Hm?
Hearing the voice that suddenly rang in his mind, Johan was briefly stunned before immediately reacting.
Zacian and Zamazenta?
They were pleading for these two?
For these two idiots, they needed to plead?
Not appearing earlier or later, but now?
Johan looked at Gengar imperceptibly.
How could Gengar not understand Johan's meaning? Its eyes rolled craftily as it grinned mischievously.
Next second.
Bang! Bang!
Sordward and Shielbert, without any surprise, fell straight to the ground, eyes rolled back, foaming at the mouth, bodies slightly convulsing.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd raised its large leek sword, and the wild Pokémon that had gathered to support it cheered at this scene.
"Sirfetch'd—"
An ethereal, melodious call rang out.
The forest seemed to tremble lightly, the already pervasive mist becoming more hazy, but before Johan and the others, the mist gradually opened a bright path.
Babbling streams, winding paths, broken ancient archways - an old altar loomed in the distance.
Two figures slowly appeared.
They had similar silhouettes that, just from their shadows, looked like two tall wolves.
As the mist slowly dispersed and their forms became clearer, Johan saw their true appearance.
On the left, covered in thick blue drooping mane with wound-like markings on its body, like a battle-scarred warrior - these "wounds" were proof of its countless battles. One of its ears seemed to be missing a piece.
On the right, covered in dark red fur that wasn't drooping but appeared sharp and angular, also with battle "wounds" and a missing piece of ear, with warrior helmet-like fur on its head.
Zacian!
Zamazenta!
The legendary heroes who defeated the 'Darkest Day,' the legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta!
What Johan often called the sword dog and shield dog.
"So it was you two talking." Seeing them, Johan showed a look of realization.
"Sorry, didn't react in time." Johan shrugged.
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar also mimicked his gesture, looking at the two unconscious people at its feet and kicking them irritably.
Serves you right for being arrogant! For treating Pokémon as lowly creatures! For showing off!
Zacian and Zamazenta: "..."
The two legendary Pokémon looked at each other, both seeing some helplessness in the other's eyes.
"However." Johan spoke again, adjusting his glasses. "I'm actually curious - when they fled in panic, you appeared, but when they were bullying the wild Pokémon in Slumbering Weald, where were you?"
When saying this, Johan's tone had become slightly unfriendly.
"Ka-kaah~(▼皿▼)σ"
Gengar floated to Johan's side, putting on sunglasses and also staring at Zacian and Zamazenta.
As long as these two's answer didn't satisfy Gengar, the purple fatty truly wouldn't mind having a fight with them.
So what if they were legendary Pokémon? So what if they were legendary heroes?
If they were just empty titles, actually unable to protect the weak and instead bullying them, Gengar really wouldn't give them a pleasant face or be polite.
Tinkaton shouldering its hammer and Servine with crossed arms felt the same.
Having seen many legendary Pokémon, plus their own strength improvements, whether Gengar or Tinkaton weren't actually that afraid of legendary Pokémon anymore.
Zacian and Zamazenta looked at each other again.
They knew Johan and his Pokémon had misunderstood them.
But there was no choice...
Zacian sighed lightly, stepping forward.
A female voice rang in Johan's mind.
[We also just awakened... sensing the aura on its body.]
Their gaze fell on Tinkaton.
"Cha?"
Tinkaton shouldering its hammer pointed at itself.
Me?
Then pointed at its hammer.
Or my hammer?
Zamazenta also stepped forward, glancing at the two foaming on the ground.
Zamazenta's voice was male.
[Though we don't like them either, and this isn't their first time in this forest, but... we owe a debt to someone, and we must acknowledge it.]
When they fought against Eternatus that had released the 'Darkest Day,' the "King of People" had given them considerable help.
The "King of People" was the ancestor of Sordward and Shielbert, one of their former companions.
As for...
After a thousand years, the "King of People's" descendants becoming like this was something they hadn't expected.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar scratched its bottom, sniffed carefully at its hand, then asked aloud.
So, to repay the debt, you want to fight with me, with us?
Zacian shook its head.
[No, you spared their lives. We've done what we could, and the debt is repaid.]
Johan rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
So Zacian and Zamazenta asking him to show mercy meant sparing their lives?
That was quite a misunderstanding.
Though Johan wanted to teach them a lesson, that didn't mean killing them.
That would violate Pokémon League laws.
Moreover...
Sometimes living was more painful than dying.
"Ka-kaah~~"
Gengar also looked enlightened.
So we weren't on the same frequency.
Do you ancient Pokémon always talk about "killing"? Too cruel...
Zacian and Zamazenta: "..."
Ancient and modern times were quite different.
"Gengar, strictly speaking, you're also an ancient Pokémon." Johan couldn't help teasing.
"Ka-kaah?! Σ(°ロ°)"
Zamazenta spoke gravely:
[To answer your other question - if we were awake and saw their behavior, we would definitely stop it. This has nothing to do with debts, it's a bottom line.]
That was acceptable... Johan nodded inwardly, his impression of the "two dogs" improving considerably.
Zacian and Zamazenta walked before Johan and Gengar.
Zacian lowered its head slightly.
[Respected Arceus...]
"Just call me Johan. This is Gengar, Tinkaton, Servine." Johan introduced simply.
After brief hesitation, Zacian nodded.
[Johan, we sense the 'Darkest Day' may descend again. We... request your help.]
"Zamazenta..." Zamazenta growled softly, also lowering its head to meet Johan's eye level.
"The 'Darkest Day'? Calyrex's premonition was right." Johan said thoughtfully.
[Calyrex?]
Zamazenta was stunned, then asked seriously: [Has it awakened and recovered?]
"That's right."
Hearing this, both Zacian and Zamazenta showed slight relief.
[That's wonderful news!]
After the fierce battle with Eternatus, whether they or Calyrex had fallen into long slumber.
Now hearing Calyrex had awakened and recovered, as former battlefield companions, Zacian and Zamazenta were happy.
"So your current state... sorry."
After apologizing, Johan gently waved his hand in front of him, his palm passing directly through Zacian and Zamazenta's bodies without any sensation.
Zacian and Zamazenta's forms briefly distorted before returning to normal.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar's eyes lit up, curiously extending its hand to pass back and forth through the two legendary Pokémon's phantoms.
"As expected, you haven't recovered."
Zacian nodded.
[Therefore we hope you can help us prepare for the 'Darkest Day' that may appear again soon.]
"Have us help repair your sword and shield?" Johan already had some guesses, so asked directly.
[Yes.]
As Zamazenta nodded, its body shifted slightly, revealing the altar behind them that wasn't shrouded in mist.
On the altar, among withered branches and fallen leaves, the decayed, rust-covered sword and shield lay quietly.
"Cha?"
Tinkaton's gaze was immediately drawn to the sword and shield, directly shouldering its hammer and passing through Zacian and Zamazenta to reach the altar.
Johan, Gengar, and Servine also walked over.
Zacian and Zamazenta didn't speak, silently following behind.
Rustle—
Tinkaton waved its hand to brush away the covering leaves and dust, fully revealing the decayed sword and shield.
"Cha..."
Tinkaton smacked its lips.
Fine metal, such a waste leaving it here...
"Meltan! Meltan!"
Meltan stuck to the hammer chimed in agreement, waving its arms excitedly.
Melt them! Melt them!
Zacian and Zamazenta's foreheads broke out in cold sweat.
Melt... melt them?
This was somewhat different from expectations?
"Ahem." Johan coughed lightly. "Tinkaton, we're repairing them, not melting them."
If the former Zacian and Zamazenta were independent Pokémon.
Then in that battle against the 'Darkest Day' thousands of years ago, taking up sword and shield, they had already fused with this sword and shield.
This was similar to how Calyrex needed to ride its two beloved steeds to fully display its power.
The difference was.
Glastrier and Spectrier were alive, while the sword and shield were inanimate objects.
Given more time, Zacian and Zamazenta might slowly recover from the post-battle exhaustion seal, gradually reactivate the sword and shield, and regain their power.
But they weren't sure if the 'Darkest Day' would give them such time.
So.
If the sword and shield could be repaired first, their power could also feed back to Zacian and Zamazenta, allowing them to awaken from the seal early.
"Cha..."
Repair...
Tinkaton had an epiphany.
This was also its specialty!
"Meltan! Meltan!"
Specialty! Specialty!
Johan shook his head, picking up the decayed sword and shield from the ground, holding the sword in one hand and shield in the other.
Honestly.
Slightly heavy, but lighter than expected, and being rusted and decayed, there was no mystical feeling.
Suddenly.
A thought stirred in Johan's mind.
Aura!
The aura in his body immediately flowed through his arms into the sword and shield under his guidance.
Hum—
The sword and shield in Johan's hands trembled lightly, two phantoms emerging from them, showing their original appearance.
Hm?
Seeing this, both Zacian and Zamazenta looked puzzled.
This...
They both felt the sword and shield's power seemed to be activated.
Johan nodded with understanding.
As expected, with aura, he could more or less activate some of the sword and shield's power.
On the other side.
Sordward and Shielbert, foaming and lying on the ground, seemed affected by the sword and shield's power or aura, actually struggling to open their eyes.
They looked toward the altar.
Seeing Johan holding the sword and shield, they were also stunned.
A ray of sunlight, without mist obstruction or forest leaves blocking, shone down, leaving an orange gentle beam in the air that fell on Johan.
At this moment, he was holding sword and shield.
This moment.
The first thought in Sordward and Shielbert's minds was... Ancestor! Their great ancestor! The King of Galar, King of People!
That figure overlapped with their ancestor's statue in their memories.
That's right!
It was their ancestor!
Who else besides their ancestor could simultaneously wield sword and shield and display their power?
Great ancestor...
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar suddenly appeared beside them, somewhat surprised they had awakened.
Did I go easy? Or had it been so long since hypnotizing humans that I misjudged the force?
Immediately gave each another Dark Void.
Their legs kicked hard, eyes rolled back, foaming at the mouth, falling unconscious again, worse than before.
Gengar clapped its hands, nodding satisfactorily.
This time, don't expect to wake up for three to five days, and might leave some unpleasant aftereffects when they do.
Meanwhile.
The sword and shield phantoms faded, returning to their decayed, rust-covered appearance.
"Originally they should look like this. You've seen the molds for these sword and shield." Johan told Tinkaton.
"Cha~"
Tinkaton nodded with realization.
So it was that sword and shield.
Decayed like this, couldn't recognize them at first glance.
Then Johan said to Zacian and Zamazenta: "We'll try, but can't guarantee."
And still didn't know how long repairing these sword and shield would take.
Anyway, it was what Tinkaton was passionate about.
[Al-alright...]
Only then did Zacian and Zamazenta react, subconsciously nodding.
"Cha~"
Tinkaton took the decayed sword and shield, placing them next to its hammer. With two "clangs," the sword and shield attached to the hammer.
Seeing this, Zamazenta's eye twitched.
"Then we'll go first."
Johan brought Tinkaton and Servine away from the altar, mist spreading again to cover it.
Zacian and Zamazenta walked toward two decayed statues on the altar's other side, slowly approaching them.
[Sister, our sword and shield, they won't...]
Zamazenta looked back toward where Johan and the others left.
[Should... not be that bad...]
Zacian said hesitantly.
Leaving the altar, with mist covering behind them again, the previously mist-shrouded Sirfetch'd and wild Pokémon seemed not to notice what had happened.
They only cheered after seeing Sordward and Shielbert defeated.
"Sirfetch'd!"
After excitement and joy, Sirfetch'd quickly walked before Johan, eyes burning with intense battle desire.
Please battle me!
It looked at Gengar, Tinkaton, and Servine with burning eyes, as if seeing rare treasures.
Challenging the strong was its lifelong pursuit.
Its earlier fearless behavior against Sordward and Shielbert, protecting Slumbering Weald's wild Pokémon, and desire to challenge the strong all earned Johan and Gengar's respect.
"Servine!"
The usually proud Servine stepped forward, beckoning to Sirfetch'd.
Even Servine acknowledged Sirfetch'd's attitude, considering it a worthy opponent.
Moreover, in terms of strength...
Though Sordward and Shielbert themselves lacked ability, their Pokémon had real strength. Sirfetch'd defeating them one against two showed it had at least Elite Four main Pokémon strength with rich battle experience.
Make your move!
"Cha..."
Tinkaton sighed regretfully.
Busy with sword and shield, Servine got there first.
"Sirfetch'd!!!"
Hearing this, Sirfetch'd bowed solemnly, then took up sword and shield.
Be careful!
As soon as it finished speaking, Sirfetch'd unhesitatingly launched an assault, grasping its long sword and quickly rushing Servine, the large leek sword slashing out.
Fury Cutter!
The Bug-type move Fury Cutter had base power of only 40, but consecutive hits would double the move's power until reaching a terrifying 160!
This showed Sirfetch'd's battle experience and judgment were quite good.
Facing Grass-type Servine, Bug-type moves were undoubtedly an excellent choice.
"Servine!"
Servine remained calm, quickly retreating while two vines extended from behind, lashing toward Sirfetch'd.
Bang!!!
Vine and large leek sword collided, separating immediately.
The other vine was blocked by Sirfetch'd's leek shield.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd wasn't affected by the vines in its charge. It judged Servine was definitely best at special attacks, and close combat was optimal against special attackers!
Fury Cutter!
Servine's eyes narrowed slightly, taking a deep breath. The previously shot vines actually passed over Sirfetch'd, wrapping around tree trunks behind it.
Next moment.
To Sirfetch'd's surprise, the retreating Servine suddenly stopped on the ground, then using the vines' contraction, counter-attacked at even faster speed.
Close combat?
Sirfetch'd was delighted.
Gripping its large leek, it slashed out.
Fluorescent green leaves appeared on Servine's arm, quickly extending into a leaf blade.
Leaf Blade!
Bang—
The sharp leaf blade and straight large leek sword collided head-on.
Both Pokémon flew back from the opposing forces.
Sirfetch'd used its body control to stumble two steps and stabilize.
Its expression was somewhat surprised, looking down at its large leek sword, which actually had a slash mark - nearly cut in half!
Wasn't it supposed to be a special attacker?
It had seen Servine's previous Leaf Storm - such power...
It also knew swordsmanship?
Servine used two vines wrapped around tree trunks to land on a branch, expression equally serious.
This Sirfetch'd's strength was truly formidable.
As for swordsmanship...
When Ceruledge and Kartana practiced swordplay, watching a few times could always teach something.
Though not learning everything, just picking up some basics was enough for occasional use.
On a nearby rock.
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar grabbed a handful of popcorn and stuffed it in its mouth, then handed the bucket to Johan beside it.
Johan looked at the popcorn, confirmed there was no chili added, then pinched a few pieces and tossed them in his mouth.
"No wonder Servine always watched Ceruledge and Kartana practice swordplay - turns out it learned Leaf Blade."
When Servine hadn't evolved yet, in its Snivy stage, it actually relied on its speed and flexible vine use for close combat.
Only later developing Leaf Storm, plus its "Contrary" ability and this species' original traits, did it gradually shift toward special attacks.
But forgetting physical attacks entirely wasn't realistic.
Probably would end up with a dual-blade style.
A more reliable dual-blade style than Gengar's.
"Cha~"
Tinkaton took the popcorn, ate two pieces itself, and fed one to Meltan.
"This feels like watching an action movie..." Johan laughed.
"Servine!"
After testing Leaf Blade, given the current distance between them, Servine wouldn't insist on close combat, immediately glowing.
Rustle—
Surrounding forest leaves rustled.
Leaves scattered and swirled, gathering toward Servine, spiraling into a tornado and roaring out.
Leaf Storm!
"Sirfetch'd!"
Here it comes!
Sirfetch'd's expression immediately became solemn, dark red Fighting-type energy gathering on its large leek sword and leek shield.
Detect!
Boom—
The tornado-like storm swept over. Sirfetch'd held its leek shield high, large leek sword flailing, constantly producing clanging sounds of sharp leaves colliding with the sword, accompanied by flying sparks.
By blocking with the leek shield and precise cutting with the large leek sword, Sirfetch'd actually completely blocked Servine's Leaf Storm!
Of course.
As the price.
Sirfetch'd's shield was cut to tatters by sharp leaves, though its large leek sword, imbued with more Fighting-type energy, remained intact.
Looking at its large leek, Sirfetch'd's expression was serious.
Continuing like this, its large leek wouldn't hold up.
In that case...
"Sirfetch'd!!!"
Sirfetch'd suddenly raised its large leek sword, eyes showing faith, reverence, and fervor.
Large leek! Grant me power!
Hum—
Brilliant light bloomed on both Sirfetch'd and its large leek sword. It leaped high, holding the sword like a lance and hurling it with all its might.
The lance was like a shining meteor, cutting through the air toward Servine.
"Servine!"
Servine's eyes flashed with surprise. That locked-on feeling made it seem impossible to dodge, realizing this was Sirfetch'd's ultimate move.
Meteor Assault, Sirfetch'd's signature move, also one of Fighting-type's most powerful secrets!
If it couldn't be avoided.
Then there was no need to dodge!
Servine lowered its head slightly, holding its breath...
Rustle, rustle—
Forest leaves shook violently, wave after wave of green energy gathering toward Servine as if summoned, rolling energy and leaves weaving together into a tornado storm.
Leaf Storm!
Servine's special attack had reached its peak.
Plus Slumbering Weald's assistance, its current power...
Rumble—
The rolling storm spiraled and surged, a brilliant lance advancing frantically through the tornado, fierce winds and rapid rain, the lance emerging like a dragon.
Point breaking surface - Sirfetch'd was confident.
"Servine!"
Well done!
Servine called out, brilliant light bursting from its body.
Surrounding forest leaves quickly sprouted and grew, fresh tender leaves rapidly emerging, surging with tremendous vitality that then quickly fed back.
Point breaking surface was good.
But if the surface was too hard, it couldn't be broken easily!
Maximum power, Leaf Storm!
Boom!!!
Leaves instantly swept all areas, power immediately skyrocketing. Sirfetch'd's piercing lance met tremendous resistance, though still advancing like breaking bamboo, but...
Sharp leaves like a meat grinder shredded Sirfetch'd's large leek sword to powder!
And Leaf Storm.
Swept over Sirfetch'd.
Boom—
"Ptui ptui ptui—"
Gengar spat out leaves mouthful by mouthful, its popcorn bucket completely covered in thick leaves.
"Ka-kaah!"
The purple fatty irritably turned to look behind, seeing Johan holding it, blocking the Leaf Storm's aftershock.
Seeing Gengar now covered in leaves like it had become a Grass-type Pokémon, Johan couldn't help laughing.
While laughing loudly, his eyes also showed some undisguised surprise.
Servine and the "magical berry" trees on his island, using Giga Drain and "Contrary" ability feedback through the fruit trees, promoting their growth while also growing itself.
This inspiration from Tapu Bulu's method was actually applied by Servine in battle.
Using "Forest's Blessing" and this positive feedback burst allowed Servine to completely overwhelm Sirfetch'd.
This was something even Johan hadn't expected.
So sometimes they really needed to let his Pokémon fight freely on their own, battle worthy opponents - they might gain unexpected rewards.
Johan could barely imagine how much Servine's strength would improve after evolving into Serperior.
"Sirfetch'd—"
Sirfetch'd eagerly offered a plump berry to Servine.
"Servine!(▼皿▼)"
Servine glanced at it sideways, distancing itself from Sirfetch'd and sitting beside Johan.
Seeing this, Sirfetch'd immediately wilted like a defeated soldier.
Even its newly acquired large leek sword and nearby leek shield wilted.
It looked to the sky with tearful eyes.
"Sirfetch'd..."
Heartbroken...
Servine: "..."
"Servine!(#｀皿)"
Weirdo!
Servine turned its head away, not looking at this Sirfetch'd that became so eager after being beaten up.
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar somehow appeared beside Sirfetch'd, directly putting an arm around its shoulder.
"Sirfetch'd!" Sirfetch'd looked wary.
I'm not interested in males! Especially male ghosts!
"Ka-kaah!"
Gengar irritably slapped its head, then eyes rolling, lowered its voice.
I want to make a deal with you!
"Sirfetch'd?"
Deal?
Gengar pointed at the large leek sword in Sirfetch'd's hand and the leek shield beside it, then at itself.
Look, you have leeks, I have connections. You give me your leeks, I'll help sell them. We'll split fifty-fifty - ninety-ten, I take ninety, you take ten. How about it?
"Sirfetch'd!!!" Sirfetch'd immediately jumped up.
Holding its large leek sword with both hands.
This is a leek, this is faith! Faith can't be measured by money!
"Ka-kaah!" Gengar remained calm, waving its hand.
Fine, fine, seventy-thirty for me!
"Sirfetch'd!"
Deal!
Sirfetch'd shook Gengar's hand.
It had grown a whole field of leeks anyway, but couldn't use them all itself, other Pokémon didn't eat them, and if only it ate them...
Felt like they were getting pickled.
"Ka-kaah~()σ" Gengar pointed at Sirfetch'd.
You thick-browed honest-looking one, didn't expect such "heavy" thoughts.
"Sirfetch'd, sirfetch'd, sirfetch'd~" Sirfetch'd laughed loudly, looking quite pleased.
Gengar also laughed, just somewhat "craftily."
Johan nearby couldn't help shaking his head.
Making deals with Gengar?
Gengar took seventy percent without contributing anything, still acting like Sirfetch'd got a good deal - truly being sold and helping count the money.
"Sirfetch'd, you really won't come with us? On my island, I could specifically set aside land for you to grow leeks." Johan asked with a smile.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Hearing this, Sirfetch'd solemnly shook its head.
Its gaze swept around Slumbering Weald.
The Pokémon here need me more!
"I respect your choice."
Johan didn't force it - originally just a tentative invitation, but Sirfetch'd's persistence was quite heartwarming.
Just a shame to lose "emergency rations."
"Please help throw these two guys out." Johan glanced at Sordward and Shielbert still on the ground.
"Sirfetch'd!"
Sirfetch'd patted its chest, the raised fur on its back slowly settling, feeling like it had somehow dodged a "disaster."
"Champion Peony... Mr. Peony?"
Galar region, Hammerlocke City. Leon, looking hurried, unexpectedly encountered Peony, Peonia, and Penny just leaving the station.
"Leon?"
Seeing Leon, Peony was also surprised, then laughed heartily:
"Here to spar with Raihan again?"
"No." Leon also smiled. "I heard Teacher Johan came to Galar and is in Postwick. I'm going to find him for a battle!"
"Johan."
Peony wasn't surprised by Leon wanting to challenge Johan - very fitting for Leon's personality.
So he said seriously: "He's very strong."
"I know." Leon nodded. "I watched Teacher Johan's 'Champion Road.' I want to confirm how big the strength gap between Teacher Johan and me is."
He wondered if he still qualified to make Teacher Johan summon that Eevee...
"What about you, Mr. Peony?" Leon asked. "I heard you went to Crown Tundra exploring."
Hearing this, Peony's expression immediately became serious.
His expression change surprised Leon while making him serious too.
"I'm investigating the recent inexplicable Galar Particle dispersal."
Leon was stunned.
"Investigation? Hammerlocke City?"
"That's right."
Leon also took the inexplicable Galar Particle dispersal very seriously.
He stepped closer, lowering his voice: "Any leads?"
Peony looked at Penny.
Penny pursed her lips, saying: "Hammerlocke City's energy output data has problems."
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Powerstones?
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