Chapter 0751: Sacred Fire! Sacred Ash Get(Two-in-One)（Revision）

“I haven’t asked you yet.”

Marshadow eyed him suspiciously, “Why has your Rainbow Wing… turned out like this?”

“Oh, that?” Natsume twirled the Rainbow Wing in his hand, replying, “Maybe it just takes after me.”

In a no-holds-barred battle, he might even whip out the Rainbow Wing and yell “Flash!” to blind his opponent.

Or he might use the Rainbow Wing as a feather duster, sweeping away every magical trap on the enemy’s field. (Not really.)

This is just one out of a hundred uses for the Rainbow Wing!

Rainbow Wing: “……”

If you have Aura of Ripple, everything’s negotiable.

Marshadow: “……”

I remember now, that’s the feather Lord Ho-Oh lost when he was betrayed by the King of Pokélantis.

Though it’s an original part of Lord Ho-Oh’s power… it’s always been a turncoat in spirit!

Marshadow considered Natsume holding the Rainbow Wing and nodded to himself.

No wonder you’re so alike.

Natsume’s Rainbow Wing comes from the King of Pokélantis Ancient Ruins—the kingdom destroyed by Ho-Oh’s wrath.

On second thought, maybe the reason for that punishment was the King plucking Ho-Oh’s feather…

Ash also owns a Rainbow Wing—he picked it up after witnessing Ho-Oh.

Green has one too; Pryce forcibly snatched it from Ho-Oh, only for Green to later steal it.

Balding, lost feathers, camera crews, blinding Fearow… That’s Natsume-sensei’s impression of Ho-Oh.

“Sins, sins.” Natsume muttered silently.

Still have to try to mooch some Sacred Ash from Ho-Oh soon… Better not let it overhear with telepathy!

Led by Marshadow, Natsume passed through the mist to the mountainside.

“Hey, want a candy?” Natsume shook a golden block playfully.

“No,” Marshadow replied stubbornly.

“Gengar! (￣▽￣)~” Gengar offered Marshadow an ice-cold soda.

It might be autumn now, but soda is always best ice-chilled!

“Um…” Marshadow didn’t refuse this time. He politely reached out and accepted it.

Natsume pocketed the gold candy cube, then heard Darkrai’s voice faintly beside his ear.

“If he doesn’t eat, I will.”

Natsume: “……”

Please keep up your mysterious image!

At the summit, a massive blue-green boulder gleamed like an emerald. Sunlight pierced the heavy clouds and fell upon the stone, illuminating its gemstone-textured surface.

“Walk forward slowly now.”

Marshadow pointed. “Lord Ho-Oh will see into your heart.”

Natsume’s expression turned a little odd.

“Are you feeling scared?” Marshadow asked, surprised.

“Huh? I walk the world with a clear conscience—Gengar, you go first!”

Darkrai glanced at the dark clouds, then at Natsume’s retreating back.

Hope Ho-Oh doesn’t drop a thunderbolt on him...

Natsume and the levitating Gengar walked side by side toward the giant stone.

The moment they stepped forward, Natsume’s pupils shrank—the blue stone beneath his feet seemed to breathe, glowing with illuminated veins.

Scenes from his own life flickered before his eyes, as if he were watching a highlight reel.

If the scales of judgment had good and evil on either side, evil quickly sank lower, showing the following clips:

“Minimize, Minimize! Chansey, use Minimize!”

“Spikes, Toxic Spikes, Whirlwind—combo, go!”

“Here comes Trick Room!!”

“Ally Switch—you can’t hit me, can you?”

“Isn’t that bullying newbies? (sly-face)”

A drop of cold sweat slid down Natsume’s forehead.

Seriously, I’d want to punch someone too!

This is so dirty!

But then the scales tipped the other way, piling weight onto good:

“Mega Rayquaza, Dragon Ascent!!”

“Blastoise, full power, Hydro Cannon!!”

“My ideals… are to marry Cynthia.”

“Arceus, I’m here to negotiate!”

Natsume watched the legendary battles with satisfaction, nodding from time to time. Suddenly, the images went black.

“What’s going on?”

Natsume looked puzzled. “It was about to face Arceus—speed it up already.”

Within the clouds, Ho-Oh broke a sweat.

No need to look further…

I worry I’ll see his most embarrassing moments and end up on Arceus’s bad side...

This Rainbow Hero is something else.

He may be even darker-hearted than his own feather, yet he possesses rainbow courage and faith!

Ho-Oh’s solemn gaze shifted to Marshadow.

Marshadow spread his hands, “Not my fault; the Rainbow Wing recognized him first.”

Rainbow Wing: ┌(。Д。)┐

Ho-Oh glanced at the very familiar Rainbow Wing, recalling the betrayal by the King of Pokélantis, the sting still vivid. He winced inwardly.

So you’re the one who brought Arceus’s Messenger here?

Rainbow Wing shimmered faintly: (☄⊙ω⊙)☄

At times like this, just be shiny...

Natsume floated in a realm of nothingness. Suddenly, a growing light enveloped him in rainbow brilliance.

He felt a sticky sensation on his cheek—opening his eyes, Gengar was licking him with its long tongue.

“Gengar(*⊙⊙)”

Natsume patted Gengar’s head, ignored the paralysis, and looked at the massive emerald boulder ahead.

Rainbow light bathed the stone. Ho-Oh landed quietly, body surrounded by a sacred aura; its golden crown and multicolored feathers gleamed in the sunlight.

Among legendary Pokémon, Ho-Oh is famed for its power to revive the fallen.

Ho-Oh rested peacefully upon the emerald boulder, gaze gentle yet tinged with curiosity.

It saw the complexity of human nature—someone who shunned difficulty, yet still charged headlong into disaster.

Not a perfect “Rainbow Hero,” but certainly a great Trainer.

“Human.” Ho-Oh’s calm, gender-neutral telepathy rang out, “Your past has been eventful.”

Natsume’s expression was complicated.

My back is battered and covered in scars!

“As Arceus’s Messenger, I cannot turn a blind eye in a crisis,” Natsume replied.

Ho-Oh smiled, “And you are also an Aura Warrior recognized by the Tree of Beginning. You are the first I have known to achieve both.”

Natsume blinked.

But Ash too… oh, wait, Ash isn’t Arceus’s Messenger, but the Thunder Beast’s.

“You have passed the Rainbow Trial and are a Champion among humans, wise and courageous.”

Ho-Oh asked, “So, what is it you wish to obtain from me?”

Natsume and Ho-Oh shared a long, meaningful look.

Honestly, Ho-Oh has been betrayed by humans many times, and trusts them little.

The Bell Tower, the Kingdom of Pokélantis—both destroyed by Ho-Oh’s wrath.

In the centuries since, only one human—Ash—has truly earned Ho-Oh’s favor.

Natsume’s Rainbow Wing was not given by Ho-Oh’s will. His Rainbow Trial was not initially Ho-Oh’s decision.

But the die is cast. Natsume has saved the glaciers and become Touran’s Champion...

Unconventional as he is, this is one “Rainbow Hero” unlike any other.

Ho-Oh had to keep its promises, and reward him as much as possible.

Natsume smiled, showing bright teeth—full of sunshine.

Gengar grinned beside him, raising a sinister smile.

For some reason, Ho-Oh shivered involuntarily.

“If possible, I’d like the Sacred Ash, please!” Natsume said cheerfully.

“Gengar Gengar~(^▽^ )” Gengar chimed in with a sly chuckle.

One portion isn’t too much; two is never enough~ hehehe!

Sacred Ash is created when a feather is consumed by Sacred Fire, infused with Ho-Oh’s revival power. Even to Ho-Oh, it’s extremely rare.

Previously, two portions of Sacred Ash revived the Legendary Beasts and Ash.

Now Natsume straight up asks for Sacred Ash!

Ho-Oh: “……”

Human, what nerve you have!

But recalling what it saw in Natsume’s memories, Ho-Oh’s confidence wavered.

Even Arceus accepted his terms.

Sacred Ash… could be negotiable...

Marshadow stared, stunned, at Ho-Oh’s thoughtful expression.

Lord Ho-Oh… is actually considering it!?

Marshadow originally expected Ho-Oh to be offended by Natsume’s boldness and had even planned to save him from Sacred Fire as payback for old favors.

Now seeing this, Marshadow quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Ho-Oh closed its eyes, peering into the future with Future Sight, weighing the balance of granting the Sacred Ash.

But Natsume’s fate was entwined with Arceus’s Power of One—beyond time and space—even Ho-Oh couldn’t be sure.

After a while, Ho-Oh resolved not to repeat other gods’ mistakes.

“I am willing to grant you Sacred Ash.”

Ho-Oh unfurled its wings, rainbows sparkling, gaze sharp.

“And I will grant you Sacred Fire, Rainbow Hero.”

Natsume’s eyes widened in surprise.

Ho-Oh, generous?

“Of course, there is a condition.”

Ho-Oh's gaze grew proud, “The Pokémon to receive Sacred Fire must be able to withstand its strength, possessing fearless courage and a passionate heart—only then will it not be consumed by the flame!”

“If it can’t bear Sacred Fire’s burn,” Ho-Oh said coldly, “I’ll use Sacred Ash to revive it, and ask you to leave... Rainbow Hero.”

Natsume paused in thought.

There were two possible outcomes.

First, the Sacred Ash is spent, with nothing to show for it.

Second, his Pokémon bears and masters Sacred Fire, so he leaves with Sacred Ash in hand.

His Poké Balls shook—all his little ones volunteered, eager to challenge “Sacred Fire.”

“Gengar!(ー`´ー)” Gengar flexed its hands.

Watch me toss it into the Reverse World!

“Sylveon! (#｀皿′)” Sylveon bared its little fangs.

With my Pixie Plate, I’ll bounce it right back!

“Sirfetch’d! (′︿‵)” Sirfetch’d teared up.

Calm down, Sylveon, calm down!

Natsume took a deep breath.

Very tempting terms.

No matter what, he couldn’t really lose; he might even walk away with one of the rarest items, Sacred Ash.

But just as Marshadow and Ho-Oh thought Natsume-sensei would agree...

“I refuse.”

Natsume’s eyes hardened. “I would never let my Pokémon risk their lives for my sake.”

A breeze lifted the black-gold Champion cape.

Marshadow gazed at that silhouette, emotions shaken.

A spark of surprise flashed in Ho-Oh’s eyes.

The last Trainer who said that gave his life to protect Pikachu...

“What about your Pokémon?” Ho-Oh asked quietly. “Would they risk themselves for you?”

“Marshadow…” Marshadow called softly, face downcast.

Stop… Lord Ho-Oh...

Natsume lifted his head, meeting Ho-Oh’s majestic gaze, and replied calmly, “I’m leaving, Ho-Oh.”

Ho-Oh fell silent.

It reminded him of another human young man.

He and his Pikachu—as one, fearless sacrifice...

Even for Ho-Oh, to lose Natsume as a Rainbow Hero was a deep regret.

Natsume turned, heading slowly toward the mountain path—when, suddenly, three black silhouettes appeared on three cliffs.

They watched him silently, manes flowing.

Ho-Oh’s guardians.

Entei, Raikou, Suicune.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Natsume frowned.

“Natsume… I regret what I said,” Ho-Oh intoned.

Ho-Oh actually bowed its golden head, speaking as an equal, “You truly possess the character and resolve of a Rainbow Hero.”

Before Natsume’s eyes, a single multicolored feather floated up; under Ho-Oh’s gaze, it burst into sacred flames.

Sacred Ash scattered on the breeze, swept up by a northern wind.

The north wind whirled Sacred Ash into a heap, depositing it on a wide leaf.

The north wind’s god, Suicune, flashed before Natsume and presented him the leaf wrapped in ribbon.

Natsume stared, subconsciously accepting the Sacred Ash.

Suicune shot him a frosty glare and marched off.

Natsume muttered.

Don’t get too cocky, Suicune—give it a few years and that pride will crumble!

Ho-Oh’s voice echoed from behind.

“I swear by Ho-Oh’s name—Sacred Fire will not harm your Pokémon, and… I grant you Sacred Ash as well.”

Natsume turned to Ho-Oh, who continued,

“If I’m not mistaken, your Arcanine is just the one to receive Sacred Fire.”

Fearless courage… a passionate heart…

Natsume recalled Ho-Oh’s request and gazed down at his Luxury Ball.

Inside, Arcanine showed a wise, confident smile.

“Arcanine︿(￣︶￣)～”

Great, I can use my signature move now!

Right… it wouldn’t be fair otherwise. For Arcanine, this is a precious opportunity too.

Natsume smiled wryly and tossed out the Luxury Ball, saying, “I’ll leave it to you, Arcanine!”

“Arcanine!!”

Arcanine leaped forth, head held high, mane flowing, wreathed in flickering flames.

Entei’s gaze was touched with reminiscence.

That little buddy I met a year ago has grown so much...

Ho-Oh’s sharp eyes shimmered.

The last Touran Trainer who brought an Arcanine to see me… That was centuries ago.

Back then, Arcanine’s mane was even longer—almost like a Rock type...

Whoosh!

Ho-Oh flared its rainbow wings, conjuring a pure white Sacred Fire in the wind, sending it swirling to Arcanine.

Instantly, Arcanine’s mane blazed with white flames, letting out a mighty roar:

“Arcanine’!!!”

Natsume checked with Aura—Arcanine’s condition was perfectly fine, and he relaxed.

So Sacred Fire is white, but Fiery Wrath is blue.

Natsume scratched his chin.

It almost feels like this could consume other flames…

Sacred Fire roared, sunlight breaking the clouds to shower Arcanine, Morning Sun continually restoring HP.

In moments, Arcanine’s unmoving level climbed ever higher, approaching Champion peak!

Natsume was stunned.

This Sacred Fire works even better than a Rare Candy!

Ho-Oh showed a hint of satisfaction.

I have a feeling...

Soon, all will be caught in a catastrophe involving Hyperspace.

I cannot intervene...

But you, as Arceus’s Messenger, the Aura Warrior of the Tree of Beginning, a Rainbow Hero!

You have a fine record dealing with legendary Pokémon and emergencies!

The Sacred Fire and Sacred Ash I grant you… are all I can offer...

Ho-Oh watched Natsume gently.

The disaster with Hyperspace is near—

Never let your guard down, Trainer!