Main Episodes
The Invites
The team receive their invites from a variety of local Pokémon and begin to make preparations to depart from their local port on the designated date.
S.S. Anne-xiety
During the final stage of their global journey for the Beginner’s Cup, the S.S. Anne is ambushed by a rogue group of Pokémon trainers. Amidst the chaos, Vincent commands his Rhydon to destroy the makeshift arena and several decks, causing the ship to start sinking. In response, Argento, Samanea, and the Captain quickly guide passengers to safety. Recognizing the potential in a group of six young trainers, they are tasked with extinguishing a fire below deck, reactivating the generator for ship control, and aiding trapped passengers. Unbeknownst to them, this mission places them at the core of the crisis as they encounter a mysterious infiltration team. Although the infiltrators escape, the trainers spot enigmatic Pokémon in the ocean depths tracking the ship. The team retrieves a laptop linked to the ship’s server before escaping on a life raft to Vermillion City.
Bullet for my Piloswine (AKA A Vermillion Ways to Die in the West)
As dawn breaks, five members of the group engage in their morning routines, dressing in their travel attire to explore the vibrant Beginner’s Cup Festival. Meanwhile, Timmy unexpectedly falls into a coma. During their festival adventures, they catch a teenager named Tony attempting to steal from the local PokéMart. Confronted, Tony unleashes a Berserk Piloswine, causing havoc. The group manages to quell the rampage and seizes an unusual Poké Ball, taking it to the PokéCenter.
After a brief investigation, the ball is passed to Professor Samanea who identifies it as his creation, a Simulated Battle Ball, and takes responsibility for it. To prevent further chaos, Professor Samanea enlists the party’s help to locate and retrieve any similar devices that might be misused, urging them to handle the matter discreetly without involving the authorities. Agreeing temporarily, the party is compensated with a weekly stipend and a Pokédex for their efforts.
Meanwhile: Timmy Did (Not) Wake up
After regaining consciousness in the PokéCenter’s medical wing, Timmy faces disappointing news from Nurse Cathy. Due to health risks from inhaling ocean water and a severe head injury, he’s been disqualified from the Beginner’s Cup. In an effort to provide an alternative adventure, Professor Samanea assigns Timmy a special mission: to retrieve a temporary-held egg from the Team Restoration Rocket Day Care Ranch. To speed up his journey, Samanea lends him a Rapidash.
On his route, Timmy encounters a mysterious man named Delta, who offers him a powerful Pokémon guaranteed to secure victories in battles. Sensing the potential danger in Delta’s offer, Timmy declines and continues to the Day Care Ranch. There, he successfully acquires a Pokédex and the egg he was sent to retrieve.
Upon returning, Professor Samanea extends the same arrangement he offered the others to Timmy, including a weekly stipend and a Pichu, notably sired by the legendary Pikachu owned by Red. With his new companion, Timmy and Samanea head to the Beginner’s Cup to watch the ongoing battles.
The Rookie Rumble
As the Beginner’s Cup reaches its climax, Erik, backed by his faithful Pokémon Clyde, clinches victory after a series of intense battles. His triumph grants him a lucrative cash prize tailored for a novice trainer, alongside a Silph Co. sponsorship, a prestigious Golden Ribbon of Victory, and guaranteed access to any Silph sponsored archaeological dig sites. Additionally, Erik receives a Soft Sand item and a token from Sensei Chimon’s school of thought, symbolizing his alignment with Chimon’s philosophies in Pokémon training.
Alejandra secures a well-deserved second place, showcasing her skill and determination throughout the tournament. Francois claims the third spot on the podium, outperforming his fellow student Olivier Benoit in a closely contested battle for third place.
Despite the competitive nature of the event, all participants are honored with a unique Blue Participation Ribbon, celebrating their involvement and efforts in the cup.
With the excitement of the cup winding down, Argento introduces a new task to the team. He directs them to assist his friend Owen, who resides in Diglett’s Cave. Owen has been experiencing troubles with the local Pokémon and needs immediate help to resolve the disturbances. The team is asked to visit Owen at their earliest convenience to lend their expertise and support in handling the situation.
Pokémonster Daycare Rancher
To unwind the party heads north toward Route 5 via the Saffron Underground to meet up with Kenji’s older brother Koichi. Before leaving Vermillion Alejandra is challenged to a one on one battle by her sister, Alicia, who believes she has stolen her invitation to the Cup. After a narrow win Alicia begrudgingly admits that Alejandra might just have deserved her place after all, she leaves but not before promising to see her again for a rematch.
While at the DCR the party take the time to engage with and meet several Pokemon which are living at the Ranch, which cares not only for Berserk Pokémon but also abandoned and maltreated Pokémon.
Koichi informs them of the DCR’s mission of rehabilitating Berserk Pokémon for Samanea. After a dangerous Scyther escaped into the wilderness of the deep paddock many members of the team were injured. The party agrees to head into the forest to put an end to the rampage.
Returning victoriously the team meet Lucia, Koichi’s partner and their healed Pokémon. They leave on good terms, intending to head back to Vermillion.
Cubone’s Bad Day
While heading South the party encounters Elizabeth and her Cubone under attack from a wild pack of Growlithe. Their investigation reveals that the leader of the pack, an Arcanine, is sick and unable to reign in the behaviour of her wild child son, as the de facto new leader he is causing the Growlithe pack to become aggressive and violent. After restoring the Arcanine’s health the party investigates the root cause of the issue, discovering that a group of Nidoran have migrated into the area and are contesting the pack’s food supply, especially their Pecha berries, which is what lead the Arcanine to being poisoned. Eventually the party resolved the issue using empathy and intuition rather than overt violence. With this, they continue back to Vermillion.
The Notorious D.I.G
As the party head into Vermillion City through the upper class manors of Route 6 they are stopped by a late teen girl looking for her lost Pokémon, Yampy, she asks if they’ll please return him to her, they agree. Because they’re heroes. And just all around nice people. Upon heading into the cave the party discovers it’s a mess inside, the recent tectonic turmoil has caused several collapses and new openings to undiscovered caverns. A Super Nerd named Ben is present in the cave, he hostilely tells the party they ought to leave, he claims he discovered the new cave. Despite his warning the party continue on. Meeting Owen at the rear of the cave they discover something most unusual, one of the caverns has something unheard of inside, luminescent moss lights the room as if in daylight, lush grass and large trees dot the interior of the mammoth cave, a crystal clear river runs along the rear of the area, all around unusual Pokémon, not native to Kanto, are found around the interior area. They come across an ancient relic of a forgotten people, alongside a new riddle, ancient stone tablets displaying some kind of language which combines every known language to some degree, alongside many others.
Disaster strikes when Vincent arrives with Rhydon and during the immediate battle causes a cave in which destroys the cavern and most of Diglett’s Cave. During the escape Owen is struck by falling debris and loses consciousness. The caves beings to collapse around the party before they are enveloped in a blinding white light as they are rescued by Presto, Erik’s Abra friend.
Battle for the Badge: The Vermillion City Bro-down
After a narrow escape the party find themselves falling across the sky of Vermillion. despite this anger they overcome the challenge and reconvene at the PokéCenter. After some downtime and nervous waiting the party drift to a fitful sleep.
In the morning Owen is finally rushed to hospital, Ben is patched up and taken into custody by Argento for the time being. Francois arranges with his father to have a contact of his meet Francois and set up a meeting with an InterPol agent.
The gang heads into Vermillion City Gym and sweeps Argento, he takes it well and hands out some rewards. Being a good sport he offers to allow the part to use his private cove on the outskirts of Vermillion.
As the team relax he arrives with his crew to host a barbecue and congratulatory celebration to honour the parties victory.
As the evening winds down P.I Teruyoshi arrives and briefs Francois on his meeting with Detective Ashikaga of InterPol. He wishes the party luck and departs, telling them to be ready, they’re going to be speaking to InterPol in the morning, and they’ve got a lot of questions.
The Detective
The following morning the party are immediately approached by Detective Ashikaga, he’s been paired up with Teruyoshi to investigate as InterPol are stretched thing. Gritting his teeth he questions the party about their involvement in the SBB project. As the situation untangles itself and becomes more clear to him he loses his suspicious nature and instead decides to recruit them, they’re competent, they know the area, they know the dangers of what’s involved and they’re familiar with Berserk Pokémon. The team agrees to take the day off to train, to recover and to bask in their recent victory, he meanwhile will interrogate everyone else involved and meet the team back at the PokéCenter the next day.
The Naked Mon. From the files of Unova’s Police Squad.
The party meet Ashikaga and head up Route 6 intending to head into the Saffron Underground and make some headway into untangling this mystery. Along the way Ashikaga speculates on how many Berserk Pokémon Delta’s crew must have if they’re giving away powerful Pokémon like Piloswine to idiots like Tony or to young trainers like Timmy, it’s a chilling thought. It seems this operation has been in the works for a while, given their sudden appearance and rapid seeming rapid production of Berserk Pokémon. Ashikaga mentions that Samanea has not been seen since the Beginner’s Cup ended.
The party splits, Teruyoshi heads to the northern exit to cover their backs, Ashikaga and the gang head into the depths of the Saffron Underground. The lights of the above world fade to nothing as they slip into the inky depths of the Rocket Base.
The Old and the New. Into Rocket Base
The party discovers a long-abandoned Rocket Base beneath Saffron City’s Underground. Inside, they encounter fresh footsteps and eventually stumble upon an ‘exploror,’ Andy, who claims he became trapped after accidentally finding the base. They aid him in navigating through the ‘Disposal Pit,’ home to fearsome Poison and Ghost Type Pokémon. Further in, they uncover a computer generating obscure translation outputs connected to a language found earlier in the Diglett Cave Waterway.
In ‘The Workshop,’ they find alarming evidence of Retro Rocket’s operations where old tech, including Forced Evolution Wave technology and impounded Gene Splicers, are repurposed for sinister ends. Automated defense turrets hang ominously overhead. Pressing on, they reach ‘The PokéCenter,’ where Andy reveals his true intentions to steal a Data Storage Unit. The team restrains him, leaving him for upcoming InterPol backup led by Ashikaga.
The party then discovers ‘The Keep,’ a terrarium designed to incite and harness the power of Berserk Pokémon via continual proximity to their SBBs. After neutralizing the SBBs and subduing the Berserk Pokémon, they proceed to ‘The Biotech Lab,’ finding further unsettling experiments conducted by Admin Nimbus on Abra.
In the final chamber, the party overhears Retro Rocket Admins discussing recent catastrophic events and their sinister involvement. A skirmish ensues, ending with the Admins escaping and leaving Vincent, who offers to become an informant in exchange for his Berserk Rhydon’s safety.
Lastly, the party uncovers the horrific fate of Koichi at the Route Five Ranch, watching a security footage of the tragic incident. Kenji adopts Koichi’s surviving Pokémon, an Exeggcute. As they exit through another Underground Waterway leading to an ancient temple with the mysterious language, they leave the scene just before InterPol arrive.
The Old Man
As the party navigates through the Underground Waterways, they momentarily surface on a mysterious floating island. A relentless horizontal tornado unspools across the horizon, causing reality to warp; memories flicker and distort before the river’s current draws them back into the tunnels. They eventually emerge under the starlit skies of Vermillion Forest, concealed behind a waterfall in a vast cavern.
After camping overnight, the group ascends a naturally chiseled stairway, leading them to the revered Sensei Chimon’s Dojo. Chimon, a former Champion, eagerly welcomes them and offers to train them in the ancient art of unlocking chakra points in Pokémon, revealing hidden powers lost through evolution.
During this time of learning and reflection, Kenji contemplates how to convey the tragic news of Koichi’s demise to his parents, confiding his worries to Koichi’s surviving Pokémon, Exeggcute. Meanwhile, Felix encounters an old rival, Sheldon Takahiro, who is also training under Chimon. Sheldon’s jealousy ignites a challenge, resulting in a heated battle that Felix wins, leaving Sheldon both humbled and more determined to surpass his rival.
Bidding farewell to Sensei Chimon, the party descends the mountain to Saffron City. There, Felix’s father, Matthew Kenzo, has organized travel on the Magnet Train to Johto for the upcoming Bug Catching Competition. Before boarding, they meet Professor Apple, a participant in the Indigo League Challenge, sparking new camaraderie and rivalry alike. With spirits high, they embark on the train, ready for the adventures awaiting in Joht.
The Bug Catcher Special
The party arrive in Goldenrod only to be immediately accosted by a ruffian known as Kudo, he agrees to battle Professor Apple and emerges victorious after a narrow victory. He joins the party to take part in the Competition.
After hours of searching and battling the party attended the victory ceremony where prizes were handed out.
1st: Francois
2nd: Kenji
3rd: Lewis Lightfoot
4th: Madame Flo
5th:: Alejandra
Kudo did not place, Felix and Timmy were both eliminated from the competition.
After leaving the party were met by an enigmatic investor who offered them the chance to enter his unofficial Pokemon League with big prizes, they agreed to speak with him later at a restaurant.
The party spends the day gambling at the slots, buying new and unusual items at the Goldenrod Department Store and stealing from vending machines. The usual.
The party speaks with the investor at the local restaurant but were interrupted by an attack from a biker gang known as the Red Seviper’s. After a resounding victory the party agreed to take part in the League when it launched before returning to Kanto. Kudo tagged along and decided to stay with Apple in order to find bigger and better challenges in a new home.
Chillin’ in Saffron
During the day the party wanders Saffron City, visiting local stores and meeting residents. They meet Mr. Psychic who offers them a necklace containing an unusual gem stone, he asks them to hand it to Helena Chau, the local Gym Leader, Sabrina’s psychic prodigy and his daughter.
They also meet Braxton Klein, another Gym Leader who is engaged in a physical fight with a group of thugs known as the Voltorb Vandals. After defusing the situation Braxton explains that his fellow Gym Leader is currently indisposed as she recently acquired a new Pokémon from some unscrupulous trainer who frequently took part in some unsanctioned Pokémon battles and is now moody, withdrawn and unusually hostile. Recognising the signs the party correctly assumes this to be a Berserk Pokémon which is imprinting it’s pain and rage on Helena. The party decides to investigate this underground arena for more signs of Retro Rocket and their Berserk Pokémon.
The party speaks to Dora Vanowen who explains that she’s working on restoring the Saffron-Kitakami train line and the engine known as the Bannetesu Monogatari however it’s missing several important pieces which can be found in the Saffron Scrapyard to the north.
They also enter Geodude Junction: Rocks and Rarities and peruse the selection. Garth, the proprietor makes them an offer: spread the word of how good it is travel and explore the world and he’ll offer them a hefty discount.
Timmy’s Pichu is finally born. Her first act is frying his Spinarak, her second act is frying Timmy, her third act is eating her body weight in streetza.
The Saffron City Midnight Spook Show
During the night the party have terrible nightmares, each of them awaken in their rooms at the PokéCenter chilled and shaken. Something is clearly wrong, dark shadows creep up the walls and under the doors like smoke. They convene in the common room and find Ramona, a Paldean fortune teller, unresponsive and comatose. In the lobby of the PokéCenter they find Braxton who explains that Helena has become overwhelmed by her own psychic powers and the influence of the Berserk Pokémon. They head into the foggy, empty streets where possessed trainers recount the history of Braxton and Helena.
When they find her at the Pokemon Gym she is entombed in a solid barrier of psychic energy, the party aids Braxton in breaking it down but discover it’s a ruse. This is not Braxton, it’s a Gengar masquerading as Braxton to trick the party into breaking down Helena’s barrier so he can feast on her emanating energy. As the party fend off waves of mischievous and aggressive Ghost Types the Gengar uses the boost in strength to become a Gigantamax Gengar. After a hard fought battle the party emerge victorious. The real Braxton emerges from the Pokémon Gym as the residents of Saffron City begins to awaken from their nightmares. The party escort Braxton and Helena back to the PokéCenter after giving her the necklace entrusted to them by Mr. Psychic. As the necklace slowly helps Helena recover her senses she explains that she cannot read the thought of the party which means she probably also wasn’t responsible for their nightmares. She can’t say the same for the rest of the city, however and vows to undo as much damage as she can. The party explains her issues may stem from the Pokemon she adopted recently, she thanks them for this information and heads out into the city to survey the damage, Braxton in tow. They retire to bed to catch up on the sleep lost from the previous night.
Scrapheap Challenge
As the group ventures into the chaotic Saffront Scrapyard, they confront the notorious Voltorb Vandals, leading to a turbulent encounter where Felix is taken hostage. Despite the tension, the party successfully overcomes the Vandals, recovers Felix, and seizes the critical Vacuum Pump. Alejandra seizes the opportunity to gather parts for her burgeoning project.
Upon their return to Saffron City, personal challenges and developments await each member. Felix hears from his father that Silph Co. is now accessible, offering potential resources or allies. Kenji, grappling with his brother’s death, learns of Kiba, the Fuchsia Gym Leader’s interest in Koichi’s fate, hinting at deeper connections or upcoming confrontations. Erik receives word of Makani Keiko’s inquiries.
Francois’s quest deepens as he seeks a cure for his beloved Purugly, bolstered by familial support yet burdened by the weight of his task. Alejandra faces a crossroads in her academic career, pulled between Naranja Academy and an enticing offer from Unova’s Blueberry Academy—each choice promising to shape her path in unique ways.
Timmy’s personal life draws his attention home as his concerned mother, Krystal, plans a visit.
Panic! At the Silph Co.
The Silph Co. tour leads to unexpected chaos when advanced technology malfunctions. The situation exacerbates with Matthew Kenzo revealing the potential threat of additional rogue AI Pokémon drones equipped with TeraDrive technology. Amidst the turmoil, the party encounters Maizie Gantetsu, who introduces a new quest for a rare Prismatic Apricorn that could potentially cure Berserk Pokémon.
The crisis unfolds further as the party uses disused warp panels to navigate through Silph Co., encountering adversity when Berserk Pokémon breach containment. The appearance of a Rhydon, which unexpectedly allies with the party.
As the party reaches the rooftop, they confront a storm and a more pressing threat – Admin Stratos attempting to unleash a destructive virus through the Cloyster Relay System. The simultaneous escape of a truck heading towards Route 8 hints at broader implications, connecting the immediate threat at Silph Co. to larger, more sinister plans involving classified technology.
The climactic rooftop confrontation blends technology and raw Pokémon power, with the emergence of Berserk Magnezone and rogue drones forming a chaotic battlefield.
Matthew Kenzo resigns from his post at Silph Co. citing a wish to turn over a new leaf and help those who need it through his own ingenuity. As the party returns to the scrapyard, the day’s events leave them to ponder the moral and ethical implications of the technological advancements they’ve witnessed.
Riding the Rails to Tall Tales
Embarking to Kitakami on the Bannetesu Monogatari the party encounters Rex Gemini, a representative of the Fabled Pokemon Society, he expresses pleasure at their company and warmly greets them.
Upon arrival at the station in Kitakami the trains boiler bursts its vents requiring some down time to repair it, fortunately the party have arrived just in time to take part in the three day celebration, The Festival of Masks.
Matsuri, the Festival Leader and de facto mayor of Mossui Town, greets the party and invites them to take part in the celebration. During this the party meet new and old faces, of note is the purple haired psychic Ramona who once again invites the party to play a game of chance for rare items and cash rewards.
Alejandra receives a box of 13 rare Poké Balls, including some Hisuian artifact Poké Balls (Number 13, Baker’s Dozen). Francois wins a golden ticket to Kitakami’s restaurants (Number 4, eat some more), offering all-you-can-eat meals, completely free, and access to their kitchens—and most importantly, their ingredients. Felix overexerts himself and throws the net into the river, but Alejandra is nice enough to share her rare prize with him. Kenji wins 50k PKD (Number 1, time for some fun), and Erik is handed an Ancient Crystallized Rock, referred to as a keystone (Number 44, knock on the door). Feeling bad, Ramona also gives Felix a Maneki-Neko Pikachu, a Pikachu version of the traditional ‘beckoning cat’ believed to bring good luck. Timmy fishes out a Psyduck doll, which immediately springs into action revealing itself as a real Psyduck. The lights and sounds of the festival are too much for the poor little guy and he flees into the night, splashing noisily into the river. Ramona advises the party not to venture out to follow him at night, warning that the caldera can be dangerous. Instead, she offers to help retrieve the Pokemon in the morning if he doesn’t return on his own. She asks Timmy to look after his Poké Ball in case Psyduck returns during the night for food and/or shelter.
After a night of merriment, games and reverence the party retire to the Lodge to discuss their experiences and speak with Z, a Zorua masked reveller who takes a particular interest in Erik.
Z asks the party to help him out with something the next day, a band of loggers and lumberjacks have been having issues with a wild and violent Pokémon who is attacking their operation. The party agrees to head out in the morning to put a stop to this needless violence.
Kitakalamitous Intent
Upon arriving at the logging camp it is soon revealed that the wild Snorlax has been attacking the loggers due to their kidnapping and imprisonment of her child in an effort to keep her at bay after a series of escalating conflicts over the deforestation. After handily defeating the duplicitous lumberjacks the party hand them over to the authorities.
After doing their good deed for the day the party heads north west to Matsuri’s house to meet her husband, an eminent chef and owner of many rare and mysterious ingredients.
Upon arrival the party encounter a flock of hefty Eevee, many of which play recklessly and with abandon around their homestead. Entering the humble home the party encounter Matsuri and her husband, Guillame, a renowned Kalosian chef. He presents some fresh and unusual ingredients to Francois and without hesitation agrees to hand over the Herba Mystica.
Upon checking the safe it is discovered that the rare and powerful herb has been stolen. All clues point the party firmly in the direction of Rex Gemini and Mount Oni, they head out immediately with fury in their hearts to retrieve what was lost. Along the way they encounter Beauregard, an unusually large and protective Pidgey who protects his flock with watchful eyes and a stout heart.
Tracking the rogue Pokemon Fanatic they enter the interior of Mount Oni, braving scalding waterfalls, sulfurous lakes of acidic water and narrow walkways over deadly falls into lava. During their descent they come into possession of a half finished mask in the distinct style of Ogerpon’s collection and a diary containing the last notes of the mysterious trainer who perished in Mount Oni many years ago.
Deep in the caverns of Mt. Oni they party comes across something that had long been forgotten. An ancient temple, built by the Yamatai. Inside, several relics remained of the ancient people, a tapestry depicting the lives of six mysterious humans and a stained glass mosaic showing six humanoid figures, in victorious poses, gathered around an unknown creature or Pokemon as it passes through a portal of fractured shadows, light and alien colours that danced on the edge of perception.
The figures depicted in the tapestry seem to be from past, present and future. Anachronistic clothing and technology dot the ancient weaving. A young man, abandoning an ancient ritual involving Spirit Lantern Oil. Another young man in an ancient city with an unknown Pokémon, he leaves his home and returns a conqueror. A Yamatai woman watching a religious ceremony go awry. A young woman wearing post industrialization clothing exploring a mysterious forest, guided by an unseen hand. A blond child from Lavender Town, under the shadow of the moldering tower. A young woman leaping from rooftops and utilizing portable teletech to seek thrills.
While the party briefly surveys the room they encounter Ogerpon, her mournful dirge filling the underground temple. Handing over the half finished mask the team briefly engage with the despondent Ogerpon until the northern wall of the temple explodes into flames and rubble. The Fanatic, Rex Gemini, has found Ogerpon.
In a flurry of action the party defend Ogerpon while the temple, unmoored from the loose foundations of the unstable volcanic interior the temple begins a rapid descent into the depths of the earth while the party begin to fight for their lives and the freedom of Ogerpon against the might of the reawakened ‘Loyal Trio’ brought forth by Gemini. After a long and difficult battle the players finally overcome the onslaught, during which Gemini is accidentally caught in the crossfire and disappears into the swirling smoke and ash of an exposed lava tube.
Fleeing for their lives the party manage to escape through a narrow passage, racing the rising lava levels until emerging into a large cavern, rapidly filling with water from exposed waterways due to the ongoing eruption. Thinking quickly they take advantage of an explosive reaction water and lava and use it to propel themselves and the lava plug they’re standing on into the ceiling, punching through the thin rock above them and exploding back into the clean air of the mountain top. With a deep grunt, the mountain gives off the last of its protesting groans and returns to dormancy.
After attempting to warn Teruyoshi of the dangers of Gemini and the Fabled Pokemon Society the party takes the rest of the day to rest and recuperate before enjoying their final night in Kitakami at the festival. It’s a rather sombre affair, with many of the townsfolk feeling down with the news of the lumberjacks spreading through town and the rumours of the FPS representative going missing in the interior of the mountain after attacking a guard.
Despite the party’s best efforts to rekindle some relationship between Mossui and Ogerpon it seems some wounds are too deep to heal and Ogerpon once again retreats into the interior of the mountain.
As they depart the following morning Erik’s old friend and acquaintance Makani Keiko approaches him. He’s seen the condition of Aria. He doesn’t know what Erik is into but he’s seen Erik on a crusade before, of the actions Erik has taken in the past in the name of a good cause and he’s not going to let it happen a second time. He demands Erik hands over the Berserk Pokémon. When Erik refuses it becomes a battle, with Erik having to face down his old Pokémon Claws, a Sneasel which he trained when he was a member of Team Plasma. She is not happy to see him. It’s a tough battle but eventually Erik pulls through with the aid of Presto, the Kadabra.
Makani agrees to let Erik go, this time, but he intends to keep an eye on him. If he sees Erik going off the rails again he promises he will pull the plug on his career, using his connections in the PWO to overturn Erik’s League License.
With this somewhat bittersweet ending in Kitakami the party board the train to return to Saffron.
Saffron Colossueum
After returning to Kanto the party decides to take part in some of the underground battles available in the basement arena of the largest tower block in the ghetto area of Saffron. As they approach the area they are met by Braxton, the co-Gym Leader of Saffron City Gym. He asks if he can tag along on their trip as Helena, his co-Leader, has recently been spending a lot of time in the Colosseum.
Upon entering the Colosseum they brook entry through Erik’s connections, while exploring the first level of the building the party discovers a laptop detailing Admin Nimbus’ attempts at integrating the Snagem Tech into the Simulated Battle Ball.
Upon entering the lower levels of the Colosseum the trap is sprung, the event is hosted by Team Retro Rocket and the aim of the battles is to recruit potential new grunts and Admins. After a series of increasingly tough battles the party eventually comes out on top, defeating the final pair of trainers, Wes and Rui. Rejecting an offer of a place among the Admin structure of Retro Rocket the party are ambushed by Retro Rocket grunts. Braxton and Helen spring into action to defend the party, ushering them out through an exit into the sewers.
As the party flee the melee they find themselves deep in the sewers of Saffron City, under the old Psychic Research Centre. Exploring these abandoned waterways leads them to a junction which is rich in Telepathic Harmonizer Crystals, allowing them unusual access to memories which have been imprinted into the walls themselves. After overcoming the trials of the sewers they finally breach daylight into the Saffron Scrapyard.
Battle for the Badge: Two for One Special
After a morning spent preparing and training for the showdown the party enters the Saffron City Gym. They undertake the challenge and eventually come out on top, climbing the bare cliff face in a race against the Gym Trainers for their shot at the top. Finally, after an arduous encounter, they overcome Braxton and Helena and become the proud owners of the Duality Badge.
After saying some quick goodbyes the party head north with Braxton to the abandoned and destroyed Day Care Ranch, looking to capture the Berserk Scyther left behind, to finally put to rest the lingering ghosts of Team Retro Rocket’s influence on Route 5.
After reaching the Ranch the party finally encounter the Berserk Scyther, and she’s developed a brood. A fierce battle ensues with the party finally overcoming their dangerous foes. After parting with Braxton and heading across the north side of Route 8, meeting with Elizabeth and seeing their positive through their past actions they meet with Maizie, who is heading into Route 8 for a second expedition to retrieve the Chromatic Green Apricorn in an attempt to create a Poké Ball capable of curing the Berserk Pokémon Phenomenon.
The party step out onto Route 8, into a new chapter of their adventure.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon OVA’s
PMD Adventures
A series of mini adventures and one-off episodes set months in the past, prior to the events of the current saga.
The Ranch
As their Pokéballs release them with a hiss and a flicker of light, the Pokémon are greeted by the dimming glow of the sunset, barely piercing the thick snowfall. White and grey dominate the scene, the blizzard’s remnants cling to Route 5. Their footsteps are silenced by the snow, and the biting air fills their lungs with each breath. The ranch house stands warm against the frost, light spilling from its windows, the scent of burning wood wafts from the chimney. Despite the comforting sight, a sense of dread lingers as the clouds threaten another storm. Koichi directs the Pokémon toward the forest for cover.
Some eavesdropping reveals a conversation fraught with urgency. The woman in the house, Lucia, has not yet found “the one that escaped”. The main work crew were recently sent home to keep a secret safe, and there is mention of a man named Red, sparking a muted promise of apology from Koichi. Entering the forest’s embrace, dark shapes skitter, and haunting voices tease the edges of their senses. The oppressive darkness consumes them, urgency propelling them to seek shelter amidst the sinister trees. They encounter a small group of Pokémon sheltering in a copse, a Growlithe, Yamper, Ivysaur, two Skiddo and more, who refuse to let them stay in the embrace of the grove, heading north into the forest they encounter an unusual Psyduck, seemingly corrupted by something they are unable to identify. It flees when approached. Even deeper into the woods they encounter a Yamper, covered in purple residue, it is unresponsive.
A Scyther explains from the shadows that the Yamper was taken, taken by something that took his friends and replaced them with doppelgangers which can infect with a single touch, he instructs the party to retire to his cave. After a brief respite from the cold in the Scyther’s cave as he returns, injured and exhausted, the party encounters a small voice from outside, through the whipping wind, in the shadow clad grass comes a small voice, the voice of one of their party, begging for help, insisting he’s the real one. Despite some doubts and interrogations the party endures the deceit.
Scyther, along with the party, take the body of the Yamper to the copse, during an intense argument the plot is revealed, many members of the grove are infected, an intense battle ensues and the team barely repel the Berserk Ditto fragments, as the battle dies down they hear a scream for aid from the south, dashing through the treacherous winter they emerge back at the Day Care Ranch.
In a climactic horror, they found Koichi attacked by a Ditto monstrosity, his body drawn inexorably toward its gaping maw. A fierce battle ensues, during this they discover that one of their party is a doppelganger, having been replaced during the forest trip, once it’s finally over, dawn breaks, dispelling the long night. Survivors emerge from the treelines, battered but alive. With the dawn’s promise of new beginnings, reflections on the night’s trials and the taste of victory mingle with caution. Can they be sure of each other’s identities? For the Pokémon, the ordeal is a crucible. The call of adventure beckons, as other challenges loom ahead, offering the possibility of new strengths and uncharted journeys.