EPISODE 7: Crimson and Fortune!*

I follow the signage, and eventually ended up at the Team Rocket warehouse of Hoenn. From the way things are placed and organized, the warehouse looks somehow futuristic in appearance and appeal. The walls are made of black metal with red lines running across.

Grunts here seem peculiar, most of them have these laser glasses covering their eyes whereas the grunts I've seen back in the apartment for grunts don't. I ponder upon some of their looks as I made my way through, finding Professor Olive. Most grunts have stylish hair which probably suits the futuristic appeal of the place.

I came across an indoor bridge and I halted for a while. I stare down unto the laboratory below the bridge and there I saw tens or may hundreds of scientists all working together, building new technologies and upgrading current devices. This is how clever Team Rocket is. We build our departments in different regions so in case our enemies strike, our organization won't be defeated in one blow since we have a backup from our other branches.

As for this, just like the words of the professor, they mainly focus on energy and technology. Here, they create and forge new tools which are then distributed to other branches worldwide. If you were to ask me, I'd say Virgo suits this place more rather than me.

After getting bored by staring, I continued my walk wherein I was greeted by an aggressive and impolite grunt. It's a she. It all started when I began to ask questions but instead of replying she glared and even growled at me. I don't recognize her but for some odd reason, I feel like she recognizes me, and the fact that she's angry at me makes me curious about what I've ever done to her.

After glaring, she bumps my shoulder and continues on with her walk. She wears a dark brown leather jacket, has a short orange yet stylish hair and her complexion is similar to mine. I dearly wanted to argue with her but I am in a rush after being tickled for more than ten minutes by my Pokemon.

After a few more minutes of searching, I reach the control center of the warehouse. My eyes were stunned. They could not blink. Inside the control center are layers of test tube and professors, observing the Pokemon floating inside. I remember the Pokemon Government Council and their stupendous works about harming Pokemon and I thought, "Are we doing the same thing?"

I observe the Pokemon who are placed inside the test tubes. They are rather calm, breathing normally unlike the ones I've seen in the PGC's headquarters. Around their bodies are wires attached, as they sleep humbly inside.

"Don't worry Luna. Those Pokemon are safe. They're just being vaccinated." Professor Olive greets me by surprise, unflinching my stunned eyes.

"Pokemon vaccination?"

"Sigh, many diseases nowadays. Pokemon vaccination was proposed to protect Pokemon from sickness just like how a normal vaccine functions. Don't worry, we're not trying to inject them with Pokerus since we all know what happened to it.

Anyway, I want you to meet the leaders of the Hoenn Branch!"

In front of me is a large screen with an R logo flashed on it. Below the screen are three black chairs which slowly faced towards me, revealing three persons I've never seen in my life. They look cunning as ever, especially the two on the sides who wear masquerade masks.

"I am Admin Hector. Glad to meet you, Elite Operative Luna Evergreen." The man sitting on the left chair introduces himself. His eyes are covered with a white masquerade mask wherein his black hair contrasts with it. He wears a black tuxedo too which makes him more like a gentleman.

"Bonjour, I am Admin and Lady Fortuna." The woman sitting on the right chair introduces herself. Her eyes are covered with a black masquerade mask wherein her white hair contrasts with it. She wears a white tuxedo too which makes her more like a gentlewoman.

"I am Crimson Storm. The head and leader of this branch. Luna Evergreen is it not? Such a fine name you have there." And lastly, the man seated on the middle chair introduces his name. He wears a dark red velvet tuxedo and instead of a mask, he wears a monocle despite looking like a thirty-year-old man. His hair is pure black.

"Leader Crimson, Admin Hector, and Admin Fortuna, these people will be assigning you with missions and other important matters." Professor Olive explains further.

"Greetings Luna Evergreen. Here in the Hoenn region, we extend our reaches to the stars above." Hector says in an exuberant manner.

"Literally," Fortuna adds.

"What do you mean?" I query with a perplexed and flabbergasted mind.

"In Hoenn, we do not merely chase for monsters just for the sake of ill will. We use it for the common good, and by that, I mean technology. With the growth of Team Rocket, new grunts are being hired thus we, the Science Department are tasked to improve our works and research in order to supply the newcomers.

This facility was built by Giovanni who is now nothing but a man who've self-inflicted himself according to the executives of Team Rocket. Anyhow, back to the main topic." The leader, Crimson Storm, speaks in a calm way while mingling around with his fingers.

"In here, you will be tasked to do missions in hopes of capturing a legendary Pokemon known as Deoxys." says, Admin Fortuna with her poisonous smile.

"Deoxys?"

"Scientists like us believe that Pokemon came from space in forms of meteorites. This gives us a vast set of theories co-relating to the arrival of Pokemon to Earth. With our satellites, we were able to identify an alien Pokemon which goes by the name of Deoxys. There are many theories governing this Pokemon but one has been proven. The Mutation Theory.

Centuries ago, roams a virus in space. It underwent a sudden mutation upon exposure to a laser beam and resulted in Deoxys. The crystalline organ on this Pokémon's chest appears to be its brain. It is highly intelligent and is said to wield psychokinetic powers." The professor informs, showing a holographic illustration of the Pokemon.

"With the energy coming from Deoxys, we will have the power to upgrade our technologies, and possibly building new ones with the power it upholds. That is why extensive research is being done in order to claim it right away.

We came up with a plan and that is to capture the deity of the atmosphere, the all great Rayquaza. It is the only known Pokemon that bears the compatibility to strike down Deoxys. Research is being done in the meantime." Hector adds furthermore. I become speechless like a robot. Trying to process all of that information in my head. I could barely remember some of those names.

"Who is Rayquaza?" I ask out of curiosity.

"We have a library somewhere here on the island. If you wish to know, then we have an array of books pertaining to the Pokemon. Alright, now that this introduction is done, I want to present to you, your partner in missions." Crimson's voice slowly inclines, raising the suspense shrouding me as I deeply wonder what he meant by partner.