Opening Theme
Sunset Shimmer's first shower back in Equestria was a more pleasant one then she expected.
It seemed that the entirely of the complex was built to be more reminiscent of the ones humans had back on Earth, even so there was a large shower room where ponies and larger Pokémon could bathe. Nevertheless the warm water washing over her smooth fur and getting all the dirt and grime out was a refreshing experience.
There was even a sauna where she could relax and dry off.
After drying herself, Sunset then made her way to the mess hall, where she saw various other Pokémon and Team Magma members eating their food.
"Hey Sunset!"
The unicorn turned to see Ruby, Winter, Phryos, and Yumi all sitting at the same table. At the same time, she saw Brandon leave the table and walk out the door.
Sunset then sat down next to Ruby. "So, where is Brandon going?"
"He finished eating and had to leave. Being the boss of the Corporation means he has work duties in the morning.”
"Oh, that makes sense."
As the five finished their breakfast, Ruby then made an announcement.
"So before you came here, Sunset, we all agreed that when we're done eating, we should give you a full tour of the base. After all, it’s only proper."
"Alright, then that sounds like a plan."
Once the five were done eating, they all met outside the main building. Soon enough, Ruby looked back at the group and began talking.
"This, as you know, is the main building. Inside is where people can wait for appointments and is basically the heart of the complex."
Ruby then lead the group inside, and just like yesterday, almost everyone was walking around and talking to each other.
"Dad's main office is at the top, as well as Grandpa Max and the Administrator's. All business goes down in this place."
"Alright, so it seems this place is just like a regular company. Same infrastructure and build."
"One question, Ruby."
"Yes?"
"No offence to your father, but I find it curious that the board of directors allow for someone as young as him to lead a company as big as this."
"Oh, it's actually not uncommon for someone in their teen years to have high ranking positions in our world."
"Wait! Really?"
"Yeah, my dad knew a woman named Hilda White. She was the President of the BW Agency. She was only sixteen, and yet she ran a company that largely supplied Pokémon and people for things like commercials, plays, movies, and stunts. There was also that twelve year-old boy named Lack-Two who was a high ranking member of the International Police force."
"Wow, that's kinda neat!" It seemed that, on Earth, people didn't really care about your age. Then again, if ten year olds are allowed to go out alone on journeys with creatures that have powers, the standards must be pretty low.
"Alright, next stop: the Magma labs!"
Moving to the west side of the complex, the group arrived at a large white building. When they got to the door, An-g verified their I.D.'s and let them in. Once inside, Sunset was presented with various Pokémon and former Humans working on various projects.
"This is the Main Labs. Here, the scientists and inventors are divided into two groups: the side that works to reinvent some of our old Earth technology, while the other makes new tech using Equestrian magic."
Ruby then walked up to a Metang and got its attention.
"Chromedome?"
The Iron Claw Pokémon looked away from what he was doing and faced the Braixen. "Yes, Ruby?"
"How goes the work on the Capture Stylers?"
"Oh, great! In fact, you’re just in time to help me test it out!" Then, in his telegraphic grasp, Chromedome pulled from his desk a red oval shaped object. On the bottom of said device was what appeared to be a top-like disc.
"So, which one of you help volunteer to help me test this thing!"
Almost immediately, Ruby, Phyros, and Winter turned their eyes to Yumi. Once the Weavile got the implication, her eyes widened.
"Oh, no! The last time I was a lab rat, I was set on fire!"
"Oh, come on! How was I supposed to know that iPhone would burst into flames?!" the Metang said in defense.
"Come on, Yumi. For science!" Ruby argued.
".....Fine! Let’s just get this over with."
The group was led to a large room that appeared to house a battlefield. Yumi took position on one side, while Chromedome was on the other.
"Question." Sunset asked, "What's a Capture Styler?”
"Well, back on Earth, there was a Law enforcement branch called the Ranger Union. They enforced the law through the Pokémon Rangers," Pyhros said. "But, at the same time, their job was to protect the wilderness and Pokémon who could not protect themselves."
"To help them with this endeavor, a device was invented by a man named Professor Hastings: the Capture Styler," Winter continued. "With this device, a Ranger could use the discs that launched from it to transfer feelings of friendship to nearby Pokémon so that they could call on them for aid."
Sunset listened with earnest as Winter described the Capture Styler, noting the words "Feelings of Friendship".
"But, while Hastings made it to Equus, he is currently...unavailable at the time, so father had the science team try and reinvent it from the schematics that Dr. Brainstorm memorized."
"Wow, you guys sure invented some amazing things!"
After they were done talking, Chromedome signaled for the test to begin.
"Okay," the Metang began. "Capture Styler Test 1."
Yumi could only give an annoyed look as the Metang readied the device.
"Okay then, Capture on!"
The capture disk flew from the Styler and began circling around Yumi, who had closed her eyes, leaving a blue beam of energy in its path.
"The more the beam circles her, the more friendship is emitted."
Soon after the a five seconds, the beam faded and the disc went back to the Styler.
After a moment, Yumi opened her eyes.
"So Yumi, tell me how you feel?" Chromedome asked.
Yumi said nothing. She stood in place for a few moments.....before walking up to the Metang, and hugging him.
".....Whats going on?" Yumi said
"Well, from the looks of things, the feelings of Friendship have worked so well you are giving me a hug!"
"Um, question. How long does this feeling last?"
"Oh, it should wear off in a few minutes. Just walk it off."
"...So why am I still hugging you?"
"Oh, right." Chromedome pressed a button on the Styler. Yumi's body flashed for a brief second.
"Wow....that was weird."
"Alright then, I think the next stop on our tour should be a look around the stadium!" Ruby said.
The Pyre Arena, as it was called, was apparently named after a mountain in Brandon's home region, Hoenn. It was built on the Southeast side of the left mountain, just between Vale and the Magma Corporation.
Taking a ship so they could get a bird’s-eye view, Sunset could only marvel at the size of the stadium and the number of seats she saw. From what she could tell, it could house just as many people as the Crystal Empire’s stadium.
After setting down in the center of the field, Sunset got out and took in the view of the large field.
"If you’re wondering how fast we were able to build this, it’s because Vale was more than happy enough to lend us their construction workers to help. Add over six dozen psychic type Pokémon and Dr. Brainstorms 5,000 I.Q. with Mega Evolution, and you got a fully working arena in just a month."
"Geez, you guys are just full of surprises aren't you?" Sunset said.
"And that's not all!" Phyros said. "The arena is capable of interchanging the field to different biomes, like fire, ice, water, and grass. This will add a little mix to the battles that will take place here."
"There is also a shield surrounding the stands, so any stray shots that may fly won't hurt the audience," Yumi said
The exemplify this, Phryos shot a fire blast at the stands, only for an invisible wall to stop it and shimmer in its aftermath.
"So, what does the winner get?" Sunset asked. "A medal?"
"A trophy, actually. Dad won't say where he's keeping it because he thinks Phantom Thief Fox will steal it," Ruby responded.
"Who?"
"A world famous Gentleman - or in this case, Gentlewomen Thief - who steals things just for the fun of it, She got turned into a Zoroark just like dad, and has hit almost every major city in Equestria except this one."
"Wait, I thought your God only brought worthy humans to the world?"
"Well, from what is seems, Fox wasn't exactly a really evil individual. In fact, some of her heists have uncovered criminal operations."
"Oh, well, I can see the logic in that. So she is just some vigilante?"
"Yeah. Dad is also thinking about what to do in case she ever shows up."
The group then proceeded to walk through the stadium hall as Yumi explained all the design and architect that went into the place.
Sunset, however, could not help but stare at the Weavile as a recent memory entered her mind.
When John was explaining Shiny Pokémon to her, she recalled another Weavile who was present, John told her how a Shiny Pokemon only have one set of shiny colors, and that a Weavile’s shiny form would have consisted of pink and yellow.
This was not the case when looking at Yumi.
"Hey, Yumi, I have a question."
"Yes?"
"Are you a Shiny Pokémon?"
"Umm, no?"
"Then how come you do not have the traditional colors of a normal colored Weavile?"
"Oh, this?" Yumi said gesturing to her body, "It’s actually quite simple. Ruby, tell her."
"You see, Sunset, back on our world, there was an archipelago of islands that bordered the Kanto Region. It was called the "Orange Archipelago", and on one of the islands there is home to a special berry that, if eaten for a prolonged period of time, permanently turns a Pokémon's primary skin color pink!"
"Really? A permanent color change?"
"Yeah, dad had to cut a deal with the police officer who lived there, since the island is a nature preserve. She only let him take some berries with him if he gave her a supply of Magma Corp. tech to better protect the island from poachers."
"So, I assumed you all ate the berries?"
"Yep," the four said in unison.
"But, you're not all pink."
"Well of course," Yumi said rolling her eyes. "Dad had the science team find a way to alter the desired colors the that the berry would produce. Soon, he had berries that gave Pokémon colors like red and blue, black and white, gold and silver, even yellow and green."
"So when dad wanted us to know which color scheme we wanted for ourselves," Pyrhos said then gesture to everymon in the room.
"This was what came out."
"...Well I must say they is very cool. The power to change our colors is not something everypony can do, especially if it’s permanent."
"Yeah, dad says it helps solidify our individuality. Plus, it helps us stand out from the crowd since every Pokémon of the same species looks almost exactly the same, expect for shinies."
After the group was finished looking around the stadium, they decided to finish their tour by going to the air field where a very large ship was being built.
"Whoa, and just what exactly is this thing for?"
The sound of welding and screws being tightened filled the area as Sunset Shimmer stood near an almost finished air carrier. The thing was almost two-thirds of a mile long, and over a fourth of a mile tall. It did not sport any kind of weapons or firepower, at least not that she could see. It was a deep grey with red lines running from the front to back. Finally, painted on the side was a large Team Magma "M".
"That, Sunset, is the Magma Corporation Skyship Hoenn, or the M.C.S. Hoenn for short."
"And what exactly is it for?"
"Well, this thing will carry large amounts of cargo and people all over the world in a matter of hours. It can hold up to eight dropships in the hanger and has six hidden energy turrets in case it runs into trouble."
"Okay," Sunset then noticed to her left that there were 2 identical vehicles that appeared to be....tanks. Looking to her left she also saw several armored cars.
"What are those things for?"
"Oh, the tanks? Those are just for show, plus it keeps those things away from the city wall."
"Wait, you mean that wall that surrounds the city? When did that thing get built?"
"Shortly after we arrived," Ruby said in a low voice. "A few of the locals claim that our presence in the city somehow woke something up in the nearby forest."
"What thing?"
"......anyway, let’s go back to base. I'm pretty sure dad is wondering where we are."
Canterlot Dungeons Bail Bonds Center, Afternoon
"What do you mean he's being held without bail!?" an angry voice said.
The recipient of the angry females words was a receptionist at the Canterlot Bail bonds building, which managed the bailing of any inmate within the Canterlot Dungeons, and despite her angry shouts, he kept a calm, neutral face.
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but due to the circumstances of his arrest, he cannot be released into your custody."
"Come freaking on! I thought Equestria was suppose to be the nice country!"
"Ma'am, even though the death penalty was outlawed centuries ago, I'm pretty sure terrorism is still a serious crime."
"Hmph, I wouldn't necessarily call what he did 'Terrorism'." the woman said, crossing her arms.
The receptionist then raised a brow. "Miss, from what I understand, he and his group tried to force a unfair and oppressive law in a foreign land where they had no power to act. They led an attack on a poor young couple who, from what I heard, had been denied their happiness from said law. I think that counts as Terrorism."
The women then angrily slammed her hands on the desk and looked the stallion in the eye, said stallion remaining as calm as ever.
"Do you know who I am!? I'm his daughter!" Fabia shouted.
"I understand that, but I'm afraid that I am unable to release Grimsley into your custody."
Fabia was still upset with anger, but proceeded to cool down after reality began to set in.
"Can....I at least know his trial date?"
"I'm afraid that they are finding it difficult to set of a trial date due to the fact that they cannot form a jury of what would be considered his peers."
Fabia's heart sank at this news. His father was an Elite Four, and their wear not exactly easy to locate since they were all brought here.
The young women then drew her hands from the desk and turned around.
"Thank for your time....and for putting up with me," Fabia then proceeded to walk out the building.
Once the door closed, the receptionist was once again left by himself.
"You’re welcome."
Once outside, Fabia's human form began to shimmer until, in its place, a rather depressed looking Froslass sat.
She stood there, shaking for a few good seconds, before driving a fist into the stone floor, making a very audible crack. Her anger suppressed her pain.
Then a voice spoke up.
"Fabia, are you okay?"
The girl looked up to see, standing next her, was a Togekiss. His name was Aran, and he was one of Fabia's oldest Pokemon.
".....No Aran, I'm not."
Fabia sat down and closed her eyes as her thoughts turned to the ones who put her father away.
"Stupid Iris, stupid Axel! I'll make you both pay for this!"
Once she was done imagining all the painful things she would do to them, Fabia stood up and taped the gem on her neck, and once again, her form shimmered until, in place of the Froslass stood a dark blue haired, white-skinned human.
"Let’s go home."
Aran nodded and let his master onto his back. He then took off as they began the ride back to the City of Vale.
Later...
A Weavile walked through the streets of Vale. On his face was a smile as he walked in the direction of the Magma Corporation headquarters.
However, while he was a Weavile, to the outside world, they saw a human who wore a dark blue sweater and a light blue pair of pants. But the most distinguished part of him was the red hair that grew from his head.
His name was Arian Viridano, but to those who knew him, he preferred to go by the nickname "Silver".
Silver had just returned to Vale after a tour of traveling throughout Equestria, gathering information for Brandon and Team Magma. And he was more than happy to do it.
Silver did not join the Magma Corporation to bring back humanity (although he would prefer the five finger hands and not being vulnerable to a few punches), but he was part of it mostly because, like Brandon, he wanted to get back at Arceus.
After all, the God wasn't the first person in his life that appeared all powerful and tried to appear powerful in front of others....
That Past
"You told me… you were the number one in the world! Are you gonna quit? What are you going to do now?"
".................. One must acknowledge one's defeat before he can move on... I have suffered countless losses; Mewtwo, my Gym, projects and plans that would have allowed me to rule the world! ...But that is past, I must go into hiding, so that one day Team Rocket shall emerge stronger. Only then shall I be number one!"
"What aspect of you was number one? Gathering so many only to be defeated by a mere child!"
"The child was merely the final nail in the coffin. There were many setbacks before I got to where I am now; the International Police, infuriating trainers, even Phantom Thief Fox! Putting together the potential of many is how you produce power... That's what an organization is... That's the strength of an organization! But when your power is chipped away again and again over the course of a long time, that power begins to flicker and fade. I failed...to make the best use of my subordinates' potential...! But you shall witness one day the revival of me and my Team Rocket!"
"I don't understand you! You don't make any sense!"
".................. One day, you will understand."
"I don't want to understand you! I will never become someone like you. A coward when you're alone and acting like a tyrant when you're in front of other cowards! I will become strong! I will become a stronger man all by myself! All by myself!"
Silver exited from his daydream as he pushed back the thoughts to the recesses of his mind. He was not going to be that man. He would become better, become strong like the child who beat him, but he could not become strong alone.
He needed help. He needed power, and Team Magma was that power.
"Soon, I shall show them all," Silver said in a low voice. "With these guys by my side, I show guys like Red, Ash, and Auric that even guys like me can be powerful."
After walking for another few minutes, Silver finally arrived at the main building. Taking out an iPad he had in his backpack, he reviewed all the information he had gathered on his little tour around the country...It was all still there.
"Alright then, let’s do this."
"So that's basically the entire complex, Sunset," Ruby said as the tour came to an end. "What do ya think?"
Sunset for the most part was well surprised by the things she had seen. These humans seemed to be more advanced than the humans on the other side of the mirror. Not to mention the rate at which they had built all these things would give pony construction workers a run for their money.
"Its pretty amazing. I'd say you guys could become the most successful company in Equestria if you put your minds to it."
"Yeah, but dad says this is just our home away from home, at least if the Earth is still salvageable."
"Right, I'm hoping you guys find a way."
Ruby nodded in agreement, but before she could say something, she noticed a familiar red haired human enter the building.
"Silver!"
Silver, looked around until he found the owner of the voice that said his name walk up to him.
"You’re back!" Ruby said
The former human trainer could only smile as he gave the Braixen a pat on the head.
"Hey, Ruby. Long time no see."
"Are you looking for my dad? Cause he's in his office right now."
"Thanks, Ruby. I'll go see him right now."
As Silver began to walk in the direction of Brandon's office, Ruby looked back to see a curious Sunset.
"Who was that?" The unicorn asked
"That's Arian Viridano, but people around here just call him Silver."
"Silver?"
"Yeah, we call him that because he doesn't want people to immediately know his last name."
"Oh...Wait, what's wrong with his last name?"
Sunset then felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Winter giving her a sad face.
"Sunset, you know how Team Magma wasn't the only Villainous Team back on Earth?"
Sunset thought for a moment. During her time in the Crystal Empire, John mentioned how he used to fight the most powerful and evil teams back on Earth.
"Yes, I've heard."
"Well, the first and the most powerful of those teams were Team Rocket," Winter's voice dripped with venom when the words left her mouth. "Their goal, unlike those that came after them, did not have any kind of noble or logical cause. They just wanted to rule the world."
"And the man who led them was the Gym Leader of Viridian City, Giovanni," Yumi said.
"And....what does Silver have to do with Team Rocket?"
The Pokémon looked at each other before Phryos spoke.
"Giovanni's last name....is Viridano."
Sunset's eyes widen until they were the size of plates. "You don't mean that.."
"Yes, Silver is Giovanni's son."
Brandon sat in his office as he looked over the last of the documents on his desk. Apparently, Captain Lance of the Vale City Guard wanted to know if he was willing to lend some human tech so that the Guard could be well more equipped to handle anything that came out of the forest.
"So the big guy wants our help now. Hopefully, he stopped hitting that bottle he has in his desk."
There was a knock on the door and Brandon looked up from the letter.
"Come in."
The door opened and Silver, the former human, took a seat in the chair across.
"Silver, you’re back."
"Indeed, I am."
"I trust you had a good trip?"
"Yes, also," The Weavile then took out the iPad from his pack and presented it to Brandon. "I got all the information you wanted"
Brandon took the iPad and unlocked it. After scrolling through it a good minute, he smiled.
"Good work. I'll gather the others."
Brandon and Silver walked down a hallway until they came to set of double doors guard by two Magma grunts.
The guards acknowledged their presence and let them in.
Once in, the two found themselves in a room that had a long table, the one used at board meetings. Seated around the table were Maxie, Tabitha, Courtney, a girl in a black robe and pink shirt, a man in a black jacket who wore a mask with gold and red lenses, and finally, a dude with fiery red hair and a red shirt.
"Everyone is here? Good. Let's begin"
Elsewhere....
A shiny Delphox and a Charmeleon got of the train as they stepped into a rural town. The pair had been traveling the world for quite some time now, having only recently acquired the money so they could go to Equestria in order to find the rest of their family.
"So, Aunt Cynder, do you think they're here somewhere?" The Charmeleon asked.
The Delphox scanned the entire scene before her. The town looked generally nice; ponies and Pokémon walked by without a care in the world, she saw a Ninetails and Arcanine walking closely tighter, and even a Quilava and Eevee playing together.
"Well Justin, if they are not here, then we'll just keep looking."