"Sylveon~"
About half an hour later, Sylveon finally set down her brush, gazing proudly at her "masterpiece."
Aiden, who'd silently watched her paint the entire time, nodded approvingly at the finished work.
Honestly—Sylveon's artistic talent was undeniable.
Her drawing felt alive, and the Rayquaza she depicted radiated the majestic aura of a true Legendary, even on paper.
Compared to her earlier sketches, her progress was striking.
Over the past year, those fateful encounters with Rayquaza had deepened her understanding—yet something was always missing… until today.
Witnessing Rayquaza's perfect form had completed the final stroke.
On the page, the black Rayquaza's crimson eyes—devoid of emotion—somehow felt like they were watching you, judging you silently.
The idiom "adding the pupils to the dragon's eyes" couldn't describe this painting better.
No wonder the world-renowned painter Smeargle had personally taught her Sketch in Lumiose City.
In a way, this tiny Eevee might owe Smeargle almost as much as she owed Aiden…
Okay, fine—maybe just as much!
"I never imagined your Sylveon had such talent, Aiden."
Larry spoke with genuine admiration, recalling last year's Dragon Master Tournament.
Clearly, Aiden shares a bond with that black Rayquaza—even if he doesn't understand it himself.
During the half-hour Sylveon painted, Rayquaza had stayed completely still—like a professional model—letting her finish undisturbed.
It had noticed them from the start… and didn't mind being seen.
After nearly a year of guarding Area Zero, Larry had barely glimpsed Rayquaza's face. It always vanished into the clouds post-battle, leaving only a white contrail.
If it's this patient with humans… could it at least be friendlier to its "ally"?
Larry sighed, rubbing his temples.
"Auction it?" Aiden blinked, looking at Sylveon—who was still lost in her artwork's bliss.
Her radiant joy said it all: she loved this piece.
"Hm…" Aiden decided, "let's not. This painting means too much to Sylveon. I'll keep it as Sunshine Gym's treasure."
"I see." Larry nodded, unsurprised. He'd only been joking anyway.
More importantly—
"Aiden… no, 'Teacher Azure' fits better now."
Larry's tone shifted. When Aiden turned, he met Larry's accusing stare.
"Teacher Azure… forget your battle videos for a sec. Didn't you start another wildly popular series?"
"Your 'Mythology Explained' series—why haven't you updated since Mewtwo in February?!"
Though his eyes held playful resentment, Larry's voice was teasing.
Uh-oh.
As a notorious "streaky" streamer, Aiden's heart skipped a beat—guilt flashing across his face.
Wait—Mr. Larry's my fan?!
And he's hurrying me for updates irl?!
True, it'd been two months since the Mewtwo episode. So much had happened, he'd almost forgotten.
But why bring it up now?
Beyond nagging… Larry was hinting.
Right here, right now—a living Legendary awaits.
Revealing black Rayquaza could rewrite everyone's understanding of the "Sky Lord":
- It's not a lone entity—a species.
- It can Mega Evolve autonomously, unlocking power beyond myths.
Even Hoenn's scattered "Meteorite People" likely only knew legends—never witnessed its true might.
But Aiden's real reason for agreeing ran deeper.
To Paldea, this black Rayquaza was a true hero—single-handedly suppressing Area Zero's Paradox chaos, buying the region time to recover.
Yet it received no recognition. Few even knew it existed.
If not for Geeta and Larry "tricking" him into coming, Aiden might never have learned its sacrifices—or understood its presence.
Geeta probably hid it to protect Rayquaza… or to shield Paldeans from its overwhelming power.
Aiden wouldn't question her judgment. But now that he knew?
He had to thank Rayquaza his way.
If the League couldn't go public… maybe he, as Paldea's top streamer, could make the truth palatable.
Ah—so this was your plan all along, President Geeta!
Aiden waved cheerfully at the still-hovering Rayquaza.
No response—but he'd take it as consent!
He whipped out his Rotom Phone, snapping photos of the Guardian.
Way better than drawing!
After capturing dozens of shots, Aiden grinned.
But when he looked up to thank Rayquaza—
—it was gone.
…
Despite the morning's whirlwind—
- bankrupting Larry at Treasure Eatery,
- battling Roaring Moon,
- witnessing Mega Rayquaza—
—it was only 2 PM when Aiden returned to Sunshine Gym.
Peak visiting hours… but Nemona and Mewtwo had already started challenges. Students were glued to the battlefield.
Some even averted their eyes guiltily when they saw Aiden.
Since debuting his "Elite Four mode," he'd traumatized weaker students so badly, they couldn't even muster the courage to challenge him now.
Aiden welcomed the quiet. He retreated to his room, booted his computer, and muttered:
"If all goes well, I'll lead a team into Area Zero after July's Victory Road."
"From the Paradox Pokémon's tactics, they've developed hive intelligence—even sending waves to test Rayquaza's limits. No wonder Geeta's stressed."
"But Ancient and Future forms should be mortal enemies. That Great Tusk/Iron Treads pair in the desert? A miracle."
"So the likelier truth…"
"A 'King'-class Paradox Pokémon rules Area Zero's depths—uniting these beasts through sheer strength."
Aiden whistled.
Only one creature fit that description:
The primal Guardian Dragon from Scarlet/Violet's postgame—the one that maimed Miraidon and forced it to flee Area Zero.
"To end this… I'll need to defeat it."
"…Do I have what it takes?"
His team was strong:
- Sylveon—Dragon-slayer with illegal Sketch moves
- Lucario—Mega master of Unseen Fist and Urshifu's arts
- Ogerpon—mask-swapping powerhouse
- Indeedee—Psychic Terrain disruptor
- Shelgon—future ace.
Even without Mewtwo, they could fight Paradox Pokémon.
But against a coordinated swarm led by a hidden "King"?
I'd be the weak link.
"…Guess I'll start Saitama's training too?"
Aiden sighed, standing to run 10km—
—when his shadow rustled.
It rippled, blurred… then crimson eyes glowed in its center.
Marshadow—vanished since their first meeting—had returned.
"Fear not, Rainbow Hero."
Marshadow emerged, voice unusually respectful—even using "Rainbow Hero" as an honorific.
"As the Shadow Instructor for the Ho-Oh Trial, protecting you is my duty."
Lie.
If the Rainbow Hero truly needed a bodyguard, Marshadow would've been exposed ages ago.
But why protect Aiden? Simple:
Ho-Oh's taste in heroes is TOO GOOD.
This "Aiden" wasn't just some random kid. His Gym housed monsters—and that black Rayquaza?
Rayquaza—the deity tasked with pummeling Groudon/Kyogre into submission—showed Aiden undeserved patience. Almost… favoritism.
Clearly, multiple Legendaries had marked him.
Marshadow now regretted its initial rudeness.
Repenting! Please spare me!
Must befriend this Rainbow Hero!
"…"
Aiden had nearly forgotten Marshadow was with him.
But a powerful Mythical as a bodyguard? He'd take it.
"Thanks, Marshadow."
He reached out—instinctively using his "Eevee head-pat" technique.
Marshadow trembled… but didn't pull away.
"One more thing…"
"I couldn't contact Entei, one of the Three Beasts, stalling Ho-Oh's trial."
"But just now, I summoned them to Paldea. They'll arrive soon."
"Prove your strength, earn their approval—and complete the first trial."
"Got it." Aiden nodded.
The Three Beasts…
Classified as "Tier 2 Legendaries," they weren't overly powerful.
But more importantly—
They're perfect for a "Johto Prologue" video!
Video footage +1~
Thanks, Marshadow!
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