Oh, Ho-Oh!

Where did it go? I could have sworn it was this way...

Man, this is annoying. Why couldn't I have stayed at the villa?

Hm?

Ooh! That's Ho-Oh! A Legendary Pokémon from the Johto region!

This is great! If the young master had that for a partner Pokémon, he'd get even stronger...

Ah! Hey! Wait! I said wait, dang it!

Whoa! Is that what I think it is?

Ho-Oh...

You must be that kid Ethan mentioned. Scottie, or whatever.

Ethan and I were in the middle of a battle when the Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh flew overhead.

He decided to cut our battle short so he could go off and look for it!

You're friends with Ethan, right? Then come with me.

That fool is definitely in over his head.

Hey there, Scottie! I knew you'd come!

I mean, why wouldn't you? No Trainer would pass up the chance to encounter a Legendary Pokémon!

That's the spirit! I'm looking forward to it!

Me too! We've got to find it!

*sigh*

Huh? What's with the heavy sigh, Silver?

Oh, that's right! You two still haven't been introduced!

This is Silver.

He's a friend of mine from my adventure across the Johto region!

Hey, don't go spouting nonsense! I'm not your friend. You and I are...

Hmph. Never mind.

Huh? What're you getting all quiet for?

Well, that's Silver for you. He has his moody moments, but he's not a bad guy! I'm sure you two will get along great!

Hmph... Sure.

So, Silver, what was that sigh about?

*sigh*

Another heavy sigh? What's wrong, Silver?

I'm just...dumbfounded. You're like a Psyduck with Cloud Nine, the way you always have your head in the clouds.

We're talking about a Legendary Pokémon that can soar through the sky to go wherever it wants. Do you understand what that means?

How exactly are we supposed to search for it when it could literally be anywhere?!

Oh!

Not only that, but even though it's an artificial island, Pasio is still pretty enormous.

If you had stopped to think for even a second... you would've realized that we'll never find Ho-Oh if we just wander around aimlessly looking for it.

Hmm... Well, when you put it like that...

Hmph. Finally you're starting to see reason.

Scottie, I know Ethan forced you to come along. Let's just go our separate ways for now.

Even so, we can't do much searching if we don't have a plan, now can we?

How are we supposed to do that? If it were that easy to find a Legendary Pokémon, we wouldn't be in this mess.

Hmm...

I've got it! I know just who we can ask about this!

What?

I just remembered! There are these girls who know a lot about Ho-Oh!

I've gotta find one of them right away! You two should come along, too!

H-hey! Ethan!

Hmph. Does he really think this plan will work?

... ... ...

... ... ...

Fine... I guess I'll come along.

But if Ethan's wrong about this, I'm never gonna let him live it down!

I'm telling you, I know what I saw! It flew right over our heads!

I saw it clear as day with my own eyes! It was Ho-Oh!

I never would've thought that Legendary Pokémon could be on Pasio...

This is our lucky break! Chances like this don't just drop into your lap every day, y'know!

Listen up! I want every member of Team Break assembled and ready to catch Ho-Oh! That Legendary Pokémon is as good as ours!

Hmm. Should be around here somewhere...

Ethan! Would you mind telling us just who you're looking for already?

Those girls from Johto who know all about Legendary Pokémon! Don't tell me you forgot about them, Silver.

They did a dance for Ho-Oh and everything, remember? All we gotta do is find one of the Kimono Girls!

A Kimono Girl?!

It's not important... Just something that happened in Johto a long time ago.

Maybe! Whoever I heard earlier sure talked like she was from Johto. She's gotta know something!

That cape is truly captivating.

Ah! There she is!

And the quality of this fabric is beyond compare.

The way it furls about in the wind, I can't imagine a more fitting garment for you, Lance.

Thanks. I'm glad to hear that you like it.

But really, what's not to like about capes?

Hey! Kimono Girl!

Kimono Girl?

Huh?! The Kimono Girl isn't alone. What are you doing here, Lance?

Oh, if it isn't Scottie. Are these friends of yours?

That's right! We have a question for you, Kimono Girl!

You see...

I see... You saw Ho-Oh on Pasio.

That's why you went looking for me.

I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not one of the Kimono Girls. I'm a fashion designer.

What?! Really?!

Hehe. No need to worry. I actually know quite a bit about Ho-Oh.

I was so captivated by its dazzling beauty that I simply had to learn all I could.

Really?! Then my hunch that you'd know all about Ho-Oh was right on the money!

This sounds like it could be interesting. Count me in, too.

What about you?

Don't worry about me. I can hear you talk just fine from here.

Lance, Silver, do you two have some sort of history together?

Oh, they're fine! There's no hard feelings between them or anything like that.

More importantly, let's get to the part where you tell us about Ho-Oh!

Very well, then.

As I'm sure you've heard, Ho-Oh is a beautiful Pokémon that possesses magnificent, seven-colored wings.

It's said to leave a rainbow in its wake as it flies.

It creates a rainbow just by flying... Now that's a fitting story for a Legendary Pokémon if I've ever heard one.

There are stories about Dragonair being able to change the weather, but transforming the sky? That seems even more incredible to me.

Ho-Oh is also said to live at the foot of a rainbow.

*sigh* Ho-Oh is such a captivating Pokémon, isn't it?

I'd like to design clothes that are as dazzling as its rainbow-colored wings someday.

... ... ...

Hm? You OK?

Ah, do forgive me. I was so captivated, I lost myself in thought for a moment.

I-I see...

Wow! There's all kinds of legends about it! I feel like I learned a lot just now!

We really wanna meet Ho-Oh. Do you have any idea where it could show up?

Hmm...

Ah!

As I recall, the legends say Ho-Oh has appeared in Ecruteak City at the Bell Tower and the burned remains of the Brass Tower.

Perhaps it prefers elevated locales? It does fly through the sky, after all.

Elevated locales... What's the closest thing to a tower here on Pasio? A mountain maybe?

Of course! We just have to climb a mountain and see what we can find!

Thanks, Valerie! You taught me a whole lot just now!

Ah, before you go, there is one more thing I just remembered. It's actually rather important.

Important?

Ho-Oh will not reveal itself to just anyone.

It's said to only appear before Trainers who are pure of heart.

A Trainer who's pure of heart...

Ho-Oh will not appear before any Trainer whose intentions are wicked.

We're not the kind of Trainers who'd do anything bad. We just wanna meet Ho-Oh.

OK, then! Scottie, Silver! We're going mountain climbing tomorrow!

That's right! We've gotta search every nook and cranny of that mountain! We can't leave a single stone unturned!

Haha! Don't worry, I'm bringing my trusty camping gear. You could come empty-handed and we'd be totally covered!

Don't keep us waiting, either, Silver!

... ... ...

Actually...I think I'll sit this one out.

Huh?

I don't really care about Ho-Oh. I've just been along for the ride this whole time.

You two can go without me.

Later.

H-hold on, Silver! What's gotten into you all of a sudden?

We'll be waiting for you tomorrow at the base of the mountain, Silver! Don't forget!

... ... ...

The Legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh...

Hmph... What's the point? It's not like it's going to appear before me anyway.

Besides, I've got you.

And even if I did go...what if my presence keeps Ho-Oh away from the area altogether? *sigh*

Got a minute?

Lance...

What do you want? I'm not in the mood for a battle right now.

That's not why I'm here. I just want to talk. That's all.

It's been a while since you and I have had a chance to talk like this.

When we first met, the only thing you cared about was obtaining strong Pokémon that could lead you to victory.

The thought of loving or trusting your Pokémon never once occurred to you.

That's why you lost to me.

Tsk! If you only came here to rub salt in old wounds, I'm leaving.

But you're different now.

I can tell by looking at your Sneasel.

That Pokémon has formed a deep bond with you.

Pokémon are happiest when they're with the person they care about the most.

For it to trust you this much...

It can only mean that your adventures in Johto and your time with Ethan have changed you, Silver.

You keep talking like that, people might think you've retired the cape to become a Pokémon Professor.

You're no longer the person you once were.

You've become a purehearted Trainer.

... ... ...

You think it's that easy for people to change?

I'm a Trainer who's done some pretty terrible things. I stole someone's Pokémon, and I treated people like garbage if they got on my nerves.

And worst of all, my dad is...

... ... ...

Even so, I believe in you.

That's why you should believe in yourself, too.

... ... ...

Don't be a no-show tomorrow.

Your friends Scottie and Ethan will be waiting for you.

They're not my friends.

They're rivals, not friends! And that goes for you, too!

I haven't forgotten what it felt like when you completely destroyed me in battle.

I'm going to get stronger here on Pasio! I'm going to become the greatest Trainer in the world!

And when I do, I'm coming for you! You'd better be ready!

Silver is rather late. I wonder if he's actually going to come.

Don't say that! Silver's definitely gonna show up!

When we were traveling all over Johto, he'd show up wherever I was...

and more often than not, I'd show up wherever he was.

We're rivals! That's why I know he'll come today!

Yup! We've had our ups and downs along the way, but he's a good guy!

Thanks for believing in Silver, too, Scottie!

Well said. When you put it like that, I suppose we should wait a little longer.

Yeah. Thanks. I'm glad you came along, too, Valerie.

But won't it be hard for you to climb in that outfit?

I appreciate your concern, but I'll be fine.

It just means I'll need to work even harder if I want to see Ho-Oh.

All right, party's over...

Silver!

I knew you'd show up!

Hmph! What're you so happy about?

My goal is to be the greatest Trainer in the world.

If Ho-Oh does decide to show up...maybe I'll just make it my partner by force!

I'm not just gonna stand around and watch while one of you idiots gets to join up with Ho-Oh.

Hehe! You're gonna try to make Ho-Oh your partner now, Silver? Sounds like you're pretty fired up!

But if you think I'm gonna lose, think again! I'm gonna find it first...

That's the same cry I heard yesterday...

That can only mean Ho-Oh really is somewhere on this mountain!

It's on! Time to see which of us finds Ho-Oh first!

H-hey!

Hehe. I suppose I shall give it my all, too.

Hmph! How can they be so casual about this? Don't they realize they're going up against a Legendary Pokémon?

Still...

If they find it first, I'll be pretty upset...

Let's go, Scottie! We're going to be the first ones to find Ho-Oh, not them!

Looks like they're after the same thing we are.

But that darling Ho-Oh will be mine! All mine! Surely it was fate that led me here to meet it!

Call for backup! I want those little pests gone! Then that lovely Ho-Oh will have no choice but to be mine!

We've been climbing for what feels like forever and haven't seen so much as Ho-Oh's shadow.

But I've heard its cry a few more times since we started, so we must be getting closer.

Of course. I still have to prove that I'm the greater Trainer.

Not a chance. I know Ethan. If he found it already, he would've told us by now.

That's the kind of guy he is. Believe me, I've spent more time with Ethan than I'd care to admit.

Speaking of which...

you kinda remind me of him.

Yeah. Not in terms of appearance or personality. It's more...your eyes.

I'd say it's your eyes.

They're always looking off to the distance, giving off this kinda...gleam. It used to really annoy me whenever I saw eyes like yours.

But...now I don't really get that way around you or Ethan.

The old me definitely would've just challenged you to a battle and not thought twice about it.

Maybe I'm...

What was that? It sounded close!

Ah!

Ho-Oh... It's really here.

Does that mean I'm...? No, it's because you're here. Right, Scottie?

Gah! It doesn't matter! That's not important now!

Ho-Oh! Now that you've finally revealed yourself, I'm going to make you my partner Pokémon!

You want to see how strong I am? Then let the battle begin!

Tsk! Who'd be calling me now? This better be important...

Huh? Ethan? Actually, this is perfect.

Hey, Ethan! Guess what we just fou...

Silver! You've gotta get over here!

A bunch of Team Break goons are attacking Trainers up here on the mountain!

What?!

I'm trying to find a safe place for us to hide right now, but those jerks are probably right on our tails!

Valerie and I can probably hold out for a little while, but...you gotta come help us! Hurry!

Hey! Ethan?! Ethan!

Drat! We need to go help Ethan, Scottie...

But Ho-Oh...

If I pass up this chance, I might never get a second one...

But Ethan...

You got this, Cyndaquil! Just a little more...

Hehe. Wasn't someone supposed to come to your rescue? Just give up already.

Face it, you're hopelessly outnumbered!

Ngh...

Tracking down Ho-Oh is our top priority, and if we happen to find some Pokémon to steal while we're at it, who are we to say no?

Now, time to finish this!

Go, Sneasel!

Huh?!

Where did that Pokémon come from?!

Ethan, look...

It's about time you showed up! I knew you'd come, though...

Silver!

You're all pathetic.

I bet you thought you were so clever, ganging up on them to get the upper hand.

If there's one thing I hate more than anything...

it's people like you!

Let's do this, Silver!

Just don't get in my way, Ethan!

Eeeek! O-our Pokémon!

Those two really are in perfect sync, aren't they?

Hehe! That's 'cause Silver would always show up outta nowhere to challenge me, so I've gotten real familiar with his battle style!

Of course I am! Who do you think you're talking to?

Looks like we just turned the tables on you, Team Break! What're you gonna do now?

I...I guess we have no choice... We surrender...

PSYCH! You think I'm gonna give up now?! As if!

What?!

Hehe... Looks like the gang's all here.

That's...

Tch! Quite a crowd she's brought.

Ahahaha! And there's plenty more where that came from! I did come all this way to catch Ho-Oh, after all!

You can't possibly win against our superior numbers! Now, bow before our might!

You think like a weakling.

What?!

Relying on superior numbers to win a fight just reveals how weak and pathetic you really are.

But I'm different!

I believe in the power of the Pokémon I've trained! Even if I stand alone against a sea of opponents, I'll fight to the very end!

That's the way I battle! Because I'm going to be the greatest Trainer in the world!

Silver...

Hehe, you're not alone, though. We've got your back!

I've still got some fight in me.

You guys...

You guys...

Hmph! Just don't get in my way!

Grrrrr! Are you quite finished putting on the too- cool-for-school act?!

I'm done playing around with you! Get them!

That cry!

Is that...Ho-Oh?!

What's it doing here?

Omigosh, omigosh! It's here, it's here, IT'S HERE! My sweet little Ho-Oh!

Change of plans, everyone! Catch that adorable Ho-Oh for me!

Yeow! Hot hot hot hot HOT!

N-now hold on a second! Just what do you think you're doing?!

Hot hot HOT! Stop! I'm gonna be cooked to well-done at this rate!

What is the matter with you?! Do you have any idea how much trouble I've gone through to make you my Pokémon?!

You may be beautiful, but you're a bit too savage for my taste! Retreat! Retreat!

It would seem Ho-Oh came to our rescue.

Yeah. And it doesn't seem like it's in a hurry to leave, either.

Do you think this means Ho-Oh wants to be a partner Pokémon?

... ... ...

Heh. I was waiting to make my debut, but there's no way I can upstage a grand entrance like that.

It's said that Ho-Oh will reveal itself before a purehearted Trainer by shining its bright, rainbow-colored wings...

I wonder which of you this Pokémon will choose to be its partner...

Ho-Oh is so beautiful, isn't it?

If it were my partner Pokémon, I'd spend every waking hour of every day captivated by it.

I'd fly all over Pasio on its back!

What about you, Silver?

Huh?

What's wrong, Silver? What're you doing over there?

I'm fine right here.

I don't want to see Ho-Oh become your partner.

Huh?

We both know Ho-Oh prefers Trainers who are pure of heart...

It'd be one thing if I could make it my partner by proving my strength. But as long as this is Ho-Oh's decision, I've got no chance.

I'm just...not that kind of Trainer.

Silver...

That's not true at all. Come here.

I'm fine.

C'mon! Just do it!

Shut up! I said I'm fine!

Ho-Oh? Why?

Hmhm... It would seem Ho-Oh has made its choice...

and it has chosen you, Silver.

Silver, Scottie told me what you did.

You turned down a chance to battle Ho-Oh to come help us.

If you hadn't done that, we would've been done for.

That's why I know you're a purehearted Trainer, Silver.

Ethan...

And that's also why you should be Ho-Oh's partner... You're suited for each other.

Isn't that right, Scottie?

Scottie...

Scottie...

Hmph. You're all too sentimental for your own good. We're talking about a Legendary Pokémon, after all.

But, if you insist...

Listen up, Ho-Oh! My goal is to become the greatest Trainer in the entire world!

I don't care if you're a Legendary Pokémon! If you get in my way, I'll leave you behind! Got it?!

Heh. Looks like you're just as determined as I am. Good. I like that.

Together, we'll be the strongest sync pair in the world!