Pokemon: Spiritual Master-Chapter 522: Pokémon Sanctuary

Unova Region, Nimbasa City.

After parting ways with the Swords of Justice and Keldeo, Johan arrived in one of Unova's major cities—Nimbasa City.

Modeled after New York City in America, Nimbasa's architecture was nearly a carbon copy in many places. Especially its central park—the Pokémon Sanctuary.

This man-made Pokémon paradise in the heart of a bustling city was lush with vegetation, shaded by green trees, and surrounded by flowing water where Pokémon frolicked freely.

Even Johan had to admit, building such a sanctuary amidst a jungle of steel and glass was a real blessing for wild Pokémon.

This was also the very location the Genesects tried to reclaim as their new home in the movie Genesect and the Legend Awakened.

Not just because of the Pokémon Sanctuary itself, but because in the flowing waters of the park bloomed a lotus-like flower known as Aurus—said to be the oldest flower species on Earth, with origins tracing back some 300 million years.

That's why the Genesects chose this spot.

Aurus reminded them of home.

Johan wasn't sure where the Genesects had gone—but he figured they might be searching for traces of their ancient homeland, guided by memory.

Of course, after 300 million years of tectonic shifts and time, that home no longer existed.

So if they ended up here at the Sanctuary, it wouldn't be surprising.

When Johan arrived, though, he didn't see the Genesects. Nor did he see many people—since the sanctuary was still under reconstruction. It was currently closed off to the public. Johan was allowed in only due to his status as an international police inspector.

Accompanying him as a volunteer tour guide was Nurse Joy.

"Mr. Johan, this is the Pokémon Sanctuary. Construction isn't quite finished, but Pokémon have already started living here," Nurse Joy said cheerfully.

"If they haven't returned, and there's no trace of them, then odds are they've found another place to build their home."

Which—honestly—was a good thing for both Johan and the Genesects.

Living far from humans, building a new home, surviving peacefully... what more could anyone ask for?

"Come on out."

Standing by a lake at the front of the Sanctuary, Johan called out his team.

"Oowoo~"

Ninetales instantly claimed a sunny stone, curled up atop it for a nap. A thin layer of frost quickly spread over the rock, and a light mist formed around her, refracting sunlight into a dazzling rainbow aura.

After absorbing so much of Kyurem's Ice-type energy, Ninetales' powers had grown considerably. But it would take time to fully master and wield that energy with finesse.

"Ka-kaah!"

"Cha!"

"Draaa!"

"Garruu!"

"Goka!"

"Yoji... Yoji~~!"

Larvitar stood atop a wobbly stone, teetered, and plopped down hard on its backside. Watching this, Johan again questioned whether Uxie had really bestowed "the Wisdom of the Lake" to the right Pokémon...

Still, the team quickly blended in with the Sanctuary's wild residents.

Spring-form Deerling munched on lush grass in the meadows. Pidove and Tranquill glided beneath the sanctuary's artificial dome, almost as if patrolling their new home.

Caterpie and Wurmple nibbled on leaves in the trees. Silcoon and Cascoon dangled by silk threads. Shroomish hid in the underbrush.

Kricketune led a musical show with Audino backup vocals under a tree, while Ludicolo danced joyously. A chorus line of Bellossom twirled gracefully, putting on a real forest performance.

"Draaa~"

Dragonite zoomed skyward, racing the Pidove—who promptly got tossed around like leaves in a storm. But instead of getting mad, the Pidove seemed thrilled and even started following Dragonite like he was their boss, flying laps under the dome with him.

Johan saw a few Pidove about to pass out from exhaustion...

"Goka!"

Ceruledge strode toward a sleeping Houndoom and Persian—clearly the top dogs of the sanctuary's social ladder.

As a former top 'enforcer' of a Day Care, Ceruledge could sense the aura of leaders. It sat down facing the two. Nearby, a few Houndour pups played. The older duo opened their eyes to meet Ceruledge's unwavering stare.

Shing!

Ceruledge drew its sword, igniting it with ghostly blue flames.

Houndoom bared its fangs, flames flickering between clenched teeth—until it truly felt Ceruledge's firepower, whimpered, and bowed its head.

Persian, less convinced, rose slowly, its ruby-like gem glowing ominously.

Clank, clank—

Ceruledge's armor creaked as it brought forth a golden cannon arm.

Persian: Σ(дlll)

Staring down the barrel, Persian gulped and gently placed a paw on the cannon.

Hey, let's just chat. No need to go full military parade.

Ceruledge looked back at Johan, gave an "OK" hand sign.

"Goka!"

Territory secured.

Johan: "..."

"Garruu."

"Yoji."

Urshifu and Larvitar crouched by the lake. Beneath the waterfall-fed water, Water-types stirred.

"Garruu~~" (Watch big bro snag a big one!)

"Yoji!" (Go for it, Coach!)

Splash!

But before Urshifu could act, a giant crocodile face lunged from the depths.

"Cha-roo!!"

A Feraligatr!

Ceruledge's eyes locked on immediately.

Another challenger...

But this time, Urshifu was ready. As the water surged, it calmly raised a fist and dispersed the waves into a neat orb.

"Cha-roo?"

Feraligatr's plan to intimidate clearly backfired.

Moments later, the three—Urshifu, Feraligatr, and Larvitar—were sitting together like old drinking buddies.

Feraligatr, though... was devastated.

Not only had it been totally overpowered, but somehow that little Larvitar had a grip like steel?!

As for Tinkaton—

After wandering the Sanctuary and finding no giant birds to chase, she aimlessly explored the grasslands and ran into a swarm of Durant.

They were instantly drawn to the metallic shine of her hammer.

"Cha?"

Feigning cluelessness, Tinkaton held out her hammer to the Durants.

Curious?

Durants exchanged glances—and couldn't resist. They crowded in.

Minutes later...

Tinkaton had a pile of metal loot, and the Durants looked like obedient minions, shuttling metal from underground to her feet.

If you didn't know better, you'd think she was their queen.

In a shaded corner, a small Pokémon with gemlike eyes peeked out.

Curious, yet timid, Spiritomb watched the others play.

But it was too shy to join.

Until—

"Ka-kaah?"

A voice behind it.

Spiritomb froze. Slowly turned—and saw Gengar, sunglasses on, waving like a cool uncle.

"Ka-kaah~~(▼O▼)/"

Big boss energy.

Spiritomb trembled. Sweat beaded. It turned to flee—

—but Gengar gently stopped it and handed over a glowing Pokéblock.

The aroma overwhelmed Spiritomb. Its gem-eyes went wide.

Gulp—

Gengar stuffed the treat in its hands.

"Ka-kaah~~"

Let's be friends. I love making new friends.

Gengar's mischievous eyes twinkled.

He knew fellow Ghost-types. Spiritomb probably knew this sanctuary better than anyone.

Perfect for scouting rare treasures.

I'm a genius, Gengar grinned.

But Gengar didn't realize—"friendship" meant something profound to a shy, solitary Spiritomb.

It clutched the Pokéblock tightly.

Then nodded.

Then disappeared into the shadows.

"Ka-kaah?"

Huh?

Gengar scratched his head.

Too much charm? Scared it off?

But then—

Spiritomb returned. Arms full of glittering gemstones, crystals, and sparkling dust.

"Ka-kaah?"

Gengar blinked. Pointed at the gems. Then at himself.

For me?

Spiritomb nodded solemnly.

Friend.

Visit freёnovelkiss.com for the 𝑏est n𝘰vel reading experience.

"Ka-kaah..."

Even cheeky Gengar felt a little guilty.

These were gems, after all.

Was a single Pokéblock really a fair trade?

So he offered a whole box.

Spiritomb's eyes nearly popped.

Johan watched, rubbing his chin.

Spiritomb, a Ghost/Dark-type like Larvitar, loved gemstones.

In Kalos, it was even a predator of Carbink.

Johan wasn't thinking about Gengar and Spiritomb though.

He was thinking—

Maybe building a Pokémon sanctuary like this... could be something worth doing.

A place for Pokémon in need. With themed habitats. Zones suited for all species.

The only problem was—it'd cost a fortune.

"You really did bond with every Pokémon here," Nurse Joy said in amazement.

From top dogs like Houndoom to nobodies like Spiritomb—Johan's team got along with everyone.

"Bonded by battle," Johan smirked.

Just don't wreck the whole sanctuary while you're at it.

"Are you thinking of building your own?" Nurse Joy asked.

Johan had said he was here to "study and reference" the design.

"Well, I am an advisor for Devon Corporation," he coughed. "Devon has plans for simulated habitats. I'm just gathering ideas."

Nurse Joy nodded.

"Nimbasa's Sanctuary is good, but if you're serious, you should check out Blueberry Academy. Their ecological dome inspired a lot of what we did here."

"Blueberry Academy, huh? Sounds worth a look."

Just then, Johan's phone rang.

"Excuse me."

Nurse Joy left to check on some wild Pokémon with Chansey. Johan stepped over to Ninetales' stone and answered.

"Johan, where are you?" It was Cynthia's voice.

"Nimbasa."

A pause. Then Caitlin's voice cut in.

"With all that's happened in Unova..."

Clearly, Caitlin—being from Unova and a major League figure—was aware of recent events.

The discovery of P2 Lab had forced Team Plasma into hiding.

They still couldn't control Kyurem, so they were being cautious.

But once they could?

A clash with the League was inevitable.

Especially with the World Youth Masters Tournament coming up.

The League couldn't afford to look bad in front of visiting champions.

"We'll be in Nimbasa tonight," Cynthia said.

"Perfect."

With Cynthia and Caitlin here, Johan felt more confident facing the Genesects again.

As he hung up, his phone buzzed again.

"Jeez, busy day."

This time, it was a message from Porygon-Z:

[Gengar's Little Fanboy]: They're heading your way.

Genesects!

They were coming.

They were on the move again.

Johan's expression turned serious.

Their wounds were probably healed by now.

Could he and his team still hold out?

[Grain in the Field]: ETA?

If he had time, he could call Alder.

"Message received, Loto!"

RotomDex lit up with coordinates.

[Who Am I]: One hour.

...What?!

----------

Powerstones?

For 20 advance Chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates