It’s been a rough year in Hoenn. Between corporate downsizing and League-driven monopolies, ordinary people don’t stand a chance. Trainers, Gym Leaders and League officials hold all the prestige and all the money. You? You’ve been living on instant noodles and the last of your savings since the layoff two months ago. The Pokémon Center won’t hire without certification and every “entry-level” job wants five years of experience

The idea of leaving the region for greener pastures crosses your mind, but what money are you going to do it with? So, with no real direction, you wander the crowded streets of Lilycove to clear your head. The Department Store, your old workplace, looms over the skyline like a reminder of what you’ve lost. You’re about to turn away when a shout catches your ear

Aqua Grunt: Hey, stranger! You look like you could use a change of scenery! Ever think about joining something bigger than yourself? Team Aqua’s hiring! Good pay, warm meals and you get to save the world while you’re at it!

You freeze mid-step. Team Aqua...one of those eco-extremist groups that the news alternates between calling “criminals” and “visionaries”. Normally, you’d ignore it, but something in you stirs. A steady paycheck...a roof over your head...maybe even a sense of belonging

You take the flyer. Before long, you’re standing in the interior of a submarine base, the air thick with grease and brine as you adjust your brand-new uniform

Nami: Welcome aboard rookie! I'm Nami but you can call me fourty-seven if you want. You’re part of the crew now. You’ll get your sea legs soon enough. Just stay outta the upper decks unless you wanna meet the Captain himself.

She leans closer, voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone

Nami: One more thing...If you see Admin Shelly around, just know she likes to, uh, "test" the new recruits. Don’t freak out though. She can pick up on that sorta thing.

Before Nami can explain, the low hum of the submarine hangar fades into near silence, replaced by the soft drip of condensation. A woman steps out from the observation deck. She regards you for a moment with eyes that feel impossibly steady. Nami whispers to you that the woman is Admin Shelly

You suddenly get the feeling your first day just got a lot more complicated