Twinleaf Town—farewell.
From a mountain overlooking the town it had guarded for decades, Darkrai gazed down, its blue eyes filled with emotion.
Just as Dylan had said, this place now belonged to the past.
If it stayed here, it had nothing left but fading memories. And with the townsfolk's hatred, even those memories might someday turn bitter.
Darkrai didn't want that.
So, after saying its final goodbye to Alicia, it chose to leave.
"When you have time, come back and visit her," Dylan said softly beside it.
Darkrai nodded.
"Dylan."
"Hm?"
"I think I've grasped something… something special. I don't know where it came from."
Darkrai turned, uncertainty in its eyes. Slowly, it raised its right claw, pink-purple energy flickering.
Dylan's eyes widened.
"This is…?"
The space around its claw warped faintly. Dylan recognized it immediately—Spacial Rend! Still weaker than Palkia's version, but unmistakably the move's embryonic form.
It really could use Spacial Rend…?
Dylan was stunned. In the games, the special Twinleaf Darkrai distributed officially had Spacial Rend and Roar of Time—but that was an event Pokémon.
Yet this Darkrai, battered by those very moves, was actually beginning to learn them?
"Impressive. Very interesting. Darkrai, your fortune is remarkable." Dylan quickly composed himself, smiling in admiration.
No matter how, Darkrai learning Spacial Rend was a great thing. And since it would be his Pokémon from now on, the stronger and more unique it was, the better.
With Twinleaf behind them, Dylan called Baraz and Meray and borrowed Confined Hoopa once more.
Using its rings, they returned briefly to the ruins of Michina, leaving Shayna with instructions: if Arceus awoke, inform him immediately.
Arceus' awakening was inevitable—only the exact time was unknown. But when it did, its first stop would surely be Michina.
"Brother, what do you plan to do when Arceus wakes? From the story, it doesn't sound like it'll forgive Michina so easily."
On their way back, Lillie tilted her head curiously.
Honestly, she thought Arceus had been far too kind—lending humans its life force, only to be betrayed.
"The truth isn't exactly as Shayna said," Dylan shook his head.
The others blinked in surprise.
"But it was still humanity's greed that caused it. Either way, when Arceus descends, we should first try reasoning with it."
Dylan wasn't one for needless violence.
But returning the Plates right away? Out of the question.
He'd try to talk. If Arceus could be reasoned with, perfect.
If not—if its heart was drowned in resentment—then they would fight.
The Plates would only be returned once Dylan was sure Arceus had fully recovered. Otherwise, with all Plates, Arceus would be untouchable—immune to every type. That would be impossible to battle.
"Mhm!" Lillie nodded firmly. She trusted Dylan's judgment.
"Cynthia really did challenge Steven. The internet's blowing up."
Checking her phone, she showed them the World Championship app's latest news:
Rank No. 3 Cynthia challenges Rank No. 2 Steven!
What an announcement. Unless someone had been dethroned, the current ranks reflected true power.
The world's third-ranked trainer, Sinnoh's champion Cynthia, versus the second-ranked trainer, Hoenn's champion Steven.
A heavyweight clash.
The internet was already in chaos, especially in Sinnoh and Hoenn.
"Finally! Cynthia is as beautiful as she is strong!"
"Been waiting forever—Cynthia for the win!"
"She's only humiliating herself. Steven is the undisputed No. 2!"
"This will be a battle to remember."
"Our Steven will not lose! He's the true champion!"
Both champions had enormous followings, especially in their own regions. This battle would be one of the biggest spectacles yet.
"It's in two days. Let's head to Hoenn first."
Dylan rubbed his chin. He had two days—and an opportunity.
"Hoopa, can you do me a favor?"
"Of course, Dylan! What is it?" Confined Hoopa replied cheerfully, floating nearby.
"Can you locate Groudon?"
"Sure! Dylan, do you plan to catch it?"
"That's right. I'm very interested. But let's summon it somewhere empty." Dylan grinned.
"Hehe~ Then let's go!"
Hoopa tossed a golden ring, which expanded into a portal.
They stepped through. The world blurred, then cleared—revealing an endless ocean, horizon blending sea and sky.
An isolated island.
"And now this one."
Hoopa threw another ring, which grew and glowed brightly.
From within, Groudon stepped out slowly, magma dripping from its body, glaring at Hoopa with hostility.
"Long time no see, Groudon! Guess you haven't been napping?" Hoopa waved cheerfully.
"..." Groudon said nothing, eyes fixed coldly on it.
Indeed, it hadn't been sleeping—but it had been bathing in magma, preparing to sleep.
"Don't glare at me like that. I wasn't the one who called you today." Hoopa pointed at Dylan.
"?"
Groudon turned its gaze to the human. Confusion flickered in its eyes.
A human? But one carrying countless powerful auras—even that of the flying green worm.
Its expression grew grim. Dangerous.
"Hello, I'm Dylan," he said, waving lightly.
"We've met before—though you might not remember."
Actually, Groudon did remember.
That human carried Kyurem's aura. It recalled when Kyurem interfered in its clash with that wretched fish.
Still, that was then. Why was this human here now?
It disliked trouble. It only wanted to soak in magma and nap.
After some thought, Dylan asked quietly:
"Groudon, do you want power?"
"??"
Groudon's face twitched. What nonsense?
"Foolish human. Are you saying—you can grant me power?"
Its deep telepathic voice dripped with disbelief. A human, telling the Lord of the Land such words?
Surely he was joking… right?
Then Groudon froze.
Dylan was holding up a brown, prism-shaped stone radiating overwhelming earth energy.
The Earth Plate.
"An Arceus Plate?!" Hoopa gasped as well. It knew that power all too well—its own sealing had been tied to Arceus' might.
"Can I not grant you power?" Dylan asked with a sly smile, letting the Plate gleam in the light.
Groudon's eyes followed it hungrily, almost drooling.
Was this human serious?
A Plate representing the very essence of land. For Groudon, the temptation was indescribable.
"That's Arceus' Plate. How do you have it?"
With great effort, Groudon dragged its eyes from the stone to Dylan.
As much as it wanted to clutch it, it wasn't foolish. That was Arceus' treasure—coveting it was dangerous.
"There's a long story. But all you need to know is, until Arceus wakes, this Plate is free to use."
Dylan explained casually.
At those words, Groudon's gaze shifted again, stealing glances at the Plate.
If not for the powerful auras surrounding Dylan, it might have already lunged to seize it.
"Seems you want it badly," Dylan said with a smile.
"If you stay with me, you can hold onto it. What do you say?"
"This…"
Groudon wavered. As the ruler of land, could it really follow a human? That damned fish would laugh itself silly.
And to be bribed this way… how humiliating.
"I can also help you find Kyogre. Together, we'll crush it."
"Human! From today, we are best friends!"
Groudon's booming telepathic voice rang out, earnest and loud.
Yes… it was nothing if not straightforward.
(End of Chapter)