Chapter 145

"Besides."

Reshiram flapped its wings and landed beside Qiao Ran, its eyes fixed on Qiao Ran's left hand.

"If you can..."

"Use this on me too...!"

Section 280, page 276 [White]

"You need it too?"

Reshiram's sudden request surprised Qiao Ran, since she hadn't participated in the previous battle and was neither physically injured nor had she suffered excessive exhaustion from using skills.

There's no doubt that she was one of the Pokémon in the best condition at the event.

However, because it was Reshiram who raised this topic, Qiao Ran didn't rush to a conclusion. Not only was her sweet and intellectual voice very convincing, but her status as Legendary Pokémon was also not to be underestimated.

If she didn't say those words to make fun of him, then she probably had her own reasons for making that suggestion.

"Hmm, I feel that power might help me increase my presence in this world."

Reshiram responded, giving her answer, but just as she spoke, the Pokémon shrouded in darkness began to stir.

They were already prepared, and now they have launched a series of attacks.

Shadow Hoopa shook its six floating arms, emitting incredibly powerful and malevolent Confusion fluctuations. The Genesect did the same, raising the cannons on their backs and aiming them at Qiao Ran and his group.

Clearly, this is the kind of aura that wants to wipe them out completely.

"Boom!!!"

As the Shadow Pokémon attacked, a violent explosion resounded on the high platform Hall of Origin. Fortunately, it was not a suspended platform, so even though it was mostly broken, Qiao Ran and his group did not fall directly from it.

"Zacian and Dianxi! You two hold the line, the rest of the Pokémon provide support from the rear!"

Qiao Ran quickly adjusted the battle formation, with the powerful Zacian and the defensive Dianxi at the front, while other Pokémon such as Yveltal, Suicune, Nihilego, etc. could use their skills from a distance.

"Boom!!"

Another wave of skills came, and this time, Qiao Ran's Pokémon actually withstood it quite well. The pedestal beneath their feet didn't even suffer much of the aftershock, which surprised Qiao Ran a little.

Have they become stronger?

No... impossible...

A thought flashed through Qiao Ran's mind, and he couldn't help but glance at Reshiram standing beside him.

It's her!

Everything Reshiram said is true.

It was because of her presence that the Pokémon didn't approach directly, but instead used ranged attacks to continuously strike. It was because of her presence that the power of those attacks was weakened.

--Those Shadow Pokémon have already stepped halfway into the Border Between Black and White!

And their attack skills,

Damage will also be reduced within the white area!

"If I give you all the remaining power, can you expand this scope?"

Taking advantage of a lull in the attack and defense, Qiao Ran found an opportunity to continue his conversation with Reshiram.

"I'm not sure, but I'll try my best." Reshiram didn't give a definite answer, nor did he boast about himself.

His actions and words were all true and without any sense of guilt.

"..." Qiao Ran paused for a moment.

In fact, his body was already depleted of energy at this point, and even if he could use it now, it would be to squeeze out all of his potential.

He would say "the remaining power" simply to reassure his other Pokémon.

Even so...

Qiao Ran closed his eyes and thought for a few seconds.

Finally, he moved closer to Reshiram and placed his left hand on her body.

Qiao Ran felt a Limber and warm touch, like a feather. Then, he gritted his teeth and squeezed out his own Tokiwa Power.

--This isn't just about to be squeezed dry, it's already been squeezed dry.

If Qiao Ran had followed his previous plan, he would have given that power to the injured Pokémon, but now he decided to trust Reshiram.

He believed that this true story could give them a glimmer of hope for survival.

Emerald green energy emanated from Qiao Ran's body and flowed into Reshiram's body.

This is the power of life and hope.

"...!"

Upon first sensing the Tokiwa Power, Reshiram couldn't help but shudder and widen his eyes.

"Wow... such mysterious power!"

She couldn't help but sigh.

Is the so-called Tokiwa Power really that powerful?

The power of this force clearly exceeded her expectations. Besides restoring her physical strength, it also broadened her understanding of this world. It even made her somewhat...

"It's really mysterious."

An overwhelming feeling of comfort permeated every part of his body, so comfortable it was almost excessive. Reshiram closed his eyes.

She completely opened her mind to feel everything, allowing this power to nourish her body more smoothly.

Reshiram wasn't paying attention to the outside world; she had no idea what was happening. However, Qiao Ran, who had been keeping a close eye on the situation, had noticed that the white area had indeed expanded slightly outwards.

Inside the hall, the black area was compressed, and the spreading white encroached upon the original black territory.

As the area shifted, the Pokémon shrouded in black energy stirred and retreated slightly.

This change was particularly evident in the swarms of insects.

"...!"

It works!

It really works!

Qiao Ran's eyes widened.

"Dianxi! Zacian! Hold them off! The other side is yours!"

Qiao Ran became increasingly excited. As long as he continued to inject the Tokiwa Power, Reshiram would surely respond to his efforts and expand the area of the white zone.

However, Qiao Ran can no longer be half-hearted. He can only entrust the battle entirely to the Pokémon, trusting that they can hold them off.

Qiao Ran was willing to believe in her partners and was convinced that they could definitely do it. They had never let her down.

"Awooo..." The Vulpix on Qiao Ran's shoulder suddenly made a sound.

"You said you can assist in command? Is it because you've already seen a lot?"

Qiao Ran's heart stirred slightly.

Based on experience, Vulpix is indeed the one I see the most, since she often perches on my shoulder.

But in real combat...

"Okay, I'll leave the rest to you."

The current battle situation is beyond what one person can change, so Qiao Ran can only trust them wholeheartedly.

Qiao Ran was willing to trust both Reshiram and the Vulpix.

Since they are willing to bring these things up, they must have their reasons.

They can overcome difficulties one by one together in normal times, and this time the outcome will be the same.

They will not, and cannot, fall here!

Qiao Ran closed her eyes, feeling the power within her body.

This was all the energy he had left!

Section 281, page 277 [The Truth of the Present]

The intense pain, the unbearable soreness and dizziness—perhaps only his Pokémon could understand what Qiao Ran had overcome and what he had carried to stand here and persevere until now.

Only combat can drive him.

Fighting.

Fighting.

Fighting relentlessly.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

It felt as if a thousand needles were being simultaneously inserted into Qiao Ran's body, repeatedly draining his already dried-up meridians.

Although he is occasionally asked by Pokémon to exert himself to the point of exhaustion, he has never reached this level before.

However, thanks to his usual accumulation of knowledge, Qiao Ran has also developed the ability to unleash his full potential.

This can be considered a trade-off between gains and losses.

A deafening explosion rang in my ears, darkness...

The Pokémon's Beat Up intensified, and under this onslaught, the high platform Hall of Origin began to collapse. It was only through Dianxi's continuous use of her abilities to repair it that the further collapse was prevented.

Pink crystals are embedded in the cracks of the platform, adding a touch of magnificence to the originally solemn marble platform.

However, in order to do these things, Dianxi herself was also greatly exhausted.

"Awooo! (Dianxi can't hold on much longer, Suicune, go help her!)"

Knowing full well that she was not capable enough to participate in the battle, the Vulpix changed her job to become the eyes and commanders who observed the battle situation. However, it must be said that she did a pretty good job.

Even Mimikyu has been persuaded by her to become her observation tool.

Having endured too much damage, Dianxi could no longer hold on. Her Mega Evolution state had long since ended. This was probably not only related to her own condition but also to Qiao Ran's condition. After all, Qiao Ran was now completely exhausted and could no longer maintain contact with her.

"Aww--"

Upon receiving the order from the Vulpix, Suicune immediately stepped forward to take Dianxi's place. They will likely have to continue using this battle tactic, taking turns to bear the damage in the battle.

In Qiao Ran's team, besides Dianxi, Suicune is the strongest shield; as for the other Pokémon, they probably can't match their tankiness and offensive capabilities.

All hope rested on Qiao Ran and Reshiram in the center.

The battle was almost endless. Once you defeated one bug, Hoopa would immediately teleport you away, only to send in new bugs, and the cycle would repeat itself endlessly.

But if they turn their attack on Hoopa, the insects will swarm to protect her, giving her no chance whatsoever.

If things continue like this, failure is only a matter of time.

At some point, Qiao Ran's consciousness once again entered a strange space.

He saw everything about himself: becoming Pokémon Trainer, embarking on Pokémon Journeys with Vulpix, challenging Gym along the way, meeting different companions, and becoming stronger.

However, this time, he didn't have Rotom, Dianxi, or any Wild Area. This time, he was just an ordinary Trainer.

Despite being an ordinary person, he possesses considerable talent. He gained the favor of the King of Elite Four after collecting just a few Badge, and after completing the Badge and participating in the competition, he achieved a commendable fourth place.

"..."

Would that kind of life be better than it is now?

At the very least, he would live a peaceful and stable life; he would never risk his life fighting here.

But is that really a good thing?

"..."

The ordinary version of himself he saw in the image was nowhere near as powerful as he is now, but what Qiao Ran cared about most wasn't his own strength, nor when he would fulfill his dream of becoming a powerful trainer; it was something else entirely.

Without Dianxi, without Suicune, without Yveltal, without Lillie, and without all the many people and Pokémon we met along the way...

Is he still himself?

Building a bond with Pokémon isn't just about the Pokémon does too.