December 3, Undella Town.
Caitlin's seaside Manor was especially lively that day.
Cars could be seen coming and going, while flying Pokémon carrying Trainers landed in the courtyard.
But the bustle stopped at the courtyard.
In stark contrast to the bright sunshine outside, the air in the Manor's main sitting room was almost stagnant.
Heavy velvet curtains were half drawn, dimming the light and making the atmosphere all the more oppressive.
Gathered on the sofas were top Trainers who represented almost half the Unova Region's strength-
Clay, Drayden, Grimsley, Elesa.
These renowned Elite Four members and Gym Leaders sat together, maintaining a tacit silence.
At the head sat the Manor's owner, Caitlin, who had also become the Unova League's interim spokesperson by unspoken agreement.
"Has no one managed to contact Champion Alder yet?"
Caitlin raised a hand and gently massaged her temple with her fingertips, a trace of weariness in her voice.
At that moment, the Psychic Elite Four member would rather have faced ten Moltres than dealt with the headache of coordinating everything without a leader.
Marshal, whose imposing build required an entire armchair to himself, crossed his arms over his chest and answered in a low rumble.
"Master gave me some pointers on Twist Mountain over six months ago. That was the last time I saw him."
There was helplessness in his voice. "You know how he is. His whereabouts have always been a mystery."
Skyla, squeezed onto a seat beside her best friend Elesa, waved a hand with a grin.
"Never mind him. We've got Teacher Xia Chi, and that's enough~ Right, Teacher Xia Chi?"
As she spoke, she winked toward one side of the sitting room.
Her joke eased some of the tension brought on by the looming battle.
Everyone's eyes naturally turned to Xia Chi,