Lucas watched Ash, whose eating speed was on par with Gengar's, and took a deep breath in his heart.
Truly a Super Saiyan.
During those few days Ash and the others were at the Breeding House, the Breeding House's expenses skyrocketed.
At the thought of almost all his Breeding House's money being poured into food, Lucas felt a bit troubled.
This was even with his Breeding House providing vegetables and fruits; he only needed to go out and buy meat.
But even just buying meat, the monthly consumption was ridiculously high, almost equivalent to at least a year's expenses for a normal family.
Who could help it when everyone in the Breeding House was a big eater.
Thinking about how the supermarket meat owner, who used to drive a beat-up sedan, had now switched to a luxury car, made him feel even more troubled.
Lucas sighed, then snatched the last bite of meat that Gengar and Ash were fighting over and popped it into his mouth.
Running a Breeding House is truly a tough job.
"Ah? Lucas, how can you cheat?"
Ash saw his chopsticks and Gengar's chopsticks still tightly locked together, only for a pair of chopsticks to snatch the meat from right before their eyes. Looking up and seeing it was Lucas, Ash immediately voiced his protest.
"Gengar gar—"
Exactly, exactly. So shameless.
Lucas finally snapped out of it, "Ah? You guys wanted to eat it? You should have said so earlier, my bad." Cynthia, sitting beside Lucas, turned to look at him before turning back.
Truly like a child.
After finishing the meal, the group sat in their seats to digest. Ash suddenly suggested: "Just right, Lucas, why don't you have a battle with Champion Cynthia?"
"A battle? That indeed sounds like a good way to help digestion."
Cynthia's eyes lit up, bursting with an amazing brilliance.
Looking at Lucas beside her, she had long wanted to try battling him.
Don't worry, I'll go easy on you.
Lucas shook his head directly.
"Nope, I refuse."
"Ah?"
"Why?"
Ash and Dawn voiced their protests.
Lucas said without blinking, "Gengar and the others have already fought many times today; they also need some rest."
Are you kidding me, me fighting Cynthia?
Lucas silently glanced at Garchomp.
You're cooked, bro.
"Gengar gar?"
I'm actually okay.
"No, you are not."
Lucas directly shut Gengar down.
Ash looked disappointed.
At this moment, he recalled how Gengar and Garchomp's forms had changed after Lucas and Cynthia shouted "Mega Evolution" earlier.
So he was very curious about what that actually was.
"Ms. Cynthia, what was that thing where Garchomp and Gengar changed after you and Lucas shouted something earlier?"
Hearing Ash's inquiry, Cynthia leaned back against the sofa and explained: "Mega Evolution."
After saying that, she stared at Lucas.
Lucas instantly understood Cynthia's meaning.
"Mega Evolution is a change that occurs when a Trainer and their Pokémon reach a state of heart-to-heart connection; it is caused by the bond between the Trainer and the Pokémon."
Lucas explained.
Ash and the others nodded. Lucas looked at Brock, wondering—wait, does Brock not have it yet?
He remembered that Brock's travels with Ash seemed to end with Diamond and Pearl. In the next Unova Region, Brock didn't continue traveling with Ash, replaced by Cilan, and in the Kalos Region, it was Clemont.
So where did Brock's key stone come from?
"Brock, can you not perform Mega Evolution yet? I remember you have a Steelix, right?"
That Steelix was Brock's very first Pokémon, evolved from an Onix.
Out of curiosity, Lucas asked.
Brock looked surprised; how did Lucas know he had a Steelix?
One must know that like Ash, he traveled with new Pokémon in every region.
However, he still answered honestly: "Not yet. After the journey in the Sinnoh Region ends, I will return to Pewter City and train with Steelix at the Gym, advancing toward the path of Mega Evolution, and then officially take over the Gym to become a Gym Leader."
"Then do you have them? The key stone and Mega Stone."
Brock nodded, "My parents brought them back for me from their travels in Kalos, but I've never quite gotten the hang of it. After traveling in the Sinnoh Region and witnessing the bond between Lucas and Gengar, my confidence has increased again."
Brock took a bracelet out of his bag; it was indeed a key stone.
So that's how it is?
Lucas thought to himself upon hearing Brock's explanation.
Could Misty have learned Mega Evolution around this time too?
Just as Lucas thought of this, he heard Brock speak up: "Our former companion, Misty, has officially taken over her Gym and has also learned Mega Evolution."
...
As expected of you, Brock, knowing exactly what I wanted to know.
If he remembered correctly, Misty's would be Gyarados.
In that case, aren't the Trainers of the Kanto Region quite pitiful?
When they set out on their journeys, aside from the Viridian Gym, there would be two Gym Leaders who could use Mega Evolution.
Kanto Region is on hell mode—
Lucas couldn't help but feel bad for the future Trainers of the Kanto Region.
"So Brock has one too?"
Ash looked envious.
"I wonder if Pikachu and I will be able to Mega Evolve eventually."
Ash said.
"That's definitely impossib—"
Lucas was about to say it was impossible when he suddenly remembered that before he crossed over, he had seen news about Z-A being released, with many new Mega Evolutions added. Aside from the Dragonite with wings on its head, there really seemed to be a Mega Raichu, and it was even split into X and Y forms like Charizard.
"What did Lucas want to say?"
Dawn asked curiously when she saw Lucas bite back his words.
Lucas retracted his thoughts and spoke with a smile: "Mega Evolution has many prerequisites. First, the connection between you and your Pokémon must be deep enough. Second, your Pokémon must be in its final evolved form. Third, current research has found that not all Pokémon can undergo Mega Evolution. What Mega Evolution requires is a Mega Stone belonging to that Pokémon. For example, my Gengar carries a Gengarite, and Cynthia's Garchomp carries a Garchompite. Perhaps in the future, a Mega Stone for Raichu will be unearthed as well."
Lucas explained to educate Ash.
"I remember Pikachu is unwilling to evolve, right?"
Pikachu nodded, "Abbreviated cry."
Ash also nodded, "I listen to whatever Pikachu wants."
Then he slumped onto the table, "Mega Evolution... such a powerful force, I really want it."
Lucas narrowed his eyes at this; continuing like this wouldn't be good for Ash.
Lucas thought for a moment, then spoke seriously: "Ash, do you mean to say that without Mega Evolution, you can't become a Pokémon Master?"
Ash sat up straight, "That's not it, I just feel that Mega Evolution would improve me a lot."
Hearing this, Lucas immediately criticized Ash: "Ash, remember this. Whether it's Mega Evolution, or the future Z-Moves, Dynamax, or Terastal, these are all just small aids provided to you. To become a true Pokémon Master, the most important thing is your own strength. As long as you are strong enough, even without these enhancements, you can become a powerful Pokémon Master. If you only become a Pokémon Master by relying on external conditions, I won't acknowledge it, and I believe Gary and Paul won't acknowledge it either. Do you understand?"
Ash was completely snapped awake by Lucas's words and then nodded solemnly.
"I understand, Lucas. Even without Mega Evolution, I will become a true Pokémon Master. This is the dream shared by me and Pikachu."
"Right, Pikachu!"
"Pika pika!"
Lucas laughed upon hearing this.
Cynthia, who hadn't spoken the entire time, leaned against the sofa and watched Lucas as he guided Ash, the light in her beautiful eyes incredibly moving.
"Ash, believe me, the journey with Pokémon never stops. There are still many, many Pokémon in the world that we have never seen. We will encounter more Pokémon and meet more people. At that time, you might encounter a Pokémon that will allow you to truly grasp Mega Evolution, or perhaps, a bond that surpasses Mega Evolution might even appear."
Lucas said with a smile.
He'd just give Ash a dream to chase for now.
Ash-Greninja has always been a point of pain in the hearts of most Pokémon fans.
That year, the Golden Water Shuriken met the 'Water-Absorb' Charizard.
That year, another regrettable defeat.
Ash-Greninja..."
[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]
Lucas thought of that equally incredibly cool Greninja.
He suddenly chuckled, then said something that left everyone present confused: "Ash, I look forward to the moment you encounter the bond that belongs uniquely to you. When that time comes, I will use my full strength to battle you."
Ash was moved by Lucas's words and stood up directly, "Don't worry, Lucas, I will work hard!
I will become a Pokémon Master, and then truly defeat Lucas! And Champion Cynthia too!"
Cynthia was very fond of the children before her; they had ideals, passion, and the same love for their own Pokémon.
"I am also waiting for that moment, Ash. I look forward to you being able to defeat me."
Hearing this, Lucas looked at Cynthia somewhat strangely.
In the not-so-distant future, you really do get defeated by Ash, who carries three systems, in the Masters Eight.
Sensing Lucas's gaze, Cynthia looked back in confusion.
Lucas shook his head and hurriedly indicated that it was nothing.
Don't worry, before he defeats you, I will give him a good thrashing.
Looking at Ash, who was fully revived, Lucas suddenly remembered the team netizens had always talked about for him.
If he brought Charizard, Sceptile, Infernape, Greninja, Sirfetch'd, Pikachu, the reserve Snorlax, and Dracovish, would it truly have a different kind of brilliance?
I'm looking forward to it more and more.
Lucas calculated continuously in his heart.
Lucas glanced at Ash, who was discussing with Dawn and Brock where to go next, and his hand, which was tucked into his pocket, kept calculating.
He seemed to be making some difficult decision.
However, until Ash and the others said their goodbyes and left, Lucas still didn't say much.
Standing beside Lucas, Cynthia watched him look conflicted but then quickly let it go, and asked in confusion: "What's wrong? You seemed to have something you wanted to say to Ash and the others the whole time. Is it really okay that you didn't say it?"
Lucas smiled and shook his head, "What do you think of Ash?"
Cynthia recalled for a moment, then said: "Very bold. The impression he gives is that he loves battling, and at the same time, he also loves Pokémon very much. Even his battling style is extremely bold."
Hearing this, Lucas suddenly spoke: "Bold battling style? Are you talking about using Electric-type moves against Ground-type Pokémon?"
Cynthia was stunned for a moment, then suddenly chuckled, "That is indeed one aspect of his bold battling style; it's hard not to be impressed by it."
Cynthia seemed to have thought of something, and the smile on her face never disappeared.
"But Lucas." Cynthia suddenly spoke.
"Hmm?"
Lucas looked at Cynthia.
"I remember that after you came from Kanto, you have been staying in the Sinnoh Region, right? And you've only been to the Kanto Region once."
"That's right, what's wrong?"
Lucas looked at Cynthia with a confused expression, wondering why she would say that.
Then he saw Cynthia narrowing her eyes, looking at him, "Then how do you know about Z-Moves in the Alola Region, Dynamax in the Galar Region, and Terastal in the Paldea Region?"
Lucas: ——
Lucas was speechless for a moment. Just as he was about to explain, he saw Cynthia suddenly laugh again.
Snowflakes began to drift from the sky.
The snow-white snowflakes landed on Cynthia's golden hair, adorning it with specks, and paired with her charming smile, it was somewhat mesmerizing.
Cynthia put her hands behind her back, walked in front of Lucas, then faced him, walking backward as she asked: "Then Lucas, why did you refuse to battle me?"
Looking at Cynthia who was like a young girl, Lucas feigned thought for a long time, then said: "Because I can't beat you."
"So you would rather look forward to a battle with Ash than battle me?"
Another trick question.
"What would happen if you lost?"
Listening to Lucas's counter-question, Cynthia thought for a moment and said the words she had spoken to Diantha.
"I would resign from the position of Champion and then focus on doing things I like, such as exploring ancient ruins and researching Legendary Pokémon."
Lucas suddenly said: "That settles it, I don't want to be Champion either."
Hearing this, Cynthia suddenly laughed happily, laughing incredibly joyfully, "Do you mean that you can defeat me?"
"Guess?"
Watching Cynthia smiling happily in the snowy scene, Lucas's mood inexplicably improved as well.
"Then I look forward to that day coming, Lucas."
After Cynthia finished speaking, Lucas did not respond.
Instead, he quietly accompanied Cynthia as they walked in the snow, until they arrived in front of an ice cream shop.
"Want some ice cream?"
Lucas asked.
Cynthia nodded, then went to choose some ice cream.
Watching Cynthia's figure as she seriously chose ice cream.
Lucas couldn't help but rub his palms together.
Sinnoh's winter is truly cold.
As someone from the south, this was really too difficult for him.
Lucas suddenly remembered a saying.
If we walk together in the snow.
"Gengar, we will win, right?"
Gengar nodded just as seriously.
Lucas smiled and tugged at its mouth corners.
"It's really great to have you all here."
"Gengar's sound."
Me too.
"What are you talking about?"
Cynthia asked, holding a few ice creams.
Lucas, Gengar, and Garchomp exchanged glances, shocked.
How is this possible?!
"What's wrong? Why do you look so shocked?"
Cynthia asked in confusion.
Lucas then said: "You... how did you choose so quickly today?"
Logically speaking, shouldn't you take half an hour to choose? Why so fast today? Could it be that you aren't Cynthia?!
Just as this thought popped into Lucas's mind, he felt something cold against his neck. He looked down.
A very familiar scythe. He touched it with his hand, feeling the familiar sensation of the blade.
Cynthia handed the ice cream to Garchomp. Garchomp took the ice cream, lowered the scythe from Lucas's neck, and began to enjoy the ice cream.
"Because there was only this one flavor left, but fortunately, it's the mango flavor you like."
Cynthia handed the ice cream in her hand to Lucas and Gengar, explaining.
So that was it?
So there was only one flavor left?
No wonder Cynthia chose so quickly today.
But she actually remembered the flavor he liked.
Lucas felt quite delighted inside.
He took the ice cream and continued walking with Cynthia in the snowy weather.
Until they finished the ice cream, Cynthia clapped her hands, then jumped onto Garchomp's back.
"Well, Lucas, I'm heading back to the League first. Next time I have free time, I'll visit the Breeding House again."
Cynthia looked at Lucas, who was standing in the snow, and said.
Lucas nodded, then glanced at Gengar. Gengar took out a scarf, and Lucas handed it to Cynthia.
Cynthia took it and looked. On it was printed a golden-haired girl and a somewhat... cute Garchomp?
Cynthia looked at Lucas in confusion.
Lucas said gently: "It's snowing, isn't it? Riding Garchomp, the wind is strong in the sky. This is a scarf Gengar and I knitted for you, don't mind if it's ugly."
As Lucas said this, his heart was beating violently.
Cynthia looked at Lucas and Gengar, then looked down at the scarf in her hands.
Lucas suddenly felt a murderous intent approaching.
What do you mean, kid? She's cold, so I'm not? Where's my scarf?!
Lucas: ?! Oh no!
Forgot it!
Finished!
∑ (AO | I)
Lucas hurriedly tried to fix it, "Yours is at home, I'll give it to you later."
Garchomp was finally satisfied and nodded.
Cynthia's Poké Ball was shaking violently.
Lucas hurriedly said: "They are all at home."
The Poké Ball finally quieted down.
Seeing this, Cynthia laughed, then wrapped the scarf around her neck and patted Garchomp's head.
"I'm leaving, I really like it."
Lucas nodded, "Take care on your way."
Lucas and Gengar watched as Garchomp shot straight into the sky like a fighter jet, then disappeared from sight.
Cynthia felt the wind howling in the sky, her face hidden in the scarf. The end of the scarf with the Garchomp print was fluttering in the wind, and her face felt the warmth brought by the scarf.
Cynthia narrowed her eyes and wrapped the scarf tighter, her face glowing warmly and rosy.
"Garchomp."
"kao!?"
"Full speed ahead."
With this resolute sentence, Garchomp nodded, then unleashed its full aura.
"kao!"
Wherever it went, all Pokémon gave way.