N and his two sisters each brought a Pokémon.
However, they all don't use Pokeballs, so they keep their Pokémon by their side at all times.
Fortunately, they aren't very large.
"I wouldn't recommend tampering with its doll."
Standing in the room, Baimu said to another "Baimu": "This kind of framing trick won't fool a Mawile."
"Hehehe!"
The "Baimu" let out a strange laugh, with red light flickering in its eyes, then suddenly leaped to the ground and turned into a black fox with red patches of fur.
"Hehehe!"
Zorua cackled at Baimu as if trying to escape through the window.
But it somewhat underestimated someone's explosive power.
When it jumped onto the window sill, a fierce gust of wind suddenly came from behind, making Zorua's heart skip a beat as it leaped outward, but quickly found itself being caught.
"Do all Evil Attribute Pokémon love to play pranks?"
Baimu hugged the struggling Zorua and turned to look at Babina standing at the door, "Or is it just because they like to play pranks that they're classified as Evil Attribute?"
"That's one reason, but not the whole of attribute classification; there are other things to consider."
Babina smiled gently, "For example, in Unova, there's a Pokémon called Whimsicott, which also loves to play pranks, but it's a Grass and Fairy Attribute Pokémon."
"I see..."
Baimu nodded, "Uh, lunch is ready, can we eat now? Or is it not to your taste?"
"No, the food is delicious. I'm mainly worried Zorua might have done something out of line; it's naturally quirky and mischievous."
Babina bowed her head slightly, "Regarding this afternoon's incident, I must apologize again."
"No need, really. It wasn't intentional, and the lawn has already been fixed. Let's just let it go," Baimu smiled and pinched Zorua's nose, causing the latter to glare.
Three new guests had arrived.
Naturally, Baimu needed to introduce them to various aspects of the house.
The Zorua brought by N was so mischievous that while playing Playful with Deino, it left a one-meter-long cut on the front yard's lawn.
Since it wasn't intentional,
Aggron naturally didn't get mad at Zorua and Deino, especially since lawns are meant for playing, and some roughhousing is normal.
But it couldn't help but feel a bit gloomy.
Others couldn't tell, but Baimu certainly could and offered some comfort. For N and his sisters, understanding Pokémon emotions was second nature, so they apologized repeatedly.
In truth, Baimu knew it was actually his own responsibility.
Aggron was right to protect its labor, but perhaps it was overzealous in its protection, making it seem petty to others with its big size.
He wasn't sure about other people's Aggrons, but Baimu knew if he could give it a mountain, or even a mountain range, it certainly wouldn't be upset over a mere meter of damaged lawn.
Ultimately, it's just not having enough territory.
Aggron's longing for territory perhaps harbors a deeper meaning. For instance, after tasting abandonment, it yearns for a home, or it could be the will inherited from its parents.
Even among the same species, Pokémon and Pokémon are different.
Ash Ketchum's Pikachu is the strongest proof of that.
——
In the backyard.
Baimu and Chansey carried food in super-sized basins to the Pokémon.
Ever since Steelix joined the team, they usually eat outside.
Because it can't enter the house, and sharing meals is the best way to quickly build intimacy. Sleeping together is more difficult, so Baimu chooses to withdraw Steelix to a Pokeball and place it by the bed.
At this moment,
responding to the strong request from N and others, Baimu had no choice but to move the dining table outside, ensuring Trainers could dine with their Pokémon.
To prevent dust from flying, he also slightly dampened the ground with water.
N helped while watching Chansey run back and forth for Baimu and couldn't help saying, "Baimu, it's clear your Chansey really likes you."
"Really? Thank you. I'm happy to hear that."
Baimu responded with a bright smile.
As someone who can communicate with Pokémon, N's presence is like a friendship gauge expert in the game.
Seeing Baimu's response, N continued, "Aren't you curious why Chansey remains so close to you but hasn't evolved?"
"Curious, but it doesn't matter."
Baimu shook his head, "It'll evolve when it's ready. If Chansey is resistant to evolution, why should I force it? Don't you agree?"
N was stunned, then smiled, "You're right, I was being rude."
He watched Chansey move among the Pokémon and said, "Since coming to this region, I haven't personally met Trainers from Pyrite Town, but from many Trainers at Jinqing Port, I can see how people here treat Pokémon.
"Honestly, I'm disappointed in myself for not coming to this region sooner. At the same time, I hope to find a truly meaningful Trainer here. I thought it would take some time, but I didn't expect you'd already show up."
"A truly meaningful Trainer?"
Baimu was somewhat embarrassed by N's compliment but more curious about the term he used.
"Yes, those who form bonds with Pokémon, creating relationships that go beyond friendship. There are people in this world who have accomplished the feat of truly connecting with Pokémon."
N said softly, "I once met a Trainer with a Pikachu who enlightened me, showing me what the world should really do and how to create a bright future where humans and Pokémon coexist."
"Looks like you have a great ideal."
Baimu knew the person he spoke of was Ash Ketchum.
"Yes."
N nodded, "A lofty and distant but necessary great ideal. Everything in the Ore Region is part of my steps forward. I hope the future Ore Region can see more people like you."
"It has to be; it's my ideal too."
Baimu invited him to sit, "But before that, let's have lunch first, as everyone's been waiting."
N snapped back to reality to see that everyone was indeed waiting for them, and he couldn't help but show a boyish, shy smile, "Sorry, sorry."
——
The relationship between Baimu and his Pokémon, including Aggron, passed N's evaluation.
Though Steelix had only joined the team recently, it was also quite fond of him as a Trainer, as he provided it with food daily and let it have some fun with battles.
Except for not allowing it to dig holes, which was somewhat annoying.
Digging is Steelix's nature; what Steelix doesn't dig holes?
The day Baimu allows it to dig will be the day he becomes the perfect Trainer.