The scene before the Swords of Justice exceeded anything they had ever imagined. It was the complete opposite of the world they had known.
Before meeting Lucien, the trio had wandered the Unova wilderness for years, battling humans who abused Pokémon and rescuing the ones who suffered under them. They had witnessed plenty of farmlands where Pokémon were forced to work like machines, driven by whips, threats, or fear. In those places, humans treated Pokémon as tools, property, or livestock.
But here… this was something else entirely.
The smiles on the Pokémon's faces were unmistakably real. Their lighthearted movements, their relaxed posture, their cheerful cries, everything showed genuine enjoyment. They weren't being exploited. They weren't afraid. They wanted to be here, working beside their human partners.
It made the Swords of Justice hesitate. For the first time, what they saw did not match their beliefs.
What was this place? What was Lucien doing that was so different?
Unable to make sense of the strange harmony unfolding before their eyes, they turned toward him, silently asking for an explanation.
Lucien only smiled gently. "It's not over yet."
He led them away from the farmland and toward the next destination.
The Gyarados Ranch
The three Swords of Justice followed Lucien through a wooden gate into a wide ranch. They slowed their steps, looking around curiously.
"Where is this?" Cobalion asked.
"A ranch," Lucien explained. "This place provides food and wool for the entire town."
As he spoke, a young girl tending a herd of Mareep looked up in surprise. Her eyes lit up the moment she recognized the visitor.
"Your Highness Lucien? What brings you here today?"
"I'm showing some friends around," Lucien said.
"Friends…?" Megan murmured, then saw the towering forms of Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion behind him. Her eyes widened in pure astonishment. But after a moment, she composed herself. After all, she was friends with Gyarados; it wasn't fair to be surprised that Lucien befriended powerful Pokémon too.
"Please come in! My brother took Bouffalant to town for a checkup. It's just me here today. The Mareep's wool has grown out, so I'm trimming it…"
"You can continue," Lucien said with a reassuring smile. "We're only looking around."
"Yes, Your Highness!"
Though clearly nervous at having the prince watching her work, Megan quickly relaxed again as the fluffy Mareep nudged her hands, bleating happily, lining up to have their wool trimmed one by one.
The Swords of Justice watched intently. The Mareep weren't afraid. They willingly crowded around the human girl, patiently taking turns as if they enjoyed the attention.
In the distance, Combee buzzed in and out of their hive, gathering nectar from flowers that humans cultivated nearby. Everything operated smoothly and effortlessly, with humans and Pokémon working in perfect rhythm.
Lucien spoke quietly beside them. "The honey from Combee is harvested and sold in town, just like the Mareep wool."
He pointed toward the fields they visited earlier. "The Grass-type Pokémon help cultivate crops with their energy. Water-types assist with irrigation. Diglett and Dugtrio loosen the soil."
"And in return," Lucien continued, "humans give them shelter, food, warmth, and safety. They no longer have to fear storms, extreme temperatures, or predators. They can rest without worry."
Cobalion slowly absorbed his words.
"This isn't slavery," Lucien said, meeting their eyes. "It's cooperation. Mutual benefit. When humans and Pokémon support each other, both sides prosper."
"When humans and Pokémon are together, it allows both humans and Pokémon to have a better life."
A better life...
Cobalion immediately recalled everything he had just witnessed throughout the town.
Indeed… Lucien had been right.
After the initial shock faded, the three Swords of Justice finally understood what they had been seeing. There were things that even powerful Pokémon like them could never accomplish alone, such as building a place where every Pokémon, regardless of species or strength, could coexist peacefully and without fear.
But humans… humans were capable of creating such a place.
In the past, the Swords of Justice had never even dared to imagine such a possibility. Yet after seeing this town with their own eyes, after watching humans and Pokémon live, work, rest, and laugh side by side, even the steadfast Cobalion couldn't help but turn toward Lucien.
At that moment, Lucien's ideals resonated deeply within them.
They acknowledged him, not just as a leader, but as someone truly capable of changing the world.
The three exchanged a glance, coming to the same resolve. Cobalion stepped forward, his voice steady and solemn.
"Lucien, we are willing to entrust our power to you as well. Please, create a world for the Pokémon of this land. A world without war, without oppression… a world where all Pokémon can live happily."
Lucien blinked, a bit surprised by their sudden sincerity, but he quickly smiled, warm and confident.
"Welcome to the team, Cobalion, Virizion, Terrakion."
He had always intended to unite every force that could be united. Only by bringing humans and Pokémon together could he guide this land into true harmony.
Terrakion grinned broadly, muscles tensing with excitement. "Heh! Then I'll do my best to help!"
Virizion bowed her head gracefully. "My strength is yours to command, Lucien. Please guide me."
Cobalion remained calm as ever, but his eyes softened. "From now on, we Swords of Justice will treat Lucien City as our base. Many Pokémon across the land are still suffering persecution from humans. We cannot stay here permanently, but when the war begins, you can count on us, we will return to fight at your side."
Cobalion knew the truth: humans were the catalyst of this brewing conflict. Only by ending the coming war could the countless homeless Pokémon finally find peace.
Lucien wasn't surprised by their declaration. He nodded resolutely.
"Don't worry. With Kyurem here, this territory is safe. And if you encounter any injured or homeless Pokémon during your travels, send them here. Lucien City will take them in, we'll help them."
"We will," Cobalion replied with a firm nod.
They had been struggling with the question of what to do with the Pokémon who had nowhere to go. But today, they had seen what Lucien built, Pokémon living good lives, respected and cherished. They had seen children laughing with Pokémon, farmers sharing food with their partners, and entire families treating Pokémon as family members.
There was no other place on this land more suitable for Pokémon to live.
Lucien's city was the first true sanctuary.
As Cobalion finished speaking, Lucien's system interface flashed with new notifications:
[Cobalion has joined your territory!]
[Virizion has joined your territory!]
[Terrakion has joined your territory!]