"Black, White—pass down the order. Triple the security for the cross-region exchange tournament. Especially for the Magnet Train; we cannot allow a single error."
"Ensure the control system for the express train has a fully independent backup manual override."
Agatha had a premonition that the Masked Man would strike via the high-speed rail. If a train were to derail and plow into the spectator stands, it would be a catastrophe of historic proportions. She rubbed her temples, trying to soothe a burgeoning headache.
"Feng Che, I owe you an immense favor for this tip," Agatha murmured to herself. "If I successfully secure the Championship, I'll ensure your safety—provided you don't do anything too outrageous."
Opening Ceremony
The day of the tournament finally arrived. Countless brilliant fireworks erupted over the Indigo Plateau, painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of light. The stands were packed to capacity with spectators from both regions.
The match-ups had been finalized. Feng Che was slated to face Chuck, the Gym Leader of Cianwood City in Johto. Chuck was a powerhouse of a Fighting-type specialist and, notably, the mentor who had helped train Blue (Gary).
For this tournament, the Johto region's captain was Pryce, while Kanto's was Erika.
"Welcome to the first-ever Cross-Region Exchange Tournament organized by the Global Pokémon Federation!" the announcer roared, gesturing grandly to the field.
The stadium floor split open, revealing a high-tech maglev track. Moments later, a streamlined, bullet-shaped train glided into the arena with a futuristic hum. The eight Gym Leaders from Johto and eight from Kanto stepped onto the platform, waving to the thunderous cheers of the crowd.
"This maglev train can reach speeds of 700 km/h! We are on the verge of opening direct transit between Kanto and Johto, making the bond between our people stronger than ever!"
The host handed the microphone to Erika. "Hello, everyone. I am Erika of the Celadon Gym. We are here to demonstrate the true strength of our respective regions. Please, look forward to our battles."
She handed the mic to Pryce. "Ahem... Greetings. I am Pryce of the Mahogany Gym. People say I have a bit of experience, which is why I was chosen as captain. I hope to use that experience to show you the true charm of a Pokémon Trainer."
The Illusion of Distance
The tournament began with Brock facing off against Jasmine in a 6v6 format. As the battle commenced, Feng Che noticed Pryce tapping his cane against the ground in a rhythmic thud-thud-thud.
"That man is transmitting Morse code," Mewtwo whispered in Feng Che's mind. "He's commanding a Pokémon elsewhere while standing right here. His cane has a built-in transmitter."
"He's likely orchestrating the capture of the Ho-Oh avatar right now," Feng Che thought with a faint smirk. "I should thank him; his meddling led me straight to the real Ho-Oh ahead of schedule."
Battle Above the Tin Tower
High in the sky above the Tin Tower, a massive Ho-Oh soared through the clouds. A masked figure, carried by a Delibird, flew alongside the divine bird.
Delibird, a red penguin-like Pokémon with a hollow tail and white, feathery tufts, flapped its wings to maintain altitude. It clutched its large, sack-like tail, which held various items for its master.
"Ho-Oh... you escaped me six years ago. I have hunted you ever since. Become the tool to realize my dream," the Masked Man shouted. "I require the Rainbow Wing from your body!"
The Ho-Oh avatar erupted in a pillar of flame.
The Nightmare Returns
Back at the stadium, the battle between Erika and Pryce was underway when the giant screen suddenly flickered, switching away from the arena. The audience gasped as a live feed of the Masked Man battling Ho-Oh appeared.
"It's him... the Masked Man... and Ho-Oh," Green (the girl) whispered. The sight triggered suppressed, terrifying memories from her childhood. She began to tremble uncontrollably.
"He is our enemy," Silver said, stepping forward. "He is Green's lifelong nightmare."
"I received a tip that the Masked Man would appear here to disrupt the League," Silver continued, looking at Red and Blue. "I thought it was fake intel at first. But seeing this projection, I realize it's a recorded feed—or a remote broadcast. He wants everyone to think he has an alibi."
"Exactly," Blue added. "The man is undoubtedly hidden among the trainers here. It's his signature style. But what is his end goal?"
"I remember now," Green said, her voice shaky but determined. "He wants to capture the Mythical Pokémon, Celebi. He wants to use Celebi's power to travel back in time and change the past."
"Ho-Oh's Rainbow Wing and Lugia's Silver Wing are the keys to opening the gates of time," she continued. "He's causing this chaos to steal one final component—something that can fuse the two wings together. Only then can he cross the threshold of time."
The Duel Begins
On the field, Pryce had defeated Erika with unnerving ease, securing a point for Johto.
"Next up!" the announcer shouted. "Gym Leader Feng Che of Viridian versus Master Chuck of Cianwood!"
"So, kid, you're the one who beat my student, Blue?" Chuck laughed boisterously as he stepped onto the field. "I always thought Blue was a bit too arrogant; he needed someone to knock him down a peg!"
Blue, watching from the stands, turned beet-red at his mentor's comment.