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Pokémon Adventures: Evo Island

"Come on! They went this way!" Jessie, James, and Meowth were following the twerpy troop in hopes of being led straight to the Master General. After their attempt to get into the Coliseum failed, it seemed as though their great plan had come to ruin, until lo and behold, the twerps had come out of the front door, along with a very creepy-looking Pokémon. Now, they had followed them to the docks.

Meowth stopped short and pointed to an absolutely huge ship moored on the far dock, one crawling with anthropomorphic Pokémon. "Dat must be were da twerps went. Dere's nowhere else dey coulda gone."

"Well then, we'll just have to follow them," Jessie said curtly, whipping out a set of costumes. "Meowth won't need to dress up since he's already a Pokémon. James, here's a Gallade suit, and I've got a Gardevoir. Aah, isn't it just lovely?" In seconds, she had slipped into the suit like it was a second skin. James managed to get inside of his as well, though it wasn't easy.

"One thing, Jessie. What if they expect us to do some attacks? We can't since we're humans. They'll blow our cover!" James was starting to grow frantic, but Jessie just rolled her eyes. "James, you worry too much. Just get on your suit and get working."

"Hey you slackers!" a gruff voice suddenly sounded. The three turned to see a Floatzel anthro standing behind them, a scowl on his face. "You should be on deck already! You know the penalty for tardiness. Swap duty, on the double!" With that, he tossed a trio of mops to the Rocket threesome. "Get working, or there'll be more work for you to do," he called over his shoulder as he turned and walked up the ship's gangplank.

"Now just a moment. Don't you know- mph!" Meowth clamped a hand over 'Gardevoir's' mouth. "Cool it, princess, or ya'll blow our cover! For now, ya'll just hafta deal with dirty hands." Jessie crossed her arms. "Oh, alright. I guess it's for the best. But you'll owe me!"

* * *

"What was all that commotion, Visto?" Captain Talion asked the Floaztel as he strode onto the deck. Visto stood tall and saluted his superior. "Nothing I can't handle. Just some slackers in the ranks. They'll be scrubbing the decks for a few hours." Talion nodded. "Well, if everything's all set, we're ready to cast off. Haul in mooring lines and unfurl sails. Weigh anchor! Let's make way while the tides and winds are still with us."

Anthros scurried to carry out the commands. The mooring lines were tossed away, sails were dropped and tied off, and several took to hauling in the heavy lead anchor. Within minutes, the MightYielder, Team Emerald's greatest vessel, was pulling away from the docks, carrying its living load of crew members, Pokémon trainers, and reluctant crooks in disguise.

Scythe Scimitar appeared on deck, the Absol's red eyes shining like rubies. "Reporting for duty, sir," he said, saluting in respect. "What are your orders?" Talion smiled down at his young friend and student. "Scythe, take the helm. We'll need a steady hand at the wheel." Scythe nodded and leapt up to take his place, grasping the wheel with a strong and practiced grip. "Roger that, sir. I'll get us to our destination in no time."

Talion turned to begin his rounds of the ship, but Scythe suddenly called out, "Sir, do you know... what the General wants with the trainers? I mean, could it have something to do with their past achievements? You know, they've done an awful lot to save this world."

Talion turned to meet eyes with Scythe. "Kid, I'll tell you something. I've been working with the Master General for over three years now, and if there's one thing I've learned about him, it's that he's got a reason for everything. But... he can be rather cagey about what his reasons are. For now, we'll just have to be content with what we know and wait for him to decide the right time to reveal what he has in store."

Scythe nodded. "Right. But I still wonder just what's gonna happen, and I hope I'm ready for whatever does." Talion smiled at his pupil. "Trust me, I know how it feels. I've been in the same place."

He turned again, then reversed once more. "Oh, did you show our guests to their rooms?" Scythe nodded and smiled. "I sure did. But man, that Max could talk a Loudred to death." Talion chuckled. "I'll bet he can."

With that, Talion turned and strode from the poop, descending down to the lower levels. The three slackers, a Gallade, Gardevoir, and Meowth, were busy mopping down the deck. Talion made a mental note to keep an eye on the three so they didn't start shirking duties again. One must keep a tight hold on one's crew, after all...

Meanwhile, 'Gardevoir' was looking Captain Talion over in a concealed fashion. Something about the Mightyena struck her as being quite familiar. Suddenly, as the Captain turned, giving her a full-on view of his face, a spark of recognition flashed in her mind. That's Jolt Talion! Rocket Agent 027! What's he doing here?!

As soon as Talion had left the deck, she quickly sidled up to 'Gallade' and leaned to whisper in his ear. "James, do you realize who that mutant Mightyena is?" James looked over at the anthropomorph in question, and recognition suddenly lit up in his eyes. "Why, that's Jolt, Jolt Talion! He must have come here after leaving Team Rocket. Funny, I didn't expect to see him again."

"I wonder if the boss'll be interested to know we've found one of his lost little lambs," Jessie said, eyes gleaming with a cunning sort of glee. "Maybe bringing the 'Captain' back where he belongs is our ticket to the big time."

"Just so long as I don't have to wear this costume. It itches like crazy!" James scratched at his side, trying to relieve the irritation.

"Enough whining! Let's just find a nice private place to do our plotting and formulate a plan." All three put down their mops and headed towards the door down to the lower levels, when Scythe called out, "Hey, you three! Deck duty isn't over!"

"Well, we need a rest break, if you know what I mean," Jessie said quickly. "Be back in a flash!" Before Scythe could answer, the three had disappeared below decks.

"Well," the Absol said to himself, "when you've got to go, you've got to go."

* * *

Brock, meanwhile, was busy making his way through the many passageways and halls of the Might Yielder, looking for the galley. Upon entering the room he shared with Ash, Dawn, Terris, and Trent, he had found a note on his bed asking him to report for kitchen duty. The only signature had been 'From a Culinary Admirer'.

"Well, I guess someone must like my cooking on this ship. I wonder who it is? I guess I'll just have to find the galley. At least it should be easy to find if I just follow my nose."

Brock's sniffer led him true, and he was soon standing outside of an aluminum door marked 'Ship's Galley'. Inside, he could hear the sounds of a kitchen, from clattering pans to sizzling oil. Taking a deep breath, he stepped through the door and into the galley.

He was greeted by the sights and smells of a first-rate kitchen. Anthro Pokémon scurried between stoves and ovens, shifting pots and pans, and washing dishes. He could see two Weavile, a Delcatty, a Luxray, and a Meditite all busy with various food.

"Impressive, huh?" said a hissing voice from behind. Brock turned in surprise and yelped when he saw the familiar and unnerving visage of a Seviper. He recovered from the shock and took a double-take. Though obviously a Seviper, it was also apparent this one was different from the norm. Instead of the sinuous body of a normal Fang Snake Pokémon, this one had a humanoid torso, with a Seviper's head and tail. Not only that, but its coloring was different. Instead of the normal black, this one was white, though its patterns were normal in color.

"Um, yeah. It's... impressive," Brock managed to say, still trying to calm his nerves. Seeing his nervousness, the Seviper laughed. "No need to be afraid of me. I don't bite, though I might nibble a little." The snake chuckled and slapped its side. "My name's Viver, and I'm the head cook on this vessel. And please, stop looking at me like I'm going to eat you."

Brock, now near-fully over the shock of Viver's appearance, was trying to decide whether the anthro was male or female. The voice seemed to be a mixture of both, so that didn't help. Viver saw Brock still staring and said, "Some think I'm genderless, but I'm just the opposite. I can mate at any time. I just can't reproduce." Brock was a bit taken back by the bluntness of Viver, who shook its head. "Oh, sorry. I see you weren't expecting that! I am a little erratic at times; can't help it, sort of runs in the family. But to answer the question so obviously in your mind, I am a male."

"Well, nice to meet you, Viver," Brock said, and warmly shook hands with the no-longer-imposing Seviper. Viver grinned and motioned for Brock to follow, leading him to a counter upon which was a wide assortment of vegetables and meats. The cook selected a knife and placed a root on a cutting board, and then began rapidly chopping.

"You know, I specifically requested your invitation here. I'd hoped you'd come so that you could maybe help me in the kitchen a little. Personally, I've always wanted to meet you." He handed an apron to Brock, who smiled and put it on. "Well, if it's food we're working with, then you've picked the right man. So, where do we start?" He looked around him at the vast amounts of food that were available for use.

"Well, I was kind of hoping you would decide that, and maybe, you know... take the lead of the kitchen, just for tonight. We'll be at Evo Island in the morning, and that's where you'll have to leave," Viver said, blushing a bit, a pink tinge spreading across his white snout. Brock was a bit surprised by the offer, and asked, "Why do you want me to lead?"

Viver smiled. "Well, many consider you to be a culinary legend. We hear a lot about the world, and I've heard nothing but good things about your cooking. I just wanted to try some, or maybe even help you with one of your own recipes."

Brock smiled, not realizing how popular he had become. "Well, in that case, let's get cooking! I take it you've got top-quality ingredients, right?" Viver nodded. "Only the best enters my kitchen. We have all the finest produce, spices, meats, liquid condiments, and breads. Oh, that reminds me," he said walking over to a heated breadbox. "I have some RareBlade Breadsticks. Ever heard of them?" When Brock shook his head, Viver pulled a shelf out of the breadbox. Arranged on it were several logs of bread, each about two feet long.

Brock took one of the breadsticks from the metal tray and inspected it closely. "Hmm... Great color, crisp exterior..." He inhaled deeply through his nose. "Wow, beautiful smell. This is one first-rate piece of bread."

Viver smiled. "You know, these breadsticks were made by my brother, RareBlade. He's known for making top-quality breads and pastries. Maybe you've heard of him or his shop?" Brock smiled widely. "You mean Blade's Bakers? I use their loaves all the time. I never knew it was run by a Seviper."

"Well," Viver said, "he once split one of these breadsticks with me, and I'll tell you, the only thing better than eating one of these is sharing it with someone. It's a sign of friendship where I come from." With that, he deftly took the warm bread and broke it in half. He examined the two pieces for a few moments before handing the larger half to Brock, then took a bite of the other half.

Brock took a good-sized piece out of his half, and instantly his mouth exploded with the perfect mix of seasonings and warm, puffy bread. He grinned at Viver and swallowed. "It's perfect! Give my compliments to your brother." Viver smiled back and nodded, swallowing his own half as well.

Soon, Brock had started to cook, moving about the kitchen and speedily selecting his ingredients. He noticed that the chubby Seviper Anthro was easily speeding through the potatoes, carrots, and other veggies that Brock had selected for him to get prepared, cutting them into good sized pieces. As Brock got the stew ready, Viver was getting to his third batch of potatoes, getting them chopped and ready to be cooked.

Still cutting, Viver turned to look at his human partner, watching him speed through the kitchen. "So, Brock, how has everything been going out in the world? I bet you're getting to see a lot of rare Pokémon. Sure wish I could..." He trailed off, looking out the window.

Brock started towards the portal to see what was so interesting, but suddenly an alarm began to sound, and crew members went running past. He heard cries of, "A storm, we're heading into a storm!" while others yelled, "What does Captain Talion think he's doing?!" Looking out of the portal, Brock could see waves beginning to rise... and a large shape moving near the ship.

"Viver, what's got them upset?" The Seviper stirred, as if broken out of a trance. "Oh, sorry, I was watching Kyogre again; he loves this ship, swims by whenever he can. Look, you can see this dark spot keeping pace with the ship. That's him."

The spot in question grew larger, and suddenly the magnificent form of Kyogre broke the surface. Its fins trailed out behind it and its markings seemed to glow in the dim light. For a moment, Brock's eyes locked with those of the legendary creature, gazing into the wild yellow stare of a Pokémon strong enough to cover the earth in an all-consuming flood and lash continents with tidal waves. Then, the Water Pokémon gave a loud bellow and dove beneath the waves again. After a few moments, its head broke the surface, and it swam along, easily keeping pace with the ship.

"I've seen Kyogre once before," Brock said. "It battled with Groudon under the control of Team Aqua. Man, was that a fight for the ages." Viver nodded. "I heard about that. Ash's Pikachu helped when it was possessed by the blue orb, right?" Brock nodded. "That's right. But enough talk. We need to get cooking!"

"You're right," replied Viver, getting back to cutting up the veggies, then carefully slicing the meat into good sized-chunks, using separate knives to cut the different ingredients.

He's not that bad, Brock thought to himself. Heck, I may just learn to like this guy.

* * *

Meanwhile, back in The Captain's Quarters, Trent was fumbling over the words, wondering how the Master General had found out. "I-I don't know what you mean, sir. Tirix and I are just..."

The Master General fixed Trent in his stare, the green of his eyes flashing. "Trent, I need a straight answer from you, not excuses and denials." He smiled softly. "But you're probably wondering how I found out. Am I right?" Trent could only manage a nod.

"It wasn't that difficult, really. The matching rings you and Tirix are wearing are common things among Pokémon. It's a sign of friendship, or a pledge. But, to see a human and a Pokémon wearing such rings means something entirely different. They become what humans call 'wedding rings'." Trent began to move a hand to cover his ring, but decided that it would do no good at this point.

"That wasn't the only clue. The way you ran to Tirix's side to defend him when the battle ended, even facing down my SkullKross form, showed a deep bond between you two. After that, I just put two and two together. Now, are you going to bother lying, or level with me?"

At this point, Tirix was starting to wake up, his turquoise eyes fluttering as he regained consciousness before opening and taking in his surroundings. He looked over the blue walls, the décor of the room... and then he saw the two other beings sharing the room with him. One look at Trent's face told him what was going on.

"Let me guess," he said, looking into the Master General's eyes. "You know about the two of us?"

Before either could respond, there came a knock at the door. "Enter," the General called, and the door opened to admit Scythe Scimitar. He dipped his head in respect before straightening. His eyes shone briefly, and Trent was sure that he had seen the rings on his and Tirix's fingers and had come to the same conclusion as the Master General. Then, the light was gone, and he turned to the Master General. "Sir, we have three stowaways on board. We thought that a Gallade, Gardevoir, and Meowth had become new recruits, but we found two costumes, and no sign of the three."

The Master General sighed and stood. "Well, I'll take care of this." He pulled out a communicator and barked, "Jolt, to the hold. We've got some uninvited guests on board." Putting the communicator back in his pocket, he turned to Scythe. "Stay with these two. I don't know what our stowaways want, but we can't risk them being after our passengers. Brock's in the galley with Viver, so that's one thing we don't have to worry about, and Gerron is currently watching the others."

Scythe saluted to his superior and moved aside to let the General pass and leave the room. He then turned and smiled at Trent and Tirix, his ruby eyes shining as he sat in a chair. Trent regarded the Absol for the first real time since he had met him. So far, he hadn't had a good opportunity to really observe the anthro.

Scythe was undeniably different, and only a few hours ago Trent would have felt highly nervous around him, but he was rapidly becoming accustomed to these anthro Pokémon. In shape, Scythe was well-formed, not at all chubby in any way. His physique had the sleekness of an athlete, yet the strength of a body-builder. His snow-white fur offset the cobalt black of his face, hands, feet, and tail. The face in itself was intriguing, the proportions not quite Pokémon-ish, but most certainly not human. The black made his eyes seem even redder, like rubies gleaming against coal.

Trent suddenly realized that just as he was looking over Scythe, the Absol was doing the same to him, regarding him keenly with those blood-drop eyes. The intensity of their gaze made Trent feel rather uncomfortable, and for an absurd moment he wondered if Scythe could actually see through his clothing. Seeing his reaction, Scythe smiled.

"Apologies for staring. You look like..." His voice trailed off, and his gaze seemed to shift, as if he was looking at something distant. He spaced out, Trent realized, glancing over at Tirix, who, he noticed, was also looking at the Absol.

Several moments later, Scythe shook himself and chuckled. "I'm sorry. Took a trip down Memory Lane for a moment." He chuckled softly. Clearing his throat and hoping he wasn't being too bold, Trent asked, "You were starting to say something, that I looked like someone?"

Scythe froze, and for a moment Trent wondered if he had gone too far, but then the Absol smiled softly and walked over to the bed, sitting down next to Tirix. "You look like someone I once knew... A good friend." He offered Tirix a bag of chips, which the Lucario happily accepted. Scythe tossed Trent another bag before pulling out one for himself.

"I'm sorry if I got too personal," Trent said awkwardly, but Scythe just smiled. "Don't worry about it. It's fine." "Who was your friend?" Tirix asked, and Trent shot him a disapproving look, but Scythe held up a hand. "It's not a problem." He reached into a pocket of his cape and retrieved a something. Opening his hand, he revealed a small pendant, which opened to reveal a photo of two individuals. One was obviously Scythe, though several years younger. The other...

"You're right! He does look like me," Trent observed. Sure enough, the young man in the picture could have been Trent's lost twin. He had the same facial features, the same hair color, even the same green eyes Trent once had.

Scythe tucked the pendant back into his pocket. "His name was Allen. I met him in Hoenn eight years ago. We became... close." Scythe blushed, looking up at the two. "I guess you can figure out what I mean." Trent and Tirix both nodded.

"What happened to him?" Trent asked. Scythe's gaze dropped. "Well... when I became a part of Team Emerald, he set off on his own Pokémon Journey. We stayed in touch for a little, but then... his messages suddenly stopped. It turned out that he got a girlfriend, and... Well, she didn't really like him having a relationship with what she called a 'freak of nature'."

The light in Scythe's eyes had dimmed, though they glistened with tears. Taking the initiative, Tirix leaned over and draped a comforting arm around the Absol. "I know how you feel," he said. "My own family rejected me when I came out to them. Turned out my own brother took the same road I did after I left, but my parents kicked him out, too."

Trent sat down on the other side of the Absol and held his hand. "Tirix is right. I met his brother, Viramas. He's actually found a Trainer named Riley. But his parents..." He shook his head. "I'll tell you something. If there were ever two Pokémon less qualified to raise children, It would be those two. His father, Axam, gave me this." He held out his arm to reveal a long scar running from the crook of his elbow to his wrist.

Scythe turned and smiled at the two of them. "Thanks, guys. You know, counting you, I've only told four people about that." He then brought their ring hands together. "I hope you two have great luck together. You know, you've both got the potential to take your relationship all the way."

* * *

Down in the cargo hold, three very nervous crooks sat huddled together, listening to the sounds of the pounding footfalls of anthro Pokémon.

"I knew this was a bad idea," Meowth muttered, only to get a solid smack on the head from Jessie. "Shut it, furface!" she said loudly. "We've got more important things to worry about than your complaining!"

James suddenly jumped and shuddered. "I think you're right about that Jess." He dove and clamped a hand over both Jessie and Meowth's mouths, silencing them. "Someone's coming!" he hissed in explanation. He lifted his hands away, giving both of them a look of apology. Jessie was about to make a smart comment when she heard the voices.

"Spread out and find them. And whatever you do, don't let them leave this hold." "Roger that, sir!"

The three wrapped their arms around each other, trembling in fear. Torch beams began lancing through the darkness of the hold, illuminating the cargo. The lights swept closer and closer, and Team Rocket began to lose all hope of escape. Then, suddenly, the lights swerved away. They had been overlooked.

"WOOB-BUF-FETTT!" a loud voice announced as the blue Pokémon burst free of its Poké-ball. The sudden cry caused all three to jump, and they quickly clamped their hands over Wobbuffet's mouth. Not quickly enough. Rapid exclamations rang through the hold, and footsteps pounded, before a bright light suddenly fell over the four fugitives. Blinded momentarily, they raised their hands to shield their eyes. When they could see again, a tall man stood in front of them, emerald-green eyes flashing and seeming to bore into their very souls.

A light of recognition suddenly dawned in James's eyes. "Wait a minute. I know you! The great Master General!" He pulled out a notebook and flipped through the pages, holding it up when he found the right one. Pasted all over were photographs of the Master General, in human and SkullKross form, battling and simply standing. There was even a signature from the General himself on one picture.

"I don't know if you'll remember me, but I came here to Emerald Island when I was just a boy with my grandparents. I'm James, and it's a pleasure to meet you again, sir." He leapt to his feet and shook hands with the general, bowing slightly. He then held out a pen and paper. "I got your autograph when I was a boy, but I've always wanted another. Would you mind?"

Confused by the sudden outburst, the General nonetheless took the pen and signed the paper before handing it back to James. The Team Rocket member took the signature reverently, his eyes wide with excitement.

The Master General shook his head as if to clear a fog, and then scowled at the stowaways. "Alright, what are you four doing on my ship? Speak quickly, if you want to stay out of the brig." Meowth, Jessie, and Wobuffet all quailed in fear, but James seemed to be at relative ease. "Well you see, sir, three of our best friends were supposed to meet us on Emerald Island, but we missed the meeting. We saw them boarding this ship and just decided to hop on. I hope you don't mind the deception, but we thought it would be the only way for us to board."

The General cocked an eyebrow at James, but he seemed to be buying it. "Are your friends, by any chance, Ash, Brock, and Dawn?" James nodded enthusiastically. "They're the ones!"

The Master General smiled. "Well, I guess if all you wanted was to see your friends, I guess we can let this one pass. But if you're going to stow away on my ship, you're going to have to pull some weight around here." He tossed James a rag and held out a bucket of soapy water and a mop. "This storeroom gets filthy with all the cargo we have to load on it. If you just get it clean, I think we can forego any further punishment."

"Wait a minute!" Jessie shrieked, leaping to her feet. "I'm allergic to work, especially dirty work! Now I demand that you belay that last order-mph!" Jessie's ranting was cut off by James's hand over her mouth. "Calm down, Jess," he said softly. "Trust me, we're getting off easy this time. Or would you rather feel the sting of a whip or get hit with a belaying pin?" He grabbed the mop and struck a pose. "We'll have this deck swabbed clean before we make ten leagues, sir!" he declared.

The General smiled and held out three uniforms, including a Meowth-sized suit. "Welcome to the crew. And if you're going to be one of us, you'll need these."

Jessie reluctantly took one of the cerulean suits and held it up, only to squeal with joy as she saw the golden trim and patterns, silver epaulettes, and shiny brass buttons. And it was just her size! "Thank you very much!" she exclaimed happily, eagerly leaping into the new outfit. James followed suit, and then Meowth, so that in moments the three were all dressed in the uniforms of a MightYielder crew member.

"Alright then," the General said, turning and striding away. "Remember, I want this hold sparkling when you've finished. And no slacking off!" "You've got it sir!" James called, and began mopping with fervor.

* * *

Wilstar had had better days. Thanks to an annoying troupe of juvenile trainers and anthropomorphic freaks of nature, his mission to Emerald Island had gone terribly wrong. Now, he was stranded on a small dot of an island with only the bare minimum of comforts, no electricity, no shelter, no backup, no nothing. Even his hype-comm didn't work, and it was supposed to be able to find a signal anywhere. It was just himself and his Pokémon, for all the good the little band would do.

"Stupid anthros," he muttered, kicking the sand. "And curse that annoying fool and his Lucario pet." He spat the last word out like a bad taste. Beside him, Skowl growled angrily, its gaseous body pulsating.

Suddenly, he heard a loud thrumming noise, and looked up to see a golden helicopter descending towards the island. Hope, or the nearest to it Wilstar was capable of, leapt in him. "At last! Rescued from this God-forsaken excuse of an island. Team Sol's come through again!"

The chopper touched down, and Wilstar quickly made his way along the beach towards the aerial vehicle. He fully expected to see a squad of Team Sol members waiting for him when the door hissed open, and his mind was already starting to plot his next move.

But the figures waiting for him weren't the ones he was expecting. Instead of the yellow robes of his allies, Wilstar was greeted with a team of ebon-garbed individuals that leapt free of the chopper as soon as the doorway was open. Before the youth had time to object, he had been blindfolded, gagged, bound, and tossed into the helicopter's hold. When he tried to struggle, he felt a sharp prick in his arm, and blacked out.

He awoke after what must have been several hours. His head was throbbing, but he noticed that it wasn't just an internal problem. A loud, rhythmic thumping sound could be heard filling the air, making him wince as it jarred his brain. I'm in the chopper, he realized, and we're still flying.

Not for much longer, as it turned out. Within minutes, the thumping had ceased, and Wilstar guessed they had arrived at their destination. He heard a pneumatic hiss as the door opened, and was roughly yanked to his feet and dragged along. He felt the strength of his captors, easily enough to break his arms, and relented to their wishes... for the moment.

Once I have a chance, I'll break free and escape. And then I'll return with Team Sol to wipe out these hooligans. He had to conceal a smile at the thought in order to keep his cover. Thoughts of revenge always gave him a warm, fuzzy feeling.

The blindfold was at last removed, and Wilstar's eyes were assaulted with bright light. He shut them quickly in order to protect them from the sudden glare, wincing in pain. His captors continued tugging him along, and after a short time the light dimmed enough for Wilstar to open his eyes and keep them open.

He appeared to be in a tunnel, but not a natural one. The walls had obviously been carved and blown into the stone, and wires ran everywhere to power light strips. Quite a setup, he thought to himself as he noticed security cameras placed every few yards. Obviously someone doesn't want people to know they're here.

Several turns later and Wilstar found himself entering a large atrium, with a cone-shaped ceiling. Sunlight shone down through a hole at the very peak, several hundred feet up. Wilstar then realized just where he was: inside of a volcano. This could be trouble.

A tall being entered the room, red eyes gleaming from under the hood of his black robe. "Take a seat," the figure said in a hissing voice. Before Wilstar had a chance to respond, he was forced into a chair by his escorts, grunting softly as his backside hit the seat a little harder than he would have liked. He glared first at the two guards, and then at the robed being.

"You know you won't get away with this," Wilstar growled. "I have powerful allies, ones that could reduce this little playhouse of yours into a pile of rubble."

"You mean us," said another voice, one Wilstar knew only too well. He looked over to see Jumin, the leader of Team Sol, seated in another chair, his fingers steeped and his blue eyes glinting. "I'm flattered that you think of us so highly, Wilstar. Oh, and may I introduce Commander RareBlade, leader of Team Eclipse. I asked him to fetch you, though obviously his men were a little rough."

He turned to RareBlade. "Cut him loose. I'm sure those ropes are uncomfortable." The red eyes hidden beneath RareBlade's hood flashed. "You are not in a position to order me about, Commander. This is my base, after all, and you are my guest." Nonetheless, he nodded to the guards, who quickly sliced through the bonds holding Wilstar. The youth rubbed his arms and wrists to get the blood flowing again, tossing a venomous glare at RareBlade.

"It seems," RareBlade hissed, "that we are now uneven in our accomplishments." "How so?" Jumin inquired.

RareBlade sat in the last empty chair in the room. "Well, we have retrieved Wilstar, as you requested." "Kidnapped, is more like it," the youth snapped. One guard stepped forward to strike, but halted when RareBlade held up a finger.

"However," RareBlade went on to say, "you failed to complete your mission, which was to kill the Master General and send Team Emerald into chaos. He is the greatest threat to us, as he is not only the leader of Team Emerald, but the greatest trainer on this planet."

"Haven't your spies come up with anything that may help us?" Jumin asked. RareBlade hissed. "Our informant in Team Emerald has failed to report. We believe he has been discovered, and our cover torn away. The only thing we managed to find out is that the Master General may not be human after all, though we have no real evidence to support this theory."

"Well, then it seems that you have not come through either, RareBlade. And if this is all you offer, sketchy information that will do nothing to convince others to rise against our foes, then our deal is off."

RareBlade chuckled. "Oh, I did not say that that was all we are offering." He pressed a button on his chair, and a hologram generator flickered to life. A 3-dimentional image of a strange locomotive appeared, a black, gold, and red vehicle of ominous appearance.

"That," RareBlade said, "is the Eclipse Locomotive. I'm sure you've heard of it. We discovered it in a collapsed mine tunnel deep beneath this mountain. It took quite a while to dig it out, I assure you, but the vehicle was undamaged. However, as I'm sure you are aware, the vehicle will not run without the combined energy of both of our teams."

He pressed the button once more, and the hologram vanished. RareBlade then leaned back in his chair and folded his hands. "I offer you a choice. Join forces with us and gain the power of the Eclipse Locomotive, or leave with Wilstar and go back to your pathetic attempts at world domination."

Jumin scowled at the final comment, but his brow was furrowed with thought. "A tempting offer, RareBlade." He sat back in his chair, gazing at the ceiling. Finally, he sat forward. "Very well. I think we can make this little arrangement work."

RareBlade smiled. "I'm glad you see things our way." He then scowled in the direction of Wilstar. "However I still wonder... Can we really trust this boy? I have doubts about his motives, as well as his views on my type."

Jumin smirked. "Well, that's because you're not human, RareBlade. And non-humans are always suspicious of our race."

RareBlade spat in anger, a globule of glowing green acid flying onto the table, where it sizzled and started to eat away at the glass top. One of the guards waved a hand over the acid, which glowed golden briefly and then disappeared. "That isn't true, and you know it. I am not fully human, that much is true, but I will not stand for such insults, especially from someone who has just received a very generous offer from me. I would suggest you curb that tongue, if you ever want to see that vehicle."

"Commander," a grunt suddenly announced, running into the room. RareBlade snapped his head around to look at his subordinate. "What is it?" "The MightYielder has just left port and is headed towards Evo Island!"

RareBlade shot to his feet. "Then we don't have much time! Everyone to the Eclipse Locomotive! We'll catch them when they arrive."

"Wait a minute," Wilstar said, holding up a finger. "Unless I'm mistaken, there isn't any way for a land-based vehicle to leave this island. Am I right?" RareBlade nodded. "That is true."

"Well then," Wilstar said, a slight smirk quirking the edge of his mouth, "how do you propose to drive this Eclipse Locomotive off of this place?"

RareBlade grinned, and Wilstar thought he saw pointed fangs beneath the cowl of the leader's hood. Despite himself, he shivered involuntarily. "Don't you worry your little head about that," RareBlade said patronizingly. "The Locomotive will take care of that for us. Now let's go."

With that, he stood and headed for the door, motioning for Jumin and Wilstar to follow. The two followed him down a tunnel, through multiple twists and turns, before finally arriving in a large chamber. It was easily more than a thousand feet in length and nearly that much in width. And sitting in the center was the Eclipse Locomotive.

It was huge, stretching from one end of the room to the other, and still extending onwards, trailing back through another tunnel. In shape, it was like some train of the future, sleek and aerodynamic, with no smokestack in sight. It almost looked like someone had cross-bred a spaceship with a train. Its color scheme was equally impressive. It was primarily black, but striped with bands of gold and silver, possibly even inlaid with the real metals. Wilstar noticed an emblem emblazoned on the sides of each separate cab and on the very front of the engine. It consisted of a golden sun with a silver moon in the process of covering it up.

"Impressive," Jumin breathed. "You weren't exaggerating when you said it was a prize. But how do we fuel it?"

RareBlade smiled and held up a pendant he wore around his neck. It was a black moon with sunbeams streaking from behind it, wrought in pure silver and gold. "This is the emblem of Team Eclipse. The materials used to make it came from the same island where this vehicle was made."

"And that will power the vehicle?" Wilstar asked, interested in spite of himself. RareBlade grinned. "Not quite. Jumin has the other part needed: Team Sol's emblem. Unless I'm mistaken, he took it from the body of the previous leader of Team Sol after he was killed."

Jumin nodded and brought out his own pendant, a sun wrought in gold and inscribed with ancient symbols. RareBlade's eyes flashed as he saw it. "That would be it. There are special sockets for the pendants inside of the control room. If we insert these into them, the vehicle will start up. As long as these pendants remain in the sockets, the vehicle will run."

RareBlade then led the two on board and into the control room, which was dominated by control panels and monitors that blinked and flashed, beeping and buzzing in a dialect all their own. And situated right in the center of the room was a pillar of steel, with two sockets inlaid.

RareBlade stepped forward and slipped his pendant off, inserting it in the socket to the left. As it entered the depression, both pendant and pedestal glowed, and the Eclipse vehicle flashed. He then turned to Jumin. "Now, insert yours into the right socket, and we'll be off."

Jumin nodded and stepped forward, slipping off his pendant. Reaching out, he gently pressed it into the corresponding place. Instantly, there was a bright flash, and the entire vehicle shuddered. RareBlade exclaimed in triumph. "Finally! It worked! We're off!"

Several engineers quickly got to their stations while RareBlade escorted Wilstar and Jumin to the first box. No sooner had they sat than the vehicle lurched forward, streaking from a door that had opened to the outside. As it moved, twin beams of energy blasted forward from projectors, creating twin lines that extended forward. These beams quickly solidified to form tracks, which the Eclipse Locomotive sped across. As it reached the ocean, the laser track continued to form, and soon the Eclipse Locomotive was flying over the surf, straight for Evo Island...

* * *

It was night when the MightYielder arrived at the docks. The Master General leapt from the ship and looked around. Just how I left it... His thought suddenly cut off. Something had changed.

The last time he had visited Evo Island, there was only one building besides the ones he had constructed himself, and that was a decaying station. But now the ruined structure had vanished, to be replaced with a gleaming and fully-functional outpost. And running into it from the sea was a laser track.

"Something's not right," he observed, and turned to Ash, Trent, and the others, who were descending down the ship's gangplank. "Stay here," he told them. "I'm going to investigate."

"I'll come with you," Viver said, walking up beside him. The General nodded. "Very well. We'll signal when it's safe."

Suddenly, a massive locomotive that looked like a next-millennium train pulled into the station with a loud roar. The General stiffened when he saw the emblems bedecking the sides of the vehicle. "The Eclipse Locomotive. And that means..." He turned to Viver. "I must ask you to step back. What happens next is best for you not to see."

Viver shook his head. "If it is him... I need to see him, talk with him. You understand, don't you?"

The Master General sighed and nodded. "Very well. Just... promise me you won't do anything foolish. We can't risk innocent lives to save him." Viver nodded. "You have my word. I won't let my emotions get in the way of what needs to be done. But if it comes to it, please make it quick. I don't want him to feel pain."

The General nodded before becoming engulfed in a black fog. When the haze cleared, SkullKross once more stood in his place, a sword and shield composed of pure light appearing in his hands and illuminating his plated body.

One of the doors hissed open, and a tall, robed figure stepped out. Red eyes gleamed from beneath the cowl of his hood, and a sinister hiss floated across the air to Viver's ears. He shuddered. Has he really changed so much?

The being leapt to the ground and threw back his hood. Viver gasped as he saw the face he had once known so well, now scarred and cut horridly. His heart fell as he saw the manic gleam in the eyes of the Seviper before him.

The Master General's sword and shield disappeared as he stepped forward, a sphere of black energy forming in his hands. The Seviper snarled and leapt forward, fangs coated in venom.

"Don't hurt him!" Viver called out, though in his heart he knew there might be no other choice. But then, a black bubble flew out and engulfed the assailant, and RareBlade crumpled to the ground, fast asleep from the Dark Void attack.

Viver gave a soft cry and ran forward, cradling the unconscious Seviper in his arms. "Brother..." he whispered, his heart simultaneously leaping with joy and breaking from sorrow. After so long, he had been reunited with his twin. But...

RareBlade's second-in-command, Admin X, saw his leader fall. Instantly, he rushed back inside and shouted orders. "Contain Team Sol. Don't let them leave! A squad of you, come with me."

SkullKross walked over and gently took RareBlade's limp form from Viver's arm. "We'll get him to the ship," he said softly, carrying the sleeping Seviper to the MightYielder with Viver trailing behind...

* * *

RareBlade awoke, expecting to feel excruciating pain. Instead, he felt better than he had in a long time. Stretching, he looked to his left to see... "Viver? Is that... you?" Viver nodded, tears in his eyes. "It is... brother."

A shadow fell across RareBlade, and he turned to see the form of SkullKross towering over him. He gave a cry and flinched towards Viver, only to find his brother's hands holding him in place. He flicked his eyes around in panic, seeking escape... and then sighed as SkullKross' hands glowed, bathing him in golden light. Wherever the glow touched, RareBlade felt the fatigue and stiffness leave. Not only that, but old scars that he had thought would always remain were wiped clean. Wounds, too, vanished, and within minutes SkullKross lifted his hands away, leaving RareBlade looking just as he had years ago.

Viver gave a choked cry of happiness as he saw his twin brother once more, looking now as he had when they were still youngsters. The two were near-identical twins, but for RareBlade's black coloration instead of the white of his brother. Unable to contain his joy, Viver embraced his brother, crying tears of happiness. "You're back..." he said, shaking. "It's so good to see you, brother."

RareBlade hesitated, and then returned the embrace. "It... is?" he asked, amazed that his brother was so happy to see him. Viver laughed. "I've waited for you for so long... You don't know how much I've missed you! When you left... and then with Team Eclipse... Oh RareBlade!"

Admin X entered the room, stopping short when he saw his leader and Viver together. Recovering himself, he knelt in respect. "Forgive us, leader. We failed you, and allowed this to happen." The other members of Team Eclipse, all humans, did the same, getting down on one knee.

RareBlade smiled, the first real smile he had made in years. "There's nothing to forgive," he said. "I realize now that all those years we wasted fighting Team Emerald were just that. A waste. If anything, you succeeded in a far greater mission. You've reunited me with my brother."

Suddenly, Visto burst in. "General, Wilstar's gone! Vanished! It's like he was never even there!"

RareBlade leapt to his feet. "That little... He has to be stopped." Turning to SkullKross, he too knelt. "Sir, I realize now that we can only reach our full strength if we work together. And I also see how great a fool I've been. If you will have us, I would like to merge our Teams together under your name."

SkullKross transformed into the Master General, who smiled kindly and placed a hand on RareBlade's shoulder. "I would like nothing more. Now, we have work to do. Wilstar must be found, and Team Sol must be stopped. As one, we will conquer this foe!" The room erupted in resounding cheers, as Viver embraced his sibling once more...