Xia Chi was engrossed in taking stock of his spoils after the perfect conclusion to the [Disaster in Alto Mare] battle.
Ogerpon's voice rang out behind him just then.
"Poni~"
Xia Chi looked back and saw his Pokémon emerging from the Holy Church, led by Meowscarada.
As for why Meowha, who was at the front, hadn't been the first to speak...
The answer was obvious-Latias was still resting comfortably in Xia Chi's arms.
The fact that Meowscarada wasn't hissing already made her a proper little lady.
In truth, if she hadn't still been exhausted from the battle, Meowha's fierce territorial instincts would probably have sent her charging over to "tear apart" the "little bitch" who dared monopolize her Trainer's embrace.
"Have you dealt with all those Fossil Pokémon?"
Xia Chi carefully handed the exhausted, sleeping Latias to Meowscarada and asked softly.
Ogerpon nodded vigorously, then proudly pointed at the completely undamaged Holy Church behind her. "Poni!"
[All done! Ogerpon was really careful this time. I didn't damage the church at all!]
With her strength, especially after equipping [Infinity Edge] and [Sword of the Divine], one strike of Ivy Cudgel could genuinely have blasted Alto Mare's oldest landmark into ruins.
It had such a long history, after all. Bringing it down really wouldn't have been appropriate.
Looking at Ogerpon as she sidled over and hugged his leg, Xia Chi smiled and rubbed her head. "Thanks for your hard work. You did great."
"Tini~"
Victini flew over cheerfully too, circling Xia Chi with an expectant little face.
"And you, of course."
Xia Chi gently stroked Victini. "You were wonderful tonight. I'll buy you macarons when we get back."
Although the Soul Dew had ultimately been destroyed, Victini had already done everything possible. That was certainly no fault of Victini's.
"And everyone else."