The direct bloodline of the Gardenia family possesses the Power of the Green Leaf, Feng Che calculated internally. And that power is remarkably similar to the Power of Viridian. I can easily use Viridian to mimic it. The Green Leaf power is essentially a "lite" version—it can stimulate berry growth and heal Pokémon, but it lacks the soul-link communication I possess.
"Yuan Xiong is Yuan Jia's elder brother. I need a strand of his hair," Mewtwo said confidently. "If Yuan Jia is indeed your mother, the genetic link between an uncle and a nephew is undeniable. With professional equipment, a 96.3% genetic match would confirm the relationship."
"Let's go to the Pokémon Center. We'll borrow their lab for a priority test," Feng Che replied, a rare edge of urgency in his voice.
Half a day later, the results came back from an expedited screening: 99.6% Genetic Similarity. Conclusion: Immediate Kin.
So, I really am part of this family, Feng Che mused. Aunt Yuan Jia disappeared in Kanto, which is exactly where I was found as an orphan. It's almost certain she is my mother. That makes Yuan Xiong my uncle and Yuan Na my cousin. I am a direct descendant of the Gardenia clan. My Green Leaf power was likely overwritten or absorbed by the far superior Power of Viridian before it could even awaken.
He narrowed his eyes. "In that case... I must bring the entire Gardenia family under my wing."
The Falling Dominoes
"Lord Patriarch, it's a disaster! Large sections of the Flowery Gardens are wilting!" "The berry orchards are being swarmed by Mothim!" "The medicinal herb fields are drying up overnight!"
One report after another slammed into Yuan Xiong's desk. When Yuan Na finally saw her father, he looked as if he had aged twenty years in a single afternoon. His eyes were bloodshot as he handed her a stack of intelligence files.
"I've begged the other great families for help," Yuan Xiong growled, clutching his head. "Only Celestic Town offered a hand. The rest are watching us drown. This is a pincer move—the Temple wants the Green Leaf Orb, and the League wants our secret formulas for the gardens. They think we're easy prey because we lack a Heavenly King-level powerhouse."
"Sir, President Kumanokawa Yukinosuke of the Bounty Hunters' Guild is here," the butler, Fuchang, announced. "He says he has urgent business."
Xiong straightened his suit. "Bring him to the lounge. I'll be there in a moment."
The Greedy Proposal
The President of the Bounty Hunters' Guild was a mountain of a man, standing two meters tall. He didn't bother with pleasantries.
"The Gardenias are in a rough spot, aren't they?" Kumanokawa boomed, grinning in a way that made Xiong's skin crawl. "I have a solution to your crisis. I hear your daughter, Yuan Na, is at marriageable age. Have you considered a suitor?"
Xiong nearly threw his tea. He forced himself to stay calm—the League and Temple were already enemies; he couldn't afford to offend the Guild too.
"Look at me," Kumanokawa said, his eyes narrowing lecherously. "Am I not a worthy son-in-law? I'm a Heavenly King-level trainer. With me as your backer, the Gardenias survive. My price isn't high—I want the entire Gardenia clan as her dowry. Keep it in the family, right? Otherwise, your legacy is just going to be picked apart by the League anyway."
"I do not sell my daughter for profit," Yuan Xiong roared, his face darkening with fury. "Get out!"
"Fine. If you won't take the polite path, don't blame me for using force," Kumanokawa sneered. "Go, Magmortar! Use Flamethrower!"
The Magmortar burst forth, its cannons for arms glowing like molten slag. A jet of searing fire erupted, detonating the lounge in a shower of debris and glass. Yuan Xiong barely managed to leap through a window into the courtyard, his body riddled with glass shards and bleeding profusely.
"Yuan Na, run!" Xiong screamed. "He's a Heavenly King!"
The Entrance of the Dragon
Just as the Magmortar prepared to fire again, a cold voice cut through the smoke.
"This is the Gardenia Estate, not a playground for thugs."
Feng Che stepped out, his expression like frozen iron. Behind him, two shadows materialized. "Go, Incineroar! Greninja!"
"Ha! A brat who hasn't even grown his feathers yet wants to interfere?" Kumanokawa laughed. "Those Pokémon look decent. I'll take them too. Magmortar, Fire Blast!"
Magmortar raised its cannon-arms, the air shimmering with heat as a massive '大' shaped flame began to form. But suddenly, the Pokémon froze. Its body stiffened as if bound by invisible steel cables, and its energy began to drain away at an alarming rate.
"Magmortar! What are you doing? Fire!" Kumanokawa yelled.
But it was too late. Before the flame could even leave its cannons, the Magmortar's eyes rolled back, and it collapsed heavily into the dirt, unconscious.