Under Lance's arrangements, Elias and his Pokémon were assigned a two-story villa with a courtyard in the Indigo League staff residences.
"Mew? (Why are you here too?)"
After entering their new residence, Mew glanced suspiciously at Cynthia standing nearby, quickly sensing something off.
"No more rooms left, so I'm staying with you," Cynthia replied flatly, expression unreadable.
Mew narrowed her eyes doubtfully, fluttering aside. Cynthia's face betrayed nothing, yet Mew felt she was lying. Still, recalling her recent string of bad luck, she wisely chose to keep her mouth shut, pressing the matter no further.
At dusk, Elias opted not to dine out with his Pokémon. Instead, he had Lance's people deliver fresh ingredients and personally cooked a meal.
"Delicious."
Mewtwo's eyes brightened in delight at the first bite. Born in a laboratory, this was the first meal she'd tasted besides Pokéblocks. The layers of rich flavors exploding on her tongue made her close her eyes in sheer enjoyment—especially the plate before her, a nutritious dinner specially prepared by Elias for her, just a few months old. It suited her tastes perfectly.
Mew, noticing Mewtwo's delighted reaction, curled her lip disdainfully. Just a little kid barely months old, and she's this moved by a mere meal.
Thinking this, she reached her small paw toward Mewtwo's dish.
She wanted a taste, too!
However…
Before touching the food, Mew sensed a fierce glare. Turning, she saw Mewtwo glaring at her protectively, hostility evident in her gaze.
"Mew! (Selfish brat!)"
Mew withdrew her paw, irritatedly scowling at Mewtwo.
Who cares about baby food anyway?
Observing Mew and Mewtwo's childish squabble, Elias was momentarily at a loss.
Indeed, Mewtwo was acting like a child—but…
Mew wasn't exactly acting mature either.
"Elias, taste this."
At that moment, Zoroark suddenly stretched a spoon towards him.
Curious, Elias tasted the offered bite. He had personally cooked every dish here and should have known all the flavors well. Yet oddly, the food Zoroark offered tasted unlike anything he recalled making. Surprisingly delicious, too.
Seeing Elias's surprised look, Zoroark lifted her head proudly.
"It's an illusion—I added an Illusion Technique."
She was steadily improving at weaving illusions into daily life.
After dinner, Cynthia and Gardevoir volunteered to clean up the dishes, allowing Elias to relax early.
Beep beep—
Just as he sank onto the couch, the communicator on the table flashed twice. Elias picked it up, noting a video call from Professor Oak.
"Professor Oak?"
Answering casually, Elias greeted the elderly man.
"Elias, it's been a while since I checked in on you," Professor Oak waved warmly, asking eagerly, "How are things? Have you collected all your badges?"
Oak held high expectations for Elias, after all, he was a promising rookie trainer who had started from his laboratory and had shown exceptional potential.
Still, in his view, Elias's talents leaned heavily toward being a Pokémon breeder rather than a battler.
Hearing the professor's words, Elias's expression turned slightly awkward.
"I haven't collected all the badges yet, but I've caught a few more Pokémon. They're all pretty strong."
As he spoke, he grabbed Lucario, who was passing by, pulling him into view of the screen.
"Lucario, eh? That's an excellent Pokémon. Elias, you've caught something even Gary hasn't managed yet!" Oak praised enthusiastically, then comforted, "As for badges, don't get discouraged. Each trainer has their own strengths."
Professor Oak wasn't surprised Elias hadn't completed his badge collection. He'd long realized Elias's mindset was quality over quantity, common either in outstanding Pokémon breeders or elite Champion trainers. For Elias, he leaned toward the former.
Though Elias possessed a strong Gengar from memory, Pokémon battles were ever-changing, not something one Pokémon alone could handle. Thus, as expected, Elias hadn't obtained all his badges before the League started.
"Of course, I still recommend you come watch the Indigo Conference. It might provide some useful inspiration," Oak continued earnestly.
He hoped witnessing powerful trainers and Pokémon would shift Elias's aspirations from trainer to breeder, where his true talent lay.
Seeing the professor's meaningful expression, Elias quickly understood the misunderstanding. But instead of clarifying, his lips curled slightly, replying confidently, "Don't worry, Professor. I'll be there in time for the Indigo Conference."
Satisfied that Elias's spirit hadn't waned, Professor Oak nodded approvingly.
"Oh yes, that Gary's been talking nonstop about you lately," Oak added with a genial smile. "Next time you meet, I'm sure he'll demand a battle. He's grown significantly since last time. You two might even have a thrilling match."
Unlike their one-sided battle back in Pallet Town, Oak eagerly anticipated a showdown between two evenly matched rivals—embodying a passionate competition between rookie trainers striving to surpass each other.
"I understand," Elias replied with a gentle smile, Gary's face already appearing vividly in his mind. "Actually, I'm looking forward to our battle too."
Even now, he was contemplating exactly which Pokémon he should send out to bull— ahem, battle Gary.
Nearby, Cynthia, having just finished cleaning the dishes, emerged from the kitchen in time to overhear part of Elias's conversation.
"Cough—cough cough…"
Choking slightly on her own spit, Cynthia's face flushed crimson, glancing toward Elias curiously.
Gary…? she wondered incredulously. Is he some legendary trainer in hiding?
From his name alone… he doesn't really sound like it.
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T/N: poor gary...