Chapter 0686: Pre-Catastrophe Training! The Storm Approaches (3/3)

Hoenn Region, Rustboro City

Forty-eight hours had passed since the disappearance of the Legendary Giant Rock.

And now, only seventeen days remained before the colossal Meteorite would descend upon them.

Steven had decided it was time to inform Wallace about the situation and present their options:

Plan One

The successor would ascend Sky Pillar to form a bond with Rayquaza. Using the energy of the Rainbow Meteorite, they would unleash Dragon Ascent as Mega Rayquaza—shattering the massive Meteorite with its overwhelming power!

But that was just the first plan.

In secret, Devon Corporation’s energy division had proposed another solution.

Plan Two

Their research suggested the Rainbow Meteorite was a sentient lifeform, which explained why it had vanished from Meteor Falls through spatial migration.

By replicating AZ’s Ultimate Weapon from Kalos, they could extract Infinity Energy (∞ Energy) from the living core of the Rainbow Meteorite.

This ∞ Energy would power a dimensional displacement device. Mounted on a Mossdeep Space Center rocket, it could teleport the Meteorite into another dimension!

The idea was wild, borderline insane—and reportedly inspired by none other than Natsume himself.

If Dark Void could warp entire battleships, then why not a Meteorite?

But there was no guarantee the Meteorite wouldn’t end up in a world with life. Even if they saved their own world, another might perish in its place.

The plans remained undecided. Yet one thing was certain—they had to find the missing Rainbow Meteorite first.

August 10th, Tuesday

In a coastal cavern north of Rustboro City, Steven met with the legendary Ultimate Granny, who had traveled all the way from the Sevii Islands.

Clutching a staff adorned with golden rings resembling Arceus’s own, the unassuming elder was one of the few mentors capable of teaching Ultimate Moves—even Red and Green had been her students.

"You called me here to discuss the catastrophe in two weeks, Mr. Steven?" Her voice was rough, having deciphered the Draconid prophecies foretelling the disaster.

"Yes." Steven’s brow furrowed. "I can’t handle this alone. And right now, our top priority is securing the Rainbow Meteorite the moment it reappears!"

His gaze hardened. "For that… I need more helpers. And I need you to train them."

Ultimate Granny’s eyes flickered toward the cavern entrance. "Ruby, Sapphire, Alain… These three are your chosen successors?"

"There’s also Mairin," Steven admitted with a faint smile. "But her Chespin hasn’t even fully evolved yet, so I’ll spare her the trouble."

"This is no time for jokes!" she huffed. "And how can you be sure any of them will pass Rayquaza’s trial?"

"Because… Sky Pillar’s barrier has an age restriction."

Steven frowned. "Norman once mentioned the energy field and narrow terrain prevented him from entering. But Ruby and the others… I believe in their potential."

Ultimate Granny threw up her hands. "Two weeks! Even if they earn Rayquaza’s recognition, what if the Meteorite never shows up?!"

"It will." Steven’s eyes lifted toward the gathering storm clouds. "Energy pulses were detected thirty kilometers east of Rustboro. It’ll emerge within three days."

"Three days?!" she squawked. "What kind of training can you possibly finish in three days?!"

"I’ll assist you." Steven smiled calmly. "We just need them to master Mega Evolution and Ultimate Moves—enough to hold their own."

"That Alain kid looks a bit old for this…" she muttered, then grudgingly added, "But his Charizard’s Blast Burn is impressive. I’ll give him that."

Steven pocketed his hands, staring at the sky.

A gnawing dread lingered in his chest—

What if the Rainbow Meteorite’s energy triggers Groudon and Kyogre’s wrath?

Even so… he had to save Hoenn.

"If only Wallace and Natsume-sensei were here…" he whispered into the wind.

……

By the Beach

Ruby, Alain, and the others had just received word—Steven would be personally training them.

Meanwhile, far away at Mt. Silver, Ash was undergoing his own grueling regimen under Blue Oak's merciless guidance.

"Do I really have to carry this heavy of a backpack?!"

Ash's nostrils flared as he trudged forward, each step sinking deep into the snow under the weight of the massive bag strapped to his shoulders.

"What's even in here, Master Blue Oak?!"

Blue, draped in his signature cape, didn't so much as glance back.

"Rhyperior's armor. Scizor's training logs. You'll find out when we reach the summit."

"But—"

"No 'buts.' I'm training you as a Trainer, not just your Pokémon!" Blue snapped.

Ash swallowed his complaints, panting as he forced himself to keep up. After a moment, he hesitantly asked:

"...Senior Red isn't at Mt. Silver today, is he?"

"Hmph. He left for Hoenn."

"What about Senior Gold?"

"Gold?" Blue's lips curled into a cold smirk. "That brat tricked Red into going on a date with Yellow just to skip training. Typical."

Ash could practically see it—Gold's smug grin as he whooped his way down the mountain, finally free from Red's relentless drills.

"...Yeah, that sounds like him," Ash admitted weakly.

"Regardless, Ash."

Blue kept walking, his voice steady.

"Your team's strength is impressive. But a true Trainer doesn't rely on their Pokémon—they become someone their Pokémon can rely on."

A pause. Then, pointedly:

"Take Natsume-sensei. With his skills, he could've borrowed your Unova team and still won the Vertress Conference. Understand?"

Ash fell silent before nodding slowly.

"This might not be your usual style."

Blue's gaze lifted toward the peak.

"But if you want to be a Pokémon Master... this is the path you have to walk."

Finally, he glanced back at Ash—and for the first time, saw not frustration, but a flicker of determination in the boy's eyes.

"The next tournament's in Lumiose City."

A faint, almost imperceptible smirk.

"Good luck, Ash."

……

Natsume stood at the doorstep of Wally's home, bidding farewell to the boy's enthusiastic parents under the warm afternoon sun.

"Our Wally has caused you so much trouble, Sensei..."

"He's always been so shy, but lately, he's really come out of his shell!"

The quiet, frail Wally stood sandwiched between his parents, unsure of what to say—only offering a timid, bashful smile.

"Wally will become an outstanding Trainer," Natsume said with a grin. "I've always believed that."

Maybe he wouldn't reach the same heights as Ruby or Sapphire.

But Natsume-sensei would always be proud to call Wally his student.

Wally's parents exchanged a glance, their eyes brimming with quiet joy.

After politely declining their repeated dinner invitations, Natsume strolled down a flower-lined country path at dusk, his mood light.

Darkrai, lurking in his shadow, could only facepalm.

And here I thought this guy was actually in trouble...

Turns out he just wanted to drag me back as a precaution—and didn't even throw in extra Pokéblocks as compensation!

Speaking of which...

Darkrai glanced at Latias, who floated cheerfully beside Natsume, and felt a complicated mix of emotions.

It's only been a few days, and he's already charmed another Legendary Pokémon into following him...

"Home visit complete... Next stop, Devon Corporation to pick up the flight gear."

Natsume stretched lazily. "See? Nothing major happened after all!"

"Natsume-sensei!"

Natsume turned to see a frail, green-haired young man sprinting toward him, gasping for breath.

"Wally?" Natsume chuckled. "Slow down. Catch your breath first."

"I—I couldn't say it earlier... with my parents there."

Wally panted, forcing his voice steady. "I wanted to tell you alone, Natsume-sensei."

"Of course," Natsume said warmly.

"I'm not a genius like Ruby... I'll never catch up to him. But I'll keep striving to be a great Trainer—"

With all his might, Wally shouted:

"I'm Natsume-sensei's student... so I won't embarrass you!"

The golden twilight wrapped around them, carrying the gentle scent of blooming flowers.

Natsume placed a hand on Wally's shoulder and smiled.

"You're already one of my proudest students, Wally. So I know you'll do great."

Not everyone in this world was born with extraordinary talent.

But Natsume believed in every one of his students—and took pride in each of them.

Wally nodded fiercely, waving at Natsume before adding:

"If you go through... Petalburg Woods... you'll reach Rustboro City... Natsume-sensei, g-goodbye!"

With a final nod, Natsume turned to leave—only for Latias to nudge him telepathically.

"He was totally crying just now."

"And?"

"Aren't you gonna comfort him?" Latias tilted her head.

"Sometimes, crying works better than holding it in," Natsume said with a laugh.

"I don't get it.» Latias huffed. «I'd never cry like that."

Natsume's eyebrow twitched.

Got it. Time to sneak some onions into her dinner tonight!

……

Emerging from Petalburg Woods, the sprawling metropolis of Rustboro City rose into view.

The landmark Devon Corporation Building dominated the skyline, its glass facade gleaming brilliantly under the sun.

"Now this is more impressive than Goldenrod City..." Natsume muttered to himself.

Being unfamiliar with the area, Natsume decided to call Steven—only to find his PokéNav perpetually busy.

Just then, the pedestrians around him began quickening their pace... then outright sprinting.

Amid the chaotic footsteps, Rotom zipped in front of Natsume, projecting a breaking news alert:

[URGENT: Mysterious meteorite sighted over waters near Rustboro City. Heavy rainfall imminent. Citizens advised to remain indoors—]

Natsume froze, staring at the footage.

There it was—a rainbow-hued meteorite, pulsating with prismatic light as it hovered above the ocean, like some legendary treasure begging to be claimed.

His chest tightened. Above him, the sky had darkened in an instant, thick with storm clouds. A flash of lightning—

BOOM!

"Natsume-sensei!"

Steven's call finally connected, his voice uncharacteristically frantic.

"Are you in Hoenn right now? This is urgent—"

Natsume inhaled deeply, his throat dry, his eyes burning.

So it's finally happening...

"I'm literally standing outside your building."

Steven: ???