Aspiring to become a Pokémon trainer

Through these days of reading and reflection, she has come to recall AZ's story and understand more clearly the cause of this tragedy.

—The lack of honesty between them.

I don't mind if the story ends perfectly. Admittedly, I'm not a saint, but the accompanying advice won't waste my energy and can offer some guidance at this moment.

Moreover, the King of AZ is the key to unlocking the ultimate weapon, and is someone we will eventually have to deal with.

"Things will definitely get better."

Speaking softly, Diancie jumped onto the bench and gently patted the man's shoulder.

"Just like I'm studying at Nanyin and striving for a better future, I also hope you can find that friend again."

Without offering empty words of comfort, Princess Pink Diamond is able to see through people's thoughts and always treats others with kindness and innocence.

"Nanyin, may I give that box of cookies to this gentleman?"

"of course."

She doesn't mind sharing what's in front of her, just like AZ and Flori, she has a unique bond with Diancie and Sylveon.

The girl knew perfectly well that the place in the other person's heart would always belong to her; it would never shift or change.

"Here, this is for you, big guy~"

With a gentle smile, the Pink Diamond Princess tiptoed slightly and handed the boxed food to the former.

"You're so tall, eating just these cold dish scraps definitely won't be enough for you."

"Also, it's so cold at night, don't sleep alone on a park bench!"

Hearing the phantom beast's concerned words, the man wearing a winter hat stared blankly at the noble figure in front of him.

"I...have no home."

After a long while, feelings of guilt finally surfaced on his face.

"How could that be? Neither humans nor elves can stay away from home for too long; otherwise, even without each other, they will feel bitter."

Listening intently, silently reciting, tears welled up in the man's eyes, and he rubbed his nose with two fingers.

"Thank you, but I have to go."

The giant, who stood three meters tall and straightened his back, was about to leave when a slight force was transmitted through his clothes.

Without hesitation or disgust, Diancie simply grabbed that withered and ugly hand.

"You haven't accepted this box of cookies yet, but you haven't accepted the efforts of Nan Yin and me."

All emotions seemed to freeze completely at that moment.

The hunched-over homeless man turned around dejectedly and met the gaze of the holy and elegant princess who was trying to elevate herself by standing on tiptoe, and also met the gaze of the girl standing quietly behind him, who looked at him as if nothing was wrong and showed no contempt.

In an instant, her appearance, their appearance, seemed to intertwine with the beloved flower petals and stems.

"...Really, thank you so much."

For thousands of years, men have never forced a smile.

His facial muscles were withered, and his hands were large and emaciated.

Even so, the old king still half-squatted down, one hand on his knee and the other outstretched, to express his gratitude in the manner of a nobleman.

"It is my good fortune to have met you all."

"You only need to say thank you once, that's what Minister Diamond taught me."

Having said this, as if she had made up her mind, the Pink Diamond Princess placed her small hand in the palm of the homeless man. "Also, my name is Diancie."

"Since you don't have any companions yet, big guy, I'll allow you to become one of my friends, but only one, okay?"

She exchanged a smile with the white-haired girl, and then skipped back to her side.

"Buy~"

It was a welcoming speech.

I don’t know what kind of conversation they had, but the two children, who had a minor disagreement, are now like sisters, with little jealousy between them.

Now that the initial thin ice has been broken, subsequent communication will proceed naturally and smoothly.

"King AZ, as Diancie said, if you want to salvage that relationship, please forget your sorrow and become the confident and passionate trainer you were a thousand years ago, instead of wallowing in your depression and remaining trapped in it for too long."

Using the steps provided by Tianxi, Nanyin also offered her own insights, revealing the true meaning of the separation between the flower's petals and stem.

"...Trainer."

Chewing on the words and looking at the Pokémon accompanying the girl, AZ seemed puzzled but didn't know how to express himself.

"Trainers are a group of people who form bonds with Pokémon and express their growth or connection through battles and other means."

She could tell the other person was asking a question, so she waited a moment before explaining.

"Pokémon battles, camaraderie..."

The man shook his head, still somewhat incredulous.

In times of war, people used metal saddles to control Pokémon, and didn't even know what Apricots were. But now, Pokémon, once used as weapons for conquering cities, coexist peacefully with humans and have become beings with whom they can entrust their emotions.

The meaning behind the term 'Trainer,' which only emerged in the last century, is still unknown to AZ.

Seeing the fairy spirit wrapped around the girl's arm, and hearing the harmonious conversation between Diancie and the former, his confusion deepened.

"Warcraft should be servants of humans, right?"

AZ asked the question in a hoarse voice.

Bathed in moonlight, the man's pupils shone with an eerie brightness.

Without being moved or afraid, Nan Yin simply put her hands behind her back and calmly asked a question.

"King of Azur Lane, you should know the answer to this better than I do. Even in that era of war and strife, you and Flora, Aura Hero Aaron and Lucario, still considered each other the closest of friends—"

"family."

Embracing Eevee, she lowered her chin to meet his, her words neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

"In today's terms, you are already the most outstanding trainers."

"......Yeah?"

The three-meter-tall giant stopped in his tracks, repeating in a daze, "I... was once a trainer too."

"Of course, but before that, please take care of yourself. If we meet again, that flower petal should not want to see you looking so dejected and disheveled."

Having said all he could say, the conversation—with heads held high and eyes lowered—was no more. As his footsteps faded into the distance, the old king's gaze grew increasingly wistful.

For thousands of years, even those who conceal their existence have sought themselves out of ambition, desiring the key to the ultimate weapon. Only Diancie and Nanyin are different.

They did not care about the king's status or the weight of power; they simply acted out of goodwill and treated everyone as equals.

The wind whistles past my ears, carrying the scents of the wilderness and the ocean. Gazing at the deep night sky and the stars, memories of bygone days flood my mind.

Three thousand years ago at midnight, the chirping of insects was different for each night. Even though the nights were fraught with danger and the hordes of monsters were violent, Hua Yedi's company always calmed him down.

They leaned on each other, built watchtowers, and kept watch until dawn and midday.

Clutching the card the girl had given him and holding the fragrant cake box, the man remained silent for a long time, but he had made up his mind.

He should make a change.

Whether they repent and start anew, or travel to the Forest of Orianth and end their endless lives with the help of Yveltal.

Night falls here, and the orange streetlights of the highway form a line. On this path leading to the countryside, two slender figures continue forward, their steps unwavering.

"Celebrities in the newspapers, historical figures, I always feel that traveling with you, Nan Yin, will bring surprises from time to time."

Korni sighed, letting the evening breeze ruffle her hair and brush against her face.

"What's wrong? Not used to it?"

"No, I would say I love it the most."

With a smile playing on her lips, the blonde girl spoke freely, making no attempt to hide her emotions.

"For me, novel experiences and constant learning—that's what true adventure is all about!"

"It's good that you think that way."

After receiving the sweet treat that Scorpio had somehow found, Nan Yin comforted the former while also responding to her friend's sentiments.

Witnessing the unknown firsthand and exploring one's own path—this is also a type of journey she cherishes.

However, before this thought could continue, the presence of a living person approached.

"Buyi!"

Waving its ribbons, Sylveon sensed the danger and struggled to break free from the girl's embrace.

"No need to hide anymore, you two. You're the ones who have been following us from the park all the way here, aren't you?"

With clapping their hands, Nan Yin not only detected the small beast's movements but also, relying on her exceptional senses, captured the chaotic breathing and subtle footsteps.

"In that case, there's nothing more to say, Princess of the Mining Kingdom. I need your ability—the ability to create diamonds."

No longer hiding behind the tree trunk, the red-haired woman spoke loudly.

“You talk too much, Mary Ling. You’re not a fashion thief, you’re a talkative thief.”

Leaping down from the branch, the man with the strange hairstyle made no attempt to hide his sarcasm.

"Thieves? You're the robbers that Minister Zuan mentioned, aren't you?"

With a furrowed brow, Diancie revealed a sharp gaze.

"We're using vulgar language, we just want you to do us a favor."

The Fiery Fox and Greninja darted close and stood beside the two.

Upon seeing this, Nan Yin also realized the other party's identity: the designated villain in the movie who was tasked with capturing the Pink Diamond Princess.

"To vent one's greed without the consent of others—what is a robber... I already know!"

"Hmph, enough talk, let's get started, Lyle."

The verbal exchange ends here; what follows is a real, physical confrontation.

P.S.: Stickers~

Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Art of Combat (4k)

It wasn't something that had been planned for a long time; the so-called tracking and following was just something that happened once in the afternoon.

While they were searching for their target in the streets and alleys, dressed in casual clothes, they happened to catch a glimpse of Diancie. Even though her clothes were covering her, her dazzling pink light still shone through the corners of her clothes and caught their eye.

Although the descriptions in historical records are vague, they do clearly state the power of the Diamond Princess to refine diamonds.

Moreover, these were merely two immature girls, whose thoughts were instantly consumed by greed and malice.

Having been thieves for a long time, living a nomadic life, they were even uneasy when staying in hotels, constantly worrying about Officer Jenny's arrest. They had had enough of this kind of life and decided to finish this job and retire from crime.

Let us offer up the spirits willingly for the sake of our future.

Having found a reason for himself and not seeking the opinions of others, Lyle simply gestured with his eyes to his long-time female companion.

"Red Fox of Demonic Fire, Flame Vortex."

The stern shout was an order given without hesitation.

They are no greenhorns; once they make a decision, they will use any means necessary to achieve it, no matter how despicable or malicious.

Holding a branch, the fire fox, like a witch, swung its forelegs, driving scorching waves of flame forward.

The swirling heat obscured the view and turned the dim night red. To be honest, they didn't want to make a move on a road that was still within the city limits, but the other party had keen senses and bluntly saw through their pretense.

"Nanyin, it's us!"

In her haste to retrieve the Poké Ball, Korrina was stunned by the sudden change in the situation and was unable to recover for a moment.

By the time they reacted, the dazzling flames had already closed in on the two of them, inflicting intense heat.

Fortunately-