"Professor Sada?"

Hearing the name, Naoki's eyes widened in surprise.

He looked at the holographic projection of the professor on the other side of the screen. "What happened?"

Sada AI opened her mouth to explain, but the image suddenly flickered with static. Before she could say more, the signal cut out entirely.

Inside the Area Zero Research Institute

"What just happened?" Sada AI stared at the now-dark screen, momentarily frozen.

"The Paradox Pokémon must have destroyed the signal relay station," Turo AI replied, quickly pulling up surveillance footage to confirm.

Back at Naoki's home, he frowned at the interrupted call. He tried reconnecting, but the device displayed No Signal.

"What's wrong?" Iono asked, noticing the shift in his expression.

"Professor Sada just contacted me out of nowhere," Naoki said, still staring at the communicator. "She said she needed my help… but the line went dead. I think something might be happening in Area Zero."

He stood up and began pulling on his travel gear. "I'm heading over there to check it out."

Iono's eyes widened. "Area Zero? Isn't that place extremely dangerous?"

Naoki smiled reassuringly. "It's fine. I've been there plenty of times before. Don't worry, I'll be back."

Naoki went upstairs and found Elara playing with her toys. "Sweetheart, Daddy has to step out for a while," he told her gently. "I'll play with you when I get back."

Elara hurried over, her little eyes full of curiosity. "Where are you going?"

"Just something important I need to take care of," Naoki said, giving her a soft pat on the head. "Be good while I'm gone, okay? Listen to Entei and the others. I promise I'll be back soon."

"Okay!" she nodded.

Downstairs, Naoki glanced around at his Pokémon team. "Who's coming with me?"

Pawmot bounced forward eagerly. "Bammo~!"

Dragonite raised a wing in agreement. "Awoo!"

Naturally, Koraidon would be joining them, there was never any question about that.

Naoki then turned to Cyclizar, who was practically vibrating with excitement. "You want to come too?"

"Gah!" Cyclizar nodded rapidly.

But before it could get too excited, Koraidon stepped forward and gave a sharp, warning growl. "Gah!"

Cyclizar froze, its expression falling into an exaggerated pout.

It didn't understand. It was strong now, really strong, and it could definitely help Naoki! It had never gotten a chance to go on an important mission like Dragonite and the others.

But Koraidon's glare didn't waver. When Koraidon said no, it meant no.

Naoki blinked in surprise at the sight of the two Pokémon squaring off.

"Koraidon? What's with you?" he asked, baffled.

Koraidon turned its head toward him and gave a sharp, "Ah, gah!"

Naoki understood immediately. It was saying: 'That place is far too dangerous! Cyclizar is still too weak, if it can't even protect itself, how could it possibly protect you?'

Hearing this, Cyclizar's eyes burned with frustration. It wasn't the same fragile Pokémon it used to be!

The two Pokémon locked eyes, and the air between them grew taut with tension.

Cyclizar vs. Koraidon

Koraidon's raw power was overwhelming. Within less than a minute, Cyclizar was knocked down and left unable to battle.

Naoki's brows drew together in a frown. "Koraidon… what's gotten into you today?"

"Ah, gah," Koraidon muttered, feigning ignorance.

Kneeling down beside Cyclizar, Naoki gently checked its injuries. When Cyclizar's eyes fluttered open, there was a defeated look in them.

"It's alright, Cyclizar," Naoki said softly, his tone full of care. "You're already strong. When I get back, I'll train you until you can surpass Koraidon, no question about it."

"Gah?" Cyclizar's voice trembled with hope.

"Of course it's true," Naoki promised with a warm smile.

He stood and turned back to Koraidon, his expression firm. "You went too far today."

Koraidon lowered its head. "Ah… gah…"

"Apologize to Cyclizar," Naoki instructed.

Koraidon looked at Cyclizar. Cyclizar looked right back.

Neither said a word.

Naoki was silent for a moment.

"Never mind, there are still important things to deal with."

He returned Pawmot and Dragonite to their Poké Balls, then turned to Koraidon. "I'll talk to you when I get back. Cyclizar, you stay here for now, we'll be back soon."

Seeing that Naoki had no intention of bringing Cyclizar along, Koraidon let out a small sigh of relief.

After this was over, he would tell Naoki the whole truth. When history was changed, he would disappear, and the past version of himself could always be with Naoki.

With Naoki on his back, Koraidon rose into the sky, soaring toward the Paldean Crater.

At the ranch, seeing Cyclizar's downcast expression, Iono tried to comfort him.

"Don't be sad, Cyclizar, you've done great!"

"Gaao?" Cyclizar lifted his head.

"You've been helping Naoki all this time, moving fruit trees, harvesting crops, picking apples," Iono said encouragingly. "So don't be sad, you've done a really great job!"

Hearing this, Cyclizar seemed to remember something, and his mood instantly brightened again.

"Gaao!"

That's right. Even if he wasn't as strong as Koraidon, he could still help Naoki.

Looking toward the direction Koraidon had flown, Cyclizar made up his mind.

While Iono went into the house to prepare lunch, Cyclizar quietly began to follow, determined to prove himself, to show that he was now a powerful Pokémon capable of protecting Naoki.

But just before he could leave, a pair of small hands grabbed him.

Cyclizar turned his head and saw his little master.

"Cyclizar, are you going to Daddy's place?" she asked.

Cyclizar nodded. "Haaa!"

"When will you come back to play with me? I want to go to the World Tree with you to catch butterflies!" she said eagerly.

Ever since she was little, Cyclizar had often taken her to the flower fields on the World Tree to catch butterflies. There were always many Pokémon to play with there.

Cyclizar thought for a moment, then replied, "Haaa."

"Then come back soon!" she urged.

"Gaaao~" Cyclizar agreed without hesitation.

...

[Poor Cyclizar🥲🥲]