In response to Steven's questioning, silence fell over the airship.
Finally, after a moment, the cabin door opened, and Mr. Stone walked out. Steven immediately sent out a Metagross to catch his father.
Mr. Stone landed on Metagross. The Pokémon carried him to the front of Rayquaza.
Mr. Stone looked at the now-still Rayquaza, and at Ace and Zinnia on its head, and sighed: "Thank goodness. You must be Zinnia. I've always wanted to meet you."
Zinnia did not reply, only staring at Mr. Stone with cold indifference. If the hatred in her eyes could turn into blades, it likely would have sliced Mr. Stone into a thousand pieces by now.
"I have always wanted to apologize to you, to the Draconid Tribe, and to Rayquaza."
Mr. Stone spoke calmly. His words momentarily stunned Zinnia.
"Apologize? You actually want to apologize?"
Zinnia sneered, her expression full of mockery.
Mr. Stone nodded. "Our actions in capturing and researching Rayquaza were not meant to disrespect the heritage of the Draconid Tribe."
"On the contrary, it was precisely because we believed in the heritage that we wanted to fully control Rayquaza's power."
Mr. Stone said mournfully, "However, we were too hasty. We were unwilling to take the time to earn the trust and assistance of the Draconid Tribe, choosing instead to capture it through our own efforts. It was for this reason that we committed the unforgivable mistake at the Embedded Tower."
"And we failed to properly handle the captured Rayquaza, and then used its escape as an excuse to abandon all related research."
Mr. Stone spoke sincerely, "But I hope you can believe that we simply wanted to save this planet, and we truly believed we chose the best way. But the result is that we trampled upon your people, the Draconid Tribe. I wish to apologize to you for this matter, so please..."
As he spoke, Mr. Stone knelt, bowing deeply to Zinnia, his forehead pressed against the cold metal of Metagross. He choked out, "Please... please forgive us."
"Father..."
Steven felt a pang of distress, finding it hard to believe that the confident man he remembered now bowed his head.
"Aster... did you hear him?"
Zinnia expressionlessly touched the anklet that belonged to Aster and said coolly, "He says he wants us to forgive him. He's not apologizing at all."
When Zinnia's words landed, the kneeling Mr. Stone's eyes instantly widened, his expression shocked, though he quickly masked it.
"He's asking for forgiveness just to alleviate the guilt he carries."
Zinnia lowered her head, her words building up anger like a volcano ready to erupt: "Every word you say exposes your inherent arrogance."
"You thought, 'Why couldn't I accomplish what a mere Draconid Tribesperson could?'"
Ace spoke calmly at this moment. "You thought, 'With the power of science, a Legendary Pokémon can be easily controlled.' You must have been thinking that way."
Mr. Stone suddenly looked up, staring blankly at Ace.
Ace didn't stop, continuing, "I have a rough idea of what you researched after the Rayquaza project was halted. I have to say, your ideas are good, but they're unrealistic. Everything you have done, ultimately, was only for yourself."
"If you truly wish to apologize."
Ace took a dagger from his waist pouch and tossed it to the still-dazed Mr. Stone. "Commit suicide."
Clang.
The dagger fell in front of Mr. Stone. He stared blankly at the dagger, momentarily feeling the shame of having his cover completely ripped off. This was immediately followed by a surge of rage.
Why?!
Yes, that was the thought currently dominating Mr. Stone's mind.
Why must I bear all the consequences?
What did I do wrong?
Only an insignificant little brat died! Why isn't everything developing the way I envisioned?!
Once he had control of Rayquaza's power and stopped the supposed disaster, he would have been the savior of the planet, achieving a terrifying level of prestige!
But why?!
Why did it turn out like this?!
Mr. Stone picked up the dagger, then tossed it away with a distorted, ferocious look. He roared at Ace, "Who do you think you are?! What right do you have to speak to me?!"
"He is the Successor of our Draconid Tribe, the one destined to save the world."
Zinnia said calmly, watching the now-manic Mr. Stone, "Otherwise, how do you think we managed to find the Dragon God?"
"The Successor..."
Mr. Stone's strength left him, and he slumped onto Metagross. In his daze, he seemed to see the phantom of a little girl beside Ace.
"Rooaar!"
Rayquaza roared, unleashing a Dragon Pulse directly aimed at Mr. Stone.
It had waited long enough. It now knew the circumstances of that year, and it knew one of the culprits responsible for everything.
Back then, it couldn't save her.
This time, it would make up for that long-ago regret!
"Father!"
As the Dragon Pulse arrived, Steven moved instantly. Two Metagross blocked Mr. Stone, shielding him from Rayquaza's attack.
"If you're the Successor, then stop Rayquaza!"
Steven, drenched in cold sweat, roared at Ace.
"I'm sorry."
Ace looked at Steven coldly and said, "The Successor is merely meant to assist Rayquaza, not to command it. I can only say I won't participate in Rayquaza's actions, but I cannot stop it."
As he spoke, Rayquaza charged toward Mr. Stone again.
Steven, feeling distraught, looked back at the airship, hoping the League would intervene to stop Rayquaza.
But as Steven looked, he saw the airship slowly retreating, with no intention of stopping Rayquaza or saving Mr. Stone.
The League was pragmatic. Rayquaza was needed right now, and they wouldn't abandon this powerful ally for the sake of Mr. Stone.
As for the consequences of abandoning Mr. Stone?
What consequences?
His was just a large corporation; they could support one, and they could support another.
And Champion Steven?
He was about to step down anyway. They could just elevate Wallace to the Champion position, couldn't they?
In truth, Mr. Stone was wrong from the beginning. Cooperating with the League initially gave him an advantage.
But without the corresponding power, he was merely a piece that could be discarded at will in the League's eyes.
The only way to achieve a truly peaceful coexistence with the League was the position Ace held now.
Engage in beneficial transactions with the League, but also possess overwhelming personal strength. Even if the League wanted to move against you, they would have to consider the cost of you fighting back.
And Mr. Stone?
He brought profit, but he lacked the power to back it up!
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