Chapter 0699: The Last Dinner, Heading for Space!(Two-in-One)

The condition for Rayquaza’s Mega Evolution is that the Successor resonates with Rayquaza, and then uses the move ‘Dragon Ascent’.

Similar to the Ultimate Moves for Starter Pokémon trios, it requires a deep Bond between Trainer and Pokémon, only then can it be used freely.

At this moment, the Unown markings on the Scroll flowed with golden light, vivid and lively, as if warmly responding to Natsume-sensei.

Unown: (′▽`)

Natsume: “……”

I think I understand it now.

The requirement for resonance is “understanding” the Scroll, and forming a Bond with Rayquaza, in order to guide it to Use ‘Dragon Ascent’.

Natsume looked up at Rayquaza, a little absent-minded.

It seems… I really can let Rayquaza successfully Mega Evolve!

Rayquaza and Natsume stared at each other, both looking slightly awkward.

No way.

Could it be that the most suitable Successor among these people is actually this guy in front of me!?

“You understood it?” Rayquaza asked cautiously.

Natsume: “More or less, more or less.”

Rayquaza secretly let out a sigh of relief.

Not understanding would be ideal.

If he really understood the Scroll and managed to Mega Evolve me… it would basically mean an implicit formation of a Bond.

Rayquaza glanced at Natsume, feeling a chill down his spine.

Forming a Bond with this shameless Human… let’s forget it!

Acting under pressure… (×)

Mediated and negotiated by Arceus’s Messenger. (√)

Cooperation is perfectly achieved.

Rayquaza will carry the Successor and also Natsume into outer space, to smash the oncoming massive meteorite.

Not only can this protect the ozone layer where Rayquaza inhabits, but it also means Rayquaza can enjoy a grand feast!

To Zinnia, Ruby and Sapphire would take up her Successor’s Mission in her place.

For Devon Corporation, resolving Hoenn’s crisis was down to this last crucial step.

That is, producing ‘spacesuits’ for Natsume and the others!

Devon Corporation’s technology is impressive, and if all else fails, Natsumecan loan their Trio to Devon Corporation.

Team Rocket, master of core science!

The launch date for outer space is tentatively set for three days later.

Rayquaza will circle atop Sky Pillar, waiting for Natsume and the others to finish their preparations.

As he breathed, Rayquaza’s body released ozone, mist swirling to package himself for Sleep, and he lazily yawned.

He lowered his upper body, coiled in his broad green form, and squinted at the Black-haired young man preparing to leave.

Behind him, Giratina levitated in the air, platinum helmet’s red eyes gazing at Rayquaza:

“Sorry, he is Arceus’s Messenger, and has done us great favors.”

To this day, Giratina still remembers the collapsed sky in Michina Town, when Natsume faced Arceus alone.

“I know.”

Rayquaza glanced sidelong at Natsume, his arrogance seeming slightly restrained, and calmly replied:

“He pacified the conflict between Groudon and Kyogre; I saw that with my own eyes.”

Giratina was a little surprised, and saw Rayquaza, keeping his pride, say:

“I will give him this favor, because he truly has the qualities of a hero, a Champion, a role model.”

Even if the methods are a little shameless, a bit thick-skinned, his persuasive techniques a bit too advanced… Rayquaza grumbled inwardly.

Giratina nodded, as if making peace with Rayquaza, then said:

“I look forward to the chance to fight side by side with you, so we may witness the style of the sky god.”

Rayquaza snorted coldly, lowered himself, closed his yellow eyes, and said nothing further.

Lurking in Natsume’s darkness, Darkrai’s face suddenly shifted.

Fight side by side!?

That would have to be a world-ending catastrophe for Giratina and Rayquaza to stand together!

Darkrai snuck a glance at Natsume, mixed feelings, muttering to himself:

“It was supposed to be impossible… but with Natsume present, anything’s possible!”

Zekrom unfurled its mechanical black-gold wings, landed with a thud by Natsume’s side, and said deeply:

“Natsume, I must go, to meet with n again.”

“How’s he doing?” Natsume asked for news about his student.

“He’s rebuilt Team Plasma, still pursuing his ideals to liberate Pokémon. I believe in the hero I chose, so I’ll keep traveling with n…”

Zekrom looked up at the sky, paused, and then, respectfully:

“And… thank you, Natsume-sensei, for finding n’s direction.”

Natsume smiled, trying to keep him:

“Why not stay for a meal before you go?”

Zekrom looked over at his brother. Reshiram fluttered her snowy wings, landing beside Natsume, with a deep gaze.

Mediating Primal Groudon and Kyogre’s battle, facing the sky god Rayquaza directly.

The reason she acknowledged him as a hero is his courage, embodying truth.

“No harm in that.” Reshiram said proudly, “We’ll shrink our size, and won’t disturb Humans.”

“We could actually go to the Reverse World.”

Natsume suggested, “Gengar hid ingredients and Rotom’s cooking gear there, so making a meal won’t be a problem!”

“Gengar~ ta-da!” Gengar dramatically pulled a big Leek from the shadows.

At his waist, the Premier Ball started shaking wildly.

Natsume placated, “Relax, this is a rough Leek, not Farfetch’d’s Leek… assuming we’ve got enough ingredients.”

[Rough Leek: A common ingredient for camp cooking.]

“Sirfetch’d! (′︿‵)” Sirfetch’d looked teary-eyed.

If we run out, are you going to use me as an ingredient!?

Reverse World? Ingredients? Kitchenware?

Dialga and Palkia suddenly turned to Giratina.

Giratina looked embarrassed and turned away.

Losing ingredients and kitchenware is nothing—just be glad I’m not throwing lightning and flames into the Reverse World!

Everyone looked in awe at how Natsume-sensei could speak with gods as if it were nothing.

Such a thing… only someone close to Mewtwo and Deoxys, like Red, could ever do.

No… even Red, or Dragon Master Lance, couldn’t summon five legendary dragons at once!

“Better not mention this to the Group chat,” Steven thought to himself, “Otherwise Mr. Lance will have a meltdown…”

Sssh—

Palkia swung its blade, slicing open a Space Pulse gate.

Natsume turned, calling back:

“Let’s go, Teleport to Rustboro City.”

“Sapphire,” Steven said, “bring that girl along too.”

“Alright!”

Sapphire hefted Zinnia’s arm to her shoulder; the black-haired girl made no resistance, her expression lost in doubt.

Suddenly she recalled those rumors about Natsume-sensei.

Battle-maniac for Baby Cup, four straight Hydro Pump misses, a main team nobody has ever seen——

Zinnia looked up blankly, seeing Natsume laughing and chatting under the hovering Creation Trio, flanked by black and white Opelucid.

Her worldview “cracked”; Zinnia drifted into a stupor, muttering:

“I must… be dreaming.”

……

Rayquaza watched Natsume and the others leave.

Ruby left behind a spicy red Pokéblock as Rayquaza’s bedtime snack.

Natsume did have an even spicier Berry… but that was reserved for Gold.

Maybe next time, besides ‘Moltres–level’ spicy Curry rice, he could invent an ‘Entei–level’, or ‘Groudon–level’!

Palkia’s spatial warp deposited them at the Devon Corporation building’s plaza, much more convenient than Fly.

Steven and the others hurried back to Devon Corp to prepare for their space mission three days later.

As for Zinnia’s reconciliation with Devon Corporation… that would be up to President Stone and Steven.

Natsume planned to visit the Reverse World, taking the five legendary dragons… for a camping picnic.

Can anyone else do this ·jpg

Reverse World, Tree of Beginning.

Natsume gazed at the lush Tree of Beginning through a mirror, standing on a floating platform, and marveled:

“What a perfect place for a picnic.”

From a normal perspective, Natsume is upside-down and weightless; but from Natsume’s view, it feels entirely normal.

He saw streams and grass, the Reverse World even keeping an environment identical to the Tree of Beginning, only a bit darker in color.

The environment of the Tree of Beginning—really is great.

No wonder Giratina likes this corner of the Reverse World.

Natsume nodded.

Not a waste to connect my backyard to the Tree of Beginning!

“Gengar, Sirfetch’d, lend a hand!”

Natsume stepped onto an expansive green meadow, a breeze sending ripples through the grass. The towering Tree of Beginning stood in the distance, rivers winding around; a basic camp stove assembled, Natsume donned his apron.

Sirfetch’d grasped a chef’s knife, dicing carrots, onions, and potatoes skillfully—but when he cut into the rough Leek, he started to cry.

“Sirfetch’d! (′︿‵)” Sirfetch’d’s gaze was solemn and loving, staring at the Leek on the board beneath the intimidation of five legendary dragons.

Sorry… if you aren’t eaten, it’ll probably be me!

Natsume looked at Sirfetch’d in confusion, then up toward the sky.

Gray clouds, massive plankton winging their black wings, Giratina gliding by casting a shadow on the grass.

Dialga stood tall in the grass, over twenty meters, his deep call echoing through the Reverse World.

Palkia’s huge form shimmered with pearls on both shoulders, shining brightly in Freeing Forms.

White Reshiram and black Zekrom, both dragons were lying by the simple patio on the lawn, eyes closed in relaxation.

“Arcanine!! (｀0′)”

Arcanine dashed nimbly between the two dragons, then bolted energetically through the grass.

Arcanine used Intimidate on Reshiram, Zekrom, Palkia, Dialga, and Giratina!

All five dragons: (⊙□⊙)

Attack stat dropped by one stage!

“Victini~” Victini floated freely, occasionally returning to the stove to sneak a macaron when Natsume wasn’t looking.

Darkrai lounged under a tree, arms folded in sleep; Latias crouched by the stream, drinking.

Tyranitar dug himself a sandpit; Giratina didn’t mind, floating above and watching him play with the sand shovel.

“Meloetta (￣0￣)/” Meloetta sat on Natsume’s shoulder, swinging her slender legs, hands nibbling a dew-soaked Leppa Berry.

“Sylveon! （｀へ´）”

Sylveon’s eyes glowed red.

Don’t be impatient, just wait for the Pixie Plate… I’m remembering every one of you here!

“Du-yi…” Togepi paced with tiny steps, as if pondering life, wandering to and fro.

Blastoise found a river to lie in and begin his training.

Natsume gazed at the brilliantly colored Curry rice, adding the final touch—

A full helping of Bond (×) Berries (√)!

Bang!

As if with a sound effect, the Cooking sparkled with golden light!

At that instant, all the legendary Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon, and even illegal Pokémon instantly locked their eyes on the shining golden Cooking!

Natsume nonchalantly pocketed his glass jar filled with Golden Razz Berries, crossed one hand behind his back, and cleared his throat into his fist:

“Everyone—let’s eat!”

“Beep... A rare photo detected, Rotom~”

The Rotom Pokédex focused on the field, then used its mechanical arm to pick up a mobile phone, put two fingers by its eye in a V sign, and ‘snap’—took a selfie.

“Beep… Suggest naming this, The Last Dinner—”

“Little Rotom, install Malwarebytes, Bitdefender, and throw in Kaspersky while you’re at it.” Natsume commanded mercilessly.

“Beep… System Overload, Rotom! o(╥﹏╥)o”

……

August 26th, Saturday.

For safety, Natsume had called in the Team Rocket Trio, lending them to Devon’s equipment division to design the spacesuits.

Clemont, hearing about this in the Chat Group, wanted to help as a scientist, almost getting blacklisted by Natsume.

Natsume, mixed emotions.

I’m not ready to die yet… I don’t want to see the “Clemont engine” explode!

Devon, Mossdeep City Space Center, and Team Rocket worked together to develop the suits for tomorrow’s spaceflight.

The Trio aren’t totally clueless about rockets… In Pokémon DP, it was only thanks to the Trio taking control of a runaway rocket that Ash and friends survived a super-evil Togepi.

Boss Giovanni, hearing of Natsume’s trip into space, announced he would wait in Hoenn Region for Natsume’s triumphant return.

All preparations proceeded smoothly.

The next day, Natsume received the newly named ‘Rocket Suit’ spacesuit.

[Rocket Suit: Attire combining the scientific advancements of Team Rocket. Can withstand powerful impacts.]

Natsume looked stunned.

It’s actually a System-recognized valuable item!

“The Lava Suit and Ocean Suit can’t even compete, nya!” Meowth declared, proud.

“We improved it by absorbing technology from Team Magma, Team Aqua, and Devon Corp,” James said, rubbing his hands, “Absolutely safe!”

Natsume: “……”

These three… can probably build a rocket by themselves…

Additionally, Natsume received the Rainbow Meteorite Fragment from Steven, the energy core for Rayquaza’s Mega Evolution.

With everything ready, Natsume officially arrived at Mossdeep City Space Center. The Chat Group, Hoenn league, and Devon Corp all received the live stream.

Ruby and Sapphire held hands, under their suits were the show tuxedo and dress Ruby custom-sewed for them both.

“Are you heading to smash a meteorite, or propose to Sapphire?” Natsume teased.

“Natsume-sensei!” Sapphire blushed crimson, shouting in shame.

Ruby adjusted his glasses and smiled, “When we’re of legal age, I’ll propose to Sapphire… and then together we’ll stand on the grandest stage for Coordinators!”

These two… aren’t even sixteen yet!

Natsume looked on, sentimental; Steven smiled, Wallace beamed.

The three Champions, seeing the sweet Ruby and Sapphire, couldn’t help but feel their age.

“Well then, Natsume-sensei, I’ll leave Ruby and Sapphire in your care!” Steven said.

“No problem,” Natsume replied.

The Trio stood outside the launch platform in tears, Meowth with a handkerchief in his mouth, waving goodbye:

“Executive~!”

“Be sure to come back alive! (｀Д｀)”

“So~ long!”

Natsume: “……”

For your true sincerity, I’ll kindly not deduct your wages this time.

Surprisingly, preparing for space travel, Natsume didn’t feel nervous, but rather a vague sense of unreality.

Even… a longing for space.

“Tonight is the Litleo meteor shower…”

Natsume looked up, remembering the journey, and murmured:

“When I come back, I hope to have time left with Cynthia…”

RUMBLE!!

Suddenly, heavy thunder rolled across the clear sky, amid swirling clouds a green body streaked forth.

The scientists at Mossdeep Space Center stared up in awe at the great green dragon.

Mr. Natsume was heading into space on Hoenn’s legendary sky god!

Rayquaza hovered, its body coiled profoundly in midair, claws open, staring imperiously at Natsume.

“I’ve come to fulfill my promise, Arceus’s Messenger.”

Natsume smiled slightly, his gaze sharpening, one arm cradling his helmet, looking up at the baby-blue sky.

“Rayquaza.”

Natsume took a deep breath, his voice resolute:

“Let’s head to space together!!”

Rayquaza paused, then issued a dramatic roar, landing before Natsume under everyone’s shocked gaze.

“This will be our last collaboration,” Rayquaza said coolly.

“I don’t expect there’ll be a next time,” Natsume nodded in agreement.

Ruby and Sapphire suited up, climbed onto Rayquaza’s body, and fixed themselves with special devices.

Natsume stood on the mounting pad, tightly gripping Rayquaza’s two crown fins.

Rayquaza: ?

“I’m afraid of heights,” Natsume confessed truthfully.

Rayquaza: “……”

You’re afraid of heights, but you’re going to space!?

But you don’t fear weightlessness in space!?

“Roar!!” Rayquaza exploded in frustration, letting Natsume clutch his head fins, a biting airwave blasting in all directions!

All the researchers fell silent. Steven and Wallace, the two Champions, were awestruck by the scene.

A mere Human, joining forces with the sky god Rayquaza, ascending into space!

“Rayquaza!”

Natsume shouted:

“Extreme Speed!!”

RUMBLE!

With a sound like thunder, Rayquaza leveled himself, screened by a protective barrier, launched skyward at the smoothest possible angle, and tore open a pure white contrail in the sky.

All eyes stared up, entranced, at the majestic green-gold figure.

The Johto Trio, who had come to bid farewell, stared at the sky, pupils shrinking.

As always, Gold was the first to react.

“Holy crap!”

The cap-wearing young man, pool cue on his shoulder and hand shading his brow, yelled:

“Natsume-sensei’s gone to the heavens!!”