Chapter 299: The Legendary Hero

Members of Plasma Team in silver uniforms guarded the front of Heaven’s Tower, with more members entering its interior.

“We are here to mourn the deceased Pokémon.”

Sage Rod led the Plasma Team members into Heaven’s Tower, where the guards immediately warned: “This is Heaven’s Tower—the resting place of righteous souls. You are not permitted to disturb it!”

“We have no intention of causing chaos; this is merely a memorial and a proclamation. The people’s longing for their departed Pokémon has become wind, rain, and rivers—those happy moments will never fade. To ensure the memories of the dead are not forgotten and to soothe their souls, we shall hold a memorial here.”

“The friendship between humans and Pokémon is great—that is precisely why Heaven’s Tower exists. It is a sacred place for humans to mourn their Pokémon, and Plasma Team holds deep respect for this place.”

“After all, we are a religious organization. Things related to souls must be treated with reverence.”

Yet although Rod spoke of mourning, the Plasma Team members crowded the tower, stationing personnel on every floor. Rod looked at the people around him, deeply moved.

“Unlike other buildings meant to soothe souls, Heaven’s Tower in Unova is filled with so many people—it doesn’t feel like a place of sorrow at all. It’s vastly different from a cemetery.”

“Those who lost their Pokémon should gather here in a darker, more somber atmosphere.”

“Then. Citizens, please calm your hearts and listen to me.”

Rod opened his arms, his robe swaying gently in the breeze. Among the Seven Sages, Rod had the most noble appearance, radiating the aura of a sage. Before all seven were gathered, most of the sermons had been delivered by Rod and Smula.

“The relationship between humans and Pokémon is inherently unequal, and this relationship has caused Pokémon suffering and sacrifice.”

“Separation is the only way to prevent further pain. The departed Pokémon cannot rest, because humans continue repeating their mistakes.”

“Injuries from battles, the pressure of training, sudden illnesses, even deaths caused by human error—all of these stem from humanity’s desire to possess Pokémon.”

“Only when lost do we learn to cherish; only in parting do we understand pain.”

“Do not form bonds—only sorrow follows.”

“Keep Pokémon away from human battlefields, human desires, human mourning—in true wilderness, redefine the meaning of ‘living.’”

“Is this not so? This is the beginning of an unfortunate chain.”

Rod’s voice reached the hearts of the mourners present. They recalled every moment spent with their partners—those times and scenes still vivid in memory—but in cold reality, only stone after stone of gravestones remained.

Perhaps they should never have become partners with Pokémon in the first place.

Lifespan is an insurmountable barrier. When humans die, their partners grieve; when partners die, humans suffer unbearable pain.

Do not form bonds—only sorrow follows.

The departed Pokémon and the living Pokémon appear disconnected, yet they are already linked—similar relationships may lead to similar tragedies.

“Sage Rod speaks truly well.”

“Yes, meeting is the beginning of misfortune.”

Plasma Team members whispered among themselves, feeling Rod’s words were profoundly insightful, striking at the heart of the human-Pokémon relationship.

Among the crowd, an old painter watched coldly, holding an aged photograph showing a Spritzee and a smiling Drowzee.

In a daze, he seemed to hear Drowzee’s voice—the once joyful laughter still echoing in his ears, and the Spritzee with the colors of the four seasons he had met in Castelia.

Because Drowzee had died, and he could no longer bear such pain, he released his remaining Pokémon.

Perhaps meeting truly is the beginning of misfortune—this saying is absolutely correct. Had they never met, none of these tragedies would have occurred.

He had no dreams left, could no longer paint new works; his blank canvas held nothing—he was already a broken man.

【That’s not true.】

Faintly, Old Vado heard what sounded like his Drowzee’s voice, but he immediately smiled bitterly.

His Pokémon was gone. Dead souls do not speak, and Pokémon cannot speak human language anyway.

Yet just now, a strange tremor stirred within him—like the feeling of reuniting with a partner. Why now?

————

【Event Quest: Battle the King in Heaven’s Tower.】

【Description: The promise with N is about to be fulfilled. The King of Plasma Team appears to have captured a powerful Pokémon and will soon engage you in a battle of convictions atop Heaven’s Tower. Plasma Team has prepared a grand stage—will you ascend?】

【Heaven’s Tower holds countless Pokémon souls—immense, unimaginable emotional and spiritual power resides there!】

【Reward: Release Gem ×15, Belief of the Seeker ×1, Token of the King ×1, Fiery Soul (Master-level Spirit Medium), Soul Liberation!】

Whoosh—the gloomy wind surged. Far off, the grass sea rippled. Spritzee carried two riders, hooves pounding, swiftly entering the green ocean of tall grass from the town!

Whoosh!

Torrential rain began to fall. Just stepping onto Route 7, they faced the trial of wind and rain—strong winds could overturn houses and uproot trees; violent lightning crashed from the sky, raging wildly here.

Traveling along Route 7, Spritzee’s sorrow eased slightly. This was its birthplace—the open fields of Castelia, where the four seasons were distinct. The tall grass stood like a forest, surging like waves in the wind. Spritzee let out a high cry, and soon, many small heads emerged from the grass.

Four-Season Deer—many of them stared curiously at Spritzee. Some seemed to recognize it, joyfully calling out with deer calls, and Spritzee responded with greetings of its own.

Once, it had been the leader of this herd. The elderly painter often used it as a model for his art—and thus, a deep bond formed between it and the old man, leading it to willingly become his Pokémon. But in the end, the man abandoned it, believing the absurd doctrines of that religious group.

“Whoa—wait!”

A girl’s voice rang out near the tall grass. Guang Tai turned to see Feng Lu fallen in the mud.

“Miss Feng Lu?”

“Ahahaha—I was supposed to come with Swanna, but a thunderstorm suddenly hit Route 7, and the wind threw me right off the sky!”

“The wind is furious today—I felt this emotion in the air currents.”

Feng Lu stood up, but her legs were unsteady; she swayed violently, glancing at her heel:

“I think I twisted it, but it’s fine—please take me to Heaven’s Tower!”

Worried about Heaven’s Tower’s condition, Feng Lu insisted on going despite her injury. Guang Tai reached out, pulled gently—and a powerful force lifted Feng Lu onto Spritzee’s back!

“Wah! You’re so strong!”

“Don’t mind it.” Guang Tai shrugged, then pulled a vial from his pocket. “Apply this to your foot—the injury will heal immediately.”

“This is my specially made remedy.”

“Thank you!” Feng Lu didn’t hesitate, snatching the vial. The rain poured from above, yet Guang Tai remained completely dry—a transparent barrier now surrounded Spritzee and the two of them.

“I can’t feel the rain—is this… a psychokinesis barrier?!”

Guang Tai: “Miss Feng Lu knows this ability?”

“Yes!” Feng Lu nodded. “There are psychics in Heaven’s Tower—they use psychokinesis barriers to block wind or rain and keep themselves clean. But I’ve never experienced it firsthand!”

“By the way, I didn’t get to ask your identity! You’re with Miss Wanlong of the Elite Four!”

Guang Tai: “Wanlong is my client. I’m a gear craftsman. My name is Guang Tai. I’m currently traveling through Unova with a strong purpose.”

“Eh? A craftsman? Such a profession is rare in Unova!”

Feng Lu became interested: “So you make battle gear? I heard Battle Company in Castelia recently updated their virtual battle software—they added all sorts of strange battle items!”

Guang Tai: “Battle Company also collaborates with me. Developing new-generation gear will make Pokémon battles more diverse. Spreading battle gear across all regions is one of my dreams.”

The two exchanged words. Feng Lu was talkative and endlessly curious.

“Traveling—even though I often fly between Unova’s regions, I’ve never truly traveled on foot.”

“Flying is fun. Places that take days to reach on foot can be reached in an instant by air! Soaring over mountains and forests fills you with pure exhilaration.”

Guang Tai: “I have a Pokémon that can float, but I’ve never owned a Flying-type. The sky remains an unknown realm to me.”

Feng Lu was excited: “If so, after this is over, if you’re interested, come on an aerial journey with me! Since you helped Castelia drive off Plasma Team, consider this my thanks.”

“Next time, I’ll try walking to other cities. Maybe I’ll feel something special… sometimes walking on the ground brings different emotions—just like now.”

“The sky rejected me today—it’s furious, because the God of Wind and the God of Thunder have come.”

Guang Tai: “Tornadus and Thundurus?”

“Do you know Castelia’s legend? Yes—those two Pokémon summon wind and storms.”

Feng Lu pointed to the distant sky—and suddenly froze.

The wind and rain stopped.

Without warning, abruptly—Route 7’s weather changed like a child’s face. The clouds parted. A golden light fell upon Heaven’s Tower, casting the stone tower in ancient, sacred radiance.

“I saw it.”

Feng Lu’s voice turned tense: “Hey! Did you see it?”

“What?” Guang Tai turned his head in confusion. Feng Lu gripped his shoulder: “Pilots have excellent vision! I saw it—no mistake. The Gods of Wind and Thunder appeared… but someone captured them!”

“I see.” Guang Tai nodded. Feng Lu frowned: “What? Do you know what’s going on?”

“The one who captured the Gods of Wind and Thunder is the King of Plasma Team—a friend of mine. But I’m opposed to the Plasma Team organization itself. That King… he’s actually a decent person.”

“The King of Plasma Team?!” Feng Lu’s expression tightened; her grip on Guang Tai’s shoulder grew unconsciously tighter.

“Miss Feng Lu, you—”

“It’s my duty!” Feng Lu didn’t notice her own strength, her mind in chaos, as if blaming herself: “If they release legendary Pokémon in Heaven’s Tower, everyone will panic! This is a sacred place—they must not do this!”

“Yes, they’ll surely use legendary Pokémon to force people into submission! That Plasma member did the same thing with Thievul! The tragedy of the past must never repeat!”

“Forcing others through battle is wrong.”

“So to stop this, I must fight that person!”

Feng Lu expressed a rare desire to battle. In the anime, she was carefree; in the games, though slightly more serious, she remained cheerful. Only in special animations had she shown a combative side.

“Ooo—”

Spritzee’s cry snapped them back to reality. Heaven’s Tower loomed ahead!

“Ah. So you’ve come.”

N, who had been brought back to the tower’s base by the Dark Trio’s psychokinesis from the end of Route 7, saw the two riding Spritzee. Guang Tai had arrived as promised—even earlier than expected. N was delighted.

“Though we lack time to synchronize, this better reveals Pokémon’s innate power. I believe my conviction is right.”

N pointed to the tower’s peak: “No time to waste. My friends and I are at our peak—let’s ascend to the top immediately.”

“Wait—who are you?”

Feng Lu leapt off Spritzee and confronted N. N only smiled: “I am the King of Plasma Team.”

“Gym Leader, don’t worry—nothing will happen here.”

“Heaven’s Tower is where righteous souls sleep. Master Guang Tai, as we agreed, let’s go to the peak.”

"Young Lady Gym Leader, this is not your battlefield—your Pokémon are saying the same thing."

Feng Lu was startled: "Not mine?" She immediately turned to Guang Tai.

Guang Tai smiled: "Let’s go up together. It seems he doesn’t wish to accept your challenge, so I’ll take this opportunity."

Doubt stirred in Feng Lu’s heart, but she quickly understood—the significance of this duel might be immense.

Why would the supreme leader of a religious organization duel a traveler?

Then she remembered the words the middle-parted sage had muttered as he spat blood.

The Legendary Dragon, the founding myth of Unova—that was a well-known legend.

"The Legendary Dragon... the Legendary Hero?!"

(End of Chapter)