The Unclaimed Antique

Gladion, Lillie, I have a favor to ask of you two.

Could you help me find this Magearna's Trainer?

Magearna...?

Isn't that a Mythical Pokémon that was constructed by humans over 500 years ago?

Yes, it is. Someone had it delivered to an antique shop in Alola...

But there must've been some sort of mix-up, as it's unclear who it was meant for and who sent it. The Aether Foundation is currently looking after it.

So...we need to find whoever this Magearna was meant for?

Exactly. Since so many people have gathered on Pasio from many different places...

I think we'll have a higher chance of finding a clue here that could lead us to that person.

OK. You can count on us.

Let's go, Lillie.

OK, Gladion!

Gladion and the others searched around town for Magearna's Trainer...

but they didn't find any leads...

I didn't think that it'd be easy...

but zero progress at all is pretty rough.

We can't give up, Gladion. Let's try somewhere else!

That Pokémon... It's Magearna, isn't it?!

Colress?!

Magearna, the mechanized Artificial Pokémon!

This is the first time I've ever seen the real thing! How fascinating!

Please, let me study it, for science!

Study it...?

Indeed! Some say Magearna understands human language!

If I research that ability, perhaps we humans could discover a way to talk to Pokémon!

Which would, in turn, allow us to draw out even more of the potential of Poké...

Get lost.

I won't let you lay a single finger on Magearna.

Oh, that's an awfully blunt response. May I ask why?

If you don't get why, I'm not gonna waste my breath explaining it.

If you really want Magearna, you'll have to take it from me by force.

Gladion! Stop!

Oh, I see, a Pokémon battle! Excellent!

Silvally is an artificially-created Pokémon, too, just like Magearna...

I'm also interested in seeing the strength of your bond with it!

You, !

Stop it, Gladion.

Mother!

Allow me to explain.

This Pokémon, Magearna, is under the temporary custody of the Aether Foundation.

Right now, we're searching for its true Trainer...

As such, we can't assist you with your research.

Oh, is that so? What a shame!

Well then, if you are unable to find its Trainer...

then please allow me to take custody of it!

Do excuse me, I'll be on my way now!

Thank you, Mother.

It's no trouble at all, dear. However...

... ... ...

Gladion...

It reminds you of what happened with Nebby and Silvally, doesn't it?

...Yeah.

Cosmog and Silvally were treated terribly when they were used for research at the Aether Foundation...

We can't let that happen again.

That's why Colress's attitude made me see red... He only sees Pokémon as research subjects.

... ... ...

I was there for Silvally, and Cosmog had Lillie.

But at this rate, Magearna's gonna be all on its own.

That's why I want to help deliver it...

to the Trainer who's supposed to be its true family.

Hmhm...

It's sad to be separated from family.

But sometimes circumstances make it unavoidable.

I'm sure you understand.

Furthermore, considering Magearna is such a rare Pokémon...

Some people might lie about being its rightful Trainer or try to take it by force...

If that happens, it's important to have someone who will stay by its side and protect it...

Entrusting an unclaimed Pokémon into a Trainer's care is something the foundation can arrange.

From what I can tell, Magearna seems to trust Gladion.

Maybe he could be Magearna's...

No.

I know how terrible it feels to be separated from family, which is why I know I can't replace that.

But...we can't just trust any old stranger with it, either...

Which is why Magearna should be reunited with its real family.

Let's go, Magearna.

Gladion...

He's being stubborn because he cares so deeply about Magearna, and what Colress said didn't help, either...

But...I'm sure Gladion and Magearna both want the same thing...

No leads today, either...

Don't worry, Magearna.

I'll definitely find your family.

Gladion!

Lillie. What's up?

I heard Lear's going to be holding a party at his manor soon.

Why don't we bring Magearna there?

What...?

I heard that a lot of people who are interested in antiques will be there.

Maybe one of them will know about Magearna!

Yeah...

On the day of the party...

Oh? And who is that elegant Pokémon?

It's Magearna. A mechanized Pokémon, if I'm not mistaken.

Oooooh, look at that!

It's absolutely gorgeous...

A moment of your time, if I may?

Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Gladion.

This is my younger sister, Lillie.

It's a pleasure to meet you.

Oh my. Such good manners.

The pleasure is all mine, Gladion, Lillie.

We heard that you're all familiar with antiques...

Do you happen to know anything about a Trainer who got separated from this Magearna?

Oh... It's not your Pokémon, Gladion?

No, I'm just taking care of it for now.

Is that so? I thought you were a sync pair.

I'm afraid none of us know of a Trainer who's searching for Magearna...

Do you have any other acquaintances who might know something?

I'm afraid we don't. I'm so sorry we couldn't be of more help...

That's OK. Thank you for your time.

Good day to you all.

Should've known it wouldn't be that easy...

Magearna...

Hmph. I should be cheering YOU up, really...

Everyone, are you ready?

Yes!

Ready when you are.

OK, I'll leave it to you.

Do you happen to know Magearna's Trainer...

EEEEEK!

What?!

Team Break?!

Nobody move!

You know what'll happen to this hostage if you do!

We have just one demand...

Hand over that Pokémon...Magearna!

(So, they're after Magearna...)

And make it snappy! If you don't...

*sigh* How inelegant...

Gladion!

Yeah, I know...

That's a good boy...

Now, Magearna!

Gwah! It's so bright!

I can't see!

This way!

Sorry, but I can't hand Magearna over to the likes of you.

But Magearna isn't your Pokémon, right?

Why are you fighting so hard for a Pokémon that isn't even yours?

Because...

I want to protect it, that's why!

... ... ...

Even if it's just temporary...

Until Magearna is able to reunite with its true family...

I'll support it as its family, and I'll protect it!

Especially from people like you who only want it because it's so rare!

I'll even protect it from the unbearable loneliness! And I...

What was that?!

Brilliant!

You formed a sync pair with Magearna! Magnificent, Gladion!

Wh-what? What are you saying?

I'm sorry, Gladion.

I wanted you to admit your true feelings, which is why I did this, to test you...

Hmph... So that's what this was about?

That's low, Mom. Putting on an act like that...

And that's what happened, so...

I can't give you Magearna.

Oh? What a shame.

But...

If you want to come around and say hi to it every once in a while, you're welcome to do so.

Understood! I'll hold you to that offer.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you and Magearna develop your bond!

Mother, I wonder...

Was it your plan all along to have Gladion take care of Magearna?

Who can say?