Above Ice Island.
Inside a massive airship hidden within the clouds.
Inside a birdcage-like prison, a Pokémon with beautiful blue feathers struggled with all its might.
As it struggled, its long, streamer-like tail kept fluttering under the stimulation of a special electric field, leaving its entire body looking weak and powerless.
"Give up."
Jirouta watched the struggling Articuno inside the spherical cage, his eyes gleaming as the corner of his mouth curved upward.
"Articuno, no matter how you struggle, it's useless."
"But don't worry. Someone will be coming to keep you company soon."
Jirouta looked at his collection, feeling immensely pleased.
So what if it was the Ice God? Before the technological weapons he had built with enormous sums of money, it could still only end up as a collectible.
Jirouta could hardly wait to invite society's elite to admire his new acquisition.
Wasn't this far more interesting than watching those performative Heavenly King Cups and championship title defenses?
"But it's not enough. The final target is Lugia!"
Jirouta unconsciously spread his arms and narrowed his eyes as he imagined it.
Just then, a feminine-sounding AI voice came from the airship's control console.
"Mr. Jirouta, energy fluctuations have appeared on Fire Island and Thunder Island. Moltres and Zapdos should have appeared."
"Excellent. Then let's welcome the next collectible. Moltres can keep Articuno company next."
Jirouta opened his eyes and returned to his seat.
However, just as his words fell, the airship's AI detection system spoke again. "Mr. Jirouta, someone has been detected approaching the airship. Shall they be expelled..."
"Lock-On complete. Coordinates 361, 571. Coordinates updating... Target approaching..."
Thud... thud... thud!
Before the AI could react, Jirouta heard a series of knocks.
He abruptly turned around and saw Silly Dragonite flying outside the transparent blastproof glass overlooking the airship's hall.