"Is this the 'Power of the King'?"
Naoki stared in awe at the transformation of Pawmot.
Like Zacian's Crowned Sword form and Zamazenta's Crowned Shield form, Pawmot, now blessed with the Power of the King, donned a resplendent metal crown-like helmet, exuding an aura of unparalleled authority. Fully armored, it radiated the majestic presence of a true hero.
Naoki suddenly thought of something intriguing.
When Zacian and Zamazenta transform into their Crowned forms, their type change—Zacian from Fairy to Fairy/Steel and Zamazenta from Fighting to Fighting/Steel.
"So, has Pawmot's type changed now?" Naoki mused.
"Has it become Electric/Steel or Fighting/Steel?"
But that wasn't his only question.
What about Pawmot's abilities?
Zacian gains the Intrepid Sword ability in its Crowned form, boosting its Attack. Zamazenta gains the Dauntless Shield ability, raising its Defense.
Would Pawmot's Hammer King form introduce a brand-new ability unique to it?
Four words immediately popped into Naoki's mind: Hammer of Valor.
But Naoki couldn't confirm these speculations. Reality wasn't a game; he couldn't just pull up a Pokémon stat panel to check.
He looked at Pawmot with curiosity. "How do you feel?" he asked.
Unexpectedly, the newly empowered Pawmot didn't display its usual enthusiasm. Instead, it exuded a calm and mature demeanor, its posture and gaze reflecting newfound wisdom.
Pawmot's determined eyes met Naoki's as it answered confidently: "Pawmot!"
Beside them, Calyrex smiled knowingly. "It seems you've grown quite a bit through that illusion."
Naoki's curiosity deepened. "What exactly happened during the trial?" he asked.
Sitting down, Naoki cracked open some seeds and gestured for Pawmot to explain.
Pawmot described the illusion: returning to its childhood home, seeing its parents, encountering the fierce Mandibuzz, and protecting a helpless Rufflet.
By the end of the story, Pawmot's serious expression gave way to emotion.
"Pawmot…" (Thankfully, this isn't a dream...)
Naoki chuckled, his expression softening. "Are you happy now?" he asked.
Pawmot nodded with a bright smile. "Pawmot Pawmot!" (Very happy!)
But moments later, its smile faltered. "Pawmot…" (I wonder how my parents are doing now.)
The illusion had felt so real that Pawmot couldn't shake the longing it stirred.
Noticing its downcast mood, Naoki placed a comforting hand on its head. "Don't worry. I've already asked visitors at the tavern to help look for them. Who knows? We might get news soon."
Naoki smiled warmly. "And when we do, I'll go back to the forest with you and bring your parents here. How about they live with us on the ranch?"
Pawmot's eyes glistened with gratitude as it leapt into Naoki's arms. "Pawmot~"
"Alright, alright," Naoki said, chuckling. He hugged the small Pokémon tightly. On the ranch, no matter how powerful Pawmot became, it would always be his beloved partner—the little manager of the chicken coop.
"Now, can you show me the power you've gained?" Naoki asked eagerly.
Pawmot's eyes sparkled. "Pawmot!"
They headed to an open area of the ranch. Pawmot floated into the air, gripping its hammer tightly. It called out to Naoki and the other Pokémon to step back.
Naoki raised an eyebrow in surprise. "This must be a powerful move," he murmured, retreating with the other Pokémon.
When the area was clear, Pawmot steadied itself. Its grip on the golden hammer tightened, and its eyes burned with determination.
Then, something incredible happened.
The small, intricately crafted golden hammer suddenly expanded, growing to a massive size!
With both hands, Pawmot lifted the colossal hammer high above its head.
"Pawmot——!"
With a mighty cry, it brought the hammer crashing down.
"BOOM!"
The impact was deafening. The ground trembled violently, sending shockwaves rippling through the area.
Glaceon and Alcremie stared in awe, even other Pokemon were visibly stunned.
Naoki's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Incredible... It's the same level of power as Zacian and Zamazenta! This is undoubtedly the power of the King!"
The Third Move in the Behemoth Series
After Behemoth Blade and Behemoth Bash, Naoki pondered over the perfect name for this move.
"Behemoth Hammer... Yes, that fits perfectly!"
Naoki felt the name was a perfect match for Pawmot's newly showcased power.
When the demonstration was over, Pawmot flew back, its expression showing both embarrassment and pride as it noticed the admiration and astonishment on everyone's faces.
The next moment, a light enveloped its body, and Pawmot reverted from its Hammer King form to its normal form.
"Can you control this power and shift between forms at will?" Naoki asked, his voice filled with curiosity.
Pawmot nodded confidently. "Pawmot!" (That's right!)
"That's incredible!" Naoki exclaimed with excitement.
He chuckled and added playfully, "Very well, when your seniors, Zacian and Zamazenta take on Eternatus again, we'll be sure to send you in as backup!"
He could already imagine the shock on Zacian and Zamazenta's faces.
...
Meanwhile, in the Johto Region, Alto mare
In the beautiful water city of Alto Mare, Lorenzo, the guardian of the Secret Garden, was handing over two notorious thieves, Sana and Liane, to Officer Jenny.
"Officer Jenny, I'll leave these two criminals in your capable hands," Lorenzo said firmly.
The two thieves had attempted to steal the Soul Dew and capture Latias and Latios the previous night. Thanks to the intervention of Latias' new friends—Mew and Teddiursa—their sinister plan was thwarted.
Officer Jenny nodded. "Don't worry, I'll make sure they face justice for their crimes."
With that, she escorted the battered thieves into the police car.
As the police car disappeared into the distance, Lorenzo exhaled a sigh of relief and turned to Latias, who was in her human form, accompanied by her new friends.
"Thank you so much for your help! Teddiursa and..." He paused, looking at Mew. "Oh, I didn't catch your name yet."
Mew covered her mouth with a giggle and replied, "Mew!"
Lorenzo smiled warmly. "Mew, huh? What a fitting name. As a token of my gratitude, why don't you join me in the Secret Garden for a celebratory lunch?"
Teddiursa and Mew lit up with excitement, jumping with joy.
"Mew!"
"Teddi!"
In a nearby alley, Team Rocket was lurking, observing everything that had unfolded.
Jessi whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief, "Did you see that? Those Pokémon managed to capture Zanna and Lyon, the top thieves in the world! That's unreal!"
James nudged Meowth. "What were those Pokémon saying earlier? Translate for us!"
Meowth muttered, scratching his head. "They said they're part of some 'Great Hero Expedition Team,'"
Jessi and James exchanged puzzled glances. What kind of team was this?
...
Lorenzo led Latias, Mew, and Teddiursa through the hidden tunnel, returning to the Secret Garden where Latios and Zapdos were waiting.
As soon as they arrived, Mew and Teddiursa darted forward, their faces lighting up with happiness as they high-fived Zapdos.
Once again, the Great Hero Expedition Team had successfully helped Pokémon in need.
Zapdos looked pleased.
Before it realized, it had fully embraced the traveling lifestyle. It was far more exciting than its previous life at the power plant.
"Ursa!"
At that moment, Baby Bear remembered something important.
"Latias?" Latias floated closer curiously.
Baby Bear climbed onto Zapdos' back and rummaged through the bag it carried. A moment later, it triumphantly pulled out a camera with its tiny paws.
It was time for a photo!
Lorenzo was taken aback as he watched the Pokémon produce a camera.
"These Pokémon are so well-prepared. Could there be a human behind all this, equipping them for their travels?"
The thought intrigued Lorenzo. If there was a human, they had to be the trainer of these Pokémon. Yet he found it strange—what kind of trainer would allow their Pokémon to journey alone?
But since the Pokémon couldn't explain themselves in words he could understand, Lorenzo set the thought aside and focused on their current request.
Taking the camera from Baby Bear, he lined up the shot. Latias and Latios curiously posed alongside Baby Bear, Zapdos, and Mew.
Click.
The photo was taken, capturing the moment perfectly.
Baby Bear inspected the photo with satisfaction. Then, with Mew and Zapdos, it pressed its paw print into the mud and stamped it on the back of the picture.
"Ursa, Ursa!" (The next step is sending this photo to Naoki!)
Latias tilted its head in confusion. "Lati?"
Watching the scene with growing fascination, Latias decided to add its own mark. It pressed its handprint onto the photo alongside the others.
Zapdos nodded approvingly and said, "Zap." (In that case, you all stay here. I'll fly back to the ranch, deliver this photo to Naoki, and return shortly.)
"Mew~" Mew chirped happily.
Latias observed this exchange with great interest. Its curiosity about Naoki—the human mentioned—had only grown.
"Lati?" (Naoki? Is he your trainer?)
Mew and Baby Bear exchanged uncertain glances.
Naoki wasn't like most trainers. To be fair, he didn't really seem like a trainer at all.
After some thought, Baby Bear offered its answer. "Ursa!" (Naoki is a member of the Hero Expedition Team! He's the only human!)
Latias became even more intrigued. It asked more questions—what kind of person Naoki was, how they had met, whether the delicious Poffins had been made by him, and if it could meet such an amazing human.
Baby Bear and Mew answered as best as they could, sharing the stories they knew. However, there were some questions they couldn't fully answer.
Seeing Latias' growing excitement, Baby Bear suddenly had a brilliant idea.
"Ursa, Ursa!" (If you want to meet Naoki, why not take this chance to go with Zapdos? You can meet him and then come back together!)
Latias' eyes sparkled at the suggestion. "Latias!"
What a fantastic idea!
Turning excitedly, Latias floated to Latios for permission.
Latios observed his younger sibling, a resigned expression crossing his face.
"Latios." (Go ahead. We will wait here.)
Overjoyed, Latias rubbed affectionately against Latios' neck. "Latias!" (Thank you, big brother!)
After enjoying a delightful feast prepared by Lorenzo, Zapdos and Latias set off toward the Paldea region.
....
The next afternoon, Naoki was carefully pouring black tea into Sinistea and Polteageist when his phone suddenly rang.
Sinistea and Polteageist, clearly enjoying the soothing tea infusion, glanced up curiously as Naoki set down the teapot to check his phone.
The screen displayed an unfamiliar number.
Naoki frowned slightly. "Who could this be?" he wondered as he pressed the answer button.
To his surprise, Nemons's cheerful face popped up on the screen.
"Hey, Mr. Naoki! Do you remember me? It's Nemona!" she exclaimed with a bright grin.
Naoki chuckled. "Of course, I remember, Nemona. How could I forget?"
Before Nemona could continue, her father, Nikar, appeared behind her, looking exasperated. "Nemona, stop hogging the screen! Let me talk to Naoki!"
"Fine, fine," Nemona said playfully, stepping aside. But not before adding, "Mr. Naoki, you'd better be ready! I'm coming to your ranch soon to challenge you, so prepare yourself!"
With that, she darted out of view, her voice still audible in the background.
Nikar took her place on the screen, sighing. "I swear, she's as lively as a Primeape. The moment she heard I was calling you, she ran over like that!"
Naoki laughed, imagining Nemona's boundless energy.
From somewhere off-screen, Nemona's voice rang out, "Dad, I can hear you!"
Clearing his throat, Nikar quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, Naoki, I wanted to discuss the Rotom phone project with you."
Naoki's interest was piqued. "Oh? Is your team making progress?"
Nikar shook his head. "Not quite yet. We're still missing a critical piece of technology to complete it."
Naoki felt a flicker of disappointment. "I see..."
'Perhaps it's something Clemont develops in the future?'
Sensing Naoki's concern, Nikar smiled confidently. "Don't worry. I've assembled the best technicians in the company to solve this problem. We're putting all our resources into making the Rotom phone our flagship product. It's only a matter of time before we succeed."
Naoki nodded. "I trust you and your team. Best of luck!"
"Thank you, Naoki," Nikal replied warmly. "I'll update you the moment we have a breakthrough."
With that, the call ended.
Naoki leaned back on the sofa, joining Calyrex, who was leisurely sipping tea while watching TV.
"Looks like it'll be a while before I get my hands on a smartphone," Naoki mused.
He wasn't too bothered, though. After all, there were plenty of other things to keep him busy.
As he contemplated his next task—perhaps to find a Tropius for the ranch—a familiar cry echoed from outside.
"Zap!"
Naoki perked up. "Zapdos?"
Sure enough, Zapdos was back.
Naoki thought. "The expedition team must have sent another postcard. I wonder if they've made any new friends this time."
As he stepped outside to greet Zapdos, his eyes widened in disbelief at the figure gliding gracefully beside it.
Streamlined body, jet-like wings, an aura of elegance and mystery...
Naoki gasped. "That's... Latias?!"
...
Bonus Chapter at 800 Power Stones.
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