The addition of Indeedee significantly improved the gym's meal quality.
Consequently, all the Pokémon were overwhelmingly satisfied with her joining the family—many would have raised all four paws in enthusiastic welcome if they could.
Except for Shelgon, who couldn't eat due to its physical structure. Unable to express its opinion, everyone assumed it agreed too.
However, this Indeedee 's drawback was quite obvious…
She ate far too much.
Just one lunch and dinner depleted Aiden's entire weekend food supply.
In other words, this petite Indeedee 's appetite nearly matched the combined consumption of all the gym's Pokémon…
Strangers might think Teacher Azure kept a Snorlax at the gym.
Even Miraidon—famed for "good at nothing but eating"—was stunned into silence, feeling strangely inferior.
Is there even a "big eater" title left for me to claim?
Is life even worth living anymore!
"Indeedee…"
After dinner, as Indeedee washed dishes and faced the completely empty refrigerator, her expression showed clear embarrassment.
Oh no—I let my guard down and revealed my true appetite!
But it's been so long since I've eaten this much… the feeling of a full stomach is truly blissful…
If I could live like this forever, how wonderful life would be!
Aiden, however, took it in stride.
"No problem, Indeedee—I'll just prepare more ingredients from now on."
Standing behind her, Aiden smiled gently.
"Now that you're part of the gym family, there's no need to hold back."
From a trainer's perspective, a Pokémon's hearty appetite was definitely a good sign.
The more food consumed, the more energy gained—directly benefiting physical growth and potential. It was practically proof of hidden potential.
The only downside was weight gain, which might be awkward for a lady.
Though for most Pokémon, this wasn't truly a drawback.
Take Snorlax for example—bigger size meant stronger moves like Body Slam. Naturally gluttonous, they were said to eat an entire mountain's worth of food daily. In ancient times, they were even considered natural disasters, devouring entire granaries.
Aiden wasn't sure if those Snorlax legends were true, but this new member's appetite far exceeded what her species should have.
He suspected that Indeedee's potential was extraordinary.
Still, one full meal might not show results—she'd likely been underfed for a long time. Only after consistent care in perfect condition could her true capabilities be assessed.
Of course, even if she turned out unremarkable, Aiden wouldn't deny her meals.
Think of her as a versatile housekeeper assisting with gym management.
After all, he was an officially certified Gym Leader of the Eight Paldea gyms—he'd never lack funds.
Even if she emptied the gym's food reserves, he'd just submit a report for additional funding from the League.
President Geeta would surely approve it for Pokémon cultivation.
Perfect plan!
"Indeedee… (;ω;`)"
Hearing Aiden's words, Indeedee burst into tears—whether from gratitude or excitement.
I've truly met a kind human this time!
Simultaneously, the downward-curving horns on her head began swaying again, seemingly absorbing emotional energy from Aiden.
Aiden noticed this immediately.
Having raised Eevee, he understood some of the Pokémon world's spiritual forces.
According to the Pokédex, male Indeedee used their horns to receive positive emotions from other beings, converting them into psychic energy.
Females, however, were better suited for caretaking—enjoying it deeply.
This gender-based differentiation was why Indeedee developed distinct traits.
Beyond differing base stats, their learnable moves varied too.
Key differences included Follow Me and After You—support moves exclusive to each gender. Many other moves were mutually exclusive.
In Scarlet/Violet, female Indeedee could even learn Trick Room. To balance genders, Expanding Force was removed from female Indeedee's movepool and became male-exclusive.
But…
This was the real Pokémon world.
What if this Indeedee could sneakily learn moves from her male counterpart 'brother'?
I say Game Freak knows nothing about Pokémon—did they even consult actual Pokémon?!
…
Time quickly reached evening.
Normally, Aiden and Sylveon would watch TV dramas together on Saturday nights, grooming her fur to strengthen their bond.
However, after filming that Mew video—which apparently delighted the usually transient Mew—it had unusually stayed over a day without leaving.
Naturally, Aiden's spot on the couch was claimed by Sylveon's friend, Mew.
On the living room sofa, Sylveon, Mew (with Mewtwo beside it), and Indeedee sat side by side, watching a blockbuster from Unova's Pokémon Factory:
"Captain Unova 3: Civil War"
The film followed series protagonist Captain Unova Haxorus as it clashed with teammate Escavalier, eventually reconciling to defeat the villainous Krookodile together.
Unlike Sylveon's usual romantic films, this was a heated action blockbuster. Not just their "girl squad," but even the clones gathered to enjoy the intense battle scenes.
Though the production seemed meticulous, Aiden felt an odd sense of déjà vu.
My head itches… I feel like I'm growing a brain…
To avoid his embarrassment flaring up, Aiden decided to return to his bedroom and play on his phone.
Just as he pulled it out, a video call request from Cynthia popped up.
Aiden raised an eyebrow.
Honestly, he and Cynthia hadn't been in much contact lately.
The reason was simple—both were busy with their careers.
Aiden's duties as a gym leader had proven less troublesome than expected after he got the hang of it.
He'd even had time to visit other regions, casually clearing the Isle of Armor Dojo and Team Rocket dungeons.
Cynthia's work was more complex.
Though her Champion duties required minimal oversight—delegated to new Elite Fours—her main role was mythological scholar.
Archaeology could be painfully dull during inactive periods, giving Cynthia time for daily calls to share amusing stories.
But during intense fieldwork? No time for phones—and even Rotom's ability to act as Wi-Fi in ruins was questionable.
So losing contact for a while was normal.
This time, Prof. Carolina's research team had begun a new project—one Aiden had inadvertently triggered.
Cynthia had casually asked him about the Spear Pillar ruins. Without overthinking, he'd revealed the stone tablets might be keys to uncovering truth.
The result?
Just as Cynthia finished one expedition, she had new work.
She'd been missing for nearly a month.
Receiving her message again made Aiden's lips curl upward unconsciously.
After softly closing his bedroom door, Aiden sat at his computer. Using the dark screen as a mirror to check his handsome face, he nodded in satisfaction before answering the call.
The phone screen flickered, revealing a golden-haired beauty in pajamas, elegantly yawning.
Her casual attire and natural movements made it feel like they shared the same room, waiting for her post-bath evening chat.
"Done with work?"
Seeing her flawless face, Aiden felt an unexpected sense of calm. He spoke gently, smile in his voice.
"Hmm… wrapped up for now."
Cynthia smiled softly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her shoulder.
The moment the call connected, her previously unreadable exhaustion vanished, replaced by eager sharing.
"These past weeks, researchers have scoured every major and minor ruin across Sinnoh."
"Aiden, you were right—the eighteen Type Plates created by Arceus seem to hold clues about the Spear Pillar ruins and Arceus's legacy."
"Through Sinnoh scholars' combined efforts, we've discovered seventeen plates and deciphered their ancient texts."
"Thanks to your insight, our research on Sinnoh mythology has made new progress."
"We're still missing the Normal-type Plate, but it shouldn't hinder further study of the Spear Pillar."
Discussing her expertise, Cynthia's eyes sparkled, all fatigue gone.
Aiden listened quietly on the other end, nodding inwardly.
Most of the Plates were obtainable, but the final Normal-type plate—the Blank Plate—lay beneath Snowpoint Temple. Only after awakening Regigigas could it be obtained.
Acquiring it wouldn't be easy…
Moreover, only those familiar with "Pokémon Legends: Arceus" knew there were actually nineteen plates.
Beyond the eighteen type plates, the final Legend Plate had never appeared in records.
It was Arceus's true power core—likely slumbering with Arceus in the Sinnoh Temple, impossible to find.
Still, lacking these two plates wouldn't impede Spear Pillar research.
"I recall the records mention these plates contain a portion of Arceus's primal power. Through specific arrangements, they can manifest different functions?"
Aiden suddenly spoke.
This wasn't conjecture—the Pokémon anime documented it.
In Diamond/Pearl, Team Galactic used plate powers. Later movies showed plates creating the Jewel of Life and sealing Hoopa's Prison Bottle.
So Aiden theorized plate powers worked like Unown—arrangements producing near-divine effects.
"Hmm… close?"
Cynthia tilted her head, fingertip resting on her chin.
"According to my grandmother's research, certain plate combinations reveal locations of three special gems."
"But… the Adamant Orb and Lustrous Orb were already discovered by previous researchers. They're now treasured in Eterna City's History Museum."
"That's why our excavation work concluded early."
Her tone paused before continuing softly.
"As for the final Griseous Orb… we'd followed plate clues to a potential ruin, but found nothing inside."
"Our research stalled, unable to progress further."
"But recently, we received a letter from the private Veilstone City organization 'Team Galactic'. They apparently possess the Griseous Orb and volunteered to send it after hearing of our need."
"That Team Galactic—the one developing Rotom appliances, showing the world Rotom's true potential."
"Mr. Cyrus, though seeming cold, may actually be a good person. You really can't judge by appearances."
"With his support, once researchers decipher the Spear Pillar activation method, we'll enter the next research phase."
Cynthia sighed.
"???"
Hearing this, Aiden's brows shot up, question marks popping over his head.
What?
Team Galactic's leader Cyrus voluntarily provided the Griseous Orb?
Is this some kind of joke?
Logically, Team Galactic should be Sinnoh's villains—an evil organization aiming to capture Dialga and Palkia.
As for Cyrus…
He was even more significant.
A more extreme villain than Giovanni, believing human hearts were imperfect. He sought to destroy the world using legendary Pokémon, creating a "perfect" new reality.
Definitely not "a good person."
Could there be a scheme?
As Aiden pondered, Cynthia remembered something and smiled again:
"By the way, Mr. Cyrus seems to know you. He specifically mentioned your name in his letter to my grandmother, requesting you visit him in Veilstone City when you return to Sinnoh."
"But… when did you two meet?"
Cynthia teased lightly.
"…Perhaps."
Aiden gave a vague answer, hoping to slip by.
Good question.
I don't even know I know Cyrus…
Best answer: I don't know.
Aiden was equally confused.
Maybe only meeting Cyrus in Sinnoh would fill this memory gap.
Fortunately, Cynthia didn't press the issue.
"Enough work talk… I feel like I'm just reporting to you."
"After so long without relaxed chats, I don't want to waste time on work."
She quickly changed the subject to mutual interests.
"Speaking of which—the international tournament schedule is out. Have you heard about it?"
"…Saw it in the League group chat."
Aiden nodded.
As a certified Gym Leader, understanding international tournaments was essential.
Originally, the Pokémon world had only the millennia-old, quadrennial Master Tournament where regional champions competed for the world title.
As regions grew interconnected, international tournaments gained importance. The Pokémon League recently introduced Type Master Tournaments.
Held three times yearly in six-year cycles, all eighteen types would rotate before restarting.
Cynthia's easy win at December's Dragon-type Master Tournament was one such event.
Top international rankings earned Master Tournament entry points—crucial for elite trainers.
This year's schedule included three Type Master Tournaments:
- Late March: Psychic-type Master Tournament in Goldenrod City, Johto
- Mid-June: Ice-type Master Tournament in Heahea City, Alola
- Early December: Flying-type Master Tournament in Castelia City, Unova
Rumors also mentioned new tournament announcements after the Psychic-type event—Aiden made a mental note.
He'd planned to watch broadcasts, occasionally commentating for his viewers.
But since Cynthia brought it up…
He guessed a certain golden-haired "loser" would compete.
And he was right.
"This Psychic-type Master Tournament—Caitlin has confirmed participation as a strength demonstration before challenging for Unova's Elite Four seat."
Getting Aiden's confirmation, Cynthia cut straight to the point.
"She invited me to spectate her outstanding performance."
"Since I have this opportunity, I'd like to invite you to Johto too—to watch Caitlin together~"
Aiden raised an eyebrow.
Classic Caitlin.
Knowing her, Cynthia's paraphrased version was probably toned down.
Aiden imagined Caitlin's actual words:
"Watch closely, Cynthia! At this Psychic-type Master Tournament, I'll follow your example from last year and effortlessly become champion!"
Still, Caitlin competing made sense.
As a Battle Frontier Head, her strength rivaled Gym Leaders and even Elite Fours—she was certainly competitive.
But her goal was becoming Unova's Elite Four. There, she had no connections, and her Frontier reputation meant little outside Sinnoh.
This tournament was her perfect showcase opportunity.
Calculating timeframes after Cynthia's invitation:
A Master Tournament lasted 7-10 days—roughly two weeks.
If he disappeared for just two weeks…
With advance notice, Mewtwo and rental Pokémon could handle weaker challengers.
He quickly decided.
"Sure—I'm free."
Aiden nodded.
"Good."
Relieved by his agreement, Cynthia's lips curved into a beautiful smile.
"By the way—since our New Year's trip, it's been almost three months since we last met, hasn't it?"
"I truly wish these long three months would pass quickly… so I can see you again sooner."
As she spoke, Cynthia's smile bloomed brilliantly. Her lively eyes became elegant crescent moons, expressing her feelings without restraint.
Struck by this sudden direct "arrow to the heart," Aiden froze. His heartbeat skipped erratically, warmth flooding his cheeks.
"Hmm. Same here."
Aiden quickly recovered, forcing calm into his voice.
But…
His wildly pounding heart betrayed his inner turmoil.
Cynthia clearly noticed his reaction, her smile widening playfully.
"Mew~"
Just then, a familiar cry came from behind Aiden. He instinctively turned.
His bedroom door—which he'd closed—was suspiciously ajar.
Even more bizarre…
Through the crack, Aiden glimpsed multiple pairs of colorful eyes intently watching him.
Noticing Aiden had spotted them, the eavesdropping Pokémon first looked up at floating Mew—their clear ringleader—with accusing gazes.
Including Mewtwo.
But soon, they forgot to protest against the "mole," vanishing in the blink of an eye.
Only hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway.
"…"
Aiden's eye twitched, expression turning speechless.
He knew every Pokémon in the gym intimately—he recognized each peeking face instantly.
Sylveon, Mew, Indeedee , Mewtwo, Ogerpon…
Lucario and Miraidon???
Other Pokémon gossiping was one thing—why were you two serious-looking ones so idle too!
Moreover… they'd been listening for a while.
Meaning they'd heard his entire conversation with Cynthia…
Realizing this, Aiden's face flushed crimson.
No way! Not a single one of you will live to see tomorrow!
Must use the Great Memory Erase Technique!
He immediately turned to Cynthia, still on call, and apologized:
"Something came up—I need to hang up."
"Let's talk again tomorrow."
With that, the call ended abruptly.
Cynthia, expecting Aiden to continue speaking, blinked in surprise at the sudden ending.
But soon, her lips curved into a gentle smile, eyes softening.
It seems Aiden has grown very close to his companions.
As a trainer and Gym Leader, having such bonds with Pokémon is… rather enviable…
Thinking this, Cynthia glanced at her own Garchomp behind her.
"Garchomp?"
"Nothing—just thinking you could act more like your childhood self sometimes… be spoiled by me."
"…"
Garchomp turned away in speechless despair.
This woman is beyond saving!
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