enderdragoncrafter

[enderdragoncrafter]

Charizard Adventures Volume 1

Chapter 4 The Sanctuary

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51584527/chapters/149462467

[enderdragoncrafter]

Chapter 3: Battle in the Harbor

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51584527/chapters/149250166

At the RCPD headquarters, Martin spread out a large blueprint of the yacht across the table, the paper rustling softly under his fingertips. The room was quiet, the air thick with anticipation as everyone gathered around to listen.

“Let’s go over the plan again,” Martin said, his voice steady as he pointed to various sections of the blueprint. “Eclipsa, Snivy, and Charizard will board the yacht. Francisco and Goodra will blend in as maintenance staff, while Lapras and Leo will be on lookout duty. Meanwhile, I’ll be leading an elite team to storm the warehouse.”

Francisco leaned back in his chair, glancing at the blueprint with a furrowed brow. “And what about them?” he asked, nodding toward Grace.

Grace crossed her arms, a slight smirk playing on her lips. “Eva and I have a fight club to inspect,” she replied, her tone making it clear she was ready for whatever lay ahead.

In a separate room, Eclipsa worked quietly, wrapping a length of bandage around Charizard’s wing. The Charizard let out a low growl, his eyes narrowing as the bandage tightened too much, pressing against the sensitive spot where his tattoo was hidden.

“Sorry,” Eclipsa murmured, loosening the wrap slightly before continuing. “But this has to look legit. I don’t even want to think about what would happen if someone saw that tattoo. We’re in enough trouble as it is.”

Charizard rumbled softly, a mixture of irritation and understanding in his tone. He knew the risks as well as she did, and though the tight bandage was uncomfortable, it was necessary. Eclipsa finished securing the bandage and stepped back to admire her work. The tattoo was completely concealed, leaving Charizard looking like any other injured Pokémon. She nodded, satisfied, but the unease in her gut lingered.

“Charizard,” he said in a low, gruff voice, a hint of appreciation in his tone. Eclipsa smiled slightly, grateful for his cooperation despite the discomfort. She patted his side gently, knowing they were both ready for what was to come.

Eclipsa knelt beside Charizard, her voice soft but firm. "I know you can understand me," she said, meeting his eyes. "But since you're not my Pokémon, I won’t be able to understand you back.”

Charizard responded with a snap of his fingers, a small flame flickering to life at the tip of his claw. "Charizard," he grunted, his expression serious.

Eclipsa nodded, understanding the unspoken agreement. "Alright, if you see the device or anything else suspicious, do that, and I’ll come to you immediately.”

"Char," Charizard replied, shaking his head in agreement. Despite his rough exterior, there was a subtle trust forming between them—a silent pact in the face of danger.

Just then, Martin walked in, his gaze sweeping over the three of them. "Are you all ready? Goodra and Francisco already left.”

Snivy responded with a firm nod, "Snivy." Charizard followed suit, his eyes burning with resolve.

Eclipsa straightened up, casting a quick glance at her team before turning back to Martin. "We’re ready," she confirmed. But then, her curiosity got the better of her. "But I have to ask—why are you suddenly okay with me being involved?”

Martin paused for a moment, his usual stoic demeanor softening just slightly. "I’ll explain later," he said, his voice low but resolute. "Right now, we need to focus on the mission.”

Eclipsa held his gaze for a moment longer, then nodded. Whatever his reasons, she knew they could be trusted. They were in this together, and there was no turning back now.

[enderdragoncrafter]

Chapter 2: The Start of Something New

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51584527/chapters/149080111

In the heart of downtown, where towering skyscrapers reach for the heavens, one building loomed above the rest—Team Rocket Laboratories, its name glowing ominously against the night sky. Inside, a woman sat in a sleek, modern room, her Eevee curled up beside her on one of the plush chairs surrounding a glass coffee table. The room was bathed in the eerie glow of neon advertisements filtering through the large window, casting shifting colors across the polished surfaces. The door opened quietly, and Lucario entered, carefully balancing a tray with two steaming cups and a bowl of water. He set it down on the table with practiced ease, just as a man in a crisp Team Rocket uniform followed him into the room. The woman looked up as the man entered the room. "Hello, Simon," she greeted, her voice calm but with an underlying edge.

"Hi, Grace," Simon responded, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Tell me, how’s the prototype working for you?”

Grace’s hand lightly stroked Eevee’s soft fur. "It appears to be working in perfect condition.”

Simon leaned in slightly, his interest piqued. "Show me.”

At Grace’s command, the gem on Eevee’s necklace began to glow, shifting from a soft light to a deep, dark blue. In an instant, the small Eevee transformed, its body lengthening and darkening as it evolved into an Umbreon, the room’s ambient light reflecting off its sleek, shadowy fur.

Simon observed the newly evolved Umbreon for a moment before nodding in approval. "Seems to be working well, but some further testing should be done to be certain.”

Grace offered a polite smile, though her eyes remained sharp. "I'm glad to hear that, Simon. But I’m not just here for that. I need information about the murder.”

Simon’s expression hardened, his tone turning dismissive. "Why would the PIA waste their time with a murder? Don’t you people have a gym to inspect?”

Grace’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "Inspecting gyms isn't the only thing we do at the PIA. Since your founder attempted to transfer the consciousness of every human in the city into their Pokémon, the Battle Agency has taken a keen interest.”

Simon leaned back slightly, crossing his arms. "You know there’s nothing the Battle Agency can do to change this city’s stance on Pokémon battles, right?”

Grace remained calm, her voice steady. "We’re not here to change anything, Simon. We’re here to understand it. To embrace what makes this city tick—including the little 'gift' you provided for Eva, my Eevee.”

Simon's eyes narrowed slightly, studying her before nodding to Lucario standing by. "Lucario, escort these ladies to sector 32b. Let them take their time with the inspection. But remind them—don’t touch anything.”

Grace gave a slight nod, a polite but cool smile on her lips. "Thank you, Simon.”

Eva reverted from its Umbreon form, bowing her head in a small gesture of thanks as the glow from the necklace faded. Lucario silently motioned for them to follow, leading them out of the room. Simon watched them leave, his expression unreadable. Once alone, he moved to the window, staring out at the sprawling cityscape, his mind clearly occupied with thoughts beyond the glass.

Charizard’s eyes fluttered open, the world around him slowly coming into focus. He found himself in a dimly lit, cramped room, the air heavy with the scent of machinery. Filtering systems hummed softly, and the steady thrum of air conditioners vibrated through the metal walls. Groggily, he pushed himself up, his muscles stiff from the earlier confrontation. As he adjusted to his surroundings, the sound of slimy footsteps echoed from beyond the door. His instincts kicked in, and he quickly moved to stand beside the maintenance door, his body tense, ready to pounce. He held his breath, waiting for the door to open. The door creaked open, and in a blur of motion, Charizard lunged. Before the Goodra had time to react, Charizard had slammed it to the floor, his claws pinning Goodra's tail to the cold, rocky surface. The Goodra squirmed, eyes wide with fear, its breath coming in quick, panicked gasps. Charizard’s jaws parted, flames licking the back of his throat, but before he could unleash his fiery wrath, a sharp voice cut through the tension. Two humans and a Snivy rushed forward, their hands raised in a gesture of peace.

“Easy, easy now,” one of the humans said, her tone calm but firm. “I'm sure you're very confused right now, but we're not here to hurt you; I promise. My name is Eclipsa.”

Eclipsa spoke softly as she took slow, cautious steps toward the Charizard. His growl reverberated through the roof top, a clear warning for her to keep her distance. She halted, raising her hands to show she meant no harm. Nestled in her palms were a few mushrooms, their earthy scent wafting through the air. Charizard sniffed at the offering, his nostrils flaring as the scent reached him. His growl subsided, but his eyes remained wary. He leaned in closer, examining the mushrooms, and hesitated. As he considered the food, a thought crossed his mind: the Snivy at her side might be of use to him, perhaps for something more important than the meal in front of him.

Eclipsa spoke in a calm, reassuring tone. “See? No one’s going to hurt you.”

The Charizard eyed her for a moment longer before devouring the mushrooms in a few quick bites. But before anyone could react, he lunged forward, snatching Snivy with a swift movement. In one powerful leap, he vaulted off the roof, landing with a heavy thud on the fire escape below. Francisco, Eclipsa, and Goodra stood frozen in shock for a split second, watching as the Charizard began his rapid descent down the metal stairs. Realizing what had happened, they snapped into action, sprinting toward the staircase and racing downward as fast as their legs would carry them. Meanwhile, Charizard reached the bottom of the fire escape and quickly found a discarded paper bag. With a swift motion, he placed Snivy inside and slung the bag over his shoulder.

Francisco, breathless from the chase, shouted as they entered the garage floor and hurried to his pickup truck. “I knew this was a bad idea! Now he’s got Snivy, and who knows what that wild Charizard will do next!”

Eclipsa, surprisingly calm, glanced at him. “Relax, Snivy will be fine. We planned for this.”

Francisco shot her a look of disbelief. “You’re telling me you expected this to happen?”

As they buckled in, Eclipsa spoke, her tone calm. "Think about it, Francisco. If you were on the run and woke up to find out you’d been captured by strangers, wouldn’t you bolt too? That’s why we put a tracker on him.”

Francisco glanced at her, a mix of frustration and disbelief on his face. "I’m not even gonna ask how you managed that. But what about Snivy getting taken? Was that part of your plan?”

Eclipsa hesitated for a moment before admitting, "That... I didn’t predict.”

“Goodra!” the Pokémon urged, his voice filled with urgency as he gestured for Francisco to move.

Francisco shot Goodra with a surprised glance. “Alright, alright—watch the language, Goodra,” Francisco muttered, quickly shifting the truck into reverse and sped out of the garage.

By noon, Charizard and Snivy had reached the Fight Club. Snivy, still struggling inside the paper bag, wriggled furiously as Charizard carefully lifted her out and placed her atop a trash can lid. She swatted at his hands in frustration, her tiny strikes doing little more than expressing her displeasure. Charizard rumbled a soft growl, trying to communicate his need. "Charizard," he murmured, explaining the importance of the invitation. Snivy glared up at him, her eyes narrowed in irritation. "Snivy!" she snapped, clearly upset. Realizing he had upset her, Charizard’s tone softened. "Char," he said apologetically. Snivy paused, then let out a sigh. "Snivy," she replied, her voice gentler now, signaling that she would help him. Charizard's lips twitched, almost forming a smile, but he quickly caught himself, his expression returning to its usual stern demeanor. Snivy carefully opened the window, slipping inside to begin her search. Charizard remained outside, his body pressed flat against the building’s wall as he kept watch. Inside, Snivy moved stealthily, her small form easily navigating the shadows. She darted under a desk just as the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. Charizard quickly ducked down, his breath held as several people entered the room. One of them held a small device, fiddling with it as they approached the desk. The boss, with an air of authority, placed the invitation on the desk, oblivious to Snivy’s presence just beneath it.

The man leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he studied the small device in the scientist’s hands. "So, how does this thing work?" he asked, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and menace.

The scientist adjusted his glasses and responded with a measured tone. "It's quite simple. This device is a beacon. It emits a powerful sonic frequency, specifically tuned to anything equipped with the corresponding headset.”

"Is that what the Lugia's wearing?” One of the gang members asked

"Yes," the scientist confirmed with a nod.

The boss raised an eyebrow. "Can we test it?”

The scientist hesitated, then shook his head. "I'm afraid that's not possible. It's a one-time use device. Once activated, the beacon will cause Lugia unbearable pain. It'll drive the Pokémon to do anything to make it stop—even if that means destroying an entire boat filled with people.”

As the scientist explained the device’s deadly potential, Snivy, hidden beneath the desk, silently extended a vine toward the window. She managed to slip the invitation outside for Charizard to retrieve.

The scientist’s voice grew colder. "This is precisely why the invitation was sent to you. To get the device on that boat and activate it.”

The gang boss smirked, his eyes gleaming with dark intent. "So that’s what the invitation is for.”

The scientist nodded, reaching into his coat pocket and taking out an Ultra Pokéball. "You'll also need this," he said, handing it over.

The man accepted the Pokéball, his fingers closing around it with a sense of finality. Snivy, perched on the edge of the windowsill, froze. She hesitated, her curiosity piqued despite the risk.

The scientist continued, "Once everything is done, and the chaos settles, this is your key to controlling the Lugia.”

The man's lips curled into a satisfied grin. "Good. Now—”

A sudden blare of honking cut through the air, startling everyone in the room. The gang boss's head snapped towards the window just as Francisco's pickup truck screeched to a halt outside. Eclipsa stepped out, her presence immediately commanding attention as she shouted up at the building, "Hey, what are you doing up there? Is this some sort of secret hideout?”

The man, now peering through the window, spotted her and immediately noticed the missing invitation. His expression darkened, and with a sharp gesture, he signaled everyone to leave the room.

"Snivy, are you okay?" Eclipsa called out, worry creeping into her voice.

Charizard, still perched on the building, saw that only the scientist remained in the room. Seizing the moment, he grabbed Snivy and quickly began descending. As they reached the ground, Charizard leaped onto the back of Francisco's truck. Snivy, sensing the danger, rushed Eclipsa, urging her to get inside. The urgency was clear as a gunshot rang out, taking off the side mirror. Without hesitation, Francisco slammed the accelerator, the truck lurching forward as they sped away from the scene. The gunfire echoed behind them before finally fading into silence. Charizard, sensing the immediate danger had passed, slipped under the soft tonneau cover at the back of the truck to hide.

"What was that?" Francisco asked, his voice tinged with panic.

"I don't know," Eclipsa replied, still catching her breath. "I know as much as you do.”

Snivy, eager to share her discovery, handed Eclipsa the invitation. Eclipsa's eyes widened with excitement as she read it. Francisco glanced at her, his face a mix of confusion and disbelief.

"Why are you smiling? We almost died!" he exclaimed.

Eclipsa, still holding the invitation, responded, "Because we've got the invitation—an invitation to the funeral." Then, turning to Snivy, she asked, "Wait, how did you get this?”

Snivy pointed toward Charizard, who was now hidden beneath the truck cover. Eclipsa looked back at the invitation, then toward Charizard, piecing together the connection.

Grace and Leo sat in their SUV, eyes fixed on the gang member and his Scyther as they walked down the sidewalk, freshly released from the station.

"Are you sure following them is a good idea?" Leo asked, his tone laced with uncertainty.

Grace sighed, keeping her gaze steady on the targets. "Did you get anything useful out of him?”

Leo shook his head, frustration clear in his voice. "No. He just kept going on about running some donut ice cream shop. Nothing useful.”

Grace tapped her fingers on the steering wheel, her mind racing. "Then we stick with Plan B. Let’s see where they lead us.”

Just then, the radio crackled to life, reporting gunshots in the area. Grace quickly grabbed it, responding, "We're on it.”

She glanced at Leo, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Ice cream and donuts? Was he hinting at Dunkin Robbins?”

Leo frowned, shaking his head. "He never mentioned Dunkin Robbins.”

Grace picked up her personal radio, speaking directly to her Umbreon. "Eva, I’m going to check out the scene. Keep us updated, okay?”

"Umbre," came the soft reply, before Grace placed the radio down and started the SUV.

Leo eyed her warily. "What are you doing?”

"Heading to the shooting," Grace replied, her voice firm. As they sped off, Eva, still in her Umbreon form, silently slipped into the shadows, tailing the guy and his Scyther unnoticed.

They soon arrived at Francisco's and Goodra's house, perched on a steep hill. As they pulled up, Charizard leapt out of the truck, his eyes locked on the group. Snivy quickly wrapped the invitation in a ball of vines, holding it securely. Everyone stepped out, with Eclipsa cradling Snivy in her arms. Charizard approached, his intense gaze signaling his demand—he wanted the invitation. Eclipsa instinctively took a few steps back, her movements causing Charizard's tail flame to flare dangerously. Goodra quickly moved between them, positioning himself as a shield. Charizard's growl deepened, his eyes locked on Goodra, ready for a confrontation. From the other side of the truck, Francisco observed the standoff, an idea suddenly sparking in his mind.

“Hey–” He shouted. Charizard’s head whipped around, his piercing gaze now fixed on Francisco, who couldn’t help but feel a jolt of fear as his heart skipped a beat. He then takes a deep breath and continues “How do you expect to get in? They're not going to just let a Charizard in without someone with him, especially when there's a rogue Charizard running around."

Eclipsa glanced at Francisco, then back at Charizard. "He’s right. You need us.”

After a moment of consideration, Charizard let out a low rumble, his gaze softening slightly. Without another word, they all made their way inside the house. Charizard moved toward the backyard, pausing at the edge of the patio, where the city sprawled out beneath them, glittering in the evening light. The rest of them gathered around a low coffee table in the living room, the invitation lying in the center, its presence almost ominous. Eclipsa studied it intently, her mind racing. They still didn’t know exactly what Charizard wanted from them, but the invitation seemed to hold the key. The air was thick with unspoken questions, but one thing was certain—they were in this together, whether they fully understood it yet or not. Francisco crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in thought. "So...what now?"

Eclipsa stared at the invitation on the table, then shifted her gaze to the Charizard lingering in the backyard. "Well, he wants it for some reason, but I’m not sure why.”

Francisco’s voice grew tense with suspicion. "What if he's working for Team Rocket?"

Eclipsa shook her head slowly, her eyes narrowing as she considered the possibility. "I’m not sure. There are a lot of scratches and scars on his wings, especially around the logo.”

Francisco glanced at Charizard through the window, then back at Eclipsa. "Are you suggesting he did that to himself?”

"Not entirely," Eclipsa admitted, her voice thoughtful. "But it’s a possibility we can’t ignore.”

Before they could discuss further, Snivy tugged at Eclipsa’s sleeve, drawing their attention. With a determined expression, Snivy pulled out a piece of paper from her vine. It was crumpled, but the sketch on it was unmistakable—a mechanical device and a Lugia. Eclipsa’s eyes widened as she unfolded the paper. "What?!”

Francisco leaned in, confusion etched on his face. "What did she draw?”

Snivy frantically repeated her explanation, her small voice rising in urgency. Eclipsa's face paled as Snivy’s words sank in. "She’s saying there’s a Lugia out there, and this device is supposed to attract it. But...why?”

Snivy continued, her tone growing more desperate. Eclipsa’s heart raced, dread creeping into her voice. "They’re going to use the Lugia to kill everyone on that boat.”

Grace and Leo circled the block, their footsteps echoing softly against the pavement as they scanned their surroundings. The SUV, parked in front of a Dunkin' Donuts, seemed out of place in the quiet street. Grace’s gaze darted between the storefronts and the shadows, her mind racing.

"Find anything?" she asked, her tone edged with frustration.

Leo shook his head, his expression grim. "No.”

Grace sighed, her disappointment evident. She was about to turn away when something caught her eye—a security camera perched high on one of the streetlights, its lens reflecting the dim streetlights. She stopped, her eyes narrowing as she studied it. “Wait… up there,” she said, pointing. "We might have something after all.”

Leo followed her gaze, his eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. Without a word, he turned and walked briskly to the SUV. Moments later, he returned with a laptop, setting it up on the hood of the vehicle. "It only goes back 24 hours," Leo informed her, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he plugged the laptop into the base of the streetlight.

Grace leaned in closer, her breath barely a whisper. "That's good enough.”

The screen flickered to life, displaying a grainy live feed from the camera. Leo quickly began rewinding through the footage, the hours speeding by in reverse. "Hang on," Grace said suddenly, her voice sharp with urgency. "Go forward a bit.” Leo let the feed play, and soon a red truck sped down the street, its side mirror bent and the body peppered with bullet holes. Grace's eyes narrowed as she caught sight of it. "Zoom in on that license plate," she instructed, her voice tight with anticipation.

Leo complied, zooming in until the plate came into focus. As he did, an icon appeared above it, blinking with identification data. With a click, the icon expanded, revealing the owner of the truck: Francisco. "Wait a minute," Leo muttered, recognition flashing in his eyes. "I know this guy.”

Grace turned to him, her expression intent. "Can he provide us with valuable information?”

Leo nodded, already thinking ahead. "Yes, he can.”

Eclipsa stepped into the room, her dark blue dress flowing elegantly around her. The fabric shimmered slightly in the light, accentuating her every movement. Francisco, who had been adjusting his tie, glanced up and immediately froze, his breath catching in his throat.

“Well, what do you guys think?” Eclipsa asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

Francisco finally managed to find his voice. “You look... really good. Like, really good.”

Eclipsa smiled, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. “Thanks. Your suit looks amazing too.”

Francisco blushed in return, the two of them sharing a quiet moment of mutual admiration. Nearby, Goodra and Snivy exchanged knowing glances, fully aware of just how much their trainers liked each other. A knock echoed through the room, and Francisco moved to the door. "Who is it?" he called, his voice cautious.

"It's Leo," came the reply. "A friend and I have a few questions to ask you about your truck.”

Francisco hesitated for a moment, then opened the door, letting them in. As soon as Leo stepped inside, his eyes fell on the Charizard in the backyard. His hand instinctively moved towards his gun, but Grace, standing beside him, quickly placed a firm hand on his arm, stopping him from drawing it. "That's not a fight you'll win," she said quietly, her eyes never leaving the Charizard.

Eclipsa stepped forward, her voice calm but firm. "Besides, he's with us.”

Leo, still tense, lowered his hand but didn't relax entirely. His gaze shifted from Charizard to the group, a mixture of confusion and suspicion in his eyes. "You guys have some explaining to do.”

Meanwhile, Eva the Eevee had been trailing the gang member and his Scyther for a while, her small paws making barely a sound on the pavement. The pair finally reached a looming warehouse, its exterior worn and shadowed under the fading light. The gang member and his Scyther slipped through the main entrance without a glance behind them, the heavy door creaking shut. Eva paused, her ears twitching as she assessed the building. She darted to the side, spotting a slightly ajar window just above ground level. With a quick, silent leap, she squeezed through the gap, landing softly inside. The interior was dimly lit, filled with the faint hum of machinery and the musty scent of old wood. Eva’s eyes gleamed as she scanned the room, her instincts on high alert as she carefully began her search. She cautiously padded through the dimly lit corridors of the facility, her senses heightened by the unfamiliar surroundings, the air was cool and sterile. She came to a halt in front of a large, imposing cryo chamber that dominated the center of a cavernous room. Nearby, several speed boats were lined up, their sleek forms gleaming under the harsh overhead lights. Eva’s eyes narrowed as her gaze fixed on the cryo chamber. Her instincts told her something was wrong, something powerful and dangerous was being kept inside. As she focused, the gem on her necklace began to glow with an intense purple light. Her small frame shimmered, and in a burst of energy, she evolved into Espeon, her psychic powers amplifying as her form changed. She reached out with her mind, probing the cryo chamber’s contents. What she found made her fur stand on end—a Lugia, trapped in deep sleep, its massive form encased in frozen gelatin. The sight sent a shiver down her spine. Without wasting a moment, Eva activated the radio she had been carrying, her voice clear and urgent as she relayed the discovery to Grace. "Espeon," she communicated, her tone filled with concern.

On the other end, Grace’s voice came through calmly, though there was an edge of tension. "Good. I’ll text you my current location. Stay alert, and don’t take any unnecessary risks.”

[enderdragoncrafter]

Chapter 1: Ryme City Welcomes You

https://archiveofourown.org/works/51584527/chapters/130383727

It was 1:30 a.m. in a small, quiet town. The night was cool, with clouds scattered across the sky. A lone Charizard moved stealthily through narrow alleys and hidden passageways, deliberately avoiding the presence of humans. Blood dripped from his back, leaving a crimson trail in his wake. His claws were stained as well, evidence of a recent struggle. Despite being a creature of flight, this Charizard was grounded—his left wing was marred with heavy scars, fresh scratches now oozing blood. A closer look revealed something more sinister: a Team Rocket symbol branded on his scales, with a serial number beneath it—MX-469.

The Charizard felt weak, his strength waning. Unfortunately, a human boy—about 15 years old—spotted him, accompanied by an alert Umbreon. The Umbreon tensed, ready to strike, but the boy raised a hand, signaling it to stand down. He could see the Charizard's weakened state and smirked. "This is going to be an easy catch," he said confidently, raising a Pokéball toward the wounded creature. The Charizard leaned against a nearby wall, lowly growling at the boy, who seemed indifferent to his suffering.

The boy approached the Charizard, inching closer—too close. In a sudden burst of strength, the Charizard seized him and hurled him to the ground. The Umbreon froze, stunned; he had never witnessed a Pokémon intentionally harm a human before. With a powerful stomp, the Charizard crushed the Pokéball underfoot. "Umbreon, do something!" the boy cried out, desperation creeping into his voice. The Umbreon readied itself to attack, but before it could react, the Charizard grabbed the boy again and flung him into the Umbreon. Both boy and Pokémon scrambled to their feet, wincing in pain as they retreated. "This isn’t the last you’ve seen of me," the boy shouted over his shoulder. "Next time, you’ll see—next time!”

The Charizard chuckled at the thought of the boy’s hasty retreat. Curious, he rummaged through the boy's bag and discovered it was filled with Pokéballs. Deciding to rid the world of potential captives, he made his way to a nearby bridge where a river flowed beneath. One by one, he opened each Pokéball, only to find them all empty. Undeterred, he tossed them into the river, watching as they floated away, never to be used again. Returning to the bag, he discovered a binder filled with papers—documents detailing major cities and a mysterious list.

As he scans the list, his eyes catch on Ryme City—completely crossed off. Flipping through the binder, he finds no information about Ryme City, only documents on other cities with large arenas and Pokémon Centers designed for battles. A surge of anger rises within him, and in frustration, he hurls the binder into the river. As it sinks, a crumpled piece of paper tumbles out of the bag, catching his eye. Curious, he smooths it out, expecting to see the familiar layout of an arena or a grand complex. But instead, the paper reveals something entirely different—a picture of a serene park, completely unlike the others.

The description detailed how Ryme City was unlike any other—a safe haven where Pokémon could live in peace, free from capture or battle. This caught his attention; he had never heard of such a place. Curious and perhaps hopeful, he carefully placed the paper back in the bag and slung it around his neck. With renewed purpose, he set off in a new direction, seeking something that could finally bring meaning to his life.

In the bustling heart of Ryme City, morning rays filtered through a window into a cluttered apartment. A woman stood beside a Snivy, meticulously organizing a chaotic spread of photos, papers, and sticky notes—each piece seemingly part of a larger conspiracy. As she worked, a man entered the room, balancing a cup holder with three out of four coffees, while a Goodra trailed behind him, cradling his own cup.

"Hey, Eclipsa, what’s all of… this?" Francisco asked as he stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the scattered papers and photos.

"Hi, Francisco," Eclipsa replied, offering a small smile as she reached for one of the coffees he brought. "Thanks for this."

She took a few sips, savoring the warmth before turning her attention back to the chaotic spread on the table. "These are all the pieces of information we’ve gathered over the past few months—or so, I think.”

She tied a few strings to a pin on the wall, then stretched them across the chaotic collage to connect with another pin, further linking the puzzle pieces together. Nearby, Francisco’s gaze fell on a newspaper detailing the deaths of a politician and his Pokémon at the airport. Intrigued, he reached out to pick it up, but before he could, Snivy snapped a vine at his hand, stopping him in his tracks.

"Don't touch anything," Eclipsa warned, her voice firm as she focused on the intricate web of connections she was creating.

Francisco winced, rubbing his hand where Snivy had struck him. "I won't," he muttered, still eyeing the cluttered wall. His gaze settled on a prominent Team Rocket logo at the center. "What's up with the Team Rocket logo in the middle?”

Eclipsa paused, her expression thoughtful. "I’m not sure yet, but somehow they’re tangled up in some big conspiracy.”

Just then, Eclipsa’s phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket, glancing at the notification. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she read the message. "We need to go somewhere," she said, slipping the phone back into her pocket.

Francisco shrugged, a small grin playing on his lips. "You're the boss.”

Meanwhile, in the shadowy backstreets of the city, two Pokémon clashed in a brutal battle within a secret fight club. The crowd roared with excitement, their cheers echoing off the grimy walls. A Charizard moved quietly behind the crowd, his attention focused not on the fight, but on something deeper within the building. He slipped into a dimly lit hallway, pausing at a small window. Inside, a group of humans huddled around four briefcases brimming with cash. He observed as two of them shook hands, their business concluded. After closing their briefcases, they exited the room. The Charizard waited a moment, then silently followed them into the alley

The gang boss leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with anticipation. "Let’s see it," he commanded.

One of the gang members moved swiftly, opening the back of the truck to reveal a Lugia encased in a cryo chamber. The creature lay motionless, its powerful form suspended in an eerie stillness.

A slow grin spread across the boss’s face. "Sweet. This is going to bring in a lot of money. How did you even manage to get your hands on one of these?”

The dealer, a man with a sly demeanor, shrugged casually. "It was sent in by Team Rocket.”

The boss’s grin faded, replaced by suspicion. He turned to the dealer, his eyes narrowing. "That still doesn’t explain the catch. Why would Team Rocket hand me 20 million dollars and a Lugia for free?”

The dealer’s expression remained calm, almost too calm. "Let’s just say that the mysterious death of a certain politician has attracted the attention of some of his… influential friends.”

With a smirk, the dealer pulled out a crisp envelope and handed it to the boss. "You’re invited to the memorial," he added, "which, by the way, is being held on a yacht.”

The Charizard’s eyes darted around the scene, quickly realizing he needed that invitation. But before he could make a move, pain shot through his tail—he turned sharply to see a Garchomp pinning it down. Reacting instinctively, the Charizard rammed his head into the Garchomp’s neck, attempting to push her to the ground. The impact staggered her, giving the Charizard just enough time to unleash a powerful Flamethrower, the flames engulfing the Garchomp. But before he could press the advantage, a blast of water struck him from the side—a Vaporeon, expertly timing its Water Gun attack. The sudden torrent doused the flames and weakened the Charizard, giving the Garchomp the upper hand. She quickly recovered and slammed him to the ground, pinning him beneath her.

The gang members quickly formed a tight circle around the Charizard, their guns trained on him. The men who had delivered the money and the Lugia had already slipped out of sight, leaving the Charizard surrounded.

"Well, well, well, what do we have here? A Charizard, huh? Where’s your trainer?" one of the men taunted, a smirk on his face. The Charizard responded with a low, menacing growl, his fiery eyes locked on the speaker. As his anger flared, the water on his scales began to evaporate, and the flame on the tip of his tail blazed brighter and more intense.

"Boss, get back!" one of the gang members shouted, yanking his leader out of the Charizard’s reach. The others moved quickly, one slamming the truck door shut, sealing away the Lugia.

With a powerful flick of his tail, the Charizard sent the Vaporeon crashing into the alleyway wall, leaving the Pokémon dazed and out of the fight. The Garchomp, feeling the searing heat radiating from Charizard’s body, instinctively released her grip, backing away as the temperature became unbearable. But before she could retreat further, the Charizard seized her, pulling her close and using her as a shield just as the gang members opened fire.

"Go now!" the gang boss yelled, his voice tinged with panic. The truck’s driver slammed on the gas, speeding away from the chaos. Meanwhile, another gang member scrambled into a van, the engine roaring to life as he prepared to follow. The Charizard sprang onto the roof of the van just as it began to speed away. The driver jerked the wheel sharply, careening out of the alleyway and nearly tipping the vehicle over. Claws digging into the metal roof, the Charizard held on tightly as the van swerved wildly through traffic, the city streets a blur around them.

Desperate, one of the gang members leaned out of the window, throwing a Pokéball with a shout. "Scyther, I choose you!" The Pokéball hit the asphalt with a clatter, releasing a Scyther that materialized in the street behind them, its blades gleaming in the morning light.

The Scyther soared above Charizard, its blades flashing as it unleashed a relentless Fury Cutter. Charizard dodged skillfully, but the Scyther’s speed was relentless. With a swift strike, the Scyther's blade sliced across Charizard’s hand, forcing him to release his grip on the van. Charizard tumbled onto the street, rolling to minimize the impact of the fall. He winced as he came to a stop, feeling the sting of the cut on his hand. Up ahead, the van screeched to a halt, and the Scyther landed behind Charizard, blocking his path. The air filled with the sound of cars screeching to a stop, narrowly avoiding the two Pokémon. Charizard struggled to his feet, pain coursing through his body, but his resolve remained unshaken. His tail flame burned brighter, its light intensifying as he braced himself for the next round of battle.

Before Charizard and Scyther could clash again, the blare of sirens filled the air as police vehicles screeched to a stop at both ends of the street. The flashing lights reflected off the buildings, casting an ominous glow over the scene. An Espeon, distinguished by a necklace with a gem embedded in it, dashed forward with swift grace. Without hesitation, the Espeon used Rest on the Scyther, causing the Pokémon to collapse into a peaceful slumber, its blades drooping.

Sensing the opportunity, Charizard bolted, sprinting down the street with the Espeon in hot pursuit. The Espeon’s eyes glowed with determination as it chased after him, refusing to let him escape. In a desperate move, Charizard spotted a fire escape on the side of a building. He leaped up, grabbing the metal ladder and pulling himself up as fast as his wounded body would allow. The Espeon skidded to a halt below, watching as the Charizard ascended, out of reach—for now.

In the heart of downtown, within the Ryme City Police Headquarters, Eclipsa sat across from a disheveled member of Team Skull in a stark interrogation room. The fluorescent lights buzzed softly, casting harsh shadows on the walls. Eclipsa placed a photo of a woman on the table, sliding it toward the man.

"Can you tell me anything about this woman?" Eclipsa asked, her tone firm but measured.

The man glanced at the photo and shrugged, leaning back in his chair. "Like I told the other detectives, I don’t know nothin’.”

Eclipsa’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Please, I need to know who this woman works for.”

He hesitated, scratching at the back of his neck. "All I know is she used to work for Howard Clifford.”

Eclipsa’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "The Founder?”

"Yep," the man replied, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

Eclipsa leaned in, her voice lowering to a near whisper. "But who does she work for now? That’s what I need to know.”

The door to the interrogation room creaked open, and an Ampharos peeked in, shaking his head slightly at Eclipsa. She sighed and rose from her chair.

"Excuse me for a moment," she said to the Team Skull member, her voice calm but tinged with frustration.

Eclipsa walked out of the room, and the Ampharos quietly shut the door behind them, leaving the suspect alone under the harsh fluorescent lights. Martin, his face tight with irritation, approached her.

"Who let you in here?" he demanded.

"Leo did," Eclipsa replied, her tone steady.

Martin’s frustration boiled over. "LEO, OFFICE NOW!”

Without another word, they made their way to Martin’s office. Inside, Martin took a seat behind his desk, his expression stern. Francisco and his Goodra were already there, waiting. Eclipsa and the Ampharos entered, with Leo trailing behind, his expression a mix of apprehension and defiance. Martin’s frustration was evident as he leaned forward, his voice firm. "How many times do I have to tell you guys to stay out of my station?”

Eclipsa remained calm, though her determination was clear. "I was told you have a suspect who made a deal with the Shadow Woman…”

Martin cut her off, his tone softening slightly. "Eclipsa, you're not a cop; you're a civilian. I don't want to see you get hurt. You have to leave this to the professionals.”

Eclipsa’s eyes flashed with conviction. "But what about the truth? People deserve to know what's going on.”

Leo spoke up, trying to bridge the gap. "She can help us in some ways.”

Martin shot Leo a look. "I'll get to you in a second." He then turned back to Eclipsa, his voice firm but not unkind. "Listen, you only have a PokTube channel.”

Eclipsa nodded, unflinching. "Yes, PokTube isn’t perfect, but it’s the best we’ve got.”

The radio crackled to life, a voice coming through urgently. "Mr. Rouge spotted in the area of Lebanon Avenue, Downtown. Be on the lookout. Over.”

Francisco glanced at Leo, curiosity evident in his eyes. "Who’s Mr. Rouge?”

Leo replied, his tone casual but with a hint of admiration. "He’s a wild Charizard that’s been loose in the city for about four months now. We know nothing about who the trainer is or where he came from.”

Eclipsa frowned, surprised. "How come I’ve never heard of this?”

Martin, his patience wearing thin, shot her a look. "Because you don’t need to." He then turned to Ampharos. "Ampharos, take them outside, please.”

Ampharos nodded and gestured for them to follow, leading them out of the office and down the hall. As they stepped outside, Snivy deftly unlocked the truck with a flick of her vine. Eclipsa turned to Francisco. "You’re driving.”

"On it," Francisco replied, sliding into the driver’s seat. Once they were all inside, the truck rumbled to life, and they pulled away from the station. Eclipsa immediately pulled out her phone, her fingers moving quickly as she searched for information on the Wild Charizard. Francisco glanced over at her, his eyes briefly leaving the road. "You’re looking up that Wild Charizard, aren’t you?”

"Yes, I am," Eclipsa replied, her eyes glued to her phone.

Francisco shot her a skeptical glance. "And what exactly is your plan here?”

Eclipsa didn’t look up, her focus still on the screen. "We’ll figure that out along the way.”

Francisco frowned, gripping the steering wheel a bit tighter. "I don’t think going after a Charizard without a plan is the smartest move. Can we at least have some sort of strategy?”

Eclipsa finally looked up, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Hmm. Actually, I might have an idea. But first, we need to grab some supplies.”

“Snivy,” the Pokémon called out, pointing with a vine toward a nearby pharmacy where a small crowd had gathered.

Eclipsa rolled down her window, leaning out slightly to ask a question. "What’s going on over there?”

A bystander, looking a bit puzzled, shrugged. "I’m not sure. They just kicked everyone out.”

As they exchanged words, Francisco’s eyes caught something unsettling—a trail of blood leading down an alley beside the building. Without a word, he pulled the truck over and parked next to the pharmacy, the engine idling quietly. Francisco gave a half-smile as he unbuckled his seatbelt. "Well, at least we’ve got a story for today.”

Eclipsa frowned slightly, her tone skeptical. "You know I don’t like covering short, cash-grab stories.”

Francisco shrugged. "You never know—it might turn into something bigger.”

Eclipsa sighed, conceding. "...Sure, why not. But it better be worth it.”

They stepped out of the truck, making their way toward the pharmacy. As they approached the building, they noticed the back door was ajar, the lock clearly broken. Without a word, they slipped inside, the tension in the air thickening with each step. They moved cautiously down the aisles, eyes scanning the shelves. When they reached the sixth aisle, stocked with bandages and first aid supplies, they froze. There, in the center, was a Charizard, surrounded by pharmacy employees who kept their distance, clearly unsure of what to do. The Charizard growled lowly, its eyes darting between the humans as it clumsily wrapped a bandage around its own arm with its mouth. But even from where they stood, Eclipsa could see that the creature was on the verge of collapsing, its movements sluggish and weak. As Eclipsa studied the Charizard more closely, her eyes widened in recognition. There, on its heavily scarred wing, was the unmistakable Team Rocket logo. Just below it, a serial number: MX-469. Eclipsa stepped forward, her voice firm but curious. "Who does this Charizard belong to?”

Lucario, standing nearby, shrugged its shoulders in response. One of the employees, a woman with a nervous expression, shook her head. "We don’t know.”

Another employee, a man, added, "He just kinda walked in here on his own.”

The woman turned to Lucario, frowning. "I thought you got everyone out?”

Francisco glanced at the Charizard, then back at the employees. "Did you call an ambulance?”

The man nodded, but his face tightened in worry. "We tried, but he doesn't want us to.”

The Charizard winced as he curled his tail around, trying to squeeze out a bullet lodged deep within. A whimper escaped him as the pain surged through his body. Noticing this, Snivy cautiously approached. The Charizard growled weakly, his instincts kicking in despite his exhausted state, but he was too drained to put up much of a fight. With careful precision, Snivy extended her vines, gently probing the wound. The Charizard flinched but didn't resist. After a tense moment, she located the bullet and, with a swift motion, pulled it free. The Charizard let out a sharp breath, more in relief than in pain. Snivy quickly cleaned the wound with the alcohol the Charizard had been using earlier, her small hands working efficiently as she bandaged him up. The Charizard, still trembling, attempted to stand, but his strength failed him. With a soft thud, he collapsed, unconscious.

Eclipsa glanced at the employees, her voice calm but concerned. "He hasn't hurt anyone, has he?”

The first employee shook her head. "No, he hasn't. Are you going to take him away?”

Francisco started to interject, but Eclipsa quickly responded, "Yes, we will take him.”

With that, Eclipsa and Goodra moved closer to the unconscious Charizard. Goodra gently positioned itself to support his weight, while Eclipsa carefully lifted his front half. Snivy extended her vines, offering what little help she could, her small form straining as she assisted in the effort. Francisco, seeing the struggle, stepped in to help lift the Charizard. "Why are we taking a rogue Charizard with us?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Eclipsa glanced at him as they maneuvered the unconscious Pokémon. "Like you said, you never know," she replied, a hint of determination in her tone.

Francisco hesitated, his grip tightening. "But what if he's dangerous? What if he tries to kill us?”

Eclipsa shook her head slightly. "Someone shot him, Francisco. And we both know the police use Psychic-type Pokémon to put others to sleep when needed.”

"So, we're turning him in…right?" Francisco pressed, searching her face for reassurance.

Eclipsa’s eyes flickered with something unreadable. "Eventually.”

Francisco sighed, his doubt evident. "I hope you know what you're doing.”