Braixen. Braixen: Thank you Matthew. If it wasn’t for Saki here, I’d still be in the PokeBall right now. Saki: I found this place while I was doing my assigned job. Matthew: Wait. Why are you here and not kept in your PokeBall? Wouldn’t that be safer? Braixen: I absolutely hate being in that thing! Saki: Yea. She prefers to be outside her PokeBall. So we put her back here to hide. Braixen: I appreciate that but… I may as well be trapped when I’m back here. The only good thing about this place is that the snow feels good on my feet.~ Matthew: Umm… Ok then. Hey. Hold on a second… Saki, didn’t you say before that back here, we could send out our Pokemon? Saki: Yea? Matthew: So why haven’t you and the rest gotten back here, get your Pokemon out of your PokeBalls and get yourselves out of this situation?! Saki: Simple. People who go into situations guns blazing usually just die in the end because they’re not prepared. I remembered back in Carotos Mountain when Keta, Aelita and myself were in the base of Team Xen. None of us had any kind of plan. We just rushed in, hoping to stop them from what they were doing. In the end though, Keta sacrificed himself for me and Aelita. Saki wasn’t totally wrong with that statement. Saki: We all came to a unanimous decision to hold off any retaliation until we can pull it off perfectly. We’re going to need help of every trainer on this island. Matthew: Alright. That does make a lot of sense… But you, Adam and Val are Gym Leaders. Shouldn’t it be easier for you 3? Saki: We maybe Gym Leaders but that’s just a stupid title we hold. We could all be shut down just as easily as anyone else on this island, ya feel? Matthew: I guess… Actually, you guys already fell to them back in Akuwa Town right? Saki: You didn’t need to bring that up but… yes. Braixen: Didn’t we also come to a unanimous agreement we had to keep this place secret? Matthew: Hey. I’m trustworthy. I wouldn’t sell us out or anything like that. Team Xen needs to pay for what they’ve done to all of you and me. Saki: Yea Braixen! You can trust Matthew! I wasn’t that sure either at 1st! Matthew: See? She trusts me. Saki: …Well actually, I’m still not exactly sure. Matthew: What?! After everything that’s happened so far?! Saki: Hey hey. Calm down. Val trusts you so Ido too! Matthew: She does? Saki: Yep. 100%. Matthew: Wow… That’s nice of her. And unexpected. Saki: Can you have your “crush on Valarie” moment later? Matthew: W-What?! I don’t have a crush on her! Saki: Suuuure you don’t. Braixen: Well… Alright. If Valarie trusts you, then I guess I can as well. I guess that means I can tell you what I found back here. Saki: Huh? You found something? Braixen: Mhm. I was looking through the trees, searching for anything useful. And then I came across what seemed to be another castle! Matthew: There’s another castle on this island? Saki: Why would that be the case? Braixen: I’m not sure but it was almost identical to Blacksteeple. There were a few differences but that’s something I couldn’t exactly confirm. Matthew: That doesn’t sound good. Why would they need 2 castles here? Braixen: That’s not the worse of it though. The castle is blocked off by a barrier. Saki: A barrier? Braixen: Yes. I wasn’t certain myself but then the warden walked towards it and touched it himself. I don’t know why there was a barrier there or why there was even a castle to begin with. But it definitely exists and I’m not sure I like it. It gave me a terrible feeling. Matthew: I know that feeling all to well. Now this place is even more dangerous than before. Saki: It is really weird… I don’t think I’ve seen any way we could reach it by foot. Matthew: Urgh! This is all too weird! Why are there 2 castles and why is there a barrier from the other 1?! Saki: I don’t know. I thought that warden owned the place. He can’t enter his own property? Matthew: Maybe it’s someone elses? Before we could get anymore answers, an alarm started to go off. I realized that Saki and I had been gone and not doing a thing for a lot of hours. We said our good byes to Braixen and rushed to get out of the hidden grotto and make sure we got out of there without being seen from there. When we made it back to the fields, we could see a guard looking down at as from a higher ground up on the caste grounds. I was sure that we had messed up and alerted him of where we were. Xen Guard: Miss Blakeory! Matthew! Where have you 2 been?! Matthew: We’ve uhh- Saki: We’ve been just looking at the Absol statue sir! No big deal homie! Matthew: Yea! That! Xen Guard: No big deal is wrong Miss Blakeory. I don’t want you 2 causing us anymore trouble than you have. Matthew: We haven’t been doing a thing. Fuck man. Xen Guard: I want you 2 in my sights at all times. Got that? Matthew: Sure. Saki: I guess. Xen Guard: Good… Now continue and complete the job you 2 were tasked with today. The 2 of us walked up towards the Absol statue and were able to do our job when we saw the hooded girl walk past us and look up at the Absol statue. It was weird to see her do that but then again, we didn’t know her. I felt anger towards her for showing Aelita off to me with the way she was. And yet… I couldn’t help but feel like I knew this person. I wasn’t as mad at her as I should have been. Saki: Well she’s mean. Matthew: Huh? Saki: Well I mean come on! She could have at least say hi or something! Don’t gotta be mean all the time! Matthew: We don’t even know her though. Maybe she’s like that all the time. Saki: -whispering to Matthew- Matthew, go talk to her! Matthew: What? Why? Saki: Just go do it. I’ll do your work for you if you do.~ Fair trade, am I right? Before I could say anything to her, she ran off. I wanted to hit her for just leaving me there like that. I guess I could try to get some kind of info out of her but I wasn’t really sure what to ask. I went up to her and attempted to start a conversation. Matthew: Hi. Emma: Yes? Matthew: I uhh… Well do you… Emma: Is… there something in particular you want from me? Matthew: I’m just trying to make conversation… Emma: Well either start talking or stare at me from a distance. Matthew: I-I didn’t mean to- Emma: As a matter of fact, I don’t want to speak to you. At all. Please move aside. Valarie: And what makes you think you’re better than anyone else here? Matthew: Valarie? What are you doing here? Valarie: I got done with what I was supposed to do and decided to come here. Looks like that was a good choice. I can;’t believe she’s talking to you like that. Emma: Hmph. So you’re sticking up for your friend here huh? Valarie: Damn right I am. Just because you’re Neved’s little pawn doesn’t mean you can go around acting important. Emma: You should shut your mouth. I haven’t done anything. It was Matthew here who approached me 1st. If anything, I’d appreciate you all a bit more if you just left me alone to my own devices. Valarie: Likewise. It’d be a waste to spend time with someone so deplorable. Emma: …Not that you’ll care probably but I don’t approve of what Neved’s doing here. Matthew: You don’t? But you’re helping him. Emma: Well… You know what they say… You gotta do what you gotta do. Matthew: What?! That’s so stupid! Valarie: It is but we should just stop talking to her. Let’s go Matthew. Emma: You know… You remind me a lot of Neved. You 2 are pretty similar. Valarie: What did you just say to me?! Matthew: Whoa whoa! Just calm down Val! Valarie: Did you hear what she just said to me Matt?! Matthew: Yes but you’re nothing like him! Trust me. Valarie: You have 5 seconds to take that back! I am NOTHING like Neved. Emma: Ohh, but are you sure about that Valarie? You’ve shown nothing but hostility for the past few moments. You lsoe your temper way too easily and you take things far too personally. That’s exactly how Neved treated me when he 1st met me. So yea. Pretty similar. Valarie stood there looking at the hooded girl. I could see tears swelling up in her eyes. She turned around and ran off. I felt so bad for her. This girl just made her cry. Matthew: You know, you’re a real bitch. I don’t care what you say to me but you leave Valarie alone. She is nothing like Neved. You got that? Emma: And goodby- Matthew: No. Shut up. Not even gonna let you finish your sentence. You’re a nobody that’s helping Team Xen. You’re trash. And I’m gonna get you back for showing Aelita off like that too. I’m gonna get back at all of you… Emma: Matthew… Matthew: I don’t want to see you again after this. I angrily stomped away from the hooded girl. This was the 1st time in a long time I wanted to punch a girl. Well besides Madelis. I searched for Valarie and eventually found her next to the little waterfall with Saki. She seemed like she was trying to dry up her tears and stop crying. Matthew: Hey. You ok? Valarie: Ohh Matt… I’m sorry for crying in front of you like this. Matthew: It’s ok. That girl really got me mad. Valarie: Shouldn’t I be the 1 mad? Matthew: I mean yea but- Saki: I can’t believe she said that to you Val. Valarie: …I don’t know who she thinks she is but I am NOTHING like Neved! Matthew: You don’t have to convince us of that Val. We already know this. Saki: Yea. You shouldn’t believe a creep’s word! Come on! Let me see you smile! We got each other don’t we? Valarie: Yea I know… Thanks Saki. And you too Matt. Matthew: No problem. Saki: Well I think we’re done for the day right? Matthew: You’re saying that Saki? I was expecting you to have another fit about not wanting to go back in your cell yet. Saki: Well with everything that just happened, I thought I’d be nice this once and call it early. Valarie: Yea… Yea, let’s just end this day. I think I’ve had enough of this. The 3 of us walked back inside of the castle and hung around with each other for a while. Adam joined us shortly. To pass the time, we talked about our lives before this whole thing happened. We talked about the good times, the bad times and the weird times. It was very enjoyable. It almost made me forget about everything that was happening to us. Almost. When it was dark, the guards ordered us to get back into our cells. Before I could get into mine though, Valarie pulled me to the side for a minute. Matthew: Hey. Everything ok? Valarie: Yea… Matthew: Well… we should get back to our cells if we don’t… -gets hugged by Valarie- wanna… Valarie: I heard what you said to that Emma person. Thank you for standing up for me Matthew. Matthew: Heh… It was no problem Valarie. She let go and looked at me with a happy smile on her face. I went back to my cell and laid down on the bed. Despite everything that happened today, it was at most a somewhat decent day. I was able to make Valarie feel better but Aelita was in big trouble. I closed my eyes and eventually drifted off to sleep. POKEMON TEAM REJUVENATION CHARACTER RATES TIME SPENT IN AEVIUM QUESTION OF THE THREAD

Team Xen Grunt: Alright. Get up you 2! Matthew: Where… Where are we? Team Xen Grunt: Shut up and get a move on! Aelita: Don’t tell us what to do! Team Xen Grunt: I don’t think you’re in any position to try to resist us. You are our prisoners. Do as you are told or suffer the consequences. Aelita: Urgh! You… You- Matthew: Aelita… We don’t know where we are or even see anything in front of us. Just cooperate for now. We’ll figure something out later. Aelita: …Fine. The Xen Grunts held onto our arms and escorted us off of the boat and onto dry land. I could only see through a little opening at the bottom of the sack. Snow covered green grass turned to concrete ground. Wherever we were, it was definitely cold. I could feel the snow hit my skin as we walked to wherever we were being taken to. I could hear the sound of a door being opened but it sounded weird. As if we were in a castle or something. The doors behind us were closed. Next thing we knew, our hands were being untied and the sacks on our head were taken off. We were finally able to see and move our body a bit more freely now. The 2 Xen Grunts then handed us over to what I could only describe them as to be some kind of guards. The 2 marched us up the room where there was another Xen Guard up ahead. We stopped in front of him. Matthew: Alright. You abducted us, made sure we couldn’t see where we’re going and now we’re here. Aelita: Where exactly is “here” anyways? Xen Guard: Heh. Welcome to Blacksteeple Castle. Matthew: Blacksteeple Castle? So this is a castle? Xen Guard: Yes and as of today you’ll be taken under the ownership of the warden Neved. Aelita: Have you ever heard of him Matthew? Matthew: No but it wouldn’t shock me if I saw his face already though. Xen Guard: Silence! Whatever he wants to be done, you 2 will listen and do as he says. These include fixing up the castle and making it look presentable. Aelita: Are you kidding me?! What the hell is going on here?! You can’t just go about and abduct people! I don’t understand… Why are you doing this?! Matthew: Aelita, you’re gonna get us in trouble! I know we’re in a bind here but you gotta try to calm down! Aelita: But Matthew- Xen Guard: Even I don’t know that info as of this moment. Matthew: Wait… You don’t know? You don’t know why Team Xen is doing all of this? Xen Guard: That is what I said. But I am sure they’ll become apparent sooner or later. Aelita: So that’s it then? You guys don’t even know…? You guys are IDIOTS! Xen Guard: I’ve had enough of her talking. Take them to their cells. The 2 Xen Guards took us to our cell, even though Aelita didn’t make it easy for them. If she had just calmed down, maybe we could have gotten more information out of them. But I couldn’t really blame her for doing that. She was probably very angry and very scared at what was going to happen to not only me but herself. The guards got us to our cell, had us walk in and they shut and locked the cell. As the guard started to walk away, Aelita started her yelling again. Aelita: Hey! We’re gonna get out of here! Do you hear me?! And when we do, you and everyone else are gonna be sorry! Matthew: Aelita, please just try to calm down! Aelita: How am I supposed to calm down Matthew?! We’ve been abducted and taken to some kind of castle! How can you stay calm right now?! Matthew: Trust me… It’s not easy but losing your cool like this isn’t gonna get us anywhere. Aelita: …Ugh! Someone needs to explain what’s going on here and fast! They didn’t even take away our Pokemon! Are you guys really that braindead?! -sighs- They aren’t even listening to me… Matthew: True but you make a good point. Why didn’t they take away our Pokemon? ???: Hey. Could whoever you are calm down whoever your friend is over there? It’s annoying. Plus, they won’t listen to a baby screaming about their problems. Aelita: Do you want to repeat that? I’m sure I’ll get it the 2nd time. Matthew: -face palm- Ohh geez. ???: Ohh don’t play dumb with me. You heard me loud and clear. They won’t listen to a baby scream about nothing. Aelita: Why you-! Matthew: Aelita, stop! Now! Fucking fuck! ???: Let me guess. You came in here kicking and screaming right? Matthew: Well my friend here did a lot of screaming but neither of us did any kicking. Aelita: I was not screaming! Matthew: Ok then. What do you call what you’re doing now? Aelita: I… Shut up! ???: Well maybe if she didn’t, they would have told you why they didn’t take away our Pokemon. Matthew: You know the reason? What is it? ???: Since you asked nicely, I will tell you. They’ve rendered our PokeBalls useless. Aelita: Rendered our PokeBalls useless? The 2 of us looked at each other in shock. We each took 1 of our Pokemon’s PokeBall and tried to call them out but nothing happened. We tried again but nothing happened once more. Whoever this person was was telling the truth about our PokeBalls not working. Aelita: Damnit! Matthew: This really does suck. ???: We can’t use them while we’re on the island. Aelita: An island? How do you know we’re on an island? ???: Uhh, I have eyes? I saw it? Matthew: Sorry but we had no idea. They had us put sacks over our heads. We didn’t know. ???: Ohh… Well I’ll apologize for that comment then. But still, why don’t you actually stop whining and acting so entitled, k? Aelita: Urgh! Matthew: Ugh. This isn’t getting any better. Aelita: You know, you talk really big for someone who’s stuck behind bars. ???: Well you gotta talk to a baby in a special way. Otherwise, they won’t understand you. Aelita: If you wanna talk like that, you better talk to my face. What’s your name?! Saki: My name? Hehe. Well I’m flattered.~ My name is Saki. Saki Blakeory. I’m sure you’ve heard of me? Aelita: Well listen here you- Matthew: Wait wait wait! Aelita, shut up right now! Did you say Saki?! Saki: Yes. What’s the matter? Am I very popular to talk about to you? Aelita: Huh…? Ohh yea! I almost forgot! We’ve been looking everywhere for you! Saki: Well, great job! You found me! Do you want a prize? Where’s Waldo? Matthew: Wait. How is Where’s Waldo a prize for finding you? Aelita: Now who’s the 1 that needs to shut up? But enough with the smartass comments ok? This is very important. Saki: Important? Hmm. Now you’ve piqued my interests. So what is it? Just as we were about to tell Saki what the problem was, a Xen Guard came up to our cell asking if Aelita was indeed her and where she resided before being here. Although she was rude at 1st, Saki got her to tell the guard where she lived. Upon hearing the answer, the guard’s eyes widened. He then had Aelita come out of the cell and escorted her to the warden’s office so he could ask her a few questions. While I didn’t want her to go, I couldn’t really do anything to stop him. I watched on as Aelita and the guard left from my site. Matthew: The hell does the warden want with her? Saki: I’m not sure. It’s odd actually. The warden doesn’t usually ask prisoners questions out of the blue like that. Matthew: I don’t have a good feeling about this Saki… Saki: Well… I’m sure everything will be ok. They’re not really barbaric. Matthew: Not barbaric?! Saki: I know. They’ve kidnapped us and making us do labor work but they’re not. To be honest, they treat us very well. That is, if you cooperate with them. Matthew: Great. So Aelita is gonna be in even more trouble. Intercom System: BREAK TIME OVER. RESUME SCHEDULED JOB. Saki: -sighs- Looks like my time of doing nothing has ended… Ohh wait. No it hasn’t. I walked out of my cell as did Saki. When she came into view however, I was completely in shock. I remembered her. We had met briefly once. It was back in that hotel back in Gearen City. She ran into me while riding on something. I couldn’t believe it. Matthew: Y-You’re Saki?! Saki: Yea… Something wrong? Matthew: You ran into me while riding a trolley in a hotel sometime ago! Saki: Huh? I did? Hmm… Ohh yea! I did! Ahh. Those were good times. Matthew: I beg to differ. Saki: Well since we’ve already met before, that means that we’re already friends! Matthew: Uhh… Yea. Sure. So… what do I do? Saki: Well since you’re a newcomer, you won’t get assigned to a job til tomorrow. Soooo… Oh my Arceus! We should totes hang out and be like, best friends or something!? Matthew: Since I’ve got nothing better to do, sure. Saki: Yes! Your answer pleases me greatly! You should come meet me by the quarry. Matthew: They have a quarry here? Saki: Yea. I’m not sure why but people assigned to jobs in that area usually are just digging up and breaking rocks and stones. Matthew: That’s weird. Saki: Hell yea! Anyways, it’s not hard to miss. Go outside and take the eastern exit. See you there! Saki zoomed down the stairs and out of the door. I couldn’t believe the situation I was in. Team Xen had me as prisoner in this weird castle. And they had taken Aelita for some weird reason. I decided to go to the quarry and look around the place. As I made my way through the castle, I could recognize some people in the castle. I couldn’t quite place my finger on where I saw them but it was right on the tip of my tongue. Then it finally hit me. Some of these people were from the S.S. Oceana. I couldn’t believe it. They were here and not dead. In a weird way, I was happy that they were here. Sure, they were doing things they probably didn’t want to and were being kept here against their wills but at least they were alive. That greatly put me in a better mood. I finally made it outside and was about to go towards the quarry when I saw someone trying to go the other way. There were these 2 tall turrets on both sides. The turrets started to make an alert kind of noise. I could hear someone speaking from a microphone telling this person to go back because he wasn’t authorized to go the way he was trying to go. The person didn’t listen. What I saw next horrified me. The turrets started to become electrified and shocked the poor person. It wasn’t enough to kill him but enough to immobilize him. I quickly looked away and went towards the quarry. When I got there, I searched for Saki. I finally found her on the little beach area of the island. There was another person there with her. He had blue hair and a blue beard as well. Saki seemed as if she was annoying him. Saki: And thus, a lonely Adam waits for his beautiful friend, Valarie, to come back from war. Matthew: -thinking to myself- Wait a minute… Saki, Valarie and Adam? Are these the same people that Aelita and I heard from that audio file back in Akuwa Town? Adam: Ohh shut up Saki. You know that’s not what I’m doing. I’m making sure she doesn’t die from going swimming in the water. It’s below freezing here. Saki: True but that’s not gonna stop Val from swimming. Remember that time Valarie swam in ice water because she was feeling anxious? Adam: Yes and I’d frankly like to forget about it as well. Matthew: Sounds like this Valarie really likes water huh? Saki: Ohh! Look who’s here! It’s my new friend Matthew! Matthew, this is my friend Adam. He’s a grumpy fellow but I guess he’s not too terrible. Adam: I am only grumpy because people like Valarie like to do unreasonable things. Matthew: I’ve been around that too long since I’ve come to Aevium. Saki: You’re not native to Aevium? Matthew: No. I’m originally from Unova. My mom and I were on our way to Gearen City to live there but then… Saki: Yeeeaaaa. Go on. Adam: Saki, I don’t think he wants to continue with that sentence. Sounds like something bad happened. Matthew: Yea… And it involves Team Xen as well. Saki: Sounds like you haven’t had the best time since arriving here. Matthew: Well I might not have been having the best time here but I can’t say it’s terrible. I’ve met some great people on my journey here. So that’s a good plus in my book. Saki: And I’m 1 of those great people right Matthew?! Matthew: -nervously chuckles- Yea. You are. Anyways, is this Valarie really swimming in these frigid waters? Saki: Yep! She decided to go for a swim in freezing water but we don’t talk about her life decisions. There aren’t really an turrets around the water because no 1 really expects to swim away from this place. Matthew: Could she make it out of here and maybe get some help? Saki: She might be able to last long in this kind of water but she can’t survive that long. Adam: Hmm. Maybe the status of being a Gym Leader is getting to her head? I could also say the same to you too Saki. Saki: Yes well… You’re a Gym Leader too Adam! Maybe you got a big head too! Matthew: Wait. All 3 of you are Gym Leaders? Valarie: We are but wow. You’re just gonna paint me as the crazy lady who swims in freezing waters? The 3 of us looked out to the water. A girl was swimming back to the shore. When she made it back to land, I was kind of shocked at how pretty sure looked. She had blue hair, a nice face and… a nice everything to be honest. When she looked at me with that smile on her face, I blushed a bit. I never really felt like this before. Valarie saw me and greeted me. Valarie: Well hello there. Who are you? Matthew: I’m… I’m Matt. Valarie: Uhh… Is everything ok? Matthew: I mean… yea. Hehe… Saki: But what about your friend? Matthew: Huh? Ohh yea! My friend was taken away to the warden a bit ago. Apparently, that’s a rare thing here. Valarie: It is rare. Ahh. Almost forgot to introduce myself though. My name is Valarie, as you know by now. Matthew: Yea. I know… Wait! I heard your audio file on a computer in an aquarium back in Akuwa Town! Valarie: So then you know what happened to us then huh? Matthew: Yea. Hearing all of that was crazy. Valarie: Well hearing it and experiencing it are 2 completely different things. I take it you’ve only just gotten here though? Matthew: Mhm. About a half hour ago I’d say. Me and my friend Aelita. Saki: Yea. She’s a bit of a Whitney Whiner but what can you do? Valarie: What could he possibly want with her? Adam: Obviously it can’t be good. Matthew: Yea. I got a serious bad feeling about this in the pit of my stomach. Adam: If something bad happens, we can’t wreck the place and look for her. Valarie: Yea… The functionality of our PokeBalls is pretty much non-existent. Saki: Maybe… Maybe if 1 were to, umm… know why that is, 1 would come to the conclusion that the antennas around the castle are to blame? Adam: Wow. Really Saki…? Your subtleness needs a lot of work… Why are you telling us this ag- Saki: Adam, come on! Just go with it… please? Adam: Ugh. Fine. If it’ll please you… why do you think the antennas are causing our PokeBalls to not work properly? Saki: Because I’ve worked and created PokeBalls in my spare time. Matthew: You know how to make PokeBalls? Saki: Mhm. It’s pretty easy. PokeBalls work by signals. If you press the button in the circle, the PokeBall will expand. From that point on, you could call out the Pokemon inside of the PokeBall. But what were to happen if that signal were to be interrupted by an outside source? Matthew: Umm… Adam: The PokeBall wouldn’t expand, meaning we couldn’t call our Pokemon? Saki: Yepparino bambino! That’s correct! Did you get all of that Matthew? Ehh? Ehh? Matthew: So find all the antennas and our PokeBalls will work? Valarie: Wow. I’m impressed. I’m 1 of Saki’s good friends and it even takes me a couple of tries to understand what she’s saying. Matthew: I’ve been around crazy people enough to understand their lingo by now. Adam: Not sure if I’d consider that a good thing or a bad thing. Valarie: It’s an important thing. Saki: Hey! Wait! I’m not crazy! Matthew! Matthew: Wait wait! We’re getting off topic here. We should go find some antennas and try to destroy them! Adam: Yea. Let’s look for something important! Saki: Ahh. Looks at who’s using their big boy brain. Adam: …And this is why I wish to stay mute. Valarie: Ugh. If you 2 are going to bicker all day, I think I’d like it better if you stayed here while Matthew and I go and try to find antennas. Matthew: R-Really? Me? Valarie: Of course. You’d be less annoying than these 2. Saki: No no no! I want to go too Val! Valarie: Then behave yourself. Come on all of you. Let’s get to searching. The 4 of us starting to search the quarry for any sign of antennas. I 1st searched the southern area of the place. I couldn’t see anything so I went up north more. Hiding behind some trees, I could see something circular behind them. I pressed through and finally found an antenna. Before doing anything. I went and got the other 3 and brought them to where I had found the antenna. Valarie: Nice job Matthew. You found 1. Matthew: Hehe… Thanks. Saki: Yea! Although… Adam: Although what? Saki: Well this 1 is really small. If anything, it’s using a repeat signal. Valarie: So what should we do with it? Saki: I say we pull this sucker out of the ground and send Poseidon a little gift! Matthew: Wait a minute Saki. What if there’s some kind of alert signal on this thing that it’s being messed with? Saki: Don’t worry! I got this! -grabs onto the antenna and starts pulling it- Adam: I agree with Matthew. I think that maybe we shouldn’t mess with this. Saki: -grunts still trying to pull the antenna out- Valarie: Seriously Valarie. There’s no telling what will happen once you- With Saki yelling as loud as she could, she was finally able to not only remove the antenna but throw the damn thing sky high. We all stood still waiting for some kind of signal to go off. We waited and waited and waited. Nothing happened. Just as we started to get comfortable though, red lights shined down at the area and alarms were going off. Saki yelled out scatter and scatter they did. Saki jumped onto a tree and then just started tree hopping. Valarie hopped down the hill beside us. Adam somehow turned himself into a rock… I didn’t get how he could do that. I was scatterbrained though. I didn’t know where to go. When I finally made up my mind however, it was too late. A Xen Guard saw me trying to make a run for it and stopped me. Xen Guard: Tsk tsk tsk. 1st day at Blacksteeple and you’re already causing trouble? Matthew: I uhh… I just wanted to see how strong I was? Xen Guard: …I think it’s time to take you to the warden. Maybe then you’ll take this seriously. Matthew: -sighs- Yea yea… Fine… The guard grabbed me by my arm and pulled me back to the castle and towards the warden’s room. He knocked on the door and I could hear a voice tell him to let me in. The guard opened the door and I walked in. Whoever this warden was had it better than the rest of us in the cells. It looked like an apartment building living area. Just more evil like. He ordered me to sit on the couch near him. I walked up to the couch and sat down and was prepared to hear what this person had to say. Warden: You… It’s been quite some time since we’ve last seen each other hm? Matthew: What do you mean? Are you saying we know each other? Warden: Heh. How could I be so silly? You probably don’t even remember. The S.S. Oceana… Matthew: S.S. Oceana… You were there? Wait a minute… Were you the 1 on the deck before a Talonflame flew down and got me out of there? Warden: Maybe your memory isn’t so bad after all. Matthew: So this is what you’ve done with the people from that ship? You’ve made them your slaves? Neved: If that’s how you see it. By the way, the name I go by around here is Neved. Be sure to remember that. Matthew: Listen, just say whatever you’re gonna say and let’s get this over with yea? Don’t really care for being in here longer than I need to be. Neved: Hmm… Interesting. I assumed you’d want to know about the whereabouts of your mother. Matthew: I don’t need to waste my time thinking about that. If you have the people from the S.S. Oceana here, then that means she’s here as well. Neved: Hmph… Cocky little… Not even a day in, let alone half a day, and you’re already causing trouble? To be frank, I’m not surprised. But I’d appreciate it just a little more if you were slightly more compliant. You were abducted by the Death Wings, weren’t you? Matthew: Is that seriously what you call your Team Xen Grunts with the mechanical wings? Pfft. Stupid ass name. Neved: The Death Wings are extremely high ranking grunts of Team Xen. We ordered them to kidnap you at a later date but you happened to walk into Akuwa Town at the wrong time… You know what you’re up against then right? Do not worry. We won’t do anything rash as long as you don’t in return. I’m sure you’re wondering why we’re suddenly abducting people left and right. Because of you, Madame X has been extremely on edge. Matthew: I really don’t give a Raticate’s ass how that person’s doing. Because of her, Melia is missing or worse… Neved: If she were here right now, you wouldn’t say such things. Matthew: Ohh I would. I’d say it right to her face. Neved: -chuckles- I’d love to see that. Anyways… because of you and your friends, there was just too much interference with out plans. Her 1st thought was to hunt you down personally but she decided against it. “Make sure to keep pests locked up. Make sure powerful trainers are contained.” Honestly, if it were up to me, I’d get rid of you right now. Matthew: Heh. Like you’d be able to. Can you get to the damn point already? Neved: If you weren’t such an annoyance, all of our plans probably would’ve been completed as if now. But you know that whole Melia thing… You have no idea what happened at HQ when Madame X found out Melia had died. I’ve never been the 1 to feel fear… before that day. We lost a lot of good men. Matthew: Ohh wow. This is just great. You guys too? Neved: What do you mean? Matthew: It’s probably not my place to say this but… so you really think she’s dead? Because I don’t. I really don’t. Neved: She is dead. You need to accept it as well. Matthew: Ugh. Everyone needs to stop telling me what to think. It’s my body which means it’s my choice. Neved: …I am annoyed with you Matthew. I expected all of this to really have gotten you worried or something close to it but instead… you’re just being more absurd. But unlike you, your friend Aelita’s fate was far worse than yours. When he finished that sentence, I felt horror inside of me. This bastard did something to Aelita. I’m not sure what but he did something to hurt her. I couldn’t believe that he just told me that out of the blue. He seemed to enjoy the shocked expression on my face though and smiled about it. Matthew: What… What did you do to Aelita? Neved: You know, I wonder… I wonder if you’d be able to stay awake longer than her after her being blasted with electricity. Matthew: You blasted her with electricity!? Why you son of a- -gets up off the couch and goes to punch Neved- Neved: Ahh. So this is what it takes for you to finally feel worried ehh? Matthew: You’re… Y-You’re lying… You have to be! Neved: But I’m afraid I’m not. It’s true… We gave her a little bit of shock therapy. Don’t worry though. It wasn’t anything to major. Matthew: Where is she…? Where the hell is she Neved?! Neved: …You should leave now Matthew. If you’re brought back here by guards, it won’t be pretty. Matthew: Pretty? Pretty?! Neither will your face once I’m done with you! Neved: Guards! Get him out of here and escort him back to the entrance of the castle! I went to hurt Neved but 3 Xen Guards came up from behind me and carried me out of the room and back to the original entrance of the castle and then went back to their posts. I stood there in front of the door with ideas running through my head about what happened with Aelita. I couldn’t believe what I heard. It was dark out now. I walked through the doors going inside. I could see Valarie, Saki and Adam up by the throne area of the room. I quietly walked up to them. Adam was sleeping, Saki was lying on the floor drawing something and Valarie was sitting on the throne. Seeing Val calmed me down a bit but I still couldn’t stop thinking about Aelita and how she was being hurt with electricity. Valarie noticed the look on my face. Valarie: Yikes Matthew… Are you ok? You don’t look so good. Was the warden rough on you? Matthew: Yes… Very much so… Saki: -chuckles- Ohh Matthew. When you hear someone say scatter, that means you scatter! You can’t just stand around waiting to get caught. That’s how people go to jail yo. Matthew: Yea… I’ll remember that for next time. Valarie: Saki, this wouldn’t have happened if you didn’t pull out the antenna in the 1st place. Saki: Well it’s probably already replaced by now. So that’s that. Valarie: Can you at least apologize to Matthew? You did get him in trouble. Saki: I will later. I’m working on something right now. Valarie: Yea. I’ve been meaning to ask you this but what have you been messing around with for the past hour? Saki: They’re details for my next invention. Not sure on the name but I want “Rose” to be in the name. Maybe I could build this thing to get us out of here. Valarie: As much as I’d love for that to happen, that’s most likely not a possibility. Anyways, I’m curious… What did the warden say to you? Adam: Urgh… Huh…? Ohh Matthew. What’s up? Is everything ok? Matthew: The warden, who’s name is Neved by the way, told me what happened to my friend… Apparently, he did some “shock therapy” on her. I have no idea where she is or how she’s doing. Valarie: Wait! Hold on! You’re telling me Aelita’s being tortured by this Neved?! Matthew: Basically… Saki: Val… I’m starting to not feel so good all of a sudden. Matthew: That’s how I’m feeling right now. Valarie: Yea… Me too honestly. Waiting for an opportunity to strike just isn’t in the cards anymore. I think we should actively start trying to find a way out of here. Saki: Matt…? I’m sorry for getting you into trouble. Matthew: Don’t be. Saki: But why? If I didn’t get you into trouble… then you wouldn’t have known about your friend. Matthew: But it’s because of that I’m saying to not apologize to me. While what I found out about her was horrific, I know how she’s doing somewhat now. Adam: Well I’m happy you got to find out but damnit! I’ve been saying to you 2 that we gotta get out of here but you 2 were so set on waiting around. I told you all that this place gave me a bad feeling and now someone’s suffering. Matthew: When I get my hands on him, I’ll make him suffer. Saki: What did she do to get in this much trouble? I told her to behave. Matthew: Heh… That’s just not Aelita’s way. Adam: Besides, you’re not 1 to tell anyone to not act stupid. Saki: You act stupid all the time but you don’t hear me complaining! Matthew: Come on you 2. You need to settle down. Valarie: He’s right. We have to find Aelita’s whereabouts and quickly. Matthew: Where do we even start though? Saki: Well we’ve been all around the castle… We haven’t seen her anywhere. Valarie: Perhaps some of the people around the castle may know something? Matthew: Then we should head back to the quarry and talk to some of the people there. Saki: Sounds like a good idea to me. Adam: Me too. Valarie: Alright. But we have to be careful though. We’re Gym Leaders, well minus you Matt, and after that antenna stunt, we’re probably on the watch list. Let’s try to do this in a way where we all won’t be sent into torturing as well. Matthew: That’s too late for me. Knowing that she’s been tortured is torture enough for me. Adam: Hey. Don’t worry man. We’ll figure something out. Saki: Yea! Don’t lose hope buddy! Valarie: We’ll find her Matt. I promise. Now let’s move out. The 4 of us went out to the quarry and started to talk to people to see if they saw anyone with purple hair. I found a young woman that saw someone like that. Apparently, she was on her way to the warden’s office. The young woman waited to see what happened next because she was curious but the girl never came out. That creeped me out a bit. Did that mean she was… dead? No. I couldn’t believe that. I went to ask more people. Next, I found a boy that had seen her as well. He told me that he had seen her recently but she could be in some sort of trouble. The warden was dragging her by her ponytail when he 1st saw them. Later, he saw the bow she had in her hair in his hand. That made me feel more at ease but I was now confused. The girl said it had been a while since she last saw the girl but yet this boy said that he saw her recently. They contradicted each other. I found Valarie on the beach and spoke to her. Valarie: Ahh Matthew. Did you figure out anything useful? Matthew: More like confusing. 1 person said she hadn’t seen her for a while and another person said he saw her recently. It doesn’t make sense. Valarie: Hmm. So they’re contradicting each other. Hmm… Aelita has to be in some secret area somewhere in the castle. Matthew: A secret place around here? Ohh man. That’s not gonna be easy to find her then. Valarie: Yea… There’s not much we can do for her. Matthew: Wait. Are you saying we’re not gonna go looking for her?! Valarie: Whoa whoa. We will definitely rescue her but when the time comes. We can’t just do what we please. We need to plan this out carefully or our movements will be restricted more than they already are. Matthew: Yea… I suppose you’re right… Valarie: Matt, don’t worry. We’ll rescue her. I promise. But we should go group up with the others though. The day’s about over. Valarie and I walked back near the entrance of the cave. Saki and Adam were already there. We told them what we were able to find out which wasn’t all that much. Valarie suggested that we all go to bed which resulted in Saki arguing with her on if she wants to go to sleep or not. As the squabble continued though, a hooded stranger came walking through the gates. They seemed to be very freezing cold and wet too. The 4 of us were stunned to see this. Adam: Who is that? Matthew: I have no idea but she must have just gotten here. Saki: But none of the guards are here with her. Valarie: Did she swim in the ocean and come up here? ???: S-Someone… please… I need warmth… Turret: Unauthorized person discovered in main castle area! Sending guard to this location at this moment. Xen Guard: Halt! What are you doing here? What’s your name? ???: Please… I-I can’t… I just n-need help right now. Xen Guard: Damnit. Alright. Alright. I’ll take you to the warden’s office. He’ll interrogate you. -walks into the castle with the hooded stranger- Saki: What was up with that? Valarie: No idea… Matthew: That voice… Valarie: Something the matter Matt? Matthew: No… No, nothing’s wrong. Valarie: Well then, I think we should all go back to our cells and get some rest. Adam: Good. I’m tired as hell. Saki: But I still don’t wanna sleep! Valarie: Saki, I’m not arguing with you about this. Matthew: Well I’m gonna listen to you Valarie. I think I need some sleep. Everything right now is just… It’s not good. Valarie: Matt… If you need to talk at any time, you can talk to me. Adam: Me too. Although, I’d prefer if you didn’t do it while I am trying to sleep. Saki: You can talk to me ANY time Matthew! Matthew: Heh… Thanks you 3. I mean it. The 4 of us walked back to our cells. The guards came and locked them up. I laid in bed and tried to sleep. It was hard though. With Aelita being tortured, me not being able to call out my Pokemon and that hooded stranger. I don’t know why but I felt like I knew them for some reason. I was finally able to drift off to sleep. I knew we had to do something tomorrow in order to get out of this place. MEANWHILE IN GOLDENLEAF TOWN POKEMON TEAM REJUVENATION CHARACTER RATES TIME SPENT IN AEVIUM QUESTION OF THE THREAD

Aelita: Wow… Would you take a look at this route? Matthew: Yea… It’s almost as if we didn’t come through a weird spooky tunnel. This is… weird but amazing. When we finally made it to the outside, we were amazed to see that the trees were really weird colors. There were some purple, red, magenta and blue colored trees throughout Route 4. What in the world would make these trees that kind of color? Matthew: How is this possible? Aelita: Hmm… I once read a book that said a woman named Flora from Grand Dream City created them for tourists. Matthew: So like she has special tree plants to make them this color? Aelita: I have no clue but it’s definitely pleasing to the eye. Matthew: Yea. That’s for sure. Aelita: But enough about that, we’re abou- -sneezes- Matthew: Bless you. You feeling ok? Aelita: Yea. I guess the chilliness here is getting to me. But then again, I suppose that’s what happens when you travel north. Come on! Aelita went running up the route. I didn’t know how she went from being scared out of her mind literally just like a minute ago to being so pumped up for being so close to Akuwa Town. Just as I was about to explore the route though, I could hear a girl’s laughter from somewhere but I didn’t know where. Out of nowhere, a present popped out from thin air and plopped down onto the ground right in front of me. I was so confused as to what was happening right now. Matthew: What the- ???: Do you know what kind of situation something is without me? Matthew: Hold on… That voice! Are you- Nim: -literally explodes out of the present- A NIMpossible situation! Matthew: Holy fuck! How did that explode and you’re here and- What are you doing here Nim?! Nim: I have a great idea! Let’s skip out on Akuwa Town ok? Play with me instead! Let’s go! Matthew: Wait! But it was too late. Nim disappeared from right in front of me. I had no idea why Nim was here in the 1st place, let alone know how she exploded out of that present box. I wanted to know why she was here so I went searching for her. Unfortunately for me, she had made clones of herself throughout a lot of the area. And a lot of them said a lot of Nim related stuff. *Nim Clone #1* Nim: You know what I like more than the bae? The Bayleef! Matthew: What? Nim: I need more cinnamon… -vanishes- *Nim Clone #2* Nim: 1 2! Cross Impact! I really like our vibe. Matthew: Nim wait! Nim: Whee! -vanishes- *Nim Clone #3* Nim: We tech those. Punishment! -vanishes- Matthew What in the hell is going on?! *Nim Clone #4* Nim: Have you ever dipped french fries into ice cream? Matthew: Nim, you… Actually I haven’t but that doesn’t sound like a bad- Nim: What the experts say shall absolutely shock you! Don’t do it Mr. Computer. You’re my only friend. -vanishes- Matthew: Wai… Damnit Nim! *Nim Clone #5* Nim: Light a man on fire and he’ll be warm for a day. Light a man ON fire, he’ll be warm for the 30 seconds he has left. Matthew: …You never did that did you? Nim: …No! -vanishes- *Nim Clone #6* Nim: Why did the farmer say moo? Matthew: Umm… I don’t know. Why? Nim: I have no clue. I was asking you. -vanishes- *Nim Clone #7* Nim: YOU’RE TOO SLOW! DON’T MAIN SONIC. -vanishes- Matthew: …I’m not even going to ask about that 1. *Nim Clone #8* Nim: What am I doing here? Matthew: That’s what I wanna know! Nim: I’m waiting for my husband to come back home. Back from war. Matthew: I’m sorry. What? Nim: War is so devastating. If he were to not return… No silly Nim! I shouldn’t say such things! He shall return! Matthew: You don’t even have a husband Nim! Nim: Ohh… Yea. I don’t. Umm… Forget everything I just said. -vanishes- After chasing the Nim clones for who knows how long, I finally found the real Nim in front of what seemed to be a gate from Route 4 to Akuwa Town. I was exhausted, annoyed and confused as to why Nim was here and trying to get me to stay away from this place. Nim: Hey! You finally made it! Matthew: Nim! What is the deal?! Why are you here?! Nim: Just… Akuwa Town sounds like a bad idea right now. Matthew: Akuwa Town a bad idea? Why? Nim: Ohh! I know! Let’s play for a little while longer, ok? Matthew: Absolutely not. Nim: …You’re so stubborn Matthew. Matthew: Nim… Please… Nim: Well… Fine. I’ll let you pass on 1 condition. Matthew: -sighs- Knowing you, I won’t be able to get through anyways. So what is it? Nim: Battle me. If you win, I’ll let you pass. If you lose, you’re not allowed to get through. Matthew: Alright. I accept. Nim: Goodie! Maybe I’ll feel better about this if you’re stronger than me. No promises on that though. Nim spread her arms and started to channel energy into her body. I still had no idea how she was able to do this but I watched on as she teleported as both into this alternate dimension of hers. I looked around the place. It was the same arena as last time. I looked across towards Nim. I could tell she seemed very determined on winning this battle. Something must have happened at Akuwa Town for her to be acting like this. Nim: So you remember the deal with this right? Matthew: Yes I know. Nim: Then I shouldn’t have to explain anything to you! Bring everything you’ve got! Matthew: I will! I refuse to lose this battle! The battle was on. I thought for sure that I’d be able to defeat her easily but I was sorely mistaken. She was way tougher than I imagined her to be. Fortunately though, I was able to defeat her. She seemed highly disappointed in herself. Nim: Heh… I didn’t expect to lose that… Guess I can’t save you after all. Matthew: Save me? Nim: Augh! I was so sure that I’d be more than capable enough to defeat you! -sighs- So… you wanted to go to Akuwa Town right? Matthew: Nim… What’s going on in Akuwa Town? Nim: Let’s just say… whatever it is you want there… you won’t find it. In fact, I don’t think you’ll find anything there. Matthew: I won’t find anything there? Why? Nim: I was there earlier. I couldn’t find anything or anyone… Matthew: Hold on. You’re telling me you haven’t seen a person in that town?! Not a single 1?! Nim: Nope. Matthew: Holy… I can see why you’re worried for me now. Nim: Well to be honest, that’s not exactly what I’m worried about. Matthew: What is it? Nim: I… feel something. Something very, very bad. I don’t know what it is exactly but there’s something going on with that town. I’d feel safer if you didn’t go but I’m not your boss or anything. I can’t force you… but I will try to persuade you any way I can. Consider this… -throws something towards Matt- Matthew: -catches it- A… bike voucher? Nim: Wouldn’t riding a bike sound so much more fun Matthew?! Just then, Nim dropped down to 1 knee, holding her stomach and head. I was worried that her transporting us to this dimension again had gotten her hurt somehow. Matthew: Nim! Are you ok?! Nim: D-Don’t worry about me. I-I’m fine… Just ignore me. Matthew: I can’t ignore a friend! Nim: A… friend? Matthew: Of course you are! You’ve helped me so much in the short time we’ve seen each other. Before, you made me feel at ease when everything was happening to me and now… you’re warning me about Akuwa Town. I can’t just not go in there but I will be a lot more cautious now. Nim: I… helped you? Matthew, I… Thank you. G-Goodbye. Nim floated into the air with her arms spread out. I was teleported from out of that dimension and was plopped back down in front of the gate of Akuwa Town. I walked through and looked around a bit. There seemed to be a mini aquarium inside. This place obviously loved water in some way or form. When I exited that place, I could see Aelita. She was shivering a bit and trying to warm up. Aelita: Brrrgh… Matthew: Are you really that cold Aelita? Aelita: Do you not feel the cold Matt? Matthew: I don’t. But then again, I’m used to trying to make myself feel as cold as possible. Aelita: Well in any case… This way up north than I thought Akuwa Town would be. But we finally made it. That’s all that matters yea? Matthew: Yea… Just be careful though. Aelita: What do you mean? Matthew: A friend of mine gave me a… warning tip about this place. Not too sure how accurate it is but just be on your guard. Aelita: On my guard…? Alright. I don’t know who this friend of yours is but I believe you Matthew. Matthew: Right. Let’s see if we can find Saki. The 2 of us started to walk deeper into the city. So far, what Nim said about no 1 being around seemed true. There wasn’t a soul outside. This was very troubling. As we started to get closer to the middle of the city though, we found an old man on the ground. We went over to check on him. He was definitely unconscious. Matthew: What do we do?! Aelita: I… I don’t know! How hasn’t anyone seen this man on the ground though?! Matthew: That’s troubling me too… but we can’t think about that for now. Aelita: Umm… Ohh! I know! Pokemon Centers usually carry defibrillators in storage. Matthew: They do? Aelita: Mhm. If we can find 1, he might have a chance. Would you please go to the PokeCenter and try to find 1? I’m gonna stay here with him just in case he somehow wakes up. Matthew: Yea. No problem. I’ll be back as soon as I can. I headed for the PokeCenter. Luckily for us, we were right next to it. I went inside and started to look all over the place for a defibrillator. There wasn’t any there. When I stopped to think where it might be, that’s when I noticed something very strange. There was no Nurse Joy and that never happens in a PokeCenter. Now I knew Nim was right about nobody being here and I was also getting a bad feeling too. I noticed a door behind the healing machine counter. I went inside and luckily found a defib in there. Before I left, I quickly changed my party a bit. I don’t know why but a voice in my head told me to leave a spot in my team open. So I now only had 5 Pokemon with me. I quickly ran back out and handed it to Aelita. She plunged it into the mans skin and then pulled it back out. After a couple of seconds, the man started to cough. Matthew: Ohh thank Arceus you’re ok! Aelita: Yea! Are you ok? Why were you knocked out on the ground? Old Man: Why I’d never! You darn whippersnappers never have any manners! Don’t you know how impolite it is to wake an old man from his nap?! Nobody knows the troubles I’ve seen! Matthew: Are you serious? If it wasn’t for us, you might not be alive right now! Old Man: Preposterous! Youth today will never get a sense of privacy and courtesy! Aelita: But… we- Old Man: SILENCE YOUNG LADY! THE NERVE OF YOUNG CHILDREN TODAY! Matthew: I am not a child. Ugh. Old Man: How DARE you! I am lecturing the both of you now and I expect you both to sit down and listen! Boy, when I was your age I spoke to my elders with respect. Ever heard of such a thing? RESPECT! Matthew: We don’t have time f- Aelita: Nope they haven’t. My mom was murdered when I was young and my dad never spoke to me. Does that answer satisfy you? Matthew: …Whoa… Aelita… That was hardcore… Old Man: -grumbles to himself- Mmm yes, well… Forget about what I said. Er… Who are you 2 again? Aelita: We asked you a question 1st? Why were you knocked out on the ground? Old Man: Ahh yes… Er… I can’t say I remember. Mmm yes well… Mmm yes… Matthew: Well he’s useless. Aelita: As much as I hate to admit it, you’re right. We’re not getting anywhere talking to him. Matthew: Ohh yea! Something’s wrong here. The Nurse Joy. She’s not in the PokeCenter. Aelita: Are you serious?! This is bad. Matthew: What do we do? Aelita: Hmm… Maybe there’s a festival on the beach or something? Matthew: Don’t you think we’d hear it? Aelita: I don’t know! Let’s just go check there! Matthew: Alright. Alright. Jeez. Don’t have to should at me. Old Man: I’m sorry young ones. I’ll try and remember but I can’t promise anything. Matthew: It’s whatever dude. We gotta get going though. Later. Aelita and I started to walk towards the beach part of the town. We were hoping to see people there. But when we got there, there was no 1 there. Not a single person. We were both worried about what could have possibly happened. There was a building up a little ways from us. We walked up to the door and started to knock on it. Aelita: Helloooooo?! Matthew: I don’t think anyone is in there. Aelita: Seriously?! Ugh! Where IS everyone?! Matthew: Alright. Let’s just calm down and think for a bit. Maybe there’s a logical explanation for all of this. Aelita: Maybe… Is it possible for an entire town to just… not exist? Matthew: You mean this town is here and no 1 lives here? Aelita: Yea. I guess that isn’t really a possibility. Matthew: Besides, that old man’s here. Aelita: Yea… That still bothers me though. Matthew: Yea. Me too. Aelita: Hmm… Ohh! There’s 1 place we haven’t checked yet. Matthew: Alright. Where’s that? Aelita: I’ve heard that there are daily performances down by the aquarium. Maybe people are there? Matthew: The whole town though? I mean… Maybe. I suppose it’s the best theory we’ve got. Aelita: Yea! No use standing here any more! Let’s head to the aquarium! The 2 of us left the building and headed up towards the aquarium. When were at the building, I could see a Gym Sign outside of it which meant that this place was also a Gym Battle Arena. Even though I’d love for a Gym Battle right now, finding Saki, or anyone at this point, was our highest priority. When we walked in, we could hear music playing. We were excited because that meant that somebody had to be here then. But walking into the next room, there was no 1 in there. Not a single person. The doors to the actual aquarium were locked as well. Aelita was getting aggravated but also scared. Aelita: Urgh! Where is everyone?! Matthew: Calm down Aelita! We have to assume something happened to this place. Aelita: How am I supposed to calm down to that?! Matthew: I don’t know but freaking out isn’t gonna get us anywhere! Aelita: -sighs- Alright… Ok. You’re right. Matthew: Look. There’s a room across the pool and it’s open. Maybe something is going on over there. The 2 of us walked over to the opened door and walked inside. Unfortunately, there wasn’t anyone in there. It was just us. Now it was truly scary. Matthew: Alright. Something bad has happened here. Aelita: I think you’re right but what happened? And what the hell is that beeping noise? Matthew: Umm… Well there’s a computer over there. Maybe it’s that? Aelita: -walks over to the computer with me- It’s gotten louder so it’s definitely the computer. Matthew: Maybe I should- Aelita: No no. I got this. I’m no computer wiz but I should be able to make something happen. Aelita confusingly played around on the computer until she came across an audio file on the desktop. We were both anxious to know what possibly could have happened to this whole place. Aelita clicked on the file and the audio file began to play. ???: Hello?! Hello?! Can you hear me?! This is Valarie Kersey, Gym Leader of Akuwa Town and the Marine Biologist here at the Akuwa Aquarium! We request backup immediately! Do you hear me?! This is not a drill! We require backup immediately! Aelita: What is going on…? Matthew: I don’t… This does not sound good. ???: Val, there’s too many of them! They already took Braixen and Adam! I… I can’t hold them back any longer! Kyaaaaah! Valarie: Oh god no! Saki! Don’t worry- What?! Where did you all come from?! L-Let go of me! Let g- *END OF AUDIO PLAYBACK* Matthew: What in the absolute fuck?! Aelita: Matt… W-What did we just listen to? Matthew: Something really bad Aelita. Aelita: Do you… Do you think there’s more to that file? Matthew: Umm… I don’t know. Maybe? Aelita: Umm… What about this blinking thing? -clicks on it- As soon as Aelita clicked on the blinking icon, a camera app popped up and soon, a police officer could be shown on the camera. We were both kind of surprised someone was on the other end of this call. What really worried me though was how shocked this police officer looked. Aelita: What is- Officer: Hello? I this Valarie Kersey of Akuwa Town? Aelita: Uh, n-no. This isn’t Valerie. Officer: Ohh? Then who are you? Matthew: I’m Matthew and this is Aelita. Aelita: We came to this town to look for someone but we haven’t seen anyone! Officer: Ohh… phew… You aren’t those guys. Matthew: Those guys? Who are you talking about? Who?! Officer: Wait… If you aren’t the others then… Listen to me very carefully you 2! Leave that town immediately! It’s not safe there! Matthew: Yea! No shit! Who are those guys that you spoke of earlier?! Aelita: What do you mean? Ahh! Nothing is making any sense! Officer: No time for explanations! This is an order! I’m telling you to- Just then, the power seemed to have flickered and mess with the computer. Everything the officer was saying was now hard to understand. Just then, the lights in the building turned red. Apparently, the backup generator power was running low resulting in the lights changing color. We decided that we should head back to Sheridan but then we heard a knock on the wall by the open door. Aelita went over to see who or what was knocking on the door. Suddenly, a Team Xen rushed in and grabbed Aelita’s arm and tried to take her away. She fought back and kicked the guy out of the room. Matthew: Holy fuck! Are you ok?! Aelita: I’m fine but what was that?! Matthew: It’s Team Xen! They’re here! Aelita: D-Did they have something to do with Akuwa Town being vacant!? Matthew: It wouldn’t shock me! But come on! Let’s get out there and teach them a lesson! Aelita: Yea! The 2 of us rushed out of the room and back into the pool area. But what we weren't expecting was the army of Team Xen Grunts. Even more shocking were the ones that had mechanical wings and were flying above us. There were definitely a lot of them. Matthew: T-There’s… There’s so many… Aelita: We can’t battle them all… Come on! This way! Hurry! Matthew: Alright! Move! The 2 of us made a run for it. Just then a Team Xen Grunt fell from the ceiling and landed right in front of us, making us stop. The 2 of us decided we’d dive into the water and swim our way to the exit. The plan worked and soon we made our way outside. But that proved to be not any better as well. There were even more Team Xen Grunts outside. Aelita: Ohh you’ve gotta be kidding me… Matthew: Urgh! Damnit! They outnumber us! Aelita: There are just so many of them… Too many, in fact… Matthew: No Aelita! It’s time! We can’t keep running! I’m not going to at least! You do what you wanna do! I’m fighting! Come on out guys! -sends out all 5 of my Pokemon- Aelita: You think I’m just gonna abandon you?! I’m sticking with you! We can’t give up! We’ve defeated them so many times! Let’s go! Come on out everyone! We need your help! -sends out all 5 of her Pokemon- We started to battle the many Team Xen Grunts. While we had maybe put a dent in their numbers, it wasn’t anywhere near to where we could escape easily. The time finally came where they took out our last Pokemon and it was just us left. We were defeated. The Team Xen Grunts rushed us and tied our hands behind our backs and put sacks over our heads. They then roughly pushed us onto what I assumed was a boat. They had us sit there quietly for the whole ride. I knew that wherever we were going was gonna be bad. POKEMON TEAM REJUVENATION CHARACTER RATES TIME SPENT IN AEVIUM QUESTION OF THE THREAD

Doesn't Ash get excited about any Pokemon he sees? Is he even gonna be in Gen 8?

The 2 of us walked down the steps and soon, we were deep underground. It was kind of creepy down there. Luckily, there were lights down there so we could see but everything looked weird. The walls looked like there was some kind of goo on it, the floors were cracked. It just didn’t look like a nice place at all. Matthew: Wow… This place is underneath Goldenleaf Town? Aelita: Who even knows if we are anywhere near that place anymore. This place is creepy. Matthew: Yea. We should- Aelita: Ahh! Matthew: What is it?! Aelita shakily pointed behind me. I slowly turned around and saw a Bannette there. I let out a great sigh of relief and was about to chew out Aelita for scaring me like that when the Pokemon came up to us, opened its mouth wide and screamed at us. It was safe to say that the both of us were officially scared from that. The Banette then laughed and disappeared. Aelita: Why did that- Matthew: I don’t know! Let’s just get going already! Aelita: Yea. You’re right. Let’s go. We started our walk through this creepy path. We entered the next room. As we were walking along the path, we could see the same Banette from before with a Scrafty. We kept quiet as to not alert them that we were here. It apparently worked as the 2 walked upwards and into another room. Aelita: Phew. That was close. Matthew: What do you think that’s about? Aelita: I don’t know… I got a bad feeling though. Matthew: I do too. Let’s be careful though. The 2 of us carefully walked up towards the way the 2 Pokemon walked up before. When we got to the next room, we made sure we couldn’t see the Banette or Scrafty. But when we went walking further into the room, 2 Shuppets appeared. They cornered us and had us float off above the ground. They took us to an opening below us. We tried to have them let us go before they dropped us but we couldn’t do anything. They released their hold on us and we dropped down to the ground. When we came to, we were in some kind of cavern. I looked over to me and could see Aelita. I tried to wake her up. When she came to, we looked around. There were a lot of separate little parts of the ground still up but below was just pure pitch blackness. A bottomless pit. Aelita: Ahh! Matthew: Ok. Ok. I know this looks bad but we gotta try to stay calm. Aelita: Calm?! How are we supposed to get out of here?! Matthew: I… I’m not sure. We… We gotta look around here for a way out. Aelita: You’re telling me we gotta jump onto those little pieces of land?! Matthew: Yes. Aelita: I-I’m not leaving til I know there’s a definite way out of here. Matthew: Are you serious? Aelita: Yes! Matthew: -sighs- Fine. Guess I can’t change your mind. I’ll risk my life, looking for a way out then. Aelita: G-Good luck… I took a deep breath and jumped over to the little plot of land ahead of me. I landed right in the middle of it. I looked back at Aelita. She seemed simply horrified at what I was doing. But there was a difference between looking at it and experiencing it and I was fucking experiencing it. I couldn’t let fear get a hold of me though. I started to jump to the little plots of land ahead of me. I was getting further away from where Aelita and I had fallen onto. I was definitely far away now. After a couple of minutes of hopping around, I could see a Shuppet. I assumed it was 1 of the ones that put me and Aelita in this situation. I chased after it as best I could. After some time trying to catch up to it, I had it cornered with nowhere else to go. Or so it seemed. The Shuppet laughed at me and then floated off somewhere. I was so exhausted that I had completely forgotten that Shuppets could float above air. I continued my hopping until I got to a little bit of a bigger plot of land. Unfortunately, there were these barrel things in front of me, preventing me from continuing. I could see a ladder going up out of here. I could see the Shuppet from before though on 1 of the barrels. I tried to get its attention but it completely ignored me. I then had an idea. It was just a speculation but I went back to Aelita. She was relieved to see me back ok. Aelita: Matt! Ohh thank god you’re ok! Soo… did you find a way out? Matthew: I… I think so? Aelita: You think so? Matthew: Look, I’m not definite but I need your help. Aelita: My help? With what? Matthew: There are barrel like things blocking the path. There a ladder on the other side. I chased a shuppet before and then it floated off and its now stuck on 1 of those things. Aelita: O…K? I’m confused. Matthew: If we can find 3 more, maybe they can get rid of those barrel things? Aelita: …Are you serious right now? Matthew: It’s our best chance of getting out of here. Aelita: Urgh… Fine. This sucks though. Matthew: Alright. You go that way and I’ll go this way. Aelita: Alright. Just… Just be careful alright. Matthew: Yea. You too. The 2 of us went off on our own, hopping throughout the area looking for the other Shuppets. It didn’t take long for me to find 1. Just like the other 1, I cornered it and then it floated off supposedly back to the barrels. I continued my search for the others. Eventually, I met back up with Aelita. Matthew: Any luck with you? Aelita: I found 1 and it went off somewhere. Matthew: I did too. So there’s 1 more left. Aelita: But where is- Ohh! There it is! The last Shuppet was there standing in front of us. The 2 of us went chasing after it. Unlike the other ones, this 1 was a trickster. It took longer to corner this 1 but we finally did. It then floated off. Aelita followed me as I took her to where the barrels were. When we got there, all the Shuppets were there looking at the barrels. When the 2 of us got close, not only did the Shuppets disappear but so did the barrels. Aelita jumped backwards from the scare of them all disappearing like that and started to fall backwards. I grabbed onto her arm and pulled her back towards me. The both of us fell onto the ground exhausted, scared but also safe. Aelita: I… fucking… hate this place! Matthew: So do I. Let’s get up the ladder and get out of here. Aelita: Yea. We won’t have to deal with this room ever again. The 2 of us climbed the ladder and reached the floor above us. We walked into the next room and realized we were back in the room where the 2 Shuppets had dropped us through the opening that was fenced off. We went through an opening and started to make our way through this place. We weren’t even trying to look around the place. We just wanted to get out of these as soon as possible. At last, we were starting to see more light at the end of a crumbled up hallway. There were some more jumping for us to do but it wasn’t as risky as the other area. Just as we were about to walk out, we heard a voice. ???: Aww. You’re leaving…? Aelita: Huh…? Who said that? Show yourself! ???: Why not stay here and play with us? Forever and ever and ever and ever… Matthew: Aelita, stay behind me. Aelita: Don’t have to tell me twice! Just then, the Banette and Scrafty from before showed up in front of us. Some other Pokemon showed up as well. I looked above them and could see even more Pokemon. It looked like that this could possible be some kind of Pokemon Gang. It was nuts. But before I could do anything, 1 of my Pokemon popped out of its PokeBall. It was my Duskull. It then started to talk to the Banette. I didn’t know what was being said but I assumed it was trying to calm everything down. Didn’t sound like it was going good however. After Banette laughed loudly in its face, everything was silent. Duskull was just floating there. I was worried about it. Aelita: I-Is everything ok? Matthew: I’m… not sure. Hey Krep…? Are you ok? Duskull: … Matthew: Kre- Ohh! Duskull started to glow a light blue color. I knew instantly what that meant. Aelita and I watched on as my Duskull started to evolve into a Dusclops. I didn’t know what was said to it but whatever that Banette said was enough to cause my Duskull to get so angry, that it was evolving. The light blue glow faded and there stood my newly evolved Dusclops. I looked on in shock when it roared out in anger. I never saw it this angry before. Matthew: Whoa buddy! Whatever that Banette said must have really pissed you off. Dusclops: Dusclops Dusc! -motioning for me to call out another 1 of my Pokemon- Matthew: Ohh. Need another friend? Sure buddy. Let’s take care of them! They’ve been messing with us since we came in here! I’ve had enough of them as well. I threw out another Pokemon and the battle began. For some reason, the opposing Pokemon didn’t want to attack my Dusclops. Most of them kept attacking my other Pokemon. Nonetheless, the Pokemon Gang was eventually defeated. The Banette and Scrafty seemed upset. The lot of them turned around and ran away from us. Aelita jumped up and down for not only joy but for the end of all this scariness. Aelita: Wow Matt. You and Krep here were great! Matthew: Yea. I’m not sure what that Banette said to it but it got you to evolve. You look amazing! Dusclops: -blushing- Dusclops.~ Aelita: Can we get out of here now though? Matthew: Yea. The outside is literally a few feet away from us too. Back in your ball now Kreps. You were great! I returned the newly evolved Dusclops back to its ball and walked with Aelita to the outside. We both were happy as heck to finally be out of that scary looking place. But we finally made it to Route 4. POKEMON TEAM TIME SPENT IN AEVIUM QUESTION OF THE THREAD

Yea seriously. Where is Impidimp? It's been like what? 3 months since we saw it revealed in E3? And hmm. G.F. Skitty and Delcatty? I will only agree to that if they give Delcatty an evolution.

I think it's not gonna have the best speed but not like 20. Maybe like... 60? It's deff gonna have a good attack though and maybe decent defense.

Yes! Sirfetch'd! I'm loving this so much! Buuut... I am a little confused. It is an evolution of Farfetch'd right and not just a G.F.? NVM! I immediately found my answer as soon as I posted this. XD

Aelita: Wake up Matt. Matthew: Erm, give me a couple more minutes… Aelita: Seriously, you have to get up. Matthew: Leave me alo- Aelita: WAKE UP RIGHT NOW MATTHEW! Matthew: Whoa! -falls out of the bed- Ow! Aelita: About time you wake up! Matthew: Oogh. You know, I’m happy you didn’t just leave without me but you could have woken me up in a better way. Aelita: We don’t have time for that Matthew. Matthew: Hey. What’s wrong? You sound serious. Aelita: People came here looking for you. Matthew: Looking for me? Wait. Is it Team Xen?! Aelita: No. They didn’t say where they were from but they requested to see you. Narcissa is already down there trying to get any kind of info out of them. So just hurry up! Aelita left the bedroom. I wondered why someone would come here to look for me. I got out of my bed wear and into my regular clothes and left the bed room and came downstairs. I met up with Aelita and Narcissa and could see the people they were talking about. There were 3 of them. 2 of them looked like Pokemon Rangers but the 1 on the middle looked a bit more important. He had long green hair and had a business suit attire on. Matthew: Hey. You get anything out of them Narcissa? Narcissa: No. The only thing they would tell me is that they needed to see you urgently. Matthew: I see. Well… I’m here now. Why are you wanting to see me? ???: Before I say anything regarding to the situation, I would like to make clear that you are in no trouble nor are we here to capture you in any way. Aelita: Hmm. I don’t know. That sounds just too good to be true. C : I know but I just need you all to trust me. I suppose I should introduce myself. While I would give you my real name, becauae of the type of work I am apart of, I will only give you my codename, which is C. I am part of the International Police. Specifically the Aevium Department. Narcissa: The International Police? C : That’s right and these 2 here with me are Goldenwood Rangers. Matthew: Wait. Goldenwood Rangers? Male Goldenwood Ranger: Yes. We are. Female Goldenwood Ranger: Does that mean something to you? Matthew: It’s just… last time I was there is when Team Xen came and tried to kidnap my 1 friend… Now I don’t know where she is. C : I see. I’m sorry to have brought bad memories but this is important. You see- Male Goldenwood Forest: Hold on. How can you be so sure that he can handle this sir? Female Goldenwood Forest: I mean if you can’t do it, what makes you think he can? Matthew: Handle what? Can someone just explain to me what’s going on? C : Hmm… You 2 have a point. I’m sorry Matthew but I think a demonstration of your power is necessary right now. Matthew: I’m not sure what this is all about but I never turn down a battle. Sure. Let’s do it. Narcissa: Hold it! Not in my house. We can do it outside please. C : Of course. All 6 of us went outside of Narcissa’s house. The C dude stood on 1 side as I stood on the other. 1 of the rangers yelled begin and the battle started. The match didn’t take long though. None of my Pokemon even took any damage. But C seemed impressed as well as the rangers. C : You are indeed strong. Male Goldenwood Ranger: That was incredible! Female Goldenwood Ranger: You didn’t even take a hit! Matthew: Well I mean you know- Aelita: You can boast about your victory later Matthew. Narcissa: Yes. We still don’t know why you all have shown up here in the 1st place. Matthew: Ohh yea! So what’s going on? What does the International Police need with me? C : Well as you already know, something is happening down at Goldenwood Forest. The wild Pokemon there have started to flee the area at an extremely rapid pace. Male Goldenwood Ranger: When me and my partner went to take a look at what was causing them to flee, we saw something out in the water. Female Goldenwood Ranger: It was this weird orb of energy. When we tried to get closer to see what it was, it attacked us. We were no match for it. C : Not even I could do anything against it. While trying to think of what to do though, I’ve heard about a trainer that has been going toe to toe against Team Xen and found out it was you. I figured you might be the only person to help us out in this trying time. Matthew: Wait… In the water. You mean the lake right? Male Goldenwood Ranger: Yes. We’ve never seen anything quite like it. Matthew: No way… It’s still there after all this time? Aelita: What’s there? Matthew: Remember that Volcanion back in Carotos Mountain? Aelita: Yea. I think it was called a Dimensional R- Hold on. Are you saying that this- Matthew: Yes. I am. Not only that, I know exactly what it is too. C : Are you telling me that you know what that thing is?! Matthew: Yes. It’s a Dimensional Rift and inside that is a Dimensional Rift Gyarados. I still don’t know the whole details but it transforms, kind of like Mega Evolution, but way more scary. C : I see. That is most troubling. Sources have told me that it can’t be tamed… Therefore, you will have no other choice but to destroy it. Matthew: …Heh… Narcissa: What is it? Matthew: I have to kill another Pokemon again… Narcissa: Kill? Matthew: Yea. If you can’t tame it, the only way to make it stop… is to kill it. Narcissa: That’s… That’s horrible! Matthew: It is and it sucks that I have to do this again… but I’m sure it’d rather have death than be like that for the rest of its life. C : Again, I am sorry that I am having to put you in a rather uncomfortable situation but we need your help. Matthew: I know… I accept. C : Then it’s decided. You are hereby a temporary member of the International Police. Matthew: Alright. So what are we waiting for? Male Goldenwood Ranger: Uhh, sir? Aren’t you forgetting the other thing as well? C : The other thing…? Ahh yes! Thank you for reminding me! There is another issue as well. We have been getting reports of a weird Rockruff attacking the Pokemon of Goldenwood Forest. Matthew: Stop… I know what it is. It’s a Shadow Pokemon. C : Shadow Pokemon? That’s back? Aelita: Unfortunately. Me and Matt have actually purified some but… I don’t know if he can catch it. His Snag Machine is broken. C : I see. That is unfortunate. Matthew: Wait. Does this Rockruff have a trainer? Female Goldenwood Ranger: From what we’ve seen and what the reports say, the Rockruff is acting on its own accord. Matthew: If that’s the case, then I might be able to catch it after all. Aelita: And then you can open its heart and purify it! Matthew: That’s the plan. So should we get going? C : Before we leave, I must tell you that only you are allowed to come with us. Aelita: What?! Why can’t me or Narcissa come along as well?! C : We can’t endanger people’s lives. Matthew seems to have dealt with these creatures many times. He’s the best suitable for this. He has the best outcome of coming back unharmed. Aelita: But I- Narcissa: Aelita, please. I know you want to help but if this is what they decided, then we can do nothing to change their mind. Matthew: And don’t worry about me Aelita. I got this. I’ll be back in no time. Aelita: Hrm… Fine. Just be careful ok? Matthew: You got it. Lead the way C. C and the Rangers lead me the way to Goldenwood Forest. I was shocked to learn that Wispy Path also lead back to that place. When we got there, they wished me luck and then went back inside the resting area. I looked around the place. The plant life definitely had taken over since I was here last time. It was amazing though. I started to make my way down to where Melia and I had 1st encountered Zetta. I wondered where Crescent had taken him. Hadn’t seen either of them since that day down in Amethyst Cave. When I finally made it to the little hill, I walked up onto it and looked over the water. It was true. The Dimensional Rift was still there. I took a deep breath and exhaled. Matthew: Alright… Let’s get this over with. I’m here Gyarados! I could hear Gyarados’ cry. The orb out in the water started to change. In a blink of a flash, the orb came closer over to me and then it appeared. Dimensional Rift Gyarados. It roared at my face. I looked up at it with remorse. I didn’t want to kill it but I knew there was no other way of doing it. Matthew: Well… I gotta put you out of your misery. D.R. Gyarados: -roars out in anger- Matthew: I wish there was another way of doing this but there isn’t. I’ll try to make this as painless as possible! The battle started. Unlike last time, it didn’t seem to be as destructive. It seemed like it was holding back. As if it was trying to help me release it from this horrible fate. It didn’t take too long for me to defeat the monster. After the battle, I looked up at the Gyarados. As I stared at it, it closed its eyes and smiled. It then disappeared into thin air. I was happy that I was able to help it. ???: Gyarados will finally be able to rest in peace. That’s a job well done Matthew. Matthew: -turns around- Ohh! C. Surprised to see you out here. C : Are you referring to my blindness? Matthew: Y-You’re blind?! C : Ohh. Did I not mention that? Well in any case, I am indeed blind. But I can see through the eyes of my Pokemon though. Matthew: Ahh… I see. Well in any case, I’m glad that the Gyarados will be at peace. C : Yes. Goldenwood Forest is 1 step closer to being safe once again. Matthew: Yea. Now we gotta find that Shadow Rockruff. C : We may not have to go searching for it. I just got a report in not too long ago on its most recent location. That’s why I’m here. Matthew: Alright. So where is it? C : It’s back up north in Goldenwood Cave. Matthew: Alright. I’m gonna head there now. C : I’m gonna go there with you. Matthew: Are you even able to? C : I made it here without any help didn’t I? Matthew: Ohh… I suppose you did. C : Then let’s head up there. The 2 of us headed upwards to Goldenwood Cave. I was amazed that C was able to walk up there and not walk into a million things along the way. Maybe he was really seeing through his Pokemon eyes somehow. When we made it to the entrance of the cave, we heard the growl of a Pokemon. We slowly entered the cave. Almost as soon as we entered, we heard the growl again but I was able to see the Pokemon. It was definitely a Shadow Pokemon and it was a Rockruff. Matthew: C! Watch out! C : I know! So what do we do?! Matthew: I gotta see what it does before I can do anything! I watched as the Rockruff stared at us with an angry stare. But it was acting weird. I expected it to try to attack us almost as soon as it spotted us but it didn’t. Instead, it was jerking its body around. Then I realized something. It was fighting. Fighting to either keep the door to its heart open or fighting to open the door to its heart. It wasn’t a fully completed Shadow Pokemon. Matthew: It… It’s not… C : What is it Matthew?! Matthew: That Rockruff isn’t a fully completed Shadow Pokemon. C : is that a good thing?! Matthew: Well kind of. It- Rockruff: ROOOOCKRUUUUFFFF! Matthew: Huh?! I looked back at Rockruff and it was charging towards me. I could notice that the top if its forehead was a brightly colored pinkish/purple color. I didn’t have anytime to get out of the way though. So instead, I opened my arms and waited for the Pokemon to fully make contact. When it did, I wrapped my arms around it. I was pushed back towards the little pond behind me. This attack hurt like hell though. I dropped to my knees. I let Rockruff go. Right now, it seemed that it was in control of its body. It looked up at me with remorse in its eyes. C : Matt?! Matt! What’s happened?! Are you alright?! Matthew: I-I’m fine… Are you… doing good Rock…ruffffff… I slowly lost consciousness and fall back towards the pond and splashed into the water. I could hear C yelling out to me to please come out of the pond and be ok. I could soon hear a scuffle going on. I gradually regained consciousness. Luckily, I wasn’t underwater. I was floating on top. When I looked towards where the Rockruff and C were, I could see C dodging all the moves Rockruff was throwing towards him. I waited for an opportunity and threw a ball at the Pokemon. It made contact and it went inside the PokeBall. C and I waited to see if the Pokemon was successfully captured or not. After a couple of shakes, it clicked, marking it a successful capture. The both of us gave a great sigh of relief. I swam back to the hard rock and pull myself up out of the water. C came over to my and draped me over his shoulder. C : Hey. You ok Matthew? Matthew: I-I will be… Must have been… hit harder than I though… C : What it do to you? Matthew: I’m not sure… It’s head lit up a weird… pinkish/purple color and then… headbutted me… C : Hmm… That sounds like Zen Headbutt… But how can that be? Rockruff can’t learn that move. Matthew: It’s a-another thing about… Shadow Pokemon… They seem to learn 1… move they usually aren’t… able to. C : Well at least you caught it. Let’s get your ball and get you back to the resting area. Matthew: R-Right… C took me over to my PokeBall and I weakly picked it up and put it in my pocket. He then helped me out of the cave and all the way back to the building. The rangers there did everything they could to get me close to 100%. It took about an hour but I felt better than before. I was still not 100% though. Matthew: Ahh. Thanks you guys. I’m feeling better already. Female Goldenwood Ranger: Yea right. You’re not even close to being fully better. Matthew: -chuckles- Well maybe but I feel better than I did a bit ago. Male Goldenwood Ranger: I’m sorry you got hurt but we deeply thank you for helping us with this issue. C : Yes. I’d like to congratulate you as well. Without you, I don’t know what would have happened to this place. Matthew: You guys don’t need to thank me. I’m glad I could help. But I gotta get going. I need to purify this little guy. C : Ahh yes. That Rockruff. Are you going to keep it afterwards? Matthew: That’s up to the little guy. I decided I’d let them decide if they wanna stay or leave. C : That’s very admirable of you Matthew. Again, thank you for helping us. Whenever we see each other again, we must have a rematch. Matthew: Yea! That sounds like fun. Well, I’m gonna go now. Bye everyone. We waved to each other good bye. I knew where I had to go. I had to go back to Sheridan Village. Thankfully, when I got back to Goldenleaf Town, the guy with the truck was there. He let me ride in his truck as he drove me to Sheridan Village. When we go there, I hopped off and went to the Celebi statue and touched its head. When we were in the purification place, I walked up to the Eldest. Eldest: Ahh. Back so soon? Matthew: Yes but only to purify this 1 Shadow Pokemon. Eldest: Very well. Bring it out and the process shall be done. I took out the PokeBall, which was actually the Mineral Ball exclusive to this region, and called out Rockruff. The Eldest did the ritual and soon, Rockruff was soon back to its normal self. It seemed so relieved. It made me happy. When it noticed me, it started to wag its tail happily. It must have known that I rescued it. I knelt down next to the little dog Pokemon. Matthew: Well Rockruff, I’m glad you’re back to yourself again. Rockruff: Ruff Rockruff! Matthew: So, do you wanna travel with me some more or do you wanna leave by yourself. Rockruff: Rockruff Rock! -jumps on me and starts licking me- Matthew: -chuckles- Alright. Alright. I know what your answer is. So what should I call you. Hmm… I know! How about Sasuke? Rockruff: -nods its head in approval- Matthew: Well then Sasuke, it’s time we head back on our journey. I took out the Mineral Ball and returned it back to it. I thanked the Eldest and went back to the statue. When I got back to Sheridan Village, I went back to the truck driver and had him give me a drive back to Goldenleaf Town. When I got there, I could see Narcissa and Aelita hanging out by the Giratina statue. I joined them. Aelita: Matthew! You’re back! So how did it go? Matthew:Well I took care of the Dimensional Rift Gyarados, the Shadow Rockruff hurt me… kind of a lot, caught said Shadow Rockruff and then purified it not too long ago. Aelita: Wow… Are you ok? Matthew: I mean I feel better than before but it’s gonna be a little bit before I feel 100%. Narcissa: Well I’m glad everything worked out. Matthew: Me too. So why are you 2 here? Aelita: Narcissa said she was gonna show me the way to Route 4. Matthew: Before I got here?! Narcissa: I would have showed you when you got here. But since that’s not the case anymore, I can show you both now. Aelita: Ok. So why are we in front of this statue? Narcissa: Do you see the inscription here? “Giratina, the protector of the Goldenleaf Region.” Matthew: Yea. What about it? Narcissa: The “R” in “Region” is actually slightly pushed outwards. Push it back and… The statue started to make some weird noises. A couple of seconds later, apart of the statue started to go underneath. Aelita and I could see a set of stairways under the statue. Narcissa: As simple as that. Matthew: It’s been here the whole time!? Narcissa: Mhm. Aelita: Whoa… Totally cool! Narcissa: Well… as much as I appreciate both of you, this is where we’re going to part ways. As I said before, change isn’t instant. It takes time for it to happen. I have to stay here and supervise things. Aelita: Ok! Thanks again! Matthew: It’s been fun Narcissa. Hopefully we see you again soon. Narcissa: We shall. Good bye Aelita, Matthew. Narcissa: Ohh! Before I forget… Thank you both. -leaves the area- Matthew: Well… that turned into a whole ordeal didn’t it? Aelita: Maybe so but we helped a lot of people. So it turned out for the better right? Matthew: Yea… Yea you’re right. Aelita: It’s good if we help the world a little as we go right? Matthew: Heh. Definitely. Alright. Let’s get back on track and get to Route 4. POKEMON TEAM REJUVENATION CHARACTER RATES TIME SPENT IN AEVIUM QUESTION OF THE THREAD