The evening sky hung low as the ancient city of Eterna was veiled in mist.

Lu Ye stepped off the old-fashioned train at the meeting point with Ash and the others, his mood slightly complicated.

Having two major storylines overlapping like this… I wonder if I can handle it.

"Marsh!" Marshadow pointed from the shadows beneath a streetlamp toward a restaurant sign.

"That's the place."

Lu Ye nodded, glancing at Haunter who was hugging a can of potato chips. "Will you still have room for dinner later?"

"Gengarrr!" Haunter licked chip crumbs off its cheek with a carefree grin.

As everyone knows, snack stomach and meal stomach are two completely different things!

"We're almost at Eterna City!" Ash's voice came through the group chat.

"I'll reach you by tomorrow at the earliest," Brock replied with his eyes characteristically narrowed. "Also, Shaymin can purify air, but try not to let it inhale too many pollutants."

"The Mythical Pokémon embodying gratitude," Lucian adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. "Perhaps it's nature's gift to thankful humans."

The Blessed One of Ilex Forest, Yellow, nodded quietly in agreement.

Lu Ye looked up at the sky.

Well, what's coming can't be avoided...

Though this 'air purification' ability is unexpectedly practical.

If I were less scrupulous, I could basically use Shaymin as a living air purifier...

*Ahem!*

Having already abandoned his scheme to have Marshadow pickpocket golden pearls, Teacher Lu shook his head and declared:

"As a challenger of the Rainbow Trial, how could I possibly stoop to such behavior!"

Marshadow: "..."

Your words carry absolutely zero credibility, you know!

......

On Eterna's outskirts, Ash and Flint hurried along the path.

The Shaymin perched on Ash's head communicated telepathically:

"We need to get there quickly!"

"First we should contact Teacher Lu," Flint explained. "With him around, your safety will be guaranteed."

Despite his usual carefree attitude, Flint sensed something extraordinary about this journey.

After all, the legendary Spring Path had shown abnormalities... not to mention this suddenly appearing Mythical Pokémon Shaymin.

Shaymin turned its head away with a soft murmur: "Fine then! Shaymin will travel with you!"

"You're such a spoiled princess," Ash remarked.

"Shaymin didn't say anything wrong~" Shaymin puffed its cheeks, the grass spikes on its back bristling.

"Alright, alright," Flint mediated, then brightened. "There's the restaurant!"

......

Inside the restaurant.

Lu Ye saw the Shaymin napping atop Ash's head.

Exhausted from evading Giratina, the hedgehog-like Pokémon slept peacefully, pink flowers blooming along its sides while fresh green grass covered its body, its short legs snow-white.

"Looks pretty well-behaved when asleep," Ash observed.

"This little tyrant is so high-maintenance," Flint groaned, rubbing his temples. "I've never babysat before... what a handful."

Recalling this Shaymin's tsundere personality from the movies, Lu Ye smiled wryly.

Sylveon went through a similar phase... so Teacher Lu wasn't particularly bothered by Shaymin's attitude.

From within Lu Ye's shadow, Haunter and Marshadow peeked out at the little hedgehog.

"Marsh..." Marshadow sensed something unusual about this Shaymin, its small face scrunching in concern.

Hopefully the Rainbow Trial won't encounter complications.

"Gengarrr!" Haunter found Shaymin's flowers oddly familiar, suddenly remembering the flower basket from this morning.

Rummaging through the shadows, Haunter produced both the flower basket and a vase, offering them to Teacher Lu.

Lu Ye: "..."

How am I supposed to choose—

Which one did you forget? This Gracidea flower basket or the system-rewarded vase?!

As if a story key had turned,

the sleeping hedgehog twitched its nose, a sweet smile appearing as the grass on its back relaxed.

The Gracidea flowers symbolizing 'gratitude' filled the air with fragrance, and Shaymin's body began glowing white.

"Evolution light?" Ash and Flint exclaimed simultaneously.

"Beep... Historical records from Floaroma Town indicate Shaymin transforms into Sky Forme when exposed to Gracidea flowers, Rotom!" the Rotom Pokédex announced.

As the light faded, Shaymin opened its eyes, now appearing brave and lively.

It had transformed from a hedgehog into a deer-like creature with white wing-like extensions on its head and flowing red fur around its neck.

"Shaymin will take you to the flower field!" Sky Forme Shaymin declared brightly.

Ash blinked in surprise. "You look completely different now."

"Seems more energetic," Flint commented.

"Shaymin has always been this way!" Shaymin lifted its head proudly.

"Speaking of which," Flint turned to Teacher Lu in confusion, "why were you carrying Gracidea flowers—"

"And two bouquets at that?"

Teacher Lu sighed evasively. "Long story."

"The Gracidea flower field... according to the map, is near Mt. Coronet," Ash checked his Pokédex navigation and clenched his fist. "Perfect! After taking Shaymin home, we can train at Mt. Coronet!"

"Ash is kind of silly, isn't he?" Shaymin giggled while floating midair.

"Hey, you're the silly one!" Ash retorted.

"Pika..." Pikachu facepalmed with a sigh, then suddenly perked up. "Pika?"

Seizing the opportunity, Lu Ye scooped up Pikachu, stroking its head through insulated gloves.

I've wanted to pet this electric mouse forever! Finally got my chance!

"Pika?" Pikachu blinked in surprise but didn't use Thunderbolt, instead closing its eyes contentedly. "Pika..."

While petting the electric mouse, Lu Ye suggested, "We should get moving soon. We can camp along the way."

"Why the hurry?" Flint asked.

Because Giratina might catch up... Lu Ye coughed lightly. "I have other business at Mt. Coronet."

The two nodded understandingly. Ash took out his phone. "Then I'll tell Brock to meet us directly at the town near Mt. Coronet tomorrow!"

"Hey Pikachu, when did you get over to Teacher Lu?"

"Pika?" Pikachu twitched its ears, attempting to play innocent.

"We need to hurry to the flower field!" Shaymin tugged at Ash's cap from atop his head.

"I-I get it already!" Ash yelped.

Life is hard, Teacher Lu and Pikachu sighed simultaneously.

Truly a Pallet Town original... the man who's perfect everywhere except in the brains department.

......

That night, under a windless starry sky, the Milky Way stretched across the heavens.

Flint had his Flareon light a campfire as he sat with hands on knees, playing with the Fire-type on his shoulder.

Flareon's cream-colored fur formed an elegant ruff around its fiery red body.

The firewood had been gathered by Ash's Staraptor.

As the stacked logs crackled with flames, Flint yawned lazily.

"Feels like something big's happening tomorrow."

Waving a hand, he crawled into his sleeping bag. "I'll turn in early to conserve energy."

Lu Ye shot a look at the jinxing Flint before gazing up at the galaxy.

Mysterious, dazzling—somewhere out there might dwell Cosmog, or Rayquaza soaring the ozone layer, or Jirachi he'd once met...

"So beautiful," Ash murmured while holding Pikachu, looking upward.

Hearing this, Teacher Lu nodded slightly before saying quietly:

"I'm grateful for everything I have now."

"Eh?" Ash turned to him in surprise.

"Even if they sometimes misunderstand me..."

Lu Ye smiled. "But still—thank you, Haunter. And everyone."

The shadow behind him elongated into Haunter's shape, accompanied by its signature chuckle.

Sylveon pretended to doze on his lap but turned its head away with a soft huff.

All the Pokéballs at his waist shook faintly, their metallic surfaces glimmering.

After a moment's thought, Ash looked down at Pikachu in his arms and grinned:

"I'm really thankful for you too, Pikachu!"

"Pikachuu~" Pikachu tilted its head.

Late at night, Shaymin couldn't maintain its Sky Forme, reverting to its hedgehog form.

Its bright black eyes secretly observed Teacher Lu and Ash, a sweet, shy smile appearing.

From them, Shaymin sensed the emotional energy of 'gratitude'—the very essence it thrived on.

"Marsh!"

In the darkness, Marshadow also quietly watched this Rainbow Trial challenger.

It might sound cliché, but the first test to become a Rainbow Hero was the bond with Pokémon.

At this moment, that first trial needed no further proof.

"Marsh..."

Marshadow gazed somewhat enviously at Lu Ye and Haunter before its expression turned stern, slowly sinking back into the shadows.

Gratitude and kindness alone weren't enough to become a Rainbow Hero.

Exceptional wisdom, formidable strength, fearless courage...

Perhaps Ash back then lacked wisdom and strength.

But when he stood between Pikachu and the enraged Pokémon, just like shielding Pikachu from the Spearow storm—

Ash had already proven worthy of being a Rainbow Hero.

With piercing eyes, Marshadow guarded within Lu Ye's shadow like a strict examiner.

"Marsh..."

I await your performance...

Or the moment you become the Rainbow Hero.

......

The Reverse World.

In the crimson eyes of the 'Renegade Pokémon' Giratina, the reflection of humans and Pokémon sleeping beneath the galaxy wavered.

Its gaze shifted to the grass-covered hedgehog, having found its target.

Then Giratina's six ghostly ribbon-like wings fluttered as it soared swiftly through the Reverse World, following Lu Ye's group.

Like ripples in nothingness, reality itself was affected—yet the towering Mt. Coronet remained standing in the mist.

......

Celestic Town, Sinnoh.

Professor Mustardseed looked grim, muttering complaints: "What's going on with all these temporal rifts lately? Did someone capture Arceus or something?!"

The golden-haired beauty in black frowned, a delicate hand touching her chin. "Grandmother, where are the fluctuations strongest?"

"Even if you go, you can't resolve anything," Professor Mustardseed said. "The disturbances originate from the Distortion World. With Mt. Coronet as one of its gateways, unless someone enters that ruined world, this disaster can't be stopped!"

"I'll go," Cynthia said without hesitation, her gaze steely.

Professor Mustardseed opened her mouth but sighed instead. "The disturbances have agitated Mt. Coronet's wild Pokémon—they're being influenced by some shadowy force, becoming frenzied."

"If you insist on going, at least take Lucian and the others... more Elite Four means more help."

"You still haven't told me the epicenter," Cynthia pressed.

"I can't pinpoint it yet," Professor Mustardseed admitted. "But Mt. Coronet is undoubtedly Giratina's target."

"Mt. Coronet again..." Cynthia's eyes flickered.

"What is it?"

"Lu... never mind." Cynthia shook her head slightly.

"Worried about that Lu Ye boy?" Professor Mustardseed probed. "Is he planning to charge into the Distortion World alone to deal with Giratina for you?"

Cynthia didn't answer directly, saying quietly: "He can do it."

"Have you lost your mind?" Professor Mustardseed eyed her granddaughter.

Cynthia smiled, her conviction unshaken.

"Because... he's Lu Ye."

......

Twenty kilometers from Mt. Coronet, a rugged off-road vehicle roared down a deserted road.

Hitting a slope, the jeep went airborne before crashing back down without slowing.

Surprisingly, the driver was a gray-haired grandmother whose kind features were etched with laugh lines.

"Granny! Granny Bertha!"

Bug-type Elite Four Aaron clung desperately to the overhead handle in his thin tank top, his green ahoge nearly torn off by the wind. "Please slow down!!"

"At this speed and you're already complaining," Ground-type Elite Four Bertha glanced at him. "Hold tight, youngster!"

She floored the accelerator as the speedometer needle jumped violently.

Amid screams, the jeep raced toward Mt. Coronet like the wind.

......

"Yes, I understand."

Hundreds of meters above Mt. Coronet, Lucian crouched on his levitating Bronzong, speaking into his headset:

"Wild Pokémon at Mt. Coronet are rampaging. Three Elite Four members are en route."

Cynthia's voice came through: "What about Flint?"

"He's with Teacher Lu. I haven't contacted him yet," Lucian frowned. "I'm concerned they might be affected by the Distortion World."

"I'll handle that," Cynthia said. "Just focus on quelling the wild Pokémon."

"Understood."

Ending the call, Lucian adjusted his frosted glasses, gazing at the mist-shrouded Mt. Coronet.

The entire mountain seemed tainted by some shadowy force, with wild Pokémon behaving abnormally aggressive, even attacking passing trainers.

"What's causing this?" Lucian wondered aloud. "Similar incidents occurred at Mt. Silver in Kanto... is this related, or another effect from the Reverse World?"

Strength, bonds, courage—these were key to becoming a Rainbow Hero.

In *I Choose You!*, the frenzied Pokémon were part of the trial.

Because Teacher Lu's [Rainbow Wing] wasn't powered off but in energy-saving mode,

Mt. Coronet's enraged Pokémon weren't influenced by Marshadow.

Yet to a strict, impartial examiner, this made for ideal trial conditions...

"Marsh!" Marshadow told Lu Ye.

We must reach Mt. Coronet immediately!

Lu Ye looked skeptical: "Didn't you hear the news? All routes to Mt. Coronet are blocked."

"Marsh," Marshadow said seriously.

That's part of the trial.

Lu Ye: "..."

After this exam, I'm having Mega Haunter teach you a lesson!

"We can head to the Gracidea flower field first," Ash suggested. "The path there is still open."

"We need to hurry!" Hedgehog Shaymin shivered as if sensing something terrifying.

"Don't worry," Ash grinned confidently. "Even if some villain captures you, I'll rescue you!"

Lu Ye: "..."

Stop jinxing us, you blockhead!

Flint, having slept soundly, stretched energetically and scratched his spiky hair:

"Let's get moving... the town and Pokémon Center are just ahead!"

......

At the Mt. Coronet foothills town's Pokémon Center.

The dark-skinned Brock waited early: "Teacher Lu."

"Long time no see, Brock!" Lu Ye waved. "How's Pewter Gym?"

"I left it to Jiro," Brock said.

Lu Ye nudged him playfully. "See? Now you're free!"

Brock maintained his serious demeanor: "But as the eldest brother, I still have fatherly responsibilities."

Lu Ye nodded understandingly.

"This is the one," Ash presented the trembling Shaymin. "Shaymin seems really unwell!"

Brock's eyes snapped open briefly as he produced a medical kit with alarming speed.

After examination, he removed his stethoscope: "It seems affected by some energy waves... but it's not serious."

"The nearby Gracidea flower field can restore Shaymin's condition."

"Shay..." Shaymin whimpered weakly, its face feverishly red.

Lu Ye frowned slightly.

"Is this your doing?" he murmured.

"Marsh..." Marshadow denied through telepathy.

This isn't part of the standard Rainbow Trial.

Teacher Lu took a deep breath.

Giratina's influence is worsening...

Flint scratched his head absently: "By the way, what's with the town decorations? Some festival today?"

"A new stall opened—business is booming," Brock noted.

Hearing this, Teacher Lu's eyelid twitched.

Stepping outside the Pokémon Center, Lu Ye froze.

"Step right up, don't miss out, meow!"

"Brand new Pokémon cards—exchangeable for Gracidea flowers~"

"Sounansu~!"

Seeing the popular stall,

Teacher Lu sucked in a sharp breath.

If the true protagonists are here... doesn't that mean Giratina can't be far behind?!