Rose stayed silent for a moment, then gave his orders.
"Mobilize all black market dealers near Hammerlocke. Tell them to lock down every company-owned facility in the city. Send the rest of the stationed squads from the border and ports straight to Motostoke and Circhester. Hold those two Gyms at all costs."
"Understood!"
Oleana immediately began dialing numbers, her hands moving fast across the communication device.
Back in his office, Rose furrowed his brows and reached for his own phone.
* * *
Meanwhile, Shiro was flying toward the gates of Hammerlocke on Corviknight, not thinking about anything else. His only focus was getting the near-dead Gareth into the Pokémon Center.
In front of the city's pitch black gate stood a long flight of tall steps. Two trainers in white uniforms stood at their posts, guarding the entrance.
The ear-piercing cry and overwhelming presence of the Gym-level Corviknight caught their attention at once. Seeing such a fierce and imposing Pokémon caused the two guards, who were only at Advanced-level, to tense up and instinctively step back against the stone railing.
"Who's there?" the one on the left, wearing sunglasses, mustered up some courage and questioned nervously.
Behind them was Hammerlocke, home base of the Dragon Tamer family. As watchdogs for the Gym, they weren't the type to run scared at the sight of a Gym-level trainer. Not right away, at least.
'He probably won't go crazy and just attack… right?'
While the guard wrestled with that thought, Shiro shouted up at them.
"I need to get into the city! Open the gate now!"
The two exchanged glances and pulled out a scanner.
"Only registered trainers are allowed through the main gate. Public facilities inside—"
Before the guards could finish reciting the rules, Shiro jumped off Corviknight and swiped his company-issued ID card through the scanner in one swift motion. Then he raised his hand and commanded:
"Corviknight! Break through!"
"Wait—!"
They didn't complete their sentences as the bird slammed straight into the massive black doors. Since the gates weren't locked to allow access for League trainers, it broke through with ease.
Shiro bounded up the steps in a few long strides and dashed into Hammerlocke.
"You're not allowed to use flying Pokémon inside the city!" the guards shouted from behind, their voices growing smaller and smaller as Shiro raced ahead.
He ran full-speed with Corviknight through a long, narrow passage about ten meters long and emerged onto the familiar main street of Hammerlocke.
This street was on the lower level of the city. All three Pokémon Centers, however, were located on the upper level—one in front of the Stadium, and two on the east and west sides of the city. They had been built for trainers taking on the Gym Challenge, making it easier to rest and heal their Pokémon quickly.
Without stopping, Shiro leapt back onto Corviknight's back and patted its neck.
"Let's go!"
"Cooorv!"
The bird screeched hoarsely and launched into the air, soaring high above the main street.
Below them, the startled cries of pedestrians sounded.
"Corviknight! That's a Corviknight!"
"Is that a flying taxi?"
"No, it's a trainer! Someone's riding a Corviknight through the city's airspace!"
"A Gym-level Corviknight? Where did that come from..."
"Go alert the Gym!"
The once lively crowd suddenly turned chaotic. Some curious bystanders abandoned whatever they were doing and started chasing after the steel bird, running toward the upper level of Hammerlocke.
Most people subconsciously ducked into nearby restaurants they trusted, afraid someone might take advantage of the commotion to steal or rob.
A few others picked up their pace and rushed to the nearest Gym trainers, hoping their reports might earn them some credit.
Shiro ignored all of them. He didn't even care about the Hammerlocke Gym or the Dragon Tamer family.
Since Granny Shae had told him to hurry inside and save Gareth, she'd definitely report everything to the company and Rose. One was a loyal and powerful veteran subordinate. The other was a promising new recruit about to be put to use. Rose had every reason to protect them.
Still, he expected trouble... and was ready for it.
* * *
A short while later, as Corviknight glided smoothly toward the Pokémon Center, a number of trainers outside the Stadium on the upper level scattered and took cover by surrounding buildings. But there were others, braver or more reckless, who rushed forward.
This was inside Hammerlocke. Right in front of the Gym. What was there to be afraid of?
For them, this might even be a huge opportunity.
The second Corviknight landed, Shiro jumped down, dragging both Gengar and Gareth as he charged toward the Pokémon Center.
Noticing some unknown trainers trying to approach from both sides, Shiro yelled with all his strength.
"He's dying! Move!"
Whether it was Corviknight's outstretched wings or the raw urgency in his voice, the trainers stopped in their tracks as they watched him shove open the glass doors and burst inside.
Bzzz!
It was Shiro's first time within a Pokémon Center.
A quick glance told him all he needed to know. Red roof, red walls, red floors. A semicircular front desk. The woman at the center, though not Nurse Joy, had to be the one in charge of treatment.
At the sound of the door opening, the people inside turned and stared at him, eyes wide with shock. Maybe they saw Corviknight outside. Maybe it was his wild appearance. Either way, none of them moved.
"Out of the way!" He barked and sprinted toward the woman behind the desk. Only then did the two trainers standing near the counter scramble back, giving him space.
The woman at the central desk had thick brown hair tied into a big braid that hung across her chest. Dressed in a red and white uniform with an apron, she looked a little frightened herself.
"Pl-please... how can I help you?" she asked timidly.
Shiro placed Gareth down on the counter and said, "Critical injury. He needs treatment!"
The woman took a deep breath. She was stunned that the man lying before her was even still breathing. Then she turned and called out.
"Audino! Indeedee!"
In the blink of an eye, a hidden door, blending seamlessly into the red wall, swung open. A pink, chubby Audino ran over and hurriedly examined Gareth's condition, then waved at the Pokémon behind her.
Indeedee had two large dark horns on its head, capable of sensing emotions. It used psychic power to carefully lift the heavily injured man. Then, floating, it carried him into the emergency room behind the door.
For injuries this severe, at least two medical Pokémon would need to constantly use moves to keep the patient stable, while human medical staff carried out the appropriate treatment.
Watching Gareth finally sent into emergency care, Shiro breathed a sigh of relief.
**
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