The Crimson Queen | Leon x OC

CHAPTER 21 - Goodbye Sinnoh Till Next Time

GOODBYE SINNOH TILL NEXT TIME

In the remote and enigmatic Arata region, a hidden laboratory sprawls across a desolate island, far removed from the hustle and bustle of cities and towns. This secretive facility serves as the clandestine headquarters for Team Phoenix, an enigmatic organization. But it's more than that; it's a clandestine gathering point for the nefarious elite of various regions. Here, notorious groups like Team Rocket, Team Flare, Macro Cosmos, Team Plasma, and Team Galactic converge for their covert council.

The tension in the room was palpable as the leaders of these villainous factions gathered. Suddenly, a hushed voice pierced the darkness, "Sorry I am late." The room fell silent as the figure materialized from the shadows, unveiling himself to the assembled leaders. For the first time, they laid eyes on this enigmatic character, a person shrouded in mystery and menace.

His long, obsidian hair framed a face marred by a tapestry of bruises, as if he had walked through a storm of conflict. But what truly sent shivers down their spines were his eyes, pale and lifeless as if they had glimpsed a realm beyond. Suspense hung in the air, and all eyes were drawn to a peculiar rhombus locket that hung around his neck, a symbol of unknown significance, leaving a lingering air of intrigue and foreboding in the room.

"Hahaha, fashionably late, as always," Lysandre's maniacal laughter echoed through the room, as he nonchalantly leaned against the wall.

"Hahaha, and here I thought Zygarde had turned you into history," Scarlet quipped with a smirk as he took a seat, clearly not anticipating Lysandre's presence.

Ghetsis emitted a displeased groan, his patience clearly wearing thin. "So, care to enlighten us, Scar, as to why the Arata region remains untamed in your grasp?"

Scarlet cleared his throat, his expression revealing the weight of his failures. "As you can see, my team and I were unsuccessful in our attempts to conquer the Arata region," he sighed.

Giovanni couldn't resist a sly smile, throwing Scarlet's excuse into question. "Yes, and by mere children, if I recall correctly."

Scarlet raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms defensively. "May I remind you, Giovanni, that one of those 'mere children' is the Arata region's Champion and an esteemed member of its Elite Four?"

Rose abruptly rose from his seat, his visage etched with frustration. "That's enough."

"Look, I didn't gather you here to revisit past defeats, but to discuss my new plan to bring an end to the Arata region," Rose interjected, attempting to change the subject.

Scarlet's body tensed, a visible distaste for Rose's words surfacing.

The Chairman paced around the table, his voice authoritative. "As you're well aware, the Arata region stands apart from the rest. It lacks its own Legendary Pokémon, yet it has endured numerous cataclysms through a mysterious power passed down through generations."

Lysandre nodded, his scarred face etched with grim understanding. "Indeed. Few are even aware of the Arata region's existence, which makes it the safest and most secretive region."

Scarlet scoffed, crossing his arms. "I wouldn't call it the safest anymore."

Ghetsis, pondering Chairman Rose's words, leaned forward. "This... mysterious power? What is it?"

Chairman Rose shrugged. "It's only a theory, but I suspect it's not a creature or a Pokémon protecting the Arata region, but rather a person—or perhaps a family."

The others exchanged curious glances, urging him to continue. Chairman Rose obliged. "I have a lead: the Eada family."

Giovanni echoed, "The Eada family?"