"Whew!" Lucas sat up straight, looked around, and felt bewildered.
It took Lucas a good while to remember that this was Cynthia's villa.
Lucas recalled that after the final of the Lily of the Valley Conference this morning, he had finished lunch with Cynthia and the others before coming back to take a nap.
"Wasn't I sleeping on the bed? How did I end up on the floor?" Lucas scratched his head, asking in confusion.
"Shu." You rolled off the bed yourself. Ninetales said, yawning.
"No wonder it's so hot..." Lucas said, looking at how drenched he was. He then stood up, "Gothitelle, please help me get my clothes. I'm going to take a shower; I'm covered in sweat."
After saying that, Lucas walked into the bathroom to take a shower.
"Knock, knock, knock~" The bathroom door was knocked on.
Lucas poked his head out and found the sweet and soft Lilligant standing at the bathroom door, holding his clothes.
Seeing Lucas poke his head out, Lilligant smiled sweetly, "Lilli~" Your clothes~
Lucas reached out and took the clothes, "Thanks. Where's Gothitelle? Is she busy?"
"Lilli." She is making dinner for you.
"Dinner? What time is it? It's already time to make dinner?"
Lucas asked in confusion, then quickly got dressed and opened the bathroom door. Lilligant walked into the bathroom, gathered the clothes Lucas had taken off, put them into the washing machine, and added detergent. At the same time, it condensed a drop of plant essence from the top of its head and dripped it into the washing machine.
This was a little trick Lilligant had discovered while doing laundry at the Breeding House; the clothes washed this way would carry a fragrance of life, which smelled very pleasant.
"Lilli." Look at the time.
Lucas curiously walked over to Gengar and reached out to pat its big butt, "Still playing? What time is it?"
Gengar floated up and held the tablet in front of Lucas.
"How is it already past five? Didn't I just sleep for a little while?"
Looking at the "17:32" on the tablet, Lucas's mouth hung open.
"I feel like I only slept for two hours or so..."
"Gothitelle." Gothitelle opened the room door, looked at the now-awake Lucas, and called out. Dinner is ready.
"Oh, okay. Thanks, Gothitelle. I'll come down once I've dried my hair."
At this moment, Lilligant, who had finished putting the clothes into the washing machine, ran out of the bathroom with a hairdryer in its hand and handed it to Lucas.
After drying his hair, Lucas took Gengar and the others, along with Ninetales who was constantly yawning, downstairs to eat.
"Strange, hasn't Cynthia returned yet?"
Looking at the empty villa, only he, Gengar, Lilligant, Gothitelle, and Ninetales were there. Cynthia, Shauna, Tomoyo, and the others, including Steelix, Latias, and Mime Jr., were all absent.
"Gothitelle." They said they had activities this afternoon, so they went out. Gothitelle ladled out some soup, placed it in front of Lucas, and replied.
"Activities? Didn't the final of the Lily of the Valley Conference end? How are there still activities?"
Lucas took a sip of the chicken soup; it was very fresh. "Your cooking is getting better and better, Gothitelle."
Hearing Lucas's praise, Gothitelle smiled gently.
After eating, Lucas felt bored staying in the villa, so he took Gengar and the others and headed toward the League Conference.
Upon arriving at the League entrance, he happened to see Cynthia and the others walking out.
"Uncle." Seeing Lucas sitting on Ninetales's back, Shauna ran over, hugging Chimecho. Lucas smiled, reached out, and lifted her onto Ninetales's back, while also picking up Tomoyo.
Ninetales's broad back was surprisingly able to seat all three of them: Lucas, Shauna, and Tomoyo.
"Uncle, you're late. The battle is over." Shauna, sitting in front of Lucas and holding Tomoyo's waist, looked up and said to Lucas, who was sitting behind her.
"What battle?" Lucas looked bewildered. Didn't the battles end this morning?
"You don't know?" Lucian asked, looking at Lucas sitting on Ninetales's back, seeing the confused expression on his face.
"Didn't the final end this morning? Is there one in the afternoon too?"
Hearing Lucas's words, Lucian said, "Didn't I mention it during lunch? The challenge match scheduled for tomorrow was moved to this afternoon—the battle where the Champion challenges the Elite Four."
"Ah?" Lucas let out an "ah." He then remembered Lucian mentioning the challenge match during lunch. He had assumed it was one of the Elite Four challenging Cynthia, so he hadn't paid much attention. So, it was actually the League Conference Champion challenging the Elite Four?
"I slept until now, so I don't remember anything." Lucas said weakly.
"It's already over? Who did Tobias challenge?"
Just as Lucas finished speaking, before Lucian could answer, Aaron behind him raised his hand, "That's right, it was me."
Challenging Aaron?
"I didn't expect him to challenge you. I thought he would choose to challenge Flint."
Hearing Lucas's words, Aaron didn't correct him, "Flint challenged him too. Since we wanted to face him and see how strong he was, we gave him two chances to challenge us, so he challenged both me and Flint."
"Challenged twice? And lost both times?"
Hearing Lucas's question, Aaron gave a thumbs-up and wore a cocky grin, "That's right. I led my bug army to defeat him."
"Impressive." As expected of the man who could become one of the Sinnoh League Elite Four using Bug-type Pokémon, Aaron's strength was truly formidable; he was able to defeat the Legendary Trainer Tobias, who had descended from the heavens.
"So, after today's challenge matches, is the League Conference officially over?" Lucas asked, looking toward Cynthia at his side.
Cynthia shook her head, "No, there is a challenge match for me tomorrow."
Lucas: ???
"Didn't the battles finish today? Tobias lost..."
"It's not Tobias's..." At this moment, Steven, the former Hoenn Champion, spoke up, "Tomorrow is the battle where Flint challenges Champion Cynthia."
"Flint challenging Cynthia?"
"That's right. Every year, the League's Elite Four have an opportunity to challenge the League Champion. Usually, when an Elite member believes their strength is sufficient, they will issue a challenge. If they win, they become the next League Champion; if they lose, they can choose to remain as one of the League's Elite Four." Steven explained to Lucas.
"No wonder I haven't seen Flint. Off to special training?"
Lucas looked around but didn't see Flint.
Aaron nodded, "That guy really takes tomorrow's battle seriously."
Lucas looked at Cynthia and, seeing the expression on her face, swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.
Cynthia wore a subtle yet confident smile on her face.
She curled her lips slightly at Lucas, revealing a stunning smile. It was as if she were telling Lucas, "Don't worry, I will definitely win."
Seeing this, Lucas didn't dwell on it too much, "Even though the Lily of the Valley Conference has successfully concluded, let's have a celebration party tonight. How about an outdoor barbecue?"
"Gen Gar!" Yay!
"That's awesome!"
"Barbecue? That's a pretty good choice!"
In the courtyard behind the League building, the lights from the building were shining precisely onto that open space.
In the open space of the courtyard, many Pokémon were chasing and playing with each other. Not far from them, several barbecue grills were set up, and Lucas, Brock, Gothitelle, and Mime Jr. were working hard grilling the food.
A certain shameless Darkrai was shamelessly waiting for Lucas to finish grilling, then would just grab the food and run.
Until everyone was full, Lucas finally had time to get something for himself.
"Gothitelle." This is for you. Gothitelle handed Lucas a skewer of grilled meat. I have to say, Gothitelle was very skilled at preparing lamb; it was very tender.
Lucas suddenly thought of roast duck... Lucas suddenly recalled the Pokedex entry, which stated that because Farfetch'd meat was delicious, they had become scarce.
Lucas and Brock sat on small chairs next to the grill, eating skewers and drinking Berry Juice with Snorunt-added ice pops.
"As expected, when there are many people, you should have a barbecue." Lucas took a big bite and said.
"Wonderful things always require a wonderful environment to achieve a result where one plus one is greater than two." Brock agreed.
After sitting and eating for a while, the two refused the skewers Gothitelle offered, indicating they were full. Then Lucas turned to Brock, who was sitting next to him, "The Lily of the Valley Conference is over. Your and Ash's journey in the Sinnoh Region is coming to an end, right?"
Brock nodded, "After watching the challenge match between Elite Four Flint and Champion Cynthia with Ash tomorrow, we will head to Dawn's house to visit. After that, I will return to Pewter City to take the Gym Leader test and officially take over the Gym."
"After becoming a Gym Leader, remember to go easy on the novice Trainers. Don't have them using baby Pokémon while you use a Mega Steelix to beat them up."
Lucas suddenly remembered a meme from before: the Gym challenge in the Kanto Region was practically hellish difficulty.
A novice Trainer starting from Pallet Town would get attacked by a max-level Pidgeot as soon as they left, and then after finally reaching a Gym, they would find the Gym Leader using Mega Evolution. After going through immense hardship to reach the next Gym, the Gym Leader would turn around and pull out a Mega Gyarados...
And at the very end, there was the Gym guarded by Boss Giovanni waiting for them...
Brock laughed, "I will."
Thinking for a moment, Brock continued, "Actually, Lucas, I'm also thinking about becoming a Pokémon Doctor. I want to heal more Pokémon."
"That's a great choice. During those days working at the Breeding House, didn't you learn about herbal medicine from Gothitelle? I remember you learned quite well how to brew herbal medicine and herbal tea. Even Gothitelle praised you."
"So this time when I go back, I will study medical knowledge hard and give it my all to earn a doctor's certification. So, I want to discuss with Lucas: if I pass, could Gothitelle lend me that book it recorded about herbal tea and herbal medicine for a while?"
After hearing Brock's words, Lucas suddenly remembered that he seemed to have given Gothitelle a notebook to record the herbal tea and herbal medicine it had researched. It was a Golden Finger reward, and Lucas only remembered the effects of the first batch; he didn't know how much Gothitelle had recorded in it afterward.
"About that, I'll ask Gothitelle for you."
After saying this, Lucas waved at Gothitelle, who was eating barbecue with Lilligant and Mime Jr., "Gothitelle."
Gothitelle floated over, staring at Lucas in confusion.
Lucas explained Brock's request, and Gothitelle shook its head to indicate it was no problem.
"Gothitelle~" Good luck~ If you don't understand anything, you can ask Lucas.
Lucas: Ask me? Huh?!
"Gothitelle." "Gothitelle says the book is at the Breeding House and wasn't brought out."
Brock nodded, stood up, and bowed to Lucas and Gothitelle.
"Thank you, I will do my best."
Ash ran over at this moment. Lucas looked at the runner-up of the Lily of the Valley Conference and smiled, "How is it? You're not feeling so down anymore, right?"
"Not anymore. Pikachu and I have already cheered up. Next time, I will definitely defeat him!" Ash clenched his fist.
"What are your plans for the next step?" Lucas nodded and then asked Ash.
"After visiting Dawn, I'll probably go home for a bit, and then make plans."
"Go home and spend some time with Delia. If you don't know where to go, you could consider Unova to see more, stronger Pokémon."
Lucas thought for a moment and called out for Zorua. Zorua crashed into Lucas's arms like a little cannonball, and Lucas raised his hand, easily blocking it.
Just as well, you think you're Shauna?
"The home of Zorua and Zoroark is in Unova."
Hearing the name Unova, Zorua looked up, "Yes, yes! Our home is in Unova. The scenery there is so beautiful. Ma and I used to love running on the grasslands."
"Unova, huh..." Ash thought for a moment and then looked at Pikachu standing on his shoulder, "Pikachu, it's decided! Our next destination will be Unova!"
"Pika Pika!"
Lucas looked at Ash, who had regained his confidence. As expected of the silly kid, his self-recovery ability is strong.
Ash and Brock were pulled into a game by Shauna. Lucas watched their playful figures and fell into deep thought. He reached out his hand, and Ninetales reached its head toward him.
Perhaps sensing the change in Lucas's mood, Gengar, Gothitelle, Lilligant, Steelix, and Mime Jr. all ran over.
"Mime Jr.?" What's wrong?
Lucas rubbed his cheek against the Mime Jr. on his shoulder and spoke softly, "I feel like the time has come."
"Gengar?" Really?
Lucas nodded and looked down at the bracelet on his left wrist.
"Lilli~" I'm here~
"Gothitelle." We listen to you.
"Ma Machamp!" Battle!
"Shu." Leave it to me.
"Mime Jr...." Sorry...
Lucas cupped Mime Jr. in his hands, "It's okay, you just need to cheer us on."
"Do you need my help?" The voices of Latias and Darkrai rang out.
Lucas shook his head. "No, I will use the Pokémon from the Breeding House."
Lucas politely declined Latias and Darkrai.
"What are you talking about?" Cynthia walked over, sat beside Lucas, and asked. Behind her followed Garchomp and Lucario.
Lucas raised his left hand, "We've decided."
"Hmm?"
Lucas stood up. Under the moonlight, he stood in front of Cynthia, gripped his left wrist with his right hand, and looked straight into Cynthia's eyes, "I mean that when two people's gazes collide, that is the prerequisite for a battle."
Cynthia's originally smiling face slowly lost its smile. Her eyes became cold.
Behind her, Garchomp, Lucario, Spiritomb, Glaceon, Milotic, Roserade, Gastrodon, and Togetic stared at Lucas with predatory intent.
Behind Lucas, Gengar, Gothitelle, Lilligant, Ninetales, Steelix, Roserade, Mime Jr., and Latias likewise stared straight at the Pokémon behind Cynthia.
The noisy venue instantly became quiet.
"This... can anyone tell me what is happening?" Jessie, who had disguised herself as a reporter to sneak in and eat, felt the oppressive atmosphere, swallowed, and asked weakly.
Steven sat in his seat, looking at Lucas and Cynthia, and squeezed his own wrist. "Seriously, this makes me want to have a battle too..."
"Lucas... wouldn't have... issued a challenge to the Big Sister, would he?" Aaron swallowed and whispered.
"Has it finally come?" Lucian adjusted his glasses and said.
"It really is?!" Aaron couldn't help but shout loudly.
This shout warmed up the atmosphere.
Cynthia stood up, looked at Lucas standing before her, and said in a clear, cold voice, "I will give it my all."
"I will too."
Hearing Lucas's words, Cynthia clapped her hands, "I'm looking forward to it, Lucas."
"Since that's the case, let's celebrate? Shall I go back and make ice cream for you?"
"Okay!"
Lucas and Cynthia reconciled.
Behind them, Garchomp looked at Gengar, its scythe glowing with a cold light.
"kao!" I'll split you in two.
"Koujie." I'm not afraid.
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