Time passed quickly, and soon it was time to depart for Rota in the Kanto Region.
During this period, Aggron successfully reached the Champion level, with Skarmory following closely behind. Steven always felt that Skarmory was directly linked to Aggron—its strength could never fall too far behind.
After nearly half a month of training, Riolu also successfully advanced to the Quasi-Champion level, while Piplup remained at the Lord level. However, the possibility of Riolu reaching the Champion level in its current form seemed quite low. Its rate of improvement had begun to decrease significantly, and the same pattern applied to Piplup—its growth had also started to slow down.
Steven sensed that Piplup was showing subtle signs of evolution.
Ding-dong—
The doorbell rang.
Steven guessed that Wallace had arrived. He slung his small messenger bag over his shoulder and headed out.
"Long time no see, Steven," Wallace said with a smile, looking at Steven, who was dressed in black as usual. "Perhaps you could wear a tie?"
Steven's outfit consisted of a black loose-fitting casual jacket and matching pants, with a simple white shirt underneath.
"Wearing a tie would be a bit too formal," Steven replied with a soft chuckle.
"Isn't it strange to wear that outfit and carry a small bag?" Wallace asked.
Steven spread his hands helplessly. "I can't help it! I have to carry Aggron's rations inside."
The two set off together, and the pair of handsome men drew quite a bit of attention on the street. Listening to the constant clicking of cameras around them, Steven couldn't shake the feeling that he'd appear in Wallace's "scandal" news again tomorrow.
They boarded the plane, flying to Pewter City in the Kanto Region.
"So, what are we going to do there?" Wallace asked casually, flipping through a fashion magazine as he sat beside Steven.
"I have something I need to confirm," Steven replied. "Wallace, just think of it as a vacation."
Seeing that Steven wasn't offering more details, Wallace didn't press further.
Upon arriving in Pewter City, Steven and Wallace didn't linger. Instead, they flew north toward the mountains between Pewter City and Mt. Moon.
Soon, Steven spotted a city in the distance. In the center of the city stood a castle built on a mountain—Cameran Palace in Rota!
This was the place where the legendary title "Aura Guardian" originated.
"This is a festival held to honor Sir Aaron, the Aura Guardian. The person who wins the Pokémon battle tournament in the city will receive the commemorative title of 'Aura Guardian'..." Wallace read from a handbook he'd bought in Rota, interpreting the information as they walked along the stone path leading to the castle.
"Are you going to participate?" Wallace asked curiously.
"Yes," Steven nodded. "I need to obtain the title of 'Aura Guardian' first."
Steven vaguely remembered that a Lucario was sealed within Sir Aaron's staff. He didn't possess Aura powers himself, so he couldn't awaken it—but he did have Riolu.
"Then I won't participate," Wallace said with a chuckle. "I'm not going to compete in what's essentially a beginner's tournament. For 'novice' Trainers like you, this is the perfect level."
"Are you making fun of me?" Steven glanced at Wallace helplessly.
"Not at all."
Regardless, Steven had to win this battle. Only one Pokémon could participate, and that Pokémon would have to fight until the tournament concluded. The simple battle tournament would wrap up within one afternoon, with a party and dance scheduled for the evening.
The appearance of Steven and Wallace surprised the people who had come to participate. Steven could hear the discussions and camera clicks all around them. He sighed inwardly. I'll have to explain this to Cynthia later...
When they arrived at the castle, Steven and Wallace were directed to a changing room filled with many ancient costumes. Wearing period clothing was a requirement for participating in the festival—a small but important rule.
Bang—
"Piplup!"
Piplup picked up two small swords and began waving them around playfully.
"Be careful not to damage the costumes," Steven said with a soft laugh.
"Piplup!" Got it!
Steven glanced around the room and selected an outfit similar to Sir Aaron's. Looking at himself in the full-length mirror, he was pleasantly surprised—it suited him well and didn't look out of place at all.
"Are you really going to wear that?" Wallace asked, confusion evident in his voice.
Steven turned to see Wallace wearing a white prince-like outfit that gave him an elegant aura.
"Yes, these are the clothes of the Aura Guardian," Steven replied with a nod.
Wallace shrugged, indicating it was fine as long as Steven liked it.
Steven bent down, took one of the small swords from Piplup's flippers, and then fitted the penguin Pokémon with a scabbard and cape.
"How about this?" he asked.
"Piplup!" Excellent! Let's go battle!
Piplup looked at itself in the mirror, very satisfied. If you're handsome, you look good in anything!
On the castle roof, a Taillow flew in from afar and landed on the eaves. It transformed into a Pichu and climbed along the wall into the room.
Steven was still searching for suitable decorations for Metagross, while Wallace looked for accessories for Milotic.
"Piplup!"
Piplup raised its small sword, its expression serious as if it were truly a hero. All evil in the world will be shattered by Piplup!
Whoosh whoosh!
"Pi?"
Piplup suddenly turned its head and spotted the Pichu hiding behind the rolled-up curtain.
"Piplup~" Piplup trotted over to the curtain, acting mature. What's wrong, little one? Are you lost? Do you need Hero Piplup to help you find your Trainer?
Then, with a flash of white light behind the curtain, another Piplup suddenly pulled the curtain open.
"Piplup?!" Piplup was startled and quickly yanked the curtain completely aside. Where's that little yellow mouse?! Did you eat it?!
"Piplup..." The other Piplup giggled, jumped onto a stool, climbed up to the windowsill, and leaped down.
Piplup was shocked. It's so high up—it'll turn into penguin pancake!
It quickly scrambled onto the windowsill and looked down, but there was no "penguin pancake" in sight. A Pidgey flew past, circling the castle before disappearing.
"Piplup?!" Did I just see a ghost?!
"Piplup."
"Piplup!!!"
Steven's voice suddenly rang out from behind, startling Piplup so badly that its short feathers stood on end.
Steven quickly scooped Piplup off the windowsill. "I can't leave you alone for even a moment. If you'd fallen, you really would've turned into penguin pancake!"
"Piplup!" Piplup gestured wildly, pointing outside. There's a ghost! I saw a ghost!
"What is it?" Steven leaned over the windowsill and looked carefully, but he didn't see anything unusual.
"Let's go, Steven. The battle festival is about to begin," Wallace said from the doorway.
"Okay! Come on, Piplup!"
Steven, holding Piplup, quickly walked toward Wallace, and they left together.
In Steven's arms, Piplup was confused. Could it be that I really saw wrong? Was I too sleepy from being on the plane for so long? Never mind...
"Piplup!" Piplup raised the small sword in its flipper and giggled. Hero Piplup—to battle!!!