"Lucas?"
Solaceon Town's Miss Jenny arrived at the scene. She first glanced at the mess everywhere and was about to ask about the culprit when she noticed a young man and a teenager standing there obediently.
That young man looked somewhat familiar to Miss Jenny.
Upon getting closer, she realized it was Lucas.
"?"
Hearing someone call his name, Lucas looked up and saw it was Solaceon Town's Miss Jenny.
Did Solaceon Town's Miss Jenny know him too?
Lucas was incredibly surprised, then nodded politely in response. "I'm sorry, Miss Jenny."
Miss Jenny looked at the messy scene again, feeling a bit of a headache.
"So, can you tell me how this happened?"
Lucas answered truthfully, "I was having a sparring match with my student. I accidentally failed to hold back my strength, and it ended up like this."
"So you're saying this was caused by a battle?"
Lucas grinned and nodded.
Miss Jenny was a bit startled; he really was a powerful Trainer.
"You're Gary, right?"
Miss Jenny looked at Gary, who was standing to the side, and asked.
Gary mimicked Lucas, grinning and nodding.
Looking at the teacher and student who were carved from the same mold, Miss Jenny couldn't help but sigh. "Only you two would have the energy to battle right after resolving such a major incident."
"Since we're all on the same side, you'll just need to pay for the repairs to the area."
Lucas nodded quickly.
It was what he should do anyway.
"Also, after paying the compensation, if you still want to spar, please go to an appropriate place! Like a training ground. Don't battle in the wild, especially so close to the city."
Lucas quickly agreed, while also reaching out to press Gary's head down, making him bow along with him.
Seeing this, Solaceon Town's Miss Jenny nodded in satisfaction and dispersed the surrounding onlookers before looking back at the two.
"Cousin Reese was right; you really do know how to cause trouble sometimes."
Hearing this, Lucas felt somewhat indignant.
What did she mean by he knew how to cause trouble? He was very "well-behaved," okay?
"Sister Reese is slandering me."
Solaceon Town's Miss Jenny scoffed noncommittally.
"Enough. At the recent Family Gathering, Reese already told us all about your character and the personalities of the Pokémon in your Breeding House. Don't even try to deny it."
What an injustice!
Lucas cried out in protest.
"Alright, it's starting to snow. Head back early. On behalf of the Sinnoh region, I express my high gratitude to you both. Thank you."
Miss Jenny finished and gave a salute.
Lucas returned the salute.
Miss Jenny hopped onto her Arcanine. "Stay safe."
With that, she rode away.
After Miss Jenny left, Lucas took Gary to the Municipal Hall to pay the compensation.
Then he took Gary to the Pokémon Center to restore his Pokémon's condition. After coming out, Lucas looked at Gary: "Alright, although a little accident happened, it seems you weren't able to defeat Lilligant."
Gary: ————
Recalling that powerful move from earlier, the corner of Gary's mouth couldn't help but twitch.
No one could possibly defend against that, right?
Regarding Gary's thoughts, his Arcanine had the most to say.
Arcanine: "Awoo, awoo."
That ball flew straight at me just now; I couldn't even run away, you know?
What? You want to ask if it hurt? It didn't really hurt, since I fell asleep instantly.
Lucas nodded with satisfaction. Truth be told, the power of that Z-Move was indeed formidable.
He was very pleased; his strength had improved again.
He patted Gary on the shoulder: "Gary, keep moving forward."
Gary gave a hum of agreement.
Then he saw Lucas take two stones out of his pocket.
He looked up at Lucas.
Lucas's face was full of a warm, spring-like breeze. "This is a gift from a teacher to his student."
Gary took the stones, not knowing what they were, looking confused.
Then he heard Lucas continue: "You can give them to Blastoise to carry. If one day in the future, the two stones are able to react with each other..."
At this point, Lucas smiled and continued: "It means the bond between you and Blastoise has crossed into another stage. At that time, I believe this bond that deeply connects you and Blastoise will give you—"
Lucas paused, rubbing his hands together and exhaling a breath of white mist, then continued: "a significant help."
Hearing this, Gary seemed to realize what they were. He tucked the stones away and said seriously, "I will work hard, Master. Blastoise and I will reach that level."
Hearing Gary's words, Lucas patted his head again. "Keep it up."
"Keep moving forward, the spirit of a young man—"
Lucas said to himself, "Intertwined with Pokémon, coming together to form a beautiful picture."
"I look forward to your performance at the conference. No, I should say, I look forward to your performances at the conference."
"I have high hopes for you, for all of you."
"I hope you can enjoy this League Conference. After all, this League Conference is truly unprecedented—"
Lucas suddenly thought of an unknown Trainer he had seen on TV, who was watching TV at a Pokémon Center with a Heatran.
He wanted to laugh.
A Heatran with no prestige.
And Darkrai, as well as Latios.
I wonder if I'll see those other Pokémon later.
I'm really looking forward to it.
Lucas exhaled another breath of mist.
Gary carefully put away the two stones Lucas had given him, released Arcanine, and hopped on. He looked at Lucas: "Then Manager, I'll be leaving first. There are still things I need to attend to over at Lake Valor."
Lucas nodded. "Stay safe."
Gary hummed in response and quickly rode away on Arcanine.
Watching Gary's departing figure, Lucas's anticipation for the upcoming League Conference grew.
I wonder if Paul can master that power.
I wonder if Gary will master this power before the conference.
If they clash at the conference, what kind of intense and passionate battle will they provide?
If they encounter the Silly Thing with his old team returning, what will happen?
Will there really be a chance to beat the Legendary Trainer?
Hiss~
I'm dying of anticipation.
"Thank you for the gift you brought back, Ninetales."
A red light flashed from the Poké Ball, and Ninetales appeared before Lucas, looking at him curiously.
"Siu?"
What gift?
Lucas laughed and rubbed its head.
"I'm talking about the senior from the Breeding House."
Ninetales suddenly understood; it was its elder.
Then it nudged Lucas onto its back.
Feeling the slight Heat Wave surrounding him, Lucas said thank you and looked at the Gengar beside him.
"I'm looking forward to the League Conference more and more, Gengar."
Lucas smiled.
Unexpectedly, Gengar didn't answer him.
Instead, it distanced itself from Lucas, putting on an expression as if it didn't know him.
I don't know him, don't blame me.
Lucas looked curious and was about to ask what was going on when he realized he was flying.
Upside down in the air, Lucas saw an upside-down Gothitelle.
As for me, Lucas, I'm doomed.
Then everything went black as he was planted into the snow by Gothitelle.