Giratina pondered carefully but still couldn't recall where it had met that human before.
After all, for the past few centuries, it had remained trapped in the Distortion World, constantly clashing with that irritating fox.
Every waking moment was spent devising ways to expel that fox from its domain. It simply didn't have the energy to consider trivial things.
Still, Giratina wasn't worried.
Just a mere human and a slightly strong Gardevoir—no matter how capable, they posed no threat here.
Thinking this, Giratina flew forward a little further.
It stopped only at a clear boundary, casting a cautious glance at the shadowy forest in the distance, a hint of ferocity flashing through its crimson eyes.
Beyond here lay that fox's territory.
Should I risk searching there?
Giratina hesitated, uncertain.
…
The following morning, as faint light brightened the Distortion World, Gardevoir slowly opened her sleepy eyes.
Seeing Elias still sound asleep beside her, she smiled faintly, nestling deeper into his embrace.
Warmth flooded through her, drawing a contented sigh from her lips.
It would be perfect if we could stay like this forever…
Yet sadly, they were still trapped in the Distortion World. To leave, they first needed to defeat Giratina.
After experiencing the joy of monopolizing Elias's attention, she was no longer in such a rush to return.
But…
Elias couldn't stay here indefinitely.
Aside from hidden dangers lurking everywhere, food had become a critical problem.
All the berries she'd carried were already gone, and both she and Elias needed food to replenish their energy.
Especially after how hard Elias worked yesterday—she couldn't let him suffer hunger now.
Resting her chin in her palm, Gardevoir's mind drifted back to the berry grove she'd stumbled upon yesterday.
The branches there had been laden with ripe fruit, enough to feed them both temporarily.
The only obstacle was the mysterious Pokémon guarding the area.
Carefully shifting Elias's hand and covering his ears gently with [Psychic], Gardevoir quietly rose, stretching her body gracefully.
She carefully took hold of the [Mind Plate] Elias had given her yesterday, pressing it protectively to her chest.
She then briefly checked the [Mega Stone] around her neck.
Yesterday, she'd been careless. Today, fully prepared, she believed she could retreat unharmed.
And besides…
I'm just picking a few berries. It shouldn't be noticed.
Confirming that Elias was still deep in sleep, Gardevoir teleported toward the grove.
Of course, she didn't forget to leave behind a psychic trace near Elias.
This way, if he faced any danger, she'd sense it immediately and rush back.
A short while later, Gardevoir appeared midair, not far from the grove.
BOOM—!
Just as she arrived, a huge explosion echoed nearby.
Even the surrounding air trembled slightly from the force.
Eyes widening in surprise, Gardevoir quickly realized someone had arrived before her and was battling the mysterious Pokémon inside.
SWISH!
ROOOOAAARRR!
Another slicing sound cut sharply through the air, followed swiftly by an anguished howl.
Giratina—looking thoroughly beaten—flew into the sky, its massive form battered and wounded.
Glancing nervously backward, it stared warily at Zoroark.
That fox's temper seemed worse than ever today. Giratina had barely approached before being barraged by relentless attacks.
Even with its sturdy body, it hadn't escaped injury.
Seeing Zoroark prepare to give chase, Giratina grit its teeth in frustration, hastily retreating toward the outskirts of the grove.
I'll have to find that human and the Gardevoir somewhere else.
Watching Giratina's hurried escape, Gardevoir's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Perhaps this was her chance to strike.
If she defeated Giratina now, she could take Elias and leave immediately.
Psychic energy surged eagerly through her body.
But just before she acted, caution returned to her mind.
No, there's still another Pokémon in the grove.
If the mysterious Pokémon was hostile, fighting Giratina now could leave her vulnerable and unable to protect Elias.
She had to maintain her strength and remain in peak condition.
Only once Giratina vanished entirely did Gardevoir relax slightly.
Her attention turned back to the grove.
The Pokémon within had just finished battling Giratina, meaning its condition was probably weakened.
Now might be her best chance to sneak in unnoticed and gather some berries.
Having decided, Gardevoir prepared to teleport to the grove's edge.
Yet at that moment—
—a sudden chill enveloped her.
Sensing danger, Gardevoir quickly used [Psychic] as abarrier around herself.
BOOM!
An instant later, a shadowy claw surged out of nowhere, slamming forcefully against her [Psychic] defense.
The tremendous force nearly shattered her barrier completely.
Gardevoir stumbled back several steps, barely regaining her footing at a safe distance.
Quickly scanning with [Psychic], she pinpointed her attacker's location.
It hid behind a large rock nearby; the shadow was merely a diversion for a sneak attack.
Narrowing her eyes, Gardevoir swiftly released several [Psycho Cuts].
Sharp blades flew straight toward the hidden attacker.
Just before impact, a barrage of [Shadow Balls] burst from behind the rock, easily intercepting Gardevoir's blades.
Dense smoke erupted instantly, filling the area.
Both Gardevoir and Zoroark quickly realized they faced challenging opponents.
Emerging slowly from behind the rock, Zoroark stared coldly at the Gardevoir before her.
"It's you."
Zoroark's eyes narrowed as she observed the Pokémon she'd already encountered twice before.
Recognizing she'd been spotted, Gardevoir clenched her fists, ready to teleport away at a moment's notice.
She'd never seen a Pokémon quite like this fox-like creature.
The aura emanating from it felt incredibly dangerous—even more so than Giratina.
Feeling this, Gardevoir cautiously stepped back.
But surprisingly, aside from an initial flicker of curiosity, the other Pokémon's expression quickly returned to calm.
"I have no interest in you. Leave."
Zoroark's voice resonated clearly in Gardevoir's mind.
She remembered vaguely—long ago, Elias mentioning that he liked Pokémon like Gardevoir.
This was why she chose to let the intruder go.
---
Gardevoir: Elias likes Gardevoir. Can you guess why?