"Eh?"
"Eh?"
"Gengar?"
"Allister?"
Faced with Giratina's pleasant response, everyone present voiced their questions. Except for Ogerpon, which simply found the situation amusing.
"There's no need to be surprised, human. Your reasons are quite sufficient," Giratina said, eyeing the stone tablet in Summer's hand.
"However, you are carrying something quite interesting. Could you hand it over to me?"
Giratina spoke with the tone of a learned scholar, leaving Summer somewhat at a loss. Still, he responded immediately.
"Of course, but I have a request. I would like you to designate this Trevenant as the new gatekeeper."
The mere glance from Giratina made Trevenant feel an immense pressure, a fear stemming from the depths of its soul. Yet, it did its best to appear composed, not wanting to disappoint Summer's efforts.
"A trivial matter. This transaction is approved," Giratina said.
The dense black fog that had dissipated began to reappear, pouring into Trevenant's body under Giratina's guidance. It felt its entire being filled with power, and its soul was tempered.
The black fog also caused Trevenant's body to expand several times. It now resembled a towering giant tree, exuding a powerful presence.
The stone tablet in Summer's hand flew into the air under Giratina's control. Giratina glanced at the tablet, and a hint of joy flickered in its eyes.
"Human, the value of what you provided exceeds the request you made. Therefore, I will give you a small gift."
A red gem descended slowly from the air into Summer's hand, radiating a captivating light and seemingly possessing extraordinary power.
"The Life Orb. You humans seem to think it exchanges life for power, but in reality, it only consumes stamina. Use it wisely," Giratina said before retreating into the black rift, vanishing from the Spirit Realm. The lingering pressure still kept the other Ghost-type Pokémon from moving.
"Phew, ha. I don't think I'll ever forget today," Allister said, collapsing to the ground, exhausted.
Summer stored the item Giratina had given him and walked over to help Allister up, asking with concern, "Are you alright?"
"Ha, I should be fine. I didn't expect The Lord of Destruction to have such a strong presence, but it was surprisingly reasonable?"
Gengar also looked puzzled. It didn't remember Giratina being so accommodating when it was dismissed before.
"Yeah, the issue with the Spirit Realm Gate is resolved. We should return to the real world now."
Summer looked up at Trevenant and asked, "Trevenant, can you return with us to Sunset Forest?"
Trevenant nodded in response. It realized that not only had it gained power and increased in size, but it had also obtained a completely new ability.
It slowly lowered its massive arm, and a portal identical to the Spirit Realm Gate appeared in its palm. Now, Trevenant itself was the Spirit Realm Gate of Sunset Forest.
"It seems The Lord of Destruction has handled everything," Summer remarked.
"Indeed. The Life Orb that Giratina gifted you is very valuable. The method of creating it has long been lost and can only be found in ancient ruins," Allister said, slowly closing his eyes and drooping his head, showing signs of exhaustion.
Allister just wanted to rest well. Adventuring was clearly not suited for him. Visiting ancient tombs once a week was enough.
"Let's head inside," Summer said, leading the way. Ogerpon and Rillaboom followed, always a surprise when with Summer, making every day interesting.
"Help me a bit, Gengar," Allister whispered.
"Gengar!"
Gengar scooped up Allister and flew into the Spirit Realm Gate. Perhaps due to exhaustion, Allister didn't notice that his mask had been left behind in the Spirit Realm.
In Sunset Forest, as everyone returned, a shrunken version of Trevenant emerged from behind the gate. It waved its hand, closing the Spirit Realm Gate.
Summer was somewhat surprised and asked, "Trevenant, you can control your size?"
"No, this is a part of Trevenant. You can think of it as a clone," Trevenant replied with a serious face, then showed an apologetic expression.
"Sorry, I thought it could return to the real world."
Trevenant shook its head, making sounds like rustling leaves.
"Hmm, it's alright. The split spirit is stronger than before. It's just taken on additional duties. I can still protect Sunset Forest. Trevenant, you're amazing!" Allister said, showing a moved expression.
"Ah, I also want to thank you, Trevenant, for your efforts. However, Allister, you…"
"Summer, why do you look surprised?" Allister asked, puzzled.
"I was just thinking that your expressions are unexpectedly rich," Summer replied.
"Haha, but I have a mask," Allister said, touching his cheek. His smile suddenly froze as he panicked and quickly turned away, whispering, "Ah, ah, it's showing. As expected, when I take off my mask, I just become a cowardly person."
Gengar looked helpless. Despite its efforts to help Allister, the problem wasn't resolved.
Seeing how pitiful he looked, Ogerpon quickly ran to Allister and lent him its mask, easing Allister's anxiety.
"You were able to communicate normally before, right? I think it's the same with or without a mask," Summer said.
"... Behind the laughing green mask is a bitter, awkward smile," Allister said, "I'm very afraid of interacting with others. Just hearing them speak makes me extremely nervous."
"But you're communicating better with me, aren't you?" Summer asked in return.
"That's because you're not afraid of Ghost Pokémon and always consider them. Perhaps I've come to see you as someone similar," Allister said, adding, "And your decisive actions, kindness, and charisma are also qualities I admire."
"Hmm, I understand," Summer said without elaborating further. "Since your mask might have been left in the Spirit Realm, and we might trouble Trevenant by going back, and since the mask you're wearing is Ogerpon's precious item, how about…"
"How about what?"
"How about we make a mask for you? You'll need it on your way back, right?" Summer encouraged. "Although you can't take it off now, I believe that one day in the future, you definitely will."
"Boni! !" Ogerpon seemed full of energy. "Yay, making a mask!"
"I..." Hesitant, Allister suddenly felt a push from behind. Gengar was smiling, waving its hand to urge him on.
"Gengar!"
This mask is Ogerpon's treasure. You wouldn't want to take it back, right? So, go on, Allister!
"Gengar, yes, I understand. Mr. Summer, I'd like to make a mask myself. Can you help me?" Allister said, resolutely.
Summer smiled and said, "Oh, of course, that's no problem. Besides, you and Gengar have made significant contributions in solving the Spirit Realm Gate issue. I've been wondering how to thank you."
"Welcome back, Little Allister. Oh, your mask?" Nayo asked curiously when she saw the wooden mask on Allister's face.
"Hmm, I accidentally lost the previous mask, so my friends helped me make this one."
"A ghost?"
"Human, a very good person," Allister said as he entered the arena, planning to keep the mask safe.
Nayo was surprised but then smiled warmly, "You've grown up, Little Allister. Well, let's make tonight's dinner even more sumptuous!"
In the ruined world, on the floating rocks, the monster tablets were arranged like a puzzle.
Giratina carefully placed the tablets in the center. They quickly connected with the surrounding tablets. They were originally one entity.
The large dark purple puzzle was missing only a few pieces. Giratina showed a satisfied expression. Soon, it would be able to complete the original tablet and perhaps surprise that arrogant creator.
(End of Chapter)