Cinnabar Island is located west of Cinnabar Town.
This island isn't marked on maps, so most people are unaware of its existence.
It's home to a dormant volcano, but the activities of Lance's Dragon Legion have reactivated the island's volcano. It's estimated that the volcano might erupt in some time.
This is also the base of the Elite Four.
When Agatha and Lorelei returned to Cinnabar Island, covered in dust and grime, Lance, who was stationed there, was startled.
"What happened to you two? What's going on?"
Lance quickly stepped forward to help Agatha and Lorelei, his anger rising as he saw his companions so injured.
"We thought we'd caught a fish, but we reeled in a wicked dragon instead."
Agatha gave a bitter, self-mocking smile. She couldn't believe that she, once so powerful, could be utterly crushed by a mere brat.
Under Lance's questioning, Agatha recounted the entire incident to him.
"So Bruno was sacrificed..."
Lance sighed slightly. Sacrificing Bruno to save Agatha and Lorelei, while somewhat painful, was still acceptable to him.
"Do you know his location?"
Lance asked. His subordinate had been "handled" in such a way; he couldn't just do nothing.
Agatha shook her head. She had only been focused on luring the target and hadn't tracked the Green, so Ace's home hadn't been exposed.
"Then it's going to be difficult..."
Lance frowned. Unable to track the opponent, this matter could only end here. He resolved that if they met again, he'd teach that capable brat a good lesson.
If possible, Lance still hoped to capture him alive.
Bruno had been "sacrificed," leaving one Elite Four position vacant. If they could capture the opponent alive and have Agatha control him, then a new Elite Four member could be created.
Agatha, seeing Lance's expression, could probably guess his thoughts.
A bitter feeling welled up in her heart. If that guy's Pokémon remained, her control might not be very effective.
Next time, I'll bring a large army to properly thank that bastard brat, Agatha coldly snorted in her heart. Try to kill him if possible, otherwise, he'll definitely become a huge problem later!
While discussions were underway on Cinnabar Island about dealing with Ace, Ace, on his end, had already bound Bruno like a zongzi and thrown him into the wilderness.
As for whether Bruno lived or died next, Ace no longer cared. After all, Ace had essentially squeezed everything he could out of Bruno.
First, there was the location of Cinnabar Island, the layout of the island, and Lance's strength.
Then, there was Bruno's insights into training Fighting-type Pokémon and his martial arts techniques.
Once Bruno truly had nothing more to tell Ace, Ace found a rope, about two fingers thick, tied Bruno into a zongzi, and left him in the wild.
Aerodactyl carried Ace towards Ace's house, and by Ace's side, Mewtwo flew alongside him.
"Are you leaving?"
Ace turned to look at Mewtwo. Its Poké Ball had shattered; Mewtwo was now an ownerless Pokémon.
However, its current friendship level, now as high as 200, prevented Mewtwo from simply leaving.
"Being with you has been very enjoyable," Mewtwo suddenly communicated telepathically to Ace. "And thank you very much for your help."
"It's nothing. After all, I caught you. I wouldn't just leave you there as a decoration," Ace said calmly, not looking at Mewtwo.
"These two items..."
Mewtwo used its Psychic power to float the Soothe Bell and the Everstone in front of Ace. These belonged to Ace, and Mewtwo was returning them.
"Keep them."
Ace said calmly, "Also, take this. Eat sparingly."
Ace didn't take the two items. Instead, he pulled out a small packet from his waist bag and handed it to Mewtwo.
Mewtwo took it and opened a slit, revealing it was filled with Energy Cubes that Mewtwo enjoyed.
"You seek freedom and the meaning of existence. I don't object," Ace continued in a calm tone. "Come back and visit sometime. It's still the same place. Maybe I won't always be home, but I won't move."
"...Take care."
Without much further exchange, Mewtwo put away the packet and the two items. Its Psychic power erupted, and it sharply changed direction, flying west.
Aerodactyl stopped. Mewtwo was heading in the complete opposite direction of their home. Aerodactyl gave a low cry, asking Ace what they should do next.
"Go home."
Ace still said calmly. Aerodactyl paused slightly, then nodded, flapping its wings fiercely, increasing speed as it flew towards their home.
Separating left and right, Ace and Mewtwo moved further and further apart. As the sun set, Aerodactyl soared across the sky, leaving behind a few glistening water droplets.
Night fell. The residents of Pallet Town had long since returned home, and Professor Oak had also completed his research for the day, returning to his living quarters on the second floor of the lab.
"It's truly tiring. I can't deny my age anymore. I haven't been working that long, but I'm already feeling exhausted."
Professor Oak massaged his lower back, poured himself a glass of water, and carried the cup towards the living room.
"Click."
The lights came on, and Professor Oak was surprised to see a somewhat familiar figure on the living room sofa.
"Aga... Agatha?!"
Professor Oak stared at Agatha, who was sitting on the sofa, in disbelief.
Agatha had one hand resting on her cane and the other holding a framed photograph. The photo was a group picture of them from their younger days.
"Oak, you chose an extraordinary fellow to be your Pokédex holder."
Agatha put down the frame, rested both hands on her cane, and said calmly, "I originally didn't want to see you, but it seems I can only find out his location from you."
"You! You've fallen, Agatha!"
Professor Oak roared, heartbroken that his former companion had become like this.
And the Pokédex holder Agatha referred to, Professor Oak instantly realized, was Ace.
"Never mind. You're a stubborn one, too. I'll just control you first, then find out that brat's location."
Agatha stood up, clearly intending to confront Professor Oak.
"You try..."
Professor Oak instinctively reached for the Poké Ball he carried, but before he could touch it, the scene before his eyes began to blur.
"You've gotten old, Oak."
Agatha stood in place, coldly stating, "The moment you changed careers to become a damn researcher, it meant your Trainer strength would continuously decline. It's a shame I couldn't defeat you at your peak; that has always been my regret. Now, it seems it will be a lifelong regret..."
Professor Oak could no longer hear the rest of her words. He collapsed to the ground with a thud, and a Gengar emerged from Professor Oak's shadow.
From the moment Professor Oak walked into that living room, he had already lost.
The aging Professor Oak ultimately fell victim to time itself...