"Alright, this is everything I've gathered on the Pure Heaven Sect," Maki said, opening her laptop to show Feng Che.
"The core leadership consists of the High Priest, the four Priests of Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth, and the Ninja Corps."
"The High Priest is Shaka, a former head priest of the Bell Tower from a thousand years ago. He was granted eternal life by the Sky Miasma. The 'God' also gave him the ability to convert followers. Every year, massive numbers of humans disappear across the Pokémon world. Many of them are abducted by the Sect for their most brutal initiation rites."
"It's like raising Gu—they incite the captives to kill each other until only one remains. They believe only those who have completely discarded their humanity can survive the scorch of Hellfire and become true members of the Sect."
Maki paused, a shadow crossing her face. "I was only recruited because of my special abilities and after surviving that same Hellfire. As for Taki and Zhi, they are the results of Pokémon cell transplants—half-human, half-Pokémon hybrids. Their unique powers actually repel the corruptive influence of the Miasma, which is why they were kept as tools rather than true believers."
"Below Shaka are the four Elemental Priests," Maki continued. "Each commands a powerful Pokémon legion specialized in Flying, Fire, Water, or Ground types. Like Shaka, they were priests of the Bell Tower a millennium ago who were incinerated by Ho-Oh's Purifying Flame and later 'resurrected' by the Sky Miasma. No one has seen their true faces; they always appear in black robes and masks during gatherings."
"The Ninja Corps is led by Anto Kinji, a leader of ancient ninjas from a thousand years ago. He is a master of advanced assassination techniques. Since our attempt on your life failed, the Ninja Corps will likely be deployed to eliminate you in a coordinated strike."
"Externally, the Sect claims to possess the secret of immortality. Because of this, many high-ranking members of the League and elite aristocratic families maintain close ties with them. Uprooting them won't be easy," Maki warned.
"The lifeblood of the Pure Heaven Sect is the Sky Miasma," Feng Che noted, cutting straight to the heart of the matter. "Once the Miasma is sealed or destroyed, the Sect loses its power source and becomes a rootless weed."
"With Ho-Oh awakened, the Miasma's power is at a low ebb. To prevent them from acting out of desperation, I need to stay vigilant against the Ninja Corps," Feng Che said, stroking his chin.
With Mewtwo as his ultimate guardian, Feng Che wasn't truly afraid of the Sect's threats. He also had the Lugia Egg; once it hatched and grew, he would possess yet another God-tier combatant.
"Since you've defected, you're likely on their hit list as well. I'll mask your auras so they can't track you. Taki, Zhi—how many Pokémon do you have with you?"
"I only have my Kommo-o," Taki answered immediately.
"I just have Little Sprout..." Qing Zhi whispered, her voice barely audible.
"One each is too few," Feng Che frowned. "Look through the Nursery and see if any Pokémon catch your eye. You need to build a proper team to handle emergencies."
"Maki, keep gathering intelligence. The Pure Heaven Sect and I cannot coexist. One day, I will lead a force to their stronghold and wipe them out once and for all."
A Sweet Interruption
While Taki and Zhi were busy in the Nursery, a girl in a red dress suddenly manifested in the lobby.
"Hello! Are you here to board a Pokémon?" Zhi asked in her soft, sweet voice.
"No. I'm looking for Feng Che," the girl replied.
"Sabrina, you're here." Feng Che, sensing the psychic ripple, Teleported to the front desk.
"I heard you were back. I happened to be passing by," Sabrina said nonchalantly, though she couldn't quite hide the flicker of joy in her eyes.
"You haven't visited since the grand opening, have you? Let me give you a tour."
Sabrina nodded, following him through the facility. "It's been a while. Your Nursery is looking more professional every day."
"There's more. Let me show you the back mountains." With another Teleport, they were standing in the secluded highlands of the facility.
"You even have Salac Berry trees here?" Sabrina gasped. "And... a whole field of Gracidea Flowers! Feng Che, you really outdid yourself this time." She wandered happily through the blooms.
"Everything is here," Sabrina noted, making a flower crown and placing it on her head. She looked back at him playfully. "Your Nursery really has everything one could ever need."
"Not quite. It's still missing one very important thing," Feng Che said, his expression turning serious.
"What's missing?" Sabrina pouted slightly.
"A mistress. Sabrina, would you be the mistress of this Nursery?"
"Wh-What do you mean?" Sabrina stammered, knowing exactly what he meant but needing to hear it.
"Don't you understand?"
A wave of psychic intent gently enveloped Sabrina, pulling her forward. Caught off guard, the world's most powerful psychic fell directly into Feng Che's arms. For the first time in her life, she didn't offer a shred of resistance to an external force.
Her face flushed deep red, and she lowered her eyes, fidgeting with her fingers.
"I think I already know the answer," Feng Che whispered into her ear.
Sabrina felt his deep, magnetic voice vibrate against her, sending a literal spark through her heart. "Wait, how do you know—"
Before she could finish, her eyes widened. She felt a cool pressure on her lips, surrounded by his scent. She slowly closed her eyes, her heart racing like a trapped bird. The cool mountain breeze didn't feel so cold anymore.
Feng Che and Sabrina have solidified their bond. Should Feng Che take her to Viridian City to help deal with the Nidoking swarm, or should they stay in Celadon to investigate the data Maki provided on the Sect's political ties?