"Tap."
A soft landing sound echoed behind him.
Morty turned around and found that Ash had somehow also jumped into the pit.
Ash approached Raikou, crouched down, and gently placed a hand on Raikou's scarred body.
"What are you doing—" Morty instinctively wanted to stop him, but just as he spoke, he saw a gentle, emerald green light emanating from Ash's palm.
The light, like a budding sprout in spring, carried a vigorous life force that slowly seeped into Raikou's body from Ash's palm.
A warm and comforting energy flowed throughout Raikou's damaged physique.
The emerald light circulated over Raikou for about half a minute.
The shocking burn marks faded and dissipated at a visible speed, and Raikou's dull fur gradually regained a faint golden sheen.
Finally, the crimson vertical pupils trembled slightly, and then slowly opened.
"Ugh..."
Raikou let out a low and weak cry, struggling to stand up, but its limbs were still somewhat limp.
Morty widened his eyes, watching the miraculous scene before him, momentarily speechless.
What kind of power is this?
First, it enhances Pokemon, and now it heals Pokemon. Why does Ash have so many strange abilities?
Is he really human???
Seeing Raikou trying to rise, Ash hurriedly supported its body, continuing to transfer the Power of Viridian from his palm, and gently said, "Don't rush, your injuries haven't fully healed yet. Rest for a while."
Raikou paused, then eventually chose to obediently lie on the ground, waiting for its body to recover.
All the damage on its body was caused by this Rainbow Hero, yet the one helping it recover was also him.
Moreover, Ash had no obligation to help it recover. After all, this was a trial, and even if it was severely injured, it was par for the course.
Even so, Ash came over at the first moment to help it recover strength, and Pikachu, beside Ash, also looked at it worriedly, clearly covered in scars as well...
Raikou slowly closed its eyes, feeling the warmth inside its body — Lord Ho-Oh, your choice was indeed right; this human is worthy to be your spokesperson.
"Ash, the wonders on you are simply too many." Morty looked at the scene before him, exhaling a long breath, with heartfelt admiration in his voice.
"You can understand Pokemon language, enter that special state with Pikachu, possess the special ability to enhance Pokemon's strength, and even use the legendary Power of Viridian... so many things that I can't even comprehend. No wonder Lord Ho-Oh chose you."
His tone no longer contained the initial reluctance or doubt, only sincere admiration.
Ash scratched his head, smiling bashfully, "It's nothing, really, just a bit of good luck."
Good luck? Morty's mouth twitched. This level couldn't simply be explained by "good luck."
At this moment, a deep and dignified voice resonated simultaneously in the minds of Ash and Morty.
'Rainbow Hero, you have passed my trial.'
The two were stunned simultaneously, then looked at Raikou lying among the rubble, staring at Ash with those crimson vertical pupils.
It was telepathy.
'After Suicune lost to you, I thought it was just because it didn't have a trainer's command; if a trainer assisted, you might not win.' Raikou's voice was deep and calm, yet carried the unique majesty of a Legendary Pokemon, 'But now I understand. Even with a trainer's assistance, I'm still no match for you.'
It paused, a complex expression flashing through those crimson pupils.
'Your Pikachu is very strong. The bond between you is deeper than any trainer and Pokemon I've ever seen. Lord Ho-Oh chose well.
Ash looked at Raikou, nodded earnestly, "Thank you for your acknowledgment, Raikou."
Raikou didn't say anything further.
It slowly stood up, its steps still a bit unsteady but already able to stand firm.
Then, a light flew out from Raikou, and Ash instinctively reached out his hand to catch it.
The light floated into Ash's hand and then slowly dissipated, revealing the true form of the item within.
It was a purple, thundercloud-like mane.
'This is proof of passing the second trial, Rainbow Hero, take it.'
'When you have gathered the tokens of the Three Holy Beasts, along with the Rainbow Wing within you, you will be able to find Lord Ho-Oh's location. At that time, the final trial will take place before Lord Ho-Oh.'
Ash solemnly accepted the golden tuft of mane.
The instant it touched his hands, he felt the rich power of thunder contained within.
Unlike Suicune's scales, the power within Raikou's mane was wilder and more domineering, as if any misstep would unleash a world-destroying thunder.
Similar to Suicune's scale, this is not just a token but also a precious item that can enhance the power of Electric Type Pokemon.
"I accept it." Ash carefully stored Raikou's mane, then looked up at Raikou, anticipation and a hint of battle spirit ignited in his eyes, "When will Entei's trial come?"
Among the Three Holy Beasts, only Entei had yet to battle, and Ash eagerly anticipated facing Entei!
On one hand, the opponent was a Legendary Pokemon, and on the other hand, once Entei was defeated, he would be able to seek out Ho-Oh!
Since encountering Ho-Oh at the very start of his journey, Ash hadn't seen any sign of Ho-Oh again. Just thinking of that Divine Bird with seven-colored rainbow light filled Ash's heart with anticipation.
I wonder if he can go all out right now and face off against Ho-Oh!
Raikou was silent for a moment and then slowly said, 'That guy Entei has always been elusive, even we don't know its whereabouts.'
There was a hint of helplessness in its voice, 'But since Suicune and I have already completed your trial, it must have sensed it, and it will for sure come looking for you soon.'
'However, Rainbow Hero... no, it should be Ash.' Raikou's voice suddenly became serious, 'Entei's power is the strongest among us Three Holy Beasts. Its trial will be even harsher than mine and Suicune's, you must be prepared.'
Ash was taken aback for a moment, then he raised a confident smile on his lips.
"I couldn't ask for anything better."
The strongest of the Three Holy Beasts, Entei... just thinking about it feels exciting!
Raikou slowly stood up. Thanks to Ash's Power of Viridian, the injuries on its body had mostly recovered, though its steps were still somewhat shaky, but those scarlet vertical eyes had already regained the divine spirit of a legendary Pokemon.
Ash carefully stowed away Raikou's mane, then flipped over with a leap and landed stably on the edge of the pit. Pikachu also followed closely, landing lightly on his shoulder.
Raikou turned into a golden arc of lightning, swept past Morty, and landed steadily at the edge of the arena.
Morty snapped out of his daze and hurriedly climbed out of the pit—Everyone came out of the pit gracefully, except for him, who crawled out, what was up with that!
Inside the Gym, the learners were still immersed in the earth-shattering battle just now, all sitting blankly in the stands, not daring to breathe.
Once up, Morty looked at Raikou, a flash of guilt in his eyes.
He lowered his head, clenched his fist, his voice filled with concealed guilt, "You said to find a Trainer for assistance, to increase the difficulty of the trial. But I, as a Trainer, was dragging you down from start to finish. If I commanded better, if my foresight could match Ash's rhythm, maybe..."
'You did well.' Raikou interrupted him, its voice still deep but without any blame, 'That battle, I was very pleased, being able to confront such a foe with full strength, even losing, leaves no regrets.'
It raised its head, its gaze fell on the small yellow figure on Ash's shoulder, and a complex shimmer flashed in the scarlet vertical eyes.
'That Pikachu is indeed strong. And Ash, who cultivated Pikachu to this point, is even stronger.'
'Losing to such an opponent is not shameful.'
Morty opened his mouth but ultimately couldn't say anything, he only bowed deeply.
Raikou didn't look at him again but turned and cast its gaze toward Ash.
'Ash, I look forward to meeting you again. By then, I hope you can stand before Lord Ho-Oh with the token of our Three Holy Beasts and complete the final trial.'
Ash nodded solemnly, "I will."
Raikou nodded slightly, and in the next second, its golden body turned into a dazzling golden lightning bolt and leapt out of the Gym's door.
The Thunder Light raced across the ancient cobblestone streets of Ecruteak City and disappeared beyond the horizon in a few breaths.
Raikou left, it only teamed up with Morty temporarily to test Ash, now that the test is over, it naturally had to leave, but even so, Morty felt a bit despondent.
What a pity... Couldn't cooperate well with Raikou and win the battle, but as Raikou said, the battle was lost yet engaged energetically, fought wholeheartedly!
He shouldn't linger in the defeat!
After a while, he took a deep breath, suppressed the surging emotions inside, and walked over to Ash.
"This is Ecruteak City Gym's badge, the Phantom Badge, keep it well."
Morty took out a badge from his bosom and handed it to Ash. The badge was completely jet-black, shaped like a hideous skull, with two dark-purple gemstones embedded in the eye sockets, glowing with a cold light under the lamp, seemingly ready to come alive at any moment.
"Thank you... I got the Phantom Badge!"
"Pika Pika Chu!"
Ash and Pikachu simultaneously struck their signature pose and shouted together.
This time, Pikachu could reasonably shout the slogan, because he contributed the most in this battle!
Now every bone and muscle in his body still hurts, Raikou's Thunder isn't that easy to take in.
Looking at this scene, Morty's mouth slightly upturned but soon retracted.
He was silent for a moment, then solemnly bowed to Ash.
"I'm sorry, Ash."
Ash was startled, quickly reaching his hand to support, "Gym Leader Morty, what are you doing?"
"Initially, my attitude towards you wasn't good." Morty straightened up, his eyes filled with sincere apology.
"Because you are the Rainbow Hero. Our family has been guarding Bell Tower for generations, waiting for a thousand years, Lord Ho-Oh never responded to our supplications. But it chose you—a fifteen-year-old boy, an outsider with no connection to Bell Tower."
He shook his head with a bitter smile, "To be honest, I was very unwilling, even a bit jealous."
"So when you came to challenge the Gym and I learned your real name, my attitude towards you was quite poor, all because of the jealousy in my heart."
"But you proved with your strength that you are worthy of the Rainbow Hero title. Your talent, your abilities, the bond between you and your Pokemon... all make me genuinely convinced." Morty looked directly at Ash, eyes frank, "The previous attitude towards you was wrong, please forgive me."
He took out a dark purple square box from his bosom and handed it to Ash. "This is my apology gift, please accept it."
Ash took the box, opened it, and inside lay a Move Machine that shimmered with dark purple light.
"This is the Move Machine, Perish Song. "
Perish Song, a special Move Machine of the Ghost Type, when a Pokemon hears this song, it will inevitably fall into a dying state after a certain period. Although it is ineffective against Pokemon with Soundproof ability, and the user itself will also be affected.
However, as long as there is tactical coordination, the effect of this move is far superior to any powerful skill!
But... the market seems to not have any Perish Song Move Machine, accurately speaking, this skill cannot be crafted into a Move Machine, the craft is too complex.
"This Perish Song is our Ecruteak City Gym's exclusive Move Machine, no one apart from Ecruteak City Gym can make it." Morty explained, as if seeing Ash's confusion.
"This is too precious..." Ash instinctively wanted to refuse.
"Accept it." Morty shook his head, "Just assume it's me apologizing for my previous rudeness, and as making a friend."
Seeing Morty's sincere gaze, Ash finally nodded, keeping the Move Machine carefully. "Then I won't stand on ceremony, thank you, Gym Leader Morty."
Morty finally showed a relieved smile, then he turned and looked at the learners still immersed in the shock in the stands, his expression turning serious.
"Everything that happened here today—Raikou, Three Holy Beasts, Rainbow Hero, Ho-Oh—not a word should leave your lips. Understood?"
His voice wasn't loud but held an indisputable authority.
The learners shuddered and nodded vigorously.
"Heard it! We definitely won't tell anyone!"
Seeing the kids agree straightforwardly, Morty nodded satisfactorily, his face once again wearing the usual gentle expression.
At this moment, Aex suddenly raised his hand and nervously asked, "Um... Gym Leader Morty, could we take a photo with Ash? And get an autograph...
Before he finished speaking, several other learners also raised their heads, looking expectantly at Ash, eyes full of anticipation.
From initial scorn to being captivated by Ash's performance, the world of children is that simple; their idol has now shifted from Morty to Ash!
Ash hesitated for a moment and then smiled, "Of course you can!"
"Yeah!"
The kids cheered, rushing up to surround Ash.
Maggie pulled out his phone and held it high, everyone squeezed together and showed bright smiles to the camera.
With a click, the image was frozen.
Morty watched this scene from the side, smiling—a smile on his face—Ash, I hope you can fulfill the wish our family hasn't for a millennium, let Ho-Oh appear again in the world!
After signing and taking pictures, the kids finally dispersed contently.
*******************************
Enjoyed the action? Drop a review, fire off a comment, and send those Power Stones rolling! Your support keeps the updates coming fast—let's keep the momentum going! 🔥