Damian's Castle.
"As expected, Dad, , huh? You really pulled Kyurem out."
Damian was sitting on the sofa with Concordia on his arm, and a Rotom Phone floats in front of them.
On the phone screen is Giovanni; they're video calling.
"Damian, don't get carried away; that Kyurem's strength is extremely powerful."
Giovanni cautions him. Before they decide to seek Kyurem, he already shared this info with Damian.
But Damian replies casually,
"Dad, you can rest easy. Nothing to worry about."
He's already had Reshiram hide its aura, and Shadow Mewtwo is helping mask it. Right now Kyurem can't find Reshiram.
If Kyurem can't find Reshiram, it will go after N's Zekrom!
"Damian, can Kyurem absorb Reshiram and Zekrom?" Giovanni asks.
Though it sounds incredible, in light of Kyurem's words, that's the only plausible explanation.
"That's right—if there are DNA Splicers, Kyurem can fuse Zekrom and Reshiram; they were one to begin with."
Damian nods; at least in the games, Kyurem must have DNA Splicers to "eat" Zekrom and Reshiram.
In the real world, though, Damian isn't sure whether DNA Splicers are required.
After all—
In anime, Necrozma doesn't need an item to fuse with Lunala or Solgaleo, right?
According to the games, Necrozma also needs an N-Solarizer to fuse with Solgaleo or Lunala. (PS: In the games, this item is given by Colress.)
"Got it." Giovanni muses, "You're interested in Kyurem?"
"Of course, Dad, I've always been fascinated by powerful dragons." Damian grins.
Giovanni smiles but says nothing; he won't reveal too much.
"Fine, just be careful, and—well, never mind."
Giovanni glances at Concordia in Damian's arms, as if trying to say something, but finally shakes his head.
You kid, show restraint. How many times now?
But even if he says it, Damian probably tunes it out; after all, Damian is about business and women.
"If you enjoy this so much, soon you'll have a grandson; Silver and I would be happy to see that." Giovanni teases with a smile.
He's in a good mood; under Damian's leadership, Team Rocket is thriving.
Plus, he doesn't have to worry; Damian can handle things with the League.
So—
Yes, he would love to have a grandson soon.
Although Silver is shaken by Damian's Team Rocket thing, he continues to train harder.
The boy still hopes to beat his darling Brother; maybe he can guide Damian back.
Clearly, Silver cares a lot about Damian; being an uncle would please him.
"I understand." Damian blinks and smiles.
"Okay, remember to train more often."
"Dad, you go ahead; I'm in good shape."
"You little brat."
Giovanni can't help but laugh at the video call being cut.
"End of year Elite Four challenge, we'll have you seated at the Kanto Champion location."
Giovanni sits at the table, polishing his Ultra Ball, planning next steps.
He's relatively free these days, except for regions "visiting" at various times; the serious matter is the year-end Elite Four challenge, which he already applied for earlier in the year.
He originally planned to quietly take on the head of the Elite Four in Kanto first, since Lance is so strong.
Groudon is now caught, so Giovanni decides to alter his plan.
"If Goodshow is retiring, I'll apply to become Indigo League chairman."
Giovanni's lips twist into a slight smile; with Groudon, there are many conveniences.
Once he becomes Indigo League chairman, plus Team Rocket's global branches, the world will be under his and Damian's control!
"Giovanni! When are we going to take on that Stupid Fish?"
"I just had a nightmare again—he poured water down my throat!"
"Giovanni, can I learn to fly? If I can fly, taking down that Stupid Fish would be easier."
Hearing Groudon's groggy telepathy, Giovanni falls silent with a throbbing head.
Since returning from the Giant Chasm, Groudon has become obsessed with flying.
Giovanni can't understand why; if you can't fly, so what?
He's the Earth Lord, with Groudon as the Earth Overlord—perfect setup.
They don't need to fly; they can bring down those who can fly.
"Giovanni, why aren't you saying anything?" Groudon asks puzzledly.
"I'm thinking—Paldea has this Terastal buff that could change a Pokémon's type; if you can Terastal into Flying, maybe you could fly?"
Giovanni offers a cautious suggestion.
"Really?" Groudon's eyes light up.
"I'm not sure, but it's worth a try." Giovanni shrugs; he doesn't know if it will work.
"Giovanni!" Groudon sighs; "You really are my best partner; when you're gone, I'll scatter your ashes into my magma and keep you forever by my side."
That line makes Giovanni crack up; this is too far out.
"Relax."
Giovanni remains expressionless.
...
Night deepens.
"Two hours thirty-seven minutes."
Caitlin sits at the wall, noticing the room next door has gone quiet.
Two hours longer than yesterday; the two cheap goods are at it again!
"Tomorrow wake up early; have the staff bring some tonics."
Caitlin thinks, sets an alarm on the phone.
Even though Damian is healthy and young, still best to guard against the women's games affecting him.
Caitlin carefully checks on him.
Meanwhile, in the neighboring room,
"This is exhausting."
Damian lies in bed, exhausted by the Castle's endless party.
Anthea leans in, confused by Damian needing to sit up.
"Stay asleep; I have matters to attend to."
"Let me stay with you."
Concordia's golden hair glints as she comfortably curls into his arm.
"No, you two rest."
Damian put on pajamas, then went to the living room and opened the Ultra Ball.
"Mmm~ Damian."
Jirachi rubbed its sleepy eyes, pretending to yawn.
"Haven't you slept well again?" Damian picks up Jirachi, pinching this adorable little face.
"It's not just because of you, Damian; when you guys are training, those two girls' voices are so loud."
Jirachi pouts, though it's inside the Ultra Ball, its ears are still sharp.
Anthea and Concordia's voices reach it; how can it sleep well with that?
"——" Damian looks a bit awkward.
"Jirachi, do you know Victini?"
Damian shifts the topic, asking Jirachi.
"Victini?" Jirachi tilts its head, puzzled, in a cute, crisp voice.
"I remember now, you're talking about that Victini."
Then Jirachi suddenly realizes.
"You really know him." Damian freezes.
Actually he was just asking offhand; after all, Jirachi could only awaken seven days out of a thousand years.
"I know, oh, Damian, you're underestimating me; I know a lot of Pokémon."
Jirachi places its hands on its hips, head held high with pride.
"Jirachi is amazing, I'm looking at you with new eyes now; can you confirm Victini's location?"
"Hehe, no problem at all, watch me."
Jirachi floats up, closes its eyes, wish tags on its head glow faintly, the true eye on its belly slowly opens.
Though complex wishes consume energy, simply finding Victini's location won't take much from Jirachi.
One more hour of sleep and you're good.
Soon, the true eye closes again; Jirachi projects a light-screen map ahead with energy.
"Damian, Damian, right here." Jirachi points to a location on the map with its small hand.
"Great, Jirachi, you're amazing." Damian notes down the location.
"Heh heh, that's right!"
Jirachi's face is about to blossom into a smile; helping Damian makes it happy.
After all, it's basically Damian's mascot!
Being a mascot, Jirachi is happy, but occasionally it wants to help Damian directly, like now.
Meanwhile, outside Vertress City's cell, two guards groan softly and collapse; a jet-black silhouette materializes.
It's Zoroark; a green-haired young man approaches nearby.
"Sorry for the trouble."
N looks at the two unconscious guards with apology, but he has no choice.
N presses forward, using pre‑searched info; his goals are clear, quickly locating Ghetsis imprisoned in a special cell.
Guards keep rushing to stop him, but in Champion-tier N's presence they're powerless.
The warden has already contacted the League, but reinforcements take time; this window is enough for N to act.
"N!"
Ghetsis sees N and gleefully grins.
"Father, let's go."
Zoroark tears the cell door with its claws, giving Ghetsis his freedom again.
N leads Ghetsis quickly outside the cell; Zekrom descends from the sky, ready to take N and Ghetsis away.
But then—
Roar!
A deep, powerful draconic bellow roars from far away.
Zekrom lifts its head; dragon eyes narrow as it gazes into the distance, wary and confused.
That roar—oh crap! It's really him!
"N! We must run! Kyurem is coming!"
This is the first time N hears that cry through Zekrom's Telepathy.
~~~
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