The next morning, a refreshing summer breeze swirled above the castle known as the Sword of the Vale, and a flock of gray figures flew back into the newly grown forest from afar.
One Pidove stopped, then called toward the castle. "Maame—"
Looks like this Pidove could do more than just extort people... Dian thought with amusement, then waved.
A flight bound for the Johto Region would be departing soon. He could have taken a ship instead, but that would have taken too long.
"La-metta."
Meloetta sat quietly atop the ancient castle's tower. Suddenly, as though sensing something, Meloetta turned invisible.
What was the deal with this Meloetta...? Dian was puzzled. He had noticed that Meloetta kept lingering nearby, neither approaching nor leaving.
"Is Hoenn your next stop?"
Courtney was still wearing the distinctive red one-piece outfit of the Earth Clan, which gave her an ancient, mysterious air.
"No, Johto."
Dian greeted the Zorua perched on her shoulder.
"Woo~"
Zorua yawned and glanced at him.
"Going home?"
Courtney looked thoughtful. She had seen his records somewhere, and he did seem to come from a small town in the Johto Region.
Dian turned and leaned against the railing, then glanced at Courtney, whose gentle bearing stood out. "No..."
"A Trainer's home is wherever they stand..."
With that, he vaulted over the railing and leaped down. "If I find any sign of Jirachi or Landorus, I'll let you know... Your hometown, Eindoak Town, is beautiful."
"...We'll meet again, Courtney."
Beautiful Eindoak Town, a hometown that brought such heartache... Courtney slowly walked to the spot where he had been leaning and gently rested her hand on it... It felt a little warm...
Courtney suddenly smiled. Then she heard a roar from the horizon, along with... a song from beyond the contrails.
"Re~ Re~