After "securing" Lusamine, Dylan began pondering Alola's future development.
The World Championships were coming next year—an excellent opportunity for Alola to make its mark. It might not yet rival Kanto, but outperforming other regions? Definitely possible.
Besides, both Itto and Amelia really liked Alola, and since Lillie was a native too, turning Alola into their "home turf" sounded like a solid plan.
"Allocate funding and equipment to Phyco. Have him monitor Ultra Space. If there's any anomaly, report to me immediately," Dylan instructed Lusamine. The Rainbow Rocket threat was no joke.
"Understood," Lusamine replied. She knew exactly what he meant—Rainbow Colress had already proven how real the danger was.
She, too, feared what might come crawling out of Ultra Space next. If another boss or two suddenly popped out, at least with Dylan around, they'd stand a chance.
"What's your plan for the Alola League?" Dylan asked.
"I'll contact Professor Kukui and the island kahunas tomorrow. I'll invite them for a meeting and show them the Ultra Beast data first," Lusamine said after a moment of thought.
To become the Alola League President, she needed the support of Alola's key figures—the four island kings and queens, and of course, Professor Kukui.
Aether Foundation had been researching Ultra Beasts all along—though secretly. Still, Kukui and the others must've heard whispers.
Now that the truth was laid bare, sharing their findings would demonstrate goodwill and transparency.
"Good thinking," Dylan nodded approvingly.
"Oh right, could you have someone help me gather intel on this Pokémon?" Dylan pulled up a Pokémon's profile on the Rotom Dex and turned it to Lusamine.
"If you get any leads, let me know."
"Leave it to me."
Evening soon arrived, and Itto and Amelia came to Aether Paradise. Everyone enjoyed a peaceful dinner together.
With Lillie's family matters resolved, Dylan wasn't in a rush to leave Alola. He and Leaf planned to spend a couple of relaxing days here.
Lillie, wanting to enjoy her newly restored relationship with her mother, chose to stay with Lusamine at Aether Paradise for a while.
Lusamine had already contacted Kukui and the others to discuss the formation of the Alola League. Kukui was beyond excited.
Two days later, somewhere deep in Melemele Island's forest, Dylan and Leaf had been wandering for quite a while.
"Hey Dylan, did you hear? There's a rumor going around Kanto—Champion Lance is missing," Leaf said excitedly, eyes glued to her phone under the brim of a sunhat.
Even while vacationing in Alola, Leaf made sure not to miss a single Kanto headline—especially the juicy gossip.
"Lance is missing?" Dylan raised an eyebrow with interest.
Come to think of it, it had been a while since anyone had seen the Dragon Master since his trip to Unova.
"Yup. No one's seen him in over two weeks. Word is, he hasn't been at Indigo Plateau at all," Leaf added, blinking those curious big eyes.
After the Saffron incident, Team Rocket had been wiped out. Sure, some remnants remained, but they were barely scraping by.
Team Rocket was history—but in such a peaceful time, Lance suddenly disappeared?
"Interesting," Dylan mused. He hadn't been keeping tabs on Lance recently.
Maybe he went to Johto to finish off Rocket's leftovers? But if that were the case, there should've been some sign. He'd have to ask President Charles back in Kanto—Lance was, after all, a senior Champion. He had to be taken seriously.
Dylan and Leaf continued deeper into the forest. Soon, they reached a small clearing.
"Found it at last."
Dylan's smile widened as he spotted the yellow Pokémon perched atop a tree stump, munching an apple.
The Pokémon noticed them too and stood up warily, alert and on guard.
"This is the Pokémon you were looking for?" Leaf asked curiously.
It resembled a bipedal feline, with blue paw pads and black lightning patterns over sleek black and blue fur—a very stylish Pokémon.
"That's right. I asked Lusamine to help find it. And here it is—Zeraora."
Dylan approached with a calm smile, while the Rotom Dex floated next to Leaf, scanning:
Bzzt~ Zeraora. Electric-type. Thunderclap Pokémon.Ability: Volt Absorb.Notable Moves: Plasma Fists, Wild Charge, Discharge, Thunder Punch, Volt Switch, Slash…Dex entry: It charges its claws with electricity to tear foes apart. Even if its attacks miss, the stray sparks can still paralyze.
Exactly—it was the mythical Pokémon, Zeraora!
As Dylan neared, Zeraora growled low in warning, baring its fangs slightly. Its expression turned fierce, clearly signaling Dylan to stop.
"Easy, relax. I'm not here to hurt you."
Dylan halted, his voice soft and reassuring. He released a wave of Viridian energy.
The natural aura seemed to calm Zeraora. Though still wary, it eased up significantly.
"I came here to find you, Zeraora. Living here alone must get lonely, right? I'd like to be your partner."
Dylan offered with an earnest smile.
Zeraora looked at him knowingly—clearly not the first trainer to try this pitch.
It had been in the area a long time; surely someone else had stumbled upon it and challenged it.
Sighing in a strangely human-like way, Zeraora leapt down from the stump and assumed a battle stance.
It didn't mind Dylan's aura, but if he wanted to capture it, he'd have to earn it.
If you can't beat me—how are you worthy to stand beside me?
"I like your attitude," Dylan said, raising an eyebrow.
This was exactly his kind of Pokémon—one who believed in strength above all.
"Alright then. You're up." Dylan pulled a Poké Ball from his belt and tossed it.
"Pheromosa, let's battle!"
"Melo"
A slim, elegant figure emerged, standing gracefully in front of Dylan, eyes narrowed with regal disdain.
It was the Ultra Beast: Pheromosa.
Zeraora growled, eyes sharp. It could tell—this one was strong.
"Show me your power, Zeraora," Dylan said, loosening his collar with a smirk.
[(Battle text remains unchanged for brevity)]
…
Johto Region.
"You really gonna push me this far, Karen?!"
Outside a hidden base near Cianwood, a small man in a white Rocket uniform—Carr—looked crazed with rage. Before him stood an Umbreon and a snarling Houndoom.
"Now, now. No need to make it sound so dramatic, Lord Carr~" Karen tilted her head, hand on her hip, a playful smirk on her lips.
"I'm not trying to kill you. Just bow your head and admit I'm better—I'll even let you keep leading Johto's Team Rocket. Sound fair?"
Her tone dripped with mockery.
"Hah! Like anyone should believe a word you say," Carr spat back.
She'd been hunting the Rocket Three Beasts for weeks. Now she finally cornered him—like she'd let him go?
But he had his own trump card.
"You really think today's your win, Karen?"
He grinned wide. Overhead, a dark cloud began to roll in, crackling with blue lightning.
A chilling pressure swept in—Karen frowned. Something felt wrong.
Footsteps echoed behind her. She turned—and her eyes widened in shock.
A blood-red-haired man in a cape strode toward her.
Lance, the Dragon Champion of Kanto!
"What?! Why's Lance here?" Karen's mind raced.
She shot a furious glare at Carr. That bastard must've leaked her location!
"Keep laughing, Karen!" Carr cackled. "Enjoy your last moment of pride!"
"Lance, I'm no longer with Team Rocket."
Karen's expression twisted. Now wasn't the time to fight Carr—she faced Lance with steel in her voice.
"Where is Giovanni?" Lance asked flatly, his tone devoid of emotion.
"I don't know. After Saffron, we went our separate ways," she replied.
A deafening roar echoed as a massive black dragon descended from the clouds, electricity crackling in the sky.
The Dragon of Ideals—Zekrom!
Karen's breath caught. Lance had caught Zekrom?!
"I'll ask again—where is he?" Lance's voice turned frigid.
Zekrom's tail turbine lit up, and an oppressive aura filled the air.
Sweat beaded on Karen's brow. That killing intent wasn't a bluff—Lance was serious.
She didn't even know where Giovanni was. And even if she did… handing him over wouldn't guarantee her life.
Everyone knew Lance's ruthlessness—especially now. He was more extreme than ever.
What now?!
Hands behind her back, she frantically tapped a hidden distress beacon.
Boss—save me!
She'd originally prepared it in case Giovanni came after her. Who knew she'd need it for Lance?
"Zekrom."
Lance gave the command coldly.
Zekrom began charging Thunder—a massive lightning strike!
But just then, a blizzard of snow and ice blasted in from afar, aimed straight at Zekrom.
Zekrom sensed the danger and turned, unleashing Thunder in response.
BOOM!
The Blizzard and Thunder clashed violently—but then…
The Blizzard overpowered Thunder and surged ahead.
Zekrom had to ascend to avoid the oncoming frost.
"Hm?" Lance frowned. Someone who could overpower Zekrom's Thunder?
But when he saw the Pokémon flying toward them—even Lance looked stunned.
A red-and-white bird Pokémon—familiar, too familiar.
A Delibird?!
That Blizzard just now came from a Delibird?!
Lance suddenly felt like the whole world had gone mad.