The wind howled through the shattered canyon, its scarred earth littered with fissures.
Regigigas slept peacefully now—reduced to a softly glowing stone orb.
The three Regis stood motionless, their crimson lights finally dimmed.
"It seems the Confuse Ray has worn off," Brandon murmured, carefully lifting the orb.
"I also have an unshirkable responsibility for Regigigas's anger..."
"But thanks to everyone's efforts," his gaze swept over the group, filled with gratitude, "we succeeded!"
If you hadn't sent out the Regis, Natsume thought dryly, we could've put it to sleep way earlier.
Still... Regigigas had been in a post-nap rage.
Natsume-sensei had originally planned to bribe it with Pokéblocks.
But negotiations broke down the moment he opened his mouth.
Next time, he decided, I'll change my opening line.
No more "How's it hanging?"
Just have Rotom Trick Pokéblocks straight into its mouth!
Natsume: "...That might actually make things worse."
Of course, with Aura of Ripple, even if he couldn't treat Legendary Pokémon to a feast, he could at least offer them a... firm handshake.
Natsume nodded sagely, pleased with himself.
Really though... I shouldn't have taken missions with Ash.
This guy's luck stat attracts catastrophes!
Riley removed his hat, sensing Regigigas' emotions through his aura.
Beneath the fading anger lay deep remorse for the destruction caused.
"This isn't a deity that brings calamity," he mused. "Its heart was clouded by rage—until Natsume-sensei's aura awakened it."
Natsume blinked.
So my Aura of Ripple gave it... post-battle clarity?
Then again, "waking up on the wrong side of the temple" seemed to be a common Legendary trait.
Groudon and Kyogre started wars the moment they opened their eyes—Regigigas was tame by comparison.
Their success also hinged on Slow Start... and Cynthia's timely arrival.
Natsume glanced at her instinctively—just as she turned to meet his gaze.
No words were needed. A faint smile graced her calm features.
Natsume's lips quirked upward.
Wealthy patron or not... I'm here for the Moe-Moe!
"This will make valuable research material," Cynthia remarked.
"Huh?" Natsume snapped out of his thoughts. "What material?"
"My conference paper on Sinnoh's legends is halfway done. The Snowpoint Temple incident fits perfectly."
"Ah." Natsume nodded.
As a mythologist, papers were part of her routine.
"Roserade."
Cynthia studied Natsume's injuries and released her Pokémon. "Aromatherapy."
Roserade extended its flowers, soothing grass-type energy knitting his wounds.
"Gh—!"
The initial sting faded quickly. Natsume touched his cheek—already scabbed over.
"Does it hurt?" Cynthia asked.
"Not really. Want to check?"
To his surprise, she actually reached out, brushing the scab lightly before smiling.
"Seems effective."
"Champion Cynthia!" Ash bounded over, battle-hungry.
Lucian yanked him back by the collar.
"Interrupt them, and you won't live to regret it," he said darkly.
"Huh? Why?!"
Lucian adjusted his cracked glasses, staring at the sky instead of answering.
Those two are blinding. My eyes hurt.
Also...
I'm injured too! Where's my medic?!
The Champion is using public funds for romance—
Ahem. Not the point.
It's just... really cold. And snowy.
Ice crystals drifted down from Mount Coronet. In the distance, Mamoswine herds returned to their habitats.
Brandon recalled the Regis and led the group back to the ruined temple, placing Regigigas' orb at its center.
"I'll remain in Snowpoint City to rebuild the temple," he declared. "The Regis and I will guard Regigigas."
Cynthia tucked a golden strand behind her ear.
"I'll reinforce security here and have Leader Candice assist."
With the poachers dismantled and Regigigas calmed...
Lucian exhaled deeply.
Finally... some time off!
"MAMOSWINE—!"
A thunderous cry interrupted his relief.
A massive Mamoswine approached Natsume, its herd trailing behind.
Ash reached for a Poké Ball—
"Peace. It comes in gratitude," Riley assured.
"Gratitude?" Ash blinked.
"Pokémon sense aura more keenly than humans."
The Mamoswine bowed as Natsume patted its thick fur.
Riley watched, awed.
"I believe they've come to thank him for the aura's influence."
Ash nodded slowly.
Natsume-sensei wasn't just some Baby Cup strategist.
When needed, this senior stood his ground.
Riley studied Natsume's back, remembering Mega Blastoise's overwhelming aura.
To face a deity head-on...
Such feats were rare—something he'd only heard of from Hoenn's Champion, Steven.
And the bond between Natsume-sensei and his Pokémon...
Riley smiled wistfully.
As I thought.
A brave, kind-hearted aura wielder.
Lucian rubbed his chin, replaying the battle.
As a Psychic-type Elite Four, hypnosis was his specialty.
So why...
Did Natsume-sensei's Gengar out-hypnotize my Bronzong?!
Do moves have... compatibility ratings now?!
Then he recalled Natsume-sensei's dirty tactics and understood.
Of course. Efficiency above all.
Ash compared his own brawling style to Natsume-sensei's control-first approach.
"...So cheap," he muttered.
Natsume gave the Mamoswine a final pat as it led its herd away.
Through his aura, he sensed Regigigas' remorse—and its gratitude for his "massage."
Nothing like a post-nap beating to start the day right!
"Regigigas... (′▽`〃)"
In a way...
Being an aura wielder granted him leverage even against Legendaries.
Natsume knew Regigigas wasn't at fault—the poachers' greed had triggered its rage.
But with Hunter J gone, Sinnoh would know peace again.
And I didn't piss it off. Actually gained affinity.
Pretty good deal.
"■■■■■■ (Next time you wake up, dinner's on me.)"
He grinned at the orb.
Brandon blinked. "What did you say?"
"Just a farewell."
The orb pulsed blue—Regigigas' eager response—before dimming.
Natsume smirked.
Easy to please.
Imagine summoning a 50-meter Regigigas mid-battle someday.
The ground splits open—
Red fights Mewtwo. I get... this.
Chefs and mechanics do have their perks.
He glanced at his Dive Ball, exhaustion hitting him.
Mega Blastoise had tanked a god's punch—a first for the sturdy turtle.
Natsume clutched his side, groaning.
Need to check Eterna's herb shops...
Revival Herbs don't grow on trees.
His wallet shuddered.
Time to raid the Pokémon Company's funds.
[Ding! Achievement "Regigigas' Awakening" complete!]
[Rewards: Terrain Extender×1, Special Upgrade Voucher×1, Skill Level-Up Ticket×1, Orange Items×2!]
[Description: You've faced a continent-moving deity and lived. The path of a Legendary Trainer beckons.]
Natsume's eye twitched.
"Legendary Trainer"? System, are you mocking me?
Still, the rewards were decent.
The Orange Items were probably rare berries.
The Special Upgrade Voucher was clearly for his Aura of Ripple.
(Other talents like "Aura of Viridian" or "Transcendence" could wait.)
The Terrain Extender would go to Gengar—let it experiment.
As the group dispersed, Cynthia lingered, hands in her coat pockets.
"Between Hunter J and Regigigas..."
She studied Natsume's profile, thoughtful.
"What kind of reward matches this?"
Then it hit her.
Let Lucian decide.
He's the one doing overtime anyway.
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