"Just like in the movie."
Dylan listened to Reshiram's complaints and confirmed it silently.
It really was exactly the same: in the movie, a hundred years ago, Hoopa summoned Black and White Kyurem and Regigigas through its rings to show off, then beat them all in battle.
Later, it summoned Kyogre and Groudon—same playbook.
But the more it fought, the more chaotic things became. Its overwhelming power began to disrupt the village, until a traveler sealed its might away.
That act split Hoopa's power into two forms: its "Unbound Form" and the playful, mischievous "Confined Form."
It was a fun story—and Dylan had every intention of visiting Kalos sometime soon.
He mused on it. According to the movie, Hoopa's sealed power eventually developed a will of its own—one filled with malice and hatred.
That evil was terrifying—not only because it was part of Hoopa's original strength, but because it could influence the minds of the legendary Pokémon it summoned.
Normally, when Hoopa summoned a legendary Pokémon like Reshiram, that legendary would immediately retaliate—after all, no one likes being yanked across dimensions uninvited.
But Shadow Hoopa was different. Its overwhelming negativity could bend even legendaries to its will.
In the movie, that's clearly what happened to Giratina and Kyurem—they were not in control.
"After the new year, then."
Dylan made up his mind. There were only a few days left this year, and it was best to enjoy the holiday first.
As the year wound down, things at the gym grew quiet.
Most traveling Trainers were heading home for the holidays—nobody had time to take on the Rota Gym right now.
And if someone did want to challenge, well, that could wait until next year.
Time passed, and Dylan's father and mother arrived from Alola to spend the New Year in Rota.
It was family time, after all.
"Lillie, aren't you going back to Alola for the holidays?" Asha asked innocently.
"Mmm… I think I'll stay here with big brother and Dad and Mom this year!"
Lillie hesitated for only two seconds before making her choice. She loved Alola, of course—but Rota was home now too.
And she could always visit Alola next year.
"My son's amazing! Look at this—Champion of Kanto!" Dylan's father, Itto, practically beamed with pride as he pointed to the framed photo on the wall.
He never imagined his son would really become Kanto's Champion. It was like a dream.
All his years of careful parenting had paid off!
"Say, Dylan… now that you're Champion, do you still need to run the Rota Gym?" Itto asked, puzzled.
"I don't plan to stay Champion forever. It's exhausting," Dylan said plainly.
Being Champion meant responsibilities—and if he kept slacking, even Goodshow would run out of excuses.
He much preferred the freedom of being a Gym Leader.
"Right, right. Do what makes you happy. Your mom and I will always support you."
As far as Itto was concerned, Dylan had nothing left to prove. He just wanted his son to enjoy life.
Later that day…
"Giovanni? What brings you here?" Dylan blinked as Giovanni walked in, surprised.
"Just paying a visit to a colleague, Dylan. Hope you don't mind?" Giovanni smiled lightly.
"Of course not. Come on in."
"Viridian and Rota aren't far apart. I've been meaning to stop by, but haven't had the time—until now…"
Giovanni's eyes swept over the interior of the Rota Gym—beautifully furnished, stylish, welcoming.
But then… he froze.
His gaze landed on a red-haired boy across the hall—and Giovanni stopped dead in his tracks.
This was completely unlike him. In public, Giovanni had always maintained perfect composure.
But this time… he couldn't.
"Giovanni?" Dylan's lips curled into a knowing smile.
"Giovanni??"
He called again—and Giovanni finally snapped back to reality.
"Dylan…"
Giovanni took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm. But his eyes still darted toward the red-haired boy.
"…Who's that boy with the red hair?"
"Oh, you mean Silver? He's my student. Leaf introduced him. His background's… complicated."
Dylan followed Giovanni's gaze. The boy noticed their attention and turned toward them, expression puzzled.
"…Silver."
"Silver, this is Giovanni, Leader of Viridian Gym and current head of the Kanto Elite Four."
"Hello, sir." The boy stepped forward and gave a polite nod—but his tone was still cool and aloof.
"You're impressive—no doubt about it," Giovanni said with a faint, unreadable smile.
"Hey, Silver—are you going to Leaf's place for the holidays, or staying here?"
"I'll stay. Don't want to bother Leaf."
Silver shook his head.
Dylan smiled. "This gym is your home too, you know. Spend the holiday with us—go get some training in."
"Yes."
Silver turned and walked away after another polite nod.
He knew Dylan genuinely cared for him. Rota Gym had become a home he could trust.
Giovanni watched his back disappear, emotions flashing through his eyes.
"…He's gifted," Dylan said. "Still too young to travel, but once he starts next year, I hope you'll keep an eye on him."
"..."
Giovanni opened his mouth but couldn't speak.
Wasn't that what he was supposed to say?
"…Is something wrong, Giovanni?"
Dylan gave him a perfectly innocent look—even though his eyes twinkled with amusement.
"…Nothing. But Dylan, I think we need to talk. Seriously."
"Alright. Let's head out back."
Under the tree in the garden, they sat on a picnic mat.
"You really know how to enjoy life," Giovanni said, glancing around.
The wind rustled the grass. Pokémon played near the lake under a clear blue sky.
It was peaceful. So unlike his world.
"I believe in living well. It's my life philosophy," Dylan said, biting into an apple.
"…Is this about Silver?" he added casually.
Of course he'd noticed Giovanni's strange behavior.
"I figured you'd caught on," Giovanni said, tone serious. "Tell me—what do you know about his past?"
"Not much. He and Leaf were taken as children—kidnapped by a mysterious Pokémon and brought to Johto."
"Leaf escaped this year and came home. She brought Silver to me, and I took him in."
"He's rough around the edges, sure—but he's got a soft heart, and loads of talent."
Giovanni narrowed his eyes. "That group…"
"It's gone now," Dylan said. "Disbanded."
"…I see. Dylan—has he ever mentioned his family?"
"He doesn't remember. He was too young. Don't tell me… Silver is your son?"
Dylan raised an eyebrow, teasing.
"..."
Without a word, Giovanni pulled a photo from his coat and handed it over.
Dylan looked—and blinked.
A younger Giovanni, a red-haired child, and a Sneasel.
"…Wow."
"I never stopped searching for him. But he was so close all along…"
Giovanni's voice was quiet. His heart still hadn't recovered from the shock.
It really had been right under his nose.
"I'd like to tell him. I want to acknowledge him, Dylan. Please."
Dylan looked at him carefully.
"Of course—but there's something you should know."
"Go ahead."
"Silver… hates criminal organizations. Hates them."
"He's stubborn. Righteous."
Dylan said it gently, but truthfully. Silver loathed Team Rocket.
Giovanni might be working with the League now—but who's to say he wouldn't try to revive Rocket someday?
"I need your promise," Dylan said quietly. "If you are planning a comeback… maybe it's best not to tell him at all."
"He's doing fine here."
Silence.
Giovanni's eyes darkened. He struggled, torn between love and ambition.
But finally…
"I'm… a member of the Kanto Elite Four now."
His voice was hoarse.
"Yeah. You are," Dylan said gently. "And I'm sure Silver will be proud of you."
He smiled faintly.
Man… that kid really saved this guy.
Now he was curious—if Giovanni entered the World Championships next year… how far could he climb?
(End of Chapter)