"Let's go."
Damian glances once more at the dark, colossal figure barely visible behind the waterfall and speaks a word to Kyogre.
This is definitely Shadow Lugia, there's no doubt about it.
Damian is almost certain that the normal Lugia somehow "reversed" into Shadow Lugia, though the reason remains a mystery.
But without question, this Shadow Lugia's strength is immense!
Even the mere, creeping Dark Aura is terrifying, revealing how formidable its battle power must be.
As Lugia's mother described, a hundred years ago this Lugia was in the midst of a slow transformation; even then its Dark Aura was stronger than Yveltal and could rival Hoopa Unbound.
Now Shadow Lugia's strength is at least at the top-tier legendary level.
Kyogre and Lugia's mother leave the grand waterfall space; the aura that seemed almost alive recedes behind the waterfall.
The pair of blood-red eyes slowly close, and the area returns to silence, save for the rushing water.
Back on the water's surface.
"The situation seems even more serious than we imagined. Lugia, do you have other Lugia in your clan?"
Damian looks out over the endless water and asks Lugia's mother.
Lugia is a clan creature, that much is clear, but Damian doesn't know exactly how many Lugia there are in the clan.
And for now, Shadow Lugia's condition is clearly bad.
From the scene just now, Shadow Lugia's self-consciousness may be nearing total loss.
"We're a small clan; if you humans call places by names, our chief is currently in the sea area near the Orange Archipelago."
Lugia's mother replies to Damian.
Is the Lugia in the movie, the one known as the guardian of the seas?
Damian thinks for a moment; if that's the case, then the Lugia clan would total only four members, counting Little Lugia.
But yes, although Lugia's combat power isn't on par with the top legends, it's still one of the world's most beloved creatures.
The population certainly can't be too large.
And compared to Rayquaza line, there are far more Lugia in existence; Rayquaza only has three, though strictly speaking Rayquaza is the more absurd case.
"Have you told your chief about this? Have you explained your mate situation to them?"
"No… I don't know how to explain to the chief."
Lugia's mother hesitates, unsure how to phrase it; even she isn't sure what exactly happened to Lugia.
"I think you should talk to your clan chief, and it would be best to have them come over to see it; perhaps your chief knows what Lugia is going through."
"Also, you should reinforce the seal on Lugia."
Damian is a bit speechless; such a serious situation, and Lugia's mother didn't report to the chief?
If the chief is as experienced as they say, perhaps they know more about Shadow Lugia's condition.
"Got it."
Lugia's mother nods obediently.
"Also, you should keep an eye on that seal; if that Lugia completely loses its reason and assaults the seal, contact me immediately."
Damian considers aloud to Lugia's mother.
Shadow Lugia's situation is dire. Damian seriously suspects Shadow Lugia won't stay quiet for long; its Dark Aura is just too exaggerated.
If its mind is completely engulfed by darkness, Shadow Lugia will break the seal and enter the real world.
Then the entire Kanto Region would be in danger; with Shadow Lugia's strength, only the old monster would act, otherwise no one could stop Shadow Lugia.
"I know that too; I've been wondering whether to contact Mew and Ho-Oh."
Lugia's mother obviously has thought about it too.
"But honestly, I don't have much confidence."
"Then also contact me; I'll come to help you."
Damian nods. Whether Mew and Ho-Oh can stop Shadow Lugia is something he remains skeptical about.
Ho-Oh isn't good at offense, and Mew's strength is a mystery; what's known is that Mew's power is at least greater than Mewtwo's, if not on par with Lugia and Ho-Oh.
But even in the movie, Mewtwo was awakened only recently; beating Mewtwo isn't a particularly impressive feat.
As for Shadow Lugia's baseline strength, it's top-tier legendary, and with that thick malice, its type would have turned Dark as well.
"Perfect! Thank you, Damian."
Lugia's mother expresses genuine gratitude; even though this human's personality isn't always pure, she's begun to like him for his willingness to help.
Because Kyogre's strength is formidable, having its mate under control would be a strong safeguard.
But in truth…
"Damian… if you end up needing to fight, I'd suggest you bring that Little Rayquaza to summon its dad."
Kyogre's Telepathy quietly reaches Damian's mind.
"Why, running out of confidence? Do you doubt me?"
Damian smiles.
Honestly, he hadn't expected Kyogre to suggest bringing in Shiny Rayquaza to "save the situation."
"How could it be? I've beaten Rayquaza's Kyogre!"
Kyogre boasts a bit.
No lack of confidence! With his team, they're basically unbeatable.
"But I don't know how to describe it; that Lugia is too creepy; the malice on its body is enough to make me shudder. If it loses control, this land could be doomed before long."
Kyogre's Telepathy is grave.
Beyond facing Rayquaza and non-flying, Kyogre remains mostly reasonable.
This land is Damian's birthplace, after all; Kyogre cares about it.
"I've previously been summoned by Hoopa; Hoopa's strength is incredibly strong, but I feel this Lugia's malice might be even stronger than Hoopa Unbound."
A hundred years ago, Kyogre was pulled into a conflict by Hoopa Unbound using space rings; Kyogre has firsthand experience of Hoopa Unbound's power, though it was briefly.
Hoopa Unbound's power is top-tier legendary, and its space rings are nearly like bugs in battle.
But purely judging by that terrifying Dark Aura, this Lugia could be even heavier than Hoopa Unbound—absurd.
"Understood." Damian ponders.
Back on Ogi Isle, they find Little Lugia frolicking behind a mechanical duck, Caitlin smiling at the sight.
Karen and Will gaze at the small, slender silver feather, uncertain whether it will suffice.
Miki and Zuki are on a video call; the other end probably their sister.
"Damian, you're back."
Caitlin steps forward with a small smile.
"Well, the situation is a bit complicated; we'll talk later."
Damian looks at Lugia's mother.
"Lugia, there's one more thing."
Damian calls Miki's sisters over to introduce them to Lugia.
Lugia's mother tilts her head.
"Are these two from Ecruteak City? Their ancestors served as shrine maidens for Lugia and Ho-Oh hundreds of years ago."
Lugia's mother's realization hits; she recognizes Miki and Zuki as the descendants of the shrine maidens who once served at Brass Tower.
One hundred and five ten-year-olds ago, Lugia had grown disillusioned with the people of Ecruteak City, which is why it returned to the Whirl Islands.
Now seeing the descendants of the shrine maidens who once served Lugia, Lugia's mother's feelings are mixed.
"Lord Lugia, greetings."
Miki and Zuki bow to Lugia's mother.
"For Brass Tower's matters we wish to apologize; we hope you'll forgive us."
Miki's eyes glisten with tears; she bows again to Lugia's mother, speaking with deep sincerity.
"We have retained the ruins of Brass Tower as a reminder to reflect on our actions and to earn the forgiveness of you and Lord Ho-Oh."
Seeing Miki's earnestness, Lugia's mother sighs deeply.
"Ah…"
It's exactly the disappointment that comes from hope; Lugia and Ho-Oh have long wished for a quiet, trusted relationship with humans.
Yet in Ecruteak City and the Whirl Islands, humans repeatedly disappoint Lugia.
Nevertheless, when humans are in danger at sea, Lugia never stands by; it always lends aid.
This is such a kind, gentle Pokémon.
"I have never blamed you; I've always believed in you."
Lugia's mother's gentle Telepathy reaches Miki.
"Only in that moment… perhaps the timing wasn't right."
Recalling that night, Lugia's mother sighs once more.
"Rise now; if you truly intend this, keep striving. The future of Pokémon and humans must be created by humans themselves."
Lugia's mother gently lifts Miki and Zuki with her psychic power; her words are softly moving, bringing tears to the two kimono-clad girls.
In that moment, Miki's heart is deeply touched.
"One hundred years have passed; your clan has finally heard Lugia's words."
Miki holds back tears, making a promise to Lugia's mother.
"Lord Lugia, please believe us; we will always carry on your will and legacy."
Lugia's mother says nothing, merely nods with relief.
Damian watches the reconciliation of Miki, Zuki, and Lugia's mother; he is quietly touched too.
In any case, this world is blessed to have Pokémon like this.
For Pokémon, Damian has always treated them with kindness; that is one of his bottom lines.
"Damian."
"I'm here. What is it, Lugia?"
Damian looks toward Lugia's mother; at this moment, Lugia's eyes seem to struggle and hesitate.
"I… I…," Lugia's mother lowers its head, watching Little Lugia chasing the mechanical duck; then thinking of Shadow Lugia, it steels itself.
"Could you please take care of this child for a while?"
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