Nightmare?
Victor was deeply intrigued by the nightmare Latios had mentioned.
Speaking of nightmares, one couldn't help but think of the mythical Pokémon introduced in the fourth generation: Darkrai, the Nightmare God.
Darkrai was a pure Dark-type Pokémon, infamous for its ability to lull humans and Pokémon into a deep sleep, trapping them in terrifying nightmares.
Victor recalled the movie where Darkrai was the central figure. In that story, Darkrai used its ethereal body to battle against two high-level legendary Pokémon: Dialga, the God of Time, and Palkia, the God of Space.
With its sleek, shadowy design and the strength it displayed while holding its own against these two titans, Darkrai had won the admiration of countless fans.
Based on what Latios had revealed, Victor couldn't help but make the worst possible assumption: Darkrai, a Pokémon known for its combat prowess, might have fallen under the control of an unknown evil organization.
This theory also explained how the group managed to steal the Soul Dew without anyone noticing.
With Darkrai's power cloaking their actions, coupled with the absence of Latios and Latias at the time, the invaders successfully stole the Soul Dew and abducted baby Pokémon without raising any alarms.
"Nightmare… Could it be Darkrai?"
Victor's thoughts pieced together the scenario. With this possibility forming in his mind, he hesitantly voiced his suspicion to Latios.
If Latios and Latias knew about Darkrai, this would confirm his theory. If they didn't, his question might serve as a helpful clue.
Even if revealing that he knew some information about mythical Pokémon might seem unusual, Victor wasn't concerned. After all, legendary Pokémon typically didn't care about such things.
[Oh? Victor, do you also know the Nightmare God?]
Latios sounded surprised. He hadn't expected this human to not only know about Darkrai but also understand the nature of its powers.
"I've done some research," Victor replied calmly.
Since Latios was familiar with Darkrai, Victor realized he didn't need to warn them to stay vigilant. He felt relieved.
[If you already know about the Nightmare God, that will make our discussion much easier,] Latios continued.
After a moment of contemplation, Latios spoke again, his tone measured and serious.
[Darkrai, the Nightmare God, holds an authority similar to ours. If the evil people have only managed to harness part of his power, that would already be concerning.]
[What Latias and I fear most is that Darkrai may have chosen to assist these people of his own will—or worse, he might be unable to resist their control.]
[Darkrai isn't just a formidable combatant. His ability to spread nightmares, like a plague, is truly terrifying.]
Latios's worry was evident. While he and Latias were legendary Pokémon in their own right, their abilities weren't suited to purifying nightmares or bringing sweet dreams.
They could only protect a small number of Pokémon within their secret realm and the surrounding islands. Beyond that, they were powerless.
"Then what about Cresselia, the Goddess of Dreams?" Victor suggested. "As Darkrai's counterpart, her power of beautiful dreams should be able to counteract the nightmares."
[Unfortunately, we have no idea where Cresselia is now,] Latios admitted, a hint of regret in his voice. If they knew Cresselia's location, they would have already sought her help to confront Darkrai.
Victor felt a twinge of uncertainty. Without Cresselia's intervention, resolving this situation would become significantly more challenging.
In recent times, the first-tier gods—those at the pinnacle of power—have completely vanished, leaving behind only fragments of legends.
Meanwhile, most second-tier gods and mythical Pokémon remain scattered across various regions of the planet.
Victor currently only knew of a few legendary beings: the black and white dragons (Reshiram and Zekrom) rumored to reside in Dragonspiral Tower, and Xerneas and Yveltal, who were said to exist in the secret realm where Carbink was born.
The thought of first-tier gods suddenly struck Victor, prompting him to ask, "Latios, Latias, do you know the current status of legendary Pokémon like Groudon or Lugia?"
[You even know about those beings who completely master authority?]
Latios sounded genuinely surprised. He hadn't expected Victor to be aware of these immensely powerful Pokémon.
[If you're asking where they are, I'm afraid I don't know,] Latios admitted, his mood darkening as if recalling unpleasant memories.
[Latias and I awakened hundreds of years ago, but since then, we haven't seen those beings.]
Latios wasn't without holding information. He genuinely had no idea where the first-tier gods were.
[Regardless, Latias and I need to focus on countermeasures against the Nightmare God.]
Latios shifted the topic away from Darkrai.
[Victor, we're very grateful to you for saving the Feebas and those young Pokémon,] Latios said, his tone sincere.
[What would you like as a reward?]
The offer caught Victor off guard. He had already considered the mission a success just by establishing goodwill with legendary Pokémon.
After pondering for a moment, Victor hesitated before responding, "Could you teach my Pokémon how to use Luster Purge?"
Victor felt a bit audacious asking for an exclusive move from a legendary Pokémon, but he figured there was no harm in trying.
---
Luster Purge, Latios' signature Psychic-type move, converts psychic energy into light and releases it as a powerful, dazzling beam. It's notable for its speed, long range, and low energy consumption. Additionally, any opponent hit by the move suffers reduced resistance to special attacks, making it progressively more effective.
Latias had a similar exclusive move, Mist Ball, but Victor felt it wasn't suitable for Carbink.
Victor thought Luster Purge would be perfect for Carbink, whose unique body structure made her particularly adept at light-based moves. The diamonds on her body acted as excellent conduits for light energy, amplifying the power of such moves.
If Latios agreed, Carbink could significantly expand her combat potential, especially given her limited repertoire of psychic attacks.
Latios was momentarily stunned but then smiled. [Of course, I can teach it. But I must admit, I'm increasingly curious about how you know so much.]
Latios paused, analyzing Victor's Pokémon. [Luster Purge is a Psychic-type move, but… your Pokémon doesn't seem to have a Psychic affinity… Hmm?]
When Latios glanced past Incineroar and focused on Carbink, his expression shifted.
[This presence… is that the aura of Diancie?]