Pokemon: Resurgence Chapter 49

Hi all, 

Here’s the next chapter. The battle reaches its conclusion, and they have to deal with the aftermath.

Chapter 49

"This is Kimberly Lee," the reporter said, pausing to catch her breath. She inhaled deeply and continued, "Reporting live from the heart of this epic confrontation. Zapdos, the legendary Pokemon, is locked in a fierce battle against an unidentified Pokemon. We are here on the front lines, risking it all to bring you the latest updates."

The national news broadcast the intense fight, captivating viewers at home who were glued to their screens, unable to tear their eyes away from the unfolding spectacle.

Kimberly halted her narration momentarily and sprinted closer towards the tumultuous scene with her dedicated cameraman close on her heels. The air reverberated with deafening thunder and explosions, and the shockwaves could be felt on the ground.

Despite the danger of being so close to the conflict, Kimberly knew that capturing this event on film could be the story of a lifetime. With her adrenaline pumping, she raised her microphone and began to describe the chaotic scene unfolding behind her.

"The unidentified Pokémon is holding its ground against the mighty Zapdos. Could this signal the emergence of another legendary Pokemon?" 

Kimberly was nearly knocked off her feet as another powerful clash of energy shook the ground. 

"We should consider retreating," Rob, her cameraman, voiced his concern. "If we get caught in the crossfire, then we are dead."

Kimberly wasn’t deterred, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Haven't you noticed, folks? None of the energy attacks have hit the ground. It's as if we have our own guardian angel protecting us. The residents of Lavender Town are already evacuating safely, despite the onslaught of attacks directed their way."

"Look up there!" Rob exclaimed, pointing towards the sky and adjusting his camera. "Someone else has entered the fray."

Kimberly followed his gaze and spotted a Dragonair soaring through the sky. Though distant, she could make out figures riding upon its back.

"Who might these daring individuals be, folks?" Kimberly mused aloud. "Who would brave such peril to intervene in this dangerous clash?"

"They're not alone! It's Lance from the Elite Four," Rob shouted.

Dragonite had appeared alongside the Dragonair. It was clear to Kimberly that there was only one person who possessed a Dragonite who would be willing to brave such perilous circumstances, and excitement twinkled in her eyes as she anticipated the unfolding drama. The addition of Lance's Dragonite to the mix promised a dynamic twist to the ongoing battle, setting the stage for a riveting spectacle that would captivate viewers far and wide.

Lance's Dragonite began descending towards the ground.

"Where do you think Lance is headed?" Kimberly asked. “Rob, let's head over there and see what’s going on.”

"It appears he is heading for that plateau," Rob said, his tone tinged with scepticism. "What are we planning to do? Are we going to climb the cliffside to reach it?”

Kimberly reached for a pokeball and summoned Skarmory, a powerful steel-flying type Pokemon. In moments like these, Kimberly's investment in acquiring and training Skarmory proved to be a wise decision, allowing her to navigate the skies and capture critical footage of the unfolding events from vantage points that others couldn’t reach.

Kimberly climbed onto Skarmory’s back. “Hurry up, Rob. If we stick close enough to the ground, we should still be protected.”

With Rob sitting behind her, they embarked on a swift flight towards the location where Lance had touched down. The sound of a distant clash served as a beacon that guided their way.

Kimberly's eyes widened as she saw Lance and Giovanni, two of Kanto's most powerful trainers, facing off with their Pokemon teams. Despite the latter wearing a strange headset, his Pokemon team was easily identifiable. Even with the sight of the legendary Pokemon battling above them, this could lead to even more explosive news. 

“Why is Lance of the Elite Four fighting the Viridian Gym Leader?” Kimberly gasped. “Folks, there is something strange going on here. Why is Giovanni here in the first place? Does he have something to do with the appearance of the unidentified Pokemon?” 

Little did she know how spot on she was with that last question.

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

Saphira and Crobat raced to catch the egg before it hit the ground. Despite Crobat's level and speed advantage, Saphira's unique flying ability, thanks to the Weather Control trait, gave her a surprising advantage, defying conventional wisdom. Regardless, if they did nothing to change the situation, Crobat would be the first to reach the egg.

“Let me take care of the Crobat,” Sabrina said. She pulled out a pokeball off her belt “Go. Xavier.”

Sabrina released Xavier, her level 62 Xatu. Xavier took to the skies with a graceful flourish, his wings unfurled in readiness for the aerial battle that awaited him. As the only flying-type Pokemon in her team, he was the perfect choice for engaging in a mid-air skirmish.

Swooping through the air, Xavier unleashed a powerful psychic attack, sending vibrant waves of energy cascading towards the Crobat. The attack was fast, but Crobat deftly evaded the onslaught, showcasing its remarkable agility. Despite this, Xavier's psychic assault succeeded in slowing down the Crobat, buying precious time to prevent it from catching the falling egg.

Crobat retaliated with a barrage of Air Slashes, razor-sharp gusts that sliced through the atmosphere with deadly precision, aimed at Xavier. However, the psychic-flying type evaded each strike with finesse, flying further away to ensure Saphira and her riders' safety and keeping a strategic distance from the ongoing skirmish.

“Position yourself so I can catch the egg,” Lucas instructed her.

Responding to his command, Saphira positioned herself directly beneath the plummeting egg. With only a fleeting moment to act, Lucas braced himself, releasing his grip on Saphira to catch the egg as it fell towards him. He caught the egg, but the unexpected weight of the egg caught him off guard, threatening to unbalance him atop Saphira's back, but Sabrina was able to hold him long enough for him to stabilise himself.

The egg felt surprisingly cool in his hands. Despite the egg absorbing an immense amount of electric-type energy, there was a conspicuous absence of crackling electricity on its surface.

"We can’t keep the egg," Saphira's urgent voice resonated in his ear. "Once Zapdos breaks free from Mewtwo, it will undoubtedly seek to reclaim it."

"I am aware of this," Lucas replied. 

He had no illusion that he could keep the egg. But he hoped that by touching the egg, he would be able to bond with it, potentially leading to future benefits if the newborn Zapdos returned to him. Essentially, he was attempting to achieve the same goal as Giovanni. It was a dangerous gamble, as Zapdos might catch onto his scheme, but it wasn’t like he could just let the Pokemon die by refusing to catch it. It was a gamble born out of necessity.

"Take us down," Lucas said, and Saphira began her gradual descent to the ground.

A deafening screech pierced the air, drawing Lucas's gaze skyward to behold Zapdos fixating its malevolent glare squarely upon him. Lucas gestured towards the ground before raising the egg aloft, offering it as a token of peace and acquiescence to the legendary Pokemon. He hoped the Pokemon understood his meaning; otherwise, it could kill them with a single lightning strike.

Zapdos appeared to consider Lucas's gesture, a moment of potential understanding hung in the air, only to be abruptly shattered by Mewtwo. The psychic powerhouse, previously frozen in mid-air as if paralysed by an unseen force, now surged back into action with renewed vigour. Zapdos screeched and flapped its wings, unleashing a barrage of lightning bolts at its adversary.

Saphira continued her descent to the ground, unaffected by the escalating chaos around them, while Xavier remained steadfast in his aerial duel with the relentless Crobat. Sensing an opportunity to turn the tide of the battle, Xavier unleashed a dazzling Confuse Ray, a swirling orb of ghostly energy hurtling towards his opponent.

Struck by the disorienting effects of the Confuse Ray, Crobat's flight path faltered, its movements becoming erratic and uncontrolled as confusion gripped its senses. Seizing the advantage presented by his opponent's vulnerable state, Xavier channelled his energy into a potent blast, another Psychic attack that struck true, sending Crobat spiralling through the air.

Crobat recovered and flew forward, launching a series of Poison Fang attacks when it was close enough. Sensing the danger, Xavier refocused its psychic energy, forming a barrier to block the venomous attacks. A dance of quick manoeuvres and strategic defences played out in the skies, with each Pokemon demonstrating their agility in a spectacular display of combat prowess.

After a fierce exchange, Xavier managed to outmanoeuvre Crobat, delivering a final psychic blast from close range. Crobat was sent hurtling downward, unable to recover in time as it was sent crashing to the ground.

Meanwhile, Saphira landed and deposited Lucas and Sabrina on the ground.

“We should leave the egg and get out of here,” Sabrina said, looking up at the sky anxiously.

“One moment,” Lucas said. He used Egg Insight on the egg, curious to see if he had managed to form a bond with it.

=========

Pokemon Egg: Zapdos

Gender: Male

Parents: Zapdos (male).

Potential Inherited: 80% (process interrupted)

• Stats:  80% Moves: 80% Inherited Traits: 80%

Quality: Superior

Initial Level: 20 Next Level (--)

Can Pokemon evolve inside the egg? No 

Time until hatching: 72 days

Bonded? Yes. 

Favorability: Neutral: 500/1000 

Condition: Perfect

Experience: (100000/100000)

Special Conditions: Already fulfilled.

===========

Lucas's anticipation bubbled beneath the surface. The bond he shared with the Zapdos filled him with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Could he truly be the first to forge a bond with a legendary Pokemon? What kind of implications would that have for the future? 

He reminded himself not to get ahead of himself. Maybe the parent Zapdos wouldn’t allow it to ever return to his side. What impact would that have on the bond that had already been established? Would being away from the egg cause the bond to deteriorate over time? 

"We should leave this place." Sabrina's urgent voice broke through his thoughts. "Mewtwo is leaving."

Startled, Lucas followed her gaze and caught a glimpse of Mewtwo soaring towards the western horizon. He hadn’t noticed that the sound of fighting had stopped. Without hesitation, he gently placed the egg on the ground and quickly mounted Saphira alongside Sabrina. Saphira whisked them into the air as Zapdos descended towards them.

The looming presence of the legendary bird sent a jolt of adrenaline through them, but to their relief, Zapdos seemed preoccupied with its precious egg, allowing them to leave unharmed. Zapdos picked up its egg and flew back into the sky, disappearing into the clouds.

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

A few moments earlier.

Giovanni clenched his jaw, a surge of frustration bubbling within him as he watched the intense battle unfold before his eyes. Despite his best efforts, it was becoming increasingly evident that his Pokémon were struggling to keep pace with the relentless onslaught unleashed by Lance’s team.

His Nidoking stood steadfast before him, a towering shield against the chaos of battle raging around them. Lance's Dragonite soared with majestic grace, effortlessly engaging both Rhyperior and Kangaskhan in a dazzling display of aerial prowess. The sky crackled with the unleashed power of Hyper Beams, carving a path of destruction that eroded the very earth beneath their feet, a testament to the ferocity and might of the Dragonite. 

The rest of his team wasn’t faring much better. They were holding their own for the moment, but they were mostly defending and not getting off any offence.

"Surrender, Giovanni," Lance's voice rang out with unwavering conviction. "There is no victory for you in this fight."

"I may yet have a few cards up my sleeve," Giovanni countered, his tone tinged with defiance.

“I know that the device is controlling Mewtwo. Take it off and throw it over to me!” 

"You have indeed done your homework. But why would I relinquish such a powerful advantage?"

“Boss, I lost the egg to the Dragonair and its humans!” Crobat’s voice resounded in his mind.

Giovanni growled. He didn’t see a way to salvage the situation. He needed to retreat before his team was overwhelmed. 

“Mewtwo, forget about Zapdos. Come down here and take care of the Pokemon attacking me!”

The force behind Giovanni’s command should have had Mewtwo responding immediately. Instead of responding, Mewtwo froze in mid-battle. It seemed to be struggling against Giovanni's orders. 

“Follow my command, now!”

Agony ripped through Giovanni as the device controlling Mewtwo was violently torn from his head, leaving him reeling in pain on the ground. It took him a moment to recover enough to look up, his eyes watering in pain. Nidoking was laid out on the ground, unconscious. 

A chill swept through him, and he turned to see Mew floating in the air behind him. It held the device in its hands. Mew effortlessly crumpled the device as if it were made of paper and tossed it aside. The next moment, it vanished, leaving Giovanni to grapple with the sudden shift in fortune

Giovanni searched for the pokeball on his belt before summoning Alakazam in front of him. He placed his hand on its arm. Teleporting with a Pokemon without a tower to guide it was dangerous, but he had no other choice.  

“Get us out of here,” Giovanni said.

Giovanni vanished from the spot, abandoning his Pokemon to the mercy of Lance’s Pokemon team. 

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

Saphira brought Lucas and Sabrina to the plateau, where the intense clash between Lance and Giovanni had unfolded. The aftermath of the battle lay scattered around them, Giovanni's defeated Pokemon strewn across the ground, a testament to the fierce struggle that had taken place. However, Giovanni himself was conspicuously absent. 

Lance was speaking to someone on his phone, his expression etched with frustration. They approached him just as he concluded his call.

“Did Giovanni get away?” Lucas asked.

Lance nodded. "He used an Alakazam to teleport away. Desperation can drive people to the most extreme measures."

"Maybe the trip will kill him," Lucas muttered. He tried to console Lance after noticing how upset he looked. "Giovanni is a slippery character. Don’t blame yourself for his escape. You will get him eventually.”

"We should be proud of our accomplishments today," Sabrina added. “We managed to foil his plan. It will take time for him to recover from this setback.

Just as she said that, a piercing screech filled the air above them, drawing their attention to Zapdos soaring towards the southern horizon. The clouds that had been darkening the skies for several days began to clear, bringing sunlight back to the area.

Lance, overcome with gratitude, lifted Sabrina into a jubilant embrace and spun her around, expressing his gratitude for their collaborative efforts to avoid disaster. Sabrina's playful protest and subsequent reprimand left Lance feeling chastened, his demeanour resembling that of a scolded puppy.

“Mew also helped,” Lance said after a moment. "It played a crucial role in our success today. It was Mew who removed the device from Giovanni's head."

"Not to mention the people he kept safe on the ground." Lucas took a look around. “It seems he didn’t stick around to celebrate with us.”

Lucas saw a woman and a man rushing over to them. The woman, struggling in her high heels, clutched a microphone, while the man balanced a camera on his shoulders.

"Hello, sir," the woman announced, her voice filled with eagerness. "I'm Kimberly Lee from the Saffron City Daily Dispatch. Can you provide our viewers with a firsthand account of the events that transpired here today?"

Lucas turned, anticipating Lance or Sabrina to take the lead in the interview, only to be stunned as both of them hastily made their escape, leaving him to face the journalist alone.

"Unbelievable," Lucas muttered under his breath. “What a bunch of traitors.”

"Lucas Walker, correct?" Kimberly inquired, closing the distance between them. "Would you kindly shed light on your role in today's extraordinary events?"

Lucas sweated. “Uh, no comment.”

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

Cassidy was one of many people who watched the reporter capture footage of the legendary Pokemon showdown. She had to admire the woman for her courage. 

She leaned forward in her seat as she watched Lance and Mew take Giovanni down. As Giovanni faced defeat at the hands of both Lance and Mew, she couldn't help but relish the sight of her typically composed boss sprawled in the mud.  Giovanni's reign as Viridian Gym City gym leader was over after tonight's events. He would almost certainly retreat to the secondary headquarters in Mahogany Town. Once he figured out where he was after teleporting away with Alakazam. Without a tower to guide it, a Pokemon transporting a human would typically end up in a random location or dead.

The night's events held the potential to upend all of Cassidy's carefully laid plans.  Giovanni might want her to move to Mahogany Town with him. There was a chance she could draw unwanted attention from authorities, given his instrumental role in securing her current position. Fortunately, her role in the organisation was kept secret, so Lance couldn’t have discovered any information about her from his raid on the headquarters.

She hoped to persuade Giovanni to let her stay in the city and keep her position as mayor. She wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but she enjoyed her job because each day presented new challenges. 

Cassidy had been considering ways to leave Team Rocket, but she had committed far too many crimes to inform the authorities. Her plan was to get close to Lucas Walker and use his connections to the prime minister to secure a pardon in exchange for information about the organisation. It wasn’t the best plan, but she hoped to increase her chances of success by taking things slowly and making herself indispensable to Lucas.

Alternatively, the prospect of fleeing to a distant region to make a fresh start beckoned, but the difficulties inherent in such a drastic move tempered her resolve, so she reserved it for last resort.

Observing Lucas embroiled in the unfolding chaos, Cassidy recognised his uncanny knack for stumbling into pivotal moments. Her eyes widened with amusement as she watched him transform from a hesitant interviewee to a composed figure adept at dodging probing questions, a feat made all the more difficult by the reporter's firsthand knowledge of the day's tumultuous events.

Mew's appearance was also unexpected, but it explained why Lavender Town remained unscathed. Giovanni's actions appeared to have enraged the Pokémon. But why was Mew only making an appearance now? A sudden realisation sparked within her, prompting a moment of contemplation before the ringing phone on her desk interrupted her reverie.

“Have you seen the news?” Giovanni asked.

"I'm watching it right now," Cassidy replied. "Are you okay? Where did you end up?"

"Forget about that. Have you made the necessary preparations for the gym as I instructed?" 

"Yes, I have. Are you certain about proceeding with this plan? It's bound to stir up quite a commotion," Cassidy cautioned.

Giovanni let out a chuckle. "After the events of tonight, it will barely cause a ripple. Ensure it's done immediately after I hang up. I suspect the authorities will soon be descending on the gym, and we can't risk them discovering what's in the basement. While I believe I've removed most of the research, one can never be too cautious. Leave no traces behind."

"I will handle it," Cassidy assured him before pausing. "And what about my position as mayor? Should I remain here or join you at the headquarters?"

Giovanni fell silent momentarily, causing Cassidy to hold her breath until he finally responded. "You will stay in Viridian City. Your role as mayor makes you a valuable asset in terms of gathering information. Additionally, there's the matter of Lucas Walker and Sabrina Kuroi."

“What about them?”

"They were instrumental in disrupting my plans tonight. Both of them must face consequences. I need you to arrange for their... removal." 

Cassidy winced. "That won't be a simple task. Their residence is likely the most heavily fortified property in the city, and Sabrina is no easy opponent. I may have to target them when they are away from the city."

“I don’t care how long it takes,” Giovanni said. “Just get it done.”

“Alright,” Cassidy replied. “If only you had gotten your hands on Red Ketchum’s research. Things may have turned out differently.”

"I'm not certain if it would have made a difference," Giovanni sighed. "I only pursued it based on a memory of a brief conversation from the past. Red Ketchum held many secrets. We were once close in the army. I can't fathom why he felt the need to conceal his research from me."

“Maybe he already suspected you?”

"Perhaps," Giovanni acknowledged. "I need to go. I'll check in with you tomorrow to ensure the gym has been taken care of."

With that, Giovanni ended the call.

"Why would I risk my life to eliminate Lucas and Sabrina? It's not worth it. I can stall for a few weeks at least," Cassidy muttered. "That will provide me with some time to strategize my next move."

She picked up the phone and dialled another number.

"Proceed with the mission," Cassidy instructed. "Leave no trace behind."

Later that evening, a deafening explosion shook Viridian City. The gym bore the brunt of the blast, but it caused extensive damage to nearby structures. The Viridian Gym now lay in ruins, reduced to a heap of debris within a massive crater on the ground. However, no one would know the full extent of the damage until the morning.

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

Lucas descended the stairs the next morning, leaving Sabrina to continue sleeping. The previous night had been restless, with the explosion disrupting their slumber. Following the disastrous interview, they returned to Saffron City to deal with the aftermath of the incident. They were subjected to hours of police questioning before being released in the early evening. When they got home, they fell into bed, exhausted from the day's events.

In the kitchen, Brock was already at work preparing breakfast. He glanced up when Lucas entered. "The hero has arisen from his beauty sleep."

Lucas poured himself some coffee. “Don’t start. I had enough of that yesterday.”

Brock pointed out the window. “We have plenty of guests standing at the gate.”

Lucas furrowed his brow and approached the window. A throng of people stood at the gate, chanting his name. Among them were reporters and fans, sporting shirts produced by the fan club from the arena.

“What in the world is going on?” Lucas questioned.

“Surprised, are you?” Brock smirked. “After last night’s news broadcast, it's no wonder you’re receiving this much attention. You, Lance, and Sabrina are hailed as heroes. By exposing Giovanni as the leader of Team Rocket and averting a potential disaster, you've earned the admiration of many. Not to mention, with Zapdos leaving the power plant, the region’s energy crisis has been averted.”

“That would’ve occurred regardless,” Lucas grumbled. “Once Zapdos finished producing the egg.”

"Is that what transpired? And where is the egg now?" 

"Zapdos has taken it," Lucas replied. Bonding with the legendary egg had also granted him a level up in his Pokemon Breeders profession. If only he could attain a few more, levelling up would be a breeze.

Brock served Lucas a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon as he sat down. "I am heading out back to feed the Pokemon."

Lucas indulged in his meal. When his hunger was satisfied, he took out his guidebook to investigate the new skill he had learned for his Pokemon Breeder profession.

=========

Skill: Pokemon Compatibility  Level 1/5  Next: 2 SP  Type: Passive  Charges: --

Description: The skill increases the breeding compatibility of all Pokemon bonded to the player by 5% per level, up to a maximum of 25%. This includes Pokemon that have pseudo bonds. Furthermore, it doubles the favorability gains of all Pokemon and Pokemon Eggs that form a true bond with the player.

==========

It was exactly what the Divination skill had described. It would undoubtedly help him produce eggs through crossbreeding. The only problem was that he had other skills that were equally important. To advance in level, he needed to gain more experience. With the transfer experience skill, he could always take some from his Pokemon, but he didn’t want to do that. 

When he heard footsteps on the stairs, he returned the book to his inventory. Sabrina shuffled into the kitchen and went straight for the coffee pot. She paused when she saw the crowd outside. 

"I'm going back to bed," Sabrina declared. "I can't deal with this nonsense."

"We're supposed to help with the cleanup," Lucas reminded her.

Sabrina thought about it for a moment. “We can use Saphira to avoid the crowd outside.”

"They'll probably still gather around us while we're clearing the debris from the gym.”

With a groan, Sabrina sank into a chair at the table. "I almost wish I could go back to being a social pariah."

As she sipped her coffee, Lucas prepared some breakfast for her.

"Who do you think will take over as the gym leader now that Giovanni is out of the picture?" Lucas asked.

Sabrina shrugged. "It'll likely be a while before a new gym is built, so the league has time to decide."

"Would you be interested in the position?"

"No," Sabrina replied. "Besides, there's already a psychic-type gym in Eastern Kanto. I doubt they'd want another one."

"Perhaps the fighting-type gym will make a comeback," Lucas teased.

"I wouldn't mind that.”

Glancing at his watch, Lucas suggested, "Should we catch the morning news before heading out? It might be interesting."

Sabrina scowled. "I've had enough of it already.”

“You're not the one who was abandoned to tackle the interview alone,” Lucas retorted.

Sabrina leaned in and kissed him. "How can I make it up to you?"

A mischievous grin spread across Lucas's face. "I can think of a few intriguing possibilities, all involving you being naked."

"I should have known. Are you going to demand the same from Lance?" Sabrina quipped.

"Very funny.”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=  

Lucas and Sabrina saw the devastation from above as they flew over the city towards the location where the gym once stood. The massive crater left by the explosion served as a stark reminder of the destructive power unleashed, leaving an indelible mark on the city. 

Upon landing, they joined the throngs of people and Pokemon who were already clearing the debris. Mayor Cassidy, a commanding presence amid the chaos, noticed their arrival and approached them.

"It's about time you got here," Cassidy said. "Seeing the two heroes working among the crowd will do wonders for morale."

"They seem to have everything under control," Lucas observed, surveying the scene. "How extensive is the damage?"

"Several buildings will need to be demolished," Cassidy lamented. "The structural damage is too severe to salvage."

"Giovanni certainly didn't hold back," Sabrina said. "Do we know if there were any casualties?"

Cassidy hesitated before replying, "Thankfully, no one outside the gym suffered serious injuries. However, we have found one body amidst the rubble so far. It seems Giovanni had a secret laboratory beneath the gym. We're unsure how many individuals were residing there."

"No wonder he wanted it obliterated," Lucas sighed. "Where should we start helping?"

Cassidy pointed to a section cluttered with large debris. "You can start there. Just exercise caution; some areas are still unstable."

Lucas and Sabrina summoned their Pokemon and they began working to clear the debris. As he worked, Lucas remembered to activate his Itemfinder. While he was there, he may as well have looked for any hidden items. Over the next two hours, they made steady progress, with a growing crowd of onlookers gathering, most there to witness the efforts of the two heroes.

The decision to use his Itemfinder proved fortunate, as Lucas discovered several items among the debris. A protein, an ultra ball, a super potion, and a most intriguing discovery—a special ability capsule.

During a break, Lucas quietly consulted his guidebook to find out about the new item.

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

Special Ability Capsule 

Description: These items allow the player to grant a special ability to one of his Pokemon. The abilities are unique to the player’s Pokemon and provide incredible advantages. Each Pokemon can learn up to three of these special abilities, excluding the inherent abilities it already possesses.

Special Ability Acquired: Treasure Hunter.

Description: Gives a Pokemon the ability to detect and dig up hidden items within natural environments, while also being adept at uncovering concealed treasures in urban settings. While not as proficient as the player, the Pokemon can hunt for items on its own, freeing up the player’s time for other endeavours. Furthermore, when combined with other special abilities, this capability can be optimised for increased efficiency and safety during treasure hunting expeditions.

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

Lucas grinned. This was an amazing find. If he had a Pokemon dedicated to searching for hidden items, then he would be free to do other things. While he wasn’t too concerned about common items, he definitely wanted the unique items, such as the special ability capsule that he had just found.

He had Meowth in mind for the job. He was sure he could use his greediness to convince him if he offered him a portion of the proceeds. The only concern he had was that Meowth wasn’t strong enough to search most areas in the wild. But he could have him explore urban and low level areas for the time being. Meowth’s sneakiness would ensure that he would be harder to catch.

Sabrina received a phone call, and Lucas looked on with concern as Sabrina’s expression darkened. 

“What’s wrong?” Lucas asked after she hung up.

“That was my uncle,” Sabrina said. “He wants me to head to Saffron City. Shido was interrogated, and he shared some information about the attack on my family.”

So, what do you think? Is baby Zapdos going to return to Lucas when it hatches, or will Papa Zapdos intervene?

Thanks for reading.