Pokemon: Rising From The Dark

Aoki was slapped down from the crater by Ho-Oh.

Fortunately, his psychic powers prevented a fatal fall.

Prioritizing the Phoenix King's feathers, Aoki did not pursue the matter further.

He moved to the side of Aggron and Gengar, the latter still a swirling mass of black mist.

The outcome of Gengar's transformation was uncertain.

The Kommo-o looked at Aoki with a complex expression, said nothing, walked to the side, lay on the ground, and began to rest.

It appeared calm on the surface, but its internal state was unknown.

Aoki also sat next to Gengar, silently waiting for the transformation to conclude.

Today was supposed to mark the beginning of their exploration of this volcano, but it had unexpectedly become both the beginning and the end.

Ho-Oh's appearance confirmed one thing: Mew was not here.

Given the pride of Legendary Pokémon, it was exceedingly rare for two to inhabit the same space simultaneously.

During Ho-Oh's communication with Giratina, Aoki had heard Ho-Oh claim this space as its own, making Mew's presence even more impossible.

With no Mew to find, Aoki had no desire to remain for long.

Having been absent from the Pokémon world for over a month, Aoki appreciated this period of isolated growth, but prolonged absence risked missing crucial developments.

Especially since, when Aoki left, the Hoenn League had declared war on the Hunter's Guild.

This was an event unforeseen in his previous life, and its trajectory was unknown.

Furthermore, as a key member of both the investigation team and the intelligence unit, it was better for Aoki not to be away for too long.

The duration of Gengar's absorption process was uncertain.

After confirming Gengar was stable, Aoki first took out the two Ho-Oh feathers.

One was imbued with fire energy, the other with flying energy.

For the Fire-type feather, his only option was Blaziken, so the choice was simple.

As for the Flying-type feather, only Honchkrow could currently utilize it.

Although it could be saved for when Shelgon evolved into Salamence, that would require a long wait.

Honchkrow could use it immediately.

While long-term development and cost-effectiveness favored the future Salamence, Aoki was not a machine; he was a person of flesh and blood.

From a Trainer's perspective, his choice was to give it to Honchkrow.

Honchkrow was the first Pokémon to follow him, working hard and without complaint since the days on Trial Island.

From Aoki's perspective, the bond with Honchkrow connected to his past life.

Honchkrow's innate talent and potential were not weak, but compared to many of Aoki's other Pokémon, especially those acquired later, Honchkrow was at a disadvantage.

Its initial potential had been green level; even with the assistance and conditioning from Aoki's extensive resources, it had only barely reached dark green level.

Not yet reaching blue level, it was still at a disadvantage among Aoki's team.

However, as before, while Pokémon potential theory was valid, Trainers didn't select Pokémon based on potential alone; it was merely an important criterion.

Honchkrow had worked tirelessly to get this far, deserving full credit for its hard work.

Previously, there had been no suitable resources for it, but now he had a Phoenix King Feather that only Honchkrow could use. If Aoki didn't give it to him, then what was the point of speaking of bonds and companionship?

Aoki was confident he could find equivalent resources for Salamence in the future.

As the big brother recognized by all of Aoki's Pokémon, Honchkrow had gradually faded from the main battle roster.

Though due to identity limitations, Honchkrow could not be summoned at will, this was not a reason for Aoki to neglect him.

Honchkrow trained hard every day and gave its all in every battle.

As long as Honchkrow hadn't given up on itself, Aoki would not give up on it. And was Honchkrow the type to give up?

In its previous life, it had been only an Elite-level Pokémon, yet it had faced two Champion-level Pokémon without fear or surrender. Aoki did not believe it was a Pokémon that would choose to give up.

Thus, the decision was made the moment Aoki obtained the two feathers.

Blaziken and Honchkrow!

Sensing the extraordinary items Aoki had acquired during the operation, the Aggron resting nearby opened its eyes with a hint of disbelief.

Can you just take this thing? Then give me a dozen, please!

Aoki ignored it and threw a Poké Ball to summon Honchkrow!

Violent——

Honchkrow emerged and let out a long cry, sounding somewhat excited.

Not long ago, its level had reached 65, officially entering Champion level, proving its efforts had not been in vain and had received due reward.

"Honchkrow, Blaziken, calm down and absorb these two things carefully," Aoki said, spreading the two feathers on his palms.

Blaziken's face was full of excitement. It had known since atop the volcano and had been waiting ever since they descended.

Honchkrow looked at the items in Aoki's hand with surprise. Desire and struggle were evident in its eyes.

Finally, it slowly shook its head.

Aoki understood Honchkrow's expression. It wanted Aoki to save such a precious thing for companions with better talent, fearing it would be wasted on itself.

Aoki smiled and said, "Only you can use this."

The Blaziken next to him also nodded. As the big brother, Blaziken held great respect for Honchkrow. If Honchkrow didn't take what was rightfully his, then Blaziken wouldn't take the Fire feather either.

Honchkrow looked into Aoki's eyes, then at Blaziken, Slowking, and the others beside him.

After another moment of struggle, it finally took the feather.

Who could resist something like this?!

It wasn't that Honchkrow didn't want it; it was considering the matter from Aoki's perspective.

This was why Honchkrow was neither the strongest nor the most talented but could still be the big brother whom all the Pokémon obeyed.

Seeing Honchkrow take the Flying feather, Blaziken quickly took the Fire feather.

As soon as it made contact, a ball of bright red flame suddenly erupted from Blaziken's palm.

This bright red was no ordinary flame; it looked similar but contained a temperature and energy far surpassing the golden flames Blaziken could typically use.

After Honchkrow took the feather, it also felt the energy within.

In an instant, it was surrounded by a golden energy.

It resembled a small Ho-Oh, though Ho-Oh's colors were red and gold, while Honchkrow's were red and black.

The combination of gold, black, and red appeared exceptionally noble.