At the beginning of the year, Pryce had Lucas, Karen, and two others search for the whereabouts of Ho-Oh and Lugia. Now, more than half a year had passed, and the year was almost over.
Yet still—no solid information had been returned.
Pryce's age no longer allowed him the luxury of time. He didn't have many years left to keep waiting.
"There's… finally some information, but nothing we can confirm yet," Lucas answered seriously, straightening his expression.
Was he supposed to tell Pryce that he himself already had two Lugia? Little Lugia was even left back at the clan house…
"I know you like to play around, but take this matter seriously. Ho-Oh and Lugia are extremely important to me."
Pryce sighed, but he nodded. He had never doubted Lucas's capabilities.
After all, Lucas was the student he was most proud of. And although Pryce lived reclusively in Mahogany Gym, he was not blind to the world.
He knew very well that Lucas had caused quite a stir this year.
"What are you staring at? Like it? Take it."
Noticing Lucas's interest in the feather, Pryce directly handed him the Shadow Lugia feather.
They didn't even know for sure whether a Shadow Lugia feather could be used to create a GS Ball, and since Lucas said they already had some intel, Pryce placed his faith in him.
"Teacher, why did that Lugia turn into… that?"
Lucas accepted the feather without hesitation, studying the faint black glow before turning to Pryce in curiosity.
To be honest, Shadow Lugia was truly strange—especially since, according to the Lugia couple, that creature used to be the clan's leader.
"Who knows? Not only its appearance—its typing has changed as well. A change that deep, at the genetic level… it isn't something ordinary causes could produce."
Pryce shook his head, his voice plain but heavy.
Having fought Shadow Lugia personally, he was acutely aware of its abnormalities.
It barely retained any sense of reason. Its abilities were nothing like a normal Lugia's. The oppressive, ominous aura was unmistakably Dark-type.
But Lugia was a Psychic-type legendary.
One could say its very essence, its fundamental nature, had been altered.
"You seem quite interested in that Shadow Lugia."
Removing his black robe, Pryce used his cane as he and Lucas slowly made their way toward Mahogany Town.
"Well~ it is a very unique Lugia."
Lucas's lips curled slightly. He really was quite interested.
"If you bring me the feathers of Ho-Oh and Lugia, I will help you take that Shadow Lugia for yourself."
Pryce spoke lightly, as if robbing someone of their Pokémon meant nothing to him.
If Lucas liked it, then Shadow Lugia could serve as his reward.
As for Lance's feelings… sorry, but Pryce truly didn't care.
Ever since his two Lapras died, Pryce's personality had already changed.
"Aiya, aiya—is this what they call a teacher's affection for his student~?"
Lucas blinked, pressing down on the two Poké Balls in his pocket, which were trembling nonstop.
What a sudden pleasant surprise.
"I remember warning you not to use that ridiculous tone when speaking to me."
Pryce frowned. He did not appreciate Lucas's playful tone.
Well, he was an old man who had lived alone most of his life—being a bit rigid was inevitable.
"Alright, alright, I get it." Lucas shrugged it off, not taking the warning to heart at all.
"Looks like I need to move things up on the schedule."
As Lucas watched Pryce's aging figure ahead, he silently pondered.
Pryce was growing impatient. If more time passed without progress, he might act personally.
But it should still be manageable.
Arceus's aura had begun affecting time-space fluctuations recently—that meant its revival wasn't far off.
After returning to Mahogany Gym and chatting with Pryce for a while, Lucas soon took his leave.
It was simply too cold in that gym. Lucas could never get used to it. He honestly had no idea how an old man like Pryce managed to tolerate such freezing temperatures.
"Lucas, that just now, that was the clan leader. Why didn't you chase after it?"
As soon as they were outside Mahogany Town, Lucas released the two Lugia. Mother Lugia immediately questioned him.
There was no mistaking it—Shadow Lugia was their missing leader.
And why was their leader being controlled by a human?
"That man is using some special method to temporarily control your leader. Do you two have any way to wake it up?"
"That depends on how it's being controlled," Lugia rumbled.
This situation was something neither Lugia had ever imagined. Their leader was already unstable enough.
Yet even so, someone had managed to forcibly gain control over it.
"That man won't stay hidden for long. We will have another chance soon. Once we find Shadow Lugia again, try to see whether you can awaken it."
"As for earlier, you know very well it wasn't the right time."
Lucas glanced at them meaningfully. Pryce had been right there.
"…" Lugia fell silent. Indeed, that situation had been far from suitable.
If Pryce saw them interacting with Shadow Lugia, he would surely intervene. And given Pryce's relationship with Lucas…
Which side Lucas would choose was uncertain.
Two days passed in a blink. But for the League, these two days had been far from pleasant.
Two days ago, Lance attacked a Team Rocket underground base beneath Goldenrod. Although the damage to the surface city wasn't too serious, the citizens definitely felt the disturbance.
Some even thought an earthquake had struck…
But that wasn't the important part.
The important part was—
Indigo Plateau, conference room.
Chairman Loki sat with the newly appointed Elite Four, Red, Blue, Zinnia and Cailtin and the Champion N.
"This is our latest intelligence. Take a look."
Loki distributed a document, his expression dark.
The five scanned it. It contained data on Lance's current strength.
But the last few lines caused all their eyes to widen.
Even Zinnia's face tightened.
"Two days ago, Lance destroyed a Team Rocket base beneath Goldenrod, then fought Giovanni at the Lake of Rage for the second time."
"The results are in that report. Lance won decisively. He gained the recognition of a legendary Pokémon and defeated Giovanni."
Loki's tone was low and heavy.
Lance had grown even stronger.
Once, Loki might have been proud. Now—he felt only dread.
Giovanni's strength was unquestionable. During the Saffron incident, Giovanni had fought Lance, Leon, and Agatha alone—and held them off for a long time.
But now Lance had defeated Giovanni single-handedly.
"Of course, that's not the most important part—it's the City of Vermilion!"
Loki tapped the second intelligence report.
"The intel says Lance intends to attack Vermilion. Are we certain it's accurate?" Blue asked, his usual arrogance replaced by seriousness.
Yes—the report said it clearly:
Lance is preparing to attack Vermilion City.
Vermilion—the largest port in Kanto, bustling with endless traffic and commerce.
With Lance's power… if he attacked the city, Vermilion could very well be annihilated.
"Lt. Surge resumed his position yesterday. He was one of Team Rocket's three executives. Lance absolutely despises Team Rocket."
Loki sighed.
Yes—he had accepted Lucas's suggestion and personally contacted Surge and Koga. After heartfelt discussion, both agreed to resume their roles as Gym Leaders.
But to Lance, this was unacceptable.
Former Team Rocket executives openly serving as Gym Leaders?
In Lance's eyes—they didn't deserve such positions.
This attack might be Lance's way of expressing his disapproval and warning the League.
Red was silent. He thought of Lorelei's hatred for Rocket. She had even quit the League over it.
To someone like Lance, who hated Team Rocket no less—attacking a city to eliminate a single criminal wasn't unthinkable.
"This intel is most likely reliable. Which means we must prepare for Lance's attack tomorrow."
Loki didn't reveal the source of the intel. In truth, he didn't know himself.
Even the Battle of Lake of Rage intel had come from an unknown source.
But he suspected it was Bruno. Despite leaving with Lance, Bruno was someone Loki still trusted.
"How to respond? As the Elite Four, isn't protecting this region our duty?" Blue smirked, slamming a hand onto the table. His grin was arrogant, but his voice carried determination.
"If they dare come, I'd love to see what the former Elite can do."
"Don't underestimate Lance," Loki warned, though he was satisfied with Blue's spirit.
This was the attitude the Elite Four should have.
"It's not like only he has a legendary. Doesn't N have the Black Dragon? As long as Zekrom holds off Lance's legendary, I can fight him myself!"
Blue proudly lifted his chin.
Red: "…"
Zinnia: "…"
We can lose anything but never our spirit!
That was Blue's life philosophy.
Even if you can't win the fight—you must look cool doing so!
N: "…"
He wanted to speak but hesitated.
He could say that his Zekrom couldn't even beat Lance without a legendary…
But throwing cold water before a battle was hardly ideal.
Besides…
This time was different from the Victory Road catastrophe. Back then he was surrounded by liabilities. Now—he finally had reliable allies.
"Good!"
Loki nodded, satisfied.
"With no definitive proof, but based on the intelligence, Lance likely won't come alone."
"All of you will deploy. According to intel, Lance will attack Vermilion tomorrow."
"Yes."
The five answered simultaneously.
Their first real battle as the new Elite Four and Champion—against their own predecessors.
They could not, must not, lose.
After they left, Loki rubbed his tired eyes.
Perhaps, as an ally, Lance had been reliable champion among the Elite Four of Indigo.
But as an enemy… he was absolutely terrifying.
"No… I should contact him. Vermilion cannot be destroyed."
Unable to calm the unease in his heart, Loki took out his phone.
He didn't expect Lucas to intervene immediately—but he needed Lucas to guarantee the safety of Vermilion's citizens.
If anyone died in the battle… it would be unbearable.
Especially now that Lance had grown stronger and obtained a legendary.
Even though Blue spoke bravely… Loki couldn't shake the ominous feeling looming over him.
(End of Chapter)