Pokémon: Breeding Simulator

[In the days that followed your return home, you didn't feel much like going out.]

[You used the time to begin some structured training with Zoroark and Lucario.]

[Zoroark's strength surged rapidly—so much so that Lucario was soon no longer her match.]

[Even with Mega Evolution, the situation didn't improve much.]

Tsch—

Boom!

Mega Lucario braced himself, struggling to block Zoroark's [Aerial Ace] with his bone staff.

She moved fast—so fast he had to rely on [Aura] just to anticipate where she'd strike and intercept her in advance.

Claw after claw came crashing down, each one parried at the last second.

But then—after deflecting yet another strike—Lucario realized something was off.

She didn't retreat this time.

Sensing danger, he rushed to counterattack.

Too late.

Flames burst from her mouth, catching him completely off guard.

And the moment the fire faded—Zoroark was gone.

Tsch—

That familiar slicing sound came from just behind him.

But this time, she was entirely shadowy—her whole body drenched in darkness, like living ink.

Only a pair of scarlet eyes burned through the gloom.

[Phantom Force]

"Ghk..."

With a low grunt, Lucario collapsed to the ground—frustrated, but forced to accept defeat.

He'd lost again.

As the glow of [Mega Evolution] faded, he glanced up at Zoroark, who stood grinning smugly beside him.

Lucario let out a sigh, full of quiet indignation.

First Regigigas boosts her potential, then Giratina hands her a power-up gift...

Now her strength's exploded, and she's practically beating me blindfolded.

Why can't some legendary Pokémon drop a present or two on me for once?

Even my Mega Stone was something I earned from part-time work...

"Well done, Zoroark."

"And you too, Lucario—you fought well."

Elias clapped his hands, offering praise to both.

They had both improved a lot in just a short time—far beyond where they were during the last tournament.

"At this point, either of them could probably wipe out an entire Elite Four lineup in the modern day."

That comment came from Cynthia, who had just walked up.

And she wasn't exaggerating.

Her own Garchomp was among the strongest in Champion circles.

But against either Lucario or Zoroark now? The outcome wasn't certain.

As for your average Elite Four Pokémon? They wouldn't stand a chance.

As she spoke, Cynthia circled around Zoroark, studying her closely.

It wasn't until Zoroark shrank back behind Elias—clearly unnerved—that Cynthia offered a small, apologetic smile.

"Don't be scared," she said softly.

Her curiosity was understandable.

After Elias had explained how Giratina had treated Zoroark, Cynthia had started questioning everything she knew about history.

This was supposed to be the ferocious shadow dragon, wasn't it?

But all it did was sweet-talk her, offer gifts, and propose a partnership?

It was acting more like a licky puppy than a legendary menace.

Cynthia even half-joked to herself: What if Zoroark is actually Arceus in disguise?

"Giratina hasn't shown up again recently, so I think the threat's minimal for now," Elias told her.

"Mm."

Cynthia paused, then sighed and nodded.

Maybe humanity really had misunderstood it.

After all, there were barely any historical records on Giratina to begin with—it was no wonder so many things were exaggerated or misinterpreted.

With that thought, she pulled out a small notebook and began writing.

"What's that?" Elias asked curiously.

"A journal," Cynthia replied.

"I've been recording everything that's happened since I arrived in Hisui, and everything new I've learned."

"That way, even if I never make it home, I can take it to my grave—let future generations dig it up and learn something."

She chuckled lightly.

At this point, returning to her own time wasn't such a fixation anymore.

After all, she had friends here—Elias among them—and the idea of parting now felt more painful than staying.

Elias nodded in understanding.

---

[You, Cynthia, and Cogita spent the end of the year with the Pearl Clan.]

[Compared to your quiet little cabin, it was lively here—far more festive.]

[While many still feared Zoroark a bit, the overall attitude toward her had improved.]

[Her elegant appearance even attracted a group of Pearl Clan girls, who gifted her handmade trinkets.]

"All yours."

Zoroark dumped the gifts into Lucario's arms with a huff.

She had Elias's scarf—what more did she need?

That's right—Elias had learned to knit and made her a pure white scarf.

Zoroark didn't really need a scarf, but as an accessory, it looked beautiful on her.

Even more importantly, it was infused with the [Power of Viridian]. Wearing it felt warm and soothing.

Lucario accepted the pile of trinkets with quiet resignation.

Though between them, he also preferred Elias's gift—a bone carved from polished stone, similarly imbued with the [Power of Viridian].

It helped with both training and recovery. And when not in use... he could chew it like a teething ring.

Elias had even tried crafting a bone out of a Plate once—but that experiment ended in failure.

---

[After a few days in the Pearl Clan's village, you, Lucario, and Zoroark picked a clear-weather day to visit Regigigas.]

"Hey there, big guy. Long time no see."

You stepped through the narrow passage into the heart of the ruins, calling out as you approached that familiar towering figure.

As expected, Regigigas stirred faintly. A flicker of light ran across its "face"—and then... nothing.

Obviously... [Slow Start].

Elias was used to this by now.

He found a spot to sit and began playfully sparring with Zoroark while he waited.

After a while...

That deep, heavy voice finally rumbled to life.

"You've found the Plates?"

For Pokémon like Regigigas, time meant little.

In its mind, Elias had barely left—now he was already back.

"I did."

Elias nodded and pulled out the [Fist Plate] and the [Spooky Plate].

The aura from both made Regigigas light up with excitement—its face glowed rhythmically in response.

"Big guy, I wanted to ask you something."

Elias decided to go straight into it.

Knowing Regigigas's slow speaking habits, he didn't pause:

"These Plates could really help Lucario and Zoroark improve."

"I'd like to hold onto them a bit longer. When you need them again, I'll give them back."

In his time working with them, Elias had discovered the Plates were more than just keys—they actually boosted his and his Pokémon's abilities.

So even if Regigigas might get upset, it was worth asking.

And honestly, the way it spoke so slowly made it feel extra intimidating.

After a long silence, Regigigas finally responded with two words:

"…Very well."

And maybe it sensed something, because this time... its tone had a bit of urgency—its voice even sped up a little.

"You… met Giratina?"