Suicune carried Peter across a series of rolling hills before finally slowing to a stop.
Nearby, a small pond shimmered under the fading light—but oily streaks still floated across its surface.
Without hesitation, Suicune stepped forward.
Soft blue light gathered around its body. The polluted water began to swirl, purify, and clear. The black sheen dissolved like it had never existed.
From the distant sky—
A familiar blue silhouette approached.
Peter raised his hand and waved.
"Rufflet! Over here!"
"Chiiirp—!"
The little eagle swooped down and landed neatly on his shoulder, rubbing its head against his cheek with a satisfied little hum.
At that moment, Suicune finished purifying the pond. Pale blue streams of light flowed around it, then dissolved into glittering particles scattered by the wind.
It opened its eyes slowly and looked at Peter and Rufflet.
"Rooo… (Thank you, human. The North Wind shall guide your path forward.)"
"…Huh?"
A cool breeze swept across the hill.
Sky-blue radiance wrapped around Peter and Rufflet simultaneously.
For a brief second—
Peter felt weightless.
Like a feather drifting freely between heaven and earth.
[Ding! You have received the Blessing of the North Wind. Physical attributes enhanced.]
[Ding! Rufflet has received the Blessing of the North Wind. Wind-type aptitude increased.]
New moves learned: Tailwind, Wing Attack, Brave Bird!
When Peter opened his eyes—
The air resistance around him felt… lighter.
If he went to the Olympics now, even Usain Bolt would be left in the dust.
"…Thank you," he said sincerely.
Suicune gazed at him one last time.
"Rooo… (Good fortune to you.)"
Mist rose behind it.
With several elegant leaps—
The embodiment of the North Wind vanished.
Peter stood there for a long time before sighing.
"…Why can't I be like Goh and just throw a Poké Ball at everything I see?"
Though honestly—
Even if he had thrown one, he probably wouldn't have caught Suicune anyway.
"Maybe," a voice behind him said softly,
"it's because you truly love this world."
"Yeah… that makes sense. Pokémon really are the cutest creatures ever."
Peter nodded instinctively—
Then froze.
He turned sharply.
A cascade of golden hair shimmered in the sunlight.
Tall. Elegant. Confident.
An aura of authority and beauty perfectly balanced.
And behind her—
The most terrifying Garchomp in the world.
The Sinnoh Champion.
Cynthia.
She smiled faintly.
"Well now. I didn't expect to see you here, Peter."
"C-Champion Cynthia?!" Peter blurted. "When did you get here? Wait—how do you know me?!"
He couldn't help it.
Her presence alone was overwhelming.
Especially with that Garchomp staring at him like it was evaluating whether he'd make a good snack.
"Chiiirp!"
Rufflet puffed up bravely and tried to charge at Garchomp.
It got exactly halfway before Cynthia gently scooped it up midair.
"Brave little one," she said warmly. "But it's too soon. I look forward to the day you can challenge it properly."
Rufflet narrowed its eyes—
Then, surprisingly, settled down obediently in her arms.
Cynthia chuckled.
"I arrived not long ago. Thanks to you, I got to witness Suicune. Quite the stroke of luck."
She patted Garchomp's back.
"Let's head back. Officer Jenny will handle the cleanup. I have something to discuss with you."
"…Okay."
-----
Later – On Garchomp's back
Peter was holding his phone.
On-screen—
Whitney's eyes sparkled like a fangirl meeting her idol.
"It's really Cynthia? Peter, please, please get me an autograph!"
Her excitement caused… noticeable movement on camera.
Peter smiled indulgently. "Alright, alright."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow.
"So you're the boyfriend of the Goldenrod Gym Leader."
Her tone was light.
But the subtext was loud.
Ah, so that's your secret. You're living off her reputation..
Peter twitched.
He wisely chose silence.
So even the elegant Champion had a mischievous streak…
Truly, no master strategist was ever innocent.
-----
Back at the Pokémon Center
Joy rushed forward immediately.
"Thank you, Mr. Peter! If not for you, Paige would have been in terrible danger!"
"It was nothing, really," Peter replied humbly. "Just lost half a day, that's all."
Then he added casually:
"I was actually planning to gather some Revival Herbs nearby. It's somewhat urgent. I might have to leave soon."
Nurse Joy froze.
"Oh! That's simple. We have a supplier for fresh Revival Herbs. Please stay one more night! Let us show our gratitude properly!"
Peter maintained a calm expression.
"That would be… troublesome…"
"Nonsense! It's settled!"
She bowed again before leaving.
Cynthia glanced at him.
A new layer of understanding entered her eyes.
Interesting young man.
-----
Private Room – Pokémon Center
Cynthia's expression turned serious.
"Peter. Age 18. Registered Trainer for one month."
"Fourteen consecutive arena wins. Two badges."
"Popular online for Baton Pass and stat-stacking strategies."
"Nickname: 'Bug Bro,' after exploiting rule mechanics against Roark, prompting League regulation updates."
"Apprentice of Norman from Hoenn. Aspires to become a Normal-type Master."
"Owns a Lopunny suspected of having Speed Boost."
"A Slakoth that overcame Truant."
"A Hisuian Zorua."
"Assisted Unova police in the Zoroark incident."
"Thwarted Team Galactic operations in Floaroma and Eterna."
"Saved Suicune from Hunter J."
Peter broke out in a cold sweat.
"Alright, alright! Is this level of background check really necessary? I didn't commit any crimes!"
If he didn't know who she was—
He would've Teleported out instantly.
Cynthia's lips curved slightly.
"Relax. I have no ill intent. I was simply curious about your Zorua. I've already encrypted your profile within League records."
"…Oh."
That made sense.
As a mythological researcher, Cynthia was naturally interested in ancient Sinnoh—Hisui included.
Peter nodded.
"You can examine it. But it can't delay my journey."
"Of course. Just a full scan and sample collection. One afternoon."
"Deal."
He paused.
"Actually, there's something I'd like to ask of you too."
Cynthia tilted her head slightly.
"I'm listening."
Peter smiled.
"Introduce me to Steven Stone."
The Champion blinked.
Then—
A slow, knowing smile appeared.
Interesting.
Very interesting indeed.
--------------
T/N:
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