Police Headquarters, Jubilife City.
The alarm sounded across the building.
"Move, move, move!"
"We cannot be late for Section Chief Zorro's summons!"
Officers not assigned to field duty or special operations quickly filled the conference room. Chief Zorro sat at the head of the table in a neatly pressed brown suit, calmly sipping tea.
"Everyone present. Good. We will begin."
"Yes!"
Notebooks were already open. Pens were ready. No one relaxed during Zorro's briefings.
He pressed a remote.
Hunter D's image appeared on the screen.
"Pokémon Hunters are an illegal organization involved in the capture and trade of rare Pokémon. This is already known."
The image changed to field footage.
"Code name Hunter D appeared on the north coast of Jubilife City. His objective was to capture Shaymin originating from Floaroma Town. Austin Black from the Black Crest Jubilife Breeding House reported the incident and assisted in the operation that led to his capture."
The screen shifted again, showing Austin Black treating Shaymin's injuries.
Zorro paused briefly.
"However, official reports must not attribute the arrest directly to Austin Black."
A few officers looked up.
"This is to prevent retaliation from the Pokémon Hunters. In all external reporting, he will be described as an assisting civilian."
He turned toward the public relations officer.
"Ensure all documentation reflects that wording."
"Yes, sir."
Zorro continued.
"Pokémon Hunters operate as a distributed organization. Eliminating one cell will not stop the rest. They will likely attempt further captures involving Shaymin and other rare targets."
"Patrol coverage in Floaroma Town and surrounding regions must be increased."
"I have already submitted coordination requests to League Investigators and International Police units. Reinforcements will likely arrive soon."
He tapped the remote again.
A map appeared.
Highlighted locations included the Black Crest Jubilife Breeding House and Floaroma Town's flower fields.
Other marked sites included the Global Trade Center, Pokétch Company, PokéStream Network, and trainer academies.
"These are high-value urban zones. However, Hunters typically avoid central districts."
"They prefer rural routes, mountain passes, and coastal access points."
Zorro closed the remote.
"That concludes the briefing. Meeting adjourned."
. . .
At the Breeding House, Jubilife Jenny finished explaining the situation to Amanda and the others.
"After Mr. Black's report, both Floaroma Town and Jubilife City units were dispatched immediately. With his assistance, the Pokémon Hunters were successfully apprehended."
Shion suddenly clapped.
"Brother Austin is amazing!"
Several people turned toward her.
She smiled awkwardly and stuck out her tongue.
Floaroma Town, Jenny followed with a soft clap. Others gradually joined in until the room filled with light applause.
Amanda stepped forward.
"It is getting late. Would you like to stay for dinner?"
Floaroma Town, Jenny hesitated. She clearly wanted to accept. She knew Austin Black's cooking quality through his videos and clearly wanted to try.
But the decision was not hers alone.
Jubilife Jenny shook her head.
"We cannot stay. Another time, perhaps."
Amanda placed two boxes of muffins on the table.
"Then take these with you. You will get hungry on the way back."
Jubilife Jenny paused, then accepted.
"Thank you."
After the Jennys left, attention shifted to Shaymin.
"It really is Shaymin…"
The small Pokémon remained calm despite everything it had experienced.
Austin Black began introducing everyone one by one.
"This is my mother, Amanda. This is my father, Leon. This is …"
Austin Black introduced everyone in the room to Shaymin one by one. The atmosphere was calm, and Shaymin responded normally at first.
"This is Dai Yui…"
"Shaymin!"
Shaymin instantly turned away and buried its face deeper into Ryu's arms, refusing to look.
A brief silence followed.
"…Again?" Dai Yui muttered.
Agni tilted his head.
"Roar!"
Incineroar immediately shot Dai Yui a look of open disdain.
"You're looking down on me now? You are not exactly subtle yourself." Dai Yui said to Incineroar.
Austin Black sighed lightly.
"It is still because you are too imposing."
If Austin Black represented Affinity at the intermediate level, and Daniella represented Affinity at a higher level of natural softness, then Dai Yui was something closer to pure deterrence.
It was not harmful in intent, but overwhelming in presence.
Humans and Pokémon alike reacted before thinking.
That kind of presence had its uses.
Some unruly wild Pokémon needed more than calm reasoning.
When persuasion failed, Dai Yui could handle it directly.
Last time a group of Mankey had escalated into uncontrolled fighting, a single intervention from Dai Yui was enough to reset the entire group's behavior.
Austin continued.
"In any case, Shaymin will stay here for now. Do not spread this information outside."
Shion raised her hand immediately.
"Got it! Don't worry, Brother Austin!"
The rest nodded in agreement.
Someone glanced at the time.
"It is almost dinner. The Emerald League opening ceremony should be starting soon, right?"
Dai Yui nodded.
"Starts at five. With broadcast delays and ads, closer to 5:15."
Ethan blinked.
"How do you know that?"
Dai Yui glanced at him.
"You forgot what I used to do?"
"Oh, right. Boxer."
"What do you mean, just a boxer?"
Leon had already lost interest and turned away.
"Lance versus Cynthia. That should be a good match."
Mizuki adjusted her glasses.
"Second match, Steven versus Diantha. The outcome is basically predictable. Steel has the advantage over Fairy, and Diantha's ace is Gardevoir."
She said it without hesitation.
Austin raised a hand.
"Work first. We will watch it together later."
At that, everyone dispersed to return to their tasks.
"Take good care of Shaymin."
"Lucario."
(Leave it to me.)
Shaymin remained comfortably in Ryu's arms, reluctant to move after everything that had happened.
Austin left the room and walked toward the grooming area.
"Uncle, are you available?"
Hanson was already working, adjusting a hairstyle for a Vulpix while speaking casually.
"Talk."
"I need something made from this. Pendant, ring, bracelet, or tie pin works."
Hanson adjusted his glasses and leaned closer.
Then he paused.
"That is a Key Stone. Where did you get it?"
"I took it from a Pokémon Hunter."
Austin answered without hesitation.
The uncle exhaled slowly.
"Keep it safe for now. I need your input before I can design anything around it."
. . .
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