16. Q: How do I trade with R/S/E? The game is telling me I’m not ready to trade yet!
A: In order to trade with R/S/E, you need to beat the E4 and get the National Dex, then complete Celio’s island quest by fixing the Network Machine. You need to find the Ruby and Sapphire plates on the Islands, and once the Network Machine is fixed, you can trade.
10. Q: How do I get the National Dex?
A: After you beat the Elite Four, if you have 60 or more Pokemon caught in your Pokedex, you will get the National Dex automatically. If not, get 60 Pokemon and then go talk to Oak, he will give it to you.
17. Q: Where are the Ruby and Sapphire plates?
A: The Ruby plate can be found in Mt. Ember. Once you have the National Dex, defeat the Rockets in front of the cave. Then you can go in and find the Ruby. They will NOT fight you until you have the 'Dex, so see question #10 on how to get it.
The Sapphire is a little more complicated. First, you must save Lorelei in Icefall Cave, on Four Island. This is VERY important—if you don’t do this, a scientist will be blocking your way to a cave on Six Island. Once Lorelei is saved, the scientist will be gone. Use Cut on the door, and make your way through the cave, reading the Braille on the wall to figure out which door to go through. Once you’re at the bottom, you’ll find the Sapphire plate, but the scientist will come and steal it! He’ll leave a password in his place, which allows you to get into the Rocket Warehouse on Five Island. Get through the Warehouse, and you’ll finally get the Sapphire plate, which you can take to Celio. PHEW!