Mewtwo's decision to settle on Dream Island had strengthened the dream realm yet again. The Swords of Justice were intrigued by this artificially created Pokémon, and after a deep conversation, they found themselves surprisingly like-minded—especially when it came to criticizing humanity.
After more exchanges with Calyrex, they became even more convinced: some humans simply couldn't be trusted.
When it came to condemning humanity, the Swords of Justice were professionals. They didn't blame Dr. Fuji—after all, they understood the desperate desire to reunite with someone lost. But as for Team Rocket? They gave them nothing but the lowest possible rating.
As for Freezington Village, their judgment was more nuanced.
Calyrex admitted some of the blame for the loss of faith fell on himself. Still, the ancients of Freezington were fairly devout—even when the land stopped thriving, they kept making offerings, even at the cost of their own food, for many years.
That sort of devotion couldn't be demanded indefinitely—people had to eat. If there was no blessing, then the rites would eventually stop.
"The world is vast," Cobalion said, nodding solemnly. "Perhaps our journey of training shouldn't remain confined to Unova. We should travel to other regions as well."
So that's why Legendary Pokémon are always wandering around in later games, Hikaru thought. He stirred the curry pot and listened as the Pokémon conversed. Not only was Mewtwo setting off on a new journey—the Swords of Justice were also making plans to expand their travels.
In fact, in the Crown Tundra storyline, they did just that.
Right now, they discussed helping Calyrex with his farming experiments—developing the Mythical Soil and Glowing Flower. They would also assist in gathering faith, not for reward, but simply out of Pokémon solidarity.
As famed Pokémon among their kind, the Swords of Justice had no trouble recruiting others from the dream world. However, Walking Wake had left a… memorable impression on many Pokémon. Some might avoid Dream Island out of fear.
And trying to lecture an ancient dragon on ethics? Forget it. From Walking Wake's own words, it was already being relatively mild. It only "picked up" valuable things—it hadn't hunted other Pokémon. And besides, battles were common among wild Pokémon. What's so strange about that?
In its era, there were even more fearsome "hunters" who didn't speak a word before starting deadly fights.
"In short," Hikaru warned, "don't go barging into other Pokémon's dreams again. That 'gray dream' you intruded into last time belonged to Kyurem. There's nothing valuable in his dream—just frozen wastelands and icy caverns."
Walking Wake nodded cheerfully.
You should've said I'd get auto-loot earlier! Then I wouldn't have gone treasure hunting in other Pokémon's dreams! That was a pain!
With that, it no longer saw the Swords of Justice as enemies—they were now friends.
As everyone chatted, Doublade felt the world blur—it was nearing the end of this dream session.
"Mera?"
Larvesta, who had been merrily drawing with fire, finally noticed its "trainer" and the strange double-sword Pokémon fading. It crawled over, and Hikaru, seeing the firebug's power now calmed, smiled and waved.
"Don't worry, I'll be back to bring you home soon."
"Mera?"
Larvesta didn't yet understand that this was a dream. But its body suddenly began to fade faster than the others.
"It's overgrown. Its body has fully awakened—its dream is ending," Cobalion murmured. But for Pokémon, time within dreams was limitless.
The Swords of Justice also decided to leave temporarily—to help Calyrex recruit Pokémon willing to settle on Dream Island.
Before Hikaru completely vanished, Mewtwo shared its thoughts and told him everything it knew about "eternal life."
『Mewtwo, my faithful friend, where do you intend to seek "eternal life"?』
Calyrex didn't remember much, but a few memories were deeply engraved. A war from long ago—though not directly involving him—was one of those memories.
"Eternal life" had been the central theme of that conflict.
Calyrex's expression grew concerned. That kind of power wasn't something to be sought lightly. And though he hadn't known Mewtwo long, he understood that Mewtwo's past was full of pain—and now it was at a crucial turning point in life.
"I'm heading to the Oblivia region," Mewtwo said calmly.
『Ah… Kalos…?』 Calyrex's words caught in his throat. His big eyes went blank.
Wait, what? That's not what I was expecting at all!
Obli... what?
"From some remote places, I've heard strange rumors. I used to ignore them—but now I must pursue them."
Mewtwo smiled.
"In the far-off Oblivia region, also called the Lost Paradise, there's a legend of an ancient immortal ruler clad in golden armor."
Hikaru's fading expression shifted instantly.
Yo? Oblivia? That's the setting of Pokémon Ranger!
In the Ranger side series, the technology was absurd. Hikaru recalled that even the anime had a few episodes showcasing their bizarre tools—especially those Rangers from Oblivia. They could draw summoning circles on the ground with their Capture Stylers—and summon Pokémon from other regions!
That wasn't technology—it was magic.
Capture Styler? Technological device (✘)
Mystic artifact (✔)
Only Hoopa's rings could compete—but even they weren't as versatile. Though Hoopa's rings had raw power, Stylers had more utility. Ultimately, human tech had limits—but these were beyond it.
『Hmm… an immortal ruler, you say? Sounds familiar.』
Calyrex muttered, frowning. 『But if they were truly immortal… how did they disappear?』
"No idea," Mewtwo said.
『My friend…』 Calyrex suddenly grew serious. 『I may not know this Oblivia… but eternal life is not something to chase lightly. It's dangerous. When you learn the truth behind it… you may not want it anymore.』
"What's the truth?"
『I forgot.』
Calyrex's reply was disturbingly natural. 『But I do remember it's dangerous. Just like I remember Eternatus is dangerous.』
He really had forgotten—even the reasons why people stopped believing in him, or what his feud with Eternatus was about. How could he remember some ancient war in Kalos?
"If you find any rare artifacts over there, bring some back," Hikaru requested naturally, also asking Mewtwo to look into something else—Mark Tablets.
"Mark Tablets?"
"They're unique to Oblivia. Stone slabs etched with mysterious symbols. They allow you to summon specific Pokémon regardless of time or space—but only if you once shared a bond with them."
Mewtwo was stunned.
It hadn't even arrived in the region yet—and Hikaru already knew all about its rare relics?
Truly, the Legendary Craftsman lives up to his title.
Mewtwo promised to investigate the Mark Tablets. Hikaru warned it that evil organizations were active in the area and advised it to disguise itself, lest they try to control it with some nonsense machine—because villains in this world always seemed to invent absurd gadgets out of nowhere.
Hikaru had a hunch: maybe Mewtwo was about to end up in the Ranger storyline itself. He vaguely remembered a Mewtwo being controlled in that plot—hopefully it wasn't this Mewtwo getting brainwashed. That one got defeated and calmed by a Ranger, but its strength was nowhere near movie-tier Mewtwo.
Still, Hikaru didn't recall the Ranger arc too clearly.
Golden armor, eternal life… yeah, there was something like that.
A special episode had two weird items: the armor of Eien, which prolonged life, and a sword called Shun, which could deflect any attack. The villain Satch gave them to the Team Go-Rocket grunt Natsuki—but the anime never explained their origin. Typical plot convenience.
Just imagine Zacian carrying a sword that can reflect everything. OP much?
"I once built machines that controlled Pokémon," Mewtwo said calmly. "I know what to expect. Thanks for the warning about mind-control tech."
Psychic-type brainwashing was different from human brainwashing. Some tech, like Team Rocket's, used radio waves.
"Doesn't your shop sell any anti-brainwash gear?"
"Oh, we do."
Hikaru pulled out a sparkling charm.
"This is a Serenity Pendant. It blocks all debuffs and has a bonus mind-cleansing enchantment I added. One might not be enough—so take several."
"And the Amulet of Courage I gave you boosts willpower and suppresses negative emotions—also good against mind control."
"Some Pokémon have Abilities like Aroma Veil, which can block mental attacks—like Alcremie in Galar."
"And you could also try learning the Swords' mental training—'clearing the heart' strengthens the mind too."
...
—Unova Region, deep within the Ancient Castle—
"Mera!"
Buried in sand, a beautifully fiery Pokémon with crimson wings hovered silently. Behind it was a mural that seemed to depict the sun. All around, ancient jars and tools had been perfectly preserved, as if still in use.
Larvesta groggily awoke beneath the sand. It shook off the soft grains and blinked in confusion.
Where was everyone?
The Trainer was gone too.
Was… was this hide-and-seek?
Larvesta started looking excitedly, hoping to find them in the ruins. But no matter where it crawled, every room was empty—only ancient, crumbling ruins remained.
Its joy faded. Anxiety bloomed in its heart.
Stop hiding... come out already! I promise I won't eat all the food this time!
In the deepest room, the majestic Pokémon turned around, startled by the voice. It hadn't heard a Larvesta call out in centuries. But today—there it was.
Larvesta kept searching. As it reached the final room, a burst of flame surged from the darkness.
Ah! That must be Walking Wake's fire!
It wriggled toward the flames excitedly—but emerging from the shadows was not the dragon…
It was a blazing sun incarnate: Volcarona!
"Urr~"
Volcarona flapped joyfully, scattering flaming scales like fireflies. It gazed warmly at the "little one" and called out with a sincere invitation:
Come, little fire. Come join me.
Don't be afraid, child! I don't know why you've awakened in this era, but—would you like to be my son? I am your evolution—your kin!
Wait… why is your light so bright?
Larvesta blinked its blue eyes.
Then firmly shook its head.
Your fire looks tasty, but at most, you can be an honorary father!
Also… your Ability isn't even Drought!
"Mera mera!" Larvesta rejected the offer, then displayed its power! The pitch-black chamber lit up like midday, driving out every shadow. The sudden burst of sunlight scattered lurking Pokémon and shocked Volcarona.
A Drought Larvesta?!
Our bloodline has never seen such a bug!
Clack.
A distant sound echoed. Volcarona turned its gaze.
Humans… once again exploring these ruins. But their footsteps had yet to reach this sacred hall—they were just an ordinary dig team.
Larvesta crawled into the last room. It stared at the "Fire God" mural and the ancient pottery. Awe filled its eyes.
Then, flapping its wings gently, Volcarona offered an irresistible proposal:
"Urr~"
Would you like to learn the ancient art of flamecraft?
(End of Chapter)
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