"So, which Pokémon do you want to get first?" Sabrina asked as the group finally relaxed after everything that had happened.
They had returned to their temporary residence in Sinnoh, and for the first time in days, there was no immediate crisis waiting for them. She sat across from Gladion with a cup of tea while their Pokémon rested nearby.
Before Gladion could answer, Cynthia smiled brightly. "Oh, right. You mentioned that you wanted to catch some Pokémon native to Sinnoh while you were here."
She leaned forward with obvious excitement. "I would be more than happy to help you. I know this region better than almost anyone, and I know where many rare Pokémon can be found. If you tell me what you are interested in, I can accompany you and make sure you have the best chance of finding them."
Sabrina slowly turned her head toward Cynthia. She did not say a single word.
She simply stared.
Cynthia either did not notice the glare or chose to pretend she had not.
Gladion rubbed his chin thoughtfully before answering. "Well, I think I should at least get one of the Sinnoh starters. Every region has unique starter Pokémon, and it would be a shame to leave Sinnoh without one. And all of them are so good."
Cynthia nodded enthusiastically. "That is an excellent idea. The question is which one."
"Piplup is elegant," she began. "It eventually becomes Empoleon, one of the strongest Water and Steel types around. It is proud, disciplined, and makes for an incredible partner."
Sabrina added her own opinion. "Turtwig would also suit you. Torterra is calm, dependable, and can completely change the battlefield. It is an excellent defensive Pokémon."
Gladion scratched the back of his head before looking between the two women. "Then there is Chimchar. Infernape is incredibly fast and powerful. Honestly... all three are good choices."
Cynthia laughed softly. "That is usually the problem with starters. They are all excellent."
Gladion sighed dramatically. "Wonderful. I asked for advice and somehow became even more undecided."
Both women could not help smiling.
After thinking for another moment, Gladion shrugged. "I guess I will decide after meeting them in person. A Pokémon should choose its trainer just as much as the trainer chooses the Pokémon."
Cynthia nodded approvingly. "I like that way of thinking."
Gladion then grinned mischievously. "Of course... I certainly would not say no to a Garchomp either."
Cynthia blinked before smiling. "That sounds more like something I expected from you considering how many monsters you have in your team."
Sabrina folded her arms. "You already have enough ridiculously powerful Pokémon."
Cynthia laughed. "To be fair, Garchomp would fit him rather well. You also seem to be lacking a Dragon type."
Gladion stared at her for a few seconds before slowly raising an eyebrow.
"I already have two Dragon types."He pointed toward the Poké Balls hanging on his neck. "Latias."He raised another finger.
"Latios."
He smiled innocently."They just happen to be Legendary Dragons."
For a moment the room became completely silent.
Then Cynthia covered her face with one hand before bursting into laughter. "I suppose that is technically true."
Cynthia finally managed to calm herself.
"Well, if you caught a Garchomp too, then our teams would actually have something common."
She smiled teasingly. Sabrina looked at the two of them and her glare on Cynthia became stronger.
Gladion continued thinking."My team is also missing a Poison type."
His expression became more serious.
"Drapion is one Pokémon that I really want."
He leaned back in his chair. "It is durable, dangerous, and surprisingly versatile. Every time I have seen one battle, I have been impressed."
Cynthia nodded immediately. "There are several places in Sinnoh where Skorupi and Drapion live. Finding one should not be impossible."
Gladion smiled. "Good."
He continued listing his thoughts. "My team also lacks an Ice type."
"I think Abomasnow would fit that role perfectly. It is powerful, has excellent battlefield control with hail and snow, and its Mega Evolution is impressive as well."
Cynthia nodded once again. "Those are both very realistic choices."
Gladion slowly fell silent.'There are also the ancient Pokémon of Hisui,' he thought.
'I would have to rely entirely on historical records and my own Pokémon knowledge if I wanted to find any clues if I want any of those Hisui Pokemon.'
He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
'It would probably be better to take Pokemon in their fully evolved forms. While I have nothing against raising young Pokémon...'
A helpless smile appeared on his face.
'...but Froakie and Riolu are already enough work. Those two never stop demanding attention.'
'I think I will let stronger Pokémon join the team from now on rather than raising them myself like Eldergreen.'
As Gladion was lost in thought,
Sabrina looked at Cynthia.Then at Gladion.
Then back at Cynthia. Finally...
She smiled politely."Cynthia."
"Yes?" Cynthia replied cheerfully.
"Could we talk somewhere private?"
Cynthia looked slightly confused. "Of course."
The two women quietly walked toward another room.
Gladion watched them leave with a puzzled expression. "What was that about?"
Before anyone could answer...a flash of red light suddenly appeared beside him.
Latias jumped out of her Poké Ball without being called.
She glanced toward the room where Sabrina and Cynthia had disappeared.
Then she looked back at Gladion with an amused smile.
Without saying a single word...She vanished in another flash of psychic light.
Gladion blinked twice. "...Now I am even more confused."
-----Author Notes------
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