Manaphy, the Prince of the Sea, could communicate with the ocean and had the power to control almost all Water-type Pokémon. It could even command them to gather in a specific place with nothing more than its voice.
A device that could achieve this without relying on electromagnetic waves, precious items, energy, or Pokémon could be considered the most advanced technology in the world. Unfortunately, Devon Corporation's technology could only go this far. It was completely incapable of handling more complex commands.
High above the sea, Corviknight gradually descended until it was only a few miles from the rampaging Pokémon. Shiro then threw out a Poké Ball.
"Feebas!"
As a Water-type Pokémon, Feebas was naturally affected by Manaphy's voice.
Water-type Pokémon could hear it most clearly, while other Pokémon, no matter how sharp their hearing was, would only perceive it as an ordinary Pokémon cry.
Under the water, Feebas remained dazed for a few seconds before suddenly shuddering. It seemed to have heard something and began swimming stiffly toward the shore.
Shiro quickly asked, "A! Did you pick it up?"
Unown A popped out and replied confidently, 'Of course! I've already memorized the sound frequency… It's coming from the south!'
With that, Shiro quickly recalled Feebas and directed Corviknight toward the south.
* * *
On a reef in the southeastern waters of Lilycove City.
Tabitha was packing his belongings with a troubled expression, preparing to retreat.
He had just received a message from Devon Corporation. The Galar Champion of the Pokémon League, Shiro, had most likely discovered his location and would be arriving soon.
However, the mission was still stuck in an awkward position. There had been no news from his leader, Maxie, and that alone was bad enough. Even the Hoenn Elite Four member, Drake, had failed to respond.
This left Tabitha in a difficult position. He knew exactly what the device in his possession could do. It was impossible for it to coordinate the Pokémon and make them release their moves in unison.
The rampage of the Water-type Pokémon was nothing more than a show of thunder with little rain. It was merely a bluff.
This way, he could satisfy Maxie while also presenting a token of loyalty to Drake.
However, the original plan had been for Drake to "accidentally" discover this place. That part of the plan had now completely fallen apart.
Since he couldn't contact Drake or get a response from him, Tabitha had no way to pass along the location. Fortunately, Maxie had given him full authority over the mission's execution and hadn't questioned him about it.
But the longer this dragged on, the greater the chance that the truth would come out. The Pokémon rampage was nothing more than a cover.
And now, a Galar Champion had shown up?
Why would the Galar Champion interfere in Hoenn's affairs?
Tabitha grumbled inwardly, but his hands and feet moved remarkably quickly.
Devon Corporation's information had never been wrong. If they said the Galar Champion might find him, then there was a real chance of it happening. The man might even be on his way already.
He left all the large equipment and tools behind without taking a single thing. He didn't even bother taking the spare Water-type Pokémon he had left on the reef.
In his haste, Tabitha only took a Golbat to use as a mount for his escape. After hurriedly releasing it, he climbed aboard and had it carry him away from this troublesome place.
* * *
A few minutes later, Corviknight arrived at full speed.
Before it even landed, Shiro jumped from the air when they were still more than ten meters from the reef. He landed steadily on the ground and quickly surveyed the area.
The reef wasn't very large. A dozen or so trees grew on it, most of which had been cut down. A simple hut stood on the narrow beach, with numerous Poké Balls scattered inside. Most of them were empty.
The most conspicuous object was a strange machine that kept flashing its lights.
Shiro looked toward the distant figure disappearing over the horizon. He had already guessed that it might be someone from Devon Corporation, or perhaps even Tabitha himself, a member of Team Magma.
There was a very high chance that this was the source of the problem, and the machine was most likely the device emitting Manaphy's frequency.
He had no intention of pursuing the fleeing figure, nor did he have the time for it. Still, he needed to confirm his suspicions first.
"A, is this the place?" Shiro asked.
Unown A appeared and nodded to confirm. 'That's right. It's this place. It's that machine. There also seems to be a notebook beside it.'
Using his psychic powers, Shiro brought the notebook over and caught it. When he opened it, he discovered that it contained the machine's operating records.
He chuckled and shook his head. "Looks like they prepared this for the League in advance..."
With that, he handed the notebook to Unown A.
"A, you take care of the machine. First, use it to drive those rampaging Pokémon away from Lilycove City. Then shut it down."
"Okay."
Unown A focused intently and quickly flipped through the notebook. The contents were very simple. Whoever had written it had deliberately made the instructions foolproof, as if they were worried that someone might not understand them.
After giving a few more brief instructions, Shiro left on Corviknight.
* * *
Lilycove City.
Police cars and motorcycles belonging to the Jenny family had gathered along the coast, continuously sealing off the shoreline.
Most citizens were certainly in favor of the measures, but many others found them annoying and unnecessary. If a tsunami really came, what could a few cars, a handful of people, and some barricades possibly accomplish? Wouldn't they all be swept away anyway?
Besides, sealing off the coast was getting in the way of everyone's chance to make money.
When did people ever get such a good opportunity to catch Pokémon?
The Lilycove City Central Broadcasting Station had set up loudspeakers along the coast. With the cooperation of various local businesses, the voice of Sterling, the chairman of the Hoenn League's headquarters, could be heard clearly in every corner of the city.
"Dear citizens of Lilycove City! I am Edmund Sterling, Chairman of the Hoenn League. First, I would like to apologize for the recent rampage of the Water-type Pokémon. We have been dealing with two evil organizations, which is why the League's response has been delayed until now."
"This incident will be handled by our newly appointed chief Professor, Shiro. He is a local researcher from Hoenn and also a powerful Elite-level trainer."
"Please remain calm. With Professor Shiro here, this Pokémon rampage will soon be brought under control..."
The announcement continued to echo from the loudspeakers.
Meanwhile, Water-type Pokémon continued to follow the tide, mindlessly washing ashore.
The sound of the waves remained as it always had, but most residents had no interest in listening to it.
Many people gathered inside various public facilities, discussing the announcement with relieved smiles.
At the counter of the Lilycove City Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy continued welcoming everyone with a warm smile, never rushing or showing any sign of panic. This remained the case no matter how worried or frightened the other trainers and citizens became.
Many trainers had gathered inside the Pokémon Center. They weren't there to have their Pokémon treated. They simply wanted a safe place to take shelter.
With chairs to sit on and a television to watch, the Pokémon Center was practically the perfect place to wait out the crisis.
The people made no effort to hide their excitement as they discussed the news.
"The League has finally sent someone!"
"The new chief Professor, Shiro... Isn't he the Galar Champion?"
"I saw the news not long ago. He personally captured a Team Aqua executive!"
"Champions really get things done, and they actually take responsibility. They're much better than Hoenn's four useless bums."
"This Pokémon rampage is finally going to end. We can finally go home..."
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