The air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint, earthy scent of moss and wildflowers clinging to the rocky outcrops of the Paldean mountains. Pale morning light spilled through the jagged peaks, painting the landscape in hues of gold and amber. The wind whispered as it danced through the sparse pines, their branches creaking softly, like ancient secrets shared only with those who truly listened.

A gentle tapping echoed through the rocky pass—a rhythmic, padded sound that broke the stillness. Koraidon moved cautiously along the uneven terrain, its tire-like gular sac faintly brushing the ground, producing a soft, rubbery hum with each step. The sun’s early rays glinted off the blue frills running down its neck, their color a striking contrast against the vivid scarlet feathers covering most of its powerful frame.

As Koraidon paused to survey the valley below, its nostrils flared, taking in the subtle scents carried by the breeze: the dry, sun-warmed stone, the sweet aroma of wild lavender, and the musky undertone of a herd of Skiddo grazing further down the slope. It lowered its head, blinking its orange irises with a curious tilt, and let out a low, soft growl—somewhere between a purr and a hum.

“Agias,” it murmured, almost as if pondering the scent.

A flock of Fletchling darted overhead, their chirping notes piercing the quiet. Koraidon’s head shot up, the crest of feathers on its head flaring slightly, giving it an almost regal look. One of the birds dared to dive closer, and Koraidon let out a sharper, playful trill, its claws scraping the stone as it shifted its weight.

With a burst of energy, Koraidon took off at a gallop, its tire-padded webbed feet drumming against the ground in a rapid, rhythmic pattern. The ground trembled faintly with each powerful bound, and pebbles scattered in its wake. Sprinting Build suited this terrain well—the tucked tail and coiled limbs making the creature aerodynamic and agile as it moved across the rocky paths.

“Gias!” Koraidon called out, excitement buzzing in its tone, eyes gleaming as it chased the flock’s shadows dancing on the ground. The Skiddo herd stirred in response, their eyes wide with alarm, but Koraidon only glanced at them briefly before veering to the left, climbing a narrow trail that led to a ridge where the wind howled in triumph.

Perched at the top, Koraidon paused, chest heaving from the sprint, and looked out over the Paldean mountains stretching endlessly toward the horizon. The sky was vast and cloudless, a rich cerulean that faded to lighter shades near the peaks. Closing its eyes, Koraidon let the wind rush through its feathers, the sensation tickling the base of its tendrils as they fluttered gently.

It was at peace here, where the sky met the earth, where its powerful legs could carry it as fast as its heart desired.

The thought stirred something gentle within Koraidon, and it lowered its head, giving a soft, thoughtful growl. Far below, the herd settled once more, and the Fletchling flock had long since vanished into the distance.

Satisfied, Koraidon gave one last contented “Agias” before continuing along the path, its steps lighter, more playful. It didn’t notice the small, curious eyes peeking from behind a cluster of rocks—another Pokémon, drawn by the aura of confidence and power radiating from the legendary creature.

Koraidon knew that the journey through Paldea was far from over, and as it moved onward, it remained alert to the sounds of the mountains—the distant cry of a Rufflet, the rumble of rockfalls in the cliffs, and the ever-present whisper of the wind. It was ready to explore every hidden path, test every slope, and chase every fleeting shadow.

And maybe, just maybe, it would find the courage to face the deeper valleys of its own past, where old fears lingered like shadows in the sunlit mountains. For now, though, the morning was bright, and Koraidon’s heart was light, filled with the joy of movement and the promise of the unknown.