//------------------------------// // Keep your Friends close, and your Enemies closer // Story: Pokemon: World of Remnants // by Metroid Prime //------------------------------// Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer - Spectra Phantom, Bakugan New Vestroia Opening Theme Mossdeep City, 24 hours before Arceus breaks free A young man sat inside a Pokémon Center, watching Netflix on his iPad. The show he was playing was season three of Red vs Blue. Its was nighttime, and mostly everyone was asleep save for him, the staff of the Pokémon Center he was in, and whatever night guards that were in the Space Center. Through the mask he wore, the man looked at the clock. The time was 8:55. His contact would be here any minute. He had been called here due to his profession: hunting down specific people. The details about who he had to find were vague, but he would know as soon as his contact arrived. He was known in the underground world as the son of the feared Team Rocket Agent, the "Iron Mask Marauder". Whenever he was seen in public, he wore his trademark mask which made anyone who knew him back away out of fear or respect. Some bragged that he was even capable of capturing Phantom Thief Fox if given the job. While his real name was unknown to the public eye, his reputation in his field of work had earned him a fitting name. Masquerade. His thoughts were interrupted as he heard someone pull up a chair in front of him. Pausing his show, he looked up to see a women in a blue hood. "Are you the one they call Masquerade?" the women asked. Putting his iPad away, he put his hands on the table and gave her a small smile. "I am. Are you the one who summoned me here?" "...Yes." "Then let us get down to business. But first, I must ask for your name." "..Excuse me?" "I mean, you have me at a disadvantage. I can't just keep calling you ma'am or miss, that would be...boring." "...My name, is Evelyn Phillips." "Well, Miss Phillips, what can I do for you?" "I heard that you were an expert in hunting down.....Pokephiles." "...You heard right. Tracking down people who supposedly "love" their Pokémon is what I do for a living." "Yes, but you see, the one I am looking for has been evading the police for years. Even the Top Rangers of the Ranger Union have not been able to bring him in." "Oh, but Miss Phillips, you forget. I am not a Ranger, which means I am not restricted by any code or protocol those incompetent do-gooders may have." "I see, but I must warn you, his Pokémon can be..highly protective of him, and they won't hesitate to do worse things to keep him safe." "Noted, but it would be easier to understand who I am to track down if you could tell me his name." "His name is Gene Phillips, and he is my son." Marcus Murdak sat in the corner as Silver began to relay the information he had gather during his little "tour" around the country. "So, Silver," Brandon began, "What did you learn?" The red haired man tapped a button on his Xtransceiver, the screen behind lighting up with various information and pictures of various Pokémon with bios and descriptions. "Well, after reviewing the information I gathered from visiting almost every city and talking to certain ponies and Pokémon, I have concluded that the individuals on this list may become our greatest allies, or our greatest obstacles. These individuals and their friends have been instrumental in smoothing out friendly relationships between Pokemon and Ponies. They are very popular in their towns and cities, so that makes their use even more valuable. So let’s begin,"  Silver said. The screen then focused on a picture of an Infernape sitting across from a Green Earth Pony in the Crystal Empire. "Jonathan Williams, former high ranking member of the international Police Force, currently an Honorary Captain of the Crystal Empire Royal Guard. Traits include: a serious but understanding personality, a need to always help others, and will do anything for his family. His known Pokémon include a Blastoise named Eclipse, an Absol named Snow, a Shiny Luxray called Lux, a Ditto called Flubber, and a Joltik named Volt." "And what of the mare sitting across from him?" Marcus said. "Who is she?" "Holly Heart, his girlfriend, very sensitive. Not a threat." "And what is your conclusion?" Brandon asked.  "Well from what I heard, he mainly fought Team Rocket back on Earth. At most, if he doesn't see us as the same evil Team Magma back on Earth, then he won't bother us. Besides, it seems like he has been staying in the Crystal Empire ever since the move. I won't bet on him leaving anytime soon." "Then I guess you should not spill the fact that you're the son of all his troubles," Daniel said. "I wouldn't bet his judgement would kick in immediately if he knew who you are." Silver gave Daniel a look. "Noted." Motioning to the screen, the Infernape was replaced by an Alakazam standing in front of a building. He was holding the hand of a Lucario who notably had smaller spikes on its hand and chest. "Vincent Nurem, son of Doctor Nurem. The Lucario holding his hand is called Lucy. She is also his mate. The building they are standing in front of is called the ‘Unity Building’. Residents include the tortured experiments of said Doctor. They currently live in the Sin City of Equestria, Las Pegasus." "The Doctor Nurem?" Maxie asked. "His experimented Pokemon live in the most volatile city in Equestria?" "Unfortunately, yes. The Lucario Lucy has a modified exoskeleton, as well as a Sizcor named Sam. Other victims include a spazzy Porygon-Z called Bit who manages security, a shiny Sandslash named Mary, and a rather tempered Garchomp called Christine. It is also worth mentioning that her modification is having the ability of a Kecleon. In other words, she has the same powers down to being able to turn invisible save for a red line that she got as a side effect of her experiments. All in all, they are the most dangerous group should they see us a threat, and that's saying something since some of them have short tempers." The whole room was silent as they took in all this information. "Anything else we need to know?" Fabia asked "Well..I also learned that two former members of my dad's Team Rocket live in the building, but I wouldn't worry about them." "Very well, so Las Pegasus is the place we should worry about," Maxie said "Its also the place where I found the Dynomons. So, if should ever go there, I'll just bring them along since they know the place," Tabitha said "To run interference if the Nurem's go ballistic?” Courtney asked. "Or do you just want them there as back up?" "...Yes." "Moving on!" Silver said as the screen transitioned to a picture of a Bisharp wearing a jet black jacket and black glasses, he appeared to be twirling knife. "Weiss, leader of the Checkmate Mercenaries, no introduction needed." At this, everyone nodded. Checkmate was renowned as a force to be reckoned with. The guild had been known for doing some pretty dark things. Marcus even claimed to have crossed paths with them before, although no one knew if he was joking at the time or not. "Although I'd rather have a drink with them then that one crazy guy and his Dragonite," Marcus thought. "What was his name....Joker?" "From what I gathered," Silver continued. "Checkmate is split between the Griffin Empire and Equestria. I forget to mention that one of their members lives with Nurem's, but unless someone hires them to fight us, I would keep an eye open at night in case they show up." "I see," Brandon said. "So who's next?" The next picture on the screen was that of a Luxray wearing a guard uniform, he also had a very distinctive badge on him which bore the cutie marks of Celestia and Luna. "Former Pokémon Rights activist and current member of the Canterlot Royal Guard Pokémon division, ladies and gentlemen, presenting the fluffy sack of volts, Seth Crescent." At this news, everyone's eyes widened. Almost anyone who ever watched the news knew about this controversial character. Seth had tried to push for Pokémon-Human relationships back on Earth, and for his troubles he got arrested on false charges of sexing up his own Pokémon. "I should probably not tell him that I once called the cops on him," Brandon thought with a smile. "His Charizard would try to roast me." "Hey, Brandon! Remember when we called the police on that guy one time!" Tabitha said. "We sure had a good laugh, didn't we!" At this Brandon frowned as Tabitha just blurted out that information to everyone in the room. "Yes, Tabitha," Brandon said coldly. "I distinctly remember laughing as we watched the cops shove him into a police car." Silver could only blink. "Anyway, I think Seth would be of great help to us. I heard he is on Arceus and the Princess good side. And since he threw that Pokémon contest in Canterlot, his popularity has only skyrocketed. Should we gain his alliance, our cause may get more support as a result." "Yeah, but it’s gonna be nothing compared to the Pokémon Tournament we're gonna have here!" Daniel said. "Indeed. Next, Silver," Brandon said The screen once again transitioned to showing two separate pictures, one had a Lucario wearing a Baltimare police badge, while the other showed a blurry photo of a shiny blue colored Zoroark wearing a trademark cape and black hat. "While not potential allies, we should be on the lookout for these two: Officer Jonathan Trace and the infamous Phantom Thief Fox. As many of us know and experienced, Fox is known for performing heists on certain places or people, sometimes revealing some dark secret or uncovering a criminal operation after said heist. And not far behind her is Officer Trace, the latest in the line of officers who is assigned to her case." The veteran Team Magma members present shuddered at the mention of Fox, as they had been the subject some of previous Fox thefts in the past. "I wouldn't really worry about us, since there is nothing overly condemning here at Magma Corporation that she could expose. But I would not count out the possibility of her making us her latest target, considering the fact that Vale is one of the only cities on Equestria that she hasn't hit yet." "Yes, this is too important to ignore," Maxie said. "And finally, the moment you have all been waiting for." The screen then brought up an aerial view of a rural town next to the Everfree Forest, and by default, the Hall of Legends. "Ponyville, the epicenter of chaos and friendship. Residents include the local Alicorn Princess, bookworm Twilight Sparkle, as well as her friends, the spirits of the Elements of Harmony. It is also the site of the new Pokémon Ranger Union, which is being set up by Top Ranger Abby Trombley. Other significant residents include Kalos Gym leader Korrina, Battle King Ash Ketchum, Kanto Gym Leaders Misty and Brock, Professor Juniper, and finally, Unova Champion Iris." At the mention of the Unova Champion, Fabia narrowed her eyes. "Anyone else?" Brandon said. "Oh yes, former fugitive Gene Phillips lives there with his wife Belle as the first officially wedded human and Pokémon couple in thousands of years." Behind his mask, Marcus eye's widened as he remembered a certain deal that had been cut before he was brought to Equus. When Silver was done talking, the screen shifted until all of the previous pictures that were displayed all appeared together onscreen. "So all and all, I'd say most of these people could be potential allies. If not, they would mostly just stay out of our way. So what do you think Brandon?" Brandon got up from his seat, walked to the board and looked over all the pictures and information that was displayed. "First of all, great job on getting all this information Silver. Secondly, I'd say we should just wait and see what happens when we may eventually meet them." "What do you mean?" Daniel said. Brandon turned around to face the assembled former humans in the room. "Well as you know, with the upcoming Pokémon Tournament that we will be hosting here, it will signify the end of our isolation in this city. Everyone in Equestria will know that Team Magma is here, the former ‘villainous’ Team from Earth is alive and kicking it in a new world. Our campaign to try and bring back humanity will begin soon, and we all know that Arceus and his children will do everything in their power to try and stop us and/or shut us down. But before any of that happens, we need to inform everyone that a Pokémon tournament is gonna be held right?" "...What?" Silver said. "Even though Ruby got Princess Celestia's blessing to have the completion, I don't know if she let everyone know about it. So soon, I will be sending dropships all over Equestria to spread the word of the tournament as well as get people to sign up so they can compete." "Ohhhhh." "That is one of the reasons I had Silver gather information on these people. When we send out those ships, no doubt the people on the list may notice Team Magma's presence when they come to their cities, I want you all to know what you’re up against should our presence there lead to 'worst case scenario'. While not likely, I would advise caution." "So I assume we will be accompanying some of these ships when they go to the other cities?" Fabia asked. "Well, you can go if you want to as extra backup if you like, but other than that, the Team Magma members that I have assigned will be doing all the promotion and work." "Okay." "So, anymore questions?" Brandon asked. After the meeting, Marcus had gone to the roof as the sun began to set in the horizon. After a while of thinking, he put a sly smile on his face before turning to look at his partner Pokemon, a Hydreigon named Hydron. "Hey, Hydron?" "Yes, Master?" "I believe we should make good on our promise to Ms. Phillips when we go to Ponyville, don't you think?" "...Oh yes, we wouldn't be mon of our word if we didn't." Dr. Brainstorm's workroom Brainstorm was one of Brandon's most trusted and important Pokémon to have ever been captured by the CEO. And rightfully so, since he had been given a very important duty. You see, whenever Team Magma got a hold of a blueprint, schematic, or when they dismantled a device and put it back together, Brainstorm would memorize it. This essentially made the Pokémon a walking computer, and, given that he had an I.Q. of 5,000, had could memorize a lot of things. When they came to Equus, his brain was the reason they had reinvented so much Earth tech in such a short amount of time. However, holding all this knowledge had left him with the unexpected side effect of occasionally "brainstorming" countless idea's and plans for the team. To keep himself from going insane, the Alakazam would write down or draw any idea he had on his mind. Unfortunately, he could never find time to actually get to work on any of them. This day however, was an exception. "Alright this goes there, then we screw this, and plug this wire into that socket and....done!" The Alakazam stood back as he beheld his creation. At last, he had finished building it. Standing on a slab was a fully fledged, semi-sentient, humanoid robot. "Alright then. Voice command startup." Power surged through the robots body as it obeyed the voice and started its systems for the first time. The robot then got up from the slab and stood in front of his creator. "Hey there, big guy," Brainstorm said, waving his hand in order to test the robots optics. "How are you feeling?" "...Systems fully operational. All servers and pistons functioning at 100%." "Good, good. And what is your designation?" "This unit does not have a designation. Waiting for input." "I see. Well, to be technical, your designation is 'General Initiative Magma Personal' Unit 131, or G.I.M.P. for short" "Acknowledged, this unit is designated as G.I.M.P. Unit 131" "Hmmm, as much as I like that name, let us call you something that has a little more ring to it. A name that does not sound technical." "Confirmed, what callsign do you wish to assign to this unit?" "....Reaper." Brandon sat in his office as his mind was at work, looking at map of potential cities that would give the most promotion to the Tournament of Elements. "Canterlot and Manehatten are definitely a go, Las Pegasus and the Crystal Empire could also do well to spread the word, Cloudsdale would be tricky since we don't have a lot of flying-type Pokémon..." There was a knock on the door, and once again, he looked up from what he was doing to answer it. "Yes?" The door opened and in walked Marcus Murdak. "What do you need Marcus?" Brandon asked. "I was wondering, when exactly are going to spread word about the tournament?" "We will be sending out the ships tomorrow, and we shall be going to a total of five cities as a start." "Is....Ponyville on that list of places?" "No, why?" "Just wondering." "Well, the reason we can't go to Ponyville is because that place is the closest settlement to the Hall of Legends, and I don't want Arceus knowing of our presence. Not just yet." "...I see." "Besides, the last time a large and formidable group came to town, it was to enforce the old laws of Earth, so they may not react so friendly if a group that was responsible for the near destruction of our world shows up on their doorstep." He signed. "Very well" "We will go to Ponyville eventually, when the time comes."