Chapter 38: Team Dawn
The police chief of Hammerlocke Police Department gazed at the two reports on his desk with a troubled expression.
One report detailed the identities of the elderly gentleman and the burly man, while the other explained the reason behind their fight on the train.
William, formerly known as Porter Kil, hailed from Postwick in Galar. He was sentenced by the League for engaging in antiquities forgery. After being released, he was arrested again in the Paldea region for the same crime. He is a fugitive, wanted for significant fraud activities in the Unova region.
Macaru, from Mistralton City in Unova, is a Pokémon hunter who has captured and sold rare Pokémon multiple times. He is a fugitive, last active two years ago, vanishing after evading police capture.
"What is the Macro Cosmos Railway even doing? We issued those warrants for a reason! They're more useless than a Slowpoke!" The chief angrily slammed his desk before sighing. The police had been utterly useless in this incident; one of their own had been napping during the crisis. If not for a strong trainer nearby, Macaru would have escaped.
"Has peace made us too complacent? Once this case is resolved, we need to reform our department."
He reached for the second report, which was the main cause of his worry.
"Damn it, Team Dawn is getting too bold!"
Team Dawn, a criminal organization that emerged after the fall of Team Rocket, only recruits elite members, so their numbers are small.
They don't have a traditional leader; instead, a council of their seven strongest members directs their criminal activities.
This intel came from an undercover Interpol agent. Interpol suspected there was a hidden true leader among them, as it seemed unlikely such ruthless criminals could coexist peacefully.
Currently, Interpol only identified one member of the seven: the elegant thief Lillie, primarily active in the Kalos region. Despite her grandiose heists and theatrical crimes earning her a fanbase, she was a formidable trainer specializing in Psychic and Fairy-type Pokémon, repeatedly evading capture.
This latest incident was caused by Team Dawn's elite recruitment process. According to Macaru's confession, Team Dawn issued invitations to all hidden criminals in Galar, promising membership to those who passed their test.
Macaru was shocked to receive an invitation, having thought he was well-hidden. Hearing the name Team Dawn, associated with the notorious thief Lillie, convinced him it was a worthy organization.
The test was simple: obtain a valuable item or a rare Pokémon, with the top three scorers gaining membership.
Unfamiliar with Galar's scene, Macaru knew William, a fellow fugitive in Galar, was knowledgeable about valuable items. So, he decided to track William, intending to steal from him.
But William had no interest in joining Team Dawn, knowing his weak training skills would get him nowhere in a group of monsters. He was heading to Postwick to sell fake antiquities, but Macaru, misinterpreting his actions, confronted him on the train, leading to their fight.
William nearly fainted when he heard Macaru's confession. To spite the reckless fool, he divulged many of Macaru's hidden crimes to the police. With one foot already in the grave, he wouldn't let Macaru off easy.
The police chief's phone rang. He picked up the receiver, hearing a young officer's voice:
"Chief, we found no trace of Team Dawn at the target location, nor any valuable evidence."
The chief gritted his teeth in anger. "Any witnesses? Does the landlord know what the tenants looked like?"
"No witnesses... and the landlord is missing," the officer said awkwardly.
"Then find the landlord! Report any progress immediately! That's all!"
The chief slammed the receiver down, his hand lingering on the phone before sliding off. Team Dawn, I'll bring you to justice someday.
At the police station, Summer and the three members of Team Yell completed their witness statements.
"Mr. Summer, Mr. Aya, Mr. Tim, and Miss Nayo, thank you for your time. Your testimonies are crucial to this case," a middle-aged officer thanked them.
"It's nothing. We just did our part. But can I ask you a question?" Summer inquired politely.
"Go ahead," the officer nodded.
"Why were they fighting on the train?"
"Ah, well," the officer hesitated, then decided the strong trainer could handle the truth. "Because of Team Dawn, an international criminal organization. It's best if you don't delve into it. They're dangerous."
"Team Dawn," Summer repeated, unfamiliar with the name. Were they a new enemy?
"Anyway, catching them is our responsibility. Leave it to us," the officer assured, then handed over a thick envelope with a badge on top.
"Mr. Summer, this is a Bravery Badge, and there's also a reward of 100,000 League Points for your bravery."
Summer accepted the envelope, examining the badge's design—a combination of a sword and shield, symbols of Galar's honor.
"Additionally, Macro Cosmos Railway's compensation will be transferred to your accounts within seven working days. Just letting you know in advance."
The middle-aged officer escorted them to the station's exit, watching them leave with a sigh.
"If only the world were full of good people... but then I'd be out of a job. Still, I'd be willing to be unemployed for that," he mused, shaking his head and returning to his duties. That's impossible, so I'll just keep working hard to catch as many criminals as I can.
In a book-scented room with classical decor, an elderly man read by the fireplace. A high-tech device incongruous with its surroundings suddenly activated.
The old man looked over, seeing three holographic figures appear in sequence.
"Hmm, is it just the four of us for this meeting?" the elderly man asked without looking up.
"Yes, Professor," a young man replied coldly.
"No big issues, let's wrap it up quickly. I have money to make," said a man adorned with metallic accessories.
"Vulgar," a girl in formal attire said with disdain.
"Ha, and how are you any different, Thief Lillie?"
"Enough," the professor closed his book. "There's only one issue: the Galar recruitment plan had a mishap. An idiot got on the list, causing us to lose a safe house. Thankfully, no police discovered it."
"Just that? No problem. We have plenty of safe houses in Galar."
"However, a strong trainer intervened, using a Milotic to one-shot Macaru's Electrive. Should we invite him to join us?"
A reverse-type knockout was rare, and Macaru was no weakling. This intrigued the professor.
"If he stopped Macaru, he's not on our side. No need to waste time. I vote no," the young man said coldly.
"Then I vote no too," Lillie followed.
"Hey, no," the man with accessories agreed nonchalantly, eager to end the meeting.
"Understood. Let's adjourn."
With the professor's words, the device shut down, and the other holograms vanished. The professor reopened his book, titled *The Twin Heroes*.
(End of Chapter)