...
"Damn, Natsu, I didn't expect you to be this strong," Bruno muttered, scratching his head as he helped his Machamp off the ground.
Once Togekiss locked Machamp down with that "Air Slash" combo, escaping was harder than pulling a Metapod out of a rock. It wasn't just about the Pokémon's willpower; it was also about sheer luck, and clearly, Togekiss was a goddamn luck magnet, probably found a fucking Lucky Punch somewhere. Plus, as a Flying-type, she already had the type advantage against a Fighting-type like Machamp, making him look like a punching bag. After getting blasted by "Brave Bird" and then bombarded with "Air Slash," Machamp simply couldn't break free from that damn "Flinch" status. The poor guy was stuck there, looking more useless than a Magikarp in a sandstorm.
"Bruno, you also incredibly strong," Natsu replied, not just being polite, but stating a cold, hard fact.
This Machamp might not even be Bruno's strongest. For a guy to be an Elite Four reserve means he's probably got at least four or more Elite-level Pokémon in his arsenal, probably all jacked up on Rare Candies and steroids. As one of his mainstays, this Machamp had to be Elite-tier. The only reason Natsu won was because Bruno wasn't really gunning for any awards or rankings; he was just there for a good old-fashioned brawl, like a couple of Hitmonchan training in a back alley.
"Here, take this."
With that, Bruno shoved a handful of pendants into Natsu's arm. Then, out of nowhere, he pulled out a "Rage Candy Bar" and stuffed it into his mouth. The dude probably had a whole damn stash in his shorts, the greedy bastard.
"I'm taking Machamp to the Pokémon Center. I'm sitting out the rest of this goddamn celebration."
He waved goodbye and headed off towards the Pokémon Center. Probably needed to patch up his Machamp before it started crying like a Cubone.
"Viic?" Victini blinked twice.
It was only then that the little shit suddenly realized something.
Natsu won without Victini even boosting Togekiss's power? That's like a Jigglypuff winning a rap battle without its mic, just pure talent.
More importantly.
Victini didn't sense any weakening in Natsu's winning aura, nor did it notice any change in Bruno's sun-like aura of victory.
Yet, the battle was over.
Natsu calmly stroked Victini's head. Being acknowledged by Victini meant victory, but he didn't actually want Victini's help; winning like that wouldn't be any fun, it'd be like using a Master Ball on a Caterpie.
Natsu looked at the stack of pendants Bruno had shoved into his hand and thought, "With this many, I should at least make it into the top three, right? I'm practically swimming in them, like a Gyarados in a pond full of Magikarp."
"Natsu..."
Lance walked towards Natsu, but Natsu cut him off before he could say anything more.
"Stop right there!... Don't you want to see what's inside the 'Sword of the Vale' castle?" Natsu asked, giving Lance a look that said, "Don't you dare start a training monologue on me, you overgrown dragon-lover."
Lance was stunned but still looked up at the towering ancient castle not far away, which radiated a different charm under the setting sun. It was like something out of a fairy tale, if fairy tales involved giant stone dicks.
While Lance was deep in thought, Natsu continued:
"We can fight anytime, you know. I want to go up and check it out. If you think the prize sucks, you can just give it to me after you grab it."
After speaking, Natsu moved towards the stage in the center of the plaza.
As long as the results were registered, it was officially done.
"I..." Lance opened his mouth, but couldn't find the words. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off, like a Ditto trying to impersonate a Legendary Pokémon and failing miserably.
Natsu silently shook his head.
If Lance went into the "Sword of the Vale," who knows, maybe Lance could gain Reshiram's approval?
"It's all for his own good," Natsu thought to himself. "He needs to get laid, I mean, get strong. Yeah, strong."
Ding dong ding dong——
However, as Natsu moved towards the stage, melodious bells chimed across the plaza, announcing the end of the "Harvest Festival."
More and more people were moving towards the stage, and Trainers were registering their results one by one.
As long as you still had a pendant in your hand, even if it was just one or two, you could still snag a consolation prize, probably a sticker of a Bidoof or something equally useless.
Soon after, the mayor, Mannes, stepped onto the stage to announce the top three rankings.
"I proudly announce the top three winners of this 'Harvest Festival,' and they are 'Tactical Master' Mister Natsu! 'Dragon Messenger' Mister Lance! And our very own 'People of the Vale' Damon!"
Boom—!!
As his words echoed, magnificent fireworks erupted outside the city, marking the grand finale of this "Harvest Festival." They were probably so loud, they woke up every Snorlax in a ten-mile radius.
"To our three champions, please come to the castle tomorrow. I will personally escort you to receive your rewards and participate in the most glorious ceremony of our 'People of the Vale'."
In the plaza.
Bonfires were lit, and dances with distinct ethnic characteristics were performed.
Not only the "People of the Vale," but many Trainers and Pokémon also joined in the festivities, probably even some Miltank were line dancing.
Sitting near the plaza.
Natsu couldn't help but smile as he watched Togekiss and Eevee happily bouncing around in the crowd. They were probably talking about how many macarons they could steal next.
Victini was among them too, invisible, playing with only Togekiss and Eevee. But it was still incredibly joyful, probably dreaming of all the Oran Berries it would win.
"Natsu," Lance, leaning on the fence like Natsu, also smiled.
"Huh?"
"Being a Trainer, growing with your Pokémon, and witnessing each other's progress... it's a truly amazing thing."
Natsu gave him a slightly surprised look.
He expected Lance to ask about the battle again, but he didn't anticipate such a sudden emotional outburst. What the hell, did he get hit by a Confuse Ray?
Yet, in Natsu's mind, the entire process of meeting, bonding, getting to know, and trusting his Pokémon flashed before his eyes. Yeah, from getting puked on by a Zubat to getting roasted by an Infernape, what a journey.
"Yeah."
He grinned.
No matter how tough the training, how brutal the battles, or how sad the growth.
As long as you can endure the bitterness and share the joy with your Pokémon, everything always feels less difficult than imagined. Like taking a Hyper Beam to the face, but knowing your Steelix has your back.
"You said..."
"What?"
"When can I finally kick your ass?"
Natsu: "..."
He pursed his lips. "Goddammit, I knew it!"
"Soon. Maybe."
It wouldn't be long now; the Alola Region should be opening up soon, and Professor Oak had already received news of it.
At that time, Natsu worried it would be even tougher than the "Lily of the Valley Youth Tournament." Probably gonna be a real clusterfuck, with more legendary Pokémon than a bad fan fiction.
...
...
...
The next morning.
"Have you heard? The entire Lacunosa Town was frozen solid last night, even the damn houses were encased in ice! It looks like Cubchoo sneezed on the place!"
"I know! Not just Lacunosa Town, but Opelucid City was affected too; the whole city practically ground to a halt! People were probably slipping on Glaceon's farts!"
"The worst part is the 'Village Bridge' between Route 11 and Route 12. The entire river froze over, and even the bridge became an ice sculpture! You could probably play hockey on it, if you were stupid enough!"
"And here we are in Eindoak. It's like spring all year round. The cold outside has nothing to do with us. We're chilling like a Snorlax on a sunny day."
"Feel bad for the folks in Lacunosa Town and those wild Pokémon. They're probably wishing they had a Darmanitan for a heater."
"..."
Natsu, on his way to the "Sword of the Vale" with Lance, overheard the townsfolk talking.
They exchanged glances.
"Natsu, do you think so?"
"It has to be."
Natsu's expression was slightly serious.
If there were no accidents, Team Plasma should have already clashed with Kyurem, and it might even be over. Those idiots probably woke up the beast, like poking a Tyranitar with a stick.
The outcome was still unknown.
The Alliance shouldn't be able to announce all this just yet.
What the specific situation was, no one could say for sure.
Anyway, Natsu had already told Officer Jenny what he suspected, what he knew, what he had to say, and he also warned Drayden.
No matter what, a small Gym Leader like him couldn't do much more. He was just a pawn in this grand scheme, like a Bidoof trying to fight a Mewtwo.
Because of the citizens' conversation, both of their moods, which had been pretty good, grew a bit heavy. Suddenly the macarons didn't seem so sweet anymore.
When they arrived at the "Sword of the Vale" castle, the mayor, Mannes, and Damon were already waiting for them at the gate.
"You three, please follow me."
The mayor, a wide man with a plump body, smiled very amiably and led the three of them into the castle. He looked like he'd swallowed a Snorlax whole, the fat bastard.
The castle wasn't empty; there were still many staff members maintaining its cleanliness.
However, they could only operate in the lower sections of the castle. The true upper reaches of the "Sword of the Vale" were accessible only to a select few, probably the ones who didn't complain about the stairs.
Damon didn't say much throughout the walk.
But judging by his expression, he was more or less excited, like a kid on Christmas morning finding a Shiny Pokémon in his stocking.
For the "People of the Vale," it was a tremendous honor to ascend to the peak of the "Sword of the Vale," a place once accessible only to royalty. It was like getting a backstage pass to the Arceus concert.
But Mannes still led them to the middle level of the "Sword of the Vale."
On an ancient table, various items were displayed.
"Gentlemen, these are your rewards this time. Each person may only choose one, and our champion, Mister Natsu, will choose first," Momundo said with a smile. The guy sounded like a game show host.
Natsu walked up to the table.
He found that there were still many things there he didn't recognize. Probably ancient Unown relics or something equally useless to him.
Among them, what caught his attention the most were two palm-sized dragon scales, one black and one white, placed in the center.
No doubt about it.
These were the dragon scales shed by Reshiram and Zekrom. Holy shit, that's like finding a Legendary Pokémon's dandruff!
While not formed by their Outrage, like the dragon scales Rayquaza left for Natsu, these were clearly not your ordinary "Dragon Scales." These were the real deal, not some cheap knock-offs from the discount bin.
The only unfortunate thing was that Natsu didn't know how long these scales had been collected, so their energy was more or less dim. Probably as dim as a Slowpoke trying to solve a Rubik's Cube.
Yet, even so, their value was still undeniable.
Mannes also enthusiastically introduced the items to Natsu.
Some had practical uses, while others merely bore names and left behind legends. Probably just glorified paperweights with cool stories.
"This is a treasure left by our last king, from the 'Sage's Stone.' It is said that the old king deliberately left it before mobilizing the 'Sword of the Vale,' but no one knows its specific function." Mannes laughed as he introduced it. He probably didn't know what the hell it did either.
Natsu's eyes settled on this deep purple crystal.
On the gleaming surface of the crystal, there seemed to be a special power contained within.
And this crystal shell seemed to have been specially treated; there were no signs of energy loss within it.
If anyone else saw it, they might just consider it a beautiful stone with high collection value, like Steven's rock collection.
But for Natsu, he felt the energy inside it.
It was Psychic power!
Extremely pure Psychic power.
But what its specific role was, he'd have to ponder before figuring it out. Probably could use it to read minds, or just make a wicked Psychic attack.
Two pieces of dragon scales, and this "Sage's Stone."
Natsu rubbed his chin.
Finally, he reached for the deep purple crystal on the table.
There was no need for much thought or hesitation.
Not to mention that the energy of the dragon scales had faded, he still had a piece of Rayquaza's dragon scale in his hand, which was a bit redundant for him. Why have two when one is already god-tier?
Conversely, something deliberately left behind by the old king made Natsu feel its function was unusual.
The old king's Psychic power and his understanding and use of Psychic power left Natsu speechless. In terms of usage alone, Natsu probably couldn't compare to him.
And it was deliberately left before death; there must have been something he wanted to tell future generations.
At least, Natsu remembered that Damon, who would soon be recognized by Reshiram or Zekrom, would use Victini's power again to control the "Sword of the Vale."
Perhaps it had something to do with this "Sage's Stone."
After Natsu chose, it was Lance's turn.
He was straightforward and immediately took Reshiram's scale. Of course he did, the dragon fanatic.
And Damon took the "Earth Stone," which had a special meaning for the "People of the Vale," its specific effect unknown for now. Probably just a fancy rock that looks good on a shelf.
Afterward, the three of them went to the top floor of the "Sword of the Vale" again under Momundo's lead.
"I can't go any higher than this. The rest is up to you three."
After Mannes opened the stairs to the upper floor, he stood still. Probably too fat to climb any higher, the lazy bastard.
The three of them didn't hesitate.
They ascended the stairs.
Walking through the spiral staircase, through the hollowed-out area in the center of the castle, to the very top level of the "Sword of the Vale."
Here, it was the place where the old king once overlooked the entire land, and it also symbolized the supreme glory of the "People of the Vale." It was probably where he practiced his royal farts.
Damon's body trembled slightly with excitement. He was probably about to piss himself.
Lance walked to the balcony, looked into the distance, and witnessed a panoramic view of all of Eindoak. Probably fantasizing about his next Dragon-type conquest.
And Natsu's attention was drawn to an altar-like structure in the middle of the top floor.
Four stone pillars with patterns similar to Victini's prison but on a much smaller scale stood around the altar.
His eyes flickered.
Psychic scope.
Natsu felt a wave of energy. Like a Jynx whispering sweet nothings in his ear.
"It's here."
"Viic."
Victini's mood seemed a little down, and it brought back memories of the images and scenes from when the old king died. Probably saw a flashback of the old king's last fart.
Natsu comforted him in a low voice: "Let the past be the past. Keep the people of the past in your heart, but this imprisonment that has lasted for thousands of years must end. It's like keeping a Ditto locked in a cage forever, it's just wrong!"
"Viic!"
Victini nodded heavily.
Then, watching, Natsu calmly moved towards the altar stairs.
"Wait! That's..."
He wants to destroy the altar? The nerve of this guy!
Damon, who had just come back to his senses, saw Natsu ascending the stairs and hurriedly tried to stop him.
Natsu looked straight ahead, his gaze fixed on the center of the altar.
Regarding Damon's obstruction, he heard Natsu say emotionlessly: "You're going to let a little kid who's been willingly lonely for thousands of years, selflessly serving your entire family, continue to be imprisoned within these few square inches? Is that what you call the glory of the 'People of the Vale'? That's just fucking pathetic, you greedy bastard!"
Damon choked.
He didn't know why Natsu knew about Victini being imprisoned here.
After all, even among the current "People of the Vale," only a few knew about this matter.
He had also stumbled upon the story of Victini accidentally when he was looking through Mayor Mannes's collection. Probably found it buried under a stack of old Bidoof porn.
Most of the "People of the Vale" only knew that the old king used Victini's power, and they were grateful to Victini for its help, but they didn't know what Victini had paid for it. Typical, people always take without giving a damn about the cost.
And the few who did know didn't dare disturb the formation the old king had left, fearing it would make all of Eindoak barren again, like the "Land of the Vale" once was. They were probably scared of getting their asses handed to them by an angry Kyogre or something.
Watching Natsu get closer to the altar, Damon's eyes kept shifting.
He had read ancient books.
While traveling, he saw tribes of "People of the Vale" who still abandoned their homeland and lived painstakingly in the barren "Land of the Vale" so he got a very bold idea.
He wanted to reproduce what the old king had done, move the "Sword of the Vale" again, and bring the Dragon Veins back to the "Land of the Vale"
Restore the "People of the Vale" to a new homeland. Yeah, good luck with that, pal, trying to move a whole damn mountain.
Because of this, he had to rely on the arrangements left by the old king and Victini's power.
So he couldn't let Natsu destroy the altar.
"I'm sorry, but for my people..." Damon whispered in a voice only he could hear.
Immediately his eyes became resolute.
Reforming the homeland is my righteous cause! Even if I have to step on a few Shroomish to do it!
Two Poké Balls appeared in his hand, thrown simultaneously.
What emerged were Damon's Reuniclus and Sigilyph.
"Stop him!" Damon said solemnly.
Reuniclus and Sigilyph stirred up agitated Psychic energy, moving towards Natsu and rushing him. They looked like two angry UFOs coming to abduct him.
"Viiic!"
Victini cried out.
Feeling the surge of Psychic energy and hearing Victini's call, Natsu frowned.
Two red lights flashed at his waist.
"Beer!"
"Zaam!"
Beedrill and Alakazam appeared.
The sharp, long needle of Beedrill was like a sky-breaking long spear, sweeping horizontally to disperse the two strands of Psychic energy. That Beedrill was a straight-up boss, slicing through attacks like butter.
Alakazam crossed his spoons, also surging Psychic power to attack the two Pokémon. He looked like he was about to give them a mental enema.
"Natsu!"
Noticing the commotion here, Lance turned around in astonishment.
He saw Natsu coldly staring at Damon.
"Even if you know that doing this hurts a small child who has willingly endured loneliness for thousands of years and selflessly served you, you still choose to do this? You're a cold-hearted son of a bitch, Damon! That's like kicking a Togepi in the face!"
Damon showed guilt and entanglement, but it was quickly replaced by resolve.
"Although I'm sorry for Victini, just wait for me, wait until I complete the self-salvation of our 'People of the Vale,' I am willing to return everything to Victini!" Yeah, right, you'll return everything when a Magnezone learns to tap dance!
Hearing this, Natsu couldn't help but laugh.
He said nothing more.
It was human nature for everyone to think about things from their own perspective.
From Natsu's perspective, Damon might be foolish.
But in his own eyes and the eyes of some of the "People of the Vale," he might be a hero.
Since they all stood in their respective corners and positions, there was no right or wrong.
The last thing to be seen was each other's strength. Let's see whose Pokémon hit harder, you pathetic excuse for a Trainer.
"Viic!"
Victini appeared with a confused expression, unsure what to do. He looked like a Psyduck trying to do math.
On one side was his acknowledgment, and Natsu was helping him.
On the other side was the representative of the "People of the Vale," a nation he had willingly sacrificed everything for thousands of years ago.
"Victini!?"
Damon was shocked to see Victini appear next to Natsu. He probably thought he was his personal slave.
Tap—
Natsu patted the little kid's head with his palm and rubbed it vigorously.
"Leave it to me."
"Viic?"
Victini looked into Natsu's eyes; after a brief absence, he still nodded, choosing to trust Natsu. Smart choice, kid, this guy knows how to get shit done.
Natsu looked back at Damon.
If Damon's choice, and what he would do in the future, could truly save the "Land of the Vale."
Right and wrong were not to be discussed then.
But Natsu knew it.
Damon only thought he was doing the right thing, but in reality, the Dragon Veins would rampage the moment the "Sword of the Earth" moved.
Not only would the "Land of the Vale" not recover, but all of Eindoak would be utterly destroyed, not to mention all the surrounding mountains, rivers, and forests would be swallowed by the uncontrolled Dragon Veins. It'd be a total shit show, worse than a Groudon and Kyogre fight in a bathtub.
"Today," Natsu held Victini's head and said something like a truth, "Victini will be freed, you hear me, you pathetic excuse for a leader! He's getting out of this goddamn prison!"
After a moment of astonishment, Damon also came back to his senses, listening to Natsu's words, and adopted a battle stance.
Bang!
Suddenly, a milky white beam of light shot into the sky from the deepest part of the castle.
The pure beam of light contained no impurities, and it even ignored all the stones and walls, heading straight for the sky. It was brighter than a Voltorb exploding in your face.
Natsu and Damon were enveloped by it.
Lance, who stood nearby, witnessed this sight and couldn't help but shout: "Natsu!!"
However, as he approached, he felt a barrier, as well as a scorching heat. Probably felt like getting hit by a Blue Flare from Reshiram itself.
This scene was not only witnessed by Lance, but by all the residents throughout the city of Eindoak as well.
Bruno, who was waiting for the boss to make steamed buns at his usual spot, silently swallowed the bun in his mouth.
He clicked his tongue, "Lance and Natsu, what kind of mess are they stirring up now? Those two are like a pair of Exploud in a library, always causing a ruckus."
"What is that?"
"So bright, but also so warm."
"I've participated in the 'Harvest Festival' in Eindoak several times, haven't seen a show like that before, have I? This is wilder than a Raticate trying to use Surf!"
Many foreign tourists discussed animatedly.
Only a small number of older "People of the Vale," or those with a better understanding of the "People of the Vale's" history, watched this scene with awe. They looked like they'd seen a Mew riding a Unicorn.
"Mom."
Carlita, who was tidying up the stand, saw this beam of light and murmured.
Her Shiny Hydreigon beside her also stared blankly at the beam of light, with a hint of yearning and heartfelt respect in her eyes. She probably thought it was a giant cosmic Ultra Ball.
Juanita's expression wasn't much better than Carlita's, but the speed at which she returned to her senses was much faster than Carlita's.
Her tone was quite heavy, and the noun was spoken in a complex way.
"The Dragon's Trial."
"The Dragon's Trial?" Carlita said she had never heard of such a thing. Probably thought it was a new reality TV show.
Juanita sighed silently, "It can also be called 'The True Trial'."
"Mom, you mean..." Carlita's eyes gradually widened.
Juanita nodded.
"Legend says that when the old king exhausted his life and passed away, the two Princes awakened, and Dragon Twin became the 'Light Stone' and the 'Dark Stone' due to the depletion of their power. It is said that they each chose a place to bury themselves deeply, and no one knows where is precisely hidden.
Some say that is directly beneath the castle, others say that does not wish to see the 'People of the Vale' and therefore will not appear with Eindoak again.
I didn't expect it."
"'The Light Stone' is under the castle?" Carlita added Juanita's words.
Juanita looked at the beam of light again, "This phenomenon has only occurred once in the kingdom's history.
But at that time, not only a white beam of light appeared, but also a black beam of light."
"Brother. He's up there too." Carlita suddenly remembered her brother Damon.
"And Mister Natsu and Mister Lance."
"Mom, are they okay?" Carlita asked.
Juanita shook her head, "I don't know. They're probably getting their asses kicked by a Legendary Pokémon."
At the same time, the mayor, Mannes, who had just exited the castle, also saw the scene beneath the castle.
He opened his mouth wide.
"The Dragon's Trial!"
Those who are recognized are heroes, and those who are not are considered profane, burned by endless Blue Flare.
As the city's mayor, he could read more documents than ordinary "People of the Vale." Probably had a secret library filled with forbidden Pokémon lore and ancient Jynx fan fiction.
...
(End of this chapter)