Logan stretched out his hand, completely unbothered by the crackling lightning that surged around Zapdos' body. As his fingers reached toward it, the electricity gradually receded, drawn back into the bird's form. By the time Logan's palm touched its feathers, the storm of lightning had already vanished.
"Zapdos, you understand what I mean, don't you? Help me find the Pokémon in the Power Plant that witnessed the battle. You can handle that, right?"
"SKREEEEEEEEEEE—!"
Zapdos let out a piercing cry toward the heavens. With a few powerful beats of its wings, it nodded toward Logan before transforming into a streak of thunder, vanishing into the skies as it dove into the depths of the abandoned Power Plant.
Though Logan often mocked the trio by calling them the "Three Stooges," in truth, Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno were far from fools. As ancient beings, the sole legendary birds of Kanto, their intelligence far surpassed that of ordinary Pokémon. They could understand human language with startling clarity.
If Logan had given such a complex command to a normal, untrained Pokémon, the result would have been nothing but confusion. But to one of the legendary birds? Zapdos would grasp his intent perfectly.
As the last sparks of lightning faded and the storm clouds overhead dispersed, the sky above the Power Plant grew calm again.
"Zapdos lived in this Power Plant for a long time. It was once the unquestioned ruler of this place. We may not understand Pokémon speech, but Pokémon can always communicate with one another. Zapdos will find the witnesses we need. All we have to do now is focus on training our own Pokémon."
Logan's words carried quiet certainty. But as he turned, he realized something was off—no one was answering him. Curious, he glanced at Cynthia.
"…What's wrong, Cynthia? Why so quiet?"
"One of my greatest dreams has always been to witness Sinnoh's legends—Dialga and Palkia—with my own eyes," Cynthia said, her tone brimming with excitement. "But my passion isn't limited to Sinnoh. I love all myths and histories. To see Zapdos of Kanto so closely… just this moment alone makes our journey to Kanto worthwhile."
Her words poured out in an uncharacteristic rush, her calm demeanor breaking into unrestrained enthusiasm.
"Every legendary Pokémon is tied to history itself. To make contact with them, to touch that mystery… it's like reaching into forgotten centuries. Back at the Indigo League, when I saw you command the three birds of Kanto, I thought it was just a rare coincidence. But now, seeing you once again give orders to Zapdos so effortlessly… it means your bond with them is far deeper than I imagined. If you've uncovered truths hidden in history, Logan… would you share them with me?"
Her face flushed, her voice breathless. The composed, graceful Cynthia was nowhere to be seen. This was the side of her who loved myths too fiercely to contain it.
Even Logan found himself momentarily taken aback. He could tell Cynthia wasn't like those who lusted after legendary power for control or conquest. She was genuine—her heart burned with curiosity, with a scholar's love for the unknown. That was why she devoted her life to ruins, myths, and uncovering truths.
"…Well," Logan mused, "through my bond with the three birds, I did uncover some peculiar things. For instance—their power doesn't match what's recorded in ancient texts. It's as if some of their authority was stripped away. Following that clue, I dug through countless records. The trail led me to something startling: the cause might be linked to Hoenn's three ancient titans."
His eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"And more than that… some of my findings suggest the root may tie into the 'Tao Trio' of Unova."
He hadn't told anyone this before. His research wasn't complete, but sharing it with Cynthia might spark new insights.
"With Hoenn's myths… and Unova's legends?" Cynthia's eyes widened. "No one has ever proposed a link between Kanto's birds, Hoenn's primordials, and Unova's dragons. If you're right, Logan… this could shake the entire field of Pokémon history."
Her voice trembled with excitement. She pressed her finger against her lips, biting down gently, almost trembling. The sight was… intense, like she was riding a wave too powerful to contain.
"…This is incredible. If not for the setting, I'd beg to talk all night. When we're back in the city—at the hotel—let me come to your room. I want to hear everything, in detail. Just… don't turn me away, Logan."
Logan chuckled. "Turn you away? Cynthia, you must be joking."
Not that he'd turn her away even if she wanted to spend the night. The thought flickered in his mind with a smirk.
"Besides Sinnoh's myths, I've studied other regions too," Cynthia said suddenly, her voice dropping to a playful whisper. She put a finger to her lips and winked. "When I've sorted my notes, I'll share them with you. I'm sure you'll find them fascinating."
"Oh? Then I'll look forward to it." Logan nodded with genuine interest.
At that moment, he contacted Professor Oak and reported the situation. When Oak heard Blue had been captured by Agatha, his tone actually lightened, almost relieved.
It was strange, but telling. Oak clearly knew something about Agatha—and the fact that she held Blue made him less worried, not more.
"Logan," Oak added quickly before hanging up, "once you're done at the Power Plant, head to Lavender Town. Seek out a man named Dr. Fuji. He has something for you."
"Dr. Fuji?" Logan frowned. "I've been to Lavender, but I don't recall meeting him."
"He's a brilliant researcher, though not well-known. You'll understand when you see him. Just go."
Before Logan could press further, Oak hung up.
"…Tch. Everyone's always so damn cryptic." Logan muttered. He glanced at Cynthia, who only answered with a radiant smile.
Turning back, he looked at the boy who had been waiting here on Blue's behalf. "Kid, your task is done. I'll rescue Blue. Once I do, I'll have him send word to you."
"Please, Champion, I'm begging you—save Brother Blue!" The boy bowed deeply.
"Come out, Deino!" Logan released a Poké Ball.
A small dragon emerged, its blind eyes unable to see the world around it. The moment it appeared, it bounded happily, greeting the Eevee perched on Logan's shoulder.
Logan crouched down, resting a hand on its head. "I know you can't see. Everything feels dangerous to you. But I need you to trust me—follow my commands no matter what. In return for that trust, I'll raise you into the fiercest Hydreigon this world has ever seen!"
Deino let out a growl, its voice brimming with a mix of ferocity and budding determination.
"Yellow, release your Amaura too. You'll train with me."
"Yes, big brother!" Yellow exclaimed, eyes shining, as she sent out her Pokémon.
Cynthia too had already chosen a partner for training. To Logan's mild surprise, it was a Togepi—small, cute, yet full of hidden potential.
Then Logan looked at the boy once more. "You've got a Pokémon, don't you? Do you dream of being a Trainer? If so… want to train with us?"
"M-me? With the Champion?!" The boy's voice cracked with shock. "T-this is… this is the kind of chance most Trainers would die for! And I'm not even a real Trainer yet!"
"Of course you can." Logan's lips curved into a grin. He turned, striding forward. "But listen well—keep up. If you fall behind, I won't wait."
"Yes, Champion! I'll keep up—I swear it!"
The boy dashed after him, his small steps quickening to match.
Cynthia watched with a gentle smile. "So this is what legacy looks like… the passing of the torch. Generation after generation, Kanto never lacks for strong Trainers. Who knows? Maybe years from now, this little boy will become one of Kanto's greats too."
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