"Oh, so it was Grandma Agatha who reported it to the Alliance. No wonder."
After hearing Launce's explanation, Maen clapped his hands together in realization.
Launce, however, felt a bead of sweat roll down his forehead at Maen's wording.
"Uh... yes, Agatha Elite did 'report' it…"
But the way she "reported" it was a bit special—so special that it nearly scattered the ashes of several senior officials.
After Agatha issued her warning, the news quickly spread among the major families within the Alliance. Since Launce was a member of the Yulong family, he naturally learned about Maen's identity early on. That was why he had recognized Maen the moment he saw him.
Maen, still lost in thought, suddenly turned back to Launce with a suspicious look.
"So, Launce… what exactly were you staring at in that shop window?"
Launce coughed awkwardly.
"Ahem... nothing."
"Nothing?" Maen raised an eyebrow and glanced at the store display.
At first, he saw nothing unusual—just ordinary clothes. But then, his eyes landed on a blue and black cape.
His gaze shifted between the cloak and Launce, a strange expression forming on his face.
Noticing Maen's look, Launce's face turned slightly red. In an attempt to divert the conversation, he quickly invited Maen to the Pokémon Center.
But Maen wasn't letting it go so easily.
"By the way, Launce, don't you think your outfit is a little… off? This blue and black cape would actually suit you pretty well."
Launce's eyes lit up in excitement.
"I knew it, Maen! You also think this cape is cool! Dragon-type Trainers should wear capes—it's essential! You should get one too! With your style, I recommend black!"
Maen raised his hands in surrender.
"No thanks. Capes aren't my thing."
Instead, he encouraged Launce to stop hesitating and just buy the cape.
A few minutes later, Launce left the store with a satisfied expression, proudly wearing his newly purchased blue and black cape.
Maen, on the other hand, couldn't help but feel amused.
Wait… So in the future, Launce's signature cape style… was actually because of me?
---
An Unexpected Mission
As they walked towards the Pokémon Center, Maen asked casually:
"By the way, Launce, what brings you to Cerulean City?"
Launce paused for a brief moment—so brief that most people wouldn't have noticed.
But Maen did.
"Ahem… Nothing special. Just passing through."
Maen narrowed his eyes.
"Just passing through? When are you leaving? Where's your next stop?"
Launce scratched his cheek awkwardly.
Realizing that Maen wouldn't drop the topic, he sighed.
"Alright, Maen. You caught me. Let's find a quiet place, and I'll explain everything."
The two made their way back to the Pokémon Center, entering the private room where Maen was staying. Once they were settled, Launce finally spoke.
"Maen, you know that the previous Cerulean Gym Leader passed away earlier this year, right?"
Maen nodded.
"Yeah. Are you investigating that incident? I thought the criminals responsible had already been captured… and sent straight to the underworld."
Launce nodded grimly.
"They were. But the real issue isn't about the criminals—it's about why they came to Cerulean City in the first place."
Maen frowned.
"Why?"
Launce's voice dropped slightly.
"Because at the beginning of the year, a rumor started spreading—one claiming that the legendary Zapdos had appeared near the Power Plant east of Cerulean City."
Maen's eyes widened in shock.
Zapdos?!
He vaguely remembered that in the games from his previous life, Zapdos could indeed be found in the Power Plant. But to hear that it had appeared in reality was another matter entirely.
Seeing Maen's reaction, Launce assumed he was simply stunned by the news and continued.
"Yes, the legendary Zapdos. At the start of the year, strange electrical disturbances occurred at the abandoned power plant. The Electric-type Pokémon living there suddenly became extremely agitated and aggressive."
"At first, the Pokémon League didn't think much of it. But then, reports started coming in—someone claimed to have seen Zapdos inside the Power Plant."
Hearing this, Maen finally understood why the Cerulean Gym Leader had died.
After all, a sighting of a legendary Pokémon…
For most Trainers, that was irresistible.
Even though Legendary Pokémon were immensely powerful and difficult to track, people still refused to give up on the chance of capturing one.
And the criminals who went after Zapdos? They must have been strong.
The Cerulean Gym Leader, despite his own skills, had fallen into their trap.
Maen took a deep breath before asking, "So, Launce… are you here to confirm if the rumor is true? Or are you after Zapdos yourself?"
Launce shook his head.
"My main objective is to investigate. The League received reports of new disturbances at the Power Plant. It's possible something—or someone—is causing them."
"And as for Zapdos? The League already sent an Elite Trainer earlier this year to investigate. They also dealt with the remaining criminals."
Maen tilted his head.
"Which Elite did they send?"
Launce smirked slightly.
"Agatha."
Maen blinked.
"Oh… That makes sense. Grandma Agatha did leave on a mission back then. That must have been when she told me about the Gym Leader's death."
"So? What were the results of her investigation?"
Launce crossed his arms.
"She confirmed that Zapdos had been in the Power Plant. She found clear traces of its presence—but by the time she arrived, the Pokémon itself was gone."
"So the League believes that Zapdos only stopped by for a short time before leaving."
Maen nodded.
"If that's the case, then the matter should be over, right?"
Launce sighed.
"It should have been. But the problem is that even after all this time, many criminals still haven't given up. They continue lurking around Cerulean City, hoping to find Zapdos."
"And with the recent disturbances at the Power Plant, the League had no choice but to send someone to capture these criminals before they cause more trouble."
Maen was silent for a moment.
He wasn't surprised.
Human greed is endless.
Even if the chance was small, people would still be willing to gamble everything for the possibility of obtaining a legendary Pokémon.
Zapdos was no exception.
And now, Maen found himself caught up in yet another major event.
--------------------------------------------------------
Visit our Patreon for more:
patreon.com/Johnwick007