At those words, Raging Bolt's mood quickly sank.
Was it… really impossible for it to go back?
Its humanlike emotions left Turo with a sour feeling. He and Sada had been fascinated by these beings since their student days; even after becoming postdocs, they devoted themselves to Project Zero with the dream of one day creating a paradise where humans and these Paradox Pokémon could coexist in harmony.
If his deduction was correct, they had reached some point in the past within just a few seconds back then. If they wanted to send Raging Bolt back to its own era, they would indeed have to explore that unknown Great Crater of Area Zero and try to develop a time machine.
Their discussion ended with Turo admitting he had no way to send Raging Bolt home for now.
Then, Professor Sada left Research Station 4 with Moru, followed by Larry and Comfey, both looking much better—energetic, with their dark circles noticeably lighter.
Sada's face was glowing; it seemed she had finished her talk with Arven and eased his worries.
The moment they left the station, Sada hurried to Raging Bolt's side, gazing excitedly at its massive body. For someone who adored ancient Pokémon like her, Raging Bolt was no less thrilling than a Diancie passing in front of a rock fanatic.
In both cases, the excitement bordered on fainting.
While Turo looked on helplessly, Sada grasped Lucas's hands and earnestly pleaded, "Half a day. Just half a day. Whether it's Raging Bolt or Roaring Moon, please let me observe them!"
"Stay at Station 4 this afternoon, and set out first thing tomorrow morning!"
Lucas, who had originally planned to leave Raging Bolt with the two professors and have them send it back via a time machine once they developed one, was at a loss.
Why are you both so certain I'm taking Raging Bolt with me?
In the end, Lucas and Larry—who wanted to use this chance to slack off openly—stayed at Research Station 4 for half a day. After a full night's rest, they prepared to leave Area Zero at dawn.
Lucas also asked Raging Bolt for its opinion—whether it wanted to stay here and wait for the two professors to find a way to send it home.
After all, the environment out on the Paldea was drastically different from Area Zero; Raging Bolt might not adapt at all.
But thoroughly spooked by Sada's borderline-fanatical stare, Raging Bolt had no desire to stay. Who knew what terrifying things she might do if it stuck around longer?
Raging Bolt would rather follow Lucas to that farm of his for a quiet, low-profile life, waiting for the professors to figure out how to send it home.
Even if the environment might be a bit uncomfortable, that was better than losing its innocence.
It had heard loud and clear: that woman was already wondering whether it could breed with a Ditto.
Besides, though it hadn't shown it, Raging Bolt's pride as a Dragon-type Pokémon was anything but lacking. It would acknowledge only the person and Pokémon who had defeated it.
When saying goodbye to Sada and Turo, Lucas declined their invitation to explore the Great Crater together. To him, a bit of adventure now and then was enough to spice up an otherwise peaceful life.
There were still many Pokémon on the farm waiting for him to come home.
Lucas exchanged a look with Larry, and the two released Dragonite and Tropius together. After confirming they had all their Pokémon with them, they lifted off toward the upper levels under the gaze of Sada, Turo, and Moru.
During the day, Pokémon like Roaring Moon rarely appeared; they seemed to prefer hunting at night. It was the perfect chance to fly straight back to the Zero Gate.
When they were nearly at the upper layer, a much-refreshed Larry suddenly asked, "Are you planning to take that Roaring Moon back?"
Lucas shook his head and looked toward a distant valley. "It's far too untamable. Even if I force it into submission through brute strength, that would only be temporary. I can't bring a ticking time bomb back."
"Let's release it in that valley."
"Alright."
Larry nodded slightly. That was a wise decision.
Paradox Pokémon as cognizant as that Raging Bolt—nearly comparable to modern Pokémon—were exceedingly rare.
Most of the aberrant Pokémon of Area Zero were, in the end, beasts that only followed instinct, or cold, emotionless machines.
To make such creatures coexist harmoniously with humans and Pokémon… should one call the ideals of Sada and Turo naïve, or simply unrealistic?
Leaving Area Zero was much smoother. After releasing Roaring Moon, Lucas and Larry made it back to the Zero Gate in one go. There, amid the League staff's concerned greetings, they spoke by phone with Geeta, who couldn't come in person.
Geeta was surprised that Lucas had temporarily captured a Paradox Pokémon possessing discernment. Fortunately, Professor Sada had already submitted a behavioral report on this Raging Bolt in advance, so Lucas wasn't stopped at the gate.
After all, Geeta could not allow a dangerous element to roam freely in Paldea.
With Geeta pushing back against objections and Lucas vouching with his status as a champion-level trainer, the other League executives finally approved the first-ever license to keep a Paradox Pokémon.
By the time the paperwork and other hassles were done, it was nearly dusk.
After a simple meal with his comrade-in-arms Larry at the Treasure Eatery, Lucas mounted his Dragonite and flew under the stars toward Los Platos Town's outskirts.
Watching the sea of lights below and the scenery streaming backward, Lucas—eager to get home—and Dragonite finally saw the outline of Los Platos Town and, in the outskirts, the farm standing quietly upon the land.
As Dragonite descended, the Pokémon who heard the commotion cried out in excitement. Lucas had been away five days. They had been waiting with bated breath.
"I'm back—ah!"
Before Lucas could finish, the farm's designated mascot—Arcanine, who hadn't changed its goofy husky nature even after evolving—charged in first and body-slammed him, pinning him down. Its long tongue sprayed slobber everywhere as it swept across Lucas's face.
That majestic, dashing exterior was just a disguise.
Eldegoss, Alcremie, Dachsbun, Nacli and the Poliwhirls—those lively Pokémon swarmed in and completely buried Lucas.
Luxray and Ceruledge approached at a measured pace. Though they remained reserved, the excitement sparkling in their eyes made it clear they were happy about Lucas's return.
"Guru~"
Oranguru sauntered over like an old man out for a stroll. Seeing Lucas nearly smothered by suffocating affection, it shook its head helplessly, waved its fan, and with powerful psychic force lifted the Pokémon pressing down on Lucas.