Welcome to the large-scale "parent-child" entertainment project - Where Did Nebby Go!
Having subdued the not-too-bright Guzzlord into a Beast Ball, the crisis it brought was essentially resolved.
However, this was only temporary.
After all, according to Johan's knowledge, at Ash's "Manalo Conference," three Guzzlord appeared at once - one black original color and two white shiny variants, all extremely powerful.
One of them even directly defeated Professor Kukui's ace Lucario when he was in his "Royal Mask" identity.
You had to know that Professor Kukui as "Royal Mask" had solid Champion-level strength. Even if not among the top-tier Champions, having traveled various regions, Professor Kukui's strength was quite impressive.
This showed why Guzzlord was the most troublesome Ultra Beast besides the legendary ones.
It was only because the "Ultra Wormholes" hadn't closed yet, plus Z-moves combined with Ultra Aura could deal greater damage to Ultra Beasts, that it was knocked back into the "Ultra Wormhole."
Otherwise, the first "Manalo Conference" might not have known how to conclude.
Precisely because of this, Guzzlord's data would definitely be extremely valuable.
But considering safety, plus Guzzlord wasn't communicable like Buzzwole or Kartana, Johan still had Anabel give up researching Guzzlord.
The most important thing now was finding Nebby.
"But if that child really mastered Teleport and naively teleports everywhere, how can we find it?"
Anabel obviously understood Nebby's importance - after all, it could trigger opening "Ultra Wormholes."
But they'd barely had Nebby for any time, and Professor Burnet hadn't conducted much research yet. Locating Nebby's position wasn't easy.
"You do your attempts, I'll go ask some 'acquaintances.'" Johan said.
The Guardian Deities should know where Nebby might have gone.
"Alright." Anabel nodded.
"Oh right." Johan suddenly thought of something. "Do you have Poké Beans? Get me a few cans of Poké Beans."
Nebby was still a baby, perpetually sleepy, innocent and naive, uninterested in most foods except Poké Beans.
"Poké Beans?" Anabel was puzzled.
"I have some here." Professor Kukui said. "Usually prizes for the children."
"I have some too." Professor Burnet added. "The sweet taste is quite nice for replenishing sugar."
"Me too."
"I have some..."
With everyone chiming in, they actually gathered quite a can of Poké Beans from many trainers.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar took the can to collect them one by one, looking at the full can of colorful pretty little beans, couldn't help tossing one in its mouth.
Let me see what's so tasty about these little things.
Just putting it in its mouth, Gengar's eyes brightened slightly, smacking its lips twice.
You know what.
The taste was actually pretty good.
It tossed two more in its mouth.
Felt better than popcorn!
"Don't eat them all - they have important use." Johan irritably tapped Gengar's head.
"Ka-kaah..."
Gengar blinked twice.
Doesn't hurt~ Not one bit~
Melemele Island, Bear Forest.
Not knowing where Tapu Koko had run off to - when Guzzlord was rampaging earlier, the Guardian Deity Tapu Koko wasn't around either.
Unconsciously coming to Bear Forest.
Thinking, since he was here anyway, he'd greet Bewear first.
And see if the trio was still around.
But before reaching Bewear's tree hollow residence, passing through a dense bamboo grove, he encountered a sudden situation.
Bang! Bang!
Fruit pits traced arcs through the bamboo grove, getting smashed by a Pangoro below holding a bamboo stick.
"Garruu!"
Three Pangoro looked fierce and menacing, with several Pancham hiding behind them, vigilantly watching the treetops at the boundary between bamboo grove and forest.
There.
About twenty agile figures nimbly shuttled between branches, occasionally throwing fruit pits or even berries.
"Ka-kaah..."
So extravagant...
Seeing those thrown berries, Gengar couldn't help commenting.
"It's a group of Primeape." Johan said after seeing those figures.
"Primeape, Pig Monkey Pokémon, Fighting-type, a species that lives in stable groups with very coordinated teamwork, Rotom!"
Rotom Pokédex appeared timely, showing its presence.
But as Rotom Pokédex said, Primeape were group-living Pokémon with strong cohesion, having a "boss" in their groups responsible for coordinating everything.
Whether finding food, distributing food, competing for territory, fighting enemies, etc.
And opposing them, naturally needless to say, were Principal Oak's "signature" Pokémon, Pangoro.
Johan wasn't interested in these two groups' territorial battle - just happened to encounter it.
In the Pokémon world, especially in wild environments, competition between Pokémon was quite common, particularly for territory.
Even in cities rather than wild areas, fights between stray Pokémon over territory and turf weren't uncommon.
His own Gengar had become the undisputed "boss" among Rustboro City's stray Pokémon.
However, Johan was somewhat curious.
Logically, Pangoro's active range was bamboo groves, while Primeape's territory would definitely be in forests rich with fruit trees. How would these two groups have friction?
Primeape fighting Ambipom and Aipom over territory would be more common, right?
"Let's go."
Seeing Primeape and Pangoro about to fight, Johan pressed down on Gengar's head as it enjoyed watching excitement, preparing to leave.
"Bewear~"
Then, a familiar figure suddenly appeared in their sight.
It was "Bear God" Bewear approaching quickly with Stufful on its back.
It took quick steps, appearing between Pangoro and Primeape at extreme speed.
Then expressionlessly, effortlessly caught a Pangoro's iron fist and a berry thrown by the Primeape leader.
"Bewear!"
Bewear's appearance immediately made both Pangoro and Primeape lose their fighting spirit and desire.
Didn't expect Bewear also served as "mediator" in the forest.
"Bewear!"
Bewear waved, and both Pangoro and Primeape glared at each other before backing down and retreating.
Having ended this dispute early, Bewear obviously noticed Johan's presence long ago, appearing before Johan in quick steps.
A huge shadow completely enveloped him.
That intense pressure made Johan's forehead break out in cold sweat.
"It's... been a while, Bewear..."
Steel-like arms delivered a bear hug without warning.
"Don't! I'll break, really going to break—"
Crack—
Johan's face immediately paled, being held firmly in Bewear's embrace.
"Bewear~" Stufful also seemed happy, climbing from Bewear's back to Johan's head.
"Vii~"
Victini appeared, greeting it friendly.
"Bewear~" Stufful also happily waved at Victini.
Bewear finally loosened its arms, putting Johan on the ground with a satisfied expression, patting his shoulder approvingly - that look seemed to say:
Not bad! Worthy of someone I value - not many in this world can take my hugs!
Johan gasped deeply, feeling like he'd barely come back to life.
Helplessly twitching his mouth corner.
"Why are you here? Looking for food?" The recovered Johan asked.
"Bewear~" Bewear shook its head, pointing toward a nearby small hill, leading Johan and the others there.
Walking along, lively Stufful explained to Johan and the others why Pangoro and Primeape were fighting.
It was because of the guy hidden in that hill.
Hidden guy?
Soon.
Johan saw the "guy" Stufful mentioned.
A "bamboo" sticking its head out from the hill.
"Bamboo?"
Johan was stunned, then seemed to think of something, saying with some surprise: "Celesteela?!"
Was this the Ultra Beast Celesteela that Mamane accidentally discovered buried in this hill in the anime?
That one with an incredibly massive body and exaggerated weight, shaped like bamboo yet rocket-like launching Pokémon?
"Bewear~"
Bewear walked to that "bamboo," somehow producing a bucket of water and some berries and food, directly watering around the "bamboo."
These nutrients were quickly absorbed by the "bamboo."
"Really is Celesteela..."
Now Johan understood why Pangoro and Primeape were fighting, and what Stufful meant.
It was this Celesteela.
This was an Ultra Beast that accidentally came through "Ultra Wormholes" to Melemele Island two hundred years ago.
Where it took root and grew, it would heavily absorb nutrients from surrounding soil, preventing nearby plants from growing.
This Celesteela's rooted location was right at the boundary between bamboo grove and forest, preventing both bamboo and trees from growing normally.
So.
Pangoro thought Primeape did something bad, while Primeape thought Pangoro planted some bad bamboo.
If not for Bewear periodically watering Celesteela and providing nutrients, even fewer plants would grow nearby.
"Bewear?"
After watering Celesteela, Bewear suddenly turned, seriously looking toward the bamboo grove behind.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar also seemed to sense something, looking toward the bamboo grove.
A boy with cool golden bangs wearing sharp black practical clothing approached with a Pokémon having a huge axe on its head.
Seeing the visitor, Johan raised an eyebrow.
Brother-in-law and Type: Null?
"Bewear, he's someone I know." Johan quickly told Bewear.
Preventing Bewear from attacking directly - with Gladion's small frame, even with Type: Null, he'd definitely only end up flat against "Bear God."
"Bewear~"
Hearing this, Bewear nodded expressionlessly, but the threatening aura it unconsciously released lessened considerably.
Soon.
Hurried Gladion brought Type: Null through the bamboo grove to near the hill, also seeing waiting Johan and Bewear.
"Teacher Johan?"
Gladion seeing Johan was obviously stunned, clearly not expecting Johan to appear here.
"Long time no see, Gladion." Johan smiled warmly.
Usually known for coldness and maturity, Gladion seemed somewhat nervous seeing Johan, opening his mouth and struggling before saying:
"Long... long time no see, Teacher Johan!"
As someone who helped his sister, vindicated Type: Null, and cleared the "Champion Road" as Hoenn League's new Champion, Gladion genuinely respected and even revered him.
Not exaggerating, Teacher Johan could be considered Gladion's idol, like many young trainers - his goal to chase and become.
"Why are you here?" Seeing Gladion seemed nervous, Johan found it somewhat amusing.
In the anime, Gladion as Ash's seventh-generation rival gave Ash considerable trouble.
Among Ash's historical rivals, Gladion was also quite powerful and competitive.
But ultimately, he was still just a little kid.
"I..." Gladion looked at Type: Null beside him, gradually calming his excited emotions.
"It's Type: Null. Two days ago it suddenly became very agitated, so I brought it away from 'Aether Paradise.' After somehow searching around, Type: Null brought me here."
"Honestly... I'm not really sure why Type: Null wanted to bring me here."
"Hm?"
Type: Null brought Gladion here?
Currently Type: Null's gaze was fixed on where Celesteela's massive body was buried.
Seeing this, Johan's heart stirred.
Two days ago...
Wasn't that when Anabel said Nebby just appeared at Altar of the Sunne?
Right, in the anime, when Nebby first appeared, Gladion's Type: Null did show agitation.
Though separated by great distance, Type: Null could still sense Nebby's appearance. Now coming here, could it be...
Johan's heart moved.
He produced a Poké Ball.
"Tyranitar!"
"Tyranitar!!!"
Tyranitar in dark green heavy armor appeared roaring on the hill.
"Dig this open, keep the noise down, don't startle the guy below, and be gentle - might cause violent explosion otherwise."
Hearing this, Tyranitar's expression tightened.
Violent explosion?
Looking at Johan and confirming he wasn't joking, Tyranitar rubbed its palms together and stuffed some diamonds in its mouth.
"Tyranitar!"
Shouting twice as if cheering itself up, its claws began rapidly moving.
The small slope immediately disappeared at visible speed, and the buried Celesteela slowly revealed itself.
"This is..."
Seeing Celesteela's gradually revealing form, Gladion was stunned.
"Ultra Beast, UB-04: Blaster, Celesteela." Johan said calmly.
"This is a Pokémon that rooted here two hundred years ago..."
After simple explanation, Gladion swallowed hard. "Two hundred years? Contains large amounts of combustible gas, will explode?"
"Don't be nervous. Tyranitar's very careful, and Celesteela's personality is quite gentle among Ultra Beasts - otherwise it wouldn't have rooted here for two hundred years." Johan smiled reassuringly.
Gladion sighed in relief, nodding.
Clang!
Suddenly, a sound of claws hitting metal erupted.
Whoosh—whoosh—whoosh—
Slight breezes brushed past their ears.
Gladion slowly turned his head.
He saw...
Teacher Johan, Gengar, Bewear, and Stufful had somehow reached behind large trees dozens of meters away, lined up from top to bottom showing just their heads.
Gladion: "..."
A drop of cold sweat slid down his and Type: Null's foreheads.
Run, or not run?
"Tyranitar..."
Tyranitar held a metal rock, scratching its head.
Thought it was all dirt, but actually dug up some rare ore - profit~
Tossed it in its mouth.
Chewing while continuing to dig.
"Ahem, actually, it's quite safe." Johan and Bewear returned as if nothing happened.
Gladion: "..."
Don't know who was running so fast just now...
A small episode didn't affect Tyranitar's digging.
Soon, Celesteela revealed most of its form.
Extremely massive body, at least nine meters tall, more than twice the size of Johan's Tyranitar.
At first glance somewhat like bamboo, but completely metal "bamboo," with obvious thruster structure at its legs.
Its body was divided into three parts, seemingly unconnected in the middle yet definitely whole.
In Celesteela's massive body's central hollow part, a palm-sized little one resembling a nebula, with deep purple to light blue gradient coloring, was sleeping with closed eyes in an adorable pose.
"Cosmog..."
Seeing this little one, Type: Null's expression immediately became serious.
Even Bewear, after brief shock, became somewhat serious.
"Really here."
Johan was briefly stunned before chuckling.
This guy was the protagonist of the large-scale series "Where Did Nebby Go" - Nebby, Cosmog!
"Didn't expect this little one would hide with Celesteela."
But thinking about it made sense.
Being targeted by Guzzlord, Nebby definitely wanted to find shelter.
Coincidentally.
Though buried, this Celesteela was undoubtedly very powerful.
Moreover, being buried was better for hiding, more concealed.
Most importantly.
This was "Bear Forest" with "Bear God" Bewear's protection - even Guzzlord couldn't do anything to Bewear.
The little one might be naive, but instincts for seeking fortune and avoiding disaster remained, being formerly legendary Solgaleo.
"Pew?"
Seemingly sensing gazes, Nebby cutely rubbed its eyes twice, yawned long, then looked toward Johan and the others.
"Pew!"
Nebby's body shook.
Discovered!
Immediately prepared to use Teleport and leave again.
"Little one." But Johan called out, opening his palm to reveal Poké Beans inside.
"Pew?!"
About-to-escape Nebby immediately flashed, appearing before Johan, looking at the Poké Beans in his hand, drooling uncontrollably.
"Ka-kaah~"
Nearby Gengar had a realization.
So these candies were prepared for this little guy.
"Here."
Giving the little one a Poké Bean, Nebby immediately happily squinted, becoming very happy while chewing.
"Pew~ pew~!"
Moreover, after approaching Johan, the little one finally sensed something both familiar and strange about Johan, as if... they'd known each other long ago.
"So Type: Null was looking for this little one..."
Seeing Nebby, Gladion understood.
Couldn't help being curious about this little one.
What kind of Pokémon was this to make Type: Null react so strongly?
Or was this also an Ultra Beast?
But it looked far too harmless.
"Ka-kaah~" Gengar held some Poké Beans, "luring" the little one over.
It felt this little one was very similar to itself, very compatible.
Look, both round and cute, both purple, clearly cut from the same mold.
So Gengar thought this "little brother" had to be recruited.
With Poké Beans, plus the inexplicable familiarity about Johan, Nebby gave up teleporting away, immediately floating toward Gengar.
Then in Gengar's hands...
Got rolled round, pinched flat, shaped into various forms.
"Pew?" Nebby was completely unaware, just looking at Gengar puzzledly.
"Ka-kaah~"
Gengar retracted its head, black mist emerging from its body, transforming into a large "Nebby."
"Pew! Pew!"
Seeing this, Nebby immediately became excited, clapping.
"Ka-kaah?"
Gengar smiled as it picked up the little one.
How about it? Want to learn? Let me teach you!
"Pew!"
Having just called Anabel to tell them Nebby was found, Johan turned back to see...
His Gengar and Nebby were "transforming" together.
Only Nebby obviously wasn't as skilled as Gengar, not transforming very accurately.
But Gengar indicated... no problem!
It produced a Koffing costume, putting it on Nebby, then transformed into Weezing.
"Koffing~"
"Pew pew~"
A Nebby-version Koffing and Gengar's fat Weezing called out to Johan together.
Johan: "..."
How did it feel like just turning around once, Nebby... was completely influenced by Gengar?
"Bewear~"
Stufful also wanted to join but was held firmly by Bewear, who seriously advised—
Those near ghosts become dark, those near bears become red!
Johan: "..."
"Teacher Johan, what is it doing?" Gladion asked curiously.
"Nebby..."
Johan briefly explained some basic information about Nebby, though not elaborating on its final evolution being Solgaleo.
"So it's that Pokémon that might open 'Ultra Wormholes'!" Gladion realized.
He'd heard some intelligence about Nebby from his mother Lusamine.
"Anabel and the others are coming. This Celesteela's problem can be resolved then too."
With Nebby, they should quickly research opening "Ultra Wormholes."
Then some Ultra Beasts stranded in Alola region could successfully return to Ultra Space.
Gladion pursed his lips and nodded.
Standing aside, seemingly struggling for a while, he finally made up his mind, looking at Johan seriously:
"Teacher Johan, could you battle me?"
Battle?
Hearing Gladion's sudden battle request, Johan was stunned.
Did he... give people too deep an impression of "liking to play in baby cups"?
Gladion was genuinely a "baby," not even ten years old. Though mature in personality, but...
With his strength, even adding Type: Null, Johan felt even sending Rotom could easily sweep them.
Johan patted his head, asking:
"Why?"
"Because I want to become Teacher Johan's student!"
Hearing this, Johan didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Who said becoming my student required battling me first?
This was some deep-rooted thinking among Pokémon world trainers - whatever you wanted to do... battle first, never wrong!
Right or wrong, battling was never wrong.
Like card players, yo-yo players, top players, racing players.
But Johan really wasn't interested in "bullying" Gladion.
He looked at Type: Null beside Gladion, smiling: "Then you're my student now. Come to Pokémon School tomorrow to register."
"Ah, huh?"
Gladion obviously didn't expect...
That simple?
Johan shrugged slightly. "Don't overthink things, kid."
Seeing Gladion seemed to dislike the term "kid," Johan continued: "I know you have ambitions, but sometimes, really don't put too much pressure on yourself. Your age doesn't need to bear so much."
Father missing, mother Lusamine alone supporting the entire family and massive Aether Foundation. Though Gladion would complain about Lusamine neglecting sister Lillie, he never complained about Lusamine neglecting himself.
In Gladion's view, he was the family's only boy, the future only man, naturally having to shoulder responsibilities for mother and sister.
"But I..."
Gladion was about to say something when Johan, sitting on the grassy hill, patted the grass beside him, indicating he should sit and talk.
After brief hesitation, Gladion sat beside Johan.
"You put too much pressure on yourself, which makes your Pokémon put more pressure on themselves too. Have you considered them?"
"Pokémon?"
Gladion was stunned, looking at Type: Null beside him.
Did I put great pressure on Type: Null?
Johan gently tapped Type: Null's metal helmet, making "clang clang" sounds.
"Was it originally like this?"
Though a question, the negative implication was obvious.
This sentence precisely struck a chord deep in Gladion's heart.
What Type: Null originally looked like, others might not know, but having witnessed it save sister Lillie, he was clear.
This wasn't Type: Null's original appearance!
However, after that incident, it was deemed a "failure" by Faba, fitted with restraints, becoming Type: Null.
"I've read Faba's materials. He didn't leave methods to unlock the restraints..." Gladion tried explaining but was stopped by Johan's smiling gesture.
"Do you think that with its and your power, you can't forcibly break the restraints?"
"Our... power..."
"You consider many things - protecting mother, protecting sister, protecting other Pokémon, becoming mature, having responsibility..."
Johan counted on his fingers.
These things weren't wrong, even excellent thoughts, but were these really things a not-even-ten-year-old kid should consider?
Comparatively, Ash seemed much more brainless.
In fact, most of Ash's "rivals" were smart like Gladion, but what were the results?
Children should act like children - be happy, cry, cause trouble, achieve merit.
Why did the League allow ten-year-olds to capture Pokémon and travel?
Wasn't it because children's innocence sometimes actually matched Pokémon's simplicity better?
Johan continued counting.
"So Type: Null also considers - should I really break free from restraints? What if I can't control myself after breaking free and hurt you and those you care about? Am I really a 'failure'..."
"Such considerations - do you think Type: Null has them?"
Gladion instinctively looked at Type: Null.
Type: Null also instinctively avoided Gladion's gaze.
This action represented many things.
Gladion's expression became complex.
So it really was my influence on Type: Null?
"Trainers and Pokémon mutually influence, learn from, and grow with each other."
Johan sighed softly, turning to look at his purple fatty, seeing...
Gengar was sharing Poké Beans with Nebby.
"Ka-kaah~"
One for you, one for me, one for me, one for me, and one for you...
See how fair I am?
"Pew~" Nebby looked at the small pile of Poké Beans before it, nodding happily.
Johan: "..."
He and Gengar were definitely "accidents"!
Looking away.
Gladion's expression kept changing.
Had to admit, Gladion was indeed smart, understanding Johan's meaning.
He suddenly stood up, looking at Johan with burning eyes - that gaze... made Johan feel somewhat like a certain fire-playing explosion-head.
His heart couldn't help jumping.
"Teacher Johan, please battle me!" Gladion said excitedly.
Johan somewhat bewilderedly produced a question mark.
Johan: "?"
Gladion clenched his fists. "Though I don't know how to do what Teacher Johan said, I understand one thing..."
"When I challenged Teacher Johan earlier, I considered too much - what if I lose, what if I can't become your student, what if I can't get your recognition. But now I know - I want to battle you, so I want to challenge. Win or lose, I want the process, not the result!"
Johan: "..."
How did it feel like a boomerang circled around and hit himself?
And boomeranged back so fast?
"Bewear~"
Bewear nearby silently gave Johan a thumbs up.
Amazing rhetoric that trapped yourself - worthy of someone I recognize!
Johan: "..."
"Look, Anabel and the others are coming!"
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Powerstones?
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