Chapter 657: Jinghe, Male: Groudon, No Passage Allowed!

Chapter 657: Jinghe, Male: Groudon, No Passage Allowed! (Combined Chapters, Requesting Monthly Votes!)

So, what’s the situation now?

From a distance, Jinghe, Male could already be seen riding a bicycle on the sea, finally managing to get through to Da Wu on the phone.

"Teacher!"

Hearing Jinghe, Male’s voice, Da Wu visibly let out a sigh of relief.

To be honest, the pressure on him was immense.

On one hand, he had firmly opposed the "Dimensional Teleportation Device" plan, knowing it could potentially bring catastrophic damage to Johto due to the meteorite threat.

On the other hand, he was under immense personal pressure after learning that the awakening of Groudon and Groudon might be related to the Iridescent Megalith he and Wally had discovered.

If Groudon and Groudon were to cause significant destruction in Johto, he would be indirectly responsible.

However, Da Wu quickly composed himself and briefly explained the current crisis in Johto.

Jinghe, Male was taken aback after listening.

"Meteorite?"

How did a meteorite get involved?

Isn't this the plot from Pokémon: The Strongest Mega Evolution?

And now Pokémon: Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire is also involved?

But this wasn’t the most pressing issue at the moment.

The biggest problem was still Groudon and Groudon.

"Alright, let’s put the meteorite aside for now. What about your plan?" Jinghe, Male asked.

"Hey, Jinghe, Male, this is Bony."

Bony’s voice came through the phone.

It seemed everyone was still in a meeting to address the emergency.

"Bony, what’s the League’s plan?" Jinghe, Male asked again.

"Groudon and Groudon’s target is Violet City. According to Da Wu’s description, their goal is likely to seize the Iridescent Megalith, but—"

Bony paused and continued, "We can’t find the Iridescent Megalith."

According to Da Wu’s account, when Rayquaza came into contact with the Iridescent Megalith, it not only underwent a stunning Mega Evolution, but the Iridescent Megalith, which carried an intense Mega Evolution aura, also disappeared.

So, Bony and the others suspected that the Iridescent Megalith might have been taken by Rayquaza.

"No."

But Jinghe, Male had a different opinion.

"The Iridescent Megalith has been activated. If Rayquaza wanted it, it could have taken it a thousand or even thousands of years ago, but it didn’t."

The Iridescent Megalith was revered by the Meteor People as their only means of contacting Rayquaza.

According to the Meteor People’s records, Rayquaza descended twice, but it never took the Iridescent Megalith, which was inconsistent with its behavior.

"Then—"

"I suspect the Iridescent Megalith is one of the sources of Mega Evolution. It will reappear where Mega Evolution energy bursts occur."

Jinghe, Male said, glancing at the gray sky over Johto.

"Or, to put it another way, when Groudon and Groudon meet and produce a powerful energy collision, the Iridescent Megalith will appear."

Just like how the seven-colored meteorite appeared in Pokémon: The Strongest Mega Evolution.

"Are you sure?" Bony frowned.

"I can’t be certain", Jinghe, Male admitted without hesitation.

How could he be sure?

There was no way to test it.

The people in the meeting room were slightly speechless at Jinghe, Male’s words.

But then Genji said, "If what you say is true, then—does it mean that the paths of Groudon and Groudon can be altered?"

The others in the meeting room understood the implication in Genji’s words.

The awakening of Groudon and Groudon, their meeting, and the resulting collision would cause the greatest destruction.

If they met in Violet City or on the island, Violet City would likely be destroyed, and the island could even sink.

But even aside from the two ancient Mythical Beasts colliding, the destruction along their paths would still be significant.

So,

"Genji, you mean to have Groudon and Groudon meet in the ocean?" Bony asked.

Genji tapped his fingers on the table and nodded.

"Block Groudon, alter its course, and make them fight in the sea!"

If Groudon doesn't reach land, the destruction it would cause in Johto would be significantly less.

And altering Groudon's path—

If we can make Groudon stop, and Groudon has to detour to find it, there's a good chance it will happen. After all, a Blissey can't traverse Hoenn like Groudon can, right?

Even if it uses the sea to engulf the land, it will take time.

"Based on the route, Groudon is much closer to Violet City than Groudon, because Groudon awakened earlier, right?" Da Wu analyzed.

This makes the plan more feasible.

The only concern is the destruction Groudon might cause along the way as it detours.

But that's still better than letting Groudon wreak havoc on the mainland or having the two clash in the heart of Johto.

But this plan sounds easier said than done.

"Who will stop Groudon, and who will guide Groudon forward?" Hangetsu Elite Four member raised the question on everyone's mind.

"These tasks are not something one person can accomplish alone", Bony said.

Jinghe, Male, listening on the phone, breathed a slight sigh of relief.

He thought they might ask him to stop one of the two Groudon.

But before Bony could finish, Genji spoke up.

"Since I proposed this plan, I will go with Jinghe, Male to stop Groudon!"

Jinghe, Male: "???"

There was no doubt.

Stopping Groudon and guiding Groudon, the former was undoubtedly the more difficult task.

Of course, the premise is that Jinghe, Male's assumption that "the Iridescent Megalith will appear when Groudon and Groudon meet" holds true.

But at this moment, for some reason, no one questioned the possibility that this assumption might be false.

But then—

"Wait a moment", Jinghe, Male said.

He and Genji, two Elite Four members, at best, were two semi-champions.

What about the ones guiding Groudon?

Da Wu, Wally, Bony, Hangetsu, and Fuji!

Even if Da Wu and Wally haven't fully matured, they are still semi-champions, and four Elite Four members.

Old man, this arrangement doesn't make sense!

Bony, the Elite Four member, wouldn't approve of this arrangement, given the difficulty.

"Alright!" Bony decided, ignoring Jinghe, Male's "wait a moment."

"Wait—"

What about the others?

Doesn't anyone think this "grouping" is problematic?

"Reasonable", Hangetsu nodded.

"Teacher and Genji will definitely be fine", Da Wu said.

Jinghe, Male: "..."

Where does your confidence come from?

I haven't even rallied anyone yet.

Jinghe, Male looked to his side.

Gengue, Male floated out of the opened rift and shrugged at Jinghe, Male.

The "digital pet" was still not "home."

Where did Giratina run off to?

In Windy City, he couldn't find it to help call Lugia, and now, with an even bigger problem, it's still not around?

This is hopeless.

Looking at Gengue, Male floating in the air, leisurely picking his teeth, Jinghe, Male pursed his lips.

"With this, I don't know if we'll make it in time."

Regardless,

First, we need to get home!

This time, even if the people we call can't arrive quickly, we have to do our best to stop Groudon.

"Dratini!"

"Whoo~~"

Dratini flew out of the Poké Ball, landing beside Jinghe, Male, flying parallel to the bicycle over the sea.

"This time, we'll see if the 'bad luck' we've accumulated is enough to get us home."

"Whoo~~"

Dratini excitedly gave a "thumbs up."

It's been a while since I've flown freely.

One minute later.

"Slower, Dratini! We're not that urgent—hurry up—"

At the headquarters of the Hoenn League, in the war room.

Since the Hoenn League's headquarters is in the far east of Johto, and Groudon is coming from the west, Genji has already set sail at top speed.

The meeting was chaired by Bony, the Elite Four member.

The attendees also changed, including the Elite Four, reserves, gym leaders from various regions (some attending via video), and heads of multiple departments such as Jusco, Joy, the Investigation Department, and the International Police.

"Our task is very challenging, so I'll keep it brief."

At this moment, Bony appeared very efficient.

"Currently, Groudon is in Z3 Sea. To make it detour, we need to act here, here—"

She carefully examined the map, noting the key areas: Violet City, Mauville City, Lilycove City, Pacifidlog Town, and Fortree City.

Since the Z3 sea area, where Groudon is located, is closer to the southeastern waters of Johto, it’s unlikely that Groudon will move north. However, it’s not impossible.

This will depend on how well the people blocking Groudon at Violet City perform.

Moreover, this plan is based on the assumptions made by Jinghe and Male. If those assumptions are incorrect, Violet City will be in grave danger.

Therefore, heavy defenses should be deployed in Violet City.

"Everyone knows how important Violet City is. It will be a crucial and critical part of this plan. The danger level will be second only to intercepting Groudon, and it might even be higher."

"I’ll go."

"I’ll go."

Wally and Nana almost spoke at the same time. They exchanged a glance, and Wally frowned, saying, "Nana, it’s too dangerous."

But before he could finish, Nana interrupted him:

"If we can’t hold Violet City, it won’t make a difference where I am."

Although she said this, Wally suddenly remembered Jinghe and Male’s “guidance,” realizing he shouldn’t impose too many restrictions on Nana and should trust her abilities.

So, he remained silent.

Everyone in the room understood the relationship between Wally and Nana and didn’t comment further.

As for Wally’s strength, it was still trustworthy.

Bony frowned slightly.

Although they were two Gym Leaders, their combined power was equivalent to one Elite Four member and one Gym Leader.

This might be enough for defensive purposes along the way, but in a critical location like Violet City...

"I’ll go as well", Da Wu said.

Da Wu, Wally, and Nana together?

That should be enough to ensure success.

After all, they just needed to force Groudon to change course, not engage in a direct confrontation. With this level of strength, they should be able to manage.

Da Wu rubbed his nose.

It felt a bit like he was going along as a third wheel.

He turned to Wally, who also looked at him. They exchanged a glance and nodded in silent understanding.

This disaster was, to some extent, related to their relationship. This operation must succeed, no matter the cost!

A sense of determination surged in the eyes of both men.

Nana looked at Wally, then at Da Wu, and a strange feeling arose in her heart.

Am I becoming the “extra” one?

"I’ll take Mauville City", said Four Kings Fuji.

"I’ll handle Lilycove City", said another Elite Four member, Hangetsu.

Mauville City is an island town built on an archipelago. Although the population isn’t large, being an island makes it highly vulnerable to flooding, making it a very dangerous area.

"We’ll also go to Mauville City."

The Gym Leaders of Greenfield City, the psychic twins Xiao Feng and Xiao Nan, along with their parents, would take on some of the responsibilities.

Their parents, who were the previous Gym Leaders of Greenfield City, were also quite strong.

"The residents of Mauville City will be evacuated at the first sign of danger. If Groudon resists strongly, we may have to temporarily abandon Mauville City", Bony said solemnly.

Sometimes, tough decisions must be made.

Although making such decisions is difficult, as long as all residents and Pokémon are evacuated, the league will compensate for any property losses and assist in rebuilding.

Among Johto’s many towns, Mauville City is the easiest to evacuate.

Everyone fell silent.

The power of nature is terrifying. Even with advanced technology and the strength of Pokémon, humans and Pokémon alike seem small in the face of nature’s might.

Why do the Mythical Beasts of Hoenn, like Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza, seem to have a higher prestige compared to the Temporal and Spatial Dragons of Sinnoh or the Dragon Trio of Unova?

Isn’t it because the natural powers they command, both in appearance and effect, are more impressive?

Time stagnation, spatial collapse, the collapse of ideals, and the imbalance of reality are not things most ordinary people can comprehend.

Volcanic eruptions, raging wildfires, tsunamis, and floods—these are tangible and visible, and the impact they have is far more profound.

The Gym Leader of Dewford Town, Teng Shu, crossed his arms, and even through the screen, his muscular build was evident. He said:

"Then, I’ll go to Lilycove City to assist Elite Four Hangetsu."

Lilycove City, being one of Johto’s largest cities after Canalave City and Eterna City, and the region’s largest port, is of utmost importance.

Ideally, they would intercept Groudon and change its course thirty nautical miles off the coast of Lilycove City.

This will be an extremely challenging task.

"I’ll take Fortree City."

Chikara's face on the screen was serious.

It was rare to see such a stern expression on the usually gentle Chikara's face.

For Chikara, his family was the most important thing.

And his family was in Fortree City, a place he would protect even at the cost of his life!

Fortunately, Fortree City wasn't very large. By the time Groudon reached it, it would be relatively close to the outer sea of Canalave City. Groudon was unlikely to cause much chaos, making the situation somewhat safer.

As for Chikara's strength...

The title of the next Elite Four member wasn't given lightly.

There was still Pacifidlog Town to consider.

Bony was about to speak when—

"I'm an old man, but I still need to stretch my muscles." Tetsusen, the Gym Leader of Eterna City, cracked his arms, seemingly showing off his muscles.

Crack—

A sharp sound echoed through the screen.

"Twist, twist, twist my old back", Tetsusen called out, and a Gym apprentice quickly came to his aid.

"The old man is still so active."

In the screen from Flamearbor Town, Asa, the Gym Leader, saw his grandfather Mura and couldn't help but laugh.

As the former Elite Four member, Mura had gradually handed over the affairs of Flamearbor Town to Asa, who would take over as the Gym Leader once he graduated. It was summer, so Asa was working part-time.

Similarly, Kuken of Canalave City was also in a similar situation.

"Pacifidlog Town, we'll handle it, the two of us old guys", Mura said.

Tetsusen and Mura, though old, were undeniably powerful.

It had to be said.

Johto's strength was truly formidable. Besides the Elite Four, there were others like Da Wu, Wally, Chikara, and Mura, who rivaled or even surpassed the average Elite Four members.

And then there was Jinghe, Male, whose strength was "unfathomable."

Tsk, tsk.

It was quite a feat to implement such a tactical plan.

Bony would serve as the overall commander, temporarily stationed at headquarters to coordinate the entire operation and act as a mobile support unit, ready to assist wherever needed.

"Let's finalize this. Jasmine, please assist in evacuating the residents quickly. Joy, please ensure medical support. Search Department and International Police, assist Genji and Jinghe, Male!"

"Understood!"

Everyone stood up in unison to acknowledge.

Bony looked around at everyone and said solemnly:

"Everyone, your safety is the most important. I hope everyone returns safely!"

Canalave City.

"Ai~"

Aigis, the sister and brother, quickly helped Jinghe, Male, who had just climbed off Dratini, looking a bit pale with a faint trace of electricity still on his body.

Only getting struck by lightning once on the way over, this trip was pretty lucky.

Just a bit too fast.

Compared to the overcast skies in eastern Johto, the sun was blazing in the western coastal area of Hoenn, making Canalave City unbearably hot.

In the scorching summer, the sun was really intense.

Stepping into the café, feeling the cool air conditioning, Jinghe, Male finally relaxed.

"Aigis, is everything okay at home?"

"Ai~"

Everything's fine~

Phew—

Jinghe, Male let out a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness.

The house is still standing.

But Aigis, the sister, thought for a moment and then said:

"Ai~"

However, the sun was really intense today, and the fruit trees and vegetables in the yard look a bit wilted. Does that count?

Hmm?

Jinghe, Male quickly got up, but a little guy was even faster, naturally, it was Gengue, Male.

"Geng~!"

No! My food!

When they ran to the yard, Jinghe, Male and Gengue, Male saw—

A lush, thriving garden.

"Geng?"

Gengue, Male rubbed his eyes with his fists.

Am I seeing things? Is this really our backyard?

"Is it growing this fast?" Jinghe, Male was also taken aback.

He had only been gone for a little over half a month, right?

How did the backyard turn into this?

Then, Jinghe, Male noticed the wooden carving of Regigigas standing in the middle of the yard.

"It seems... more intricate and lifelike?"

Gengue, Male floated under a fruit tree, holding a yellow, juicy pomelo and swallowing hard.

"Geng~"

What a wonderful fruit~

Plop—

A soft sound came from Gengue, Male's hand.

"Geng! (ω)!"

It fell on its own! I didn't even use any force!

"Ai~"

Aigis, the sister, carried a basket full of fruits over and explained.

Because it was so hot and dry today, many fruits were "ripened" by the heat and sun. They would need to be put in the fridge soon, or they would wilt.

Looking at the basket of fruits, it was clear how many had fallen today.

"Geng!"

Gengue, Male was heartbroken.

So many fresh, juicy fruits, how could they wilt?

To avoid waste—

Gengue, Male grabbed a fruit and stuffed it into his mouth. The juice splashed out, and the sweet, refreshing taste under the scorching sun was like drinking a cold cola, invigorating and refreshing.

At that moment, Gengue, Male looked at the plants in the garden, wilting under the scorching sun. He felt as if he were playing a game, watching the fruit trees he had worked so hard to grow lose their durability, helpless and frustrated.

Pain, such intense pain!

Jinghe, Male and Gengue, Male exchanged a meaningful glance, both seeing the deep resentment towards Groudon in each other's eyes.

The walls might not have peeled, but the plants were certainly wilting.

Crack—

Suddenly,

A tile on the wall fell off, glittering in the sunlight.

"Yo! Yoji!"

Yuki, standing by the wall, quickly raised his hands and shouted loudly.

No, not me! I didn't touch anything!

It might have looked tasty, but no! I didn't touch it!

Hey!

Gengue, Male suddenly bared his teeth in a menacing grin.

Jinghe, Male's lips also curved into a peculiar smile.

Very well.

This grudge is getting quite significant, and it won't fly!

"Watch out, it's coming!"

Bony's voice crackled through the earpiece, and Da Wu, Wally, Naci, and Adam's expressions immediately turned serious.

Violet City.

This unique city, born a thousand years ago from a terrifying meteorite, renowned for its lustrous glass and colorful glazed pottery, was now completely enveloped by a torrential downpour. The gray mist rising from the rain made the city even more ethereal and mysterious.

The beach of Violet City.

Once a famous attraction, it was now completely submerged by the surging sea, with waves crashing higher and higher against Violet City's seawall.

"Is this the sea Pokémon, the ancient Mythical Beast, Groudon?"

On the helicopter belonging to the Devon Corporation, the four of them standing by the door watched the massive figure rapidly swimming in the sea, the terrifying beast riding the waves, and felt an inexplicable pressure.

"We can't let it get too close to Violet City!" Wally's lips were pressed together.

Despite the heavy rain and the tumultuous sea below, his mouth felt incredibly dry, as if his saliva had turned to glue.

But he knew.

This wasn't the time for fear or retreat.

Without hesitation, he threw a Poké Ball.

"Swampert!"

"Kaggu—!!"

The final evolution of the Hoenn starter Water type, the Ground and Water type, Swampert!

Before Swampert even hit the water, Wally pulled the ribbon with the Mega Stone embedded in its end, and a brilliant, dazzling light burst forth. The Mega Stone on Swampert's body responded in kind.

"Mega Evolution!"

"Kaggu!!"

With a shimmering rainbow and the light of evolution, Swampert completed its Mega Evolution mid-air.

Mega Swampert!

Groudon, rapidly moving through the sea, seemed to sense something. It surfaced, continuing to swim while calmly observing Mega Swampert as it landed on the water.

"Swampert, freeze the sea!"

"Kaggu—!!"

Mega Swampert's muscular arms, clearly brimming with strength, clenched tightly as dense ice energy gathered around them.

As it landed on the water, its fists slammed down hard.

Boom!!

With Mega Swampert's fists as the center, a massive wave of cold energy was released, freezing the sea in Groudon's path!

Rain continued to pour down, each drop landing on Mega Swampert as if it were a source of power.

Effortlessly!

Groudon watched Mega Swampert's actions, its expression unchanged. It simply flicked its tail, increasing its speed dramatically!

"Groudon shows no sign of stopping; it intends to charge straight through!"

Along with Da Wu and the others were the League trainers, there to assist, all riding in helicopters.

"The aura is terrifying, a chilling presence. Can we really make such a creature change direction?"

Just as many were intimidated by Groudon's aura, a voice rang out.

"Golem!"

"Kongjin—!!"

A silver Golem appeared in the sky, signaling Da Wu's intervention.

The goal this time was to alter Groudon's course, not to engage in direct combat.

However,

As the primary target for Groudon's landfall, Violet City would not be easily abandoned. Groudon would only give up if it felt that the energy and cost of reaching Violet City might leave it at a disadvantage against its old rival.

So, first, Groudon needed to feel some resistance!

Its refusal to slow down and even accelerating was a clear message of pressure to Da Wu and Wally.

Therefore,

"Mega Evolution!"

"Kongjin!!"

Another burst of evolution light, and the Mega Golem, with its four arms, unleashed a Thunderbolt.

"Thunder Punch!"

Mega Golem charged straight towards Groudon in the sea.

"Roar!!"

An ancient, resonant cry, akin to the long call of a mighty whale, suddenly echoed through the air.

Then.

Under the shocked gazes of Da Wu and Wally, a monstrous wave surged up, and a colossal creature, over thirty meters in length, leaped into the sky, covering a significant portion of the heavens and casting a vast shadow over the sea!

Its fins flapped like wings, deftly evading the Super Golem's attack!

For such a massive creature, it was surprisingly agile?

Groudon, hovering in mid-air, rotated its body, its enormous golden eyes sweeping over the Super Golem and Super Swampert without a hint of emotion.

Although it was in a hurry, Groudon's movements seemed much slower than expected.

Hum—

Almost instantly, water gathered in Groudon's massive jaws, then transformed into a terrifying water jet that shot out.

"Swampert, dodge quickly!"

"Golem, Light Screen!"

Boom!!

Water droplets sprayed everywhere, the sheer force of the impact creating a massive crater in the ocean. The sea rushed to fill the void, and the ice crystals formed by Super Swampert were shattered by the powerful water blast.

"Th-That's terrifying."

"Super Swampert and Super Golem can't just be defeated like that, right?"

"Was that a Water Gun?"

"Roar—!!"

A hint of disdain flashed in Groudon's eyes, and it flapped its fins, turning its head back toward Violet City, about to plunge back into the water.

But at that moment.

"Golem, Comet Punch!"

"Konjin!!!"

From the water below, the silver-white Golem moved at an incredible speed, surging upward from beneath Groudon, completely catching it off guard.

The Super Golem unleashed its full power.

"Konjin!!!"

Bang—!!

At the same time.

"Swampert, Double-Edge!"

A similarly blue, bulky Pokémon, aided by the rain, dashed toward Groudon with incredible speed, drawing a beautiful arc across the sea.

Boom!!

"Roar!!"

Groudon was hit!

Though the damage might not have been significant, still—

Da Wu loosened the scarf at his neck, stepped out of the helicopter, and the Psychic Puppet appeared at his side. Using Psychic Power, he landed steadily on a block of ice.

"Want to fight? I'm up for it."

Wally also landed with a graceful posture, her delicate face filled with determination.

"Then I think I can fight you all day!"

"Roar!!"

Groudon roared in response.

On the other side.

West of Canalave City, over the sea.

Groudon, walking through the ocean, left a trail of fire and lava behind it. Several helicopters circled overhead, but Groudon paid them no mind.

It was approaching the waters of Canalave City.

"Groudon is about to land, and it's said that the residents of Canalave City haven't been fully evacuated yet!"

The news reporter quickly announced.

After all, Canalave City was the largest metropolis in Johto, with a vast population. Even with the League's efforts to evacuate without regard for cost, it was taking time.

"I hear that a battle has already erupted on the other side of Groudon, but what about here—"

"Look!"

Suddenly, a reporter shouted, and the cameras all focused on the sea near Canalave City, where a winding ice path extended out.

"A bicycle?"

Next to the bicycle, a nimble and graceful Nine-Tails ran alongside.

At that moment.

Groudon's path of lava and the narrow ice path formed a stark contrast.

Sss—

The bicycle brakes screeched to a halt.

Jinghe, Male, stopped the bike on the side, gazing at the massive red creature towering at least thirty meters tall, its scorching breath raising the temperature to at least sixty degrees!

The blazing sun overhead made the air feel even hotter, causing his skin to itch.

"Teacher Jinghe, Male! It's Teacher Jinghe, Male!"

"The one on the bicycle is Teacher Jinghe, Male!"

"Teacher Jinghe, Male is here to stop Groudon alone?"

Jinghe, Male, standing on the ice path, unbuttoned his collar, took off his suit jacket, and rolled up his sleeves.

"Damn, it's too hot. I should have worn a swimsuit", he muttered to himself.

Looking at the mountain-like behemoth, he twitched his lips.

Professor Oak's Pokédex was misleading again.

This is supposed to be only 3.5 meters tall?

It's only fooling those who haven't seen it for real.

But that didn't matter now.

"Let's give Groudon a 'friendly' greeting first."

Waveguide, residing in his heart.

Jinghe, Male's eyes glowed with a faint blue Aura Power.

Through Waveguide, Jinghe, Male sensed the ancient, powerful, brutal, and confident aura emanating from Groudon, as well as its domineering will.

Domineering?

Even the most domineering needs to pay up!

Thus, Jinghe, Male forcefully inserted his intentions into Groudon's mind without any restraint, in a very dominant manner.

"Groudon!"

"This place is off-limits!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end