"That's enough, Necrozma. Stop."
Lucas called out, his voice calm but firm.
Hearing his command, Necrozma slowly descended from the sky, its obsidian body gleaming faintly with newly absorbed light. At this moment, every drop of Alola's sunlight had been devoured by the Prism Pokémon.
If this went on for too long, strange phenomena were bound to attract attention—and trouble.
The importance of light to the world was self-evident. Without it, life could hardly survive. The barren void of Ultra Megalopolis was proof enough of that, a dead world where even time itself seemed frozen.
"Necroo~"
Necrozma landed, its once pitch-black body now shimmering faintly with an ethereal radiance.
"It seems you've eaten well."
Lucas examined it closely, the corners of his lips lifting into a subtle smile.
Compared to Eternatus, Necrozma's recovery was far simpler, light was all it needed. And in this world, light was everywhere.
After all, unlike the dark dimension of Ultra Megalopolis, this world's light came from the sun itself…
"The light here is abundant," Necrozma's deep, resonant telepathic voice echoed into Lucas's mind, "but this world… is dangerous."
"Oh?" Lucas arched a brow slightly. This was the first time Necrozma had spoken to him directly.
It seemed that by absorbing Alola's light, Necrozma had not only restored much of its strength—it had also developed a considerable degree of trust in Lucas.
It was now willing to communicate with him telepathically.
"Don't worry," Lucas replied with a faint smile. "As long as we don't go too far, nothing will happen."
He understood what Necrozma meant.
This world was not like Ultra Megalopolis, it was inhabited by countless high and top Legendary Pokémon. If Necrozma went too far, disturbing the world's balance or its natural order, it would inevitably attract the wrath of those mighty beings.
But simply absorbing Alola's sunlight for a short while? That wasn't nearly enough to provoke a full-scale response.
"Mr. Lucas, this place won't… won't turn into another Ultra Megalopolis, will it?"
Lusamine's worried voice broke the silence. Her brows were knitted tightly as she gazed at the endless darkness stretching across the horizon.
She had just checked her phone moments ago—
and to her horror, the entirety of Alola had fallen into a pitch-black night.
Online, panic had already erupted.
It had been broad daylight only minutes ago, and now, without warning, the sunlight had vanished—as if a massive black curtain had fallen over the sky, smothering the entire region in shadow.
How could people not panic?
It didn't even resemble a solar eclipse…
"Don't worry," Lucas reassured her gently. "It'll be over soon. Necrozma didn't absorb the light for long. The sun will shine on Alola again shortly."
Though he knew full well the panic this would cause across the islands, Lucas felt no guilt at all.
After all…
It wasn't as if the people of Alola were really losing anything, were they?
"That's good, then."
Lusamine let out a relieved sigh. She had genuinely feared Alola might become a second Ultra Megalopolis. If that happened, she'd have no choice but to relocate the entire Aether Foundation elsewhere.
Immediately, she called Faba, ordering him to send a retrieval team and, more importantly, to issue an official announcement in Aether Paradise's name.
The statement claimed that this was merely a "rare astronomical event," a temporary solar eclipse, and that sunlight would return soon. Citizens were urged to stay calm.
Otherwise, mass panic could easily break out across the region.
After all, this sudden darkness was too unnatural to ignore.
Just then, Lucas lifted his gaze to the horizon. Under the darkened sky, four glowing figures were rapidly approaching their position.
"Tapu, huh? Looks like the island guardians are here to investigate."
Lucas narrowed his eyes, studying the silhouettes. Even at a distance, he soon recognized them—
The four guardians of Alola's islands: Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini.
Known collectively as the Island Guardians, these four Legendary Pokémon were revered by Alolans as the divine protectors of their islands.
Unlike many other Legendary Pokémon, the Tapus were not hidden or hostile.
In fact, many elderly residents had seen them multiple times and a few even claimed to share bonds of friendship with them.
The Tapus were protectors, after all, guardians of Alola's life and balance.
"Well, looks like you're being mistaken for an invader now, Lucas."
Green smirked mischievously, clearly enjoying the situation.
Of course, she knew perfectly well that the Tapus stood no chance against Lucas's team.
But that didn't stop her from finding the whole thing entertaining.
The Tapus flew swiftly, their auras cutting through the gloom. Within moments, they had reached Lucas's group and hovered before them, their bodies glowing brightly in the dark sky.
Tapu Koko. Tapu Lele. Tapu Bulu. Tapu Fini.
All four spread their bodies, their eyes locked on Necrozma with grim intensity.
As the guardians of the Alolan islands, they knew Necrozma's presence well.
In fact, back when the gods of Sun and Moon, Solgaleo and Lunala had first descended upon Alola, the Tapus had mistaken them for invaders and challenged them to battle.
Of course…
They were utterly defeated.
The Tapus weren't weak by ordinary standards—but against beings like Solgaleo and Lunala? The outcome was never in doubt.
Afterward, the Sun and Moon gods did not harm them. Instead, they bestowed upon the Tapus the gift of Z-Power the very energy that became a defining force in Alola.
Yes. In truth, the origin of Z-Power lay with Solgaleo and Lunala themselves.
"Well… the Tapus' power is one thing, but their looks…"
Lucas tilted his head, observing the four figures floating midair.
He honestly found their designs difficult to describe politely.
In terms of strength, the Tapus were quite respectable among lesser legends—definitely superior to the likes of the Kanto birds or Johto beasts.
But appearance-wise… (TN: They look cool or unique to me though. Is it just me?)
Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini were fine—he even found them cute from certain angles.
Tapu Koko, on the other hand, looked like a lanky rooster, and Tapu Bulu… Lucas sighed inwardly. Best not to comment further.
"Tapu?"
Tapu Koko's eyes were sharp and solemn, but its head tilted curiously as it glanced at the humans standing beside Necrozma.
It seemed… confused.
Why were humans standing with such a being?
"I understand why you've come," Lucas said calmly. "But rest assured—Necrozma has already been subdued. The sunlight will return soon."
With that, he recalled Necrozma into its Poké Ball, smiling faintly at the Tapus.
He had no interest in fighting them it would be a waste of time.
Tapu Koko froze for a moment, its eyes widening as though it had just witnessed something unbelievable.
The other three Tapus reacted similarly.
What the hell?
Did humans seriously have the power to capture Necrozma now?!
…
Meanwhile, in Saffron City…
"So that's the situation. Team Rocket has occupied Silph Co. and taken the company president hostage."
In a quiet park, a mature blonde woman in a secretary's uniform spoke softly, her tone trembling.
"With the president under their control, Silph Co. is still operating as usual, but under Team Rocket's supervision. They're even placing Rocket agents into the company under false identities."
She lowered her gaze, her voice filled with urgency. "You two should run while you can. I'm grateful you saved me, but Team Rocket members are ruthless—even children aren't spared."
She was the president's personal secretary. It had taken her everything to escape from the building alive. She'd been discovered mid-escape but was saved by two young Trainers who happened to be nearby.
"Team Rocket… I knew it."
The boy in the red cap clenched his fists tightly, his sharp crimson eyes reflecting both anger and resolve.
It was Red.
"Silph Co. is one of the world's largest corporations… and Team Rocket dares to seize it? Their arrogance knows no bounds."
Leaning against a nearby tree, another boy crossed his arms, his spiky brown hair casting a shadow over his confident grin.
Blue.
"Yes," the secretary nodded gravely. "They're using Silph Co.'s resources to gather funds and expand their control. They intend to seize the company completely."
"I need to inform the Pokémon League immediately," she said, forcing herself to stand despite her injured ankle. "Please, you two should leave Silph Co.'s building is too dangerous."
"You should rest first," Red said firmly, stopping her. His composed face darkened as he turned to his rival.
"What are you looking at me for?" Blue asked, frowning slightly.
"What do you think, Blue?"
"What do I think? I think Silph Co. has only itself to blame."
He shrugged dismissively. "They're the top tech firm in the world, and yet Team Rocket's had them under siege for nearly a month without a word leaking out. Pathetic."
With a scoff, Blue slung his bag over one shoulder and started walking away, clearly unwilling to get involved.
"Red, I know you're soft-hearted," he said over his shoulder, "but trust me—this isn't our fight. The League will handle Team Rocket. We should focus on the Indigo Plateau. The Indigo Conference starts in five months, remember? Our goal is to be champions. I'll see you there."
His steps slowed for a moment before he turned slightly, looking back at Red.
He knew his rival too well. They'd grown up together—two sides of the same coin.
Which was exactly why he understood what Red was thinking right now.
"You're really just going to walk away?"
"What else can we do? We already saved her—that's more than enough."
Blue's tone was cold but practical. He didn't want to get tangled up in the League's war against Team Rocket. He had one goal, to become the strongest Trainer.
If Team Rocket had really attacked Silph Co., this wasn't just a small operation anymore. The scale of conflict between them and the League could easily surpass even the Celadon incident.
"Blue! You're a Trainer!" Red's voice rang out, firm and burning with conviction.
"Yes. A Trainer," Blue replied without turning. "And that's exactly why I know what I should and shouldn't do."
He spoke evenly, his usual arrogance replaced with cool rationality. "Destroying Team Rocket is the League's duty, not ours."
"Have you watched the battle between Lance and Leon? What we need to do now is train, get stronger, not waste time on things that don't matter."
"You call this something that doesn't matter?" Red's fists trembled.
"Team Rocket will hurt more people—more Pokémon. If we just stand by and do nothing, then what are we even fighting for?"
"Blue… I need your help."
Blue fell silent. For a long moment, he said nothing—then sighed quietly.
"Damn it… what did I do in a past life to end up owing you so much?"
After a few seconds of brooding frustration, he turned back with a look of exasperation. Rationally, he knew this was a bad idea.
But this was Red's first time ever asking him for help.
"…Fine. You win."
Red smiled faintly, the tension easing from his face. "Thank you, Blue."
"Tch. Don't thank me yet. You're a real pain sometimes, you know that?"
Leaning back against the tree again, Blue folded his arms and looked up at him.
"So, tell me what do you have against Team Rocket, anyway?"
Red hesitated, then told him everything—about the S.S. Anne incident, and what had happened afterward.
"They threatened you using Aunt Delia, huh? That's just like them…"
Blue's handsome features darkened. He'd always had a deep respect for Red's mother.
"See? That's exactly why I told you to stop sticking your nose in trouble." He sighed again. "Honestly, you're supposed to be my rival, and here I am cleaning up after you."
"This won't be easy," Blue continued, his tone returning to calm analysis. "Silph Co. is a global conglomerate, the political implications alone are massive. The building's probably crawling with Rocket operatives by now."
"I'll contact my grandfather," he decided. "Ask for his guidance and have him keep an eye on Aunt Delia, to make sure she stays safe."
Red nodded firmly. As always, Blue's reasoning was sharp and dependable.
Yes—when it came to planning, no one was more reliable than Blue.
But as the two childhood rivals stood together, determined to move against Team Rocket, the secretary beside them lowered her gaze, a strange glimmer flashing in her eyes.
Giovanni's plan… was proceeding perfectly.
(End of Chapter)
TN: Damn it was an evil plan but still go Red go Blue.
I thought Lucas was gonna steamroll over everyone after he got a full legendary team but with the multiverse idea and universe where every evil team succeeded seem scary and exciting.