Meanwhile, Leon, who was heading south to support Steven, also sensed the disturbance to the east.
Without a moment's hesitation, Leon abandoned his plan to support Steven and had Dragapult head east instead.
On Steven's side, as soon as the disturbance arose in the east, the Shadow Pokémon seemed to receive some sort of signal. They stopped fighting his group and withdrew from the south.
"Stay here. I'm going east to help!" Steven jumped onto Mega Shiny Metagross and called down to his team.
Tate and Minami, the former Psychic-type Gym Leaders of the Hoenn Region, spoke in unison. "Mr. Steven, why don't we take you there?"
"No. It's too dangerous for you!" Steven immediately refused.
Tate waved Xatu back over. "Mr. Steven, we wouldn't gamble with our own safety. We'll come straight back after taking you there."
Without waiting for Steven's response, Tate told Xatu, "Sorry for the trouble, but please take Mr. Steven and me east~"
Xatu nodded, Psychic power shining in his eyes. Steven hesitated, but ultimately let Xatu's Psychic power envelop him.
With the situation in the east still unclear, every second was precious.
Perhaps arriving even a second earlier would make a difference.
Watching the Dark Army charging toward her from afar, Cynthia gave a bitter smile and turned to Mega Garchomp beside her.
"Are you afraid?" she asked.
Mega Garchomp did not answer. His gaze sharpened, and he stepped forward to shield Cynthia.
He answered her question with his actions.
"In that case, let's give them a proper fight!" A faint smile touched Cynthia's lips as she waved her hand.
"Gastrodon, use Rain Dance!"
"Gastro~"
Upon receiving the command, Gastrodon immediately began using Rain Dance.
In fact, ever since Cynthia became Champion, she had been adjusting her approach to battle.
Simply put, Cynthia