At dusk.
Natsuhiko finally arrived at Lake Verity, one of the three most famous lakes in the Sinnoh Region, with a group of Pokémon.
According to the origin legend of the Pokémon Realm in the Sinnoh Region, Lake Verity holds a very important position in this legend.
It is said that the Creator God Arceus was born from an egg of chaos and created this world using the power of stone tablets.
And within this world, Pokémon were born, marking the origin of the Pokémon Realm.
However, the environment of the Pokémon Realm was initially very harsh, making it difficult for Pokémon to survive, so Arceus also created Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia, to respectively govern antimatter, time, and space.
The Pokémon Realm, at last, became tranquil under the combined efforts of these three Pokémon, the environment stabilized, and Pokémon were able to thrive.
But soon after, Arceus felt that the Pokémon Realm was lonely; Pokémon and humans seemed to live merely to survive, lacking emotional exchange.
So, Arceus then created Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf, to govern knowledge, emotion, and will, respectively.
It was from then on that the Pokémon Realm became vibrant and colorful.
Having completed their tasks, Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf each selected a lake to reside in, quietly observing the changes in the world and the interactions between humans and Pokémon.
These three lakes are Lake Acuity, Lake Valor, and the Lake Verity now before Natsuhiko.
Because of this, the three Pokémon—Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf—are also referred to as the "Lake Gods."
Theoretically.
Lake Verity should be home to Azelf, the representation of "will."
It observes all Pokémon and humans who approach, silently.
Because of this legend, Lake Verity has become one of the famous attractions in the Sinnoh Region, drawing many visitors each year.
However, since Natsuhiko did not take the officially designated and constructed paths of the league, he did not encounter any travelers but instead appeared on the other side of Lake Verity, far from the viewing area.
Moreover, Lake Verity is so vast that no one could see them from a distance.
This saved them a lot of trouble.
Under the glow of the setting sun, the rippling lake surface revealed a sense of peace and tranquility.
Natsuhiko and his Pokémon sat on the pebble-covered shore, enjoying the cool breeze blowing from the lake.
"It's said that if a person or Pokémon with a strong will throws a stone into the lake, they can summon the legendary 'God of Will' Azelf," Natsuhiko suddenly said.
"Togetic?"
The Pokémon tilted their heads, puzzled, as they looked at him.
You believe that?
Natsuhiko smiled, casually picking up a pebble from the ground and weighing it lightly.
"Let's compete to see who can throw farther—no, distance doesn't test your skill. Let's see who can make the biggest splash with a stone. The Pokémon that makes the biggest splash gets first choice at dinner, how about that?"
It's often said that no matter how old they are, men always have a bit of childishness deep in their hearts, and at this moment, Natsuhiko's childishness was stirring a bit.
Moreover, engaging in some fun games can undoubtedly increase the affinity between Trainer and Pokémon, accelerate the cultivation of their momentum, and enhance their bond.
Endless training and battling aren't always good things.
Seeing that he was interested, the Pokémon naturally did not refuse.
Who would refuse the privilege to choose their dinner first?
Even now, the roast meat from noon had left them wanting more.
"Togetic!" Togetic clenched its little fists.
"Yongji." Yujira gently bent its finger, and a pebble was enveloped by psychic power and landed in its hand.
When it comes to throwing things, who could do it better?
"Buzz..." Beedrill looked at its own stingers in confusion.
Throw, things?
It felt targeted.
"Hah!!!"
But when it saw Honedge, it felt relieved and even smiled.
At least it had hands—what about Honedge?
In the next second, its expression froze.
After the initial despair, Honedge suddenly realized that the ribbon behind its hilt could be used as a hand!
Wrapping around a stone, it displayed a rare smug expression.
This time, Beedrill was utterly desperate.
"To ensure fairness, I've selected pebbles that are nearly identical in size, shape, and weight for you all to use. Now, let's see your performance."
Natsuhiko handed each Pokémon a pebble.
"Togetic?"
Togetic looked at Natsuhiko.
What about you?
"Me? I'm the referee, and also the chef for tonight." Natsuhiko joked.
Then, ignoring the "disdainful" looks from the Pokémon, he clapped his hands and said.
"Alright, the first Natsuhiko Splash Contest officially begins! This event is sponsored by Mr. Natsuhiko. The winner of this contest will receive the privilege of the first choice at dinner. I am the host, chief planner, director, and sponsor, Natsuhiko."
Sounded pretty grand.
"Now, let's welcome our first contestant, Honedge!"
"Contestant Honedge is swinging its ribbon. It's smart, trying to use inertia. It threw it, it threw it!" Natsuhiko narrated with a laugh, adding a touch of fun to the event.
Pop!
The pebble made a crisp sound as it touched the lake surface, creating ripples and a small splash.
Natsuhiko and the Pokémon: "..."
Honedge looked at them in confusion.
Isn't this about throwing stones?
"Ahem, it seems our contestant Honedge is quite simple. It has no chance for dinner choice tonight. Next contestant, Yujira!"
"Yongji."
Yujira, filled with confidence, used its psychic powers to levitate the pebble above the lake, its eyes glowed blue, and its psychic power exploded in an instant with a Mental Shock!
The massive thrust made the stone fall heavily, creating quite a splash.
Seeing this, Honedge was even more confused.
Are techniques allowed?
"Excellent! Contestant Yujira cleverly utilized the thrust from Mental Shock and is now in first place. Next contestant, Beedrill!"
Beedrill brought its needles together, carefully holding a small pebble, its body somewhat rigid.
Because the pebble was slippery, and Beedrill's long needles were also very sleek, making merely holding the pebble extremely difficult.
Puff—
Beedrill exhaled heavily, then took a deep breath.
With both arms swinging simultaneously, the stone flew into the air, and then Beedrill's needles crossed, its eyes sharp, a brilliant cyan light suddenly flashing, as Cross Cut was executed!
Bam!
"Uh..."
The Pokémon blinked in disbelief at the stone, now reduced to dust...
Hold back, don't laugh.
You might get beaten.
Honedge sent a grateful glance.
At least it wasn't the only one.
"Ahem, ahem, ahem, it seems Beedrill used too much strength. Right now, the rankings are Yujira, Honedge, and Beedrill! The final contestant, Togetic!"
"Togetic!"
Togetic held its stone, its gaze resolute.
"What is contestant Togetic doing? What is it doing?! It's shaking its finger, it's... Waving Finger!"
For the sake of dinner, Togetic used its long-absent Waving Finger. Whether it could turn the tables depended on what move this Waving Finger could conjure.
The next second.
A blue and white beam shot from Togetic's hand, striking the pebble in the air.
The pebble was instantly frozen, forming thick ice crystals that increased its size dozens of times.
Plop—
The massive ice block fell into the water, causing a huge splash.
"Frozen Beam! Contestant Togetic used a nearly cheat-like method, producing a Frozen Beam that dramatically increased the pebble's size, creating an enormous splash!"
"So I hereby declare, the winner of this contest is..."
Whoosh——
However, before Natsuhiko could finish, a pebble suddenly whizzed past him at an incredible speed.
This was an unexpected fifth pebble!
Boom!!
The small pebble created a terrifying splash.
The laughter was now very clear.
And Natsuhiko smiled too.
He had guessed right.