Chapter 57
Currently taking a rest in the manor, Sophocles rushes to us in a state of distress. "Sophocles, what's wrong?" I inquire.
"Everything is wrong! I don't know what to do..." Sophocles cries out.
My Mom addresses him, "You must be the Electric Type Trial Captain, Sophocles, right?"
Sophocles stammers, "Eeek! S-S-S-Sorrocles! I mean I'm sophorry! I mean I'm sorry! No, I mean I'm Sophocles! I'm a very sorry Sophocles!"
Trying to soothe the situation, Lillie intervenes, "Calm down, Sophocles. Just take deep breaths."
After a moment, Sophocles composes himself and says, "I...I came because I need your help, Ash and Lillie... A bunch of strange guys appeared out of nowhere and...and they took over Festival Plaza!"
"Took over?" We decide to log into the Festival Plaza, and to our horror, we witness the castle changing color, darkening with streaks of rainbows. The most alarming sight is the giant R that dominates the display.
"You've got to be kidding me... Team Rocket?" I exclaim in frustration.
"I thought they were disbanded! What the heck?" Lillie expresses her surprise and concern.
"The space here suddenly became all twisted, and then the programming of the Plaza was rewritten! That's why the castle looks so..." Sophocles explains.
"Interesting?" I try to lighten the mood with a joke. But Sophocles interrupts, saying, "You think? It looks so menacing, like where a final boss would live... I think it looks kinda cool!"
"It's a joke," Lillie sighs. Sophocles responds, "Still, they broke through my impenetrable security system, even if they did take advantage of a system malfunction. And they've taken complete control of Festival Plaza... Be careful–these guys know what they're doing! Please, Ash and Lillie! You've got to help me take back Festival Plaza!"
We make the decision to enter the castle, and inside, we're confronted by some Rocket Grunts. The striking difference is the Rainbow-colored 'R' emblazoned on their uniforms. One of the grunts demands, "Hey, who are you?! Nobody should be able to enter Team Rocket's Castle!"
"I-I have admin rights..." Sophocles stammers, trying to assert his authority.
"What?! How dare you try to confuse me with your nerdy language!" The grunt scoffs before continuing, "No matter! Team Rocket's Castle is under our control! There's nothing you can do, whoever you are!"
With a mocking laugh, the grunt exits the scene, leaving us standing there, perplexed.
Sophocles reflects, "It seems like this group calls itself Team Rocket. They definitely don't seem like nice people..."
"They're far from nice. They're annoying and dangerous," I murmur. "We've faced them over a thousand times during our journeys."
"I can't believe I've allowed Festival Plaza to be taken over by people like them... Still... He said this castle was under their control. What exactly did he mean...? Give me a sec and I'll check..." Sophocles swiftly uses his laptop to scan the area. After a moment, he announces, "I've got it, Ash and Lillie... They have some sort of program lock that prevents us from using the Pokémon in our party! We need to figure out a way to get Team Rocket out of here without relying on our own Pokémon..."
It's true, Pikachu and the others are barred from entering, leaving just the two of us without any Poke Balls. As I scan the area, I notice something that might aid us. "The Battle Agency."
"The Battle Agency...? Oh, of course! If we use the Battle Agency rules, we can use other people's Pokémon to battle! It doesn't matter if we can't use our own!" Sophocles exclaims, catching onto the idea.
"Just a sec... Using my admin rights to access the debug features... Rebooting the reception program..." Sophocles continues to type on the laptop, "I've made it so we can use the Battle Agency now, too... I wish there was more I could do...but I can't even access my full admin rights... I need you to defeat Team Rocket using the Battle Agency, Ash and Lillie! I'll try and get back complete admin access while you keep them busy!"
We swiftly head to the Battle Agency and enlist the help of various Pokémon. With the Battle Agency's resources at our disposal, we strategically battle and overcome every Team Rocket Grunt that crosses our path.
"Impossible! These kids... defeated us?!" shouts the first grunt in disbelief.
"That's unfair! You shouldn't be able to battle so effectively with other people's Pokémon!" protests the second grunt.
"Bah... get 'em, guys!" commands the third grunt. "We can't let you take back Team Rocket's Castle. The boss' plans depend on it!"
Realizing we're now surrounded by the grunts, we steel ourselves, preparing for whatever might happen next.
Sophocles yells, "Just in time... Full system restore!"
He swiftly presses a button, and all the NPCs reappear. "Target set to Team Rocket... Executing kick from Festival Plaza!" Sophocles announces.
The grunts begin to vanish, even those attempting to attack us. With a relieved sigh, Sophocles remarks, "Whew... That was close. ...Thanks for your help, Ash and Lillie! You kept them busy just long enough for me to regain full admin access... I've used that access to permanently lock out Team Rocket from Festival Plaza! I've also restored all the features and everything to normal."
"But what about the castle?" I inquire.
Sophocles considers, "I...kinda like what they did with the castle. Even though they were our enemies... I'll add it as one of the themes. And I'll set up some boss data that'd be perfect for this kind of castle. If you want to change the look of the castle, try raising your Festival Plaza Rank! Also... This is for you. You helped me out a lot..."
He hands us an Eject Button, and then we decide to return to the real world to inform our mother about the troubling events that occurred in Festival Plaza.
"You're serious? Team Rocket has returned?" My Mom and Dad express disbelief and shock at the news.
"We're shocked as well. Didn't we defeat Giovanni? And what about Meowth?" I turn to my Dad for answers.
"Meowth is still in the Kalos Region assisting with some training. If Team Rocket is back... who is leading them, and what could their plans be?" My Dad looks visibly concerned.
Lillie interjects, "Wait, today is the day our parents are doing the interview about the darkness two months ago."
With a sense of urgency, we turn on the TV to catch the ongoing interview and hear the latest news. Both Lusamine and Mohn are on the screen.
"... This just in. The Aether Foundation is holding a press conference as we speak, addressing the black clouds that appeared over Poni Island. We go now to our live coverage at the scene..."
Lusamine begins, "I know that many of you must have heard of the dark clouds covering Poni Island on the news... You may be feeling concerned now about what is going on, but let me put your fears to rest. This phenomenon was caused by a previously unknown Pokémon called Necrozma. Necrozma passed through an Ultra Wormhole, a wormhole that connects different worlds, and came here to steal Alola's light."
The reporters appear confused by the explanation, and Mohn adds, "There is nothing to be worried about, though. Thanks to the actions of the brave Trainers, the threat has already been dealt with. Alola will not be swallowed by darkness."
Amidst the conference, Faba abruptly leaves, drawing our attention. As Mohn continues with Aether Foundation's plans, an unexpected event unfolds— an Ultra Wormhole suddenly appears in the sky, startling Wicke.
"Wha-?! That hole... How is that possible...?" Wicke gasps.
Lusamine and Mohn turn around, equally surprised. "An Ultra Wormhole? But why now?!" Lusamine exclaims.
The camera angle shifts abruptly as a shadowy figure and a Rocket grunt charge forward, incapacitating the cameraman.
Lusamine inquires, "Who...exactly are you, sir?"
"The technology of the Aether Foundation... the knowledge of other worlds—it will be very useful to Team Rocket... or rather... Team Rainbow Rocket!" The voice resonates, unmistakably Giovanni's!
Mohn reacts in shock, "Did he mean to suggest that his people created this Ultra Wormhole intentionally...? We will not allow this to go unchecked!"
When Lusamine and Mohn leave, the reporter says, "Hello? Are you seeing this? The sudden turn of events has left the scene in chaos! Team Rainbow Rocket...? Is this some kind of prank?"
We end the TV news, and I say, "There's no doubt! That's Giovanni!"
"Team Rainbow Rocket! I remember encountering them in one of the Ultra Dimensions. They are capable of sparking conflicts, and it seems the government is backing them!" Lillie exclaims.
My Mom interjects, "So that means this isn't our world's Giovanni... and the grunts aren't from our world either."
"Guys!" Just then, Gladion rushes in, followed by Serena and Alice. I ask, "Serena? Alice? What brings you both here?"
Alice explains, "Serena and I were planning a surprise visit for you, but then we caught sight of the news on the screen."
Serena adds, "We bumped into Gladion on our way here, and we all decided to come together."
Gladion urgently says, "An Ultra Wormhole opened up in the middle of the press conference, putting our parents in danger. We need to head to the Aether Paradise."
I nod, determined. "Absolutely. Let's all go there right away."
With Trenor and Zossie joining us, our group of nine arrives at the Aether Foundation. Lillie appears distressed, murmuring, "Oh, everything is a mess! Mother! And Aether Paradise! It's all... It's just all so... It's all gone wrong!"
I reassure her, "Lillie, just calm down, please."
"I-I'm sorry... I'm just so worried..." Lillie's frown deepens.
Wicke steps forward, offering explanations. "It's good to see you again. Please, let me explain the situation. As you may know, the presidents called a press conference to address the black clouds that engulfed Poni Island, but... An Ultra Wormhole suddenly opened, and a mysterious force took over her mansion! The culprits call themselves... Team Rainbow Rocket."
Serena interjects, "So, you're saying they came from the Ultra Wormhole? Because we know for sure that during our journeys, Team Rocket has been disbanded."
Alice adds, "And Giovanni is dead, while we also dealt with those annoying trio."
Gladion presses, "So Mother and Father... they've been taken captive, right?"
Wicke's expression turns grim. "I'm trying to devise as many strategies as possible to rescue the presidents, but... the situation is dire. The enemy is too powerful, and to add to that, we have no idea why they're targeting the Aether Foundation."
"There's no doubt they aim to spread their terror across other worlds too," I murmur. "We can't allow them to succeed."
Wicke hands each of us a Big Malasada. "There's a swarm of Team Rainbow Rocket Grunts up ahead. Take this—you might need it. Please, be careful!" Her concern is evident as she bids us caution.
As we charge forward, we encounter a group of grunts, one of whom sneers, "What, more Foundation members who haven't learned their lesson? Ahead is the new HQ for Team Rainbow Rocket! Begone, intruders!"
"You guys are the intruders, and we are the ones who should chase you out," I retort firmly. With determination, we engage in battle, swiftly defeating the grunts obstructing our path toward the mansion. Each victory brings us closer to reaching the heart of the enemy's stronghold.
"The mansion... it looks like some kind of castle! Is this also because of the Ultra Wormhole that Wicke was talking about?" Lillie gasps in shock as we take in the transformed appearance of the mansion.
Just then, Faba appears before us. "Stop right there," he commands.
"Faba?! What are you doing here?" My Dad questions, puzzled.
"I strongly suggest you abandon your efforts to thwart Team Rainbow Rocket," Faba states with an unsettling determination.
"What do you mean by that?" Gladion raises an eyebrow, suspicion evident in his voice.
"If Team Rainbow Rocket takes over Aether Paradise, the organization will grow far beyond where we are today...and more Pokémon will be saved!" Faba exclaims with an eerie enthusiasm. "And if I can assist it in doing so, no doubt my career will also reach new heights! Such a wonderful thought, wouldn't you agree?"
Shock ripples through our group. Faba, turning against us? Lillie stammers, "Mr. Faba... Did...did you...? Y-you wouldn't..."
"Ah, as astute as ever, Miss Lillie! The same intuition that told you to rescue Cosmog still serves you well, I see. Yes, you guess correctly! I have taken it upon myself to facilitate Team Rainbow Rocket's takeover and ensure everything goes smoothly!" Faba reveals with a chilling confidence.
Trenor's voice trembles with anger, "Mr. Faba, how could you?! We...we trusted you! And you—! The Aether Foundation is not some tool for you to use to move up in the world! You have to make Team Rainbow Rocket stop all this at once!"
Faba remains resolute, "You may be astute, but I see you are less inclined to listen to reason." He straightens up, adopting a confrontational stance. "Then I, Branch Chief Faba, Aether Paradise's last line of defense, shall show you little children the harshness of the real world!"
As Faba sends out his Claydol, Hypno, and Bruxish to battle, Trenor, Zossie, and Gladion swiftly counter by summoning their Flygon, Delibird, and Silvally into action.
Flygon takes to the skies with agility, its powerful wings propelling it forward. Delibird, with its sack of surprises, readies itself for battle. Silvally stands steadfast, ready to confront the opposition.
In a display of coordinated strategy, the three Pokémon leap into action. Flygon's Dragon-type moves unleash a barrage of attacks, targeting Claydol with its powerful Dragon Claw and Stone Edge. Delibird follows suit, using Ice-type attacks to catch Hypno off guard, pelting it with Ice Beams and Blizzard. Meanwhile, Silvally charges forward, its multi-type versatility allowing it to adapt its moves to counter Bruxish's Psychic-type abilities, utilizing powerful attacks like Multi-Attack and Crunch.
Their combined effort overwhelms Faba's Pokémon, effectively outmaneuvering them and wearing them down. With precise strikes and tactical coordination, Flygon, Delibird, and Silvally swiftly weaken Faba's Claydol, Hypno, and Bruxish, eventually defeating them and rendering them unable to battle.
"Hmph! I'll have you know, defeating me won't do you any good, anyway," Faba sneers. "The Ultra Wormhole has resonated with the boss's ideology and has gathered the toughest, meanest villains from many other worlds! ...Although, for now, they seem content just to do whatever research they wish, using the technology of Aether Paradise... Now, I hope you enjoy your futile efforts!"
With a smug expression, Faba decides to make his exit, leaving our group to ponder his ominous warning.
"Should we go after him?" Serena inquires, showing concern.
"He's not important now. Let's just move on," my mom says with a determined tone as we make our way into the castle.
As we step into the mansion, the shocking transformation of the Aether Mansion leaves us stunned. Lillie's gasp echoes through the room, "Not even this room! I had so many memories in this room..."
Gladion attempts to open the door leading to the Trophy Room, but frustration fills his voice, "Damn it. It won't open!"
"Let's see if we can find another way at the entrance," my Dad suggests, trying to maintain our focus as we start to head out. However, our path is suddenly blocked as Team Rainbow Rocket grunts swarm around us, cornering us before we can even take a step.
"Intruders!" "You'll be sorry you messed with Team Rainbow Rocket... Also known as Team RR!" The grunts menacingly chant, ready to engage us in battle.
Feeling outnumbered but resolute, we prepare to call upon our Pokémon to face the oncoming threat. However, just as we're about to send out our Pokémon, a commanding voice interrupts the tense atmosphere, "Hey, you punks!"
We're taken aback as we turn to see Team Skull's Boss Guzma stepping forward. Shock and surprise ripple through our group. "Guzma?!" I gasp in disbelief.
"The hated boss who beats you down, and beats you down, and never lets up... Yeah. Big bad Guzma is here!" Guzma announces, his laughter echoing through the room, adding an unexpected twist to the situation.
The Team Rainbow Rocket grunts sneer at Guzma's appearance. "Hey, I know you... You're the boss of that pathetic group that got disbanded - Team Skull! I wouldn't expect much from just an Alolan Thug," one of the grunts taunts.
"No visions, no ideals... What does such a worthless punk want at Team Rocket's Castle?" adds another, disdain dripping from his words.
Guzma smirks at their jabs. "Heh... I gotta admit... You got me all figured out!" he retorts, causing the grunts to raise an eyebrow. "I got nothin'... Not even my team anymore. I'm just another regular nobody... But! I still got some things I can't let go... Things ain't nobody gonna mess with! And guess what? You punks just messed with one of those things! I can't let that slide..."
With a determined glint in his eye, Guzma's Golisopod and Scizor emerge, ready for battle. They join forces with us, launching a coordinated assault against the Team Rainbow Rocket grunts. Together, our Pokémon fight with unwavering resolve, taking down more of the grunts and gradually shifting the momentum of the battle in our favor.
"What?! We're Team RR! We're not supposed to lose to them!" "They... they won't be obliterated!" The grunts panic and hastily retreat into the adjacent rooms, leaving the door wide open in their haste.
"Thank you for helping us, Mr. Guzma!" Lillie expresses her gratitude.
Guzma shrugs, "I just beat down the goons who were gettin' on my nerves, that's all." He then points to the open door. "Now, what're you standin' around for? You got a score to settle, too, don't you?!"
We acknowledge Guzma's assistance and his suggestion. Leaving him to stand guard, we swiftly move forward, entering the rooms ahead in search of a path leading to the Trophy Room. The urgency to rescue the captured presidents and restore the Aether Mansion drives us deeper into the unknown corridors, braced for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Now we've begun the Rainbow Rocket arc. I decide to put it early since I want to make the League the last thing of this story. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Lillie's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Butterfree x2 (One Pink), Raticate (Alolan), Pikachu, Raichu (Alolan), Sandslash (Alolan), Ninetales (Alolan), Dugtrio (Alolan), Persian (Alolan), Golem (Alolan), Muk (Alolan), Exeggutor (Alolan), Marowak (Alolan), Lapras, Meganium, Typhlosion (Hisuian), Steelix (Crystal), Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Milotic, Absol, Infernape, Lucario, Togekiss, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Greninja, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha, Zygarde x2, Decidueye, Incineroar, Primarina, Toucannon, Gumshoos, Vikavolt, Crabominable, Oricorio, Ribombee, Lycanroc x3 (Midday/Midnight/Dusk), Wishiwashi, Toxapex, Mudsdale, Araquanid, Lurantis, Shiinotic, Salazzle (Shiny), Bewear, Tsareena, Comfey, Oranguru, Passimian, Golisopod, Palossand, Pyukumuku, Type: Null, Minior, Komala, Turtonator, Togedemaru, Mimikyu (Shiny), Bruxish, Drampa, Dhelmise, Kommo-o, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Magearna (Shiny), Marshadow, Poipole, Zeraora, Kleavor