For the Draconid people, the title of "Chosen" was not so much an occupation as it was the most sacred belief of their tribe.
The chosen represented the clan's highest devotion to Rayquaza, and Zinnia's current title as chosen was one bestowed upon her by the Draconid people.
But in truth, only those who gained Rayquaza's recognition could truly be called a chosen!
That was why, in the games, the Zinnia who was not chosen by Rayquaza ended up passing the title of chosen to the player character. The same happened in the Special manga adaptation.
Not only did Rayquaza refuse to acknowledge Zinnia, it even severely injured her. In the end, when she finally awoke, Zinnia herself admitted that Ruby was the true chosen.
And now, the very fact that Zinnia could not bring about Rayquaza's Mega Evolution was proof enough of her unworthiness as a chosen.
"I… perhaps I was never worthy to begin with…"
Her emotions were deeply tangled, so tangled that a faint bitterness welled up in her chest. Yet despite this, Zinnia still bowed her head in silent acceptance.
Compared to herself, Lucas was undeniably superior. What's more, Lucas had already won both Rayquaza's and the Black Rayquaza's favor.
He was the one truly deserving to be called chosen.
"You choose him?"
The deep telepathic voice of the Mega Rayquaza carried with it a trace of doubt. After all, Rayquaza had long-standing ties to the Draconid people.
Strictly speaking, one could even say that the Draconid people were, in essence, the earthly attendants and priests of the Rayquaza line.
Legendary Pokémon were not wholly isolated from the world. Many, in fact, were deeply connected to humanity.
For example: the Five Kimono Sisters of Ecruteak City—their ancestors had very likely been priestesses or shrine maidens serving Lugia and Ho-Oh.
Or the descendants of the ancient hero-king of Unova.
Or the humans of Kalos who had once received Arceus's blessing.
Or Sheena of Michina, a descendant of a tribe of aura users.
There were many such bonds, largely unknown to the wider world, but undeniable all the same—legends were never truly cut off from humanity.
Since ancient times and even into the modern age, there had always been people who interacted with legends. And if nothing unexpected had happened…
Well, that mischievous little sealed-away spirit was probably, at this very moment, somewhere in the secret Valley of Creation, putting on an adorable act…
So, the Mega Rayquaza was not at all surprised that its child would choose Lucas as chosen.
What puzzled it, however, was this: Lucas's heart was clearly not pure.
This was a human with strong, deep-seated desires. Why then had Rayquaza chosen him?
"My judgment will not be wrong! Please believe me, Father."
Rayquaza nodded seriously. This was a conclusion it had reached after deep consideration.
It knew that Lucas's heart was not spotless. Yet compared to Zinnia, Rayquaza still preferred him.
And besides, the fact that Lucas could capture so many legends already proved he was extraordinary.
Lastly… Rayquaza trusted its uncle.
Yes, the one who had pushed Rayquaza toward this decision was none other than the Black Rayquaza!
Just moments ago, the Black Rayquaza had given it this very idea: to follow Lucas for the time being.
Since Rayquaza already felt goodwill toward him, it had no reason to resist. And—by doing so—it could also dodge its father's impending "punishment." Perfect!
"Since it is your will, then as your father I will not interfere. You are already grown. You must be prepared to bear the consequences of your own choices."
The Mega Rayquaza's deep dragon eyes fixed on its child for a long moment, before its calm telepathic voice resounded.
It had never once tried to force Rayquaza to obey its orders. After all—they were Rayquaza! No creature in existence could ever make them do what they did not wish to do.
Not even it, as Rayquaza's father, was an exception.
But by the same token, as Rayquaza, they must bear full responsibility and resolve for the choices they made.
"Yes!"
Rayquaza answered firmly.
"Then, human… are you willing to become my son's chosen one?"
The Mega Rayquaza's gaze now shifted toward Lucas. It could see clearly that he was not of the Draconid people. For that reason, his consent had to be gained.
As for the will of the Draconid people themselves?
Rayquaza's will was the Draconid people's will! They had no right to refuse!
Such was the exalted position of the Rayquaza line.
At these words, Lucas raised an eyebrow. He glanced at Rayquaza, the corners of his lips curving into a faint smile as he replied lightly:
"Of course. It is my honor."
Only a fool would refuse when a high-tier legend delivered itself right to his doorstep!
That had always been Lucas's creed: legendaries—there could never be too many.
If it were possible, he would have happily packed up both the Black Rayquaza and this Mega Rayquaza before him to take along as well!
"I will grow stronger alongside Rayquaza. I promise not to let you down."
Lucas spoke seriously to the Mega Rayquaza. Though what he had just obtained was, technically speaking, the weakest Rayquaza…
He wasn't picky. Weakness was no problem—it could always be raised and trained into strength. Better to have one than to have none at all!
Of course, his heart did covet both the Black Rayquaza and this Mega Rayquaza with overwhelming power. But that depended on whether they were willing to follow him.
And besides…
Even securing just this younger Rayquaza was not bad. After all, it was still the strongest dragon of the next generation.
Someday, should he face an enemy too powerful to handle, he could always have Rayquaza use a grand summoning to call upon its family!
Invincible—problem solved!
Moreover, Lucas had absolute confidence in the Rayquaza lineage's natural talent. Even without specialized training, with the passage of time, Rayquaza was fated to grow immensely strong.
Yes, that process would take ages.
But with Eternatus, Reshiram, and the Shiny Genesect as sparring partners—along with a carefully designed training regimen—Lucas was certain he could accelerate Rayquaza's growth.
After all, when it came to raising Pokémon, no one was more professional than humans.
"I will come check on your progress when I have time."
The Black Rayquaza tilted its head slightly, eyeing Lucas and the younger Rayquaza with a smile.
"You're welcome anytime."
Lucas welcomed it warmly.
His desire for the Black Rayquaza had never dimmed! As the saying went—where there is a will, there is a way!
He believed that someday, he would earn the recognition of the Black Rayquaza as well.
"Then I leave Young Greeny in your care, human. Until fate brings us together again."
The Mega Rayquaza cast one last look at its child. Then, without lingering, its massive body soared skyward and vanished into the distance.
If the young Rayquaza was ever in danger, it could always call for it. Thus, the Mega Rayquaza had no concern whatsoever for its safety.
If any human or Pokémon dared harm its one and only offspring, the Mega Rayquaza would ensure they learned the meaning of cruelty!
"As for Arceus… should you need help, you may contact me."
The Black Rayquaza too rose high, its magnificent body circling the air twice before its telepathic voice echoed in Lucas's mind. With a draconic roar, it disappeared into the clouds.
"They certainly left in style."
Lucas gazed toward the horizon where the two Mega Rayquaza had vanished, a trace of regret stirring in his heart. Such powerful Rayquaza—who knew when he might meet them again?
Well… what he thought of most, of course, was still the Black Rayquaza.
He then turned his head back toward the younger Rayquaza, staring at it without blinking.
"H-hey! Human! If you've got something to say, just say it. Don't look at me with that strange expression!"
Being stared at with such a weird look made Rayquaza feel uneasy. It finally blurted out in complaint.
What was this? It had just accepted him as chosen, and already things felt… off.
"Say, Rayquaza~ why don't we make a deal?"
Lucas licked his lips, thinking for a moment before smiling kindly at Rayquaza.
"What deal?"
Rayquaza grew instantly wary. Its instincts as a high-tier legend screamed that this human was definitely not planning anything good.
"Well, don't you think that this bright green of yours is… kind of ugly?"
"Huh?! Human, this is the noble green of our glorious Rayquaza line! What sort of taste do you have?!"
Rayquaza bristled in indignation. It was proud of its brilliant green scales!
"No, no, no. Don't misunderstand. But listen—I know a certain dye workshop. Don't you think your uncle's black looks way more majestic? This is absolutely safe, non-toxic, eco-friendly! Waterproof, too, and guaranteed not to fade!"
Lucas smiled innocently, though in truth, that glaring green made him uncomfortable. Wouldn't it be far better to dye it black and turn it into an artificial shiny Rayquaza?
Zinnia: "…"
Reshiram: "…"
Eternatus: "…"
What the hell?!
Zinnia was shocked beyond words. Too strong! This was simply too strong!
A "dye workshop"? Why not just admit outright that he wanted to paint Rayquaza black to satisfy his own private desires?!
"Y-you…"
Rayquaza stared blankly at Lucas, utterly dumbfounded. This so-called chosen it had just accepted… had some audacity, that was for sure!
And in an instant, it understood exactly what Lucas was up to. Good grief!
"Are you sure it won't fade?"
Rayquaza wavered. In the blink of an eye, it threw its pride in being green straight out the window.
Truth be told, it had long envied its uncle's jet-black, imposing body!
"Absolutely! I even took photos of the Black Rayquaza earlier. I guarantee a perfect one-to-one reproduction!"
The white-haired youth's smile radiated pure confidence. Lucas—you could always trust him!
"Do it!"
The Flying Green Caterpillar agreed in a heartbeat.
"That's my partner!"
Lucas immediately gave the Flying Green Caterpillar a big thumbs-up.
This kid was teachable.
"Likewise, likewise."
The Flying Green Caterpillar replied with due humility.
Zinnia: "…"
She felt her once-proud image of Rayquaza's grandeur and nobility crumble completely.
"Emmm…"
The speckled dragon eyes of Eternatus flickered faintly. It lowered its head to glance at its own skeletal body.
Maybe… maybe it could be dyed a cooler color too?
No… perhaps not. Lucas seemed to like it the way it was.
Eternatus tilted its head, lost in the struggle of indecision.
"Boring."
All the while, Zacian had been listening to the entire exchange. It gave a cold snort, slid the sword back into its mane, and withdrew from its Crowned Sword form.
It then turned, intending to leave immediately.
"Zacian."
Zacian glanced back slightly, just in time to see Reshiram fly toward it.
"Thank you, truly, for today."
Lucas smiled warmly as he thanked Zacian. Without this big dog's intervention blocking Primal Kyogre, they might never have lasted until the two Mega Rayquaza arrived.
It had to be said—Zacian was amazing!
"I already told you. I wasn't helping you."
Zacian replied flatly.
"I understand. Still, this is something made by humans—Fairy-type Pokéblocks. Please accept them as thanks for stepping in."
From his pack, Lucas took out a finely crafted box of Pokéblocks, presenting it to Zacian.
These had been custom-made by one of the top breeders currently on the market, using only the finest ingredients.
Top-quality handiwork, top-quality materials—prepared solely for this moment.
Zacian froze, its cold eyes flickering with a faint ripple as it stared at the elegant box.
After a long silence, its telepathic voice finally sounded, distant and detached:
"No need."
Then it turned and left without another word.
"Looks like they had quite the effect."
Watching Zacian's noticeably quickened retreat, Lucas raised an eyebrow, tucking the box of Pokéblocks back into his space-pack.
This tsundere wolf—he'd take his time. One day, it too would be won over. No need to rush.
Lucas then recalled Eternatus and the Shiny Genesect, before lifting a Luxury Ball.
"Alright, Rayquaza—your turn."
Rayquaza raised its head proudly, striking a flamboyant pose.
Seeing this, Lucas chuckled softly and tossed the Luxury Ball.
The moment it struck Rayquaza, it opened wide, pulling the massive dragon's body into a beam of red light.
Beep—beep—beep!
The Luxury Ball shook three times before falling still.
Capture successful!
"Rayquaza… captured!"
Catching the ball as it bounced back into his hand, Lucas's lips curved into a wide grin.
The Sky Dragon! Another goal achieved.
Zinnia, watching this scene, allowed her own lips to lift slightly in a smile of blessing.
No matter what else, since Rayquaza had acknowledged him, her people's prophecy had finally found its fulfillment.
That, in itself, was a fortunate thing.
"I'll need to bring Lucas back to the clan's village."
Zinnia mused aloud. Since a new chosen had appeared, the elders had to be informed.
If possible, it would be best for Lucas to come with her to Meteor Falls.
"Speaking of which… Rayquaza, can you sense where Groudon and Kyogre went?"
Just as Lucas was about to store the Luxury Ball away, a thought struck him. He turned to ask Rayquaza inside the ball.
The flightless one and the fat-headed fish—he had nearly forgotten all about them!
(End of Chapter)