Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice [124]

"Sorry to trouble you, Miss Wicke."

Several hours later, Stephen said this to Wicke, the branch director of the Aether Foundation, who had rushed over from Alola to replace Faba.

"Not at all. Without you, the president's family might have..."

Wicke shook her head, indicating that Stephen shouldn't dwell on it. She then turned her gaze to the girl floating in the nutrient tank nearby. The girl's left arm had been replaced with a dragon limb, and her upper body was covered in blue and black dragon scales.

"However... I didn't expect that in such a short time, you would develop something so remarkable, Dr. Stephen."

Wicke had come to Alola specifically to transport Aster and her treatment pod.

Today, Stephen and his two companions were heading to Viridian City in Kanto to trade with Pryce.

The purpose of the trade wasn't just for Zorua but also for Swablu.

"Ah..."

After seeing off Wicke and the still-deeply-comatose Aster, Will let out a long sigh, rubbed his head, and complained:

"While I do enjoy a bit of excitement, isn't this getting a bit too much lately? Sometimes I just want to take it easy."

Even as Stephen's self-proclaimed number-one source of fun, Will couldn't help but feel a bit mentally and physically drained from recent events.

One major event after another—just as one crisis was resolved, another would arise.

They had just dealt with Kodai, that fool who could predict the future, and before they even had a chance to rest, they now had to face Pryce, a Pokemon master-level trainer!

"Stop whining. If it weren't for Stephen, do you think you'd even stand a chance against Steven Stone?"

Karen couldn't help but deliver a swift kick to Will.

Will pouted. "I'm just venting, okay? And it wasn't a 4-6 split; it was 6-4. I had the upper hand in that fight."

After tidying up, the three of them boarded the next flight from Cianwood City in Johto to Viridian City in Kanto.

Seated by the window, Stephen gazed silently at the blue skies and clouds outside.

He was debating whether to inform Giovanni that Silver had been kidnapped by Pryce.

After thinking it over for the duration of the flight, Stephen decided it was best to pretend he didn't know.

Without the aid of legendary Pokémon, Giovanni honestly stood no chance against Pryce.

Even though Giovanni was already at the pinnacle of champion-level strength and could even be considered to have one foot in the master-level threshold, he was still not a master-level trainer.

In the original story, when Giovanni learned the truth later, he wanted revenge against Pryce. But in the end, he had to let it go.

It wasn't that Giovanni didn't want revenge—Stephen figured he did.

The problem was that at the time, Giovanni no longer had access to either Mewtwo or Deoxys, the two legendary Pokémon he once controlled.

In the end, he could only swallow his loss in silence.

Unlike the long 10-hour flight from Unova to Johto, the distance between Kanto and Johto was much shorter, with just Mt. Silver separating them.

In less than two hours, Stephen and his companions landed in Viridian City.

"Mr. Stephen, over here."

As soon as the three exited the airport terminal, they heard a sharp, peculiar voice that sounded like an exaggerated caricature of those eunuch characters from historical dramas.

Stephen looked up and saw a pale-skinned individual with sharp, slanted eyes. After some effort, he determined that the person was likely female.

"I am Sird, a new recruit to Team Rocket. I was sent here by Master Giovanni to welcome you, Mr. Stephen."

Sird's sharp voice made Will shudder and break out in goosebumps.

Stephen gave her a quick once-over and, without saying much, nodded and followed her to the car. They quickly headed to the Viridian Gym.

"Has Pryce arrived yet?"

Stephen had already recalled who this Sird was, but he had no time to dwell on it now.

The trade with Pryce involved the safety of two of his companions.

"Not yet, sir. This gives you some time to discuss strategy with Master Giovanni."

Sird, who was driving, responded.

To prepare for any potential mishaps, Giovanni had summoned all of Team Rocket's elite forces stationed in Kanto.

This was because he feared that if Pryce decided to double-cross them, a fight might break out. In such a case, they could rely on numbers to create an opening.

As a newcomer, Sird wouldn't normally qualify to participate in such an operation.

However, her exceptional strength prompted Giovanni to make a rare exception and include her.

Before long, they arrived at the private workspace behind the Viridian Gym.

"Come, Stephen."

Giovanni wasn't sitting in his usual boss chair. Instead, he was seated on a couch by the coffee table, motioning for Stephen to sit as well.

Stephen glanced at the people standing behind Giovanni: the four Rocket Executives, as well as Sird, a stout and somewhat dopey-looking man named Orm.

Just as Sird had mentioned earlier, Giovanni had indeed gathered all of Team Rocket's top operatives.

The only ones missing were a few individuals likely kept away to avoid arousing suspicion from the Pokémon League.

"This mission's primary goal is trade. Unless necessary, no one is to take any action," Stephen said, his expression unusually serious.

After all, Pryce wasn't just a master-level trainer—he was a master-level trainer backed by legendary Pokémon.

And who knew? In addition to Ho-Oh, maybe Pryce had already captured Lugia as well.

If that were the case, there would be no chance of victory.

"Who would've thought the most low-profile gym leader in Johto would turn out to be stronger than a champion? He even hides it better than you, Master Giovanni."

Proton, one of the executives, stroked his chin and commented.

"Lance was defeated in seconds. The League didn't report it, though. Heh, probably because they were embarrassed."

Ariana, another executive, smirked.

Archer, the leader of the executives, remembered something and asked:

"By the way, Mr. Stephen, during your call with the boss, you mentioned that Pryce has a legendary Pokémon, correct?"

"Yes. So unless it's necessary, no one is to make a move," Stephen replied calmly.

Archer nodded and then proposed:

"That being the case, Boss, shouldn't we try to negotiate with him? Maybe we can obtain cells from Pryce's legendary Pokémon and incorporate them into the Mewtwo Project."

Giovanni contemplated for a moment and then turned to Stephen.

"Stephen, what do you think? Could it work?"

Incorporating Ho-Oh's cells into Mewtwo—this suggestion caught Stephen off guard.

A Fire/Flying-type Ho-Oh fused with Mewtwo? What would that even look like?

A red Mewtwo? Or a Mewtwo with wings?

The thought alone was an eyesore.

"It's not realistic. Ho-Oh is a first-tier legendary Pokémon. Pryce values it immensely. And Pryce isn't the kind of person motivated by money. I don't think Team Rocket could offer him anything he'd want."

Stephen shook his head.

This was the same Pryce who had kidnapped Giovanni's son—there was no way he'd help strengthen Giovanni's forces.

"That's a shame... Still, since you're here, Stephen, why not take a look at the progress of the Mewtwo Project? With your assistance, I believe we can create an artificial Pokémon even stronger than Mew."

Saying this, Giovanni signaled to Archer.

Archer nodded, walked to the wall behind Giovanni's desk, and tapped it.

The wall opened to reveal an elevator.

A short while later, Archer returned and handed a USB drive to Stephen.

At that moment, Giovanni's secretary, Matori, rushed into the office in a panic.

"Master Giovanni! Pryce has arrived!"

The atmosphere in the room instantly grew tense.

Giovanni immediately made the decision:

"Everyone, stay put. Stephen and I will handle this."

...

The vast and empty battlefield of the Viridian Gym was eerily silent. A Delibird was pushing Pryce's wheelchair with its small, stubby hands, stopping in the middle of the arena.

"I came alone, yet you've prepared such a grand scene... The largest crime organization in Kanto, and this is how little courage you have?"

Pryce rested his hands gently on the back of the Swinub in his lap. His tone was flat and emotionless, but his squinting eyes betrayed a faint hint of mockery.

Earlier, due to carelessness, he had failed to notice an ambush from a Swablu.

 He wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

Even though the gym appeared empty at first glance, with just a bit of awareness, Pryce could sense that in the dark corners and behind the walls, the place was packed with trainers.

Standing on the second floor with Giovanni, Stephen couldn't help but mentally exclaim, Impressive.

 The battle hadn't even started, and Pryce had already brought out two master-level Pokémon.

Giovanni stood up and smiled. "Please don't blame us for being cautious. After all, you might very well be the strongest trainer of this era."

"Hmph... Spare me the pointless pleasantries." Pryce raised his hand slightly, his tone indifferent.

Behind him, the Delibird rummaged around in its large, pouch-like tail and pulled out an ice sculpture.

 No, to be precise, it was a frozen Zorua!

"You bastard!"

Karen almost couldn't hold back from attacking. How dare Pryce treat Zorua like this!

Stephen's face darkened as well.

Pryce remained calm. "Its abilities are far too troublesome—it even managed to deceive me and Ho-Oh. I had no choice but to take precautions."

As he spoke, the Delibird placed its hand on the frozen Zorua's head. In less than two seconds, the ice melted away, and Zorua returned to its original state.

["Master!"]

Zorua's long-lost telepathic voice rang in Stephen's mind.

Just as it was about to leap into his arms, the Delibird grabbed the loose fur on the back of its neck, holding it firmly in place.

"Where is La Glace?" Pryce asked coldly.

Stephen took out the Poké Ball that the Swablu had stolen from Pryce and lightly tossed it.

A slightly smaller-than-average Lapras appeared before Pryce.

Giovanni was momentarily stunned when he saw Stephen release the Lapras so easily. He had thought Stephen wouldn't return the bargaining chip without a fight. What if Pryce went back on his word?

"Lapraaa!"

As soon as La Glace landed, it hurriedly rushed to Pryce's side.

Although Stephen hadn't mistreated it, La Glace had experienced the pain of losing loved ones before. Coupled with Pryce's overprotective care, La Glace had always struggled with stress. The past three days had been terrifying for it.

Fortunately, Giovanni's fears didn't come true. Once La Glace returned, the Delibird immediately released Zorua.

["Master!"]

Zorua ran on its short legs and threw itself into Stephen's arms.

"My mistake. I'm sorry." Stephen apologized sincerely.

Although the situation had been an accident, if he hadn't let Zorua impersonate Joker, none of this would have happened.

Zorua shook its head and nuzzled into Stephen's chest.

Placing Zorua on his shoulder, Stephen tossed La Glace's Poké Ball back to Pryce.

"That settles the score, right?"

Pryce gave a slight nod and gestured to the Delibird, which once again placed its stubby hands on the wheelchair, ready to push him away.

"Wait."

Stephen raised a hand to stop Pryce.

Under Pryce's curious gaze, Stephen opened another Poké Ball.

A Swablu, much smaller than usual for its species, lay limply in Stephen's arms. Giovanni glanced at it and muttered, "A new partner of yours, Stephen?"

"Its condition doesn't look good," Pryce observed. Even though he wasn't an expert in medical care, it was obvious.

When the Swablu tried to fly, it couldn't even maintain its balance and fell back into Stephen's arms. Its poor health was apparent to anyone who wasn't blind.

"Could I borrow Ho-Oh?" Stephen got straight to the point. "Its healing powers can even revive Pokémon that have recently passed away. I believe it could cure this little one without issue."

Pryce paused for two seconds, and then the corner of his mouth curved into a barely perceptible smile.

How convenient. He had been wondering how to get Stephen to work for him, and here Stephen was, offering himself up on a silver platter.

But another thought crossed Pryce's mind—what if Stephen went back on his word after Ho-Oh healed the Swablu? Based on Stephen's reaction to the Zorua incident, it was clear he wasn't happy about it.

Even if Ho-Oh cured the Swablu, Stephen might later refuse to cooperate, claiming, "Sorry, I can't do it." In that case, Pryce would be left with no leverage.

Pryce pondered this for a moment.

After two minutes of silence, Stephen, growing impatient, watched as Pryce finally spoke again:

"Let me think about it. I'll give you an answer tomorrow morning."

With that, Pryce signaled the Delibird to push his wheelchair, leaving the Viridian Gym.

"What's that old man scheming now?"

Karen walked over to Stephen, glaring at Pryce's retreating figure.

"Do we have to get involved with him? I think the farther we stay from him, the better," Will chimed in.

Stephen looked down at the feeble Swablu in his arms and shook his head.

Aside from Xerneas in the Kalos region, Ho-Oh was arguably the greatest healer in the Pokémon world.

While Xerneas was known to be soft-hearted and would almost always help those in need, there wasn't time to search for her. Besides, she might currently be in her dormant tree form, sleeping somewhere in a forest.

The Swablu's condition couldn't wait. All hope rested on Ho-Oh.

..

..

..

After leaving the Viridian Gym, Pryce found a quiet corner in a small teahouse, sat down, and ordered a cup of tea, instructing the waiter not to disturb him.

He wasn't like Hoenn's Wallace or Unova's Elsa—high-profile Gym Leaders are known across the Pokémon world. Sitting here, he didn't attract any attention.

Taking a sip of tea, Pryce pulled out an Ultra Ball and placed it in front of the teacup. Through the semi-transparent cover of the ball, one could faintly see the Pokémon inside—Ho-Oh!

"I need to talk to you," Pryce said softly.

Ho-Oh didn't respond with telepathy. Instead, it lifted its gaze slightly, meeting Pryce's eyes.

"That Swablu of Stephen's, I plan to save it," Pryce continued.

Hearing this, a faint glimmer of light appeared in Ho-Oh's previously dull eyes. It seemed like this human, who had captured it, still had some compassion.

However, in the next moment, Pryce shifted his tone: "But don't heal it completely all at once."

Ho-Oh: ???

This left Ho-Oh completely baffled. You want me to heal it but also not to heal it completely? What... what does that even mean?

Pryce elaborated: "If you heal it completely in one go, that boy might not feel motivated to put in the effort. So, you don't need to cure the Swablu right away. Just make sure its condition doesn't deteriorate. Once that boy helps me capture Celebi, then you can perform a full recovery."

After hearing Pryce's explanation, Ho-Oh was utterly stunned. It understood what Pryce was implying.

Pryce believed that if Swablu were healed all at once, he wouldn't have a way to control Stephen. So, he planned to have Ho-Oh merely keep Swablu alive, preventing its condition from worsening. During this time, Stephen would have no choice but to do everything he could to help Pryce successfully capture Celebi. Only then would Pryce allow Ho-Oh to fully heal Swablu.

Ho-Oh was left speechless.

This... this is just too despicable, isn't it?

Having been bound to Pryce for years, Ho-Oh had come to understand this person quite well. To be honest, Pryce didn't match the kind of Trainer Ho-Oh admired.

Ho-Oh preferred Trainers like Ash—pure-hearted individuals who would always strive to do what's right, even in the face of great adversity. Trainers with unwavering compassion and integrity. Pryce, on the other hand, was nothing like that.

But Pryce was undeniably strong.

Because of this, Ho-Oh had been observing him, hoping to reform him into the kind of Trainer it could truly respect. However, after today, Ho-Oh's hope had completely faded.

While Pryce's ultimate goal of reuniting with the two Lapras he once lost was understandable, his willingness to treat others' lives—human and Pokémon alike—as mere tools to achieve his ends was something Ho-Oh could no longer tolerate.

At that moment, Pryce was entirely consumed by the thought of controlling Stephen and the prospect of reuniting his Lapras family. He was so caught up in his plans that he didn't notice the change in Ho-Oh's gaze.

...

The next day, Pryce once again set out for the Viridian Gym, riding in his wheelchair, aided by a Delibird.

"Just do as we discussed yesterday, got it, Ho-Oh?" Pryce said, speaking to the Ultra Ball in his hand without looking up.

At this point, he was accompanied by three powerful Pokémon: Delibird, Piloswine, and Ho-Oh. As he had once confidently declared, even if the entire Team Rocket came after him, he wouldn't be worried.

However, the response he was expecting didn't come. No telepathic reply reached his mind. Instead, the Ultra Ball in his hand began to shake uncontrollably, causing Pryce's expression to change.

Crack!

In the next moment, the Ultra Ball fractured, breaking apart from the inside.

A dazzling light burst forth, filling the sky.

The sovereign of sacred flames unfurled its semi-circular wings, forming a radiant sphere in midair. A heavy, oppressive aura blanketed the entirety of Viridian City, as if the sky now held two suns.

Ho-Oh had broken free!

"Wha—?!"

From high above, Ho-Oh gazed down at the Trainer it had been bound to for years.

Pryce, now calm once more, raised his head to look at the magnificent bird in the sky, his expression emotionless.

"Are you going to betray me?"