Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

Aoki's expression was solemn as he observed Regice. The legendary Pokémon's distinctive yellow cross-shaped facial markings began flickering an irregular red, an unprecedented occurrence in its millennia of existence. Through their psychic connection, Aoki sensed complex emotions from Regice - fear, dread, and surprisingly, reverence.

Reverence? The realization made Aoki turn sharply toward the other two sacred peaks. His eyes widened at the sight of a battered Zapdos and wounded Articuno appearing in the stormy skies, crying out toward the turbulent sea. Only the Moltres on his own volcanic perch remained silent.

The ocean waves grew increasingly violent as a haunting, otherworldly cry echoed across the waters. That distinctive sound confirmed Aoki's suspicions before the massive creature even surfaced. A dark shadow over five meters long emerged from the depths, its coloration shifting from inky black to gleaming silver as it rose. With a powerful wingbeat that sent towering waves crashing, the legendary Lugia breached the surface.

"Hiss——hiss——" The Pokémon's mighty cry shook the very air, its sheer power evident in how the storm intensified with each wing flap. Thunder boomed louder, rain fell in torrential sheets - this was no ordinary storm. Aoki knew Lugia possessed the terrifying ability to summon forty days of continuous rainfall at will, a testament to its status as a true first-tier legendary capable of reshaping ecosystems.

The situation had escalated dramatically. Aoki glanced toward Zapdos Peak and Articuno Peak, imagining the displeased expressions on Dark and Shadow's faces. Though the three avian legends of this island weren't true legendary Pokémon, they clearly enjoyed Lugia's protection. Now that they'd injured Lugia's "younger brothers," the mighty guardian had come seeking answers.

With a single powerful wingbeat, Lugia traversed the distance to the volcanic peak where Aoki stood. Regice - normally so impassive - actually spoke a rare syllable of greeting and bowed respectfully. Even while serving Mew, Regice recognized Lugia's supreme power and offered proper deference.

Lugia acknowledged Regice with a slight nod before turning its piercing gaze upon the wounded Moltres. The legendary's aura flared violently, creating a howling gale that drove the rain sideways. Aoki instinctively raised his psychic defenses as his trusted Slowking and Gengar moved protectively in front of him. Though hopelessly outmatched against Lugia's power, their loyalty compelled them to shield their trainer.

"Human!" The voice resonated directly in Aoki's mind with psychic force. "Explain this situation immediately."

Aoki straightened his posture, meeting Lugia's gaze squarely despite the overwhelming pressure. He pushed his psychic abilities to their limits as he responded telepathically, "Great Lugia, observe Moltres' wounds. The residual energy signature should be clear to one of your power. Though I've treated his injuries, the traces remain."

Surprise flickered in Lugia's eyes - few humans could maintain composure under its wrathful aura. Activating its own psychic sight, Lugia examined Moltres' bandaged wounds, detecting lingering electric energy within the flesh. Following this signature, it quickly identified the deceased Ampharos nearby, its energy perfectly matching Moltres' injuries.

Yet Lugia also noted damage from other sources - wounds inflicted by various Pokémon now lying defeated around the battlefield. Most belonged to Brownis' team, though a few were Rocks' Pokémon already recalled to their Poké Balls (which Lugia mercifully ignored since Rocks had caused minimal harm to Moltres).

With sudden fury, Lugia summoned multiple psychic energy spheres that rained down upon Brownis' unconscious Pokémon. Aoki winced internally - there went several hundred million Pokédollars worth of potential bounty. The attack proved Lugia's reputation for devastating wrath beneath its normally calm demeanor. Legends spoke of its ability to summon forty days of rain when angered.

Before Aoki could entertain the idea of protesting, Lugia's voice thundered in his mind again: "Human! Explain your presence here or—"

The demand was interrupted by the arrival of a smaller Lugia - the very one Aoki had encountered before. The juvenile had followed its parent but been forgotten in the elder's rage. Recognizing Aoki, it cheerfully approached despite the tense atmosphere, even looking around hopefully for any sign of the Ralts it remembered.

With an exasperated psychic sigh, the elder Lugia recalled its offspring. As the two legendaries conferred privately, Aoki allowed himself momentary relief. Lugia had vented much of its anger, and his medical aid to Moltres might earn some leniency. Still, he worried for Dark and Shadow's fates on their respective peaks.