"Ash, do you know about the Tree of the Beginning?" Ange asked.
"The Tree of the Beginning? Yeah, I know it!" Ash replied confidently.
"That's great!" Ange's face lit up with joy, "Can you tell me where it is? I have something very important to do there."
"Of course," Ash said readily.
Furthermore, Ange learned from Ash that the Tree of the Beginning was related to a place called Rota Town, which was located in the Kanto region. If Ange wanted to find the tree, he had to go to Rota Town first. Ash also mentioned that the town had a connection to the legendary Aura Guardian.
The mention of the Aura Guardian sparked even more interest in Ange. After hanging up the phone, Ange took a deep breath and said, "It looks like I need to take a trip to the Kanto region!"
Noticing the worried expressions on Charcadet and Oinkologne, Ange smiled and reassured them.
"Don't worry, I already have a clue on how to help Xerneas," he said.
Hearing this, the two Charcadet affectionately hugged Ange's shins, while the two Oinkologne leaned in to nuzzle him.
"Regardless of everything else, let's go see Xerneas first," Ange said.
Chaka chaka~
Honk honk~
Charcadet and Oinkologne nodded in agreement. Consequently, Ange gave some instructions to Diancie before preparing to set off for the Allearth Forest to visit Xerneas.
"Be careful on the way," Diancie told Ange.
Ange nodded and said, "Mhm, I'll be back as soon as possible."
Shortly after, Ange set off for the Allearth Forest, carrying Komala and taking Pawmo in its Poké Ball while riding on Espathra. The two Charcadet followed closely behind, riding on the back of the two Oinkologne.
Despite Ange's departure, Drizzile had evolved while working at Munchlax Home. It had originally thought that with its current abilities, it could handle things on its own. It believed it could manage Munchlax Home perfectly even without its master.
However, once its master actually left, it realized it had overestimated itself. The business at Munchlax Home was incredibly popular, and because it had limited operating hours, customers arrived in wave after wave. Drizzile had to cook porridge, steam Milky Mantou, and prepare buns all at once. It was a complete scramble!
At that moment, it finally understood how much of the burden its master had been lifting. As more customers arrived, Drizzile's worries grew. By around 9:00 AM, the shop reached its peak hours, and Drizzile was completely overwhelmed.
Seeing this, Meowstic came over to advise it.
Meow meow~
"How about we close early today?" Meowstic suggested.
It was better to earn a little less than to ruin the shop's reputation. Some customers were already starting to complain about the slow service.
Driz driz~
However, Drizzile shook its head firmly. Many customers had come specifically for the food and had waited a long time for a seat. If it closed early, many would be disappointed. No, it absolutely could not close early. It had to protect Munchlax Home for its master. The reputation Munchlax Home had built up could not be ruined in its hands!
With that thought, Drizzile became even more focused on its work. Seeing Drizzile's stubbornness, Meowstic shook its head helplessly and did its best to greet the customers and calm their emotions.
Meanwhile, Ralts had started performing a hilarious dance in the lobby that it had learned from TV to soothe the guests. Ralts was truly adorable. Even though its dancing was hard to describe, its cuteness made the performance charming. The customers were amused and laughed, which eased the tension regarding the orders.
As time passed, Drizzile's hands moved so fast they left afterimages. Its expression became increasingly intense. However, this state was extremely taxing on its physical and mental energy. Gradually, Drizzile found it hard to keep up.
At that moment, it thought: If only I could control psychic powers like my junior sister, maybe I wouldn't be in such a mess.
Suddenly, Drizzile's body erupted in a bright light, as if in response to its wish. A blue-white light gradually enveloped its entire body. Within the light, its physical form changed rapidly, and its height shot up.
Meowstic and Espurr held their breath as they entered, afraid of disturbing the process. Drizzile was finally evolving! When the light dissipated, a brand-new Pokémon appeared before them.
This Pokémon had blue skin, yellow membranes, and black hands and feet. Its overall appearance resembled a gentleman in a formal suit. This was Drizzile's evolved form—Inteleon.
Inteleon, the Secret Agent Pokémon. Its body hides various capabilities, such as special membranes in its eyes that allow it to easily aim at an opponent's vital points. It has sharp blades hidden in its tail for surprise attacks, and membranes on its back that allow it to glide through the air.
Ange's second apprentice had long honed its control over water during its culinary training. Therefore, as soon as the evolution was complete, water surged from its body like a series of tentacles. Inteleon controlled these water tentacles to knead dough, wrap buns, and cut mantou. Everything became orderly, replacing the previous chaos. Its control over water had reached a level of pure mastery.
Noticing Meowstic and the others, Inteleon turned around, winked at them, and gave a thumbs up as if to say: "Look, am I cool or what?"
Even after evolving, Inteleon's personality hadn't changed much. Seeing this, Meowstic and Espurr looked at each other and smiled, finally feeling relieved.
While the crisis at Munchlax Home was averted, Ange and his team finally arrived at the Allearth Forest toward evening. Standing on a high point, Ange saw the devastating state of the forest from afar. The vast areas of withered trees were a shocking sight.
"Is this all Yveltal's work?" Ange asked, looking down at Charcadet and Oinkologne.
Chaka chaka~
Honk honk~
At this moment, Ange truly realized what the God of Destruction represented. It wasn't just a titled legendary Pokémon like in the games he played in his past life. Here, it was a deity that brought literal death.
Led by Charcadet and Oinkologne, Ange rode Espathra deep into the forest. Along the way, he saw many Pokémon whose living space had been narrowed by the destruction. He even saw Oddish carrying seeds to the ruined areas, while Lotad followed to water them.
Ange didn't know if their efforts would work. Perhaps the lingering power of Yveltal would prevent the seeds from sprouting, or perhaps the destruction would trigger new vitality in the earth. Everything was uncertain.
After walking for a long time, a glowing tree appeared before Ange. Its light was pulsing through the earth to every corner of the Allearth Forest. Even in its tree form, Xerneas was still using its power to protect the Pokémon of the forest.
"Ange, you've come," Xerneas's kind voice echoed in Ange's heart.
Ange walked up to Xerneas. "Xerneas, did you know I was coming?"
"When the four of them left in such a hurry, I knew they must be looking for you," Xerneas replied with a smile.
"Yeah," Ange laughed, "They couldn't just stand by and watch something happen to you."
The two Charcadet and two Oinkologne nodded simultaneously. Charcadet climbed down from Oinkologne's back and ran to the base of the tree, hugging the trunk tightly. The "crybaby" Charcadet even began to sob. The two Oinkologne gently nuzzled the trunk, their eyes filled with sadness.
Xerneas comforted them with an incredibly gentle voice.
"Good children, you don't need to be sad. I am perfectly fine. This form is just another way for me to exist in this world; it is no different than before."
Then, it spoke to Ange again. "You don't need to do anything for me, either."
Ange shook his head and pointed at the Pokémon. "If I do nothing, look how sad they are. It might sound boastful, but they truly consider you a friend."
Hearing Ange's words, Xerneas fell silent. After a long while, it sighed deeply and spoke to Charcadet and Oinkologne.
"I'm sorry. I didn't consider your feelings."
For Xerneas, the tree form was just a state of existence. Once it accumulated enough life energy, it could return to its original form. However, that time was long—so long that Charcadet and Oinkologne might not live to see it. Thus, for them, this wait was a form of loss.
Chaka chaka~
Honk honk~
Charcadet and Oinkologne shook their heads through their tears, not blaming Xerneas at all. They knew their behavior was a bit demanding. Their lifespans were not as long as Xerneas's; once a bond was formed, Xerneas would eventually have to endure the pain of parting. This was the sorrow of forming connections with those who pass quickly. Yet, they couldn't help but want to be close.
At this moment, the hearts of the legendary god and the four ordinary Pokémon were tightly linked.
After a long silence, Xerneas asked Ange, "Ange, do you really have a way to help me?"
Ange nodded. "It might be difficult, but I will do my best."
Xerneas found it somewhat incredible. For countless years, every time Yveltal caused a Great Destruction, Xerneas had always helped the land recover in this manner. It never expected a human to say they could help it. This was a truly extraordinary human.
"Then Ange, may I formally commission you to help me?" Xerneas said solemnly.
A smile appeared on Ange's face. "Of course. It would be an honor to help you, Xerneas!"
"Then I shall wait here for your arrival," Xerneas said.
After promising to help, Ange and his Pokémon left the Allearth Forest. As soon as he left, Pokémon began to emerge from the forest. Some rested on Xerneas's branches, while others lay quietly at its feet, silently guarding it.
Ange arrived home the next day at noon. Just as he arrived, Inteleon also returned from the Royal Capital. Seeing Inteleon, Ange was stunned for a moment before saying happily, "Drizzile, you evolved? Wait, I should call you Inteleon now."
Inteleon winked at Ange and performed its new skill. Streams of water extended from its back like tentacles, swaying in the air in a somewhat intimidating fashion. Fortunately, it wasn't nighttime.
"Amazing, Inteleon! Your water control is so strong," Ange praised.
Inteleon~
"Am I cool? Am I cool?" Inteleon asked, giving a thumbs up.
"Cool, very cool! You look awesome!" Ange complimented without hesitation.
Inteleon continued, Inteleon~ Inteleon~ "There's something even cooler!"
It shaped its fingers into a pistol, aiming at a vase on the table containing fresh flowers Magearna had picked that morning.
Shoom!
Ange saw a jet of water fire from Inteleon's fingertip. In an instant, the petals of a flower were shot off. Inteleon followed up with a second and third shot. Soon, all the petals of one flower were precisely removed, while the stamen remained perfectly intact.
"You learned a new move, Snipe Shot, didn't you?" Ange guessed.
Currently, Inteleon is the only Pokémon that can learn Snipe Shot; it is its signature move. Inteleon nodded and raised its chin proudly. Ange looked at it with the Eye of Observation.
Inteleon
Type: Water
Ability: Sniper
Gender: Male
Level: 44
Moves: Snipe Shot, Pound, Growl, Water Gun, Water Pulse, Sucker Punch, Bind, Soak, Liquidation, Water Pledge, Whirlpool, Aqua Ring, Swift, Muddy Water, Rain Dance, Hydro Pump, Scald
Individual Values
HP: 23
Attack: 29
Defense: 20
Special Attack: 31
Special Defense: 24
Speed: 31
Inteleon hadn't just learned Snipe Shot; it had also learned Scald. Snipe Shot was learned naturally upon evolution, while it realized Scald when the hot steam from the buns hit its face during its frantic cooking session.