"I don't know what's going on in Area Zero."
Gary was curious—if the ti machine kept running endlessly, how many Pokémon could be pulled from different tilines?
According to what he knew from the gas, Professors Sada and Turo had both died during an accident at the Fourth Research Station. After their deaths, the ti machine continued to function under the control of AI replicas modeled after them.
These AI systems used holographic images of Sada and Turo to mislead anyone who ca to investigate. Whenever soone asked questions, they would show pre-recorded visuals to pretend everything was fine.
Eventually, as more and more Paradox Pokémon appeared, the AI realized these creatures were far more dangerous than anticipated.
The Pokémon from ancient tis had raw, primal power and aggressive behavior. The ones from the distant future were evolved to extre, unfamiliar forms with overwhelming abilities. The AI, once optimistic about coexistence, began to understand the threat.
When the AI attempted to shut down the ti machine, it discovered it couldn't. The real professors had built in a safeguard—anyone trying to deactivate the machine would have to defeat the AI in a full battle.
The Pokémon used in that battle? All Paradox Pokémon, pulled from both the ancient past and distant future.
After that, the machine would activate the Paradise Protection Protocol. To finally shut it down, the intruder had to defeat either Koraidon or Miraidon—legendary Pokémon linked to the paradox worlds.
Gary wasn't too worried about all this for now. The Paradox Pokémon were fierce, but they could still be caught. It all depended on the Trainer's skill. As long as these Pokémon didn't roam wild too often, the situation wouldn't get out of control.
"Then, Grandpa," Gary said, "I can send Great Tusk to you for research. But it has a really bad temper. Normally, when I let it out, I have to stay nearby so it stays calm."
"You're forgetting sothing," Professor Oak replied with a grin. "I used to be quite the Trainer myself. I still have my Dragonite. You don't need to worry."
"Alright," Gary nodded. "I've also done so research on Great Tusk. Want to share it?"
"Yes, yes! Tell everything!" Professor Oak said eagerly.
It was easy to get Professor Oak excited—just ntion a new Pokémon.
"Based on what I've observed," Gary explained, "Great Tusk has both Ground and Fighting types. I haven't figured out its Ability yet, but I'm sure it's sothing brand-new. That might be a good area to focus on in your research."
"A brand-new Ability... definitely worth investigating. Send Great Tusk over imdiately. I'll take good care of it," Professor Oak said, practically bouncing with anticipation.
"Okay."
Gary took out Great Tusk's Poké Ball and transferred it through the machine. In exchange, he requested that Professor Oak send back so of the Pokémon he'd captured in the Hoenn region.
Great Tusk would eventually have to et the rest of Gary's team anyway—it was better for it to start adjusting to life among other Pokémon.
Its bad attitude didn't worry Gary. In his experience, all powerful Pokémon had a bit of a temper. That ca with the territory.
Most of Gary's main team was at Professor Oak's Laboratory, and he was sure Great Tusk would soon learn where it stood in the hierarchy.
After the transfer, Gary left to return to his room. Just as he reached the door, he spotted Zinnia waiting nearby.
She had heard movent in the hallway and ca over imdiately.
"Gary, I need to talk to you," she said.
"Should we go inside?" Gary asked.
Zinnia nodded. "I want to ask if you'll co back to teor Village with . I'm not sure how to explain everything to my grandmother alone."
"You helped Rayquaza," Gary said. "Your grandmother won't bla you. Honestly, I think your Draconid Tribe will eventually need to open up to the outside world. Harmony doesn't an giving up your identity. It ans coexisting with differences."
"What does that an?" Zinnia asked, confused.
"It ans your tribe and the rest of the world can aim for the sa goals—peace, protection, understanding. That way, both sides can get along," Gary explained.
"And what's that shared goal supposed to be?" Zinnia pressed.
Gary sighed. "You'll have to ask your grandmother. I don't know the politics of teor Village. This isn't sothing for you to decide alone. Let her talk with Mr. Steven. I'm sure they'll figure sothing out."
"Then… can you co with ?" Zinnia asked.
Gary found it a little funny—Zinnia was fearless out in the world, but nervous about facing her grandmother. Maybe it was just the pressure of family bloodlines.
"Sure, I'll go with you," Gary agreed. "But I need to et with Mr. Steven first to pick up the ga Stone."
"Okay! No problem." Zinnia smiled with relief.
After a night's rest in Slateport City, the next morning, Gary and Zinnia boarded Steven's helicopter and flew toward Rustboro City.
They arrived before noon, heading west across the Hoenn landscape. Upon landing, Steven took them to the Devon Corporation building, where he led Gary into the ga Evolution Laboratory.
Inside, Steven handed Gary a special ga Stone: Scizorite, ant for Scizor's ga Evolution.
Gary took the stone and examined it. The surface had a grey-blue tint, and the center bore a willow leaf-shaped mark, colored in red, grey, and brownish-red. No doubt about it—this was Scizorite.
"Gary, do you want to test it now?" Steven offered.
"Test it? No need," Gary replied quickly.
He was in a hurry. Earlier, he had been in Mossdeep City, and now he was back in Rustboro. Soon, he'd have to head to teor Falls, then return again to Mossdeep. Even with public transportation, the travel ti was piling up.
There were only two months left before the Ever Grande Conference. He still needed to collect two more Gym Badges and reach Ever Grande City.
Besides, he didn't know what kind of missions the system would issue next. He needed ti to restructure his team if necessary.
"You should test it," Steven insisted. "I'm a little concerned about this ga Stone. I'd feel better if we confird it still works properly."
"A problem?" Gary frowned. "What kind of problem?"
Steven looked serious. "When this ga Stone was tested before, the Trainer's Scizor did successfully ga Evolve—but the transformation was unstable. It kept reverting mid-battle."
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