"It's over... the battle is finally over."
Resting her hand on Hakuya's shoulder, Zinnia revealed a blissful smile.
No one understood the destructive power of the two super-ancient Pokémon better than this young girl of the Draconid people.
And now, exactly as Hakuya had predicted, even without the Lord Dragon God's help, they had managed to repel Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, protecting this place that was on the verge of destruction. It was truly unimaginable.
"Yeah. Although the process was a bit grueling, it can indeed be considered a perfect and complete ending."
Hakuya smiled and nodded in response.
He could understand Zinnia's feelings at this moment.
The Draconids had always believed in prophecies and destiny.
This battle against the two super-ancient Pokémon undoubtedly delivered a massive emotional impact and shock to this wild girl's heart.
And feeling that before their strength recovered to its peak, the 'fat fish' and the 'flightless lizard' likely wouldn't come out to stir up trouble again anytime soon.
With the matter of Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre temporarily settled, Zinnia remembered something else.
—According to the prophecy, in the near future, the Hoenn region would be struck by a super-massive meteorite.
"Compared to the conflict between the two super-ancient Pokémon, that matter is indeed a bit more troublesome."
Hakuya expressed that he could deeply empathize with the wild girl's worries.
In the original game, that super-massive meteorite was described as being ten kilometers in diameter—a terrifying disaster capable of destroying the earth.
To successfully resolve the crisis, one not only needed the offensive power to instantly destroy a meteorite of such massive scale, but also the ability to survive in the vacuum of outer space. Furthermore, it was highly likely one would have to battle Deoxys, who would be plummeting along with the meteorite. Aside from Rayquaza and a few other Legendary beasts, Hakuya couldn't think of anyone else capable of handling it.
However... although Rayquaza was gone in reality, he could just run into the Easter Egg Dungeon and catch one, couldn't he?
Thinking of this, the corners of Hakuya's mouth couldn't help but curl up into a delighted arc.
Everyone has their specialties. Besides being an expert at beating up Kyogre and Groudon, Rayquaza was also top-tier when it came to shattering meteorites from outer space with [Dragon Ascent] and battling the space virus Deoxys.
As long as he completed the Easter Egg Dungeon and caught a Mega-green-caterpillar, the problem would be solved perfectly.
"Don't worry, I'll make a special trip to help you. And we'll have even stronger external backup when the time comes. Resolving that meteor crisis shouldn't be a difficult task."
Hakuya smiled slightly at the girl before him, his tone carrying his usual calm confidence.
"Mhm... okay, I believe you."
Zinnia blanked for a moment, then nodded without hesitation.
She didn't doubt the authenticity of Hakuya's words in the slightest.
Although according to the prophecy made by the Draconids, resolving the future meteor crisis could only be achieved by relying on a Mega-evolved Rayquaza... after spending this time together, Zinnia knew Hakuya wasn't someone who made empty boasts.
They had just set the precedent of working together to repel the two super-ancient Pokémon not long ago. By the same logic, perhaps they wouldn't need to trouble the Lord Dragon God for the meteor crisis either; perhaps they could resolve it relying on their own power?
Zinnia didn't know who exactly the "strong external backup" Hakuya mentioned was.
But those words of his were so firm and resolute, brimming with a strong—perhaps even absolute—confidence, that this dashing, wild girl couldn't help but smile, choosing to believe in Hakuya unconditionally.
To believe... to believe doesn't require a reason. — Although this phrase was a bit too abstract and nonsensical, sounding highly idealistic and groundless, Zinnia felt it suited Hakuya perfectly. Hakuya—who bore the marks of blessings from multiple deities, who was both the Avatar of Dragons and a Dragonslayer—was inherently an existence even more unreasonable than that phrase itself.
And while Hakuya and Zinnia were chatting happily, on the other side, Roxanne—who hadn't found an opportunity to interject into the conversation the entire time—pursed her lips. Her small, black leather shoes wrapping her slender pink feet tapped the ground unconsciously, and a sudden, inexplicable surge of irritability welled up in her heart.
For no other reason than the sense of crisis Zinnia brought her was simply far too immense.
Roxanne lowered her head and repeatedly compared their respective "scales." Upon realizing she could easily see her own toes, she knew she had lost utterly and miserably, completely outclassed with absolutely no way to fight back—
"Ah... I almost forgot to introduce you two."
Seemingly noticing the resentful gaze beside him, Hakuya slapped his forehead, finally realizing it.
He had been so focused on chatting with the wild girl Zinnia that he accidentally forgot Roxanne was standing right next to them.
"This is the Gym Leader of Rustboro City, Ms. Roxanne."
"Hello. Nice to meet you. My name is Zinnia."
Zinnia gently tilted her head and smiled.
Although she removed her arm from around Hakuya's neck, she showed not the slightest intention of leaving. One hand was extended quite politely toward Roxanne, while the other still rested firmly on Hakuya's shoulder.
"Nice to meet you. Although Mr. Hakuya hasn't mentioned you before... for enthusiastically coming all the way from a distant town to lend a helping hand, both out of reason and emotion, Mr. Hakuya and I should express our sincere gratitude to you."
Roxanne's gaze swept imperceptibly over the wild girl's slender hand, and a moving smile subsequently blossomed on her face.
Caught right in the middle, Hakuya instinctively gulped.
Seemingly expressing her dissatisfaction with Zinnia hooking her arm around his neck earlier, Roxanne took advantage of the situation to grab his hand.
Coupled with her words, it inexplicably felt like an official girlfriend expressing gratitude to the 'other woman' who still harbored lingering feelings for her boyfriend.
Noticing Roxanne's little maneuver, Zinnia—who never liked taking a loss—furrowed her delicate brows, but the smile on her face grew even deeper.
"It was nothing, really. After all, Hakuya begged me over and over again to come help."
Zinnia merely chuckled lightly and waved her hand magnanimously.
Even though the truth was that she had been burning with anxiety to come over, her response now made it sound as if she couldn't refuse his graciousness, and was forced to come here after his repeated pleas for assistance.
"Speaking of which, didn't you, Zinnia, actively—"
"Hmm?"
Zinnia shot an embarrassed and angry glare at Hakuya, who was just about to speak beside her.
Of course she knew it was her own strong sense of justice and responsibility acting up, as well as her important duty as a Draconid... but the wars between girls often manifested in these minute details.
Actively coming to help certainly showcased her noble character, but if it was framed as Hakuya repeatedly begging her to come help, then the situation was completely different. That was a win! A massive win! An absolute victory, okay!
To prove her deep relationship with Hakuya, she directly linked her arm with his.
This action was highly effective.
Not only did Roxanne widen her eyes, but even Hakuya, feeling the soft sensation transmitted through his arm, blanked out for a moment. The words of complaint he was about to voice were instantly stuffed back down his throat.
If the former could only be considered 'xiaolongbao' (small steamed buns) that could be held in one hand, then the latter's weight class clearly far surpassed that. Not only was the tactile sensation wonderfully soft, but it also shifted freely with Zinnia's subtle movements, stirring up heart-stirring waves of snow.
Amidst his racing thoughts, Hakuya's heart was currently filled with more bewilderment than anything else.
Wait a minute, I'm clearly still single! Why do I have to deal with a Shura Field?!
"Hakuya, Gym Leader Roxanne, and Miss Zinnia. So this is where you all were~"
Fortunately, Steven, with his high EQ, arrived at this exact moment to bail him out.
Still dressed in his familiar, sharp suit, the Hoenn Champion and noble young master of the Devon Corporation bowed slightly, revealing his usual elegant and gentle smile.
"Thank you all for your hard work during the interception battle just now. Please rest and relax properly next."
"To express my personal gratitude, as well as the gratitude of the Hoenn League, I have already contacted the Devon Corporation in advance. The League will prepare a celebratory banquet for everyone who made outstanding contributions to this battle. I also hope you will all grace us with your presence..."
Due to Steven's intervention, the Shura Field—with its hidden needles pointing at wheat awns—instantly dissolved.
"Ahem... Alright. Thank you for your arrangements, Steven."
Roxanne coughed several times with a red face, recovering the steady elegance of a Gym Leader and school teacher.
Meanwhile, Zinnia released her slender hand holding Hakuya's arm and responded solemnly.
"Thank you very much for the invitation, Champion. However, I have other arrangements, so I will have to pass on the celebratory banquet for now."
To this, Steven nodded, indicating he understood.
As the Hoenn Champion and Wallace's good friend, he had a rough understanding of the Draconid people's affairs. He had no reason to stop them from guarding the Sky Pillar. He could only say it wouldn't be too late to invite her again next time he had the chance.
Having successfully survived the beginner-level Shura Field, Hakuya gave Steven a thumbs-up.
Treating us to a meal with your deep pockets is secondary; your timing to save the day was simply too perfect—
"Don't mention it. We're bros~"
Steven lowered his voice, smiling and nodding at Hakuya.
Standing on the sidelines, Wallace, who had also tagged along, revealed a highly interested smile, his heart burning fiercely with the desire to 'ship' them—gossip is the essence of humanity, especially when it involves a combination like Hakuya, Roxanne, and Zinnia, who all had wildly different styles yet possessed extremely high aesthetic value. Anyone who saw them couldn't help but take a few extra glances.
As for Lance, who had also rushed over upon hearing the news, he rubbed his chin and fell into brief thought.
He didn't expect that Hakuya—who barely blinked an eye when facing Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre—would actually reveal such a bewildered and helpless expression when tightly surrounded by Roxanne and Zinnia.
Is the combined power of two girls truly that massive?
The Dragon Master, who had been single for over twenty years, furrowed his brow, unable to figure it out for a moment. But in the end, he inexplicably had a premonition that dealing with girls might be far more troublesome than Pokémon battles.
As expected...
I think I'll just spend the rest of my life with my Dragonite and the others.
Having made up his mind, Lance turned to look at the Dragon army behind him.
"Roar~"
The three honest and adorable Dragonite met their Trainer's gaze with confusion and bewilderment.