Sunlight pierced the clouds, spilling dazzling gold across the land.
A rainbow arched beside the mountains. Layered cliffs rose like overlapping slabs, and a silver waterfall plunged in the distance amid birdsong and fragrant flowers.
The Great Crater of Paldea, theoretically fraught with danger, held unexpectedly beautiful scenery.
At the foot of the Area Zero Gate stood rows of shabby, low-roofed buildings.
The four of them walked across the packed earth, taking in their natural surroundings.
"...Oh. We're back here again."
Arven was at a loss for words.
Beside him, Penny was still gasping for breath. The terrifying sensation of free fall had nearly scared the soul out of her.
Nemona ran around excitedly, touching everything, utterly unaware that she was wearing herself out.
Baimu, meanwhile, watched Miraidon cower.
The creature had only just worked up its courage before they descended. The moment it landed, it had turned back into the Cowardly Lizard.
"Be brave! Stand tall! Show me the spirit you had when you fought back against those Wild Pokémon!"
He grabbed the antennae on either side of Miraidon's head and shook them, trying to stir its courage.
But Miraidon merely lowered its eyes and whined.
"Gah... ah-gah..."
Nervous and frightened, Miraidon seemed to have caught an ominous scent. It tentatively pawed at the Poké Balls on Baimu's belt.
The Cowardly Lizard submitted a request—
The Cowardly Lizard's request was denied.
Ignoring the others' presence, Baimu let a faint glow spread across his palm. Through the Heart of God, he entered Miraidon's Psychic Space and began soothing it on the level of its soul.
Penny and Arven stared at his actions and the pale golden light around his hand in astonishment.
But neither interrupted him.
A moment later, Miraidon's fear and tension gradually faded, and Baimu ended the Heart