I didn't want to spend too much time deliberating over what had happened because I knew Emerald still needed help.

Gallade and I strolled back to Oldale town. I felt at ease as he pumped my mind with his thoughts. Dude that was amazing! We beat that guy into the dirt! I felt, like, super strong!

We arrived at the town, I scanned around and saw May and Brendan standing outside of the Pokémon Center.

I walked up to them. I noticed I was unconsciously walking with a bit more a stride. For some reason, I felt more confident as I approached them than usual. "Hey, guys!"

May and Brendan turned to me and their faces lifted into grins. "Heya Wally! Looks like you got Gallade back! That's awesome!" May congratulated me.

I nodded. "So how'd talking to your parents go?" I asked.

Hang on. Did I miss out on drama? Oh no! I missed out on them making up didn't I? This sucks!

May shrugged. "Visiting mom was nice, especially with all the stress. Though she made it clear you're in a lot of trouble when you come over me house, Brendan."

"I figured as much," The boy sighed. "It went pretty well. I talked to my old man and he explained to me that he didn't really have much of a choice since those Crown goons have been intimidating him. But we're gonna put a stop to all of that." Brendan recounted.

"Right! We should probably call Mr. Stone so we can tell him about Sea Mauvile." May suggested.

I thought it over. "We could. But Ruby said they would be off the coast of Route 104 around now. If we can take them on and get back Emeral, then we can have Steven track down the king before it's too late."

Brendan nodded. "The Team Crown lady said that my old man just had to stall for one day. And then she said something about the Final Day. I figure they're putting their final plan in motion as we speak."

May took a deep breath. "Guys. We're just kids. And these guys are dangerous. We should call Mr. Stone. He's the champion of the region."

Part of my brain wanted to just rush onto the ship but I knew May was right. I looked Gallade up and down and saw all the bruises on him. He was in no condition to just run into danger, even if he wouldn't admit it.

"May's right. We need to recuperate. It sounds like all of Team Crown will be on that ship." I conceded. Brendan sighed and nodded begrudgingly.

"Yeah. You guys are right." Brendan agreed.

We turned and walked into the Pokémon Center. After we each had our Pokémon healed May went off to stock up on items at the shop and Brendan took out his PokéNav.

Brendan typed something onto the screen and the PokéNav began to ring. Brendan put the device to his ear and started to listen.

"H-hello? Mr. Stone, it's me, Brendan. From the Cave? We found out where Team Crown is going to be gathering. They've taken Sea Mauvile and gotten it up and running. Apparently, they're planning on using it as some sort of ark. They said it'll be off the coast of Route 104 once their final plan begins. It sounds like they're planning on destroying Hoenn from their hideout in the next few hours. We still don't know where their king is hiding though. Alright. Ok. Will do." Brendan hung up and stuffed the device into his bag.

I made eye contact with Brendan and he preemptively answered me. "Steven said he's going to go check it out and to stay out of it if we can help it."

Suddenly Gallade burst from his Pokeball. Alright, I heard everything. We're obviously not just going to sit around and twiddle our thumbs, right?

Brendan shook his head. "May's right though. It's too dangerous. Last time we tried to take on just a few of them we got pummeled and barely won."

Gallade gazed down at his arms. True. But last time you didn't have me. And especially not me at my peak power. Wally, with what we managed to achieve we can take those small grunts easy!

Brendan glanced at me. "What's he talking about?"

I explained to him what had happened after Gallade had evolved and Brendan seemed stumped. "Well-that just doesn't make sense. Unless... maybe because there's Mega Evolution Energy in both of your blood you're able to Mega Evolve? That's gotta be it. Right?"

I shrugged. "It almost felt like our minds were connected."

Brendan rubbed his temples and tried to think of an explanation. Meanwhile, May returned with a large stockpile of items and I caught her up on what we'd discussed with Steven.

I sat down and took a deep breath. It felt nice to take a moment to process everything that had happened. I had no clue what I would do about my parents. I doubted they would be very happy about me shouting at them and storming off.

I wasn't sure how but I would have to make things right with them. They were my parents after all. And they just wanted to keep me safe.

While thinking, my mind kept coming back to Emerald and the King of Hoenn. He was so powerful after consuming that energy. Did that mean Gallade and I also had that level of power?

Maybe we stood a chance if we could unlock that level of strength. I would have to work up the confidence to face that man down again. Taking a look around, I almost wanted to laugh at myself for thinking that.

My friends would be with me. All of them. Even if I was scared, I would take on anything with them by my side.

For a moment, my mind was at ease. But my eyes shot open when I heard shouting from outside.

The four of us pushed the Pokémon Center doors open and immediately something caught my eye.

Despite being a notable distance away, I could make out a large ship looming over Route 104's beach. Instantly, I recognized the ship as the Sea Mauvile.

Without speaking a word the four of us began to run through Route 102 to the large boat. Once we arrived at Petalburg City we were stopped by a large crowd that had gathered at the west exit.

The massive ship had large pieces of seaweed hanging off of it. Many pieces and parts seemed to still be missing from the front of the boat and the majority of paint was gone.

Still, I was amazed that the ship was functioning at all. The only images I had ever seen of it showed half of the boat underwater.

I stood on my tiptoes to peer past the crowd. There I saw a large assembly of Team Crown members on the beach. A drawbridge was buried into the sand and Team Crown members were boarding the large boat.

"Peasants of Hoenn!" A familiar voice boomed. I looked to see Sapphire standing on the shore in front of the regular Crown members. "Don't be alarmed! And don't try to impede us! We're simply preparing for a big event! One only true royalty is privy to!"

"Who the hell are you to think you get to boss us around?" A voice from the crowd asked. I immediately recognized it as Norman's voice.

May pumped her fist into the air when she heard her dad. The crowd had opened up enough for Brendan, May, and I to be able to clearly see what was happening.

Norman was slowly approaching Sapphire. "I don't know what you're on about, but I'm not just going to sit here and let you get away with it!"

Sapphire began to laugh heartily. "Pathetic gym leaders. They never seem to know their place. Grunts, take care of him. I have more important matters to attend to." Sapphire turned around and climbed up the plank to the ship.

A cluster of Team Crown members stepped forward and sent out a varying array of Pokémon including Linoone and Lairon.

Norman tossed a Pokeball into the air and out came his signature Slaking. The giant gorilla Pokémon roared into the air and flexed its large muscles before scratching the grey fur on its backside.

Norman turned to face the crowd. "Everyone, the champion has warned me that Team Crown is planning something dangerous. That they intend on destroying Hoenn. Please help me, I worry I can't fight them all off at once."

Without hesitation, trainers began to send out their Pokémon and run at the Team Crown goons still on the beach.

I looked back at my friends. "What do we do?"

Brendan and May shrugged. "You decide man. We trust you." Brendan told me. Gallade nodded his head to affirm this.

"T-this is our chance to save Emerald. We have to do it. We can take the ones inside if so many of them are stuck here on the beach." I rambled. I shook my head and clenched my fists. "Let's kick some Crown butt!"

Yeah! I like this attitude Wal! Gallade and I grabbed each others' hands. Suddenly my veins began to glow again and in an instant, Gallade had once again changed into his mega form.

He flexed his muscles and looked up at the ship. Now that we're cooking! It's fire time! May and Brendan sent out their Pokémon and we ran off in the direction of the chaos.

Sand was clouding the air as various fights broke out between the trainers and the Team Crown members. I had hope that we could slip through and onto the ship.

As I ran off I suddenly heard somebody call my name from behind. I whipped around to see my parents standing back on the edge of town.

The worry on my mother's face nearly killed me. I couldn't say anything to them. I couldn't even move. I was locked in eye contact with them.

My father broke the spell by telling me one thing. "Stay safe son, please." And with that, I ran off. My head was filled with too many emotions and not enough time to think about a single one.