I apologize about the wait my readers. I have been… Incredibly busy with work and my computer is getting finicky with me. Anyways I am back for now and ready to write more.

Chapter Two: Tying Up Loose Ends

Shinryu leaped from the back of Phera in one smooth motion as she landed in the courtyard of the Hoenn Regional Headquarters located to the north of Ever Grande. Once there he sighed and stretched his shoulders to get an itch along his shoulder blades to stop bugging him. When finished he recalled Phera and let Night out again, who growled at him softly.

"You're lucky you let me out now." She whispered quietly so no one else in the area but him could hear, making her trainer chuckle warmly.

"You're fine Night." He responded while leaning down to scratch behind one of her ears. "I am sorry for how long it took to get here though." He whispered before standing up fully and walking with her towards the entrance of the stately building that managed all the logistics of Pokemon battling and management within reasonable terms. The bank of Hoenn's Headquarters was also located here and through them they routed all the transactions between Trainers after their battles all throughout the Region with high accuracy and little to no waiting times for their funds to change.

Night snorted but remained quiet as she trotted next to him at his same speed and stride.

Shinryu chuckled softly as he pushed a button to open the heavy sliding door to the building. Once the door was fully open, he and Night began their trek to the elevator where they stepped into it and waited as it raised them up to the top floor where the Chairman was waiting for them.

Rafael was sitting at his desk, reading a report of the influx of challengers wishing to take on the League Challenge. Most of these challengers are stopped by Sydney. Those who succeed to beat him end up being trashed by Phoebe. And those Phoebe cannot handle are faced with Glacia only to wash out. Shinryu really has whipped the League into shape by giving them all cross training and helping them obtain their strongest pokemon's Mega Forms. I must admit, I really am impressed with that boy. It really is too bad that Professor Oak will be having him go to Trema to take on the Ultimate Championship. He looked up sharply as the door opened and a young looking woman in her twenties peaked her head into the room. "Ah, what can I do for you Amanda?"

"Sir, you told me to inform you when Shinryu was here. Well he is waiting outside right now. Should I send him in?"

"Oh of course of course!" Rafael exclaimed as he shut the folder with the reports. "Send him in please."

The woman nods and steps out. "He is ready to see you now sir."

Rafael smiled as he heard the deep tenure voice that was Shinryu thank the woman before he walked into the room and strode straight to the chair across from the aged man. He smiled even more as he saw the Absol, Night, prowl up to lay down next to Shinryu. "Hello again my friend. I trust that Professor Oak informed you about his request?" He inquired jovially.

Shinryu chuckled as he reached down to stroke the fur along Night's neck. "Yes he did inform me. However I came here to make a formal request to reinstate Steven as the reigning Hoenn Champion. During my trip here, I managed to call him and ask if he would be willing to take the mantle back up."

"Hmm I see. Very well. I will inform Steven of his official reinstatement as soon as you depart on your Cruise to Trema when you leave the building."

"Thank you Chairman."

Rafael chuckled warmly. "Please kiddo. Call me Rafael whenever we aren't in public."

Shinryu laughed just as warmly. "You say that all the time sir." He stands up at the same time as Night, and holds his hand out to Rafael who takes it firmly and shakes it. "I believe it is time to check in for my Cruise tickets in Lilycove."

"Sounds like a plan my boy. Stay safe."

Shinryu smirked as he glanced down at Night, who smirked back up at him. "Sure thing sir. Have a good day."

Rafael smiled as he watched Shinryu turn and leave with Night before he sighed and picked up his phone and pressed a button. "Lisa. Please call Steven Stone for me and inform him that his status as Champion has been reinstated."

(8 Hours later)

Shinryu walked into the room he rented at the Hotel Lilycove and sighed as he sat down at the table. "Today was a long day." He mutters in his hands as he stares blankly at the wall.

"Yeah well at least you don't have to be in a Pokeball whenever you want to travel around on the back of Phera." Groused Night as she made sure the door was pushed closed. Raising onto her hind legs, she flicked her paw and locked the door firmly.

Shinryu rolled his eyes as he got up to get some water from the sink, using a clear glass from the cupboard. "You always complain about that you know. Is there a reason why?"

"I just hate being contained. I've always preferred being outside with you, you're my best friend after all."

This made Shinryu chuckle as he pet the soft fur atop of Night's head once she walked over to him.

"I know this." She nuzzled his leg before going to hop onto the bed where she curled up and slept.

Well. It's not much, but it's an Update. Here you go guys. I really do apologize for the wait.

Much appreciation.
~ShinryuVarias~