Chapter 171: Encounter with Rayquaza
A vast region southwest of Johto. At this moment, Hoenn was peaceful. But that peace was about to be shattered—by a blue-feathered bird Pokémon that stirred freezing winds as it appeared in Hoenn’s skies.
"Hoenn—finally here," Rio said, smiling down at the city below.
After leaving Kanto, he’d switched mounts midair, replacing Charizard with Articuno. It was his first time riding a legendary Pokémon—and it felt incredible. Pure bliss.
Many trainers spotted Articuno and sent out their own Flying-types to intercept, but a single flap of Articuno’s wings produced a blizzard that sent them all crashing back down. Before long, a Hoenn trainer with some knowledge spotted the legendary bird and immediately took to the air.
"Fuu~" Articuno cried out, flapping its wings and summoning another blizzard. The city below was briefly plunged into winter as Flying-types and their trainers were frozen stiff and blown back to the ground.
Meanwhile, high above in the ozone layer, a green, serpentine dragon-like Pokémon was leisurely devouring meteorites. Sensing a power similar to its own causing atmospheric disturbances, it looked down—and spotted Articuno, one of Lugia’s subordinates, showing off in its territory.
How dare it cause trouble in my domain? Annoyed, it left the ozone layer and descended.
"Rio—feeling my power and charm yet?" Articuno gloated above the city.
"I feel it. In terms of looks and charm, you’re unmatched among the three birds."
[Articuno’s friendship increased.]
[Friendship: 0 (from -20 to 0)]
Rio smiled and gave positive reinforcement. While the journey had drawn countless stares, Articuno was genuinely narcissistic—a few compliments earned friendship points easily. If only more legendaries were this simple.
"Right? I’ve always thought so." Articuno chuckled, growing more fond of Rio. Not because of his promise of power rivaling Lugia and Ho-Oh—but because the man had such good taste. He was its true mentor, always hitting the right notes.
Then the cold weather suddenly calmed. A green dragon’s head emerged from the clouds, blocking Articuno’s path and radiating immense pressure. Its appearance made Articuno’s expression freeze—and Rio’s eyes nearly popped out of his skull.
[Pokémon: Rayquaza]
[Level: 92 (Time until next level: 26220 days.)]
[Talent: Legendary]
[Friendship: -20]
[Ability 1: Air Lock]
[Ability 2: Delta Stream]
[Gender: Genderless]
[Moves: Scary Face (146%), Twister (146%), Ancient Power (146%), Air Slash (146%), Dragon Ascent (146%), Crunch (146%), Dragon Dance (146%), Extreme Speed (146%), Dragon Pulse (146%), Hyper Voice (146%), Rest (146%), Fly (146%), Hurricane (146%), Hyper Beam (146%), Dragon Cheer (146%), Draco Meteor (146%), and more...]
[Description: This is a legendary Pokémon that lives in the ozone layer. Along with Groudon and Kyogre, it has existed since ancient times. Whenever Groudon and Kyogre clash, it descends from the heavens. A certain incident five years ago made it harbor resentment toward humans.]
What kind of luck is this? I just arrived in Hoenn and already ran into Rayquaza? Rio’s lips curled upward involuntarily. The sudden fortune caught him off guard.
"Kiiiruu~" But Rayquaza’s roar snapped him back to reality. If I can’t even handle Lugia, what makes me think I can handle Rayquaza? Stop daydreaming.
"Old ghost—what did Rayquaza just say?" Rio noticed Articuno trembling and picked up the ancient Poké Ball.
"Rayquaza said: ’Articuno, what are you making a scene about? Is this your territory? Are you itching for a beating?’" Gengar translated.
Rio’s mind raced. He remembered that Rayquaza hated Groudon and Kyogre for causing climate chaos with their battles, and would always descend to beat them both before mediating. After a moment, he spoke politely to Rayquaza:
"Lord Rayquaza—my apologies. Articuno’s weather disruption was unintentional. It won’t happen again."
Hearing Rio’s voice, Rayquaza finally noticed him. "A human?" Its voice echoed in Rio’s mind. Then its gaze flicked between him and Articuno.
"Human—you caught Articuno?" Rayquaza asked after three seconds.
"Yes, Lord Rayquaza," Rio nodded.
Rayquaza stared at him for another moment, then continued: "You have two choices."
Two choices? Rio’s eyes widened. Did I burn down your house or slaughter your family? What gives you the right to give me ultimatums just because I’m Articuno’s trainer?
"Uh... what are they?" Rio forced a smile despite his internal curses.
"First: I kill you now and set Articuno free," Rayquaza said, fixing its gaze on him.
I really must have offended you somehow... Rio’s scalp prickled. "And the second?"
"Second: I let you go. In return, you and Articuno will destroy the Devon Corporation, the Pokémon Association, the Belari Family, and the Greater Mauville Holdings."
Rio was stunned—completely stunned. Destroy Devon Corporation, the Pokémon Association, the Belari Family, and Greater Mauville Holdings? That was practically declaring war on the world. Devon was on par with Silph Co. as a global tech giant. The Pokémon Association governed all regional Leagues—their word was law. He didn’t know much about the Belari Family, but if they were mentioned alongside Devon and the Association, they were no small players. And Greater Mauville Holdings—if he remembered correctly, it was a corporation on par with Devon, though in the original story it went bankrupt. He wasn’t sure if that had happened yet.
Either way, both choices led to death—one sooner, one later.
Damn it—if I’d known I’d face this kind of choice upon arriving in Hoenn, I’d have stayed in Lavender Town, Rio thought bitterly, his expression turning grim. He wanted to slap himself—this was probably karma for saying he’d "walk all over Hoenn."
"Kid—have you made your choice?" Rayquaza was impatient. "Ten seconds with no answer, and I’ll assume you chose the first option."
"Ten..."
"Nine..."
"Eight..."
"Seven..."