Yuanzhi being here was unexpected for Natsuhiko.
Thankfully, he had previously arranged with Dragapult to return it to its Pokeball.
He was worried about any existence among the 'Meteor People' that might have a special perception ability for Dragon-type Pokémon, which could discover Dragapult.
"Alright, since Natsuhiko is here, let's go to Granny Long," Yuanzhi said.
It seemed that Yuanzhi held a respectable position among the 'Meteor People.'
Elder Dracoflame, who stood by, showed no objection to Yuanzhi taking over the conversation.
Then, led by Yuanzhi and Dracoflame, the group began walking towards the 'Dragon Nest' outside the village.
During this time, through some simple conversation with Ryuzi, Natsuhiko gradually understood the relationship between Yuanzhi and the 'Meteor People.'
Yuanzhi was not one of the 'Meteor People.'
But had a deep connection with them.
When Yuanzhi was young, he inadvertently stumbled upon 'Meteor Village.'
He eventually gained the recognition of the 'Meteor People,' and like Natsuhiko, selected a Dragon-type Pokémon Egg from the 'Dragon Nest.'
And that Pokémon Egg is now Yuanzhi's ace, Salamence.
Since then, the 'Meteor People' have maintained a relationship with Yuanzhi.
The relationship is quite good.
So, although Yuanzhi is not part of the 'Meteor People,' he can be considered half a member.
After all, the 'Meteor People' were originally a group of ancient people from different places who eventually gathered at 'Meteor Village' to form a people.
Not long after.
The group arrived beneath the large tree that Natsuhiko visited before.
Surrounding the enormous dragon nest in the tree, numerous Dragon-type Pokémon were still wandering around.
Under the tree, Granny Long lay comfortably in a rocking chair, with her eyes half-closed.
Upon seeing Yuanzhi and Natsuhiko's arrival, her slightly closed eyes slowly opened.
"Granny Long," Yuanzhi greeted with a smile.
Although Yuanzhi was already quite old, when he came to choose a Pokémon Egg, Granny Long was already the guardian under the tree.
So even now, despite becoming an Elite Four, Yuanzhi still respects Granny Long greatly.
Granny Long's cloudy eyes glanced over everyone, nodding to Yuanzhi and Elder Dracoflame before landing on Natsuhiko.
"You've come."
A slight smile appeared on Granny Long's face.
"Granny Long," Natsuhiko also stepped forward and called out.
Granny Long nodded imperceptibly, slowly stood up from her chair, and gently tapped her back with her hands.
At this moment, a little girl ran out from behind the tree and quickly supported her.
"Granny."
Xijana?
Upon seeing the girl, her name immediately flashed across Natsuhiko's mind.
"Hehe—no problem."
Granny Long lovingly patted her head and then said to everyone:
"Come along."
Taking slow but steady steps, she started climbing the wooden spiral staircase encircling the big tree.
The tree was enormous.
On the first large branch they reached was the 'Dragon Nest.'
However, Granny Long didn't intend to stop there and continued upwards.
Nobody seemed surprised by this.
Filled with curiosity, Natsuhiko followed the group.
He actually wanted to ask about the Latios Pokémon Egg, but this didn't seem like the appropriate occasion, so he had to suppress his thoughts.
Soon enough.
The group reached the top of the stairs, arriving at a tree hollow.
Inside, there were no elaborate decorations, with only a pedestal placed in the center.
And on the pedestal, Natsuhiko saw a fist-sized green glowing gemstone.
It exuded a faint halo, seemingly containing a mysterious power flowing within.
At the center of the gemstone, a symbol was engraved, roughly resembling a triangle.
Delta Δ!
Could this be the counterpart of the crimson and azure Treasure Pearls... a grass green Treasure Pearl?
A gem that could connect or even summon Rayquaza?
Upon entering the tree hollow, everyone's gaze shifted to Natsuhiko.
Noticing their stares, Natsuhiko paused.
"What... what's going on?"
Yuanzhi smiled and said, "Natsuhiko, this is why we called you here."
"Hmm?"
"This gem has been passed down for generations among the 'Meteor People.' It is said to connect or even summon the legendary Rayquaza, but ordinary people cannot do it; only the legendary 'Child of Prophecy' can," Yuanzhi explained.
Child of Prophecy...
Natsuhiko twitched his lips.
He never admitted to being that 'Child of Prophecy.'
It was just Dracoflame and the others' imagination.
If there had to be a 'Child of Prophecy,' shouldn't it be Granny Long's granddaughter, Xijana?
Natsuhiko's gaze unobtrusively swept over the girl supporting Granny Long.
She just happened to be curiously watching Natsuhiko as well.
When their eyes met, a slight blush appeared on Xijana's face, and she quickly looked away.
Natsuhiko pressed his brow.
"Ahem, well, Elite Trainer Yuanzhi, I think... I might not be that 'Child of Prophecy.'
"No, you are."
This time, Granny Long spoke.
She appeared confident.
"Why?"
Natsuhiko was very curious.
How could they be so sure?
"Because of the Dragon Egg you took, the 'Star Stone' you obtained from under it, and... why did Darkrai specifically seek you out to deliver this message, rather than tell Yuanzhi, who also happened to be nearby at that time?"
Dragon Egg? Star Stone?
Natsuhiko squinted slightly.
So.
Did Granny Long actually know about the Super Evolution Stone beneath the Latios Pokémon Egg?