"Compared to the threat of the Sky Miasma, I am far more concerned with the erratic anomalies appearing in the world's climate," Ho-Oh continued, her voice resonating with a divine weight. "The weather of the Pokémon world has become dangerously unpredictable."
"I must dedicate the entirety of my power to stabilizing this sub-dimension. If I do not, the world's climate will turn catastrophic. I no longer have the surplus strength required to suppress the Sky Miasma myself."
Countless iridescent feathers of flame drifted down from Ho-Oh's wings.
"The priority now is to reclaim my controlled avatar. Once that fragment of my power returns to normal, its strength alone will be sufficient to suppress the Sky Miasma."
Ho-Oh exhaled a wisp of seven-colored glazed fire. Simultaneously, two crystalline shards—one azure and one crimson—descended from the sky toward Feng Che.
"New Rainbow Hero, you must liberate my avatar from the control of the evil humans. Only then will I have the strength to combat the Sky Miasma directly."
"This Purifying Flame, along with my insights into the Laws of Flight and Fire, shall be your reward."
Ho-Oh looked at Feng Che with eyes that seemed to pierce through time. "Through my long slumber, I have realized a fundamental truth: the Sky Miasma is my shadow. Its existence constantly siphons my power, but I, too, can siphon its essence. Once it is weakened enough, I will have the certainty to erase it from existence in a single strike."
"I must return to my slumber. Suicune, Raikou, Entei—during my absence, you shall follow the commands of the Rainbow Hero. Assist him in rescuing my avatar."
With a final beat of her wings, Ho-Oh sent Feng Che and the Three Legendary Beasts spiraling out of the sanctuary.
The Divine Escort
"For the time being, the three of us will follow your lead and protect you from the shadows," Suicune stated as they reappeared on the summit of Mt. Tensei. "However, this is a relationship of equals. We are not your subordinates, and we will not enter Poké Balls."
"That's fine by me," Feng Che replied. "My Shaymin possesses a personal sub-dimension. You can reside there comfortably, and I'll call upon your assistance when the situation demands it."
Feng Che knew that at the current pace of events, the mastermind behind the manipulation of Ho-Oh and Lugia—Pryce (Masked Man)—would soon make his move.
I'm likely one of Pryce's primary targets, Feng Che mused. The Rainbow Wing and Silver Wing are the essential components for creating the GS Ball to capture Celebi.
The Gathering Storm
As Feng Che crossed the Rainbow Bridge back into the mortal world, Lance hurried to meet him.
"Well? Did you pass the trial?" Lance asked expectantly.
Before Feng Che could answer, Lance's communicator chirped, and the image of High Priest Shamiao appeared on the screen.
"Lance! Any news? Did Feng Che pass?" Shamiao asked urgently.
"You should probably ask the man himself," Lance said with a wry smile, handing the device to Feng Che.
"I've passed the trial and spoken with Ho-Oh," Feng Che explained, recounting the conversation in detail.
"I see... so the world's climate is in such a state that Ho-Oh is tied down," Shamiao sighed, his brow furrowed in thought. "We must find the avatar, but its location remains a mystery."
"Feng Che, the Pure Heaven Sect's movements are becoming more aggressive. You are officially on their hit list. You must be extremely careful. Lance and I will do everything in our power to hunt down the Sect and buy you time to find the avatar."
"I'll be careful," Feng Che nodded.
Trouble in Viridian
The business at Mt. Tensei concluded, Feng Che returned to the Rainbow Nursery in Celadon City. He had barely stepped through the door when his communicator rang. It was Parker.
"Master Feng Che, it's Parker. Per your orders, Fox Princess and I have successfully purchased several mountain peaks surrounding the Viridian Gym. However, we've run into a bit of a problem."
Parker scratched his cheek awkwardly. "Those mountains are infested with a massive population of powerful Nidoking and Nidoqueen. It seems to be their breeding season, and they are incredibly territorial. The trainers we hired were attacked as soon as they set foot on the hills."
"Fortunately, there are no casualties yet, but the Nido-clans are expanding their territory. They've already reached the forests near the Gym. If they start attacking citizens or challengers near the facility, it will ruin the Gym's reputation."
"Fox Princess and I tried to drive them back, but my Chesnaught was overwhelmed. There are Quasi-Heavenly King and even Heavenly King-rank leaders among them."
"I understand," Feng Che said. "You've done well. I'm in Celadon right now, but I'll return to Viridian in a few days to handle the Nido-clans personally."
"The defensive strength of the Viridian Gym is still a bit lacking. I can capture these Nidoking and Nidoqueen to act as the core guardians of the Gym. Furthermore, we can sell high-aptitude Nidoran to eligible trainers, which will help expand the influence of our Viridian Nursery."
Feng Che paused. "Is the Gym running normally otherwise?"
"Operationally, yes," Parker replied, his expression turning grave. "But there is one specific issue that's proving to be quite a headache..."
Parker has a major problem to report. Should Feng Che ask about a potential rival trainer challenging the Gym, or an administrative audit being launched by the League's new acting leadership?