In the Slumbering Weald, a blue light descended, revealing the cold and proud figure of Zacian.
"Sister, you're injured?"
Zamazenta slowly emerged from behind a tree, its heart sinking as it took in Zacian's condition.
"Was it Eternatus?" It hadn't sensed Eternatus returning to its Eternamax form. How had Eternatus managed to injure Zacian?
"It was Calyrex." Zacian shook its head, walking over to the grass and lying down to rest, its eyes closed.
Zamazenta fell silent, not pressing further about how Zacian had come into conflict with Calyrex.
"Eternatus has partnered with a human Trainer."
Zacian's voice was cold. Though its trip to the Crown Tundra had been unpleasant, it wasn't without its gains.
While most of its attention had been focused on Eternatus and Calyrex, it had also noticed Ryuu Shiro and Marnie's presence.
At close range, it could sense the lingering aura of Eternatus on Ryuu Shiro, which left the proud Zacian feeling conflicted.
"Eternatus's power is too great a temptation for humans. It's only natural they couldn't resist."
Zamazenta spoke softly. They opposed Eternatus for the sake of this land and the lives that inhabited it.
Now, Eternatus had been embraced by a human. Wasn't that a form of irony for them?
But it wasn't surprising. After all, Eternatus's power was incredibly alluring to humans.
"Once I've recovered, I'll head out again."
Zacian didn't dwell on the topic, speaking calmly.
Zamazenta turned and left, allowing its sister to rest in peace. But as it walked away, a hint of complexity flickered in its eyes.
Zacian was aloof and cold, but Zamazenta knew its sister had a kind heart. It could also sense the weariness and sadness in Zacian's heart.
Being hailed as heroes, they had fought tirelessly for this land. Now, they had clashed with the once gentle and benevolent Calyrex, and Eternatus had been accepted by a human.
This was a significant blow to Zacian.
Were they wrong to oppose Eternatus? They simply didn't want the events of three thousand years ago to repeat themselves. They were taking precautions.
…
The next day, under the bright sunlight, Ryuu Shiro turned to Marnie at the airport, wearing a wide-brimmed gentleman's hat.
"Feeling reluctant? You can always come back to visit when you have the time."
Ryuu Shiro smiled. Yes, they were preparing to leave Galar.
Though he wanted to restore Eternatus to its peak, Ryuu Shiro was well aware of his limits.
The moment Eternatus Eternamaxed, Zacian and Zamazenta would likely appear.
This wasn't a situation Ryuu Shiro wanted to face.
It was better to make more thorough preparations. For now, leaving Galar temporarily and building up more strength was the right path.
"It's fine. This is actually my first time leaving Galar."
Marnie withdrew her gaze, which had been fixed in the direction of Spikemuth.
"I won't let you down. Though traveling with me might mean a lot of thrilling adventures."
Ryuu Shiro's lips curled into a smile. He wasn't exactly a righteous Trainer.
As a Team Rocket executive and a member of the Masked Organization, in the eyes of well-meaning young people, he was undoubtedly a villain.
"Can I regret it now?"
"No way. Once you're on the pirate ship, there's no getting off."
"So I've been prepared for a while now."
Marnie rolled her eyes, her expression as calm and composed as ever.
She had always known Ryuu Shiro wasn't a good person, but in her eyes, he wasn't a villain either.
Perhaps… it was just favoritism.
"Let's go then. Time is tight, and I'm taking you to a great place."
Ryuu Shiro's smile deepened, and without waiting for Marnie's agreement, he took her hand and led her onto the plane.
Marnie watched Ryuu Shiro's back, a faint, almost imperceptible smile tugging at her lips.
She was truly on the pirate ship now, but this feeling… wasn't the least bit unpleasant.
The plane soon took off, disappearing into the sky.
Veilstone City Airport, Sinnoh Region.
"So this is the Sinnoh region."
At the airport exit, Marnie looked around, taking in the sight of Veilstone City in the distance.
A new region, a new city—it was a completely fresh experience for the girl who had never left Galar before.
Ryuu Shiro also gazed around. It was his first time in Sinnoh, and the novelty was there.
But soon, he took out his phone and opened a map of Sinnoh.
"But Shiro, why are we in Sinnoh?"
After collecting her thoughts, Marnie's expression returned to its usual calm as she asked Ryuu Shiro, her tone tinged with curiosity.
Though she had been brought to Sinnoh, Marnie truly didn't know Ryuu Shiro's purpose for coming here.
Ryuu Shiro was from Kanto, so why was he always traveling around?
"Found it. We're going here."
Soon locating their destination, Ryuu Shiro held his phone up to Marnie.
"Michina Town?"
Marnie blinked her clear eyes. Her knowledge of Sinnoh was limited.
"Yes, something very interesting happened there once. Let's grab something to eat before we head over."
Ryuu Shiro grinned, his crimson eyes gleaming.
That's right, the reason for coming to Sinnoh was Michina Town!