latelenovela Chapter 551 - 549
Chapter 551 - 549
The moment the codename Shield was mentioned, Looker immediately began searching his memory for the relevant report, and soon came up with an answer.Not long ago, there had been a report from Unova's Unity Tower stating that a certain International Police operative had been recruited from civilian society, possessed considerable strength, and remained a complete mystery apart from his codename. Notification was only to be given upon direct contact.
And now, the mystery had been revealed.
At the same time, Hikaru's words stirred up memories from Looker's distant past.
"So that's it. The Special Affairs Division, the UB Task Force... So that's why my superiors said Shield doesn't participate in any regular International Police operations and won't cooperate with ordinary deployment or assignments!"
"In that case, do you already know about a certain wormhole, and the 'visitors' from another world? But how do you know that I once worked in that department...?"
Looker was sweating buckets.
Good thing this guy was one of the good guys. At least with a Ranger standing right there, he absolutely could not be a villain.
Hikaru said, "Sorry. I brought back some painful memories for you. By the way, how is Lady doing these days?"
Once Looker had sorted out the situation in his head, he fell briefly silent at Hikaru's question. He knew exactly who Hikaru meant.
"Theoretically speaking, before I confirm your identity, uh..." Looker saw Hikaru take out his International Police ID, then awkwardly scratched his head. "All right! First time meeting you, Lord Shield! But as for Lady, even with confirmation, I still don't know how she's doing right now."
"She seems to be carrying out investigations and undercover work in other regions. But why are you asking about her?"
Hikaru replied, "Well, it's already been many years since Lady crossed through an Ultra Wormhole and arrived here. After all those years of grueling training and mission work, she rose through the ranks very quickly. Not long ago, she became the head of the UB Task Force, which makes her my superior on paper."
Looker said, "I see! Though I've already been transferred out of that department... Huh. You even know about her past."
Hikaru said, "Of course. Because there's still another Anabel in this world. Your investigations should already have confirmed that, right? The tower Lady protected was the Battle Frontier's Battle Tower, and Anabel was known as the Salon Maiden of the Battle Tower. That's why you gave her the same codename, isn't it?" Anabel is the official English name of the Battle Tower Frontier Brain who later works with Looker in the International Police. (Bulbapedia)
Looker waved both hands repeatedly, his face full of shock, almost to an exaggerated degree.
"You know far too much! Did your superiors really give you clearance that high? But how is that even possible?!"
Hikaru smiled. "The source of my information doesn't have to be the International Police. Just pretend I can see the future, or that I happen to know."
"This isn't Alola, so we don't have to deal with Ultra Beasts right now. Let's talk about the problem in front of us first."
At the beginning, Ultra Beasts had been unidentified life-forms. The International Police had assigned them codenames and referred to them that way, based on research tied to the Ultra Beast task force. (Bulbapedia)
As for why the upper brass had taken such a hard line on UBs, it was because several years ago, during an operation, one of them had in fact killed an important human. From the International Police point of view, these monsters from another world were even more savage and uncontrollable than Pokémon.
Looker gathered his scattered thoughts and cleared his throat.
Keith, meanwhile, was staring at Hikaru with open surprise.
"Hey! You never told me you were International Police too! So you're some high-ranking detective with a codename?"
Hikaru shrugged. "No one goes around announcing they're International Police. Well, except for Mr. Looker."
"Besides, I was recruited through a special channel. My main work is handling things related to other worlds, not investigating and arresting criminals. For me it's basically white-collar pay, and..."
"The International Police salary is really high. Absurdly high."
Hikaru was being completely serious when he said that to Keith. Keith immediately understood and fell into thought.
Hmm. What was the Ranger Union's pay system like again? Once you became Top Ranger, money stopped being a concern, but among ordinary Rangers there were still quite a few who were basically running on passion alone.
"So the International Police can recruit Champion-level Trainers because they offer really, really high pay! If Professor Hastings wants to recruit outside experts like that, does he need to raise the salary cap too? A raise, huh..."
Hikaru laughed. "You need a salary if you want to protect the world properly. Of course, Rangers are the kind of people who live by their ideals. Even if an evil organization like Team Rocket offered wealth and power, you wouldn't waver in the slightest."
"That's a perfect example of ideals overcoming reality. I respect that a lot."
"The world still needs kind ideals."
Looker nodded. "Mm. I admire the Ranger Union too. They appear in every region, support each League's work, protect the local natural environment, and constantly put themselves in danger fighting criminal organizations. Every battle they fight is a gamble with their lives. That's why I admire them."
Keith softened visibly under the praise. "Aw, you're too kind. I really am sorry for thinking you were suspicious just now. Looks like you really are an upright International Police officer after all."
"I'm Keith! Top Ranger of the Ranger Union!"
Looker said, "...First time meeting you. Your Capture Styler is incredibly powerful! I'm very glad you understand now that I'm not suspicious... Here's my ID."
After showing his credentials to both of them, he explained why he was there, while also looking at Hikaru with curiosity and scrutiny.
"So then, Shield - I'll address you that way for now. Though you probably have an even more impressive name."
Hikaru replied, "Codenames are only for when you're making contact, right? If someone overhears them, that could be awkward. Better to use my real name. It carries a little fame and a little intimidation."
"My name is Hikaru. Light and moss. Yes, that moss - the kind with very stubborn vitality."
Looker nodded. "Understood, Lord Hikaru."
"First, I should make one thing clear to both you and Top Ranger Keith. I really am tracking certain people, and there are indeed two of them."
Looker raised a finger. "A secret organization called Team Galactic suddenly appeared in Sinnoh. During their activities, there were records of them saying things like, 'Certain things only have meaning if they are in Team Galactic's hands.'"
"They've appeared in several cities and shown a strong interest in Pokémon. After causing no small amount of trouble, they were stopped and driven off by local Trainers and Sinnoh's Champion. There were attempts to arrest them, but unfortunately... we didn't get any useful information out of it."
"Some people claim Team Galactic has deep ties to the Galaxy Team conglomerate, and that its Galaxy Energy development group and the Galaxy Electronics company are both connected to the secret organization Team Galactic. But according to investigations by local police and Officer Jenny, there's absolutely no evidence that would hold up as proof."
"That said, the investigation did produce results. When the two companies temporarily reduced activity, Team Galactic's covert activity also seemed to ease off. Based on my keen instincts as an International Police officer, they are unquestionably deeply connected!"
Hikaru said, "Galaxy Team invests all over Sinnoh, building towers and facilities. Galaxy Electronics sells appliances, home equipment, audiovisual electronics, office products, aviation-related gear, and equipment and systems used in manufacturing, logistics, mobility, and infrastructure..."
"And their energy-development side claims to be working on space energy for all humanity. But this region doesn't even have a major rocket launch center, does it? If they wanted to develop space energy, Hoenn would make more sense."
Looker said, "The larger the investment, the more likely it is to conceal secrets no one should know. After long-term surveillance and investigation from multiple angles, I finally confirmed one thing: they're systematically collecting all kinds of different Pokémon."
"Their purpose may be exactly what you said: investigating the secret of evolutionary energy. But I don't know the details."
"Jubilife City has one of the world's leading Global Trade Stations, so people from Galaxy Team and its subsidiaries show up here all the time. That's why rumors of Team Galactic operating here have persisted. And the most recent sighting described two suspicious individuals."
"The latest intelligence says Team Galactic has been extremely dissatisfied because its range of movement has been suppressed recently. Because of that, they're planning to rob some important person - no, more likely kidnap them."
"Judging by timing, Professor Rowan and his assistant Lucas were supposed to come to Jubilife for important business. So after learning that Team Galactic might be planning to do something to Professor Rowan, I, as an International Police officer, have been investigating the matter."
"But up until now, I haven't seen any suspicious people - uh, aside from you two, of course. That was a misunderstanding!" Looker hurriedly added, clearly afraid of getting hit by Keith's Capture Styler again.
Hikaru, however, already knew what part of the timeline this really was.
"I see. So when Dawn returns from Oreburgh Gate, Looker will have just wrapped up his investigation. No one knows how long he's actually been looking into this, but the funny part is that right after telling Dawn there are no suspicious adults here, Dawn immediately runs into Professor Rowan and Lucas being attacked at the entrance to Jubilife."
It was hard to imagine what Dawn must have felt at that moment.
That slightly unreliable image Looker had probably started right around here.
Of course, most of Looker's intel probably came from going undercover in disguise, and if he had only been following ordinary grunts, then they probably really would not know much.
In the original plot, inside the Galactic Eterna Building, Looker even says Team Galactic's members are all fool-like people, and no matter how much he investigates, he cannot figure out what they are plotting.
Then again, Team Galactic might have had an inside mole somewhere, though the game never really shows that. The only villain group that clearly had an infiltrator was Team Plasma in Black 2 and White 2, where a former member of the old Plasma faction infiltrates Neo Team Plasma to help the protagonist.
"And I'd say your information gathering... well, it did correctly tell you Team Galactic would definitely appear nearby. But you can't just stop investigating because you didn't see anyone suspicious, can you?"
"Uh, those Team Galactic bowl cuts are pretty easy to spot, though. And you were right about one thing."
"They really might try to kidnap Professor Rowan. Though Rowan isn't coming to Jubilife. He's supposed to be going to Canalave City for a scientific conference."
"But right now Professor Rowan is no longer planning to go out. Which means the only one attending is probably his assistant."
Hikaru's words made Looker pause, then look impressed. "That's information I never managed to uncover... As an International Police officer, you really do have exceptional investigative ability."
Keith said, "Who knows... But this guy knows every legend and story under the sun, and he can make pretty accurate guesses about certain things like he's predicting the future. He's just that weird."
"Though we're in the middle of a mission ourselves..." She rubbed her brow. "That said, this city really doesn't sound very safe."
"These weird organizations are everywhere. It's exhausting."
Hikaru said, "Human desire is like a boulder rolling down a mountain... But what's interesting is that the man behind Team Galactic is actually working to create a world without desire."
This trip to Sinnoh was only a coincidence. Hikaru felt that if he were ever going to have a proper talk with Cyrus, it should probably be after Cyrus gets dragged into the Distortion World by Giratina.
At that point, Cyrus was going to be alone anyway, so Hikaru might as well hand that abandoned workshop over to him. Later on, when the movie plot opened up, maybe they could even use him to deal with Dr. Zager.
Keith's Staraptor suddenly turned its head and stared in one direction as if it had spotted prey. Keith's gaze sharpened.
"Well now. I just said this place wasn't safe, and something immediately happens. There sure are a lot of suspicious people around today!"
"Suspicious individuals!" Looker's first instinct was to hide so he would not be discovered. But the other side moved first.
In Hikaru's field of vision, two Team Galactic grunts suddenly popped into view at the far end of the road.
They really had shown up right on schedule.
"Mm. Even though their movements were restricted, Professor Rowan was still always supposed to attend a certain meeting, so they were bound to wait for him here. And because of the investigation lead, Looker was also guaranteed to show up in Jubilife."
The root cause was not whether other events had changed. It was whether a certain meeting in Canalave City was still being held as scheduled.
But Professor Rowan had not gone out this time, so...
Keith said, "Those two really do dress with... personality. How should I put it? It's not that they're ugly, just a little..."
Looker exclaimed, "Oh! Suspicious individuals. They're Team Galactic!"
Hikaru said, "The history of Team Galactic... It's a little sad how an old pioneering organization ended up like this."
Both Keith and Looker were curious about what Hikaru had just said, but neither thought this was the time to press for details.
Because those two grunts had already started running in a certain direction.
"I need to tail them! The time is 7:20!"
Looker turned to the two of them. "You both seem to be in the middle of your own mission, but could you assist me first?"
Hikaru and Keith exchanged a glance. Keith spread her hands.
"That's nothing. For an ordinary Ranger, taking on a mysterious organization outside a normal mission would be dangerous. A Ranger generally needs to be at least level 8 to carry out that kind of exception mission solo. But for a Top Ranger, it's easy."
"Something is about to happen over there, right?"
Hikaru nodded. "Professor Rowan's assistant has arrived. Before Dawn gets here, let's help Rowan's assistant out first."
"When a friend is in trouble, there's no way I can ignore it. And besides, it's happening earlier than expected."
Keith asked, "Earlier than expected?"
Hikaru answered, "This wasn't supposed to happen yet. It should only have happened after Dawn came back."
"But it's normal for some details not to line up perfectly. Team Galactic's activities have been suppressed from the very beginning this time. The Sinnoh League is investigating them, so their timing and methods have become a little more covert."
Leaving aside the fact that a robbery might escalate into a kidnapping, how could someone on the side of justice just stand by during something this serious?
Looker said, "According to the rumors I gathered, they seem to target the Pokémon of weak Trainers, especially ones related to space and ones that have not evolved."
Hikaru said, "What they value is not the Pokémon itself, but Pokémon energy. They're researching how to convert Pokémon power into a brand-new energy source, with the ultimate goal of creating a new world."
"And turning Pokémon power into energy is real technology. Team Galactic did not invent it. It existed 3,000 years ago."
"Do you know about spatial transfer panels? Those machines are installed in a lot of places, right? They send people to another area through a spatial jump, and they do it by creating tiny wormholes. The company that developed that technology was Devon Corporation of Hoenn."
Hikaru did not continue, but Looker had already realized part of the implication.
"Spatial transfer panels consume very little power! But you're saying Pokémon power can be used to create miniature wormholes?"
Hikaru said, "Do you know the Pokémon Gardevoir? It is said to have the power to distort space with psychic force and create tiny black holes. For a very long time, it was regarded as one of the strongest Psychic-type Pokémon. Back then, anyway."
"My point is that Pokémon themselves can do this sort of thing even without directly using life energy. But don't you think Team Galactic's outfits kind of look like aliens from an old sci-fi film?"
"Oh dear, what an unfortunate coincidence. I also moonlight as a Defense Team member. Those ridiculous space invaders apparently don't realize Earth is protected by our brave Defense Team."
"They're investigating ruins and statues in multiple places, and they're not just after evolutionary energy. They also have an intense need for real-world electrical power. That's all for building the Galactic Bomb that will force a Legendary Pokémon to appear!"
Looker was stunned.
"What?! You're saying they're building a bomb? But is this information reliable?!"
Hikaru replied, "Once this matter is resolved, go immediately to the Valley Windworks and the Fuego Ironworks. Ideally, request International Police support and monitoring. The local police are probably stuck in a 'nothing happened, so everything's fine' mindset, so they can't be relied on."
"I'll pass this matter along to the Sinnoh Champion. She'll definitely go there. She's been watching a certain someone for a long time."
That certain someone, of course, was Cyrus. Cyrus himself did not use an alias or disguise, but he had separated himself from Team Galactic so thoroughly on the surface that, despite the accusations, he could still claim none of it had anything to do with him.
And there was no way the Sinnoh League could arrest a major local businessman without evidence, especially one who could plausibly claim to be one of Sinnoh's economic pillars. Galaxy Electronics sold products all over the world, and its energy-development work appeared to be going smoothly.
Just as the Team Galactic grunts said themselves: Team Galactic has tons of money. They can throw up a tower whenever they want.
Hikaru continued, "Team Galactic personnel carry out energy-recovery operations, and they will most likely dispatch someone at the commander level or higher. Their boss is researching the truth behind the myths, trying to use the power of Legendary Pokémon to dominate Sinnoh and create what he calls a better world."
"Their leader is a genius when it comes to machinery."
Keith said, "What? So they're developing energy, cosplaying as aliens, trying to create a new world, stealing Pokémon, and planning to dominate Sinnoh? They've got even more going on than Team Rocket. That's way too much to chew at once."
"You know, this feeling of never being kept in the dark is amazing. If you worked intelligence, you'd be terrifyingly good at it. And on top of that you're a Champion-level Trainer. What I mean is..."
Hikaru said, "I know exactly what you're thinking. Even if my cover is blown, I can just wipe them all out and go back into hiding, right? Exactly. As long as nobody finds me, it's a perfect infiltration."
"And while it might seem like Team Galactic wants everything, that's only because their doctrine is to seize everything worth possessing and discard everything unnecessary. Gathering every form of energy is only for the sake of obtaining the ultimate force - the energy to create a universe."
"Once the New Universe Creation Plan began, Team Galactic started collecting Pokémon related to space and stars."
Looker immediately caught the keyword.
"Champion... Trainer?! Wait, what is going on?"
Hikaru said, "Don't mind it. It's just one of my identities."
At that moment, as the three of them followed the two Team Galactic grunts, they finally came upon exactly what they had expected to see.
Lucas, wearing a red cap and carrying a yellow backpack, had appeared on a street in Jubilife City. Near the northern exit, he had been cornered.
"H-Hey, who are you people?!"
"What's with those ridiculous outfits?!"
Lucas was one of Sinnoh's protagonists, but when Dawn served as the protagonist, Lucas became Professor Rowan's assistant, responsible for delivering materials and carrying out Pokémon research. In direct battle strength, he was much weaker than Dawn. In the games, when Dawn is the player character, Lucas appears as Professor Rowan's assistant. (Bulbapedia)
Still, once battle started, he tended to get a little fired up, to the point where even Professor Rowan would tell him to calm down.
And based on this worldline, Lucas was clearly a descendant of Rei. Both of them had done field research and assistant work for Professors.
His name, when paired with Dawn's, also carried the meaning of radiance.
Grunt A said, "The one with the yellow backpack carrying research materials is Professor Rowan's assistant!"
Grunt B said, "That's him! Rowan isn't here, but at least we can take you and the research with us..."
"Sorry! We're Team Galactic. Could you come with us? Otherwise, we'll have to show you the hard way!"
Hikaru said, "Huh. Fairly polite, actually. A soft approach before the threats, is it?"
At that moment, the two Team Galactic grunts also noticed the three people arriving. But Team Galactic's style was to do whatever they wanted. They were not like Team Plasma, who made sure to promote themselves every time they battled.
These people were completely without restraint.
Even later in Veilstone City, Lucas complains about how these people can just stroll around out in the open.
Those two grunts had clearly been waiting for Lucas for more than a day. But was it really okay to commit robbery this openly?
Or maybe...
Hikaru spotted another person nearby.
The moment Lucas heard what the grunts said, he became furious.
"You're trying to steal Professor Rowan's research results? That's unforgivable!"
He pulled out a Poké Ball, and the two grunts immediately grew angry too.
"Then we'll just settle this with violence. Don't say we didn't warn you!"
The three who had caught up confirmed what they were seeing.
"So this time their target really isn't just robbery. We can confirm it's kidnapping."
"Lord Shield, Top Ranger..." Looker turned to Hikaru and Keith with a request. "In order to continue my investigation, my identity still can't be exposed, so..."
"I get it!" Keith waved a hand. "You want us to handle it, right? No problem. That's just cooperating with the International Police. We're colleagues in different international organizations. Leave it to us."
"And if this city is really this dangerous, then the handoff later is going to be a nightmare! Mr. Looker, get in touch with Officer Jenny first. These two are definitely getting arrested, and this whole area needs to be investigated too!"
Hikaru nodded. "Exactly. Because we're carrying something they'd have their eyes on too. So we have to deal with them."
Looker blinked. "Something they'd have their eyes on too? Right, you said you were on a mission as well?"
Keith answered, "We're delivering a designated Pokémon Egg to a certain Trainer. That's our mission. That Trainer should be arriving from Oreburgh City very soon!"
"Good. Let's fight, then. Eliminate all dangers outside the mission."
Keith was preparing for battle, but Hikaru lightly raised a hand.
"Ms. Keith, I know you intend to fight too, but I think ensuring the Prince's safety would be better."
"And I have an idea. After we hand off the Egg, I'll probably go with that Trainer to Eterna City."
Coming back to Sinnoh was rare enough as it was, and the matter of Cyrus... perhaps it was not something Hikaru alone should resolve. Maybe this was also the judgment Arceus had placed on the Dragon of Time and Space, and a trial given to Dawn, who was connected to Akari.
No matter what happened, Spear Pillar would appear again, and Cyrus would be the trigger for its reappearance. Even so, Hikaru intended to do what he could.
After entrusting the first Prince of the Sea, he would head to Eterna Forest and hand that Rotom over to Dawn too. That might become the turning point that let Cyrus change his mind.
As for why he was so determined to bring Cyrus back... he would call it repayment for the mechanical knowledge Cyrus had shared with him in the beginning.
And there was one more reason.
The first place Hikaru had ever returned to Sinjoh from was Eterna City in Sinnoh. When he was young, he had even known Gardenia. She was an old friend from his childhood.
Eterna City was another one of his homes.
"After sending Dawn to Eterna City, then on to Kitakami, then back to Johto - before Rayquaza finishes accumulating power, Pryce has already been waiting in Mahogany Town for a long time."
"This route... it's exactly the road Sinnoh's ancient people once used to travel to Johto."
With that, Hikaru strode out of the shadows and walked toward the trapped Lucas.
"Lucas, you seem to be in a bit of trouble. Need help?"
Lucas blinked, looking at this stranger he had never seen before, and immediately showed obvious gratitude.
"Ah! Hello! These people suddenly told me to hand over my bag and my Pokédex, and they said they were taking me with them... I don't know who you are, but can you fight with me?"
Hikaru said, "Of course. That's exactly why I came. Go all out. You can just think of me as reinforcement Professor Rowan called in."
The moment he heard that, Lucas's eyes lit up.
"So you're someone Professor Rowan knows! I'm counting on you, big bro!"
And the commander who appeared here, earlier than she should have in the original story, was of course...
"What are you doing... Who are you people? Trying to oppose Team Galactic...? You'd be better off giving up."
A woman with purple hair styled in a way oddly reminiscent of Alomomola, with a sharp gaze and a distinctly forceful air, stared warily at Hikaru as he approached.
She was not supposed to be here.
But Team Galactic had been monitored too intensely, to the point that even high-tech equipment could no longer be deployed openly. In order to secure important research, they had to take risks. To guarantee the success of this kidnapping, she had made an exception and come in person.
Hikaru's expression turned slightly strange. This was hardly the first time he had been asked a question like that.
And Mars always had a habit of telling protagonists to give up already, as if...
"One of Team Galactic's three commanders. Mars."
"Stealing other people's Pokémon is a crime, you know. You're always telling others to give up. Is that because you've had experiences like that yourself?"
"Come to think of it, your Team Galactic commanders are all pretty skilled at kidnapping."
That was true. In theory, they were even better at it than Team Rocket. They kidnapped the manager of the bike shop, the manager of Valley Windworks, and in the manga Jupiter even kidnapped Johanna. Their record was extensive.
Hikaru's words made Mars's pupils contract sharply, then her expression darkened with obvious anger.
"I'll ask one more time. Who exactly are you?"
Hikaru rolled his shoulders.
Then maybe he should give a more interesting answer.
"I'm just a passing Pokémon Trainer."
(End of Chapter)
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