As the golden rays of the morning sun gently kissed the dew-covered grass, Ash and Pikachu found themselves nestled amidst a tranquil grassland at the outskirts of Motostoke City. A gentle breeze rustled through the tall blades, carrying with it the sweet scent of wildflowers and a symphony of natural sounds—the cheerful chirping of Pidoves and native Rookidees sharing the skies, the rustle of leaves in the nearby trees, and the gentle murmur of a distant stream.
"Been a while since we just spent half a day like this, right buddy?" Ash's voice broke the serene silence, his gaze drifting lazily across the tranquil landscape.
“Pika…,” Pikachu turned to him with a contented chirp, nodding in agreement as they shared a moment of peaceful companionship amidst the beauty of Galar’s meadow.
The inseparable duo continued to bask in their peaceful laziness, setting aside their worries and concerns about Elysia, at least for a fleeting moment. As they lounged in the warmth of the sun, Ash couldn't help but wish that his wife were there to share in the tranquility of the moment.
However, their reverie was abruptly interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. Ash glanced up to see a tall figure looming over them, casting a shadow that eclipsed the gentle sunlight they had been enjoying.
"Laying on the grass like that makes you look like a hob," came the mocking familiar voice of a man.
Ash chuckled warmly as he recognized the voice of his old friend from Alola. Gladion, adorned in a formal black suit with a crisp red tie and brown gabardine, exuded an air of authority and intellect. His clothes, as well as his appearance, were tidy and proper, befitting someone who took his job as an agent of the International Police seriously and pridefully. His stern demeanor, when combined with his attire, was enough to strike fear into the hearts of any criminal he encountered. Yet, as he approached Ash with a welcoming smile, extending his hand to help his friend rise from his idleness, his stern facade softened.
"Gladion, it's so good to see you!" Ash exclaimed as they embraced warmly. Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, chirped happily, mirroring his trainer's joy.
"Pikachu, it's been a while for you too. Don't tell me you've adopted your trainer's lazy attitude," Gladion remarked, sharing a laugh with both of them.
"But seriously. I'm so grateful that you are taking some of your precious time for this request. I'll never forget it," Ash humbly said.
Gladion nodded back, his expression serious yet determined. "I couldn't just stay quiet after what you told me. But above all, I'm glad to help a friend whenever I can," he said, then moved as if he requested for both to follow suit. "But time as you say is precious. I already requested the Motostoke's police chief for a session to interrogate the suspect, and he's not a patient folk."
Both friends walked towards Gladion’s parked vehicle at the outskirts of the field. Gladion's car was a sleek black model with an exterior polished to a shine. It boasted clean lines and a streamlined design, exuding an air of sophistication and authority proper for Gladion’s rank. Its tinted windows hinted at privacy and discretion, while the sturdy construction suggested practicality for the usual tasks of a law agent. As Gladion opened the door, the interior revealed plush leather seats and polished wood accents, a refined and comfortable atmosphere akin to his upbringing.
"Nice car," Ash remarked as he settled into the plush leather seat and Pikachu perched on his lap. "Almost makes me want to drive mine."
"The International Police has good taste, at least in that regard," Gladion clarified as he fastened his seatbelt and started the car. "A last show of appreciation from Looker before he retired."
As Gladion navigated the vehicle through the streets of Motostoke, the urban landscape replaced the serene countryside. Ash took the opportunity to catch up on each other's families.
"So... How are your parents?" Ash inquired.
Gladion chuckled. "Still madly in love and continuing their travels around the world. Poor Lillie, she's been having difficulties leading the expansion of the Aether Foundation."
Ash joined in his friend's amusement, reflecting on the path Lusamine and Mohn’s children had taken, and the challenges they were facing, much like his own.
"And to think," Ash mused, "Lillie assuming her mother’s job despite her previous rejection."
"And what about Serena and your kids?" Gladion inquired next. "Still thrilled after Elysia finally began her journey? Sorry for not attending her birthday party, by the way."
"Don't worry about it. Elysia understands and appreciates her ‘Uncle Gladion’s’ concern," Ash warmly responded. "We're still adapting to her absence, especially after what happened to her and her friends."
Gladion nodded solemnly, reflecting into the gravity of the situation that required his involvement. "I promise I'll get to the heart of the matter," he reassured Ash, transitioning to the reason for their meeting.
"Everything you're doing for us... Serena and I appreciate it, Gladion. Really," Ash said, Pikachu echoing his sentiments with a chirp and nod of agreement.
"Hey, I already told you that it's okay," Gladion reassured with his firm but understanding tone. He then brought the car to a halt as the red light illuminated the street. "I'm happy you reached out almost immediately when you found out instead of... You know... Having to learn it from 'Him'."
The mention of "Him" hung heavily in the air, changing the mood of the conversation. Ash's expression grew more somber as he figured out the person’s identity Gladion had hinted at.
"Is Paul still giving you problems?" Ash inquired, his voice tinged with concern.
Gladion sighed as his expression turned grave. "We gave him a stern warning last time, Ash. He dodged a conviction due to his Hero reputation, but I know he's still out there, searching for any Team Rocket former member in order to apply his own twisted sense of justice. I fear the moment I'll have to force myself to arrest him."
Ash felt a pang of conflict in his heart, torn between reprobation and sympathy. "It's not that I defend what Paul does, but... I can't entirely blame him for what he feels and does," he admitted, the memory of his own traumatic experience haunting him again. "I know the feeling. The impotence and regret after having one of your most precious friends die in your arms."
"But you moved on," Gladion responded, the car finally moving forward as the traffic light changed. "He's so stubborn that he seems to just refuse it."
"I moved on thanks to all of you. My friends and family, including my Pokémon partners," Ash said, Pikachu nuzzling at his cheek in an effort to offer comfort as old wounds were reopened. "For a year, I couldn't feel or think about anything else besides blaming myself for Iris's death. All of you were there for me, even when I pushed you aside. And when Serena reappeared in my life, I finally saw the glimpse of hope I needed to escape that darkness."
Gladion listened attentively to his friend's words, feeling a lump form in his throat at Ash's heartfelt gratitude. Ash's honesty reignited a sense of sympathy and accomplishment within him, despite what he called a “small role” he played in cheering up his friend years ago.
"I just hope Paul finally gets the closure he needs," Ash concluded. "I've been trying to reach him for years without success, but I'm sure he will someday answer my call so I can personally tell him that Gary always considered him a friend despite their short time knowing each other."
The tension had lifted, replaced by a more optimistic promise of redemption and reunion. Gladion smiled as he shook his head once more, charmed by Ash's unwavering attitude of forgiveness.
"Did you really move on?" Gladion's inquiry pierced the tranquil atmosphere of the car with his investigative tone honed over the years. Ash paused, the question prompting a deep introspection as he considered his recent actions and motivations. He realized the irony of his current situation: accompanying Gladion on a quest for truth, despite claiming to have moved on from the tragedies of the past.
As the car hummed along the road, Ash found himself lost in thought for a moment. He recalled his initial reaction upon learning of Team Rocket's encounter with his daughter and her friends. The familiar waves of worry and fear had swept over him, reigniting the flames of past traumas. Yet, here he was, willingly immersing himself in an investigation, driven by an inner compulsion to ensure the safety of his loved ones and find closure for himself.
"It's okay," Gladion's voice broke through Ash's reverie, offering reassurance in the midst of his introspection. "I don't think anyone can truly move on from such events. At least not entirely. But that's why I'm here."
Ash nodded, grateful for Gladion's understanding. Despite his inner turmoil, he found solace in his friend’s understanding and loyalty.
"And how's you and Mallow?" Ash inquired, trying to steer the conversation away from the weighty topic at hand. But perhaps he unintentionally had overstepped a bit when he saw that Gladion had adopted a more serious semblance. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
"No, no, no. It's okay. Marriage's been... a bit more challenging than we expected," the detective responded, his tone revealing the underlying strain. "After my promotion, I haven't had many chances to stay for too long in Alola, but Mallow still encourages me every day. I... can't help but feel some guilt for leaving her alone while she takes care of her family restaurant."
Listening to Gladion's candid admission, Ash couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy and familiarity in marriage concerns, reflecting on his own challenges when he also began sharing his life with Serena.
"It sounds like you both have a lot on your plate," Ash replied. "But Mallow’s always been a kind and supportive soul. I'm sure she understands the demands of your job, even if it means spending less time together."
Gladion nodded, a hint of gratitude shining through in his expression. "Yeah, she's... she's incredible," he admitted, a soft smile playing at the corners of his lips, accompanied by a faint blush. "When I confided in Mallow about your situation, she insisted that I assist you, even if it meant postponing my plans to get back to her. I just hope I can make it up to her somehow, you know?"
"Really?!" Ash and Pikachu gasped, their surprise melting into gentle laughter as they recognized the unexpected sway Mallow held over Gladion's usually stoic demeanor. "I have to thank her for lending me her husband then."
“We’re here”.
As their conversation concluded, Ash and Gladion finally reached Motostoke's police center. The building, much like the rest of the city's industrial architecture, exuded authority and elegance with its imposing structure and polished exterior.
Exiting the car, Ash and Gladion entered the building, greeted by the hustle and bustle of officers and personnel immersed in their daily activities. Papers shuffled, phones rang, and conversations buzzed as the officers went about their duties. Pokémon such as Growlithe and Boltund immediately assumed their roles as diligent partners to the officers. Growlithe's ears perked up at every sound while Boltund's fur began to emanate faint sparks, ready to alert their partners.
However, as soon as Ash and Gladion made their presence known, the atmosphere in the busy place began to shift. Whispers rippled through the room as people recognized not only the renowned detective Gladion, but to their surprise, the World Monarch himself was accompanying him.
Officers and personnel paused in their tasks, stealing glances at the unexpected guests. Some exchanged hushed conversations, speculating about the reason for their visit, while others simply watched in awe, recognizing the unique moment they were witnessing.
Ash expressed regret for not bringing his "incognito" kit, but Gladion dismissed his concern, noting that their identities would likely have been noticed regardless, especially with Pikachu perched on his shoulder.
"E-Excuse me... Mr. Monarch?" an officer Jenny stammered after finally mustering the courage to approach Ash. "Could you perhaps consider taking a picture with me? My boyfriend is a huge fan and this would make his day!"
"Uh… Sure, why not? But just call me Ash, okay?" Ash responded, obliging with a smile. Officer Jenny beamed with excitement, prompting more of her colleagues to approach for similar requests. Gladion sighed inwardly, realizing he had no one to blame but himself for not taking more cautions, only to find himself in a similar situation when a group of rookie officers sought a photo with Looker’s renowned protégé.
But the jovial atmosphere abruptly shifted as a stern and authoritative voice cut through the excitement. All eyes turned toward the source of the interruption, a tall and imposing figure standing at the entrance of the police center.
"If you have time to waste, why don't all of you go home for the rest of the day?" The man's authoritative voice echoed through the room, commanding attention and respect.
A hush fell over the officers and personnel as they quickly resumed their activities, scattering back to their desks and duties as discipline and order had been restored.
The man appeared to be around 50 years old, though his tired and stern expression added years to his appearance. His face was marked by deep lines of experience, with baggy dark eyes behind glasses that seemed to have witnessed countless trials and tribulations. Strands of gray hair, dyed after years of service, peeked out from beneath a worn and disheveled suit.
Despite his weathered exterior, there was an air of authority and respect that surrounded him. Gladion's expression conveyed deep reverence as he regarded the man, recognizing the weight of his presence and the years of dedication and service that he represented.
"Ash, meet Lt. Landa. High Chief of Galar's Police and one of Looker’s ex partners ."
Ash reached out to shake Lieutenant Landa's hand, but the greeting was met with a firm and almost dismissive grip.
"I hope you hurry up with this nonsense, Detective," Lieutenant Landa said, his tone cutting through the air like ice. "We don't like when the International Police makes us look like incompetents."
Gladion exchanged a glance with Ash, his expression remaining composed despite the tension in the room.
"I don't intend to belittle your work, Liutenant.," Gladion steadily responded. "But when it is about Team Rocket, we tend to be a bit more cautious. Especially when children are involved."
"I understand the parental concern. I also have two kids," Landa said, his voice softening slightly. "But did you also have to go as far as to call for someone with psychic abilities? ."
Gladion’s brow furrowed. "What are you talking about? I only brought Ash with me."
"She's been waiting two hours for both of you. I assumed you called for her help," Landa clarified.
Gladion exchanged a glance with Ash, both equally perplexed by the mention of a woman with psychic abilities. Landa led them purposefully toward his office. Gladion felt a surge of anticipation, eager to uncover the identity of the individual who seemed to have foreknowledge of their visit, despite their meticulous efforts to handle the situation discreetly and cautiously.
As they approached Landa's office, the atmosphere grew heavier and eerier, a sensation that intensified for Pikachu, who seemed to sense something unsettling. Ash reached out to comfort his partner, offering a reassuring pat.
As they stepped into the office, the atmosphere underwent an abrupt transformation. A woman sat poised in her chair, arms and legs crossed, surrounded by an eerie purple aura. By her side, her Alakazam meditated peacefully as if both were working together to manifest the psychic atmosphere. She then opened her eyes, revealing a mesmerizing shade of purple as she greeted Ash with a subtle smile.
"Ash Ketchum. It's been a long time," she gently said, as if a colleague’s greeting through their children’s friendship.
With her dark bluish short hair framing her face, the woman emitted an aura of mystical maturity. Despite her years, she possessed a captivating beauty, enhanced by a youthful flair showcased in her fashionable crimson denim jacket.
"Sabrina..." Ash finally responded as he figured out the woman's identity. "What are you doing here?"
"I’d like to know the same thing," Gladion interjected, his tone serious. "I hold you in high regard, Miss Sabrina, and I understand that your son was also involved in this case. But you know that involving people with psychic abilities leads to… many complications."
Sabrina maintained her composed demeanor in the face of Gladion's concerns. "I'm just a worried mother trying to ensure my child's safety," she explained calmly. "I'm sure Ash understands, since he's here for the same reason."
Gladion found himself unable to refute Sabrina's argument. In theory, Ash should not be there either and their involvement could pose complications due to their personal connections. He reluctantly nodded, issuing a final mandate. "All right, but both of you must remain on the sidelines at all times, understood?"
As Sabrina and Ash nodded in agreement and she recalled her Alakazam, Landa gestured for them to follow him toward the holding room, where one of the convicted individuals awaited further interrogation. The group complied, but Gladion paused to inquire about the whereabouts of the other convict. Landa explained that, due to his criminal record, the other individual had been extradited to Unova to serve his sentence.
Gladion concealed his suspicion. International laws had indeed carved out exceptions for Team Rocket’s former members, but extradition was typically reserved for those involved in significant crimes, such as the destruction of Ecruteak and Alto Mare. Reflecting on the file he had reviewed detailing the men's minor roles as grunts, Gladion found the decision to extradite one of them entirely unnecessary.
He kept his thoughts to himself for the time being, but he made a mental note to investigate further once they were done with the interrogation.
Once they reached their destination, Landa extended an invitation for Ash and Sabrina to enter the observation room. The dimly lit space featured the usual one-way mirror, allowing both of them to observe without being seen.
As Landa and Gladion left the observation room, Ash and Sabrina were left alone to watch the interrogation unfold. Sabrina observed the man through the one-sided mirror, her expression unreadable. Meanwhile, Ash's stomach churned with a mix of emotions as he watched the supposedly Team Rocket former member sitting and whistling casually, seemingly unconcerned about his situation.
Memories of his past ruthless encounter with Team Rocket flooded Ash’s mind, along with the fear and anger he had felt when he learned about their involvement in his daughter's ordeal. He clenched his fists, struggling to contain the torrent of emotions raging within him.
"Calm down," Sabrina's composed voice cut through the tension.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Ash took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I wish I could control myself like you do," he remarked.
"Don't mistake my composed posture for a lack of concern, Ash," Sabrina clarified. "I'm restraining myself from delving into that scoundrel's mind until he confesses and offers an apology for threatening my son."
Sabrina's words struck a chord with Ash and Pikachu, reminding him of the depth of her concern and the lengths she would go to protect her loved ones.
"H-How's Caitlin?" Ash asked, trying to lift the mood.
"Busy," Sabrina dryly replied. "Our family's going through some difficult times at the moment. Thankfully, Adrian can distract himself from these dynamics as he travels along with your daughter. And for that gesture… we're deeply grateful to her."
Ash exchanged a glance with Pikachu and smiled at Sabrina's kind words.
"I'm also glad they reconnected after so many years," Ash continued. "I already met him, and I'm impressed by his maturity and care for her. Couldn't ask for a better companion for Elysia."
"We should reunite as well," Sabrina suggested with a more cheerful tone. "Both of us and our wives. It would be a fitting way to commemorate Adrian and Elysia's reestablished bond."
"That sounds great," Ash responded warmly, echoing her sentiment.
Their enjoyable talk was suddenly cut short as Gladion and Landa entered the interrogation room, the man sitting across from them spared them only a brief glance before returning to his annoying whistle.
"Bored already?" Gladion's voice cut through the silence, dripping with sarcasm. "Don't worry about it. I'll make sure to get boredom out of your system in an instant."
The man's smirk faltered slightly at the detective's confident tone, a flicker of unease crossing his features as Gladion wasted no time in getting down to business.
"I don't know what else you want from me," the suspect said indifferently, his gaze fixed on his nails. "I already gave my statement and I'm serving my time. Fifteen years. Just for being a former Team Rocket member. No one really cared about those relics."
"They cared about you and your pal threatening children," Gladion retorted with disapproval.
The man emitted a muted laugh of disbelief. "You wouldn't say the same if you had experienced what that little monster freak was capable of."
On the other side of the mirror, Ash and Pikachu could sense the eerie tension in their room escalating once again. Sabrina restrained herself with crossed arms as she absorbed the man's insult towards her son.
As the mirror stumbled for a moment, drawing the convicted man's attention, he couldn't help but inquire, "What's going on there?"
"It's best if you don't know," Gladion replied with a smirk, pleased that Sabrina's reaction had given him an intimidating edge he could exploit later. "Sorry if I haven't introduced myself yet. I'm Gladion, an agent from the International Police."
The man's smug expression faltered upon realizing that this wasn't going to be the usual interrogation session.
"Look, I know all of this is annoying for you," Gladion continued, adopting a more empathetic tone as he retrieved his own device. "And to be honest, I also see this as a waste of time, considering everything in your file seems to be pretty convincing and coherent."
The device, resembling the shape of a sophisticated Rotom Phone, had a sleek black exterior with metallic accents, giving it a professional and high-tech appearance. The screen, when activated, emitted a soft blue glow that contrasted with the dark casing. The holographic display was crisp and clear, allowing Gladion to easily navigate through various menus and options with precision
Gladion sighed, already expecting resistance from the suspect. "However, there are some vague details I'd like to point out before I give my report to my superiors. If you help me, I can help you. What do you say?"
The man chuckled dismissively. "As you said, it's a waste of time," he retorted. "But if you can get me this little request, I'll be happy to repeat everything you already know."
"And that thing is..." Gladion prompted, his patience wearing thin.
"High quality curry for lunch and a pack of cigarettes daily for a month," the man demanded, a smirk spreading across his face, revealing his yellowed teeth.
Landa, who had been observing the exchange leaning against the wall, had enough of the man's ridiculous antics.
"Answer the damn question and you will get my Stoutland's leftovers," he sharply interjected with sarcasm.
"You get the curry and one box per week. It's your choice, pal," Gladion offered, his gaze unwavering as he locked eyes with the suspect.
The man chuckled for a moment, his demeanor shifting from defiance to contemplation. Finally, he nodded in agreement.
Gladion opened the first file on his holographic screen and began. "Team Rocket is essentially a cursed word nowadays, the perfect way to become everybody's target. Why did you keep using the name?"
"I didn't," the man firmly responded. "I was part of it, that's true. But that was years ago. Right before they went mad and began burning cities."
As Gladion reviewed the file once again, he raised another question. "Then why, according to the only witnesses who saw and heard you and your associate during the heist at Slumbering Weald, you said, and I quote: 'It's sad that Team Rocket has become this insane mess'?"
"Cause maybe it was?" The man retorted with a hint of frustration. "Look, I don't know how many former members are still out there after the collapse. As far as I'm concerned, we could have been the very last remnants of Team Rocket. We didn't even wear uniforms!"
Gladion observed the man's demeanor closely, noting the conviction in his words. However, there was a rehearsed quality to his responses that didn't sit quite right with his profile.
"Maybe," Gladion conceded. "But it seems that you and your associate decided to leave after some 'psycho burned the place still with people inside'. It seems that you dodged a Bullet Punch. Who's this 'psycho' you referred to? The gang's leader?"
"It was just a rumor, okay?" the man replied dismissively. "Don't know. Don't care. Me and my partner received a job that would finally make us cut every tie with them and took it. Didn't turn out well after all."
Gladion narrowed his eyes slightly. If the thief’s statement had been prearranged, he was certainly doing a commendable job maintaining consistency—save for one crucial detail.
"Didn't you also say this 'rumor' came from a trusted source?" Gladion probed further, watching for any reaction from the man. Landa, who had been observing quietly, stiffened at the new detail that hadn't been disclosed previously.
"Does that change anything, detective?" The man challenged as he regained his calm composure. "Cause I don't see how."
"Not really," he replied evenly. "But you see, these kinds of subtle, insignificant inconsistencies and omissions are like dents in the story's structure. Once we find one and dig it out, the entire building eventually collapses with the owner of such a story inside. So, if there's anything I should know before I begin shaking the foundations of your structure, I'd love to hear it."
The convicted appeared seemingly unfazed and maintained control of his narrative. However, in a brief, almost imperceptible moment, he shifted his gaze, as if seeking confirmation from the only other person in the room besides Gladion: Landa. The gesture sparked a flurry of interpretations—was he avoiding direct eye contact with Gladion, silently pleading for assistance, or...
Gladion dismissed the thought but made a mental note to revisit it later.
"What about the facility that was burned?" He continued. "The Mansion. Such a peculiar name if you ask me."
The holographic screen then displayed a carousel of images revealing the aftermath of what was once a sprawling warehouse. The walls remained standing, but the roof had collapsed, leaving behind charred debris that defied identification.
"What? Were you expecting us to call it the 'Evil Guys' Headquarters' or something?" the man retorted with a smirk.
"I could suggest numerous other, more appropriate names for such a place. But ‘The Mansion' is definitely not one of them," Gladion countered. "It's either too vague or too suspicious. Do you enjoy taking such risks?"
"I'm a criminal, detective. I'm always gambling," the man declared. "I got too cocky with the job, underestimated those brats, and lost. Here I am. Can we finish this already? I'm getting bored."
There was a brief pause. Besides that spontaneous glance, the man had remained calm, and his story too coherent. Furthermore, Gladion hadn't noticed any other hints such as a change in his breathing, eye expression, or sweat. There was no other way but to try one last resource.
"Oh, yeah. The kids. The main reason why you got such a serious sentence. Do you know whose kid you threatened?"
The man shrugged and sniffed indifferently.
"You can come in now," Gladion signaled. The room's door was opened by the upset and concerned father, who locked eyes with the convict as soon as he entered.
The man's carefree and smug attitude vanished as soon as he realized his utter mistake. "Damn it..." He thought, cursing his terrible luck.
From the other side, Ash and Pikachu were just as stunned as the thief upon witnessing his doppelganger make an appearance. Although he quickly realized what was happening, Ash couldn't help but feel a pang of annoyance— he would have appreciated it if Gladion had informed him in advance.
"I think it's unnecessary to introduce him, don't you think?" Gladion remarked coolly.
The man remained silent for a few seconds, struggling to avoid meeting Ash's gaze, as if attempting to hide from an inevitable reckoning.
"Yeah... Everyone who once belonged to Team Rocket knows who he is..." The man finally relented. "'Giovanni's bane'."
"You should think very carefully about what you're going to say next," Gladion warned confidently after causing a dent in the convicted man's facade. "My friend Ash is one of the most compassionate people in the world, even with individuals like you. But when his family is threatened..." He trailed off, allowing the weight of his implication to hang in the air.
Ash remained in complete silence, his resolve evident in his upset expression and clenched fists. His breath came heavy as he struggled to control his urge to seek his own form of justice.
"L-Look, I didn't know, okay?" the man finally stammered, attempting to pacify Ash's anger. In the tense moment that followed, he glanced away for a mere millisecond, betraying his composure. "I would have never hurt her! Everything I've told you is the truth. I don't know anything about other former members or if Team Rocket’s still out there! I swear!"
Gladion analyzed the agitated convict's demeanor. He could only admire his strong resolve to stick to his story despite the pressure. The evidence seemed to support his statement, and aside from those subtle hints he observed earlier, it didn't seem like he could extract anything more from him.
"Thank you for your time, sir," Gladion finally said, shutting off the holographic screen as he prepared to leave. He exchanged a nod with Ash, signaling for them to depart together. Landa offered to accompany them, but the man had one last thing to say.
"If you're worried about your daughter's safety, you should keep her away from that weird boy," he said, a mixture of warning and mockery in his tone. "He may twist her mind and take advantage of her."
That was the culmination of the man’s stupidity.
The one-sided mirror shattered into a thousand sharp pieces, accompanied by the crumbling of the wall that divided the space. Debris, encased in a sinister purple aura, threatened to slice through the air and harm Gladion and everyone else inside, but Sabrina's reluctance prevented the manifestation of her full psychic abilities.
The man covered his face instinctively, his expression a mixture of fear and bewilderment. Gladion and Landa reacted swiftly, assuming defensive stances as they prepared for any further onslaught. Ash, who had been in the same room just seconds ago, attempted to calm Sabrina down, with Pikachu growling in solidarity to soothe the powerful psychic master.
As Sabrina emerged from the hole created, her figure radiated an aura of both fury and control. Her eyes blazed with a brilliant purple light, mirroring the ominous hue of the debris that still floated in the air around them. By her side, her Alakazam stood ready, its psychic energy adding to the palpable tension in the room.
"You’ve disrespected my child for the last time... How about I ‘twist your mind’ like we did with so many low-life Team Rocket scum years ago?" Sabrina's voice rang out, her words laced with a chilling promise of grim retribution.
"I-I-It's her! IT'S ONE OF THOSE WITCHES!" The man stammered on the ground, his voice trembling with the most terrifying cry he had ever emitted in his life.The terror was so intense that it nearly caused him to lose control of his bladder, a reaction he desperately tried to ignore as he grappled with the depths of his fear.
"Sabrina, please, you need to calm down!" Ash's desperate plea cut through the chaos, joined by Pikachu’s growl. With a trembling hand, he reached for one of his Poké Balls, his heart racing with apprehension.
Sensing that the tension was reaching a critical point, Gladion took decisive action. With a commanding tone, he called forth his partner to prepare for whatever may come next.
"Zoroark, I need you!" Gladion's voice rang out with urgency. In a flash of light, the Ash that had stood before the criminal moments ago transformed back into his loyal Dark-type Pokémon, its sharp gaze fixed on Sabrina's Alakazam with a low, menacing snarl.
But the eruption of chaos did not end there. Landa, his patience worn thin by the escalating confrontation, bellowed furiously as he too called upon his own partner.
"Enough of this madness!" Landa's voice thundered through the room, the command laced with authority as he called for his robust and steadfast Stoutland. The Pokémon's bark reverberated off the walls, sending a warning directed at Sabrina as it stood beside its trainer.
"Ma'am, you are treading on dangerous ground!" Landa continued, his tone grave as he addressed Sabrina directly. "I cannot guarantee your freedom if you continue down this path!"
The man crumpled to the ground still trembling. Sabrina's presence triggered a flood of memories, invoking the same horror that every former member experienced when they faced her and the rest of psychic masters during Team Rocket's downfall.
"Please, I beg you! I don't know anything else!" he desperately pleaded towards the vengeful psychic woman.
Sabrina's eyebrow furrowed in frustration at the man's cluelessness, exacerbating her already simmering anger. Just as she prepared to unleash her wrath, he blurted out a desperate revelation.
"W-W-Wait! The guy who hired us to steal those relics!"
Gladion raised a hand, signaling for Landa to hold back from intervening. "What about it?" he pressed.
"I don't know anything about it, but my partner mentioned that this guy used a Paldean dialect," the man revealed desperately, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Something like 'entendido' or the like!"
Gladion paused, considering the significance of this small but crucial piece of information that hadn't been in the man's initial statement. He closed his eyes, a pained expression crossing his face as it immediately brought to mind someone he had hoped never to encounter again.
"Sabrina… please," Ash implored calmly, his eyes reflecting a silent plea for her to cease her furious display.
The tension in the room, along with the eerie purple aura surrounding Sabrina and the swirling debris, finally began to dissipate as the psychic woman gradually calmed her anger, her Alakazam partner following suit.
"All of you. Out of here. Now," Landa commanded sternly, his tone conveying his simmering anger at the shameful disaster that had unfolded during what was supposed to be a straightforward interrogation.
Gladion gestured for Sabrina and Ash to follow him out of the room, and both he and Sabrina recalled their Pokémon partners.
"You owe us a window and a wall, Ma’am" Landa demanded sternly just before Sabrina left the room.
Without turning her head, and in a final manifestation of Sabrina’s powers, the shattered shards of the window and the scattered debris of the wall hovered in the air momentarily, then smoothly reattached themselves into their original shapes. Not a single scratch or crack remained, as if time itself had been reversed on that particular object.
After Sabrina left the room, Landa remained reflexively silent for a moment, passing his hand all over his face. "Damn weirdos…" he muttered under his breath. Then, he crossed gazes with the still-terrified and shivering convict. It was a silent acknowledgment between them, an unspoken agreement that they had played their roles well, ensuring that the truth would remain hidden for now.
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Once outside the police station, Ash turned to Gladion with a curious expression.
"So... What do you think about it?"
Gladion took a moment to consider, rubbing his chin as he mulled over the situation. After some seconds, he turned to face Ash and Sabrina. "The evidence, testimony, and everything that man told us seems to align with the narrative. These thieves were indeed former members of a fragmented Team Rocket… but nothing else that may indicate that the group is resurging."
Ash and Pikachu breathed a sigh of relief, reassured that their major concern appeared to be just a fatherly overreaction. Unlike them, Sabrina remained skeptical, as if unable to rest easily until she was one hundred percent secure.
"You didn't quite answer Ash's question," Sabrina pointed out.
Gladion nodded in agreement with Sabrina's observation.
"I can't shake this feeling that there might be something else I'm overlooking," Gladion admitted with a hint of unease. "For a mere petty thief, he displayed a surprising level of subtlety in his gestures, like those brief exchanges of glances. But even after Sabrina's intervention and threat, he remained steadfast in his story. It's puzzling."
A sense of uncertainty settled over them, casting a shadow of doubt on their previous assumptions. Ash, who had hoped to find reassurance that his daughter and her friends were safe from any potential harm, now felt a growing apprehension as unanswered questions lingered in his mind.
"The hint that man dropped before we left," Sabrina began with a reflective tone. "It was too vague for my liking. I can't help but wonder if I should have delved into his mind to see if there was more to his story."
Gladion's brows furrowed deeply and his jaw tensed, betraying his inner turmoil and disagreement at Sabrina's suggestion that ignored the ethical and legal implications of such an action.
"Someone from Paldea," Ash reiterated, bringing their attention back to the crucial detail. "Any thoughts?"
Gladion's expression grew anxious as he recalled the significance of the statement, weighing the potential ramifications of pursuing it further.
"For a detective, you're not very adept at concealing your emotions," Sabrina remarked, her keen perception cutting through Gladion's facade. "I don't need psychic abilities to see that you know more than you're letting on."
Gladion sighed heavily at the mere thought.
"It's just a hunch, but when the thief dropped that small hint, someone immediately came to mind," Gladion admitted, his lips pursed in contemplation. "If someone has further information about Team Rocket, it’s this one. But this person... is incredibly dangerous, influential, and incredibly elusive. If I were to start looking for her, it could take months before I even get close."
"Her?" Ash prodded.
"Not many are aware of her true identity or gender, but she wields a significant amount of power and influence over the criminal underworld in every region. Some even refer to her as the ‘Sovereign of Shadows’," Gladion disclosed. “But most know her as Zeke”.
Ash was puzzled by the revelation. After Team Rocket's defeat, he had naively believed that crime was almost banished from the world. However, it seemed that his optimism was misplaced, as the still existence of individuals with such power to commit awful deeds shattered his illusions.
"You mentioned this Zeke being elusive," Sabrina interjected as she was growing curious about the individual. "Does she have some sort of teleportation ability?"
"I'm not certain," Gladion admitted. "But she has eyes everywhere. When the International Police gets close to her territory, she's already miles away. I'd need to move as fast as her, if not faster."
"That shouldn't be a problem," Sabrina declared confidently, pressing her fingertips against her forehead as if reaching out to someone in another realm.
Before Ash and Gladion could grasp Sabrina's intentions, a golden ring materialized right before them. Standing about two meters tall, the ring’s center resembed a luminous bluish membrane that pulsed with an otherworldly glow. Ash and Pikachu were more than familiar with this object, yet they hadn't seen it since Ash's wedding.
"Wait... Is that?" Ash began, but before he could finish, a familiar voice cut in.
"Ashkan, Pikan! Were you surprised?" Hoopa emerged from the portal with his mischievous yet friendly grin.
"Hoopa! It's really you!" Ash exclaimed, his and Pikachu’s face lighting up with joy at the sudden appearance of his long-lost mythical friend. "But how?"
"We're bringing back ‘The Communion’," Sabrina interjected before Ash could finish his question. He turned to her, his brow furrowing slightly as he processed the news.
"The place where my wife and I found a greater purpose under the guidance of our teacher, Olympia. That’s why Caitlin’s been so busy," Sabrina further explained to the still puzzled Ash and Gladion. "I'll tell you the details later, but right now, the only thing you need to know is that Hoopa has joined our initiative. Detective Gladion, if you would be so kind as to tell me our first destination."
At first, Gladion hesitated, considering the tainted records of psychic people assisting agents. But his pragmatic mind couldn't ignore the vast advantage of having a medium for immediate transportation to catch up with their target.
"Alright, but first let’s make a stop to pick up some clothes to conceal our identities, especially for both of you," Gladion finally conceded. "And make sure we appear in the most discreet place possible, I don’t want you to repeat what happened back there during the interrogation. These guys have a special animosity towards psychic people."
After Gladion provided the location of their first stop, he and Sabrina stepped into Hoopa's portal ring. Ash lingered for a moment, contemplating Sabrina's revelation about the initiative she and her wife were working on and the potential implications of their noble but perhaps risky mission.
"Ashkan? Won't you come?" Hoopa's voice broke through his reverie as he patiently awaited their departure through the portal.
"Eh..? Uh… yeah! Let's go!" Ash exclaimed, pushing aside his concerns for the moment. Pikachu mirrored his resolve as they both crossed through the portal alongside the others. With a shimmer, the ring closed and vanished, leaving behind a sense of uncertainty as they embarked into a dark and tumultuous world with vastly different rules and norms, ignoring at the same time the sneaky Weavile observing them intently from the shadows, his eyes gleaming with calculated interest as he transmitted through a device what he just witnessed to his vengeful partner.