The world never lacks for ambitious people. If someone found out that the giant Tentacruel incident was caused by the Team Rocket trio, they'd be in serious trouble. Unexpectedly, they let it slip themselves.
Carl shrugged. While he thought they were better off than accepting help, there was no need to worry about them. If Grandma Agatha really took Jessie as her apprentice, then she and Professor Oak could deal with the headache.
"How did you do it?" Cynthia couldn't help but ask after confirming Carl's claim.
Lorelei, as one of the Elite Four, found it inappropriate to question them directly. But her curiosity got the better of her, and she asked in front of everyone, knowing there might not be another chance.
"We're not sure either," Team Rocket's two members and their Pokémon exchanged glances, realizing they couldn't hide it any longer. "We just took on a task at the Pokémon Center to drive away the Tentacool."
"We heard Tentacool are afraid of vinegar, so we bought a large amount of Kentucky's aged vinegar to deal with them all at once. We thought we could earn some money to fix our submarine and keep following Ash and his friends."
The trio babbled about the whole ordeal, but no one believed them.
First, who would believe wanted Team Rocket members would go to a Pokémon Center to take on tasks for money?
Second, spending money to fix a submarine just to continue stalking a group of kids? Ridiculous.
The most absurd claim was that the giant Tentacruel grew big because of the aged vinegar from Kentucky. Only a fool would believe that!
"Are they telling the truth?" Lorelei asked Carl again. He was the only one whose word carried credibility here.
"Seems unbelievable, doesn't it?" Carl chuckled. "But that's the truth."
"That's why I didn't tell you all in advance. The situation was full of coincidences. If I told you someone could create a hundred-meter Pokémon using aged vinegar, you'd think I'm crazy."
The women were left speechless.
Could it really be that Kentucky's aged vinegar was that miraculous?
Carl shook his head. "You're thinking about it wrong."
He glanced towards the distant, weary giant Tentacruel, lost in thought. "That Tentacruel is indeed different."
Suddenly, Carl's eyes widened in shock. "Oh my goodness! Look over there!"
"What happened?" May followed his gaze.
Everyone turned to look in the direction where the Tentacruel was battling the Silver Companion Beast.
In the next moment, May couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow!"
The whole beach erupted in excitement.
Initially, the spectacular battle between the two Pokémon was truly breathtaking. The Silver Companion Beast could create tsunamis with a single surf move, while Tentacruel's poison attacks turned to steam mid-air.
Both sides exchanged blows with impressive power. The Silver Companion Beast used an air slash to disperse clouds, while Tentacruel retaliated with a tornado. The intensity of this battle far surpassed the standard of ordinary trainers' duels.
As the battle continued, it became clear that Tentacruel was gradually losing its edge. Although its moves were powerful, they lacked precision and couldn't land an effective hit on the Silver Companion Beast.
Thanks to its speed advantage, the Silver Companion Beast easily dodged attacks or blocked them with its skills. If it weren't for the need to protect Blue Pearl Beach from the battle's fallout, it could have fought even more freely.
The giant Tentacruel's size was both a strength and a weakness. While it could amplify the power of ordinary moves, in a battle of equals, it became a large target. At this rate, it would soon be defeated. Once the leader fell, the remaining Tentacool and Tentacruel would be no threat.
Blue Pearl Beach didn't suffer severe losses, with only the seaside facilities affected. The most unfortunate was the nearly completed ocean-view hotel, which was completely destroyed in the battle, beyond reconstruction. The developer was in for a huge loss!
Just as everyone thought it was over, another surprise unfolded. A massive waterspout shot into the sky, with a sound like a whale's call or a dragon's roar. As the waterspout exploded, a silver-white giant bird appeared in the center of the battlefield, exuding a powerful aura.
It was Lugia, the guardian of the sea! No one expected this legendary Pokémon to suddenly appear. It let out a clear cry, and blue light burst from its body. The light split into two beams, one of which expanded rapidly, casting the giant Tentacruel several kilometers into the deep sea, creating massive waves. But despite Lugia's continued cries, the sea remained turbulent.
Meanwhile, the other energy beam chased after the Silver Companion Beast.
Seeing the attack about to hit, it was clear the Silver Companion Beast would be severely injured. The power of a legendary Pokémon's move was no joke.
In this critical moment, a golden ring suddenly appeared, pulling the Silver Companion Beast inside and narrowly avoiding the attack.
Lugia watched this scene with some confusion. Although not the leader of its species, it was a bona fide legendary Pokémon, and it recognized Hoopa's ability.
Could this be another one of Hoopa's tricks? But it was supposed to be sealed and shouldn't be causing mischief.
"Hoopa, where are you? What's happening here?" Lugia asked gently. It had a good nature and didn't jump to conclusions, preferring to ask directly.
Sure enough, a ring appeared before Lugia, and Hoopa's voice came through, "Hoopa doesn't know, Hoopa just helped save someone."
Lugia was even more puzzled. Could it be that this time Hoopa wasn't behind the chaos?
"Now is the time when battles between legendaries are forbidden. They broke the rules on my turf, so they must be punished," Lugia said through the ring.
Hoopa understood, "Hoopa will ask around!"
It had only saved the Silver Companion Beast because it saw Carl's Pokémon in danger. If Lugia insisted on punishment, Hoopa wouldn't stop it.
Another ring appeared beside Carl, startling May and Ash.
"Carl, Lugia wants to take the Silver Companion Beast. Better come and see," Hoopa's voice echoed.
Carl's face changed. Lugia wanted to take his Silver Companion Beast? No way! But from Hoopa's tone, it seemed there was room for negotiation.
Knowing Lugia's temperament was much gentler than Rayquaza's, Carl quickly told Lorelei, "I'll go check it out!" He said before stepping through the ring.
Gone? Ash and the others were astonished at the sight.
Everything they witnessed completely overturned their understanding. May suddenly thought of something and excitedly grabbed Touko's arm. "Wait, isn't this ring and its transportation just like the mythology of Hoopa from Kalos? They say it can summon all kinds of legendary Pokémon to aid in battle."
"If we could gain its help, maybe you and N could find the Pokémon that were taken?" May's eyes sparkled.
Touko was tempted but hesitated, "But why would it help us?"
"Isn't it simple?" May grinned slyly, "He's my boyfriend, after all."
Touko looked shocked. "May, you..."
"Don't worry, I've got all my memories back." May winked. "I think he's trustworthy. Let's ask for his help first, and we can repay him later."
Touko finally understood that May had regained her old cleverness. The thought of retrieving their Pokémon was certainly appealing. As a trainer, not having Pokémon around was unsettling. Plus, if N could find his Pokémon, they wouldn't have to keep hiding.
"So... would you mind?" Touko whispered.