Entering story mode for the fourth time, John didn't bother with the Master Ball. No point wasting more time on futile attempts.
He flew straight to the entrance of the Sootopolis City Gym where Steven, Wallace, and Sootopolis Gym Leader Juan were intently watching the battle between Kyogre and Groudon.
John landed outside the gym. Steven acknowledged him with a nod, not bothering with pleasantries given the dire situation.
"This can't continue," Steven said gravely. "The battle between Groudon and Kyogre will spread to the entire continent sooner or later!"
"To be precise, it already has," Wallace added, his expression grim. "Tsunamis have hit coastal cities like Lilycove, Slateport, and Rustboro. There are countless victims, even casualties."
"The non-stop downpours have turned low-lying areas like Fortree Town into lakes."
"Mt. Chimney has begun an unnatural eruption. Everyone in Lavaridge Town and the Fiery Path had to evacuate."
"Though Gym Leaders across the region have mobilized, it's merely a drop in the bucket." Wallace held up his PokeNav, having just concluded an emergency meeting with Hoenn's Gym Leaders.
"We need to address the root cause," Steven said, eyes fixed on the battling legendary Pokemon.
Wallace nodded. "Norman from Petalburg Gym uncovered an ancient document. It states that when confronted with the earth king and sea god's conflict, the Draconid Tribe would make ten meteorite wishes at Meteor Falls to summon the Sky Lord to end their strife."
"The Sky Lord? Rayquaza?" Steven responded instantly.
"Yes, Rayquaz, another ancient Pokemon with the power to stop them."
"What about the Draconid Tribe?"
"Unknown. Nobody has heard from them in centuries."
"Then we'll have to handle this ourselves."
"We should contact the Mossdeep Space Center and have them locate Rayquaza's current position," Steven suggested. Rayquaza was known to frequent the ozone layer, soaring high above the clouds. The Space Center's technology would be their best bet.
Wallace shook his head. "We've already pinpointed Rayquaza's location. It's currently sleeping atop the Sky Pillar."
"Sky Pillar? Where is that?"
"Route 131."
Steven nodded, about to stand and head for the Sky Pillar when a massive wave surged toward his face.
In an instant, a gleaming silver Metagross materialized before him. The Steel Pokemon unleashed a powerful Meteor Mash that blasted the incoming wave to mist!
"They're getting closer to the city!" Steven gritted his teeth. "We need to hold them off, at least until we can evacuate Sootopolis."
Suddenly, Steven's gaze fell on John.
"John, please go to Sky Pillar and awaken Rayquaza!"
"Leave it to me," John agreed without hesitation. This was clearly the main quest line.
"Good! As for us..." Steven locked eyes with Wallace. "Let's go!"
As he spoke, he pulled out his Mega Brooch. His Metagross immediately transformed into Mega Metagross, its cross-shaped body expanding with new limbs and power.
Leaping onto Mega Metagross's back, Steven charged toward Kyogre.
"Though I don't know you well, if Steven trusts you this much, then I entrust the task of awakening Rayquaza to you as well," Wallace said to John before turning to Juan. "Master, please lead the people of Sootopolis to safety. We face the ancient Pokemon Groudon and Kyogre. I don't know how long we can hold them off."
Juan, besides being Sootopolis Gym Leader, was also Wallace's mentor.
"I will evacuate everyone as quickly as possible," Juan promised solemnly.
"Good." Wallace nodded, tossing a Pokeball. His massive Wailord appeared, and he climbed aboard, directing it toward Groudon.
Hoenn's two champions were about to confront the legendary Pokemon!
Juan bowed respectfully to John. "I'm counting on you, John!"
Having previously challenged the Sootopolis Gym, John had established a relationship with Juan.
John released his Pokemon and once again mounted his Totem Salamence, soaring into the distance.
Wallace had mentioned that Sky Pillar was on Route 131, southwest of Sootopolis City.
As soon as John left Sootopolis Island's airspace, story mode automatically terminated.
He found himself back home, his character on the handheld now positioned on Route 126's waterway.
"This works better," John muttered, realizing he could navigate faster in the regular game mode.
He selected Fly to travel to Pacifidlog Town, a place he'd passed while journeying to the Johto region on the S.S. Tidal. He'd habitually healed at that Pokemon Center, which had established it as a Fly location.
"Didn't think that would come in handy now!"
From Pacifidlog Town, John headed east to Route 131, then north. Using Dive to bypass some underwater rocks, he surfaced and finally arrived at Sky Pillar.
The structure was an enormous stone column reaching straight into the clouds—more tower than pillar.
Entering Sky Pillar immediately switched the game back to story mode.
John couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of his experience at Mirage Tower.
The first floor of Sky Pillar was desolate, scattered with rocks and debris. The ceiling was perforated with holes of various sizes, all seemingly created by falling stones. At the far end, a faint staircase led to the upper floors.
Undoubtedly, numerous wild Pokemon made their home here.
John recalled catching a Bronzong here during his first playthrough of the game.
"I thought this might be a dungeon," he muttered, reaching for a Pokeball.
Gardevoir appeared in a flash of light.
"Gardevoir, scan the tower. We'll Teleport forward!" John instructed.
If entering Sky Pillar hadn't switched the game to story mode, John had planned to simply fly to the top without bothering with the interior. But since they were going through the tower, they might as well take the fastest route!
Gardevoir clasped her hands in front of her chest, releasing waves of Psychic that spread upward through the structure.
Meanwhile, John pulled out his treasure detector. As Rayquaza's nest, Sky Pillar might hold valuable items.
The moment he activated the detector, it immediately pointed firmly toward the entrance!
John froze. "At the door...? There's a legendary Pokemon item right at the entrance?"