The instant the Lightning Stone Slab Fragment erupted, an intense wave of energy swept out like a shockwave, violently stirring the aura between heaven and earth.
Far away in the Cinnabar Gym, Blaine had been peacefully sipping tea when his brow suddenly furrowed. An inexplicable unease rose within him. He slowly opened his eyes, a trace of surprise flashing through his cloudy gaze, then stood and walked outside, his wide sleeves swaying gently with his movements.
When he stepped outside, the sea breeze carrying a salty, scorching scent rushed toward him, stirring his graying hair at the temples. He stared gravely at the ink-black clouds over the distant sea, and the wrinkles on his face seemed to deepen.
As if he had thought of something, he sighed softly and muttered, "It really is a troubled time..."
Meanwhile, in the peaceful Pallet Town north of Cinnabar Island, warm sunlight shone over every corner, while birds chirped happily from the branches.
Suddenly, black clouds spread across the sky, startling the birds from the trees. Professor Oak had been sorting through Pokémon records in the laboratory when the room abruptly darkened. The documents in his hands trembled slightly as an unusual feeling rose in his heart, and he immediately looked up at the window.
Dressed in a spotless white research coat, he gently set down the documents and quickly headed outside. Dragonite had been lying in the yard basking in the sun. Seeing the professor emerge, it immediately wagged its tail and approached.
He patted Dragonite on the head, his gaze fixed on the black clouds that had suddenly appeared over the distant sea. With a serious expression, he called to Dragonite beside him, "Dragonite, go see what's happening..."
"Bwoo!" Dragonite answered. Its small wings beat powerfully, stirring up a gust of wind