Aboard the Hunter Guild's massive warship, Julian was admiring his collection of Steel-type Pokémon. These vibrant, powerful creatures were putting on a show for their master, striking poses on their pedestals. Having been broken and tamed by the "Steel General" long ago, they were now content to be mere museum pieces.
Julian's brow furrowed as he looked at the three large, empty display stands in the center of the room. He felt as if a piece of his soul was missing.
"Just three more Steel-type Mythicals, and my collection will be complete," Julian murmured to himself. "The others are so rare, hidden in the most desolate corners of the world. Once I have them, the puzzle of my heart will finally be whole."
It was only in these moments of "appreciation" that Julian felt a sense of peace. But that peace was shattered by the sound of frantic footsteps.
"General Julian! An urgent priority-one call from General Kai-Oh of the Dragon Division!" Shumoto hurried in, handing Julian a pair of transparent augmented-reality glasses.
Julian sighed, placing the glasses over his eyes. Instantly, his consciousness was projected into a virtual conference room. Seated around the table were the other legends of the Guild: Kai-Oh (Dragon), Hanzo (Poison), Glaya (Psychic), Jekarai (Flying), Nien (Fire), and Akakawa (Ghost).
"Julian, you're late. We've been waiting," Glaya, the Psychic General, remarked with a sneer. Julian ignored her; it was common knowledge that the two couldn't stand each other.
"Enough, Glaya. I called this emergency meeting," Kai-Oh interrupted, his expression grim. "I've received critical intelligence: the Global Pokémon Federation has authorized a massive suppression operation against us. The decree was issued by the Supreme Chief, Sōma (苍穹)."
"The Federation is mobilizing Elite Gym Leaders from every region to hunt us down. This isn't the usual border skirmish; it's a war for our survival. I am calling for all Seven Generals to consolidate our forces at Hunter Island."
"Kai-Oh, aren't you overreacting?" Nien, the Fire General, asked lazily. "The Federation 'suppresses' us every year. It's always a lot of noise with very little rain."
"Exactly," Nien continued, rolling his eyes. "Hunter Island is an impregnable fortress. We have a private army of stolen Pokémon. The League isn't stupid enough to waste their main force attacking us there—especially since they don't even know where the island is."
"This time is different," Kai-Oh said, his voice dropping an octave. "I am returning to the base. Whether you follow is up to you. I have said my piece."
The other generals exchanged looks. Kai-Oh's face was dark with genuine concern, which gave them pause.
"Fine," Jekarai said first. "My ship took a beating from the Legendary Birds at the Flight Islands anyway. I need the base's docks for repairs."
One by one, the others agreed to pull back. Julian finally removed his glasses, returning to his private collection room.
"I'll return to Hunter Island," Julian whispered. "But not before I get my last three pieces. Once I take Brandon's Registeel and the Wishing Star, I'll head back."
"Shumoto! Full power! Enter the Garden family's airspace!"
Julian intended to end this quickly. "My ship has stealth capabilities. We'll enter their territory undetected and unleash the ultimate fireworks over their precious flowerbeds."
The Human Radar
At the Garden Estate, the defense was already in place. Divisions of Torterra, Venusaur, and Victreebel were stationed at strategic points around the perimeter.
"Mewtwo, keep a psychic lock on the area. Alert me the moment Julian's ship crosses the border," Feng Che commanded. With Mewtwo acting as a high-powered radar, no amount of stealth technology could hide the warship.
Feng Che had also spent the last few days studying his new partner, Jirachi. Because it hadn't yet been bathed in the energy of the Millennium Comet, it wasn't at its full Mythical potential. However, by fueling it with the Jewel of Life, it could still grant "minor wishes."
The catch was its "Reverse" nature. If a Pokémon wished for something, the exact opposite would occur—and they didn't even have to speak it aloud; Jirachi's True Eye simply read their hearts.