"Dad, how's the collection of Mega Evolution stones going?"
"Of course! I've already sent people to various regions to acquire all kinds of strange stones and even sent workers to dig up ores. We've gathered quite a number of Mega Evolution stones."
Itto gave Dylan a thumbs-up, praising his son's foresight.
"Once Mega Evolution enters the public eye, we won't even need to hype it. Any Mega Evolution stone will sell for a high price."
Dylan smiled. Compared to Z-Moves, Dynamaxing, and Terastallizing, Mega Evolution, which isn't limited to specific regions and drastically enhances Pokémon strength, is truly outstanding!
Dylan also knew that in this world, a fusion of different Pokémon versions, Mega Evolution wouldn't take long to appear publicly.
However, in reality, the first to master Mega Evolution were the Draconids! They just didn't share the technique with the world.
Meteor Falls is the birthplace of Super Evolution!
That being said, Professor Sycamore from the Kalos region was probably already studying Mega Evolution. Before it becomes widely known, Dylan had advised his dad to gather as many Mega Evolution stones as possible.
After that, the father and son chatted for quite a while about various matters, and Amelia had prepared a table full of dishes.
Everyone sat down to eat, and the joyful atmosphere brought smiles to the faces of both Amelia and Itto, the elder generation.
Dylan even had the Rotom Pokédex take several group photos of them. Yes, the Rotom Pokédex has many functions—it can even make phone calls!
If the technology were more advanced, a Rotom Phone would be perfect.
Just like in Pokémon Horizons, where Liko and her friends each had a Rotom Phone—how convenient! But more research was still needed to achieve that.
After dinner, Lillie took on the role of tour guide, leading Dylan and Ilene on a tour around Hau'oli City.
Ilene was especially excited to explore the unique culture and landscape of Alola, so different from Kanto. Sadly, time was limited.
The next morning, the group boarded a plane to the Hoenn region, and after several hours of flight, they arrived in Rustboro City.
Itto and Amelia were quite familiar with the area. They rented a car and drove out of the city, eventually arriving at the mountains near Meteor Falls.
Meteor Falls is a famous outdoor location in Hoenn. While the outskirts are manageable, the deeper areas are home to strong wild Pokémon.
Without proper preparation, even elite Trainers can find themselves in trouble and forced to retreat.
Meteor Falls is also one of the habitats for wild Bagon, though very few Trainers actually manage to catch one here.
Just like those trying to catch a Larvitar on Mt. Silver in Kanto—success is rare.
"We'll need to ride our Pokémon to continue from here."
As they entered the Meteor Falls area, Amelia turned to Dylan.
"Dylan, you have a Pokémon that can fly, right?"
"Yes."
Dylan opened the Poké Ball containing his Articuno.
"Yiao~"
A beautiful, ethereal cry echoed as Articuno spread its wings.
"Wow~ So beautiful!"
Lillie's eyes sparkled as she stared, entranced, at the elegant Articuno. (In this version, Lillie doesn't fear Pokémon.)
"Well, well, you really did capture an Articuno. Not bad, son," Itto said, clearly satisfied.
"What a gorgeous Articuno! Alright then, its size should be enough to carry the three of you."
Amelia released her Altaria, as she, too, was a Dragon-type expert and had her own Dragon-type Pokémon as a member of the Draconid tribe.
Amelia and Itto rode on Altaria, while Dylan, Lillie, and Ilene mounted Articuno. Lillie sat in front, Ilene in the middle, and Dylan at the back.
Articuno's back was spacious, and surprisingly, it didn't feel crowded at all.
"Articuno's body is a bit cool—so comfortable," Lillie remarked, feeling a pleasant chill even through her dress and leggings. Articuno's body temperature was naturally low.
Lillie's eyes sparkled with excitement. From what Ilene had told her, this was Kanto's legendary Articuno! A legendary Pokémon—how amazing!
Altaria led the way, with Articuno following behind at a steady pace. The two Pokémon flew swiftly, and since Amelia knew Meteor Falls well, they easily avoided the more aggressive wild Flying-type Pokémon.
"Why is this place called Meteor Falls?" Lillie asked curiously as the wind played with her golden bangs, tucking her hair behind her ear.
It was her first time visiting a different region.
"Because this place was formed when a meteor struck, creating a large cave. There's also a stunning waterfall, hence the name," Dylan explained.
"Do you know about the Draconids and Meteor Village? Can you tell me about them? My godparents haven't mentioned them to me," Lillie asked, her voice full of curiosity.
Her godfather Itto was a top-tier billionaire, her godbrother had captured a legendary Pokémon and was a Kanto Gym Leader, and her godmother was a member of an ancient, noble clan.
Who could understand what kind of family she had become a part of?
"Yeah, Dylan, I'd love to hear more about the Draconids and what it means to be a 'Heir,'" Ilene added. This world was so full of ancient mysteries—who wouldn't be intrigued?
"The story of the Draconids is a long one," Dylan said, raising an eyebrow.
"We don't mind!"
"Yes, please, brother, tell us!" Ilene and Lillie's eyes were shining with anticipation.
"Alright then, I'll give you a quick version," Dylan began, recalling the tale.
"If we're going to talk about the Draconids, we can't skip the ancient legends of Hoenn, specifically about Groudon and Kyogre."
Groudon and Kyogre? Lillie and Ilene were both intrigued, as they hadn't heard of these legendary Pokémon before.
"The Draconids' history goes back thousands of years. Back then, meteor showers frequently streaked across the sky. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre fought an endless battle for control of nature's energy."
"Against these god-like ancient Pokémon, humanity was powerless. Despair swept through the land—until Rayquaza, another ancient Pokémon, descended."
Dylan's eyes glimmered.
"Rayquaza put an end to the battle between Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre, forcing them into slumber, and Hoenn was at peace."
"Rayquaza sounds amazing!" Lillie exclaimed. Though she didn't know Rayquaza, any Pokémon that could stop a battle between two legends had to be powerful.
"But the story didn't end there. A thousand years later, a meteor struck the area that is now Sootopolis City, breaking through the earth's crust and releasing natural energy."
"Groudon and Kyogre awoke once more, and the battle resumed. Despair engulfed Hoenn again, and the Draconids remembered the events from a millennium ago."
"At that time, the Heir stood upon the Rainbow Stone and prayed for Rayquaza's return. Their prayers, channeled through the Rainbow Stone, reached Rayquaza, who then Mega Evolved."
"Mega Rayquaza once again defeated Groudon and Kyogre, sending them back into slumber. Rayquaza returned to the skies."
Dylan narrated slowly, and both Lillie and Ilene were fully engrossed in the tale.
"Afterward, the Draconids built the Sky Pillar to commemorate their deity, and they inscribed the events on its walls, leaving behind a prophecy."
"The prophecy foretold that after a thousand years of peace, another meteor would strike Hoenn. Before that happens, Rayquaza must be summoned again to destroy the meteor, and that is the duty of the Heir."
Hearing this, Dylan couldn't help but think of Zinnia.
That's right, the Draconids' prophecy was for this era. Everything had been going smoothly.
Aster, the Heir, had left Meteor Village, successfully found Rayquaza at the Embedded Tower in Johto, and used a large amount of Key Stones to Mega Evolve it.
Aster should have been able to fulfill the Draconids' prophecy perfectly, but in the end, she tragically died in the Embedded Tower.
Thus, the second Heir, who inherited the tribe's wishes, her sister's legacy, and the Mega Bracelet—Zinnia—was born.
"Does that mean the Draconids have existed for over three thousand years?!" Ilene was astonished.
"That's right," Dylan nodded.
The Draconids are one of the world's most ancient tribes. There was no doubt about it.
Lillie was amazed, her small mouth forming an 'O.' Three thousand years…
Even the Pokémon League had only been established for just over a hundred years. There was a world-renowned school in the Paldea region called Naranja Academy, and its history was said to stretch back eight hundred years!
But that's not even a third of the time the Draconids had existed!
"Actually, it's not as outrageous as you might think. Although the heritage is ancient, times are progressing. The number of pure-blooded members of the Draconids has dwindled significantly, and most people are moving forward."
Dylan smiled, not seeing the Draconids as particularly special. In essence, the Draconids are merely worshippers of Rayquaza.
Moreover, time is harsh; over the long years, most of the Draconids have left the Draconid Village to live in the outside world, much like Dylan's mother, Amelia.
About half an hour later, Dylan and his group arrived at the depths of Meteor Falls, where an ancient small village came into view.
This was the Draconid Village, home to the Draconids.
In front of the village, an old lady with white hair, wearing a white cloak and leaning on a cane, saw Amelia and showed a joyful smile.
Behind the old lady was a black-haired girl in a gray cloak, who was Zinnia.
"Old lady, you're so old. Why did you come out?"
The Altaria landed, and Amelia hurriedly went up to the elder with a reproachful tone.
"Don't worry, I'm still in decent health. I can still walk for a few more years," the old lady said kindly. She was a very gentle and warm elder.
"Look at you, you must live well. I hope you will name Dylan's child someday."
Amelia paused, holding the old lady's hand gently.
The number of Draconids living in the Draconid Village has decreased, and Amelia was raised by this old lady since childhood. To Amelia, the old lady was like a mother.
However, ever since her granddaughter, Aster, died at the Embedded Tower a few years ago, the old lady was greatly affected, and though she managed to recover, her health was no longer what it used to be.
"Hehe~ In the blink of an eye, Dylan has grown so much. I heard from Amelia that you have become a Gym Leader now, right?"
The old lady smiled with a hint of helplessness, then looked at Dylan with a very kind expression.
"Yes, old lady," Dylan replied gently.
He addressed her as "old lady" because that is the respectful term used for elders among the Draconids.
"You're such an outstanding child," the old lady praised.
Then, the group entered the Draconid Village. It was clear that the old lady was very happy to see Amelia's family visit.
The old lady had specially prepared a meal to welcome them, and after dinner, the elders chatted while the younger generation, including Dylan, stepped outside.
"Dylan, would you like me to show you around?"
Zinnia, with a bright and fearless smile, had a Whismur at her feet.
"Sure, it's been a long time since I was last here," Dylan nodded.
Lillie and Ilene looked curiously at this spirited girl.
Zinnia had black shoulder-length hair tied with a red bead hairpin, wore a black sleeveless top, gray-blue denim shorts, and a gray, worn cloak. Her right ankle was wrapped with a mysterious bracelet.
Her skin was tanned, and her heroic face was always adorned with a refreshing smile. This was Zinnia, the current heir of the Draconids.
"Miss Zinnia, what's the name of this Whismur?"
Ilene asked curiously about the Whismur following Zinnia. It was quite cute, but weren't the Draconids supposed to specialize in Dragon types?
"I named it Aster. It's my dear friend."
Zinnia paused for a moment, then smiled again, holding the Whismur gently.
Yes, she named this Whismur Aster. Although she knew it was just a consolation, it was her most cherished memory.
"Zinnia, the past is already over. You should try to move on."
Dylan glanced at the Whismur and comforted Zinnia.
Zinnia deeply loved her sister Aster. According to Amelia, when Aster died at the Embedded Tower, Zinnia arrived at the scene and was so grief-stricken that she temporarily lost her ability to speak.
Clearly, Zinnia was deeply affected by the tragedy.
"Ah~ I understand. What I want most now is to find Rayquaza and fulfill the tribe's prophecy."
Zinnia responded with a smile, showing no apparent distress.
"By the way, Dylan, I heard from my grandmother that you have become a Gym Leader in the Kanto region?"
Zinnia shifted the topic, clearly not wanting to dwell on the matter.
"Yes, if you have time, feel free to visit me in Kanto. I'll make sure to host you well."
"Ha ha~ Sure, I'll come once I've completed my goal."
Zinnia didn't refuse.
"Then, are you interested in having a battle? I'm quite strong now."
Zinnia's smile turned sharp, and her eyes showed a strong, dragon-like aggression.
"Oh? Shall we place a bet?"
Dylan raised an eyebrow.
"Your call."
Zinnia agreed readily.
"Let's do this: whoever loses will do one favor for the winner. How does that sound?"
"Sure!"
Zinnia's eyes lit up. This was just what she wanted. The reason for challenging Dylan was that if he was strong enough and willing to help, her plans could proceed more smoothly.
"Full battle?"
"Of course, a full battle."
Zinnia set the rules without hesitation, her expression excited and fierce.
"Dylan, let me show you just how strong an heir of the Draconids can be!"
"I'm now a Champion! My Dragons are unbeatable!"
Champion-level heir Zinnia has challenged you!
(The chapter ends here.)