Julian frantically manipulated the controls of his escape pod, desperate to put distance between himself and the grasping forest. Suddenly, a tide of gargantuan vines rose from the earth like a green tsunami, sweeping toward his position with terrifying speed.
"Hmph! You think you can keep me here? Even without my warship, I am still the Steel General!" Julian roared, his pride flaring even in the face of disaster. "I am a renowned Elite Four-level Trainer! Go, my precious Skarmory!"
The metallic bird emerged, its silver armor glinting under the moon. With its wings flashing a lethal red, the Skarmory took to the air.
"Skarmory, use Steel Wing!"
The bird transformed into a silver streak, aiming to slice through the advancing vines. But before it could connect, an Aerodactyl intercepted it, its fanged maw snapping shut on the Skarmory's wing. Simultaneously, a massive Corviknight descended from the clouds, blocking the escape pod's flight path.
Perched upon the Corviknight's back was a figure clad in a black robe and a smiling mask.
"Hello, General Julian," a synthesized voice echoed from the mask. "I've been waiting for you."
"Is this a setup by the Global Federation?" Julian's heart sank. "I was careless. I walked right into a trap."
He grit his teeth. "Fine. I am still the Master of Steel! Go, Aggron, use Rock Tomb!"
"Then it's time for you to play, Colossal Steelix!" Feng Che countered.
The gargantuan Steelix lunged, its massive jaws clamping onto the Aggron and slamming the heavy creature deep into the forest floor.
"Amazing... such a magnificent specimen," Julian murmured, his obsession with Steel-types momentarily overriding his survival instinct.
"You really are a fanatic, aren't you?" Feng Che remarked. "Go, Scizor, use Bullet Punch!"
"Aegislash, use Iron Defense!" Julian commanded.
The royal sword spirit shifted into its Shield Forme, placing its silver buckler forward. Scizor's fists rained down in a blur, sparks flying upon impact, but the shield remained unmarred.
"A silver-colored Scizor... incredible. I thought I was the premier collector of Steel-types in Sinnoh, but you have specimens I've never even seen." Julian felt a pang of jealousy.
"Let's stop wasting time," Feng Che said coldly. "Release everything you have."
"Don't get cocky, kid! You'll be part of my collection soon enough. Go, Probopass and Magnezone! These two are my ultimate trump cards!"
Probopass hovered like a stone monolith, its magnetic nose pointed north, while its three "Mini-Noses" detached to circle like funnels. Magnezone hummed with high-voltage energy.
"Magnezone, Metal Sound! Probopass, Tri-Attack!"
The three Mini-Noses converged, firing a combined storm of Ice, Fire, and Lightning. The elemental vortex tore through the trees, but it was abruptly shattered by a massive Solar Beam from the Garden family's hidden Venusaur corps.
"Gengar, finish this."
From the shadows of Feng Che's feet, Gengar emerged with a sleepy yawn. It stretched, then plunged its hands into its own shadow. Instantly, thousands of Shadow Claws erupted beneath Probopass and Magnezone, pinning them to the ground.
Julian and Shumoto suddenly felt as if invisible hands were gripping their chests. Gengar took a deep breath, and a teal mist of spiritual essence was sucked from their lungs. Both men collapsed, their strength completely drained.
"Mewtwo, read Julian's mind. Find the coordinates for Hunter Island."
Feng Che knew the history. In the original timeline, the Federation's suppression attempt failed because a mole alerted the Dragon General, Kai-Oh, who hid the Guild on their secret island. The Federation's Chairman, Sōma, was mocked as a "cat that couldn't catch mice." If Feng Che captured Julian and found the island, he would earn a seat at the Federation's table—and access to their Hoard of Legendary treasures.