"With how wealthy you are from being in League upper management, I thought you would have one for sure," Josh replied with a shrug. "Being synced with a Pokémon, you give up a small part of what it means to be human, and your Pokémon gives up a small part of what it means to be a Pokémon. So you two have a small part of each other with you. Is it anything like that?"

Perhaps it would be a better question for Eva Morales , who had experience with both a Sygna Suit and an Avatarship.

"Thankfully, it was in a situation where the only life that was in danger was his own," Josh added. "Ever since Meteno, where I saw Kyurem's ice attacks hurt him, I've suspected something might be wrong with their bond. He challenged Mauville Gym with Articuno not long after my suspension was over."

That was a little white lie; one that would likely never be uncovered. It was the one challenge he took during the time period he wasn't supposed to. It was for the good of the League in his eyes; he wanted to help repair the bond between the Composed and his Patron.

"It wasn't even close. My Zeraora beat him by... over ten seconds. It's like Articuno won't listen to him."

There were, of course, far worse problems than simply not being able to outrace Josh. In the depths of Shoal Cave, Articuno had turned on Lars. What exactly transpired down there would be a secret between the two and perhaps freya morningstar , the AQUA member he felt was most closely connected to Avatar studies. Matias may already have been aware from when the Terastal caves opened up beneath the Pokémon League last summer.

"He needs help, Matias. Having been an Avatar with a Patron who was out of control, you're in a better position than anyone else to help him through this. It might help both of you understand your Patrons better."

Josh's eyes turned toward the Type: Null and the trio of paradoxes, Swift's grey eyes surveilling the ranch, as well. It seemed the four of them were starting to tire. It had been a great training session for them, particularly Aleph. For the first time since going to Area Zero, he looked ready to drop. "Wow, they went way harder than I thought they would," he idly remarked.

It was the best Josh could offer for both of them. He wanted to see them both succeed within the League - even if Matias was no longer an Avatar. "Just remember, if you need help with the path to redemption, I've gone through this, too. Don't think I've forgotten about Eris. Frankly, I'm just glad to see you're back to being the Matias I remember. The one I admired. Don't ever change like that again, okay?"

Josh was surprised to see Matias extend use of his ranch to him. "Thanks so much. We'll take a look around, then if my Pokémon are feeling better, let them get one more sparring session in. I do have somewhere I need to be later today, though. Great seeing you again!"

Once he was ready to leave, he slid off Swift and waved goodbye, genuinely happy to have seen Matias for the first time since they had gone out to dinner together. Perhaps he could arrange for that Champion dinner still... this fall or thereabouts. The last thing Matias would see would be Josh drawing the Raikou's Sign to withdraw him back into the RAINBOW FEATHER.