Chapter 119

In the cold laboratory, the imprisoned Pokémon issued a final plea to the unexpected visitors.

Gengar’s expression was clearly shaken by the sight. It looked at the Charmander and asked, "Huyang, can we help them?"

It wasn't just Gengar who didn't want this; Huyang felt the same. Such adorable Charmanders and Vulpixes—to die like this was simply too heartbreaking.

"Let me think."

He stood his ground, scanning the row of glass containers from left to right. Information about each Pokémon flashed through his mind.

[Species: Charmander]
Physical Condition: Immune system disorder caused by genetic defects.

[Species: Vulpix]
Physical Condition: Partial genetic deletion, resulting in hind leg paralysis and loss of vision.

[Species: Cubone]
Physical Condition: Nervous system impairment, resulting in the loss of mobility and the ability to walk.

Huyang fell into deep thought as he processed this data. How could he save them? Several solutions flickered through his mind: he could modify their abilities and moves, allowing them to recover gradually. But that would only treat the symptoms, not the root cause—even if their stamina recovered, the underlying genetic defects would remain.

He had to choose the second option.

Huyang reached into his bag and pulled out the feather left behind by Ho-Oh. There was no doubt that this feather contained Ho-Oh’s power. In the games, the Sacred Ash, capable of reviving fainted Pokémon, was simply the feather burned into powder. A thousand years ago, Ho-Oh had used it to revive the three Pokémon that perished in the Brass Tower, transforming them into what are now Suicune, Entei, and Raikou.

Could this feather heal these Pokémon’s bodies? Huyang didn't know, but he wanted to try. The feather was useless sitting in his bag, and as for being the "Rainbow Hero," that was merely a title—he didn't care if he lost it.

"Come here, Gengar," Huyang said, holding the feather out. "Use Flamethrower on this."

...

Within the shadow realm, Marshadow watched this scene, its jaw nearly dropping in shock. The title of Rainbow Hero was not earned through the courage of traversing mountains to reach the peak of Mt. Tensei. It was earned because the chosen one possessed the beautiful qualities of loving nature, cherishing Pokémon, and trusting in their companions. Wherever the Rainbow Hero traveled, they were meant to bring hope and life to the local people and Pokémon, just like Ho-Oh.

However, this did not mean the title was without other functions. By ascending Mt. Tensei and completing the final trial, the chosen one gained the recognition of Ho-Oh and the Legendary Beasts. Once recognized as the Rainbow Hero, they would arrive to protect and assist you in times of crisis.

Seeing the boy's actions, Marshadow was momentarily at a loss for words. But the feather of Ho-Oh must never be destroyed! Marshadow felt an urge to jump out and snatch it away. Yet, if the feather were to be used for this purpose... it hesitated, glancing at the suffering Pokémon in their containers.

Just then, it sensed a familiar aura approaching. It was Entei!

At that same moment, a flicker of flame emerged from Gengar's mouth.

"No!"

Marshadow’s eyes widened. Its small form instinctively darted out from the shadows, snatched the feather from the ground, and moved to a different spot, narrowly avoiding Gengar's Flamethrower.

Huyang: "?"

Marshadow cradled the feather, black flames dancing silently on its body: "Marshadow!"

Huyang looked at Gengar, who translated, looking just as confused: "It says that Entei can help these Pokémon, and that we must not destroy this feather."

Huyang paused. Entei... information about the Legendary Beast surfaced in his mind. Unlike Suicune’s ability to purify water, Entei inherited the sacred flames of Ho-Oh. It was a flame of life capable of burning away all evil in the world, but when directed at benevolent beings, it could provide life energy and eliminate abnormal cells within the body. In the special chronicles, an Entei had once used this power to destroy the harmful cells in Blaine’s body, restoring his health.

If Entei was here, it could indeed help these Pokémon. But the question was, where was Entei now?

As if sensing his thoughts, Marshadow looked up toward the surface. "Marshadow!" (It’s up there!)

Huyang followed its gaze, feeling a sense of disbelief: "You mean Entei is up there right now?"

Marshadow nodded: "Marshadow!"

Marshadow would not lie to him. Huyang made his decision in a heartbeat. He had to go up and bring Entei down.

"Marshadow!" Seeing this, Marshadow realized he wouldn't burn the feather after all. It breathed a sigh of relief, reluctantly returned the feather, offered a final warning, and vanished back into the shadows.

Huyang didn't pay it any mind. He pocketed the feather and, with Gengar and Cramorant in tow, turned to head back the way they came.

...

Elsewhere in the base, Lance looked at the mysterious figure opposite him with a grave expression. His Dragonites had just endured a fierce battle, and the surrounding walls were reduced to ruins. Now, his Dragonites were exhausted, while the opponent's Pokémon remained in good condition. Compared to his adversary, his strength was still slightly lacking. Moreover, in this space dozens of meters underground, it was far too cramped for his Dragonites to unleash their full power.

Looking at the Team Rocket members across from him, a bitter smile touched Lance's lips.

"Dra!"

Seemingly sensing their trainer’s mood, the two Dragonites tilted their heads and called out to Lance, urging him not to give up.

Lance took a deep breath and suddenly laughed: "That's right, it's not over yet. I can't just surrender so easily!"

Seeing this, a smirk played on Giovanni's lips. He was just about to order his Rhydon to attack when a strange figure burst out from the corridor at the other end.

The sudden arrival instantly drew everyone’s attention. The remaining Team Rocket members, Giovanni, Lance, the Dragonites, and the Rhydon all turned their eyes toward the newcomer.

Huyang, suddenly at the center of attention, couldn't help but slow his pace as he scanned the scene. *Goodness, how much time has passed? This whole area has been turned into ruins—is this the power of a Champion? No, wait—why does Lance look so battered?*

Huyang’s gaze lingered on Lance for a second before shifting to the tall figure standing opposite him. He locked eyes with the man, feeling a sharp, hawk-like gaze pierce through him.

Huyang: "..."

Giovanni narrowed his eyes slightly.