The shrine was forged entirely from Water Crystals, pulsing with a dense, rhythmic azure energy.
"Let's go, Frogadier."
Frogadier had finished peeling the lingering Octillery suction cups from its skin, leaving circular red marks across its deep blue limbs. Feng Che placed a hand on its shoulder, and with a burst of psychic power, they Teleported inside.
Just as with the Earth Shrine, the walls were lined with ancient bas-reliefs detailing the myths of Kyogre. Perhaps because Frogadier already carried the Sea God's aura, the massive doors swung open without resistance. As they stepped into the dreamlike hall, the sea behind them crashed back together, sealing the sanctuary away from the world.
The moment Frogadier's feet touched the central dais, torrents of water energy spiraled into its body. The Alpha Sapphire, which had been hovering near the ceiling, descended and merged into its chest.
With this evolution, the core of my primary team is finally complete, Feng Che mused.
Ditto, Corviknight, Venusaur, Incineroar, Greninja, Aerodactyl, Sirfetch'd, and Gyarados.
Once Zeraora produces an egg, it will stay at the breeding house to nurse it. Meanwhile, Vulpix, Alolan Vulpix, Deino, Scyther, and Rowlet will form my second-tier growth squad.
He reminded himself to visit Death Island once more. I still lack a Ground-type specialist to round out my coverage. Without one, I'll be at a disadvantage against high-level Electric types.
Frogadier gritted its teeth as the energy intake intensified. The Kyogre Scale, the Alpha Sapphire, and the Water Divine Crystal were working in tandem to rewrite its genetic code.
Feng Che observed the process. The energy within Frogadier was being compressed so tightly it looked like solid crystal. Finally, the light shattered, revealing the sleek, lethal form of Greninja.
The dual-legged frog warrior stood proud. Its body was a dark, midnight blue with yellow chest plating and white "bubbles" on its joints. Its long tongue was wrapped around its neck like a pink shinobi scarf.
Pokémon: Greninja Potential:Legendary (Blue Border)Level: 62 Type: Water / Dark Ability: Protean Unique Move: Pseudo-Origin Pulse — Can summon six high-pressure water cannons to pierce the enemy. Its mere presence now triggers a shift in the surrounding weather. Evaluation: A master of stealth and precision who has peered into the memories of the Sea God.
"Congratulations, Greninja. The first tier has truly grown up." Feng Che let out a long, relieved breath. The Water Crystals in the shrine had turned perfectly transparent, their energy entirely siphoned. It would take ages for this place to recharge.
With another Teleport, Feng Che and Greninja vanished from the depths.
Indigo Plateau: League Headquarters
Goodshow's face was a mask of fury. When it rains, it pours.
His biggest financial backer, Taro Sasaki, had just announced he was withdrawing a massive investment. This was the fund specifically earmarked for the Rayquaza project. Goodshow had already "borrowed" those funds to cover the League's mounting debts and deficits from previous years.
"Still no sign of Lance?! I've already sent word that I'm willing to compromise—why won't he see me?" Goodshow roared. "And where are the other Elites? Lorelei, Agatha, Bruno... where did they go?"
"Team Rocket is coiled like a viper in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and we are bleeding our best combatants!"
"Report, President," Lady Alice said, bowing her head. "We still cannot find any trace of Lance. Furthermore, Lorelei and the others have completely vanished from the radar. They aren't answering any official summons."
"They're hiding, waiting to watch me fall," Goodshow hissed, tugging at his white beard. A cruel light entered his eyes. "Fine. If he won't come out for me, I'll declare war on the Blackthorn Clan. We'll see if the 'Dragon Envoy' can stay hidden while his family's home is under siege."
Blackthorn City: Dragon's Den
Lance sat in the dim light of the cave, reading a detailed report. Everything, down to Goodshow's tantrum and his threats against the clan, was in his hands.
"He's getting desperate. He wants to smoke me out, but I won't give him the satisfaction. If he attacks the Blackthorn Clan without a valid reason, the Dragon Clans of other regions will tear the Kanto League apart for him."
He scrolled further down. "Finally... Feng Che, I've been looking for you."
Lance summoned his Dragonite and took off into the night. Deep in the Den, the Great Elder watched him leave. "The threads of fate have shifted," the old man whispered. "The future I once saw is no longer the one we are walking."
Vermilion City: Near the Docks
Feng Che was making his way toward Viridian City on his Corviknight when a shadow plummeted from the clouds. It was Lance.
"Elite Lance? Or should I say... Mr. Dragon Master? What brings you here?" Feng Che joked.
"Haha, don't tease me. I'm no longer an Elite," Lance said with a weary smile as he landed. "I stopped being one the moment I walked away from Goodshow."
"The people of Kanto won't forget what you've done for them," Feng Che said. "By the way, Lorelei asked me to tell you that they're still waiting for your signal."
Lance looked at him, surprised. "Let's find a place to talk."
They landed in a secluded clearing. "Feng Che, I owe you a debt of gratitude. If you hadn't diagnosed that poison in my Dragonite, the League would have destroyed my strongest partner. He's the one most likely to reach the Champion tier."
Lance sighed, staring at the horizon. "Honestly, I'm lost. I don't know what being a 'Master' means anymore. Is it for the glory? Or the people?"
"The choice is in your heart," Feng Che replied. "I think you became an Elite because of your sense of justice. You couldn't stand the filth in this world."
"True. When I was an investigator, I constantly asked why there was so much crime. How do we make humans and Pokémon live in true peace?"
"But now that I've made a decision... I worry my 'justice' is a joke," Lance said bitterly.
"You're talking about the rebellion," Feng Che said bluntly. "You think it will bring disaster to the people of Kanto."
Lance froze. "How do you know about that?"
"I saw Lorelei's ice legion at the Seafoam Islands. Combine that with the fact that all four of you have gone rogue, and it wasn't a hard dots to connect," Feng Che shrugged. "It's a good plan. If I were you, I'd be supporting it with both hands and feet."
"But... it puts us in opposition to the very people we protect," Lance argued, unable to move past the weight of his conscience.