Kalos Region, Laverre City, Rock Solid Gym.
"So you actually caught Terrakion?"
Yong lounged against the sofa in his Lounge, watching Gym Apprentice A-Liang take on a Trainer's challenge on the big screen. Gliscor nestled in his arms with a glass of orange juice, letting the boy gently stroke its head. Its eyes brimmed with curiosity as it quietly listened to the female voice on the other end of the phone.
"Well, it was something of a lucky coincidence. I earned Terrakion's approval, though that meant Kofu made the trip for nothing."
At the research institute in Celestic Town, Cynthia still held a comparative report on Garchomp's stats after Mega Evolution. A faint smile graced her face, and Yong's words made her chuckle.
"It seems you still haven't changed your perspective."
"People like Kofu may be outstanding, but the Ancient Family has far too many outstanding successors. Unlike the Temple Family, Dragon Village has a much larger population, which means more talented young people. The resources and training they receive depend entirely on their own abilities. It's perfectly normal for them to want a higher standing and more attention within the Ancient Family."
Cynthia set down the report and paced slowly, speaking softly.
"How do they get those things?"
Yong listened intently.
"The family! Only by bringing the family enough benefits, and substantial ones at that, can they escape their overlooked, secondary positions and change their roles from supporters to leaders."
Cynthia's gentle voice carried a cool edge, but she never showed even a hint of dominance when speaking to Yong. Instead, because she always kept an eye on him, she understood his current position and circumstances better than the boy himself did.
"Your achievements in the Unova Region, especially your encounters with so many Legendary Pokémon, have spread among