The number of initial Pokémon available is limited, with only three being distributed each day. An advance application and appointment are necessary, and the alliance maintains strict control over this process. To prevent the infiltration of dark forces, only those who have paid taxes to the alliance for over ten consecutive years are eligible. This includes individuals currently in the service, those with a recommendation from an alliance doctor, or even a prominent figure like the Pokémon Champion.
"Yes, Professor! I'm determined to become a Pokémon Master specializing in Ground and Rock types!" Ben replied enthusiastically after receiving his Pokédex and Poké Balls, handing the Nuzleaf back to Professor Birch without a second thought. "The Onix will be my best partner! I look forward to finding my own Pokémon in the wild, rather than just receiving an initial Pokémon. I crave adventures full of unknowns and surprises!"
"That's the spirit, young man! Building a bond between trainer and Pokémon, growing together, training hard it's all part of becoming a true Pokémon Master!" Pierce said, visibly excited. "Let's pursue this path wholeheartedly!"
Feeling a bit shy, Ben nodded vigorously, "I will, Mr. Pierce!"
He glanced at the Nuzleaf nestled in Professor Birch's arms and added, "Professor, please take good care of Nuzleaf!"
"Of course!" Professor Birch smiled as he gently patted Long Nose Leaf's small head. "I'll look after him well. When he's ready, I'll make sure to return him to you. No need to worry."
Ben was about to say his goodbyes when Pierce interjected unexpectedly, "Wait a moment! I need to discuss something important with you regarding the recent swarm riots!"
"The swarm riot? Are you referring to the Beedrill?" Ben asked, recalling the encounters he had with aggressive Bug-type Pokémon.
"That's right," Pierce replied. "I was puzzled because while Beedrill are territorial and usually only attack intruders, I hadn't entered their territory. In fact, with Onix around, there was no reason for them to attack us."
"Exactly. While Beedrill can be irritable, they typically defend their territory rather than actively seek out conflict," Professor Birch affirmed. "The only triggers for disturbance among insect Pokémon like Beedrill can include territory invasion, courtship, or even a race war. In rare instances, it could be due to the legendary Golden Honey, which is known to attract all Bug-type Pokémon."
Professor Birch then walked over to the computer and retrieved a document. "Based on what we know, Ben, you don't fit any of those situations."
Ben sighed inwardly, longing for Golden Honey. It wasn't just valuable to insects; all Pokémon coveted it. Golden Honey enhances a Pokémon's beauty and deepens its bond with trainers. For Bug-types, it's especially crucial as it helps them master Bug energy, learn new skills, and even evolve. It's rumoured that Bug Pokémon evolved by consuming Golden Honey see a significant boost in their potential.
However, finding Golden Honey is incredibly rare. In a small number of Beehives, a special queen bee emerges, producing pheromones that draw in more worker bees. When the population reaches a critical mass, a transformative event occurs. The worker bees diligently collect nectar to feed the queen, who, while nourishing her larvae, generates a unique hormone that mixes with the honey, producing the sought-after Golden Honey.
"It's a shame that I didn't catch a whiff of its magical fragrance," Ben noted. He knew that only a specific type of grass found in the Sinnoh region has the ability to locate Beehives, drawing from the enchanting aroma of Golden Honey a scent synonymous with happiness.
"That's because once Golden Honey leaves the queen's nest, its scent becomes subdued," Pierce, who had been quiet until now, chimed in. "While it may go unnoticed by humans, it emits a tasteless stimulant hormone that Bug Pokémon can sense, leading to chaotic and aggressive behaviour."
"So, the riots among the Beedrill were caused by the presence of the Golden Honey, which triggered their chaotic urges, leading them to attack indiscriminately?" Ben pieced together.
"Yes," Professor Birch confirmed. "The special queen bee's hormone stimulates the senses of Bug Pokémon, causing confusion and irritability, sometimes resulting in self-destructive behaviour."
"Ah, it's not just in the Hoenn region, Bug-type Pokémon have rioted and attacked trainers worldwide recently," Pierce added. "They've even invaded Fire-type Pokémon territories, leading to catastrophic losses. As a result, the alliance has dispatched investigators to determine whether these incidents are of natural causes or linked to darker forces."
Ben nodded, understanding the seriousness of the situation. If these events stemmed from natural causes, it would be manageable, but if dark forces were at play, it could lead to severe consequences for the ecosystem. A large-scale decline in Bug Pokémon populations could disrupt local ecological chains, potentially leading to irreversible damage.
After all, this is the world of Pokémon, where life is paramount, and Arceus, though dormant, is ever-watchful. Even without Arceus intervening, other legendary Pokémon, like the three guardians of the Hoenn region, are vigilant.
"Is that why Mr. Pierce is here to investigate?" Ben asked.
"Exactly," Pierce confirmed. "Several incidents of swarms attacking trainers occurred recently, particularly in the woods between Petalburg City and Oldale Town. That's why our investigators have been deployed for inquiries, and I'm responsible for the investigation in Petalburg City."
"Have there been any findings?" Ben inquired, feeling a bit apprehensive about venturing into areas populated by Bug Pokémon.
Pierce exchanged glances with Professor Birch before responding, "We have a clear direction now. You can proceed with your journey without worry."
A sense of relief washed over Ben, but he sensed that there were still details being withheld. However, since it wouldn't hinder his travel, he decided to let it go for now. "That's great! Thank you, Mr. Pierce and Professor Birch. I'll be on my way then!"
"Be careful out there! I wish you success in your endeavors with the League, Ben," Professor Birch encouraged, giving him an encouraging pat on the shoulder.
"I will!" Ben replied with a bright smile.
"Good luck to you too, young man!" Pierce said, reverting to his easy-going demeanour. Ben waved goodbye, returned to the medical room to put away the Onix, and bid farewell to Professor Birch and Pierce once more before leaving the research institute.
As Ben departed, Professor Birch quietly asked, "Is everything truly resolved?"
Pierce nodded seriously, "It should be fine, a few rats in the gutter can be managed. We just need to divert their attention."
He took out a Poké Ball and headed toward the institute's exit. "The Elite Four member Drake should have arrived by now, and the two parties must have made contact."
"Dragon King Drake, is always dependable," Professor Birch remarked, feeling reassured. He returned to the computer, dismissing Pierce, and resumed his research.
Meanwhile, in Petalburg City, a Salamence soared northward at impressive speed.
In the depths of Petalburg Woods, powerful explosions echoed in the air. High above, a colossal Pokémon resembling a massive lizard with four legs glided effortlessly. Its striking blood-red wings and long tail contrasted sharply with its blue body, while the insides of its limbs and tail glimmered in red. Two prominent red protrusions adorned its head, alongside three small delta-shaped wings on either side.
This was a formidable Salamence Drake's trump card!
"Salamence, use Dragon Breath!" commanded Drake, perched atop his dragon's back, his voice steady and unwavering as he surveyed the Anan team fleeing below.
Gathering immense dragon energy in its mouth, Salamence unleashed a massive red shockwave towards the ground.
The explosion sent shockwaves through the area, accompanied by loud roars and cries of alarm.
"Pokémon, nature, and humans all elements converge to create this world. This truth was taught to me by my Salamence, and I cling steadfastly to my role as one of the Elite Four." With his eyes closed, Drake reflected, "Once, I aspired to be the world's greatest sailor, mastering every sea route. But during a storm, my ship nearly capsized, and I drifted for days. Just as hope faded and provisions ran low, a Salamence materialized in the sky, guiding my vessel back to shore."
Opening his eyes, he observed the chaos below. "Both humans and Pokémon possess inherent kindness, expecting nothing in return! Yet you…"
Anger ignited within him.
"Employing malicious tactics to incite conflict between humans and Pokémon, indifferent to the suffering it causes!"
Feeling Drake's fury, the already agitated Salamence roared, its wings creating a powerful gust that immobilized the Pokémon below. Teams of alliance investigators escorted captured members of the dark team and their Pokémon, ensuring that those innocent of wrongdoing would either be released or placed in caring trainers' hands.
Just then, a Dragonite zipped by overhead, carrying Investigator Pierce, "Master Drake, is it over?"
"Ah, this is the last stop. I'll leave this in your hands," Drake said as he pulled out a box and handed it to Pierce.
"What is this?" Pierce asked, curiosity evident in his voice.
"Open it and see for yourself."
As Pierce lifted the lid, his eyes widened. "Is this... Golden Honey?" He marvelled at the eight bottles of golden-yellow, semi-solid liquid neatly arranged inside the box.
"Yes," Drake confirmed with a slight frown. "Each of the nine bases has one bottle, but they haven't found any in this location."
"Make sure to bring them back to the League and store them safely," Drake instructed. "I'll be staying in Rustboro City for a while to observe further."
"Understood, Drake-sama," Pierce replied, taking the box with care.
Drake then said, "Now, let's go, Salamence!"
With a mighty roar, Salamence flapped its wings and took to the skies, disappearing into the distance.