"Not good, we—"
Giovanni suddenly felt his eyelids grow heavy. Realizing too late that something was wrong, he blacked out before he could finish speaking.
At that moment, Rex sat atop Totem Swellow, staring coldly ahead as Giovanni and his companions, along with their flying Pokémon, dropped into the ocean.
The one responsible was, of course, Darkrai. Now free from the shielding of the airship, Darkrai's powers could once again influence the battlefield.
Had Sabrina been in peak condition, her overwhelming psychic power might have resisted the attack. Under her protection, Giovanni and Matori likely wouldn't have succumbed so easily.
Unfortunately, Sabrina had already sustained grave injuries in the earlier battle and had further drained her mental reserves by teleporting the group back to the ship. In her current fragile state, she had no strength left to shield anyone from Darkrai's influence.
Watching Giovanni and the others bob in the waves, Rex finally let himself relax. Darkrai materialized beside him—it had been the one to launch the surprise attack that incapacitated the trio.
Fire in his heart, Rex gazed upon the drowning figures without pity. His face was unreadable.
He wasn't the only one unmoved. Moltres and Darkrai also watched in silence. These legendary beings had once peacefully watched over their territories—until Team Rocket came, using dirty tricks to capture them and enslave the Pokémon under their protection.
"Young man, it seems the threat has been dealt with."
A voice rang out from above. A figure descended from the sky and approached Rex.
Still tense from the battle, the mythical Pokémon instantly locked onto the newcomer. One hint of hostility, and they would strike without hesitation.
"Easy now—I'm not your enemy."
Elite Four member Drake wiped sweat from his brow and raised his hands in peace.
"Drake—it's been a while," Rex greeted, recognizing the man in his iconic captain's cap atop his Salamence, looking travel-worn and weary.
Drake had come at the request of Professor Birch, who had warned him that Rex might face an attack from none other than Giovanni himself. Upon hearing this, Drake had ridden his Salamence across the sea to reach Rex's farm.
He'd passed through Slateport City on the way, only to find it in chaos—looters and vandals running rampant. He had stopped to help Officer Jenny restore order and care for the injured, which delayed his arrival.
Once the city was secure, he'd spotted a massive airship fleeing into the sky and, sensing danger, rushed toward it—only to witness a scene that left him stunned.
"Rex, let's fish them out. Giovanni's got too many secrets tied to Team Rocket. He needs to answer for what he's done."
Drake, despite his disdain for Giovanni, understood the value of keeping him alive. Team Rocket had trafficked countless Pokémon and held numerous skilled trainers in captivity. Giovanni's testimony could be key to rescuing them.
Team Rocket's roots stretched across regions. If they didn't extract those roots fully, the organization would simply crown a new boss and resume operations. Killing Giovanni might feel satisfying—but it wouldn't solve the problem.
Rex listened in silence, pondering. Even if Giovanni and the others died here, Team Rocket's next leader could come seeking vengeance. His farm—with its mythical Pokémon—was too tempting a target.
He turned to Moltres and Darkrai. "What do you think?"
After a pause, Moltres spoke. "We'll do what the old man says—but only if my kin are rescued."
Darkrai nodded. Both preferred saving their captured companions over immediate revenge.
Rex exhaled. "Alright, Drake. Take them. But this is the last time I want to be attacked by Team Rocket."
Drake responded with solemn gravity, "Rex, I give you my word—this ends here. Giovanni will face justice under the League's courts. I swear it on my honor."
As Giovanni, Sabrina, and Matori were hauled away, Rex felt a lingering uncertainty. Would this really end it all?
But once the decision was made, he didn't look back. As Drake disappeared into the sky, Rex turned his attention home.
The farm lay battered. Rockets and their Pokémon littered the grounds. It was time to call Officer Jenny and get them taken away.
As for the sunken airship—Rex ignored it. Anyone still aboard had made their choice. Team Rocket had dared to invade his home. Now they'd face the price.
"Celebi—thank you."
Back at the farm, Rex looked up at Celebi, who twirled joyfully in the air. Without its help, this day could've ended in disaster. He owed it everything.
"Bii~!"
Celebi brushed off the thanks, then darted off to play with Diancie and Shaymin, already making plans to explore the flower terrace.
Cleanup, of course, was left to Rex and the rest of the farm's Pokémon.
After the battle, the farm was riddled with craters. Several buildings had been badly damaged—including the one where Rex had lived.
The wounded Rocket members and their Pokémon were rounded up and handed over to Officer Jenny, who arrived shortly after with backup.
Stunned by the number of critically injured grunts, she didn't ask questions. She'd already received orders from the Hoenn League to fully cooperate with Rex during cleanup.
And so, at last, the battle ended.
(End of Chapter)