A massive, jet-black airship roared across the sky, its metallic hull gleaming ominously under the sunlight. Stamped across its side, in bold crimson, was a giant "R"—unmistakable, unashamed, a blatant declaration of Team Rocket's presence.
Their destination? The Galar region.
Their target? The Mythical Pokémon, Celebi.
"Estimated arrival in two hours, Master Archer!"
A uniformed Rocket grunt sat before a complex control panel, eyes fixed on the blinking instruments as he reported to his superior.
Behind him stood a man dressed in a pristine white uniform, his sharp azure-blue hair slicked back with precision. His hand rested on his chin, his cold gaze locked onto the monitors.
"Good. Maintain speed," Archer ordered, his voice steady but filled with a dangerous intensity. "This mission cannot fail. Everything is for the glory of Team Rocket!"
"Yes, sir!" The grunt straightened, his response filled with unwavering loyalty.
Archer tilted his head, his eyes narrowing at the large screen in front of him.
According to intel gathered from Dawn Brigade's research team, Celebi would appear in a small forest near a rural town in Galar.
He smirked.
"You won't escape this time, Celebi," he murmured. "Your power… will resurrect Team Rocket. You should be honored—grateful—to contribute to our revival. To Giovanni's resurgence!"
A twisted grin spread across his face. This wasn't just any operation.
This was everything.
This mission would not fail.
He had mobilized nearly all of Team Rocket's remaining forces for this. The entire future of their organization was riding on this success.
He would win.
He had to.
"Archer, all preparations are complete," a smooth, almost lazy voice interrupted.
A man with vivid green hair, donning a beret, strolled up beside Archer. His arrival instantly caught the attention of the surrounding grunts, who stole admiring glances at him.
Proton.
Among all of Team Rocket's elite officers, Proton was known as the most ruthless, his reputation built upon sheer brutality. His very name commanded respect and fear.
Archer barely acknowledged his presence. "Good. And the device?"
"The prototype works," Proton replied, chuckling. "Ariana's research has confirmed it—it suppresses Time Ripples and disrupts the formation of Temporal Gates. Once activated, Celebi will have nowhere to run."
Archer smirked. "Hmph. Seems Ariana's infiltration into that research group actually paid off."
"It's just a shame we couldn't get in touch with Petrel," Proton sighed, feigning disappointment. "With him, our trap would be even tighter."
"Tch. That traitor?" Archer sneered. "Even if he had joined us, he would've been useless. Honestly, I could've done this alone."
Proton chuckled, unfazed. "Oh, Archer, you always underestimate the value of teamwork. But this time, you're right—this is overkill. Still, having everyone participate ensures absolute success."
His emerald-green eyes glinted with malice.
"And I hate waiting."
Archer leaned back in his chair, exhaling sharply. "I still can't believe we put Zolorn in charge of the actual capture. Are we sure he can handle it?"
"He did come up with the plan," Proton reminded him. "It'd be cruel to deny him the opportunity. Besides, even we have lost to him before."
"Tch." Archer scowled at the memory.
"But really," Proton mused, "does it even matter? It's a tiny, isolated forest—you think we'll need firepower? Any Rocket grunt could wipe out the Pokémon living there with ease."
Archer's expression darkened.
"Maybe," he muttered.
Then, his lips curled into a twisted grin.
"But this won't be Team Rocket's fall—it'll be our rebirth."
"This operation will rewrite history. And when Giovanni returns, he will once again reign as the undefeated king of the underworld."
He turned back toward the troops.
"This mission is flawless—there is no room for failure. Even if you fall, the Time Disruptor must stay active. Do you understand?!"
"YES, SIR!" the assembled grunts roared in unison, their eyes burning with loyalty.
Against the far wall, Ariana leaned silently, absentmindedly twirling a small device in her hand.
Her crimson-red hair cascaded over her shoulder as she watched Archer's speech.
"Fools," she murmured.
They had no idea what altering time could truly do.
If Team Rocket never fell, then neither would their current selves exist.
This wasn't restoration—this was annihilation.
But…
Did she care?
No.
If it meant Giovanni's return… If it meant seeing him at the helm once more…
Then she was willing to cease existing.
"Ah… Giovanni," she whispered to herself, a strange devotion in her eyes.
"Let me be the stepping stone to your revival…"
Summer wiped the sweat from his brow, stretching as he finished planting the last batch of Gracidea and Fomantis Flowers.
Gracidea flowers had been sown in Sunshine Meadow—their warm hues perfectly suited the area's bright, open space, and they'd help strengthen Lilligant's potential.
Meanwhile, Fomantis Flowers had been planted in the Tropical Rainforest, where they could thrive in Galar's Alolan-like climate.
Summer smirked.
With these flowers around, Combee's honey was going to taste even richer.
"Yasha!"
A Nuzleaf suddenly leaped down from the trees, frantically waving its arms.
Summer turned toward it.
"Oh? Celebi's back?"
Nuzleaf nodded rapidly.
Summer stretched his arms, turning toward his Pokémon.
"Alright then. Let's head over. It's almost time, anyway. We'll keep watch while Celebi rests."
This was a routine plan he had set up with the Nuzleaf Patrol—whenever Celebi returned, were to alert him immediately.
With this system in place, he could ensure Celebi's safety.
"Grab the shaved ice, too," Summer added. "I wonder if Celebi likes sweet things."
Rillaboom hoisted the ice bucket, while Ogerpon clutched the fruit juice.
It hummed a little tune to itself.
If Celebi doesn't want it… more for me! Hehehe~!
Inside the Gym, Piers grinned as he clutched his mic.
The battle was electric—the challenger had only one Pokémon left, while Piers' Malamar had already taken down two.
The kid was desperate.
This was his moment to shine.
"The curtain is about to fall—let's wrap up this performance with a grand finale, shall we? Malama—ugh, what's that noise?"
His voice cut off, his head snapping toward the sky.
A massive airship loomed overhead, heading straight for Sunset Forest.
Piers squinted.
"…That isn't a League airship."
Then his eyes widened.
"That's Team Rocket."
His stomach sank.
"A Kanto crime syndicate? Here, in Galar?"
What the hell is going on?
Piers pulled out his phone, dialing Summer's number.
The line was dead.
Tch… Something's wrong.
Without another word, he stormed toward the Gym doors.
"Sorry, kid. Challenge is over. You pass."
"Huh?! Wait, really?"
"Yeah, congrats. Don't lose too bad to Raihan."
"Wait, wha—?"
Piers was already gone.