Pokemon: Resurgence Chapter 82

Hi all, 

Here’s the third chapter for the week. The battle concludes, and Lucas looks at purchasing some property.

Chapter 82

Courtney stalked across the floor, her eyes fixed on Lucas. Behind her, the laboratory burned—equipment melting into twisted shapes, chemical fires erupting from shattered cabinets.

"Analysis indicates you are an obstacle," she said. "Elimination protocol initiated."

Lucas stepped forward. "You seem to have a circuit loose. Maybe try rebooting?"

Her lips formed a thin line. She clicked her fingers and her Mightyena lunged, a blur of midnight fur and fangs. Max intercepted the attack, catching the dark-type mid-leap with a massive fist, sending the Mightyena flying backwards. Max rushed after it, his heavy footsteps making the floor tremble.

"Get the specimens," Courtney directed her grunts, never taking her eyes off Lucas.

Two Team Magma operatives broke away from the main group, darting toward the reinforced door where Mr Stone had taken refuge. Sabrina's Alakazam materialised in their path, spoons aligned in perfect symmetry. A psychic barrier shimmered into existence, throwing the grunts backward.

"The only place you're going is out that door," Sabrina snapped. "Preferably headfirst."

Across the laboratory, Max squared off against Mightyena. The canine Pokemon circled, searching for an opening as flames reflected in its crimson eyes. It darted forward—testing, probing—then leapt back as Max's massive arm swung through empty air.

Max adjusted his stance, electricity crackling between his twin tails. When Mightyena charged again, he was ready. The dark-type's Crunch attack clamped down on Max's forearm, teeth grinding against tough hide. Max didn't flinch. Instead, he lifted the Mightyena into the air, its body dangling as it refused to release its grip.

Max's body lit up with brilliant blue-white energy. Electricity surged down his arm and into the Mightyena's jaws. The dark-type convulsed, releasing its grip and dropping to the floor with a heavy thud. Before it could recover, Max brought a Fire Punch down with devastating force. The floor cracked beneath the impact as Mightyena skidded across the laboratory, crashing into a bank of monitors.

Mightyena struggled to its feet, fur scorched and limbs trembling. It summoned a Dark Pulse, the shadowy energy rippling across the floor in concentric rings. Max leapt over the attack, surprising agility for his enormous size, and countered with Low Kick.

They clashed again and again—Mightyena's speed against Max's raw power. The dark-type darted between fallen equipment, launching hit-and-run attacks that gradually wore down Max's defences. Blood trickled from a dozen shallow cuts across the Electivire's body, but his focus never wavered.

The turning point came when Mightyena unleashed Sucker Punch, appearing seemingly from nowhere to strike Max's blind spot. Instead of dodging, Max twisted into the hit. He caught Mightyena's leg in a vise-like grip and slammed the dark-type into the floor with Hammer Arm. The impact reverberated through the laboratory, sending equipment crashing from shelves.

Mightyena lay motionless, finally defeated.

Courtney showed no reaction to her Pokemon's fall. She simply unclipped two more pokeballs from her belt.

"Secondary assets deploying," she stated, releasing an Arcanine and Weezing simultaneously.

The fire-type emerged with a thunderous roar, its magnificent mane billowing despite the confined space. Beside it, Weezing hovered ominously, noxious gases leaking from its pores and adding to the toxic miasma already filling the laboratory.

Max braced himself, electricity intensifying around his body as he faced these fresh opponents. The Arcanine attacked first, flames wreathing its body as it charged with Flare Blitz. The collision sent Max skidding backward, his feet carving furrows in the floor as he fought to maintain balance.

While Max grappled with Arcanine, Weezing floated higher, positioning itself above the battlefield. Black sludge dripped from its pores, hissing where it struck the floor. It inhaled deeply, its body expanding like a balloon, then expelled a cloud of Sludge Bomb that rained down in toxic globules.

Max dove aside, narrowly avoiding the worst of the attack. A glob of sludge struck his shoulder, eating into his fur with alarming speed. He gritted his teeth and focused on Arcanine, delivering a Low Kick that connected with devastating precision. The fire-type stumbled, momentarily off-balance.

Lucas caught Courtney surveying the room with calculating eyes. She was searching for something specific, and the fossil Pokemon seemed only part of her objective. Her gaze lingered on certain equipment, her head tilting as she catalogued them in that bizarre, machine-like manner.

Lucas made his decision. With a subtle movement hidden by the smoke, he released Dante from his pokeball using Stealth Summoning. The Gardevoir materialised without a flash or sound, invisible for the crucial first seconds.

He locked eyes with the invisible presence he could sense, and tapped his temple twice. Then he pointed directly at Courtney.

The Team Magma member continued her advance, unaware of the trap. 

Dante appeared in front of her. Her eyes widened in the first genuine emotion Lucas had seen—surprise—as Dante's teleport yanked her from the laboratory without warning.

The effect on her Pokemon was immediate. Both Arcanine and Weezing froze, their heads swivelling as they searched for their vanished trainer. The Pokemon bolted toward the exit, abandoning the fight to search for Courtney.

The Team Magma grunts faltered, their coordinated assault collapsing without leadership. Sabrina seized the opportunity, her Pokemon driving them back with a coordinated psychic assault.

"Retreat! Fall back!" The order echoed through the ruined laboratory as the remaining Team Magma operatives recalled their Pokemon and fled through the breached wall.

The sudden silence felt deafening. Max sagged against a half-melted workstation, his body bearing the marks of fierce combat. Dante reappeared beside Lucas, without his passenger.

"Where did you send her?" Lucas asked, summoning Meowth to get a translation.

Dante's mouth curved in a small, satisfied smile. He had dropped Courtney into the ocean, several kilometres offshore.

"She'll need a swimming lesson, then," Lucas said, patting Gardevoir's shoulder. 

It may have been better to drop Courtney off at the Police Station, but that would have raised questions he didn’t want to answer.  

Max glanced around the devastated laboratory. He seemed disappointed at being denied a decisive victory over his opponents.

"You did brilliantly," Lucas assured him. "They ran because they couldn't beat you."

The reinforced door slid open, and Mr Stone emerged, clutching the pokeballs containing the fossil Pokemon to his chest. His eyes widened as he surveyed the destruction.

"My laboratory," he whispered, shock evident in his voice. "But the Pokemon are safe. You protected them. Both of you."

"Team Magma won't give up," Sabrina warned, joining them. "This was too coordinated to be opportunistic. They knew exactly what they wanted."

"More than just the fossil Pokemon," Lucas agreed. "Courtney was cataloguing equipment. I'd check to see if anything is missing."

Mr Stone nodded grimly. "I will. But first, let's get out of here before anything else explodes."

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

Wind whipped across the hotel balcony, carrying the salt tang of the ocean below. Sabrina leaned against the railing, her gaze fixed on the lights of Slateport City spread beneath them.

"We should head back to Kanto," she said, breaking the comfortable silence.

Lucas nodded. "Agreed. We've overstayed our welcome in Hoenn.”

News of the Team Magma attack on Devon Corporation spread rapidly across the region. The audacity of targeting such a powerful company in broad daylight shocked the public and alarmed security forces throughout Hoenn. Reports emphasised the battle's destructive nature and the raiders' singular focus on the fossil research division. 

Government officials quietly launched investigations into Devon's internal security. The precision of Team Magma's strike suggested insider knowledge far beyond casual surveillance. Mr Stone initiated a complete overhaul of Devon's security protocols. More significantly, he accelerated the fossil research program, transferring the specimens and equipment to a hidden facility whose location was shared with only his most trusted personnel.

Meanwhile, Lucas's involvement in the Devon Corporation incident cemented his reputation as a figure who attracted trouble. Some analysts theorised he possessed some unknown ability that attracted him to these incidents; others suspected something more sinister. Either way, various interests in the Hoenn region were now keeping a watchful eye on his movements.

Lucas and Sabrina's biggest worry was that they were attracting too much attention from the criminal organisations. The pattern had become undeniable—wherever they went, conflict followed. Team Flare in Kalos, Team Rocket in Kanto, and now both Team Magma and Team Aqua in Hoenn had directly crossed their paths. Each encounter escalated in intensity, and they were accumulating a healthy group of enemies. 

"The Rota Kingdom projects are underway," Sabrina noted. "Butch has sent three reports about the construction. We should check on the progress."

"Not to mention my breeding operation.” Lucas paused. “What about Uxie’s offer to restore your powers?"

Sabrina tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "It’s not necessary. Most of my abilities will come with time."

“I still think you should get Uxie’s help,” Lucas said. “He is an expert in memories.”

“If I get stuck, I will consider it.” Sabrina turned to face him, "What happened with Raijin? You've been quiet about your expedition to the Seafloor Cavern."

"Something unprecedented. Remember the Blue Orb we saw in the cavern?"

"The artefact linked to Kyogre?"

"I took it and gave it to Raijin."

Sabrina's eyes widened. "You stole from Kyogre?"

"The orb was just sitting there," Lucas said. "No sign of Kyogre anywhere."

"And?"

"Raijin absorbed it completely. The orb doesn't exist anymore." Lucas pulled out Raijin's pokeball, turning it in his fingers. "It transformed him. His level jumped to forty, and he gained water-type abilities."

"That should be impossible." 

Lucas shrugged. "Legendary Pokemon play by different rules."

"I think it’s more than that,” Sarbina sighed. “What if the orb was important for maintaining some natural balance?"

"The System generated the quest, so I doubt it. The only thing it does is allow Kyogre to go Primal. I even received another quest to find the Red Orb next."

"You can't seriously be considering—"

A sharp knock interrupted them. Lucas opened the sliding door to find a hotel staff member holding an envelope.

"Urgent message for you, sir."

Lucas took the envelope, noting the lack of identifiable markings. Inside was a simple note: 'Northern docks. One hour. Come alone. — M'

"It’s from Detective Moore," Lucas said, showing Sabrina the note.

“What’s with all this cloak and dagger stuff?”

“Well, he’s not the Prime Minister’s favourite person at the moment.”

An hour later, Lucas walked along the deserted northern docks. Shipping containers created a maze of metal corridors, and the lapping of waves against concrete provided a steady rhythm to the night's silence.

Movement flickered between containers. Lucas turned to find Moore stepping from the shadows, his weathered face even more lined than when they'd last met.

"Walker," Moore acknowledged with a nod. "I appreciate you coming."

“Your note sparked my curiosity.”

Moore glanced around before speaking. "Team Aqua is mobilising. Their submarine fleet left their main base yesterday—destination unknown."

"Connected to Samiya's disappearance?"

"Most likely. We last tracked them to a location near the Mirage Islands before they disappeared."

“What are they up to?” Lucas mused. “Did you find anything at Ocean’s Paradise?"

“Some troubling information,” Moore replied. “I found evidence of corruption within the Hoenn government. Evidence of politicians collaborating with Team Magma.”

“That doesn’t surprise me one bit,” Lucas muttered. “What about Team Aqua? Did you see them?”

Moore shook his head. “I didn’t have time to search for them. Security locked the place down and I had to get out of there.”    

Lucas absorbed this information. "You think they're still working together?"

"All evidence points that way." Moore switched off the projector. "You've been surprisingly helpful during your stay in Hoenn. Thought you deserved a warning before whatever they're planning comes to fruition."

"We're leaving Hoenn soon."

Moore nodded. "Smart move. This storm's building fast."

Back at the hotel, Lucas briefed Sabrina on Moore's information. She listened without interruption, her expression growing more troubled with each detail.

"We should leave tomorrow,” Sabrina said. “We came here because of Maxie, but this is not our fight. We have too many things to worry about back home.”

“You’re right,” Lucas agreed. “But there is something I want to do first before we leave.” 

Lucas opened his phone and accessed the internet. "Let's see what we can find about Groudon's current location."

Several search queries later, a pattern emerged. Government evacuation orders covered a remote area deep in Hoenn's northern mountains.

"They're giving Groudon a wide berth," Lucas noted. "Smart policy after what happened before."

"You're not seriously considering going after the Red Orb."

Before Lucas could answer, his interface chimed with a notification:

======

New Territory Quest! 

Hoenn Domain: Purchase at least 20 acres of Hoenn land. 

Reward: 50,000 experience, 2 skill points.

======

Another easy quest. Pokedollars weren't an issue at this point, especially with the news article he had found.

"I’m not going after the Red Orb for the moment," Lucas said. "But the Groudon situation does present me with an opportunity."

He turned his phone toward Sabrina, pointing to a news article: "Property Market Collapses Near Fallarbor as Groudon Claims Northern Mountains as Its Territory."

"Look at this," Lucas said. "People are selling their properties along Route 113, east of Fallarbor Town. They want nothing to do with living near Groudon's territory."

Sabrina leaned forward, scanning the article. "Prices are down forty percent from last year."

"It represents a good opportunity to pick up some property for cheap. I don't know why the System has me buying up territory, but it must be important. The rewards are decent, and I have plenty of money."

"Your funds aren't limitless," Sabrina cautioned.

"No, but once I return to Kanto, I can squeeze your uncle for more money."

"You're horrible."

"Didn't you hear? He tried to bully me."

"How so?"

Lucas explained the deal Shichiro had tried to make.

"So he tried to short-change you on a negotiation? That's just how he operates," Sabrina said, though her lips quirked up slightly.

"Then he shouldn't be surprised when I make him suffer."

"Okay, make him suffer a little."

"Thanks for the support. I will ask Bree for some ideas."

Sabrina's eyes widened. "Don't you dare.”

"Brilliant ideas often come from unexpected sources."

"Promise me you won't consult Bree on how to negotiate with my uncle."

Lucas held up his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. I'll keep Bree out of it."

"Good." Sabrina glanced at her watch. "If we're visiting Fallarbor Town, we should head out early. You may not be the only one looking for a bargain."

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

The ash-laden winds of Fallarbor Town greeted them as Saphira descended from the sky. Lucas dismounted first, helping Sabrina down before recalling the Dragonair to her pokeball. Volcanic particles dusted their clothes within seconds, the perpetual shower of white ash a reminder of their proximity to Mt. Chimney.

"I still can't believe they granted us a flying permit so easily," Sabrina said, brushing ash from her jacket.

"One of the perks of being in the Prime Minister's good graces," Lucas replied. 

The town sprawled before them—a collection of sturdy buildings with steeply pitched roofs designed to prevent ash accumulation. Locals moved about their business with the unhurried pace of rural life, many wearing protective masks against the constant ash fall. Unlike the coastal cities, Fallarbor maintained its traditional character, untouched by modern architectural influences.

"Let's explore a bit before visiting the estate agent," Lucas suggested. "I want to get a feel for this place."

They wandered down the main street, passing shop windows displaying volcanic soil samples and specially adapted farming equipment. Despite the harsh environment, Fallarbor's economy thrived on its unique agriculture—plants that flourished in ash-enriched soil produced vegetables and berries prized throughout Hoenn.

They paused outside a bakery, the scent of fresh bread luring them inside. An elderly woman greeted them from behind the counter, her face weathered from years of ash exposure.

"You're not locals," she observed, wrapping a loaf in paper. "What are you doing here?”

"Real estate," Lucas answered. "Looking at properties along Route 113."

The woman's expression shifted. "Brave, that. Most folks have been selling up since that Pokemon moved up north."

“Has there been trouble?"

"None directly." She handed Lucas the bread, refusing his money with a wave. "But the ground shakes sometimes. And the heat—some days it's like standing too close to an oven door. Fields drying up faster than normal."

"Yet you're staying," Sabrina noted.

The woman's chin lifted proudly. "Been here sixty-three years. Takes more than a legendary Pokemon to scare me off. Besides—" she winked, "—my sourdough never rose better than after it arrived. Something in the air, maybe."

They left the bakery and continued toward the town's eastern edge, where a modest building displayed the sign: "Fallarbor Properties—Serving the Region for Three Generations."

Inside, a middle-aged man looked up from his desk, surprise registering on his face at the sight of potential customers.

"Welcome!" He hurried forward, hand extended. "Richard Hayes. How can I help?"

"Lucas Walker. This is Sabrina Kuroi. We're interested in properties along Route 113."

Hayes's eyebrows shot up. "Really? I mean—excellent! Please, sit down."

They settled into chairs as Hayes retrieved a portfolio from a filing cabinet. "I have several listings that might interest you. Most are farmland. Some have residential structures already in place."

He spread maps across the desk, pointing out properties with red circles. "These are all currently available. The Brentwood farm is forty acres and has an irrigation system already installed. The Marshall estate—sixty acres with orchards and a main house dating back to pre-war construction."

Lucas studied the map, noting each property's proximity to Groudon's territory. "What's this area here? It's not marked."

Hayes hesitated. "That's Peterson's greenhouse complex. Thirty-eight acres, state-of-the-art facilities for berry cultivation. He's not officially listed yet, but between us—" he lowered his voice, "—he's desperate to sell. Wife's terrified of Groudon."

"I'd like to see them all," Lucas decided. "Starting with Peterson's place."

"All of them?" Hayes blinked. "That would take—"

"We have transportation," Sabrina interjected. 

Hayes nodded, gathering his papers with renewed enthusiasm. "In that case, let me grab my coat."

As they prepared to leave, Lucas caught Sabrina's questioning look.

"The System rewards efficiency," he murmured. "Why buy one property when I can acquire them all?"

"Your megalomaniac tendencies are showing," she replied, adjusting her mask.

"Just good business sense," Lucas countered. "Besides, having a buffer zone between Groudon and civilisation might prove useful someday."

"I can’t imagine how."

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

The Peterson greenhouse complex consisted of a row of massive glass structures. Lucas and Sabrina looked around as they followed Hayes along the central path.

"The main production area covers twelve acres under glass,” Hayes explained. “The rest is support facilities, storage, worker housing, and undeveloped land."

The largest greenhouse loomed ahead, its entrance framed by ornate metalwork twisted into berry vine patterns. Rows of carefully tended plants stretched toward the distant glass walls, their leaves vibrant with health. 

"Mr Peterson will be along shortly," Hayes said, checking his watch. "Feel free to look around."

Lucas walked slowly between the plant beds, noting the sophisticated irrigation systems that delivered precisely controlled amounts of water to each section. Overhead, automated misters activated periodically, creating a fine mist that settled on the foliage.

"These aren't ordinary berries," Sabrina observed, examining a nearby plant with clusters of iridescent blue fruit. 

"Alchemical ingredients," Lucas said, recognition dawning as he studied the plant tags. "Moonshade berries, Nightfire root, Solstice vine—all high-value components for advanced potions."

Each section of the greenhouse bore a different microclimate, modulated by separate environmental controls. 

"This is more than a berry farm," Lucas said. "It's a complete alchemical supply operation."

Footsteps echoed from the entrance. A tall man with a neatly trimmed beard approached, wiping soil from his hands onto his apron.

"Martin Peterson," he introduced himself. "Hayes tells me you're interested in my little operation."

"Lucas Walker." They shook hands. "This isn't what I expected from a greenhouse complex."

Peterson's smile held a mixture of pride and sadness. "Took twenty years to build it up. Started with ordinary berries, but the volcanic soil here has unique properties. Found I could grow ingredients most alchemists have to forage in the wild."

He led them deeper into the complex, past chambers containing progressively rarer specimens. 

"The crown jewel," Peterson said, stopping before a door. Inside, a circular chamber housed a single massive plant. Its trunk spiralled upward toward a skylight, while its branches reached around the room's perimeter, laden with fruit that shifted colours as they watched.

"Chronomutare," Lucas breathed. "I thought they were extinct."

"Nearly are," Peterson confirmed. "Took five years just to get it to germinate. The fruit changes properties with the phases of the moon—harvested at the right moment, it accelerates or slows potion effects."

Lucas circled the plant, mentally calculating its value. A single mature Chronomutare could sustain an entire alchemical business, its fruit commanding prices that made even the rarest evolution stones seem affordable by comparison.

"Why sell all this?" Lucas asked. "You've built something extraordinary here."

Peterson's expression darkened. "My wife hasn't slept properly since Groudon appeared. The tremors cracked two of my eastern domes. Insurance won't cover any damages from a legendary Pokemon. This place is my life's work, but I won't risk my family's safety."

"What's your asking price?" Lucas asked.

"Four million pokedollars for everything—land, buildings, equipment, and the entire stock of plants." Peterson named the figure without hesitation. "Half what it's worth, but I need a quick sale."

"Done," Lucas said.

Surprise flickered across Peterson's face. "Don't you want to see the rest first? Or negotiate?"

"I recognise quality when I see it." Lucas extended his hand. "The price is fair for both of us."

They shook on the deal. He could transform this greenhouse complex into something even more valuable. Self-sufficiency in rare ingredients would slash his production costs for potions and pills while opening new revenue streams selling to other alchemists.

Outside, while Hayes drew up preliminary paperwork, Sabrina nudged Lucas. "You're thinking of something beyond just completing the quest. I can tell."

"This place could revolutionise my alchemy work," Lucas replied. "No more hunting for rare ingredients or paying inflated prices from suppliers. I could grow everything I need here, including components for the Amplifier pills."

"Who would run it with us returning to Kanto?"

"I could bring in a manager." Lucas's eyes swept across the complex. "With the right automated systems, minimal staff could maintain it."

"And the Groudon situation?"

"Every business involves risk. The potential rewards here far outweigh the danger.”

Hayes returned with the documents for Lucas to sign. 

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

The final papers exchanged hands in Peterson's living room. 

"It's official," Hayes said. "Congratulations on your new property."

"You'll take care of it?" Peterson asked. "Twenty years of my life are in those greenhouses."

"I'll preserve your work," Lucas promised. "And expand on it."

Peterson's wife, a petite woman with worry lines etched around her eyes, appeared in the doorway. "Would you like to stay for lunch? It's the least we can offer after you've been so generous with the price."

"We'd be delighted," Sabrina answered before Lucas could respond.

The dining room overlooked the central greenhouse complex, large windows framing the glass structures against the mountain backdrop. Peterson's children—a teenage boy and younger girl—joined them at the table, eyeing the visitors with undisguised curiosity.

"Will you be living here?" the boy asked.

"Not really," Lucas replied. "My home is in Kanto."

"That's where the psychic lady is from," the girl said, eyes fixed on Sabrina. "I saw you on the news. You lifted a whole ship!"

Sabrina smiled. "I did. Though I shouldn't have been so public about it."

"Are you going to use the greenhouses for growing ingredients like Dad?" the boy continued, ignoring his sister's interruption.

"For the most part," Lucas said. "But I'll—"

A deafening roar shook the house, rattling dishes and sending glasses toppling. The sound reverberated through the valley, primal and unmistakable. Peterson's wife clutched her children close as a second roar followed, closer this time.

"Groudon," Peterson whispered, face draining of colour.

They rushed outside, abandoning their half-eaten meal. The sight that greeted them froze the blood in Lucas's veins. Groudon approached from the mountains, each massive step leaving footprints in its wake. The legendary Pokemon's crimson and black body stood out starkly against the ashen landscape.

"Still think it was a worthy investment?" Sabrina asked dryly.

Lucas grimaced. "We can rebuild." 

"We need to leave," Peterson ordered his family, shepherding them toward a carriage parked in the driveway. “Now!”

Lucas summoned Meowth, the feline Pokemon materialising with a flash of light. 

"I need a translation," Lucas said. "Let's hear what this walking disaster zone has to say."

Groudon bellowed again. Before Meowth could translate, another sound split the sky—a deeper roar that cut through Groudon's voice.

All eyes turned skyward as a streak of green cut through the clouds. Rayquaza descended in a spiralling pattern, its serpentine body undulating as it approached. Groudon halted its advance, swivelling to face the new arrival.

Lucas and Sabrina remained rooted in place as the confrontation unfolded. Rayquaza touched down between Groudon and the greenhouses. The two legendary Pokemon faced each other, and Rayquaza's jaws opened in a challenging roar. Groudon responded with a rumbling growl that sent tremors through the ground.

"What are they saying?" Lucas asked Meowth.

"Rayquaza's telling it to back off," Meowth translated. "Says this territory's under its protection now."

"Groudon’s not happy," Meowth continued. "Says this is part of its territory. But..." 

He paused, listening to Rayquaza's reply. "Rayquaza says you're connected to it somehow. That your territory and its territory are...linked?"

The exchange continued, growing more heated until Rayquaza reared up to its full height, spreading delta-shaped wings in a display of dominance. 

Finally, Groudon stepped back, its massive form radiating frustration. With a final defiant roar, it turned and lumbered away.

Rayquaza watched until Groudon vanished over a ridge, then turned its gaze toward Lucas. For a moment, their eyes locked in silent acknowledgement before the Pokemon ascended into the sky, vanishing into the clouds as suddenly as it had appeared.

"Since the drama is already over," Lucas said. "Why don't we head inside and finish our dinner?"

Sabrina stared at him. "You're unbelievable."

"What? A man has to eat." 

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

After the confrontation with Groudon, Lucas and Sabrina retreated to the farmhouse's dining room. The property now stood quiet, with the Peterson family having not returned. Not that he blamed them. 

"Might as well not let this go to waste," Lucas said, helping himself to the abandoned meal. "The property's still standing, so I'd call that a win."

They ate in contemplative silence, the farmhouse eerily quiet after the chaos outside. The television in the corner provided background noise.

Lucas had just taken a sip of water when the broadcast abruptly cut to breaking news, the urgent chime drawing their attention.

"We interrupt our regular programming with extraordinary footage just received," the announcer said, his expression taut with barely contained excitement. "The structure that recently appeared in Hoenn's waters, believed to be connected to legendary Pokemon, is on the move again."

The screen filled with aerial footage that made both of them freeze mid-bite. Rayquaza was levitating the massive temple structure as it soared through the clouds. 

"This unprecedented event was captured approximately twenty minutes ago," the reporter continued, as the camera angle shifted to show the structure from below. "The legendary Pokemon Rayquaza appears to be relocating the structure. Authorities have issued an immediate no-fly zone for all Pokemon in the affected airspace, though our crew received special dispensation to document this incredible moment."

The scene changed, showing a meteorologist speaking to the news broadcaster.

"Scientists at the Mossdeep Space Center suggest the structure's movement may be linked to Rayquaza establishing territorial boundaries following the recent Groudon and Kyogre incidents," the meteorologist explained. "The trajectory appears to be northward, specifically toward the Fallarbor region."

"What do you think it's doing?" Sabrina asked.

Lucas felt a sinking sensation in his stomach, a premonition too obvious to ignore. "Don't tell me..."

He bolted from his chair and rushed outside, Sabrina close behind. 

They stood watching in tense silence for nearly ten minutes, scanning the horizon. Finally, a shape emerged through the cloud bank—Rayquaza, with the massive structure following behind in its wake. Despite the legendary's enormous size, it seemed dwarfed by its burden. But it didn’t look like it was having trouble moving the structure.

Behind the legendary, several flying Pokemon followed at a distance, their riders visible even at this distance.

"News crews," Sabrina muttered. "Perfect. Just what we need right now."

They watched in helpless silence as Rayquaza carefully lowered the ancient temple onto the northern edge of Lucas's newly acquired property. The structure settled onto the ground, the impact sending tremors through the soil beneath their feet. It's massive form dwarfed even the largest greenhouse.

Having completed its task, Rayquaza circled once overhead, its roar echoing across the valley. The legendary Pokemon's gaze briefly met Lucas's before it disappeared into the temple's central opening.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me," Lucas said, rubbing his temples. 

The property he'd purchased less than an hour ago was now home to a legendary Pokemon.

"What do we say to them?" Sabrina nodded toward the approaching news crew.

"Deny everything," Lucas replied without hesitation. "As far as they're concerned, we're just innocent bystanders who happened to buy property in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Sabrina raised an eyebrow. "Lucas, your relationship with Rayquaza has already been well established.” 

“Dammit.” 

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Lucas and Sabrina return to Kanto.

Thanks for reading.