Six years ago, a seed sprouted, leading to a great forest.

A suitcase thudded to the ground. Kibe was standing in front of his new home in Skywheel, along with his father. His younger sister and mother had yet to make the journey from Jubilife City; they would come next week.

"Beautiful, isn't it? Has a nice lawn and garage, the academy is within walking distance, there's a battlefield in the back-"

"I get it, Dad. You don't need to convince me anymore. I'm sure this house is amazing." Kibe responded in a flat tone. His father had been trying to sell the house to the rest of the family for the past six months, ever since he learned he had been offered a new job in Castelia. It was a very prominent executive position in a major tech company, and as such it wasn't an opportunity he could pass up. Kibe was very negative on the whole matter; he left far too much behind in Sinnoh to come here. He sighed, and began walking towards the veritable castle of a house.

"It's not just the house that's amazing, you know." Something about his father's tone made Kibe stop, and turn towards him. A smirk could be seen playing across the man's face as he looked to the opposite direction of the setting sun.

"The forest near here…or rather, the one that was partially cleared out of here to make room for Skywheel, has some mythical qualities to it."

"...Mythical?" Kibe's first thought was of Celestial Town, the last place he visited in Sinnoh before his father's entourage had tracked him down and picked him up. It was a famed locale in Sinnoh known for its ties to the ancient lore of the region, and its Legendary Pokemon. However, it seemed like that wasn't exactly what his father was talking about.

"A strange, vibrant energy seems to be running through the interior of that forest. As a result, a very unique ecosystem quite unlike any other has formed around that area. The Association believes that the source is a rare and powerful Pokemon." Kibe was a tad skeptical.

"Really? Is the presence of a single Pokemon enough to alter an area to that extent? I'd believe it if it were a Groudon or Kyogre or something, but I doubt something like that is camping in the woods a few miles from a population center. The Association wouldn't allow it, right?" His father sighed at this.

"The Association isn't really the pure and noble organization you make it out to be…either way, this Pokemon seems to merely be enhancing and strengthening the energy flow that's already present there. It would already be a pretty interesting forest, but the Pokemon's presence takes it to the next level." Kibe's father began walking around to the back of the house, and Kibe followed, leaving his suitcase behind.

"Please unload the rest and leave them in our rooms!" Kibe's father called out to three suited men who had come with them; they began unloading the other belongings from the luxury SUV the group had all arrived in. With that, the pair walked to the back, and, as if it was natural, took places on the Pokemon battlefield.

"So…what's the name of this supposed Pokemon?" Despite his current misgivings towards his father, Kibe couldn't help but be curious.

"Virizion, the Grassland Pokemon. Unovan lore names it as one of the Swords of Justice. The Association classifies it as a Legendary Pokemon." Kibe gasped. A Legendary Pokemon was basically in their backyard? Kibe's father smiled, and sent out his Pokemon.

"I wonder if you'll see it someday?"

—

Kibe recalled when he had first learned about Virizion's existence. After hearing the name, he had researched all sorts of folklore, trying to learn more about it. The true reason he had searched Pinwheel multiple times in the past several years was because of Virizion; he merely wanted to get a glimpse of it with his own eyes. However, he had always turned back at the Inner Forest; partly because his father had warned him that it was a restricted area, but also because he felt a significant amount of guilt in partaking in the act, as he would've been no better than the ignorant people the Swords rallied against, and who the Association was trying to prohibit from the area.

And now, that dream might become a reality…against his better judgment. Kibe and Arienne had to go east in order to complete their mission; however, a group of poachers very well could be preparing to assault Virizion at this very moment in that direction.

"Thanks for agreeing to go through with this." Arienne had finished putting on her light body armor, Garchomp had finished the camp fortifications, and they were just setting off.

"It's not really because your logic convinced me. I decided that it would be best to continue the mission, and I also have some personal reasons for wanting to see Virizion." They walked through the forest, passing by the area where Kibe encountered Zoroark last night.

"Personal reasons, huh…" Arienne was a bit surprised at this, but was happy all the same. "Even so, I'm glad. If those people really do go after Virizion, then we have to help!"

Kibe sighed. "Look, I don't really mind you coming along, but just promise me one thing: Listen to everything I tell you. Don't go running off on your own, and DON'T try to be a hero. Virizion is a Legendary Pokemon for a reason. It would take an extraordinary effort for a group of random poachers to bring it down. There's no need to put yourself in excessive danger for no reason."

They were closing in on the grove. Despite what he just said, Kibe's feelings on bringing Arienne along, and with her in general, were very complicated. Arienne was very idealistic, likely due to her upbringing, and didn't seem to realize just how much trouble she could potentially be in if she was caught out of position. He was afraid that she would get hurt, and that would lead to an extremely difficult situation. However, the utility of Audino's Protect and Heal Pulse could not be overstated. It would massively improve their capabilities of battling large numbers of Pokemon, if it came to it.

"Fine, I got it, I got it. So then, captain, what's the plan?" They stopped in front of the wall of green they had seen on their way into the Inner Forest the other day.

"Well, that's pretty simple. Your Vibrava knows Dig, right?" Kibe's assumption was based on how it had helped Garchomp build the fortifications.

"You want to make a tunnel? But how far?"

"We'll start with 20 meters. Vibrava can go through, check it out, and come back to let us know whether the forest clears up or not. I suspect that this wall is just that: a wall. There's probably a sanctuary or sorts beyond here." Kibe squatted and peered into the green void.

"Ok then. Vibrava, use Dig!" Vibrava screeched, and burrowed deep underground.

"So…that's the Pokemon that didn't listen to you? Seems pretty obedient to me."

"Well, after everything that happened last night I think he's starting to come arou-" Just then, a massive rumbling started shaking the ground around them.

"That's not Vibrava, is it?!" Kibe grabbed onto Arienne to keep her stable, while Garchomp held Audino.

"N-no way! Vibrava isn't capable of something like this! Wait, Vibrava! Is Vibrava ok?!" While Arienne was frantic about her Pokemon being underground during what seemed to be a veritable disaster, Garchomp gave Kibe a look.

"So…you think so too, huh? This isn't natural."

"Wait, so you're saying this rumbling was caused by something?"

"Yeah, it seems like it's being caused by Pokemon using Earthquake. I think the poachers are making their move." At that moment, Vibrava came back out of the tunnel.

"Vibrava!" Relieved, Arienne hugged Vibrava. Meanwhile, the rumbling stopped.

"So, is the other side clear?" Kibe quickly asked Vibrava to verify the situation. Vibrava nodded in response. "Then we don't have a moment to waste. Look." Kibe pointed towards the treetops to the north. Arienne gasped when she realized what that meant. "They're breaking into the grove. Let's go."

Kibe jumped down the hole.

—

"Tyranitar, Sandaconda, use Earthquake!"

"Gyarados, use Hyper Beam!"

03 and 04 blew apart the wall to the target's location in the western position. They knew that, at the same time, a pack of Houndoom was burning a northern section of the wall in a controlled effort to avoid detection by the Association, and that a separate troop of Kingambit, Bisharp and Pawniward were methodically cutting apart another section to the south. After the distractions were in place, the kingpins of the operation would sneak in undetected from the east.

"00 here. Monitored targets have entered the target location. I repeat, they have entered the glade. They entered near position C, and probably know you guys are there. 03 and 04, you know what to do. 05, send a drone over to C to get a visual. Also, drop the radar charges."

"03 here. Roger that. We'll enact interception protocols."

"04 here. Seconding."

"05 here. Roger. Should I send an escort over?"

"01 here. Send Dragonite, but have it stay in high altitude to avoid detection. If 03 and 04 are in trouble, launch a strike at your discretion."

"Roger."

"06 here. We've broken through the wall and are advancing into the glade. Preparing the sonic blast. 02, be advised."

"07 here, seconded."

"02 here, heard. Charges went off successfully. Blaze is under control, and we have Blastoise to put it out once the target has been located. Auditory protection is equipped, you're good to go."

"00 here. Move in. 01 and I will head out in five minutes. Over and out."

03 turned off his comms device and nodded to 04, who sent out their trump card:

"Go, Aegislash!"

"Tyranitar, Sandaconda, wall off the south with Earthquake!" 03 had his two Pokemon erect a massive wall that went directly east. While they had overwhelming superiority in battle strength, the men wanted to be avoided being seen at all costs. "Sandaconda, use Dig!"

"Aegislash, follow after it!" Sandaconda drilled into the ground, and Aegislash flew straight over the wall. 03 and 04 opened up tablets that displayed perspectives from body cameras that both Pokemon were equipped with. They began striding to the east along the wall with Tyranitar and Gyarados, towards the center.

—

Kibe climbed out of the hole Vibrava dug, and helped Audino and Arienne out. Garchomp brought up the rear. Once they were in the clear, they took in their surroundings in awe. Massive tree trunks at least five meters in diameter spaced out. The forest floor was something of a wetland, with creeks, ponds, and puddles dotted the landscape. Sun dappled through the soaring canopy, nearly one hundred meters in the air. As Kibe and Arienne looked up at that canopy, they were astounded to see Archen and Archeops, Pokemon which shouldn't exist naturally in this era, among the many, vibrant Flying types roosting there.

It was a truly fantastical sight. A verdant glade.

"So this…is the power of Virizion…" Kibe was speechless. Just how big of a discovery was this? "H-hey Arienne, you're recording, right? Get all of this down!"

"Y-yeah I'm on it!" As Arienne began frantically taking recordings of the magisterial forest, they were interrupted by yet another rumbling, jolting them back into realizing just what kind of situation they were in. To their left, a long, straight wall a few meters high had been erected, stretching east.

"They're over there! Garchomp, prepare for battle! Swords Dance!"

"Are we going to go after them?!" Arienne had been reaching in her backpack for her laptop, but hastily put it away. She thought they would cross over the wall after them.

"No! You take Vibrava and head for the center! Take this!" Kibe threw her a walkie talkie and glared at the canopy above the wall.

"What about you?!" Vibrava was headbutting her in the back.

"I can't! They're coming! I'll beat them here! Go, I'll be right behind you! Get to Virizion before they do! Have Vibrava use its vibrations for echolocation!"

"O-okay! Be careful! Audino, protect him!" Audino nodded and stood with Garchomp. Arienne started running east. Just then, a flock of bird Pokemon scattered from the canopy directly above them. An object glinted in the sun, slicing down toward them.

"Audino, use Protect! Garchomp, entrap it with Earthquake!"

Audino cried out and projected a green dome around the group. The enemy Pokemon slammed down into it with a blade of blue light at a breathtaking pace. Sparks flew, but Protect held.

"Sacred Sword…! Even so! Garchomp, entrap it with Earthquake!"

Garchomp slammed his foot into the ground, and massive earthen spears flew at the Pokemon. However, it managed to deflect the attack. Undaunted, Garchomp surrounded the Pokemon with an earthen wall in a U shape, with the opening being where Garchomp, Audino, and Kibe were standing. When the dust cleared, Kibe got a clear look at their assailant. A golden sword and shield were crossed in a patch of sunlight: Aegislash, the Royal Sword Pokemon.

"So it used King's Shield…this will be tricky. It's just like us…. In that case! Garchomp, Dragon Claw!"

Garchomp enlarged its claws and rushed in. However, once he was separated from the other two, the ground underneath the pair crumbled! A massive snake Pokemon lunged at Audino.

"Shit! Audino!" Audino was his lifeline; he couldn't allow her to get hurt under any circumstances. He pushed Audino out of the way, and withstood the attack, seemingly Dig, by himself. The Pokemon slammed into him, and then plunged him into the ground.

"GAHHHH!" Audino cried out to Garchomp, but he continued the attack and followed Kibe's orders. Garchomp closed in on Aegislash, who unsheathed its sword and retaliated with Aerial Ace. The blade and claws clashed over and over.

"Rrrgh…Audino, use Mega Kick! It's okay if you miss!" Audino nodded and ran at the Pokemon, determined to help Kibe. Her right leg glowed a brilliant white, and the enemy didn't notice until it was too late. Despite the slow windup and lack of battle training, Mega Kick was an extremely powerful attack. The enemy Pokemon was sent flying into the wall of the U.

Kibe slowly and painfully sat up and looked at their next opponent: it turned out to be the Sand Snake Pokemon, Sandaconda. "A-Audino…a Heal Pulse, if you would be so kind." Audino obliged, and sighed after the deed was done. Kibe breathed a sigh, and then stood. "Use Hyper Voice on Sandaconda! Garchomp, let up on Aegislash and bring him back over here!"

Audino launched a Hyper Voice at the still-dazed Sandaconda, sending it straight through the wall. Garchomp and Aegislash were evenly matched, but the supereffective Aerial Ace managed to push Garchomp back. He jumped over to one of the walls to evade, with Aegislash pursuing. Like a Paldean Tauros matador, he baited Aegislash over and over; jumping off the side of the wall, then leaping back on the ground twice to land in front of Audino. Aegislash's power was terrifying: it sliced through the wall in one attack, then kicked up massive amounts of mud when it struck the ground twice. And then, it attacked a fourth time-

"Now! Audino, use Protect! Garchomp, use Earthquake!" Aegislash swung down with Aerial Ace, Garchomp launched spears with Earthquake, and Audino protected Garchomp all simultaneously. The result? Aegislash bounced off the Protect, and then was caught by Earthquake. After eating a spear to the face, it was then swallowed up in mud, and eventually shot out into the rear curve of the now-destroyed U.

"Phew…looks like we took care of thi-"

Just when Kibe relaxed, a purple glow replaced the warm colors of the sun's rays. The group looked up to see dozens of meteors falling at them.

—

03 and 04 were astonished. The man they were monitoring had taken out two Pokemon with seemingly little difficulty, if only because he took a surprise attack himself. Aegislash was one of the group's highest damage dealers, and was even a backup trump card against Virizion. However, that man had dealt with it quite handily. Despite being a little shaken, the men didn't stop. Their objective wasn't to play with university students, after all. They continued even after their wall ended, returning their Pokemon. 03 opened the communications channel.

"03 reporting. One of the monitored hostiles defeated Tyranitar and Aegislash using the Garchomp and Audino. The other has proceeded towards the target with Vibrava. We will be proceeding to the center in stealth mode."

"05 here. Using Dragonite to further stall the combatant. The radar drones are in place and ready to drop the charges."

"06 here. Sonic blast is ready to go."

"02 here. Blastoise ready to quell fire. Wild Pokemon and Houndoom are restless. Urgently awaiting radar support."

"00 here. Acknowledged. Blow your loads, gentlemen. Sonic, then radar, then water. 01 and I are moving in now. 03, 04 and 05. Continue intercepting and delaying the hostiles. Over and out."

—

Arienne and Vibrava rushed through the glade, splashing through puddles and running past frantic Pokemon. She could smell faint smoke, as well as Pokemon crashing through the forest to the south. Just how many of these guys were there? Arienne heard a whirring noise, then looked up. Peeking through the canopy was a drone. She realized that they probably could see her, and ran behind a tree for cover. Then, Vibrava sensed something coming from the south and instantly rushed to protect her.

"Vibrava?! What's the matter?!" Arienne hissed at it. Vibrava then inhaled deeply, and used Screech towards the south. A massive shockwave collided with the Screech, and was partitioned around it. The ancient flora creaked, and Pokemon were sent flying, screaming, from the canopy. Mud, water, and other things followed it to the north.

"W-what the hell was that?! A sonic cannon?!" Arienne had no idea what kind of technology could produce something like that. As she recovered and peeked around the tree, she saw that the drone had dropped some kind of package to the ground and flown off. Arienne didn't stick around to find out what it was; for all she knew, it was another bomb. She continued east, unaware that her, Kibe, and Virizion's every move were now being tracked.

—

The glade was roughly five kilometers in diameter. By the time 06 and 07's Steel type sonic resonation attack reached position A, it was significantly weakened. Nevertheless, auditory protection was still necessary; 02 and all of his Pokemon were equipped with military-grade earplugs. Once the wave passed, 02 quickly checked his wrist terminal; the radar was up, and only one signature was programmed to show up on his for clarity: Virizion's. Contrary to what one would expect by the numbering, 02 was actually the best battler in the smuggling group, and would be leading today's hunt.

"Blastoise, use Hydro Pump!" 02 quickly ordered Blastoise to douse the near-wildfire he had created with the Houndoom pack's Flamethrower attacks. He checked his terminal again. The signature was moving north from the center, and fast. As expected, Virizion prioritized fire, the worst thing that could happen to a forest, over something spontaneous like a sonic blast, which was purely designed to scramble the wild Pokemons' senses to make them less likely to interfere, and to cover the covert actionsof 00 and 01.

"Everyone, get in position! Advance!" The Houndooms advanced south towards Virizion in an arrowhead formation, with Blastoise and 02 behind the lead Houndoom. They ran about two hundred meters, before the lead Houndoom stopped and barked. Virizion was here.

—

Virizion had expected this day would come. Over recent decades, humans had grown more and more arrogant, claiming and erasing more of nature day by day. And now, they were knocking on her very domain, launching all manner of attacks in order to pull her in different directions, and exhaust her. However, she would not tolerate these intruders. She would teach them the wrath of nature, and the meaning of respect. She was a Sword of Justice, and would exact that justice on those insolent fools who would trample upon it.