All the World's a Pokemon - IC

[WriggleRid3r]

Hoenn Region - Rustboro City - Devon Corp.

---

The researchers looked devastated. One of the researcher was bleeding along the side of his neck, but he didn't seem to care. A female scientist broke down in tears.

"We're okay..." A plump man wearing a brown plaid suit stood up: most likely abhead researcher. "But we must chase after that punk who took away! Without that data, Devon Corp. is doomed!"

"But... Chief." The man with a bleeding head staggered next to the plump man. "We don't have any Pokemon to chase after him."

"Hmm, wait, none of us have any Pokemon?" The head researcher fidgeted upwards and looked at his team.

They all shook their heads.

"Dammit." The head researcher swore. "If we only had a trainer passing by..."

[Major Mario]

Hoenn Region - Rustboro City - DevCorp.

---

Sherry was willing to bet that the researchers had a decent understanding of basic first-aid, but still, she was drawn to the man with the blood on his neck. Just what was the nature of it? Blade? Ruptured bruise? A gunshot wound? Regardless, it would be a good idea that he got it taken care of. The woman was drawn out of her thoughts when the researches hoped for a trainer to pass by. Why a trainer, of all things? They should be calling the authorities, but it would take time...

The blond-haired woman stepped forward and raised her hand to the researchers. She felt a little naked without her DSO ID, but she figured her word would do the job, plus the little Machop at her side would give her some weight.

"Sherry Birkin, National Sec... Er, I'm a trainer," she blurted out. She felt Mac, her Machop, brush against her leg and take a proud stand in front of her for the researchers. "Do you need help?" she asked.

[WriggleRid3r]

Hoenn Region - Rustboro City - Devon Corp.

---

"Hah?" The head researcher looked over at Sherry. Noticing that she had a Pokemon, he beamed. "Of course we need help, ma'am! If you can, please help us retrieve the Pokemon Potential Data!"

"Chief, how can she capture the thief without proper transportation?" Another scientist asked.

"What can we do?" The head researcher smirked. "We'll give her the PokeMobile."

---

The researchers brought out from the company building a vehicle that best resembled a motorcycle, except with bright red paint overriding dull gray metals. The motorcycle was designed for trainers, with built-in pouch next to the seat for storing Pokeballs and a container for the backpack.

"This is a PokeMobile." The head researcher introduced. "It is a hi-tech motorcycle for trainers! We will lend you our prototype, so please capture the thief and retrieve the data!"

[Major Mario]

Hoenn Region - Rustboro City - DevCorp. --> East on Route 116

---

It was simply amazing how the researchers reacted to Sherry being a trainer. Was that the magic word in this world? It didn't seem that trainers ran the world, but they certainly were looked up to, if the Trainer School in Rustboro was any indication. There were other pokemon professions such as being a Pokemon Professor, breeder, and coordinator, so why was it that a trainer, above all else, got the limelight (and that sweet motorcycle)? Sherry wanted to think that over, but she had more important things on her mind now.

Chasing down a rat who stole something would be simple enough had he ran, but this crook was on a motorcycle of his own, and he was probably dangerous. Seeing the short and stocky red motorcycle in front of her brought back a memory of Asia and how the young agent hung onto one when barreling down burning streets. She had a mercenary driving for her, but this time she would be going solo. Well, almost solo, if the little Machop had anything to say about it. Perhaps some of the little creature's overconfidence was rubbing off on her, for she gave a comforting smile to the researchers and nodded her head.

"Don't worry," she said as she approached the motorcycle. She unhitched a matching red helmet and placed it on her head. "I'll get your data back. Right little Mac?"

She felt the Machop leap onto the motorcycle's seat and wrap it's little arms around her stomach as she sat down on the seat. Apparently the threat of crashing or facing an unknown foe had not shaken him in the slightest. Figured for a fighting type, Sherry thought to herself with a smile. The woman reached for the ignition and turned the engine twice before the motorcycle hummed to life. She looked out towards the northern end of town for a moment before gripping the handles and sparing a quick glance at the researchers. With a nod, she pushed off and sent the motorcycle forward through the city, pleased that it wasn't burning behind her.

Now, all she had to do was figure out where the crook went. She noticed fresh tire marks heading east out from the city limits and into a forest of sorts, so she stuck to her gut and turned to follow. If she was right, going east would point her on the path to the crook... Route 116. All she had to do was make sure she didn't crash, which was easy when Sherry took into account one crucial thing: She was not Leon S. Kennedy, car crasher extraordinaire.

[WriggleRid3r]

Hoenn Region - Rustboro City - Route 116

---

Route 116 was heavily clustered with short grass teeming with wild Pokemon and tall trees looming over the shadowy road. Despite the number of wildlife population in the Route, many trainers from Rustboro City come here to train their Pokemon. The road is well-paved enough for a vehicle to roll through, benches and lamps lined by the trees to offer comfort to weary trainers and light up the streets when it became dark, respectively.

"Out of my way, OUT OF MY WAY!" The punk rode through the route with his bike relentlessly, racing aside the clueless trainers and wild Pokemon as he rode and rode and rode towards the Verdanturf tunnel.

[Major Mario]

Hoenn Region - Rustboro City --> Route 116

---

The level of recklessness and general disconcern exerted by the crook for the people and creatures that were on this route did not sit right by Sherry. However, she thanked his escape maneuvers for driving away innocent people and pokemon from the road. When someone saw someone tearassing around, it wasn't the best idea to wait out for another one to pass by. And, to Sherry's amusement, she was the second cyclist to come tearassing about, but she wasn't being relentless just yet. She swerved to avoid a schoolchild and his little pink pokemon as they themselves ducked out of the way.

"Machop!" Mac yelped, started at the sudden shift in weight on the motorcycle.

"Sorry," Sherry whined. "I'm not trying to take any risks here! Just hold on tight, OK?"

Her muscle-bound midget grunted in displeasure, but he wrapped his arms around her stomach a little tighter. Sherry gave the PokeMobile a little more gas and lurched forward down the road. She saw the crook near what looked to be a large, rocky outcropping, but on closer inspection, it was a tunnel. She wouldn't dare try anything rash out here in the open. One wrong slip and she could take a life that didn't need to be taken. The best bet was to act in the tunnel... Perhaps the young woman could kick the crook off his bike if she got close enough, as long as there was a road going through the tunnel. She hoped she was wrong and that there was another, less dangerous option.

While Jake Muller may be in a different dimension, Sherry still had someone to protect and look after. That someone being that little grey Machop.

[Cucoo5]

Johto Region - Goldenrod City - University of Johto Goldenrod

Lyrica smiled at the idea. "Oh sure, that's sounds like a splendid idea." She didn't pursue the topic of her pidgey for the time. She figured more would be revealed as they go. Besides she felt like it was to be a sort of surprise when she finds out.

[WriggleRid3r]

Hoenn Region - Route 116

---

"Shit!" The punk stopped in front of a large mountain range. In no way would his motorcycle be able to traverse through the rough outridges. The punk fumbled through his bag to find a device and began scanning the data.

"Makuhita, keep them busy!" The punk threw a Pokeball while doing so, and from the container a bulky yellow Pokemon with black fist and a knotted head growled and stood between incoming Sherry and the punk.

[Major Mario]

Hoenn Region - Route 116

---

Sherry thanked her lucky stars that the rocky outcropping was too much for the crook to bear. If he had gotten out of her sight, she may as well have kissed the data goodbye, and she couldn't bear to return to the researchers emptyhanded. She knew the importance of data firsthand, after all. She brought her motorcycle around and placed it in the center of the road a few meters away from the crook. There was nowhere left for him to run now, she believed as she hopped off the bike. She removed her helmet and felt her Machop take a stand in front of her, fists raised.

It was then that Sherry noticed the pokemon that the crook sent out. Makuhita, was it? To Sherry, it looked like the butter version of the Pillsbury Doughboy, and to Mac, it looked like a punching bag. If the man wanted to fight, Sherry would have no choice but to take care of his partner first. She couldn't risk moving in with that tub of guts standing in their way. God... She felt so naked without her stunstick...

"Hold it right there!" Sherry shouted as she sent Mac forward. "Move in, Mac! You know what to do!"

Some trainers liked to have complete control over the battlefield. They gave orders for every attack and evasive maneuver, but for Sherry, that seemed very unnecessary. If pokemon were as smart and wondrous as they were heralded to be, then they could handle themselves. The task of the trainer was to advise, nurture, and train, not to dictate every single move.

Little Mac dashed forward and sent a low kick to the Mukuhita's legs. In his eyes, such a fat pokemon would be easy pickings if knocked down. As for Sherry, she took to the side of the road and oversaw the action as she inched closer to the crook and his bike.

[WriggleRid3r]

Hoenn Region - Route 116

---

"Makuhita, keep them away from me!" The punk grimaced at Sherry's approach, hoping that his Lv: 7 Makuhita can keep the Machop away from him. He could deal with that lady trainer, but Machop's low kick hurts. A lot.

"Aye!" The Makuhita nodded. Surprisingly, not only did the Makuhita understand the punk's speech, he spoke the same language. Lunging himself forward to dodge the low kick by Machop, he tackled at the midget and rolled him aside, attempting to brawl. Makuhita had the advantage, for he was 2 levels higher than the Machop.

---

Johto Region - Goldenrod Department Store

---

"Welcome to Wat Phou Thai Restaurant! Please enjoy your stay!"

A pretty Asian lady welcomed the three as Leaf, Crystal, and Lyrica entered the kiosk. The restaurant was embellished with Asian decorating, particularly that of Thailand, with fake gold statuettes of Hindu gods, baroque paper lanterns with intricate, colorful patterns, and fine china dishes. The restaurant was packed with people, eager to try out the Thai cuisine that the restaurant is to offer.

"Quite a diner." Leaf looked around indifferently, while Crystal was in awe.

"I bet the food will be good too!" Crystal beamed, unable to wait. "Table for three please!"

[Major Mario]

Hoenn Region - Route 116

---

Of course, there was a downside to fighting something fat or heavy. Getting underneath them was a very bad idea, and to Mac's dismay, the heavier Makuhita had the advantage when on top. The smaller pokemon grunted in pain when his opponent tackled him down to the pavement, and rolling around with it only served to add a few scrapes to his physique. Child's play, really, but getting squashed wasn't anything to put off lightly.

Sherry had heard about levels coming into play in some pokemon battles, but she didn't believe they were set. Most likely they were rough estimates of how strong the pokemon was. She wondered what her pokemon's level was, but if she did know, she wouldn't be discouraged. Skill could turn the tables in any battle, even against a superior opponent.

"Mac!" Sherry turned her attention back to the fight at hand and stopped herself from interfering. "He's a heavy target! If you try to match his strength, you'll get trumped! Manipulate him, try to use his weight against him!"

If that didn't work, then taunting the opponent to enrage them could do the trick. An angry opponent made more mistakes than a calm one. Mac struggled underneath the Makuhita and brought up his arms to protect his face. He didn't have the opening he needed in order to follow Sherry's advice. As for the trainer herself, she glared back at the crook and advanced on him again.

"Call off the fight and give the data back," she yipped. "Or I'll have to use force."

[WriggleRid3r]

Hoenn Region - Route 116

---

"Never!" The punk barked in reply. "This data is important for furthering our grand plan! No trainer nor her Pokemon is going to stop us! Makuhita, Arm Thrust!"

Makuhita guffawed as he brought down his arms down at the Machop. The arm thrust itself wasn't damaging, but multiple succession wore Machop out.

[Major Mario]

Hoenn Region - Route 116

---

"Grand plan?" Sherry repeated. She hoped there wasn't some kind of pseudo Neo-Umbrella lurking about. "Great..."

In the corner of her eye, she could see her pokemon receive a swift pummeling. It tore at her heart to see that, so she shouted out an order when she noticed the heavier Makuhita was using its upper body more than its lower. There! Focusing on the upper body revealed the Makuhita's weakness, or at least, a window of opportunity for the Machop. Mac heard the order from his trainer and grunted, feeling pain stinging at his arms.

Whether a result of positioning or exploiting the Makuhita's overconfidence, the Machop managed to roll his opponent off of him with a well-placed knee to the stomach. He staggered to his feet, weakened but still standing. If could still stand, he could still fight. Focusing on the advice Sherry gave him previously, the Machop reached for one of the Makuhita's wrists and pulled it with him as he scampered past it, twisting the fat pokemon somewhat. Then, while it was a little disoriented, Mac pulled the Makuhita towards him and kicked its legs out from underneath it, sending it face-first to the road. The Machop huffed and raised up its fists once again, prepared to fight back on equal footing.

"Give me that data!" Sherry barked as she got within arm's length of the punk. She reached out to take his wrist in a vicegrip, her blue eyes narrowed in hostility.

[WriggleRid3r]

Hoenn Region - Route 116

---

Not realizing that his weakness was exploited, the Makuhita toppled over and landed on the grassy ground. He wobbled as he got up: his legs were immobilized, reducing his already low speed.

"Dammit!" The punk tumbled to the right, dodging Sherry's vicegrip. He was lanky and scrawny, but he was obviously well-built enough to perform such agile acrobatics. The punk kept the data pressed to his scanner until...

"Scanning complete."

"Excellent." The punk chuckled as he tossed the data back at Sherry. "Fine, keep your data for all I know! It doesn't matter anymore... soon, the world will be at mercy to Team Anarchy's great scheme!"

The punk took off in his bike, taking Makuhita with him on his way. Not looking back, he drove away, leaving a trail of dust that marked victory for Sherry and her Pokemon.

Mac grew to Lv: 6!

[Major Mario]

Hoenn Region - Route 116

---

Sherry caught the data in her hand and flinched back as the crook took off with his partner in crime. The USB memory stick was retrieved, Mac was still conscious, and the young woman was unharmed. Still, Sherry felt as if a J'avo had kicked her while she was down before calling her something vile in Italian. She had gotten the data back, but at what cost? The crook had already scanned it for the information contained within, and even if he had no idea what it pertained to, the people he answered to would have an idea.

"Team Anarchy," Sherry mumbled as she looked after the cloud of dust the crook left behind. "Just what is that? Why did they want this data?" she wondered.

Those questions would have to wait until there was someone to answer them. The woman shook her head before jogging over to Mac. The little Machop was scraped up and bruised, but he would live. Pokemon were resilient creatures, so if Sherry could take three feet of shrapnel through the stomach and live, Mac could survive his injuries. She praised him and patted his shoulder to which the little Machop replied with a callous shrug. He had every right to be displeased, as the trainer didn't have her full attention on his predicament.

To soothe the mental and physical wounds, Sherry offered a comforting smile and basic first-aid in the form of a low-strength potion solution. She gingerly sprayed the wounded areas of the little fighting type and made sure he was fit to walk before scooting him over to the PokeMobile. After checking to make sure she left no stone unturned, she helped Mac on, put on her helmet, turned on the ignition and scooted back to Rustboro.

It felt rather disgraceful to return to the city with pilfered data, but it was either that or nothing. She returned to the front of the Devon Corporation and parked the PokeMobile near the researchers. It was a prototype, and while it got Sherry to where she needed to go (comfortably too), it wasn't hers. She and Mac hopped off and approached the researchers from before with the data in her hand.

"I got the data back, but I couldn't capture the criminal," she said with an air of shame. She stuck out her hand with the data and added, "To make matters worse, the criminal scanned the data. Said he was working for a 'Team Anarchy'... I'm sorry. We did all that we could."