The next day, Aaron and Lucario requested another audience.
They stood before the young king, and Aaron bowed deeply before speaking.
"Your Majesty Lucien, there is something I do not understand. I hope you can answer it for me."
"What is your question?" Lucien asked calmly.
"Wild Pokémon are extremely resistant to humans," Aaron said seriously. "Many of them attack humans the moment they see them, and they are incredibly difficult to approach. How did you manage to let these Pokémon live together with humans inside the same city as they do now?"
"As long as one is determined, nothing is impossible," Lucien replied. "Pokémon are not savage or mindless. They possess intelligence and emotions just like humans."
"Among them, intelligence differs by species. But from my observations, the most intelligent Pokémon already possess intellect no weaker than that of humans."
"And even the most clumsy Pokémon still have intelligence comparable to that of a human child."
"Which means they can understand what we say."
Hearing this, Aaron fell into deep thought.
In that instant, many images surfaced in his mind. Lucario. The Pidgeot he had once ridden. The Pokémon living in Cameron Palace.
None of them had ever been beings incapable of communication.
"What humans and Pokémon truly lack is communication," Lucien continued when he saw Aaron's dazed expression.
"Pokémon, like humans, have needs."
"Some Pokémon want to never go hungry and wish to eat delicious food whenever they like."
"Some want a safe place to live. Shelter from wind and rain. Warmth."
"Some fear loneliness. They do not want to be alone. They want companionship and connection."
"And some want to become stronger. They desire growth and power."
"All of these needs can be met by humans."
"So we began raising Pokémon. We provide food, share living spaces, and let them stay in homes built by humans so they no longer need to endure harsh environments."
"For lonely Pokémon, there are people willing to play with them and provide companionship."
"For Pokémon that want to grow stronger, there are Trainers who specialize in nurturing them and helping them develop."
"Trainers," Lucien added, looking at Aaron, "just like you guide Lucario in mastering Aura."
"So that is how it works," Aaron said, his eyes suddenly brightening with understanding.
"And for humans," Lucien continued, "the power possessed by Pokémon allows us to live better and more convenient lives."
"Coexistence is not a one-sided benefit. It is advantageous to both humans and Pokémon."
"When Pokémon understand this, they naturally stop rejecting humans."
"I understand now," Aaron said, bowing deeply. "Thank you very much for your explanation, Your Majesty Lucien."
"There is no need to thank me," Lucien replied calmly. "I hope that one day, humans and Pokémon across the entire world can live together as we do. Such a world would surely be far more beautiful."
The entire world.
Aaron was momentarily stunned.
Recalling everything he had seen and heard over the past few days, he found himself unable to refute that vision.
Lucien then looked at him again and asked, "When do you plan to return to Cameron Palace?"
Aaron straightened immediately.
"I plan to depart this afternoon," he said seriously. "The situation in Rota remains unstable. Queen Rin still needs Lucario and me."
Lucien was not surprised.
Although Unova's war had ended, conflict elsewhere remained common.
Most regions were still fragmented. Once unification began, interregional wars would inevitably follow.
Lucien nodded slightly. "How do you intend to return?"
"By ship," Aaron replied. "Our sailing vessel is docked at Castelia City's port."
"How long would the journey take?" Lucien asked.
"At best, one month. At worst, several months," Aaron answered. "It depends entirely on sea conditions. Storms or tsunamis could delay us significantly."
There was also the constant risk of shipwreck and death at sea.
"I see," Lucien said thoughtfully. Then he smiled.
"Since it takes so long, why don't I give you and Lucario a ride instead?"
Aaron froze.
"Your Majesty… what do you mean?"
"With Kyurem's speed, we can reach the Kanto Continent in less than half a day," Lucien said calmly. "Since Queen Rin cares so deeply about Eindoak, it would be only proper for me to pay her a visit at Cameron Palace."
Aaron's mind went blank.
Half a day?
The vast ocean separating the two continents, crossed in half a day?
He stared at Lucien, stunned beyond words.
After a brief pause, reason returned.
If that was truly possible, it would save enormous time and danger.
"Then… thank you very much, Your Majesty Lucien," Aaron said sincerely.
Lucien smiled. "Return and pack your belongings. We will depart this afternoon."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Aaron and Lucario withdrew, while Lucien stayed behind to finish handling state affairs.
Shortly afterward, Elif returned.
"Your Majesty Lucien, the Poké Balls you requested are ready."
Behind him, attendants carried in a large bundle.
Five hundred Poké Balls.
No more, no less.
At present, Poké Balls still could not shrink automatically. Even if they were convenient to carry, bringing too many would still become cumbersome.
This was also why Lucien had not brought more Poké Balls, choosing to prepare only five hundred.
His plan was simple. First, introduce Pokémon unique to the Kanto region. Then, through the Nursery in Lucien City, carry out systematic breeding and nurturing, allowing them to lay eggs and hatch new offspring.
Pokémon matured at astonishing speeds.
For example, it took less than a week for a Miltank to grow from hatching into a fully developed individual.
Once introduced, these Pokémon would multiply rapidly and take root in the land. Before long, their numbers would expand until they fully integrated into Eindoak.
"If only Hoopa were here," Lucien could not help but think.
With Hoopa's rings, traveling anywhere would be effortless. Their utility was no different from a mythical doorway that led anywhere instantly.
"Hoopa should be near Dahara City in the Kalos region right now," Lucien mused. "When I have time in the future, I can go take a look."
That afternoon, Aaron finished packing and arrived at the castle early.
Lucien arranged for Reshiram and Zekrom to remain behind to guard Lucien City, while he prepared to travel to Cameron Palace with Kyurem.
Even though it was not their first meeting, the moment Aaron saw the immense and majestic Divine Dragon, shock still flashed across his face.
How did His Majesty Lucien manage to command such an existence?
"Your Majesty, I am ready," Aaron said calmly.
Lucien glanced at the bundle Aaron carried. Inside were local specialties purchased in Lucien City, most likely Pokéblocks and Poffins for Lucario.
The sweet scent drifting from the bag confirmed his guess.
"In that case, let us begin," Lucien said with a nod.
He stepped forward and mounted Kyurem's back.
Lucien and Kyurem then turned their gaze toward Aaron and Lucario together.
Lucario stiffened.
Being stared at by Kyurem made its instincts scream in alarm. It sent a hesitant message through Aura.
"Sir Aaron… are we really going to ride on this Great One's back?"
Aaron was also tense.
But Lucien spared them further awkwardness. Kyurem lowered its body and extended an arm toward them.
Aaron and Lucario carefully climbed up.
Once everyone was settled, Kyurem spread its wings and soared into the sky.
Pokémon possessed the ability to alter their size. This principle formed the foundation of Poké Ball technology.
Legendary Pokémon, in particular, had mastered this ability to an extraordinary degree.
While residing in the castle, Kyurem usually maintained a height of around three meters.
Now, its body expanded to nearly ten meters tall.
The sight was awe-inspiring and intimidating.
At the same time, Kyurem's massive back easily accommodated Lucien, Aaron, and Lucario.
After Aaron pointed out the direction of Cameron Palace, he and Lucario sat cross-legged respectfully on the dragon's back.
Kyurem's speed was astonishing.
Before long, they left the land of Unova behind and reached the open sea.
Lucien gazed down at the endless expanse of blue below, his heart filled with excitement.
At last, he was heading to other regions.
"Your Majesty," Aaron asked after a while, glancing at the large bundle beside Lucien, "what are those items?"
"Poké Balls," Lucien answered honestly. "To be frank, besides visiting Queen Rin, I have another purpose for this trip."
"What might that be?" Aaron asked, slightly surprised.
"I have heard that many Pokémon not found in Eindoak live in Rota region," Lucien said. "I intend to bring some of them back so they can live alongside humans."
"So that is the case," Aaron said with sudden understanding. "I will report this matter to Queen Rin. When the time comes, Rota will provide as much assistance as possible."
"Then I thank you in advance," Lucien replied with a smile.
He then began asking Aaron about Pokémon such as Miltank, Chansey, Mr. Mime, and Growlithe.
"Miltank," Aaron said thoughtfully, "I have indeed heard of them. They can produce large quantities of fresh milk. Some commoners even make a living by raising them."
"As for Chansey," he continued, "there was a period a few years ago when their eggs became extremely popular. Their flavor was considered exceptional, especially among nobles."
Aaron paused slightly.
He did not voice the rest.
Those nobles had spent enormous sums hiring hunters to capture Chansey in the wild solely for their eggs.
Although Aaron found such practices cruel, he knew that with his own limited power, he could not change the actions of the nobility.
Lucien fell silent for a moment.
If his memory was correct, Chansey had become rare in later eras precisely because of excessive hunting for their eggs.
But in this time period, their population should still be abundant.
In that case, he could simply bring back a large number of Chansey, allowing those gentle Pokémon to live peacefully in the Unova region.
"Mr. Mime," Aaron continued, "I have seen them among traveling performers. They often appear in performance troupes."
"As for Growlithe, their temperament is upright and loyal. Some serve alongside the soldiers of Cameron Palace, guarding the city together with them."
Aaron answered Lucien's questions one by one.
Lucien nodded thoughtfully.
On this journey, Miltank, Chansey, and Growlithe were the most important Pokémon to introduce first. Others could wait for the time being.
After all, Moomoo Milk, Chansey's eggs and healing abilities, and Growlithe's sense of justice and loyalty were of immediate value to Unova.
Kyurem's speed was astonishing. The scenery below rushed past in a blur, seas and landmasses vanishing behind them.
Before long, they crossed another stretch of ocean and arrived above a vast continent.
Lucien looked down at the unfamiliar terrain, momentarily startled.
"Is this the Kanto Continent?" he asked.
Aaron studied the land carefully, then shook his head.
"Your Majesty, this is not Kanto. This land is known as the Hoenn Continent."
Hoenn.
The land of Groudon and Kyogre.
A region rich with Pokémon unseen in Unova.
Treecko. Torchic. Mudkip.
Slaking. Makuhita. Mawile.
Plusle and Minun. Torkoal.
Salamence. Metagross.
Lucien's heart stirred.
This was a place he absolutely had to visit someday.
He took out a small notebook and carefully recorded the Hoenn region's location and travel route.
Just then, Kyurem abruptly slowed.
The divine dragon halted mid-air, hovering silently as its gaze fixed on a thick bank of clouds ahead.
Lucien and Aaron both sensed the sudden change.
"What is it, Kyurem?" Lucien asked.
Before his words fully faded, the clouds ahead churned violently.
A thunderous roar echoed across the sky.
An enormous green figure burst through the cloud layer and soared forward, stopping at a distance and staring at Kyurem with open wariness.
...
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