"There's no need for alarm; these Garchomp are wonderful partners," Feng Che said softly. "However, I can sense they carry numerous hidden injuries. If left untreated, these scars will eventually cripple their combat potential. Allow me to assist them."
Feng Che released a surge of emerald-green Viridian Power. The energy manifested as waves of light that washed over the Garchomp patrol. The dragon-like Pokémon immediately felt a warm current flowing through their bodies, soothing ancient aches and mending micro-tears in their muscles.
The Garchomp let out low, satisfied grunts, their fierce expressions softening into looks of pure bliss.
"Such immense and concentrated life energy," Yuan Xiong whispered, his eyes wide. "This must be the pinnacle state of the Viridian Power."
The Garchomp lined up in a disciplined row, nodding gratefully to Feng Che before parting to form a clear path toward the temple gates.
"Master of the Garden House, please follow closely," Lola explained. "By the laws of the sanctuary, one must not let their gaze wander or pry into the shadows. You must maintain a heart of reverence for the Three Dragons of Legend."
"I understand," Feng Che replied.
The Sanctuary of the Dragon Kings
The trio followed Lola into the Dragon God Shrine. The air inside was heavy with the pressure of an ancient barrier and the thick scent of ritual incense. The temple was brilliantly lit by thousands of candles, illuminating the center of the hall where three magnificent statues stood.
They were carved from a single, gargantuan chunk of Dragon Crystal, depicting Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. The statues radiated a divine majesty, and the white smoke from the incense curled around them, adding a layer of sacred mystery to the chamber.
To the sides of the main hall were two side chambers (ear-rooms). In the left chamber, a two-meter-wide, irregular crystalline sphere hovered in the air, pulsing with draconic pressure.
The Mind Core of Regidrago, Feng Che realized.
In the right chamber sat the life-sized stone statue of Mishiko. Feng Che, Yuan Jia, and Yuan Xiong approached it in silence. The statue was pristine, not a speck of dust marring its surface. Although she was turned to stone, Mishiko's eyes still seemed to sparkle with life. She was depicted with a warm, moon-shaped smile, her slender hands reaching out as if to stroke someone's head.
"After my mother was struck by Darkrai's Nightmare, she still struggled to crawl back up," Yuan Xiong choked out, his voice thick with grief. "She reached out to me and your mother, encouraging us to be strong... to live on."
Yuan Xiong broke down into quiet sobs, tears rolling down his cheeks. Lola moved to stop him—it was forbidden to weep in the Dragon God Shrine—but seeing the man's genuine sorrow, she lowered her hand and walked away to give them privacy.
The Secret of the Wishing Star
Feng Che, this statue is still alive, Mewtwo's voice echoed in his mind. I can sense a faint, rhythmic life-throb deep within the stone. However, she is encased in a multi-layered curse, one that shares properties with the Miasma. To break this, we need the power of the Legendary Wishing Star.
Wishing Star? You mean the Mythical Jirachi? Feng Che asked.
Precisely. When the Millennium Comet passes through our atmosphere, Jirachi awakens. One can wish upon it, and it will harness the comet's immense energy to grant that wish. You could use that power to burn away the curse.
"I remember," Feng Che thought. "The Millennium Comet is due soon. If I can find the sleeping Jirachi, I can bring Grandmother back."
Suddenly, his chest tightened. He felt a fragment of the original soul residing within his body—the boy whose life he had taken over—weeping in silent gratitude.
The original soul hasn't fully dissipated, Mewtwo observed. He still has a deep attachment to his family. You'll only find true peace once you've fulfilled his final wish.
Feng Che clenched his fist. "I'll do it. For him, and for this family."
The Pope's Ambition
Meanwhile, in the Great Temple, the elderly Pope sat upon his throne, receiving a report from the newly appointed Aka-tsuki (Red Moon) Priest.
"Lord Pope," the priest said cautiously. "Celestic Town possesses the Titan Regidrago and knows the secret rites to summon the Dragons of Time and Space. A direct assault could cost us our entire priesthood. Wouldn't it be safer to take the Garden family first, secure the Green Earth Orb, and then lay siege to the town?"
"We strike Celestic Town first. I have waited long enough," the Pope replied, his eyes flashing with a predatory cunning. "The Millennium Comet arrives in exactly one month. I am already tracking Jirachi's location."
"I will combine the Dragon Orb and the Green Earth Orb into the Jewel of Life. With the Wishing Star's power and the Jewel, I will forcibly awaken Arceus."
"With the Alpha Pokémon under my command, the Temple will not just rule Sinnoh—we will unify the entire Pokémon world. This is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity."
He tapped his staff impatiently. "Do not worry about Dialga and Palkia. I have made certain they will not appear to aid Celestic Town. Prepare the legions. I want them struck before they can draw a single breath of warning."