The mask's successor

The battle between Delphox and Mega Blastoise was reaching fever pitch on the field.

Struck by a mark of Mystical Fire, Mega Blastoise nevertheless fired an even stronger shock wave from the huge cannon on its back. Fire and water clashed fiercely on the field.

With a thunderous boom, both Pokémon took a step back, and Gongping and Trip recalled them into their Poké Balls in perfect unison.

"Next time, perhaps we'll truly settle who's stronger."

The Mechanical Arm on Trip's arm shone brilliantly. This Mega Blastoise had not used its full strength in the battle, and after several years apart, Trip was certainly stronger than he had been back then.

"Esteemed Sandstorm King, I rarely get to visit Cinnabar Island. Aren't you going to treat me to something?"

The two walked side by side down the road. Seeing that Gongping was still a man of few words, Trip found a topic to bring up.

Gongping gave Trip's request serious thought. "An iced-drink shop from the Unova Region opened here a little while ago."

"That sounds good."

The shop was in southern Vermilion City. Its owner came from Icirrus City in the Unova Region and had specifically opened this frozen-drink shop on the hot Cinnabar Island. The various fruit-tree fragrances unique to Unova mixed into the drinks brought a nostalgic look to Trip's face. "This tastes like home."

Picking up a red jam-flavored iced drink, Gongping paid Trip no mind. He wanted to drink it, but did not. To him, drinks and fine food wore away his willpower, so he habitually took only a small sip of such things.

"You used to love drinking this."

"There's no point drinking more. I'd rather spend more time thinking of ways to train and improve my strength."

Trip picked up a glass of orange juice and stirred it with his straw, then took a pastry and ate it with a smile. "Balancing work and rest is important too. Keep yourself wound tight all the time, and sooner or later you won't be able to take it."

"The way I am now, I won't go down easily."

How had this guy become such a blockhead? Where had the silver-tongued Gongping who always wore that carefree smile gone?

"Delphox, would you like some too?"

Gongping really did not want an iced drink. His head still ached a little; the lingering effects of the battle at the Seafoam Islands had yet to fade. Gently massaging his head, he thought of Delphox.

Light flashed from the Poké Ball, and Delphox appeared inside the drink shop in an exceedingly elegant, dazzling display, controlling countless purple flames. She immediately drew the attention of the other Trainers around them.

"What a beautiful Pokémon. So dazzling."

"A purple Delphox! I've never seen one before."

Delphox gladly accepted the passersby's various compliments. As a Shiny, she naturally looked much younger and more delicate than ordinary Delphox, with their matronly air.

At her Trainer's invitation, Delphox looked bashfully at Gongping and stepped coyly forward. Just as she was about to pick up the pretty drink before her, a blur flashed past and snatched it away from right in front of her.

Who stole the drink my lord gave me?!

Countless purple flames swiftly formed a mass of dimly burning Will-O-Wisp. The previously dazzling Delphox suddenly became terrifying, giving off an eerie, sinister impression.

Clear laughter rang out. Amid a swirl of silvery-white petals, a small, adorable Grass-type Pokémon giggled as she drank the beverage she had taken from Gongping.

You're an old lady who's lived for over a hundred years. Stop pretending you're young. A young girl's drink like this doesn't suit you at all.

The Fairy-type Pokémon Florges made her territory into a beautiful garden. She bathed in the energy released by flowers and plants, taking it as her own power. To decorate their grounds, the castle lords of ancient times had invited Florges to build gardens.

While mocking her in a vicious tone, Florges sauntered up to Gongping. A faint fragrance wafted out, and as that distinctive floral scent washed over him, his headache eased.

"Florges, thank you."

Gongping's previously muddled mind finally cleared completely. Looking up and seeing that Florges had used Aromatherapy, he thanked her.

Under Gongping's gaze, Florges suddenly blushed faintly and grew just as bashful as Delphox had been. Then heat filled her face, and finally she too became dizzy.

"Are you all right?"

Noticing that Florges seemed to be suffering from Confusion, Gongping immediately took a healing potion from his backpack. He gently took her hand and carefully examined her for injuries.

Gongping's touch made Florges's entire body nearly go limp. Having only just evolved, she had never had contact with the opposite sex, and the scent on Gongping was one she liked.

Has this bitch got no shame?!

Delphox was almost bursting with anger. If Gongping had not been examining Florges, she would have burned that bitch to death.

"Cinnabar Island's climate isn't suitable for Florges to live in. She may have drifted here with the weather while she was still a Flabébé or Floette."

As a regional League King, Gongping was highly knowledgeable. Not only did he have to master the types and Abilities of all kinds of Pokémon, he also needed some understanding of their habits and habitats. That was why he judged that Florges must have drifted to Cinnabar Island by accident.

You may not be much to look at, old lady, but you do have good taste in men.

Florges gave a soft, sweet cry. To Gongping and Trip, it sounded like ordinary coaxing, but to Delphox, it was a serious provocation.

A flame shot toward Florges at tremendous speed, only for Blastoise, who had appeared at some point, to fire a Water Pulse that intercepted Delphox's attack in midair.

You damned turtle, what do you think you're doing?

A trace of coldness entered Delphox's gaze. Blastoise shrank his neck back. I just thought Florges was pitiful. Don't bully her.

At that, Delphox was so angry she laughed. The flames on the branch in her hand burned even more fiercely. You turtle, you're asking for a beating.

Facing the furious Delphox, Blastoise hesitated, but still stood in front of Florges.

"Huh, Delphox and Blastoise are about to fight again."

Old lady, this man looks pretty strong. He seems like a good match for me.

Delphox, who had still been facing off against Blastoise, heard those words, and the flames around her instantly erupted into a purple vortex of blazing fire.

"Delphox, stop misbehaving."

Sensing his Pokémon's intense fighting spirit, Gongping spoke somewhat sternly, though he did not know the reason. Delphox immediately lost her temper and put away the branch in her hand, but her gaze remained fixed coldly on Florges.

"Don't worry. I'll order you another one."

Meanwhile, in the Mt. Silver Range of the Johto Region, a special guest arrived at Koga's office that day.

The person opposite him held leverage over him. Koga's expression turned cold as he accepted the Pikachu Mask. "What exactly do you want me to do?"

"Finish your predecessor's work. Collect the remaining Platinum Shards and find a more suitable passage in the Kanto Region. Since the King of Kanto has his eye on this matter, I'll send several core members of the Hunter's Guild to assist you."

After briefly passing the documents and information to Koga, the young man took out a card. "All the relevant information is in here. And keep a low profile."

After the young man left, Koga stared at the Pikachu Mask in his hand, remaining silent for a long time.