Chapter 361: Giovanni's Goal
~Third POV~
[Sevii Islands, Few Hours Later, One Island – Pokémon Net Center]
The sterile, humming environment of the Pokémon Network Center on One Island offered little comfort against the heavy weight of recent trauma. A few hours had passed since the terrifying incident, and Green, the nimble Dex Holder, lay still in a hospital bed, her face pale beneath the harsh fluorescent lights.
While the skilled medics worked diligently to restore her injured Pokémon team to full health, the wounds etched into Green's mind—the sight of her long lost parents dissolving into the abyss of a black hole—were far deeper and resisted immediate healing.
Red sat beside the bed, his usual infectious energy subdued, his gaze fixed on the quiet rise and fall of Green's chest. Blue, ever restless, paced nearby, occasionally casting a worried glance at his female counterpart.
Red finally asked, his voice low and strained, "Is it true, Azure? Did Green really manage to meet her parents, even for a moment?"
Azure, preferring the journey with his partners, Pikachu and Eevee, stood leaning against the doorway. His Gengar, a shimmering shade of black, floated silently behind him, adding an eerie stillness to his presence.
Azure nodded grimly, his eyes reflecting the deep concern that Red tried to hide, and replied calmly, "We met yesterday, briefly, at Professor Oak's lab in Pallet Town to Vermillion City. We departed together as I wanted to explore the Sevii Islands and Green, wanting to meet her parents at last."
Azure crossed his arms, the action causing his Dragonite, who was resting near the window, to stir slightly as he continued, "Oak mentioned he intended to upgrade all of Pokedexes—yours, Blue's, and Green's—to the newest models. We were scheduled to bring them in today, in fact. But judging by the fact you two still lack one, I assume he hadn't finished the work yet."
A wave of relief washed over Red. He'd been intensely conflicted about giving up his treasured Pokédex, a symbol of his journey.
Knowing Oak intended an upgrade, not a confiscation, eased his mind. But then, the weight of the earlier conversation settled back over him.
Red's face paled further as he asked grimly, wanting clarification, "Wait. If she was there… then the two people who were sucked into that hole—the vortex—they were Green's parents?"
The realization hit them like a physical blow. The joy of a reunion, immediately followed by the horror of a second, final separation. Azure nodded, his expression grim.
Blue stopped pacing. He wasn't one for passive waiting, especially not when a friend was in distress. He needed answers, context, and a target for his mounting frustration.
His eyes landed on a small, leather-bound book tucked under Green's pillow—her diary. Despite the clear invasion of privacy, Blue snatched it up, flipping immediately to the latest entry.
He skimmed the familiar, looping script, summarizing the sequence of events aloud, "Green went to Pallet Town, returned her Pokédex to the Professor… and was immediately attacked afterward."
Blue slammed the diary shut. His eyes hardened as he continued, "The attacks… they weren't random. This wasn't a coincidence."
Blue reached into his cloak pocket and retrieved a piece of salvaged hardware: Green's broken Silph Scope. The casing was cracked, the lens clouded, but the machine, impossibly, still held power.
Blue muttered, carefully pressing the cracked activation button, "The replay function might still work."
*Hisss*
The damaged device hissed to life, projecting a shimmering, distorted holographic recording onto the opposite wall. The image stabilized, and they watched in horrified silence as the chaotic battle unfolded: Green's team—Wigglytuff, Nidoqueen, Clefable—desperately trying to fend off a terrifying, powerfully built opponent.
The enemy was a red, humanoid Pokémon, sleek and alien. It moved with impossible speed, firing devastating, focused blasts of energy.
The replay crackled as the Pokémon landed a final, crippling blow on Green's team. Bill, who had been overseeing Green's care from a nearby console, shrieked, his voice laced with pure confusion, "What is that thing? It doesn't match any known data! Why did it attack her after she returned the Pokédex?"
The fear in the room was palpable, but Red's jaw hardened. He stepped forward, his fists clenched, his eyes blazing with resolve as he stated firmly, "I may not know what it is, Bill, or why it targeted Green. But I know this: Azure, Blue, and I are going to find this Pokémon, and we are going to make it pay for what it did to our friend."
Bill wrung his hands together, concern warring with logic, and argued, "Red, please be rational! We don't know anyone stronger than the three of you. If you were defeated by this thing earlier, or if Green—who is incredibly resourceful—was so thoroughly beaten, how can you expect to simply get stronger and defeat it now?"
Red didn't flinch as he held firm, stating resolutely, "You're right. It's hard. But we can't stand by while Green is hurting, and this thing is out there. We won't."
Azure stepped fully into the room, his gaze unwavering. Beside him, both Pikachu and Eevee were tense, their tails twitching in agreement with their trainer's sentiment.
He glanced at his Scizor and Arcanine, who were observing the area outside the window, ensuring no new threats approached as he stated, "I agree. And thankfully, I haven't been idle. Before coming here, I spent significant time training and solidifying the bond with my team. We are ready for a serious fight."
Blue looked around the small medical room critically as he stated sternly, "Training is good, but we need speed. We need a way to get stronger, quickly, before that thing strikes again. Even with all 3 of us here."
"There is a way."
The sudden, gravelly voice cut through the tense atmosphere, startling everyone in the room as the voice continued, "One Island is known as a place where destinies intertwine. It must be fate that you met me here, at the crossroads of your impending struggle."
They spun around. Standing just outside the Network Center's entrance, framed by the bright sunlight, was a short, weather-beaten old woman. She carried a thick, knotted wooden staff and wore heavy, layered robes despite the mild weather.
The woman stepped closer, peering at Red and Blue with an infuriatingly knowing look as she declared, "I will allow you to inherit my Ultimate Moves."
Red, Blue, and Bill exchanged confused glances as they thought, 'Ultimate Moves?'
They immediately discounted her words, assuming her to be another eccentric island resident. Red and Blue turned back toward Green's bedside, ready to discuss their next tactical move.
Azure, however, paused. He knew the words, knew the legend. But he kept his mouth shut. He had already mastered those techniques long ago when he'd gotten the chance; he didn't need the old woman's instruction.
Angered by their indifference and the casual dismissal, the woman lifted her staff. She brought it down sharply, and two crystalline energy rings—one green, one blue—shot forward, aimed directly at Red and Blue.
*WOOOSH*
Azure called instinctively, "Look out!"
Red reacted instantly, calling out his partner, "Saur! Vine Whip!"
*Pop*
*WHIP*
Venusaur burst from its ball, its thick vines lashing out, connecting with the green ring and knocking it violently upward.
*Pop*
Blue, equally fast, threw his own Poké Ball as he ordered, "Charizard! Use your tail!"
*WHIP*
Charizard materialized, its fiery tail sweeping down and batting the blue ring into the air. For a moment, it seemed the rings were defeated, sailing harmlessly over the heads of the trainers, avoiding the worst…
*CLICK*
But gravity soon claimed them. The rings fell back down, landing perfectly on Red and Blue's wrists with a chilling, metallic click. They locked tightly.
Blue snarled, immediately trying to pull the bangle off, ripping at it with his free hand, "What the—?"
It was immovable. Blue turned, rage contorting his face, and lunged toward the old woman, aiming a punch at her jaw.
*SMACK*
She didn't even flinch. She simply intercepted his attack with the tip of her wooden staff, stopping his momentum instantly. The old woman calmed down, dropping her staff back to the ground as she stated, "I only did that because you were going to leave me behind, you insolent children."
Before anyone could retort, she raised her staff again, not aimed at them, but toward the nearby docks. She hurled two Poke Balls out, yelling, "Typhlosion! Meganium! Test their reflexes!"
*Pop*
Two bright flashes erupted from her Poké Balls, and a powerful Typhlosion and a majestic Meganium materialized. Before Red or Blue could fully register the new threat, the Pokémon launched attacks—a devastating Blast Burn from the fire type and a wide-reaching Frenzy Plant from the grass type.
*BOOOOM*
Red and Blue, along with their partners, dodged the blasts, scrambling away from the immediate area. The sheer force of the attacks slammed into the docks nearby. The heavy wooden planks splintered and exploded, leaving vast patches of scorched earth and ruined mooring posts.
The Sailor, who was just arriving at the dock to prepare for the next ferry trip, witnessed the destruction firsthand. His jaw dropped.
He bellowed, recognizing the perpetrator. He stomped over, rubbing his temples furiously, "What in the name of the S.S. Anne just happened here?! Ultima! You are going straight back to your home on Two Island! You can't keep destroying the infrastructure every time you feel ignored!"
The name clicked loudly in Azure's mind, 'Ultima.'
He stepped away from the doorway, bowing respectfully. Azure stated, introducing the legendary figure to the stunned trainers, "Ultima. The same legend speaks of a woman who resides on the Sevii Islands, said to know and master several of the strongest techniques known in the Pokémon world—the Ultimate Moves."
Ultima's wrinkly face split into a pleased grin. She confirmed his suspicions with a nod as she said proudly, "Ah, at least one of you has been paying attention to the right stories. I am indeed that same person."
Blue, however, was far from impressed. He yanked futilely at the bangle on his wrist as he yelled, "Legend or not, I'm annoyed! Take this damn thing off my arm, and unchain me from Red! I have things to do, and I don't need a tethered bodyguard!"
Ultima merely chuckled, leaning on her staff as she refused, "Oh, my dear Blue. I'm afraid I can't do that."
Blue snapped, turning on his heel and marching toward the wrecked docks, intending to find a working boat, "Fine, then I'll just leave!"
He managed to take maybe ten steps before the bangle on his wrist tightened suddenly, emitting a sharp, unpleasant pulse of energy. He was yanked back, stumbling. He glanced over and saw Red also being pulled, anchored by the magic of the rings.
Red asked, massaging his wrist, "What was that?"
Ultima smiled wickedly as she explained to the stunned Dex Holders, "The bracelet is enchanted. It forces you to remain within twenty feet of me at all times. Think of it as a leash, ensuring you commit to your new training."
Blue roared, his face turning crimson as he yelled furiously, "Stop messing with us, old woman! I don't have time for this ridiculous game!"
Red commanded, putting a firm hand on his rival's shoulder, "Blue, stop."
Red looked Ultima straight in the eye, his expression serious, the determination in his gaze overriding his earlier confusion. He looked at Green, still resting, and then back at the destruction caused by the Blast Burn and Frenzy Plant—irrefutable proof of Ultima's immense power.
Red admitted, his voice regaining its steady resolve, "I have my doubts, Ultima. But Green needs us, and that Pokémon needs to be stopped. I will trust you. Please, teach us the Ultimate Skills. Teach us whatever we need to learn to defeat this monster."
Ultima's hard expression softened slightly, pleased as she said, "A practical choice. Very well, Red. I will teach you my techniques."
She motioned toward the scorched docks as she stated, "We begin immediately. If you want results, you must endure the hardship."
Red began explaining their situation to the sailor, assuring him they would pay for the damages done. Blue, still grumbling but unable to move further away, reluctantly followed as he had no choice.
Azure watched the departing trio, his hand resting on the smooth shell of his Scizor's arm. Azure stated, turning back toward the Network Center entrance, "I'll stay here for now. I can't exactly leave Green alone, not if that mysterious Pokémon is still hovering around the island."
He knew the true threat wasn't just physical strength; it was the unknown element of the red humanoid Pokémon. Red and Blue would gain the power they needed, but someone had to hold the line.
Azure stepped back into the sterile silence of the Network Center, the warmth of his fully bonded team radiating beside him. He settled in, readying himself for the inevitable darkness that would surely follow the light. If the unknown threat returned, it would find a champion waiting to meet it.
/////
[Sevii Islands, Meanwhile, Island Seven – Trainer Tower (TR Base)]
Miles away, on Island Seven, the imposing, futuristic structure of the Trainer Tower loomed under the gray sky. Inside, however, the facility was revealed to be a clandestine Team Rocket base, disguised by the computer program 'R' created by Carr.
In the hidden, central command center, Giovanni sat at a vast, obsidian terminal. Before him, holographic reports shimmered, detailing the recent clash on One Island. Below him stood his Three Beasts: Orm, Sird, and Carr.
Giovanni stated, his voice a low, gravelly rumble devoid of emotion, "So, the Dex Holders have appeared here, as planned. The events unfolded precisely according to the intelligence provided by your scouting programs, Carr."
Carr reported, adjusting his cap as he said respectfully bowing his head, "Yes, Sir Giovanni. The distraction was successful. We've secured the necessary data from the Pokedexes the Dex Holders returned to Oak, and the emotional trauma to the Kanto Dex Holders has fragmented their movements."
Giovanni steepled his fingers, his eyes narrowed as he focused on the projection of the combatant: Organism No. 1—the red humanoid Pokémon, Deoxys.
Giovanni commanded, "Tell me about Organism No. 1."
Sird, the most ruthless and medically oriented of the Three Beasts, stepped forward as she reported, "It is becoming increasingly unstable, sir. The energy consumption is exceeding projected limits. Its purpose in luring the Dex Holders has been fulfilled. I recommend immediate disposal. It is no longer of use to us."
Giovanni slowly shook his head, a faint, predatory smile touching his lips as he uttered coldly, "Not yet, Sird. It still has one final use."
He leaned forward, his focus momentarily shifting from the three Dex Holders to the one who remained behind, the trainer who had defeated him years ago in his youth. He said calmly, eyes hardening, "I want Organism No. 1 to distract Azure Sky. I want to know how strong he has grown over the past five years."
Orm looked confused as he asked respectfully, kneeling, "Sir, why risk the test on the operation? He's clearly committed to staying with the girl."
Giovanni affirmed, nodding his head, but his gaze was determined as he said calmly, "Precisely. Azure Sky was a brat then, but a powerful brat who managed to dismantle my organization. I know his potential. He is the true wildcard in this entire plan, more dangerous than the combined might of Dex Holders, simply because he has experienced the League and chosen a different path."
Giovanni's eyes, cold and calculating, fixed on the holographic image of Azure Sky standing calm amidst the chaos as he continued, "I know personally how strong he was before. I need to know how strong he is now. Organism No. 1 will be his ultimate test. See to it that Deoxys's erratic positioning leads it directly back to One Island. Let the champion who refuses the crown show us the depth of his power."
The Three Beasts bowed. Sird nodded as she said respectfully, "Understood, Boss. We will make our move."
As his subordinates dispersed to execute their orders, Giovanni sighed, leaning back into his chair. He allowed a flicker of the motivation that drove him to the surface. His focus was not entirely on the Dex Holders, or even Azure.
He needed the data on Organism No. 1's final battle performance to refine his tracking systems. He needed that power to locate and seize control of Organism No. 2—the twin Deoxys, far more stable and potent.
Giovanni closed his eyes, his sole focus now the cold calculation of revenge and reunion. He needed Organism No. 2's power to finally locate his son, Silver, and settle old scores once and for all. The path to finding Silver ran directly through the distraction and defeat of Azure.
Giovanni's eyes squinted as he clenched his chest seemingly in pain, uttering, "That… and I don't have much time left…"
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!