Chapter 0694: The Battle’s End, Signature Move!(Two-in-One)

Twenty hours after the awakening of Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, the incident finally subsided.

According to energy tracing by the Emergency Response HQ, the Hoenn duo had returned to Mt. Chimney and Seafloor Cavern and fallen back into slumber.

During this incident, Hoenn’s two Champions, Steven and Wallace, both demonstrated the true strength and conviction of a Champion.

Across battlefields east and west, Gym Leaders and Trainers coordinated efforts, securing precious time for the evacuation of disaster victims along the way.

The above is the official report from the Hoenn League regarding the incident.

And in this report, the contributions of one particular Champion stand out above all.

With Mega Blastoise, the Origin Pulse of Primal Kyogre was shattered;

With Mega Tyranitar, the blockade of The End Land was broken;

Regigigas was commanded, defeating Primal Groudon head-on; and, by sheer force, the fighting between the Hoenn duo was brought to a halt (by physical persuasion).

This particular report is never meant for the public, since it involves a great number of legendary Pokémon, and even relates to Natsume-sensei’s trump cards…

Yet none of that stopped the Hoenn President, on the very night communication was restored with Mauville Radio, from immediately announcing the news of 'victory.'

"This is not the victory of any single Trainer. This is a victory that belongs to the entire Hoenn League. You protected your partners, protected your families, protected your homes..."

The floodwaters receded, the land cracked, and cities awaited rebuilding.

In the underground shelters of Mauville City, people listened to the radio, hope sparking in their eyes.

"And so, allow me, on behalf of the Hoenn League, to salute a noble Champion. Natsume-sensei, Natsume-sensei held back both Kyogre and Groudon, united the strength of all, and quelled the conflict between two ancient Pokémon creatures..."

"This is the close of a disaster, the triumph of heroes, the beginning of new advances..."

In a broadcast that lasted a full hour, names like Wallace, Steven, Red were mentioned... For various reasons, much less of Natsume was said, and his role could easily be glossed over.

But that hardly mattered to the former Team Magma underlings, Team Aqua members, and Trainer academy students—for when they heard Natsume-sensei’s name on the broadcast, a faint light kindled in their eyes.

A Champion does not exist because of disaster; a Champion forever races toward disaster.

Beyond strength, bonds, and passion, a real Champion may have much more to carry.

And Natsume-sensei, ever present all across Sinnoh and Unova as well, single-handedly opposing the Hoenn duo, is truly worthy of the title 'Champion'!

"That's what I heard on the radio program."

The Renovation Captain—Hoenn Form—gripped Natsume’s hand, his voice trembling: "You are a Champion!"

"No... You’ve got the wrong person."

Natsume replied calmly, "I'm a chef."

Renovation Captain: ?

Cynthia hid a smile behind her hand, standing in the night where the shadows of mountains blurred, as if she were a gemstone of golden amber glowing on its own.

Natsume felt his fatigue dissolve as well.

Renovation Captain undertook the repairs on his behalf, promising the work would be finished within a day.

His siblings would also arrive from different regions, all offering discount rates to help with Hoenn’s reconstruction.

"Siblings!?" Natsume exclaimed.

"When trouble strikes one, help comes from many directions."

The Renovation Captain grinned. "We’ve all received your help in the past—it's only right to uphold the spirit you’ve shown us."

Natsume gripped his hand firmly, moved.

The Renovation Captain really was a good person. Probably like the Joy and Jenny families, specializing in infrastructure across the Pokémon world...

And with the manor of Moe-Moe! needing rebuilding—

Tonight would be spent at the Devon Corporation’s hotel in Rustboro City.

On the way back, Rotom cocked its head, "Beep… Only Alola remains uncompleted, Rotom!"

"What do you mean?" Cynthia asked curiously.

"It means... I haven’t collected all the Pokédex data from Alola yet."

Cynthia nodded gently, then frowned slightly, her beautiful features turning grave:

"Hoenn Region—what exactly happened here?"

"Steven hasn’t told you yet?"

Steven had originally intended to brief the Gym Leaders on the giant Meteorite at tonight’s banquet.

Unlike the meteorite in the games, the risk posed by this one is a bit less. But it’s still enough to wipe out the entire Hoenn Region.

Cynthia nodded. "Not yet."

Natsume offered a brief summary of the Meteorite incident, explaining that he would go to Sky Pillar with Steven and Norman first thing in the morning.

"You don’t need to come with me."

Seeing Cynthia’s desire, Natsume replied seriously:

"I worry about you. And I’m afraid I’d get distracted."

It was the truth. As a Champion-level force, Cynthia’s strength was undeniable. But Natsume’s focus could be easily shattered.

His wife was too beautiful; if he lost concentration even for a moment, he’d be lost—simply couldn’t help it...

Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, considering, "Are you planning to summon another legendary Pokémon on the same level as Rayquaza?"

Natsume was startled. "How did you know?"

Cynthia narrowed her beautiful eyes at Natsume, and her gaze sent a chill up his spine.

Natsume lifted a cautious smile.

"Never mind." Cynthia tucked her golden hair behind her ear and sighed lightly, "I won’t interfere with you and Steven..."

Natsume: ?

"With his help taking care of things, I shouldn’t need to worry."

Cynthia folded her arms, serene. "I’ll head back to Sinnoh first thing in the morning. I still have paperwork waiting for me."

I can already sense the waves of indignation...

From Natsume’s perspective—Steven and Norman injured? That’s fine. Moe-Moe! getting hurt? Absolutely not.

Call it old-fashioned, but he really wasn’t sure he could persuade Rayquaza...

"Sorry," Natsume bowed his head sincerely, "I overlooked your feelings. Next time, I’ll let you know before I take action!"

"Next time?" Cynthia glanced at him.

Natsume lapsed into silence.

Next time could be anytime—and by then she’d probably already be back in Kalos.

And the perilous Sky Pillar... would need to be faced alone.

"That’s right..." Natsume said with difficulty. "Next time."

Cynthia gazed deeply at him for a long time, then extended a black-sleeved hand and gently traced along Natsume’s chin.

Natsume felt the delicate touch on his cheek, lost in thought.

"I should be the one apologizing."

From under her golden hair, Cynthia’s eyes shimmered, her slender fingers tracing the new, unshaven stubble on his chin, and her gaze softened as she met his eyes. "Holding off Kyogre and Groudon—it must have been incredibly tough..."

The evening breeze lingered, Cynthia’s golden hair billowed, and as Natsume stared at her dazzling lips, he took her delicate hand and leaned in for a kiss.

Cynthia wrapped both arms around his shoulders, and tipped back her noble, beautiful, and slightly tired face.

Having rushed straight from Sinnoh, her experience atop Garchomp’s back was as bleak as any Hoenn battlefield.

In her deep worry and urgency, she managed to reach him, offering a radiant, gentle smile that warmed his heart.

Natsume kissed a little softer, but Cynthia’s arms tightened around his neck.

A petal of cool, tender, passionate affection.

Distant mountains faded, the night deepened.

The flightless one and the big fish were dozing in their dens.

Starlight rose, illuminating a weary but peaceful home.

……

Rustboro City, Budew Hotel.

Despite being a high-end suite, the wide room sensibly contained just one bed.

Natsume blinked.

It seemed the wish to fall asleep cuddling Moe-Moe! had come true...

Reining himself in, Natsume coughed quietly.

Sweet victory milk was a bad idea!

Just as Cynthia said, she’d have to dash back to the Sinnoh League the following morning for official duties.

Natsume considered suggesting a day’s rest with Lucian covering for her... but thought better of it.

First, he felt for Lucian.

Second, Cynthia bore the duties and conviction of the Sinnoh Champion, and he really had no business interfering.

Cynthia swapped out of her black trench coat, slipped on a white T-shirt that softened her figure, and five-inch shorts, revealing smooth, slender legs.

Her golden hair fell all the way to her waist. Dressed like this, Cynthia radiated energy—it was as if the distant, high Champion had become the girl next door.

"Whew—whew!" Cynthia was barefoot, jumping on the carpet, setting up a flatscreen and a handheld console.

"What are you doing?" Natsume asked.

"Testing the carpet’s quality," Cynthia replied.

"Be serious."

"Fitness game... Want to join?" Cynthia handed him a controller.

As Natsume glanced at the TV, he noticed a '2P' Togepi bouncing along with Cynthia.

"Togepi doo-ee~ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ" The little eggshell hopped and spun.

"I’ll pass on fighting Togepi for this one."

Natsume said, "Let me release Tyranitar from her Poké Ball. Just—don’t let her play... I don’t want the hotel collapsing."

"Okay." Cynthia tilted her head. "Come to think of it... I’ve never seen Tyranitar since it evolved."

"It’s grown up."

Natsume said, both weary and proud, "And can still eat as much as ever!"

A red beam shot from the Dusk Ball. With a thud, Tyranitar landed, tossing Its head in a mighty roar, already prepared to kick up sand!

"Calm! No indoor Sand Stream or else no chips for a day!" Natsume warned.

"Bangi..."

Tyranitar deflated, rubbing her head.

Cynthia cupped her chin, studying Tyranitar up and down. "Not bad... Your breeding is impressive!"

"It ate a whole lot of ores, plus fought Primal Groudon for control of the weather..." Natsume said. "Improvement—Extreme Speed!"

Tyranitar’s top strat role is, obviously, to take over the weather—guys like Raihan just can’t compare.

Sure, not enough for a Champion, but certainly for the Elite Four.

Of course... ever since evolving, Natsume’s Tyranitar has sent food bills through the roof again!

"Bangi!" Came the sound of chips being crunched.

Tyranitar sat beside the coffee table, happily munching, watching Togepi play the game.

Natsume paused.

Cynthia murmured in surprise, "it temperament doesn’t seem very fierce."

Natsume: "Well... she’s rather cute, if anything."

Cute... Tyranitar?

Something must have gone wrong.

"Bangi~" Tyranitar chewed on her favorite chips, grinning with childlike delight.

But that was fine, too.

Natsume stroked his chin.

After all, Tyranitar isn’t even a year old... Compared with Victini in the hundreds or Mew in the thousands, who isn’t a rookie here!?

"So... bringing Tyranitar to fight the Baby Cup is perfectly reasonable!" Natsume muttered.

With the room so big, Cynthia had let out her little ones from their Poké Balls.

Lucario was aloof as ever, squinting red eyes scanning the room. Then he jolted, cold sweat breaking out on his brow!

"Blastoise…ヾ(■_■)" Blastoise had appeared right in front of him, all humility.

"Senior... There’s an Aura thing I was hoping you could advise me on..."

"Lucario..." Lucario swallowed.

Blastoise had appeared—he hadn’t sensed her aura at all!

Lucario studied Blastoise carefully, looking puzzled.

This guy, to be so cautious, was masking all trace of aura!?

"Lucario..." Lucario shook his head.

I have nothing left to teach...

"Blastoise." Blastoise sighed.

It seems I’m still not strong enough for Lucario to share his secrets.

A steely gleam flashed in Blastoise’s eyes.

I have to get stronger, so I can serve my trainer!

"Latias~" Latias arched her eyes, playing midair with Cynthia’s Togekiss.

Sylveon looked savage, fur bristling as she squabbled with Glaceon: "Sylveon~(#｀皿′)"

Glaceon was blushing and—maybe—looking pleased: "Glaceon~(′▽`〃)"

Natsume: "......"

Orange flags flying? Girl X-on-Sister?

Natsume shook his head. Once back in Lumiose City, he’d have to give some attention to the Pixie Plate.

With the next round of team tournaments, there was bound to be an earthquake in the rankings...

Enjoying these moments of peace, Natsume rose to the kitchen to prepare a snack, and received a call from Silver.

"Natsume-sensei," Silver said, "I’m over at the Pokémon Center... My father asked me to pass something on."

Natsume quickly let Cynthia know, then hurried to the Pokémon Center, where he found the red-haired young man in black, scrolling on his phone.

"Silver!" Natsume called, approaching him. "Your father already left Hoenn?"

Silver shook his head. "He said there’s still business to handle here."

Maybe expanding Rocket Delivery to Hoenn, Natsume mused—

Or maybe Boss Giovanni wants to challenge Red for the last time...

Natsume wished him luck and watched as Silver handed him a wooden box, surprised. "What’s this?"

"A token of appreciation from my father."

Silver’s face didn’t budge. "He doesn’t like owing people. Consider this his thank-you gift."

Natsume gazed up at the sky.

Whenever a battle wraps up, Boss Giovanni seems to be first to hand out bonuses.

Last time it was a Smooth Rock for Tyranitar—maybe this time it’ll be another stone...

Natsume said nothing, opening the box, his face lit by a glow within.

For a moment, Natsume’s eyes went wide in shock.

"That’s a Red Orb and Blue Orb fragment."

Silver explained, "Supposedly... they contain some of Groudon and Kyogre’s power. But my father never said what to do with them."

"No matter."

Natsume regained his composure. "I already know how to use these two fragments."

"Alright." Silver nodded. "I’m sure you’ll make good use of their strength."

A complete Orb could even control Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre.

A signature move can be seen as the symbol of a legendary Pokémon—it's the very core of their true power.

And these Orb fragments, right in front of him—are the very heart of both powers!

Natsume felt a swirl of emotions.

These weren’t just an indigo fragment and a crimson fragment...

They were Technical Machines—

Origin Pulse, Precipice Blades!