Pokemon: Spiritual Master

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Brilliant flowers bloomed in the night sky, illuminating Mossui Town's evening with dazzling radiance.

Johan and Cynthia sat on the grass, watching the blossoming fireworks as colorful light reflected on their faces.

[Wow...]

Jirachi was completely conquered by the fireworks festival display. This was a scene it had never witnessed before—even the stars in the sky seemed less beautiful than this fireworks show.

[It's Pikachu! And there's Gengar! And! And...]

Gengar stood proudly on the grass with hands on its hips.

[Why isn't there a Jirachi...]

Jirachi looked longingly at the blooming fireworks.

Though not every Pokémon had a fireworks pattern, it still held some hope.

Johan held Cynthia's hand, smiling.

Bang!!

Another firework bloomed.

[Jirachi! It's Jirachi! Johan, look! Johan, look!]

There really was a Jirachi-patterned firework, making the little one shout with delighted surprise.

"It seems to really like it," Cynthia laughed.

This was naturally Johan's surprise for Jirachi.

The little one watching "itself" in the sky, that feeling of anticipation becoming reality...

A wish came true!

Before meeting Johan, Jirachi had always helped others realize wishes, though "accidents" always happened after wishes were fulfilled.

But after meeting Johan, Jirachi experienced the feeling of others making its wishes come true...

And the kind that wouldn't have "accidents" afterward.

The little one's small face showed irrepressible joy.

"It cost quite a bit," Johan said.

Mossui Town had only agreed to add the Jirachi firework pattern for Teacher Johan's sake.

After all, there was no Jirachi pattern in Mossui Town's fireworks catalog—it needed custom production on short notice. With the fireworks festival so close, the labor costs naturally...

"But it was worth it," Cynthia said, holding one knee.

Johan had actually wanted to ask about making Cynthia firework patterns too, but... it was too rushed, no time.

But Johan still ordered them.

Not only Cynthia's, but firework patterns for all his Pokémon as well.

If this time's effect was good... next time, he'd hold his own fireworks festival on his island!

Then... heh.

"Tomorrow we continue training," Cynthia added.

Johan's expression immediately soured.

They'd actually been training for two days already. Except for when Johan took Serperior to find the "Sacred Tree," most of their time was spent training.

Cynthia was usually quite gentle, but once training began... tsk.

Now Johan felt somewhat "sorry" for Flint, Lucian, and Aaron who had to train with Cynthia.

No wonder Lucian was so "willing" to work overtime, no wonder Flint was so happy to run around with him everywhere, no wonder Aaron would quietly space out in forests when alone...

So that was the reason.

No wonder Cynthia possessed such strength.

However, this was also Johan's most rewarding training since becoming a trainer.

Not just in terms of Pokémon strength, but mainly in battle "instinct" or intuition.

At this rate... Cynthia probably planned to keep training until the "Master Replacement Battle" began.

But there was no choice.

Even schools were making way for the "Pokémon World Championships"—Johan had no excuse to "escape."

Consider it... preparing for the competition together.

Unlike the lively Mossui Town, the nighttime forest was completely quiet.

Except for occasional insect chirping and nocturnal wild Pokémon flashing by, there was rarely any major disturbance.

Rumble—

But at this moment, a giant mechanical robot completely at odds with the forest's atmosphere rampaged through with crushing force.

Many people in practical clothing rode small flying motorcycles ahead as scouts, followed by several large off-road jeeps filled with numerous researchers and various precision instruments.

In one large jeep, researcher Karen, wearing researcher clothing with long blue hair, asked worriedly:

"Dr. Jedo, should we really cooperate with these self-proclaimed 'Outstanding Inc.' people?"

Compared to Karen's worry, Dr. Jedo appeared much calmer, even showing barely contained excitement in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Karen. Our Biotope Company's cooperation with Outstanding Inc. will better promote our research results and help more people!"

More importantly, without Outstanding Inc.'s help, they could never find the "Healing Spring's" location.

Though Biotope Company was sizeable, it mostly consisted of professional researchers with few combat personnel, making free movement in dangerous wilds difficult. That's why they'd been unable to find the "Healing Spring" for so long.

But Outstanding Inc.'s people were all top trainers, plus superior technology. In just a few days, they'd almost pinpointed the "Healing Spring's" location.

Now they just needed to find it and research its secrets!

Hearing Dr. Jedo's words, Karen finally suppressed her worry and nodded.

Regardless, Dr. Jedo's intentions were good—for humanity, for Pokémon...

She just hoped the wild Pokémon in the forest would suffer less disturbance.

Night gradually passed, stars faded, and dawn broke in the east.

"We're here."

A dull male voice came through the radio.

Found it!

Dr. Jedo could no longer contain his excitement, immediately taking a flying motorcycle to the front of the convoy.

From afar, he could hear waterfall sounds.

Through misty vapor and forest cover, he saw a huge basin.

In the basin's center, the towering "Sacred Tree" continuously dripped light purple liquid—almost identical to the "Healing Spring" in Dr. Jedo's imagination.

"Finally, found it!"

Seeing this scene, Dr. Jedo's face showed some madness.

Meanwhile, the convoy finally arrived completely. Researchers from the jeeps got out and went to nearby lakes to collect liquid samples.

At this moment—

"Zarude!"

Coco and Papa Zarude, swinging on vines, were first to arrive.

Such a large convoy with giant robots made considerable noise moving through the forest.

Several wild Pokémon surrounded Coco, pointing at the machines and people, chattering about something.

Obviously these wild Pokémon had first discovered Dr. Jedo's team and informed Coco.

"Zarude!"

Seeing humans again, Coco couldn't help but question whether he was really a Zarude.

But this clearly wasn't the time for such concerns.

Dr. Jedo's team had destroyed much forest and vegetation along the way, injuring many wild Pokémon who tried to stop them. Coco came seeking accountability.

"Where did this kid come from?" Everyone was surprised to see a human child living with wild Pokémon.

Dr. Jedo initially didn't want to pay much attention, but glancing at Coco, his gaze was immediately drawn to the ring necklace around Coco's neck.

"This is..." His pupils contracted, looking at Coco with disbelief.

This was the ring of his former partners, the Molisson couple!

After he killed the Molisson couple, he'd only taken the "Healing Spring" sample without finding this ring containing "Healing Spring" information, nor seeing their child.

Could it be... this savage-like child was the Molisson couple's son, Al?!

"Zarude! Zarude!" Coco waved his arms.

What are you doing! Don't destroy the forest!

Unfortunately, Dr. Jedo couldn't understand Coco's words.

However, Dr. Jedo was very curious about the ring around Coco's neck. It contained not only the Molisson couple's location information about the "Healing Spring" but also their research results—exactly what Dr. Jedo needed.

He had to admit that in their three-person research team, the Molisson couple had been the main contributors.

So Dr. Jedo quickly showed surprised delight.

"Are you... Al?!"

"Zarude?" Coco was stunned.

Dr. Jedo took out a tablet, showing the Molisson couple's information and photos, pointing at the rings they wore.

This stunned Coco, who instinctively looked at the necklace around his neck.

Smart Coco seemed to understand many things at once.

Dr. Jedo struck while the iron was hot, describing their three-person cooperation, though hiding his murder of the Molisson couple.

"So it's Dr. Molisson's child..."

The other researchers also showed surprise.

"Zarude!" Papa Zarude became anxious seeing this.

Dr. Jedo stepped forward first, extending his hand to Coco gently: "Al, come. I'll take you home."

"Zarude..."

Coco looked at Dr. Jedo, then at Papa Zarude who seemed to understand and looked somewhat melancholy. His heart became confused.

Unable to decide, he turned and ran into the forest.

"Zarude!" Papa Zarude glanced at Dr. Jedo's group and quickly gave chase.

Though it had long known this day would come, it hadn't expected... it would come so suddenly.

Watching the quickly departing Coco and Papa Zarude, Dr. Jedo was stunned, then sneered coldly.

"Never mind."

Even without the ring's data, he'd already found the "Healing Spring." As for results... he'd indeed been inferior to the Molisson couple initially, but after all these years, he was no longer his former self.

"Dr. Jedo, confirmed—elements basically match!"

A researcher checking lake water elements ran over excitedly to report.

This meant this place was indeed the "Healing Spring" they sought.

Any observer could see the key to the "Healing Spring" might be... that giant tree!

"Karen, scan that tree."

"Yes."

Karen took out instruments and scanned the "Sacred Tree" from a distance, quickly getting results.

Looking at the data and patterns displayed, Karen said in shock: "That tree contains powerful and terrifying energy!"

"As expected!"

Dr. Jedo could no longer restrain himself, immediately ordering the machine operator while pointing at the "Sacred Tree": "Use spears to blast that tree open!"

Hearing this, all researchers' expressions changed.

The machine operator also hesitated: "Dr. Jedo, this... might not be good..."

Karen also advised: "Dr. Jedo, that tree surely has many wild Pokémon living on it..."

But Dr. Jedo said: "For all humans and the vast majority of Pokémon, some sacrifice is understandable. Besides, we can help them rebuild their homes after completing research."

Speaking with stern expression to the operator: "Blast it open!"

"Y-yes!"

Bang!! Bang—

The robot's two equipped spears immediately fired, directly bombing the "Sacred Tree's" trunk.

Boom!!

Instantly, the entire "Sacred Tree" let out a rumbling wail. Where it was blasted open, massive amounts of liquid gushed out like a broken dam.

From outside, one could see the "Sacred Tree's" trunk actually glowed with green light, seemingly containing mysterious power.

However, while Dr. Jedo was excited, this huge impact and "Sacred Tree" destruction would surely enrage the entire Zarude clan.

Sure enough—

"Zarude!"

"Zarude!"

"Zarude!"

Numerous Zarude immediately poured from the "Sacred Tree," swinging toward Dr. Jedo's group with boundless fury.

A few days ago, a human had suddenly come wanting to approach the "Sacred Tree." They couldn't defeat him, but fortunately he hadn't caused much damage to the "Sacred Tree."

This time, a whole group came and blasted the "Sacred Tree" open!

This was almost like attacking the entire Zarude clan's lifeline!

Absolutely furious!

"Seems like quite an obstacle, Dr. Jedo." A dark-skinned Outstanding Inc. member with long black braids wearing white clothing said.

Dr. Jedo also noticed the approaching Zarude, glanced at the woman, and said:

"I'm afraid we'll need to trouble Outstanding Inc.'s people, including Ms. Agate."

Agate—ostensibly an Outstanding Inc. researcher, actually one of the Explorers' executives, possessing a calm mind and excelling at data collection and analysis, highly valued by Gibeon.

Hearing this, Agate smiled. "Onyx."

"Got it." A deep, rumbling voice came from a burly man.

Onyx—also an Explorers executive with extreme strength, captain of the Explorers' combat forces, equally valued by Gibeon.

While speaking, Onyx threw two Poké Balls.

In flashing red light, a Garganacl and an Aerodactyl appeared before him.

Seeing this, other Explorers combat team members also threw Poké Balls, summoning their respective Pokémon.

"Garganacl, Salt Cure!"

"Aerodactyl, Stone Edge!"

Onyx excelled at preemptive strikes. Before the Zarude arrived, he began preparing.

Massive amounts of white salt scattered from Garganacl throughout the area. Any Pokémon accidentally stepping on it would enter "Salt Cure status."

Aerodactyl flapped its wings, sharp rocks appearing around its body. Any Pokémon approaching first would suffer fierce attacks from these sharp stones.

Soon, the furious Zarude arrived.

What greeted them was frenzied attacks from Onyx and the Explorers combat team.

"Zarude!!"

Hearing the "Sacred Tree" being destroyed, Coco and Papa Zarude who had left earlier also returned.

Perhaps Coco was still conflicted about whether he was a Zarude, but no conflict could overcome the current crisis.

Papa Zarude was even more so—with fierce expression, it directly attacked Aerodactyl.

Bang bang bang—

Instantly, battle sounds erupted throughout the forest.

But under the Explorers' "protection," Dr. Jedo and numerous Biotope Company researchers approached the "Sacred Tree."

Facing the Zarude's counterattack, researchers like Karen looked pained.

But Dr. Jedo kept comforting them with "for everyone, sacrifice is inevitable" rhetoric. For a moment, they couldn't think of better solutions.

The Zarude, facing Explorers' attacks plus the advanced robot's siege, retreated steadily with continuous injuries.

After all, not all Zarude had the strength of Papa Zarude and other powerful Zarude.

Even Papa Zarude was accidentally hit and injured by Aerodactyl while protecting Coco.

Fortunately, the Zarude had "Healing Spring" support—quickly recovering to rejoin battle.

But as the "Sacred Tree" was destroyed, the "Healing Spring" water became increasingly diluted with weakening recovery effects.

"Zarude!" Papa Zarude leaned against tree roots in the spring water, listening to continuous explosions in the forest.

This wouldn't work!

The opponents were not only powerful but had that machine that wasn't easily destroyed.

The Zarude's strength alone couldn't stop them.

They needed help!

Papa Zarude first thought of countless wild Pokémon in the forest.

These wild Pokémon were actually strong. Individual power might not make much difference, but if they grouped together...

However, Papa Zarude's heart was bitter.

How much had the Zarude bullied these wild Pokémon normally?

Though the "Sacred Tree" was important, the Zarude usually didn't let other wild Pokémon approach, much less soak in the "Healing Spring."

Now with the "Sacred Tree" destroyed, it actually didn't affect these wild Pokémon much.

Why would they be willing to help the Zarude...

"Zarude!" Coco thought the same as Papa Zarude.

Papa! I'll go ask for help. Everyone... might listen. No, I'll definitely get everyone to help!

Usually the Zarude didn't get along with wild Pokémon, but Coco's relationships with everyone were actually quite good. He might be able to persuade them.

But... Papa Zarude looked at those powerful, well-coordinated Explorers members.

"Zarude..."

I'm afraid the strength still wouldn't be enough...

What to do!

What to do?

Suddenly, a human figure flashed in Papa Zarude's mind.

That's right!

That person!

With just his own power—no, just two or three Pokémon—he'd defeated the entire Zarude clan.

If they could get his help, perhaps...

But where was he?

And how could they get him to help the Zarude?

That's right, the "Sacred Tree"!

That Serperior could sense the "Sacred Tree." Having contacted it, it surely carried the "Sacred Tree's" aura. If Papa Zarude could sense it...

No, it MUST sense it!

It MUST seek that person's help!

Papa Zarude took a deep breath and closed its eyes.

"Training people, training souls, after training you're above others..."

"Pfft—"

Hearing Johan's muttering, Cynthia covered her mouth and laughed.

But she was serious about training.

Not just for the upcoming "Pokémon World Championships," but to have an all-out battle with Johan!

Last time she lost.

But after becoming Champion, they hadn't truly fought.

At least "fight" once more for family status!

"We're here, let's go down." Johan lightly patted Dragonite's neck.

This was their previous temporary camp.

Now besides training, maybe Jirachi's situation needed more consideration.

The cosmic power in Eternatus's summoned meteorite was abundant—little Jirachi shouldn't just be awake seven days this time.

Johan estimated that as long as Jirachi didn't casually use power to fulfill others' wishes or overconsume energy, it could persist at least a month.

However, cosmic power would eventually be exhausted—they needed to prepare in advance.

Johan had already contacted the two Deoxys in space through his methods, asking them to help find meteorites containing cosmic power.

If successful... the little one might never need to sleep again, becoming the first Jirachi to stay permanently awake!

"Draa~~"

Dragonite landed.

Johan and Cynthia began setting up camp again.

They summoned all their little ones.

"Sni?" Serperior looked puzzled, turning toward the "Sacred Tree's" direction.

But this feeling was vague, so Serperior didn't pay much attention.

Just as Johan's group finished setting up camp and prepared to continue training—

"Zarude!"

Papa Zarude in his pink cape, clutching abdominal wounds, suddenly appeared in Johan's camp.

"Hmm?"

Seeing Papa Zarude, Johan looked surprised.

"This is..." Cynthia was also seeing a Zarude for the first time.

Thud!!

Papa Zarude said nothing, just seriously knelt on one knee before Johan, crystalline tears in his red eyes.

Seeing this, Johan's heart jumped.

He suddenly had a bad feeling.

"Zarude!" Papa Zarude spoke heavily.

[Johan! Johan! I sense a strong desire! It needs help!]

Jirachi felt Papa Zarude's intense wish.

The Wish Pokémon inexplicably felt power surging from its heart.

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Powerstones?

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