Chapter Text
The three of them were on high alert as they made their way down the valley on route 116. The steep walls were lined with trees so they could only move in a straight line down the mostly clear valley floor. It meant that the thug couldn't sneak past them, but it also meant that if they ran into trouble it would be harder to escape.
Most of the wild Pokémon watched them curiously as they passed by. They didn't have any trouble since they weren't here to fight. Eventually they reached the end of where they'd previously explored and entered into the unknown. The trees were a little thicker here, but not like they were in Petalburg forest. They heard the calls of Pokémon in the distance.
There was a sharp buzzing sound and a level 20 Ninjask appeared in front of them. It hovered in the air, eyeing them up. Izuku and Denki moved in front of Kota. With the training they'd done, this wouldn't be so one-sided, but they'd still prefer not to fight. Ninjask seemed to come to the same conclusion since it suddenly zipped away, the buzzing of its wings echoing throughout the valley around them.
The further along they got, they started to see signs that somebody else had been here before them. Though none of them were especially good trackers, one didn't need to be to spot the footprints in the partially dry mud, or the way branches were cracked and broken across the floor. The thug had been running, not paying attention to make sure he wasn't followed.
After about half an hour of walking, they reached the end of the valley. A large mountain rose sharply above their heads and up ahead was a small hut next to a cave. A man in mining gear was about to enter the hut when Izuku called out to him.
"Wait!"
He jumped, whirling around to see who it was.
"What are you boys doing all the way out here?"
"Did someone come through here recently, within the last hour or so?" Izuku asked.
"You mean that incredibly rude person? Yeah, just a few minutes ago."
"Where did he go?"
"Into the cave," the miner said, "I told him the tunnel wasn't finished yet, but he refused to listen. Basically barged past me to get in, but there's nowhere for him to go."
"So he's still in there? Did he have a Wingull with him?" Denki asked.
"He did. What's this about?" the miner asked, "I don't usually get visitors so to get two lots in one day is a bit strange."
They quickly explained the situation, and when they'd finished the miner eyed the cave entrance with a serious look.
"Feel free to go after him. I'll stay here and get him if he slips past you."
The three of them nodded and cautiously entered the cave. For a moment, Izuku thought they might need to use their torches but then he saw lanterns hanging on the walls. They bathed everything in a soft pale light, which almost made it look like the very walls of the cave were glowing. It made things much easier for them.
From further in they heard muffled cursing. Rounding a corner, the grunt was at the end of a long tunnel. He seemed to be pushing at rocks while a Wingull was cowering at his feet. They crept closer, being as quiet as they could.
"Damn it, not even a crack or anything I could use to blast this stupid wall apart. Just my luck, managing to nab the Devon Goods but being spotted before I could escape," the thug grumbled, "and now I'm stuck in a cave!"
As they got closer, Izuku recognised him as the same grunt from Petalburg forest. Judging by how Kota tensed beside him, he recognised him too. There was a small scuffing sound and the grunt froze. He turned around, a pokeball ready in his hand.
"Who's there?" he called out into the cave, "I know you're there!"
They were only hidden by a couple of larger rocks and Izuku knew the grunt wouldn't turn his back now his guard was up. With a burst of unfamiliar confidence, he stepped out from his hiding place to face the grunt.
"Oh, it's one of the little brat's from Petalburg forest. Come to get beaten again?" the grunt said, "and the other littler brat is here as well. You've even brought a friend. What, couldn't get enough of me?"
Denki and Kota were at his side.
"Hand over what you stole," Izuku demanded, "don't even think about hurting Peeko."
"You don't seem to understand how hostages work, kid."
"And you don't seem to understand that you're at a dead end and are outnumbered three to one," Denki said.
"As if the three of you brat's could beat me. The only reason you got out of the forest without broken bones was because that stupid Swalot showed up, but look around."
The grunt waved his arms around, gesturing to the otherwise empty cave.
"Nobody here but me and three brat's desperate for a beating!"
The grunt threw two pokeballs at the same time Izuku, Denki and Kota did. A level 9 Poochyena and Zubat faced off against their Mudkip, Torchic and Raltz. Their Pokémon were all at least three levels higher but if the grunt was shocked by that, it didn't show.
"Poochyena, bite that stupid Raltz. Zubat, supersonic!"
The Poochyena charged forward at the same time the Zubat let out a long warbling cry. It echoed off the narrow cave walls, reverberating through the air. That ended up working in their favour, as the echoes were uncontrolled in the confined space, causing Poochyena to stumble as well. Izuku clamped his hands over his ears, but the sound was still disorienting. Denki and Kota were the same, and when he looked ahead the grunt had stumbled to rest against the wall.
"Mudkip, water gun the Poochyena!"
The blast of water hit the dog squarely, knocking it into the wall and dropping its health to the red. Torchic fired ember at it, but then the Zubat swooped in, hitting Torchic with a powerful wing attack.
"Raltz, confusion!"
Psychic energy crashed into the bat. It was thrown across the cave and collided with the grunt. Izuku darted forward and scooped up the injured Peeko. Before he could get to safety, a hand gripped his arm harshly.
"You little brat! Don't think you can go against Team Aqua and get away-"
He was cut off by a wad of mud smacking him in the face. A moment later, Mudkip appeared in a blue blur and tackled him away. The briefcase he was holding in his other hand dropped to the ground and Mudkip stood over it menacingly. The grunt wiped off his face and snarled.
"Poochyena!"
Nothing responded to his call. Down the cave, Poochyena was unconscious. Torchic was standing beside it, looking very proud. Denki and Kota were both glaring at the grunt, who finally seemed to realise he'd been beaten.
"Fine. You might have won this round, but you're no match for Team Aqua! Watch your step brats!"
Without warning, he bolted, shoving past Denki and Kota and returning his knocked out Pokémon. He was out of the tunnel by the time they recovered.
"He's getting away!" Kota said.
"But he won't get far. That miner guy said he'd stop him," Denki said, then to Izuku he asked, "is Peeko alright?"
"Scared, I think, but she seems uninjured."
"That's good. We should get her back to Mr Briney as soon as possible."
After returning their Pokémon, they left the cave. The miner was standing over a bound grunt, as he dramatically wiped his hands.
"Good job kids," he said, "if we head back to Rustboro, I can hand this guy over to the authorities. Do you need a ride?"
"Yes please," Izuku said.
The miner led them over to his truck. He threw the grunt into the trunk. Izuku took the front seat, and Denki and Kota took the back seat. It had taken them over half an hour to walk from the city to the base of the mountain. The car ride reduced that to ten, but Izuku couldn't necessarily say it was better. There wasn't a proper road, so the miner had to wind through the trees, and it was so bumpy Izuku had to hold on tightly to stop himself being thrown against the door. When they made it back to Rustboro City, they eagerly asked to be let out.
"That was an experience," Denki said as they all caught their breath.
"Will the bus be like that?" Kota asked.
"I certainly hope not," Izuku said.
He held Peeko in his arms as they made their way into the city. Waiting right where they'd left him was Briney. Peeko chirped loudly, getting his attention. The man bolted over to them, hovering just within reach.
"Peeko?"
The Wingull fluttered out of Izuku's arms and landed on Briney's shoulder. Everything was still for a moment and then Briney pulled Peeko into a hug. They caught muffled cries of 'Peeko' and 'I'm so glad you're safe'. Briney reached out and pulled all three of them into a tight hug.
"You boys … you remarkable, kind, brave young boys. Thank you. Thank you so much!"
"You don't need to thank us," Izuku said.
"But I really do! Not just anyone would have done what you did, and especially not three so young," Briney said, "you saved my darling companion. I don't know if I can thank you enough."
Izuku tried to hide the tears that were threatening to spill out. Briney was thanking them like he'd seen people thank heroes in the real world. He didn't think he deserved this gratitude. He wasn't a hero, no matter what Denki said, but Briney sounded so genuine. It was difficult to disagree. When they pulled back, the old man had tears in his eyes
“If you ever need anything in the future, do not hesitate to ask. I’ll do whatever I can to help you,” Briney said.
“Thank you,” Izuku said, “we’ll be sure to do that.”
“We should all go back to the Pokemon center,” Briney said, “I’m sure your Pokémon were injured and I need to have Peeko seen by the nurse.”
“We’ll join you in a moment. We need to get the Devon Goods back to Ted,” Izuku said.
“Ted? The fellow from the forest?”
“That grunt stole his research. We need to get it back to him,” Denki said.
“Then say no more. I’ll let you get on with your task,” Briney said.
They accompanied each other back into the city. The Devon Corp building appeared around the corner, and Briney said goodbye to them as they headed towards it. They passed between the Pokémon statues and entered the large, ornate building. Inside was pleasantly cool. Ted was next to the reception desk, pacing back and forth looking very anxious. When he saw them, he raced over.
“Did you do it? Did you retrieve my stolen research?”
From his bag, Izuku pulled out the briefcase they’d recovered from the grunt. Ted’s face lit up with such relief.
“Oh thank goodness! I thought I’d lost it. It’s very important research into new technology for undersea exploration,” Ted said.
He then snapped his fingers.
“I just remembered. The president of Devon Corp was notified about the theft. He asked to see the brilliant young men who recovered it. If you’d all follow me please.”
He then led them up a set of stairs. The first floor was filled to the brim with individual offices, but the second floor was open. It was one large laboratory, with many different scientists working on different projects. One of them was working on a large machine in the corner, and when he attached a large cable to it, it hummed into life.
“It worked!” he cried.
Quite a few scientists crowded around the machine, while the man spoke with a woman at a computer console.
“So they got it working,” Ted commented.
“What are they doing?” Denki asked.
“Paul and Abbey have been working on a machine to revive Pokémon from fossils. It had quite a few roadblocks, but I’m sure the president will be happy to hear about their success.”
They continued up the building. On the very top floor, they stepped into what Izuku initially thought was another open plan lab, only it wasn’t. It was one large room, with windows across one wall showing a brilliant view of the coast line north of Rustboro. In front of the window was a desk, and sitting at the desk was a man with grey hair and a dark blue suit.
“May I introduce you three to Joseph Stone, president of the Devon Corporation,” Ted said.
“None of that formality Ted,” Mr Stone said jovially, “now then, I hear you young lads have helped save my employee not once, but twice. Is that correct?”
“Yes sir,” Izuku said.
“Wonderful! And you even managed to retrieve our stolen research, which is even better,” Mr Stone said, “our work into deep sea exploration would be severely impacted if that were to be lost.”
“We’re glad we could help,” Denki said.
“I’m sure. However, despite how rude it is of me to ask for more of your help after everything you have done for me, may I ask for your help again?”
“What for?”
“You see, we are collaborating with the shipyards in Slateport City for this project, and those Devon Goods need to go to Captain Stern. Unfortunately, the transport links in Hoenn aren’t the best at the moment, and I fear that those Team Aqua thugs may try and steal them again,” Mr Stone said, “if it’s not too much trouble, would you be able to safely deliver the Devon Goods to Slateport City?”
Izuku caught Denki’s eye. It wasn’t the worst thing to be asked, but Slateport wasn’t where they had planned to go next. Izuku knew they would eventually get there, but it wasn’t their priority, and he said as much to Mr Stone.
“You’re going to Dewford Town? That’s no problem at all! In fact, I believe my son Steven is there right now doing some research.”
From his desk, Mr Stone pulled out a letter.
“As nice a place as it is, Dewford doesn’t have much in the way of amenities. When you get there, find Steven and give him this letter. He’ll be able to help you in the town from there,” Mr Stone said, “do not worry about how long it takes to get the Devon Goods to Slateport City. I’d feel much more comfortable knowing they’re in your safe keeping.”
He gestured behind them and three scientists appeared.
“As a token of my gratitude for all you’ve done, allow me to upgrade your pokenavs. They were made by Devon Corp of course,” he said.
Cautiously, the three handed their pokenavs to the scientists, who connected them to small devices. Izuku couldn’t help keeping his eye on them but after only a couple of minutes, their pokenavs were handed back to them.
“We’ve installed a new Match Call feature to your pokenavs. Now you’ll be able to send messages and call people in your friends list,” one of the scientists said.
While he didn’t expect them to be separated for any appreciable length of time, being able to contact Denki and Kota at all times would certainly be useful. Eventually they may even be able to keep in touch with Cementoss and the hero students as well, though that might only be when they reach Rustboro. Mr Stone held up the letter, and with a final look to Denki and Kota, Izuku took it, putting it and the Devon Goods back in his bag.
With a final thank you from Mr Stone and Ted, they left the Devon Corporation building and headed back to the Pokémon centre. Thankfully they hadn’t taken that much damage from the Team Aqua grunt, but it would still ease their minds to heal their parties. Sleep came more easily to them that evening as the adrenaline from the encounter left their bodies.
Two days passed by quickly. Roxanne found them on the first day and insisted on adding them to her friends list. It felt a little strange having a Gym Leader on their friends list, especially since it was like literally having a teachers number, but she pointed out that she could call them when the bus was ready. During the second day, they prepared for the journey back to Petalburg City, and then just after lunch on the third, Roxanne called them.
The previous times they’d seen the bus station, it had looked like a sad, worn out building. Now it was shiny and new, gleaming with pride and purpose. A bus was already there, ready for them to use. Roxanne was waiting for them.
“Feel free to come back to Rustboro any time you want to. That’s the whole point of having the bus route,” she said.
“Thank you for setting this up for us,” Izuku said and the three of them bowed.
“I should be the one thanking you,” Roxanne said, “traveling in Hoenn was always such a pain when the old bus system went under. With any luck, more routes will open up and soon people can visit the entirety of this wonderful region we live in.”
Izuku led the way onto the bus. Inside the air was fresh, lightly scented with something nice. Along the length of the bus were pairs of seats by the windows with an aisle running down the middle. At the back was a bank of five seats. Izuku went straight for the back. He took the middle seat, and Denki sat to his left and Kota his right. It didn’t take long for the bus to start moving. To Izuku’s surprise, the movement was gentle, almost like it was rocking them.
“One badge down, seven more to go,” Denki said.
“We’re in a good place, and when we get back we can help the other players,” Izuku said.
“If they’ll listen,” Denki said.
“Nejire and Tamaki will. They’re nice,” Kota said, then in a quieter voice, “I hope they’re ok.”
Izuku pulled the boy into his side.
“I’m sure they are. They’re smart, and Cementoss wouldn’t let anything bad happen to them,” Izuku said.
“But what if something happened to them? It’s been so long since we’ve seen them,” Kota said.
“All we can do is hope that they’re safe,” Izuku said, “it’s been a month and a half. A lot can change in that time.”
“I miss Auntie Shino,” Kota whispered.
Izuku held onto him tighter.
“I know. I miss my mom too.”
He tensed when a hand held onto his. Denki was looking straight ahead, but Izuku could see the lines of tension in his body, the sadness present in his face. Izuku shifted their hands to lace their fingers together and gave Denki a squeeze.
The gentle rocking of the bus lulled them all into a state of peace. Half an hour into their journey, Kota grew heavier as he was drawn into sleep. Izuku kept his arm around him, making sure he was comfortable. His eyes kept fluttering, and when he glanced to the side, he saw Denki’s head nodding. Izuku leaned his head over and rested it on Denki’s shoulder. A moment later, Denki rested his head against his. The world outside the bus passed them by unnoticed. Only the shade cast by trees pierced into the little bubble they had for themselves.
It was just the three of them, like it had been for so long. The three of them had completed the first stage of their journey, and now were heading back. For now though, with the rumbling of the bus engine in the background, they could sleep.