In a remote Grand Canyon within the Unova Region.
Here, it's rarely visited, home to a large number of Wild Pokémon.
Surrounded by green mountains and flowing streams, it's an excellent hidden paradise, scarcely affected by human influence.
Especially in recent times, no human has been able to approach.
"Alright, you're a big kid now, those two will rely on you."
Natsuhiko smiled helplessly, rubbing Meloetta's head.
"Melo..."
Meloetta pouted, eyes filled with tears.
Yet it nodded resolutely.
But it glanced mischievously at Thundurus and Tornadus behind it.
Thundurus and Tornadus accompanied it with awkward smiles.
An angry Meloetta is terrifying.
It could make them cry or laugh on a whim.
Landorus being taken away by Giovanni had quite an impact on the Unova Region.
So the presence of Thundurus and Tornadus became somewhat important, as they were the last barriers to balance nature in the Unova Region.
However, they could never completely suppress their destructive instincts.
Without Landorus, only Meloetta could restrain them.
"I'll come back to see you all in a while," Natsuhiko said indulgently.
"Melo, Melo!"
Meloetta grabbed Natsuhiko's clothing.
'Then you must come quickly.'
Natsuhiko touched its forehead as a promise.
He turned his head to look at Zekrom and Reshiram standing atop the canyon ridge, facing the wind.
Natsuhiko asked them when they would fall asleep again.
The Twin Dragons replied.
They would sleep when they were bored.
But they wouldn't transform into the "Light Stone" and "Dark Stone" as before, just ordinary sleep.
Natsuhiko and these dragons of truth and ideals had formed a bond.
But establishing a bond and fully capturing them were two different concepts.
Having them battle for Natsuhiko, as someone they recognized, the Twin Dragons would do.
But to have them always help Natsuhiko, like his other Pokémon that he commands effortlessly, was unrealistic.
In the end, Natsuhiko merely established a connection with them.
A bit like the relationship with Dragapult, even less than that.
They were willing to obey Natsuhiko because his ideals of truth and reality resonated with theirs.
The initiative was in their hands.
This was different from Giovanni capturing Landorus with sheer strength.
Just like Giovanni said, the best way to earn a Pokémon's recognition and establish a bond is through battle.
First, you need the strength to gain their recognition.
Giovanni and Landorus, the initiative was in his hands once Landorus was defeated.
As for Reshiram and Zekrom, the gap in strength with Natsuhiko was too great, the foundation of everything was their recognition of Natsuhiko.
The time spent together wasn't enough to completely win them over or earn their unwavering loyalty.
However, the Twin Dragons expressed.
If Natsuhiko needed them, he could call on them.
They would not refuse.
Though not as commanding as the left Azure Eye or the right Crimson Eye.
But it's quite satisfactory to call them when necessary.
Divine Beasts have their pride.
Moreover, following Natsuhiko, the Black and White Dragons might bring unnecessary trouble.
After all, the Twin Dragons couldn't be stored in a Pokeball, whether a regular Pokeball or an Advanced Ball couldn't fully contain Reshiram's flames or Zekrom's electricity.
He's not like Giovanni, who could have a specially crafted Pokeball specifically for Landorus.
Unable to carry them, even when flying overhead to hide, there's always a time to come down.
Even if they didn't descend, there's no guarantee they wouldn't clash with certain existences from other regions.
Like Sinnoh's Three Dragons, Hoenn's Two Fools One Proud, Kalos's Three Letters, Alola's Kapu, Sunshine Moonlight, and so on.
At least.
In the future, when Natsuhiko faces a Divine Beast he can't combat, he would have someone to rely on.
In a group battle, we have someone to call on.
"Leader..."
Genesect Little Fire looked at Natsuhiko, opening its mouth.
Natsuhiko solemnly patted its shoulder, saying:
"'Home,' is something intelligent beings can never sever ties with. You should stay and build your home. I just hope that when I need help, you won't refuse."
"We won't! As long as the Leader needs us, we will rush over at the first moment!"
Little Fire patted its chest, the other three Genesects performed the same action.
The Shining Genosect in the corner gazed upward at a 45° angle.
Everything happened so fast, the changes came so swiftly that it couldn't accept them at once.
"With your words, that's enough." Natsuhiko said smiling.
After speaking, he threw a Pokeball to summon Latios.
Climbing on its back.
"Soon, after I've finished this matter, I'll be back."
Turning away, avoiding the reluctant gazes of the little ones, lowering his hat, its brim obstructing his view, he flew rapidly away on the back of Latios.
On the canyon peak.
Watching the departing Natsuhiko, Reshiram, and Zekrom's gaze followed.
[He's gone.]
Zekrom said slowly, with no emotional change, just like its mechanical appearance.
Reshiram glanced at it.
[He's destined to leave behind legends, what he leaves behind are his legends, not ours. Following him brings little benefit, it might even limit his growth.]
Zekrom blinked.
[Are you sure it's not because you don't want to fight those others?]