Talk?
A hot wind swept through this gunpowder-scented yet strangely calm place.
Arceus hovered in the air, the anger and disappointment in its eyes gradually subsiding as it observed the seemingly small human before it.
It must be said.
Even as Arceus, facing such a lineup made its head spin a little.
Giratina was understandable—that one always had a rebellious nature and wouldn't miss a chance to confront Arceus.
Dialga and Palkia were also explainable. Arceus's awakening, especially one wrapped in anger and dissatisfaction, had caused Dialga's time domain and Palkia's space domain to continually collide. They had fought fiercely over this, and to solve this problem, they needed to address the source.
But what about Darkrai? What about Victini?
Two mythical Pokémon that weren't unique.
Darkrai had even displayed strength that rivaled either Dialga or Palkia.
And Victini, while seemingly the least noticeable presence, provided enhancements to all the legendary and mythical Pokémon that exceeded the value of adding another legendary Pokémon to the battle.
From these two mythical Pokémon, Arceus sensed their bond with this human before it.
Is this... what you wanted to prove, the emotion between humans and Pokémon, the bond between humans and Pokémon?
Arceus's mind flashed back to what Johan had said when confronting "it" in ancient times.
As for those who appeared later...
Zekrom and Reshiram needed no explanation—two of the Tao trio, representing ideals and truth, with seemingly intricate connections to this human.
The same was true for Lugia—gratitude for saving its life and its child, as well as recognition for him, were all reasons for Lugia's appearance.
Even the "simple" King of the Regis, Regigigas...
However, what truly caught Arceus's attention was Mewtwo, hovering in mid-air, staring intensely at Arceus.
Arceus saw Mew's shadow in it.
It didn't remember creating such a Pokémon, but Mewtwo's aura...
More importantly, Mewtwo's relationship with that human... was even closer than Darkrai's or Victini's, and more dependent than Zekrom's or Reshiram's.
A mere human, yet able to gain the support of so many legendary and mythical Pokémon?
Even willing to face Arceus, the Original One.
While Arceus was amazed by the lineup before it, Sheena, Damos's descendant from Michina, along with Lucian, Flint, and the others, were even more astonished.
So many legendary and mythical Pokémon... such a terrifying lineup never seen before. Sheena stared with wide eyes and an open mouth, unable to make a sound.
"It feels like... if Teacher Johan wanted to destroy Sinnoh, it would just take one word," Flint whispered.
The shock hadn't yet faded from Lucian's eyes. Hearing Flint's muttering, he smiled confidently and said, "Don't worry, we have the boss."
Not that the boss could stop so many legendary Pokémon, but would Teacher Johan ever harm what the boss wanted to protect?
What is confidence?
There, that's confidence!
Arceus looked at Johan again, its gaze seeming somewhat calmer.
And Johan looked back at Arceus without backing down.
[I never expected you could summon so many legendary and mythical Pokémon.]
Johan smiled and said, "We're all friends, just looking out for each other."
The Pokémon world isn't just about fighting and killing; it's more about human relations, Arceus. You still have a long way to go.
Arceus nodded slightly, but its gaze gradually became sharp again.
[But if you think with just them... we'll see after the battle!]
Woosh—
Behind Arceus appeared circular plates of light, flowing with colorful radiance and emanating a terrifying aura.
Due to the loss of the Ground, Water, Grass, Electric, and Dragon-type plates, Arceus's power had decreased somewhat, but its confidence and ability as the Original One remained.
Just summoning a few legendary Pokémon to subdue it?
Arceus wasn't so easily intimidated!
The plates flashed and then entered Arceus's body, with the Thousand Arms bursting into light.
Judgment!!
Still want to fight?
Cynthia tightened her grip, and Johan gave her a reassuring look.
"Don't worry."
Woosh—
As Arceus expressed its battle intent, Giratina let out a long howl, being the first to charge at Arceus again.
In its lifetime... it had never fought such a favorable battle. If not now, when would it go all out?
Giratina had waited for this moment for a long time!
Dialga and Palkia followed closely.
They might have been nervous before, but seeing so many allies arrive...
What's there to fear!
Take it down!
[Hmph!]
Arceus snorted coldly.
In terms of understanding, it perhaps knew Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia better than they knew themselves.
"Reshiram, Blue Flare!"
"Zekrom, Fusion Bolt!"
Johan indicated that regardless of Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia, Zekrom and Reshiram were the main force against the current Arceus!
Take that for not having an Electric plate!
Cross-patterned flames surged from Reshiram's mouth, following the three dragons closely, while Zekrom, as its brother, had its Fusion Bolt enhanced by Reshiram, suddenly increasing in power.
Hum hum hum—
The engine in its tail spun at high speed, terrible lightning churning forth.
Without the Electric plate, the Ground plate, and without the Grass and Dragon plates that resist Electric attacks, Arceus had no choice but to endure Zekrom's Fusion Bolt!
Johan had only refrained from calling Kyurem for safety's sake. Otherwise, using [DNA Splicers] to initiate [Fusion] and have Kyurem merge with Zekrom to become Black Kyurem... it might have been able to solo the current state of Arceus!
But it must be said, Zekrom's Electric-type moves indeed posed a great threat to Arceus.
After blocking the impact from the three dragons, Arceus's barrier was shattered by Zekrom's Fusion Bolt.
Woosh—
At this moment, seizing the opportunity, Lugia suddenly appeared behind Arceus, stirring up massive lightning.
Along with it was Darkrai, concentrating a huge Dark Void.
This wave.
"This wave, I'm taking the credit!" Darkrai shouted.
BOOM—!!
With a tremendous rumble, Arceus roared.
[Presumptuous!]
Brilliant light once again erupted from Arceus's body. This time, Arceus fully activated the power of its plates, but its target wasn't focused on Darkrai or Lugia.
Not even Reshiram and Zekrom, but rather the three dragons.
You three were the loudest!
"Mewtwo, Psystrike!"
Johan watched everything on the battlefield, seizing the brief interval when Arceus was releasing its move.
If it were someone else, Mewtwo probably wouldn't even pay attention, but for Johan... Mewtwo's reaction was quick. It immediately flashed to a position above Arceus, transforming powerful psychic energy into a direct impact.
However, Arceus's reaction speed was still fast. Just as Mewtwo's attack was about to land, a barrier appeared around its body.
But the next second, the usually "calm" Arceus showed a hint of surprise.
Its barrier couldn't block Mewtwo's attack.
Mewtwo looked down at it from above, watching as Arceus fell toward the ground under its impact, and said calmly:
"I am not a Pokémon created by you."
In fact, not only was Mewtwo not created by Arceus, but even Mew, whose genes it was based on, was considered an existence that didn't rely on Arceus to be born.
"Regigigas!" Johan shouted, seizing this opportunity.
"REGI—!!"
Regigigas clenched its giant palms—these terrifying hands that once dragged continents, now reaching toward the falling Arceus like mountain ranges collapsing!
Even the Original One, Arceus, was caught in its hands.
"GIGAS!!!"
With Regigigas's roar, its two hands quickly closed together, the signal lights frantically flashing dangerous red.
It had a terrifying aura as if it would crush Arceus directly in its palms!
"GI! GAS!!"
In terms of pure strength, Regigigas was definitely the strongest among all the legendary and mythical Pokémon present. Even Arceus couldn't compare.
More importantly, the current Regigigas had ended the burden of "Slow Start," becoming a being "completely unsealed"!
However, under the gaze of everyone, as Regigigas's palms closed to their limit, a strong white light burst from within, continuously flowing out from the gaps.
Bang! Bang! Bang—
Inside Regigigas's hands, continuous rumbling exploded. No matter how Regigigas roared, its palms were ultimately forced open by this powerful impact.
Judgment!!
Countless white beams shot out. Arceus broke free from Regigigas's restraint, and the remaining impact knocked Regigigas staggering backward until it finally sat down in a mountain valley.
"REGI!"
Regigigas, looking somewhat angry, slammed the ground before preparing to stand up.
[King of the Regis]
Arceus exhaled slightly, giving Regigigas a somewhat complex look.
This was also a major threat.
Without the constraint of "Slow Start," Regigigas's fists were not something anyone could withstand.
The key point was... pure physical impact was completely unaffected by the plates' immunity and couldn't be blocked by the plates' barriers.
Arceus flew back into the air, looking around.
The legendary and mythical Pokémon surrounded it in the middle.
Johan stood on the platform of Michina, looking up at Arceus.
"Want to fight a war of attrition?"
As he spoke, Victini on his shoulder lit up the V-shaped flame on its head, making a "yeah" gesture at Arceus, then infusing energy into Regigigas, Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia.
Recharge!
Giratina: [OOOOHHH!!! Getting pumped!!]
Regigigas even stood up, beckoning to Arceus in the sky.
Come down here!
Arceus: [...]
It looked at Johan again.
To be honest.
For Arceus, the number of legendary and mythical Pokémon wasn't frightening.
What was frightening was that these legendary and mythical Pokémon were willing to follow a human's commands and could coordinate attacks seamlessly...
Plus Victini, an infinite Pokémon charger providing buffs.
Even with Arceus's confidence, it felt a headache coming on.
It couldn't possibly defeat all the legendary Pokémon like this, could it?
Leaving aside whether it could win or not...
Even if it did win, who would be responsible for certain aspects of order and authority in the Pokémon world afterward?
But what if... it eliminated this human first?
No, no, Arceus shook its head inwardly. Before factually refuting what the opponent wanted to prove, Arceus's pride wouldn't allow it to do so.
Woosh—
Sacred white light surged once more.
Judgment!
"Teacher Johan!" a familiar voice suddenly came from a corner of the Michina Temple. Looking over, they saw familiar faces.
"You?" Cynthia looked surprised.
Wasn't that... the owner and staff of the ice cream stall that made delicious ice cream?
It was none other than Team Rocket!
"Teacher Johan, we, we found something good, meow!"
Meowth presented a decayed staff like a treasure, containing a emerald-green jewel emitting radiance—the Jewel of Life!
Johan was astonished.
"You actually found this thing?"
Team Rocket had really found the lost "Jewel of Life"!
"Hehehehehe—"×3
"Wobbuffet~! ∠(°ゝ°)"
The trio exchanged glances, as if already seeing the moment they would rise to power.
"Look out!"
Cynthia suddenly exclaimed, pulling Johan behind her, then moving in front of him with Garchomp.
Apparently, as Arceus tried to break free from the legendary Pokémon's encirclement with Judgment, stray beams accidentally shot toward Johan and the others.
"Ka-kaah!"
"Oowoo!"
Gengar and Ninetales also reacted quickly, but... due to the angle, the Judgment beams were coming from the direction where Team Rocket was running.
"Wobbuffet!"
Facing the white beams, Wobbuffet looked blank, touching its head and instantly breaking into a cold sweat.
"Wobbu! Wobbuffet!!"
Woosh—
Strange light flickered on its body, and as the Judgment beam hit, the two forces actually seemed to counterbalance on Wobbuffet's body.
The next second.
To everyone's surprise, the beam was reflected back!
"Wobbu... wobbuffet..." Wobbuffet was completely dumbfounded, sweating profusely.
"It-it bounced back?" Lucian and Flint were utterly shocked.
What was up with this Wobbuffet?
It could actually reflect Arceus's Judgment?!
Although it was just one insignificant beam that had already been weakened, still...
Could these people be hidden masters?
Lucian fell into thought.
Indeed, people associated with Teacher Johan wouldn't be simple.
Flint's eyes burned with intensity.
Masters?
After this is over, perhaps he could challenge them!
Woosh—
In front of Johan, space folded.
Darkrai, Mewtwo, Zekrom, Reshiram, and Lugia suddenly appeared, looking at Arceus with increasingly hostile gazes.
"I'm fine," Johan said calmly. Even if Wobbuffet couldn't block it, there was still Gengar and Ninetales, plus Victini, as well as Cynthia and Garchomp.
However, Wobbuffet and Team Rocket had indeed played a major role.
It seemed his estimate of them being able to block three attacks was an underestimate.
Maybe he should bring them along in future major events for safety.
Afterward, he'd need to report to Boss Giovanni; if their positions didn't get promoted, at least their salaries should increase, Johan thought.
Meanwhile, Arceus felt the pressure mounting.
Though it had briefly entertained the thought of taking Johan down directly, it quickly suppressed the idea. But coincidentally, the deflected impact had headed toward Johan.
This resulted in...
From Mewtwo and Darkrai's perspective, Arceus was trying to flip the table.
Trying to kill Johan?
This was unforgivable!
Not just them—if Johan hadn't held them back, Gengar, Ninetales, and the others would have charged forward.
And the angry emotions drew forth even greater power, especially from Mewtwo, doubling Arceus's pressure.
It suddenly felt somewhat grateful.
Grateful that it hadn't truly intended to directly attack Johan, otherwise the consequences...
Arceus's body trembled slightly, feeling that this human couldn't die. No matter how great the grudge, he couldn't die, or else the world it had painstakingly created might be gone!
Moreover, it didn't actually harbor any resentment toward Johan.
Hiss—
For the first time, Arceus felt that a human could be so troublesome.
Actually, it wasn't just Arceus; Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina had also panicked just now.
Apart from Giratina, Dialga and Palkia's relationship with Johan could only be described as average.
But in that moment, they both had a strong premonition.
If Johan died, wouldn't their time domain and space domain be torn apart by these completely enraged, out-of-control legendary Pokémon?
Why did it feel like the trouble of killing Arceus would be less than the trouble if Johan died?
At this moment, Dialga, Palkia, and Arceus shared the same thought.
This human... must not come to harm!
But simultaneously.
In that instant, Arceus had also felt the strong bond between this human and these Pokémon.
Not just with the legendary and mythical ones...
This emotion...
Perhaps it truly was something it didn't understand?
While Arceus was still battling the legendary Pokémon, its voice resonated in Johan's mind.
[I'll give you one chance to prove yourself.]
A chance?
Johan was slightly taken aback.
Woosh—
Then he felt a gentle, sacred light bloom before his eyes, so bright and striking.
This white light grew increasingly bright, as if pulling him into a mysterious mental space.
Here was a circular platform, surrounded by towering ancient pillars, with hazy gray mist beyond the pillars.
Opposite him stood Arceus, standing on all fours on the ground, with golden Thousand Arms, its size reduced several times.
Hmm?
The scene before him gave Johan the feeling of... playing the final battle against Arceus in "Pokémon Legends: Arceus."
Is this...
A projection?
Four-dimensional space?
Or had Arceus's true form arrived?
[Your name, human.]
Arceus looked at Johan, speaking slowly, with no trace of anger in its voice.
"Johan," he replied, facing Arceus directly.
Arceus nodded slightly.
[Johan, you said it before, didn't you?]
"What?" Johan was puzzled again.
[Battle.]
Battle?
[Show me this so-called 'bond between humans and Pokémon,' prove to me that what you said isn't wrong.] Arceus said calmly.
Actually battle Arceus?
Could they win?
Seeming to sense Johan's doubt, Arceus spoke again.
[Don't worry, my current power shouldn't far exceed what you can handle.]
Woosh—
Gengar, Ninetales, Tinkaton, Dragonite, Urshifu, Ceruledge, Larvitar... all of Johan's Pokémon appeared in the space.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar scratched its head, looking curiously at the scene before it.
Then it quickly understood, revealing a sinister grin as it glared at Arceus.
This looks like a battle arena, right?
And the opponent is that llama?
It almost attacked Johan earlier!
"Oowoo!"
Ninetales rarely showed a serious expression, but now snow storms swirled in this space, with multiple layers of light screens descending.
Johan had nearly been attacked, and Ninetales now had zero goodwill toward Arceus.
"Cha!"
Tinkaton pointed its hammer handle at Arceus—I'll bend all those edges on its body!
"Garrr!"
Dragonite stuck out its big belly, a dark red aura rising from its feet, a fierce aura gradually emerging as it glared fiercely at Arceus.
You have a Dragon plate, right? Plus what happened earlier, we need to have a good "chat"!
Crack crack—
Urshifu didn't make a sound, but its clenched fists made "crack crack" noises, its entire body's fur taking on a floating appearance, aura surging.
"Goka!"
Ceruledge turned the dial on its armor, its left arm's blade retracting to form a golden cannon barrel. Its two eyes showed different colors—one fiery red, the other spectral blue.
Then it aimed the cannon at Arceus.
"Yoji! Yoji!"
Larvitar jumped around, baring its teeth and waving its claws. Though it seemed less threatening compared to Gengar and the others, its aura was already taking shape.
As a pseudo-legendary Pokémon's baby, it showed no fear facing Arceus, even appearing to "have its eye on your plates."
Everyone.
Faced with Arceus without cowering, instead showing high fighting spirit, seemingly with anger waiting to be vented.
Seeing this, Arceus was moved.
Is this... the bond between humans and Pokémon?
Under this bond, even ordinary Pokémon could... face legendary Pokémon, and even... defeat them!
"A battle, you say?" Johan's gaze swept over the little ones before him. He lightly adjusted his glasses, revealing a smile.
"Then let's go, Arceus!"
"Ka-kaah!!"
A one-on-one? You're taking on all of us!
Arceus took a deep breath, its momentum also beginning to rise, eyes fixed on the human and Pokémon before it.
[As you wish!]
Woosh—
The Thousand Arms once again burst into white light.
Judgment!!
It was clearly noticeable that although Arceus was still using Judgment, its power was significantly weaker than when facing Giratina and the others.
This was a test belonging solely to Johan and his Pokémon from Arceus, a "proof battle"!
"Gengar!"
Johan took out a key, his hair fluttering, voice rising high.
"Mega Evolve!!"
"Ka-kaah—!!"
The bond formed a bridge, using the Key Stone to unlock the Mega Stone on Gengar. Brilliant purifying light burst forth, transforming the intangible bond into tangible form!
At the same time.
Outside the mental space, Mewtwo, still battling Arceus, seemed to sense something. It looked back at the stationary "Johan," nodded slightly, then also erupted with Mega Evolution light.
Mega Mewtwo Y!
This power, this transformation, made the other legendary Pokémon take notice.
Giratina: Holy crap, he's using cheats!
No wonder he once claimed to be the "strongest."
Within the mental space.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Arceus's Judgment came down like raindrops, but before the attacks could land, they were blocked by layers of light screens.
"Oowoo!!"
Ninetales's pale blue eyes were filled with seriousness.
This level of seriousness... wasn't even shown during the "Junior Masters World Championship."
But this time, it had momentarily felt Johan's life threatened, stimulating Ninetales's state.
Want to attack Johan? You'll have to get through me first!
This was Ninetales at full power!
Even Johan and Gengar rarely saw it.
"Oowoo—!!!"
Ninetales's tails fully extended, a violent snowstorm swept forth, and the terrible cold caused the temperature to plummet. As numerous light screens fell, ice walls formed simultaneously.
"Yoji!!"
Larvitar stomped the ground hard, stirring up sand. In the embrace of ice, snow, and extreme cold, each grain of sand was covered with a layer of ice crystals, becoming... hailstones!
Hail and Sandstorm!
This way, the initiative was in Ninetales's hands, with Larvitar providing support.
But for such a little one, being able to play a supporting role in such a battle... was enough!
[Hmm?]
Arceus looked surprised.
Its attacks could be blocked?
Of course not completely—after all, these were Arceus's attacks. But after being greatly weakened, the threat level to Gengar and the others was significantly reduced.
More importantly.
Arceus also felt that on the opposing side, there wasn't just the bond between humans and Pokémon, but also between Pokémon and Pokémon.
They coordinated perfectly, completely trusting each other, even more than trusting themselves.
Defense was entirely entrusted to Ninetales, completely freeing up Gengar and the others.
"Ka-kaah!"
Mega Gengar launched a Shadow Ball, the huge black sphere carrying dense malice, as if it would devour the entire mental space.
Arceus's body lit up with sacred light, using light to dispel darkness.
But just as the darkness dissipated, Dragonite flashed through the white light, appearing before Arceus, jumping from its back with a huge hammer that crashed down heavily.
At the same time.
Water flow wrapped in an unstoppable aura, the stern-faced Urshifu quickly ambushed from behind, its fist striking out.
Woosh—
Concentrated flames mixed with aura energy rolled up in a crimson tide. The armcannon fired, with Ceruledge appearing on Arceus's other side, forming a strong pincer attack with sword blade and flame.
Arceus sensed the coordination between the Pokémon and felt the bond between Johan and them.
This power...
[Not bad.]
Arceus spoke calmly.
Woosh—
A white light appeared again on Arceus's body.
BOOM!!!
Attack after attack landed, seemingly leaving wounds on Arceus, but with the baptism of that white light, all injuries were restored.
Recover!
Tap—
Its four feet lightly touched the ground, and Arceus, wrapped in white light, increased its speed to the extreme.
Extreme Speed!
Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang—
Except for Mega Gengar and Ninetales and Larvitar who remained by Johan's side, all the other little ones were sent flying!
[But if you think I only know one move, you're greatly mistaken!]
"Of course not," Johan said.
The eyes beneath his glasses gleamed.
Without using plate powers, Arceus was a Normal-type Pokémon, and weren't Normal-types just toys for Gengar?
Besides...
You're not the only one who knows Extreme Speed!
Dragonite, with a faint green glow, twisted in mid-air and suddenly appeared behind Arceus!
Outrage!
"Garrr!!"
Dragonite's sturdy arms directly grabbed both of Arceus's hind legs!
Such fast speed!
Even Arceus was surprised.
Next, thanks to Dragonite's delay, layers of frost spread from Arceus's feet upward. The extreme cold seemed able to freeze even the sacred light Arceus emitted.
Freezing even light?
Arceus's speed was slowed once more.
The next moment.
"Cha!"
Tinkaton jumped off Dragonite's back, landing on Arceus's back.
Could even Tinkaton use control-type moves?
Just as this thought crossed Arceus's mind, Tinkaton quite simply wedged its hammer into the gap of Arceus's Thousand Arms.
When Tinkaton let go, Arceus almost bent its knees and crouched down.
So heavy?!
Before Arceus could react.
"Garruu!"
"Goka!"
Urshifu and Ceruledge returned to Arceus's sides.
A fist emanating black light, seeming to carry the sound of flowing water, pressed against its abdomen on one side.
On the other side, a blue sword blade and a golden cannon barrel emitting heat pressed against its other side.
All angles, no blind spots, restricting Arceus!
Wait.
Even Arceus was a bit surprised that Johan's Pokémon all seemed somewhat abnormal.
Were these the abilities and states that normal Pokémon should possess?
[Restricting me? Is this all preparation for that Gengar?]
Arceus looked ahead, where Mega Gengar wore a sinister smile, black mist gathering in its hands one after another.
Normal-type can't damage Ghost-type, but can Ghost-type be effective against Normal-type?
No.
This seemed to be Dark Void?
[Hypnosis won't work on me.]
Arceus, seemingly out of goodwill, couldn't help but remind them.
Having temporarily restricted it due to Johan's lack of understanding of Arceus and its Pokémon, yet using a move that wouldn't affect it...
Such a waste of opportunity.
At this moment, Arceus seemed to return to that sacred and just Original One form.
"No," Johan's smile remained unchanged.
In his hand was a black orb like obsidian.
"The best way to deal with light is darkness. Release your energy, Gengar!"
Terastallization!
Using Terastallization on Mega Gengar after Mega Evolution?
Crack crack crack—
Brilliant ice crystals completely enveloped Mega Gengar, then quickly shattered and scattered, revealing to Arceus...
Terastallized Mega Gengar!
Crystalline in appearance, like the embodiment of night.
Johan's eyes sharpened as he raised his hand and commanded:
"Gengar!"
"Ka-kaah!"
The crystalline Mega Gengar flashed to Arceus's front, releasing the huge Dark Void, completely engulfing the light Arceus emitted.
Simultaneously.
Johan stepped forward, as if crossing a vast distance, arriving before Arceus.
With his right hand raised horizontally, as the Dark Void descended, he hovered it before Arceus.
Even if you're a legendary Pokémon, even if you're the Original One, you're still a Pokémon, and we are... Pokémon psychologists!
"Sleep, Arceus, have a good rest. Your anger, your disappointment, your sadness, will dissipate completely with this sleep."
"Don't let obsession guide you anymore. You are the Original One after all."
"Arceus, you need... a journey of the mind..."
For some reason.
At this moment, Arceus felt its mind was clear despite the drowsiness brought by Dark Void; its thoughts remained active.
But hearing Johan's words, feeling the gentle, benevolent aura continuously releasing from him, and the magnetic voice echoing in its ears, it felt as if something heavy in its heart was slowly being put down.
Especially that bond surrounding it, belonging to Johan and his Pokémon, like the warm sun of spring, making it unable to resist yawning.
Arceus's eyes slowly closed, yet a faint smile appeared at the corners of its mouth.
It seemed to see...
In the fields, children and Pokémon running joyfully.
By the stream, humans and Pokémon playing in the water, splashing colorful water droplets.
In houses, Pokémon sitting at dining tables, waiting for delicious food to arrive.
In battle arenas, everyone sweating together, together tasting the joy of victory, the curtain of defeat, experiencing the hardships and happiness of the process...
Perhaps humans weren't so deplorable after all.
Perhaps I truly don't understand emotion as well as Johan.
Perhaps...
I can try to let go.
Light emanated from Arceus again, but without any aggression, without even consciousness, only bringing the gradual dissipation of this mental space.
[You have indeed proven the emotion you spoke of. Your bond makes me envious.]
The light was gentle, and as Johan and his Pokémon's consciousness gradually returned, Arceus's final voice grew distant.
[Perhaps we truly can have a good talk.]
But Johan had another thought.
Looking at the gradually dissipating Arceus, he couldn't help but smack his lips.
Tsk, it really was just a mental space. Otherwise... who knows what might happen if I tried throwing a ball at Arceus...
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Powerstones?
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