"I suspect their primary objectives are still the Red Orb (Omega) and the Blue Orb (Alpha)," Phoebe said, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Those gems are the only true keys to controlling Groudon and Kyogre."
"We must keep a close watch on Team Magma and Team Aqua," Drake added after a moment of silence. "Despite being underground organizations, they hold significant public favor in certain sectors. Unless they cross a major line, the League cannot simply move to dismantle them without causing a public relations disaster."
Drake had his own reservations. Both organizations were heavily funded by the Greater Mauville Holdings, a conglomerate that controlled nearly a third of Hoenn's economy. Moving against Magma or Aqua could trigger an economic backlash that the League wasn't ready to handle. Since becoming an Elite Four member, Drake had realized that his title was as much a shackle as it was a position of power.
"For now, we observe from the shadows," Drake concluded. "As for Team Magma's massive search operation at Mt. Chimney, I will personally infiltrate the area to investigate."
The New Meteor City
Meanwhile, in the northwest of Rustboro City lies Meteor City, the new settlement for the People of the Meteors. This land was acquired through a strategic trade with the Devon Corporation. The city was a blend of modern architecture and ancient culture, decorated with magnificent dragon statues. It had quickly become a premier tourist destination in Hoenn.
Feng Che was currently in the office of Zinnia (汐), the Lorekeeper of the People of the Meteors.
"Feng Che, thanks to your initial suggestions, Meteor City is thriving," Zinnia said with a warm smile. "The influx of tourists has made our people prosperous. We've finally established a formal education system and opened several specialized training schools."
"However," her smile faded, replaced by a sigh. "We've hit a major roadblock. The Greater Mauville Holdings has started targeting us. They've blockaded the main roads between Mauville and Rustboro, meaning our supply trucks can't pass through the Verdanturf Tunnel. If we ship supplies from Slateport instead, the logistics costs are higher than the value of the goods themselves."
The People of the Meteors were being squeezed by the same economic titan that funded the villainous teams.
"My people are furious," Zinnia continued. "They want to march on Mauville and demand an explanation. I've held them back for now. Mauville is the bank for Magma and Aqua; if we start a war with them, we'll be crushed between two stones."
"Have you considered deep-sea trade?" Feng Che suggested. "I've surveyed the coastline near Meteor City. It's a perfect, undeveloped natural deep-water port. If you build a wharf, Meteor City could become the largest free port in Hoenn. You could bypass the blockades entirely, collect customs duties, and revitalize your economy in one move."
Zinnia's eyes lit up. "I've thought of it, but we lack trade partners in other regions. I'm worried our rare ores would just sit in warehouses with no one to buy them."
"The Champion of Johto, Lance, is a close friend of mine," Feng Che said calmly. "The heir to the Sasaki fortune in Kanto is my apprentice. And my mother is from the Yuan (Garden) family—the most powerful clan in Sinnoh. I can grease the wheels for a multi-region trade agreement. Especially the Garden family; they are the largest suppliers of berries and medicinal herbs in the world. Everything you need to raise Dragon-types, they can provide."
Zinnia was visibly moved. "Thank you, Feng Che. I will discuss this with the elders. We already have ties with the Dragon Clan in Johto; I'll verify the Garden family's reputation through them. If we can open these markets, we can break Mauville's chokehold."
"Don't mention it," Feng Che replied. "Once you're ready, I can even provide a massive capital injection to fund the port's construction. But I have one condition: when I need an 'external intervention' force, I expect the elite of the People of the Meteors to answer my call."
"Deal," Zinnia said without hesitation. "Within our power, the People of the Meteors are at your service."
"One more thing," Feng Che added. "To truly put Meteor City on the map, you should establish a Gym. Hoenn currently lacks a Dragon-type Gym. It would be a permanent draw for powerful trainers and high-spending tourists."
Zinnia nodded thoughtfully. "A Gym... it's a brilliant idea. But our people have been isolated in Meteor Falls for millennia. We know very little about League regulations and management."
"I can handle the paperwork and the planning," Feng Che explained. "You have the talent and the Pokémon. The rest is just administration."
The Missing Dragon
"Feng Che, you've become a savior to my people," Zinnia said, her tone turning serious. "But what brings you to Hoenn so suddenly? Is there something urgent?"
"Team Magma's activity at Mt. Chimney is the tip of the iceberg," Feng Che said, his expression darkening. "Groudon and Kyogre are on the verge of waking. When they do, they will turn Hoenn into a battlefield of drought and flood. Zinnia... can you still contact Rayquaza?"
In the original timeline, Zinnia had perished during the attempt to capture Rayquaza. Because of Feng Che's interference, she had survived. If she could summon the Sky High Pokémon, the impending cataclysm could be averted.
Zinnia's brow creased as she shook her head slowly. "I... I can no longer sense Lord Rayquaza's presence at all."