Chapter 111: Lake of Rage
Zapdos watched as Zeraora comprehended the essence, nodded, and then, weakened, dove into the lake, drawing upon the water's power to heal itself.
"Zeraora, help Zapdos," Ryan said. "After all, I owe it a favor. This is a good opportunity to see how much power you've comprehended. Thunder, unleash your full power!"
Zeraora nodded. A powerful electric current surged through her body, forcing Ryan and the others to retreat slightly. They sensed the raw, most violent power of lightning.
A true bolt of lightning descended from the sky, striking the lake. The water was instantly surging with electricity, and the Electric-type Pokémon within closed their eyes in comfort, enjoying the sudden healing effect of the lightning.
Ruby rubbed her chin and said, "It seems this lake has the ability to absorb electricity, converting it into gentle electromagnetic energy to heal Electric-type Pokémon."
"Well, let's go. Let's leave this place to the Pokémon," Ryan said, recalling Zeraora and preparing to leave.
"Huh? Ryan, aren't you going to catch this Zapdos?" Rosa asked.
"I'm not confident enough to battle a fully-grown legendary Pokémon," Ryan said, shaking his head. "Besides, Zeraora still owes it a favor. There's no way I'd battle a weakened Zapdos right now. Let's wait until we're stronger, repay the favor, and then consider it."
Rosa and Ruby nodded, bid farewell to Erika, and the three of them continued on their way to Blackthorn City.
The scene shifted to the Hoenn region. After a month of climbing, Gold and Kris finally reached the summit of the Sky Pillar. Gold took a breath and said, panting, "This is insane. We finally reached the Sky Pillar for a top-tier Pokémon."
"Don't complain. At least we're here. I can give Ryan an explanation. We can't reach Groudon and Kyogre's sleeping places. Only Rayquaza has a chance," Kris said.
"But will Rayquaza come?" Gold asked uncertainly, pulling out the cyan Pokémon egg from his backpack. Strange patterns were etched across its surface.
"I'm not sure. Let's wait a while," Kris said. "We'll wait two days. If not, then..."
Before Kris could finish her words, a ferocious dragon head emerged from the sky. Gold gasped, "Rayquaza!"
Rayquaza glanced at Gold and Kris, then ignored them. Extending its massive claws, it seized the Pokémon egg. Sensing the sealed aura within the Pokémon egg, a look of longing crossed its eyes. Then, with a roar, Rayquaza vanished from Gold's sight, carrying the Pokémon egg with it.
"Uh, have we completed our mission?" Gold asked hesitantly.
"I guess so. Let's get down from the Sky Pillar first, and then tell Ryan," Kris said.
The two exchanged glances and immediately set off down the Sky Pillar. They prepared to call Ryan to report the situation.
As for Ryan, over the course of a few days, the three of them arrived at the Lake of Rage. There, they encountered Gary, who was training at a nearby temple.
At Gary's suggestion, Ryan also decided to train there for a while.
The training there was similar to what Ryan had done with Pryce: he would sit cross-legged in the temple hall, opening his mind and clearing away distractions.
The training was rigorous; at the first sign of wandering thoughts, the monks would tap Ryan on the shoulder with a wooden stick, forcing him to return to meditation. All three of them received numerous taps, and Rosa was the first to complete a meditation session without being tapped.
This showed that this energetic young woman was straightforward and free from distractions. As for Ryan and Ruby, the more analytical types, their overthinking led to more distractions, and they received the most taps.
However, their meditation gradually improved, and Ryan's intelligence and mental attributes also gradually strengthened.
After three days, Ryan was finally able to meditate without distractions. When meditation ended, Ryan didn't open his eyes, instead entering a profound state. The bond within him began to grow like a young sprout, blossoming into a sapling.
This bond also enveloped Celebi, who was beside him. Through the bond's effects, Ryan could sense Celebi's thoughts, and Celebi, in turn, could clearly sense Ryan's. This heart-to-heart communication became a kind of connection for both human and Pokémon.
Ryan even managed to borrow Celebi's time power, gaining the ability to glimpse the future. However, this vision was fleeting, and Ryan could only make out a rough outline: an island made of white rock. Groudon and Kyogre were engaged in battle. Ruby and Sapphire, who resembled May, each controlled an orb and stood atop the two behemoths. Ryan, standing atop Rayquaza, descended between them.
Then the image cut off. Ryan emerged from the trance and looked at Celebi beside him. Celebi had collapsed on the ground, exhausted. Ryan tried to stand, but his head felt dizzy and he fell back to the ground.
"It's only been a few seconds, and I've already used up all my strength," Ryan said ruefully.
Ruby and Rosa helped Ryan up. Ruby asked in confusion, "Ryan, what's wrong with you?"
Ryan paused for a moment before regaining some consciousness. "Nothing," he said. "I was just experimenting with something."
"By the way, when are we leaving?" Rosa asked. "Meditating here is so boring."
With Rosa's energetic personality, the thought of meditating here was truly difficult. Ryan said, "Then pack up and go. I've made some progress, too. It's time to get the Rising Badge."
Rosa nodded excitedly and went to pack her things, with Ruby joining her. Ryan hesitated, thinking back to the vision. In the end, he decided not to tell Ruby. After all, the future can change, as Pryce had said, so it was best not to dwell on it.
After leaving the Lake of Rage, Ryan and the others continued their journey.
But a few days later, Ryan received a call from Gold and Kris. After the call was connected, Gold's voice rang out: "Ryan, we've had a situation. Your Pokémon egg has been taken."
"It was taken by Rayquaza, right?" Ryan said calmly.
"Yes, Ryan, how did you know?" Gold asked curiously.
"Because Rayquaza is here with us," Ryan said.
A green figure appeared in the sky, followed by a massive green dragon descending from the sky, landing in front of Ryan and the other two. In its claws was a Pokémon egg, the very one Ryan had brought back from ancient times.
Ryan looked at Rayquaza, smiled, and said, "Rayquaza, let's join forces!"
(End of Chapter)
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