A few days later, back at Pokémon Home, a quiet hum filled the air. The lingering memory of the Gotham incident still felt a bit raw, like a fresh bruise. Orion sat in his office, relaying the details of the assassination attempt to Latias and Pikachu. He spoke of the shattered window, the precision of Deadshot's aim, and the cold intent behind the bullet.
Latias, in her human form, listened with a growing intensity. Her golden eyes, usually so serene, held a flash of protective anger.
"Such actions are… unforgivable," Latias communicated telepathically, her voice echoing with a fierce determination in Orion's mind. "They endangered you, Orion. Kingpin and Deadshot deserve a harsh lesson for their disrespect."
Pikachu, perched on Orion's shoulder, added his own indignant Pika-Pika! chirps, sparks crackling faintly around his cheeks. He definitely agreed with Latias's protective fury.
Orion gently stroked Pikachu's head, then turned to Latias, a calm but firm presence.
"I understand your feelings, Latias," Orion said softly, his tone even. "But our mission is one of harmony, not retribution. Violence only breeds more violence, and that is not the path we walk."
"But they sought to harm you," Latias insisted, a subtle ripple in her psychic presence. "Is there no consequence for such malicious intent?"
"There are always consequences, Latias," Orion replied. "But they must be measured, and they must align with our purpose. We cannot stoop to their level."
Pikachu nudged Orion's cheek with his head, a soft reminder of their shared bond. He continued to offer quiet, reassuring chirps to Latias. The day stretched on, with Orion and Pikachu patiently working to calm Latias, reminding her of their broader mission and the need for a more thoughtful approach to every challenge.
Orion, ever the meticulous planner, found his attention drawn to the ongoing Berry project with Wayne Enterprises. Updates flowed in with pleasing regularity, painting a picture of efficient progress across the designated conservation lands just outside Gotham. The collaborative efforts of Wayne Enterprises and the Fantastic Four, a truly remarkable scientific powerhouse, ensured that the planting was not just proceeding, but truly flourishing. The special Berries, imbued with unique properties, were growing at an accelerated rate, exceeding all initial projections. Their vibrant hues were already beginning to spread across the previously untamed acreage, promising a lush, new landscape.
The internal projections, meticulously tracked by Orion's systems, indicated that in approximately two months, these expansive Berry fields would reach full maturity. This milestone, he knew, would signal the imminent world transformation, a pivotal moment leading to the widespread arrival of wild Pokémon. A quiet sense of satisfaction settled over Orion as he reviewed the data. His grand mission, the one Arceus had entrusted him with, was unfolding precisely as intended. Each healthy sprout, each thriving vine, was a testament to the harmony he sought to bring to this United Superverse.
The bell above the Pokémon Home entrance chimed with a gentle ding dong 🔔, announcing the arrival of Ms. Marvel and Squirrel Girl. The two heroes, radiating cheerful energy, approached the counter where Orion and Latias stood.
"Orion, Latias, hey!" Kamala greeted them, a wide smile on her face. "Do you guys have any new Poké Block flavors? Eevee is getting picky."
"Oh, definitely picky!" Doreen chimed in, adjusting her headband. "Emolga turned his nose up at the spicy ones again. Said they made his cheeks tingle too much."
"It's a delicate balance, creating the perfect flavor," Orion replied with a knowing smile. "We always strive for variety here."
"So, we were just chatting with Valeria in the group," Kamala said, leaning against the counter. "She's so proud of her Lunatone. Like, 'look at my cool new moon rock' proud."
"Right?" Doreen agreed, nodding enthusiastically. "It's super awesome she got a second Pokémon, but come on, a little squirrel's gotta wonder when her turn is gonna be for a second partner."
"Emolga and Eevee are amazing, of course," Kamala quickly added, "but sometimes you just want another buddy, you know?"
"Yeah, but the lottery is, like, a million bucks," Doreen lamented. "And the Sanctuary Pokémon are super shy. They run away faster than a squirrel with a stolen nut when I try to befriend them."
"Tell me about it," Kamala sighed. "Eevee was a miracle. I don't think I could get another one if I tried."
Orion listened with a patient smile. He held a secret that would definitely get their attention.
"You both might get your wish sooner than you think," Orion said, a hint of excitement in his voice. "In a couple of months, this world is going to experience a transformation. We are planting Berry seeds right now that will bring in a huge influx of wild Pokémon."
Kamala's eyes widened. "Wait, really? Like, everywhere? Not just the Sanctuary?"
"Oh my gosh, that's amazing!" Doreen cheered, bouncing slightly on her toes. "So many new buddies! Emolga, you hear that? More friends!"
"It sounds incredible, Orion," Kamala continued, "but… Eevee and Emolga, they are still pretty new to battles. They are not as strong as your Pikachu."
"We've been training, we really have," Doreen explained. "But there aren't many tough opponents out there for them to practice against. It's hard to get stronger when you only fight each other, or, like, a practice dummy."
"Yeah, we want them to be ready for whatever comes next," Kamala added, a worried crease in her brow. "A world full of new Pokémon sounds awesome, but also a little… wild."
As Kamala and Doreen voiced their frustrations about the lack of strong opponents, Orion's mind began to churn. He stroked Pikachu's head thoughtfully, a familiar gesture when a new idea was forming. He realized that many current trainers likely faced the same challenge. A sudden, brilliant concept clicked into place.
"You know," Orion began, a subtle shift in his tone, "you both make a very good point."
Latias tilted her head slightly, her gaze thoughtful. "Indeed. Growth often requires adversity."
"Exactly, Latias!" Orion exclaimed. "And it is not only your Pokémon that need to grow stronger. Every Trainer, every partner, needs that spark, that challenge, to truly reach their potential."
Pikachu chirped in agreement, a small spark leaping from his cheek.
"So, what are you thinking, Orion?" Kamala asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Well," Orion said, a mischievous glint in his eye, "what if we gathered all the Trainers? Every single one of them, for an event."
***
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