Pokemon: A New Path

The lingering haze over the Hoenn region finally cleared.

After witnessing Groudon's and Kyogre's devastating power firsthand, many rank-and-file members abandoned both Team Magma and Team Aqua, choosing instead to return to normal life.

The leadership of these two factions, however, vanished without a trace.

Interpol dispatched specialized agents to track down their missing senior members—Maxie, Archie, and their close associates.

For now, the crisis that loomed over the Hoenn region had come to an end.

In Rustboro City, within the old estate of the Stone family:

Steven Stone sat with his arm wrapped in fresh white bandages. Bright sunlight streamed in through the window, while silver-gray curtains fluttered gently in the soft breeze.

A small pot of blooming flowers rested on the windowsill, and outside, the clear blue sky stretched on without a single cloud, offering a tranquil and uplifting view.

Steven gazed absently at the scene, his mind seemingly elsewhere.

It was then that the door creaked open.

Joseph Stone, the president of Devon Corporation and Steven's father, entered the room accompanied by his personal doctor.

"Father," Steven said, snapping out of his reverie.

Joseph wore a worried expression. Reflecting on the events of that day still filled him with a deep, gnawing fear. If not for the sudden intervention of that mysterious individual, Joseph dared not think of what might have happened to his son.

"It's okay now. It's all over," Joseph said, attempting to reassure his son.

Steven replied with a small smile, "Father, I'm not a child anymore."

"You'll always be a child to me," Joseph said with gentle firmness.

Steven: "…"

The personal doctor, tactfully ignoring the exchange, stepped forward to examine Steven. After a thorough check, he set his tools down and turned to Joseph.

"His condition is stable. Steven is recovering well, and the bandages and splint can be removed in a few days. He'll just need to take care not to overstrain himself."

Joseph breathed a deep sigh of relief. "That's wonderful to hear."

With his work done, the doctor left the room, leaving father and son alone.

Joseph's demeanor shifted as he prepared to address a more pressing matter.

"Steven, we need to properly thank that person," he said.

Steven nodded. "I know. I've already arranged to meet him in a few days."

"Good, good," Joseph said, nodding approvingly. He reached down to lift two suitcases he'd brought with him. "I've prepared a token of our appreciation. Make sure to bring these when you see him."

Steven blinked, then looked at the suitcases. "What's inside?"

Joseph opened one of them, revealing it to be packed to the brim with cash.

"…Really?" Steven stared at the money, taken aback. "Don't you think this is a little too…tacky?"

From what Steven understood, this mysterious figure wasn't interested in wealth or fame. Internet speculation about his identity had been rampant for days, yet he had never stepped forward. Instead, fans turned to Giratina, hoping to uncover clues from the legendary Pokémon's behavior, but Giratina remained tight-lipped. Some even tried investigating a blank social media account linked to Giratina, but it yielded nothing.

Was it possible this man was Giratina's Trainer? Many believed so, especially since he had summoned Rayquaza and single-handedly stopped both Groudon and Kyogre. The mystery surrounding him only deepened as he continued to avoid the spotlight. Enthralled by his enigmatic presence, people had formed a "Cyclizar Mask" fan club in his honor, gathering for meetups while donning similar Cyclizar masks.

Steven voiced his doubts. "I'm not sure this is the right way to thank him. He doesn't seem to care about material rewards."

Joseph hesitated. He thought of how expensive it must be to raise a Pokémon like Giratina—especially one that could likely consume massive quantities of berries and Poké Blocks at each meal. Still, Steven had a point. "Well, take it with you for now," Joseph said. "If he doesn't want it, you can offer something else. We just need to show our gratitude."

"…Fine," Steven agreed reluctantly.

"Good. Now, get some rest," Joseph said with a warm smile before leaving the room.

Far away, at Naoki Ranch in the Paldea region:

A rain shower had left the air cool and refreshing. After responding to Steven's message, Naoki returned to his usual routine of ranch work.

Basket in hand, he ventured into the apple orchard to pick fresh, dewy fruit. Across from him, in the Snorlax park, Dragonite enthusiastically regaled Butterfree, Cyclizar, Pawmot, and others with tales of Rayquaza.

"Awooo!" (Rayquaza senpai was incredible! He took down those two world-destroying Pokémon with one move!)

"Gah!" (Whoa!) The gathered Pokémon gasped in awe. How they wished they could have witnessed that momentous battle themselves!

With his basket full, Naoki returned to the ranch's kitchen. Surveying his food stores, he realized supplies were running low. He decided he'd head into town later to stock up.

Before leaving, Naoki found the Pokémon playing in Snorlax Park and said to them:

"You guys stay at home and play. I'm heading into town to pick up some groceries. Don't wander off, okay?"

"Awoo!" 

"Pamo!" 

The Pokémon all chirped and nodded enthusiastically, then went back to listening to Dragonite recount the epic tale of Rayquaza's heroic deeds.

Naoki climbed into his old pickup truck and began the short drive to Kosaji Town. Parking along the roadside, he strolled toward the bustling Kosaji Market.

As he turned down a busy street, he noticed a group of children wearing masks, laughing and chasing each other. They were reenacting the legendary battle.

"Graw-O, I'm going to stop you today!" shouted one child, wearing a makeshift Groudon mask. "I'm the Cyclizar Mask! You can't escape me!"

The kid playing Groudon darted off but stumbled and fell onto the pavement. The others skidded to a stop, staring up in awe at the figure looming over them.

Naoki approached the fallen child, his face unreadable. He glanced at their homemade Cyclizar masks before silently reaching out a hand.

"Careful where you play," he said as he helped the child up. "It's dangerous near the street."

"Yes, sir!" the kids chorused. Then, as quickly as they had arrived, they ran off to a safer, open area, giggling as they resumed their game.

Watching them, Naoki shook his head with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"It's gotten so out of hand…" he muttered to himself. "Just a few days, and the whole thing's blown up. The Internet really is something else…"

He sighed, relieved that he'd worn a mask during the incident. If his identity had been exposed, there was no telling what kind of frenzy might have followed.

With that thought, he quickly finished buying the day's vegetables and drove back to the ranch.

Once home, Naoki placed the groceries in the fridge and took a moment to scroll through his Rotom phone. The online chatter hadn't died down; in fact, it seemed even more feverish than before.

Naoki had abandoned his original account, leaving it blank after countless fans of Giratina flooded him with private messages. It was easier to stay anonymous this way.

As expected, the drama from the Hoenn region was still trending. Stories about [Giratina] and the [mysterious Cyclizar Mask trainer] dominated the headlines. The intrigue hadn't faded—if anything, it had grown stronger.

Naoki rubbed his forehead as he read about the formation of the "[Cyclizar Mask Club]," an online group exclusively for his so-called fans. The absurdity of it all left him speechless.

However, what caught his attention most was Giratina's newfound popularity. Its fan count had skyrocketed past the tens of millions. In the Pokémon world, such a following was unheard of.

Many now regarded Giratina as a benevolent protector—a legendary Pokémon that had come to the rescue of humans. Naoki knew better. In truth, Giratina had only gotten involved for the thrill of it all.

"Internet celebrity Giratina," he thought, shaking his head.

Just then, a message from Giratina popped up.

In the Legendary chat group:

[Giratina: Hahaha, isn't this great? Rotom just told me that I broke another record for fan growth!]

Mewtwo's response was curt. 

Mewtwo: …

[Calyrex: You stepped in to stop Groudon and Kyogre from destroying the region. You saved countless lives. You're a true hero.]

Naoki chuckled as he imagined Giratina's smug expression, basking in the praise from its peers.

Although it had originally only joined the battle for the fun of it, now that everyone was hailing it as the savior of the Hoenn region, well... then it was the savior of the Hoenn region!

However, at that moment, Giratina suddenly remembered something.

It quickly tagged Naoki in the group chat.

[Giratina: @Naoki, where's that powerful Pokémon? Bring it into the group. It totally qualifies to join!]

Naoki: "…"

Clearly, Giratina was still very impressed by Rayquaza's strength.

But Naoki hadn't exactly given Rayquaza a Rotom Phone to join in on the chats.

[Naoki: I'll invite it next time I see it.]

Anyway, there would be other opportunities to cross paths.

When the events surrounding the Ultra Demon God Hoopa unfolded, every legendary Pokémon would make an appearance. By that time, most would be under Hoopa's control, leaving Rayquaza to face off against seven powerful foes on its own.

Although... wasn't Giratina one of those "seven"?

"Guess I'll decide how to handle it when the time comes," Naoki mused.

If Giratina got controlled, they still had Rayquaza!

If Dialga and Palkia fell under control, they still had Rayquaza!

That was the confidence that Rayquaza brought them.