Check Out my new book Pokémon: I Started With a Shiny Metagross and Became A Breeder/Cook
Steven carefully placed food in front of each Pokémon.
"I didn't prepare energy cubes of different types beforehand, so you'll all have to make do with these for now," Steven said with a warm smile as he gently stroked Piplup's head.
It was fortunate that he had prepared a small batch of slightly sweet, type-neutral energy cubes. They were proving quite useful in this situation.
Apart from Lucario, who was a Steel-type, Steven's reserve of energy cubes would be just enough for everyone.
"These energy cubes look like they're of higher quality than the ones I normally use," Cynthia remarked, squatting down to examine the exceptionally vibrant cubes more closely.
"I got lucky and found some extremely high-quality energy cubes for sale," Steven explained with a light chuckle.
At Cynthia's signal, her Pokémon eagerly accepted Steven's offering.
Garchomp glanced over at Steven and let out a resigned sigh.
Fine, I suppose this can count as compensation for trying to steal Cynthia's attention right in front of me.
"Poga? ⊙ω⊙"
Piplup tilted its head curiously, watching Lairon happily munching away on minerals.
Is that stuff really delicious?
"Grawr~"
Absolutely delicious~
Suddenly, Lairon nudged its food bowl aside.
"Poga! (ﾟдﾟ)"
I definitely wouldn't eat something like that!
"All right, let's go. I'll make dinner for everyone," Steven announced, patting the dust off his pants as he stood up. He didn't forget to address the Pokémon before leaving.
"Everyone, please try to get along peacefully."
Scyther and Lucario exchanged brief glances, as if silently establishing some kind of understanding.
Garchomp: (ʘдʘ╬) Iron Crab!
Metagross: (●—●) Stinky Shark.
Steven busied himself in the kitchen while Cynthia leaned casually against the doorway, watching him work.
"How did you learn to cook?"
"I had plenty of free time anyway, so I figured learning something new would be worthwhile," Steven replied without looking up from his task.
The slight smile on his face never wavered.
"You can wait outside if you'd like."
"I want to see whether what you make is actually edible," Cynthia teased with a sidelong glance and a playful smile.
"Are you worried I might poison you?"
"Pfft—" Cynthia quickly covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.
"All right, then I'll wait to taste your cooking. I should probably go check on the Pokémon anyway."
"Go ahead. I'll call you when everything's ready."
After Cynthia left, Steven's movements suddenly became more efficient.
There were quite a lot of ingredients available in the lab, so Steven decided to prepare five dishes.
Including Professor Rowan, there were four people total in the lab, so it would be just about the right amount.
Steven dried his freshly washed hands and made his way to the backyard, calling out cheerfully, "Cynthia, dinner's ready!"
"Okay!" Cynthia replied, giving Garchomp one last affectionate pat before happily bouncing over to Steven's side.
"Grrr… (‾᷅д‾᷄)" Garchomp had been smiling contentedly just moments ago, but as soon as Cynthia left, its expression shifted to one of clear annoyance.
Garchomp turned its gaze toward Metagross, who had its eyes closed in apparent meditation.
Sensing the intense stare, Metagross slowly opened its eyes and began floating further away from the doorway.
Garchomp snorted coldly and followed after it.
Lucario immediately rose to its feet, and Scyther, reading the situation, moved to the opposite side.
"Poga?! Σ(ﾟдﾟlll)"
They're not actually going to fight, are they?!
"Grawr…" Lairon stared forlornly at its now-empty food bowl.
It's all gone already. Can I ask for seconds now as an after-meal snack?
Skarmory, however, remained completely focused.
I need to keep pushing myself harder… I should set new training intensities starting now!
At the dinner table, the three researchers were enthusiastically devouring the food.
The moment Steven set down the serving utensils, they immediately began rotating among the three researchers' hands in rapid succession.
"Isn't this getting a bit excessive?" Steven said with a somewhat helpless smile.
"At least it tastes considerably better than takeout," Professor Rowan commented matter-of-factly, chewing at his usual measured pace.
"Mm-hmm…" Cynthia nodded in agreement, her bright gray eyes tracking the constantly circulating serving utensils.
Steven couldn't help but smile at Cynthia's expression. He turned back toward the kitchen, retrieved a fresh pair of serving utensils, and handed them directly to Cynthia.
"By the way, Cynthia, have you ever heard of a Trainer named Aran during your travels?" Steven asked with genuine curiosity.
"I don't believe so," Cynthia replied, shaking her head thoughtfully after taking a moment to consider.
"Aran… I believe I might have an impression of that name," Professor Rowan interjected, setting down his bowl and utensils.
"Really, Professor?"
"I'm not entirely certain if we're talking about the same person. Do you have any physical descriptions?"
"Unfortunately, I don't know what he looks like. However, he should have always traveled with a Scyther."
Since Scyther hadn't described Aran's physical appearance, Steven naturally had no information to provide.
"Several years ago, there was a boy named Aran living in Sandgem Town."
"If I recall correctly, he did approach me requesting some Scyther breeding data."
"Really?!" Steven's interest immediately peaked. "But why do you say 'several years ago'? Is he no longer in Sandgem Town?"
"A few years back, that boy's parents came to thank me personally. However, I have no idea where they relocated to."
"I think I might know…" One of the researchers quickly swallowed their mouthful of food before continuing.
"I was curious at the time and asked about it. I believe they mentioned moving to Petalburg City?" The researcher quickly added, "Though I'm not completely certain I'm remembering correctly!"
"Thank you so much!"
"No problem at all! After all, we got to enjoy an excellent meal thanks to you."
Petalburg City… It just so happened that he needed to visit there anyway.
"Why are you suddenly asking about this person named Aran?" Cynthia inquired curiously.
"He's Scyther's previous owner. I made a promise to Scyther that I would help it discover the truth behind why it was abandoned," Steven explained earnestly.
"Indeed, helping a Pokémon resolve emotional issues is definitely something a Trainer should do," Professor Rowan agreed with a nod.
Following dinner, the three researchers eagerly volunteered to handle the dishes.
Steven led Cynthia back out to the backyard.
"What have you all been doing…"
Steven surveyed the four Pokémon, each showing varying degrees of minor injuries.
"Metagross!"
Sparring practice!
"Wait, your Metagross can write?" Cynthia asked in surprise, covering her mouth with one hand.
"Never underestimate Metagross," Steven replied with a knowing smile.
After carefully treating each Pokémon's injuries, Steven and Cynthia settled in for a conversation.
"What? You're returning to Hoenn today?"
"Yeah, my dad essentially tricked me into coming here. Given how much time has passed, I really need to get back and figure out what's actually happening," Steven explained with a slight grimace.
"So you weren't planning to come see me at all? I was imagining that after I became Champion, I could stand before you proudly as the Sinnoh Champion," Cynthia said, rolling her eyes at Steven in mock irritation.
"No, that's not it… Since we made that promise to each other about becoming Champions, I was actually thinking along the same lines as you."
"That explanation isn't particularly convincing," Cynthia noted, though her tone softened. "But I believe you anyway."
Steven blinked in surprise at her words, then his expression relaxed into a warm smile.
"The day I become Champion won't be too far off in the future."
"When I get the opportunity, I'll give you a special gift."
Cynthia's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Why do you need to wait for an opportunity?"
"Because that particular gift… I'm not certain I can actually find it."
"So you're essentially making empty promises right now?"
"Not at all! I fully intend to find it!"
The two shared a warm smile, but soon Cynthia's expression grew more troubled.
"Hey, Steven, do you honestly think I can become the Champion of the Sinnoh Region?"
"Don't worry about that. If you can't achieve it, then nobody can."
Even Cynthia, who would eventually grow into Sinnoh's formidable Champion, needed words of encouragement during these moments of doubt.
It just happened that Steven was the one providing that encouragement now.
"It's getting quite late. How about I take you for some ice cream before you need to catch your train?"
"Mm! That sounds perfect!"