In fact, Pokémon are quite similar to humans. Aside from their inability to speak human language, they possess intelligence close to that of people. The only difference is that most Pokémon are relatively simple-minded, with limited intelligence. However, for Legendary Pokémon, this limitation is almost nonexistent.
"It's fine. I was just in a bad mood earlier. It's rare to track those guys down, yet they still managed to escape." Ash calmed himself, letting out a deep breath after hearing Lugia's apology.
"Those guys? There aren't many humans or Pokémon capable of escaping from you." Lugia was clearly concerned. Anyone who could slip away from Ash was certainly no ordinary opponent.
"They're humans… or rather, trash wearing human skin. They specialize in capturing Pokémon for experiments. The Mewtwo you fought earlier was created by them using the genes of Mew and other Pokémon. Don't tell me you forgot."
A cold glint flashed in Ash's eyes. His hatred for Team Rocket was obvious. Back at the Indigo Plateau Conference, they had already threatened him, and now they had slipped away again. It was no wonder he had lost his composure.
"I see… no wonder. I was puzzled why its strength had reached the level of a Legendary Pokémon, yet it hadn't grasped any natural laws. I didn't expect it to be artificially created. Human technology is truly terrifying."
Recalling his battle with Mewtwo, Lugia felt a lingering shock. If more Pokémon like Mewtwo were created, the entire world could fall into chaos.
"By the way, what's going on with the Whirl Islands? This is your territory, right? And those Silver Wings… they're your feathers, aren't they?"
After landing, Ash decided to ask directly.
"The Whirl Islands were originally a remote place, inaccessible to humans, and the home of my mate and me. One day, a passing ship encountered danger, and I saved the people aboard. From that moment on, everything changed."
Lugia's tone grew heavier.
"The islands became famous. Humans began to arrive in large numbers. The natural whirlpools surrounding the islands were gradually overcome, and the islands themselves were developed into human settlements. Worse still, many began seeking to capture us. In anger, I attacked the islands."
Hearing this, Ash finally understood the full story.
Originally, the Whirl Islands were Lugia's territory. Out of kindness, Lugia had saved stranded humans. In return, those same humans spread tales of the mysterious Pokémon, drawing even more people to the islands.
What started as gratitude turned into intrusion.
In the end, Lugia lost the freedom to even appear in its own home. Worse, it attracted hunters who sought to capture it. Anyone in Lugia's position would have snapped.
"I understand now," Ash muttered.
At that moment, the female Lugia approached, her voice gentle and soft, almost like a calm breeze.
"Thank you… and I'm sorry about earlier."
"It's fine. I was also at fault," Ash replied. "But your location has already been exposed to Team Rocket. I suggest you relocate. How about coming to Fantasy Island?"
He paused before continuing.
"There's a protective barrier there, a spherical energy field that works even underwater. You won't have to worry about safety or food. The resources there are abundant, and it would be a perfect place to raise and train your child."
The offer clearly tempted her.
The Whirl Islands lacked sufficient food, especially for a growing young Lugia like Silver. She often had to dive into deeper waters to hunt, which was why she had entrusted Silver to Oliver's care.
Now, for the first time, a better option stood before her.
"Then there's nothing to worry about. Ash is a trainer we can trust. I believe we'll live better on Fantasy Island."
Seeing the female Lugia hesitate, Lugia spoke up decisively.
In truth, Lugia was also curious about Ash's Fantasy Island. Not just humans, even the Pokémon in the surrounding seas were often drawn toward it. The vitality radiating from the Dream Forest continuously attracted them, almost like an irresistible force.
"…Alright, then."
With her mate already agreeing, the female Lugia had no reason to refuse. More importantly, Silver was still in a critical growth stage and required a large amount of nutritious food. For Pokémon, early development was crucial if they were to become strong.
"Since that's settled, I'll take my mate and child to Fantasy Island first. As for me… I still need to find that guy. Our last battle was far too frustrating."
Now that everything was decided, Lugia revealed his true intention, to find Mewtwo.
That previous battle had left him completely stifled. Being defeated by a Legendary Pokémon of the same tier was nothing short of humiliation for a being like him.
"So that's your goal," Ash said with a slight shrug, a knowing look on his face. "But if you want to defeat Mewtwo with your current strength, it's going to be difficult."
His expression clearly said he had already seen the outcome.
Lugia narrowed his eyes, a hint of irritation surfacing.
"You really think I would lose? If it weren't for your interference last time, I wouldn't have been defeated by him."
"There's some truth to that," Ash admitted calmly.
"But Mewtwo's strength has already improved significantly. He's reached the peak of Legendary level. On top of that, I recently helped him develop new Psychic techniques… defeating him now won't be easy."