Sabrina and Gladion finally left Meteor Falls behind as Tropius carried them through the evening sky.
The vast cave system slowly disappeared beneath them, replaced by forests, rivers, and rolling hills that looked almost peaceful from above. For once, they were simply flying somewhere without a crisis following them.
Sabrina looked toward Gladion, who was sitting comfortably on Tropius's back while watching the landscape below. "So, what is next, Mr. Business Tycoon? Are you planning to buy another mine, negotiate another international deal, or somehow discover another ancient secret before we even leave Hoenn?"
Her tone was teasing, but Gladion could hear the genuine curiosity behind it. He smiled and shook his head. "We are going on a date, of course. I have spent almost this entire trip working, fighting, investigating, negotiating, and chasing criminals. At this point, I think I have earned at least one evening where I am not trying to solve some problem."
Sabrina blinked in surprise. "A date? You actually planned one?"
Gladion looked at her with an amused expression. "Yes, a real date. You, me, and our Pokémon. I made a promise that after my fight with Moltres I would spend more time with my team instead of constantly throwing them into dangerous situations. I also promised myself that I would spend some proper time with you. Besides, after everything that happened during this supposed vacation trip, I think even I deserve a break."
He glanced toward her and smiled. "And before you say anything, I am aware that calling a diplomatic mission involving assassins, explosions, Regigigas, and criminal organizations a vacation was probably a mistake."
Sabrina laughed softly. "That may be the first sensible thing you have said all day. I was beginning to wonder whether your idea of relaxation involved finding another Legendary Pokémon and challenging it."
Gladion considered that for a moment before answering with a completely straight face. "I have already done that several times this trip, so I suppose I should try something different tonight."
Sabrina shook her head while trying not to laugh. "You really are impossible."
Before Gladion could answer, a Poké Ball on his belt opened in a flash of white light. Nyx appeared directly on Tropius's back and immediately stretched herself before looking at Gladion with an offended expression.
The Umbreon had clearly been waiting for an opportunity to complain. [Finally, you remembered that I exist. You did not even bring me out of my Poké Ball for almost the entire journey, and I would like to remind you that I am not some piece of luggage you can leave in storage whenever you become busy.]
Gladion looked at her with mild surprise. "I was going to bring you out later, but you seemed perfectly comfortable resting."
Nyx gave him a look that made it very clear she did not believe him. [Resting? I was imprisoned in a small ball while everyone else got to travel around Sinnoh, fight Legendary Pokémon, eat interesting food, and enjoy themselves. I could have been useful, you know. At the very least, I could have provided emotional support and demanded proper meals.]
She then turned toward Sabrina and gave her a slow once over before smiling. [And hey, missy. I suppose you are coming along too.]
Sabrina raised an eyebrow. [Missy? That is what you decided to call me?]
Nyx flicked her tail and answered confidently, [I thought it sounded friendly. I could have called you the Psychic Lady who Keeps Stealing My Human's Attention, but I decided to be polite on our first proper meeting after such a long time.]
Gladion looked between them and smiled.
As the sun disappeared, Gladion guided Tropius toward a hill overlooking the distant coastline. It was far enough from any major city that the night sky was almost completely clear.
Gladion landed Tropius on the top of the hill, where a flat patch of grass provided the perfect place to sit.
The rest of the team was released soon afterward. Ultron appeared first, floating silently beside Gladion before immediately taking on the strange role it had somehow created for itself.
The Metagross looked toward Gladion, then toward Sabrina, and finally toward the empty space where dinner should have been.
Gladion understood the look almost immediately. "You do not have to serve us tonight, Ultron. This is supposed to be a relaxing evening for everyone." Ultron gave him a firm psychic response that clearly suggested it disagreed.
Sabrina looked amused. "I think Ultron has decided that someone needs to organize this date."
Gladion smiled. "Apparently my Metagross has become my personal butler."
Ultron immediately floated away without waiting for permission. A few seconds later, a psychic glow surrounded its body, and it teleported away.
Sabrina watched it disappear. "Where did it go?" Gladion shrugged. "Probably to find food."
Several minutes later, Ultron returned carrying several carefully packed containers that it had apparently collected from a restaurant in a nearby town. It placed everything down with remarkable care before floating backward and giving a small psychic bow.
Gladion stared at it. "You actually went to a restaurant and brought dinner back?" Ultron responded through their psychic connection with a simple feeling of satisfaction.
Sabrina laughed. "You have trained your Pokémon far too well. Most people have to convince their Pokémon to help them. Yours apparently organizes your dinner reservations."
Gladion smiled. "Ultron has standards." The Metagross gave him an approving psychic pulse before settling nearby like a professional servant waiting for further instructions.
A much louder presence soon interrupted the peaceful atmosphere.
Guy raised all four of his arms toward the sky and struck an exaggerated pose. His expression was filled with determination as he declared, [This peaceful evening is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the bonds between trainer and Pokémon, because youth is not measured by age but by the fire that burns inside the heart, and tonight we shall let that fire shine brighter than the stars above us!]
Sabrina stared at him.
Gladion stared at him.
Nyx slowly turned toward Gladion with a confused expression.
Gladion sighed. "I apologise for him advance."
Guy immediately struck another pose and continued, [Gladion, my youthful brother, you should never apologize for having a passionate Pokémon like me on your team, because every great journey requires someone willing to remind everyone else that sitting quietly and eating dinner is not enough when we could instead be celebrating the power of friendship through vigorous training!]
Sabrina covered her mouth to hide her laughter. Gladion simply pointed toward the food. "Guy, tonight you are going to celebrate friendship by sitting down and eating."
Guy froze for a moment before giving a proud nod. [That is an excellent training exercise for patience, and I shall accept this challenge with the determination of youth!]
Not far away, Colossus stood beside the new Alpha Bagon. The massive Tyranitar had apparently taken his new role as the senior Alpha very seriously. Every few seconds, he would point toward the smaller Dragon Pokémon and make a low growling sound.
The Bagon would then attempt to imitate him.
When the Bagon made the wrong movement, Colossus would growl again.
The Bagon tried again.
Sabrina watched the exchange with amusement. "Is Colossus actually training him?"
Gladion nodded. "He has decided that the Bagon needs to learn how to behave properly as an Alpha. Unfortunately, his teaching method seems to involve intimidation."
The Bagon suddenly tried to roar at Colossus with all the strength he had.
Colossus stared down at him.
The Bagon slowly lowered his head.
Gladion chuckled. "That was probably the lesson."
-----Author Notes------
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