Calyrex never expected that even after choosing seclusion from the world, trouble could still find its way to its doorstep.
Especially thanks to that unruly Glastrier. How many times had it told that horse not to wander off and stir up trouble? And now? It had nearly gotten itself taken away.
Why couldn't it be more like the quiet and well-behaved Spectrier?
Dark spiritual energy, black and ghostly, swirled around Glastrier like a cage before erupting in a violent explosion.
The ice steed let out a heartrending neigh as it collapsed to the ground, trailing wisps of dark energy—unconscious… or rather, pretending to be.
"Bit harsh, wasn't it?" Dylan asked, eyeing the steed, who was clearly faking its faint.
"Misdeeds must be met with punishment," Calyrex replied calmly.
"I mean, he's my Pokémon now. Seeing him like this makes me feel kinda bad." Dylan clicked his tongue, looking mildly troubled.
Calyrex: "???"
Spectrier: "…"
That sentence left both monarch and mount speechless.
Calyrex wanted to retort: That's MY horse! Mine!
"Dylan, Glastrier is my partner," Calyrex said after a pause, sighing.
It understood that Dylan wasn't going to back down. If he'd just tried to take Glastrier by force, fine—Calyrex would have fought.
But the human… had a point.
As the King of Bountiful Harvests, Calyrex had always prided itself on being fair and wise. It couldn't just deny an agreement.
Still, Glastrier was its partner. That bond couldn't be overlooked.
"I understand. I'll make sure to bring him back to visit often," Dylan said with a smile.
"What will it take for you to release Glastrier?" Calyrex asked helplessly. This human was simply impervious to reason.
"I think you're misunderstanding me, Your Majesty," Dylan said, arms open. "Glastrier and I had an agreement. If I defeated him, he'd become mine."
Calyrex fell silent. It glanced back—sure enough, Glastrier was peeking at them with one eye open.
Calyrex's brow twitched. It nearly launched another Astral Barrage on the damn horse.
This fool… couldn't even properly assess an opponent before mouthing off.
Good thing Calyrex was composed.
"Besides," Dylan continued, "he won't be mistreated with me. The Crown Tundra is vast, yes—but endless snow gets boring. The world outside is full of wonders."
He wasn't just saying it for Glastrier's benefit—this was for Calyrex, too.
After all, if he could win over Calyrex, Glastrier would naturally follow. Maybe even Spectrier too.
A 3-for-1 deal. A bargain!
"You're not wrong," Calyrex nodded. It knew both Glastrier and Spectrier were restless souls. Otherwise, they wouldn't slip away every time it fell into deep sleep.
"But Glastrier and I have lived here together for countless years. That bond…" Calyrex hesitated.
"I understand," Dylan said with a thoughtful look. "But… I really do like Glastrier."
He wasn't lying. Strong Ice-types were rare, and Glastrier was one of the best.
Glastrier, still playing dead, wanted to glare at Dylan. Of course you like me. Who wouldn't? But I don't like you, alright?
"You can't force a bond…"
"What is it you truly want?" Calyrex finally asked, exasperated.
"See? I knew you were clever. Actually, between the two, I like you more, Calyrex."
Dylan's smile broadened.
Calyrex: "…"
Spectrier: "…"
Glastrier: WHAT!?
"Secluding yourself in this eternal frost—what's the point?" Dylan asked directly.
He wasn't hiding his intentions. He liked Calyrex—both its Black and White Steed forms were immensely powerful.
"My era is long past," Calyrex murmured, its ancient voice tinged with weariness. "There is no reason for me to return to the world."
A wise king knew when to step down. It had once ruled with glory, but now… even its name had faded from memory.
"You could make them remember you," Dylan said.
"And what would be the point?"
"Perhaps I am a failure. My kingdom has crumbled to dust. I was the King of Bountiful Harvests—but no longer."
"You don't have to cling to that identity," Leaf spoke up, frowning. "You're more than just a title."
"My name is Calyrex," the King replied, glancing her way.
Turning back to Dylan, it added, "You carry many burdens already. My presence won't change much for you."
"But you are Calyrex," Dylan said firmly.
"What a greedy human you are," Calyrex remarked.
"All humans are greedy. I won't deny it. But I really would like for you to come see the world with me."
Dylan made no excuses.
Calyrex fell silent, clearly unwilling.
"How about this then," Dylan offered. "I'll let Glastrier go for now, but in exchange, accompany me for a few days while I remain in Galar."
He knew forcing Calyrex wouldn't work. This wasn't some game script where a questline guaranteed capture.
This Calyrex had never been weakened or humiliated. Trying to catch it with brute force was naive.
"…To the outside world?" Calyrex pondered.
It didn't really want to.
But then it looked at Glastrier.
Sigh.
If it didn't agree, Glastrier would be taken away. It might be a headache, but Calyrex wouldn't abandon its companion.
"Very well. Just once," Calyrex relented.
"Glastrier!!" the ice horse's eyes welled up with joy. Moved to tears!
The King was going to leave the tundra—for its sake!
And also, it was excited. The outside world!
"I'll be in your care, then," Dylan said with a grin. As long as Calyrex stuck around, the rest would follow in time. Bonds took time, after all.
"I'll do my best," Calyrex replied softly.
"In that case, come on in. This'll make travel easier."
Dylan summoned three Premier Balls.
Though Calyrex and its steed fused during battle, they weren't permanently joined. Unlike Kyurem fusing with Zekrom or Necrozma with Solgaleo, this wasn't a suppression fusion.
With Calyrex, it was synergy. Their minds remained intact—Calyrex simply led in battle.
They could fight as two, even while combined.
A perfectly fair 2-vs-1. Just… with one on top and one on bottom.
"Very well," Calyrex agreed. It didn't fear the Poké Ball. For it, such things meant nothing—it could exit at will.
And so, Dylan stored Calyrex, Glastrier, and Spectrier.
"Calyrex, do you know where the Galarian birds are?" Dylan asked.
He figured while he was here, he might as well grab the Galarian trio.
"The birds…? I do not," Calyrex said, shaking its head.
"I have slept through centuries. The tundra is vast—I have no knowledge of their whereabouts."
"But perhaps Glastrier and Spectrier might. Or I can use my psychic power to scan for them," it offered after a moment's thought.
Its mental strength was more than capable of sweeping the region.
"That'd help," Dylan nodded.
…
By the next day—
Wyndon Stadium was packed.
The Champion Cup had ended the previous day. Leon retained his title. Gloria had fought well, but not well enough.
Dylan wasn't surprised. This world's "protagonists" differed from their game counterparts.
If it had followed the Sword and Shield timeline, Rose should've exposed himself by now, and Gloria would've already battled Eternatus.
But none of that had happened.
Even Red and Green, despite their growth, probably still couldn't beat Lance.
This world's Lance was a fusion of game and manga versions—absolutely elite.
Still, Red's talent was terrifying. Within a year, he might reach a level to truly rival top champions like Lance, Giovanni, or Leon.
And with the World Championships next year—that timing couldn't be more perfect.
"Welcome, everyone, to Wyndon Stadium."
On the stage, Rose appeared in a sleek silver suit, addressing the crowd with his deep, magnetic voice.
Thanks to the microphone, his words echoed clearly through the packed arena.
"The Champion Cup may be over, but we have one more battle that will shake the world!"
"Today's special exhibition features a truly rare match-up. As many of you know, our guest is none other than the Champion of Kanto—Dylan!"
The stadium screen flashed an image of Dylan, Master Ball in hand, a confident, sharp smile on his face. His champion's cape fluttered behind him.
"Wooooaaah!!"
The crowd erupted into wild cheers.
Galar lived for Pokémon battles—and it was Rose and Leon who had shaped that culture.
A match between their unbeatable champion and the rising star of another region?
It was a dream come true.
"They're really fired up," Leaf said, sitting in the front row beside Lillie and Brandon.
She watched the electrified audience, eyes wide.
Then she turned to the massive screen, eyes drawn to Dylan's striking profile.
"I just wonder… what team he'll use against Leon."
That's what she was most curious about. Dylan had so many powerful lineups. No one could guess what he'd bring.
But this was Leon they were talking about.
And Dylan was representing Kanto.
He'd probably go all out.
(End of Chapter)