Time ticked by, minute by minute.
Ash + Ho-Oh = Ho-Oh: The Immortal Divine Bird.
The two of them were having quite a lot of fun.
Their attitude wasn't even that of a serious battle, but rather a kind of playful romp.
It was like playing a video game. After all, they couldn't die.
But the other side wasn't feeling the same way.
The intense high-speed pursuit lasted for nearly three minutes.
Giovanni and Beedrill were fast approaching their time limit.
Yet, up until now, they still hadn't managed to deal any decisive damage to Ho-Oh in this state.
Three minutes might not be considered long for an ordinary battle.
But for Mega Beedrill, who had pushed its speed and power to the absolute limit, every single second was an immense drain.
The high-frequency vibrating Bug-type energy on the surface of its body began to show unstable fluctuations, and the light in its compound eyes dimmed slightly.
The burden brought by Mega Evolution, along with the exhaustion of maintaining extreme speed under this high-intensity suppression, was rapidly draining its stamina.
After Giovanni lost his Viridian Power, his Beedrill was no longer capable of prolonged extreme combat.
The profound secret of the Bug-type was [Frequency].
And Beedrill's[Overclocking] would constantly cause an accumulation of micro-injuries to itself every moment.
On the mountain peak.
Giovanni's brows furrowed even tighter. He could clearly sense that Beedrill's condition was declining.
"Time is almost up..." he muttered softly, a flash of determination in his eyes. "We can't keep getting tangled up here."
"Beedrill, prepare to retreat."
"But before we leave... let's leave them with a profound 'farewell'."
Giovanni knew very well that he had lost this fight.
Although losing to Ho-Oh seemed quite normal—after all, it was an unkillable opponent.
...If the fight dragged on, it was inherently a guaranteed loss.
But in Giovanni's original expectations, he would give Ho-Oh a severe beating before casually making a stylish exit.
He hadn't expected that facing Ho-Oh + Ash, the result would be his inability to defeat them, forcing him to take the initiative to retreat.
Giovanni felt somewhat melancholy right now.
And behind Giovanni.
"...Do you want me to step in?" Armored Mewtwo was somewhat eager to try.
"This is my battle," Giovanni outright refused.
"Humans and their stubborn pride," Mewtwo directly mocked.
Mewtwo and Giovanni had an agreement.
At least for now, they were still in their honeymoon phase.
However, during the process of watching this battle, Mewtwo's attention had been drawn to Ash—an interesting human.
While the two conversed.
Giovanni's will was transmitted to Beedrill.
On the battlefield.
Mega Beedrill, which had been continuously suppressed and beaten back, suddenly flashed a look of sheer ruthlessness in its compound eyes.
It no longer attempted to dodge all the attacks; instead, it poured all the Bug-type energy surrounding its body, along with the entirety of the power brought by Mega Evolution, completely into the ultimate Poison Sting on its tail.
That stinger instantly expanded and elongated, the surrounding space warping slightly due to this extreme power!
Bzzzzt—!!!
Mega Beedrill let out a sharp shriek that tore through the firmament, its body transforming into a streak of yellow light that surpassed all its previous speed records.
This was the final strike.
No more detours, no more evasion—just a straight, indomitable super dash.
Or rather, it had now lost the ability to change directions.
It traded agility for the absolute highest speed.
It forcefully smashed through hundreds of Aura Eyes along its path.
With an aura akin to mutual destruction, it thrust straight toward the forehead of the Immortal Divine Bird—which was exactly the core area where Ash's consciousness resided!
The speed of this strike was so fast that even thought could barely react.
Ash only felt a bone-chilling killing intent descend upon him instantly. The warning transmitted from the Aura Domain was so sharp it pierced his very soul.
He didn't even have time to issue any commands to dodge or defend; he could only rely on instinct, gathering all his Aura and the divine power Ho-Oh instantly mobilized to form a shield in front of him.
"Ommm—"
Time seemed to stretch infinitely in this moment.
That yellow death ray smashed through everything like snapping bamboo.
Only...
It seemed to have missed slightly?
Mega Beedrill's target was not Ash.
Mega Beedrill's attack path went right past Ash's side.
In that split second as it brushed past.
Time seemed to almost stand still.
Mega Beedrill's figure clearly manifested in Ash's perception.
That stinger, condensed with all of its power, was mere inches away from its target. The sharp aura even caused microscopic cracks to appear on the golden armor covering Ho-Oh's forehead.
The next moment, Giovanni's cold voice echoed directly in Ash and Ho-Oh's hearts through Beedrill:
"You've done very well..."
"I will wait for you in Viridian City."
"...There are some things that perhaps I can only say to you."
Giovanni's voice gradually shifted from ice-cold to warm.
Hidden within it was an immeasurable melancholy.
—If the me of the past had passed the trial of the Rainbow Hero, what would it have been like?
Unfortunately... there are no ifs.
—I will not regret it.
—I won't be you, and you won't be me.
Giovanni's thoughts were known only to Giovanni himself.
Oh, and this Beedrill whose heart was connected with Giovanni's.
The moment his words fell, Mega Beedrill's figure had already broken away from the battlefield, turning into an imperceptible speck on the horizon before completely vanishing from sight.
It left behind only the unsettled turbulent energy flows echoing in the air.
Mega Beedrill's departure speed was so fast that even the Aura Eyes scattered across the sky couldn't mount an effective response.
...It had used its attack move to run away.
But this was indeed the reality.
Even if that attack move landed on Ho-Oh, it would have been useless. Since that was the case, it was better to run.
Simply stacking attack intensity would struggle to cause any effective impact on Ho-Oh.
The injury caused by decapitating Ho-Oh was exactly the same as blowing it to smithereens.
An unkillable opponent was just that troublesome.
Whether Ho-Oh was actually strong or weak was a question that was truly hard to measure.
If one truly fought it... without the appropriate skills, one could only feel despair.
Because it couldn't be killed, it could only be sealed.
Without sealing methods, winning was impossible.
It was an inherently unwinnable battle.
The result of the battle was already predetermined before it even began.
The only difference lay in what kind of varying process would lead to this identical outcome.
"They're gone." Ash let out a sigh of relief.
—However...
—Wait for me in Viridian City?
—Then I'll just drag Ho-Oh along when the time comes!
Ash didn't have a trump card before.
Since he had one now.
Why not use it?
Even if Ho-Oh couldn't act as his bodyguard every single day, he could still pull it over as a backup assist when needed~~
Subsequently, his taut nerves suddenly relaxed, and an immense wave of exhaustion washed over him like a tide.
His fused state with Ho-Oh also began to destabilize.
The golden armor slowly dissipated, and the vast divine power receded back into Ho-Oh's body like an ebbing tide.
"Screech..." Ho-Oh also let out a low cry, feeling somewhat unfulfilled.
It felt that maintaining this state was very comfortable; it was just a pity that Ash seemed unable to hold on any longer.
Furthermore, Ho-Oh could sense that Beedrill wasn't entirely powerless to continue fighting, but rather its body was already approaching its absolute limit.
Giovanni's choice was to protect his partner.
As the golden light slowly separated, Ash and his Pokémon were released once more.
Although exhausted, the light of excitement gleamed in everyone's eyes.
That battle fighting alongside a legend just now was an unforgettable experience they would cherish for a lifetime.
Ash gazed in the direction where Mega Beedrill had vanished, recalling Giovanni's final words, and his fists clenched unconsciously.
Right at this moment.
An indescribable throbbing sensation rippled like water waves through the Aura bonds connecting him and his Pokémon.
It wasn't a crisis, but rather the precursor to a metamorphosis.
He subconsciously lowered his head, looking at the partners beside him.
The first to undergo a sudden change was Pidgeotto.
"Pidgeo—!!!"
Pidgeotto, who had been quietly standing on Gyarados's broad back preening its slightly ruffled feathers, suddenly threw its head back and let out a loud cry.
Its body was completely enveloped by a pure white light, a light that was blindingly intense.
[Pidgeotto's Level has increased to LV36!]
[Pidgeotto's attribute values have broken through the critical point!]
[Pidgeotto meets the evolution conditions!]
[Pidgeotto has evolved into Pidgeot!]
A row of messages floated into Ash's field of vision.
Joy blossomed in his heart as his gaze locked firmly onto that sphere of evolution light.
Within the light.
Pidgeotto's figure rapidly elongated and expanded.
Its already thick and broad wings became even more gigantic, reaching a wingspan of nearly five meters.
The height of its head became taller than Ash.
The feathers on the edges flashed with a cold glint like sharp blades.
When the light scattered.
A majestic Pidgeot with an imposing posture and sharp gaze had appeared.
It lightly flapped its wings, and the ensuing air currents caused the garbage dump below to tremble slightly.
"So handsome! Pidgeot!" Ash couldn't help but cheer out loud, pumping his fist forcefully.
"Mai mai!" Misdreavus was also highly amazed.
Misdreavus: It's decided! Next time, I'll find a really good moment to evolve!
Misdreavus: And then I'll take a beautiful picture of myself.
Misdreavus: It definitely has to be more memorable, and feature only me!
Misdreavus: Although today is also very spectacular, it's a pity I got beaten to the punch.
Pidgeot lowered its head and affectionately rubbed its beak against Ash's cheek, its eyes brimming with a trust and strength far greater than before.
And as if echoing Pidgeot's evolution—
"Roar—!!!"
Another even more berserk roar, overflowing with raw power, explosively blasted out from the side!
It was Charmeleon!
Its entire body erupted with a crimson-red light that was even more scorching and blinding than Pidgeotto's evolution.
That light wasn't purely the light of evolution; it was mixed with the rushing power of the flames within its body, as if a miniature sun had been ignited under the night sky.
[Charmeleon's Level has increased to LV36!]
[Charmeleon's attribute values have broken through the critical point!]
[Charmeleon meets the evolution conditions!]
[Charmeleon has evolved into Charizard!]
The crimson cocoon of light violently expanded and warped.
A pair of broad wings covered in tough membranes violently burst through the cocoon of light and spread wide.
At the top of the cocoon of light, the silhouette of an even more ferocious head sporting a pair of sharp horns materialized, as if unsuppressable flames were surging within its maw.
Finally.
The evolution light reached its peak and explosively scattered.
A ruggedly built Charizard with an incomparably mighty demeanor appeared before everyone.
It threw its head back and let out a deafening roar at the sky, the scorching breath it exhaled causing the very air to distort slightly.
"Charizard! You finally also..." Ash trailed off, finding he had nothing left he needed to say.
He simply reached out and patted Charizard's shoulder.
Sometimes, there was no need to say too much.
Feeling it was enough.
Charizard lowered its head, its eyes filled with absolute recognition for Ash.
It snorted a puff of hot air mixed with sparks from its nose as a response.
Two consecutive evolutions beneath the night sky following the curtain fall of this epic battle appeared exceptionally dazzling and fitting for the occasion.
They evolved at the perfect time, didn't they?
This wasn't merely an increase in level, but rather the harvest moment after experiencing hardships and fighting side by side together.
"Goo..."
Entei: Nicely done.
"Woo..."
Suicune: Very spirited.
Entei and Suicune had approached at some unknown time.
Looking at the newly evolved Pidgeot and Charizard, they let out low cries laced with approval.
Ho-Oh's grand will descended once again, carrying gentleness and recognition: "The chosen hero and your soul partners, you have proven each other's worth through your actions and growth."
"As a testament to passing the trial, and as a gift."
"My Rainbow Hero."
"I bestow my mark upon you."
"At the moment of death, that mark will bring your soul before me."
"Before your natural time comes to an end, as long as your soul is not extinguished, you shall not die."
No matter what method was used to obliterate him, as long as his soul still existed, Ho-Oh could resurrect him.
This was the passive ability of the Rainbow Hero.
Moreover, there was no cost whatsoever; the toll of resurrection was borne entirely by Ho-Oh.
This reward was truly worthy of the difficulty of the Rainbow Hero's trial.
Aside from this explicit benefit.
When necessary, Ash could also seek out Ho-Oh and ask it to help resurrect other friends and family.
In short.
There was a reason this trial was so demanding.
Although Ho-Oh didn't care much about how resurrection distorted the concepts of life and death.
But just like how Professor Oak would agonize over whether he should live forever.
Many people actually felt that such a thing shouldn't be done.
Therefore, there indeed had to be restrictions on this kind of ability.
Following Ho-Oh's words, Ash only felt a slight warmth between his shoulder blades on his back.
It was as if a warm, non-scalding flame had left an eternal brand there.
He couldn't see it, but the Pokémon beside him could:
A pattern of Ho-Oh spreading its wings, outlined by concise golden lines, surfaced on Ash's back.
First, it emitted a faint rainbow light.
Then, it slowly faded from view.
This was not merely a symbol of honor; it represented that Ash had officially obtained Ho-Oh's recognition, becoming a veritable "Rainbow Hero" and establishing a connection with Ho-Oh that transcended ordinary people.
"Naturally, your efforts are also worthy of reward."
Ho-Oh's will swept over Pikachu, Pidgeot, Charizard, Misdreavus, and Golden Gyarados.
A few wisps separated from the rainbow-colored divine fire wreathed around its body and merged into each Pokémon's body.
The electrical arcs on Pikachu's cheeks became more condensed and golden.
Pidgeot's feathers looked as if they had been meticulously tempered, flowing with a faint luster.
The flame on Charizard's tail burned more steadily and intensely.
Misdreavus felt its Ghost-type energy become purer and more condensed.
Even Golden Gyarados felt its condition improve.
It could be said that everyone reaped a great harvest.
The fierce battle and the joyous evolutions had all come to a close.
The sky was completely cloaked by the veil of night, and the stars began to twinkle.
On this land that had just experienced purification, no one felt darkness or cold; the air was permeated with a peaceful aura of rebirth.
"Screech—" Ho-Oh let out a long, drawn-out cry, seemingly offering an invitation.
A stroke of inspiration hit Ash, and he smiled as he shouted, "Everyone, let's follow Ho-Oh and go for a joyride in the sky!"
"Pikachu!"
"Pidgeot!"
"Roar!"
"Mai mai!"
"Roar woo!"
His partners voiced their excited responses.
Even Gyarados, who had the largest body size, was merely a tiny speck compared to Ho-Oh.
Ho-Oh elegantly lowered its head, and Ash effortlessly leaped onto Ho-Oh's head.
Pidgeot and Charizard flanked Ho-Oh on the left and right, flapping their wings together, riding the night breeze as they leisurely flew toward the dazzling starry sky.
Only Gyarados trailed behind.
...Flying was indeed Gyarados's shortcoming.
As for Pikachu and Misdreavus?
Naturally, they were being held in Ash's arms, sitting together atop Ho-Oh's head.
Meanwhile.
Inside Gringey City.
Misty, Brock, Officer Jenny, and Nurse Joy were standing together, gazing up at that patch of sky that had once been a battlefield.
Even though the distance was vast, the dazzling golden light that had previously illuminated the night sky and the continuous energy fluctuations still made them tremble with fear.
It was a pity they didn't know what exactly was fighting Ho-Oh, but fortunately, it seemed the battle was over for now.
Furthermore, the victor was Ho-Oh.
"Is the battle... over? Ho-Oh won?" Misty murmured, cradling Goldeen, who had recovered some of its spirit.
"It should be. That kind of sacred radiance can't be faked," Brock nodded, shock still lingering in his eyes.
"Ho-Oh is the greatest auspicious omen and symbol of faith for our Kanto and Johto regions. With it making a move, everything will definitely be fine," Officer Jenny's tone was brimming with reverence.
In the past, Kanto and Johto combined were referred to as the Kanto region.
It was just that later on, because the area was too large and difficult to manage, coupled with some minor issues, they were split apart.
Kanto was divided into Kanto and Johto.
Nurse Joy also chimed in gently, "Yes, with Ho-Oh here, all disasters will be quelled."
Right at this moment.
Misty suddenly realized something and anxiously looked around. "Wait! Where's Ash? Why haven't we seen Ash yet?"
Brock also furrowed his brows. "True... there hasn't been any news of him since just now. But given Ash's quick wit and strength, he definitely won't be in any danger. Let's look for him carefully..."
Logically speaking, since everything had concluded, Ash should have come looking for them.
Even Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny had come to regroup with the two of them.
It made no sense for Ash not to show up.
Just as everyone was fraught with worry.
A figure appeared beside them as silently as a phantom.
The newcomer was dressed in standard ninja attire, possessing a capable and experienced visage; it was none other than the Fuchsia City Gym Leader, Koga.
"There is no need to worry about that young man." Koga's voice was calm and unruffled.
"Mr. Koga!" Officer Jenny and Nurse Joy hurriedly greeted him.
Misty and Brock also looked at him in surprise.
Koga brandished the smartphone in his hand, taking a photo of Ho-Oh in the sky. "He's fine... If you're asking why..."
He paused, seemingly organizing his words, "I saw him head toward Ho-Oh's direction earlier."
This was both a lie and not a lie.
Although Koga hadn't seen it with his own eyes, he indeed had an information channel to know.
Because he had seen it in a mobile group chat.
The group chat Koga was looking at wasn't Team Rocket's secret channel, but rather a small circle of Gym Leaders with special relationships, consisting solely of Giovanni, Sabrina, Blaine, Lt. Surge, and Koga.
—Group Chat: Black Justice · 5 Online—
Just a short while ago, Giovanni had sent a succinct and comprehensive message to the group:
Giovanni @All Members:
"Today's matters are quite important. Please ensure you all pay close attention."
Giovanni had been watching the battle from afar the entire time and possessed extremely high-level technological equipment... he had flown over in a large aircraft, after all.
Taking a photo from a distance was still something he could easily manage.
Giovanni: (Uploaded an image: A candid shot of Ash standing atop Golden Gyarados's head, his side profile illuminated by Ho-Oh's golden light.)
Giovanni: The Rainbow Hero has been decided.
Giovanni: (Sent a text message containing basic information such as Ash's name, his Pallet Town origins, etc.)
Lt. Surge: Holy shit?! It's this kid?! @Boss Giovanni, are you sure there's no mistake?!
Lt. Surge: Damn! He became the Rainbow Hero?!
Lt. Surge: (Emote: Thunder Punch/Shocked)
Sabrina: ...
Sabrina: It's him.
Sabrina: ...How truly interesting.
Sabrina: (After a brief silence)
Sabrina: ...It seems halting my precognition was the right choice... As expected of the one I set my sights on... hehehehe...
Blaine: Oh? A rookie from Pallet Town... the ones coming out of that old geezer Oak's territory truly aren't simple. (Emote: Fire/Thinking)
Koga: Message received.
Koga: I am currently in Gringey City, witnessing Ho-Oh's divine miracle with my own eyes.
Koga: (Uploaded an image: The golden Ho-Oh flying across the night sky)
Koga: This child... is indeed no ordinary person. @Giovanni, how shall we respond going forward?
Giovanni: For now, everything proceeds according to plan.
Giovanni: The League has its own operational rules.
Giovanni: We... only need to do our own tasks.
Giovanni: Subsequent operations may see some changes.
(System Prompt: Giovanni has gone offline)
Giovanni still had many things to attend to, such as going to investigate the Ice-type powerhouses over in Johto.
Although he had a suspected target—Pryce.
However, Pryce's reputation was somewhat too sterling.
Therefore, Giovanni felt the need to conduct further investigations.
And after Giovanni went offline, the entire group chat fell silent.
Even though using this method to exchange classified information seemed a bit beneath their dignity as Gym Leaders.
This method was simply far too convenient.
So it could be said that reality was just a loosely patched-together amateur troupe.
In short, as long as they didn't accidentally leak the information, it wasn't a big deal.
Hearing Misty and Brock's earlier conversation, Koga's heart was also filled with myriad emotions.
But he knew that it was inconvenient to reveal too much about certain inside information.
Especially stating it outright to Officer Jenny, Nurse Joy, and these two youths.
Officer Jenny said apologetically, "We troubled you to make a wasted trip this time, Mr. Koga. The League originally hoped you would come handle the crisis in Gringey City."
Koga waved his hand, a rare hint of a smile appearing on his face.
He looked up at the sky. "It's no matter. Being able to witness the miracle of Ho-Oh's descent with my own eyes makes this trip more than worth it."
Amidst the night sky.
That majestic golden figure was currently streaking across the airspace above Gringey City.
The sacred radiance dispersed the city's haze, scattering motes of light filled with hope.
Everyone was captivated by this beautiful scenery, temporarily forgetting their words.
The perspective shifted back to the high altitude.
Carrying Ash, and escorted by Pidgeot and Charizard, Ho-Oh soared steadily above the sea of clouds.
Below their feet was the gradually pacified Gringey City; above their heads was the dazzling, seemingly touchable river of stars.
The night breeze brushed against their faces, carrying the refreshing coolness unique to the clouds.
Standing atop Ho-Oh's head, Ash experienced this unprecedented serenity and grandeur.
Pikachu and Misdreavus on his shoulders had also quieted down, enjoying the silence of this night sky.
Pidgeot let out a comfortable cry, while Charizard puffed out a ring of smoke, appearing extremely relaxed.
Eh?
Where's Gyarados?
It turned out Gyarados had fallen behind.
Laughs.
Gyarados: Cursing up a storm!
However, it wasn't actually that everyone didn't care about Gyarados.
The vast majority of the power Ho-Oh left trailing behind it had concentrated onto Gyarados's body.
Towards this Golden Gyarados, Ho-Oh was actually very fond of it.
For no other reason than simply its color.
That's right, Ho-Oh liked gold.
When other Legendary Pokémon made their grand entrances, they usually just appeared in their natural colors.
Only Ho-Oh, upon entering the stage, loved to paint a layer of golden light over its body.
____
👻🔥Walnut-chan ;)🔥👻
🔥 New history: Group chat of the Dead
Help smash these goals:
🎯 100 Powerstones = +1 Bonus Chapter (for everyone)
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