Outside the window, lightning flashed and thunder roared. Rain poured down in torrents.
Just as ordinary citizens were still considering whether to venture out today, in an unknown corner of the Team Rocket base, Sieg and his companions had already hastily embarked on their journey to New Mauville.
"I've already explained the combat suit's important points. Just push the absorption button on your palm to directly absorb blood, fur, and other materials into the storage compartment."
Mushin sat on Dragonite's back, carefully instructing the four beside him.
Sieg and the others exchanged heavy glances and nodded. Their hearts felt somewhat oppressed, perhaps due to this weather.
Sieg pulled out the synthetic skin mask he'd prepared earlier. The others also deployed their various disguise methods, more or less altering their appearances with makeup and camouflage.
Southeast of Mauville City, the location of the underground power plant "New Mauville."
Dark clouds blanketed the area. Lightning flashed and thunder roared across the sky. Violent storms raged as water droplets and electric arcs intermingled in the air, composing a natural scene of torrential rain and electrical terrain.
The nearby coastal cliffs, affected by the thunderstorm weather, saw massive waves continuously rising. Even the harbor had been temporarily shut down.
At this moment, New Mauville was witnessing an assembly of elites.
The League's Pokémon Corps had already deployed in formation here. Trees in the surrounding mountain forests swayed as vague silhouettes of Pokémon appeared and disappeared.
Mid-air, a Magnezone radiating a tremendous presence was floating. Standing on its back was a corpulent man wearing a yellow shirt.
"Friends, since you've arrived, show yourselves. What's the point of all this skulking about?"
Wattson tapped the Magnezone beneath his feet, signaling it to descend. Though his figure appeared pudgy, his nimble form leaped down gracefully, this was an agile fat man.
As his words fell, Wattson's voice echoed through the valley.
Those hidden among the mountain forests emerged one after another, Gym Leaders, ancient families, even two of Hoenn League's current Elite Four had mobilized.
Wattson looked at each familiar face, anguish appearing on his features. Among these people were several of his good friends.
"Why? Why must you all do this... Divine power isn't something humans can control!" Fury surfaced on Wattson's face as he attempted one final appeal to dissuade them.
As an Electric-type specialist trainer, though merely a Gym Leader, his own Pokémon had already reached Elite Four level. Naturally, Raikou, the Sacred Beast, deeply attracted him.
But when he'd witnessed its power, he'd instantly abandoned any desire he'd held. That simply wasn't something humans could control.
That awe-inspiring heavenly might still lingered in his mind, impossible to dispel.
Unfortunately, Wattson's earnest efforts were ultimately wasted. Once they'd heard Raikou was in an injured state, nothing could stop them from trying. Otherwise, their hearts would never be satisfied.
As people often said, what defeats the strong is often not their strength failing them, but boundless greed.
"Wattson, your meritorious service in leading Mauville City's development and reforms is admirable. But now, that Pokémon threatens the lives of tens of thousands of Mauville residents. I have no choice but to act. I hope you'll understand."
A cool voice rang out. Everyone hidden in the shadows looked over to see a classical blonde beauty in a purple dress standing atop the mountain.
Beside her stood a Froslass, its fierce countenance and hard icy body radiating energy waves no weaker than Wattson's Magnezone, also an Elite Four-level Pokémon.
Wattson laughed bitterly, disappointment appearing on his face. "Glacia, even you can no longer control yourself?"
Standing atop the mountain, Glacia let wind and rain wash over her, blowing her golden hair. But when she heard Wattson's words, her expression shifted slightly.
Finally, after a long moment, she still sighed, her emotions complex. "Wattson, you've contributed so much to the League. Even without great merit, you've worked hard. As long as you don't interfere, I can guarantee..."
Glacia's current feelings were extremely complicated. Originally, she didn't want to get involved with any internal fights or power struggles.
But there was no choice, she wasn't alone. Behind her stood a massive family. When she was weak, she'd enjoyed the family's protection and resources. Now that she'd become an Elite Four member, she naturallt had to return those efforts.
This was the tragedy of those born into families. Appearing glamorous and brilliant on the surface, but actually unable to control their fate at every turn. Even having become one of the Elite Four, she was still influenced to a certain degree.
After all, those who'd ordered her to participate in this matter were all her elders, blood relatives.
Among them were teachers who've once taught her with devoted care, elders who've watched her grow up. She couldn't refuse their requests.
"I can only take this one step at a time. Hopefully nothing too serious will happen." Phoebe has already made a decision. She'll show her face, but won't make an effort.
Wattson's expression grew heavy as he surveyed the surroundings. On a mountainside boulder, he spotted Sidney.
"Yo Fatty, no need to be nervous. No matter how you look at it, you're still my senior. I'm just here for some free entertainment!" Sidney displayed his characteristic cynical demeanor, tossing that Poké Ball in his hand with a smile.
Seeing both of the two most powerful present state their intentions made him relax a bit.
From their attitudes, they clearly didn't want mutual destruction. Obviously, they were just here for appearances. Those with truly malicious intentions were still those League executivves and families in hiding.
The entire mountain forest fell silent once more.
Only the sounds of wind and rain remained, along with the occasional thunderous explosion.
In an inconspicuous corner at the mountain's base, five figures in white combat suits whispered secretively.
"Sir Mushin, may I ask where Executive Archer is?" Rose asked nervously.
From her slightly trembling voice, her emotional turmoil was quite onbious. After all, a scene of this magnitude was beyond what small-time people like them could fathom.
Originally, she hadn't thought much of it, but experiencing it firsthand, her heart felt genuine fear. Simultaneously, she prayed not to be killed by battle aftershocks.
Mushin said in a low voice, "When the time comes, the Executive will naturally appear. Stay quiet here."
Seeming to notice everyone's tension, he added, "These big shots will naturally be dealt with by someone. What you need to handle are just those at similar strength levels. When the time comes, I'll create opportunities for you."
Mushin's words slightly reassured everyone. When the sky falls down, the strong ones will hold it up. Sieg and the others only had to do their part.
Those big shots were all focused on Raikou. They just needed to take advantage of the chaos to collect some blood samples.
Sieg tightened his combat suit, unable to help feeling surprised when looking at that figure atop the mountain.
"Isn't that the beauty from the Battle Gourmet Plaza that day? That is actually Elite Four Glacia??"