Chapter 678: The Conclusion of the Incident
Chapter 678: The Conclusion of the Incident
"What are you planning to do next?"
After settling Paipa's affairs, Shizuru once again turned his attention to Dr. Orلين and Dr. Forest.
The two doctors remained silent, then spoke up:
"I want to use the time machine to travel to the ancient world that the doctor dreamed of visiting."
"Wouldn't that be a bit too cruel for Paipa?" Shizuru had not understood it before, but now that he had his own child, he knew how sad Little Tree would be if he were gone.
"We are different from you," Dr. Forest's AI spoke up. "The real Dr. Orلين and Dr. Forest have already passed away. We are just AIs created by them."
"Moreover, there's another issue. The programs within our bodies have merged with the time machine. As long as I, as a part of the time machine, remain here, the time machine will not shut down."
"What if the time machine is forcibly destroyed?" Shizuru asked.
In fact, even without Paipa's possession of the doctor's ID, he could forcibly 'shut down' the time machine.
The reason he hadn't done so was that he wanted Paipa to come here and see the doctors one last time, even if they were just AIs.
He had watched Paipa grow up, and due to his prolonged solitary life, the child's temperament was quite reclusive. He was always alone, despite having Pokemon companions. But in some ways, Pokemon and humans were ultimately different.
So, Shizuru planned to guide Paipa, Xiao Qing, Nimo, and Mu Danian in the same way as the game's storyline.
This way, even if the doctors passed away, he wouldn't feel as lonely as before.
However, Dr. Or린's AI shook her head lightly. "This isn't just about shutting down the time machine. No matter what, I and Dr. Forest want to see the ancient and future worlds with our own eyes."
"I understand." The AI before him was not the real doctor; they were created to assist the actual doctors in their research.
Shizuru: "..."
Sigh, never mind!
Since this was the doctors' final wish, he would help them fulfill it!
Under Shizuru's deliberate guidance, Paipa and the others' storyline progressed as it did in the game.
Xiao Qing helped Mu Danian resolve the Starlight Team's issues, collected eight badges, defeated Ye Ci, and became the new Champion.
Finally, to help Paipa find his long-lost parents and search for treasures in the Pantier Giant Pit, the four-person squad officially assembled.
They received Ye Ci's permission, passed through the Pantier Giant Pit, and smoothly arrived in Area Zero.
When Paipa saw Shizuru and Gogoat standing in front of the research institute, he froze.
A look of disbelief appeared on his face. "Mr. Shizuru...?"
Nimo's eyes lit up, and she became excited. "Mr. Shizuru, how are you here too?!"
Xiao Qing and Mu Danian exchanged glances, as they didn't recognize this Mr. Shizuru.
The Gogoat following Xiao Qing immediately started trembling and hid behind her upon seeing Shizuru's Gogoat.
"Long time no see, Nimo, Paipa, and... Mu Danian and Xiao Qing," Shizuru greeted them softly.
Xiao Qing and Mu Danian were slightly taken aback. "You know us?"
"The mysterious person who guided you to find the treasure and come to this place is me," Shizuru said, his gaze shifting to the Gogoat behind Xiao Qing, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
Did Dr. Or린 and Dr. Forest leave the world to protect this Gogoat?
He took a deep breath, turned around, and said, "Let's go. The doctor is waiting for you!"
He led the way, and the four followed silently behind him.
At this moment, even the usually carefree Nimo sensed that the atmosphere in this place was a bit off.
Paipa's heart was filled with an ominous premonition.
Why hadn't his irresponsible parents come forward to communicate with them and instead sent Mr. Shizuru...
As they walked through the corridors of the institute, a realization dawned on Paipa.
Dr. Or린 and Dr. Forest stood below the time machine, awaiting their arrival.
"Hello, I'm glad you made it here," Dr. Or린 greeted them with a smile, speaking softly.
Shizuru stepped aside.
Paipa clenched his fist in secret, knowing they were still the same.
Dr. Or린's AI noticed Paipa's reaction and apologized, speaking in a flat tone, "First, I must apologize. We are not the real Dr. Or린 and Dr. Forest."
"What do you mean?!" Paipa finally couldn't hold back his question.
"I'm sorry, Paipa," Dr. Forest apologized. "The doctors created two artificial intelligences based on their knowledge and memories, which are the AIs... And we are robots driven by that AI. Due to the accident at the Fourth Observatory, the real doctors are no longer with us."
Pai Pa stood there, stunned.
Nimmo, standing beside him, furrowed her brows, "Not here? What do you mean?"
Dr. Orlin's gaze shifted to the Gogoat beside Xiao Qing, "To protect that child, this isn't the fault of the Pokemon, but rather the doctor's own misjudgment of its power."
"If the doctor knew that the Gogoat she protected was alive and well, she'd probably feel relieved, right?"
"Xiao Qing, Nimmo, Pai Pa, Mudan, we asked you here because we wanted you to help me with the last step of my research in Area Zero. The favor I need is... to shut down the time machine created by the doctor herself." Dr. Forest looked at the group.
Nimmo couldn't believe it, "How could this be! It was so hard to... finally meet him!"
"We're sorry. The accident at the observatory caused damage to the doctor's physical body, making it impossible to sustain life. For her son, Pai Pa, this must be a difficult fact to accept, right?"
Pai Pa lowered his head, clenched his fists, and his expression was shrouded in shadows, making it hard to discern his emotions.
Seeing this, Nimmo and Xiao Qing stepped forward to stay by Pai Pa's side.
Among the four, the most composed, Mudan, asked, "Time machine... what does that mean?"
"It's a machine created by the two doctors. It can transmit Poke Balls, capture Pokemon from different timelines, and summon them to the modern era." Orlin AI slowly explained.
"Dr. Orlin had a great passion for Pokemon from other eras, especially ancient Pokemon. Even now, the time machine automatically summons Pokemon from ancient times."
"Ancient Pokemon and modern Pokemon live together in harmony. This was the world the doctor dreamed of in her lifetime."
"However, the power of the ancient and future Pokemon is too violent... Their vitality would destroy the modern ecosystem. Not long ago, the Paradox Pokemon in Area Zero rioted. Thanks to Shizuru's intervention, a terrible disaster was averted."
"Although the doctor said this was an inevitable outcome... I'm currently using the barriers throughout Area Zero to control the situation and prevent ancient Pokemon from leaving here for Paldea."
"But even so, Pokemon like Mahoabu, capable of breaking through the barriers, will eventually leave Area Zero and expand their reach to the Paldea region, right?"
"In that case, the rich ecosystem of Paldea will be destroyed. As a clone of the doctor, I don't believe it's reasonable for such a tragedy to occur."
"Therefore, to prevent this from happening, you need to shut down the time machine and use your power to shatter the doctor's dream."
"To shut down the time machine, you'll need to use the Zhu Zi zhi Shu, which contains the doctor's ID. Come on, Pai Pa, place the book on this platform!"
Pai Pa clenched his fists, remaining silent for a long time.
Orlin AI looked apologetic, "Pai Pa, I'm sorry I couldn't tell you the truth until now."
"We inherited all the doctor's emotions and fully understood her feelings. Your mother and father truly loved you."
Pai Pa couldn't hold back any longer. He wiped away his tears and said with a sob, "You're so mean... Why are you only telling me now...!"
"I'm sorry." Orlin AI felt a twinge of reluctance, "Pai Pa, Gogoat, although it's hard to part with you, it's time to end this."
The massive time machine started to rumble and operate. Thick white light emerged from within.
The light enveloped the bodies of the two doctors, and they slowly rose into the air.
"Dad, Mom!" Pai Pa cried and rushed forward.
"Don't cry, Pai Pa. We won't disappear; we've just gone to another space-time."
Orlin AI began to explain:
"Once the time machine stops, we're afraid we'll attack you. As AIs, our will would be hijacked by the program, and we'd become combat robots bent on defeating any obstacles."
"Moreover, as long as I, a part of the time machine, remain here, the time machine won't shut down. So, we want to use the time machine to travel to the ancient and future worlds we've always dreamed of."
"This is the best solution."
Pai Pa ran beneath the time machine. He reached out, wanting to hold onto the two doctors, but it was too late.
Orlin AI and Forest AI watched this scene and spoke softly:
"Goodbye, Pai Pa."
"Goodbye, fearless adventurers!"
"Goodbye, Shizuru!"
"We wish you a safe journey!"
"Buzz!"
As their words fell, the figures of the two doctors vanished.
The enormous time machine continued to operate non-stop.
Pai Pa stood in place, unable to snap out of his daze for a long time.
He wiped away the tears from his face, took out the Zhu Zi zhi Shu from his bag, and placed it on the table.
The next second, a gentle voice sounded.
【ID authentication successful!】
【Time Machine closing!】
【3!】
【2!】
【1!】
【Time Machine closure successful!】
The surrounding light dimmed, and Pai Pa tightly hugged the Zhu Zi zhi Shu, holding the book that his parents loved the most when they were alive, holding the last thing left by the two doctors.
When he was young, he didn't understand his parents' intentions until now, and Pai Pa suddenly realized that Dr. Orلين and Dr. Forest had always loved him.
"Mom..." Pai Pa buried his face in the book, and a barely perceptible cry escaped his mouth.
From now on, he was the only one left in this world...
Pai Pa felt as if his world had collapsed.
And at that moment, a pair of hands rested on his shoulders.
Pai Pa looked up and saw Ni Mo, Xiao Qing, and Mu Danian looking at him with concern.
"Ah!"
Shizuru, who had witnessed everything, slowly sighed.
Fortunately, he hadn't brought Pai Pa over directly at the time.
Otherwise, if it were only Pai Pa at this moment, he couldn't imagine what Pai Pa's state of mind would be like, and he might even have thoughts of giving up on life.
This child was truly pitiful.
"Everyone, you've worked hard on this journey." Shizuru's gaze swept over the four of them.
The four turned to look at him.
"After observing your adventures along the way, I've seen your carefree selves."
"Mu Danian, who considers her partners and works together as a team."
"Ni Mo, who is determined to become stronger and pours her passion into battles."
"Pai Pa, who bravely confronts powerful enemies to protect those dear to him."
"Xiao Qing, who constantly captures Pokemon, battles, and seeks treasures unique to herself."
"This treasure-hunting journey has come to an end, and I believe you've found the treasures that belong to you." Shizuru slowly sighed, "Don't be sad, create the future that belongs to you!"
Gogoat: "Agasy!"
Three days later, the team of four left Area Zero.
Before leaving, Pai Pa took all the items left by the two doctors, items filled with memories that were precious to Pai Pa.
After they left, Shizuru rode the Swift Dragon and flew into the sky.
Now, there weren't many Paradox Pokemon left in the Pantier Giant Pit.
Even if there were, they wouldn't have a significant impact on the ecosystem of the Paldea Region.
To prevent future crises, Shizuru decided to destroy everything here.
"Gogoat, it's up to you." Shizuru said.
"Agasy!"
Gogoat responded.
It flew above the Zero Zone Research Institute, and then directly summoned the Dragon Meteor.
Amidst the loud rumbling sounds, a massive meteorite engulfed in raging flames plummeted into the institute's buildings, instantly igniting a sea of fire that devoured everything in its path.
Shizuru and Gogoat watched this dazzling scene together.
Perhaps the dreams of Dr. Orلين and Dr. Forest were a mistake from the very beginning.
The deceased are gone, leaving behind only a mess.
Shizuru slowly sighed.
Enough, the crisis here has been completely resolved, and it's time for them to go home.
"Gogoat, let's go."
"Agasy."
Gogoat responded, and Shizuru mounted it. He recalled the Swift Dragon and then left Area Zero, heading upward, through the clouds, and returned to the Paldea Region.
Perhaps in a few years, there will be explorers who will come here to explore and search for treasures in the vast and sacred Pantier Giant Pit once again.
But all that is no longer related to them.
Gogoat responded, "Agasy?"
What's the difference between the past and present self?
It's still the same, never leaving.
"Agasy!" Gogoat dove towards the distance.
"I understand." Shizuru slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air. He looked down at the vast and peaceful Paldea land below and said to Gogoat, "Let's go home, Gogoat!"
They left in the spring and returned in late autumn.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
