Pokemon: A New Path

Chapter 425: Cynthia’s Visit

Chapter 425: Cynthia’s Visit

Clefairy, a Fairy-type Pokémon.

Its round, pink body and chubby cheeks give it an adorable, star-like appearance. It has pointed ears, large, expressive eyes, and a small curl on its forehead. If it evolves into Clefable, those wings will grow larger and more majestic.

Before the battle began, Professor Oak couldn't help but study the Clefairy with great interest. Perhaps it was his natural curiosity as a researcher that made him comment with a smile:

"A Clefairy! Such a rare Pokémon!"

Clefairy were known to live quietly in serene mountain areas, usually in close-knit groups, and rarely made appearances in front of humans. However, on magical nights under a full moon, they would gather in large numbers to perform enchanting moonlit dances.

Leah beamed with pride. "That's right! I'm so happy I got to meet my Clefairy!"

Hearing its Trainer's affectionate words, the Clefairy let out a cheerful cry.

"Clefairy~!"

"Hahaha! It seems to like you very much!" Professor Oak laughed heartily. Then, with a curious glint in his eye, he asked, "So, are you ready to begin the battle?"

Leah and Clefairy both nodded with determined expressions, their eyes locking onto Naoki and Alcremie standing opposite them. Their gazes radiated an unwavering spirit.

"Such energy!" Naoki remarked with an amused smile. He couldn't help but note that many people and Pokémon in the Pokémon world seemed to wear their enthusiasm on their sleeves.

Professor Oak raised his hand to address both sides, his voice clear and authoritative as he explained, "The Pokémon for this battle are Clefairy and Alcremie. The rules are simple: it's a one-on-one battle where only the move Metronome can be used. The match ends when one Pokémon can no longer continue."

Seeing both sides ready, Professor Oak raised his hand high before swiftly bringing it down. "Begin!"

"Clefairy, use Metronome!" Leah commanded.

"Alcremie, use Metronome!" Naoki echoed.

At their Trainers' orders, the two Pokémon waved their fingers rhythmically. A shimmering light enveloped their fingers as they focused their energy. After a few moments, the finger-waving stopped, and their chosen moves activated.

'What would it be?' Professor Oak leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

The first to act was Alcremie. Behind it, a radiant crescent moon appeared, surrounded by twinkling stars that created an ethereal, cosmic backdrop. The light from the stars and moon merged into Alcremie, infusing it with a mysterious aura.

"It's Cosmic Power!" Professor Oak exclaimed, immediately recognizing the move.

Cosmic Power enhanced both defense and special defense, giving Alcremie a solid edge right at the start of the battle. It seemed luck was on Alcremie's side!

And Clefairy?

Professor Oak turned his gaze to see green, blade-like leaves materializing around Clefairy. With a swift motion, the leaves shot forward, slicing through the air toward Alcremie.

"It's Razor Leaf! A Grass-type move—quite effective if they all connect!"

The flurry of leaves struck Alcremie, but thanks to the defensive boost from Cosmic Power, the damage was minimal. The first round concluded, and both Pokémon remained ready for the next.

"Alcremie, use Metronome again!" Naoki called.

"Mree!" Alcremie responded enthusiastically.

Not to be outdone, Leah called out, "Clefairy, it's your turn! Use Metronome!"

"Clefairy~!" The small Pokémon responded with equal energy.

The intensity between the two Pokémon was palpable, their eyes locking in a clash of determination as they both waved their fingers again.

This time, Clefairy acted first. It blew out countless shimmering bubbles that floated gently but purposefully toward Alcremie.

"Is that Bubble?" Professor Oak mused. "Clefairy's luck is incredible today—it's used two offensive moves in a row! If this keeps up, Alcremie might be in trouble!"

But just before the bubbles reached Alcremie, something unexpected happened.

A surge of energy erupted from Alcremie's body, forming a glowing, milky-white barrier of light. When the bubbles collided with the barrier, they seemed to dissolve into nothingness upon contact.

"What kind of move is that?!" Professor Oak exclaimed, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Professor Oak watched Alcremie closely, his mind racing to identify the move being used. Could it be a Fighting-type Aura Sphere? Or perhaps a Psychic-type Light Screen?

"Mreeee—!" Alcremie cried out, her creamy body trembling with intensity as she reached her limit.

The next second, the glowing orb of light hovering around her surged upward, shooting straight into the sky. It ascended rapidly and paused high above the battlefield.

Even Naoki appeared momentarily stunned, unable to determine the move at first glance.

Suddenly, the orb burst into a brilliant display of light, releasing countless shining projectiles that scattered across the battlefield like a celestial fireworks show. The radiant bullets rained down with destructive force, dealing widespread damage to everything below.

"Boom!"

The projectiles struck the ground with deafening explosions, leaving deep craters in their wake. It resembled a meteor shower, both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

Clefairy sensed the impending danger and darted about in a panic, desperately trying to evade the barrage. But this move was Judgment, a divine attack so expansive that Clefairy couldn't escape its range.

"Clefairy!" Leah cried out.

A brilliant light projectile struck Clefairy squarely with a loud thud. Letting out a pained cry, Clefairy stumbled before its eyes rolled back, and it collapsed in defeat.

Seeing Alcremie execute such an extraordinary and unfamiliar move, Professor Oak stood frozen in awe.

"What incredible power! What kind of move is that?!" he exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"Judgment," Naoki murmured, the name surfacing in his mind.

The move, exclusive to the legendary Creator Pokémon Arceus, punished opponents with a divine rain of meteor-like light projectiles.

Naoki hadn't expected Alcremie to channel that move again. It left him just as astounded as everyone else.

However, amidst the chaos, a stray light projectile veered off course and plunged into the serene lake on the ranch. As it hit the water's surface, it activated a shimmering portal, tearing open a passage to the Distortion World.

Deep within this realm, Giratina—resting in eerie silence and half-listening to Rotom's animated commentary—suddenly stirred. It sensed the unmistakable aura of Arceus.

Its eyes snapped open, glowing with crimson fury, as its pupils locked onto the source of the energy.

In the next instant, Giratina's massive form surged upward, breaking through the reflective lake surface like an unstoppable force.

Professor Oak, who had just begun recovering from his shock, opened his mouth to declare Clefairy unable to battle and end the match. But his words caught in his throat as his eyes widened in sheer terror.

Bursting forth from the tranquil lake was a majestic and fearsome figure.

Blood-red eyes gleamed menacingly. Its form exuded an air of cold, unyielding authority. Its towering, otherworldly presence was undeniable.

It was Giratina—the legendary Pokémon of the Distortion World!

Professor Oak immediately recognized the dragon. After all, it wasn't every day that you saw such a rare Pokémon, let alone one with a penchant for making appearances online—Giratina had even posted a selfie on the Pokémon forums before.

"Oh my goodness…" Professor Oak gasped, struggling to process the surreal sight. He hadn't anticipated Giratina's sudden arrival.

No! In hindsight, he should have foreseen this possibility!

Professor Oak suddenly noticed something peculiar.

Giratina had once mentioned that it was friends with Calyrex, and it had revealed that Calyrex learned how to use the Rotom Phone because Naoki had taught him.

By the same logic, Giratina—who also used the Rotom Phone to browse the internet—must also be one of Naoki's Pokémon!

It wasn't just Professor Oak who was shocked. Leah, too, was left speechless by the sudden appearance of such a legendary Pokémon.

Giratina, meanwhile, surveyed its surroundings cautiously. It had sensed the aura of Arceus, which was why it had emerged from the Distortion World. But now… where was Arceus?

Giratina's piercing, crimson gaze swept over the humans below, before finally settling on Naoki.

Naoki shifted awkwardly under the intense stare. He hadn't expected Alcremie's Judgment-like move to spook Giratina into thinking Arceus had arrived.

Realizing there was no sign of Arceus, Giratina quickly understood its mistake. With a final glance at the humans below, it turned and dove back into the lake, vanishing into the portal that shimmered momentarily before closing behind it.

Professor Oak and Leah remained frozen in place, staring at the spot where Giratina had disappeared.

After what felt like an eternity, Professor Oak finally broke the silence. "That Pokémon just now… was that Giratina?"

Naoki hesitated for a moment before answering. "…Yes."

"This is absolutely incredible!" Professor Oak said, his voice filled with awe as he turned to look at Naoki. "First, Calyrex, and now Giratina? Not to mention your Dragonite and all the other rare Pokémon… You're truly an extraordinary Trainer!"

Noticing the awe in Professor Oak's eyes, Naoki quickly waved a hand in protest. "No, no, that Giratina isn't my Pokémon. We're just friends."

Before anyone could ask more, Naoki gestured toward a nearby spot. Brother Indeedee approached carrying a bottle of freshly prepared goat's milk. He knelt beside Clefairy, gently offering it the revitalizing drink.

Clefairy stirred after a few moments, opening its eyes and letting out a soft, "Clefairy~."

Naoki smiled and turned back to Leah. "Unfortunately, you didn't pass Alcremie's Metronome Trial this time."

Leah, still recovering from the whirlwind of events, snapped back to reality. She recalled the breathtaking move Alcremie had used and couldn't hold back her curiosity. "Mr. Naoki, what was that move? It was like nothing I've ever seen before!"

Naoki scratched his head thoughtfully. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. There are still many Pokémon and moves in the world that humans haven't discovered yet. It's possible that move belongs to a Pokémon we haven't identified."

Leah nodded slowly, processing his words. "I see… That makes sense."

She turned to Naoki with a look of deep admiration. The rumors on the school forum were true.

"Mr. Naoki," Leah said quietly, "you really are an incredible Trainer."

Not only had Naoki raised so many champion-level Pokémon, but he had also managed to befriend the legendary Giratina.

Even the top champions might not stand a chance against him, right?

At that moment, Leah completely agreed with the whispers on the school forum—Naoki was indeed the hidden boss of the Paldea region.

Later That Day

In the afternoon, Leah departed from the ranch. Before leaving, she turned back and declared, "Once I've earned all six badges, I'll return and challenge the official trial!"

Naoki watched as her figure gradually disappeared into the distance. With a small smile, he turned back toward the ranch, intending to fix the grass damaged by Alcremie's Judgment. However, before he could take a step, a familiar voice called out behind him.

"Excuse me, is this Naoki Ranch?"

Both Naoki and Professor Oak turned toward the voice. Standing not far away was a tall woman dressed in a sleek black coat. Her long, golden hair shimmered in the afternoon sunlight, and her expression was warm and composed. She smiled as she looked at them.

For a moment, both Naoki and Professor Oak were stunned.

Professor Oak was the first to recover. "Ms. Cynthia? Why are you here?"

Cynthia greeted Professor Oak with a gentle tone. "It's been a while, Professor Oak. I'm here today because I need to ask this Trainer a few questions."

Her gaze shifted to Naoki, her demeanor friendly and approachable. Despite her reputation as a reserved and formidable Champion, there was no trace of coldness in her manner.

Naoki: "…"

It wasn't hard to guess why Cynthia had come. She had likely investigated the reports of Giratina venturing into the Sinnoh region—and how it may have traveled there through some unusual means, possibly involving the Rotom Phone network.

And, of course, she must have learned about Naoki's involvement in stopping Giratina.

Naoki sighed internally as Cynthia and Professor Oak both turned their curious gazes toward him.

"…"

Well, if they wanted to know, there was no avoiding it. Naoki decided he might as well take the opportunity to share what he knew about Giratina's legend.

Naoki invited the two guests to his living room. Calyrex wasn't around at the moment—most likely out basking in the garden.

Cynthia and Professor Oak seated themselves on the comfortable sofa, and sister Indeedee brought out cups of fragrant tea for the guests.

"Giratina…" Naoki said slowly, letting the name hang in the air as he organized his thoughts. He pondered where best to begin.

Hearing him utter the name, Cynthia's icy-blue eyes widened slightly. A flicker of surprise crossed her otherwise composed face.

"Mr. Naoki, you seem to know why I'm here?" Cynthia asked, her tone polite but curious.

Naoki smiled faintly. "If I'm not mistaken, you've likely investigated the connection between Giratina and me. That's why you came all the way to the Paldea region—to learn more about it, right?"

Cynthia nodded slightly, acknowledging his perceptiveness. It wasn't surprising. Whether in games or anime, Cynthia's character had always been deeply interested in mythology and history, often dedicating herself to studying ancient relics, myths, and legends.

"Then, please do share," Cynthia said graciously.

Professor Oak, seated beside her, appeared eager and impatient, leaning forward slightly in anticipation.

Noticing this, Naoki asked, "Do you both have some knowledge about genetics?"

"Genetics?" Both Cynthia and Professor Oak blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in topic.

As a scholar of Pokémon, Professor Oak had some understanding of the field. Fossil revival technology, for instance, used genetic extraction to restore ancient Pokémon to life.

"Humans and Pokémon alike have genes, which are often referred to as the blueprints of life," Naoki began, his voice steady and deliberate. "At their core, genes are composed of DNA—structured like two interwoven, spiraling chains. These chains contain opposing yet complementary information."

The red chains created by Cyrus of Team Galactic in Sinnoh were based on this principle. By manipulating DNA-like energy, he was able to control Dialga and Palkia.

Naoki glanced at his listeners to ensure they were following. "This genetic chain is fascinating. Even if one strand breaks, it can restore itself using the information from its counterpart. Do you see what I mean?"

Professor Oak seemed lost in thought, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of his chair. Cynthia, too, wore a contemplative expression.

"Time flows continuously in the real world," Naoki continued, "and space remains stable. But on the other side—the Distortion World—time does not flow, and space is inherently unstable. The only constant there is Giratina."

Professor Oak's eyes widened as realization struck. "Are you saying that the real world and the Distortion World function like the two strands of DNA—interconnected and supporting one another to prevent either from collapsing?"

Naoki nodded. "Exactly. Dialga represents time, Palkia represents space, and Giratina embodies the Distortion World. The two worlds are intertwined and interdependent. If something happens to one, the other will inevitably be affected."

This was demonstrated in the events of Giratina and the Sky Warrior.

"Is that really how it works?" Cynthia murmured, deep in thought.

Her mind wandered to the murals of Celestic Town. The ancient paintings hinted at a hierarchy of Pokémon, depicting one above Dialga and Palkia. Was it Giratina?

No, that couldn't be right. The Pokémon described in the mural didn't match Giratina's form at all. Could this mean there was a being even greater than Giratina, Dialga, and Palkia? A Pokémon that surpassed them all?

Naoki noticed their thoughtful expressions and added, "What I've shared is based on my investigations into the Distortion World and Giratina. These are my interpretations, but the truth may differ."

Cynthia snapped out of her reverie and offered Naoki a warm smile. "Regardless, thank you very much for sharing this information. It's been incredibly enlightening."