Chapter 121: The Journey Home
"Ding. Main Quest 2 completed. Rewards: Two Master Balls, a full Mega Evolution stone set for Mewtwo X, one random legendary Pokémon map, and the activation of Healing Power and Psychic Power."
The moment President Charles Good show handed the Champion Trophy to Ron, the system notification rang out. Ron was secretly delighted. With the Mega Evolution stone for Mewtwo, his chances of defeating the Elite Four had increased significantly.
At the same time, Healing Power and Psychic Power were also activated. Healing Power could restore a Pokémon's stamina and health, while Psychic Power, much like Sabrina's, could enhance the power of Psychic-type Pokémon, and also gave Ron some offensive capability himself. Not a bad reward at all.
"Ding. Main Quest 3 activated. Capture six specific Pokémon from the Hoenn Region and participate in the Ever Grande Conference (Legendary Pokémon are not allowed to participate; system prize Pokémon do not count). Rewards: Five Master Balls, a full Mega Evolution stone set for Mewtwo Y, one random legendary Pokémon map, and two slate fragments."
"Ding. Cheating device interference. Main Quest 3 modified: No restrictions on the Pokémon the host may use. Rewards remain unchanged."
Cold sweat poured down Ron's back. Activating the cheat device had really backfired. The system's assigned Pokémon were: Zigzagoon, Wurmple, Wingull, Azurill, Kecleon, and Duskull. And note: the unevolved versions!
Damn it, if they wanted him dead, they might as well say it directly. Even if he trained those six, how was he supposed to battle with them? Zigzagoon against Articuno? Or Azurill trying to win with cuteness? Please.
But this wasn't the time to worry about that. Ron's application for a match against an Elite Four member had been approved. The battle would be held at the Ron Manor, and his opponent was Lorelei.
If Ron could defeat Lorelei, it would prove that he possessed the strength of an Elite Four member. The position of one of the Four Heavenly Kings would be within reach—whether he wanted it or not was another matter.
The Silver Conference had concluded, and everyone was going their separate ways. At the airport, the group of four parted. Rosa flew back to the Unova Region, and Ruby also took a flight heading to Mauville City, preparing to move to Littleroot Town in the Hoenn Region.
Ron and Lillie watched as the two planes carried away their friends. They sighed and then boarded the Aether Foundation's private jet bound for Pallet Town.
Ash and the others weren't planning to fly; they intended to walk back as a final journey together. After all, Misty was returning to take over the gym, and Brock had matters to attend to at home.
His former companions were all going their own ways, and Ron couldn't help but feel a bit empty inside. Sitting beside him, Lillie noticed Ron staring blankly out the plane window and gently held his hand.
Ron snapped out of it and turned to look at Lillie. She smiled softly, revealing a gentle expression. "Don't worry. You still have me, right?"
Ron smiled and tightened his grip on Lillie's hand. "Yeah, I still have you. Don't worry about me. Next year, we'll head to the Hoenn Region to challenge the Hoenn League. We'll meet up with Ruby again and travel together."
Lillie didn't respond but rested her head on Ron's shoulder. "I'm a little sleepy. Lend me your shoulder."
Looking at Lillie's profile, Ron started planning his upcoming battles. After defeating Lorelei, the next step was to prepare for the journey in the Hoenn Region, to capture the three Legendary Pokémon of land, sea, and sky. And finally, it would be time to confront the League itself!
What belongs to Ron isn't so easily taken! Everything the League took from him, he was going to make them give back!
After a full day of flying, they finally arrived at Pallet Town's airport. Back at his villa, Ron threw himself onto his large bed for a good rest.
He slept straight through until noon the next day. Lillie, accompanied by two Chansey, brought over food that was hard to say whether it was breakfast or lunch.
After eating, Ron took Lillie and rode his Aerodactyl to a small island near the sea area of Ron's estate.
This was where the Rocket Team's Mewtwo had taught Ron's Mewtwo. Ron also met that Mewtwo again. His Mewtwo explained their intentions, and the other Mewtwo nodded, sat down, and began to discuss things with Ron.
There wasn't much to discuss. Ron simply hoped that Mewtwo would stand by him when he needed it the most. Mewtwo agreed, but with one condition: this island would be its territory from now on, and it didn't want to be disturbed by anyone else.
Ron agreed and instructed Gyarados to notify the surrounding Water-type Pokémon to immediately drive off any intruders. Gyarados nodded and went off to inform them.
A while later, Gyarados returned and brought back Little Lugia. Little Lugia recognized Ron and happily flew over, begging for food.
Curious, Lillie took the bag of Pokéblocks from Ron and started feeding Little Lugia.
From Gyarados, Ron learned that the number of Water-type Pokémon in the area had increased significantly, and many more Pokémon had appeared in the manor. According to reports from the staff, they were all captured by Crystal. Ron couldn't help but admire her: no wonder she was known as the legendary Capturing Queen! Her efficiency was astonishing.
Little Lugia's arrival also attracted Lugia. Staring at the enormous Lugia, Ron handed it the Silver Feather gifted by the system and explained his conditions. Lugia seemed troubled. The League had treated it fairly well, but since Ron had come with the Silver Feather, it was hard to refuse.
"Don't worry. Just this once," Ron said. "I just need your support this one time. After that, I won't disturb you again. How about it?"
Lugia hesitated for a moment but finally nodded in agreement.
Ron left a few of his Pokémon who were about to grasp their origin power with Mewtwo on the island. He named the island "Legendary Island." After all, it was full of legendary Pokémon. Even if they weren't yet, they were well on their way to becoming legends.
Charizard didn't return to the Charizard Valley for now. The Elite Four battle was coming up, and since Charizard was one of Ron's main forces, it would be a hassle to keep going back and forth.
The Elite Four match was a 6v6. After much deliberation, Ron finalized his Pokémon roster: Charizard, Greninja, Aerodactyl, Zeraora, Celebi, and Mewtwo.
These were likely Ron's top six Pokémon. Solgaleo, though it had grasped its origin power and reached pseudo-legendary strength, lacked battle experience. To play it safe, Ron opted for the more seasoned Greninja, who had better maneuverability and experience.
Afterward, Ron spent a large amount of diamonds and popularity points to buy them suitable items and began training them to get used to the gear. Solgaleo was used for sparring practice, and it also served as extra training to help it adapt to high-level battles more quickly.
Time slipped by unnoticed, and the day of the Elite Four match drew near. Once Ron completed his final preparations, the day of the battle arrived.
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Battle Arena behind Ron Manor
Participants: Ron and Lorelei
High-ranking League officials and the other three Elite Four members were present to witness whether Ron truly had what it took to be a member of the Elite Four!