novelraw Chapter 751: Sacred Fire! Holy Ashes Get
Chapter 751: Sacred Fire! Holy Ashes Get
"I haven't asked you yet."
Marshadow said suspiciously, "Why has your Rainbow Wing… turned into this?"
"Oh, that one."
Lu Ye waved the Rainbow Wing in his hand, "Maybe it just fits my style."
In a no-holds-barred battle, you might pull out the Rainbow Wing and shout 'Flash!' to blind the enemy.
Or use a Rainbow Feather Sweep to destroy every magical trap on the opponent's field. (Just kidding.)
This is one hundred uses for a Rainbow Wing!
Rainbow Wing: "……"
With Aura, anything is possible.
Marshadow: "……"I remember now, this was the feather that came off when Lord Ho-Oh was betrayed by the King of Pokélantis, the one that was plucked away.
Even though it is a piece of Ho-Oh's original power… it's basically an old grudger!
Marshadow glanced again at Lu Ye holding the Rainbow Wing and nodded inwardly.
No wonder it resembles him so much!
Teacher Lu's Rainbow Wing came from the "Ruins of Pokélantis," the kingdom destroyed when Ho-Oh delivered its punishment.
Thinking about it carefully, the reason it was punished was probably because the king plucked a feather from Ho-Oh…
Ash also has a Rainbow Wing, which he picked up after witnessing Ho-Oh.
The girl also owns one;
Liu Bo forcibly plucked it from Ho-Oh and the girl later stole it.
Balding, shedding, the cameraman, shiny Spearow… this is Teacher Lu's direct impression of Ho-Oh.
"Forgive me, forgive me," Lu Ye murmured twice.
Later he still needed to pluck Sacred Ash from Ho-Oh… he couldn't let it hear his telepathy!
Led by Marshadow, Lu Ye passed through the thick mist and arrived halfway up the mountain.
"Fellow friend, want some candy?" Lu Ye shook the golden square in his hand.
"No." Marshadow said awkwardly.
"Gengarrr! (￣▽￣)~[]" Haunter handed Marshadow a can of cola.
Even though autumn had arrived, cola still tastes best when chilled!
"Ugh…" This time Marshadow didn't refuse, politely reaching out with two hands to take it.
Lu Ye pocketed the golden square back into the Poké Cube Box and suddenly heard Darkrai's faint voice near his ear.
"If he doesn't eat, I will."
Lu Ye: "……"
Keep up your aloof image, will you!
They reached the mountaintop. A great slab of green stone in the distance looked like a massive emerald, sunlight piercing through thick clouds and falling on the stone, illuminating its veins, glossy like jade.
"Walk slowly."
Marshadow pointed ahead with a fingertip, "Ho-Oh will see into your heart."
Teacher Lu's expression changed subtly in an instant.
"Are you afraid?" Marshadow asked in surprise.
"Huh? I, Lu Ye, am open and upright. How could I be afraid—Haunter, lead the way!"
Darkrai looked up at the dark clouds, then at Lu Ye's back.
Really worried he might get struck by a judgment bolt from Ho-Oh…
Teacher Lu and floating Haunter walked side by side toward the giant green stone.
The moment he stepped onto the path, Lu Ye's pupils contracted. The stone beneath his feet seemed to breathe, veins of light blossoming.
A slideshow flashed before him, scenes from his past whirling like the cameraman watching footage.
If the two pans of a scale represent good and evil, the evil side kept descending, the scenes as follows:
"Shrink, shrink! Chansey used Minimize!"
"Caltrops, poison spike, blow away, all in one!"
"Blow, send in M! (Trick Room)"
"Ally Switch, can't hit, annoying?"
"Isn't this just babysitting? (sly face)"
A cold drop of sweat slid down Lu Ye's temple.
Damn, it makes me want to punch someone!
This is filthy!
But on the good side, there were heavy weights added.
"Mega Rayquaza, Dragon Ascent!!"
"Blastoise, full power, Hydro Cannon!!"
"My dream… is to marry Bamboo Lan."
"Arceus, I'm here to negotiate!"
Lu Ye was admiring his own legendary battles with the beasts, nodding occasionally, when the slideshow suddenly went black.
"What's going on?"
Lu Ye looked baffled, "I'm about to fight Arceus, fast-forward!"
A drop of cold sweat traced across Ho-Oh's brow in the clouds.
No need to keep watching…
I'm afraid if I see more of his embarrassing history, Arceus will come accuse me…
This Rainbow Hero is unique.
His heart is darker than his face, yet he possesses rainbow courage and conviction!
Ho-Oh's dignified eyes fixed on Marshadow.
Marshadow shrugged, indicating it wasn't his fault;
the Rainbow Wing acknowledged it first.
Rainbow Wing: ミﾟДﾟ彡
Ho-Oh stared at this somewhat-familiar Rainbow Wing, recalling the betrayal by the King of Pokélantis. Its posterior still tingled from that wound, and it couldn't help hissing a cooling breath.
So it was you who brought Arceus's envoy here?
The Rainbow Wing faintly glowed: （◐ˍ◑）
At moments like this, all it needed to do was shine…
Lu Ye stood in absolute darkness. Suddenly light appeared ahead and expanded, brilliant rainbow radiance enveloping him.
A sticky sensation brushed his cheek. Opening his eyes, he saw Haunter slurping him with its long tongue.
"Gengarrr~(*⊙~⊙)"
Lu Ye patted Haunter's head, ignoring any paralysis status, and lifted his eyes toward the emerald stone.
Rainbow light poured down. Ho-Oh radiated a holy aura, its golden crown and feathers shimmering with seven-colored brilliance under the sun.
The legendary Pokémon with the miraculous power to resurrect the dead—Ho-Oh!!
Ho-Oh perched quietly on the emerald slab, casting a gentle gaze, mingled with curiosity and surprise.
It saw the many facets of humanity—those who evade hardship, and yet who sacrifice themselves in disasters.
He is not an outstanding Rainbow Hero, but he must be an outstanding trainer.
"Human." Ho-Oh's telepathic voice was mild and androgynous, "Your past is grand and turbulent."
Lu Ye's expression became complex.
My back is full of holes!
"Because I am Arceus's envoy, I cannot stand idly by when necessary." Lu Ye said.
Ho-Oh smiled, "You are also the Aura Hero recognized by the World Tree. In my knowledge, you are the first."
Lu Ye blinked slightly.
Isn't Ash also… oh, Ash isn't Arceus's envoy;
he's the envoy of the Thunder Monster.
"You have passed the Rainbow Trial, and among humans you are a champion who combines courage and wisdom." Ho-Oh asked, "So, what do you wish to receive from me?"
Lu Ye and Ho-Oh exchanged meaningful gazes.
In truth, Ho-Oh had been betrayed by humans many times and deeply distrusted them.
Bellossom Tower and the Kingdom of Pokélantis were both destroyed because Ho-Oh laid down punishment.
In the centuries after the Bellossom Tower incident, only one human had earned Ho-Oh's favor, and that was Ash.
Lu Ye's Rainbow Wing was not willingly given by Ho-Oh, and allowing Lu Ye to take part in the Rainbow Trial was not Ho-Oh's original intention.
But the deed was done: he saved the glacier and became Donghua's champion…
One had to admit, this was the strangest Rainbow Hero imaginable.
Ho-Oh intended to fulfill its promise and reward him as much as possible.
Lu Ye slowly raised the corner of his mouth, baring white teeth in a sunny smile.
Haunter beside him also grinned, flashing a creepy smile.
For some reason, Ho-Oh shivered involuntarily.
"If possible, I would like the Sacred Ash, please!" Lu Ye smiled.
"Gengarrr gargar~" Haunter chimed in with a helping laugh.
One is never too few, two is never too many—gargar!
Sacred Ash is the ash left after burning a feather with the Flame of Life, containing Ho-Oh's original resurrection power. Even for Ho-Oh, it is exceedingly precious.
Its previous two portions of Sacred Ash were used to resurrect the Legendary Beasts and Ash.
And now, Lu Ye asked for Sacred Ash right away!
Ho-Oh: "……"
Humans, you have a lot of nerve!
But recalling the scenes it had glimpsed, Ho-Oh's resolve softened.
Even Arceus agreed to his conditions.
Sacred Ash might be negotiable…
Marshadow looked at Ho-Oh, who appeared to be pondering, deeply shocked.
Lord Ho-Oh… is actually considering this fellow's proposal!?
Marshadow had thought Lu Ye's impudence would anger Ho-Oh and planned to pull him away from the Sacred Flame as repayment for his favor.
Now seeing this, Marshadow exhaled.
Ho-Oh closed its eyes and used "future sight" to weigh the cause and effect of granting Sacred Ash.
But Lu Ye carried Arceus's Power of Transcendence, transcending time and space, making Ho-Oh's decision difficult.
After a while, Ho-Oh decided not to repeat the mistakes of other gods.
"I am willing to give you Sacred Ash."
Ho-Oh beat its wings and scattered crystalline light, gaze sharp.
"And I will grant you the Holy Flame, Rainbow Hero."
Lu Ye's expression turned surprised.
Since when did Ho-Oh become so generous?
"Of course, there are conditions."
A trace of pride showed in Ho-Oh's eyes, "The Pokémon that receives the Holy Flame must be able to withstand the power of this flame, possess fearless courage and a passionate heart, otherwise it will be consumed by the Holy Flame!"
"If it cannot endure the Holy Flame's burning," Ho-Oh said coldly, "I will resurrect it with Sacred Ash, and then I will ask you to leave… the Rainbow Hero."
Lu Ye pondered for a moment.
Two outcomes.
First: Sacred Ash is consumed, and he returns empty-handed.
Second: The Pokémon withstands and masters the Holy Flame, and Lu Ye leaves with Sacred Ash.
The Poké Balls trembled;
the little ones volunteered willingly, attempting to challenge the Holy Flame.
"Gengarrr! (✧◡✧)" Haunter rubbed its hands together, eager.
I'll toss it into the Reversed World!
"Bu-bii! (#｀皿´)" Sylveon bared a tiny fang.
I'll use the Fairy Plate to bounce it back!
"Ga! (´థ౪థ)σ" Ducklett teared up.
Calm down, big sister, please calm down!
Lu Ye took a deep breath.
Very tempting conditions.
No matter what, he wouldn't come out the loser and might even secure one of the most precious items, Sacred Ash.
But—
Just as Marshadow and Ho-Oh both thought Teacher Lu would accept,
"I refuse."
Lu Ye's gaze hardened, "I, Lu Ye, will not let Pokémon risk their lives for me."
A breeze passed, ruffling the black-and-gold champion cloak.
Marshadow stared at his retreating figure, wavering.
Ho-Oh's eyes flashed with surprise.
The last trainer who said this sacrificed his life to protect Pikachu…
"Then what of your Pokémon?" Ho-Oh asked calmly. "Do they have the resolve to sacrifice themselves for their trainer?"
"Mah sha…" Marshadow whispered, little face falling.
Please don't say it… Lord Ho-Oh…
Lu Ye lifted his head, facing Ho-Oh whom he could barely look at, and said calmly, "I am leaving, Ho-Oh."
Ho-Oh fell silent.
It remembered that human boy.
He and Pikachu were one, sacrificing without hesitation…
Even for Ho-Oh, missing out on Lu Ye as a Rainbow Hero would be a great pity.
Lu Ye turned and slowly walked back the way he had come, but three black silhouettes now stood on the cliffs.
They watched Lu Ye without sound, their fur billowing.
Ho-Oh's guard.
Entei, Raikou, Suicune.
"What does this mean?" Lu Ye frowned.
"Lu Ye… I regret what I said earlier."
Ho-Oh actually lowered its proud golden crown and spoke evenly, "You possess the steadfast character and conviction to become a Rainbow Hero."
In front of Lu Ye, one of Ho-Oh's seven-colored feathers slowly floated up, and under Ho-Oh's gaze began to burn.
Sacred Ash drifted in the wind, swirling into a pile and settling into a broad leaf.
The wind god, Suicune, shimmered before Lu Ye and handed over the leaf wrapped with a ribbon.
Lu Ye blinked slightly and took the Sacred Ash reflexively.
Suicune glanced at Lu Ye coldly, then turned and strode away.
Lu Ye smirked.
Suicune, don't get cocky;
in a few years you'll lose your face!
Ho-Oh's voice came from behind.
"I swear by the name of Ho-Oh, the Holy Flame will not harm your Pokémon, and… I will give Sacred Ash to you."
Lu Ye turned to Ho-Oh and saw it say slowly:
"If I'm not mistaken, your Arcanine just happens to need the Holy Flame."
Fearless courage… passionate heart…
Lu Ye recalled Ho-Oh's requirements and lowered his gaze toward the Luxury Ball.
The Arcanine inside the Luxury Ball wore a knowing smile.
"Howwwl! ᕦ(･ㅂ･)ᕤ"
Great, now I can use my signature move too!
Well… can't play favorites. This is also a precious opportunity for Arcanine.
Lu Ye forced a smile and threw the Luxury Ball, "Do me proud, Arcanine!"
"Howwwl!!"
As soon as it appeared, Arcanine raised its head and howled. Its flowing mane drifted in the wind, flickering with fiery light.
Entei's eyes showed a hint of reminiscence.
The little brother I saw a year ago has grown so much…
Ho-Oh's sharp gaze flickered with something like approval.
The last Donghua trainer who brought Arcanine here was centuries ago, perhaps.
At that time, Arcanine's mane was longer and even had Rock attributes…
Whoosh!
Ho-Oh fluttered its seven-colored wings, conjuring a cluster of holy white flames in the wind that danced toward Arcanine.
In an instant, Arcanine's mane erupted in white fire, and it roared mightily:
"Howwwl!!!"
Lu Ye used Aura to check;
Arcanine's condition was good, and he breathed easier.
By the way, the Holy Flame is white. The other alternating flame was blue.
Lu Ye rubbed his chin.
Why does this feel like a devouring exotic flame!
The Holy Flame surged. Sunlight from the clouds shone on Arcanine, and Morning Sun continued to restore its stamina.
In a short time, Arcanine's once-stagnant rank steadily climbed, looking ready to reach champion peak!
Lu Ye looked astonished.
This Holy Flame is even more effective than the Strange Candy!
Ho-Oh showed a look of relief.
I have a premonition…
Soon everyone will be swept into that interdimensional catastrophe.
I cannot interfere…
But you are Arceus's envoy, the World Tree's Aura Hero, the Rainbow Hero!
Facing a legendary Pokémon, you have an excellent record and rich experience handling crises!
And this Holy Flame with Sacred Ash is all the help I can give you…
Ho-Oh gazed at Lu Ye warmly.
Against the coming interdimensional disaster—trainers, you must not relax your vigilance!