After the awards presentation came the blessing ceremony. Only after receiving the blessing would Xia You truly become this year's Hero of the Sea.
The four attendants withdrew, and Maya approached Xia You with the scepter in her hand.
"Mr. Xia You, please kneel on one knee here."
Knowing this was part of the procedure, Xia You followed her instructions and knelt on one knee on the platform. Maya then raised the Golden Scepter and rested it on his shoulder.
His shoulder suddenly sank under its weight, and Xia You could not help examining the scepter out of the corner of his eye.
In the sunlight, the scepter made of pure gold was dazzling, while the Soul of the Sea set into its tip shimmered with azure light!
He had to admit, the scepter was quite heavy. It really was hard on Maya, such a seemingly delicate woman, to have to carry it everywhere!
Maya's long purple hair fluttered gently in the breeze. With her head raised, she seemed enveloped in holy light, bearing something of the air of a Greek goddess.
She proclaimed loudly, "Great Sea God! In my capacity as High Priestess, I offer you this prayer and ask for your grace. Bestow your blessing upon this brave warrior before me, allowing him to travel freely through the seas and granting him the ability to connect with the hearts of all Water-type Pokémon!"
Through the speakers, Maya's voice carried across the entire venue, letting everyone hear her clearly.
But as he listened to the voice beside him, although Xia You remained kneeling motionlessly, looking focused as though he were earnestly receiving the blessing, he was actually thinking about something else.
Did the Sea God mentioned in the ceremony mean Lugia too?
*To think traces of this fellow could