Ten years ago, Lugia had returned from the Orange Islands to the Whirl Islands to visit its mate and child.
Because of clan leader's situation, it had not seen them for several decades. Although the situation with the clan leader was quite serious, that wasn't why Lugia had not been by their side when its child was born.
But during this very visit home, Lugia encountered Pryce…
Lugia would never forget that day. When a human encounters a legendary Pokémon by chance, aside from excitement and awe, the overwhelming instinct is to try and capture it—this is a common flaw among Trainers.
So, it wasn't strange that Lugia accepted the challenge from that elderly human. What was strange… was what came after.
It was crushed.
Yes—despite its Flying-type attributes, Lugia had been overwhelmingly crushed by that elderly human.
The terrifying blizzard… Lugia would remember it for a lifetime.
"Speaking of which, Lugia—do you remember me?"
A clear male voice cut through Lugia's memories.
"???"Lugia blinked in confusion. It had no impression of Lucas whatsoever.
"It should've been ten years ago. I saw with my own eyes when you placed Karen on the grass. That was my very first time seeing a Lugia—so the memory stuck with me."
Lucas chuckled softly, lightly teasing Lugia.
"You… you were that child?" Lugia was stunned, followed by a faint trace of guilt.
Only then did it understand Lucas's words. Ten years ago, under Pryce's command, Lugia and Ho-Oh had traveled all across Kanto and Johto to 'kidnap' children whom they believed had exceptional potential.
For the naturally gentle Lugia and Ho-Oh, it was not something they were proud of.
In fact, it was painful for them to do.
So afterward, the two legendaries tacitly rebelled against Pryce and escaped his control.
Originally, even as top-tier legendary Pokémon, they had been willing to consider taking Pryce as their Trainer.
Because, admittedly, Pryce's strength was extraordinary—beyond anything they had ever witnessed from a human.
But after being forced to abduct children… Lugia and Ho-Oh were completely certain, Pryce was not the Trainer they could recognize.
Lugia's mate looked at him strangely—rarely did she see him this shocked.
"That's right. Ho-Oh was the one who brought me to my teacher back then. And I saw you too."
Lucas smiled at Lugia. The events of that night ten years ago were things he would never forget for the rest of his life.
"I'm very sorry…" Lugia's deep psychic voice trembled with guilt.
The Lugia species was inherently gentle. Even when disappointed in humans, they would still save shipwrecked sailors.
For such a gentle Pokémon to have kidnapped children… it had always been a knot in Lugia's heart.
"No, no apology needed. In fact, I should probably thank you—because you changed the trajectory of my life. Otherwise…"
"Maybe I wouldn't be where I am today."
Lucas shook his head. He truly meant it.
His life changed on that night.
"No matter how things ended, Ho-Oh and I still wronged all of you. You each had complete, happy families."
Lugia fell silent for a moment, then sighed.
Perhaps some of those children were living good lives now but the truth was still that Lugia and Ho-Oh had shattered their families back then.
"If you really feel sorry… then let Little Lugia follow me for a few more years. I've grown quite fond of this child."
Lucas smiled mischievously.
Baby Lugia had been entrusted to him by Lugia's mate. Now that both Lugias had returned from the Orange Islands, he was supposed to give the young Lugia back.
But he was reluctant—custody should at least be negotiated!
Lugia blinked, then exchanged a look with Mother Lugia.
Ah… so this human was waiting for this opportunity, huh?
Although Blackthorn City wasn't very far from Mahogany Town, Lugia quickly flew them over, landing just outside the town.
"For now, I'll have to inconvenience you two. Since you're carrying something my teacher needs, it's best that he doesn't see you."
Lucas took out two empty Poké Balls and looked at the pair of Lugias.
They did not resist at all, obediently entering the Poké Balls on their own.
For legendary Pokémon of their level, Poké Balls couldn't restrain them. If they wished to break out, they could do so at any time.
So, they had no psychological burden—besides, they trusted Lucas.
"Salamence… huh? Uncle?"
Just as Lucas stored the Poké Balls and summoned Salamence to head toward the Lake of Rage, he spotted a familiar silhouette out of the corner of his eye.
Giovanni and beside him, Mewtwo.
Both looked disheveled, especially Mewtwo, whose body was covered in numerous wounds.
"Lucas, why are you here?" Giovanni noticed him as well. Mewtwo immediately teleported both of them in front of Lucas.
"I'm here to handle something. Uncle… who did you just fight?"
Lucas replied, then looked Giovanni up and down with an odd expression.
His usually immaculate suit was now dusted with frost.
"Lance came looking for trouble. And somehow, he found a black Lugia. Even Mewtwo couldn't match it."
Giovanni frowned. He still had no idea how Lance had found such a powerful Shadow Lugia.
And as a Dark-type, it countered Mewtwo horribly. Giovanni already dreaded the difficulties he'd face trying to stay hidden in the coming days.
Hopefully, that mysterious masked man would eliminate Lance.
Or at least steal his Shadow Lugia. Then Giovanni wouldn't have to worry anymore.
"A black Lugia?"
Lucas froze.
Good grief—wasn't this the request made by the two Lugia?
But how did Lance get hold of Shadow Lugia?
Lucas thought for a moment—Cobalt Island!
It had to be Cobalt Island. In the original storyline, Lance and the three others had their base there, and Agatha had used the power boost from the island to summon Lugia.
Except that Lugia was normal.
This one, however, was clearly the corrupted clan leader of the Lugias.
That explained how Lance could command Shadow Lugia… and why the clan leader had suddenly disappeared.
"So, Uncle… you're basically running for your life?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow and teased him.
"A tactical retreat," Giovanni corrected without embarrassment. Losing was losing—there was no shame in admitting it.
Though being defeated by Lance did irritate him.
"But Lance's situation isn't much better than mine."
Giovanni's lips curled into a subtle smile.
"Oh?"
"A mysterious Trainer appeared—someone who has surpassed the Champion level. He's fighting Lance right now."
Giovanni's eyes gleamed. Someone beyond the Champion level was a temptation he could not ignore.
If he could surpass the Champion tier, his power would increase dramatically.
"Looks like my cousin Lance really has terrible luck."
Lucas instantly understood.
So, Lance was facing Pryce…
Well then.
Controlling a Shadow Lugia should've made Lance practically invincible—aside from the world's few hidden master and Lucas himself.
But the moment he stepped out to show off… he ran straight into an overpowered hidden boss.
"I'm leaving first. Lucas, if you're heading there, be cautious. That masked man is not someone you want to provoke."
Giovanni noticed the faint amusement on Lucas's face. His eyes narrowed slightly as he bid farewell.
No surprise at all?
Upon hearing "a Trainer beyond Champion level," Lucas showed zero reaction.
That wasn't normal. Not at all.
In that moment, Giovanni knew—Lucas was already aware of such a person. Perhaps he even knew him personally.
Connecting this to that mysterious organization Lucas belonged to… Giovanni felt he'd grasped the truth.
"Come visit Blackthorn City sometime," Lucas said casually.
He didn't notice Giovanni's scrutinizing gaze.
Or perhaps he simply didn't care.
Just because the Masked Organization stayed hidden didn't mean they feared exposure.
With Pryce and Lucas around, who would dare provoke them?
After parting, Lucas rode Salamence toward the Lake of Rage.
…
A world of ice and snow.
The Lake of Rage had been completely sealed beneath frost. The masked man stood quietly upon the frozen surface, gazing silently into the sky.
Shadow Lugia was in terrible condition—extremely terrible.
Its once jet-black body was now laced with ice. Its left wing had frozen stiff, the frostbite so severe it had nearly lost function.
Although the Shadow Lugia was powerful, facing both Swinub and Delibird at once left it completely overwhelmed.
"What terrifying strength…"
Lance glanced at Shadow Lugia, then shifted his gaze toward the masked man.
He had to admit—he was shocked.
A Trainer capable of using ordinary Pokémon to face down a top-tier legendary… such a thing actually existed.
As for why Lance didn't send in Dragonite to help Shadow Lugia…
It was four-times weak to Ice. And the enemy was an Ice-specialist.
Sending Dragonite in would be suicide.
That Swinub's Ice-type moves were monstrously powerful. Their range was enormous, too—Dragonite couldn't even safely provide cover.
"We'll stop here for today. This guy… isn't someone he can beat yet."
Lance had already made his decision—retreat.
The masked man clearly wanted his Shadow Lugia. If he insisted on fighting, Shadow Lugia would fall soon.
"Shadow Storm!"
"SCREEE—!!"
Shadow Lugia's crimson eyes flared as a violent black tornado erupted outward, engulfing the sky.
"Blizzard."
Swinub's massive snowstorm collided with it head-on.
BOOM!
The clash exploded violently, hurling shockwaves and icy wind across the field.
Lance seized the moment—he recalled Shadow Lugia and summoned Dragonite, mounting it before fleeing at full speed.
He was gone instantly.
Although he didn't finish off that rat, Giovanni, it was still a fruitful day.
Shadow Lugia's battle power far exceeded expectations—it had defeated Mewtwo with relative ease.
And more importantly—
He had learned about someone beyond the Champion level.
For Lance, this was invaluable.
He had been stuck at the peak of top-tier Champion level for far too long. He needed a breakthrough.
And the masked man gave him hope.
If someone else could do it, then so could he.
As the shockwaves faded—
"Ran away, huh?"
Pryce was not surprised by Lance's retreat, nor did he have any intention of pursuing. His footsteps moved unhurriedly across the snow.
"Black… Silver Wing…"
Pryce bent down and picked up a black feather lying on the snowy ground dropped by the Shadow Lugia during the battle just moments ago.
This was also the reason he didn't give chase. What Pryce wanted was not the Shadow Lugia itself, but the feather it left behind.
Staring at this supposedly "Silver Wing" that was now faintly glowing with an eerie darkness, the brows beneath Pryce's mask knit together.
Its color and aura felt utterly different from the Silver Wing he once possessed.
Could it really be of any use?
Pryce couldn't help doubting it…
…Well, whatever. Better than nothing, he supposed…
Tap… tap… tap…
Footsteps approached from behind.
"Lucas, you've been watching for quite a while now, haven't you?"
Pryce slowly turned around. Not far away stood the white-cloaked boy. He removed the sinister ice-sculpted mask from his face and spoke calmly.
"Well~ not that long. I arrived right when the battle ended. As expected, teacher's strength is still as terrifying as ever," Lucas shrugged, making it clear that he had just arrived and was definitely not spectating on purpose.
He really had planned to observe for a bit, but he didn't expect Lance to retreat so decisively. Poor Cousin Lance… even hidden bosses popped up right in front of him…
"What about Ho-Oh and Lugia? Any clues yet?"
Pryce didn't linger on the topic. His clouded eyes turned to Lucas, filled with thinly veiled impatience.
He could barely wait anymore.
(End of Chapter)