After getting the little crown, Garchomp kept letting out cheerful low roars at Theo. With Metang acting as a translator, Theo quickly understood what it meant. Garchomp was saying that it liked him now. First was Cynthia, second was Tyrantrum, and third was Theo, the one who drew the crown for it.
…
Before they knew it, night had already fallen deep. Cynthia stayed overnight at the manor, and early the next morning she would head to Slateport City to rendezvous with the joint Sinnoh and Hoenn team before setting off for Unova.
Theo found Tyrantrum in the yard, where it was cuddling together with Larvesta and Metang. He sat down beside it.
"Did you have fun playing with Garchomp today?" Theo asked softly.
Tyrantrum nodded vigorously, letting out a satisfied rumble, and lowered its head to rub affectionately against his shoulder.
"Fun! Garchomp is really strong. Even smashing such big rocks doesn't hurt it. I can't compare to it."
With Metang's translation, Theo understood and gently rubbed Tyrantrum's head.
"Cynthia invited you to go to Unova with her. Garchomp will teach you Outrage along the way, and you might even encounter some special opportunity to become stronger. But you will be away for one or two months. During that time we can only stay in touch through video calls. Are you willing?"
Tyrantrum froze for a moment. Its big eyes stared at Theo, then it turned to look at Larvesta and Metang beside it, letting out a low, hesitant whine.
With Metang translating, it became clear that Tyrantrum understood and was thinking seriously.
Theo waited patiently without urging it.
At that moment, Milotic also popped out of its Poké Ball and joined Larvesta and Metang in waiting for Tyrantrum's decision.
After a long silence, a trace of reluctance toward its companions flickered in Tyrantrum's eyes, but it was soon replaced by a stronger desire. It lowered its head and firmly nudged Theo's arm, letting out a determined low roar.
Through Metang's translation, Theo learned its decision.
Tyrantrum wanted to go with Cynthia.
That afternoon, it had seen Garchomp use Outrage, and the power had been overwhelming. It wanted to learn that move as well.
More than anything, it wanted to become stronger.
Theo rubbed Tyrantrum's head.
"Alright, since you have decided, I will tell Cynthia tomorrow morning. You have to behave well on the journey and not cause trouble, understand?"
"Tyrant~!"
Tyrantrum nodded forcefully in agreement.
Theo smiled and added, "Don't worry. I will save some advanced energy orb for you. When you come back, there will be plenty waiting for you."
That immediately made Tyrantrum's eyes light up, and it happily nudged Theo's waist.
As for the enhancement vitamins, they had long since stopped working on Tyrantrum. The HP Up had already become ineffective earlier, so Theo had switched to using them on Milotic to improve its recovery and endurance. Protein had also stopped working a few days ago. The extras were now being stored for future use, to be given to a suitable new Pokémon when one joined the team.
After learning of Tyrantrum's decision, Milotic, Metang, and Larvesta all gathered close around it, chattering nonstop as they spoke with it.
Metang told Theo that none of them would be going back inside tonight. They wanted to sleep outside together with Tyrantrum.
Theo smiled and agreed.
Larvesta and Metang even brought out all the treasures they had secretly hoarded in their little stash, planning to hold a farewell gathering for Tyrantrum that night.
Watching the four Pokémon huddle together in a circle, occasionally nuzzling each other, Theo's face was filled with a gentle smile.
Moonlight bathed them in a soft silver glow. The sea breeze carried the distant sound of waves, brushing lightly past. Everything felt exceptionally peaceful and beautiful.
…
Early the next morning, just as dawn was breaking, Theo had already woken up.
Metang and Larvesta were curled up beside Tyrantrum, sleeping soundly. Milotic had woken up not long ago and was quietly watching the three of them from the nearby pool.
At that moment, Garchomp came running over excitedly.
Seeing the three Pokémon still curled up asleep in the yard, it immediately put its hands on its hips and let out a series of low roars at Theo.
Tyrantrum, Larvesta, and Metang were all roused from their sleep, groggy as they lined up behind Theo, listening to Garchomp's lecture like students being scolded by a teacher.
"You are such an irresponsible trainer!"
Metang translated Garchomp's words, sounding helpless.
"As a trainer, how can you wake up this late? You must lead by example and get up early to train your Pokémon if you want to become stronger! Look at me, I train before sunrise every single day, that's why I am so strong! If you were not my third favorite person, I would not even bother giving you advice!"
Theo felt a headache coming on from Garchomp's nagging and wanted to argue back.
But when he looked at Garchomp's tall, sturdy two meter frame and thought about its strength, the words stuck in his throat.
He could only nod like a well behaved student.
"You are right. I was careless."
Seeing Theo's good attitude, Garchomp grew even more pleased with itself and launched into an endless speech about its training regimen.
It even threw in stories of its glorious victories over powerful opponents.
Theo felt dizzy just listening.
Metang rolled its eyes, clearly unwilling to continue translating, but Garchomp smacked it lightly on the head with its claw, forcing it to "properly relay everything."
Theo and Metang exchanged a glance, both seeing the same look of silent endurance in each other's eyes, as if saying
Just wait until we get stronger.
At that moment, Cynthia walked over. Seeing Garchomp acting like a strict teacher, she immediately covered her mouth and laughed.
"Alright, alright, Garchomp, what are you doing now…"
Theo seized the opportunity like he had found a savior and quickly spoke up.
"Miss Cynthia, Tyrantrum has decided to go to Unova with you!"
The moment Garchomp heard this, it instantly forgot all about lecturing. It rushed over to Tyrantrum, letting out excited low roars.
Then it hurried back to Theo, thumping its chest as it promised that it would properly teach Tyrantrum and make it even stronger.
After all, the two of them were true Dragon type powerhouses who disdained using Dragon Dance.
Theo felt secretly relieved. Fortunately, he had repeatedly reminded Tyrantrum the night before that it must never use Dragon Dance in front of Garchomp, and if asked about it, it should simply say it did not know the move. Metang and Larvesta had also helped, whispering into Tyrantrum's ears all night, telling it not to give anything away. Now Tyrantrum had firmly memorized this instruction.
Cynthia smiled as she opened her communicator and added Theo as a contact.
"This is my number. Once we arrive in Unova and establish a transfer channel with the League there, Tyrantrum will be able to come back anytime. If you miss it during this period, just make a video call whenever you want."
"Thank you, Miss Cynthia," Theo replied.
The lingering aroma of breakfast had not yet fully faded. The scent of roasted energy meat, slightly charred, mixed with the sweetness of deep sea coral honey, drifted gently across the terrace of the manor.
But alongside it, the feeling of parting had already begun to spread.
Tyrantrum stood in front of Theo, its amber eyes brimming with reluctance, as though the emotion might spill out at any moment. Its massive body lowered slightly as it gently rubbed its thick head against Theo's arm, a low whimper rumbling in its throat, as if expressing its sadness at the impending separation.
"Alright, it is time to go," Cynthia's voice came from the side.
Beside her, Togekiss was stretching its wings. Its snow white feathers shimmered like pearls in the morning sunlight as it quietly waited.
Reluctantly, Tyrantrum turned to Milotic, Larvesta, and Metang, saying goodbye to each of them in its own way. It lowered its head to nuzzle Larvesta's small head, then pressed its face gently against Metang and Milotic.
Only after finishing did it finally return to its Poké Ball, still unwilling to part.
A flash of red light flickered, the Poké Ball shook lightly twice, and then became still.
Cynthia carefully put the Poké Ball away and waved to Theo and Steven.
"We are leaving now. Take care of yourselves."
With that, she leapt lightly onto Togekiss's back and waved once more.
"Wait for our good news."
Togekiss let out a clear cry, flapped its wings, and slowly rose into the air with Cynthia on its back.
Sunlight poured over its wings, casting shifting patterns of light on the ground below.
The white figure gradually grew smaller as it flew toward Slateport City's harbor, until it finally disappeared beyond the horizon.
Theo, Milotic, Metang, and Larvesta stood where they were, heads tilted upward, watching for a long time. Only when their necks began to ache did they slowly lower their gazes.
It felt as though the air still carried the faint trace of Togekiss's wingbeats, leaving behind a subtle sense of emptiness.
"Alright, don't be too down," Steven said as he stepped forward and patted Theo on the shoulder.
"It is only for a month or two. Once cooperation with Unova is finalized and the Pokémon transfer channel is established, you can meet anytime you want."
He paused briefly before continuing.
"Professor Juniper has always had a good relationship with our League. With Cynthia personally looking after Tyrantrum, it will not be mistreated. And the Village of Dragons in Unova is a paradise for Dragon type Pokémon. Tyrantrum might even make new friends there and have the time of its life."
Theo nodded, and the heaviness in his heart eased a little.
"Speaking of which," Steven suddenly changed the topic, his tone carrying a hint of regret, "if only our League could establish diplomatic relations with the Alola region as smoothly as this."
"The Alola region?" Theo's heart stirred.
He was not unfamiliar with that name. In his memories from his previous life, it was a cluster of islands surrounded by the ocean, full of exotic charm.
He had not expected that the League here had already begun to reach out to Alola as well.
Steven explained,
"It is a very unique place. We do not have much information yet. The people there have lived on the islands for generations and are quite closed off to outsiders. They value harmony between humans and nature."
"Many wild Pokémon are not captured, yet they live alongside humans like partners. There are also four Pokémon known as guardian deities protecting the islands."
"They are very different from us. They do not have Gym challenges, League Conferences, or even titles like Elite Four."
"Trainers who believe they are strong enough can take part in something called the Island Challenge. After completing it, they receive a ritual known as Z Power."
"We still do not fully understand how it works. Although there is a cooldown when using it, the power it unleashes is astonishing."
He paused before continuing,
"Even more interesting, the Alola region has Pokémon that also exist here, but due to the unique environment, they have evolved into completely different forms and types."
"The League discovered them a long time ago. Chairman Goodshow has tried several times to push for diplomacy, but none of those attempts succeeded."
"They are very resistant to outside contact."
"On top of that, Alola has something called Totem Pokémon. These are somewhat similar to the relationship between the Legendary Beasts and Ho Oh in Johto."
"They are much larger than normal individuals and significantly stronger. It is said that they are empowered by the island guardians. They act as both trial guardians and protectors of the islands."
Steven sighed.
"The key issue is that the four island guardian Pokémon remain stationed there, and together with their Z Power, their strength is not inferior to our combined four region League. Since they are also resistant to external interaction, diplomacy has made no progress, and we cannot force our way in."
As Theo listened, combining Steven's explanation with his own memories of Alola, a clearer picture of the region gradually formed in his mind.
"But things are different now," Steven said, his tone growing more excited.
"The emergence of Mega Evolution has given us a new breakthrough point. The League is now investing all its resources into researching Mega Evolution, aiming to unlock more evolutionary forms and create new Key Stones and Mega Stones."
"Elite Drake set off for Alola overnight to gather more detailed information and prepare for future plans."
"I will also be heading to the League headquarters soon to participate in Mega Evolution testing. The red Mega Stone from my collection, along with the one suspected to belong to the Aggron line, will be tested together."
"We will see whether my Aggron can undergo another evolution."
As Steven spoke, he suddenly seemed to remember something and sent a contact number to Theo.
"Almost forgot, this is Elite Drake's PokéNav number. He asked me to pass it to you. Add him, he has something he wants to discuss with you."
"Drake?" Theo was momentarily stunned, surprised. He had never even met the man before, so why would there be any connection?
Seeing his confusion, Steven explained,
"His Salamence being able to Mega Evolve is ultimately thanks to you. After all, you were the one who discovered the secret of Mega Evolution."
"The reward from Chairman Goodshow is at the League level, but Drake will not take advantage of you for free."
"He knows you only have four Pokémon at the moment and wants to help you get another one."
"Unfortunately, he had already traded away his Bagon to Lance, so he does not have one right now."
"So during his trip to Alola, he will keep an eye out for Pokémon for you."
"Aren't there those so called Totem Pokémon over there? He wants to try capturing one. If that is not possible, he will settle for their offspring."
"When the time comes, he will message you and ask if there is any Pokémon you are interested in."
…
(End of Chapter)