Pokemon: The Legendary Trainer

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Golbat proved itself to be one of the most outstanding natural radars of the night. After meticulously analyzing the feedback from its ultrasonic waves, it finally found a lead.

Following Golbat, Sato and his team delved deeper into the forest. As they ventured further, the glowing green eyes surrounding them grew more numerous. Aggressive Poochyena and Mightyena occasionally leapt from the underbrush to test their resolve.

Now was not the time for mercy. Each time one of these Dark-types lunged at them, Sato ordered Swampert to swiftly dispatch them with overwhelming power. This show of strength deterred the rest of the lurking pack, reasserting their wariness.

Eventually, Golbat led Sato to a grim discovery within the forest—a group of mangled corpses. Judging by the tattered uniforms on the bodies, these were members of the White River Village's defense squad.

The bodies were stiff, indicating they'd been dead for quite some time. Yet, the whereabouts of the other defense squad members remained unknown, and Golbat couldn't uncover any further clues.

In addition to the corpses, Sato and his team found evidence of a fierce battle nearby. The scope of the battlefield suggested that the squad had engaged in a heated conflict with their enemies. However, with no remains of the attackers and the squad's prolonged absence, it was clear the defense team had been defeated, with most members likely captured.

Faced with this tragedy, only Sato and Hanks maintained their composure. Luke and Maya turned pale, with Maya even succumbing to nausea.

Unperturbed by Maya's condition, Sato focused on searching the scene for overlooked clues. The attackers had been careful, leaving little behind to trace their identity. 

Finally, Sato spotted a red scrap of cloth snagged on a tree branch and, hidden behind a large rock, a black, horn-like object partially concealed by leaves. If not for Golbat's alert, he might have missed it.

"This… yes, no doubt about it. This is one of the decorative pieces from a Team Magma cap," Sato said, examining the object. After some tinkering, he found a hidden button on the item. Pressing it triggered a crimson flame to flicker at its tip.

"This confirms it—the defense squad was attacked by Team Magma," Sato concluded, his expression darkening.

Team Magma, one of Hoenn's two major criminal organizations, was infamous. While not as powerful as Team Rocket in Kanto, it was still a force to be reckoned with.

With this revelation, Sato knew the matter had escalated beyond what a skilled elite trainer like himself could handle.

"Captain, is that really from Team Magma? Does this mean the defense squad fell to them?" Luke, a Hoenn native, recognized the peculiar lighter and turned pale.

"Yes," Sato admitted. "It's very likely the defense squad was attacked by Team Magma. We're leaving. This is far beyond our capabilities."

Hanks, Maya, and Luke all heaved sighs of relief at Sato's decision. They had grown to respect their captain's sense of duty and feared he might recklessly pursue the attackers.

Throughout Hoenn's history, groups like Team Magma had sought control of Legendary Pokémon to dominate the world. Team Magma was formed by remnants of a previously dismantled criminal organization and had a dangerous goal: awakening Groudon.

While Team Magma often clashed with its counterpart, Team Aqua, their recent activity had been a persistent thorn in the Hoenn League's side.

For Sato and his team, going up against such a powerful group would be suicidal.

With some items retrieved from the deceased to prove their identities, Sato's team prepared to head back. Just as they were about to leave, a chilling howl froze them in place.

Green eyes glimmered in the shadows as Poochyena and Mightyena emerged, encircling them. The cunning Dark-types had outmaneuvered them, tightening the noose while the team had been preoccupied.

"Follow Golbat's flight path and break through!" Sato barked. "Hanks, stay with me and charge ahead! Maya, guard your Illumise! Luke, stick to the plan—our escape depends on you!"

With the pack closing in under their leader's command, Sato led the charge with Swampert.

At his signal, Growlithe, Bellossom, and Golbat unleashed powerful ranged attacks. Flamethrower, Energy Ball, and Air Cutter tore into one side of the encirclement, creating a gap.

Seizing the opening, Swampert, Machamp, and Hitmonchan surged forward. Swampert's Ice Punch sent Poochyena and Mightyena flying, leaving them with broken bones. Its fierce aura cowed even the boldest wolves.

Machamp and Hitmonchan followed suit, taking advantage of their Fighting-type moves to subdue the remaining Dark-types.

A piercing howl rang out as the wolf leader ordered an all-out assault. Shadow Balls rained down on the team, but Luke sprang into action.

He released three Tauros, who shielded the group with their robust bodies. The Tauros then charged forward, clearing a path and allowing Sato's team to mount them.

Riding the Tauros, they dashed through the opening Swampert had created. As they fled, Sato recalled his Pokémon, a tactical advantage offered by PokéBalls.

The team sprayed Repels behind them, deterring the pursuing pack.

Guided by Golbat and the Illumise, the Tauros pulled ahead, leaving the Dark-types behind.

Finally, they broke free of the forest and escaped the wolves' territory.