Then the video slowed back to normal speed as people showed up, but right as the first person picked up the first rock, Phyco swore and then paused the video. The boy's hand was ten feet from where he had been crushed and almost free from the tons of stone that should have destroyed his body.
"That's impossible," Phyco said, disbelief evident in his voice. "How did this child survive?"
Soliera shook her head, equally as baffled by the video. "I don't know. There was no sign of him afterward when we scanned the area, but there was a grove in the ground. It almost looks like he... dug with his bare hands," she said, sounding just as confused as Phyco felt.
The captain leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. After a few moments, he spoke again, his tone contemplative. "This is not just a coincidence. This boy possesses a power beyond our understanding, and I think it is more than just about this strange new Cosmog. The question is, who is he working for?"
Soliera nodded, eager to figure out the answer. "We need to find out. Perhaps if we search further into Ultra Space, we can uncover more information."
Phyco nodded, then glanced at Soliera. "You're right. We should put together a team to investigate. In the meantime, I'll contact Professor Kukui to see what else we can learn about this anomaly since he should be the same age as this boy and from Melemele island as well."
"I would like permission to go on this mission with Dulse and Zossie. This is too great of a chance to learn about something that not even we know about, but there is one more thing that is quite disturbing," Soliera explained, and Phyco looked up with a frown.
"What now? As if this already isn't strange enough, now you are telling me there is more?" He asked, shaking his head in wonder.
"On top of catching other pokemon that receive a more human form, he seems to be able to use the Psybeam attack himself, and he is able to catch humans in his Poke Balls. As far as we know, he had already captured two human women, but they seem to be safe from our most recent surveillance," Soliera explained, and the color drained from his face, and she knew how he felt.
"You're kidding me, right? You and I know that isn't possible, right?" Phyco asked, but she shook her head and then pushed a few buttons on his desk to bring up the recon drone feed footage of a Nurse Joy and Lusamine from the Aether facility, both turning into energy and then returning to human form.
"I wish that I was kidding. Even if this child is safe and doesn't plan on using it, we have to assume that the Endbringers are going to know about this. It is only a matter of time before they go for him, but what I can't figure out is why they haven't already. There are too many unanswered questions right now, so I think that I need to be on the ground with the other two. I may even try to see if I can get myself caught," Soliera explained, and Phyco flinched.
"Have you lost your mind?!" Captain Phyco demanded, but Soliera shook her head.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of chance to learn how this works. Think about it, Phyco. How many different Timelines do we monitor? When have we ever seen this phenomenon?" She explained, giving it her all, and putting her hands on the desk as she leaned into Phyco. "I request that I be let go as your partner and most likely the Recon Squad. I will be transferred over into R&D and see what I can learn from doing this."
"Are you insane?!" Captain Phyco replied incredulously. "We don't even know what this anomaly can do, and you want to volunteer for a mission that could end in your destruction? Have you lost your mind?"
Soliera shook her head, her golden eyes burning with determination. "This isn't just about me. It's an opportunity to learn more about something that nobody has ever seen before! Think of how much we could advance our understanding of Ultra Space and its abilities if we knew more about how our energy works in relation to Pokémon!" she argued passionately.
Phyco sighed, sensing the finality of Soliera's words. "You have always been a risk taker, but I'm not sure if this is a wise decision," he said slowly.
"I am aware of the risks involved, but I am also aware of the potential rewards," Soliera replied firmly. She stared directly into her captain's eyes as she spoke, her confidence unshakable.
Captain Phyco shook his head in disbelief. "Soliera, I don't want to see you get hurt," he said with a hint of concern in his voice.
"I understand, but sometimes risks must be taken in order to make progress and gain knowledge," Soliera replied curtly. She was determined to go through with this mission and prove her worth.
Phyco sighed heavily. He knew that she had made up her mind, and there was no way of talking her out of it. "Fine," he said reluctantly. "But if anything happens to you out there, I will have your hide." He fixed her with a stern look to emphasize his point.
Soliera returned his gaze without breaking eye contact. "Understood. But I promise you, I won't let you down," she said confidently and then left the office, leaving Captain Phyco.
Captain Phyco watched Soliera leave the room, his gaze lingering on her for a few moments. He could see the determination in her eyes and knew that she was willing to take risks in order to fulfill her mission. He also knew that her chances of success were slim, yet he couldn't help but be proud of her gumption.
"Be careful out there," he finally said, not breaking his gaze from hers. "You might think you're invincible, but this mission can still end badly."
Soliera nodded slowly. "I know the risks. But I also know that this is too important to let go," She replied, her voice strong and unwavering. "We need to find out what's going on with this anomaly and the Endbringers, and I'm willing to take the risk to do it."
"That's brave of you," Captain Phyco commented, a hint of admiration in his voice. He was still concerned about her safety, but he also understood her dedication and determination.
"It's necessary," Soliera said simply before turning to leave. As she stepped out of the office, she paused and glanced back at him. "Don't worry. I won't let you down." With that, she departed, leaving Captain Phyco alone with his thoughts.