Ditto: Why do I feel like I'm losing energy?
Ditto: Is it because I haven't been training enough lately? Or am I not eating enough?
Ditto: This won't do. I need to increase my training regimen and step up my food intake!
With a silent resolve, Ditto puffed out two streams of white vapor from its tiny nostrils. It had no idea that Marshadow was currently clinging to its shadow, acting like a spiritual parasite and steadily siphoning off its stamina.
Ditto is oblivious to Marshadow's presence, but its body is feeling the drain, Feng Che thought. However, Ditto in its base form is inherently weak. Even if Marshadow drains the majority of its current power, it shouldn't actually hurt Ditto's fundamental well-being.
The moment Marshadow entered Ditto's shadow, the Rainbow Hero Trial officially commenced.
After flying for a while, Ditto felt a wave of lethargy and plopped down onto Feng Che's head like a blob of melted pink gelatin.
"Pull yourself together, Ditto," Feng Che joked, patting the squishy Pokémon. "Don't get lazy now. You haven't had a real workout in a while."
Marshadow: So this thing is called a Ditto.
Marshadow: It looks so fragile. Can it really defeat me?
Marshadow: Suicune, Raikou, and Entei are waiting expectantly at the other end of the Rainbow Bridge. If this Pokémon is too weak and I crush it in our duel, will the Three Beasts team up and beat me out of frustration?
The Guardian of the Grove
Suddenly, a massive Ursaring crashed through the brush, blocking their path. It bared its fangs and let out a roar so powerful the surrounding leaves rattled. With a violent swipe, it snapped a nearby tree trunk in half like a dry twig.
Ursaring: This is the territory of the Ursaring clan. Humans are forbidden.
Ursaring: It is breeding season. Our cubs are hatching. If a human disturbs them, I will tear them apart.
The bear's claws began to glow with a sharp white light—Slash. It aimed a heavy blow directly at Feng Che's head, a strike that could easily prove fatal.
Ditto reacted instantly. It leaped from Feng Che's head, stretching its body thin in mid-air and wrapping itself around the Ursaring's forearm. The bear's strike felt like hitting a pile of soft cotton; there was no resistance, only a cool, slippery sensation.
Ditto's cells divided rapidly, expanding its mass until it had coiled around the bear's neck and chest like a giant constrictor. The Ursaring thrashed wildly, but Ditto only tightened its grip. Within seconds, the bear's oxygen was cut off, and it slumped to the ground unconscious.
Marshadow: That Ursaring was quite strong—a standout even among Quasi-Heavenly Kings. Yet this 'New Species of Muk' took it down without breaking a sweat.
Marshadow: I definitely need to siphon more of its stamina to even the playing field.
Feng Che and Ditto continued their ascent, "cutting through three passes and slaying five generals," defeating several powerful wild Pokémon along the way. Just as they neared the peak of Mt. Tensei, Maki appeared, accompanied by three individuals with hostile gazes.
The Dragon of Artificial Power
"Gym Leader Feng Che, a pleasure to meet you. My name is Taki, and I am a Dragon specialist," the youth with the golden horns said. He leaned against a rock, looking entirely unimpressed. "I heard you're a headache even for High Priest Shaka. So, I've come to personally take care of you."
"Killing you here on Mt. Tensei will make the Priest very happy. I can already hear the clink of the gold and gems I'll receive as a reward." Taki licked his lips greedily. "Go, partner!"
Taki released a Kommo-o.
The dragon was covered in glittering, scale-like armor. It stood upright, its massive scales clashing together to create a rhythmic, metallic rattling. It was a rare beast, native mostly to the remote islands of Alola. Shaka must have spent a fortune to secure such a specimen for his experiment.
Kommo-o: Why did he call me out again? No gold, no talk.
Kommo-o: I am not working for free. I miss my treasure pile. I can't even sleep without the sound of jingling coins.
"Go, Togekiss!" Feng Che chose the perfect counter.
"Hahaha! Are you really that blind?" Taki laughed, golden energy beginning to swirl around him. His eyes turned into reptilian slits, and he snorted white vapor from his nose. "Sending out such a weak bird against my dragon?"
Dragon Force? And are those horns... part of his skull? Feng Che wondered.
He saw Maki shoot him a subtle look. Using her Power of Crossover, she whispered into his mind: These three are dangerous. Be careful.
So these are the 'Ability Users' of the Pure Heaven Sect, Feng Che realized.
Taki's golden aura surged into Kommo-o, causing its muscles to swell to twice their size. The dragon lunged, its massive feet cracking the stone floor as it aimed a punch at Togekiss.
"Togekiss, watch out! Use Aerial Ace!"
Kommo-o's fist whistled through the air, but Togekiss vanished, reappearing behind the dragon to dodge the strike. Immediately, Kommo-o whipped its heavy, scaled tail around.
"Togekiss, Dazzling Gleam!"
Togekiss's wings erupted in brilliant white light. A small orb of concentrated Fairy energy met the tail mid-swing. Crack! The orb exploded, and Kommo-o shrieked in pain as the searing light scorched its scales. It stumbled back, its armor blackened and smoking.
Taki: Kommo-o was too careless. Fortunately, my Dragon Force can mend these wounds in seconds.
Feng Che watched as the golden mist from Taki's body flowed into the dragon, knitting its scales back together instantly.
Wait. Did I just hear his internal monologue? Feng Che blinked. Can I hear the hearts of humans now, too?
Feng Che has discovered a new evolution of his telepathy. Should he use this insight to manipulate Taki's greed and end the fight without further violence, or use Togekiss to deliver a decisive "Aura Sphere" finish?