"The third one... you mean Rayquaza?" Matori asked, raising an eyebrow.
Aside from Groudon, representing the land, and Kyogre, representing the sea, the only remaining legendary Pokémon tied to Hoenn was Rayquaza, the sky's embodiment.
"That's right," Luo Yuan confirmed. "With the Hoenn League's attention focused entirely on Team Aqua and Team Magma, now is the perfect time to capture Rayquaza."
Normally, capturing Rayquaza wouldn't be an easy task.
Aside from Rayquaza's own formidable strength, there was also the problem of the Hoenn League's interference.
During his time as the "Tech Hunter" in Hoenn, Luo Yuan had stolen numerous files about Rayquaza from organizations like Mossdeep Space Center, Mauville Holdings, and Devon Corporation.
Years ago, the Hoenn Pokémon Research Association, together with Sinnoh's Berlitz family, Devon Corporation, and Mauville Holdings, had organized a "Rayquaza Capture Project" and even succeeded in capturing Rayquaza.
However, an attack during the project's later stages allowed Rayquaza to escape, causing the project to fail and bankrupting Mauville Holdings.
Despite this, the Hoenn League had never given up on recapturing Rayquaza.
Under normal circumstances, targeting Rayquaza would undoubtedly attract the attention of these organizations, bringing unnecessary trouble.
But now, with Groudon and Kyogre on the brink of awakening, the Hoenn League had no time to spare for Rayquaza.
This window of opportunity was one Luo Yuan intended to seize.
After explaining his plan, Luo Yuan waited.
Giovanni, seated across from him, tapped his fingers lightly against the table, considering the proposal. He had to admit—it was a tempting idea.
The battles involving Mewtwo and Deoxys had already showcased the immense power of legendary Pokémon.
With Team Rocket expanding rapidly, now controlling not only Kanto and Johto but also territories in Kalos and Hoenn, additional power was sorely needed.
If they could capture Rayquaza, it would undoubtedly be a monumental asset to the organization.
Still, there was one major obstacle.
"How do we locate Rayquaza?" Giovanni asked after a moment.
Capturing Rayquaza wasn't necessarily beyond Team Rocket's capability. With Mewtwo and Deoxys on their side, they had more than enough firepower to subdue the legendary dragon.
The problem was finding it.
The Hoenn Pokémon Research Association, with all its resources and advanced technology, had spent years trying to track Rayquaza, even employing satellites, and had still failed.
Given Team Rocket's focus on genetic engineering rather than satellite surveillance, and the fact that they were operating in an unfamiliar region, their odds of locating Rayquaza seemed slim.
Luo Yuan, however, smiled.
"I have a way," he said confidently.
Reaching for his belt, Luo Yuan retrieved a Master Ball and pressed its button.
Whoosh!
Deoxys emerged beside him, its sleek, alien form glowing faintly in the dim light.
"?" Giovanni looked at Deoxys, a hint of curiosity in his expression.
"Deoxys can lock onto the location of any living organism by scent," Luo Yuan explained. "Before I captured it, Deoxys fought Rayquaza and retained its scent. Using Deoxys, we can track Rayquaza anywhere in the world."
Beside him, Deoxys' usually calm demeanor shifted at the mention of Rayquaza.
The memory of its core being shattered by Rayquaza was one it would never forget. Now, it seemed there was an opportunity to settle the score.
Sky Pillar
Built by the ancient Draconid people, the towering structure of Sky Pillar served as Rayquaza's sanctuary.
Riding atop Dragonite, Luo Yuan and Matori pierced through the clouds. As the massive tower came into view, Matori couldn't help but feel awed.
Even someone as experienced as her was momentarily struck by the sheer scale of the structure, its bricks extending impossibly high into the heavens.
Through a telepathic link, Luo Yuan sensed Deoxys' confirmation.
Turning to Matori, he said, "Deoxys' readings confirm that Rayquaza is here."
At the moment, it was just the two of them riding on Dragonite's back.
Giovanni had agreed to Luo Yuan's plan to capture Rayquaza, though he had decided to stay behind.
While capturing Rayquaza was crucial, someone needed to monitor Team Aqua and Team Magma, ensuring they didn't spiral out of control. Additionally, Giovanni needed to handle any inquiries from the Hoenn League.
Dividing their efforts had been the logical choice.
Giovanni trusted Luo Yuan's deep knowledge of Hoenn and Rayquaza, and with Mewtwo and Deoxys under his command, he was more than equipped to handle the task.
Now, hovering before the Sky Pillar, they prepared to act.
"So, do we land and make our way up?" Matori asked.
To her, the next step seemed obvious—enter the tower and climb to Rayquaza's resting place.
But Luo Yuan shook his head.
"There's no need for that. We don't have time to climb the tower. We'll head straight to the top."
At his command, Dragonite surged forward, flapping its powerful wings to cut through the turbulent winds surrounding the tower.
As they approached, the details of Sky Pillar became clearer—the intricate masonry, the towering height, and the massive platform at its summit.
And there, at the very top, lay Rayquaza.
The dragon coiled itself on the platform, its eyes closed in slumber.
With each breath, it exhaled ozone, forming a shimmering barrier around its body.
Whoosh!
Dragonite landed gracefully on the edge of the platform. Luo Yuan and Matori dismounted, their boots clicking softly against the stone.
The moment Luo Yuan's feet touched the ground, Rayquaza stirred.
Swish!
Its eyes snapped open—black sclera, golden irises, and narrow pupils fixed on the intruders.
A suffocating pressure filled the air as Rayquaza uncoiled, its imposing figure radiating menace.
Deoxys immediately shifted into its defensive form, positioning itself in front of Luo Yuan. Matori instinctively grabbed his arm, her eyes wide with tension.
Luo Yuan, however, remained calm.
Looking at Rayquaza, he recalled its legendary reputation.
"Territorial to an extreme—any intruder within its domain is mercilessly eradicated."
And now, Luo Yuan stood on its territory, flanked by Deoxys, its old foe.
"Well," Luo Yuan muttered with a faint smile. "Looks like the 'intruder' it's ready to eradicate is me."