“How do you feel, Satoshi, suddenly knowing you’re a hero destined to save the world?” Inside the Huaxia restaurant, those Satoshi had called for help were enjoying their late-night snacks. Kiku-chan smiled as she asked about Satoshi's feelings about becoming a hero.
“I don’t feel anything. I don’t have that memory anyway. By the way, has Pikachu gone to sleep?”
“Yeah, Kasumi took her to bed. She’s still little. She needs to sleep properly.”
“That’s good.”
Satoshi finished his statement, then hugged Kiku-chan and said, “What do you think we should do about that girl? Honestly, I kinda backfired on myself. I wanted everyone to help me figure this out, but instead, everyone knows now. Plus, I have this extra person waiting for me.”
“She’s been waiting for you for a thousand years, so take good care of her.” Kiku-chan was touched by the girl’s dedication and spoke up for her. After all, Satoshi’s first kiss was already hers.
“It’s good to have a good wife to help brainstorm at a time like this. I understand.” Since Kiku-chan had already said all that, Satoshi would be a real man if he didn't do something.
“Thanks, Kiku-chan-san.”
“No problem. But the Waveguide Warrior, Satoshi, was truly dazzling at that time.” Recalling the image of Satoshi single-handedly ending the war with his Waveguide, Kiku-chan felt a heartfelt pride. Her man saved the world.
While Satoshi enjoyed his cozy time with Kiku-chan, Junsa explained everything to the town mayor of 少女峡, Girl Canyon.
“So, you’re saying there’s actually a girl in the Girl Rock and she’s been taken for a check-up?” The town mayor was somewhat troubled. The whole situation was simply too fantastical, although Pokemon itself was pretty fantastical.
“That’s right. The tricky part now is how we tell this to the townspeople.” Junsa didn’t hide anything but explained everything in detail. After all, there were a bunch of authoritative experts as witnesses, so there was no need to conceal anything.
“Ah, headache. The Girl Rock has been a tradition passed down for generations. How am I supposed to tell those old folks? Should I tell them there really was a girl in the Girl Rock?” The town mayor was practical. After all, the real revenue for Girl Canyon came from the annual temple fair and tourists. The Girl Rock was just a legend.
“About that, we can use one of your local customs.” At this point, Satoshi walked over and patted the Ghost next to him.
——Divider——
On the night of the Ghost Festival, countless people witnessed a magical scene. The Girl Rock crumbled, and the girl’s soul floated happily into the arms of a man in unique clothing. Then, the two took a small boat with lanterns and disappeared.
“Did I see that right?”
“No, I recorded it…”
“There really is a girl ghost! ”
Meanwhile, the girl named 小紫, Xiao Zi, woke up, and when she saw Satoshi sitting beside her, she smiled and said, “You have returned, 亚郎, Yalang-sama.”
“Sorry, I don’t have any memory of those events. If possible, I would prefer you to tell me how you turned into a rock.” Frankly, Satoshi felt a little awkward facing the girl, because she had waited for him for a thousand years.
The girl seemed to understand Satoshi’s thoughts and smiled, “Don’t feel bad. It was the deity who turned me to stone. He said all I had to do was wait. And back then, you saved the world and ended the war. How could I blame you?”
“Sorry, I really can’t remember anything. The only thing I can recall is your name, 小紫, Xiao Zi.”
“That’s enough. This time, please don’t leave again, 亚郎, Yalang. No, Satoshi.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not a good person anymore. But you need to recover now. So, you’re going to come home with me. My mom wants to meet you…” Satoshi’s head dropped in resignation as he took out a communicator.
“Mom, this is 小紫, Xiao Zi…”
“She’s such a good girl. Satoshi, don’t you dare let her down, you hear? Also, let her stay at home until she gets better. By the way, I’ve taught her a lot about modern knowledge...”
Hanako chattered on and on, and Satoshi could only tell Ghost, “So, Ghost, I’m entrusting the task of guarding 小紫, Xiao Zi to you.”
“Leave it to me. Just call me if you need anything. I’m always ready.” Ghost had already become Satoshi’s Pokémon, since Ghost had always hoped to become the companion of that gentle hero.
“Ghost, you don’t need my training anymore. Just keep practicing the moves I’ve taught you.”
“Got it.”
When everything was settled, Satoshi and the others would set off on their journey. Xiao Zi would go to Pallet Town under the protection of Ghost, employees of the Continent Hotel, and Junsa, to meet her future mother-in-law.
Satoshi was about to part ways with Xiao Zi. He really didn't know what to say to the girl who had been waiting for him for a thousand years.
“Anyway… Take care of yourself, and I will definitely come back this time. That’s all.”
“I will always be waiting for you, Satoshi. Only this time, I’ll be waiting for you at your home.”
“That’s good. See you later then.”
“See you later.”
After hugging Xiao Zi, Satoshi and his group left. Kasumi asked curiously, “Wow, this is incredible, past lives and present lives. No, this is a love that spans a thousand years.”
Satoshi was stunned by Kasumi’s words and then said, “Past lives and present lives? If we’re talking about past lives, I actually might have one.”
“Huh?”
Seeing the strange looks on Kiku-chan and the others, Satoshi smiled and said, “I really do have a so-called past life memory, but they’re just boring stuff. Let’s go. The Golden Badge of Golden City awaits. I hope Natsue doesn’t try to turn me into a doll.”
However, Satoshi did not know that a woman named ルザミーネ, Lusamine, was taking her two adopted children directly to him.
“Mom, are you sure that man is Dad? He’s only 15 years old…”
“Lilii-eh, I’m not much older than you… But do you believe in past lives and present lives?”
“Huh?” Lilii-eh was baffled by Lusamine’s question. Gladion was speechless. “Mom, you think this kind of joke is funny…”
But Lusamine responded with a terrifying glare to Gladion.
“No, I wouldn’t lie about that. I hope you understand, Gladion.”