Legacy

Rex was curious about what they were talking about. He knew it had something to do with Arcanine awakening his ancestry DNA. But that was all he knew. He was sure that the change Arcanine went through went deeper than just a physical one and it seems that it was indeed the case.

He also began to wonder if Machoke had something similar going on with him. He came to this world with the ancient DNA active. He wondered what that would mean. Maybe he could get these answers from Ho-Oh today.

Rex "excuse me but are you talking about the ancient DNA inside a Pokémon by chance?" he asked. Ho-Oh looked down at Rex and observed him for a moment before nodding.

[Interesting young man. To have achieved Aura and to this level and purity at such a young age is impressive. And to answer your question. Basically yes, but it stems far beyond just that. Some Pokémon used to be able to achieve massive boosts in power when they met certain conditions set by their race bloodline.

And in saying that, it seems that you're Arcanine has done just that. Each species that can do this are incredibly secretive about such things, but I must, out of my own curiosity ask, do you know how he achieved this?] it asked while looking at Arcanine intensely.

Rex "I'm sorry but I have no clue how he achieved it." he lied. There must be a reason that it was secret, and he did not wish for this to spread since it could become a problem for him. Ho-Oh looked at Rex for a moment before nodding with helplessness.

[It does not matter. But I must say young man, cherish this Pokémon, for it is rare beyond belief.] it said seriously.

Rex "I treat him like family whether he is or isn't special," he said truthfully and adamantly. Ho-Oh nodded contently.

[very noble of you. But I must tell you, across the centuries, there has only been one other Arcanine to achieve what this little one has. He could easily surpass us in power, and he even had another form when he got serious. I got the privilege to see him demonstrate, and I must say, if nobility existed amongst Pokémon, he would be up there,] it said with awe.

Rex was shocked that Ho-Oh, an immensely powerful Pokémon would say that about another. He couldn't help but look at Arcanine and think about what form he was hiding. Maybe he could glean something from his mega evolution?

Rex "I see. Well, thank you for the heads up. I was wondering if you could tell me where I could find you in a couple of weeks. I think I'll be able to show you something interesting then," he said with a playful smile.

Ho-Oh looked at Rex's smile and then at Arcanine and couldn't help but think of something. But it shook its head quickly. There was no way that would be possible.

"I will meet you at the top of the volcano on Cinnabar Island in 4 weeks. If you are able to show me something special, I will give you something good,] it said and began to flap its wings.

Rex "Hold on, I have something else that I would like you to see," he said Quickly. Ho-Oh which was about to fly away stopped and looked down at Rex again with curiosity.

[Go on little one,] it said calmly. Rex nodded and grabbed Machoke's Pokeball, but as soon as he did he saw Ho-Oh and Lugia flinch heavily and look at the Pokeball in his hand in shock. He didn't know what was going on, but he didn't stop and threw it out anyway. as soon as Machoke burst out of his Pokeball, a wave of heavy pressure descended on everyone present. Machoke who had just appeared glared at the two legendaries.

Lugia and Ho-Oh looked at each other in shock and then at Machoke who stood there with its arms crossed like a mountain.

[c-child, h-how can you have such a Pokémon,] asked Ho-Oh who had by now lost its composure. Rex was really puzzled this time. He thought that awakening ancient DNA would only be like a boosted version of the original. Why were they then acting like this. He was really suspicious this time. There must be something going on that goes beyond his original conjecture.

[T-The Martial God Poke-]

[LUGIAAAAAA SHUT YOUR MOUTH!!!!] screamed Ho-Oh and sent Lugia flying with a kick. Rex was shocked. Martial god Pokémon? He was confused.

Rex 'system, what are they talking about?' he asked.

{system has no research and cannot provide the host with a definitive answer, but I can, however, provide an educated guess. According to the information we have just received, there is a connection between awakening the ancient DNA within Pokémon, and a hidden form or potential of sorts. Martial God Machamp, that must be why it needs to master Aura in order to evolve. The system did warn the host to go somewhere desolate when that happens. It seems this is why. A type of legacy will awaken, and it will be destructive.}

Rex suddenly understood. Everything was connected. Awakening Ancient DNA was a sort of legacy, and there must be only a few species that have this. He didn't believe that all species of Pokémon had this opportunity. As it would be something it would awaken before they reached their final form. He sighed slightly since that meant the Victreebell was not going to be able to awaken its dormant DNA. It seemed that his evolution was simply unrelated.

As for Arcanine, he was just lucky. He didn't know the prerequisite to trigger the mutation. It was hidden and the system as of now couldn't find a solution.

Rex "I see, so just like Arcanine, Machoke here must be a legacy receiver." He said acting ignorant.

[What a headache. Child do you know you hold two monstrous Pokémon in your hands? These two right here are part of a species legacy inheritance. There are usually two variants. One is light and the other is dark. One can be forcefully awakened by killing enough Pokémon from your own species. But it would range in the tens of thousands. It is a great sin. That is the dark path. the other, is the path of light. It must meet certain conditions in order to awaken this part of the legacy. and since it has no easy way around it, it is the stronger of the two.] it said before staring at Machoke.

[You are destined to fight a great adversary Machoke. For your brother has already awakened,] it said helplessly. Rex was shocked. Someone had actually killed that many of the Machamp species? Who could do such a thing? as if answering Rex's question, Ho-Oh spoke again.

[ I have heard of a man. A vicious man. A collector of sorts. He is on a mission to create a team full of legacy inheritor Pokémon. He already has one. A Machamp, that looks identical to yours, I implore you; you cannot let your Machamp lose. For the loser will die, and the winner will be whole, and receive the full inheritance. I pray your Arcanine never meets its other half, for that fight will also only bring destruction to everything around it. As for your eventual fight between your Machamp and his, It will be left up to fate. If can, I will provide assistance.] it said solemnly.

Rex was shocked. He couldn't believe that there was someone who was after such a team. He understood the appeal, but to kill thousands of the same species just to achieve it, multiple times at that, was simply ludicrous.

An: I came up with his idea literally as I was writing this. Please give me feedback on what you think of this idea. there were some comments saying that Victreebell should be one, but if his whole team was full of legacy inheritance pokemon it would just be plain stupid. they will have mutations, but the ancient DNA is a legacy trait. It will be renamed as such from now on. So when other pokemon evolve and look different, that does not mean that they have obtained a legacy. just wanted to make the clear. hope you enjoyed it.