June 1st, Monday
June arrived. Temperatures climbed. Summer's breath warmed the air.
Today, lounging outside Sunshine Gym in blissful "retirement," Aiden suddenly recalled something—
Hadn't he promised Marshadow to begin the Rainbow Trial immediately upon returning to Paldea?
Yet a full week had passed… and he'd completely forgotten.
Naturally—while he bore 1% responsibility… wasn't Marshadow, the examiner, 99% at fault for not reminding him?!
Aiden slapped his thigh. He turned to the shadow cast by the sun at his feet.
"Marshadow—are you there?"
As if summoned, the placid shadow rippled violently. A pitch-black head with signature crimson eyes emerged.
"What is it, Rainbow Hero?"
Marshadow's gaze held a faint panic.
Last time Aiden called for it… the result was being forced to punch a deity in support of him. The memory still sent chills down its spine—
This time? A bad premonition prickled its fur.
Since witnessing this new Rainbow Hero's true strength, Marshadow genuinely considered resigning.
Even past "problematic" Heroes like Giovanni—who treated Ho-Oh lightly—operated within comprehensible bounds.
But Aiden? In one month, Marshadow had lost count of the Legendaries he'd casually encountered.
And the terrifying part——
Most—like the black Rayquaza, Sinnoh's trio of deities—seemed equal to its own Lord Ho-Oh——
Not to mention the legendary giant… and the faint, unmistakable aura of the Creator Deity itself.
Whose trial is this, really?!
Recalling recent events, Marshadow felt utterly numb.
Then—Aiden's next words struck like a Thunderbolt, launching it skyward:
"Nothing much. Just realized—I haven't completed the Rainbow Trial yet? The Three Beasts should've arrived in Paldea by now, right?"
Aiden smiled casually.
Marshadow instantly shot from the shadow, landing rigidly before him—expression grave.
Finally—the moment has come.
It had hoped the Rainbow Hero forgot. If it (and the Three Beasts) stayed hidden… perhaps they could delay indefinitely.
But no. He saw through it.
Thus—Marshadow bowed deeply, voice trembling with forced reverence:
"Yes, Rainbow Hero."
"Suicune, Entei, and Raikou have all reached Paldea. Shall we commence the Rainbow Trial now?"
Its eyes flicked nervously toward Pokémon inside the Gym. Thoughts racing:
If only the Three Beasts take the beating—
This examiner won't need to step in!
After all—they're "Sacred Beasts" bathed in Life Fire! A beating won't kill them!
"Mm——I do have reason to meet Ho-Oh eventually."
Aiden nodded.
Truthfully? The "Rainbow Hero" meant little now.
His "Arceus-Chosen" status was unmatched in the entire Pokémon world.
Compared to the Creator… Ho-Oh's tier felt… modest.
But becoming Rainbow Hero might grant an audience with Ho-Oh.
Ho-Oh and Lugia—though he knew their general whereabouts—approaching directly would yield nothing.
Past events in Johto drove these human-friendly legends into seclusion, and their sightings became rare myths.
Even when appearing to the worthy… merely fleeting glimpses.
As for the Three Beasts—
Childhood Aiden might've adored Suicune—elegant, powerful, aloof canine royalty.
But now? Everyone knows.
He cared far more whether their "Paradox forms" existed within Area Zero:
Walking Wake, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt.
Style and power.
Though how the "Ancient Three Beasts" and "Future Sword Trio" emerged… it was likely tied to that tiny turtle, Terapagos.
Games left it blank—pure player speculation.
Then—Aiden's eyes lit up.
!
What if… I bring the Three Beasts to meet their "relatives"?
Watching Suicune's face when facing its Paradox form? Priceless.
"I've changed my mind. Let's postpone the Rainbow Trial a while longer."
Marshadow froze mid-nod—utterly bewildered.
"I understand."
It accepted readily. More prep time for the Three Beasts? Perfect.
Yet… deep down, Marshadow wondered:
Who's truly examining whom here?
It feels like the Rainbow Hero's casually testing us.
—
Noon
Returning to his room for a nap, Aiden found Sylveon staring curiously at the Anywhere Door.
"Sylveon?"
When did a door appear in my room?
It hadn't seen it until Lucario walked through moments ago.
Sylveon's suspicion wavered—Aiden seemed unfazed. Am I imagining things?
"This door's magical, Sylveon."
Aiden smiled.
"Silently name your destination before opening it… and it'll transport you anywhere."
"Syl?! ∑(°△°)"
Sylveon recoiled—re-examining the ordinary wooden door.
But still saw nothing special.
But the Trainer said so… so must be true!
"Want to try?"
Seeing its fascination, Aiden offered gently.
"Sylveon!"
Sylveon nodded vigorously.
Sunshine Gym was wonderful—full of companions drawn by Trainer.
But two places haunted its heart:
First—Lumiose Museum. Would its "Perfect Dragon" sketch move Master Smeargle?
But beyond the master… a dearer friend awaited.
Mew.
Days since laughing, binge-watching shows with Mew. A sudden longing surged.
And Mew always visited here… Sylveon had never seen its home.
"Syl~"
Sylveon leaped onto the bed, ribbons coiling Aiden's wrist—tugging him up. Other ribbons tapped a wall covered in doodles.
One: a sketch of Mew, lovingly copied.
"You want me to take you to Mew?"
Aiden understood instantly. He ruffled its head.
"Syl~"
Sylveon nodded like a woodpecker.
Perfect question.
Few in the world knew Mew's dwelling—
And luckily, Aiden was among them.
As the World Tree's guardian, Mew resided within the colossal tree near Rota City.
(Although it was outside roaming the globe most of the time, admittedly.)
Aiden rose, cradling Sylveon. He approached the Anywhere Door.
Mentally naming the destination, he gripped the handle—but paused before stepping through.
Beyond: endless emerald foliage. Vines stretched into infinity. Even the "ground" seemed like a branch of the titanic World Tree.
"Syl?"
Curiosity overrode caution. Sylveon strained to leap out—
—but Aiden held firm.
"Wait. The World Tree has defense mechanisms. Without Mew's authorization… we might be attacked."
He stroked Sylveon's head. Patience.
This was the Primordial Tree—the world's reset button. Beyond the two guardian pillars and Mew… other defenses were lethal.
Rushing in? Risky.
So Aiden took a breath—and shouted through the door:
"MEW! COME PLAY!!!"
The Tree's corridor-like structure echoed his call repeatedly.
If Mew was "street-roaming" again… another visit later.
Until whitelisted, Aiden wouldn't enter.
But luck favored him today.
Mew—impossibly not out gallivanting—Teleported instantly before them.
"Mew?"
Even Mew seemed stunned.
(Mostly delighted?)
"Syl~"
Spotting Mew, Sylveon wriggled free—melting into liquid form, slipping through the door into the Tree.
BUZZ——!
Instantly, the vibrant green surroundings shifted to amber. A warning hum vibrated through the air.
Sylveon jumped back. Aiden raised an eyebrow. As expected.
Without Mew's clearance? They would be erased as intruders with no trace left—
"Mew!"
True to prediction, Mew chirped sharply.
The environment instantly reverted to serene green.
"Syl————"
Relieved, Sylveon tentatively stepped forward—confirmed safety—and exhaled.
"Mew~"
Mew collapsed laughing, flipping head-over-heels in delight.
"Can we enter freely now?"
Aiden poked Mew's fluffy body, smiling at the "host."
"Mew!"
Mew nodded vigorously, tail gesturing please, enter.
"I'll pass. You two enjoy yourselves."
Aiden waved. To Sylveon:
"Be home before dinner. Return via the Anywhere Door."
"And you too, Mew."
"Mew~"
Mew flashed a three-fingered "OK" sign—then led wide-eyed Sylveon deeper into the Tree.
Watching them vanish, Aiden closed the door with a smile.
For Pokémon, this door meant freedom—to visit loved ones anytime. Travel would never be the same.
And for him? Absolutely useful.
Lucario sought masters. Sylveon reunited with friends.
Now… his turn to "find companions."~
He silently named his destination—and opened the door again.
This time: Celestic Town Historical Research Institute.
No prior notice. The institute lay quiet, nearly empty.
Perfect. Aiden preferred it this way.
He ascended the stairs softly… stopping before Cynthia's slightly ajar bedroom door.
Inside: Cynthia in a scholar's attire, reading glasses perched on her nose—deep in research.
So focused she hadn't noticed him.
Only when he pushed the door open did she look up.
"Aiden…???"
Her shock was palpable.
"I missed you. So I came."
Aiden smiled—a simple, honest explanation.
"Perhaps… I can lend a hand?"
Lunch had just passed and plenty of time remained.
Spending a quiet afternoon in Sinnoh… surely there was no problem?
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