Episode 415: A Secret Sphere of Influence
Okay, just so nobody wonders why I haven't been putting up much lately, I'm gonna answer you right here and now. No, I'm not dead if you're wondering. I just have been doing some work on some of my other fics, and I plan on having those done as soon as possible. And I haven't abandoned this one, so don't worry. Also, the Gym battle will be the next chapter, so don't worry, it'll be delayed by one chapter more. Anyway, here it is.
We open up when the group has arrived to Eterna City, the sight of the Eterna City Gym where Sora, Roxas, and Lucas will be battling Gardenia for the Forest Badge she has to reward to her challengers upon their victories.
That night, man retrieves a text on his Rotom Phone, giving him a number to call. He dials the number and he waits for the person on the other end to answer it. He didn't wait too long.
"Yeah?" The man asked.
"Do I have the pleasure of speaking to Zane the Ghost?" A man's voice asked.
"Yeah. Who are you, the cops?" Zane asked.
"No, no. I'm not with any law enforcement. I am someone who is need of service," the man said.
"And you just happen to picked me, huh? I am a burglar for hire, so just tell me where I have to hit and what do I have to swipe," Zane said.
"The target is the Eterna Museum, and the item in question is the Adamant Orb," the man said.
"The Adamant Orb? Eterna Museum? I don't know, the security is going to be tight. Then again, I do like a challenge," Zane said.
"I thought you would say that," the man said.
"But since this is the Adamant Orb we're talking about, I charge a great deal of money," Zane said.
"We can discuss the payment after you have retrieved it. And not before," the man said.
"Sure thing. I'll hit the museum first thing in the morning," Zane said.
"The sooner, the better," the man said.
"Just where do I meet with you after I have it?" Zane asked.
"I'll send you the instructions on location after you have exited the museum. And that is when we will meet in person. Until then," the voice said, breaking contact.
"Not sure why that guy would be interested in the Adamant Orb, but who's complaining?" Zane asked as he laughed.
Elsewhere, J's crew were among themselves, distraught over J's arrest by the authorities. Because of that, J's reputation has gone down, and their business has suffered greatly since many of their clients have been arrested. They made some attempt to find and spring Hunter J, but every attempt has ended in failure since many of them have ended up being traps to capture J's crew.
"This is not looking good for any of us at all. Ever since she took that job for Count Ernesh, things have taken a turn for the worse. Everything we do, the cops are right there to foil us at every turn. We tried to make a name for ourselves, but everything we do leads us to a dead end," one of the crewmen said.
"You're not saying we should give it up, are you?" Another crewman said.
"Well, you shouldn't. That'll give you a whole lot more nothing than you already have," a voice said. They saw it was Loki showing up.
"Who the hell are you?" The first crewman asked.
"What does it matter who I am? I'm just someone who totally feels for ya. I mean, who do those cops think they are, telling you what you can and can't do like you were children? It's rather unfair, don't you think? I mean, it's only fair that we take what we want, right?" Loki asked.
"Yeah, that's what we feel," the first crewman said.
"Glad we're on the same page. But I wonder if we'll still be on the same page after I tell you that I can help you bail out your boss just so things can go back to the way it was," Loki said.
"I would say you're nuts. J is locked up in the most secured prison in all of Sinnoh. That place is a fortress," the first crewman said.
"Oh, ye of little faith. I have my own way of getting in and out," Loki said.
"Yeah? How?" Another crewman scoffed.
"That's my little secret," Loki said as he grinned.
On the next morning, Sora, Roxas, and Lucas decided to get some training done before they went to challenge Gardenia to battle.
Sora decided to use his Chimchar, Staravia, and Croagunk for the match since he knew Fire, Flying, and Poison-types has an edge over Grass-types. Sora thought about using Mothim, Skorupi, Rotom in either its Heat, Frost, or Fan forms, and Stunky as well, since they also has an edge over Grass-types. Roxas has decided to go with his Cyndaquil, Sneasel, and Crobat. Lucas has decided to go with his Chimchar, Starly, and Zubat.
"Keep it up, you guys! Power-Up Punch! Poison Jab! Acrobatics!" Sora ordered. Sora's Pokémon kept it up to the best of their abilities. Lucas and his Pokémon trained just as hard, and let's not count out Roxas and his Pokémon.
"Think we trained enough, Sora?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, we've earned ourselves a break. My Pokémon are getting pooped from the training we've been doing, and they've earned a rest," Sora said, calling back his Chimchar, Staravia, and Croagunk. Lucas called his Pokémon back as well. "How about you, Roxas? You're gonna take a break?"
"Thanks, but no. I'm going to work on our moves a little while longer. Besides, Tai said he was gonna help out," Roxas said.
"Okay. Just don't overdo it," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
After they got done with some training, Kairi approached Sora with a flyer in her hand.
"Sora, as long as we're here, I think we should go and check out the local museum. I've been hearing about them having the Adamant Orb on display," Kairi said.
"From who?" Sora asked.
"From Dawn. She suggested that we have a look," Kairi said.
"Well, we're on break anyway, so why not, right?" Lucas asked.
"Guess you're right, Lucas. Come to think of it, I always wanted to see those old Pokéballs on display," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu said.
"And there could be some historical displays of Hisuian Growlithe and Arcanine. Along with Hisuian Voltorb and Electrode. And maybe some displays of Hisuian forms of Sligoo, Goodra, Typhlosion, Samurott, Decidueye, Zorark, Zorura, Braviary, and Lilligant. And maybe one of Basculegion and Enamorus," Kairi said.
"Okay, how about we get there before you get overheated," Sora said.
"Alright," Kairi said. They began to take off. "Hey, aren't Roxas, Xion, and the others joining us?"
"Roxas is staying behind for some training," Lucas said.
"He said they're gonna meet up with us later," Sora said.
"Well, at least Xion is keeping him company," Kairi said.
"Vee," Angel said.
Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Pikachu, Angel, Marill, and Piplup arrived at the Eterna Museum to check out some of the historical artifacts that originated from the ancient past when Sinnoh was known as Hisui. As they looked around, they saw figurines of three particular Pokémon.
One of them is a small, gray, fairy-like Pokémon. It has two tails that each have a red jewel encrusted in them. It has a partially magenta face with four long, drooping appendages and another red gem encrusted in its forehead. This is a figurine of Mesprit.
Another is a small, gray, fairy-like Pokémon with two gray tails that are each encrusted with a red gem. It has a partially yellow face with another red gem encrusted into its forehead. Its head faintly resembles that of a helmet or a human brain. Its eyes apparently are closed. This one is Uxie.
And the third one is a small, gray-blue, fairy-like Pokémon. It has two tails that each have a red jewel on them. It has a partially cyan face with another red gem encrusted into its forehead. It has a cone-shaped head with elf ear-like protrusions on each side. This one is Azelf.
Not too long, Zane is wearing a coat, a fedora, and sunglasses, and he has a Sunflora with him. They're standing before a diamond orb. He turned to the Sunflora.
"Do your thing," Zane said. Sunflora nodded and uses Pound to break the display case. The alarm then goes off, alerting the museum patrons.
"Now what?" Sora asked.
Security guards scrambled to the shattered display case. The Eterna City police then arrived with Officer Jenny leading them and a Stunky siding in her sidecar.
"You ready, Stunky?" Officer Jenny asked.
"Stunky, Stunky," the Stunky said.
Inside the museum, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, Brendan, May, Chase, Elaine, Lucas, Dawn, Wes, Rui, Pikachu, Angel, Marill, Volt, Maple, and Piplup rushes to the scene and saw the shattered glass on the floor and Zane and Sunflora on a balcony.
"You're the one who did it, aren't you?" Sora asked.
"Maybe I am," Zane said, holding the Adamant Orb in his hand. Lucas gasped.
"That's the Adamant Orb!" Lucas exclaimed.
"Something special about it?" May asked.
"It's one of the two orbs that have ties with the legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh! It's connected with Dialga!" Lucas said.
"Yeah, and I have it," Zane boasted.
"Well, you won't have it for long!" Officer Jenny said as she and her Stunky ran in. She turned to the Skunk Pokémon. "Stunky, ten-hut!" Stunky lifted its bottom body and raised its tail. Zane winced, knowing what a Stunky can do.
"Better make my getaway!" Zane exclaimed, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Weezing! Go!" His Pokéball opened to reveal a Galarian Weezing.
"Weezing!" The Galarian Weezing said. "Use Smokescreen!" The Galarian Weezing unleashes massive smoke from its pores, covering their escape.
"Quick! Seal the doors! We can't let him escape!" Officer Jenny ordered. The museum doors shuts down, sealing everyone inside.
Meanwhile, Roxas, Xion, the DigiDestined, Xipak, and Celeste were outside, witnessing the doors shutting.
"What in the world?!" Roxas exclaimed.
"Pika?!" Xipak
"What is going on?" Tai asked.
"Sora, Kairi, and the others are in there," Xion said.
"Something fishy is going on," Amy said.
"Agreed," Izzy said. The group went up to the perimeter the police were setting up. "Excuse us, officer. You mind telling us what's going on?"
"There's been a theft on the Adamant Orb just a little while ago, so we're sealing in the museum, hoping to trap the thief," the policeman said.
"We were just coming by. My brother, her sister, and our other friends are inside the museum," Roxas said.
"Don't you worry, son. I'm sure they're fine," the policeman assured.
"Well, I just hope nothing else goes wrong," Cody said.
Meanwhile, over to the Sinnoh Maximum security prison, Hunter J is sitting in her cell, placed into isolation ever since her incarceration. She sat in her cell, still bitter over her imprisonment.
"It's kinda humiliating, isn't it? Having your arm sliced off by a weapon held by some kid, right?" A voice asked. J turned to see it was Loki.
"Who are you, and how did you get in my cell?" J asked.
"Just someone who thinks it's rather a load of bull that you get stuck in a stuffy cell cut off from the outside world, to rot away until the day you die. And all for what? Just trying to make a living? I'll tell you, what you do is a whole lot better than having to work as a janitor at some school. I mean, who wants to stick their hands down a toilet after some kid went and stuffed in. It's enough to make you go-" Loki said as he does a sicky-face and pretends to throw up. J was getting annoyed by Loki's antics.
"You didn't answer my question?" J asked.
"Just call me Loki. And I'm a big fan of your work. And as for how I got in here, well that's my little secret. But rather than wonder how I got in, have you ever wondered how you're gonna get out," Loki said.
"You're crazy to think I am," J scoffed.
"Maybe, I am. But sometimes crazy works. It works more wonders than most people would think. Getting to the point, your boys were falling apart without you, and your business pretty much went down the crapper since you got locked in here. But I can guarantee that Pokémon Hunter J is about to make a huge return," Loki said.
"And how am I gonna be getting out of here? There's no way for me to get out," J said.
"Oh, I have a way," Loki said, snapping his fingers. He and J teleport out. A few moments later, a guard came in with a bowl of soup.
Back at the museum, Sora's Rotom Phone goes off, and he saw it was Roxas calling him, so he answers it
"Hey, Roxas. I trust your training's going smoothly," Sora said.
"I could, but I can't say the same for your trip in the museum. Got word that the place was robbed," Roxas said.
"You heard right, Roxas, because the museum is under lockdown. The thief had a Sunflora with him. You see any Sunflora out there?" Sora asked.
"Other than the one Mimi has, no. But we'll keep our eyes peeled for a guy with a Sunflora," Roxas said.
"You do that, bro. I'll talk to you later," Sora said, breaking contact with his brother/Nobody when he heard a familiar voice.
"I can't believe it!" A familiar female voice spoke. They saw Gardenia talking with a police officer regarding the Pokémon in question. "The crook used a Grass-type Pokémon, huh?! That's unforgivable! Who does he think he is?!"
"Gardenia?" Sora asked. She saw the group.
"Well, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Ethan, Kris, Lyra, May, Brendan, Chase, Elaine, Dawn, Lucas! Hello again," Gardenia greeted with a smile. She approached the group. "I'm so happy to see you!"
"Likewise, Gardenia," Sora said. She noticed that there wasn't many of them like last time, and two more faces she didn't know.
"Where are Roxas, Xion, and your other friends, and who are they?" Gardenia asked.
"Right. Meet Wes and his girlfriend, Rui. Roxas, Xion, and the others are just outside the museum," Sora said.
"Hey," Wes greeted.
"Hello," Rui added.
"So, did you find the Enchanted Honey?" Gardenia asked.
"We did. We helped out Cheryl retrieve it," Kairi said.
"I'm so glad you did! What better way to follow that than with a mystery? Oh, the shame! Using Grass-type Pokémon to pull off such a heinous crime," Gardenia said.
"Excuse me. I just captured suspect number 1," Officer Jenny said, holding a rope tied to Nando's wrists. "Get this. He calls himself a Pokémon Bard, but I don't buy it at all."
"Nando?!" Sora exclaimed.
"No way!" Chase said.
"It has been a while, has it not?" Nando asked.
"Roselia," Roselia said.
"What brings you here?" Ash asked.
"I was studying Sinnoh's magnificent history here in the museum when suddenly, the alarm does sounded, and I found myself surrounded by the police. Poor Sunflora became frightened and ran away," Nando said before he sang, "And life took its chorus as it is meant to do. And before a blink of an eye, I find myself standing before you."
"Stop. Sunflora wasn't frightened. You let it escape," Officer Jenny said.
"But we are guilty of nothing," Nando sang.
"Your song is full of guilt," Officer Jenny said. Gardenia approached Nando.
"Hey, I know you two! You challenged my Gym the other day!" Gardenia said.
"Yes, and I'm grateful for a fine match," Nando said.
"So, you know each other already?" Elaine asked.
"Of course I do. He challenged my Gym the other day," Gardenia said.
"Glad you won it, Nando," Chase said.
"Thank you. It was my very first Badge. And needlessly to say, an exciting time for me," Nando said.
"Awesome! You win any Contests yet?" Dawn asked.
"I won my very first Ribbon just the other day," Nando said.
"Awesome! So glad you're doing well!" Dawn said as Officer Jenny blew her whistle.
"Stop! This is serious!" Officer Jenny said. She approached Gardenia. "And as for you, why aren't you running your Gym?"
"Well, sometimes, when I get some time off, I come here to the museum to clear my head," Gardenia said.
"That was what I was gonna ask before the whistle. But before we get another earful from that whistle of hers, you got the wrong guy, Officer Jenny. He's not a thief. He's really a Pokémon Bard like he says," Sora said.
"He's right. We already saw the thief with our own eyes," Leaf said.
"Yeah, and he had a Galarian Weezing with him. And Weezing aren't exactly found in Sinnoh," Lucas said.
"No one who loves Grass-type Pokémon could be a crook!" Gardenia said. Officer Jenny wasn't easily swayed.
"Look at this! It was taken by the security cameras!" Officer Jenny said, holding up a photo of a Sunflora, taking the Adamant Orb. "How do you plan to explain that?" They all gasped.
"That is a Sunflora!" Rui gasped.
"Is that for real?!" Gardenia asked.
"I'm afraid this is all the evidence I need," Officer Jenny said.
"Objection!" A familiar voice spoke up. "A lot of Trainers here has a Sunflora, so you should be investigating all of them, not just one of them." They turned to see it was Officer Jenny in civilian clothing. She wore a coral hat and a Gyarados jacket. "It's been a long time."
"Which Officer Jenny are you?" Sora asked.
"I'm the Officer Jenny you met in Viridian City. We met so long ago. I trust you two are doing well for yourselves," Viridian City Officer Jenny said.
"That's right. You're the very first Officer Jenny we met. What brings you all the way out here?" Sora asked.
"Just on vacation. And I wanted to say, major kudos to you for bringing down Team Rocket. All those trainers all have their Pokémon back thanks to you," Viridian City Officer Jenny said. The local Officer Jenny stepped in.
"Hold on! You have no authority here, so I would appreciate that you keep your opinions to yourself!" The Eterna City Officer Jenny said.
"I know I have no authority here, but I'm sure I can help out anyway I can," Viridian City Officer Jenny said.
"I won't be needing it since the museum is locked down, so all potential suspects has been contained, and I don't need some Kanto policewoman getting in my way," Eterna Officer Jenny said. Both Jennys glare at each other.
Outside, Roxas, Xion, the DigiDestined, Xipak, and Celeste are still outside while some of the people gathered, curious about what had occurred. In the distance, a Team Galactic helicopter is hovering out of the radar of the Eterna City police. Inside, Zane is trapped inside, unable to get away, knowing he was greatly outnumbered.
"Man, I'm trapped in here like Rattata. This little marble better be worth all this ruckus," Zane said.
Back with the group, Sora and Kairi explain to their friends about how they know her. Kairi's parents were looking for Kairi since she had been gone for a long time and she spotted Sora and Kairi carrying their injured partners after their run-in with some Pokémon Hunters and their first encounter with the Heartless. She took them over to the Pokémon Center to have Pikachu and Angel healed from their injuries.
"And that's pretty much it," Sora said.
"What a way to begin the adventure. And that explains how you met those idiots," Ash said.
"Putting those stooges aside, we gotta think of a way to clear Nando of any wrong-doing," Ethan said.
"Ethan's right. An innocent person is being wrongfully accused of a crime someone else committed," May said.
"But how do we do that?" Elaine asked.
"Vee?" Maple asked.
"Our best shot is to find Nando's Sunflora. That way, we can catch the real criminal and clear Nando's name," Viridian City Officer Jenny suggested.
"She's right. And I think we could cover some ground by having our Pokémon look for Nando's Sunflora," Sora said, taking out some of his Pokéballs. He let out his Turtwig, Gible, Croagunk, and Staravia. Kairi has let out Bulbasaur, Lopunny, Combee, and Drifloon. Gardenia took Kairi's Bulbasaur and nuzzled her.
"Oh, what a healthy-looking bulb! Your Bulbasaur is simply darling, Kairi!" Gardenia said.
In the interrogation room, a police officer approached the Eterna City Officer Jenny.
"We've just received word that Gardenia is working with the Viridian City Jenny," the police man said. She growled.
"I told her to stay out of it! We've got to get the Adamant Orb first! The integrity of the Sinnoh police force depends on it!" Eterna City Officer Jenny said.
"Right!" The police officers agreed.
"We are innocent. It's so simple," Nando said.
"Roselia," Roselia said.
Within the museum, Nando's Sunflora is looking around, seeing it was safe when two police officers approached it.
"It's that Sunflora!" One of the police officers said. They attempt to capture it, but Sunflora responds by using Leech Seed. The policemen are caught in the vines when they grew out of the seeds, allowing Sunflora to escape, due to it being scared. "What do you think you're doing?!"
Turtwig and Bulbasaur looked around for Sunflora. When the Sun Pokémon ran by them, Turtwig and Bulbasaur went after Sunflora.
"Sunflora, wait!" - Turtwig subtitle. Thinking the other two Grass-types are working with the police, Sunflora sends out another Leech Seed, entangling the two starter Grass-types. Hearing the commotion, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel saw their Pokémon in the vines.
"Turtwig!" Sora said.
"Bulbasaur! Are you okay?" Kairi said. She saw the vines. "That's Leech Seed."
Over to Eterna City Officer Jenny, she got a report they had found it.
"Move in, now!" Officer Jenny said.
"That's gonna be hard to do since we're literally tangled," the policeman said.
"Right, I'll go myself," Eterna City Officer Jenny said. She turned to Nando. "I told you so."
"Sunflora was protecting herself, that's all," Nando said.
Back with Sunflora, she wondered around and looked around. Sunflora found an air vent and climbed into it to avoid capture, but Pikachu, Angel, Marill, Volt, Maple, and Piplup spotted the sunflower-like Pokémon and followed her up.
In the room Zane is hiding in, he is hidden from the police officers when they checked inside.
"Nothing in here," one of the policemen said.
"Let's keep moving," another policeman said.
Zane and his Sunflora came down from hiding.
"Man, that was close. I think I'm getting too careless in my old age. I'm thinking I should retire from all this burglar business. I'm not as agile as I used to be. My back is so cramped, it's not even funny! I knew I should have done those stretches like I said I was gonna do," Zane said, unaware of Nando's Sunflora watching from the vent. She prepared to attack when she heard something behind her. She saw it was Pikachu, Angel, Marill, Volt, Maple, and Piplup.
"Easy there, smiley. We're on your side." - Piplup subtitle.
"Sunflora," Zane's Sunflora said.
"Okay, how much longer are you gonna pose as a Sunflora? I mean, if they see you, they'll nab us and put us in jail," Zane said. His Sunflora nodded and glowed. It was revealed to be a Ditto, disguised as a Sunflora. The Pokémon in the vent witnessed the transformation.
"So it was a Ditto posing as a posy. No wonder that lady cop thought it was Nando!" - Volt subtitle.
"It all makes sense now. Ditto can take the form of any other Pokémon." - Angel subtitle.
"You're right. That guy doesn't seem too bright." - Maple subtitle.
"Bright or not, he framed an innocent human. Sora and Kairi would want to know about this. We gotta tell them." - Pikachu subtitle.
"I think we should just take this guy down and get the orb back ourselves!" - Piplup subtitle.
"No, Piplup. Pikachu's right. Our Trainers have to know right away." - Marill subtitle.
"We have a chance to take him down and you're telling us not to spring into action?! You have got to be kidding!" - Piplup subtitle.
"I don't know about you, but I'm siding with Piplup on this one." - Volt subtitle.
"So am I. We can handle him and that Ditto." - Maple subtitle.
"Angel, you're on board, aren't you?" - Piplup subtitle.
"No, Pikachu is right. We have to tell our Trainers first." - Angel subtitle.
"It doesn't take a Psychic-type Pokémon to see that coming." - Volt said.
"We'll tell our Trainers, and bring them here." - Pikachu subtitle. With that said, Pikachu, Angel, and Marill went off to tell their Trainers, leaving Volt, Maple, Piplup, and Sunflora behind.
"Okay, better put on a believable disguise," Zane said, putting on a suit and a fake mustache. He placed the Adamant Orb under his shirt, passing it off as a pot belly. "There. Okay, Ditto. Your turn. Try a Pokémon I know they're not looking for." Ditto transformed into a Murkrow. "Brilliant disguise. Let's go."
"See? I knew it! They're taking off! I was right!" - Piplup subtitle.
"Allow me to help you." - Sunflora subtitle.
"Go ahead, Sunflora." - Maple subtitle.
Volt, Maple, Piplup, and Sunflora busted out of the vent, surprising Zane and Ditto.
"Witnesses! Ditto! Use Night Shade!" Zane ordered. Murkrow fired Night Shade, hitting Volt, Piplup, and Sunflora. Maple is unharmed due to her being a Normal-type Pokémon. "Gust!" Ditto flapped its wings and blew Maple away. He and Ditto took off.
Pikachu, Angel, and Marill informed their Trainers and followed them to the real criminal.
"Knew you'd be on the trail!" Sora said.
Zane and Ditto came running, but Volt, Maple, Piplup, and Sunflora was still chasing after them. Maple does a Sizzly Slide, hitting Zane. Sunflora uses Razor Leaf, cutting Zane's disguise and the orb goes flying in the air.
"The Adamant Orb!" Gardenia said.
"Catch it!" Wes said. Lucas slides and he catches the Adamant Orb in his hands before it could land on the floor and shatter in a million pieces.
"Great catch," May said.
"Thanks. I knew that little league baseball paid off," Lucas said. Sunflora uses Leech Seed on Zane and Ditto whom reverts back to its normal form. Viridian City Officer Jenny approached the thief.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't it Zane the Ghost? I should have guessed it was you," Viridian City Officer Jenny said.
"You know this guy?" Kris asked.
"Sure do. He's a burglar who's wanted in the Kanto, Unova, and Kalos regions. He's been slippery as an Eelektross for many years. And this Ditto is his partner in crime," Viridian City Officer Jenny said.
"I guess it does make sense. The security camera snapped a picture of Ditto snatching the Adamant Orb, not a real Sunflora," Brendan said.
"It's common knowledge that Ditto can take the appearance of any other Pokémon, so he had his Ditto transform into a Sunflora," Wes said.
"A useful trick. Knowing a Sunflora would be blamed, he had his Ditto take the shape of a Murkrow just to throw us off the trail," Dawn said.
"Not just us, but the cops, too. He did it by framing Nando for his crime," Rui said.
"And his scheme almost worked. That explains why the real Sunflora along with Maple, Volt, and Piplup chased after him," Kairi said.
"Shame on you for framing a lover of Grass-types! You are forever unforgiven," Gardenia said.
"But the question is why would he pull this off?" Lucas asked.
"Yeah, what's the story?" Ash asked.
"If you have to know, someone hired me to do it," Zane admitted.
"Who put you up to it?" Chase asked.
"I don't know. It was a guy that called me. I don't know who it was, he didn't say his name. He only told me to swipe the Adamant Orb and bring it to him at the location of his choosing, and that's it. And I would have gotten a lot of cash for my efforts if you didn't come along and ruin everything," Zane said.
"Yeah, they did ruin your plans," Eterna City Officer Jenny said, approaching, hearing it all. "I was so determined to wrap this up, I ended up jumping to conclusions and arrested an innocent man when I should have known better. I was completely wrong. I owe you an apology."
"Nobody is right about everything," Viridian City Officer Jenny said. "Anyway, since this is your jurisdiction, it's your collar."
"I appreciate your consideration," Eterna City Officer Jenny said. She arrested Zane for his crime and released Nando from custody. The police apologized to the Pokémon Bard for the wrongful arrest.
Over to the Team Galactic helicopter, Saturn is sitting in the commander's chair.
"Commander Saturn, it seems your plot to retrieve the Adamant Orb has failed," one of the Team Galactic grunts said.
"Then, we're done here for now. We still have the Lustrous Orb to obtain. Our next chance to take the Adamant Orb will come soon enough. For now, let us return to base," Saturn said.
With that said, the Team Galactic helicopter took its leave from the city's skies.
Once the security doors have been opened, the group told Roxas, Xion, and the DigiDestined about what happened inside.
"I can't believe someone tried to frame Nando like that," Xion said.
"Me neither. But who hired that guy to take that orb in the first place?" Roxas asked.
"I don't know, but I have a feeling we're gonna find out someday," Sora said.
"Pika," Pikachu said.
Sora just doesn't know how right he was yet. What sort of evil plan does the sinister Team Galactic have in store for the two orbs? What is it that they're trying to accomplish? The answers will come when we press on.