The next morning came quietly.
Slateport was already awake, salty air drifting in from the harbor as ships came and went. May stretched as she stepped outside the hotel, her bag slung over her shoulder, ribbon case safely tucked inside. The excitement from yesterday still felt unreal, but in a good way, like a lingering warmth instead of nerves.
Ash was leaning against the railing nearby, sipping coffee, half-focused on Pikachu and Vee as they argued over a pastry Brock had bought. He seemed a little more tired than usual, it was to be expected, since he'd stayed up so late last night. Not that he'd tell them that.
"That one's mine," Ash said flatly, "You both already ate two. Each."
Pikachu hugged it closer, "Pika."
Vee mirrored him, "Vee."
Brock sighed, already regretting his life choices, "I should've bought six."
Max bounced on his heels, "So! Where to next?!"
"Mauville City," Ash said easily, "Unless anyone wants to go somewhere else."
May smiled, "Guess that means Route 110."
Brock winced, "Cycling Road. Trainers everywhere. Loud."
"Hey, might not be too bad of a place to train up," Ash said, "What's the worst that's gonna happen? I get too strong? Ohhh nooo." He put a hand to his head, feigning dramatic worry.
"Fair point," Brock muttered, "I guess I have been slacking on my training…"
May sighed, "Ah… man. Would it be nice if I still had my bike…"
"And whose fault is that?" Ash asked teasingly.
May immediately looked away. She really didn't want to talk about that.
"Wait...oh yeah," Max said, "What did happen to your bike, May?"
"Nothing," Ash and May said in unison.
May pulled out her PokéNav as they started walking, "Hey, Wally should be around there, right? Near Mauville?"
"Oh yeah," Ash said, already pulling out his phone, "Wanna text him?"
May nodded.
–
[Group Chat – Hoenn Squad]
PokemonEnjoyer: yo, we're leaving slateport rn
HoennQueen: finally 😭
GreenBean: u guys alive after that contest or nah
PokemonEnjoyer: may won
HoennQueen: I did😤
GreenBean: ???
GreenBean: WHAT SHE WON?!
PokemonEnjoyer: normal rank but yeah
HoennQueen: THAT'S STILL A WIN
PokemonEnjoyer: we're heading to mauville, you still there
GreenBean: yeah, and, well… i'll show you when you get here
PokemonEnjoyer: 👀
GreenBean: lmao good luck
HoennQueen: see u soon then
—
May smiled at the screen and slipped the PokéNav away, "Wonder what Wally's been doing since we left him."
"Well, there's no way he's done nothing," Ash said, finishing his coffee, "It's been almost a month."
He tossed the empty cup, "Anyway, only one way to find out. Shall we?"
"Yeah!" May and Max said in unison.
Just like that, they started walking again. It would take a few days to get to Mauville City, so they had plenty of time to do stuff.
Almost immediately, a gaggle of trainers showed up to challenge them, and Ash obliged, though he mostly nudged May forward to take them on, since she needed the practice. And it was certainly a show to behold.
But enough about that. The battles, for Ash, anyway, were mostly not that serious, so he checked his phone for anything interesting. That's when he found something: the Millennium Festival was going to happen right here on Route 110.
Ash remembered the Millennium Festival too well from the movie. From what he knew, Butler and Diane were going to be there, and if things went like they did in the movie, Butler was going to do something stupid, try to use Jirachi in a plan so stupid it nearly got everyone killed.
But again, he didn't know if this was still going to be the case with Butler, since so many things had changed. Butler might not have anything to do with Team Magma in this world, but then again, Ash wasn't stupid enough to test it.
So, after about ten hours of training and battling out here, yeah, that sounds like a lot, and it was. Usually, while traveling, Ash only fought for about five to six hours a day. But Route 110 was one of the bigger routes in Hoenn, packed with trainers thanks to its proximity to Cycling Road. Ash just didn't talk about them much, because they were generally not hard in the slightest.
Ash turned to an exhausted May, who was greedily shoveling sandwiches into her mouth, while Brock calmly read a book as he ate one himself, despite having done the same number of battles as May and Ash. Ash and Max each grabbed one as well, mostly because if they didn't eat one now, they wouldn't get one later.
Ash finished his sandwich and wiped his hands on a napkin, his eyes drifting toward the distant lights beginning to flicker on further down Route 110. Even from here, there was a faint buzz in the air, music testing speakers, vendors calling out to one another, the low hum of something big being set up.
He leaned back on his elbows, tone deliberately casual, as he held up his phone showing an article about the Millennium Festival being set up nearby, "Looks like there's a festival going on. You guys wanna check it out?"
May paused mid-bite, crumbs everywhere, "Hm?" She followed his gaze, then her eyes lit up, "Oh! The Millennium Festival, right? I heard people talking about that in Slateport!"
Max perked up instantly, "Festival? Like games and stuff?"
"And food," Brock added without looking up from his book, "Usually lots of food."
Ash shrugged, playing it off, "Yeah. Music, performances, contests, probably fireworks tonight or tomorrow. Since we're already on Route 110 anyway, figured we could swing by. Stretch our legs. Relax a bit."
May swallowed and grinned, "After today? Yeah, I could use a break that doesn't involve battling."
Max pumped a fist, "Yes! Festivals are awesome! Do they have rides?"
Ash glanced at his phone, "A few."
May eyed him for a second longer than necessary, "You're not usually the festival type, Ash."
He snorted, "I take offense to that, you know. I'm the person who loves fun the most, or should I start bringing back the pranks, you bunny?" Ash smirked, pointing at the way her bandana stuck up like bunny ears.
May sputtered, nearly inhaling a crumb, "D–Don't you dare," she snapped, swatting at his pointing finger, cheeks pink, "Those are not bunny ears!"
Ash laughed, already backing up a step like he expected retaliation, "Uh-huh. Sure. Whatever you say, Lopunny."
"That doesn't even make sense!" May protested.
"It absolutely does," Max chimed in helpfully, "Lopunny ears are way longer."
"MAX."
Brock didn't even look up, "He's not wrong."
May groaned, burying her face in her hands for a second before peeking back up at Ash, "You are unbelievable."
"And yet," Ash said, flashing a grin, "you're still here."
She rolled her eyes, but there was a smile fighting its way through, "So… festival?"
"Festival," Ash confirmed, already standing and slinging his bag over his shoulder, "C'mon. Worst-case scenario, we eat too much and regret it later. Best case," he shrugged, "fireworks, prizes, and I win something cool."
"Please. Try to hold back," Brock said dryly, "Last time we were at a festival and you wanted to win 'a few things,' you got banned from playing."
"Wait, that can actually happen?" Max blinked.
"Oh yeah," Ash rubbed his chin and smirked, "Back in Kanto and Johto, whenever we hit a festival, Misty would drag me around to win all the prizes for her. Good times."
"I… okay, note to self," May muttered, "Have Ash as a partner for carnival games."
Ash waved a hand like the conversation was already settled, "So yeah," he said lightly, adjusting his cap, "Festival's right there. We're already sweaty, tired, and full of bread. Might as well complete the set and make bad financial decisions."
"That is not a good argument," Brock replied flatly.
"And yet," Ash shot back, "you haven't said no."
Brock paused. Closed his book. Sighed, "I hate that."
Max was already on his feet, "I vote yes!"
"I figured," Brock muttered.
May brushed crumbs off her hands and stood, stretching, "I'm in. If nothing else, I want to see what kind of performances they have. Maybe I can pick up ideas."
Ash glanced at her, his eyes flicking briefly to the ribbon case at her hip, "Careful. You keep winning like that and people are gonna start expecting things."
She smirked, "Oh no. Expectations. Whatever will I do?"
"Probably crush them," Ash said easily, "You seem the type."
She blinked at that, then huffed and looked away, elbowing Ash in the side, "Dork."
Ash chuckled, "Wow. That's hurtful. I can't just want funnel cake and fireworks?"
Pikachu perked up immediately at the mention of cake, "Pika!"
Vee nodded emphatically, "Vee!"
Brock stretched his arms, "If we're going, we should head out before it gets packed."
"See?" Ash said, pointing, "A responsible adult agrees with me."
"Don't say that again," Brock said, shaking his head.
"Can't fault me if it's true," Ash winked, "Anyway, the festival runs for a few days. We can stay as long as we want. I'm not in a real rush."
"I'm down for a week-long festival relaxation!" May raised her hand.
"I second that!" Max added.
Brock sighed, "We'll see how things go."
May and Max high-fived in celebration. Meanwhile, Ash chuckled to himself. If Jirachi wasn't part of this, it would be better, but if he had to, he'd gladly break a few noses. Still… he'd see if it came to that.
After all, Jirachi might not even be there. But if, and that's a big if, Jirachi isn't there… then where would it be? Well. One question at a time. For now, it was time to have some fun.
—
{Meanwhile}
On an artificial island floating along the water stood the Battle Tower. It had been moved here by Scott after Anabel made a call explaining she was coming to Hoenn to check it out.
Speaking of which, Scott and Anabel were already inside the tower, talking. Scott looked practically radiant with excitement. Just as he'd promised, Palmer had stepped down upon Anabel's return, letting her reclaim the Battle Tower while he went back to Sinnoh to take care of the new one there.
Anabel, meanwhile, had only told Scott half the truth. She was coming to Hoenn, and she would look after the Battle Tower for a while, but she wasn't actually planning on taking over. Not permanently, at least.
You see, since the last time we saw Anabel, she'd spoken with Looker. She explained that she was coming to Hoenn for two reasons: first, to try to find D, for… reasons, and second, to understand why D had come to Hoenn in the first place.
Looker understood her desire to go alone. And since Anabel had never taken a vacation day, she'd accumulated plenty of paid time off. She took it, choosing to travel on her own this time, especially since, after her promotion, she officially held the same rank as Looker.
When she arrived to meet Scott, she hadn't expected the Battle Tower to be here at all. As far as she knew, it was still set up in Kanto. But no, apparently Scott had paid an absurd amount of money, and all the facilities had been relocated to form one massive artificial island.
As a result, Anabel was forced to actually enter the tower. Since she wasn't in uniform, she wore a long-sleeved lilac shirt with a large white collar edged in gold, thin gold cuffs, and a white front lined with gold buttons and trim. Her skinny-fit pants were violet at the top, fading into a darker purple toward the bottom, separated by a jagged pattern around the knees. On her feet were white socks and black Mary Jane shoes.
And, of course, she still wore D's scarf around her neck.
She found herself gripping it whenever she grew nervous, which was often. She was still coming to terms with the fact that she was apparently the heir to all of this. Losing her memories had left her unsteady, and not everything had settled back into place yet. That was another reason she was here: to see if she could uncover anything that might help her memories return.
Scott clasped his hands together, snapping her out of her thoughts. He was practically vibrating with energy.
"And that," he said proudly, sweeping an arm toward the Battle Tower's windows, "is why this is the perfect time for a celebration!"
Anabel blinked once. Slowly.
"Scott," she said evenly, already turning halfway away, "I'm only here temporarily."
"Oh, absolutely!" Scott nodded enthusiastically, "Temporarily, permanently, details! What matters is that you are officially back! And the Battle Tower is yours now!!"
She tightened her grip on the scarf at her neck, "I didn't agree to—"
"So I took the liberty," Scott continued without missing a beat, "of inviting the other Frontier Brains to welcome you properly! Press, sponsors, League officials, very low-key."
Anabel stopped walking.
"…Define low-key."
Scott checked his watch. Smiled wider, "Well, seeing as they've already arrived,"
"What."
The lights dimmed.
A low thrum rolled through the tower, deep and mechanical. Anabel's eyes snapped to the window just in time to see massive silhouettes crest the horizon.
Rotors.
Dozens of them.
The Battle Pyramid came first, suspended beneath heavy-lift helicopters, chains taut as the massive stone structure slowly descended toward the water. Searchlights cut through the mist as it settled onto reinforced platforms, the impact sending ripples across the sea.
Anabel stared, "You moved the Pyramid."
Scott beamed, "With hazard pay!"
Before she could respond, the ocean itself began to shift.
Far below, something massive rose from the depths, steel plating breaking the surface as the Battle Factory emerged, water cascading off its sides like a waterfall. Automated docks locked into place with hydraulic precision.
From the east, rails unfolded over the water as the Battle Dome rolled in on a magnetized transport platform, its transparent structure gleaming under floodlights.
To the south, sleek towers extended upward, Battle Palace and Battle Arena assembling themselves like puzzle pieces, bridges snapping into place.
And finally, a shadow passed overhead.
The Battle Pike slid into position, its segmented corridors unfolding and connecting to the rest of the island with a series of sharp metallic clicks.
Silence followed.
Then cheering.
Fireworks detonated overhead, bright enough to reflect in Anabel's widened eyes. Reporters were already scrambling into position on distant platforms, camera drones buzzing into the air.
Scott clasped his hands together again, "Behold! The fully mobile Battle Frontier, Hoenn Edition!"
Anabel slowly exhaled, "…How long until they all get here?" she asked flatly.
Scott leaned in, lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret, "Oh, they're already on the island."
Right on cue, footsteps echoed behind them. Anabel closed her eyes for half a second.
This was not a vacation.
She straightened anyway, her expression smoothing back into control, fingers still brushing the scarf at her neck.
"Scott," she said quietly, "you have too much money."
Scott laughed like that was a compliment.
"Vision requires investment!" he said proudly, "And you, my dear Anabel, are an investment worth celebrating."
Anabel pinched the bridge of her nose, "I am going to pretend you did not just say that."
Another set of footsteps approached, lighter this time, unhurried.
"Still dramatic as ever, Scott."
Anabel's eyes snapped open.
Lucy stepped into view first, riding crop resting casually over her shoulder as she put her arms behind her head, Seviper coiled calmly at her feet. Greta followed behind her, walking casually and almost too happy to just be here. Tucker waved enthusiastically from farther back, already talking to a camera crew like they were old friends.
Lucy's smirk widened as she took Anabel in properly, eyes flicking from the scarf to her posture, "Huh. You're calmer than I expected."
Greta stepped closer, hands on her hips, smiling openly, "You don't look like someone who just had an entire Battle Frontier dropped on her head."
Anabel gave a small, polite nod, "I've had… practice."
Tucker finally broke away from the cameras, practically bouncing over, "ANABEL, right? The Anabel? Oh, this is amazing, ratings are gonna skyrocket!"
"Please don't shout," Anabel said mildly.
Tucker froze, "…Right. Sorry."
More footsteps echoed as the last of them arrived.
A heavy presence announced itself before words did, Brandon stepped into view, cloak shifting in the sea breeze, Regirock looming silently behind him. His sharp eyes studied Anabel without a word.
Noland followed, pushing his glasses up his nose, gaze analytical, "So this is the Tower's new head."
And finally, Spenser approached at an easy pace, staff tapping once against the floor as he stopped a respectful distance away. His eyes lingered, not judging, but measuring.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Then Lucy tilted her head, "Not gonna lie, I thought you'd be older."
Greta blinked, "Yeah… same. I mean, no offense!"
Noland nodded slowly, "Early twenties, at least."
Anabel didn't miss how Brandon's brow furrowed, or how Spenser's gaze sharpened just a fraction.
She laughed.
It was light, dismissive, effortless, "Oh, that?" She waved a hand, "Good genetics. Strict routine. Plenty of sleep."
Lucy snorted, "Yeah, sure."
Tucker squinted, "What's the routine? Because I need that."
"Classified," Anabel replied smoothly, and Tucker feigned disappointment.
Spenser chuckled softly, breaking the strange tension, "Well, whatever your routine is, it works for you, and that's all that matters."
Anabel inclined her head politely, "I'm honored you think so."
Scott clapped again, far too loudly, "Right! Introductions, formalities, smiling for the cameras, let's get this show rolling!"
Anabel turned just enough to give him a warning look, "Scott."
"Yes?"
"If you say the word coronation, I will leave."
"…Welcome party it is."
Lucy laughed under her breath, "I like her already."
Cameras began to drift closer, hovering in the air like curious Wingull. Microphones extended on thin mechanical arms. Anabel felt the weight of attention settle over her shoulders, but she didn't flinch, just straightened slightly, smoothing the front of her shirt with one hand, the other brushing D's scarf for a half-second before she caught herself.
Greta leaned in, voice low, "You sure you're okay with all this? Scott can be… a lot."
Anabel smiled, small but genuine, "I've handled worse."
That, at least, was true.
Noland stepped forward, adjusting his glasses, "So. Are you planning to change anything about the Tower while you're here? Policies? Rules? Battle formats?"
Anabel paused just long enough to look thoughtful instead of caught off guard, "No drastic changes. I'd rather observe first… understand how everyone does things."
Brandon nodded once, "A leader who watches before acting."
Spenser gave a quiet hum of approval.
Scott practically vibrated, "Excellent! See? Teamwork already! Now, Anabel, if you'd just stand over here, we can get the ceremonial holo-photo,"
"No ceremonies," Anabel said instantly.
"…Symbolic holo-photo?"
She sighed, "Five minutes."
"Done!"
As Scott dragged her toward a small raised platform, Tucker leaned over to Greta and whispered loudly, "Ten Poké she's secretly terrifying."
Greta giggled, "You're on."
Anabel climbed the step, cameras flashing around her. For a brief moment, the sea breeze caught her hair and the scarf at her neck as she thought about something.
She pushed the thought away just as quickly, turning back to the cameras with a composed smile.
Scott threw an arm out dramatically, "Ladies and gentlemen! The Battle Frontier's new Tower Head, Anabel!"
Now it was time for the actual Battle Frontier's opening ceremony.
–
Almost a hour later, everyone went inside the Battle Factory, since it was enclosed and best for the situation. Greta happily took the initiative and grabbed the mic to host the opening ceremony.
"We are proud to present two Frontier Brains of the Battle Frontier, Lucy and Spenser!" Greta announced to the cameras.
From one side, Lucy and Spenser walked out together. Lucy stretched her arms behind her head and waved at the cameras with a smirk, while Spenser simply waited patiently.
Greta continued, "For our battle demonstration, they will fight Pokémon chosen at random by our computer!" She gestured toward the opposite side, where the computer and conveyor belt began randomizing two Pokémon for the double battle.
The conveyor belt hummed louder as the system finalized its selection.
Greta glanced at the monitor, eyebrows shooting up, "Ohhh, that's a fun pairing."
Two Poké Balls dropped onto the platform with a sharp clack.
"Challengers will be fighting—" Greta paused for dramatic effect, "—Rhydon and Manectric!"
A murmur rippled through the audience. Solid offense. High power. No gimmicks.
Lucy's smirk widened, "Heh. Could be worse."
Spenser simply inclined his head, "Adaptation is the essence of battle."
They stepped into position as the referee gave the signal. The Poké Balls opened in twin bursts of light.
Rhydon hit the floor first, the entire platform shuddering under its weight as it roared and scraped one foot against the metal. Manectric landed beside it, electricity crackling along its fur as it shook itself and bared its fangs.
Across the arena, Lucy smiled as she snapped her Poké Ball open, "Seviper, let's have some fun."
Seviper coiled into existence, scales gleaming under the lights, tongue flicking lazily as it eyed the opposing pair.
Spenser released his Pokémon more gently, "Come forth."
From the ball, his Crobat burst out and stretched its wings, ready for battle.
Greta raised a hand, the lights shifting subtly as the arena sealed, "Battle start!"
Lucy moved first. She gestured forward, "Seviper, let's have some fun."
Seviper flowed forward like liquid shadow, its body sliding across the floor in a sudden burst of speed. Manectric snarled, electricity flaring instinctively as it fired a wild [Thunderbolt] straight ahead, but Seviper wasn't there anymore.
It reappeared at Manectric's flank in a blur and snapped its tail, landing a [Poison Tail] that struck the nerve cluster behind Manectric's shoulder. The Electric-type yelped as it collapsed to the ground, immediately poisoned.
At the same time, Rhydon roared and charged, head lowered as it thundered toward Lucy's side of the field.
Spenser didn't raise his voice.
He simply lifted his staff and tapped it once against the floor.
Crobat vanished upward.
The cameras barely caught it, one second Crobat was there, the next it was a streak of violet slicing through the lights. Rhydon swung blindly, horn tearing through empty air as Crobat reappeared behind it, wings beating once as it launched an [Air Slash].
The compressed blade struck Rhydon square in the back of the head. Not enough to knock it out, but enough to stagger it mid-charge, its balance breaking as its own weight betrayed it. Rhydon slammed sideways into the arena wall with a bone-rattling crash.
Lucy chuckled as she dragged a thumb across her tongue, "Aw. Still standing? No fun~"
Manectric tried to recover, claws scraping as it attempted a [Discharge], but Lucy didn't worry at all.
Lucy finally spoke, her voice lazy and amused, "Finish it."
Seviper struck like a spring-loaded trap [Crunch], jaws slamming down with brutal force. Manectric hit the floor unconscious before the echo faded.
One down.
Rhydon roared again, fury overriding pain as it pushed itself upright, the ground cracking beneath its feet. It swung wildly, a desperate [Rock Blast] tearing chunks of metal from the arena floor and hurling them skyward.
Spenser's eyes narrowed, "Now."
Crobat folded its wings.
Then dove.
It cut through the debris effortlessly, spinning once midair and crossing its wings into an X formation, using a [Cross Poison].
The strike landed directly at the base of Rhydon's neck. Poison spread instantly, Rhydon stiffening as its legs locked. A heartbeat later, gravity finished the job, its massive body hit the floor with a thunderous boom.
Silence.
Then the referee stared at the monitors, blinked once, and raised both flags.
"Both Pokémon are unable to battle! Victory to the Frontier Brains!"
The entire sequence had taken less than twenty seconds.
For half a heartbeat, the audience didn't react.
Then the arena erupted.
Cheers thundered through the Battle Factory, cameras scrambling to catch every angle as Seviper casually coiled back beside Lucy, tongue flicking smugly. Crobat landed silently on Spenser's shoulder, wings folding as if nothing of note had occurred.
Lucy stretched, hands lacing behind her head, "Did I overdo it?" she said, though she wasn't actually worried, more like she was bragging.
Spenser chuckled and waved a hand, "Not at all. It is against the spirit of the Battle Frontier to take pity on your opponent and fight a lukewarm battle."
The cheers rolled on for a solid minute before Greta lifted the mic again, laughing as she waited for the noise to die down.
"All right, all right!" she said brightly, "As you can see, the Battle Frontier hasn't lost its edge, even after a slight relocation."
Lucy gave a lazy wave to the crowd, Seviper coiling back at her feet, while Spenser rested both hands on his staff, Crobat already calm on his shoulder.
Greta grinned toward the cameras, "And that was only the opening demonstration. Over the next few days, we'll be hosting multiple exhibition battles, open challenges, and Frontier Brain showcases across the entire Battle Frontier, Hoenn Edition!"
The crowd roared again.
"Battle formats will rotate daily," Greta continued, ticking points off on her fingers, "Singles, doubles, endurance matches, specialty rule sets, plus opportunities for qualified Trainers to face a Frontier Brain directly."
Tucker suddenly leaned into frame, flashing a perfect grin, "And don't forget, live commentary, interviews, and behind-the-scenes coverage! If you blink, you might miss your chance at fame!"
Lucy snorted, "You say that like it's a threat."
"It is," Tucker replied cheerfully.
Greta gestured toward the far side of the arena, where a massive digital board flickered to life, "Up next, we'll be featuring a Battle Factory challenge preview, followed by a Battle Pike endurance exhibition later tonight!"
A murmur of excitement rippled through the audience.
"And tomorrow," Greta added, her smile sharpening, "select Trainers from the public will be chosen to test their skills against our Frontier Brains directly. So rest up, because Hoenn's about to remember why the Frontier isn't just another League challenge."
Applause thundered once more as the lights dimmed slightly, transitioning the event into its next phase.
—
While cameras stayed glued to the arena floor, one Frontier Brain was notably absent.
Deep within the Battle Factory's lower levels, away from cheering crowds and fireworks, Noland adjusted his jacket as automated doors slid open with a soft hiss.
Rows upon rows of containment bays stretched out before him, each one holding a rental Pokémon, status monitors glowing steadily. Conveyor systems hummed overhead, moving Poké Balls between sorting arms and diagnostic scanners.
Noland exhaled through his nose, hands folding behind his back.
He stepped closer to one terminal, tapping commands into the console. A holographic display bloomed to life, scrolling through data, vital signs, move compatibility, temperament ratings.
"All units accounted for," he muttered, "No abnormalities… good."
He was here checking on everything, but that wasn't the full story. Recently, he had been stepping away from the other members more often, ever since his Articuno friend disappeared. That day lingered in his thoughts, and he still wondered what had happened.
He sighed. Part of him wanted to keep searching, but if that Articuno truly was his friend, then maybe it would come back one day. It wasn't like he could talk to it. It wasn't even his Pokémon, just one he had befriended.
Lost in thought, Noland sensed something behind him.
He tried to turn, but he was too late.
A sharp pain struck the back of his neck. He fell to his knees, then collapsed onto the floor as his consciousness began to fade.
As he struggled to look up and see who had done this to him, all he saw was a shadowy figure in armor, looming over him.
"Noland… the Frontier Brain who manages the rental Pokémon… help me out. Make my wish come true. I need that Pokémon… I must have it!"
Those were the last words Noland heard before he lost consciousness.
The armored man stepped over his body and moved to the terminal, his fingers already flying across the controls.
"You're awake… but where are you, my beloved Jirachi?" the armored man murmured as information about Jirachi appeared on the screen.
"Perfect. Perfect indeed…" he said softly, then turned his gaze toward the shelves loaded with Pokémon and smiled beneath the armor.
As for who this armored man was, he was known only as Guile Hideout.