Timon was unaware of the Dark Guild's occupation of Oceanview City; he felt deeply troubled by the significant losses incurred during this mission. At least seven mid-level Trainers were unable to be rescued and perished forever at sea.
Seven precious lives, each invaluable to the League, lost due to Timon's oversight, now buried beneath the ocean with no chance for return.
With a grim expression, Timon led the remaining group of Trainers flying towards the mainland. He regretted not heeding Botaya's advice; had they been more cautious, the casualties might have been significantly lower or even avoided altogether.
The expressions on the faces of the Trainers following Timon reflected their sorrow, as those lost were familiar colleagues who had tragically disappeared. It was impossible not to feel grief under such circumstances.
As they headed towards the mainland, planning to join forces with the Trainers from the Sebas region, Kyogre finally seized its opportunity to joyfully expand the oceans unchecked. With all nearby ants having fled, there was no one left to hinder its progress.
The seas roared as Kyogre harnessed its immense Water-type power, generating terrifying tidal waves that engulfed islands like a colossal beast.
Islands shrank rapidly while the ocean swelled, steadily consuming the land. The once vibrant Cyan Town and Westsea Town began slowly vanishing beneath the waves.
In just a day, Cyan Town and Westsea Town completely disappeared. A relentless twenty-four-hour downpour, combined with continuous tsunamis unleashed by Kyogre, submerged the islands and swept away everything in their path.
These two thriving island towns were swallowed by the sea, becoming mere memories of the past.
***
On the west coast, Trainers from the Sebas and Ellie regions gathered together to discuss strategies for combating Kyogre.
"Kyogre's power is immense; mid-level trainers won't be much help here. My suggestion is for them to temporarily return to their respective cities," Botaya proposed. In the battle against Kyogre, while not all mid-level trainers would hinder progress, most could only protect themselves when facing moves like Origin Pulse. For weaker Pokemon, it posed significant danger.
To effectively counter Kyogre, high-level Trainers were essential; otherwise, any attempt would likely fail.
"Our high-level Trainers from the Ellie region should arrive soon. Since mid-level trainers lack sufficient strength, let them depart for now," Timon nodded, his previous arrogance subdued by the massive losses they had already sustained.
Once this crisis ends, he might face repercussions from the League. As the primary coordinator, losing seven mid-level trainers was a grave oversight.
"Then it's settled. Mid-level trainers, please head back immediately. Do not remain near the West Sea; return to your respective cities," Botaya announced to the mid-level trainers.
"What a pity." Kalia felt somewhat helpless upon hearing the order, but she understood that mid-level Trainers lacked sufficient strength. Forcing their participation would only hinder the battle.
Despite her confidence in her abilities, as just one individual, Botaya wouldn't allow her to join the fight. Allowing it might lead to other Trainers demanding to stay as well.
Leaving together was inevitable. Although disappointed at missing the spectacle of two regions uniting against Kyogre, there was no choice.
"Charizard, let's go."
Kalia patted Lian gently and climbed onto his back.
Just as Lian prepared to flap his wings, several rare Pokémon flew towards them, carrying a few Trainers—clearly high-level reinforcements from the Ellie region. However, their numbers seemed surprisingly low.
Upon landing, Timon, with a grim expression, asked, "Why are there only a few of you? Where are the others?"
The leading Trainer responded, "They haven't arrived yet. An incident occurred in the Ellie region; the Dark Guild suddenly appeared and took control of Oceanview City."
What? Taken aback, Timon questioned, "Isn't the Dark Guild on its last breath? How could they have the power to seize a city?"
"The Dark Guild has resurfaced with thirty-six identical yet never-before-seen Pokemon, along with their guild master and key members. They took advantage of our vulnerability and seized control of Oceanview City," the Trainer swiftly explained.
"Dark Guild, damn it!" Timon gritted his teeth. At such a critical moment, the Dark Guild unexpectedly emerged. Returning to the Ellie region was now impossible, as Kyogre might soon invade the mainland. He needed to collaborate with the Sebas region to counteract Kyogre's threat.
Otherwise, if both regions' lands were submerged, the loss would be catastrophic. Compared to Cyan Town being flooded, losing entire continents would be unbearable.
"Timon quickly commanded, "All mid-level Trainers, swiftly return and strive to reclaim Oceanview City. High-level Trainers, remain here; do not leave." The high-level Trainers were crucial for combating Kyogre, leaving only the mid-level Trainers to handle the situation.
"Additionally, instruct all remaining high-level Trainers from the Ellie region to come to West Sea. Assign the Elite Four to deal with the Dark Guild," Timon added.
The Ellie region had its own Elite Four trainers, but only three were available due to prior commitments. With the Dark Guild occupying Oceanview City, it became imperative for the Elite Four to intervene.
"Understood."
Promptly, mid-level Trainers from the Ellie region regrouped and swiftly headed towards their destination.
"The Dark Guild resurfaced again?" Kalia held deep disdain for the Dark Guild, assuming it had been dismantled earlier. To her surprise, they reemerged so soon, even seizing control of a city within the Ellie region.
Kalia wondered how the Dark Guild managed such a feat with thirty-six identical mysterious Pokemon at their disposal.
Lian was equally puzzled that the Dark Guild hadn't disbanded and could bounce back this quickly. He suspected they must have some significant backing.
Soon, the mid-level Trainers departed one after another, leaving only high-level Trainers, four Elite Four members, and two regional Champions behind.
"Now we must focus on confronting Kyogre. This time, we need to meticulously plan our strategy. Kyogre is immensely powerful; we must give our all to prevent its invasion of the mainland," Botaya stated. The group then engaged in discussions to devise their plan.
At present, Kyogre's arrival wasn't imminent, giving them some time, albeit limited. Compared to dealing with the Dark Guild, stopping Kyogre took precedence.