Kyogre simply assumed it had been a bad dream. It shook its massive head vigorously, trying to cast out that irritating and troublesome presence from its mind. Then it shifted its enormous body slightly, adjusted into a more comfortable position, and once again closed its eyes, immersing itself in the warm, soothing seawater as it slowly drifted back into sleep.
…
Meanwhile, in Sootopolis City, during that brief moment when Kyogre had stirred and then fallen asleep again, the massive central lake suddenly rippled with violent waves, and the entire city began to tremble.
The water churned endlessly, waves crashing against the stone steps along the shore with loud splashing sounds. The tourists nearby were instantly thrown into panic.
"What is happening?!"
Visitors strolling by the lake grabbed onto railings in alarm. Boats floating on the water were tossed up and down like fallen leaves, and the people aboard clung desperately to the sides of their vessels.
Some even hurriedly released their Pidgeot and Skarmory, intending to flee into the air on their flying Pokémon.
"Is it an earthquake?!"
"Did I just jinx us? Don't tell me we are that unlucky. Is the underwater volcano about to erupt?"
"Stay calm! Everyone stay where you are! Sootopolis occasionally experiences small tremors. It is nothing serious. Just stand still and it will pass soon."
The crew members shouted loudly, trying to calm everyone down, though even they were secretly astonished by the intensity of this unprecedented tremor.
In their memory, the city had only ever experienced mild vibrations. Never anything this violent.
Could it be… Kyogre?
Had he just accidentally become a prophet?
…
The shaking lasted for about half a minute before gradually subsiding, leaving behind a mess.
Dropped hats, overturned stalls, and shaken, pale-faced people filled the scene. The lake quickly returned to calm, as if nothing had happened.
But the fear on the tourists' faces did not fade. Instead, the discussions grew louder.
"That scared me to death… that was terrifying."
"I thought this city was so beautiful that I was even considering moving here, but now I am not so sure anymore."
At that moment, inside the Sootopolis Gym, Wallace's mentor, Juan, was explaining the preparations for the upcoming Water Festival.
Deep within the gym's storage room were countless Water Stones, Mystic Water droplets emitting a soft blue glow, along with polished pearls, scales, and various items rich in water-element energy.
All of these were offerings prepared specifically for the festival.
"I wonder if Lord Kyogre will appear this year. It has been so long since I last saw it. I kind of miss it," Juan said, his eyes filled with nostalgia.
Before he could finish speaking, the violent tremor struck.
Water Stones rolled off the shelves with clattering sounds. The necklace around Wallace's neck began to glow, its blue light flickering unpredictably.
Master and disciple exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock reflected in each other's eyes.
"Master, this is…" Wallace abruptly stood up, touching the necklace on his chest. "Lord Kyogre… has it awakened ahead of time? There are still several days before the festival. This has never happened before."
Juan frowned deeply. He walked to the window and gazed silently toward the central lake. Then, as if realizing something, a smile slowly appeared on his face.
"I am not sure, but this is a good thing. If Lord Kyogre has awakened early, perhaps we will have the chance to see it again this year. Quickly, contact Steven and the League. Tell them to send another batch of Water-type items and high quality pokéblocks. Water Stones, Water Gems, Deep Sea Pearls… the more the better."
A glimmer of anticipation flashed in Juan's eyes.
"Perhaps this year, Lord Kyogre will truly appear."
"Understood! I will do it right away!" Wallace did not hesitate. He turned and quickly left the stone chamber, already dialing his communicator.
…
Theo, of course, knew nothing about the conversation happening in the gym.
At that moment, he was standing on Metagross.
When the tremor had first struck, Metagross had instantly burst out of its Poké Ball, using its psychic power to shift into a hovering state and lift its trainer onto its back, ready to take off at the slightest sign of danger.
Now that it had been confirmed there was no real threat, it relaxed and gently lowered Theo back to the ground using its telekinesis.
Fire Vulpix in Theo's arms happily wagged its head, rubbing against his neck as if treating the whole event like a game. It even looked like it wanted to experience it again.
Interrupted by the playful little Vulpix, Theo also let go of his earlier thoughts. He comforted the slightly frightened Ice Vulpix, then scratched Fire Vulpix under its chin before heading toward the Pokémon Center to retrieve Tyrantrum.
Right now, the most important thing was to bring Tyrantrum back and prepare for the upcoming Contest.
Theo quickly walked to the Pokémon Center. As he pushed the door open, Nurse Joy was busy calming down Pokémon that had been startled by the tremor.
He went straight to the transfer machine, selected the connection region, and initiated a video call with the elder from the Village of Dragons.
The call was quickly connected. On the screen appeared the elder's kind, smiling face. Behind her, Tyrantrum was playing enthusiastically with several Ditto that had transformed into imitation Tyrantrum, clearly having the time of its life.
"Elder, could you please send Tyrantrum back? The Contest here is about to begin, and I need it to coordinate with Larvesta."
"No problem. Do not worry. Once it returns, you will see just how well your Tyrantrum has been trained. It will definitely exceed your expectations. Also, when Tyrantrum has time, let it come back again. There are many companions here waiting for it."
The elder looked at Tyrantrum with a hint of reluctance.
Such an excellent dragon… well, such a strong and magnificent Tyrantrum.
It was truly a pity that it could not stay longer in the Dragon Village to leave behind more outstanding offspring. Only a few had been… prepared so far. That was far from enough.
Theo knew exactly what the elder was thinking. However, since Tyrantrum itself seemed to be enjoying things, he naturally did not mind.
"Alright, elder. When Tyrantrum wants to come back, I will send it over."
Hearing this, the elder broke into a delighted smile and patted Tyrantrum beside her.
"Tyrantrum, remember to come back when you have time. There is plenty of delicious food here, and we will prepare whatever you want. Your little companions all miss you and want to play with you again. You see, your trainer already said it is fine. Just let him know, and I will always be waiting here for you."
Tyrantrum looked at the group of "Tyrantrum" around it, who were reluctantly clinging to it, and nodded, indicating that it understood and would definitely return.
After bidding farewell one by one to its companions, Tyrantrum entered its Poké Ball.
A few minutes later, the transfer platform in the Pokémon Center lit up with white light. Theo retrieved Tyrantrum's Poké Ball and walked out of the center.
He found an open area nearby and released Tyrantrum, Larvesta, and the rest of his Pokémon all at once.
(End of Chapter)