After Gardevoir finished speaking, she stared intently at Blaine, with a hint of hostility in her eyes.
Her intelligence was higher than many humans, so she understood the cause and effect; she also knew what Blaine had done to her.
Blaine had nearly taken her life several times; she didn't mind those because, without Blaine's experiments, she might never have become so strong.
If she wasn't strong enough, she couldn't be much help to Ash.
Therefore, even though Blaine had done things in the past that almost cost her life, Gardevoir didn't really mind; she even felt a bit grateful to him.
Blaine was the one who gave her this talent, and he was the one who brought her to Ash. Just for these two reasons, what Blaine did in the past was forgiven in Gardevoir's heart.
However, it was what Blaine did afterwards that made Gardevoir glare at him in anger now.
He actually suggested that Ash hand her over to the League!!
This was simply unforgivable. How could there be such a vile suggestion! Could a person even think of such a proposal!
She didn't slap him on the spot only because Ash was still there beside them.
Although she knew Blaine made the suggestion for her and Ash's own good, the impact of his suggestion was even more painful than her being killed. She would rather stay by Ash's side, even if it meant one day being captured by Mewtwo!
Moreover, she had already asked Ash for his opinion, and he said he would protect her. Yet this old man was still trying to 'stir' up their relationship and attempt to separate them—truly unforgivable!
So Gardevoir directly 'spoke up': "My trainer said it's fine, and yet you, old man, are still meddling!"
To Ash, Gardevoir was absolutely unconditionally trusting. If Ash said he could protect her, that meant he could, so she only needed to obediently grow under his protection until she became strong enough to stand shoulder to shoulder with that one called Mewtwo, and then she could protect Ash in return!
No one knew that under Gardevoir's gentle voice, she was thinking so much.
If Blaine could see Gardevoir's inner thoughts, he would probably be shocked at the terror of women—even if it's a female Pokémon, it still counts as a woman.
However, Blaine did not know what was going on in Gardevoir's mind; he was simply marveling at her naivety.
"Ash says he can protect you, so he can? Your vision is limited by your trainer. You've never seen the world; do you really think your trainer is invincible?"
Perhaps because Ash had never lost since his debut, even defeating the Elite, that he began to think his trainer was amazing and could protect her no matter what. But reality is far more cruel than she imagines.
"Well, Ash, didn't you come to challenge the Cinnabar Gym? Let's battle then."
"Huh?" Ash had a face full of confusion; weren't we just talking about Mewtwo? Why suddenly start a battle?
"Show me; prove that you have the power to protect Gardevoir. If you can't even defeat an old man like me, then don't even talk about going against Team Rocket and Mewtwo. Seeking the League's help is the right path." Blaine put on his sunglasses, his expression becoming more serious.
"But Blaine, didn't you also not seek help from the League? The League is still looking for you." Ash's words instantly deflated the serious face Blaine had just put on.
This kid always focuses on the strangest things.
Is it that he doesn't want to seek the League's help? It's that he can't, alright!
His appearance would attract attention from both sides, which could lead to an unprecedented war. Until he finds a specific way to confine and solve Mewtwo, it is best for him to remain hidden and not appear out in the open.
Besides, he ran to join Team Rocket for his experiments, which is a huge slap in the face to the League; he didn't know why at the time, but he impulsively chose to cooperate with Team Rocket.
But what's done is done; saying anything is useless. Once this matter is finally resolved, maybe he'll be put in prison by the League, but none of that matters now. What matters is finding a way to solve the trouble he created.
Therefore, Gardevoir must absolutely not be discovered by Mewtwo and Team Rocket. Even if they do find her, she must be protected!
That's why he strongly urged Ash to seek the League's aid. Unlike him, Ash had a proper and legitimate background, having been brought up by Professor Oak.
Finding the League's help would have no issues or hurdles for Ash. This was the best way for him.
But Ash insists he has the ability to protect Gardevoir, so Blaine needs to use the battle to make Ash see reality!
Yet Ash didn't take the bait, which made Blaine rather headache-prone.
You young people need more drive!
"However, Blaine, there's one thing you were right about—I've indeed come this time to challenge the Cinnabar Gym. Whether it's to test my strength or whatever, this battle needs to be fought!"
Ash stood up and looked Blaine straight in the eyes, saying loudly.
Blaine being involved with Ralts' origins counted as an unexpected event; even without the matter of Ralts, Ash intended to challenge Blaine. However, the reason for the battle had slightly changed in flavor now.