The island was packed

Dawn was far too excited, just about to say how much fun she had had. It was only natural. Legendary Pokémon were a rare sight. Meeting one was fortunate enough, but getting to battle one was thrilling.

"Then how are we getting home?"

That was the real problem, after all.

They couldn't stay in this shattered world.

"Maybe we can get home through here."

Dawn pointed behind her. A white, distorted space spread out there, much like the one they had passed through to enter the Distortion World.

"Poina."

"I'm sure this is it."

"Giratina left it for me, so it should be right here."

"How kind."

"Giratina, you're such a sweet girl!"

Kaim smiled wryly, thinking that Cynthia had already accepted the idea of calling such a terrifying Pokémon a sweet child.

Giratina was nowhere nearby, but a cry came from the distance.

"Are you saying goodbye?"

"I'm sure she is. Let's go home."

"Yes!"

The three of them jumped into the space before them.

"We're back!"

When they opened their eyes, Spear Pillar came into view.

Team Galactic's commanders, Jupiter and Mars, had stayed behind, but their subordinates seemed to have withdrawn.

"The pillars are back to normal."

The pillars that had been warped before they entered the Distortion World had regained their original shapes, and the sky had cleared.

"I calmed Giratina down, so the world won't be distorted anymore."

"Really?"

"Ah, you! Where is Master Cyrus?"

Mars, who had been silent, raised her voice.

"He stayed in Giratina's world, with the Renegade Pokémon."

"What?!"

"You! You abandoned Master Cyrus?!"

"Yes. That was his choice."

"No..."

"Then what is Team Galactic supposed to do now?"

The two women clutched their heads.

Cyrus had done terrible things, but that did not necessarily mean he was a bad person. Of course, he had committed wrongdoing, but it was also the result of thinking about the world in his own way. And Team Galactic had followed him. He had been able to accomplish all this because he had a certain charisma. Without him, Team Galactic would descend into chaos.

Even if Cyrus had been there when they returned, he would not have come back with them. That was where his thinking differed from Kaim's and the others'.

"We were so close to creating a new galaxy."

"I wonder whether the one you envisioned was the same as Cyrus's."

"Let's go."

The three left Mount Coronet, leaving the two commanders with their heads bowed.

"Anyway, thank you so much for today!"

After leaving Mount Coronet, the three stopped at a café to rest while their Pokémon recovered at the Pokémon Center.

"No, I should be thanking you. Thank you for calming Giratina down."

"It's fine. It was fun."

"Hehe, you're quite an interesting girl."

"It was a valuable experience, and I enjoyed it."

Kaim smiled wryly at Dawn's delighted grin. Perhaps top-class Trainers all had a screw loose somewhere.

"Oh, Kaim, were you just thinking something rude?"

"Not at all."

"You two get along so well!"

"We've known each other for a long time."

"It's already been three years."

"That went by fast."

"What about you? How long have you been traveling?"

"A little over a year."

"And you're entering the Pokémon League with only a year's experience?"

From Kaim's perspective, that was unimaginable. Even now, she might only just be strong enough to reach the finals, but Dawn would certainly get through the preliminaries. She had the strength to justify that confidence.

"Cynthia is the Champion, so of course she won't be entering the Pokémon League, but what about you, Kaim?"

"I'm not entering. With my abilities, even if I reached the Main Tournament, I'd lose right away."

"...But please battle me next time!"

"If we get the chance."

Just then, Dawn's smartphone rang. Apparently, her Pokémon had finished recovering.

"It looks like they're all better now, so I'll be going."

"All right. Thank you for today."

"No, thank you! See you later, at the Pokémon League!"

Dawn waved and left.

"Calming Giratina down at her age..."

"Right? When it comes to talent, I believe she's better than I am."

"I can't even compare."

Kaim opened his right hand, which had been properly treated. The wound was deep, but it had not needed stitches, so it was completely covered with gauze and bandages.

"...I'm sorry."

Cynthia touched his injured hand.

"I told you before, it would've been a problem if you'd gotten hurt before the League. I want to see you battle there."

"I know, so I won't say any more."

"It's all right."

Kaim looked out the window.

"I wonder why Cyrus hated the human heart."

"I don't know. His belief that perfection is supreme might be the key to this incident, but more importantly, his past must have something to do with it."

Outside, Trainers and Pokémon were playing happily together.

The Trainers' faces shone with joy, and the Pokémon seemed delighted to be with them.

"Cyrus's Pokémon... I'm sure they trusted him from the bottom of their hearts. And I'm sure they loved him."

Weavile's actions made that almost certain. Weavile had tried to drive away Cynthia, who was trying to stop Cyrus's dream, even while on the verge of death. Weavile had done it despite the risk to her own life. In other words, those feelings ran that deep.

"I think that's why they went so far."

"Yes. It probably wasn't just Weavile, but his other Pokémon too. They trusted Cyrus. Even at the cost of that trust, he rejected the heart and tried to create the world he dreamed of. And we stopped him."

"I don't think that was wrong. Cynthia, I believe we did the right thing. But we need to understand that not every human wants to live in this world. There are..."

"That's right. Everyone wants a different world."

At that point, Cynthia paused.

"But I want to be with you in this world."

Cynthia said it as she wrapped her hands around Kaim's injured hand.

"I see."

Kaim took a drink of his cold coffee.

"It's oxidized and gone sour."

"Would you like some coffee when we get home?"

"You're better at making it, Cynthia, so I'll leave that to you."

"Hehe, of course. I bought some beans the other day. They're from Alola."

"Good. I'm looking forward to it."

"Then let's go home. To our home."

"Yeah."

Kaim put the money on the table and stood.

After collecting their Pokémon from the Pokémon Center, the two went home.

It was the season of blazing sunshine.

The fiercest battles in the Sinnoh Region were about to begin.

The Pokémon League.

It was a tournament for the toughest competitors, one that Trainers set their sights on.

Only elite Trainers who had collected every Gym Badge in the region and made it through Victory Road were eligible to enter.

"It's that time of year again."

Cynthia and Kaim landed on Lily of the Valley Island, where the Sinnoh Region's Pokémon League would be held. The island was packed with people attending the annual tournament.

"It looks like fun."

"Of course. This Pokémon League is the perfect opportunity to meet all sorts of powerful Trainers and Pokémon."

In battle, Cynthia put enjoyment ahead of winning or losing. That let her think about how to recover from any setback rather than grow impatient. It was also one of the reasons Shirona was so strong.

"Still, no matter how you look at it, that's a massive building."

The Pokémon League Stadium stood at the highest point on Lily of the Valley Island. From outside it resembled a castle, but inside it was fully equipped to serve as a battle stadium.

"It's no exaggeration to say that Lily of the Valley Island was built for the Pokémon League. The League Management Committee spent more money on that stadium than anything else."

"It's the most important part, after all."

"Yes. We need to confirm the format for this tournament again. You have work to do for the Gym, right, Kaim?"

"Our Gym Leader isn't entering the League this time. Apparently, our Gym will be handling stadium security."

"It's the Veilstone Gym's turn this time. I don't mind working there, but would you like to be my assistant too?"

"Isn't that your main job?"

"I suppose that was a silly question."

Cynthia chuckled and started walking.

The Sinnoh Region's Pokémon League was held on Lily of the Valley Island. Since Sinnoh itself lay in the north, it was relatively cool even in midsummer. Many tourists therefore treated the island as a summer retreat while watching the Pokémon League.

Of course, with Champion Cynthia drawing everyone's attention, Kaim felt uncomfortable from the bottom of his heart.

"Going to do a little fan service?"

"Yes. I'd like to give something back to the fans who've always supported me."

With that, Shirona walked over to her fans.

Carrying Cynthia's luggage, Kaim headed for the hotel where they would be staying.

After leaving the luggage at the hotel, he headed to the rear of the stadium, where the League Committee Headquarters was located.

"Right, was it this way?"

He followed the map toward the meeting point.

Along the way, he ran into a familiar face.

"Kaim, it's been a while."

"Tanguy."

He was the Gym Leader of the Canalave Gym. They had met through Sumo, and since he and Kaim were close in age, they had become fairly good friends.

"Is Byron's Gym handling security this time too?"

"No, I'm entering this year."

"What, you're competing?"

"There seem to be some interesting contenders this year. Besides, they say I'm the strongest Gym Leader in Sinnoh. Next, I'm aiming for a seat in the Elite Four."

Byron wore a battle-hungry grin and possessed top-tier ability even among Gym Leaders. Not even Sumo, the leader of Kaim's Gym, could defeat him. Sumo had talent, but clearly lacked experience compared with Byron. As Sumo gained experience, he might be able to give Byron a better match, but for now, he still could not beat him.

His abilities were said to rank among the best even compared with Gym Leaders from other regions. He might say so himself, but Kaim also considered him exceptionally capable. With his talent and ambition, Kaim thought joining the Elite Four was entirely possible.

"You're not aiming to become Champion?"

"Of course I am. But I'd like to take it one step at a time."

"Is that so?"

"Besides, I don't think I could get past your princess that easily."

"Stop it, stop it. Don't call her a princess."

Tanguy was one of the few people who knew Kaim and Cynthia lived together. That was why he sometimes teased Kaim like this whenever they met. Of course, to Kaim, Cynthia did not seem like a princess, nor did he treat her as one.

"How about you? Still training?"

"Oh, I've gotten stronger."

"I see. Then let's battle again next time."

"If we get the chance. I'll help you warm up this time."

"What, can't we have a proper battle?"

"If I'm your opponent, you won't get anything out of it."

"That might be true for me, but you're different, aren't you? He's the sort who writes down what he learned after every battle."

"Was that for me? That's right."

"Is that so? Then let's battle again next time. Fighting you is fun because it hurts."

"Heh heh."

Kaim's skills were still far from exceptional, but he had a strange tenacity. It was a worthy quality: no matter how many times he lost his rice fields, he never gave up.

Byron had quite a battle-mad side to him. He smiled wryly and kept walking until he reached the conference room at the committee headquarters.

When I opened the door, the Gym leaders and some of the Gym trainers were busy working inside.

"Ah, Byron!"

"Oh, Suzuna. You look well today."

"Yep! I'm doing great today, too!"

Suzuna was the Gym Leader of the Kizaki Gym. She was an Ice-type Gym Leader and was close to Sumo, so she knew Kaim as well.

"Ah! Mr. Kaim!"

"...King."

"It's been ages! Please battle me next time!"

"If there's a chance."

Kaim didn't know how to deal with Suzuna, who was loud and placed great importance on fighting spirit. It wasn't that I disliked her, but to the consistently composed Kaim, Suzuna's emphasis on spirit seemed a little flimsy.

Suzuna, on the other hand, saw Kaim as a grown man and sometimes tried to draw the elite-level trainer in him out through battle. She had quite a good impression of him.

"Suzuna, you're putting Mr. Kaim on the spot."

Suzuna stopped Suzuna, who had been talking a mile a minute, when she noticed that she didn't know how to respond. The two were close in age and got along well.

"Oh, sorry!"

"No."

"Ha ha! I'm glad to see you're doing well, Suzuna. So, what's your job this time?"

"We're handling maintenance at the venue this time!"

"I see. There aren't many people at the Kizaki Gym, but everyone there is excellent, so it should be fine."

"Yes! I'll do a good job!"

"Are you the last one?"

The next person through the door was Natane.

"Are you late?"

"No, it isn't time yet."

"Well, if it isn't Kaim. Long time no see!"

"Thank you."

Nataan didn't seem offended by the unfriendly reply and smiled instead.

"You're still as unfriendly as ever. I suppose that's just how you are. Anyway, Byron, what are you doing here? You don't have any work this time, do you?"

"I just dropped by. I'll leave when it's time."

"I see. Have you decided to enter this League tournament?"

"Yeah. I'm going to take a seat in the Elite Four."

"Ah, give it your best. I'm rooting for you."

"Sorry I'm late."

Finally, the League management committee's chairman and Cynthia arrived.

"It's fine. You're right on time."

"I did a little fan service, but it made me late."

"Is everyone ready? Let's begin."

Realizing that the meeting was about to start, Byron gave a brief farewell and left.

Once everyone was seated, the committee members began handing out documents. They covered the League qualifying round schedule and precautions, security assignments, venue maintenance, shop openings, visitor management, and more.

Most of it had little to do with Cynthia herself, but as Champion, she must have understood her responsibilities. That was why she attended.

Incidentally, the Elite Four were also senior members of the League's management, so they had already started working.

"This League tournament has many entrants from other regions, and the number registered for the preliminaries may be the highest we've ever had. But we'll proceed as usual. This tournament will be spectacular as well, so let's all do our best."

Then the chairman began explaining the details of the work to each committee member. Two hours later, he was finally released from the committee meeting.

"So, where will you be handling security, Kaim?"

Cynthia and I chatted as we walked through the empty stadium seating.

"Mainly the waiting rooms and areas for authorized personnel. The regular guards and part-time staff will handle security outside, so Gym trainers will mostly be stationed in the important areas."

"Right, but doesn't that give you a little more freedom? I won't even be able to watch the matches."

"There are monitors. That's enough. Besides, I'm in charge of security at the qualifying arena, so I can watch the matches."

"You'll be busy."

"Actually, the main changes only apply to the first round."

With no one around, Kaim spoke louder than usual. A few staff members were adjusting the field, but they were so absorbed in their work that they weren't listening to him at all.

"Was the last time you watched Cynthia compete in the League before graduation?"

"Yes. I've competed in other tournaments, too, but I haven't battled here in two years."

I still remembered the last League tournament I had watched.

I already knew Cynthia then, but she was still at university. Just a week into my university vacation, I used the money I had saved from my part-time job to travel all the way to the Sinnoh Region to watch her matches. Cynthia had invited me, but I also wanted to see the Champions face other top trainers.

Cynthia's performance there had been a masterpiece.

Kaim had been captivated by the way she cut down high-level trainers one after another. Even if he challenged her, they wouldn't have anything resembling a proper battle. Kaim probably wasn't the only one fascinated by Cynthia, who was about his age, and her beautiful yet ferocious battling. I remembered clearly how she had fought.

"I still remember it vividly."

"Really? I'm glad."

"A memory that powerful is something I'll never forget."

"That powerful?"

"As bad as the filth in your room."

"Oh, stop it!"

Cynthia struck at my arm, but I lightly deflected the blow.

"I'm sure it won't be so easy this time, either."

"Isn't it always like that? Besides, Shirona is more likely to get burned in situations like this."

"Yes."

Cynthia looked down over the field. The canopy hadn't been opened yet, but once the main tournament began, it would open if the weather permitted, and the entire stadium would fill with cheers and that unique atmosphere. Cynthia truly loved that electric air.

"I'll get to battle here again. Just thinking about it already has me excited. A serious battle against incredibly strong trainers who've forged bonds with their Pokémon. The thought alone sends shivers down my spine."

"You can look forward to it, but it isn't your turn yet."