As the sun and moon rise and set, time flies by. The flowers of Tensei Mountain bloom and fade, and three years have passed in the blink of an eye.
Winter has gone and spring has come, bringing the New Year of 205 in the League Calendar to a close, followed by the brand new year 206.
The heavy snow that had enveloped Tensei Mountain throughout the winter has finally dissipated, and greenery is sprouting in the mountains and fields. The wild Pokémon that had been hibernating all winter have also emerged from their nests and become active again on this vast land.
In the secret base halfway up Tensei Mountain, the ten-year-old Fuyuki is fast asleep on a soft carpet.
The weather is still chilly, and although a roaring fire is burning in the fireplace in the room, Fuyuki still can't help but want to stay in bed a little longer in this season.
At the other end of the room, Ho-Oh, Entei, Suicune, Raikou, and Marshadow were gathered.
Ho-Oh glanced at the three legendary beasts and Marshadow, then slowly said,
"According to human time, Fuyuki is already ten years old this year. We should start preparing for the future."
Hearing this, Entei was slightly taken aback. It looked at the sleeping little one and couldn't help but ask,
"Lord Ho-Oh, do you mean to subject the little one to the test of a Rainbow Hero?"
"No." Ho-Oh shook its head gently, saying with some surprise, "Fuyuki is already our Rainbow Hero."
Over the years they had lived together, Ho-Oh had witnessed countless times Fuyuki helping Pokémon in the wild and playing with them.
Coupled with all the things Fuyuki had done for them over the years, in Ho-Oh's heart, the child before it had already become an extremely excellent Rainbow Hero.
Its hero-training plan had been a great success.
Hearing this, the three legendary beasts were all slightly taken aback.
"Then, Lord Ho-Oh, what do you mean?"
Ho-Oh looked at his subordinates speechlessly. "Have you all forgotten that this year is the tenth anniversary of Fuyuki's birthday? He's been nagging me all winter, saying that he'll go on a trip when spring comes."
The three legendary beasts finally realized.
"Letting Fuyuki travel alone, neither I nor you would feel at ease." Ho-Oh glanced at the three Pokémon. "Therefore, we should decide who will accompany him and protect him."
"Of course, it's me!" Raikou declared without hesitation, its body crackling with electricity, a terrifying electric energy surging from its extremely smooth and glossy fur, nurtured by Fuyuki.
"Raikou, don't forget, Little One is my child!" Entei frowned.
"Hmm?" Raikou growled. "Don't forget our agreement! He's not just your child!"
Entei naturally knew this, but...
"Little One is closest to me." Entei uttered the most aggressive words in the fewest phrases.
Raikou's imposing aura instantly froze.
Suicune, observing this scene from the side, spoke up at the opportune moment: "Actually, I can also stay by Fuyuki's side."
Over the past three years, Fuyuki had prepared many magical candies for it, resulting in a terrifying increase in its strength.
Suicune would never forget that feeling; it loved this child, loved his daily affection, loved the delicious food he prepared for them, and loved living with him.
Although it was the last member of Ho-Oh's guard to arrive by Fuyuki's side, Suicune also wanted to compete.
Marshadow watched this scene with a deep gaze, already prepared in its heart.
Ho-Oh, standing to the side, narrowed its eyes as it watched its three subordinates arguing incessantly.
Seeing that the time was right, it finally spoke: "You all have your own missions to complete, there's no need for arguing. I will protect Fuyuki in your place."
Hearing this, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, who were arguing, were stunned for a moment, then looked at Ho-Oh with shocked expressions.
"Lord Ho-Oh, this..." Raikou stepped forward, seemingly wanting to say something.
Entei's heart sank.
Suicune remained silent.
"Entei, Raikou, your mission is to protect the weak and maintain order. Suicune, your mission is to purify the waters," Ho-Oh said softly.
It paused, its gaze falling on the still-sleeping Fuyuki, and added, "Moreover… Fuyuki's power requires sufficient energy to use. Only by being with me can he obtain more energy."
Just like when it first took Fuyuki to the human world, gathering a large amount of energy from the humans.
At that time, Ho-Oh clearly remembered that Fuyuki transformed that energy into a magical candy and gave it to it as a gift.
If it traveled with Fuyuki in the human world, wouldn't Fuyuki be able to obtain even more energy?
Seeing Ho-Oh speak, the three Holy Beasts, though somewhat unwilling, could only reluctantly agree.
However, before they could speak, the sleeping Fuyuki woke up.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
Fuyuki opened its eyes and discovered that Ho-Oh and the others seemed to be communicating telepathically behind its back.
"Little one..." Entei replied, "Today is your tenth birthday, and we're discussing who should stay by your side to travel with you."
Right! He's ten years old this year! According to the rules of the Pokémon world, he can start his journey now!
Fuyuki immediately perked up, all sleepiness vanishing from his face.
"Little one, who do you want to travel with?" Raikou glanced at Ho-Oh, then boldly asked with some anticipation.
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They couldn't change or defy Ho-Oh's decision, but Raikou knew very well that if the little guy made the choice himself, even Ho-Oh would probably be willing to compromise.
Upon hearing this, all the Pokémon present turned their gazes to the ten-year-old boy before them.
"Eh?" Fuyuki froze in place.
What did this mean? Was this day finally coming?
His gaze slowly swept over Entei and the others, and seeing their expectant eyes, he was momentarily unable to make a choice.
This scene reminded Fuyuki of the anime and games where the professor presents three starter Pokémon for new trainers to choose from.
Three choices at the start, pick your starter Pokémon!
But… his starter Pokémon seemed a little different from the starter Pokémon of other new trainers?
On the left was Entei, a Fire-type Pokémon with a majestic face, golden-red eyes, and a scorching aura.
In the middle was Suicune, a gentle and ethereal Water-type Pokémon.
On the right stands Raikou, a solitary, aloof but kind-hearted Electric-type Pokémon.
Behind these three Pokémon stands Ho-Oh, a Fire/Flying-type Pokémon shimmering with rainbow light and wielding sacred fire.
In the shadows of the corner, Marshadow's small figure is equally striking.
At this moment, all four Pokémon are focused on him, their eyes filled with anticipation, awaiting his answer.
Fuyuki: "?"
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500 power stones for extra chapter
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You can read up to chapter 83 and more soon on [email protected]/PokeficLord.