After chatting with Gary and the others, Ash left the Pokémon Center and returned to the hotel.
It was already late. When he opened the room door, Cynthia wasn't there — she'd gone out shopping.
Ash was long used to this.
There was one time he accompanied Cynthia, Sabrina, and Suzie on a shopping trip. By the time they were done, Ash felt that battling a Dragonite would've been easier. After that experience, he firmly refused to join them whenever they went out to shop.
As for Ralts, Ash had entrusted her to Sabrina during the tournament. Maybe it was because of Sabrina's psychic aura, but Ralts grew extremely close to her — second only to Ash himself.
This made Sabrina unusually happy.
Even her normally calm, elegant expression had begun showing small smiles — something Ash enjoyed seeing… though unfortunately, Ralts always clung to Sabrina's arms instead of his.
Lying back on the bed, Ash took out the Poké Ball containing Venusaur.
"Day after tomorrow, it'll be your turn. Since you've mastered Mokuton, the moment you go all-out, you'll dominate the field. But once you use it… you'll be the one who takes the greatest risk."
The Poké Ball shook twice — Venusaur responding quietly, as if acknowledging everything without hesitation.
Meanwhile — On an uninhabited island in Kanto
A crude stone fortress stood at the island's center. Inside its main hall, Mewtwo sat silently on a massive stone seat, cold blue psychic light flickering in its eyes.
Ever since Mewtwo escaped with Ash's help, it had used this place as its sanctuary. It had trained and recovered — stabilizing its power at the peak of Second-Tier Legendary.
During its time in the laboratory tank, Mewtwo had seen how Team Rocket operated. It held deep contempt for humans — especially those who commanded Pokémon like tools.
To Mewtwo, Pokémon were the ones with overwhelming power.
Humans were weak — except for rare individuals such as psychics.
Pokémon should not be controlled.
Although conversations with Ash had softened that anger, the distrust had not fully disappeared.
This coming battle was Mewtwo's final test for humanity.
If Ash lost… then Mewtwo would no longer hesitate. It would strike against humans.
Mewtwo did not understand that Second-Tier Legendary was only mid-level among Legendary Pokémon — because it had never seen the ones above.
Back at the Hotel
"We're back! Ash — didn't you go to see Gary? Why are you back so early?"
Cynthia entered the room, followed by Sabrina and Suzie, arms full of shopping bags.
"I saw him. But you three—" Ash stared at the pile of bags. "Why did you buy so much again…?"
He truly didn't understand. When shopping, women would like something at first sight. But once purchased, half of it would be left unused — never opened again. Ash had witnessed this far too many times.
"Shopping is stress relief," Cynthia replied with a faint pout.
"It's a special therapy for women, you know. Someone could stand to be more considerate."
"All right, all right. I didn't say not to buy anything. We're not exactly short on funds anyway."
Despite Cynthia being nearly ten years older than Ash, she still acted like a girl around him.
"Laa~!"
Ralts floated out of Sabrina's arms and immediately launched herself at Ash — nuzzling into his chest with absolute affection.
"Hmph."
The moment Ralts abandoned her so quickly, Sabrina gave Ash a cold look and turned away.
Without a word, she and Suzie carried their bags to their room.
"…Yep. Sabrina's mad." Cynthia said with no attempt to hide her amusement. Then she set her bags down and hopped lightly onto the bed beside Ash.
"I'm exhausted… The stress relief was nice, but my stamina is completely gone."
Cynthia sighed softly as she lay down, using Ash's arm as a pillow. Her expression was tired, yet relaxed.
"You brought this on yourself," Ash responded, equally worn out.
"I told you—shopping with you is harder than battling a Dragonite or Suicune. I swear, I almost lost my life out there."
Resting against his arm, Cynthia didn't argue. Ash absentmindedly brushed his hand through her long blonde hair, while his other arm wrapped gently around the small Ralts nestled against his chest.
The little Pokémon had fallen fast asleep, completely drained after the long trip. Even though Cynthia had carried her most of the way, the little one was clearly exhausted.
"You're so dramatic," Cynthia playfully tapped Ash's chest before pushing herself up.
"Anyway, I'm going to shower. After walking around all day, I definitely need it."
Ash watched her disappear into the bathroom before turning his attention back to Ralts.
"Hm?" His expression softened, noticing something new.
"Your psychic aura… it's gotten stronger."
He could feel it clearly now—Ralts's mental power was far more stable and denser than before.
"Is it from frequently using her psychic abilities today?" Ash murmured thoughtfully, brushing a hand gently over her soft green hair.
"That's good. Once the tournament is over… we'll start training in earnest."
The sleeping Ralts shifted slightly in his arms, as if sensing his voice—even in dreams, she felt safe there.
...
TN:
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