“Roar—!”
A scorching stream of flames surged forward, turning into a fiery serpent that lunged toward its opponent.
“Bzzt—!”
Beedrill’s wings vibrated at high frequency, instantly creating multiple illusory doubles in the air.
Though the fiery serpent directly incinerated several clones, it failed to pinpoint Beedrill’s true form.
“Beedrill, [Swords Dance]!”
Facing a formidable opponent like Ninetales, Guo Yi went all out without hesitation.
A fierce aura erupted.
With astonishing speed, Beedrill completed its Swords Dance, sharply boosting its attack power, before diving toward Ninetales from above.
In the next moment—
Beedrill’s right stinger shimmered with a sinister purple glow.
[Poison Jab]
Ninetales, faced with the swiftly approaching Beedrill, was clearly unable to dodge in time.
In response, a dazzling rainbow light enveloped Ninetales’ body as it braced itself to take the blow head-on.
It seems this Ninetales has considerable combat experience!
Under such pressure, it actually chose to use Safeguard.
【Safeguard]: Protects the Pokémon from status conditions through a mystical veil.
One shouldn’t forget—
Beedrill wasn’t merely a Bug-type Pokémon; it also wielded potent Poison-type abilities.
Though Guo Yi rarely relied on Beedrill’s toxins to win battles, this didn’t mean the poison within Beedrill was weak!
He simply hadn’t encountered opponents who warranted such tactics.
And clearly, Ninetales understood this as well.
Despite her overall superior strength, becoming poisoned would instantly put her at a disadvantage!
So, even if it meant directly absorbing this attack, she ensured she wouldn’t suffer from any abnormal conditions.
With a dull thud, Ninetales was thrown back by Beedrill’s powerful strike.
Immediately afterward—
Ninetales counterattacked, spewing a stream of pale golden flames that gathered and condensed midair.
[Fire Blast]
A massive flaming character “大” thundered toward Beedrill, intent on overwhelming it.
But Beedrill employed its tried-and-true maneuver once again—
[Agility] combined with [Double Team], making it impossible for Ninetales to lock onto its true body.
As the battle dragged on, Guo Yi’s expression gradually turned puzzled.
“How strange…”
“Why is this Ninetales so weak?”
Indeed, weak was the word.
Logically speaking—
With advantages in both level and typing, how could Ninetales let Beedrill completely dominate the rhythm of the battle?
To put it bluntly—
Saying Beedrill was utterly suppressing Ninetales wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Moreover—
This Ninetales clearly possessed the [Drought] ability. So why hadn’t she activated it to dispel the rain clouds summoned by Zapdos?
Guo Yi had instructed Zapdos to use [Rain Dance] precisely to counteract Ninetales’ sunlight advantage.
Who would’ve thought—
Ninetales would simply allow Zapdos’s rain to fall unchallenged?
If not for some occasional flashes of brilliance, Guo Yi might’ve suspected that something was wrong with his [Data Eye].
“Since this Ninetales isn’t as strong as expected, let’s finish this quickly!”
Thinking this, Guo Yi retrieved his [Z-Ring] from his pocket once more.
Initially, he planned to wait for the perfect moment to unleash his [Z-Move]—a decisive, battle-ending strike.
Unexpectedly, this Ninetales proved disappointing, showing more bark than bite.
In that case, he’d just use the [Z-Move] to end things swiftly!
But this time, it wasn’t the Bug-type [Z-Crystal] he intended to use—
Instead, it was the Poison-type [Z-Crystal] given to him by Tapu Koko before parting ways.
After all, he’d just used the [Buginium Z] against Zapdos a few days earlier.
Right now, that crystal hadn’t recharged yet!
From canon, it was clear [Z-Moves] couldn’t be used endlessly—
After each use, the crystal needed around a week to naturally restore its energy.
Of course—
If you managed to get help from an Island Guardian of the Tapu clan, you could theoretically use [Z-Moves] repeatedly.
Provided, of course, your body could handle it!
“Beedrill!”
After setting the [Poisonium Z] into his [Z-Ring], Guo Yi shouted toward his Pokémon.
Understanding instantly, Beedrill executed a swift [X-Scissor] to momentarily repel Ninetales, then buzzed quickly toward Guo Yi’s side.
“Beedrill—!”
“[Z-Move: Acid Downpour]—!”
“Wait—!”
“Why is Ninetales running away?!”
Just as Guo Yi was about to unleash his [Z-Move], Ninetales abruptly leaped away, vanishing directly into the volcanic crater.
“Oh no! Ninetales might be trying to take away the [Rainbow Wing]!”
“Beedrill, chase after it!”
Coming back to his senses, Guo Yi immediately realized Ninetales’ intent, ordering Beedrill to follow.
Meanwhile, he summoned Zapdos from the thunderclouds and gave chase from behind.
Hot!
This was Guo Yi’s first thought as he guided Zapdos into the volcano’s opening.
Bubbling magma churned beneath, periodically erupting with steaming bubbles that popped violently, releasing scalding vapor.
Gritting his teeth against the scorching discomfort, Guo Yi rose unsteadily from Zapdos’s back, scanning the surroundings—
“Over there!”
Spotting a narrow cave in the rocky wall nearby, Guo Yi guided Zapdos toward it.
Due to the cramped entrance, Zapdos was unsuited to entering further. Temporarily recalling the legendary Pokémon, Guo Yi instead summoned Nidoking for protection.
Though he’d yet to spot wild Pokémon here, caution was still warranted—especially with Beedrill off pursuing Ninetales.
With Nidoking at his side, Guo Yi stepped into the cave.
This doesn’t look naturally formed.
Examining the claw marks on the cave walls, he silently concluded who had made them:
Aside from Ninetales, who else could it be?
“Living too long must’ve made you crave comfort,” Guo Yi muttered dryly, proceeding deeper inside.
As they approached the cave’s end, Beedrill’s silhouette finally emerged into view, waiting motionlessly.
Seeing this, Guo Yi quickened his pace.
“Beedrill, why are you standing there motionless?”
“What about Ninetales?”
“Did you lose it?”
Beedrill shook its head, silently indicating with its twin stingers toward the platform ahead.
Guo Yi’s gaze followed—
A stone platform, surrounded by streams of flowing magma, lay before them. At its center rested a Pokémon egg, nearly shattered beyond recognition.
Ninetales stood there, gently breathing flames upon it—or rather, upon a shimmering feather beneath the egg, glowing brilliantly.
Seeing this, Guo Yi immediately activated his [Data Eye] to inspect the egg’s status.
[A Pokémon egg on the verge of death]
[A millennium ago, an unforeseen calamity nearly extinguished the life of this Vulpix egg, draining its vitality.]
[Ninetales used the Rainbow Wing’s power to sustain the egg’s existence, preserving a faint glimmer of hope.][Species: Vulpix]
[Potential: Unknown]
[Status: Near-death]
“No wonder this Ninetales seemed so weak!”
“All its strength went into sustaining this egg…”
Realization dawned on Guo Yi.
Looking toward Ninetales again, admiration for her maternal sacrifice welled up in him, mixed with a trace of sorrow.
Considering her condition—
Ninetales likely couldn’t venture far from this volcano. Any mishap, any delay, would mean death for her child.
For a thousand years—
She’d remained here, confined to this dark, isolated cave.
This explained perfectly—
How Ninetales could show such refined skill control yet perform so clumsily in actual battle.
After all, isolated for a millennium with no distractions, besides caring for her child, she’d probably devoted every spare moment to honing her techniques.
Her entire existence could be summed up in a single phrase—
“I waited a thousand years, only hoping for you to grow up safe and sound.”
“Beedrill, let’s go take a look.”
Guo Yi sighed, approaching the platform with Beedrill beside him.
Growl—!
Noticing Guo Yi’s approach, Ninetales immediately bared her teeth, growling defensively.
Yet, in the next moment—
Ninetales stumbled, collapsing weakly to the ground.
Clearly—
Maintaining her child’s life had taken a heavy toll.
Seeing Guo Yi draw near, Ninetales closed her eyes in despair.
My child…I’m sorry!
A tear slowly slid down her cheek.
Just as Ninetales quietly awaited the arrival of death, a pair of warm hands gently rested upon her head.
Before she could react—
A stream of soothing warmth flowed from the palm, coursing through her entire body, instantly washing away all injuries sustained during the battle against Beedrill.
Kuuu…?
Ninetales slowly opened her eyes, confusion filling those clear, intelligent pupils.
Wasn’t this human here to steal the [Rainbow Wing]? Why is he healing me instead?
Could it be… he’s planning to capture and imprison me?!
A chilling thought suddenly flashed through Ninetales’ mind.
It wasn’t her fault for being suspicious.
Over the past thousand years, though humans like Guo Yi had been rare, she had still encountered more than a few.
Every one of them had tried to capture her, claiming she’d make a fine pet for some noble or king.
Fortunately, those people had big mouths but weak Pokémon.
Ninetales had easily defeated each one of them without breaking a sweat.
But this man before her…
Not only did he command incredibly powerful Pokémon, but he also wielded this mysterious healing power.
Even dying might not be within her control now!
If only he could save my child… If that happens, I wouldn’t mind being imprisoned for the rest of my life!
Just as Ninetales was preparing to beg Guo Yi, willing to trade her freedom for her child’s survival—
Guo Yi suddenly spoke, his voice gentle and apologetic:
“I’m sorry. I didn’t know the [Rainbow Wing] was keeping your child alive.”
“If you don’t mind, may I try using my power to help your child hatch safely?”
Guo Yi glanced at the [Rainbow Wing], glowing faintly with the fire of life beneath the Pokémon egg, as he made his request.
Ninetales had possessed the [Rainbow Wing] for a thousand years, yet without knowing its proper usage, she’d only passively drawn on its power, channeling her strength to keep the wing’s life-giving flame lit, ensuring her child’s fragile survival.
Truthfully, the little Vulpix had suffered terrible luck.
Had it already hatched before being grievously injured, consuming the [Rainbow Wing] directly would have easily restored it to health.
But the egg had suffered near-fatal injuries in its unborn state, rendering it unable to absorb the [Rainbow Wing]’s energy directly.
Although Ninetales wasn’t entirely clear about her current situation—
She was certain of at least one thing:
This human didn’t appear to harbor any ill intent.
“Thank you for your kindness. You’re the best human I’ve ever encountered.”
Ninetales offered a surprising compliment.
Guo Yi chuckled softly.
“I never expected my first ‘good-guy card’ to come from a Pokémon.”
Good or evil—Guo Yi didn’t strictly classify his actions.
To him, what mattered most was following his heart.
If his conscience was clear, even if the world saw his deeds as wrong, he’d still do them without hesitation.
Just like when he battled Zapdos.
Some might say allowing Beedrill to fight Zapdos was already noble enough; there had been no need to waste his precious Master Ball saving a plane full of strangers.
After all, that incident happened deep inside a secret realm. Even if he’d done nothing, no one would ever know.
But, without any hesitation, he chose to act.
Perhaps afterward, a faint regret lingered in his heart—
But had he done nothing, that regret would have haunted him forever.
Now was the same.
Even though he desperately needed the [Rainbow Wing], he simply couldn’t take it without regard for the lives of Ninetales and her child.
Slowly, Guo Yi knelt down, gently placing his palm on the Pokémon Egg.
The [Power of Viridian] surged within him.
Ba-dump, ba-dump, ba-dump!
Through his [Power of Viridian], Guo Yi clearly sensed the faint heartbeat within the egg, along with a deep yearning for life and the outside world.
After a thousand years—
The unborn Vulpix had developed consciousness.
Yet its body was so fragile—
Within the egg, it clung barely to life, but once the shell cracked, it would perish immediately.
After several minutes of effort, Guo Yi shook his head helplessly.
Seeing Ninetales’ hopeful gaze, he sighed, gently explaining:
“My abilities can only provide limited help.”
“I’m sorry, but ensuring your child’s safe birth is beyond my current strength.”
After all, [Power of Viridian] wasn’t omnipotent.
It might heal injuries from battles, but this Vulpix’s core vitality had been deeply damaged.
Unless Ho-Oh itself intervened, even another thousand years with only Guo Yi and Ninetales’ power would change nothing.
Awooo…
Realizing even this human had no solution, Ninetales’ gaze dimmed with sorrow.
Perhaps this is my child’s fate after all…
After a long silence, Ninetales seemed to make a difficult decision. She raised her head abruptly, addressing Guo Yi solemnly:
“Human… take this feather with you.”
—
This is a fan translation of 都市精灵：我的学生个个天资不凡 by 一年一次. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!
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