By the lakeside.
Baimu and his Pokémon gathered.
From more than ten meters away, they watched Calyrex sit peacefully atop a large boulder, deep in meditation.
"Neigh..."
Glastrier pawed at the ground, looking restless.
Spectrier seemed quiet, its muzzle resting on Baimu's shoulder, but its ears had turned toward Calyrex.
All was still.
Calyrex slowly lowered its eyes. The enormous dark-green bud atop its head flickered like a lightbulb.
Hum—!!
The lake began to tremble.
Then the air around them followed.
There was no warning and no buildup.
Calyrex let out a long cry.
"Clah-wuuss, broo-muss!"
In an instant,
a crystalline azure petal appeared, its brilliant light forming a ring.
Calyrex panted with exhaustion, but a smile spread across its face.
"My dear vassal! I have succeeded!"
Only Calyrex knew how difficult it had been to conjure that Radiant Petal. On the seventeenth day and night since its awakening, it had finally glimpsed hope of recovery.
Clap, clap, clap—
"Congratulations, Your Majesty. You've taken the first step."
Baimu applauded softly. The other Pokémon clapped or called out in response.
Only Glastrier and Spectrier gave no reaction.
They studied the dazzling Radiant Petal. Their expressions differed, but both understood what it meant—and what would come next.
What was coming could not be avoided.
Glastrier and Spectrier had prepared themselves long ago.
Calyrex failed to notice its beloved steeds' moods. Beaming, it turned to Baimu. "My dear vassal, I leave the rest to you!"
With the Reins of Unity, Calyrex could attempt to tame Glastrier or Spectrier.
Success might not restore it to the height of its power, but it would at least give it the strength to fulfill Shallow Believer's lifelong wish.
The king's majesty would return.
It was almost within reach!
"You're putting a lot of pressure on me..."
Baimu