The sound of dripping water echoed through Meteor Falls, where faint light from the cave mouth caught the edge of Zinnia’s tattered cloak. She stood before an ancient mural, tracing her fingers across the weathered symbols of Rayquaza and the falling star. Aster hummed softly at her feet.

Footsteps approached — a young trainer, wide-eyed and curious, stepping into the sacred silence.

Zinnia turned, smiling faintly. “You ever think about how the sky’s heartbeat doesn’t stop… even when we forget to listen?” she said, her tone almost teasing. “How the stars blink just to keep secrets from each other? Mmm… maybe it’s all a loop — the dragon sleeps, the stone falls, people make the same mistakes over and over. Funny, right?”

The trainer blinked, confused.

Zinnia tilted her head, red eyes gleaming. “Ah, never mind. You wouldn’t get it. Whatever.” She gave a small, crooked grin and flicked her Mega Anklet. “Let’s just battle."