CHAPTER 694: THE BATTLE ENDS, EXCLUSIVE MOVES!

Twenty hours after Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre awoke, the incident formally subsided.

According to the Emergency Response Department’s energy tracking, Hoenn’s two guardian deities had already retreated to Mt. Chimney and the Underwater Cavern and fallen back into slumber.

During this event, Hoenn’s two champions, Steven and Wallace, both demonstrated the strength and conviction befitting champions.

On both eastern and western fronts, gym leaders and trainers pooled their resources and efforts, buying precious time for the evacuation of the people along the way.

The foregoing is the official report the Hoenn League issued regarding this incident.

Within that report, the contribution of one champion stood out as monumental.

With Mega Blastoise he smashed Kyogre’s core disturbances;

with Mega Pupitar he shattered the desolation of the Desolate Land’s seal;

he commanded Regigigas to bluntly repel Primal Groudon;

and by his lone efforts he mediated the conflict between Hoenn’s two guardian deities. (A physical persuasion.)

This report was never destined for public release, for it involved a large number of legendary Pokémon and even concerned Teacher Lu’s trump cards…

But that did not stop the Director of the Hoenn League from announcing “victory” as soon as contact was restored on the Miare broadcast that evening.

“This victory does not belong to a single trainer;

it belongs to the entirety of the Hoenn League. You protected your partners, protected your families, protected your homes…”

As the floods receded and the earth’s fissures formed, cities would still need rebuilding.

In Miare City’s underground shelters, people listened to the broadcast with shining eyes and hopeful faces.

“Here, please allow me to represent the Hoenn League and pay tribute to an exalted champion. Teacher Lu—Mr. Lu Ye—held back Kyogre and Groudon’s advance, gathered forces from all sides, and quelled the struggle between the two ancient beings…”

“This marks the end of a disaster, the triumphant return of heroes, and the beginning of a new stride forward…”

The hour-long broadcast mentioned Wallace, Steven, Red… but for various reasons, the portion about Lu Ye was short and could easily be overlooked.

That did not stop former members of the Magma and Aqua subordinates, the water fleet, students from Trainer Academy… when they heard Teacher Lu’s surname on the radio, a faint light sparked in their eyes.

Champions are not born of disasters;

champions always pursue disasters.

Beyond strength, bonds, and passion, a champion’s responsibilities may be far greater.

And Teacher Lu, active across Sinnoh and Unova among many regions, who with a single shoulder confronted Hoenn’s twin deities, deserved the title of “champion” without question! 𝖗ÃꞐＯBÊš

“I heard all this on the broadcast.”

The Renovation Team Leader·Hoenn Form grasped Lu Ye’s hand, speaking excitedly: “You are a champion!”

“No… you have the wrong person.” Lu Ye replied calmly. “I am a chef.”

Renovation Team Leader: ?

Cynthia covered her mouth and laughed softly. Standing against the night, the mountain silhouettes blurred behind her, she was like a natural piece of golden amber that glowed on its own.

Lu Ye felt his exhaustion being diluted.

The renovation team leader promised to finish repairs within a day.

His brothers and sisters from other regions would also come to help Hoenn rebuild at discounted rates.

“Brothers and sisters!?” Lu Ye exclaimed.

“When one place is in trouble, aid comes from all sides.” The renovation team leader smiled. “You took care of a lot of people before… now it’s time we learned from your spirit of service.”

Lu Ye sighed and shook hands with him.

The renovation leader was a good person. He was probably like Nurse Joy’s or Officer Jenny’s families, specializing in PM world infrastructure…

Since Mengmengda’s residence needed rebuilding.

Tonight they would temporarily stay in Kanaz City at a hotel provided by Devon Corporation.

On the way back to the hotel, Little Rotom tilted its head and said, “Beep… only the Alola region remains unlit, Roto!”

“What do you mean?” Cynthia asked curiously.

“It means… Alola’s Pokédex data hasn’t been collected yet.”

Cynthia nodded lightly, then slightly frowned. Her beautiful face turned serious and she asked, “What exactly happened in Hoenn?”

“Haven’t Steven told you yet?”

Steven had originally planned to reveal the massive meteor to the gym leaders at tonight’s banquet.

Unlike the world-destroying meteors in games, this meteor posed less risk—but still enough to devastate the entire Hoenn region.

Cynthia replied with a nod: “Not yet.”

Lu Ye briefly summarized the meteor incident and said he would go to Sky Pillar with Steven and Qianli tomorrow morning.

“You don’t have to accompany me.”

Seeing Cynthia’s intrigued expression, Teacher Lu said seriously, “I’m worried about you. And I’m afraid I’ll be distracted.”

That was the truth. Although Cynthia, as a champion-class fighter, was undeniably powerful, Lu Ye’s attention was difficult to center.

His wife was too beautiful;

he might get distracted if he wasn’t careful—he was genuinely apologetic…

Cynthia rested her hand on her chin and pondered, “Do you plan to summon another legendary Pokémon on the level of Rayquaza?”

Lu Ye was startled: “How did you know?”

Cynthia narrowed her beautiful eyes and looked at Lu Ye;

that gaze sent a chill down his spine.

Lu Ye wore a wary little smile.

“Forget it.” Cynthia tucked her golden hair behind her ear and sighed. “I won’t trouble you and Steven…”

Lu Ye: ?

“With him helping to take care of things, I probably don’t need to worry.”

Cynthia crossed her arms and said indifferently, “I’ll head back to Sinnoh tomorrow morning. I have a batch of paperwork to handle.”

I already sensed the waves of resentment…

From Teacher Lu’s perspective, Steven and Qianli getting hurt was acceptable;

Mengmengda getting hurt was not.

It was macho, certainly, but he did not have complete confidence that he could persuade Rayquaza…

“Sorry.” Lu Ye bowed his head sincerely. “I ignored your feelings… Next time before any action, I’ll tell you in advance!”

“Next time?” Cynthia glanced over.

Lu Ye was silent for a moment.

Who knew when ‘next time’ would be;

by then he’d probably already returned to Kalos.

And the perilous Sky Pillar… would need a solo approach.

“That’s right…” Lu Ye said with difficulty, “Next time.”

Cynthia gazed at Lu Ye for a long while, then extended one hand sheathed in a black sleeve and gently stroked his jaw.

Lu Ye sensed the delicate touch on his cheek and fell slightly into reverie.

“The one who should apologize is me.”

Cynthia’s gaze under her golden hair flickered. Her slender finger traced over Lu Ye’s newly grown, untended stubble;

their eyes met, her voice a little hoarse: “Defending against Kyogre and Groudon must have been very exhausting…”

The night breeze wrapped around them. Cynthia’s golden hair fluttered;

Lu Ye stared at her crimson, alluring lips and took the slim hand that had stroked his jaw into his own. Then he leaned in and kissed her.

Cynthia wrapped her arms around Lu Ye’s shoulders, tilting her noble, beautiful, slightly weary face up.

She had rushed from Sinnoh as fast as she could;

the view she saw while atop Garchomp was no more pleasant than Hoenn’s battleground.

She contacted him amidst desperate worry and frantic flight, then forced a bright, comforting, tender smile upon herself.

Lu Ye kissed more gently, but Cynthia’s arms tightened around his neck.

A cool, tender, fervent kiss.

The outlines of distant mountains blurred. The night grew deeper.

Nonfliers and fatfish had returned home and fell into deep sleep.

Starlight rose and illuminated a tired, sleeping hometown.

…

Kanaz City, Budew Hotel.

Although it was a deluxe suite with an open interior, there was, sensibly, only one big bed.

Lu Ye blinked.

The flag of “sleeping while holding Mengmengda” had actually come true…

As Cynthia had said, she had come to Hoenn and would return to the Sinnoh League to handle business tomorrow morning.

Lu Ye had intended to rest a day and have Lucian cover for him… but he gave it up after thinking it over.

First, he felt bad for Lucian.

Second, Cynthia had the duties and convictions of being Sinnoh’s champion;

he had no right to interfere.

Cynthia swapped out of her black coat, slipped into a white T-shirt that hid her figure modestly, and wore denim shorts that revealed two smooth, pale, shapely legs.

Her waterfall-like golden hair fell to her lower back. Her outfit emphasized vigor, turning the lofty champion into the approachable senior sister next door.

“Hoof~hoop!” Cynthia laughed, barefoot, hopping on the carpet where the TV and game consoles were set up.

“What are you doing?” Lu Ye asked.

“Testing the floor’s strength for you.” Cynthia said.

“Don’t joke.”

“A fitness game… want to play?” Cynthia handed him a controller.

Lu Ye’s gaze fell on the screen. Beside Cynthia, 2P Togepi bounced happily along.

“Ciajidu~ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ” the little eggshell hopped around.

“I won’t fight Togepi for it.”

Lu Ye said, “I’ll release Pupitar from its Poké Ball. Don’t let it play… I’m afraid the hotel will collapse.”

“Mhm.” Cynthia tilted her head. “By the way… I’ve never seen Pupitar after evolution.”

“It grew up.”

Lu Ye said, tired and moved at once, “Its appetite hasn’t changed a bit!”

A beam of red light shot from a dark Poké Ball. With a thud, Pupitar landed and bellowed, head held high, as if to raise a crazed sandstorm behind it!

“Calm down—no indoor sandstorms;

there won’t be any chips to eat today!” Lu Ye said nervously.

“Banji…”

Pupitar calmed down and scratched its head.

Cynthia rested her chin in her hand and appraised Pupitar, praising, “Not bad… very well raised!”

“After all, it ate so many rocks and even fought Primal Groudon for the weather…” Lu Ye said. “It’s progressed incredibly fast!”

Pupitar’s main tactical role was seizing the weather—weather masters like Kabu weren’t enough to counter that.

A champion? Maybe not, but enough for an Elite Four match.

And of course… after evolving into Pupitar, Teacher Lu’s household Engel coefficient shot up again!

“Banji!” the sound of chewing chips.

Pupitar sat by the coffee table, obediently munching chips while watching Togepi play the game.

Lu Ye paused, slightly dazed.

Cynthia exclaimed: “Its temperament seems not very ferocious?”

Lu Ye: “Mmm… more like it’s very adorable.”

Adorable… Pupitar?

Something must be wrong somewhere.

“Banji~” Pupitar munched its beloved chips with a childlike grin.

But that was fine.

Lu Ye rubbed his chin.

After all, Old Bang hasn’t even turned one year old… compared to Victini that’s hundreds of years old and Mew that’s thousands, who isn’t a baby!?

“So… taking Pupitar to the Baby Cup is completely reasonable!” Lu Ye murmured.

Since the room was spacious, Cynthia also released the little ones from their Poké Balls.

Lucario wore a cool expression, his red eyes half-open, slanting around the room, then suddenly widened;

a cold sweat streaked his brow!

“Ka-may…ヾ(⌐■_■)” Blastoise suddenly appeared before him, wearing an humble look.

Senior… I have an aura-related question I’d like to consult you about…

“Ruka…” Lucario swallowed nervously.

Blastoise appeared before me…I didn’t notice any aura at all!

Lucario scrutinized Blastoise and looked puzzled.

Did this guy hide his aura completely to be cautious!?

“Ruka…” Lucario shook his head.

There’s nothing left for me to teach you…

“Ka-may!” Blastoise sighed.

It seemed with my strength I still cannot coax Lucario into revealing all his techniques.

A sharp gleam passed through Blastoise’s eyes.

I must get stronger to better serve my master!

“Rati~” Latias curved her eyes and frolicked in the air with Cynthia’s Togekiss.

Sylveon looked fierce as it argued with Glaceon: “Bu-bii~ (#｀皿´)”

Lu Ye: “……”

A perfect pairing? Girl X older sister?

Lu Ye shook his head. Once back in Miare City he should think about the Fairy Plate issue.

At that time, holding an internal contest in the team would probably cause the rankings to quake…

Enjoying this peaceful time, Lu Ye stood and went to the kitchen to make some snacks, and received a call from Xiao Yin.

“Teacher Lu.” Xiao Yin said, “I’m at the Pokémon Center… my father asked me to pass something to you.”

Lu Ye greeted Cynthia and hurried to the Pokémon Center, where he saw the red-haired, black-clad young man flipping through his phone.

“Xiao Yin!” Lu Ye called, approaching: “Has your father left Hoenn yet?”

Xiao Yin shook his head: “He said he’s still in Hoenn;

there are matters to handle.”

Maybe he’s carving out Hoenn as a Rocket Delivery district;

or perhaps Boss Giovanni isn’t satisfied and went to challenge Red who’s also in Hoenn…

Lu Ye silently offered a prayer for him, then accepted a wooden box Xiao Yin handed him and froze: “This is?”

“My father’s token of thanks.” Xiao Yin said expressionlessly. “He says he doesn’t like owing anyone;

this is what he gave you as thanks.”

Lu Ye looked up at the sky.

After each big battle, Boss Giovanni is always the most eager to hand out rewards.

Last time the Sandstone could feed Pupitar;

hopefully this time it’s another stone…

Lu Ye did not refuse and opened the wooden box. The light in the box lit up his face.

For a moment, Teacher Lu widened his eyes in awe.

“Pieces of the Red Orb and the Blue Orb.”

Xiao Yin said thoughtfully: “Rumor has it… they contain part of Groudon’s and Kyogre’s powers. But my father didn’t say how to use them.”

“No matter.”

Lu Ye composed himself. “I already know the purpose of these two fragments.”

“Is that so.” Xiao Yin nodded: “I trust you’ll use the fragments properly.”

A complete orb could even control Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre.

An exclusive move can be regarded as a legendary Pokémon’s emblem, and even its fundamental source power.

And these orb fragments right here contain the very core of those two powers!

Teacher Lu’s emotions grew complicated.

These were not merely blue and red fragments…

They were clearly move recorders—

Core Disturbance, Precipice Blades!