The gazebo suddenly fell silent, leaving only Carl, Cynthia, and Caitlin.
"Feeling down without Serena around?" Carl teased, noticing Caitlin lost in thought.
Usually, when Serena was around, the two were inseparable, either battling or playing games, sometimes even meditating together to enhance their psychic abilities. But now that Serena had returned to Westvale, Caitlin seemed uninterested in everything, from games to training her Pokémon. The blue sky wasn't enough to lift her spirits.
"I don't want to be your apprentice anymore," Caitlin suddenly announced.
Carl leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs with a chuckle. "What, finally found a rare Pokémon to buy back your freedom?"
Caitlin replied earnestly, "No rare Pokémon, but I can offer you something of equal value."
"You're quick to offer," he remarked.
With a wry smile, she said, "In your domain, even a mythical Pokémon has to behave. How could I dare to act otherwise?"
This was Carl's realm.
He shifted the conversation, "Why the sudden decision to leave?"
"Someone advised me to leave sooner rather than later, or I might never be able to," Caitlin confessed.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Because you have the power to make things happen just by wishing for them."
Carl fell silent, his fingers tapping absently on the stone table. Her words made him introspective.
The power to make wishes come true? Within the boundaries of his influence, it seemed so. Even mythical beings like Mew and Groudon were like pawns at his disposal. But was he really content to rule over this small domain?
The thought of being a tyrant shook him. If that wasn't the case, why would others see him that way? How had he, a laid-back person, become such a controlling force? It seemed Caitlin wasn't just leaving; she was escaping.
"You seem quite confident," Carl observed, resting his chin on his hand, studying Caitlin with interest.
Did she really think he would force her to stay?
"Confident?" Caitlin smiled brightly, like winter's first blossom. With her abilities, why shouldn't she be confident?
"So, will you let me go?" she asked earnestly once more.
Cynthia, who had been quietly observing, also stopped her casual demeanor.
"Of course," Carl nodded calmly. "It was always just a joke. You're free to leave anytime."
"Just like that?" Caitlin's tone hinted at dissatisfaction.
"What else?" Carl found it amusing. "Should I have clung to you desperately?"
"I never like forcing people," he added, his gaze growing thoughtful.
Maybe it was time to venture out a bit. Staying home, dealing with one issue after another, was anything but relaxing. Staying in one place for the sake of routine went against his true intentions. He longed for freedom, for the joy of returning home after a journey.
"Things are going well with Hoopa, and traveling won't stop me from coming back regularly."
"Let's set a schedule—ten challenges a month, completed over ten days. That leaves twenty days to explore!"
With the decision made, Carl felt a weight lift off his shoulders.
"Changed my mind, I'm not going anywhere," Caitlin suddenly declared.
Carl was puzzled.
"What do you want now?" he asked, exasperated. "Aren't you afraid of what you mentioned?"
"I don't think you're that kind of person," Caitlin replied earnestly.
Carl resisted the urge to roll his eyes and turned to Cynthia. "How are things going?"
"My grandfather wants to come over personally," Cynthia replied.
"He's coming all the way here?" Carl was a bit surprised. "Is that necessary?"
"He mainly wants to meet you," Cynthia explained. "I told him about Hoopa."
"Hoopa?" Carl was confused. "What does Hoopa have to do with him?"
"Everything related to Arceus eventually ties back to our family," Cynthia said with a small smile.
"Alright, I get it, you guys are important."
"Let him come, more the merrier," Carl welcomed.
Though he could have Hoopa transport people instantly, it didn't seem right. Hoopa might not have the best feelings toward Cynthia's family, given its history of being sealed away.
Meanwhile, on Mount Coronet, Zygarde was having an intriguing conversation.
"What did you say!?" Zygarde exclaimed.
Palkia lazily flicked its tail. "I'm going into seclusion for some training. Whatever it is, wait until I'm done."
Dialga added nonchalantly, "I need to focus on studying the laws of time, no distractions for now."
Zygarde opened its mouth, but all its prepared arguments were stuck in its throat. With a resigned sigh, it acknowledged its own adherence to rules and inability to force others. "Let me know when you're done," it said, turning to leave.
The two legendary Pokémon exchanged a glance and closed the spatial rift between them. Soon after, faint ripples of space-time quietly emerged, extending who knew where. Zygarde, after a moment's thought, decided on a new plan. "Looks like I'll have to seek out Reshiram and Zekrom. That should get Kyurem's attention."
Elsewhere, Carl was surprised to find Lusamine, Lillie, and Gladion in a discussion.
"What? Planning a family trip?" Carl asked with a grin.
"Why, can't an apprentice take a vacation?" Lusamine raised an eyebrow.
Lillie chimed in softly, "A little rest is important, isn't it?"
Lusamine noted seriously, "Balancing work and rest is key to efficiency."
Carl chuckled. "I'm not against it. Coincidentally, I was planning to travel myself. What a coincidence."
"Why not join us? The more, the merrier," Lusamine suggested warmly, causing Lusamine and Lillie to exchange glances.
"Have you picked a destination?" Carl asked.
Lusamine eagerly brought up an electronic map. "We've got a detailed itinerary, starting here."
Seeing the location, Carl couldn't help but laugh. "You've got an eye for places. How about this—let's gather everyone, pick a few more options, and vote on the final destination?"
Looking at the destination they had chosen, Carl hesitated. He planned to relax and enjoy his travels, not be a problem-solver. He had already informed Ethan Cross about the potential issues there, trusting the local alliance to handle it.
"It's not like we need you to come," Lusamine muttered in displeasure.
Lusamine gently patted her sister's shoulder. "Don't be rude. This is a chance to spend more time with Carl."
Lusamine appeared puzzled, wondering if her sister had heard what they had discussed privately.
Lillie sighed quietly, finding her mother's decision baffling. Her suggestion for Lusamine and Carl to spend time together had been impulsive. At the time, she thought her mother, despite her qualifications, seemed suitable for Carl given her past. But now, knowing her mother was single, the suggestion seemed less appropriate.