"Alright, that's enough. Ahem, Summer, hurry back and show Adaman and the others your new look!" Arezu suddenly became flustered, half-pushing him back toward the village.
As she watched Summer's figure disappear into the distance, a flicker of loneliness flashed across her face.
What am I even feeling down about?
I got to see him again, to say my thanks properly—that's already enough.
Yes… It's more than enough.
Back in Crimson Village, Adaman and the others were visibly stunned by Summer's transformation. For a moment, they weren't sure if they should praise his natural features or Arezu's incredible skills.
"…What? Why are you all looking at me like that?" Summer asked.
"N-Nothing, nothing," Adaman waved his hand. "Ahem, since you're back, Summer, I've finished dealing with my affairs. Let me show you around—you'll get to see just how much time has changed things!"
"Sounds good to me," Summer agreed.
Since no one knew when Summer would leave, it was only natural for Ingo to tag along. Rei, finding the idea of exploring alone too dull, decided to join them as well.
As they walked through the village, Summer saw the early shape of what would become Veilstone City.
A designated market area had been built for Ginkgo Guild merchants, alongside warehouses for storing goods brought from across the land. Houses had even been carved into the mountainsides, showcasing the expansion of civilization.
People and Pokémon coexisted harmoniously.
He saw Rhyhorns plowing fields, Kirlias healing the injured, and Kricketunes playing cheerful tunes for children.
Just like in Jubilife Village, the people here had stopped fearing Pokémon—instead, they had embraced them as companions and partners.
"See, Summer? We're truly moving toward the future you once spoke of," Adaman said with a grin. "Whenever I see this, I know I made the right decision."
"…Yeah," Summer nodded. "Humans and Pokémon coexisting—this is the world's true rhythm."
"That's why, Summer, since we don't know when you'll leave, let's take a photo together to remember this moment! It's my newest passion, you know? And I'm pretty good at it!"
"Oh? That so?" Summer raised an eyebrow.
Now it all made sense.
This pretty much confirmed that Adaman was the ancestor of Perrin—even their hobbies had been passed down!
Adaman tilted his head. "What's that smile for, Summer? I assure you, my photography skills are top-notch!"
"No, nothing," Summer chuckled. "It's just that I know someone else who's also obsessed with photography. No… actually, I know two people. But one of them is a lot like you—always talking about how 'time is precious.'"
"Hah! Time is precious!" Adaman nodded proudly. "Looks like the Diamond Clan's philosophy got passed down properly!"
Summer's smile deepened.
So he really didn't realize what I was hinting at?
Wait… That reminds me.
When Perrin visited my cabin, she stared at the Ginkgo Guild emblem on my bookshelf and suddenly started talking about photography and time.
Could it be…?
Did this very photo somehow get passed down to her in the present day?
Thinking about it, Summer couldn't help but mutter to himself:
"…Time really is mysterious."
"Hah! I'm glad you finally understand that, Summer!" Adaman grinned.
If he ever found out the truth, he'd probably be just as shocked as Perrin was back then.
"Alright! Look at the camera—hold that pose!"
Adaman set the timer, then quickly ran to stand with everyone.
In the center, Summer stood with his Pokémon gathered around him.
Rillaboom wore its usual gentle smile, Milotic remained as graceful as ever, Corviknight puffed out its chest proudly, and Ogerpon beamed with childlike joy.
On the left, Arezu radiated boundless energy, with her Pokémon by her side—Hisuian Lilligant twirling mid-dance, Bronzong standing solemnly, and Sneasler lounging lazily. Meanwhile, Goodra had its head snuggled against Arezu's shoulder.
Behind them, Adaman posed boldly, arms crossed, flanked by Leafeon, Umbreon, and Vaporeon—all perched on the massive Ursaluna like a living platform.
As the camera shutter clicked, Adaman threw his arms around Summer and Arezu.
This moment was now forever captured in time.
After developing the photo, Adaman became fully absorbed in his work, leaving Summer and the others free to spend the evening as they pleased.
Seeing an opportunity, Arezu challenged Summer to a battle—eager to show him just how much stronger she had become.
But Rillaboom was no longer the same small Grookey who had once struggled against Hisuian Goodra. Summer effortlessly won, earning even more admiration from Ingo.
As night fell, they gathered for a feast, enjoying the village's famous Sword Dance Mushroom Rice Balls.
For some reason… eating them felt like it boosted their attack power by two stages.
After dinner, Rei got cornered by a group of children, eagerly demanding stories about his adventures.
Meanwhile, Ingo found a quiet hilltop, where he sat alone, gazing thoughtfully at the stars—reminiscing about his hometown and his long-lost family.
Summer quietly walked over and sat beside him, striking up a conversation.
Sometime later, Rei showed up, stretching his arms.
"Yo, what are you two talking about?"
Summer turned to him and said casually:
"We were just discussing how to return to our original time."
"…Huh?" Rei's smile faltered.
Summer's gaze sharpened.
"Rei… do you want to see our time period?"
"…Hah…" Rei let out a breath, rubbing his neck. "Of course I do. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't curious about the future of Hisui."
"…No."
Summer's voice was calm—but his next words struck like lightning.
"What you truly want… is to see Dawn's time, isn't it?"
Rei froze.
"…Or perhaps, you want her to return to this time?"
Summer's expression remained unreadable under the moonlight.
"I've noticed it every time you talk about her."
"The way your eyes light up."
"The way you smile with pride."
"The way you look when you say her name."
"Rei… you truly admire Dawn, don't you?"
Silence fell.
Rei's shoulders tensed as he stared at the ground.
"…I see."
Summer stood up, turning to face him.
"In that case… let's cut to the chase."
"Rei—"
"Are you Darkrai's Trainer?"
"WHAT?!"
Ingo shot up, stunned.
He knew all about Snowpoint Village's nightmare incident—if what Summer was implying was true… then Rei was the one behind it all?!
For a long moment, Rei didn't answer.
Then…
"…I thought that after fighting alongside you, you'd stop suspecting me," Rei muttered.
Behind him…
A shadowy figure emerged from the darkness.
Its body was like a living nightmare.
Its eyes burned with an eerie blue glow.
It was Darkrai.
"…But I guess that was too much to hope for."