After Aiden reached out to accept the "99% new, used by Rayquaza" Mega Stone, Rayquaza seemed to have completed its mission. Without looking back, it flew straight back into the sky and quickly disappeared into the clouds.
The phrase "comes and goes without a trace" couldn't be more fitting.
The entire audience was still in shock from Rayquaza's appearance when Drake, who had appeared behind Aiden at some point, suddenly spoke up:
"Mr. Aiden, this is an Evolution Stone that has only been discovered in the Kalos and Hoenn regions so far."
"It seems that your Bagon's belief must have earned Rayquaza's approval, which is why it bestowed this gift upon you."
After saying this, Drake looked thoughtful.
It is said that there are indeed a few extremely fortunate humans who have the chance to gain the favor of legendary Pokémon.
For example, the "Rainbow Hero of Ho-oh," seen once every few decades on Indigo Plateau, or the "Draconid" from Hoenn legends who share an indissoluble bond with Rayquaza.
Who would have thought that there would also be such a shiny Rayquaza in the Paldea region, and that this young Gym Leader, Aiden, would receive a gift from it.
Seeing the powerful Rayquaza once in person made Drake feel that his trip to Paldea was worthwhile.
Fiddling with the slippery, somewhat sticky Salamence Mega Stone in his hand, Aiden paused for a moment before asking:
"But this Bagon is only three days old. Isn't it too early to give me a Salamencite now...?"
As a Pokémon that matures late, it will probably take a very long time for Bagon to evolve.
I can't use this right now!
"No, this Mega Stone from Rayquaza is very special, completely different from those we dig up underground."
Drake shook his head and looked at the Mega Stone in Aiden's hand.
"Normally, the Mega Stones we can obtain now are likely remnants from a meteor crisis a thousand years ago that almost destroyed the world."
As someone familiar with the storylines of various generations, Aiden naturally realized that this content was closely related to the main plot of the Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire remakes.
Roughly every thousand years, Hoenn experiences a meteor crisis.
And the two recorded meteor impacts in recent history were ultimately resolved by Rayquaza.
This is the fundamental reason it is revered as the "Sky Guardian" by the people of Hoenn.
Compared to Groudon and Kyogre, it truly does the real work...
While Aiden was recalling this, Drake quickly spoke again:
"After being buried underground for a thousand years, these mysterious meteors from space still possess the ability to push specific Pokémon beyond their limits and achieve theoretically impossible Mega Evolutions, but their power has gradually diminished over time."
"But I can sense that the Mega Stone in your hand still contains energy from beyond the cosmos."
After speaking, Drake took out a similarly colored but distinctly different Mega Stone from his pocket.
"And... It is said that Rayquaza has a unique organ called the Delta Organ, which is connected to the origin of Mega Evolution. Perhaps this Mega Stone has already been activated by Rayquaza."
Comparing the two Mega Stones, Aiden could clearly see that the one in his hand shone brighter and even flickered like breathing.
"This..."
Aiden didn't know what to say.
Mainly because he really didn't understand what connection he had with Rayquaza, making it appear before him repeatedly and even giving him the crucial Mega Stone for Salamence ahead of time.
He had a strong sense of déjà vu, as if he had a portable grandpa following him around.
But this "Chosen One" title doesn't seem to apply to me, since the Mega Stone is meant for Bagon after all.
Upon closer inspection, the Pokémon in his house were all quite extraordinary:
Eevee, who learned Sketch and became friends with Mew;
Riolu, practicing the Unseen Fist at the Isle of Armor Dojo with a hundredfold effort;
Miraidon, temporarily lying low as a lazy fish after being defeated by a rival;
And Bagon, holding an "Innate Treasure" just three days after birth...
Aiden's complex gaze swept over the Pokémon lined up in front of him.
So everyone in my house except me is a Chosen One, right?
Wait, being able to capture so many companions with "protagonist halos," I must be something special too.
Hmm, no wonder it's me!
"Perhaps, Mr. Aiden, you can start letting Bagon wear this Mega Stone from now on."
Drake, standing beside him, reminded him in a timely manner.
"There's also a portion of Rayquaza's energy in this Mega Stone, which might benefit Bagon's growth and make it more energetic."
Aiden scratched his head, looking embarrassed.
Ah?
If this makes Bagon even more energetic...?
Won't it tackle me eight hundred times a day!
But if I let Bagon miss the opportunity to become stronger in the future because of this, my conscience as a Trainer would hurt…
After a light sigh, Aiden nodded seriously.
"I understand, thank you, Mr. Drake."
If it weren't for this Elite Four member who obviously understands Mega Stones better reminding him, he might not have thought this deeply.
Seeing Aiden's serious expression, Drake couldn't help but burst into laughter and then patted his shoulder:
"If you want to laugh, go ahead. A Dragon Tamer doesn't have to always keep a poker face like Mr. Lance. Being yourself is the most important thing!"
"I'm very much looking forward to your and Bagon's future. If you ever visit Hoenn, I hope I can have a friendly battle with the evolved Salamence."
"I have high hopes for this kid's future!"
"..."
A drop of sweat quickly rolled down Aiden's temple.
Isn't it too early to say these things?
If I haven't let Bagon evolve by then, wouldn't it make me look like a useless Trainer...
"Next time for sure!"
After smoothly brushing off the comment, Aiden soon saw Drake off.
With that, Mesagoza's Dragon-type Master Tournament came to a perfect close.
Although there was the little episode with Rayquaza appearing, overall, this Master Tournament was very satisfying.
It truly allowed both competitors and spectators to fully enjoy the matches, and the final appearance of the legendary Pokémon made today full of legendary color.
Meanwhile.
After titles like "Paldea's Most Criticized Gym Leader," "Naranja Academy's Eight Hundred Thousand Students' Chief Instructor," and "Poké TV's Most Qualified Battle Streamer,"
Aiden received another honor: "The Man Favored by Rayquaza."
With live recordings as proof, his appearance alongside Rayquaza made him truly famous across the web.
However, this Paldea Gym Leader, who had gained attention multiple times during this Master Tournament, was currently packing his luggage, preparing to return to his hometown in Sinnoh.
------------------------------------------------------
40+ Chapters Ahead: patreon.com/EphemeralShadow
There's something for free patrons too! Free Patrons receive 1 chapter in advance :)