Logan, Blaine, and Green stood by the machine, watching intently as the fossil revival process unfolded. Blaine carried the air of a pure academic, absorbed in the research with sharp eyes and scholarly calm. Logan and Green, on the other hand, were simply here to watch the spectacle.
"Crack—"
With a sharp motion, Blaine pushed down the lever of the machine. From the device's glass chamber, two probe-like rods shot out bursts of lightning-like energy. Jagged arcs of light danced and crossed over the fossil placed within. In only a few seconds, the fossil began to tremble violently, before shattering into powder. From its remains emerged a speck so tiny it was barely visible to the naked eye.
"Perfect," Blaine murmured with a satisfied nod. "The fossil framework has been successfully purged. Next comes the nutrient infusion—to accelerate embryonic growth."
He adjusted another lever. Thick, glowing liquid quickly filled the chamber, surrounding the tiny speck. Under the fluid's influence, that microscopic point of life began to expand and evolve at an astonishing rate. Within moments, a cellular cluster formed, developing rapidly into a recognizable embryo. The nutrient liquid drained rapidly, consumed as fuel for the miracle taking place.
Nerves, bone structures, a forming brain, flesh, skin, limbs—all the hallmarks of life unfolded before their eyes. After nearly half an hour of rapid growth, the embryo had matured into a complete Pokémon.
It was a dragon.
Logan's eyes widened. The newborn creature bore a striking resemblance to an ancient Amargasaurus, yet more majestic. Its pale, icy-blue skin shimmered like snow, while from its head rose a radiant crest of color, glimmering like the northern lights. Its large, innocent eyes sparkled with boundless curiosity as it peered at the world for the first time.
Though only a hatchling, the Amaura stood taller than a meter—far too large for the fragile chamber. Cracks spiderwebbed across the glass until—CRASH!—the container burst apart completely. Bathed in nutrient liquid, the Ice Dragon Pokémon had been fully reborn from its fossilized prison.
"That," Blaine sighed, shaking his head with mild annoyance, "is the only real flaw in this design. If the revived Pokémon is too large, the chamber simply can't withstand the pressure. I'll need to design a larger containment system next time."
Turning back, he smiled at Logan. "But for now, you should capture it immediately. At this stage, it's as helpless as a newborn child. A simple Poké Ball will suffice."
He handed Logan a Poké Ball.
Logan approached calmly, Amaura tilting its head curiously. Gently, he tapped the ball against the dragon's icy skin. With no resistance at all, it clicked shut—the Pokémon captured.
"A truly rare Pokémon," Logan admitted, holding the ball. "The number of Amaura revived in the world can be counted on one hand. Even compared to powerhouses like Garchomp or Dragonite, its rarity is unmatched. But… its typing doesn't really suit me."
He glanced at Green. "Do you like it? If you want, I'll give it to you."
Green shook her head. "I already have more Pokémon than I can handle. If I can't train it properly, it would be a waste."
"Fair enough," Logan shrugged. "Then I'll make sure it goes to a capable trainer who can truly bring out its potential."
He turned away, approaching another chamber. Inside floated a familiar figure—Mewtwo.
The psychic clone stirred as Logan neared, opening its piercing eyes and nodding in recognition. Before either Logan or Blaine could even react, the machine's control lever shifted on its own, manipulated by Mewtwo's telekinetic will. The nutrient fluid drained swiftly from the chamber, funneling into the Master Ball at the base.
As the fluid disappeared, Logan's left arm throbbed with faint pain—a reminder of the bond forged with this creature. But before he could dwell on it, Mewtwo's form dissolved into light and vanished into the Master Ball.
Logan picked it up, slinging the ball back onto the chain around his neck. Though Mewtwo could not yet fight at full power in the upcoming battle against Team Rocket, surviving this crisis would mean its complete liberation. From then on, no restrictions, no bindings—Mewtwo would be truly free.
And Logan himself had grown strong enough to stand on his own without relying on Mewtwo's overwhelming might. The timing, he thought, was almost poetic.
"Thank you, Blaine," Logan said, bowing slightly. "I've finished what I came here for. Now, I'll return to Pallet Town and see what's happening there."
Blaine nodded firmly. "Good. When the time comes to fight Team Rocket, I'll stand beside you."
The pact was made.
Three days earlier—
The moment Logan had confronted Sabrina on Cinnabar Island, in Pallet Town—
"You there! Who are you? This is Professor Oak's Laboratory—you can't just barge in like this!"
A girl's voice rang sharp with both anger and fear. Daisy Oak had rushed toward the source of the explosion that had rocked the laboratory's front gate. Clad in a white researcher's coat, her tone was stern, but her eyes betrayed unease.
The intruder smirked, adjusting his clothes to reveal the crimson 'R' emblazoned on his chest.
"Apologies, young lady," he said smoothly. "I am Koga, Gym Leader of Fuchsia City. But as you can see from this insignia…" He tapped the red 'R' proudly. "…my true allegiance lies with Team Rocket."
Daisy's face paled. "Team Rocket?! What are you here for?"
"Tell me," Koga said, eyes narrowing. "Is Professor Oak home?"
"My grandfather left Kanto some time ago," Daisy said quickly, her heart pounding. She prayed they would believe her. If Grandpa were here, in his old age, he wouldn't be able to withstand danger like this.
Koga's expression eased, almost relieved. So Giovanni had predicted correctly—Oak was absent.
But Daisy? She would make the perfect hostage.
"I remember your name… Daisy Oak, isn't it?" Koga said with a cold smile. "Cooperate with us, and you won't be harmed. Resist, and… well, I'd rather you didn't find out what happens."
At his signal, Rocket grunts released their Pokémon, surrounding her with menacing glares.
"You…!" Daisy's cheeks burned with anger. "A Gym Leader, stooping so low to serve Team Rocket?! What did they offer you to betray everything you stood for?"
Koga's tone remained flat. "I am a ninja. My loyalty is to my master, not my own whims. Giovanni commands—I obey. Now, please, Daisy Oak. Don't force me to harm you."
Realizing escape was impossible, Daisy clenched her fists but wisely didn't resist as Rocket members tied her up.
"Don't harm her," Koga ordered coolly. "Keep her with the other townsfolk."
"What have you done to Pallet Town?!" Daisy gasped, her voice trembling with fury.
Koga gave no answer. But Daisy's eyes darted toward the town in the distance—and her blood ran cold. From here, she could see smoke rising, thick and black, spiraling into the sky.
"Find every rare Pokémon stored here and secure them!" Koga barked to his men. "As for the research data—leave it untouched. Even if Team Rocket has no use for it, knowledge belongs to humanity. Giovanni has forbidden its destruction."
The grunts saluted. "Yes, Koga, sir!"
And so the raid on Pallet Town—and the Oak family—had begun.
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