"Based on the Trevenant's memories, the Soul Crystals won't fully manifest for another three days. We have time to set the stage," Mewtwo explained, its arms crossed as it hovered over the gray landscape.
"I've also learned that Soul Crystals carry elemental affinities. For Rowlet's condition, a Ghost/Grass crystal is ideal. For Genesect, we need a Bug/Ghost affinity. The question is, how many crystals will the Spirit Lotus bear this cycle?"
Feng Che nodded thoughtfully. "It's a good thing we checked. Using the wrong affinity could cause a violent rejection in their spirits."
The Altar of the Lake
Mewtwo led Feng Che to the shores of the Lake of Souls. The water here didn't reflect light; it emitted a soft, ghostly white luminescence. Floating atop the surface were hundreds of obsidian-black lily pads, surrounding a single, massive Spirit Lotus that was still tightly shut, pulsing with energy.
This area was a sanctuary for many spirits. Feng Che saw dozens of Dreepy playing in the shallows, while a gargantuan Dragapult dozed on the bank. This Dragapult was twice the usual size, with four launch bays on its head—each housing a Drakloak, which in turn carried two Dreepy. This beast could fire eight Dragon Darts in a single volley.
"I sense Giratina's scent on that Dragapult," Mewtwo whispered. "It's likely a sentinel sent by the Lord of the Distortion World to act as the arbiter for this trial. It won't interfere unless the rules are broken."
The Shadow's Command
Seafloor Cavern: Team Aqua Base.
Deep within the cavern, a black-gold statue of Kyogre towered over a sea of corrupted Water-type Pokémon. Archie ran into the inner sanctum, bowing low.
"Great God of the Sea, what is your command?"
"Archie... you have failed me," a voice thundered from the stone, the air becoming heavy with moisture. "You have found neither the Blue Orb nor the true Kyogre. Do you take my patience for granted?"
Black mist erupted from the statue, coiling around Archie like a python and lifting him off the floor. Archie gasped for air, his face turning purple.
"Mercy, Great God! Mercy!"
"I care not for excuses. Find the Blue Orb; it is the key to my full restoration," the Sea Miasma snarled before dropping him. Archie collapsed, gasping. "And what of that annoying brat?"
"We have tracked him to the Hoenn coast, Lord. I have dispatched Matt and Amber to claim his head. They will not fail."
"Hmph. See that they don't. Once Kyogre wakes, it will seek me out—I am its shadow, its lost power. Expand the oceans. Drown the land. I must rest now to conserve my strength. Do not disappoint me again."
The statue returned to cold stone. Archie wiped the sweat from his brow, his eyes cold. He immediately signaled his Admins: Kill Feng Che at any cost.
The Battle for the Essence
Back at the Lake of Souls, the Spirit Lotus began to unfurl, releasing a haunting, sweet fragrance. Suddenly, nine streaks of black light—Soul Essence—erupted from the center of the flower, dancing over the water.
The gathered Ghost Pokémon erupted into a frenzy.
"Those nine essences are the 'tickets' to the final Soul Crystal trial," Mewtwo explained. "Gengar can try to snatch as many as it can. The more essence it holds, the higher its chances of claiming the crystal."
"Gengar, show them the power of the shadow," Feng Che said confidently.
Dozens of spirits lunged for the light, but suddenly, they froze mid-air. Gengar's Shadow Stitching had caught their reflections in the glowing water. Gengar emerged from the darkness, unhinging its jaw and devouring the first essence.
A surge of power erupted from Gengar. Its purple skin turned a deeper, almost black hue. Emboldened, it used Shadow Claw from within the shadows, its spectral talons pinning other contenders to the mud.
By the time the initial scuffle ended, Gengar had successfully claimed three of the nine essences. The influx of soul energy pushed Gengar's power level through the roof, reaching the Peak of the Elite Rank, just a hair's breadth away from becoming a Champion-level spirit.
Even the sleeping Dragapult opened one eye to observe the newcomer before drifting back to sleep.
"If it takes one more, it will definitely hit the Champion rank," Mewtwo noted.
"Three is enough," Feng Che replied calmly. "If we take more, the entire lake will turn on us before the lotus even blooms. Besides, if Gengar hits the Champion rank now, it'll be disqualified from the trial by the Dragapult arbiter. We're here for the crystals, not just a level-up."
The remaining six essences were split: a Cofagrigus, a Dusknoir, and a Spiritomb each managed to claim two. The stage was set for the final four-way battle.