Chapter 0679: The Eon Flute and Latias(Two-in-One)

"It's for safety reasons," Natsume said with complete seriousness. "I strongly recommend Trainers equip guardrail-like mounts when riding flying partners!"

Soaring through the sky on a Pokémon might look cool, but the psychological pressure was immense. One glance down at the dizzying heights was enough to make anyone's heart race.

That was why Natsume's ideal flying mounts either had guardrail-like riding gear—like Alola's Charizard—or were naturally broad-backed with built-in wind barriers, like Reshiram.

As for Red's Aerodactyl, which carried him by his backpack straps, or Gold's Mantine, which used a pool cue as a makeshift glider frame...

Just looking at those made Natsume break out in a cold sweat!

Natsume wasn't nearly as daring as Red or as reckless as Gold, so choosing the right flying partner was crucial.

And then there was Latias—

With its streamlined body, jet-like speed, and short, balanced wings perfect for tight turns, rapid ascents, and high-speed dives, it was a marvel of aerial agility. Its glass-like feathers could even refract light, rendering both itself and its rider invisible.

A drop of sweat rolled down Natsume's temple as he imagined himself clinging desperately to Latias' neck while hurtling through the sky.

Don't get me wrong—I've got a soft spot for Latias, especially after the movie Guardians of Altomare**.

But the problem is... Latias is just too good at flying!

Why couldn't Lance the Birdbrain have recommended something like Tropius or Drifblim—a nice, elderly flying mount?

Instead, he throws me straight into a fighter jet?!

Miss Joy studied Natsume's pensive expression and assumed he was just making excuses.

He didn’t want to play the [Eon Flute] because it was her treasure—a Champion’s humility keeping him from taking what wasn’t his.

That was the sincerity and kindness of a true Champion.

A small smile touched Miss Joy’s lips as she glanced toward Latias, her eyes flickering.

Latias wants to battle like its brother... but I can’t give it that opportunity.

Yet here stands a Trainer worthy of trust.

Whether through past encounters or today’s conversation, Natsume has already earned my approval. Now, it’s up to Latias...

"I have just one request," Miss Joy said softly, extending the delicate flute in her palm. "Please play this flute. Consider it my personal wish."

Through its melody, Latias would glimpse his heart...

"So this is the evaluation Lance mentioned?" Natsume rubbed his temples.

"You could say that," Miss Joy replied with a smile.

Natsume had assumed the test would involve wild battles or inspection skills. Instead, he was being handed a flute.

He took the Eon Flute, turning it over in his hands. This is how they test Executives?

"Don’t worry—I’ve cleaned and disinfected it," Miss Joy added, noticing his hesitation.

Natsume’s eyebrow twitched.

That just makes me more suspicious!

After a quick Aura scan confirmed no foul play, Natsume hesitated.

Failing the evaluation wouldn’t be the worst outcome...

Natsume wasn’t arrogant enough to think a Legendary Pokémon would take one look at him and pledge loyalty.

And given that the Tree of Beginning had labeled him the "World’s Calamity," who knew what kind of melody would pour out of him?

He brought the flute to his lips. "Just this one test?"

"Yes."

"And this thing really reflects a person’s soul?"

"That’s what the old woman in Hoenn claimed..."

The Pokémon world did have plenty of items that revealed one’s inner self—Celestial Tower’s bells, the Light and Dark Stones that embodied truth and ideals...

Natsume wasn’t unfamiliar with them. Still, skepticism lingered.

What if the melody’s beautiful, but the heart behind it is rotten?

With that thought, he launched into "Castle in the Sky," playing the Eon Flute with deliberate imperfection.

The soothing melody filled the room, and Meloetta’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. Soon, it was floating in midair, swaying gently to the rhythm.

Miss Joy watched the black-haired young man, surprise flickering in her gaze before she settled into quiet listening.

The notes rose and fell like a castle drifting among clouds, fading into mist.

"Latias..." Latias stared at Natsume, then closed its eyes, tapping into its Telepathy.

A vision unfolded—a starry sky, a brilliant comet streaking across the night.

Through the melody, Latias felt a connection, recalling a scene from a year ago:

Jirachi playing beneath the stars, Haunter and Squirtle splashing in a stream.

Natsume, playing this very song, Eevee nestled against him under the silver moonlight.

The human’s thoughts echoed clearly:

"I want to stay with them forever."

Though the flute’s technique was flawed, the emotion was real—a sky full of stars, boundless in meaning.

Latias opened its eyes, a soft glow in its gaze.

Now I understand why Miss Joy speaks so highly of him...

Meanwhile, Natsume had figured out the flute’s trick.

Even if his playing was imperfect, the flute itself adjusted to reflect the player’s heart.

No big deal.

Just as he was about to stop, Meloetta floated over, resting a small hand on his shoulder.

"Meloetta~"

Instantly, the Eon Flute resonated with its pulse—every note now perfect, the melody ethereal.

No skill was needed; the music flowed effortlessly.

Natsume’s eyes widened mid-song.

Oh no—I forgot about Meloetta!

Trying to fake it? Not with this little cheat around!

As the final note faded, three radiant beams of light erupted in the silent room.

As the last note faded, three brilliant beams of light erupted in the silent room.

Miss Joy, still immersed in the melody, blinked in surprise at the white glow.

"Three...?"

There should only have been one Latias present!

As the light subsided, three Pokémon now faced each other in the room.

Natsume stared in astonishment at the streamlined red-and-white figure hovering midair, its glass-like feathers shimmering as amber eyes gleamed with curiosity.

Miss Joy's gaze darted between the two additional Pokémon flanking Natsume.

Victini munching on a cookie, crumbs dusting its cheeks as it studied Latias with interest.

The other - the elegant Meloetta - floated gracefully with a self-satisfied "you're welcome" expression.

As a senior League inspector, Miss Joy immediately recognized them -

Mythical Pokémon from Unova?

Two of them... traveling with Natsume?!

"Was Latias invisible in here this whole time?" Natsume asked incredulously.

Latias' light-refracting feathers had concealed it perfectly from Natsume's unaided senses - a true stealth fighter evading detection.

"Your Pokémon... were doing the same, weren't they?" Miss Joy pressed her lips together.

No wonder Natsume claimed expertise with Legendaries. Carrying two Mythical Pokémon as companions defied all conventional understanding...

Her gaze shifted to the visibly intrigued Latias.

And soon, there might be one more Legendary joining his entourage.

"These little ones are shy, so they usually stay invisible," Natsume explained, ruffling Victini's fur as it scrambled onto his head. "The music must have relaxed them enough to... ouch, V, stop pulling my hair!"

"Victini~" Victini flashed a V-sign with its tiny fangs.

Natsume's expression became complicated.

So this is the price of "never knowing defeat" - going bald?!

Please let Victini's Victory Star accuracy boost not apply to hair pulling...

"Latias revealed itself after sensing the emotions in your melody," Miss Joy said, stroking Latias' forehead before turning serious. "Natsume-sensei, I want you to take Latias with you to evaluate Kanto's Gyms. This is its wish too. Please!"

Natsume fell silent.

Those emotions in the music... was that Meloetta's doing?

Or perhaps the Eon Flute's magic made me recall that Tanabata night under the stars...

That moment with the little ones was the closest thing to "infinity" I've known.

He suddenly missed Jirachi dearly - maybe Hoopa could summon it? With Jirachi, Meloetta, Togepi, Victini and Mew...

Regarding Miss Joy's request, Natsume cared more about Latias' own will.

The Eon Flute was just a medium - forming bonds took time. It'd be perfectly normal if Latias didn't want to follow a near-stranger.

Yet when he met Latias' amber gaze, a childlike voice echoed in his mind through their faint psychic link.

"Joy says you're a good person."

Through The Power of One, Natsume perceived a dim thread connecting them - far weaker than his vibrant bonds with Victini and Meloetta.

'How do you know I'm good?' he teased mentally.

Latias pondered seriously before retorting:

"Because I heard Eevee and Jirachi say so!"

Natsume realized Latias had glimpsed his memories - just like its movie counterpart's abilities. Judging by its voice, this Latias was quite young, likely taking a little girl's form if it transformed.

'You should stay with Miss Joy,' Natsume replied. 'My journey's dangerous - we might run into real heavyweights.'

Hoenn's slumbering Groudon and Kyogre could Primal Revert - their mere awakening once wiped out Hoenn's League before Celebi rewrote history. The odds were slim... but never zero.

Latias' eyes sparkled with excitement.

"That sounds fun~"

Natsume: "..."

If Latias follows me... who knows what trouble we'll stir up.

"I'll fulfill my inspector duties seriously," Natsume said aloud, returning the Eon Flute. "You should keep this."

"But... Latias..." Miss Joy hesitated.

"If it wants, it can observe some Gym evaluations first before deciding," Natsume offered.

After a silent exchange, Latias faded into invisibility beside Natsume, nodding at Miss Joy.

Through the flute's vision, Latias had grown curious about this Trainer. Battles would reveal his true nature best.

Miss Joy smiled like a mother entrusting her child to good hands, the flute glowing faintly.

"I'm going now," Latias announced mentally.

'Tell me about your travels,' Joy replied.

"I will!" Latias huffed. "Don't cry secretly! I'll be back soon!"

'More like getting sent back,' Joy teased.

Latias made a fierce face before vanishing completely.

"Natsume-sensei!" Miss Joy called as they parted. "Latias comes and goes unpredictably... please take the flute."

Natsume shook his head. "This belongs to you two. I've other ways to communicate with it."

Watching him leave, Miss Joy felt moved. Perhaps beyond coveted treasures, he pursued something greater...

Natsume: "...So uh, how do we open this door?"

Joy blinked before laughing. "Let me."

As the door opened, Natsume pondered the faint bond with Latias.

Every encounter breeds new connections.

Darkrai had bonded with Alicia centuries before opening up to him. Miss Joy and Latias shared a bond like Mewtwo and Blaine's.

Rather than capture, their relationship resembled teacher and student - showing Latias the beauty of battles.

And if riding becomes necessary...

First get permission, then commission proper flight gear.

"Since we're going to Hoenn anyway..." Natsume mused, stroking his chin.

Devon Corp could custom-make something... Maybe Steven will give me a discount!