The name immediately caught Silas' attention. Iron Masked Marauder. Silas was certain he had heard that name before.
Out of curiosity he opened his TR device and searched through the files Petrel had attached.
The moment the image appeared, the memory surfaced. The Celebi movie Silas had watched as a child in his previous life. The Iron Masked Marauder had been the primary antagonist.
He was a dangerous trainer who utilized a sinister invention known as Dark Balls. Unlike ordinary Pokeballs, Dark Balls forcibly warped a pokemon's mind. The pokemon became more aggressive and violent. The balls also forced subjugation.
Most importantly, they became stronger. The power boost was undeniable but it came at a steep cost to the Pokémon. The process gradually damaged a pokemon's potential and long-term growth.
Most serious Team Rocket members looked down on the technology. It was useful in emergencies but wasteful for raising elite partners.
Still, Silas couldn't deny the value of having such an individual involved.
If someone like Lorelei truly appeared at the operation, overwhelming force would be necessary to distract her.
The file indicated the Marauder would arrive three days before the mission.
8 days remained for him to finish preparations.
The following morning, he paid a visit to the base laboratory.
Over the last several weeks, he had quietly familiarized himself with most of the important personnel stationed at the Cerulean facility.
One individual interested him more than the others. Dr. Nery was a scientist with a reputation even among Rocket members.
He specialized in genetic manipulation and developmental enhancement. His life's work revolved around modifying pokemon growth during the earliest stages of life.
Many considered him eccentric. Others called him insane. However Silas considered him to be a brilliant mind.
Dr. Nery looked exactly like someone who spent too much time inside a laboratory.
Messy black hair, round face, and permanent dark circles beneath his eyes. The kind of person who smiled was when discussing science.
Years ago, people mocked his theories relentlessly but all that changed after he invented the Eviolite.
The item changed the landscape of pokemon battles. For certain species, a high-quality Eviolite could make a pre-evolved pokemon stronger than its evolved counterpart.
After that, nobody questioned his genius again, they simply tolerated his eccentricity.
Silas found him sitting beside several monitors while reviewing genetic compatibility charts.
"Greetings, Dr Nery."
Dr. Nery glanced up.
His expression immediately brightened when he recognized Silas. The two had spoken several times previously, mostly about unusual pokemon development theories.
"What brings you here?"
Silas smiled.
"I've been researching pokemon that lose speed after evolution."
That immediately captured the scientist's interest.
"A worthy topic, I have pondered it myself a few times. Why would a Pokémon lose power in an area due to evolution? Is there a way to compensate?"
For the next several hours they discussed pokemon physiology.
Electabuzz, Rhydon, and Scyther were prime examples of evolutionary stat drops. Various evolutionary lines that sacrificed certain advantages for others.
Dr. Nery spoke enthusiastically. It was rare for him to be able to enjoy a conversation. Most people only chatted with him to get something out of him. He could sense that Silas was sincerely engaging with him.
Silas listened attentively and occasionally asked questions. Sometimes he even challenged Dr. Nery's assumptions. The discussion became surprisingly productive.
"Most trainers only care about final forms," Dr. Nery said while adjusting his glasses.
"They assume evolution automatically means improvement."
"It usually does," Silas replied.
"Usually isn't always."
The scientist leaned forward.
"Take Electabuzz. It gains power. Durability. Energy reserves. Yet its speed decreases."
"Not by much."
"Enough."
The scientist pointed toward a screen.
"Speed determines initiative. Initiative determines tempo. Tempo determines victory."
Silas nodded.
The logic was sound.
"Wouldn't Electivire simply compensate with stronger attacks?"
"That's what ordinary trainers say but I can't be surprised since the evolution method for Electivire is still unclear. All we know is a massive amount of electricity is required."
He quickly pulled up several combat records compiled from Team Rocket and the league. The common denominator were people who had Electivires.
Silas noticed a trend immediately.
"Once evolved, Electivire struggles to compensate for the speed loss unless it can activate the Motor Drive ability."
The scientist grinned.
"Finally, someone gets it."
He rapidly pulled up another set of files.
"Imagine an Electivire retaining its previous forms mobility without trading any bulk."
Silas immediately understood that such a pokemon would be terrifying.
Dr. Nery continued enthusiastically.
"The problem isn't evolution."
"It's that evolution forces a predetermined template."
"Do you think there's a way to correct this?"
"I think so but we would need a strong genetic catalyst. The problem is one such catalyst doesn't exist. Maybe the blood of Mew but that would be wasted on trying to increase an Electivire's speed. I'm more interested in Pokémon taking on their regional variants or relatives' traits."
"Dr. Nery, that is interesting. For instance, if an eeveelution contained the best of every form."
Dr. Nery's eyes lit up. He had finally found a kindred spirit.
For nearly another hour, they exchanged theories. Silas genuinely enjoyed the conversation.
Eventually he managed to maneuver himself toward a chair positioned beside the laboratory's primary terminal.
That was the real goal. The conversation itself had value and Silas thoroughly enjoyed chatting with Nery but he didn't forget his original intent.
The data held significant value.
"Hypothetically," Silas said, "what if I wanted to search Team Rocket's archives regarding Electabuzz evolution?"
Dr. Nery paused then nodded.
"Nothing classified should be there. Go ahead."
Silas sat down and began to access the database. Meanwhile Hermes began working. Unlike previous attempts, this time physical access existed.
The difference was enormous.
For an entire hour Silas searched files related to Electabuzz from evolutionary studies to potential manipulation.
All while Hermes quietly copied everything possible.
Eventually Silas stood up from the computer, staying any longer would attract suspicion.
"Thank you, Doctor."
Dr. Nery waved dismissively.
"You ask better questions than most researchers."
The compliment seemed genuine so Silas smiled in response.
Likewise, his next statement was sincere.
"If I ever find anything useful, I'll share it."
Dr. Nery actually looked pleased.
After leaving the laboratory, Silas immediately checked on Hermes.
The response came instantly.
"I successfully acquired approximately six percent of available laboratory data."
Silas nearly stopped walking.
6% was massive considering the size and reach of Team Rocket. Most importantly, it included mountains of scientific research.
"Anything useful?"
"Several things, based upon current information, I believe your dormant aura potential can be awakened."
Silas froze. If he could unlock aura, wouldn't that make him a dual power user? Things were escalating quickly. He couldn't stop smiling envioninf himself mastering both powers.
The last month had transformed his life. Silas resolved to enjoy every victory that came his way. The future looked brighter than ever.
That afternoon he left the base. Today he would claim the Cerulean Badge. Monferno accompanied him openly.
The city remained beautiful as always. Water flowed through carefully designed channels and rivers. Bridges connected districts together.
Trees and flowers lined many roads. Cerulean perfectly balanced urban development and nature.
After a leisurely walk, Silas arrived at the gym.
Registration proved simple.
Because he possessed fewer than five badges, he could not challenge Misty directly.
Instead, the gym selected opponents based upon average team level.
In Silas' case that number was 41. A staff member guided him toward an elevator.
After they descended deep underground, the doors opened and Silas stepped forward.
The battlefield was incredible. Soft blue lights illuminated the enormous chamber. The fixtures resembled seashells and bubbles.
The faint scent of chlorine and salt lingered in the air. Instead of a traditional arena, a massive crystal-clear pool occupied most of the battlefield. Floating platforms stretched across the water.
The water itself was so clear that movement beneath the surface remained visible. Colorful fish pokemon swam lazily below.
Several Staryu drifted near the bottom. A school of Goldeen passed by beneath one platform. It felt less like a battlefield and more like an aquarium.
Glass observation galleries surrounded the arena from above. Spectators watched from multiple levels.
Some trainers were waiting for their own matches while others appeared to simply enjoy watching.
A door opened across the arena then Silas forgot about the battlefield entirely as a beautiful woman stepped through.
Tall, athletic, and wearing a bikini that left little to the imagination. For the first time in a long while, Silas found himself distracted. She was exactly his type.
Fortunately, the pokeballs in her hands restored his focus. Two flashes of light appeared.
Sharpedo and Gyarados came forth.
Immediately, Monferno stepped onto the nearest platform.
The woman smirked.
"I was wondering how long it'd take your eyes to move back into your head."
Several spectators laughed.
Silas simply smiled.
"Just appreciating the scenery."
"Oh?"
She placed a hand on her hip.
"The scenery?"
"Partly."
That earned another laugh from the audience.
She rolled her eyes.
"Well, scenery is about to hand you a loss."
Sharpedo snarled.
Gyarados roared.
The intimidation display would've worked on most challengers but Silas disregarded it as he calmly released Electabuzz.
He scanned both opponents.
Gyarados — Level 43
Ability: Moxie
Potential: B-
Moves: Rank B Dragon Rage, Rank B Flail, Rank B Aqua Tail, Rank C Thunder Wave, Rank C Hurricane, Rank C Dragon Dance, Rank C Crunch, Rank C Iron Tail, Rank C Thunder, Rank C Rain Dance, Rank C Hydro Pump, Rank C Twister
Sharpedo — Level 39
Ability: Speed Boost
Potential: B
Moves: Rank B Crunch, Rank B Ice Fang, Rank C Night Slash, Rank C Aqua Jet, Rank C Waterfall, Rank C Screech, Rank C Poison Fang, Rank C Water Pulse, Rank C Ice Beam
A dangerous duo.
The judge raised his hand.
"The challenger moves first."
"Electabuzz. Quick Attack."
The electric pokemon launched forward. The moment he reached Sharpedo, Thunder Punch activated.
Sharpedo countered with Aqua Jet. Water exploded around its body. The two attacks collided violently.
Thunder Punch won, striking Sharpedo and forcing it backward.
"Monferno, Aura Sphere."
The glowing projectile shot across the battlefield.
"Gyarados, Hurricane."
The instant response surprised Silas. A gigantic vortex formed above the pool and water rose into the spinning storm.
Monferno and the Aura Sphere disappeared inside. Fortunately Electabuzz reacted instantly.
"Electabuzz stay calm and use Light Screen."
A translucent barrier materialized, weakening Hurricane's power.
Monferno used Flame Wheel defensively while escaping the vortex. Meanwhile Sharpedo attacked again.
Its Speed Boost ability activated.
Crunch.
The shark pokemon bit directly into Electabuzz's arm.
Blood seeped from the wound and Electabuzz froze before becoming furious. Gym battles were supposed to be safer than wild battles.
The electric pokemon grabbed Sharpedo with his free arm.
"Thunderbolt and don't let it escape."
Lightning exploded everywhere. Sharpedo convulsed violently electricity danced all over its dark blue body. Smoke soon rose from its body as the attack ended.
Sharpedo immediately attempted Water Pulse but Electabuzz sidestepped easily and followed up with Brick Break. Sharpedo crashed unconscious into the pool.
Silas immediately identified the mistake.
The trainer should've used a move to regain mobility. Instead she chose aggression. That error cost her partner.
Now the battle became two versus one.
Unfortunately, Gyarados remained and Silas was about to learn that it was the real threat.
Beth's playful expression disappeared. For the first time since the battle started, she looked completely serious.
"Use Dragon Dance."
The massive serpent dove beneath the water then began swimming in strange patterns.
Silas laughed at this tactic. The move was powerful but diving underwater? That created an opportunity.
"Electabuzz."
The electric pokemon already understood.
A savage grin appeared.
"Jump in."
Electabuzz dove into the pool and electricity began gathering around his body.
"Use Discharge."
The water exploded with countless arcs of lightning.