Lu Ye lay sprawled across the endless sea of flowers, gazing up at the sky with arms outstretched, the distant rumble of glaciers still echoing in his ears.

"At least we cleared this dungeon..." Lu Ye mused to himself.

The sky was a brilliant blue, with gentle breezes lifting petals in swirling patterns that resembled a spiraling pathway. Shaymin in its Sky Form fluttered happily on tiny wings beside its head, soon joined by over a dozen other Shaymin.

Ash stood clutching Pikachu, staring blankly upward. Brock adjusted his backpack while flipping through a handbook.

"Shaymin live in groups," Brock explained. "This lone Shaymin returned to the flower field to reunite with its kind."

The Gracidea flowers swayed gently as the Shaymin's "Migration Dance" temporarily made everyone forget their earlier shock—

The commander who led the battle against Giratina, the trainer who rode Giratina, the man who stood with Regigigas defending the glacier...

All three legendary feats were accomplished by the same person.

"Incredible."

Flint snapped out of his daze and muttered:

"That's just not something humans should be capable of!"

"Because he's Teacher Lu," Brock said with a knowing smile, eyes crinkling. "Someone you can always believe in."

The Team Rocket trio teared up as they whispered among themselves:

"Shouldn't we give the Gracidea flower basket to the Boss?"

"After all, it symbolizes gratitude, meow!"

"We survived... what a wonderful feeling!"

They hugged each other tightly as Wobbuffet cried out in the background.

"Teacher Lu!" Ash suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs. "The glacier's stopped moving!!"

Lying in the flower field, Teacher Lu felt a headache coming on.

"Can't I get just five minutes of rest..."

With a sigh, Lu Ye rubbed his temples.

Continuous battles using Mega Haunter had drained him severely.

Add to that coordinating Darkrai and Marshadow while sustaining himself with Aura for nearly seventy minutes—he'd pushed himself to the absolute limit.

But unlike the intense focus needed for combat, stopping the glacier didn't require the same adrenaline-fueled exertion.

Now, lying in the vibrant flower field, exhaustion finally caught up to him.

"Have to admit though," Lu Ye watched the Shaymin's "Migration Dance" in the sky and remarked, "it's quite beautiful..."

BOOM!

The tremors of retreating wild Pokémon who'd earlier blocked the glacier echoed like floodwaters receding back into Mt. Coronet's depths.

The towering metallic giant remained standing beside Lu Ye, its signal lights dimmed like a loyal guardian.

Everyone looked toward the figure in the flower field, falling silent as an unspoken awe settled over them.

This reverence stemmed from their admiration for both Regigigas and Teacher Lu.

"Teacher Lu didn't..." Flint muttered, "actually capture Regigigas, did he?"

Brock wiped sweat from his brow and said gravely, "Wouldn't put it past him..."

Ash hugged Pikachu, turning to observe the retreating army of wild Pokémon with sudden realization.

They'd rampaged when their home was threatened, yet united instantly against sudden disaster.

Humans and Pokémon must share something fundamental.

But what exactly, Ash couldn't yet articulate.

He felt it might be what Mewtwo had always been searching for.

"Argh!" Ash scratched his head in frustration. "Can't figure it out... this is too hard!"

Then hugging Pikachu tighter, his eyes reflected the dancing Shaymin and the man in the flowers.

"Teacher Lu's just awesome, period!!" Ash grinned widely.

Mt. Coronet's misty peaks loomed above.

From the highlands, one could see the halted glacier and returning wildlife.

With the disaster averted, memories of the live news footage resurfaced.

Lucian adjusted his glasses with trembling hands, taking a deep breath.

"That trainer just now... was Teacher Lu, right?!"

Not only did he stand atop Regigigas, but he also somehow got Giratina to cooperate?!

If I'd known you were this strong, I wouldn't have rushed to Mt. Coronet for overtime!

"Phew..."

After mentally venting, Lucian regained his Elite Four composure and smiled wryly. "I'm definitely taking a long vacation after this."

Near the flower fields, veteran reporter Mary trembled with excitement.

Known for her fearless coverage of Hoenn's legendary clashes, she and cameraman Dai had rushed to Mt. Coronet at the first sign of disturbance.

"Did you get that?"

Her eyes sparkled as she turned to her partner. "The trainer who rode Giratina and commanded Regigigas!!"

"The snow made it blurry," the cameraman said, adjusting his equipment. "But I'm certain he's around here somewhere."

"Quick, let's go! We might still find him!" They hurried downhill, following their journalistic instincts toward the flower sea.

Meanwhile, the live broadcast had sparked regional uproar.

"Mt. Coronet quakes! Who is this mystery trainer?"

"Must be Red—who else could command legendary Pokémon like that?!"

"Could be Sinnoh Champion Cynthia."

"Ten-year fan here! That silhouette is 100% Teacher Lu—if not I'll livestream eating Muk!!"

This prophetic post instantly garnered thousands of likes, with comments like: "Bookmarking to check later."

"Damn, looks familiar... might actually be Teacher Lu!"

"Commanding Regigigas to save a glacier? Then pacifying Mt. Coronet's uprising? Absolutely terrifying!"

"Sure he enjoys Baby Cups... but in crises, Teacher Lu's reliability is god-tier," remarked a survivor of the White Poplar Town incident.

Few knew about the Giratina confrontation.

They only knew that when the glacier threatened, Regigigas and that trainer became their salvation.

Now, Cynthia soared over Mt. Coronet atop Garchomp.

Her deep eyes reflected the wild Pokémon united against disaster, stirring something within.

Then gazing toward the flower fields, she allowed herself a small smile.

No need to seek him out—just knowing he'd resolved everything was enough.

Understanding and trusting each other completely, able to rely on one another without reservation...

But now, as Sinnoh Champion, she had duties.

Directing Garchomp toward Mt. Coronet, she located Aaron, Bertha, and Lucian to assess damages and organize relief efforts...

...

The flower sea.

Regigigas' signal lights flashed red.

It was time to return, though reluctant...

"You're like those ancient giants with a three-minute limit?"

Lu Ye chuckled, channeling Aura toward Regigigas one last time before waving. "Thanks for everything!"

"Regi—" Regigigas nodded slowly, then extended one massive palm toward Lu Ye. "Gigasss."

Lu Ye blinked before placing his hand against the offered palm, smiling.

The size difference was staggering, yet Lu Ye could feel the profound emotion conveyed.

"Regi—" Regigigas turned ponderously, each step shaking the earth as it headed toward Snowpoint Temple.

BOOM.

"Wonder how shocked Mr. Brandon will be... Regigigas suddenly awakening again."

Lu Ye sat with one knee raised, idly twirling a blade of grass.

"Though in the movie timeline... Regigigas wakes up again for Hoopa's thing..."

He fell into thought.

Among his three elongated shadows—Darkrai stood aloof, Haunter grinned wildly, and Marshadow seemed contemplative.

"Marsh," Marshadow gazed toward the rainbow's origin, sensing complex emotions.

Gratitude, excitement, regret... Marshadow remained still.

Ho-Oh had acknowledged him as the "Rainbow Hero"—its duty here was complete.

Lu Ye suddenly asked, "Could you stay, Marshadow?"

"Marsh?" Marshadow blinked in surprise.

Its torch-like eyes shifted between the gentle dark-haired trainer and grinning Haunter before reluctantly shaking its head.

"Marsh!"

This was a wonderful experience, but I have my own duties to uphold.

It explained to Lu Ye.

As the Rainbow Trial's examiner, other Rainbow Heroes will need me—I cannot abandon my path.

Just as you must continue yours, until you become the greatest trainer—

Marshadow's gaze held profound meaning as it bestowed this blessing.

Lu Ye: "..."

Really want to curse right now, but must restrain myself!

Finally, he sighed and smiled wryly. "Thanks."

"Marsh!" Marshadow's expression firmed, tiny fists clenching.

Looking skyward, a magnificent rainbow arched across flowers, glacier, and azure sky.

The Rainbow Wing in Lu Ye's hand began glowing brilliantly.

"This feather..." Lu Ye asked. "Are you taking it back?"

Marshadow shook its head.

Only a "Rainbow Hero" may hold the Rainbow Wing.

Just as Gracidea flowers symbolize gratitude,

The Rainbow Wing must represent courage.

And this was proof of their bond.

"I'll remember you," Lu Ye smiled. "Maybe we'll meet again."

"Marsh." Marshadow suddenly turned away, blinking rapidly before composing itself.

With a final nod, its form dissolved into shadows, leaving behind a single black flower amidst the colorful sea.

Lu Ye studied the rare bloom as a deep voice spoke beside him.

"Everyone has their mission."

Darkrai floated with arms crossed, red scarf fluttering. "Pokémon included."

"Do missions ever end?" Lu Ye asked.

Darkrai closed its eyes, Alicia's smiling face overlapping with Lu Ye's image.

"I have no answer," Darkrai said.

Then side-eyeing Lu Ye, it added coldly, "You've acquired another in just days apart."

Lu Ye froze.

"Why does that sound so accusatory?" Lu Ye protested. "Like I'm some playboy!"

Darkrai: "Hmph!"

Plucking the black flower carefully, Lu Ye stored it with the Rainbow Wing.

"Everyone has their mission..." he murmured.

Giratina guards the Reverse World. Mew tends the World Tree. Marshadow upholds the Rainbow Trial.

Then what mission do my Pokémon and I have...

Shaking his head without answers, Lu Ye stretched and headed toward Ash's group through the sunlit flowers.

"Haunter," Lu Ye said softly.

"Gengarrr?" Haunter tilted its head curiously.

"Thank you." Lu Ye plucked a Gracidea flower.

"Gengarrr~! (⁎˃ꌂ˂⁎)"

A massive Lick attack landed on his face. Lu Ye had prepared by chewing an "Angry Steamed Bun"—only to freeze mid-bite.

Dammit, these were Team Rocket's counterfeit goods!

Teacher Lu was paralyzed!

...

In the aftermath.

Brandon gaped as Regigigas approached Snowpoint Temple.

BOOM!

The temple platform crumbled under the Colossal Pokémon's footsteps.

"Regi—" Instead of returning to its stone sphere, Regigigas settled onto its throne, becoming statue-still.

Surveying the damaged structures, Brandon sighed deeply.

Looks like another renovation crew would be needed...

...

Team Rocket's Seven Islands Base.

The black-suited man replayed news footage repeatedly, expression stern.

Seeing the blurred figure unharmed, he exhaled in relief.

"Beep... Boss Giovanni, you have mail," Matori reported.

Giovanni nodded—then froze.

The sender was an account he'd thought of daily, containing just a name and photo:

Silver: [Gracidea_Flower.jpg]

"Ah... it's blooming season."

Giovanni stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, clasping hands behind his back before rubbing his eyes gruffly.

"Boss," a scientist interrupted. "We're detecting spacetime anomalies—possibly linked to Arceus."

Giovanni's face hardened again as he sat back, crossing legs and tapping his temple.

"Let's hope you don't get dragged into this again."

His brow furrowed as he rasped, "Mentor..."

...

The Reverse World.

Giratina's crimson gaze reflected the dark-haired trainer and Haunter.

In them, it sensed fearless conviction and courage—qualities it respected.

Given the chance, Giratina wouldn't mind meeting this trainer again.

Maybe even let him ride once more...

The experience hadn't been unpleasant.

Shaking its head, Giratina's helmet glowed as it observed the flow of time.

Then it swam through shadows toward a spacetime distortion—

A picturesque town boasting millennia of history.

"ROAR!!"

Giratina bellowed in fury, charging toward a cerulean Dialga...

...