For Wallace, today was absolutely horrible.
He had been so excited to head to Slateport City to attend his beloved Pokémon Contest.
He had been so happy.
But now? Not anymore.
This was the worst day of his life.
It wasn't just that his proudest and most beloved Milotic had been pinned to the ground by a hideous, savage Annihilape and forced into all sorts of shameful poses…
Why did he have to do it too?!
"Yes, yes, that's perfect, Champion Wallace! Lift your leg a little higher—yes, arch your back slightly—gaze a little more longing—yes, yes! That's exactly the look I want!"
Click! Click!
Wallace lay there, face blank, back arched in an elegant pose as Zoroark supported him in its muscular arms.
Of course, Zoroark wasn't in its usual form.
It had transformed into a hulking, bearded, muscle-bound man.
A hyper-masculine giant holding an elegant, delicate beauty.
A truly… artistic composition.
Meanwhile, Lillie, Leaf, and Courtney stood in a row at the side—completely stunned.
"Perfect, Champion Wallace!"
Dylan beamed as he flipped through the photos and videos he had taken.
After thoroughly beating down Milotic and Ludicolo, he had politely invited Wallace to participate in an artistic photoshoot.
Using Officer Jenny and the others as leverage, Wallace had no choice but to swallow his pride and force himself to endure this humiliation.
And so—
The domineering CEO cornering his lover against the wall.
The bridal carry.
The tragic farewell.
The romantic entanglement.
Milotic wrapping its body around its beloved Trainer.
…And more.
At this point, Wallace was completely numb.
"Are we done now?"
His voice was utterly flat, all emotion drained.
It had been an hour.
He had been tortured for a full hour.
Meanwhile, Officer Jenny and the others had already woken up.
However, while they had been unconscious, Courtney, Leaf, and a very nervous Lillie had taken the opportunity to tie them all up.
Now, they were locked away inside the Weather Institute.
"Hmm… something's still missing. How about this, Champion Wallace? Why don't you try this outfit?"
Dylan flipped through the photos again, but something still felt lacking.
He thought for a moment, then pulled out an outfit and handed it to Wallace.
Wallace froze.
Teacher Wallace?
What teacher?!
Was this an insult?!
Wallace gritted his teeth and snatched the clothing.
But when he unfolded it—
His fair, delicate face immediately darkened.
"YOU BASTARD, AIZEN!!"
Wallace clenched Gyarados's Poké Ball, glaring daggers at Dylan.
"You've gone too far! I'll fight you to the end!"
By now, Wallace knew full well that Aizen was stronger than him.
He was no match for him.
That much had been painfully clear from their battle earlier.
For the safety of Officer Jenny and the others, he had forced himself to endure the muscle-man Zoroark photoshoot.
For the sake of the League.
But now?
This damn villain had actually handed him a dress.
A pink, frilly, floral dress.
Was this guy even human?!
He was a man!
A strong, independent man!
Yes, maybe his usual outfits were a bit on the stylish side, but that didn't mean he would wear a dress!
Unacceptable! Unforgivable!
"Now, now, Champion Wallace, no need to get so worked up. We can talk this through."
Dylan calmly soothed the furious man.
Art required passion and patience.
Some people just needed time to appreciate its beauty.
"There's nothing to talk about! I refuse to wear this! Absolutely not!"
Wallace's voice was firm.
He was Hoenn's Champion.
A top-tier Contest Master.
There was no way in hell he would wear a frilly pink dress.
Leaf: "Pfft—!"
Lillie: (￣▽￣～)
Courtney: (⊙▽⊙)
"I see. Well, we'll leave it for next time then."
Dylan sighed regretfully.
Wallace's resistance was quite strong.
"Oh well. But Champion Wallace, I do believe that if this photoshoot is released, you'll become world-famous."
"THERE IS NO NEXT TIME! And it better NEVER be released!"
Wallace vehemently rejected the notion.
World-famous?
More like socially dead across all of Hoenn!
Underneath his cape, Wallace's hands furiously tapped at his phone.
Steven.
Where the hell is Steven?!
Come save your damn friend already!!
"Well then, Champion Wallace, you can wear this instead."
Dylan tossed a small bag at him.
"?"
Wallace caught it, glancing at Dylan suspiciously before opening it—
And his face darkened again.
"AIZEN!!"
"What? Champion Wallace, don't tell me you've never worn a swimsuit before?"
Dylan raised an eyebrow.
"…" Wallace fell into deep thought.
"Champion Wallace, I've been very generous to you. It's either the floral dress or the swimsuit."
Dylan's smile was warm and gentle.
"But this is your punishment for losing."
"Damn it!"
Wallace's hands shook.
Between a frilly dress and a swimsuit…
Yes.
The swimsuit was the lesser evil.
It was just swimwear.
People wore swimwear all the time.
It was fine.
And so—
"Yes! Champion Wallace! Hold the rose in your mouth—now sit in the duck pose—yes, yes! That bashful, sultry expression! Absolutely stunning!"
Dylan clicked away enthusiastically.
"AIZEN!!"
Wallace's humiliated screams echoed.
This was, without a doubt, the worst day of his life.
By the time it was all over, Wallace had no idea how much time had passed.
But at least—
At the very least—
He had protected his last shred of dignity.
He. Did. Not. Wear. The. Dress.
"Ah, what a satisfying day. Champion Wallace, I look forward to our next meeting. Hopefully, by then, you'll abandon your silly notions of shame and embrace art."
Dylan smiled at his camera.
Still, it was a bit of a shame.
Next time, he had to make sure Wallace wore the dress.
Oh, and of course—
He would be sending all these photos to Steven.
Wallace: "???"
Dylan turned with a flourish.
"Goodbye, Champion Wallace."
With that, he led Lillie, Leaf, and Courtney away.
Wallace took a deep breath.
Then another.
He steadied his trembling hands and pulled out his phone.
He had kept it on silent the entire time to avoid suspicion.
The moment he checked it—
Dozens of missed calls from Steven.
And a new message.
[Steven: Wallace, what's wrong? I called you like 10 times and you didn't answer. And what do you mean by 'come save me'?!]
Hearing his friend's familiar voice, Wallace felt a lump in his throat.
He thought back to the absolute nightmare he had just endured.
And finally, he broke down.
"Steven…"
"Steven, I was humiliated… YOU HAVE TO AVENGE ME!!"
"…Huh??"
Meanwhile…
"Pfft—HAHAHAHA! That was hilarious! Wallace's expressions—just priceless!"
Leaf finally burst out laughing, clutching her stomach.
Back at the Weather Institute, she had been struggling to hold it in, afraid that laughing on the spot would push Wallace over the edge.
Lillie's expression was also… complicated.
"Brother, was it really okay to do that to Champion Wallace?"
Lillie still felt a little guilty. After all, they had no real grudge against him.
She was a kind and pure-hearted girl, and what they had just done felt… a little wrong.
"Don't worry, Lillie. We just took some harmless photos of him." Dylan ruffled her hair with a reassuring smile.
In fact, he was already thinking about what outfit Wallace should wear next time.
Oh, and these photos?
Definitely sending them to Steven.
That was going to be entertaining.
"Miss Courtney, you should check in with your subordinates and see how they're doing."
Dylan glanced at Courtney.
She had been unusually quiet.
No—more like she was completely spaced out, as if lost in thought.
"O-Oh, right!"
Courtney snapped out of her daze, quickly pulling out her communicator.
She contacted the Team Magma members who had escaped earlier and confirmed their safety before instructing them to regroup at the nearest base.
"Lord Aizen, I cannot thank you enough for your assistance today."
After ensuring her team's safety, Courtney stepped back and bowed deeply to Dylan.
She was fully aware that if it weren't for him, she would have definitely ended up behind bars today.
As for expecting Maxie to rescue her?
Yeah, not happening.
Courtney was loyal to Maxie, but she wasn't stupid.
She knew Maxie didn't have the strength to break her out if she got captured.
"There's no need for thanks. It was simply fate that we crossed paths." Dylan's smile remained warm and composed.
"Besides, I find your organization quite interesting. I wonder, Miss Courtney, would you be able to introduce me to your leader?"
"It would be our honor."
Courtney immediately agreed.
After all, she had seen it with her own eyes.
Dylan had completely crushed Wallace—Hoenn's current Champion.
That wasn't just impressive.
That was unbelievable.
The thought of having a Champion-level ally in Team Magma thrilled her.
Of course, she had considered whether Dylan had ulterior motives.
But realistically?
Why would the Hoenn League send a Champion-level Trainer to infiltrate Team Magma?
They weren't that important, right?
If they were, she—a Team Magma Admin—should definitely know about it.
"Lord Aizen, your strength is truly astonishing. But I don't believe I've ever heard of you before?"
Courtney's tone was respectful, but her curiosity was unmistakable.
"Because my brother never challenged any Leagues before," Lillie answered smoothly.
That was the cover story they had agreed upon before coming here.
As for how they conveniently encountered the Team Magma and Team Aqua conflict at the Weather Institute?
That was thanks to Leaf.
Since Leaf had infiltrated Team Aqua, she had access to valuable intelligence.
"Ah, I see. That makes sense… If not, with Lord Aizen's strength, you would have long since become Champion."
Courtney's gem-like violet eyes gleamed with admiration.
The more she thought about it, the more intrigued she became by Dylan.
Still, she was careful not to pry too much—if they became true allies, she'd have plenty of chances to learn more in the future.
Team Magma's Base
Arriving at one of Team Magma's secret bases, Courtney led Dylan and the others into her office.
"Boss isn't here right now, so we'll have to video call him instead. I hope you don't mind, Lord Aizen."
"No problem."
"One moment, please."
Courtney turned on her computer and initiated a video call.
After a few seconds, the screen lit up—
A thin, bespectacled middle-aged man with slicked-back red hair appeared.
His expression was calm and calculating, his eyes sharp with intelligence.
This was Maxie, the leader of Team Magma.
"Lord Maxie, I've long admired your name."
Dylan greeted him with a smile.
"Lord Aizen, I've already heard from Courtney about the situation. I am truly grateful for your assistance to our organization."
Maxie's deep, composed voice carried an air of authority.
He adjusted his glasses as he studied Dylan.
Someone capable of defeating Wallace so easily—Maxie was sure Courtney wouldn't lie about such a thing.
If it was true…
Then having someone like Aizen as an ally would be invaluable.
That said—Maxie was cautious.
After all, Aizen was a powerful Champion-level Trainer.
Maxie was intelligent enough to keep his guard up.
"It was nothing, Lord Maxie. Just a small favor."
Dylan's tone was casual.
"Tell me, your organization seeks to expand the land, correct?"
"That's right. I firmly believe that humanity's progress and the well-being of the world are closely linked. However, there is simply not enough land to sustain us all."
Maxie spoke passionately.
"If we could expand the landmass, it would increase living space for both people and Pokémon, allowing for better lives and greater prosperity."
"Land is our foundation. For the sake of future generations, we must expand it."
His voice was firm, his conviction absolute.
Dylan nodded thoughtfully.
"I agree with that notion."
Both Maxie and Courtney's eyes lit up with excitement.
"But it won't be easy, Lord Maxie. Expanding the land… is practically impossible."
Dylan shook his head.
"No, it's absolutely possible! Lord Aizen, have you heard of Groudon?"
Maxie's voice turned serious.
"The legendary Groudon?"
"Exactly. According to ancient myths, Groudon is the Pokémon that created the land. If we can awaken it, we can use its power to expand the earth!"
Maxie's eyes burned with determination.
"I see." Dylan pretended to be deep in thought.
"In fact, we've already pinpointed Groudon's location. However, we still need something essential to awaken it—the Red Orb."
"The Red Orb?"
"Yes. Why? Is there a problem?"
"Not exactly… but I did pass by Mt. Pyre recently. I heard an old couple at the summit might have a Red Orb in their possession."
"…What?!"
Maxie's expression immediately changed.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes. Though, I can't say for sure whether it's the Red Orb you're looking for."
"That doesn't matter! We can verify it ourselves."
Maxie took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm.
Still—he was clearly excited.
Dylan's lips curled slightly.
Too easy.
Meanwhile…
In a rest area in Fortree City, Wallace and Steven finally met.
"Steven, what… happened to you?"
Wallace was genuinely stunned as he took in his friend's appearance.
The dashing, ever-composed Steven Stone—the man he knew to be flawless in every way—
Now sat before him looking haggard, even unshaven.
What the hell happened?
"Just… dealing with some things."
Steven was silent for a moment before sighing in resignation.
Ever since his conversation with Dylab, he had been struggling with the emotional toll it had taken on him.
On one side, his morals, his integrity, and his belief in justice—
On the other, his father—the man who had always loved and supported him unconditionally.
This internal conflict tormented him.
Wallace furrowed his brows, deeply concerned as he studied his closest friend.
He couldn't even imagine what could have happened to make Steven fall apart like this.
To Wallace, Steven was the definition of perfection.
Smart. Strong. Charming.
With a flawless background to match.
What could have possibly broken him like this?
"And you?" Steven glanced at Wallace, noticing the way he was staring at him.
"You look like you've been through something, too."
Steven chuckled lightly, trying to shift the topic.
"I rushed over here in such a hurry, I didn't even wash my face."
Wallace took a deep breath.
Then another.
And finally—
"Steven…"
Steven blinked.
"I was humiliated."
Wallace's voice was low and grave.
"You have to avenge me."
Steven: "…Huh??"
Wallace sighed heavily before launching into his tale of suffering.
"It was Team Magma. I was outnumbered. And Steven—you won't believe this—they actually had a Champion-level member!"
Steven's eyes narrowed.
"A Champion-level Trainer… in Team Magma?"
"Yes! And insanely powerful! Even I couldn't defeat him! If I hadn't sacrificed myself, I fear both I and Officer Jenny's team would have been at his mercy!"
Wallace clenched his fists.
Steven frowned deeply.
Even Wallace lost?
That wasn't good news.
"…I'm sorry I wasn't there sooner," Steven muttered.
"Clearly, we need to take Team Magma more seriously."
"Exactly! That monster is far too strong. Steven, I honestly doubt even you could beat him!"
Wallace gritted his teeth at the bitter memory.
That devil had promised not to release the photos…
But still—
The psychological scars remained.
Steven nodded.
He trusted Wallace.
If Wallace said this Trainer was Champion-level, then he was.
That alone was concerning enough.
But—
There was one thing that still puzzled Steven.
If this Team Magma member was so powerful, then how exactly had Wallace escaped?
What sacrifice had he made?
Just as that thought crossed his mind—
Ding! Ding! Ding!
Steven's phone exploded with notification pings.
A flood of new messages.
Pictures.
Videos.
Steven tapped one open.
He scrolled.
Paused.
Scrolled again.
Then stopped.
For a long moment, he said nothing.
Wallace took another sip of his coffee, noticing the sudden silence.
"Steven?"
Steven's expression was indescribable.
His entire perspective on the situation shifted in an instant.
Now he understood.
Now… he truly understood what Wallace meant by sacrifice.
Dear Arceus.
His eyes burned.
His soul wept.
His sanity cracked.
"Wallace."
Wallace frowned at Steven's tone.
"What? Steven, why are you looking at me like that?"
Steven slowly lifted his gaze.
Wallace felt a shiver crawl down his spine.
This expression…
This wasn't respect.
This wasn't sympathy.
This was something else entirely.
Steven's lips parted.
"…Your poses are surprisingly… elegant."
Wallace: "???"
Steven gave him a slow thumbs-up.
"You really… sold it."
"Steven."
Wallace's grip tightened around his cup.
"You bastard."
Steven's lips curved upward.
His voice was filled with mock admiration.
"Wallace… I think you'd look stunning in a dress."
Wallace:
"WHAT THE HELL?!"