Chapter 145: The Young Lady Appears
Ryan walked out of the cabin with Floette. Lillie approached and said, "Ryan, are you okay?"
"It's okay. I just captured a very troubled Pokémon," Ryan said, stroking Floette sitting on his shoulder.
"Huh. Why is the flower on this Floette black? Are there any Floette in this form? Or is it a Shiny form?" Lillie asked curiously, examining the peculiar Floette.
"Well, this is the Eternal Flower form, a very rare form. After all, Eternal Flowers died out a long time ago, and even if they still exist, there are only a few left," Ryan explained.
"Oh, it seems you captured a very rare Pokémon, Ryan," Ruby approached and said.
"Ryan, can you cook first?" Sapphire said, "I'm really hungry."
"Uh, it'll be ready in a moment." Ryan reluctantly introduced Floette to his Pokémon. Everyone was very happy with Floette's arrival, except for the little Rayquaza, who was a little jealous.
Nourished by the meteorite fragments, the little Rayquaza began to grow rapidly, now nearly six feet long. So, it was trying to get close to Ryan, but Ryan couldn't handle its size. So, seeing Floette and Ryan so close, it was jealous.
"We'll have dinner soon. There are still many Water Pokémon living in this Abandoned Ship," Ryan said as he cooked. "If you're interested in catching any Water Pokémon, go and try."
"Really?" Sapphire's eyes lit up, and she pulled Ruby up, saying, "Come in with me!"
"No! My feast!" Ruby protested, and Sapphire forcibly pulled her into the cabin.
Sapphire forcefully overcame Ruby's struggles. But Ryan thought, Ruby must be secretly enjoying it.
Watching the two disappear, Ryan shook his head and quickened his pace; after all, he was a little hungry. Meanwhile, Lillie had also prepared Pokémon food, which was very popular with the Pokémon.
After a while, Ryan finished preparing the meal, but Ruby and Sapphire still hadn't emerged. Lillie said, somewhat worriedly, "Why don't we go check on them? I'm a little worried about them."
"Okay, let's go check on them," Ryan said.
Just as they were about to enter the cabin, Ruby and Sapphire emerged, their faces flushed and wet. Ruby had a noticeable slap mark on her cheek.
Ryan and Lillie exchanged a glance and said, "I feel like we missed something interesting."
"Nothing!" they said in unison.
Ryan rubbed his chin, feeling as if they had grown closer. There must have been some hidden moment between them. Sapphire's attitude towards Ruby had also improved, no longer resorting to violence like before.
"Let's change your clothes first," Lillie said. "We'll have dinner later. Did you capture any Pokémon?"
"Yeah. I captured a Chinchou, and Sapphire caught a Carvanha," Ruby said.
After saying that, Ruby hurried to change. Ryan smiled, "It seems their relationship has taken a step forward."
"You're so observant," Lillie rolled her eyes at Ryan, taking a sweet berry from her salad and popping it into his mouth.
"Did you notice the sky?" Ryan asked, chewing on the berry.
"What's wrong?" Lillie looked up at the sky and said, "Yeah, it's beautiful."
"Not as beautiful as you," Ryan said, looking into Lillie's eyes.
Lillie blushed and playfully slapped Ryan in annoyance. Ruby and Sapphire came out, looking exasperated. Sapphire said, "By the way, can you guys keep your displays of affection to a minimum?"
"Right!" Ruby said, in complete agreement.
Ryan smiled, "Let's eat first."
The four of them ate and rested for a while, then Wailord, carrying them, continued their journey towards Slateport City.
A day later, Ryan and his companions finally sighted the coast of Slateport City. After their seafaring journey, Ryan and his companions arrived at the Pokémon Center, somewhat exhausted, and handed their Pokémon over to Nurse Joy for healing. Of course, Rayquaza and Floette wouldn't be healed at the Pokémon Center, as it was still directly connected to the League.
While there weren't many rooms available, many Pokémon Coordinators were present due to the Pokémon Contest.
After inquiring with Nurse Joy, Ryan and his companions learned that Wallace would be participating in the Pokémon Contest.
Ruby said helplessly, "Why is Master Wallace joining? It's over. There's no hope of getting the Contest Ribbon now."
"Don't be so discouraged," Ryan patted Ruby on the shoulder. "Look at these Coordinators. Which one of them is afraid of Wallace? Even if they lose, being able to compete against him, or even just watching him perform, is a huge learning opportunity."
Ruby looked around at the eager Coordinators. There wasn't a trace of discouragement in their eyes; they were filled with excitement at the prospect of facing the Champion. Ruby, lost in thought, said, "Ryan, I've decided. I'll use Feebas for this contest."
"Do you need my help?" Ryan said, "I can help evolve Feebas into Milotic."
"No, I have Prism Scales too," Ruby said seriously. "But Feebas can evolve into Milotic by maximizing its Beauty condition. Didn't you and Lillie's Feebas evolve into Milotic through trade with Prism Scales?"
Ryan nodded. He had consulted the system on this point. While evolving into Milotic easily through Prism Scales, the difference in power compared to evolving into Milotic through maximum Beauty would be significant.
Therefore, Ryan also suggested to Lillie that she cultivate Feebas's Beauty condition. Lillie herself felt that if she could evolve an ugly Feebas into a beautiful Milotic through Beauty, it would be a testament to her status as a Breeder.
"Since you've thought this through, I won't interfere. Good luck at the Pokémon Contest," Ryan said, patting Ruby on the shoulder.
"Yes, I understand," Ruby said. "By the way, where are Sapphire and Lillie?"
"They went to buy swimsuits," Ryan said. "Due to Wallace's arrival, the contest has been postponed by a month. We have no choice but to find a place to stay and wait. By the way, let's train our Pokémon during this time."
"Uh, then why did we rush all the way from Dewford Island?" Ruby looked up at the sky in silence, tears welling up inside.
Ryan was speechless as well, but there was nothing he could do. The situation was more important than anything else. Although Wallace didn't care about the Contest's standards, the organizers certainly had to pay attention, hence the announcement of the month-long postponement.
"Let's go play for a while and relax," Ryan said. "We've got plenty of time anyway."
"Okay. Let's go," Ruby said.
As they turned to leave, they bumped into a girl with a Ponyta. Ryan was quick to catch her and prevent her from falling. He then said, "I'm sorry I bumped into you. Are you okay?"
"Oh, I'm okay," the girl said. "Hey. You're Ryan from Pallet Town, right? Hello, I'm Platinum Berlitz. You can just call me Platinum."
Ryan only then noticed the girl's appearance and was startled: I didn't expect to run into her!
(End of Chapter)
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