"What are you thinking about?"
Cynthia sat on the back of a rented Lapras, watching Lucas, who was lost in thought on another Lapras, and asked.
"Nothing, I was just thinking about little Shauna. Little Shauna used to be so sensible before."
Hearing Lucas's words, Cynthia couldn't help but chuckle softly. "I actually think the lively little Shauna we have now is quite good. It shows that she spends every day very happily."
"But this is a bit too happy, isn't it?"
Lucas rubbed his forehead. "She's practically a bully at the Breeding House now."
"That way, she won't be at a disadvantage when she's old enough to go out on a journey. By the way, aren't you planning to pick a few more powerful Pokémon for her?"
"Little Bell and Rapidash are enough. Rapidash's strength is actually not weak at all; it depends on how she utilizes it. Besides, it's best for one to encounter their own Pokémon personally."
Speaking of which, Lucas recalled Shauna's command style and felt even more exhausted.
Lucas shook his head, deciding not to think about Shauna anymore, as that would only add to his exhaustion. He looked at Cynthia. "After Ninetales and the others return, let's make a trip to the Unova League."
Cynthia paused for a moment, then looked at the serious-looking Lucas. "You've decided?"
Lucas nodded slightly.
Cynthia blinked. "I remember you being the one who hates trouble the most."
"Sigh, just consider it clearing away some obstacles for my student."
After saying this, Lucas lay down on the Lapras's back, quietly watching the blue sky above. Victini, who had been hanging out with Gengar, also flew over, lying lazily beside Lucas, looking completely burnt out.
"Stop hanging out with Gengar, or you'll end up like a little rascal."
"Tini."
"No way."
"Latias used to say that too. And now?"
Lucas retorted. It was a good thing Latias wasn't there, otherwise, she would definitely have hit Lucas with a Zen Headbutt.
Seeing this, Cynthia followed suit and lay down. The two of them lay quietly on the backs of the Lapras, letting the Lapras drift wherever they pleased.
"The ocean is still very beautiful when it's calm."
Lucas yawned softly and said.
Cynthia gave a soft, indifferent "Mm."
Meloetta sat on the head of the Lapras Lucas was riding, humming a beautiful melody. Suddenly, many ocean Pokémon gathered around, quietly surrounding the two Lapras, Lucas, and Cynthia, and swam forward together.
"Put that pot back! Meloetta is not for baiting fish, you jerk!"
Seeing Gengar unable to resist taking out a pot, Lucas couldn't help but curse.
Can't this little chubby guy read the room?
In such a quiet, lazy atmosphere where humans and Pokémon coexist harmoniously—perfect for sleeping—it just had to pull out a big black pot and think about stewing fish soup. I'm truly speechless at this old rascal.
"Gengar gar—"
"Hehe, I'm used to it. It's been a long time since I had fish soup."
Gengar chuckled and shoved the pot back.
"If you want to eat it, I'll have Gothitelle cook it for you when we get back."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Poké Ball at his waist shook.
Gothitelle's intended message was transmitted directly into Lucas's mind.
"I want to drink the one you cook."
"Roger that, boss."
Lucas turned to look at Cynthia, who was lying on the back of the Lapras. Her wrist, tied with the Breeding House wooden tag, was dangling off the back of the Lapras, just a few centimeters from the surface of the sea, while her eyes were fixed on the sky, as if she were lost in thought.
Feeling her hand being held by a large, powerful hand, Cynthia came back to her senses and looked at Lucas, finding him smiling while holding her hand in his palm. She rolled her eyes at him but let him continue holding her hand.
The Lapras were also swimming side-by-side, their heads leaning against each other, nuzzling affectionately.
Meloetta's singing still echoed in their ears, beautiful and melodious.
Just as Lucas was enjoying this comfortable and peaceful time, the arrival of an uninvited guest interrupted this wonderful moment.
Lucas sat up, a bit annoyed, and looked to the right. Not seeing anything, he remembered something and turned his body, only then discovering a Golurk hovering in front of the Lapras.
A man was standing on top of the Golurk; it was none other than Larry, the guardian of Meloetta.
Glancing at the schools of fish that had scattered in panic, Lucas narrowed his eyes.
"Lord Meloetta, the matter is over, please come back with me."
Larry ignored Lucas and Cynthia directly and spoke to Meloetta, who was sitting on the head of the Lapras.
Although it was phrased as a discussion, the tone carried a strong sense of command.
Meloetta stopped singing and furrowed her beautiful little brow.
She didn't want to go back; it was too dull there.
"Clap, clap, clap."
Soft applause rang out. Larry and Meloetta were attracted by the sound, and Meloetta noticed that Lucas was looking at her.
"Meloetta, hug."
Looking at the smile on Lucas's face, Meloetta didn't hesitate at all and threw herself into Lucas's arms. Lucas took the opportunity to let her sit on his shoulder.
"You've seen it too; Meloetta doesn't seem willing to go back with you."
Lucas's tone was somewhat cold.
Larry didn't know why Lucas's tone was so cold, but carrying the orders of his tribe, he could only explain, "We must protect Meloetta to prevent such things from happening again. This is also our tribe's inherent responsibility."
"No one will be able to take Meloetta away from Cynthia and me."
Lucas looked at Larry.
Hearing the implication in Lucas's words, Larry shook his head. He also hoped that Meloetta could live freely, but possessing special abilities, she was inherently a target for some villains.
"But—"
"Protection doesn't mean you can restrict her freedom."
Lucas interrupted Larry. "You can take my words back to your elders. Tell them I will protect Meloetta well. If they are not at ease, they can come over personally. Whether they want to teach me a lesson or test my strength, I welcome them all."
Hearing this, Larry's mouth twitched involuntarily.
Test your strength? They aren't suicidal and looking to reincarnate early—
"But you also cannot forcibly capture Meloetta."
"I never said I would capture Meloetta. I just need her help with some experiments. Gengar, the identification."
Gengar handed a certificate to Lucas. Lucas opened it and held it up. "My research requires her help."
"Hmm—Lucas, I know your strength is very high—but a Beginner Breeder shouldn't need research, right? Especially with a Legendary Pokémon—"
Larry looked at the "Beginner Breeder" written on the certificate, hesitated, but still spoke his mind.
"Beginner Breeder?!"
Lucas's eyes widened. He took the certificate back and took a look himself. It clearly read: "Given that Lucas did not pass the Intermediate Breeder examination, his status remains unchanged, still a Beginner Breeder."
Oh my, this is so embarrassing.
Lucas covered his face and threw the certificate back to Gengar. "What are you doing! This isn't the right one!"
Gengar finally realized.
"Hm? Oh! Oh, oh, oh! Sorry, I grabbed the wrong one."
Watching Gengar's exaggerated expression, Lucas glared at it.
This old rascal, if it dared to say it wasn't intentional, he would immediately swallow Victini.
Victini: ???
Gengar pulled out another certificate and handed it to Lucas. This time, Lucas opened it to check first and found it was the Pokémon Professor certification, only then handing it to Larry with relief.
Larry took it and saw it was signed and confirmed by Professor Oak and Professor Rowan, two authorities in the Pokémon Professor field: "Doctor of Pokémon Emotion and Bond Research—Lucas."
Larry: !!!
Lucas is actually a Pokémon Professor?!
At this time, Cynthia also took out a proof.
"Authority in the field of Pokémon Archaeology—Cynthia."
"Meloetta also seems to be very helpful for my research, so I would like her to help me. I wonder if Meloetta agrees?"
After Cynthia finished speaking, she looked at Meloetta. Meloetta naturally understood what Cynthia meant and nodded sweetly.
Seeing that both Champions and the famous scholar had found their reasons, Larry nodded. "This way I have an excuse to go back."
Larry looked at Meloetta, thought for a moment, and said, "If you get tired of playing, come back. We just want to protect you, although the method is a bit—"
Larry also knew that some people in his tribe used methods that were too extreme, but there was nothing he could do; he wasn't an elder yet.
Before he could finish his sentence, Larry rode off on the Golurk.
Watching the departing figures of the Golurk and Larry, a hint of sadness appeared in Meloetta's eyes.
She knew they wanted to protect her, but sometimes, she didn't want someone following her every moment.
Feeling that Meloetta, who was sitting on his shoulder, was a bit low, Lucas reached out and patted her little head gently. "Don't worry, if you want to come back, I'll send you back anytime. I have an Anywhere Door, don't worry."
Meloetta didn't know what an Anywhere Door was, but she could understand the meaning in Lucas's words.
If she wanted to return, he would send her back at any time.
"Melo~"
Meloetta smiled sweetly.
Looking at the beautiful, cute, and elegant Meloetta, Lucas felt his heart melt. Then he looked at Victini, who was fast asleep on the Lapras's back and drooling. The more he looked, the more annoyed he became.
It was practically a little Gengar.
Lucas reached out and picked it up. "Still sleeping? It's already dark!"
"Tini?"
Victini opened its eyes, wiped the drool from the corner of its mouth, and asked with a sleepy look.
"Is it time to eat?"
Lucas: "..."
Meloetta covered her mouth and laughed.
"From now on, you are not allowed to go near Gengar."
Gengar, who had already taken out a fishing rod and was fishing somewhere, heard Lucas's words and turned around with a confused look.
"Gengar gar?"
"How can you blame me when I didn't even say anything?"
"Because you've already corrupted Victini. By the way, when did you set up that fishing rod?"
"Gengar gar—"
"I set it up just now."
"Make one for me, how about that? Have you caught any fish?"
"Gengar gar—"
"No."
Lucas took the fishing rod handed over by Gengar and ruthlessly mocked Gengar.
"You're so bad at this; you haven't caught a single fish until now."
Gengar ignored Lucas's mockery and just focused on chewing sausage while fishing.
"Gengar gar"
"La la la~ I'm a little fishing expert~"
Gengar was carrying a bucket in its hand, with a few big, lively fish jumping inside. It carried this bucket of fish, humming a little tune, and walked happily along the road ahead.
Compared to the happy Gengar, Lucas, who was walking behind, had a dark face.
Lucas lived up to his nickname of "Air Force Brother," returning empty-handed once again.
He watched the happy Gengar walking ahead, gnashing his teeth in frustration.
And Gengar didn't mock Lucas, because it had long understood one thing: when it comes to fishing, you cannot mock him, otherwise he really won't cook for you.
These were all bloody lessons.
Lucas was very petty.
"I, Gengar, am magnanimous; I won't hold it against him."
Inside the kitchen of the villa, Lucas was personally cooking for the first time in a long while.
Gothitelle, Gengar, and Lilligant were all gathered around helping out.
Lucas explained every step to Cilan, who was beside him, while cooking the fish soup.
"Actually, the best way to prepare this freshly caught fish is to make soup. You don't need to add too many seasonings because it's already fresh and sweet enough. We just need to add a little salt and ginger, control the heat, simmer it slowly for a while, and finally, add a drop of sesame oil and sprinkle a little green onion, and it's done."
Lucas opened the lid and stirred the milky white fish soup gently. In an instant, the entire kitchen was filled with the delicious aroma of fish soup.
Gengar floated on the ceiling, drool dripping down involuntarily.
"So fragrant—"
Even Gothitelle couldn't help but want a bowl of the fresh, sweet fish soup.
Lucas brought a few small bowls and served them each half a bowl of fish soup.
"Gengar gar!"
"Lucas is the best! Gengar loves Lucas the most!"
Gengar took the fish soup, blew on it carefully, and drank it all in one gulp.
"So delicious~"
Gengar felt like its whole ghost self was swimming in the ocean.
Gothitelle and Lilligant were also enjoying the delicious fish soup on the side.
Cilan took the fish soup, stirred it gently with a spoon, scooped up a little, blew on it gently near his mouth, and with a slurp, drank the fish soup.
He instantly felt like he was surrounded by a large group of ocean Pokémon, and he could freely swim with this group of ocean Pokémon—
"What an—exquisite taste—it's simply an indescribable flavor."
Cilan exclaimed sincerely.
"It's good that you like it, but it's not finished yet."
Seeing their expressions, Lucas nodded with satisfaction, then covered the lid and continued to simmer it on low heat.
Taking advantage of this time, Lucas started preparing other dishes.
Ash brought Iris and pushed open the door of the villa, looking at Lucas busy in the kitchen, somewhat surprised. "Is Lucas cooking today?"
"That's right. What do you want to eat?"
"Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu, Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork, Cola Chicken Wings, Garlic Ribs—"
"Shut up. You eat whatever I make."
"Oh."
Ash obediently shut his mouth and sat at the dining table with Pikachu, waiting for the meal.
"So Lucas can actually cook?"
Iris looked at Lucas busy in the kitchen and asked curiously.
"You didn't know this, did you? Lucas's cooking is the best. Gothitelle and Mime Jr.'s cooking skills were learned from Lucas."
Just as Ash was constantly praising Lucas's cooking, Gothitelle and the others had already served various dishes on the table.
Every dish was colorful, fragrant, and delicious.
"Is it not ready yet?"
Ash couldn't hold back anymore.
Gengar also sat in its seat, holding chopsticks in its hand, ready to pounce.
"The last dish, 'Bountiful Harvest Fresh Fish Soup,' is here~"
Lucas placed the fish soup in the middle of the dining table, and the aroma of the fish instantly filled the entire villa.
Watching everyone ready to pounce, Lucas clapped his hands lightly. "Let's dig in!"
"Gengar gar"
"I'm digging in~"
"I'm digging in~"
"Pika~"
Watching everyone eating enthusiastically, Lucas was extremely satisfied.
His cooking skills had certainly not regressed.
After everyone had eaten enough, Lucas put down his chopsticks and looked at Alder, who was digesting his food because he was too full. "Mr. Alder."
"Ah? What's wrong?"
Lucas stared into Alder's eyes and said seriously, "Let's have a battle."
Everyone: ???
—
Alder looked at Lucas without speaking.
"A battle—a battle between Champions."
Alder stared at Lucas's serious eyes, seemingly sensing something, and after a long while, he spoke: "Alright!"
Alder stood up. "I'll be waiting for you at the Unova League."
"I'll be there soon."
Alder nodded and walked out of the villa.
Lucas stood up. "Ash, remember to wash the dishes."
"Yes."
Lucas finished speaking and walked out of the villa first.
Inside the villa, Ash and Iris looked at each other, and then Ash lowered his head and continued eating.
***************************
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