Though their ti together had been brief, Elias had developed a genuine fondness for wtwo.
Despite appearing more mature than w, she was emotionally more like an insecure child.
But once she trusted soone, wtwo would behave just like a real cat—seeking closeness and attention.
Not seeing wtwo upon his return left Elias sowhat concerned.
By now, she should have already been fully developed and free from her cultivation chamber.
Upon hearing Elias's question, w eagerly floated forward.
She hovered midair, gesturing with her small paws as she explained earnestly:
"w w! (When Giratina took you away, she imdiately escaped her tank.)"
"w~ (But because she hadn't fully developed, she fainted soon afterward.)"
Though w was usually unreliable, she took matters involving wtwo seriously.
After all, wtwo was essentially her "daughter" in a certain sense.
Plus, w still hoped that once wtwo had grown stronger, they could team up and finally take down Gardevoir and that annoying fox.
Clearly, w hadn't abandoned her previous sches.
After hearing w's explanation, Elias nodded in understanding.
He hadn't realized that even at such a distance, wtwo could sense him being pulled into the Distortion World by Giratina.
Considering how frail she'd been, it made sense she had fainted after forcing her escape.
If nothing unexpected occurred, wtwo should currently be with Giovanni.
The question now was how well she had recovered.
Thinking about this, Elias allowed a faint current of Viridian power to flow out.
With his current abilities, fully healing wtwo would be an easy matter, even if she wasn't fully recovered yet.
"I see. Let's visit her tomorrow then."
Elias gently rubbed w's head, speaking warmly.
"w!"
w naturally had no objections.
...
Since it was already quite late by the ti they returned, Elias simply prepared a quick dinner using whatever ingredients Cynthia had on hand.
Even so, both Pokémon and humans ate with enthusiasm and delight.
After swallowing her last bite, Zoroark contentedly narrowed her eyes.
Compared to the others, she had waited far longer for this taste.
Centuries had passed since she'd last tasted food prepared personally by Elias.
Only now was she beginning to truly believe that this was no dream.
After all these centuries, she really had reunited with Elias.
"Elias."
Lost in her thoughts, Zoroark softly patted Elias's arm.
Thanks to her decisive action, she and Gardevoir had secured spots directly next to Elias, making conversation convenient.
Feeling Zoroark's touch, Elias glanced over with curiosity.
eting his eyes, Zoroark leaned closer, whispering softly into his ear:
"Elias, this is the 'modern era' Cynthia ntioned, isn't it?"
Elias nodded, although sowhat puzzled by her sudden question.
Why was Zoroark bringing this up now?
His confusion lasted only a mont before Zoroark shattered it completely with her next question:
"In this era… is it common for humans and Pokémon to beco mates?"
She vividly rembered Cynthia's words from long ago—even centuries couldn't erase that mory.
Cough—cough!
Elias nearly choked, coughing awkwardly.
Lifting his gaze, he stared directly into Zoroark's eager, glittering eyes and quickly understood her intentions.
"Um, it's probably not that common," Elias replied carefully, hesitating slightly. "But—"
"Finish eating first."
Before Elias could continue, Cynthia's stern voice interrupted him from across the table.
She had overheard Zoroark's question clearly and now deeply regretted ever ntioning such a thing in Hisui.
At the ti, she'd only thought about tricking Elias into leaving with her, completely overlooking that a certain overly affectionate Zoroark had been right there, eagerly listening.
Had she known it would lead to this, Cynthia would never have opened her mouth about it.
With the topic abruptly cut short, Zoroark reluctantly settled back into her seat.
Yet she wasn't discouraged. Now, without the pressures of their previous lives, she had plenty of ti to spend at Elias's side.
There was no need to rush.
After dinner, Steven and Lance both excused themselves, citing their busy work schedules.
"Elias, once I've dealt with my responsibilities, I'll co find you again," Steven promised, waving casually.
Unlike when he'd first arrived, Steven now desperately wanted to abandon all his responsibilities, fully relax, and perhaps go mining with Elias to hunt for rare stones.
"Sa here," Lance echoed tiredly. "League business has really piled up."
Lately, Lance had been running around constantly, barely keeping up with his duties.
Rumor had it that the Kanto League had even prepared a separate room just to store all the docunts he had yet to review.
Just thinking about it made Lance dizzy.
Seeing their exhausted expressions, Elias suddenly felt Giovanni had been quite rciful by comparison.
During his ti with Team Rocket, aside from specific missions, he'd generally enjoyed plenty of downti.
After bidding them farewell, Elias returned indoors.
As he stepped inside, he encountered Cynthia walking toward him.
She'd changed into loose, casual clothing, removing her usual earrings. Her typically composed and elegant aura now seed softer, more relaxed.
Seeing her like this, Elias couldn't help but be reminded of Cogita.
"Co with ," Cynthia beckoned gently.
Without waiting for a reply, she grasped Elias's wrist and led him out the door.
Though confused, Elias quietly followed.
Celestic Town appeared to have no nightlife—though it wasn't particularly late, few people wandered the streets.
After several twists and turns, Cynthia finally stopped before an ancient residence.
"We're here," she announced softly.
Elias raised his eyes, carefully examining the heavily weathered front gate.
Although worn and damaged, he felt an inexplicable familiarity wash over him.
"This place…" Elias murmured, glancing around as a suspicion ford.
"Ho," Cynthia whispered gently. "Your… original ho."
As Elias had suspected, Cynthia quickly confird it.
Before him stood Cogita's secluded residence, the ho where he had lived for over a decade.
"Co on, there's sothing I want to ask you," Cynthia said quietly, gently pushing open the old door.
---
Hello, dear readers.
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