Spikemuth Town's municipal meeting room carried a tense atmosphere, a stark contrast to the usual casual discussions held within. Seated around the long table were representatives from three major factions, gathered to discuss the aftermath of Team Rocket's invasion of Sunset Forest.
The first faction was the park rangers, those who had personally endured the crisis. Summer, the one who had almost single-handedly put an end to Team Rocket's scheme, sat calmly in his seat. Beside him was Mr. Gideon, the representative of Spikemuth, a former shopkeeper now exuding a commanding presence, his black coat draped over his shoulders. The warmth he once displayed had vanished, replaced by an air of quiet authority. He sat with his arms crossed, his sharp gaze locked onto another figure across the table—League President Rose.
Rose, as composed as ever, sat with his fingers interlaced atop the table, a foxlike smile on his lips. His assistant, Oleana, stood beside him, holding a thick stack of files, her expression unreadable.
The third faction was Interpol, the international police force responsible for arresting the remnants of Team Rocket. Their lead investigator, Donovan, sat upright, clad in a crisp suit and a pair of sleek silver-rimmed glasses. He barely acknowledged the stifling atmosphere, instead glancing down at the slow-moving second hand on his watch. Behind him stood two uniformed officers, their expressions rigid and serious.
The heavy silence was finally broken by a knock on the door. A man with fiery red hair strode into the room. Clad in a navy-blue dragon tamer's outfit and draped in a black-and-crimson cape, he swept his gaze over the gathered individuals before offering an apologetic smile.
"Apologies for the delay—had a bit of an unexpected detour on the way. I didn't keep you all waiting too long, did I?"
Donovan glanced at his watch before replying in a neutral tone, "Elite Four Lance, you are nineteen minutes and five seconds late. As the official representative of Kanto and Johto, I would advise more… punctuality."
Lance gave a sheepish grin, pulling out a chair between Rose and Donovan. "My bad, my bad. There was a trainer with a Dragon-type Pokémon along the way—I couldn't just not give him some pointers, you know?"
In Kanto and Johto, Team Rocket had been the most notorious criminal syndicate. Now, with most of their remaining officers in custody, the Indigo League believed it was imperative to express their gratitude to the one responsible for their capture. Additionally, they possessed comprehensive records of Team Rocket's crimes, ensuring that these criminals would receive due punishment.
Lance turned toward Summer, a genuine look of respect in his eyes. "So, you're the park ranger who single-handedly took down all of Team Rocket's officers? Impressive. I'm Lance of the Elite Four. On behalf of Kanto and Johto, I offer you my sincerest gratitude."
He wasn't exaggerating. As someone who had personally fought to stop Team Rocket's revival, Lance knew firsthand how difficult these high-ranking officers were to deal with—and yet, Summer had done it alone.
Rose chuckled, leaning forward. "I must agree. I never imagined such an exceptional talent had been hiding here in Galar." His eyes gleamed with interest. "Tell me, Summer—have you ever considered challenging the Gym Circuit?"
Gideon shot him a glare. "Rose, this isn't a damn recruitment meeting."
Rose simply smiled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Fair enough, fair enough. We have more pressing matters to discuss—though, I'd still like to talk with Summer later." He cast a glance at Summer, as if extending an invitation.
Oleana, however, showed a flicker of displeasure in her eyes.
A mere retired Gym Leader…
Donovan cleared his throat, shifting the conversation back on track. "Now that everyone is present, let's begin. First, regarding the fate of Team Rocket's officers…" He flipped open a thick file, scanning its contents.
"Jaxon—the mastermind of this incident. Charged with murder, poaching, robbery, destruction of property, and endangering public safety, among other crimes. Interpol's ruling: Life imprisonment. Permanent incarceration."
"However, due to ingesting an unknown substance, he has fallen into a comatose state with multiple organ failures. He is currently in intensive care under humanitarian aid, and will be tried once conscious."
"Archer, Ariana, and Proton—the three primary accomplices in this operation. Each responsible for similar crimes. They were also involved in previous major incidents, including the Goldenrod Radio Tower takeover, the Lake of Rage catastrophe, and the Silph Co. siege."
"All three have been sentenced to life imprisonment with no chance of parole. Archer and Ariana suffered only minor injuries and are currently detained at Stow-on-Side Prison. As for Proton…" Donovan glanced at Summer.
"The third officer has developed chronic insomnia and an acute fear of Pokémon—cause unknown."
Donovan pushed up his glasses. "Due to his psychological instability, no interrogation has been conducted yet. He is also being held at Stow-on-Side Prison."
"The whereabouts of Petrel and Giovanni remain unknown."
With that, Donovan set the first file aside, then reached for another. "Next, regarding the remaining Team Rocket grunts—"
Rose suddenly interrupted, waving his hand. "Donovan, are we seriously going to sit through the sentencing of over 200 grunts?"
Donovan frowned, clearly displeased. "President Rose, these are important matters. There are real victims here."
Rose sighed. "Just give Summer the file. I assume Interpol has backup copies?"
"Of course."
"Then let's not waste time." Rose checked his watch. "Time is valuable, after all."
Gideon scoffed. "Typical businessman."
Still, even he had to agree. "Listen, kid—I doubt anyone here wants to sit through a list of two hundred criminals. But I did hear Interpol gives rewards for providing information, huh?" His grin widened.
"And since Summer caught all these bastards himself, I assume you're not stingy with rewards, right?"
"This is standard procedure," Donovan replied curtly. "The bounty for capturing Team Rocket's remnants will be deposited into Summer's account accordingly."
Lance nodded approvingly. "We of the Indigo League will also provide compensation. Additionally, the Victims of Team Rocket Foundation has pooled funds as a reward for Summer."
"Capturing this many criminals? That's something only a true hero could do."
Rose clasped his hands together, eyes glinting. "A hero, huh? Like the Darkest Day legend?"
"Of course, Galar's League will also provide a reward. But…" he paused, his tone shifting.
"Elite Four Lance—calling him a hero means making his deeds public, doesn't it?"
Lance narrowed his eyes.
Rose continued smoothly, "And that would make him a target. Team Rocket's remnants may retaliate. Even you can't protect everyone forever, can you?"
Lance scoffed. "So what? Do you think Summer can't protect himself?"
Rose shrugged. "Not everything can be solved by strength alone, my dear Elite Four." He leaned back. "Do you truly believe you can protect everyone?"
Lance smirked. "Of course. That's my pride as a Dragon Master."
Gideon rolled his eyes. "Enough. Summer's sitting right here. Let's ask him." He turned to the young ranger.
"You've been silent for a while. Made up your mind yet?"
Summer took a deep breath.
"Lance. Donovan. President Rose. I want my identity and the events in Sunset Forest kept secret."
Lance looked disappointed. Donovan simply adjusted his glasses. Rose, on the other hand, clapped his hands together, grinning.
"I'm a ranger," Summer continued. "My duty is to protect the forest and the Pokémon within it. I don't need fame."
Donovan nodded. "Understood. Interpol will release the report stating we handled the operation."
"This works out well for you, doesn't it, Donovan?" Rose chuckled, arms resting on the table. "Interpol has been under scrutiny lately for its failure to deal with Team Dawn. This should help restore some credibility."
He waved a hand dismissively. "Of course, I'll make sure all news from Galar is suppressed. As for the witnesses in Spikemuth…"
"Spikemuth will respect Summer's wishes," Gideon interrupted with a glare. "Don't get any funny ideas, Rose."
Rose's expression didn't waver, his ever-present foxlike smile remaining intact. Donovan, meanwhile, sighed, placing his documents down before clearing his throat.
"There is one final matter—whether or not to establish a protected zone for Celebi."
"No need for that," Gideon scoffed. "That's just asking for trouble, making Sunset Forest a beacon for every greedy bastard out there. Besides, Summer doesn't want the forest gaining attention. You're too rigid, Donovan."
Donovan frowned but ultimately remained silent, setting the document aside.
Summer's voice cut through the room, firm and unwavering.
"Celebi has chosen Sunset Forest. That means it's my responsibility to protect it. Anyone who comes **to harm it… will meet the same fate as Team Rocket."
Lance's eyes gleamed with approval. Donovan adjusted his glasses, then gathered his files and stood. "It seems we've covered everything." He turned to Summer. "These files belong to you now."
He reached into his coat and retrieved a business card.
"Take this. If you have any lingering questions, feel free to call me directly. Also, in addition to your financial compensation, your physical rewards will arrive within three days."
As Summer accepted the card, Donovan removed his glasses, revealing a sharp, fearsome raptor-like eye beneath the right lens. His left eye, however, was not real—a lifelike but unmistakable prosthetic.
Without another word, Donovan turned, exiting the room with the efficiency of a soldier, his two agents following in sync.
Rose rose from his seat, subtly nodding to Oleana.
"Summer," Oleana stepped forward, offering another card. "This is President Rose's business card. And this," she added, handing him a sleek black-and-gold pass, "is a VIP access card for Rose Tower."
"With it, you'll have unrestricted entry to both the Galar League and Rose Tower should you ever wish to meet President Rose."
"Your financial compensation has been transferred to your account, and your physical rewards will be delivered within a day." Bowing slightly, she retreated to Rose's side.
Throughout the meeting, Rose had never once dropped his smile, his demeanor warm and extremely welcoming.
"I look forward to hearing from you, Summer." With that, he turned and followed Donovan out.
Gideon snorted, rubbing his beard. "That man's a damn fox." He then shifted his gaze toward Lance. "Elite Four Lance, anything else you want to say?"
Lance smirked. "Not much. The Indigo League's compensation package is the same as theirs—cash and items."
Gideon raised an eyebrow. "Then why are you still here?"
"Because, old man—no, Master Chef of the Underworld—you live up to your reputation. Just as domineering as the rumors say."
Gideon's expression darkened. "How do you know that name?"
Lance grinned, then turned to Summer. "Just a word of advice. You can hide your achievements, but light doesn't stay hidden forever."
Throwing his cape over his shoulder with a dramatic flourish, he added, "But I don't need to worry about you, do I? You've already proven yourself."
"I'll be back another time. Pokémon need their rest, after all."
As he made his exit, he called back, "Next time we meet, you should consider raising a Dragon-type! Their strength would be a great asset to you."
Gideon watched him leave before chuckling. "Well, Summer. Seems you've charmed that fox Rose pretty damn well."
Summer shook his head. "Gideon… Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere—I'll always be Sunset Forest's ranger."
Gideon raised an eyebrow. "Hmph. You sound like I was worried." He tossed his coat aside and added, "Just don't get too cozy with Rose. He reminds me of a reckless gambler I used to know."
Summer nodded. "By the way, Gideon—about my reward money. I'd like to donate half of it to Spikemu—"
"Stop right there." Gideon immediately cut him off. "No. Absolutely not."
He waved a hand dismissively. "You earned that money. Use it to take care of your Pokémon. They've been through a lot."
Summer hesitated, but Gideon continued, "Besides… If Spikemuth grows, more people will inevitably start coming to Sunset Forest. What's your plan for that?"
Summer's eyes hardened. "I'll handle it."
Gideon held his gaze for a moment before nodding. "Good."
He stretched, then clapped Summer on the shoulder. "Enough talk—let's eat. You must be starving after talking to those bastards."
Summer smiled slightly. "Curry."
Gideon chuckled. "You really love that stuff, huh? Alright, I'll make enough to satisfy you."
He turned, waving a hand. "Oh, and ask your Pokémon what they want, too. I'll cook, and you deliver."
Side by side, they left the conference room, strolling toward Spikemuth's restaurant district.
Meanwhile…
Inside a moving vehicle, an Interpol officer in the front passenger seat glanced back at Donovan, who sat deep in thought.
"Boss, are we really sticking to Summer's version of events?"
Donovan didn't even look up. "What else would we do?"
"The Celebi Protection Plan may have been scrapped, but we're still going to keep agents in place." His fingers brushed against his left eye, the empty socket beneath.
"I have a bad feeling about this… Some criminal group will come for Celebi eventually. Especially Team Dawn."
"Hmm, understood. I'll start preparations immediately once we return."
But… Celebi, huh?
Donovan instinctively touched the scarred remains of his lost left eye, deep in thought. The power to rewrite history… A power too tempting for criminals to ignore.
Was leaving such power in the hands of a single forest ranger truly the right decision?
Was this really… justice?
Inside a Flying Taxi
Seated beside Rose, Oleana glanced at him and asked, "President Rose, could we conclude that the recent surge of life energy in Sunset Forest was caused by Celebi?"
Rose remained silent for a moment before replying, "It doesn't matter anymore."
Oleana frowned slightly. "Forgive me, sir, but… what do you mean?"
Rose's gaze drifted toward the horizon, his expression unreadable.
"A small, enclosed space… yet it contains such a variety of biomes, far larger than it appears from the outside." A thoughtful glint flashed in his eyes.
"Sunset Forest... could shape the future of Galar."
Oleana stiffened. "Then… what about the Wishing Star collection?"
"Continue as planned."
Rose finally turned to her. "But maintain contact with Summer. Try to win him over."
"Offer gifts that suit a ranger's needs. Something… useful."
Oleana nodded. "Understood. I'll take care of it personally."
As the taxi soared across Galar's vast, blue sky, Rose's eyes remained locked on the horizon.
A thousand years… ten thousand years… No matter how much time passes… Galar's sky must remain beautiful.
My plans will always succeed.
Somewhere in a Desert
The golden sands stretched endlessly beneath the scorching sun. A man, his cloak billowing in the wind, landed gracefully on the dunes alongside his Charizard.
"Hmm… so this is Sunset Forest?" He shielded his eyes, scanning the horizon.
Charizard blinked. Then, slowly, shook its head.
A forest? Here? Not a chance.
"Yeah… I thought so too."
The man let out a deep breath, then straightened. "Alright then! Let's keep going, Charizard!"
"A Champion doesn't back down over something trivial like… getting lost!"
Charizard sighed, wings drooping in resignation.
…We are completely and utterly lost, aren't we?
(End of Chapter.)