Even among Pokémon of the same species, there are still subtle differences from one individual to another.
Generally speaking, only a highly professional Pokémon breeder can grasp all of a Pokémon's traits in a short time—and then design a training program that truly fits.
With Diantha's Gardevoir, since her strength had already reached Champion level, this point was even more pronounced.
Ordinary training barely did anything, and even a specially tailored plan would have only minimal results.
So when Elias took on the job of training Gardevoir, Diantha didn't have much confidence.
More than whether Gardevoir would get stronger, she was worried Elias would be discouraged if it failed.
Thinking that, Diantha unconsciously furrowed her brow.
But considering how steady Elias had been these past few years handling all kinds of things, she only just managed to relax.
As for Gardevoir…
Not only did she have no objections—she was completely in favor.
The instant Diantha let go, she Teleported right in front of Elias.
Under Delphox's dark expression, she dove straight into Elias's arms.
"Garde~ Garde~"
A soft, sweet sound came from Gardevoir, like she was acting spoiled with him.
Faintly, Delphox even heard a couple quick, sharp inhales.
They were coming from Gardevoir.
That made Delphox's already-bad expression sink even further.
This wasn't a "Gardevoir" at all—this was a creep of a Pokémon who was openly coveting her Trainer.
"Elias, then I'll be troubling you to look after Gardevoir for a while," Diantha said softly as she walked over.
As she spoke, she still made sure to free up a hand and haul Gardevoir out of his arms.
If it were anyone else trying to take her Gardevoir away, not only would Gardevoir refuse, Diantha herself would flip out on the spot.
But if it was Elias…
All Diantha felt was envy toward Gardevoir.
If only she were a Pokémon too…
On the other side, Elias smiled and nodded.
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of her."
He had a pretty good impression of Gardevoir.
Sure, she could be a little mischievous at times, but she knew where the line was.
At least she didn't really make people feel annoyed.
...
[After staying at Diantha's place a while longer, you take Gardevoir and return underground.]
[All along the way, Gardevoir looks ready to pounce at any moment.]
[If Delphox weren't guarding you, she probably would've already thrown herself at you.]
[As expected. The moment Diancie and Dianna learned that Gardevoir is coming to live with you for a while, their expressions both shattered a little.]
...
Diancie glanced at the Gardevoir rubbing up against Elias and unconsciously clenched her teeth.
If Elias didn't forbid it… if she weren't unable to beat Gardevoir, she would've made the first move already.
The only thing that let her breathe was that Gardevoir was only staying underground temporarily. After a while, she should leave.
Thinking that, Diancie finally let out a slow breath.
Once she became queen, she would definitely establish new clan rules.
First, she would ban these outsider Pokémon from entering Carbink territory.
And she absolutely wouldn't allow them to touch her beloved Elias with their filthy little hands.
Diancie gave a soft snort, her plan already formed in her mind.
...
[Soon, a full year has passed since your last encounter with Yveltal.]
[After a year of busyness, you've basically arranged everything for after you leave.]
[You believe that with what you've left behind, Diancie should be able to take up the queen's position smoothly.]
[As for Team Flare, unsurprisingly, they still haven't found where Xerneas is hiding.]
[Fortunately, Yveltal has remained within their sight the entire time.]
[With only one year left, you plan to make your final preparations.]
[When the time comes, you don't need to defeat Yveltal—at the very least, you need to enrage it completely.]
[But this is far too dangerous, so you don't plan to bring any Pokémon with you—not even Enamorus or Delphox.]
...
In an open field.
"Gardevoir, just like yesterday, can you keep helping me get a feel for Psychic power?"
Only Elias and Gardevoir were standing out in the open.
Elias looked at her and asked in a tone like a request.
After deciding to raise his own strength, he'd asked Gardevoir to use a Psychic-type's advantage to help him use Telekinesis in finer detail.
Across from him, Gardevoir's little nose twitched, and a flush rose to her cheeks.
She didn't know if it was her imagination, but he seemed to smell even better than before…
During this time, Gardevoir wasn't just craving the Telekinesis on Elias's body anymore—deep gratitude had also taken root in her heart.
She didn't know how he'd done it, but after practicing according to the training plan Elias gave her,
Gardevoir could clearly feel her strength improving.
She was still within the Champion tier, but she was confident she could easily defeat her former self.
Sometimes she even wondered if she might already be the strongest Gardevoir in the world.
After all, Champion-level Gardevoir were rare to begin with—let alone one standing at the very top of them.
The thought flashed through her mind, and Gardevoir unconsciously reached for Elias's hand.
Guiding Telekinesis required physical contact. That was a necessary step.
Feeling the chill in his palm, Elias's expression didn't change much, but Gardevoir only felt her face grow hotter.
Recently, she'd dug up quite a few books from Diancie's room.
Among them were some "good stuff" Diantha had never allowed her to read before…
Thinking of those heart-pounding words, Gardevoir couldn't help wondering—would Elias accept a Pokémon's courtship?
Gardevoir was a very pretty Pokémon by human standards, so he should… right?
She wasn't in a hurry, though.
Diancie was naive, Delphox was thoughtless, and there was only one Gardevoir at Elias's side.
It wouldn't be too late to slowly test the waters and figure out his attitude.
And if she could lure him back home when the time came, Diantha might even reward her!
With that thought, Gardevoir's smile lifted higher.
Warm Telekinesis flowed from her palm, gradually spreading over Elias's arm.
But faintly, Gardevoir frowned again.
She had the odd sense she was being watched by something terrifying.
It seemed far away, yet it still sent a chill crawling up her spine.
Probably just her imagination, right?
Gardevoir thought so.
...
[Days pass one by one, and life seems to be settling into calm and happiness.]
[But under that peaceful atmosphere, an unexpected crisis suddenly erupts.]
[The giant diamond, which had been relatively stable, shows signs of imminent collapse for the first time.]
[This time, even with Dianna intervening, it can't be completely concealed.]
---
Gardevoir: So what was watching me, then?
T/N: ELIAS' GARDEVOIR CAN FEEL THE dISTRUBANCE