Pokemon: Resurgence Chapter 92

Hi all, 

Here’s the second chapter. Two Mage’s Path chapters are next. 

Chapter 92

The fire crackled cheerfully between them at the campsite. Lucas poked the flames with a stick, filling content after roasting some s'mores over the fire. His eyelids were heavy after a long day of exploring, yet the island’s possibilities had his mind buzzing

He had bought tent kits for the trip, which created a repellent field that kept wild Pokemon away. They were an improved version of the ones he had used before, able to deter Pokemon up to level seventy. The only downside was that they didn’t affect owned Pokemon, so attacks from other trainers were still possible. But it prevented issues with Maggie’s team, as she would have found it strange if they couldn’t approach the campsite. 

She had introduced him to her team earlier. They were a mix of fighting and water types: Poliwrath, Machamp, Mantine, Heracross, Kingdra, and Lanturn.. They kept her safe whenever she was out at sea. She said that having Pokemon that could fight in and out of the water was a must.

Butch didn't own any Pokemon. The man had told Lucas he was too selfish to handle the responsibility. He was a city boy and avoided going into dangerous areas unless it was absolutely necessary. Because his boss wanted to buy an island, he believed it was important to visit it in person.

The day's exploration had been productive. After catching that glimpse of Latios, Lucas had spent hours combing the island's interior to discover all of its secrets. He’d hoped for another glimpse of the legendary Pokemon, but it had vanished completely. It had to be aware of his presence, but unlike the others he had met, it didn’t seem too interested in him. He couldn't hide the presence of Arceus' touch on him, and the legendary Pokemon could sense it if they came close enough.

The island's beauty had struck him repeatedly. It seemed like the perfect location to build an island resort. It possessed everything needed to support a thriving community—fresh water, fertile soil and an abundance of natural resources.

He couldn’t understand why the Hoenn government hadn’t developed the island. Distance from the mainland couldn't be the only factor. What other reasons could there be? Did they know about the two legendary Pokemon residing here? They hadn’t discovered any mention of it when they researched the island, but the government could be keeping it a secret. 

“Trouble is approaching,” Max’s urgent voice came through their bond. 

Max stood on the edge of the camp with the rest of his team. All of them looked up, revealing where the trouble was coming from. Maggie stood up, clearly having received the same message from her Pokemon.

Lucas activated his aura sight and peered up into the evening sky. Shadows dropped from the sky like falling stones. Lucas rolled sideways as a Crobat's wing sliced through the air where his head had been. The campfire exploded in a shower of sparks and embers as a Swellow’s tail sent the burning logs scattering.

"Ambush!" Maggie shouted.

Several people dressed in dark clothing descended on their flying Pokemon, their coordinated assault targeting the exposed campsite. 

“Gather around me,” Lucas ordered. 

Maggie and Butch hurried to his side. He threw up a barrier around them and part of the campsite. The translucent dome sparked with electricity, a new ability he had been developing for weeks. Thanks to the lightning properties his aura had gained, he could develop his skills in new and interesting ways. 

The first attacker reached the barrier and tried to break through. He screamed and fell backwards, his body shaking from the electric shock. Lucas didn’t have to worry about the man, as he would be out of commission for the rest of the fight. 

Icarus launched skyward whilst Max charged into the fray below. The massive Electivire's bulk cleared a path through the smaller enemy Pokemon, his punches sending the attackers scattering. Saphira banked hard to the left, her orange bulk colliding with a Salamence mid-flight. The collision sent both dragons spiralling, but Saphira was the first to regain control and slammed her opponent into the ground.

Maggie's team worked like a unit that had fought together for years. They surrounded isolated enemies, overwhelming them with coordinated strikes before moving to the next target. When they faced larger groups, they adapted immediately. Poliwrath and Machamp formed a defensive wall whilst the rest sniped them from range.

Nero emerged from the shadows behind one of the trainers, his powerful jaws clamping down on the man's leg. The man screamed and fell, his Crobat diving to assist its trainer. Max intercepted the bat Pokemon with a devastating Fire Punch that sent it crashing to the ground.

Ashe weaved between the combatants, her nine tails streaming behind her like banners of flame. The Ninetales targeted enemy trainers directly, breathing superheated fire that forced several to scramble for cover. Her flames turned the air itself into a weapon, creating walls of heat that cut off their escape routes. 

Raphael stayed in one place, his cannons firing pressurised water blasts into the enemy ranks. Each shot struck with bone-jarring force, sending opponents flying.

The battle intensified as more reinforcements arrived. Lucas still hadn’t identified his attackers until he spotted a familiar figure descending from the sky, riding a Gyarados. Lysandre’s orange hair whipped in the wind, matching the fiery energy radiating from him.

"There you are," Lysandre called out. "I've been waiting for this moment a long time."

Lucas maintained his barrier whilst directing Dante to remain close. The Gardevoir’s teleportation might be their only escape route if things went badly. 

"So you took the opportunity when I was away from my safety net,” Lucas said. “It must have been a nice surprise when you found out I was visiting the island."

"Indeed." Lysandre jumped down from Gyarados’ back and landed on the ground. Flames licked his arms as he released his aura, preparing to strike. "I don't know why you're interested in this isolated island, but it doesn't matter. You'll be dead soon enough."

"Who is this tosser?" Maggie asked. "He's got a right fiery temper."

"Is this really the time for jokes?" Lucas replied.

"I want to point out that I have absolutely nothing to do with Lucas,” Butch said. “You can sort your issues amongst yourselves whilst I go explore the island."

"Useless git," Maggie snarled.

"None of you is leaving here alive," Lysandre declared.

Lysandre's aura blazed brighter. Fire erupted from his palms, striking Lucas's barrier with devastating force. The flames wrapped around the dome, seeking weak points. Lucas gritted his teeth, pouring more energy into the barrier as cracks began to appear across its surface.

"Your barrier won't hold forever," Lysandre said, unleashing another torrent of fire. The flames intensified, turning white-hot as they battered the weakening shield.

Lucas felt sweat drip down his forehead. The barrier flickered, its translucent surface spider-webbing with fractures. Lysandre pressed his attack, flames roaring as they struck the same spot repeatedly. 

The barrier shattered. Lucas stumbled backwards, momentarily drained from maintaining the shield under such intense assault.

“Looks like it’s my win,” Lysandre said, stalking forward. “I still owe you for causing me so much trouble. Not to mention what you did to Malva.”

Lucas raised his hands. “Malva? I have no idea what happened to her.”

“Don’t lie,” Lysandre threw a stream of fire at Lucas, forcing him to dodge. “I know you killed her. But now I can finally avenge her.”

"Sorry, but I have significant plans that don't include dying prematurely," Lucas replied. "I understand it's an inconvenience, coming all this way for nothing, but would you mind leaving now? Looks like both sides are at a stalemate."

The wider battle had slowed down, as most Pokemon were either unconscious or too injured to continue. Lucas and Maggie’s teams had managed to defend against a superior force, but it looked like they had taken some hits in the process. 

Lysandre's pokéballs opened in sequence. Mienshao, Murkrow and Pyroar joined Gyarados, surrounding their trainer and staring at them with hostility. Even his Pokemon had bad tempers.

"I believe I have the advantage," Lysandre said.

Lucas patted Dante's head. "No, I still have some cards up my sleeve. Deuce."

"What?"

Lucas felt something was wrong the moment he looked at Dante. The Gardevoir was trembling, its usually calm demeanour replaced by obvious terror. The same reaction he'd witnessed before, when they'd encountered Lysandre in his lab.

"Dante, do you recognise this man?"

Dante nodded. 

"Lysandre, what did you do to him?"

"I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about," Lysandre replied. "Do you even realise the situation you're in right now?"

Lucas stared past Lysandre's shoulder. Raijin had appeared, his form crackling with electrical energy. His presence on the battlefield would shift the balance dramatically.

"Look alive," Lucas called out. "There's a storm arriving with a hundred per cent chance of rain and lightning."

Several of Lysandre's Pokemon turned to confront the approaching threat. Raijin's response was immediate and devastating. The new move he'd gained from absorbing the Blue Orb erupted from his core—Hydro Thunder, a combination of water and electricity that synergised both elements into a single, overwhelming attack.

The technique struck like a natural disaster. Water and lightning merged into a torrent of destruction that sent Lysandre's Pokemon tumbling across the battlefield. Mienshao's acrobatic dodge saved it from the worst of the impact; the rest of Lysandre’s Pokemon weren’t so fortunate. 

Lucas had secretly released Raijin as a precaution in case the battle didn’t go their way. Everyone was stunned by the legendary Pokemon's appearance that they didn't notice he was smaller than his parent. Over the past few months, Raijin had grown significantly, but he still wasn't close to matching his parents' size.

Raijin's appearance immediately impacted the fight. Even though he was only in the high-level forty range, his stats made him comparable to much higher-level Pokemon. Some of Team Aura's Pokemon were afraid of the legendary's presence, as he gave off an aura that frightened them. 

Lysandre didn't turn to witness the devastation. Instead, he charged forward, trusting his Pokemon to handle the legendary. He sprinted towards Lucas, his body engulfed in flames, a fierce look of triumph on his face as he prepared to incinerate his enemy.

Lucas prepared to retaliate when loud cries echoed from above. Everyone's attention snapped skyward as two familiar forms appeared—unmistakably Latios and Latias, cutting through the night air as they descended toward the battlefield.

"Finally," Lucas announced, seizing the moment. "Reinforcements have arrived. Let me introduce you to Latios and Latias, the legendary Pokemon that call this island home."

Maggie's jaw dropped. "Since when?"

"Damn you,” Lysandre snarled. He spun around, calling to his scattered forces. "Retreat! The bastard has even more legendaries at his disposal!"

Lucas waved after him. “Let’s do this again sometime.”

“You’re crazy,” Butch muttered. 

The attackers recalled their Pokemon and fled on their flying mounts, disappearing into the darkness as quickly as they'd arrived. Lysandre gathered his own team, his Gyarados lifting him into the air with powerful wing beats.

“Is it true?” Butch asked. “About the legendaries?"

"No," Lucas admitted. "I was bluffing."

"Then what are we going to do about them?"

Latios and Latias hovered overhead. The battle had disturbed their peaceful island sanctuary, and they didn't appear happy about it. 

Lucas looked up at the legendary Pokemon, frowning. He didn’t expect the evening to go like this, so he wasn’t meeting them in the most optimal circumstances. He could feel the power radiating off them. It would only take the smallest mistake to trigger an unfavourable response from them. 

He should have expected a response from Lysandre at some point. He had been too careless. How did the man figure out his destination? Then he remembered the man belonged to both Team Aura and Team Magma. He would have access to many Aura Guardians with unique abilities.

Lucas recalled Raijin back to his pokeball. Having another legendary Pokemon hanging around would only make the situation more volatile. 

“Go gather your Pokemon, Maggie,” Lucas said. He turned to Dante. “Take them back to the boat. I will take care of things here.”

Maggie shrugged, already moving to collect her scattered team. “It’s your funeral.” 

“Are you sure, boss?” Butch asked. “They don’t look like they are ready to communicate. I’ve got your back.”

Lucas stared at Butch. “Where was that courage when Lydsandre was confronting us?”

"That wasn't real. I was only making a strategic retreat to reassess the situation and find the best way to help you."

“Uh-huh.” Lucas resisted the urge to kick the man. He shoved Butch towards Maggie. “Get out of here.”

After Dante teleported them away, Lucas called back his other Pokemon into their pokeballs. Latios and Latias hadn't shown any aggression so far, so he thought he still had a chance to talk his way out of the situation.

"Sorry about the mess," Lucas called up to them. "I didn't expect someone to follow me here and turn your home into a battlefield."

The two legendary Pokemon glanced at each other before descending to the ground. Lucas took the opportunity to use Insight on Latios.

========= 

Species: Latios 

Gender: Male 

Favourability: (Arceus) Honoured: 15550/16000 (+20% stats)

Level: 110 Next: [43%] 

Stats obtained from EV's [100/100] 

Current Level Potential Met: Yes 

Special Ability: Levitate

============

Attack: 367 [307] 

Special Attack: 484 [404] 

Defence: 295 [247] 

Special Defence: 416 [348] 

Speed: 572 [478]

Luck: 247 [207]

===========

Moves

Mastered:

Lustre Purge, Psychic, Teleport, Safeguard, Dragon Breath, Dragon Pulse, Zen Headbutt, Recover, Memento,  Healing Wish

==========

Description: Latios possesses extraordinary telepathic abilities, capable of projecting images directly into minds and reading thoughts from vast distances. His sleek form allows flight at incredible speeds, with invisibility being his preferred defence. Highly intelligent and empathetic, he forms deep bonds with those he trusts whilst remaining extremely protective of his territory and companion.

==========

Hidden Stats 

Intelligence: 15 

Endurance: 10 

Energy: 12 

Aptitude: 13

Affinities 

Dragon: 100%

Psychic: 100% 

Flying: 100% 

Steel: 100% 

Dark: 100%

Normal: 100%

==========

Inherent Traits 

Dragon Elemental (Master) - Massively increases the power and effectiveness of dragon-type moves. 

Psychic Elemental (Master) - Massively increases the power and effectiveness of psychic-type moves. 

Special Attack Boost (Master) - Massively increases special attack stat potency. 

Speed Boost (Master) - Massively increases speed stat potency. 

Perfect Conditioning - The energy and endurance stats massively improve the Pokemon's condition. 

Legendary Potential: Born with hidden stats surpassing ten. 

Twin Bond: It can give up its health and energy to restore Latias's health and energy.

Illusionary Vision: Can implant illusions into the minds of its opponent to distract them.

Learned/Acquired/Unique Traits 

Legendary: Has broken through the threshold of level 100.

Energy Control: It’s more efficient with its energy consumption, requiring less to execute a move.

Energy Assimilation: It can use elements from the natural world to boost the power of its attacks.

Energy Materisation: It can freely manipulate energy to execute flexible attacks outside of its move set.

Telepathic Bond: Can establish mental connections across vast distances. 

Sight Sharing: Can project visual experiences directly into another's mind. 

Invisibility: Can bend light around itself to become completely invisible. 

Protective Instinct: Gains significant power boosts when fighting with Latia.

============

Lucas used Insight in Latias as well. It possessed similar parameters, with only some slight differences. As expected, the two legendaries possessed devastating power. One wrong move would end this conversation permanently. With their speed, it would be hard to react to an attack. 

Lucas cleared his throat. "I'll be straight with you. The reason I came here is that I'm searching for a home for legendary Pokemon like yourselves. You may have already met them—Rayquaza, Kyogre, and Groudon."

A voice materialised in his mind, calm and measured. Why did you choose this island?

"Because it's perfect for their needs," Lucas replied. "Isolated enough to avoid human interference, and a beautiful environment. But I didn't expect to find residents already living here."

A second voice joined the first, warmer and more curious. This isn't our usual home. We're using it as a temporary respite before continuing our journey.

Relief flooded through Lucas. Although he couldn't tell their voices apart, they sounded reasonable, lacking the hostility he'd feared. "Then you wouldn't mind if I purchased the island? I can wait until you move on."

There's no need, the first voice responded. As long as the other Pokemon don't mind sharing, we won't either.

The second voice carried a note of amusement. You'll find gaining ownership challenging. We've met with the Hoenn government in the past to ensure they protect the island—we're rather fond of it. They misinterpreted our request as a warning to stay away. We didn't bother correcting their misunderstanding.

Lucas grinned. "I see. Mentioning this to the government might help with negotiations."

You're obviously human, the first voice observed, but we can sense Arceus' presence upon you. Are you a Pokemon in disguise? A new sibling our creator fashioned?

Lucas shook his head. "It's a long, complicated story, but I'm still human."

Tell us, the second voice urged. We haven't interacted with our siblings in ages. And why can we sense multiple legendary touches upon you?

Lucas settled onto a nearby rock, gathering his thoughts. He told them about his arrival in this world, explaining his unique circumstances and his encounters with various legendary Pokemon.

The dragons listened without interruption, their attention focused entirely on his words. Occasionally, their psychic energy rippled with curiosity or surprise, but they remained patient throughout his lengthy explanation.

"The thing is," Lucas continued, "I keep running into Pokemon who need help. It's become something of a habit. If there's anything I can do for you, just ask. It's the reason why I'm here on the island."

The dragons exchanged a look, their communication occurring at frequencies beyond his perception. After several moments, they spoke together again. We will keep your words in mind.

Both Pokemon rose into the air and accelerated, disappearing into the night faster than Lucas could track.

Lucas ran a hand through his hair. "That went better than expected. Now I only need to convince the government to sell me the island. Perhaps I should hint at the possibility of displeasing the legendaries if they refuse."

The thought brought a wry smile to his face. If he possessed the means to leverage his connections with legendary Pokemon, why wouldn't he use them? Although such tactics might backfire spectacularly one day.

He also needed to contact Queen Ilene. If Lysandre operated within her borders, she deserved to know about it. The International Police seemed helpless to capture the criminal and others like him. Their bureaucratic approach frustrated him beyond measure.

Lucas had been thinking about creating a private security force. A clandestine force that was capable of dealing with threats like Lysandre without worrying about slow bureaucracy or pesky laws. If he continued making enemies at this rate, constant attacks would become his new normal. 

The idea held appeal. He wasn't trying to conquer the world—just secure his corner of it. With sufficient resources and the right people, he could establish a network capable of protecting his interests whilst maintaining plausible deniability.

He would be doing the world a favour if he helped make them disappear. Even if he didn't kill them, he could create a prison that no one could escape from. For example, an island surrounded by legendary Pokemon.

Lucas shook his head. He must be tired because his thoughts were wandering in strange directions. It was time to pack up and leave. He had seen enough of the island; now he just needed to take possession of it.

Was a hundred million pokedollars enough to purchase it?

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Lucas gripped the Prime Minister's hand firmly, sealing the deal with a handshake. Eighty million pokedollars had just changed hands, making him the proud owner of what he'd christened Twin Dragon Isle. The woman's smile remained professional as she wished him well with his new acquisition.

He stepped onto the street outside her office, the afternoon sun warming his shoulders. The weight of what he'd done hit him. He owned an island. An entire bloody island. 

Lucas didn’t feel the loss of the money he used to buy it. It hadn’t seemed real anyway, since he got it so easily. Giovanni would be furious if he found out what Lucas did with his money, which made the purchase even more satisfying.

The negotiations weren't finished yet. Although he'd secured ownership, the island remained technically part of Hoenn territory. Butch would need to work his diplomatic magic to convince the Prime Minister to grant Lucas sovereign status. Not essential, but the additional control would prove invaluable for his future plans.

Twin Dragon Isle. The name honoured the legendary pair who'd helped him secure the purchase through their inadvertent political leverage. Now he needed to contact Rayquaza and arrange the relocation of its floating structure. Preferably during the night to avoid unwanted attention.

His phone buzzed. Butch's name appeared on the screen.

"Have you heard the news?" Butch asked.

"What news?"

"Rayquaza is on the move. People are already reporting sightings of the massive Pokemon flying its island structure south."

Lucas pinched the bridge of his nose. Why was Rayquaza doing this to him? How had the Pokemon discovered his island acquisition so quickly? Why was it so impatient?

He looked back at the Prime Minister's office. Would she hear the news too? He began walking down the street, worried she might come after him.

"There's more," Butch continued. "If it was only Rayquaza, people wouldn't be freaking out so much."

"How could it possibly get any worse?"

"Something is taking a ride along with Rayquaza. Three guesses as to who it is."

Lucas's stomach dropped. "Please don't tell me it's Groudon."

"Yep, it's all over the news. Makes for quite the spectacle. Rayquaza has attracted far more followers than during its last move. If you think about it, it's a practical solution. How else would Groudon reach the island?"

"I feel like you're becoming less funny these days."

When had Rayquaza spoken to Groudon? Convincing the ground-type legendary shouldn't have proved difficult, considering the beatdown Groudon received. He should feel grateful Kyogre wasn't also hitching a ride. The spectacle would be absolutely mental then.

"Where is Rayquaza now?" Lucas asked.

"Should hit the coast within the hour."

"I can't have all these people following Rayquaza to the island. I won't have any peace if they discover three legendary Pokemon are relocating there."

"Then do something about it. But you need to act fast."

Lucas hung up, frustration mounting. This entire endeavour was becoming a massive headache. All for Groudon's Red Orb. He should have had Dante teleport in and steal the bloody thing. It would have been far simpler.

He exited the city and summoned Saphira. The Dragonite lifted him onto her back, and he directed her toward the coast. If he moved quickly enough, he could intercept Rayquaza before it reached the sea. Then he could... do what exactly?

The solution would have to present itself.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Saphira hovered above the coastline whilst Lucas waited for Rayquaza's arrival. The flying structure appeared as a distant speck, gradually growing larger against the blue sky. He couldn't make out the legendary Pokemon yet, but the approaching mass left no doubt about its identity.

As the distance closed, details became clearer. Rayquaza's serpentine form undulated through the air. Groudon stood at the structure's edge, roaring at the swarm of followers trailing behind them.

Lucas could hardly believe his eyes. Hundreds of flying Pokemon followed the structure, creating an illusion of a dark cloud pursuing the legendary pair. People rode their Pokemon at respectful distances, clearly wary of Groudon's potential wrath.

They wouldn't be easy to discourage. Lucas racked his brain for solutions before inspiration struck. Time to bring the rain and lightning.

He retreated over the open sea until his actions couldn't be observed by the approaching crowd. Summoning Raijin, he ordered the young Zapdos into the clouds above. The task was simple—create a thunderstorm powerful enough to scare the followers. Though Raijin couldn't match his parents' ability to generate storms, it should be sufficient to get rid of the nuisances.

Lucas flew toward Rayquaza, needing to warn the legendary about his plan. Otherwise, both Rayquaza and Groudon might perceive Raijin's actions as an attack. As soon as he explained the situation, Rayquaza passed the message to its passenger. Lucas maintained his distance from Groudon, uncertain about his standing with the temperamental legendary Pokemon.

Dark clouds gathered quickly, and rain began pelting the pursuing crowd. The downpour wasn't enough to deter the more determined followers, but then came the lightning. From his concealed position within the storm, Raijin unleashed a thunderstorm that sent lightning uncomfortably close to the flying Pokemon.

The pursuers tried to outfly the storm, but it followed them like a persistent shadow. Lightning struck closer and closer until even the most stubborn followers abandoned their chase, seeking shelter on the ground below.

Lucas grinned as he watched the last stragglers retreat. Sometimes his cleverness surprised him. The sky cleared as quickly as it had darkened, leaving only Rayquaza, Groudon, and their small escort continuing toward Twin Dragon Isle.

He recalled Raijin and followed the floating structure toward their new home. He wanted to make sure that Rayquaza dropped the structure in the waters surrounding the island to preserve its beautiful environment. 

All that was left was to bring Kyogre to the island, and the quest would be finished. But where could the legendary Pokemon be? No one had seen it since the whole incident with the floating palace. 

Perhaps Rayquaza would know the answer.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

Lucas arrived at Twin Dragon Isle to discover his question about Kyogre's whereabouts had already been answered. The massive legendary Pokemon swam lazy circles around the island's perimeter, its enormous form cutting through the crystal-clear waters. As Rayquaza's floating structure began its descent, Kyogre's head emerged from the depths to observe the proceedings.

The sea legendary appeared far calmer than during their previous encounter. Lucas hoped it would remain that way. 

"Lower the structure into the water," Lucas called to Rayquaza, gesturing toward a sheltered bay on the island's eastern shore. The dragon Pokemon's eyes flashed with understanding, and the floating temple began its final descent.

The impact sent massive waves rolling across the bay. When the disturbance finally settled, an extraordinary sight greeted them.

The pristine natural island sat adjacent to the ancient temple structure, creating a stark contrast between the two. Lucas hadn't planned beyond getting the structure here, but the sight sparked new possibilities. How would he develop the island? Should he even develop it at all?

A vacation home for himself and Sabrina was essential, but beyond that, the island might serve best to preserve its natural environment. Perhaps he could construct a bridge connecting the two landmasses, creating a unified territory whilst preserving the distinct character of each.

Groudon stepped to the temple's edge. The ground-type legendary's gaze fixed on Kyogre with obvious hostility. Kyogre responded with a low rumble that vibrated through the water, equally hostile.

Rayquaza's roar cut through the tension like a blade; the sound carried absolute authority. Both legendaries backed down immediately.

Kyogre dove beneath the surface, disappearing into the depths around the island. Groudon continued glaring at the water for several moments before Rayquaza lifted the massive Pokemon onto the main island. The ground-type legendary wasted no time exploring its new territory.

Lucas dismounted from Saphira and walked across the temple structure toward Rayquaza. The serpentine dragon lowered its massive head.

"Alright, big fella," Lucas said. "I completed your quest."

A notification flashed across his vision:

========= 

Quest Completed: Uniting the Land, Sea, and Sky 

Reward: Maximum favourability with Rayquaza (32000/32000); 1,000,000 experience points.

========= 

The experience points were a nice bonus, but they couldn’t compare to the real prize. Achieving maximum favourability with Rayquaza meant he had the best chance of the Pokemon listening to his request. 

Lucas cleared his throat. "I need to ask you for something. Can you retrieve the Red Orb for me? Groudon won’t need it anymore."

Rayquaza's head tilted slightly, considering the request. Seconds stretched into what felt like hours as the legendary Pokemon weighed his words. Lucas's heart hammered against his ribs. Would their newly cemented relationship be enough to secure this favour?

Finally, Rayquaza nodded. The dragon's massive form coiled upward, launching into the sky and heading for the island

Lucas watched the dragon go, elation building in his chest. Not only had he gained a substantial amount of experience points, but he'd also secured access to the Red Orb. With the artefact in his possession, he could transform Raijin into an even more formidable powerhouse. 

Beyond the immediate benefits, maximum favourability with Rayquaza opened countless future possibilities. Imagine if he were to increase his favourability with more legendary Pokemon. Would he someday have an army of them at his beck and call? It was the next best thing to bonding with them. 

Lucas pinched himself. His imagination was getting out of hand. It was good enough that he had such a good relationship with Rayquaza.  

Eighty million pokedollars may be a fortune, but considering all that he had gained, the investment felt like a bargain.

Money well spent indeed.

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Raijin goes through another transformation. 

Thanks for reading.