40 Gathering of Guardians

"No, Grandmaster, they are beyond saving. They are planning to create a large-scale tide to catch the Blackthorn family off guard," Oaks expressed with disappointment evident in his voice. "The League thinks that their actions are secretive, but they forget that legacy families and organizations like the Aura Guardians have been around for millennia. Their foundations are so deep that the league couldn't even fathom." Agatha, standing by Samuel's side, couldn't help but scoff and chuckle at the League's ignorance.

Even though she was on her way to Hoenn, she received regular updates from the family. She already knew that the fate of the League was sealed and couldn't help but look at Samuel with a hint of sadness. Even she felt a pang of pain, having been one of the original League creators alongside Samuel.

"Agatha, is there any way you can request your family to rein in their actions during the counteroffensive?" The old grandmaster couldn't help but ask. As a man who wanted harmony and balance, he did not like seeing innocents being killed. He had to put forth his request to the Blackthorns to not be too heavy-handed, even though he knew how extreme they could be when threatened.

However, the League was planning to eradicate them, so even the old man held no hope that the Blackthorn family would show mercy. He couldn't fault them either, as they were simply the victims here. "No, Grandmaster," Agatha responded resolutely. "They have already crossed the line they should not have. Remember the tragedy that befell my family five years ago? We have recently found out that the higher-ups in the League had a direct hand in this incident.

Even without this added to the mix, their fate is already sealed, and I am not sure Samuel is aware. They are planning to use two natural legendaries to try and lead the tide they are planning to initiate." Agatha, as part of the Guardians, was duty-bound to share such matters that threatened peace and harmony. Provoking a natural legendary Pokemon was no joke.

Everyone within the meeting hall was shocked; even the Grandmaster and the other legendary class trainers showed extreme reactions. "What madness! Do they not know the consequences? How many thousands of innocents will perish if the defense lines are breached? Grandmaster, we must mobilize ourselves," remarked one of the guardians in anger and frustration. The League's action this time was truly crossing the bottom line.

Originally, the Grandmaster thought he could reach out to the old ancestor of Blackthorn to spare the innocents of the League. But now, with this revelation, he understood there was no more room for leeway; it was kill or be killed. However, before the Grandmaster could share his opinion about mobilization, Agatha interjected.

"No! This is a matter between the Blackthorns and the League. The ancestor has asked me to notify the guardians not to get involved in the matter. We will safeguard our borders that we have vowed to protect." Agatha said it with confidence oozing from her body. With Cecilia now in the Legendary rank, she had confidence that the Blackthorn family would tide through this crisis.

"Agatha, this is not the time for jokes. Even if you guys are strong, do you think you can handle two natural legendaries all by yourselves? Even the Guardians will have to mobilize all four of our legendary trainers to hold back two natural legendaries," Samuel commented from the side. He knew how headstrong his friend Agatha could be, and this was a trait of most Blackthorn members. Once their minds were set on something, they wouldn't waver.

However, before Oak could persuade her further, the Grandmaster interjected with a question of his own. "Are you absolutely sure about being able to handle both natural legendaries and the assault from the League all at the same time, Agatha?" The old man knew that the Blackthorns were strong, but even he did not know the true depth of their strength. By how confident Agatha was, he knew something significant must have happened within their ranks.

"Yes, Grandmaster, we are absolutely sure, and you will soon understand why. This was also one of the reasons I asked for you to convene this meeting," Agatha asserted, exuding confidence in her family's ability to weather the impending storm.

Though Samuel felt skeptical, the old grandmaster thought otherwise. No, he was even more curious as to why Agatha had requested this gathering.

"Fine, we will discuss this matter later. Why don't you first tell me why exactly you asked me to convene the meeting?" The old man cut to the chase, no longer tolerating the suspense.

"Oh, I just want to nominate someone to our ranks," Agatha declared, surprising everyone present. Being recommended as an apprentice in training to the Aura Guardians was no small feat. Even though candidates would be screened, those talents picked by existing members were always supreme talents. Each member could only have a single disciple in training and could only take a new disciple if the previous one became a full-fledged member of the guardians or if, by some unforeseen circumstance, they perished.

The last time an apprentice in training was picked was thirty years ago. But Agatha's next words left them all bewildered. "I want to nominate a name as a full-fledged member of our Aura Guardians," Agatha said with a smile. Even Oak was confused; originally, he had thought she was planning to take Aron as her disciple. He had an inkling to ask the kid to become his apprentice, but he had not discussed this matter with Aron yet, as it would be overreaching.

Agatha would tear his head off if he tried something like that. But now, his friend was suggesting a name for a full-time member. One should understand that the minimum requirement was a True Epic Level trainer, and their character needed to be impeccable. And the last time a fellow member joined their ranks was a century ago.

Under everyone's curious gazes, the old grandmaster questioned, "Oh, so your little Alice breached the True Epic rank, is it?" He knew of little Alice, who was currently poised to break the record of becoming the youngest-ever True Epic rank trainer. The previous record was held by none other than one of their own.

However, Agatha wore a ghostly smirk on her face as she replied, "Oh no, Grandmaster, not an Epic rank trainer. I want to nominate a true Legendary rank trainer to the Aura Guardians." The entire hall froze in silence. To directly nominate a True Legendary rank trainer? Was this supposed to be some sort of joke?

The only one who had joined the Aura Guardians as a True Legendary rank trainer was the Grandmaster himself, during the time of its original inception millennia ago. As for the other three current legendary-class members, they had originally joined as Epic rank and then, under careful nurturing and guidance, had ascended to True Legendary rank status. But now, Agatha was proposing that the Blackthorn family be willing to nominate such a trainer to bolster their ranks.

One must understand that each additional legendary trainer is an additional pillar, especially one that's hidden. This was the reason higher-level trainers always retreated away from society after they reached a certain strength. This way, their enemies would not have a true estimate of their forces.

Everyone in the room was eager to know who exactly had ascended to exalted status. Agatha was not one to joke in such a matter, so the Aura Guardians would soon welcome their fifth Legendary class trainer.

Unfortunately for many, Agatha chose to keep the identity of the Blackthorn family member a secret. Only the Grandmaster would later be made aware of Cecilia's identity. Cecilia had been believed to be dead for centuries now, so none of the other members' guesses were even close. They all believed that one of the old monsters from the Blackthorns must have breached that barrier.

"It's good that the Blackthorn family is willing to nominate a legendary class trainer. I will personally screen the new member, and as someone nominated by you, Agatha, I am confident in their character even before meeting them," the old grandmaster declared.

The old grandmaster was over the moon. Every legendary trainer they added would be a boon to their organization. Suddenly, he remembered another matter.

"Agatha, have you discussed the matter of the space storage device with your family?" Recently, the Aura Guardians had come to possess a pair of PSPs that Aron had sold through Agatha. Both users had to link with the devices in Agatha's presence to acquire them. However, most of the members were not comfortable disclosing their identities to Agatha. Her knowing their identity was as good as the Blackthorns knowing them.

Even though the guardians trusted each other, there was a certain level of security they maintained, especially when it came to their identity. The Grandmaster knowing about it was a different matter, but Agatha was different. After learning the true function of the PSP from Oak, everyone started coveting one or more devices for themselves. Although each device cost a fortune, it was worth every Pokedollar they spent. However, a difficulty arose. Agatha put forth the condition that whoever wanted the device would have to link to it in her presence, meaning they would have to reveal their identities to Agatha.

"I'm sorry, Grandmaster," Agatha began, her tone heavy with disappointment. "The creator of the device is specific about the condition—no exceptions. Even Samuel had to pair with the device in my presence. The inventor's exact words were, 'You may trust them, but I do not. They are simply strangers to me, and I can't have my invention fall into the wrong hands.' That's what I was told when I tried to advocate on behalf of all of you. I even lost an extra device that I was promised and a hell lot of supremely tailored resources because I spoke on your behalf."

Agatha's words hung heavily in the air, casting a shadow over the room. She glanced around at everyone, her gaze carrying the weight of the difficult situation. She had attempted to negotiate with Aron, hoping to secure some additional perks for her old friends.

However, the little monster had exacted punishment instead, stripping away a few of the privileges Agatha held. Even the Ancestor couldn't intervene, knowing that Aron would retaliate by cutting off his own supply of resources. There was no way he would sacrifice those privileges, particularly when they contained handcrafted resources for his legendary Pokémon.

The room fell into a somber silence as the implications of Agatha's words sank in. It seemed that obtaining the space storage device would require revealing their identities to her, a prospect that made many members uneasy.

"Sigh, fine. Maybe I will personally make a trip to your family in the near future and meet your child," the old ancestor remarked, understanding that such an invention warranted precautions. By taking the first step, he hoped to reassure the rest of the members.

"For those who truly believe in Agatha's integrity, you can personally reach out to her. As for the rest, I can only blame fate that you are not destined to wield such an epoch-breaking invention," he continued, acknowledging the limitations some members might face in acquiring the device.

"As for the price, Agatha, I hope we can exchange the device for other natural treasures. I'm not sure most here can afford this device; otherwise, if we relied only on liquid assets," the old man proposed. The price was staggering, and many members would struggle to afford it if Agatha accepted only Pokedollars.

"That's feasible, Grandmaster. I have already prepared a sheet detailing how much each type of resource can be priced at," Agatha chimed in. Aron had already thought of all these considerations, and every guardian is one of the top powerhouses in the current world, meaning every treasure in their collections must be highly valuable.

The room breathed a collective sigh of relief at the prospect of alternative payment options, and the tension began to ease as the meeting moved forward.

"I think we've detailed all the matters that needed to be discussed. As for the upcoming clash between the Blackthorns and the League, let's not get ourselves involved. But in the meantime, we can't let innocents succumb to the tide. So, as an added precaution, I will personally assign tasks to each of you who are available, according to your vicinity. Make sure you guys take care to restrict the damage," the old grandmaster declared. With that, the meeting ended, and everyone dispersed, leaving only the five physically present members behind to discuss the matters further.

**********************************************

Finally, after three weeks of travel, the Blackthorn family and most of the delegates attending the grand event reached their destination. The event was set to start in three days, so almost all of the participants had already made it to the venue where the event was organized. The excitement and anticipation were palpable as they prepared for the upcoming clash and the festivities that would follow.

Evergrande City, the place chosen for the upcoming grand event, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis located in the southern part of the Hoenn region, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Situated at the foot of the majestic Victory Road, in my past life, this island served as the final destination for Pokémon trainers striving to challenge the Pokémon League and become the Hoenn Champion.

In a world still recovering from the aftermath of war, the concept of Pokémon League competitions and dedicated gyms was yet to be realized; even Pokemon centers were just a mere dream now. The scars of conflict, still fresh even fifty years after its end, cast a shadow over the land, leaving little room for luxuries like tournaments. However, amidst this somber backdrop, I harbored a vision of a future where the bonds between Pokémon and humans would be nurtured, where they would be seen as companions rather than mere weapons. It was a lofty goal, but one I was determined to achieve, no matter the obstacles in my path.

Turning my attention to Evergrande City, I marveled at its resilience in the face of adversity. At its heart stood the Evergrande Hotel, a symbol of luxury and refinement amidst the turmoil of the times. Trainers flocked to its opulent accommodations, seeking solace and inspiration before embarking on their journeys to challenge the Pokémon League. With its panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and its proximity to Victory Road, it was a haven for those in pursuit of greatness.

For those yearning to immerse themselves in the local culture, Evergrande City offered a bustling marketplace, alive with the vibrant energy of its vendors. Here, one could find a plethora of treasures, from rare Pokémon memorabilia to traditional Hoennese cuisine and intricately crafted goods. The city's residents, known for their warmth and hospitality, eagerly shared tales of their Pokémon adventures, adding to the tapestry of experiences that defined life in Evergrande.

Surrounding the city lay a pristine wilderness, teeming with life and ripe for exploration. Lush forests, babbling rivers, and rugged mountain trails beckoned to adventurous trainers, offering untold opportunities for discovery and adventure. Along these scenic routes, encounters with wild Pokémon were common, each one a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

The entire Evergrande Hotel had been meticulously reserved to cater to the needs of VIPs attending the upcoming event. As one of the Legacy families, a separate wing had been allocated to the distinguished guests of the Blackthorn family. However, despite the grandeur surrounding me, my thoughts were consumed by a different quest.

Arriving in Evergrande City earlier than expected, I felt a restless urge to embark on a personal journey. In my previous life, I had encountered a remarkable Pokémon through sheer luck, stumbling upon it in the wild. Though the memory was hazy, I possessed only a rough idea of the location where this extraordinary creature had crossed my path.

As I contemplated my next move, a pang of regret washed over me. If only I had known that life would grant me a second chance, I would have meticulously documented every detail of that fateful encounter—the precise location, the time of day, even the smallest nuances of the environment. But such hindsight was a luxury I could not afford now.

Despite the odds stacked against me, I refused to relinquish hope. With determination burning in my heart, I resolved to venture forth into the wilderness once more, in search of the Pokémon that had left an indelible mark on my soul. Even amidst the chaos of this new life, the promise of reunion beckoned me forward, urging me to seize this rare opportunity with both hands.

As we approached the imposing facade of the Evergrande Hotel, a sudden and crisp ethereal roar pierced the air, sending shivers down our spines. In unison, we turned our gaze toward the source of the sound, and there, looming majestically in the sky, was none other than Rayquaza, the mythical serpentine dragon Pokémon.

With its emerald-green scales shimmering in the sunlight, Rayquaza exuded an aura of otherworldly power and grace. Its long, serpent-like body twisted and coiled through the air with effortless agility, each movement a testament to its unmatched prowess. Its massive form, adorned with intricate patterns reminiscent of ancient hieroglyphics, moved rhythmically, propelling it through the heavens with awe-inspiring speed.

Rayquaza's piercing eyes, glowing with an intense inner fire, seemed to gaze into the very depths of our souls, commanding respect and reverence from all who beheld them. Legends spoke of Rayquaza as the guardian of the skies, a celestial deity that maintained the delicate balance between the forces of nature.

As we watched in wonder, it was clear that witnessing Rayquaza in the heart of Evergrande City was nothing short of a miracle, as even if one were to venture to the Sky Pillar, they might not be able to see the mythical creature there, which was rumored to be the dwelling of Rayquaza. The mythical Pokémon's presence evoked a sense of both awe and fear, reminding us of the ancient tales that spoke of its might and benevolence. For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still, as we basked in the magnificence of this mythical creature, knowing that such a sight was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

As Rayquaza descended upon Evergrande City, a palpable shift in the natural world accompanied its presence. Heavy winds tore through the streets, whipping up dust and debris in a frenzied dance. Trees swayed and groaned under the force of the gales, their branches reaching out in supplication to the legendary Pokémon above.

Overhead, dark clouds gathered with alarming speed, blotting out the sun and casting the city below into shadow. Thunder rumbled ominously, echoing the power of Rayquaza's roar as it reverberated through the air. It was as if the very elements themselves were bowing to the whims of this ancient guardian of the skies.

The people of Evergrande City stood in awe and trepidation, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and reverence. Nature itself seemed to bend and yield to the will of Rayquaza, acknowledging its status as a celestial force beyond mortal comprehension.