Mossdeep City was a city on the eastern sea of the Hoenn region, as well as Steven Stone's hometown. It possessed advanced astronomical technology, and its purpose had always been to understand the distant reaches of space, carrying out research day and night without pause.
The reason the Space Center had been built here was because Mossdeep City had relatively mild weather.
The meteor shower from the Litleo constellation was beautiful, praised as brilliant fireworks in the night sky. If the Litleo constellation were treated as the true Leo, then after the Leonid meteors came another batch of stars following close behind—the meteors of Gemini.
Gemini held an important meaning in the Pokémon world. It could refer to many people.
Although the meteor shower seen from space had been far more breathtaking and magnificent, looking up at the sky from the ground carried its own kind of emotion. It was just like the words Zinnia often kept on her lips.
Ever since I was little, I've always looked up at the sky.
"Attention, visitors. Thank you for supporting the Mossdeep Space Center. The center will be closing shortly. Please make sure you have all of your personal belongings."
The broadcast from the Space Center brought everyone's slightly dazed minds back into their bodies.
When they looked up at the sky, it almost felt as if their souls would be pulled into space, drifting endlessly through the stars.
And many people were thinking the same thing:
"If you weren't here, who would I watch this meteor shower with?"
The meteor crisis had been resolved. It truly was something worth celebrating.
And there was truth in the saying that when people were happy, time passed in the blink of an eye.
"After the battle ends, you'll be heading off to a distant region. And I want to learn more about the natural world of Hoenn now that it's been revived."
"…So, Brendan. Goodbye."
May planned to set off on her journey again with Ash and Brock, aiming for the Hall of Fame and the Battle Frontier. After seeing Brendan obtain the black Rayquaza, she had already made plans for her own future.
And so this farewell sounded almost like a confession.
"The next time we meet, let's battle… and then go back to Littleroot Town together."
Brendan said, "…Yeah. Goodbye, May."
"But no matter where you are, as long as you turn back and call for me…"
"I'll be right beside you."
The atmosphere felt a little strange, but among the boys and girls present, only Brock noticed it. Ash himself did not seem to feel anything.
Brock gave a helpless smile. "Ash is still just a kid."
Ash: "…?"
Mossdeep City did have a Gym, but Ash had no intention of challenging it right now, because his current team was still a baby team. If he battled now…
Although Gym Leaders would decide which Pokémon to use according to the challenger's strength, Mossdeep's Gym battles were Double Battles. And they were not one-on-one fights, but two-on-two fights.
No matter how many challengers there were, the Gym Leaders were always a pair.
That meant the challenger had to command two Pokémon at the same time. After hearing this rule, Ash fell into thought. It was a battle format he had rarely experienced, because in the early days of the Indigo League, Double Battles had been an illegal battle format.
In other words, it was a battle style officially discouraged by the League.
However, in later generations, Double Battles gradually became a mainstream competitive format and were taken more seriously. In the Hoenn region, Trainers skilled at Double Battles could be found everywhere. There were even situations like the Mt. Chimney dogfighting tournament, where one Pokémon fought four opponents.
Hikaru noticed Ash's thoughtful expression.
Come to think of it, in the Advanced Generation arc, the most classic "Thunder Armor" came from the Mossdeep Gym battle. Pikachu and Swellow wore Thunder's electricity over their bodies to attack Solrock and Lunatone. That technique was considered the prototype for Volt Tackle, which was added in Generation IV.
Hikaru said, "Then I'll teach you some useful moves."
"What…?" Ash did not quite understand what Hikaru meant, but Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, seemed to sense something. It blinked and looked at the Pichu on Hikaru's shoulder.
Pikachu had noticed earlier that this Pichu looked different from other Pichu.
Why were its ears spiky?
The Pikachu family could communicate with one another using electricity. As long as they nuzzled cheeks or crossed tails, they could understand one another through electrical signals. But Pokémon that used electricity to communicate were not limited to Pikachu alone.
Zapdos could also exchange electricity with Pikachu and speak to it that way. The God of Thunder from the Orange Islands had once done exactly that.
"Pika! Pika!"
"Pi! Chu!"
Spiky-eared Pichu and Pikachu both jumped to the ground at the same time. Powerful lightning surged around the former's body, and it "wore" the electricity over itself.
The dazzling light gathered without being released. It looked as exaggerated as a Super Saiyan transformation.
Ash shouted, "W-What move is that?!"
Hikaru said, "The Pikachu family's signature move, Volt Tackle. Its base power reaches 120, and with same-type attack bonus, its power reaches 180. It's the Electric-type ultimate technique."
"However, this move also deals a certain amount of recoil damage to Pikachu itself. It's a finishing move you use only when you're ready to decide the battle."
In the anime, Ash's Pikachu learned Volt Tackle on its own. After accelerating Quick Attack to its absolute limit, intense electricity wrapped around its body, much like when it wore Thunder Armor.
However, this extremely powerful move was later shelved and replaced by the more functional Electro Ball and Electroweb.
After all, with Pikachu's little body, using Volt Tackle made it difficult to keep fighting for long. Still, unlike major moves such as Flare Blitz, this technique never really became widely distributed, which was a real shame.
"Volt Tackle also has three derivative—or similar—ultimate moves."
In a side work, there was Origin Volt Tackle, which removed the recoil effect.
In Pokémon Adventures, there was Super Rising Thunder, which required Raikou's energy to use.
And there was Yellow's One Million Volts, a grand ultimate move that required the energy of Charizard, Venusaur, and Blastoise, as well as the wind and soil of Shamouti Island and the Viridian Power.
Moreover, judging purely by final destructive force, One Million Volts actually surpassed the Z-Move 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt.
"And these four TMs are my thanks to you. You helped a lot in space this time."
"N-No, I really didn't do much…" Ash was extremely embarrassed and hurriedly waved his hands, but Hikaru still pressed four TMs into his hands.
Hikaru said, "Your Pikachu may not be able to learn them right now, but I think they'll definitely come in handy someday. Don't worry about it. I can get as many ancient bracelets as I want. You did a beautiful job transporting the Star Child."
"Inside are some very unique Partner Moves. I think, right now, the only one in this world who can use these moves is my Spiky-eared Pichu. I wrote their usage methods in the notebook."
"If you're going to challenge the Champion Road and the Battle Frontier, strengthening yourself is necessary."
Higan and Shigan were not here. They had already gone to the Sky Pillar and completed the ritual that allowed Fille Rayquaza to inherit the Dragon God. From now on, two green stars would shine above Hoenn.
The Lorekeepers had also become two people, just like Gemini meteors. And Zinnia had informed the Draconid elders of this matter.
That meant the stories handed down through the generations among the Draconid people would also have to be revised.
Not only would the part about the grass-green orb have to be added, but also the concept that there were two Lorekeepers.
Still, Hikaru thought…
The "Lorekeeper" could actually be regarded as two people to begin with, because there were also two groups of Draconid people.
In Pokémon Adventures, the second group of Draconid people had been established as people who migrated to the Kalos region. Among them, those who possessed Mega Evolution authority and inheritance changed from "Lorekeepers" into "Successors."
Trainer class: Successor.
Only one Trainer possessed this class: Korrina, the Shalour Gym Leader of the Kalos region, who oversaw the Rumble Badge.
And in the music collection, the Delta Episode included a track titled "The Successors of an Ancient History."
The BGM for battling Zinnia and the BGM for battling Korrina were respectively "Battle! Lorekeeper Zinnia" and "Battle! Successor Korrina."
Both protected a tower. Both had similar evolutionary powers. Both battled the player at the top of a tower. Even the battle music had similar rhythms, though the melodies were completely different.
"After all, Hoenn and Kalos have deep ties."
When they were leaving, Hikaru opened her PokéNav. Inside was a message from Skyla, and she was also stopped by Nurse Joy as she came out of the Pokémon Center.
"Excuse me. According to your Trainer Card information, we have a package for you here."
A Trainer Card. Hikaru had not had something like that in the past, but later, she had registered the corresponding cards in both Unova and Paldea. It seemed that Pokémon Centers in every region of the world could identify them.
This was about the Sky Pillar, the results of the high-altitude race, and the prize. She had successfully obtained the treasure of the sea, the Liechi Berry. It was said to be a treasure that the people of Hoenn had brought back from Mirage Island two years ago. For the past two years, it had been cultivated in a Berry orchard, though it seemed difficult to grow.
Skyla also mentioned Larry and Kahili's appearance. That girl skilled in Flying-type Pokémon had come all this way in search of an island kahuna. After realizing that her strength was insufficient, she had immediately decided to go back and continue training, without the slightest hesitation. Only then did Hikaru understand that this year's island challenge had already begun.
However, for the Alola region, it was even more "southern" than Hoenn, overflowing with rainbow light. Because of that, it was warm as summer all year round.
The start time for the island challenge did not seem to be completely fixed. It could even happen multiple times in a single year, because only when a suitable challenger had been chosen would the festival offered to the guardian deities be held to mark the beginning of the journey.
"Although I obtained the treasure, I think the real champion should have been you."
"I watched a wonderful meteor shower… Thank you. So I sent the package containing the Liechi Berry to the Pokémon Center in Mossdeep City. Please accept it."
"Because this is the champion's prize. And my wish has already come true."
Skyla had already flown her plane out of the Hoenn region. The people near the Sky Pillar had also dispersed. That tall tower and altar dedicated to Rayquaza had once again been sealed off.
"There's no need to worry about something like that… After all, I was riding a rocket. Of course I was faster than you. Ah, forget it. I'll cultivate some Liechi Berries later and mail them to you."
"Skyla, have a safe trip."
Hikaru sent Skyla a reply.
"The high-altitude race prize, the Liechi Berry." Steven looked at the package in Hikaru's hands and remembered something important. "Wait a moment. I have something important to give you too."
Hikaru said, "Something important… Right, what I once asked you about…"
Had she asked him or not?
"Haha, I already handed the things over to that old gentleman. Later, before I went to the Embedded Tower, I had already retrieved those items." Steven's smile carried a hint of helplessness. "I didn't forget a promise I once made just because of the giant meteorite."
"Golden leaves and silver leaves. Although they're extremely difficult to cultivate, the Berry Master truly lives up to his reputation. In Hoenn's fertile soil, even things this rare can be successfully grown."
Hikaru said, "In Johto legends, only Pokémon with a deep bond with humans can discover such leaves. The legends also say that if you collect five of them, you can make a shining Leaf Crown."
"I once used an oak tree from Ilex Forest to cultivate the same kind of leaves."
Steven chuckled. "According to the Berry Master's research, cultivating them with different Berry trees seems to produce different effects. Among them, three kinds of Berry trees are especially suitable for growing golden and silver leaves."
"And perhaps, just as you said, only Pokémon with deep bonds with humans can cultivate such treasures. Because of that, the forms of those three kinds of Berries also changed."
"The Berry Master said that this phenomenon can be called Berry mutation. Many Berries in nature seem not to have existed originally. Through crossbreeding and mutation, new Berries—or Berries that had once been discovered in the past—can be obtained. This part of the research is also recorded in the Berry fields of the Kalos region, and even now, they are still working on cultivating new hybrid Berries."
"The Liechi Berry hybridization project is currently advancing as well…"
Hikaru accepted the package. "I see. Then why not try crossbreeding this treasure of the sea with another treasure of the land?"
"The treasure of the land is called the Ganlon Berry. Its name comes from a dragon's eye. A Pokémon holding this Berry will activate it when its HP drops below one quarter, raising its Defense by one stage. If eaten over a long period, it should increase a Pokémon's defensive power."
"As for where it is, I believe the area is called the Hoenn Plains."
"That place may well be Forina. In a place that has now regained its abundance, with plants and trees flourishing again, you should be able to find this ancient treasure."
"This fruit seems to attract Pokémon called Illumise. They're one of the pests for this fruit. So wherever Illumise gather, it may be possible to find it. That's what I think."
"If you crossbreed Ganlon Berries and Liechi Berries, you'll obtain Kee Berries. When a Pokémon holds one, its Defense rises when it's hit by a physical move."
"These slightly precious Berries are hit first by hellishly intense spiciness, followed by an overwhelmingly bitter taste."
The Kee Berry was one of the ingredients used to make Perilous Soup. If a Pokémon drank that soup, all of its base points would be reset to zero.
Steven said, "Oh? Is this advice on Berry cultivation? Ganlon Berries are certainly fruits I've heard of but never seen. But why do you think they're in Forina? If they're a treasure of the land corresponding to a treasure of the sea… Hmm, is it because of Groudon's power?"
Hikaru said, "Perhaps. But I think Jirachi's power brought this Berry into being."
Although the Ganlon Berry was a Berry symbolizing the land, in reality, its earliest appearance was as an item held by distributed Pokémon. If one wanted to obtain it through proper in-game progression, it was even harder to get than the Liechi Berry. It could only be obtained through the Pokéwalker.
And the distributed Pokémon holding this Berry was none other than Forina's Jirachi.
"A wish, then…" Steven murmured. "Hoenn has been famous for its abundance of Berries since ancient times. This place will surely remain prosperous forever."
Steven had no doubts. Everything Hikaru had said up to this point had come true, so all he needed to do was listen and keep it firmly in mind.
"Then it's my turn to introduce the three newly cultivated Berries to you. If the Ganlon Berry is the eye of the dragon in the sky, then these three symbolize humans and Pokémon themselves."
"After cultivation, those three Berries underwent unusual mutations. Originally, they were all Berries used to make Pokéblocks, but now they've turned golden and silver."
Golden and silver Razz Berries, Nanab Berries, and Pinap Berries.
And a highly useful throwing material: Golden Twigs.
Hikaru was a little surprised. "This really is incredible. So the trees that can grow gold and silver leaves are these three kinds of Berry trees."
Pinap Berries, Razz Berries, and Nanab Berries were all ingredients for Pokéblocks. They were used to polish the five Contest conditions, fill the stomach, and serve as raw materials for enhancement items. They could also be used to make delicious drinks such as Pinap Juice.
But in battle, using them alone had no effect at all.
It was not until the Let's Go era that new uses were added to them. Pokémon Legends: Arceus also added new effects. Pokémon that ate these Berries had a higher catch rate than normal, increased by 2.5 times.
These golden and silver versions of the three Berries were variants, and they greatly and extremely increased their original effects.
"A Golden Razz Berry can extremely raise a Pokémon's catch rate."
Originally, in the age of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, these three kinds of fruit were often used to catch Pokémon. The Galaxy Team's Survey Corps members probably threw countless Berries of this kind into the wild every day.
And after they evolved into gold and silver versions, combined with a Heavy Ball meteor hammer, it was now truly possible to catch Pokémon without battling at all.
The place where this kind of fruit appeared was originally Route 23 in the Kanto region. But that route was a "lost road that no longer existed." In HeartGold and SoulSilver, it was removed because its original location was completely covered by Victory Road and Route 26.
And if it worked on all Pokémon, that meant it would also be effective on creatures such as Ultra Beasts.
After all, Let's Go was also part of Generation VII. Although its timeline itself was far earlier than Sun and Moon, this could still be considered "using a fruit from the previous dynasty to cut down the Pokémon of the current dynasty."
"Oh, right. There's one more thing."
Steven smiled at Hikaru. He invited Hikaru and Brendan to visit his house, and Brendan said,
"Mr. Steven's house is close to the Space Center. Come to think of it, I've already been there."
Steven smiled. "It's my house. A little shabby, so forgive the humble place. But the stones I left there are very beautiful, aren't they? And that Pokémon…"
He took a deep breath.
"This time, I also received a gift from you all in space… benevolent stars that came from across the universe to grant people's wishes."
"Although I didn't get to see what a Ruli Stone truly looks like, when I learned that such miraculous stones existed in space, my heart was deeply drawn to them."
"To think that in another world, in a universe incredibly far from our own, there are things like that!"
"How many types of Ruli Stones are there? Or is there only one type, Awakening… Ah! Sorry. I started daydreaming without realizing it."
Hikaru said, "Their number and types? Around sixty-five, I suppose."
"Incidentally, in ancient times, this kind of stone had another name. In the language of Galar, it was Emerald. In other words, a green gemstone."
"Something fleeting and ephemeral."
"If expressed in ancient Paldean script, and… combined with the script of some ancient region similar to Alpha and Omega, then it would be…"
"Rainbow Crystal."
The colors of the rainbow were an extremely powerful force in the background world of Pokémon. Although they had not been shown much in various storylines, they had always existed faintly alongside the entire world. The Pokémon that represented them was Ho-Oh, which could bring happiness. Therefore, rainbow color was also the hidden main tone of the entire Pokémon world.
From Kanto to Johto, then to Hoenn and Sinnoh, from Alola to Oblivia… In the card game, what Rainbow Energy represented was Δ.
Steven took a deep breath.
"Every point of light in the night sky is a stone unknown to me… How wondrous. A marvelous stone, elegant and filled with mysterious secrets!"
"I've heard something interesting again. Then my next search target has been decided. I'll look for whether any Ruli Stones have fallen into our world. Sixty-five kinds of Ruli Stones… Once I collect them, I'll come to you for appraisal."
Steven was extremely happy. At the same time, he took out a Poké Ball. When Brendan saw that Poké Ball, his eyes shifted.
"That Pokémon… I see. Mr. Steven, you're going to…"
"After all, I'm someone who digs up stones. If I want to make it a symbol of friendship and inheritance, then of course I must give this Pokémon away. Just as I once gave it to you."
"Hikaru and I are both Steel-type Trainers. However, many of my Steel-type Pokémon also have the Rock type…"
Steven laughed at himself, saying that he could not completely be considered a Steel Champion. But that was also because the early Hoenn region had suffered from not having many orthodox Steel-type Pokémon. Pokémon like Aggron carried the Rock type, and because there were not enough Steel Pokémon to fill a team, he even had to add a cash-flower like Cradily.
Even in the remakes, it was the same.
"Haha, Mr. Steven's team really isn't all Steel-type." Brendan recalled Steven's team composition. "It feels like there are more Rock-type Pokémon. But doesn't that overlap with Ms. Roxanne's lineup in Rustboro City?"
"Although Ms. Roxanne also really likes digging up fossils… Now that I think about it, Devon Corporation is in Rustboro City too. Could Ms. Roxanne and you have been schoolmates or something? Though in that case, Mr. Steven would be Ms. Roxanne's senior."
"Armaldo, Cradily, Aerodactyl, Aggron…"
"Ahem." Steven gave a light cough. "They aren't all Rock types. There's also the Ground-type Claydol."
He handed that Poké Ball to Hikaru.
"But this child is not a Rock type. It's a purely Steel-type Pokémon."
"Because it has no mouth, it doesn't need to eat. It can survive simply by absorbing magnetic force from underground. If you take it somewhere cold with a strong magnetic field, it will display very powerful strength. Strong magnetism circulates through its body in place of blood. If its physical condition worsens, give it magnets."
"However, it doesn't have very good compatibility with mechanical objects."
"Rock and steel are both very beautiful things. Therefore, this Pokémon is the same. If I had to describe it as a stone, it would be beautiful enough to rival a Dawn Stone."
Hikaru held the Poké Ball.
The Pokémon inside was also watching her.
"It's a Beldum."
Steven was always giving away his Beldum. However, Steven had many, many Beldum. He could even form a steel army with them.
After entering the Hall of Fame, Steven would leave his Beldum in his house in Mossdeep City and go out to train. From the looks of things, Brendan had already received the first one.
"Besides gemstones, other stones don't sparkle, and their colors may be plain… But every stone has a reason for existing. Each one has its own history and its own story."
"Please take care of me, Beldum."
Steven said, "What a romantic answer. A special stone that fell from the distant sky… It's almost unbearably romantic."
Hikaru smiled.
Her team had gained a new member.
"Pichu!" Electricity surged around Spiky-eared Pichu's body. Even through the Poké Ball, it was greeting that Beldum.
Friend, electricity and magnetism are never separate.
"Hmm. This Beldum seems to know a unique move?"
Steven said, "That's right. This Beldum knew that unique move from the moment it hatched from its Egg. Although it looks very similar to False Swipe, I think it should be a different move."
"After learning this move, Beldum no longer only knows Take Down. Its nature is a little cold and ruthless, but it has a finishing move that lets it stop midway. It's quite an odd little fellow."
"Also… in order to seal the cosmic monster, and to better understand the essence of Inverse Battles, I invited two experts to travel with us. That's right—the Gym Leaders of Mossdeep City. They left ahead of us after watching the meteor shower."
Brendan's eyes lit up.
"So that's another reason Ash said he was leaving and not challenging them right now! The Mossdeep Gym Leaders are heading out!"
"It's Tate and Liza!"
"Beldum, the Iron Ball Pokémon. A Pokémon that feeds on magnetism."
"It was given to Hikaru at Steven's house in Mossdeep City."
"It has a calm nature, cold to the point of seeming ruthless."
"It possesses the special move Hold Back. It is quiet and taciturn, and likes places with strong magnetic fields."
"This is something entrusted to Hikaru by another person, containing the gratitude of its original first Trainer."
"It is said to excel at battling in snowy lands."
The reason this Beldum knew the move Hold Back…
Hikaru thought it was probably because it was related to that Shiny Beldum. Perhaps it came from the same region—namely, the Kalos region.
The so-called Shiny Beldum was a gift Pokémon like Steven's white-gold Metagross. It was an early-purchase bonus for Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
But in the game, this Shiny Beldum actually had an Easter egg.
The Fossil Maniac in Fallarbor Town mentioned that Steven obtained this Beldum in the Kalos region.
However, the one in Hikaru's hands was not Shiny. It was the original color.
Still, blue was beautiful too, like the color of the sky and sea.
Mauville City. A so-called brilliant and colorful city of joy, located in the center of the Hoenn region. It was a large city where old and new overlapped.
Once, an extremely massive super-corporation invested here. That corporation was Greater Mauville Holdings.
It was likewise an energy-development company, and it also participated in urban construction. Its major projects included the undersea energy collection platform Sea Mauville, the large underground city and power plant New Mauville, and the Mauville City renovation project. It also had business dealings with the Oreburgh Mine in the Sinnoh region.
Greater Mauville Holdings viewed its competitor, Devon Corporation, as a thorn in its side. It had once dispatched commercial spies to investigate the other company's internal business secrets.
But after Devon Corporation successfully put Infinity Energy into practical use, Greater Mauville Holdings, whose main business dealt in ordinary energy, began to decline. In the end, not long after the New Mauville project was aborted, the company was forced to withdraw from its main office location, Sea Mauville. Greater Mauville Holdings then declared bankruptcy.
A company very similar to it existed in the Almia region as well. That was Altru Inc.
It likewise dealt in ordinary energy and was unable to contend with Devon, which possessed infinite energy. Therefore, it turned toward seeking an even stronger energy force.
And as the saying went, when a whale falls, all things thrive.
Although Greater Mauville Holdings went bankrupt, its employees spread out across Hoenn and took root in different places.
Wattson became the Gym Leader of Mauville City and completed Mauville City's renovation project.
Captain Stern had originally been an undersea excavation worker at Sea Mauville. After Greater Mauville Holdings went bankrupt, Captain Stern extended an olive branch to a large number of unemployed workers and invited them to work in Slateport City.
Dock had once worked in information gathering within Greater Mauville Holdings, and later completed the design and construction of the S.S. Tidal.
Even Professor Cozmo's father, as well as the powerless man possessed by five extraterrestrial old men, had once been employees of this company.
The mysterious Psychic said, "Thanks to Mauville City's renovation plan, I was able to open the Inverse Battle Stop here. But I never expected someone would find me and ask me to seal a cosmic monster."
"In other words, this creature is the rumored mastermind behind the giant meteorite? Such a terrifying Pokémon… The pressure is really getting to me!"
Tate raised his hand. "Hey! Everyone, attention, please. This is the proprietor, Inver! Known as the Miraculous Psychic!"
Liza raised her hand. "Hey! He looks no different from an ordinary Psychic! To think he's actually this strong!"
Inver said, "Hmm… Even the two Gym Leaders of Mossdeep City have come. I already know your purpose. You also want to learn inverse psychic techniques from me? I'm truly flattered."
"Then there are three Psychics here to study."
"This is the first time I've taught special abilities to so many people… Two Champions of Hoenn, do you want to learn as well?"
Inver. The name came from "inverse," and also from "reverse."
Steven said, "Yes. But what we want to learn is the mechanical technology used to create an Inverse Field."
Inver said, "Hmm… Devon Corporation already has many technologies. If you want to learn this, you must sign an agreement with me. Namely, you may not transfer this technology's patent, nor may you in any form…"
Psychics had their own technological patents to protect too. To Proprietor Inver, he was both a master Psychic and a genius mechanic.
Steven said, "I understand. I can sign that agreement immediately."
Devon Corporation had an excellent reputation in Hoenn, so Proprietor Inver nodded without any suspicion.
"I trust you, Champion of Hoenn. And… Mr. Brendan, you don't look like the kind of person who makes machines."
"Ah, but I think this battle style is really interesting." Brendan scratched his head. "A battle mode where type matchups are reversed… That would cause a huge change, wouldn't it? Turning disadvantage into advantage. What changes wouldn't be limited to types. Abilities and moves would also…"
Proprietor Inver revealed a mysterious smile.
"You'll soon understand the true essence of this battle style."
"When weaknesses and resistances change, even certain original types undergo subtle chemical reactions with them."
"Since you intend for me to teach you, experience it yourselves first. I call this an incomprehensible battle."
He pointed at Hikaru.
"Then we'll start with you, Champion of Unova."
"I hear that, like our Champion Mr. Steven, you are an expert who specializes in Steel types. However, what I must say is that Steel type has the most resistances of any type. Yet once type matchups are reversed, Steel becomes the type with the most weaknesses."
"Hard steel is easily smashed to pieces. Just like Metagross, which, when facing Psychic type, becomes four-times weak to it. Originally, it resisted Psychic by one quarter."
"This is the miraculous power I invented, surpassing the century!"
"Bored of normal battles? Welcome to—"
"The Inverse Battle Stop!"
As one of the special battle facility heads of the sixth generation, and of the Hoenn region…
Inver said, "First… I need to confirm how much you all understand Inverse Battles. So the first match will be your own battle. Gym Leaders Tate and Liza, please step forward!"
Tate and Liza made a synchronized pose.
"We'd be delighted!"
"Our hearts beat as one!"
The boy and girl spoke in unison.
"Mr. Hikaru, Lorekeeper of the meteors, come battle us!"
"We, too, are Trainers who use star Pokémon!"
On the battlefield, Tate and Liza sent out their signature Pokémon.
Solrock and Lunatone.
"…!"
The moment the two Pokémon appeared, they sensed the pulse of stars on Hikaru.
Tate said, "After hearing about the pulse of stars, we remembered."
Liza said, "When the meteor shower fell, they were restless!"
The two spoke in unison.
"So it was because of the power of stars that had come from across the universe. Then that power must have reminded them of the ancient star people. Perhaps the earliest Solrock and Lunatone that came to this world followed the star people here!"
Steven pondered.
"The mysterious combination is Tate and Liza. These children are masters of Psychic-type Pokémon. They naturally possess a psychic ability that allows them to act as one, and they can also read other people's thoughts. In battle, they are extremely difficult opponents."
"They understand each other, and they understand others."
Brendan watched intently.
"In battle, they don't need to speak, because they can understand each other's thoughts. That is why Mossdeep City is the seventh Gym of the Hoenn region."
"Solrock and Lunatone are Rock-type Pokémon. Originally, they would be weak to Steel type. But after the reversal…"
Hikaru said,
"Their original six weaknesses are reduced to five. Resistances become weaknesses, and weaknesses become resistances. My mind understands it, but in actual battle, it's easy to make mistake after mistake. Still, all you have to do is fix the type image in place."
"Their current weaknesses are… Normal, Flying, Poison, Fire, and Psychic. At the same time, their Levitate Ability grants immunity to Ground type."
"There is a kind of Pokémon that can heat rocks to more than 3,000 degrees. After the rocks melt into lava, it swims freely inside. And under the power of reversal, the weakness that was originally weak to Rock will also be erased."
"Although the new Grass and Fire weaknesses are unavoidable, I don't think it will take long to crush these two."
When blazing fire covered the entire battlefield, unquenchable hellfire suddenly flared across Lunatone and Solrock.
Within the flames, a small fish swayed its tail. It seemed to be in the middle of starting up, having just woken from sleep, and it was still yawning.
Tate shouted, "Is that Goldeen?!"
Liza shouted, "Is it Seaking?!"
Hikaru said, "Wrong. It's Chi-Yu."
"When it comes to powers related to light, no matter what, you can't avoid fire."
"Fire brings sunlight. So the second one is this. Use Sunny Day."
Although if she only wanted to resist Rock type, Volcarona would have been better, after type matchups were reversed, the little bug's four-times Rock weakness would become a four-times Grass weakness. A Fire/Bug Pokémon being killed by Grass-type moves—why would she ever dream of doing that?
In front of Solrock, which could use Solar Beam, one had to be very careful about setting up sunlight on an Inverse Battle field. Taking a Stealth Rock hit or eating Solar Beam with her face would not be much different.
"Hapapapa~"
Flutter Mane flapped its wings and appeared on stage alongside Chi-Yu, setting up Sunny Day.
Its typing originally gave it three immunities, only one resistance, and two weaknesses. After type matchups were reversed, those three immunities became two-times weaknesses, while the two weaknesses became two-times resistances. At the same time, it gained a new four-times weakness to Bug. It was unquestionably a downgrade.
But aside from that, the rest of its type matchups did not change.
"So I still need to use… Terastallization."
The Tera Orb in Hikaru's hand burst apart in brilliant light. A white gemstone like a diamond ring appeared above Flutter Mane's head.
"Hapapapa!"
This actually looks pretty good, Flutter Mane thought. And this was her first time feeling this power too.
Chi-Yu, beside her, was staring straight at her.
How about it? Jealous?
"Chiyu."
Chi-Yu's eyes did not blink, because it could not blink.
But the slow little fish did not understand the bragging in Flutter Mane's tone.
"Bubble."
Now she's mad.
Flutter Mane: "?"
Hey, what's with this fish? It feels kind of irritating. What kind of reaction is that?
Flutter Mane bared its teeth.
Forget it. Better focus on beating up the opponents. The psychic force covering this battlefield felt very strange.
The fish-and-hair combination under the sun.
Flutter Mane shifted targets and stopped showing off to the irritating Chi-Yu. Instead, it covered its mouth and laughed loudly at the sun and moon.
Chi-Yu, meanwhile, puffed out fiery bubbles. After the sea of fire unfolded, the beads at last began to glow.
My heart is iron. Unbreakable.
"Tate, something's wrong with the field!"
"Liza, I noticed it too!"
Only now did Tate and Liza realize that the fire on the field was not an ecological trait released by Chi-Yu. It was some kind of move?
No—or rather, it was an effect like weather.
At the same time, they shouted in unison, "And that Pokémon looks like Misdreavus, but it's completely different!"
Hikaru said, "Flames… This is the phenomenon triggered by the Pledge moves. However, my Chi-Yu is a Pokémon from a thousand years ago. In a certain battle, it learned to use Fire Sea on its own."
"Under Fire Sea, all Pokémon on the opposing side of the field except Fire types take damage every turn."
Then the attacks came.
"Solrock and Lunatone."
Tate and Liza assumed their stances at the same time.
"Extrasensory!"
Hikaru transmitted her message silently in her heart.
"But I'm faster."
And so, when she spoke those words aloud…
Hikaru said, "Shouting move names during battle is an imposing behavior. It can also intimidate the opposing Trainer, causing them to misjudge. However, sometimes saying nothing—or hiding the command for a move—can also create pressure."
"Just like now."
The enormous heat wave that covered the entire field, and the high-frequency shock wave of sound, struck faster than Solrock and Lunatone's attacks.
Extrasensory was destroyed.
It was Heat Wave and Hyper Voice.
Same-type attack bonus was still effective.
The Fire-type Heat Wave had a base power of 95. With same-type attack bonus, its power rose to 142. Under harsh sunlight, it reached 213.
The Normal-type Hyper Voice had a base power of 90. With same-type attack bonus, its power rose to 135. Under sunlight, Protosynthesis activated, increasing Special Attack by 30%.
Its range covered all opposing Pokémon on the field.
Under the influence of Inverse Battle…
Solrock and Lunatone had become—
Two-times weak to Fire, and two-times weak to Normal.
And the sunny fish-and-hair combination not only possessed speed that was difficult to surpass, but sunlight also strengthened Hair Lady and Jade Fish's firepower, making them so powerful they were hard to stop.
Under two-times super effective damage, Solrock and Lunatone were blasted by the fierce moves and instantly fell from midair to the ground, making Tate and Liza cry out in alarm.
"Under the influence of Beads of Ruin…"
"All Pokémon on the field have their Special Defense lowered by 25%."
"Hyper Voice reaches 270 power, and Heat Wave reaches 426 power."
"Battle over. One-hit knockout."
Hikaru looked at Proprietor Inver, whose expression was equally grave, and nodded to him.
"The so-called incomprehensible battle… I now understand it."
Proprietor Inver's expression became extremely complicated.
"Beautifully done… You grasped the reversed weaknesses in a single blow and defeated Mossdeep's two Gym Leaders?! Although I don't know what that crystallization was… clearly, you understand Inverse Battles quite well."
"Just as I expected."
"Then I'm next. The battle rule is three-on-three."
While an Inverse Battle was taking place in Mauville City, different events were also unfolding in the same world, in other places.
The falling of the stars had caused Team Galactic, currently reorganizing in the Sinnoh region, to take notice. The girl filled with the power of light was becoming stronger and stronger.
In the place connecting Kanto and Johto, on Mt. Silver, where snow and wind blew year-round…
A Mew carrying sealing light floated in midair, covered in wounds.
Then Leaf, wearing a white hat, stared at the partner before her. Her expression was extremely tense.
"…?"
After a silent standoff, the Charizard in front of her tilted its head and collapsed to the ground with a heavy thud.
The boy in the red vest's pupils shrank slightly. He lifted his cap.
"…!!!"
A silent nod, like a kind of affirmation.
Even now, Leaf still found it hard to believe what she had done.
She stood frozen in place, staring at the stars filling the sky, until the boy before her brought her back to her senses.
"…You won, Leaf."
"…He spoke?" Leaf blinked. She looked at Red, who had sprayed medicine on Charizard and was preparing to leave. This childhood friend and rival glanced at her and conveyed his meaning.
"…"
"…!"
"…!!!"
Then Charizard flapped its wings, carrying Red into the sky.
Only Leaf remained rooted in place. Then she became furious.
"What? What does that mean?! Wait right there!"
"What do you mean, 'seek the power of Mega Evolution'? What do you mean, 'let me wait here for challengers'?!"
"Do you really think this place is some kind of battle facility? Get back here, Red!"
(End of Chapter)
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