Blaine, Ryuuske, and Green stood by the machine, watching the fossil resurrection process. Blaine observed it purely from an academic perspective, while Ryuuske and Green were simply there for the spectacle.
Crack—
As Blaine pushed the machine's lever, two probes inside the container shot out lightning-like rays. The "lightning" crisscrossed over the fossil, and within seconds, the fossil trembled before crumbling into powder, leaving behind a tiny black speck barely visible to the naked eye.
"Excellent. The fossil has been perfectly removed. Now, we'll use the nutrient solution to accelerate the embryo's growth."
Blaine nodded in satisfaction at the sight before him. He pushed another lever, and the container filled with a large amount of liquid. As the fluid spread, the nearly imperceptible black speck began to grow rapidly, soon transforming from a cellular mass into a true embryo. With the rapid consumption of nutrients, the embryo expanded swiftly.
Nerves, bones, brain, skin, limbs—the components of a living creature gradually took shape. After about half an hour, the embryo had fully developed into a beautiful, adorable dragon-like Pokémon.
To Ryuuske, this dragon resembled an Amargasaurus from the dinosaur era. It had icy-Green skin, a colorful aurora-like crest on its head, and large, curious eyes filled with wonder for the world.
Though still a juvenile, Amaura stood over a meter tall—far too large for the container. As cracks spread across the glass, it shattered with a loud clang, and Amaura, still dripping with nutrient fluid, emerged fully resurrected from its fossilized state.
"This is the machine's only flaw. If the revived ancient Pokémon is even slightly too large, the container can't handle the pressure and breaks. Next time, I'll have to see if I can build a bigger one."
Blaine shook his head, displeased with the container's destruction.
"Alright, Ryuuske, go ahead and capture this Amaura. Right now, it's like a newborn—no battle needed. Just a Poké Ball will do."
As he spoke, Blaine handed Ryuuske a Poké Ball. Under Amaura's curious gaze, Ryuuske lightly tapped it with the ball, successfully capturing it.
"It really is an exceptionally rare Pokémon. The number of successfully revived Amaura so far is so small that even Garchomp and Dragonite can't compare. Due to environmental factors, this dragon can't reproduce in the modern era. It's just a shame its typing is useless to me."
Ryuuske sighed as he stored Amaura in the Poké Ball. "...Green, do you want it? If you like it, I'll give it to you."
"I already have enough Pokémon. Even if you gave it to me, I wouldn't be able to train it properly."
Green shook her head, refusing.
"Alright, then I'll try to find a suitable trainer who can raise it well."
Ryuuske shrugged, unfazed by her rejection.
He walked over to another container, where Mewtwo sat meditating. Sensing Ryuuske's approach, it opened its eyes and nodded at him.
Without Ryuuske or Blaine needing to do anything, Mewtwo used its psychic power to press the container's lever. The nutrient fluid inside rapidly drained, funneling into the Master Ball at the base. As the fluid disappeared, Ryuuske felt a familiar ache return to his left arm—but before he could react, Mewtwo swiftly retreated into the Master Ball.
Picking up the Master Ball from the console, Ryuuske hung it around his neck once more. Though Mewtwo wouldn't be able to fight at full strength in the upcoming battle with Team Rocket, as long as they survived this crisis, Mewtwo would finally be free of all restrictions!
Coincidentally, Ryuuske had now reached a point where he no longer needed to rely solely on Mewtwo to survive. The timing was almost poetic.
"Thanks, Blaine. My business here is done. I'll head back to Pallet Town now and see what's going on there."
Blaine nodded. "When the time comes to fight Team Rocket, I'll be there in person!"
The two agreed on the timeframe for their final confrontation with Team Rocket.
...
Three days earlier, just as Ryuuske arrived on Cinnabar Island and faced Sabrina—
Pallet Town, inside Professor Oak's lab—
"Who are you?! This is Professor Oak's laboratory! Breaking in here is illegal!"
A composed young woman rushed to the entrance after hearing the explosion at the door. Dressed in a white lab coat, she spoke sternly to the intruders, though her trembling voice betrayed her fear.
"My apologies, miss. I am Koga, the Fuchsia City Gym Leader. But judging by this uniform, I'm sure you can guess my true affiliation."
Koga tugged at the "R" emblem on his chest—a symbol known to everyone in Kanto as Team Rocket's insignia.
"Team Rocket?! What are you doing here?"
Daisy's face paled, but she clenched her teeth, forcing herself to stay calm.
"Is Professor Oak here?"
"Grandpa left Kanto a while ago!"
Daisy assumed Team Rocket was after her grandfather and quickly answered, relieved that he wasn't present. If something happened to him at his age...
"The Professor isn't here? Perfect timing."
Koga exhaled subtly. Had Boss Giovanni planned this attack specifically because he knew the elusive old man would be absent?
The Professor wasn't here, but they had the next best thing—a perfect hostage.
"I believe your name is Daisy, correct? Miss Daisy, I'd appreciate your cooperation. We'd prefer not to use force. If you comply, you'll suffer less."
Koga raised a hand, and the Team Rocket grunts behind him directed their Pokémon to form a threatening line.
"You—!"
Daisy's face flushed with anger. "...As the Fuchsia Gym Leader, how can you side with criminals? What has Team Rocket promised you?!"
"My apologies. I am merely a ninja loyal to my master. It is not my place to question his orders. Now, Miss Daisy, please remain rational and avoid unnecessary sacrifices."
Koga stepped aside, gesturing for her to move.
Seeing herself surrounded by so many fearsome Pokémon, Daisy knew escape was impossible. Wisely, she didn't resist, allowing the grunts to bind her.
"Don't do anything inappropriate to this young lady. Detain her with the other Pallet Town residents."
As Daisy was being restrained, Koga issued the order.
"What have you done to Pallet Town?!"
Daisy froze, then shouted in fury.
Koga remained silent, standing motionless with his eyes closed.
Daisy turned her gaze toward Pallet Town. Even from the distance of the lab, she could see thick plumes of black smoke rising into the sky.
"Search the lab and take all the rare Pokémon. As for the research materials, leave them untouched. Even if they're useless to Team Rocket, they represent the pinnacle of human knowledge. The Boss does not permit the destruction of wisdom."
"Remember—we are Team Rocket, the fangs of evil. But we must still revere human knowledge and technology!"
"Yes, Lord Koga!"
The grunts shouted in unison before scattering to seize the lab's rare research Pokémon.
To be continued…
Guys, I apologize for late updates. We are at new gas extracting well for work and as an HSE Officer I have to be available for work 7 days a week so my schedule is very tight, still I try my best to post as much as I can(been tl'ing 6 fics simultaneously). So, I would really appreciate it if you guys will be patient with me. Thank you everyone nonetheless!
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