Aoki and his companions secured temporary lodging within the League compound. The sudden, coordinated uprising by Team Magma and Team Aqua was clearly the result of meticulous timing and planning.
With the departure of the Elite Four member, Matsuda, for an extended stay in the Kanto region, the Hoenn League was now faced with the uncertainty of finding a suitable replacement for his prestigious position. It was not that trainers of that caliber were absent, but rather that some individuals, such as Norman of Petalburg City, were simply unwilling to be bound by the obligations of an Elite Four role. Matsuda's absence had undoubtedly created a significant ripple effect within the League's power structure.
Upon entering his assigned room, Aoki activated a hidden mechanism on the wall, opening a portal to a separate dimensional space where his Pokemon resided. Understanding that this mission would inevitably involve combat, he was determined to ensure his team was adjusted to peak condition.
While Aoki always maintained a high standard of care and training for his Pokemon, this situation felt distinctly different. The potential for large-scale team battles necessitated a refresher on some fundamental combination tactics and strategies.
Despite the looming danger, Aoki felt a degree of confidence in the operation's safety. The presence of his Kommo-o remained his ultimate trump card, a final safeguard against the worst-case scenarios. After concluding a focused training session within the extra space, he emerged with a communicator in hand.
He hesitated for a brief moment, then dialed the number for Professor Cozmo. The call rang out, unanswered. He had braced himself for this likelihood, yet the silence still added a tangible weight to the already heavy atmosphere.
The fact that Team Magma and Team Aqua were acting so brazenly indicated they possessed highly reliable intelligence. The only piece of information compelling enough to warrant such a bold move would be something related to the legendary Groudon and Kyogre. This journey to Meteor Falls promised to be every bit as perilous as his previous expedition to the realm of Celebi.
Aoki quickly sent several messages to Rose and the other members of his Sky Hunters organization. His instructions were clear: until he provided them with accurate, verified information, the Sky Hunters were to maintain total radio silence and remain in hiding.
He knew that alongside dealing with the primary threats of Magma and Aqua, the League would also be casting a wide net, paying special attention to any secondary organizations that might try to capitalize on the chaos. For the Sky Hunters to reveal themselves now would be a fatal miscalculation. It was a grave mistake to assume the League was without substantial, hidden strength.
...
Early the following morning, Aoki and his three companions assembled punctually at the League's private airstrip. They were joined for the journey by the Dragon-type Elite Four member, Drake.
Aoki understood the dual purpose of Drake's accompaniment: part escort for their group, and part a necessary show of force, as the relatively low public profiles of the Elite Four members, Sidney and Glacia, might not serve as a sufficient deterrent on their own.
While Sidney and Glacia were undoubtedly powerful, their roles often involved assisting Adams with internal League affairs, leaving their true combat capabilities a mystery to most. Drake, in contrast, had earned his fearsome reputation through countless public and hard-fought battles.
The group boarded a specialized, high-speed flight and soared into the sky. Back at the League headquarters, Adams stood at his office window, watching their aircraft disappear into the distance. "It seems my prolonged absence from the battlefield has led some to question my capabilities," he murmured, a fierce, determined aura suddenly radiating from him. He retrieved a specialized communicator and spoke a single, terse command into it: "Gather everyone. It's time to begin."
...
Aoki and the others, aboard the special flight, arrived in Rustboro City before sunset. This city was under the purview of Steven. From there, members of the Stone family facilitated their travel, expediting their journey from Rustboro City to the outskirts of Meteor Falls. They successfully reached the League's established camp outside the Falls just before nightfall.
Together with Drake, they met with the two other Elite Four members, Sidney and Glacia, and were also introduced to several other powerful League Trainers who had been assembled for the operation. Among them was Norman, the Gym Leader of Petalburg City, whom Aoki had long wanted to meet. After a brief round of greetings, Drake formally took command of the situation.
"Sidney, Glacia, what is the current status?" Drake asked, taking the seat at the head of the table while Aoki and his companions found seats at the opposite end.
Sidney, the Dark-type specialist, and Glacia, the Ice-type specialist, were the most prominent talents of the generation immediately preceding Aoki's. Their strength was beyond doubt, though they perhaps lacked some of the extensive field experience possessed by Drake. They were certainly stronger than the newly promoted Champion, Lance.
"Team Magma and Team Aqua launched a coordinated assault on the League's temporary base here at Meteor Falls," Sidney reported. "Following the attack, both teams entered the Falls in succession. We've successfully evacuated all the Trainers who were originally training within. Only a small number of individuals who were deep in the interior remain unaccounted for. The majority have been safely dismissed from the area."
"We have not yet been able to ascertain whether the two forces have made contact with each other inside," Glacia added. "Crucially, we still do not know their precise objective for entering Meteor Falls."
After listening to their reports, Drake gave a solemn nod. "Our priority is to determine what Team Magma and Team Aqua are after, and we need this intelligence as soon as possible. Although it seems unlikely, we must also investigate whether Maxie and Archie intend to form an alliance. If Team Magma and Team Aqua were to join forces, the entire situation would change dramatically."
A grave silence fell over the room at his words. Everyone understood the implications. While the two teams were significant threats individually, their impact on the League was manageable. A formal alliance between them, however, would represent a catastrophic shift in the balance of power.
Many on the outside failed to understand why the League hadn't simply eradicated Team Magma and Team Aqua long ago, viewing the current passive stance as a weakness. They saw only the surface, blind to the intricate and delicate political landscape beneath. Though the two teams were ideologically opposed, their leaders were far from foolish; they understood the principle that "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold." An attack on one would inevitably provoke a reaction from the other.
The League had never been confident it could eliminate both simultaneously without suffering devastating losses. Thus, the current stalemate had been allowed to form. Now, with both teams moving simultaneously, it presented not only a crisis but also a potential opportunity for the League to finally resolve both problems at once.
"Therefore, we need to send a scout inside to investigate the situation firsthand," Drake declared, his eyes scanning the room as he searched for a suitable candidate. If it were possible, he would have gone himself, but his presence was too conspicuous, and Steven had explicitly placed him in command. His gaze lingered on Norman. The Petalburg Gym Leader's strength was on par with Sidney and Glacia's, and he was a less recognizable figure, which would afford him a greater degree of stealth.
Just as Drake was about to speak, Aoki's voice broke the silence. "Elite Four Drake, allow me to go."
All eyes turned to Aoki. Drake's brow furrowed slightly.
Before any objection could be raised, Aoki presented his case. "I have spent a considerable amount of time training within Meteor Falls and am quite familiar with its environment and specific layout. I have also had prior encounters with both Team Magma and Team Aqua and understand their operational styles.
Furthermore, I possess psychic abilities which will allow me to better protect myself and remain undetected. These same psychic powers are exceptionally well-suited for exploring unknown and potentially hostile territories." To emphasize his point, Aoki demonstrated his Telekinesis, causing a nearby object to glow with a soft blue light and float steadily in the air.