Chapter 221: United as One
It was genuine recognition from someone stronger than himself. At the same time, Lance felt an overwhelming sense of guilt—guilt that he had doubted Rio earlier that day. What kind of beast am I? No, even a beast is better than me.
Rio had not only shown no anger, but had also declared his intention to pass the Champion’s title to Lance after his death. That was a weighty trust—unimaginable.
I should slap myself—to knock out all those petty, ugly thoughts, Lance thought. Only one thing should remain: that a man like Rio is worthy of my loyalty and leadership.
"I apologize—for some of my earlier behavior," Lance said, his eyes red. "From now on, in the League, I’ll follow your lead."
Rio shook his head: "No—don’t say that. It’s not about you following me or me following you. We’re united as one—working together to build a beautiful new home."
"And in this League, I believe the one person I can’t do without is you, Lance. I can tell that even though you often appear aloof in front of others, deep down, you’ve always kept a pure heart. You’re a kind and trustworthy person. If I were to entrust the future to you... I would be at peace." (Barnum Effect)
Lance’s eyes reddened even more. He suddenly felt he would be willing to die for Rio. He understands me—truly understands me. He’s like a kindred spirit.
Lance never would have imagined that the person who understood him best wasn’t his parents, not the clan elders, not any of his friends—but the very man who had stolen his Red Gyarados a year ago. In just a few words, Rio had laid bare his heart.
"Thank you," Lance said, gripping Rio’s hand solemnly. He turned and left without hesitation, afraid that if he stayed any longer, he would break down from emotion.
"If you ever need anything from the League, just say the word—I’ll be there." Those were his final words before Dragonite spread its wings and flew off at high speed.
Rio watched him leave, a faint smile curling at the corner of his mouth. Done. Got him.
It was now clear that Lance responded strongly to the Barnum Effect—the tendency to accept generalized personality descriptions as uniquely applicable to oneself. It was the same reason so many people believed in astrology.
"Alright—time to get some rest. Starting tomorrow, I’ll face the world as the League Champion of both Kanto and Johto."
Rio turned and walked toward his bed. He had a long stretch of filming ahead—commercials, interviews. As the League Champion, it was his duty. Not just for the generous pay, but more importantly, to let the people of both regions know who their new leader was.
That’s right—it’s me, Rio.
Meanwhile, in Goldenrod City, Johto, the news of Rio becoming League Champion—and the attack by the mysterious figure commanding the three Regis—had reached Saurion and Aria Thornwick.
At first, they were shocked that Rio had risen from Conference Champion to League Champion in such a short time. His rise was terrifyingly fast. But then again, it made sense—after all, he had captured Raikou single-handedly at Raikou Mountain. He had the skill and the right.
What stunned them even more was the news of the Regis’ attack on the League headquarters.
"It’s true—everything Rio said was true. Someone really is trying to kill him," Saurion said, his pupils trembling as he exchanged a shocked glance with Aria.
They had begun to doubt Rio’s story over the past few days, thinking something felt off. But now, with this news, all their suspicions vanished. Rio had never lied to them—they had simply failed to trust him.
"We were wrong about him again," Saurion sighed deeply, then looked at Aria and pulled out the box containing Articuno’s feather. "What should we do with this?"
"Return it to him, of course," Aria said. "It was entrusted to us. He’s probably too busy to contact us right now, so we’ll have to find him and give it back. But first, I need to return to the Ranger organization and discuss the Regis attack with them."
Ten days later, after finishing his filming and interviews in Kanto, Rio arrived in Johto, where he faced a similar schedule of interviews and shoots. His time was the most valuable currency in both regions—busy didn’t even begin to cover it.
During a break from an interview in Goldenrod City—the wealthiest city in Johto—he ran into Saurion and Aria. They apologized to him, then tried to return Articuno’s feather.
"Keep it—it’s yours now," Rio said, waving his hand, deciding not to take it back. He had plenty of Articuno feathers—he could spare a dozen or twenty if needed. It was better used as a gesture of goodwill.
"Ours?" Saurion’s eyes widened in disbelief.
"Yes. I’m sure with your connections, you’ve heard about what happened after I became Champion," Rio said.
"We have," Saurion nodded seriously. "The legendary giant Pokémon—the three Regis—attacked the Kanto League headquarters."
"Exactly. So I’m still in danger. Keeping this feather with me isn’t a good idea," Rio said.
"But couldn’t you use it to summon Articuno in a crisis?" Saurion asked.
"If danger comes, calling for help might be too late. Better that you have it—maybe someday you can avenge me," Rio said with a grin.
"No—you won’t die," Aria suddenly spoke up, her expression tense. "If you ever need help, the Pokémon Ranger organization will do what we can."
Saurion quickly added: "If you ever need funding, the Goldenrod Department Store will also contribute."
"That would mean the world to me—thank you both," Rio said with a smile. "If that day ever comes, I’ll reach out. So please, accept this feather—consider it a symbol of hope I’m leaving behind."
A few minutes later, with the next interview about to start, Saurion and Aria had to leave. As Rio watched Aria’s retreating figure, he raised an eyebrow. For some reason, he felt her gaze had been different this time—almost shy, as if she couldn’t quite meet his eyes.
Maybe it’s because I’ve become Champion—and even more handsome? Rio glanced at a mirror nearby. Over the past few days, top stylists had given him a new look, and the best fashion consultants had helped with his wardrobe. Looking at himself now, he could easily be described as dashing and elegant.
"Yep—it’s definitely because I look better now. Power really does change a person." Rio sighed in admiration. He used to be just moderately good-looking, but now he was a full-fledged heartthrob. No doubt he could charm a crowd wherever he went. Aria’s shy look made perfect sense.
"Mr. Rio—your live Champion interview is about to start!" someone called out.
"Coming!" Rio jogged over. Too bad I won’t be just one person’s husband anymore—I’ll be everyone’s husband. Girls who like me will line up all the way from Kanto to Johto.
Oh, scratch that—I’ll have fans across all nine regions.