Under Cole's direction, the Ghost-type Pokémon rounded up all the "New Life" Organization members on the island and restrained them.
Having no other League contacts, Cole reached out to Ramos.
Ramos then contacted Bryan, a member of the Elite Four.
Though semi-retired, Bryan recognized the gravity of the situation and needed to investigate. He reached out to a nearby League member — a detective specializing in criminal cases.
Once Ramos informed Cole that Bryan had dispatched someone, Cole waited patiently at the supply station.
Meanwhile, the Ghost-type Pokémon withdrew to their ghost ship.
Cole went to inspect their vessel at the shore. The ship was massive, its age indeterminate, but clearly an antique. Recently battered by a tornado, it now stood in complete disrepair. Cole doubted it could even stay afloat.
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The League's response was swift. A day after Cole's arrival on the island, an aircraft touched down.
A large man with snow-white hair and a full beard leaped from the aircraft — his movements surprisingly nimble despite his imposing build.
Cole's eyes widened in recognition: Could this be Wulfric, the Snowbelle Gym Leader?
Though Wulfric's appearance differed slightly from Cole's mental image, the resemblance was unmistakable.
He arrived with over ten League members in combat uniforms — his team of subordinates.
Spotting Cole from a distance, Wulfric strode over, clapped him on the shoulder with his bear-like hand, and let out a hearty laugh.
"Well now, are you the Cole that Bryan mentioned? Well now, you really are a promising young man!"
"Well now" was his signature phrase. Through their conversation, Cole discovered that Wulfric served not only as the Snowbelle Gym Leader but also as a League detective. During his missions, his son would step in as the temporary Gym Leader.
Being on a nearby mission, Bryan had asked him to investigate.
"Well now, where are these people? Can you show me?" Wulfric asked after their initial conversation.
"Of course, please follow me, Mr. Wulfric."
Cole led him and his detectives to the supply station, where the "New Life" Organization members lay scattered on the ground.
"These people again! Well now, what a nuisance!" Wulfric exclaimed with disgust.
Cole asked curiously, "Have you encountered the New Life Organization before, Mr. Wulfric?"
"Well now, this organization has only recently emerged." Wulfric nodded, "Well now, you're from Coumarine, right? After the incident there, the League began investigating. Well now, that's when we discovered the incident was orchestrated by an organization called New Life."
Cole thought: Just as expected!
When he had seen those Pokémon in cages at the Weather Research Institute, their condition matched exactly that of the Coalossal and Steelix that had caused chaos in Coumarine. Now the connection was clear.
"Well now, after thorough investigation, the League discovered many of their bases across different locations. These bases were keeping large numbers of Pokémon, not only injecting them with drugs but also forcing them to fight and devour each other..."
The topic was so dark that Wulfric didn't continue. After all, Cole was still just a young boy in his eyes, and he didn't want to frighten him.
Though this was Cole's first encounter with the dark side of the Pokémon world, he wasn't surprised. Darkness exists everywhere.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Leave these people to me. Well now, don't worry, they'll receive their due punishment!" Wulfric changed the subject with a laugh, concerned about the psychological impact on young Cole, "Well now, didn't you say there were some Pokémon too? Where are they? Let's take them with us."
"Alright, please follow me."
Cole led Wulfric to the warehouse where the cages containing the abnormal Pokémon were kept. The Ghost-type Pokémon had moved these Pokémon there as well.
After watching these Pokémon being loaded onto the aircraft, Cole took Wulfric and his team to examine the research facility, helping them retrieve all the documents there.
After completing all this, Wulfric said to him, "Well now, I heard these people were caught by a group of Ghost-type Pokémon. Could I meet them?"
Cole didn't immediately agree to his request, first seeking Mismagius's opinion.
Initially, Mismagius was reluctant to meet Wulfric, but Cole suggested the meeting might reveal a way to help little Misdreavus recover!
At this thought, Mismagius reluctantly agreed.
When Wulfric met Mismagius and the other Ghost-type Pokémon, he solemnly expressed his gratitude. His sincerity made some of the Ghost-type Pokémon feel embarrassed — they hadn't captured these criminals for humanity's sake but rather to vent their own frustrations.
Cole helped Mismagius ask if there was any way to help little Misdreavus return to normal.
Wulfric shook his head and said, "Well now, I'm sorry, the League's research institute is doing their best, but there's no progress yet."
Both Cole and Mismagius were devastated by this news. With little Misdreavus back in its frenzied state and Chikorita temporarily unable to grow new leaves, Mismagius had no choice but to keep it confined.
Wulfric offered to take little Misdreavus with him, promising immediate treatment once the League developed an effective cure.
Mismagius flatly refused, still wary of humans and unwilling to trust strangers.
Though disappointed by the decision, Wulfric gathered his subordinates to help repair the Ghost-type Pokémon's ghost ship using materials from the supply station.
Surprisingly, Wulfric's subordinates proved remarkably talented — not only could they fight crime, but they could also repair ships with considerable skill.
After the repairs, the ghost ship was completely transformed. Its dark and frightening atmosphere had vanished, replaced by a simple, modest character.
This transformation dismayed Mismagius — they were supposed to be a ghost ship, making their living through scary legends. How could it maintain its dignity as captain with such an ordinary appearance!
Unfortunately, there was no alternative. The original ghost ship was too badly damaged and would likely crumble as soon as it touched water. While this new appearance didn't befit a ghost ship, at least it would stay afloat.
Mismagius had no choice but to accept it grudgingly.
Before leaving, Wulfric informed Cole that the League would soon send people to take over the island and search for the victims' remains. However, since the bodies had been thrown into the sea after the killings, he doubted they would ever be found.
With everything resolved, it was time for Cole and his group to continue their journey. Mismagius and the others had departed on the ghost ship without bidding farewell.
Though disappointed, Cole reasoned it was understandable — their relationship with Mismagius hadn't been particularly close.
Cole retrieved his pre-selected small boat from the supply station (which he had already paid for) and had Daisy use Psychic Power to move it to the shore. He then released Gyarados and secured the boat to it with a rope.
Once everything was prepared, Cole said, "Gyarados, it's all up to you now!"
"ROAR!!!"
Gyarados let out a skyward roar and began pulling the boat into the sea.
"Cha~ Cha~ Cha~" — Wait for me, wait for me!
They had barely left the shore when Chatot came flying toward them in a hurry, a small bundle on its back, landing breathlessly on the boat's edge.
As it steadied itself, the bundle came loose, spilling berries everywhere — some tumbling directly into the sea, much to Chatot's dismay.
How tragic! These were the very berries Cole had given as payment earlier.
Cole asked, puzzled, "Why are you here?"
"Cha~ Cha…" — Um... um, sister doesn't want to struggle anymore, could you take me in, brother?
Chatot asked shyly.
Cole nearly spat out his drink — you're asking to be kept! Lucky you're a female bird, if you were male, what would that make me!
"Are you sure you want to come with me?" Cole asked.
"Cha~ Cha~ Cha~" — Mm-hmm, that place is just a sad memory for me now.
Chatot answered sorrowfully.
"Alright then, if that's the case, you can come along." Cole said after a moment's consideration.
Chatot became overjoyed upon hearing this and shouted:
"Cha~ Cha~ Cha~" — Yeah! You won't regret taking me in! I can sing really well — I promise you'll like it!
Cole said in surprise, "You can sing too?"
This question stumped Chatot. Who else besides me can sing around here? Oh no! I just got here and there's no spot for me — how am I supposed to make it!
Just then, a red flash appeared at Cole's waist, and Brionne materialized on the boat, declaring proudly:
"Bri~ Bri~" — I'm the number one diva by Cole's side!
Chatot wasn't having it.
"Cha~ Cha~ Cha~" — Let's have a contest if you dare! I don't believe anyone can sing better than me!
"Bri~ Bri~" — Bring it on! I'm not afraid!
Seeing their spirited exchange, Cole found it amusing and cheerfully volunteered to judge their singing competition.
And so, in this leisurely atmosphere, the small boat drifted gently into the deep sea.
The competition's outcome was inevitable — Brionne emerged victorious. While Chatot could only imitate others, Brionne had developed its own unique style.
Having lost, the bird grew dejected, remembering how its previous trainer had loved its singing most of all, even calling its voice the most beautiful sound in the world.
Cole then said, "Hey, you two plus Kricketune could form a band — Kricketune on accompaniment, Brionne as lead vocalist, and Chatot as backup singer!"
Hearing his suggestion, Brionne's eyes lit up — it absolutely loved this idea! As expected of its trainer, coming up with such a brilliant idea!
Brionne immediately looked at him with starry eyes.
"Bri~ Bri~" — Quick, quick, call out Kricketune.
It urged.
Hearing this, Cole smiled and released Kricketune.
Brionne immediately pounced over, hugging it and saying, "Kricketune, how about we form a band? I'll be the lead singer, and you'll accompany me!"
Kricketune was also very interested in this proposal and immediately nodded in agreement.
Chatot stood to the side looking dumbfounded — you've all agreed? What about my opinion? I haven't agreed yet! Doesn't my opinion matter?
Brionne was ready to start singing, and seeing the bird standing still, asked puzzled, "What are you standing there for? Come over here!"
Chatot: (╬ －_－) Fine, I'll go, but once my skills improve, that lead singer position will be mine!
The three Pokémon huddled together for a while, seemingly discussing how to coordinate with each other. Soon, the band's first collaboration began.
First came Kricketune's introduction, gentle violin sounds floating over the sea, making one feel like a fish swimming freely through the waters.
Then came Brionne's voice as lead vocalist, choosing an ethereal and soothing song that perfectly matched the introduction.
As the melody filled the air, Cole and Daisy felt their hearts ease, all traces of restlessness melting away.
After Brionne's solo section, Chatot joined in. Though lacking its own style, it skillfully mimicked various tones to create a perfect harmony.
Watching Brionne sing with such passion, Chatot had to acknowledge that this level of skill was currently beyond its reach.
When the song ended, Cole and Daisy sat in stunned silence, savoring the lingering magic of the performance before bursting into enthusiastic applause.
"Bri~ Bri~" — Thank you for your support!
Brionne took a graceful bow at the front of the rubber boat, every bit the professional performer.
Kricketune was elated, having never performed so flawlessly before. Brionne had become its true muse, an endless source of inspiration!
It silently pledged to become Brionne's dedicated accompanist from that moment on.
Cole clapped and announced with joy, "I hereby declare the Brionne Band officially formed as of today!"
Everyone joined in the applause — even Chatot, who, despite its disappointment at not being lead singer, was happy to be part of the band.
Cole, despite his limited musical knowledge, offered his critique with authority: "Hmm, the performance was very good, though the accompaniment could use more complexity. We might add more members in the future."
To his surprise, both Brionne and Kricketune nodded in eager agreement.
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