Pokémon Dominion: A New Earth

Chapter 7

The phenomenon caused by Ethan Walker wasn't just limited to the school grounds.

The fire element continued to pour in from the void, forming a vast sea of energy that filled the sky above the campus. Soon, the fiery aura extended beyond the playground, engulfing the entire Summerview Academy in a crimson glow.

In April, the temperature in Flintlake City typically hovered around 68°F (20°C). But since Ethan's test began, the temperature at the school had skyrocketed to over 86°F (30°C) in a matter of seconds.

The entire campus felt the shift. Teachers and students alike noticed the blazing energy saturating the air. It was as if the playground itself might erupt into flames at any moment.

"This is too much! The fire element is condensing too rapidly!" Professor Arthur Richardson exclaimed, realizing the severity of the situation. Turning to his Blastoise, he commanded, "Blastoise, use Mist!"

"Blast!"

Blastoise nodded, its twin cannons extending from its shell. With a deafening roar, it released a massive burst of cold white mist into the air, blanketing the playground in moments.

The mist was no ordinary fog. It was infused with ice energy, rapidly cooling the superheated atmosphere. The blazing fire elements, while still active, were dampened enough to prevent an open flame from erupting.

The mist also created a buffer between the surging fire elements and the surrounding environment, keeping the chaos contained to the stage.

But Professor Richardson quickly realized that even this wouldn't be enough.

Despite the cooling mist, the fire element continued to condense. The energy pouring into the school was so overwhelming that even the clouds above Flintlake City began to shift.

By 3:30 PM, the afternoon sky turned a deep crimson, as if a vast sunset stretched across the heavens.

"Why is it so hot all of a sudden?"

"Look at the sky! Why is it so red?"

"Mom, can I take off my jacket? It's so warm!"

"What's going on? It's not even sunset yet!"

The residents of Flintlake City gazed upward, baffled by the strange phenomenon. Some whispered anxiously, sensing that the crimson sky might ignite if this continued.

Meanwhile, at the Flintlake Education Bureau, Director Gregory Hayes was en route to Summerview Academy after receiving an urgent call from the school principal. Midway, he ordered his driver to stop.

Stepping out of the car, Gregory frowned as he looked toward the reddening sky.

"What in the world…?" the driver muttered, stunned by the sight.

Gregory's expression was grim. "It's the fire-type Pokémon. Something is drawing them out."

As he spoke, a Poké Ball on his belt began to shake violently. Without hesitation, Gregory released the Pokémon inside.

"Go!"

With a burst of light, a towering Arcanine appeared. The majestic canine, standing over two meters tall, growled low as it immediately lowered its head in the direction of Summerview Academy.

Despite its size and power, the Arcanine's usual fiery confidence was replaced by reverence. Its tail, normally upright and proud, drooped submissively, and its fierce eyes softened with respect.

It wasn't alone.

Across the city—on streets, in parks, and even in the surrounding forests—fire-type Pokémon were reacting to the disturbance.

Growlithe, Vulpix, Ponyta, Flareon, Houndour, Torchic, and countless other fire-types emerged from their hiding places. Some roared toward Summerview Academy, while others prostrated themselves, bowing in the direction of the overwhelming fire energy.

"Director… what's happening?" the driver asked, his voice trembling.

Gregory's eyes remained fixed on the fiery sky. "They're showing reverence. They're in awe."

He patted the Arcanine's shoulder. "Can you carry me?"

"Arrrooo!" The Arcanine barked softly, wagging its tail and lowering its body to let its trainer climb on.

"Good." Gregory climbed onto its back, abandoning his car. "Desperate times call for desperate measures. I know the city doesn't allow large Pokémon to be ridden, but this can't wait."

With a mighty roar, the Arcanine's paws began to glow blue. Kicking off the ground with incredible force, it dashed forward, leaving deep scorch marks on the asphalt. In seconds, it became a streak of fiery light, leaping over streets and buildings as it raced toward the school.

Meanwhile, back at Summerview Academy, two enormous water orbs rose into the crimson sky, shimmering with a deep blue light. They burst like fireworks, sending waves of rain clouds spreading across the city.

In moments, the sky darkened, lightning flashed, and torrential rain began to pour over Flintlake City.

"Rain Dance…" Gregory murmured as he held tightly to Arcanine. "This scale and power—it must be from the guardian protecting the Evolution Stones."

Even Gregory wasn't sure who was guarding the Evolution Stones this year. Such guardians typically avoided unnecessary interactions to maintain their focus.

The Arcanine dashed through the rain-soaked streets, covering two kilometers in just twenty seconds.

As Summerview Academy came into view, Gregory's eyes narrowed. He could see the fiery vortex at the heart of the disturbance, centered directly on the summit stage.