While Steven and Wallace continued teasing each other, Aiden and Cynthia were locked in each other's arms after a long and passionate night.
"The Sinnoh League just suffered massive damage, and its Champion abandons headquarters like this… is that really okay?" Aiden teased lightly.
Cynthia's cheeks flushed red.
"Whose fault do you think that is?!"
Aiden laughed, pulling her closer.
"But the Hoenn Elite Four Challenge is about to begin. And Team Sky reported possible ruins linked to Registeel and Regice. I'll need to leave Sinnoh for a while."
A trace of reluctance flickered across Cynthia's eyes.
And before parting—
Their battle reignited once more.
"Ding! Cynthia's Affection toward Host has reached maximum!"
—
Before leaving, Cynthia joined the League's reconstruction efforts.
As a farewell gift, she handed Aiden a golden-aptitude Gible—descendant of her ace Garchomp.
Aiden released the little dragon immediately.
"Ding! Gible's current status—"
Pokémon: Gible
Level: 21
Ability: Sand Veil
Type: Ground / Dragon
Aptitude: Gold
Affection: 70
Background: Outstanding offspring of the strongest Garchomp in the modern era.
Hobby: Wants to grow stronger. Likes eating dirt.
Aiden: "???"
"So you eat dirt too, huh?"
He chuckled, patting its head.
With Dragonite and Salamence available to train it—and five Dragon-type Primary Legendaries in system space—this little one's growth was practically guaranteed.
At present, nearly all of Aiden's main roster had reached Elite-level or higher.
Only Shiny Lucario, Drapion, and Gible remained below full breakthrough status.
No rush.
Strength built naturally lasted longer.
—
Soon after, Aiden released Latias and rode her back toward Hoenn.
—
After some travel time, he arrived in Petalburg City.
But something felt different.
The streets were decorated.
Banners stretched across buildings.
Billboards displayed a familiar name—
Aiden Flint.
The Elite Four Challenge was only three days away.
"If you ask me, Sidney's definitely getting knocked out of the Elite Four this year!"
"Not necessarily. Wallace might resign after losing and focus on Contests full-time!"
"I just want to see Steven versus Aiden. Contest elegance is fine, but real Trainer battles are where it's at!"
Wallace's dedication to Contest culture had divided Hoenn's opinions.
Steven's name resurfaced in discussions.
The entire region buzzed with anticipation.
Realizing the risk of being recognized, Aiden used psychic power to subtly mask his face and entered the Pokémon Center.
His first stop back in Hoenn—
His official girlfriend.
Joey Sakura.
He handed over his Pokémon for checkups.
When she saw Milotic—
She froze.
"You… are you Aiden?"
Only then did he drop the disguise.
Their reunion was warm and deeply missed.
He stayed once more in the luxurious suite of the Pokémon Center—the same room where everything had begun between them.
That night—
He was ambushed again.
"I'll be there to cheer for you at the Elite Four Challenge."
Aiden held her tightly.
He truly owed this girl more than he showed.
"When I win the Championship," he said softly, "I'll announce our relationship publicly."
Joey Sakura froze.
Then emotion overwhelmed her.
"Aiden… I love you."
"Ding! Joey Sakura's Affection toward Host has reached maximum!"
—
In the Pokémon world, marriage laws weren't strictly monogamous.
Many League elites maintained multiple partners.
Chairman Damaranch in his youth had been famously charismatic.
Professor Oak himself had once sparked rivalry between two elderly women.
So Aiden having two official girlfriends—
Was hardly scandalous.
As for J, Shelly, and Courtney?
Subordinates.
Secretaries at most.
Nothing more.
—
After several peaceful days in Petalburg with Joey Sakura, the long-awaited day arrived.
The Hoenn Elite Four Challenge.
A once-every-four-years spectacle.
The entire region halted work, school, and daily life.
A grand festival.
Ash, May, Brock, Max, Morrison, Tyson—all returned.
Gym Leaders gathered in Ever Grande City.
The Elite Four assembled.
Crowds filled the massive stadium.
Tomorrow—
It would begin.
First Match:
Aiden Flint
vs.
Sidney of the Hoenn Elite Four.
The curtain was about to rise.
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