Because the massive size of Steelix was too large, there really wasn't a place indoors that could accommodate it.
Baimu had to carry a large tray of curry rice to the back of the Pokémon Center, using the vacant space there to feed Steelix.
It was currently evening.
The transition between spring and summer made the day seem slightly longer.
The small park behind the Pokémon Center was crowded with people; some were battling on the spot, some were strolling after dinner to aid digestion, while others were idly chatting. Upon seeing him carrying such a large bowl of curry rice out, they all showed looks of astonishment.
Feeding Pokémon here was common, but having such a large bowl was quite rare.
Baimu had no intention of attracting attention, and after wandering around the small park for a while, he finally found a relatively less crowded area.
Bang!
A flash of white light.
"Snarl!"
The landing Mega Steelix let out a thunderous growl, its bronze-like dark red eyes landing on Baimu and the curry rice, excitedly lowering its head, "Roar!!"
"Yes, it's time for lunch!" Baimu said, smiling and patting its head. "Did you eat well in Pyrite Town? I suppose N wouldn't treat you poorly."
"Roar~" Steelix let out a joyful cry.
As they exchanged greetings, Steelix's massive figure drew the attention of the surrounding people. Steelix was already not a commonly seen Pokémon, and its terrifying size was even more astonishing.
"Is that a Pokémon?"
"What a terrifying size! It must be over ten meters long, right?"
"Wow, that's Steelix! I've always wanted to see one, but never had the chance... I'd love to have a Pokémon like that."
"Then why don't you go and trade with him, hehe."
"Forget it, he looks kind of fierce."
The buzzing chatter relieved Baimu, who curiously used Steelix's forehead to look at his reflection. Did he really look that fierce?
Surely not.
After all, he had quite a good reputation on the Milotic.
Maybe those people were closer in age, Baimu recalled that most of those acquaintances were around eighteen or nineteen years old.
And since the Littleroot Town Pokémon Center is a starting point for newbies, most Trainers appearing here are usually quite young.
"Let's just try it, we can't ask for too much."
He patted Steelix's head, and the latter eagerly began to enjoy the curry rice. Although the portion was small, it ate with great relish, immersed in the experience.
While it was eating happily, Xiaogang's voice came from a distance.
"Baimu!"
"I'm here!"
Baimu responded and looked over to see Xiaogang coming over with the leftover curry, "The last pot, everyone else has finished eating— wow, so big!"
Even someone as well-traveled as Xiaogang, who had traveled through four regions, was moved upon seeing the Mega Steelix.
"Roar... Roar!?"
Having just finished the curry rice, Steelix turned its head to see the newcomer still holding curry, its eyes immediately lighting up, and it was about to rush over to devour it.
But catching Baimu in the corner of its eye, it quickly settled down.
"Roar~"
The Mega Steelix let out a pleading low roar, looking pitifully at its Trainer.
Xiaogang laughed and said, "Looks like you're quite strict about its food intake, huh?"
"Small meals, more often. If you're not careful, they'll overeat. They're all like little children."
Baimu gently patted Steelix's head. "However, it's a rare treat to have such delicious curry. It's a pity it can't eat to its heart's content, it would be a shame."
Xiaogang, who was praised indirectly, felt a bit embarrassed and poured all the remaining curry from the pot into the feeding bowl.
"Roar~"
Time for a second helping~
Steelix happily swayed its massive body forward.
"It must be at least eighteen meters, right? It's really spectacular, did you raise it yourself?" Xiaogang asked as Steelix was eating, reaching out to touch its metallic shell.
Steelix didn't mind, seeming to notice the friendly relationship between its Trainer and this person.
In the past, Steelix wouldn't have been so approachable, but after spending a long time in Pyrite Town, where local children often used it as a slide, and thanks to N's calming influence, its temperament had become much more tranquil.
"No, it was already this size when I got it. It's the result of natural growth," Baimu shook his head. Steelix being wild was something confirmed by N.
"Wild, huh... Impressive."
Xiaogang nodded. He had heard Ash Ketchum say he encountered a crystal-like Onix in the Orange Islands and also saw the Giant Onix of the Four Heavenly Kings Shiba.
Since even such Onix exists, a mega-sized Steelix is naturally not too surprising.
"By the way, do you want to know how to raise a Steelix?"
He turned and asked uncertainly.
"Indeed."
Baimu took out two Pokeballs from his pocket, "And the raising methods for Chansey and Aggron, I'd also like your guidance."
Aggron, being a Rock Attribute Pokémon, he thought Xiaogang, an expert in Rock Types, could offer some good advice.
Xiaogang pondered for a few seconds while holding the pot and suggested, "How about we have a Pokémon battle?"
"Uh, but what I want to know is more about the raising methods..."
"Battling can help you discover the differences between our Steelixes, and once you're aware of these differences, explaining them might become much easier."
"...That's true."
Baimu was convinced by Xiaogang, who then ran back with the pot to change clothes.
——
As a former Gym Leader, Xiaogang's strength was naturally not to be underestimated.
Traveling with Ash Ketchum, he not only acquired more varieties of Pokémon but had greatly improved in strength compared to before.
Most importantly.
He showcased the power of Mega Evolution during the Sun and Moon era.
Baimu wasn't sure if he could make his Steelix Mega evolve at this stage, but he had to be on guard, putting in his full effort to face him.
As the sun sets.
In a spacious battleground near the Pokémon Center.
The two stood in their positions.
"Although the purpose is to discover each other's highlights, I hope you can give it your all and let me see your teamwork. These are more important than the outcome of victory or defeat."
Despite having stepped down from the Gym Leader position, whenever facing battles, Xiaogang couldn't help but stand from the Gym Leader's perspective.
"Of course!"
Responding to Xiaogang's words, Baimu nodded without hesitation.
Immediately.
Both released their Pokémon.
The first to appear were undoubtedly the two Steelixes, with striking differences in size.
To be fair, Xiaogang's Steelix wasn't lacking either. Roughly estimated, it was about twelve or thirteen meters long, yet whether in length or other aspects, it was outshone by the Mega Steelix with four horizontal steel bones.
"Hello!"
Xiaogang's Steelix looked in astonishment at the Mega Steelix not far away, unable to resist glancing at its Trainer.
What did that thing grow up eating?
Compared to it, am I just a little Steelix?
"Watch out! An attack is coming!" Xiaogang didn't answer Steelix's curiosity, quickly reminding it, "Use Gyro Ball!"