Nolan stood aside and didn't disturb Aoki's use of psychic powers to communicate with Regice. Although he was very surprised that Aoki possessed psychic abilities, he didn't know Aoki well, so the shock wasn't overwhelming.
"Master Nolan," Aoki said after ending the telepathic exchange, "I've communicated with Regice. He's simply searching for something, not intending to cause destruction or battle other Pokémon. As you know, the Regis are guardians of ancient relics. They have duties to uphold."
Of course, the conversation between Aoki and Regice had been far more extensive than what he revealed to Nolan. However, certain key details couldn't be disclosed, so Aoki summarized the discussion in a way that was easy to understand.
Nolan didn't press for further information. After all, Regice had indeed calmed down, even falling into a deep silence. If not for the faint glow still pulsing across the crystalline beads on its face, Nolan might have assumed Regice had entered a dormant state.
The reason Nolan had pursued Regice in the first place was because the legendary Pokémon, usually hidden away on a secluded island, had suddenly emerged and begun moving aggressively toward an unknown destination. Nolan, who happened to be nearby, couldn't ignore such a disturbance. Given Regice's immense power, he had no choice but to intervene.
Multiple times, Nolan had sent his Articuno to intercept Regice's advance, but each attempt failed. Instead of engaging, Regice merely avoided confrontation, as if driven by urgency.
After all, Articuno was a Flying-type Pokémon—there was no way it couldn't keep up with Regice, right?
Then came the moment when Regice, pushed to its limits, retaliated. A single collision between the two was enough for Nolan to realize the sheer difference in strength. He wasn't sure if he could hold his own against it.
Fortunately, he had already alerted the League, and nearby elite Trainers were en route. Now that Regice had calmed down, the situation was under control.
Nolan couldn't help but admire Aoki's courage and ability. Not many Trainers would willingly step forward in the face of such a powerful Pokémon, and fewer still possessed psychic abilities.
After a brief exchange in midair, Nolan learned Aoki's identity. Meanwhile, Aoki took the opportunity to assess the data of the two mighty Pokémon before him.
Pokémon: Regice (Light Blue)
Gender: Genderless
Level: 74
Type: Ice
Ability: Clear Body
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: None
Basic Moves: Explosion, Stomp, Icy Wind, Charge Beam, Bulldoze, Curse, Ancient Power, Amnesia, Ice Beam, Hammer Arm, Lock-On, Zap Cannon, Superpower, Hyper Beam
Learnt Moves: Stomp, Signal Beam, Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Gravity, Focus Punch
TM Moves: None
Regice's aptitude was exactly as Aoki expected. However, its level was surprising.
74?
If he remembered correctly, the other two Regis in the Ruins of Mew—Registeel and Regirock—were both Level 78. Why was Regice only Level 74? Weren't they supposed to be equals?
Yet, after Aoki projected a vision into Regice's mind, the legendary Pokémon had ceased its aggression and communicated with him. Aoki had confirmed its identity.
Had something happened after Regice left the Ruins of Mew? Had the other Regis grown stronger, or had Regice weakened?
Aoki couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Why had Regice abandoned its post in the first place? That was the real mystery.
Suppressing his doubts, Aoki turned his attention to Nolan's Articuno.
Pokémon: Articuno (Light Blue)
Gender: Female
Level: 72
Type: Ice / Flying
Ability: Pressure
Held Item: None
Egg Moves: None
Basic Moves: Gust, Powder Snow, Mist, Rock Throw, Mind Reader, Ancient Power, Agility, Freeze-Dry, Reflect, Hail, Tailwind, Ice Beam
Learnt Moves: Defog, Snore, Tailwind, Sky Attack, Water Pulse, Icy Wind
TM Moves: Protect, Hidden Power (Fire), Blizzard, Solar Beam, Roost, U-turn, Steel Wing, Giga Impact, Frost Breath, Swift
Nolan's Articuno was undeniably powerful—Level 72 was no small feat.
Against most champion-level Pokémon, Articuno would dominate. But against a legendary like Regice? Even this majestic Ice-type stood little chance.
No wonder Nolan had opted for negotiation rather than force. If Articuno alone couldn't suppress Regice, summoning his full team would only escalate the battle, risking massive collateral damage.
Seeing two legendary Pokémon in one day should have been awe-inspiring, but Aoki found himself oddly amused.
His earlier telepathic exchange with Regice had revealed much.
And, truthfully, what Regice sought had everything to do with him.
But now wasn't the time to discuss that. Some things were better left unexplained for now.
Nolan and Aoki didn't have to wait long before reinforcements arrived. Several figures descended from the sky, among them some familiar faces.
Drake, the Elite Four member, soared in on his fierce Salamence.
A middle-aged woman—likely the current Gym Leader of Eterna City—rode a Skarmory, though her pace was much slower than Drake's.
Then there was a stern-faced Trainer in a green suit, standing atop a Regirock.
Another Regi? That could only mean one thing—this was Brandon, the Pyramid King of the Battle Frontier!
The middle-aged woman was probably the Eterna Gym Leader. Given the proximity to the city, she had to assess the situation personally, even if she wasn't strong enough to intervene directly.
As for Drake, he had been sailing nearby and rushed over upon receiving the League's emergency alert. His presence alone brought a sense of relief.
Though advanced in age, Drake's strength was unquestionable. Had he desired the title, he might have even contended for the Champion position.
His Salamence, upon arrival, caused Regice's aura to flicker—likely a reaction to the dragon's overwhelming power.
It was almost ironic. Here stood three legendary Pokémon and one pseudo-legendary, yet the strongest among them was the latter.
A clear reminder that being a legendary didn't automatically mean supremacy—unless it held divine authority.