Chapter 120: Capture Party!
With Cryo's help, I sent Garon to his Habitat and prepared to leave Prisma to check on the Recon Squad, but Joy stopped me.
"What are your plans with them?" Joy asked, and I frowned.
"What do you mean?" I asked, turning to wrap my arms around her. It had been a while since we had gotten close, and everyone else had gone to different habitats.
"Well, you have mostly solved your problem of being stuck in one place. While you still have to deal with Tallia being the leader of the elite four, you have almost nothing tying you to this place. That means we can put more effort into exploring this world. The only thing is it will be hard with the Recon having to follow us around," Joy explained, and frowned.
"What are you suggesting?" I asked, and Joy smiled, and kissed me softly, pulling back slightly, pressing her forehead to mine.
"Since we know you can catch males as well now, I think you should catch the Recon Squad," Joy said and then kissed me again, and I laughed.
When I had caught Garon, I had done it without thinking, but it made sense. From what I understood, Prisma was going to grow. I couldn't have relationships with everyone that I needed to run the place, so it made sense that I was able to catch men as well.
"I will have to see what they think first. I don't want to force anyone into it. I already feel bad for Jolene and Tallia," I said, but Joy kissed me again.
"I wouldn't worry about that too much. The women are both beyond happy. They are waiting for you to have some free so you can show them their habitats," Joy said and pulled back from me.
I smiled and nodded. "That sounds like a very good plan to me. I will go talk to the squad and finish the day off with the women. Something tells me that I am going to have to deal with the repercussions of my encounter tomorrow."
"Very likely, but why have proof that you were defending this world, so I don't think they will give you much trouble. Probably the opposite," Joy smiled, and let go of me. "Go see Soliera and the others now."
Joy left me, heading back to her PokeCenter house, and I watched her leave with a smile. As I did, Cryo appeared beside me.
"A lot has happened today. I am impressed that you were able to come to terms with the system so fast. I was worried, but you must have shown enough resolve to make Primordial back down," Cryo explained, and I laughed, closing my eyes, and then opening them in the crater Garon and I had made.
I turned to Cryo and smiled. "It was a close call. I did tell him I would do everything I could to get stronger, but it was mostly because he couldn't get off this world. If anything, it was luck."
Cryo chuckled. "Well, sometimes luck plays a crucial role in battles. But don't sell yourself short, Landon. Your determination and willpower were the key factors in gaining control. Now, let's check on the Recon Squad and discuss the plan for the future."
Cryo disappeared, and I looked up at the dirt wall that rose up fifty feet in the air. There was no way I was going to walk up that, so I activated my Ground Skin. My body was covered in dirt, and I surged forward up the crater.
Once I got to the top, I spotted the Ultra Recon Squad. I found them gathered in a makeshift camp nearby, assessing their injuries and discussing the events that had transpired. Soliera, Dulse, and Zossie looked up as I approached deactivating my Ground Skin, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Landon, are you okay? What happened back there?" Soliera asked, her eyes searching for any signs of distress.
Soliera stepped forward, her determination evident. "I've made my decision. I want to stay and help. What about the two of you?"
Dulse and Zossie exchanged glances before nodding in agreement. "We're in," Dulse said.
"Count us as part of your team," Zossie added with a determined expression.
I grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie growing. "Welcome to the team, Recon Squad. Let's work together to make Prisma even more amazing."
With their decision made, we discussed the logistics of the capture process. I handed each member a Paradise Ball, explaining its function and ensuring they understood the choice they were making. As the Recon Squad prepared for their transition to Prisma, I couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment and optimism for the future.
The day had been filled with challenges, but it also marked a turning point. The Recon Squad, once strangers from another world, were now becoming an integral part of Prisma.
"Once I capture you, we are in this for the long haul, but there is a possibility that I will be able to release you in the future. We are a long way from this being over, so it might be a long time before I can release you, but I will try my best," I explained, and each of them handed me their balls.
I took them back, and one at a time, I tossed them. Each of the Ultra Recon Team turned to energy and was sucked inside the Poke balls. All of them shook once and stopped. One was bright pink, Soleira, very light pink for Zossie, and last was a royal blue for Dulse.
"You have done well," Cryo said as he floated in front of me, and I sighed.
"Yeah, but only by chance. I can't let that happen again. I am going to start taking things a lot more seriously. I need to get myself to the point where nothing can stop me. I don't want the power to control, or maybe I do, but what I want to control is peace. I want a future where I don't need to worry about Endbringers or Necrozma," I said as I looked out at the crater.
"You have a long road ahead of you, but you have come a long way. I never would have thought you would have to fight a foe that was so strong so early, but here we are. I believe that Ultramex made the right choice with you. Now that you understand the true purpose of Prisma, and the requirements of the Penultimate Primordial System, I think we are ready for the next chapter in your journey," Cryo said, and I nodded.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow across the landscape, I couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead were daunting, but the bonds forged with the Ultra Recon Squad and the evolving understanding of the Penultimate Primordial System gave me the strength to face them.
As I stood there, contemplating the future, I felt a gentle presence beside me. Joy had appeared from her Paradise Ball, her eyes reflecting a mix of pride and affection. Without a word, she took my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine.
"You did amazing, Landon. I know the road ahead is uncertain, but you're not alone. We're all here to support you," Joy said, her voice a comforting melody.
I smiled, appreciating the reassurance. "Thank you, Joy. I couldn't have done it without you and the others. And now, with the Recon Squad joining us, I feel like we're building something truly special here."
Joy leaned in, placing a soft kiss on my cheek. "Prisma is lucky to have you as its Guardian. Let's face the future together, one step at a time."
With the Recon Squad captured and the promise of a new chapter ahead, I took a deep breath, ready to embrace the challenges and adventures that awaited. As the night settled in, we made our way back to Prisma.
Little did I know that the journey was far from over, and the mysteries of Prisma and the Penultimate Primordial System were yet to unfold. But with newfound allies and a determined spirit, I was ready to continue the fight for control, not only over power but over a future filled with peace and harmony.
End of Volume 1