May 2nd, Saturday.
Two days had passed since Aiden uploaded his latest video.
What should have been a rare day of rest turned out to be anything but relaxing—thanks to the video's explosive aftermath, Aiden woke up in a less-than-stellar mood.
The reason was simple:
His myth-explainer centered on Rayquaza had gone viral overnight. In just forty-eight hours, it had become his most-watched upload to date.
Sure, his usual battle tutorials drew solid viewership—but compared to the sheer reach of his "Myths & Legends" (or simply the "Mythology") series, they were small potatoes. And this time, the star of the show was none other than Rayquaza—one of the few Legendaries confirmed to have actively protected humanity. Its popularity was sky-high even in this world. Toss in the reveal of a second, pitch-black Rayquaza tied to Paldea, and the internet practically imploded.
On paper, this was a win—prime opportunity to boost his influence and spread the name "Azure Wings" across the globe.
But sometimes, fame comes with a price—
Over the past few days, between handling Gym challenger battles, Pokémon professors from every region had started flooding his inbox.
First up was Professor Oak—a kindly elder he knew fairly well—who called out of the blue, of course prompted by the Rayquaza video. His request was simple enough: if possible, help gather field data on Rayquaza to fill gaps in the Pokédex.
Professors Elm and Birch, went further—straight-up asking to see the black Rayquaza in person. Aiden, via his 'assistant' Geeta, politely declined. Area Zero was no place for researchers, no matter how spry they were. Outrunning a Poochyena didn't mean you could outrun a Roaring Moon.
Oddly, Professor Carolina—the one he was closest to—hadn't reached out at all. Instead, Cynthia called via video chat, inviting him back to Sinnoh soon to assist mythologists studying the Spear Pillar ruins.
Aiden accepted without hesitation.
But only after hanging up did he realize—his schedule had somehow filled up again.
Over the next few months, between his temporary Champion duties on the Victory Road and the upcoming Area Zero expedition, he'd also need to squeeze in trips to Sinnoh and Hoenn.
Yes—Steven had contacted him yesterday too, sending his butler to deliver a peculiar meteorite fragment to Sunshine Gym. His request? Investigate whether it might be tied to the Draconid's ancient prophecy.
And if it was…
Hoenn's two blockheads were probably gearing up to cause trouble again.
Just the thought gave Aiden a headache.
Leaving Groudon and Kyogre unchecked wouldn't just endanger Hoenn—it could destabilize the entire planet.
So whether out of duty or self-preservation, he'd have to step in if he could.
Still, if their awakening happened after the Area Zero incident wrapped up, the newly liberated black Rayquaza might swing by Hoenn to lend a hand.
Here's hoping things go smoothly—
"And then there's Ho-Oh's Rainbow Trial… Who knows when the Three Legendary Beasts will show up."
Slouched on the sofa, Aiden tapped his fingers rhythmically against the armrest, muttering to himself.
"If things get too hectic, I might have to temporarily pigeon out on them."
Meeting the Legendary Beasts was a once-in-a-lifetime blessing for most trainers—but—
He'd already rubbed shoulders with more than his fair share of Legendaries. Compared to Lugia, Hoenn's dunderheads, or the time-space duo, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune felt almost… secondary.
If they've got something to say, they can take it up with Lugia—or Groudon and Kyogre—or Dialga and Palkia!
Just as Aiden made up his mind, the shadow beneath his feet began to ripple. A pair of crimson eyes blinked into view before him.
"Chosen one," Marshadow's voice echoed softly. "Lord Ho-Oh's trial isn't time-sensitive. In fact, observing how you respond during extreme circumstances—or when other Legendaries appear—is an equally vital part of the evaluation."
"Besides—" it added gently, "compared to you, it may be the Legendary Beasts who need more time to prepare… to face you at their very best."
Having overheard Aiden's grumbling, Marshadow moved swiftly to ease his worries—
And, conveniently, buy the Beasts a little more prep time.
In past generations, the trio had been more than enough to test any Rainbow Hero—most aspirants never made it past them.
But after days of observation, Marshadow knew this generation's Chosen one was… different.
If they didn't bring their absolute A-game, there was a real chance he'd solo all three in one go. And if Ho-Oh's sacred envoys were humiliated by a human… well, how could Marshadow and the rest of the guardian guard ever face their lord again?
For the sake of its own dignity—and the Beasts'—Marshadow steeled its resolve.
"I see," Aiden said with a faint smile. He'd grown used to Marshadow's sudden appearances by now. Reaching out, he gently patted its head. "You're a lifesaver, Marshadow."
"Let's keep giving it our all!"
Since becoming a Trainer, head-pats had become Aiden's go-to way of showing affection.
Sylveon's head was delightfully soft; Shelgon's felt like polished steel; Indeedee's was more fluffy than soft; Mewtwo's gave off a gentle warmth.
And Marshadow? Patting it felt like pressing into a cloud of icy cotton candy—no solid form at all.
Such was the charm of Ghost-types.
Marshadow didn't resist the gesture. After their first meeting—when Aiden's enthusiasm had nearly overwhelmed it—it had gradually grown accustomed to his touch.
Humans truly were fascinating creatures.
No wonder Pokémon had chosen to coexist with such seemingly fragile beings. Their emotions burned so brightly, their affection so openly expressed—it was hard not to be drawn in.
Even toward Marshadow—a mere messenger of Ho-Oh—Aiden had shown such genuine warmth from the very start…
Alas. It already belonged to Lord Ho-Oh. Becoming Aiden's partner was out of the question!
"Farewell, Chosen one!"
Seizing the moment of relaxed guard, Marshadow initiated the first half of Spectral Thief—and in the blink of an eye, melted back into the shadows, vanishing without a trace.
Aiden pulled his hand back with a helpless scratch of his head.
"Marshadow really is adorable~"
"It'd be great if it could be my partner… but even as a friend, that'd be nice too. Though I wonder why it always seems to dodge me…"
"Ah—wait. Can it still hear me right now?"
In response, an unseen presence gave his pant leg a gentle tug.
—
That afternoon, after the recent run-in with the ferocious Roaring Moon—and with Aiden's impending deep dive into Area Zero confirmed—the Gym's Pokémon had all developed a quiet sense of urgency.
Facing lawless monsters with half-baked skills wouldn't cut it. Even if they won, protecting their Trainer would be another matter entirely.
Even with Marshadow lurking in the shadows, ready to ambush any aggressor, there were no guarantees.
Thus began a special training regimen: "Neutralize threats as swiftly as possible—while prioritizing Trainer safety above all."
This no-rules free-for-all wasn't entirely unfamiliar to some members of Aiden's team.
Back during the mission to rescue Mewtwo in Kanto, Sylveon, Lucario, and Ogerpon had already experienced wild battles where the Trainer was the primary target.
Their objectives were clear.
"Lucario!"
Outside the Gym, alongside a gentle stream, Lucario sprinted full-tilt through the flowing water, expertly dodging leaping Magikarp beneath the surface.
Its method was brutally simple: boost speed to overwhelming levels, enabling it to dispatch multiple foes before battle even began—and secure early dominance.
This training also sharpened the execution speed of its rapid water strikes.
From what it had heard, its "Bear Master" could unleash three seamless punches per second without sacrificing power—each strike flowing perfectly into the next.
But surely that wasn't the limit. If Lucario could push past the boundaries of its current technique—
It might end future battles in the blink of an eye.
With that goal burning in its heart, Lucario pushed forward once more.
When the body reaches its limit, there's only one way to break through: willpower alone.
Just like every step of its journey so far.
Ogerpon's approach, by contrast, was… well, the polar opposite.
"Ogerpon, you really don't need to cling to me like this—I'm not that fragile, y'know…"
"Pon!"
On the lawn outside Sunshine Gym, Aiden stood helplessly, one arm propping up Ogerpon, who was fully draped across his torso.
Wearing its Teal Mask, Ogerpon stared intensely ahead, swinging its electro-whip through the air with grim determination—completely ignoring Aiden's protest.
Its logic was flawless: if the Trainer was the priority to protect, why not just stick to him like glue? Let him decide when to advance or retreat.
That way, it could instantly intercept any wild Pokémon targeting Aiden—and hitch a ride while doing it. Maximum efficiency!
I'm a genius!
Watching Ogerpon beam with pride, Aiden could only sigh.
Now he understood why veteran Trainers often developed superhuman stamina.
Pokémon were whimsical spirits—if your fitness couldn't keep up, you'd never match their rhythm.
Ogerpon meant well, but lugging an 80-pound Pokémon through Area Zero? He'd collapse before even reaching the deeper zones—
"Syl!!!"
Only after Sylveon relentlessly tickled Ogerpon's sides with its ribbons did the exhausted Pokémon finally loosen its grip and tumble off.
But when Aiden turned to thank Sylveon, he was met with a stare so intense it could freeze lava.
"Veeeee—"
Stare.
Yep—Sylveon's chosen training method was intimidation via eye contact.
It had learned the technique from the Gym's own Incineroar: glare fiercely enough, and opponents would freeze under the pressure.
But intimidation was a Pokémon-specific art.
Fearsome-looking Pokémon like Incineroar or Salamence could chill foes to the bone with a single glance.
Sylveon, however…
Just came off as unbearably cute.
But hey—adorable overload was still a valid strategy. After all, there was a move called "Charm" that disarmed opponents with sheer cuteness!
Suppressing the urge to tease it, Aiden took a deep breath—and matched Sylveon's wide-eyed gaze with his own.
For a moment, electricity seemed to crackle between their locked eyes—almost as if you could hear zap sounds in the air.
(Of course, that was all in Aiden's head.)
"What… is Aiden doing?"
Watching silently from the Gym entrance, even Mewtwo couldn't parse the scene.
But he must have his reasons.
"Hmm?"
Beside it, the female Indeedee—previously deep in meditation—suddenly opened her eyes, tilting her head in confusion at Mewtwo.
"Nothing," Mewtwo replied, shaking its head. A single finger touched Indeedee's forehead.
"In wild battles, Psychic power isn't just for direct attacks. There are subtler applications."
"The simplest and most practical? Lulling opponents into slumber—effortlessly neutralizing entire groups with no defense."
"So focus your meditation on expanding the range of your Hypnosis. That will be your goal."
"Um!"
Indeedee nodded vigorously, closing her eyes once more under Mewtwo's guidance.
Soon, a drowsy energy began radiating outward from the Psychic Terrain spreading beneath her feet.
On the other side of the gate, Miraidon—who had been curiously observing its surroundings—suddenly found its eyelids growing heavy under the influence.
"Gaaao…"
It had already slept plenty today…
But… a little more couldn't hurt, right?
How nice. Everyone had their own training regimen—while it felt like an outsider dragon.
Miraidon's mood turned oddly wistful… until it glanced to the side.
Wait—it wasn't the only one left out.
Its gaze drifted to the training lawn, where a heavily armored Dragon-type moved with visible difficulty, watching its companions with unmistakable envy.
Poor thing. But—
Until it completed its growth and evolved, rigorous training wouldn't mean much.
Not that it was any of Miraidon's concern.
Just as Miraidon's eyes began to droop shut…
A stranger appeared at the gates of Sunshine Gym.
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