Pokemon: Resurgence Chapter 83

Hi all, 

Here’s the final chapter for the week. Lucas and Sabrina have to deal with the aftermath, and he finally moves his breeding operation.

Chapter 83

The camera flashes blinded Lucas, who shielded his eyes with his forearm. A wall of microphones thrust toward his face as reporters shouted questions over one another. Chaos had descended within minutes of Rayquaza placing the massive temple structure on his newly purchased land.

"Mr. Walker, did you coordinate this relocation with Rayquaza?"

"Is this part of a larger agreement between you and the legendary Pokemon?"

"Are you concerned about property damage? Insurance implications?"

Lucas stepped back, bumping into Sabrina who steadied him with a hand on his shoulder. The news crews pressed closer, forming a semi-circle around them.

"I had no prior knowledge of Rayquaza's intentions," Lucas said, raising his voice above the clamour. "I purchased this property for its greenhouse facilities."

A woman with a microphone emblazoned with the Hoenn Broadcasting Network logo pushed to the front. "Yet this marks your third documented encounter with Rayquaza in less than a month. Are we expected to believe this is a coincidence?"

"My previous encounters with Rayquaza occurred due to special circumstances," Lucas replied. "I cannot speak to why the Pokemon chose this location."

"Your recent spaceflight with Rayquaza suggests a deeper connection," another reporter called out. "Do you deny receiving special treatment from the legendary Pokemon?"

Sabrina stepped forward. "My partner assisted during the recent weather crisis caused by Kyogre and Groudon. Like many others, he volunteered where needed. Drawing connections beyond this is pure speculation."

The questions continued relentlessly. Lucas noticed more flying Pokemon approaching—not news crews this time, but trainers. A Swellow swooped low, its rider a young man with a camera hanging around his neck. A woman on a Tropius followed, along with several others on various flying types.

"The circus is growing," Lucas said to Sabrina.

"We need to get inside," she replied under her breath. "This is getting out of hand."

Before they could retreat, a man in an official-looking uniform pushed through the crowd. The insignia on his jacket identified him as a Hoenn Pokemon Ranger.

"Chief Ranger Blake," he introduced himself briskly. "I need everyone to step back immediately. This area is now under Ranger jurisdiction."

The reporters protested, but Blake signalled to his colleagues. Within minutes, a dozen Rangers had formed a human barrier between the reporters and Lucas.

"Mr. Walker, a word in private," Blake said, gesturing toward the farmhouse.

Inside, the Ranger removed his cap, revealing close-cropped grey hair. 

"This situation is out of control," Blake said without preamble. "The Prime Minister has authorised an emergency security cordon around your land."

"I appreciate the assistance," Lucas said, watching through the window as Rangers directed the reporters away from the house. "But I'm not sure—"

Blake raised a hand. "You misunderstand. This isn't just for your protection. When a legendary Pokemon claims territory, particularly one as powerful as Rayquaza, we have protocols."

"You're cordoning off my property to protect others from Rayquaza," Lucas realised. “Why didn’t you do the same with Groudon?”

"Groudon is staying in the mountains and isn’t infringing on anyone’s property.” Blake paused. “Until we can assess the situation properly, this entire area is off-limits to unauthorised personnel."

Sabrina crossed her arms. "And what about us? We own this land."

"Technically," Blake said, "but when a legendary Pokemon establishes residence, ownership becomes... complicated."

“I would like to see you try and take it from me,” Lucas said. “I don’t know how Rayquaza will react to it.”

Blake winced. “Fair point.”

Lucas's mobile rang. The Prime Minister's name flashed on the screen.

"Maeve," he answered.

"I see Rayquaza has decided to bring your relationship into the public eye," she said, her voice tight with restrained frustration.

"Not my idea, I assure you."

"Regardless, we have a situation. The Kanto government has already called twice. The Kalos ambassador is demanding a briefing. Soon, every regional government will be calling me."

Lucas pinched the bridge of his nose. "It's a Pokemon sitting on my private property."

"It's a legendary Pokemon relocating a structure of potentially incalculable value onto Hoenn soil," Maeve countered. "A structure containing materials multiple governments are desperate to acquire and study."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Stay put. Don't make any statements to the press. I'm sending a diplomatic team to manage this situation." Her voice softened slightly. "And Lucas—please ensure Rayquaza remains calm. The last thing we need is an international incident."

The call ended. Lucas slipped the phone into his pocket, trading glances with Sabrina.

"This day keeps getting better," he said, rubbing his temples where a dull ache had begun to throb.

The Prime Minister's priorities seemed skewed to him. The regional governments wouldn't care about diplomatic niceties when they discovered a private citizen could influence a legendary Pokemon. Kanto officials already eyed him with suspicion after Mew's televised appearance. This new development would only intensify their concerns.

Yet amidst the growing headache, he recognised a potential upside. Team Rocket, Team Magma, and every other criminal organisation he'd angered would be watching closely. His enemies might hesitate to move against someone with connections to a legendary Pokemon. Even Giovanni would think twice before targeting someone potentially protected by Rayquaza.

Though he doubted Rayquaza relocated here to serve as his bodyguard, the perception alone could prove valuable. However, the protection might come with a price he wasn't prepared to pay.

A commotion outside drew their attention back to the window. The trainers who had arrived on flying Pokemon had landed despite the Rangers' attempts to keep them away. One particularly bold trainer—a young man with spiky blue hair—stood at the edge of the temple structure, his Charizard beside him.

"Is he trying to get himself killed?" Sabrina murmured.

Blake had noticed too. He rushed outside, shouting orders to his team as they sprinted toward the trainer.

"We need to stop this," Lucas said, heading for the door.

They hurried across the property. The crowd had grown despite the Rangers' efforts, with more trainers arriving every minute. The excitement of a legendary Pokemon sighting had spread like wildfire.

"This is a restricted area," Blake was saying to the blue-haired trainer. "You need to leave immediately."

"Are you kidding? This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!" The trainer gestured to the temple. "I want to meet Rayquaza!"

Lucas pushed through the Rangers. "That would be a terrible idea."

The trainer turned, recognition dawning on his face. "You're Lucas Walker! Is it true Rayquaza took you to space?"

"Yes, and it wasn't by choice," Lucas said firmly. "Rayquaza isn't a Pokemon you challenge for sport."

"But you've interacted with it," another trainer called out. "Why should you get special treatment?"

The crowd murmured in agreement, pressing closer despite the Rangers' attempts to hold them back.

Blake blew a whistle, the sharp sound cutting through the noise. "Everyone needs to evacuate this area now! This is your final warning!"

The trainers hesitated, but none moved to leave. The blue-haired trainer stepped closer to the temple entrance, his Charizard's tail flame blazing brighter in anticipation.

A deep rumble emanated from within the structure. The ground vibrated beneath their feet, and a hush fell over the crowd. The rumble grew into a roar as Rayquaza emerged from the temple's entrance, its massive serpentine body coiling upward until it towered over everyone below.

The legendary Pokemon surveyed the gathered humans. Its mouth opened and unleashed a roar. The sound reverberated across the valley, so powerful Lucas felt it in his chest cavity. The crowd scattered in panic, trainers recalling their Pokemon and sprinting toward the property boundaries.

Even the Rangers backed away, their faces pale. Only Blake, Lucas, and Sabrina remained in place.

"This is why we have protocols," Blake said quietly, never taking his eyes off Rayquaza.

The legendary Pokemon lowered its head until it was level with Lucas. Its gaze seemed to pierce right through him, communicating without words. Then it turned and returned to the temple, its massive form disappearing into the ancient structure.

"I believe Rayquaza considers this place its territory now," Lucas said. "And it doesn't want all these visitors."

"Agreed," Blake replied. "We'll establish a perimeter. No one gets in without authorisation."

As they spoke, a new problem emerged, one that Lucas had not anticipated. Wild Pokemon began streaming from the structure. The same Pokemon that had taken up residence on the structure when it first landed in the ocean.   

"They're spreading across the entire property," Sabrina observed.

Lucas surveyed the invasion, feeling torn. The Pokemon had lived on the structure, and now they were simply expanding their territory to include his land. For some reason, they were content with living in Rayquzas’ shadow, and he didn’t want to force them to leave.   

"Let them settle," he decided. "I don’t want to deal with this right now.”

"What about the greenhouses?" Sabrina asked. ‘They’re going to get inside and decimate the plants.”

"I’ll take Meowth with me and see if Rayquaza can keep them under control."

Blake nodded in approval. "A wise choice. We'll help monitor the situation from outside the property."

The Rangers began setting up physical barriers along the perimeter, using their Pokemon to assist. Temporary fencing materials appeared from supply trucks, and warning signs were posted at regular intervals.

Lucas's phone rang again—Shichiro this time.

"Congratulations," his voice dripped with sarcasm. "You've managed to create an international incident without even trying."

"Thank you for your concern," Lucas replied dryly.

"This is serious. The Kanto government needs assurance that Rayquaza won't be used to gain leverage."

"Used? It's a legendary Pokemon, not a weapon."

"Don't be naive," Shichiro snapped. "A trainer with influence over Rayquaza possesses significant power. Other regions are already expressing their concern. Both Kanto and Hoenn are implicated in this."

Lucas groaned. "I don't have 'influence' over Rayquaza.”

"Yet it chose your property, immediately after you purchased it. The timing is suspicious at best."

"What do you want me to do? Ask it to leave?"

Shichiro sighed audibly. "I want you to understand the position you're in. You're now at the centre of international politics whether you like it or not."

After the call ended, Lucas turned to find Sabrina watching him with concern.

"This is escalating rapidly," she said.

"Understatement of the year," Lucas replied, looking over his transformed property.

The Rangers had established a solid perimeter, but the media still pushed against it, cameras capturing everything. 

“Let’s wrap this up quickly,” Lucas said. “I want to return home.”

“Do you think Kanto is going to be any better?” Sabrina asked. 

“No, but at least it’s familiar ground.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 

Morning sunlight streamed through unfamiliar curtains as Lucas blinked away sleep's fog. Sabrina lay curled beside him, her breathing soft and rhythmic. He reached for his phone on the bedside table and grimaced at the screen—twenty-seven missed calls, and countless text messages from people he knew. Just how fast had the news spread?

He switched the device off and tossed it back onto the table. The problems would still be there in an hour. He slipped from beneath the covers, careful not to disturb Sabrina, and padded to the adjoining bathroom.

Under the shower's steady stream, Lucas replayed last night's events. After their initial confrontation with Rayquaza, he'd entered the temple with Meowth, determined to resolve the wild Pokemon problem. Meowth had translated Lucas's request, asking Rayquaza to keep the wild Pokemon away from the greenhouses. The legendary Pokemon had accepted the request. 

When Lucas asked why Rayquaza had chosen his property to settle, the legendary had stared, refusing to respond. The silence spoke volumes; Rayquaza answered to no human, no matter how connected they might be. Its motivations remained its own.

His most pressing question about the Red Orb had met with similar resistance. Rayquaza had turned away, retreating deeper into the temple. Meowth interpreted this as a refusal—the legendary Pokemon wouldn't help him retrieve it from Groudon. Lucas suspected his current favourability with Rayquaza wasn't strong enough to warrant such a request. He would need to improve their relationship first.

The Prime Minister's diplomatic team had arrived shortly afterwards, establishing a makeshift command centre at the edge of the property. They'd requested an immediate meeting with Lucas, citing "urgent concerns," but he'd sent word through Blake that he was too exhausted to engage in diplomacy. The meeting could wait until morning.

Now that morning had come, that excuse was no longer valid, but he refused to entertain their request. He was ready to go home. Already, a massive crowd was forming outside his property. It seemed like people had lost their fear of Rayquaza, assuming Lucas could control it. If only they knew the truth, they wouldn’t be so bold.

Lucas dressed quickly and found Sabrina awake, sitting cross-legged on the bed.

"Ready?" she asked, not needing to elaborate.

He nodded. "We need to get out of here. The sooner we're home, the better."

"What about the diplomatic team?"

"Don’t worry about them. We’ve got bigger problems waiting for us."

They released their Pokemon from their pokeballs. Lucas surveyed the guest room one last time, fully aware they were leaving both the property and the Hoenn region in a difficult position. He'd contact the Prime Minister once they were back in Kanto.

After coordinating several teleportation jumps, they materialised in the backyard of their Viridian City home. 

The familiar scent of their garden hit Lucas first. The second thing he noticed was the noise—a distant hum of voices, camera shutters, and shouted questions.

"Home sweet home," he muttered, crossing the lawn with Sabrina.

They reached the patio doors and peered through. The house seemed undisturbed, but movement caught Lucas's eye. A security officer in a dark suit stood in the kitchen, speaking quietly into an earpiece. Another patrolled the hallway.

"Your uncle's security," Lucas said.

Sabrina nodded. "At least someone's keeping the vultures at bay."

They slipped inside. The security officer in the kitchen was startled, his hand moving toward his belt before recognition dawned.

"Miss Kuroi, Mr Walker. The Prime Minister is waiting in the living room."

Lucas sighed. "Of course he is.".

They moved through the house, noting the drawn curtains and additional security personnel. Voices drifted from the living room—hushed, urgent conversations that ceased the moment they stepped through the doorway.

Five faces turned toward them. Shichiro sat in Lucas' favourite armchair, his expression unreadable. Professor Oak occupied the sofa beside Daisy. Brock leaned against the wall, arms crossed, while Butch paced near the fireplace.

"You certainly know how to cause a commotion," Shichiro said, rising to his feet. “This latest stunt is the worst yet.” 

"I didn't ask for any of this," Lucas replied.

Brock stepped forward and slapped Lucas’ shoulder. "Good to see you in one piece. The news has been wild."

"What exactly is going on with Rayquaza?" Professor Oak asked, unable to contain his curiosity. "The footage shows the legendary Pokemon looks a lot different from his usual form.”

"Samuel," Shichiro interrupted, "let's focus on the immediate situation. The scientific questions can wait."

"The immediate situation being?" Sabrina asked, directing the question to her uncle.

"Political chaos." Shichiro gestured toward the window. "Every region is demanding answers. My phone has been ringing all night."

“The same with the Hoenn Prime Minister,” Lucas muttered, running a hand through his hair. “I hope you told them to mind their own business.”

Shichiro glared. “If only international politics were that easy. My job would be a lot easier. Do you realise the incident with Rayquaza can spark a major conflict?” 

“Well, at least we are safe from a war breaking out.”

Shichiro clenched his fists, as if he was holding himself back from strangling Lucas.

Lucas grimaced when Sabrina poked him in the side. “Well, thanks for your hard work, Uncle. How bad is the situation in Kanto at the moment?”  

Butch cleared his throat. "The media situation is intense. I've fielded two hundred interview requests since yesterday. Everyone wants exclusive access to 'the trainer with influence over Rayquaza.'"

"I don't have influence over Rayquaza," Lucas protested. "It does whatever it wants."

"Yet it placed its home on property you purchased mere hours earlier," Professor Oak pointed out. "That suggests some form of connection, whether you recognise it or not."

Lucas dropped onto the sofa. "So what now?"

"Now," Shichiro said, "we prepare for an emergency summit. The world's leaders are arriving in Saffron City in three days to discuss the situation."

"And what situation is that, exactly?" Sabrina asked.

"A private citizen with apparent ties to multiple legendary Pokemon." Shichiro's gaze fixed on Lucas. "First Mew and now Rayquaza. And that’s the ones we know about.”

Lucas turned his head away to avoid his gaze. 

"You're expected to attend," Daisy added. "As the consultant on legendary Pokemon matters."

Lucas snorted. "I'm not a consultant. I'm a trainer who's had bizarre encounters with forces beyond my control."

"Regardless," Shichiro continued, "your presence is non-negotiable. The leaders want reassurance that you're not a threat."

"A threat?" Sabrina echoed incredulously.

"Consider their perspective," Professor Oak interjected gently. "Legendary Pokemon are weapons of mass destruction and have shaped our lives for the past few decades. If it turns out there’s someone that can influence them, it will scare people. Hell, I’m scared."

"I didn't ask for this," Lucas repeated.

"Few who find themselves at the centre of history do," Shichiro replied. "But we can use this situation to our advantage."

"How?" Sabrina asked.

"The summit presents an opportunity. Now that the world's leaders are together, we can introduce Porygon and begin its integration with the network.”

Brock pushed away from the wall. "Porygon? What are you talking about?"

The room went silent as everyone turned to Shichiro. Butch and Daisy exchanged confused glances while Professor Oak shifted uncomfortably on the sofa.

"You reveal something like that so easily?" Lucas asked, eyebrows raised.

"It’s going to get out soon enough,” Shichiro said. “But keep it amongst yourselves for three days until it’s announced publicly."

"What exactly is a Porygon?" Brock asked. 

"A breakthrough," Shichiro said. "The world's first digital Pokemon, created entirely through programming."

Butch's jaw dropped. "That's impossible."

"Not impossible," Professor Oak interjected. "Just extraordinarily difficult. The Kuro family has been developing the technology in secret for years."

"A living computer program?" Daisy asked. "How would that even work?"

"It exists in the boundary between data and matter," Sabrina explained. "Capable of entering digital systems while maintaining a physical form in our world."

Brock sank into a chair, looking stunned. "And you want to reveal this now? When we're already dealing with legendary Pokemon?"

"It's precisely the right time," Shichiro countered. "This summit was inevitable the moment Rayquaza moved onto Lucas's property. With the world's leaders gathered, we can demonstrate Kanto's technological superiority while diverting some attention from Lucas's situation."

"A calculated distraction," Butch murmured, his business mind processing the strategy. "Bold, but potentially effective."

"In the meantime," Shichiro said, "I suggest you relocate to your property in the Rota Kingdom while we prepare for the summit. Fewer people know you own property there, which should provide some respite from the media circus."

Lucas considered the proposal. The chaos surrounding his Viridian City home made staying here untenable. Reporters would camp outside for days, perhaps weeks.

"That's not a bad idea," he admitted. "It would be the perfect time to move my breeding operation there anyway."

He turned to Butch. "How's the construction coming along

"The main facility still needs work,” Butch said. “The renovations to the existing buildings are nearly complete, but the custom breeding areas are behind schedule. We could move the Pokemon in without issue, though. The essential infrastructure is in place."

"Good enough for me," Lucas said. "We can finish the rest while we're there."

Professor Oak cleared his throat. "I'd be interested in seeing your breeding setup once it's operational.”

"I'll give you the grand tour when it's ready," Lucas promised.

As the conversation shifted to logistics, Lucas gazed out the window at the media vans lining their street. Moving to Rota would buy him time—time to think, to plan his next move. The summit loomed like a gathering storm, and he needed to prepare his response to a world suddenly watching his every move.

The irony didn't escape him. He'd spent months carefully building his operation in the shadows, using Enigma as a shield to protect his identity. Now that shield had shattered, leaving him exposed to scrutiny from every corner of the globe. Yet with that exposure came an opportunity—his reputation would attract clients to his breeding business that might otherwise have remained beyond reach.

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

Lucas wiped the sweat from his brow as he catalogued the Eevees darting around their enclosure.

"Eleven Eevees in total now," he muttered, checking his notebook. "Including the Umbreon. I need to get started on producing more variants."

The evolution breakthrough would revolutionise the breeding market. Trainers would pay premium prices for an Eevee guaranteed to evolve into their preferred form. While most breeders relied on luck, his method offered certainty.

"Why shouldn't I use the summit to showcase this?" he mused aloud. "I could bring Umbreon along. Better yet, I could evolve another Eevee or two before then."

He made a note to contact Bill about releasing the research paper on the Umbreon evolution. The man had been holding onto it for some time, waiting for his permission. The scientist’s reputation would lend credibility to Lucas’ work.

The Umbreon in question bounded over to investigate his boots. Lucas crouched, scratching behind its ears as he recorded its vitals. The Pokemon leaned into his touch, purring with contentment.

"You're looking brilliant," Lucas said. "Brock and Daisy took excellent care of you."

He glanced toward the main breeding complex where Daisy was instructing Brock's younger siblings on proper feeding techniques. They had adapted surprisingly well to the sudden move, treating it as an adventure rather than a disruption.

Behind them, the partially constructed main breeding facility stretched across the hillside. Workers, Pokemon and heavy machinery worked together to level the ground for the expansion. 

His operation had grown to over fifty breeding Pokemon, including all the newly hatched ones. While his focus remained on the Eevees, he planned to diversify further and build up his stock of Pokemon. 

Although the initial costs of setting up his business were high, money wasn't an issue. The breeding facility would soon generate substantial income, recovering his investment in no time. 

Lucas checked his phone. Mr Stone hadn’t gotten back to him.

The research and equipment Mr Stone promised hadn't materialised yet, though considering Devon Corporation's recent attack, delays were understandable. 

His partnership with the company represented more than just access to fossil restoration technology. While they hadn't successfully revived a viable prehistoric specimen yet, Mr Stone's researchers were tantalisingly close to a breakthrough. When they succeeded, Lucas would be among the first to benefit from the technology.

Most trainers could only dream of owning such rare Pokemon, and the breeding potential remained completely unexplored. If he could establish breeding lines from revived specimens, he'd corner an entirely new market. Although he could take some Pokemon from the Seafloor cavern, he was leery of disrupting their habitat too much. 

Lucas closed his notebook and stood, taking a moment to soak in his surroundings. Despite the chaos that had driven them to relocate, he couldn't deny that Shichiro's suggestion had accelerated his plans.

Sabrina exited the house and walked over to him. "The summit's tomorrow. Are you worried about it?"

"What's the worst they can do to me? If they try anything, I can always threaten them with Rayquaza."

"That will go down well." 

Lucas shrugged. "Considering it's the reason the summit is happening, I'm sure they would believe it if I said I could summon Rayquaza on command."

Sabrina raised an eyebrow. "And if they call your bluff?"

"Then I make my escape." 

"That's it?"

Lucas shook his head "It will be followed by getting my revenge and plotting world domination."

"Where will I be in this scenario?" She crossed her arms, fighting a smile.

"I will make you queen of the world." Lucas paused. "Bree can be the court jester."

"You're delusional." 

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

The polished wooden carriage wound through the congested streets of Saffron City. A procession of government carriages flanked them—two in front, two behind—their curtained windows revealing nothing of the occupants within.

"You'd think we were transporting a dangerous criminal," Lucas muttered, glancing out at the barricades lining the route.

Sabrina smoothed her formal navy dress, adjusting the thin silver bracelet that matched her earrings. "They're not taking any chances after that incident in Cerulean last month."

"What incident?"

"The protestors who surrounded an ambassador's carriage. Didn't you read the briefing packet Shichiro sent?"

Lucas shrugged. "I skimmed it."

A squad of police officers stood at rigid attention as their convoy approached the Silph Co. headquarters. The imposing structure had been transformed into the summit venue, its upper floors cleared for the high-level meeting. Officers with Arcanine and Growlithe patrolled the perimeter, while psychic Pokemon hovered near entry points, scanning for unauthorised presences.

Their car rolled to a stop at the main entrance. As Lucas stepped out, cameras flashed from behind a distant barrier where journalists had been corralled. 

A security officer approached them. "Mr. Walker, Miss Kuroi, please follow me.”

They were guided through a security checkpoint. The foyer's grand marble expanse had been stripped of furniture, and replaced with screening stations and uniformed personnel.

The lift whisked them to the twelfth floor in silence. When the doors opened, they found themselves in a plush waiting area where clusters of people engaged in hushed conversation.

Professor Oak spotted them first, breaking away from a discussion with a white-haired woman. The professor's usual lab coat had been replaced with a formal suit.

"I was beginning to worry you'd changed your minds," Oak said.

"Not for lack of trying," Lucas said.

Oak chuckled. "I can imagine. Allow me to introduce you to some colleagues."

Before Oak could usher them across the room, Shichiro intercepted them.

"You're fifteen minutes late," he said in a low voice. "Every regional representative is already here."

"Blame your security convoy," Lucas replied. "They took the scenic route."

Shichiro's eyes narrowed, but whatever retort he'd prepared vanished as a tall man approached from across the room. Lance strode toward them with confident steps, his flamboyant crimson suit standing out among the conservative attire of the other attendees.

"Lance," Sabrina greeted with formal politeness, but before she could continue, the Dragon Master scooped her up by the waist and spun her in a circle.

"Put me down, you knucklehead," she protested.

Lance set her down with theatrical care. "How is my little sister? Is Lucas treating you well?"

Sabrina straightened her dress. "Like a princess."

"Or Queen," Lucas added, earning a sharp elbow to his ribs.

Lance watched their interaction with a bemused smile "Quite the commotion you caused, Lucas."

"Wasn't intentional," Lucas said.

"Sure." Lance crossed his arms. "You just go around causing disasters unintentionally."

"That sounds about right."

Lance grinned. "Well, at least it gives me a reason to dress up fancy. What do you think?" 

He stepped back and executed a slow turn, finishing with a dramatic pose that drew stares from nearby diplomats.

"No comment," Lucas said dryly.

Shichiro cleared his throat. "Lance, I believe the Johto delegation was looking for you earlier."

"Always so serious, Shichiro." Lance clapped the Prime Minister on the shoulder, ignoring the man's stiffening posture. "We're about to discuss world-shaking events. A little levity beforehand never hurt anyone."

As they moved through the room, Lucas noted the shifting glances from foreign officials. A woman in a formal Kalosian suit whispered to her colleague as Lucas passed, the man's eyes tracking him with naked suspicion.

"Everyone's staring," Lucas murmured to Sabrina.

"You're the main event," she replied. "What did you expect?"

A chime sounded, signalling everyone to proceed to the conference hall. The assembled dignitaries filed through large double doors into a magnificent chamber dominated by a massive circular table. 

Lucas and Sabrina were directed to seats near where Shichiro would present. As the Prime Minister of Kanto, he held a position of prominence in this summit he was hosting.

The Sinnoh Prime Minister opened proceedings with a formal welcome, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. After his introduction, each leader was introduced in turn.

When Shichiro rose to speak, he began with diplomatic pleasantries before his tone shifted to something more momentous.

"Before we address the primary reason for this gathering," Shichiro said. "I have an announcement that will reshape our technological landscape. Kanto is proud to present a breakthrough decades in development."

He reached into his jacket pocket and withdrew a pokéball.

"For centuries, we've understood Pokemon as biological entities," Shichiro continued, holding the unusual pokéball aloft. "Even ghost-types maintain a physical form. What we're about to reveal challenges that fundamental understanding."

Whispers rippled through the assembly as Shichiro pressed the button. The pokéball split open, and Porygon appeared on the floor.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Shichiro announced, his voice carrying a weight of historical significance, "I present Porygon—the world's first digital Pokemon."

Gasps echoed through the assembly.

"Porygon represents the culmination of the Kuro family's research spanning over a decade," Shichiro explained. "Unlike any Pokemon discovered before, it exists simultaneously in the digital and physical realms—capable of manifesting in our world while retaining its fundamental data structure."

The Kalos Prime Minister adjusted his glasses. "You're claiming this is an actual Pokemon?"

"See for yourself." Shichiro gestured to Porygon. "Show them, please."

The digital Pokemon rotated to face a computer at the edge of the room. Its body hummed, vibrating at a frequency that made the air shimmer. Then, before the stunned audience, Porygon dissolved—transforming into streams of code that flowed through the air like luminescent ribbons.

The streams converged on the terminal, disappearing into the screen. Moments later, the display lit up with scrolling data, commands executing at impossible speeds as Porygon navigated the system's architecture from within.

Diagrams and charts flashed across the screen—information pulled from secure databases, financial records, satellite feeds—all accessed and displayed in seconds.

The conference chamber erupted into barely controlled chaos. Regional leaders abandoned diplomatic restraint as they surrounded Shichiro, peppering him with questions about Porygon's capabilities.

Across the room, Shichiro caught Lucas's eye. The Prime Minister gave him a subtle, almost imperceptible nod—mission accomplished. The calculated distraction had worked precisely as intended. Porygon's reveal had successfully diverted attention from the "legendary Pokemon problem" that had brought them all together.

Lucas grimaced. He harboured no illusions about his reprieve. The distraction's effectiveness was measured in minutes, not hours. Soon enough, the initial excitement would settle, and the assembly would remember why they had gathered in the first place.

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Lucas is questioned by the world leaders, and an unexpected guest disrupts the summit.

Thanks for reading.