The group was walking through what seemed to be a desert. Misty had sent Ash a text about where the Marina Group were set up. Their last show had been in Fuchsia City, and their plan was to head north to another town. So Ash had Abby teleport them to Fuchsia, and they started walking.
It had only really been a day, and Max and May were exhausted, which at this point surprised Ash considering how much they had been walking for almost three months. Now, Ash could get one of his Pokémon to let them ride, but no, that would just reward their laziness.
"I can see the light…" Max wheezed dramatically, stumbling forward, "Tell Mom...I tried…"
"You're not dying," May groaned, dragging her feet, "If anyone's dying, it's me. Why is it so hot? It wasn't this hot yesterday."
Ash glanced at the sky.
It was mildly sunny.
"You know, why are you hot? I'm the one wearing a jacket. You literally have a tank top," Ash said. Now that he mentioned it, he pulled off his jacket and tied it around his waist, not because he was hot, but because he realized...why was he still wearing it?
May pointed accusingly, "See?! Even you took it off!"
"No, I'm taking this off because I'm not stupid. You're complaining about heat when you have the best clothes for it," Ash said, pointing at her outfit, which again consisted of shorts and a tank top.
"You guys are being dramatic. It's barely warm," Brock said, though he was one to talk, considering he was also wearing a sleeveless muscle shirt.
As if on cue, a gust of wind kicked up sand around their feet.
Max coughed, "The desert is trying to consume us."
"This isn't even a desert," Ash deadpanned, "It's just a dry route."
But they conveniently gained the ability to not hear anything Ash said, making him sigh.
"Okay, you guys can either walk, or I'm carrying you," Ash said, crossing his arms.
They both immediately stopped fake-dying.
May slowly looked up, "…Define carrying. Because last time you said that, I ended up upside down."
"And the last time you carried me, it was piggyback," Max added.
Ash rolled his shoulders once like he was warming up for a light stretch, "I'm giving you five seconds to decide."
"Five—?!" May sputtered.
"Four."
Brock calmly stepped to the side, "I suggest you both make peace with your dignity."
"Three."
"Two."
"Okay, okay, I'll walk! Walking is good! Love walking!" May said, marching stiffly.
"I...will take my chances," Max decided.
"Welp, okay, looks like Max is getting carried," Ash said as he walked over, easily picked Max up, and set him on his shoulders, "Okay, let's go."
"Yes!" Max pumped his fist, seeing his gamble pay off.
"Wait, you didn't say it was gonna be like that. I thought you were gonna carry us like a bag of potatoes!"
"You never asked. Sucks to suck. Better luck next time~" Ash stuck his tongue out as he started walking again.
May slumped, "I hate everything…"
"Honestly, you'd think you'd learn by now," Brock said, patting her shoulder before continuing on.
"Anyway, the next town is close by. We could see their show before we walk up to them," Ash started.
"Wait, the next town is close by? Why didn't you start with that?! Let's go!" May said excitedly as she started running ahead.
—
{Meanwhile at the Battle Frontier}
Everyone was still investigating the incident while pretending everything was normal. Anabel, meanwhile, was busy conducting her own research based on the results she had received from the lab.
It was only a medical lab, so the analysis wasn't perfect, but it confirmed what she already suspected. The metal alloy seemed to possess properties similar to a Pokémon move. However, the base analysis alone wasn't enough.
Thankfully, she had her Psychic powers.
Focusing carefully, Anabel extended her senses into the metallic sample. The energy lingering within the metal resonated strangely, almost like echoes of battle techniques. From what she could determine, the alloy carried traces resembling Mirror Coat and Counter.
How that was possible...she had no idea.
And until Noland woke up and provided more information, they were stuck guessing. All they knew was that the attacker had worn full plate armor. Who would commit a crime dressed like that? No one was that stupid.
…Right?
As Anabel considered calling Looker for additional support in Hoenn, she sat in her office studying the vial of metallic powder in her hand.
Suddenly, Tucker burst through the door, "Anabel!"
She yelped, nearly dropping the vial, but caught it just before it hit the floor.
"We found something!" Tucker said urgently, "We've got reports of someone walking around wearing full armor!"
Anabel blinked slowly, "…You're joking."
Tucker shook his head immediately, unusually serious for once, "I wish I was. Multiple witnesses. Same description, full plate armor and a big sword, just walking around like nothing's wrong. They spotted him near Route 130 heading south."
"South…" Anabel murmured, "But that's nothing but water and islands for miles."
"I know," Tucker replied, "Brandon's checking to see if there's any island the person might be heading toward, but—"
"Any attacks?" she interrupted.
"No," Tucker said, "That's the weird part. He hasn't hurt anyone. Just...walking."
"That's worse," Anabel muttered.
Someone confident enough to walk openly after assaulting a Frontier Brain either possessed overwhelming power...or didn't consider them a threat at all.
"What's the plan?" Anabel asked.
"Scott gave us clearance to move," Tucker answered, "I'm definitely going. Everyone else said the same thing. We're just waiting to see if Spenser, and you, are coming."
Anabel looked down at the vial again.
Then she remembered.
This entire situation revolved around Jirachi.
She swallowed. If she could obtain that wish, then maybe—
"Okay. I'm going," Anabel said, standing and grabbing her scarf before wrapping it around her neck, "When do we leave?"
–
{Meanwhile in TV Mauville}
Gabby and Ty had been frustrated, well, mostly Gabby.
Ever since the kidnapping incident, she had been trying to publish articles about the so-called Team Aqua, but every submission had been denied.
When she tried pivoting to other stories, like the recent alleged attack on Mt. Chimney and attempting to secure an interview with Gym Leader Flannery, denied again.
It was driving Gabby insane.
She wanted her next big scoop, but every time she pushed for coverage, her supervisors shut it down, claiming the stories weren't relevant or that publishing them would cause public panic.
Gabby slammed her notebook shut for what had to be the tenth time that day, "…Nope. I'm calling him."
Ty winced, "Are you sure? Last time you called the production chief directly, you almost got reassigned to weather reports."
Gabby already had her PokéNav out.
"He can't ignore me if I ask directly."
The line rang.
Once.
Twice.
Then clicked.
A familiar voice answered smoothly.
"Ah, Gabby. Nice to hear from you. How are your interviews going?"
Gabby straightened instantly, professional mode activating.
"Great! But there's something I want to ask you about. Regarding the volcanic activity at Mt. Chimney—"
A pause.
Paper shuffled on the other end.
"Yes...we had a meeting to discuss that at the TV station. In the end, we decided to hold off for a while."
Gabby's eye twitched.
"Hold off? Sir, people deserve to know if something's happening!"
"Well," the Production Chief replied calmly, "it wouldn't do any good to cause unnecessary panic, would it?"
Ty mouthed "called it" behind her.
Gabby inhaled slowly, "…Then what should we be covering?"
There was another pause, longer this time. Then the man's tone shifted slightly, more serious, "You just keep following up on...that organization with the red uniforms that's been spotted in the Slateport City and the Rustboro area."
Ty's eyes widened.
Gabby blinked, "Wait, you mean those sightings weren't rumors?"
"I'm counting on you," the Production Chief said, not answering the question, "You've always had good instincts, Gabby."
The call ended.
Gabby's eye twitched as she took a big breath, and Ty was already opening up the food delivery app and ordering a lot of sweets to calm her down.
"I swear, why do we have to listen to anything he says…" Gabby muttered, gritting her teeth.
"Maybe because he's our boss?" Ty answered the obvious question, earning a side-eye from Gabby.
"Well…" Gabby muttered as she looked down at her notes. Then she got an idea, and an evil smirk that Ty didn't like. He shook his head frantically as if begging her to reconsider, but she didn't, "If they won't take our scoop seriously, then we'll just have to do our own research until they can't ignore it."
Ty slapped himself in the face and dragged his hand down along it.
—
Meanwhile, on the other end of that phone call, in the main office of TV Mauville, the head of the TV station sat in his chair and smiled out the window. He wore a nice sweater that hugged against his muscles and tanned skin. His beard was neatly trimmed, and he had a hat covering his hair.
You may not realize who it is because of his new outfit, but this is none other than Archie again. He was here because he was the head of TV Mauville, which was also the main source of news for all of Hoenn.
TV Mauville is a subsidiary of the Aqua Company, so of course Archie made himself head of it. That's a big part of why news about Team Aqua and Magma never got out to the public and why no one in Hoenn knew about them, they controlled the media.
That explains Team Aqua, but as for Team Magma, you might wonder why they aren't exposed. Well, Archie has said it before, destroying Team Magma is not his goal. If he exposed Team Magma, it would also expose Team Aqua, and that is something he could not risk.
But that didn't mean he couldn't slander Team Magma. With his influence over Hoenn, he could guarantee the narrative he wanted. Not even Devon Corporation could do anything to him, since TV Mauville was so powerful.
But right now, he needed to be here, because he had spent too much time away from his office. That's why he sent Gabby and Ty on a wild goose chase, they were getting too close to finding out the truth. And while it wouldn't be the first time he'd killed, Gabby was a pretty popular news reporter. If she disappeared, it would be a problem to cover up, so it was better to just distract her.
As he was deep in thought, an intern walked in holding a coffee. She went up to his desk and put it down, "Here you are, sir," she said, bowing.
Archie just nodded, took the coffee, and turned his back to her, sipping it as he looked out the window. As he did, the female intern quickly performed a sleight of hand and connected a USB into his personal computer that downloaded a file allowing her to gain remote access.
Then, in the same fluid motion, she pulled it out and walked out of the room.
This girl was none other than Zinnia, and as she got out of the room, she smiled and took off the ridiculous hat she had to wear.
She went to a broom closet and pulled out a computer. Using the program she had installed on Archie's computer, she deleted the information about the Orbs and put some false leads in instead.
The reason she did this was because she had already tipped off Maxie about where the Blue and Red Orbs were. Even though the chance was slim, in the event that they both went at the same time to get the Orbs, it would cause problems in her plans.
You see, she is thinking five steps ahead. In her mind, she already has the next six months lined up. And to make sure everything goes as planned, she needs to make sure Archie doesn't get the Orbs just yet.
She got a big grin. Soon, very soon, everything will be in place, and she can make her move. After all, this is all for the sake of her clan. They are nearly gone, and she needs to complete the prophecy one way or another.
Is she delusional? Yes. Does she realize it? No.
Ever since her master, Aster, got killed, she hasn't been the most sane. She definitely needs a therapist. But in her own twisted mind, she genuinely thinks this is all for the greater good. And in some perspectives, you might agree, but that's enough about that.
For now, she was going to get back to making sure everything went smoothly.
—
{Back in Kanto}
The gang arrived in the town that Misty tipped them off to, and when they got there, they saw large water bubbles in the center of town being held up by psychic energy from Pokémon, with a show taking place. It was by the Marina Group.
Since they were busy, the gang decided to sit down, enjoy the show, and get something to eat while they watched. As they did, Ash put on a face mask since he was still pretty famous in Kanto. Yeah, even after two years, he was still known for winning the Indigo League. He was also going to offer one to Brock, since after the Gym Leader Tournament he had entered his own "popular arc," but Brock refused the mask.
Speaking of which, Brock was waving his custom-made Lizabeth banner, cheering with heart eyes. From behind him, Sudowoodo was about to grab him in a bear hug, but he got scared off when a splash of water fell a little too close, so he quickly ran away to hide behind a table.
Brock didn't even notice.
"LIZABETH, YOU'RE AMAZING!" he shouted, waving the banner like his life depended on it.
A nearby audience member slowly scooted their chair away.
May rested her chin in her hands, smiling despite herself, "You know...this is actually really nice."
Max, still proudly seated on Ash's shoulders like a victorious king, nodded, "Yeah. No walking. No deserts. No near-death experiences."
"This was never a desert," Ash muttered again, taking a bite of food.
Pikachu sat on the table happily munching berries while watching the performance.
In the center plaza, enormous spheres of water floated through the air, glowing under the stage lights.
After a while, the show ended and everyone clapped for them. The Marina Group started packing everything into their trailer, Lizabeth, her parents Kyle and Meredith, her grandfather Shep, and a clown. Yes, a literal clown.
Ash would have gone up to them right then, but there were a lot of people, and it looked like they were going to stay in town for at least a little while. Lizabeth and Meredith had gone off to buy more supplies before they hit the road again.
So he could wait. Especially since, as soon as the water settled and Brock started to run forward, Sudowoodo jumped back out and grabbed Brock in a bear hug, holding him down.
Ash rolled his eyes and was about to suggest to May and Max that they grab some ice cream, but then he stopped when he heard something, the sound of helicopters.
He turned his head quickly and looked into the distance.
Far in the sky, Ash could see three black planes flying toward the town.
Then, before Ash could see who it was or say anything, the clown whistled. Lizabeth and Meredith came running back with the things they bought, and Shep already had the van turned on. As soon as the girls got in, he floored it, driving out of town.
Moments later, the helicopters flew overhead, following them.
"Are those news choppers?" May asked, shielding her eyes.
"No," Brock said quietly, suddenly serious, "No station flies in formation like that."
Max leaned forward from Ash's shoulders, "Uh...guys? They're following the Marina Group."
"Yeah. Looks like we've got another problem to fix," Ash said, setting Max down and reaching for his belt.
"Oh boy...we're really doing this again? We can't catch a break," May muttered.
"Get used to it," Brock said as he grabbed a Poké Ball from his belt.
"Oh yeah, I was born ready! How are we gonna do this?!" Max said excitedly.
Ash held one Poké Ball in his hand and tossed another to Max, "You and May take her and follow them. Brock, make sure May and Max don't crash. I'll deal with the helicopters."
Brock nodded, "Leave it to me. I'll make sure they're all safe, especially Lizabeth!" he said proudly.
Ash nodded. He grabbed Pikachu and Vee, placing them on his shoulders. He left the Egg secured in the bag and strapped it tightly.
Time to get his hands dirty again.
—
Inside the Marina Group's van, Shep pushed the engine far past what it was probably rated for as they sped into the mountains.
Jack wiped away his makeup and pulled off his wig. He had been the clown, or rather, disguised as one.
"…How did they find us?"
Lizabeth blinked from the passenger seat, "Jack?"
He looked out the rear window, seeing the helicopters closing in.
"They found us," Jack said flatly.
Meredith's grip tightened on the seat, "You're sure?"
"Positive. But I don't know how."
One helicopter tilted forward, and Jack could see none other than Captain Phantom looking down at them with a giant grin. Something beneath the aircraft opened.
A targeting laser swept across the road.
Kyle swore, "Shep!"
"I SEE IT!" Shep yelled, jerking the wheel as the van swerved—
BOOM!
An explosive round hit the road behind them, blasting asphalt into the air.
Lizabeth screamed.
"Everyone hold on!" Jack called as he grabbed a railing and forced himself up. He rushed to a drawer and ripped open the curtains. There was the Egg in its container, being protected by Lizabeth's Buizel.
"We can't let them have it," Kyle said, looking out the window, "It belongs to the people of the water."
"I know that," Jack said, grabbing the case and putting it into Lizabeth's hands, "Take care of it. I'll handle them!"
"But—" Lizabeth tried, but Jack cut her off.
"Just do it!" Jack said, making Lizabeth nod as she hugged the container tightly.
The mountain road twisted sharply as Shep forced the van higher and higher along the rocky cliffs.
Another explosion rocked the asphalt behind them.
BOOM!
Dust and shattered stone rained across the windshield.
"THEY'RE TRYING TO HERD US!" Kyle shouted, gripping the seat.
Above them, the helicopters lowered their altitude and aimed something at the back of the camper portion of their vehicle. The vehicle actually consisted of two parts, the front van and the connected rear camper where they slept and stored their belongings.
Inside the back, Jack's expression hardened. He snapped open his Styler, the Ranger device glowing to life around his wrist.
"…Alright," he muttered, "Guess we're doing this the hard way."
He leapt toward the rear doors and threw them open. Wind screamed into the van.
"Jack, are you insane?!" Meredith yelled.
"Probably!" Jack grinned, "But I'm also licensed!"
He jumped halfway out of the moving vehicle, Styler spinning in arcs. Blue rings of light shot outward, and a flock of nearby Swellow suddenly veered toward him.
"Sorry, guys! Emergency assist!"
The Styler completed its capture loop, and the Swellow flock dove toward the helicopters, forcing one pilot to jerk sideways.
But Captain Phantom only laughed from the lead helicopter.
"Admirable effort, Ranger."
Panels beneath the helicopters opened.
CLANG!
Heavy metal hooks fired downward like harpoons.
They slammed into the Marina Group's van.
One pierced the trailer hitch. Another embedded into the roof. Steel cables snapped tight. The entire vehicle lurched violently upward.
"THEY'RE LIFTING US!" Lizabeth cried, clutching the Egg container.
Shep fought the wheel, tires screeching as the van was dragged sideways. Then the cliff edge appeared, and they were forced off the side of the mountain.
For one horrifying second, there was nothing but empty air beneath them.
Wind screamed past the windows as the Marina Group's vehicle tilted nose-down off the cliffside, cables still attached to the helicopters above like steel spiderwebs dragging them skyward.
Inside, Lizabeth clutched the Egg container to her chest.
"We're going to crash!" Meredith cried as they fell. Jack held on, looking around desperately for any Pokémon he could call for help, but there were none.
Then an orange blur shot past the window, and they heard a boy's voice:
"Dragonite, [Dragon Claw]!"
Outside, Ash stood atop his Dragonite, wind whipping his hair back as the dragon slashed forward and sliced the metal wires clean off.
Freed from the cables, the van began falling again—
But Brock came in next.
At the same time, Dragonite and Aerodactyl grabbed the dangling metal wires and pulled with all their strength. It was a struggle. Inside, everyone held on for dear life. But together, Dragonite and Aerodactyl slowed the fall.
They descended a little faster than they would have liked, and when the van's wheels hit the rocky ground, the people inside nearly bounced out of their seats but it was a much cleaner landing than the alternative.
Inside the vehicle, everyone sat frozen, "…We're alive?" Shep asked weakly.
A collective groan filled the van as everyone tried to process what had just happened.
Outside, Ash landed lightly beside the van as Dragonite set it down fully.
Brock hopped off Aerodactyl, already checking for injuries, "You're safe!" Brock called.
"Ehhh? Who are you guys?" Jack asked as he was the first to stand up, though he was still slightly dizzy.
"Do you want to ask questions, or do you want to run?" Ash said blankly, as the helicopters circled above them.
"That is an excellent point. I vote for the former!" Shep said quickly.
"I'll take care of the planes. Brock, take care of them," Ash said, climbing back onto Dragonite.
Dragonite shot upward just as another harpoon fired toward them. She caught it midair and used it to yank the helicopter forward like a paddle ball.
Meanwhile, back down below, as the family was recovering and getting out of the van, another helicopter flew overhead and a man jumped out, landing in front of them.
It was Captain Phantom.
Ash didn't expect this since, let's be honest, who thinks a guy will just jump out of a helicopter with no parachute and land in front of someone?
His eyes locked onto Lizabeth and the Egg as he grinned.
"I'll be taking that," Phantom said with a smile.
Lizabeth flinched, hugging the Egg as Jack jumped in front of her, "Not happening."
Lizabeth's family also moved to shield her, and Brock stepped forward as well.
But Phantom just smirked.
He stomped on the ground with freakish strength. The impact caused a mini-earthquake, making everyone nearly lose their footing.
He took that chance to punch a large rock beside them. Cracks spiderwebbed across the stone before it collapsed into a small rockslide, forcing Brock and Jack to focus on keeping everyone safe.
That gave Phantom the opening he needed.
He grabbed a massive rock and hurled it straight at Lizabeth.
Lizabeth screamed as the boulder flew toward her. Brock and Jack were too far away to reach her in time
But then, in another orange blur, Ash's Arcanine slammed into the rock, knocking it off course.
A hand reached down and grabbed Lizabeth, pulling her up onto Arcanine's back. When the Arcanine skidded to a stop, May and Max were already holding on, with Lizabeth sitting awkwardly in front of May.
"Hi there! Big fans!" May waved at the Marina Group.
"Uhh…" Jack blinked and looked over at Brock.
"Grrr, more brats to get in my way," Phantom growled as he reached to his belt and threw out two Pokémon, Pinsir and Parasect.
As they charged forward, Brock commanded his Aerodactyl to intercept them.
Jack grabbed his Capture Styler and quickly scanned the area for a Pokémon to assist. He spotted a Fearow perched nearby, just watching calmly.
"Perfect. Sorry, I need your help," Jack said as he began spinning the Styler.
But before he could complete the capture loop, Phantom grabbed an even bigger stone, larger than his own body, and threw it at him.
"Oh no you don't!"
Jack had to cancel the capture and leap out of the way.
But that was exactly what Phantom wanted.
The boulder was now hurtling toward Arcanine, toward Lizabeth, May, and Max.
Everyone panicked.
Arcanine saw it coming, but she knew that if she dodged too suddenly, Lizabeth, May, and Max would fall off and seriously hurt themselves, and possibly break the Egg.
So she tilted her body, braced herself, and took the stone head-on.
The impact knocked them off her back, but she absorbed most of the force.
However, Lizabeth hadn't been ready for the jolt. Her grip loosened just enough, and the container holding the Egg flew out of her hands.
"No!" Lizabeth cried.
"The Prince!" Shep shouted, eyes wide.
May didn't think. She just acted.
She threw herself forward, arms outstretched, as the Egg slipped free from the shattered container. She slid across the rocky ground, and managed to catch the Egg just in time.
She pulled it to her chest as she finally crashed to a stop, "Ow...I've got it," she said weakly, sitting up and holding the blue Egg up in shaky triumph.
But before anyone could breathe a sigh of relief. The Egg began to shake. Then it started to glow.
Right there in the middle of everything, it began to hatch.
And the only thing Captain Phantom could manage to say, looking utterly dejected, was, "No! I wanted to hatch it myself!"