This world has changed so much since I arrived, Feng Che thought.
Mewtwo has become a fragile "sick beauty," I saved Lance, and Lance broke ties with the League far earlier than in the original timeline. Because of me, Lance doesn't harbor as much hatred for Team Rocket; instead, his fallout with Goodshow was accelerated.
He realized that because Mewtwo wasn't a "success" yet and the Four Kings had rebelled, Giovanni saw a golden window to strike the League head-on. Team Rocket was essentially firing the first shot of the underground rebellion, with Team Plasma likely to follow suit in Unova soon.
But the League has hidden trump cards. There are more than two "Shadow Elites" lurking in the dark. And the Triple-Bird Fusion has a fatal flaw—the control device. If that machine is destroyed, the birds regain their freedom.
Meanwhile, Goodshow is likely plotting to seize Lugia. Beyond the one Pryce is after, there's another Lugia slumbering in the Sevii Islands with even greater divine power. It's currently under the protection of High Priest Shamouti, the master of the Tin Tower and the de facto leader of Johto.
The reason the League hasn't crushed the Four Kings' rebellion yet is that Goodshow is locked in a stalemate with Shamouti, hoping to use the Triple-Birds to suppress Lugia. If that plan fails and the supportive noble houses are wiped out by the Elites, Goodshow will have to swallow his pride and pardon the Four Kings just to maintain a shred of order.
Team Rocket's original failure was attacking Saffron City, which cost them their two biggest revenue streams: Silph Co. and the Underground Market. If they attack the League directly now... the outcome is anyone's guess.
As Feng Che stepped out of the office, he found Sabrina waiting for him, her arms crossed over her chest.
"Feng Che, the Old Alakazam is looking for you. Go see him as soon as you can," she said, her voice tinged with worry.
Because Feng Che had been in Unova, the elder Pokémon had been unable to reach him. It had tasked Sabrina with tracking his return.
I'm ready. He probably wants the Rainbow Potion, Feng Che transmitted.
I'm not entirely sure, but his condition has worsened since the fight with Moltres, Sabrina replied. He looks older every day. If he doesn't break through his potential bottleneck and reach the Elite level, he won't be able to extend his lifespan. It's his final wish. If you help him, he'll be yours for life.
"Good. With my current High-tier psychic status, refining the Rainbow Potion won't be an issue."
Sabrina used Teleport, and they vanished instantly.
Nearby
Koga sighed as he watched them disappear. "I had something to ask her... she's always in such a hurry when it comes to him."
He wanted to ask Feng Che how he raised such an exceptional Arbok—or at least arrange a breeding session. He shook his head and walked away.
Lt. Surge was also nearby, looking thoughtful. "You know, it's strange. That 'Pharmacist' contestant disappeared right after selling me the Magnezone evolution data. Capturing Zapdos was only possible because of those Magnezone."
"If you want to find the Pharmacist, it's easy," Koga said. "Just check the Rocket records for whoever recently acquired a high-potential Rowlet. There can't be many."
"Right! Why didn't I think of that? I must be getting dizzy from my new Magnezone army!" Surge laughed and sprinted toward the logistics office.
The Hidden Forest
Feng Che and Sabrina arrived at a secluded treehouse. The Old Alakazam was sipping tea, looking serene, but he was visibly gaunt. His back was hunched, and his fur had lost its luster.
"Feng Che, you've returned," the Alakazam said, his eyes lighting up with a spark of hope.
"You've aged decades in just three months," Feng Che noted. "Did the breakthrough fail?"
"Yes. No matter how many mental restoratives or Salac medicines I use, I am shackled by my potential. It is a noose tightening around my neck. Can you refine an Epic-grade Rainbow Potion?"
"If you can help me reach the Elite level, I will give you my entire collection and grant you three favors, no questions asked."
"I can do it," Feng Che said confidently. "My psychic power has grown significantly. I'll demonstrate with a Thousand-Year Rainbow Fruit first. If the quality satisfies you, then you can give me the Ten-Thousand-Year specimen."
"Agreed," Alakazam smiled. "If you can make an Exceptional potion from the thousand-year fruit, the ten-thousand-year one is yours. I only need one vial for my breakthrough; the rest of the batch is yours to keep. I have already prepared the ingredients."
The Alakazam tapped his staff against the trunk of a massive tree, nearly six meters in diameter. A hidden passage slid open.
"Sabrina, come as well. This is my treasury of rare herbs and berries."
They descended a long flight of stairs into the heart of the tree. The air was thick with the scent of life. Piles of rare berries and herbs were stacked neatly. Despite being picked long ago, they looked as fresh as if they were still on the branch.
"I've maintained a permanent Grassy Terrain here to preserve them," Alakazam explained.
In the center of the vault sat a single fruit radiating a brilliant, shifting spectrum of light.
"The Ten-Thousand-Year Rainbow Fruit," Feng Che whispered. "A legendary resource that can evolve the very potential of a Psychic... truly a masterpiece."
Even with his vast experience, Feng Che was awestruck by the Alakazam's hoard.