1.Ash's Story (Part 3: Hoenn)

Chapter 34

On the way back to Slateport City, we decide to stop at Route 123 to check out the Berry Master's House. There are a lot of berries that they plant, and after we receive some berries, we head to Slateport City and find Captain Stern.

"Yes, indeed. And that is why we intend to move ahead with our expedition."

"That's wonderful, Captain Stern! Thank you for taking the time from your busy schedule to talk to us. We hope we can interview you again with news of more discoveries!"

After the reporters are gone, Captain Stern sighs, "Whew... That was my first time being filmed for TV. What a nerve-racking experience!"

"Captain Stern." We all greet the man, and he recognizes us, "Oh! It's you again! You're looking well. Glad to see it. We made a huge discovery on our latest expedition to the seafloor. We found an underwater cavern on Route 128—and we think it may be the den of a super-ancient Pokémon long thought to have been extinct."

Before we can say anything, we hear some voice, "Ahhh... Ahhh... Testing, testing. One, two, three... OK. I hope you're listening out there... Captain Stern! We of Team Aqua will now be assuming control of your lovely submarine. You'll contribute to our great plan of returning everything to the beginning... I hope you appreciate this great honor! Wah...hahahah! Bwahahahahahahahah!"

"Now you give me that thing." There is a crash sound, and then we hear another voice, "Hrr-hrrmph. Captain Stern, I presume you can hear me. We of Team Magma will now assume control of your famed submarine. Take pride in the fact that your invention will serve as a linchpin of the next great step in humanity's development! Fufufu... Fuwahahahahaha!"

"Why you!" Then another crash sound and the voices are gone. "Do you hear that voice? It's like someone is using a megaphone... But where is it coming from?"

Max says, "Is Maxie and Archie!"

"And I have to assume they came from the Harbor!" I say.

"Our submarines! They took it! I'm sorry, but young children... Please come with me!"

We rush into the harbor, and we find Team Magma in one of the rooms. Captain Stern asks, "Who are those guys?"

Maxie notices us and says, "Hmph... So you have bothered to chase me, Maxie, all the way here from Mt. Pyre... Hohoho. You have earned my respect for the persistence you have shown. However... None can stop us now. All that remains is to retrofit this submarine and force our way into the Seafloor Cavern, where the great Pokémon sleeps... Our plans to propel humanity to its ultimate heights have entered their final stage."

"So you actually find where Groudn is..." I mutter.

"If you wish to prolong your futile struggle, I will not deny your right to try. Our hideout lies in Jagged Pass. Follow us to our very door if you feel that justice demands it. And now I must be going. Tabitha!"

"We are in accord, Leader Maxie... You Grunts, here! Until our Leader and I, your Admin, have made our escape in the submarine, stay here and buy us some time!"

Then we are ambushed by the grunts, and Maxie says, "Let's go."

"This way, Leader Maxie... We should make haste." Then they take the submarine when we defeat those grunts.

"They get away!" May says.

"What about the other submarine?" Captain Stern asks as we rush into another room, and we see Archie and Shelly there.

"Those thugs... They're the same lot who tried to take the Devon Parts at the museum..." Captain Stern gasps.

"Impossible! You actually followed us all the way from Mt. Pyre? Grah-hah! You got me! I bow to your persistence and love of justice! Bwaha! Bwahahahahah! It's a pity, so it is, but we're well past the time when you and your best efforts could turn the tide. We'll add a few last touches to this submarine, and we'll be all set to bust open the Seafloor Cavern where that great Pokémon is sleeping. Our plans to return everything to the beginning...They're as good as complete! But I know you gotta do what you gotta do, scamp. I'm not gonna tell ya to quit chasing us... Follow us all the way to our hideout in Lilycove, if that's what your honor demands. Now then... Shelly?"