Traveling with an Elite Four Member

Gary stepped into the finest Champion Suite in the city center and looked around a little awkwardly at the gleaming chandelier and the enormous round bed in the bedroom.

Only when he spotted the business lounge reserved for a "secretary" off to one side did he breathe a sigh of relief.

Thank goodness, the Champion Suite had a second bed!

On her first trip away from home, Caitlin made a satisfied tour of the suite before sitting down on the big bed in the bedroom.

"Do you always stay in places like this when you travel?" Caitlin asked curiously.

"No, of course not." Gary shrugged. Was she kidding? Sure, he came from a wealthy family, but he wasn't extravagant enough to stay in a Five-Star Hotel's Champion Suite every night.

A single night in this place cost at least five figures!

"Normally, we stay at Pokémon Centers. They provide free dorm rooms and meals. Any Pokémon Trainer can use them for free," Gary explained.

"That's amazing!" Caitlin's little mouth fell open in surprise. "Doesn't that mean you could retire there?"

Gary's mouth twitched. "Of course not. If you don't participate in any official Pokémon competitions for three years, your Trainer status gets suspended."

"Oh, so that's how it works." Caitlin nodded. She had been planning to find a Pokémon Center once she returned to the Unova Region, eat and sleep there for free, play games every day, and jump straight into retirement.

Of course, the girl probably hadn't realized that, as the descendant of a distinguished Unova family, she could retire right away even if she did absolutely nothing...

"Well, it's been a tiring trip. Want to change into slippers first?" Gary asked, looking at Caitlin's little white leather shoes.

"Oh, it's fine. Lady Gothitelle will help me." Caitlin looked at Gothitelle, who gently waved a hand. Confusion lifted Caitlin onto the bed, her shoes unfastened themselves, and a pair of soft slippers slipped onto her feet.

"Psychic powers really are convenient." Gary clicked his tongue.

"Do you need help, Young Master Mao?" Caitlin asked, tilting her head.

"Ahem, no thanks. I can handle it myself." Gary waved his hands awkwardly.

Pop! A Poké Ball opened on its own, and Psyduck popped out again. "Exactly. I can take care of something this simple. No need to trouble Gothitelle."

Psyduck smugly waved one hand, blue psychic energy swirling in his eyes. Gary rose straight into the air, and his shoes were replaced with slippers.

Caitlin watched Psyduck's performance in surprise. "This Psyduck seems to have exceptionally strong psychic power, but I can sense a few problems. May I examine him using Calm Mind?"

Gary gave Psyduck a questioning look. Psyduck nodded to reassure him, then walked over to Caitlin. "Please, feel free, beautiful lady."

Caitlin nodded, blue light flashing in her eyes. Psyduck closed his eyes and slowly floated up, coming to a stop in midair.

Powerful psychic energy could expand Psyduck's mental capacity and would only benefit him, so Gary simply stood nearby, watching over Caitlin and Psyduck.

After putting away the luggage, Gothitelle took a bottle of cola from the refrigerator for Gary.

"Oh, thank you." Gary nodded politely to Gothitelle, marveling at how friendly Caitlin's Pokémon were.

Unlike Lorelei's Cloyster. That guy wanted to clamp Gary's head off every time he saw him!

Having an SSR-tier psychic's Confusion pass through his brain was clearly no easy experience.

Before long, sweat began beading on Psyduck's forehead. Yet through Gary's Appraisal Eye, his energy level was visibly soaring!

Clap! Caitlin lightly clapped her hands, breaking their connection. Psyduck fell out of the air.

Gary reacted quickly and caught him in his arms.

"Whew, all done." Caitlin smiled proudly and explained to Gary, "His brain activity is incredibly high. It's the highest I've ever seen-even Psychic-type Pokémon don't match him!

"His immense psychic power gives him tremendous strength, but it also creates a bottleneck that's difficult to break through. You could say this power both made him what he is and held him back. It prevented him from making the leap to the next stage of life-in other words, evolving!"

"So, duck, it wasn't that you thought Golduck wasn't handsome enough. You just couldn't evolve?" Gary looked at the Psyduck in his arms.

That made more sense. With Psyduck's show-off personality, how could he possibly have no interest in a form as cool as Golduck?

On the second day after meeting Psyduck, Gary had used Appraisal on him.

His level had given Gary quite a fright!

Level 52! In the Orange Islands, that basically put him at the top of the food chain!

Gary had wondered why Psyduck was stubbornly refusing to evolve. It turned out he couldn't break through his bottleneck either.

Psyduck wiped the sweat off his forehead, and his Telepathy rang out. "Yeah. Originally, I thought that even without evolving, I could still become one of your strongest Pokémon, Young Master Mao.

"But I never imagined anyone could have psychic power this formidable.

"Now, no more pretending. I'm laying my cards on the table!

"The strongest Psyduck will soon be history. I am... the strongest Golduck!"

Boom! A surge of Confusion erupted around Psyduck. Caitlin's psychic energy enveloped Gary and gently moved him several steps back.

Psyduck's energy gradually formed blue flames of light that shot upward, while his entire body radiated a white glow...

Crackle! Blinding white light flared. Psyduck's body slowly turned blue and grew taller.

As the radiance faded, a blue duck with long limbs and a red gem set into his forehead appeared before Gary.

"Gol!" Golduck gave Gary a thumbs-up. "Pretty handsome, right, Young Master Mao?"

Gary nodded helplessly. "Not bad. Still a little behind me."

Having learned absolutely nothing, Golduck rushed over to Gothitelle again and raised his thumb. "Beautiful lady, would you like to study the continuation of life with me?"

Gothitelle elegantly lifted the edge of her skirt and curtsied, then turned away, magnificently ignoring Golduck.

"Gol..." Golduck sank to his knees, drawing circles on the floor in disbelief.

"All right, stop embarrassing yourself." Gary shook his head speechlessly. Had Brock possessed his duck?

Grabbing Golduck by the scruff of his neck, Gary returned him to his Poké Ball, feeling utterly drained.

After checking the time, Gary suggested, "Want something to eat?"

Caitlin sat on the edge of the bed, swinging her little feet. "Sure. Anything's fine."

Gary nodded. "Great. 'Anything' happens to be my specialty."

Picking up the landline nearby, Gary quickly ordered two servings of teppanyaki fried noodles, several puddings, donuts, oden, and fried chicken.

It was all inexpensive street food. For a young lady like Caitlin, these everyday treats were just the thing!

"Before dinner arrives, I'll feed the Pokémon," Gary suggested.

"Sure. Sorry for the trouble, but could you feed mine too?" Caitlin took five Poké Balls from the little shoulder bag behind her.

"Oh... ahem. Sure." Gary nodded, breaking into a slight cold sweat.

The Poké Balls opened, and all six of Gary's Pokémon and all six of Caitlin's appeared.

Gary's current team consisted of Eevee, Growlithe, Charmeleon, Golduck, Rhydon, and Nidoking.

Fortunately, the Champion Suite was spacious enough. Nidoking and Rhydon alone would have filled an ordinary room.

On the other side, Caitlin's entire main team had appeared as well.

There was the adorably childlike Reuniclus, the mysterious, totem-like Sigilyph, and Musharna, who could protect people's sweet dreams.

Gary couldn't help praising them. "So cute! They really are sweet little ones who cheer you right up..."

Click. Before he could finish, a pink Psycho Cut blade was pressed against his neck.

"Roar!" Nidoking and Rhydon instantly flew into a rage, flanking the Pokémon behind Gary.

"Easy, everyone. There's no ill intent." Gary hurried to soothe his Pokémon.

"Gallade, stand down!" Caitlin's golden hair rose behind her despite the still air, and her whole body floated upward. Blue psychic energy flowed through her eyes as her presence turned instantly imposing!

At Caitlin's rebuke, Gallade obediently retracted the blade extending from his elbow and knelt on one knee.

Only then did Gary notice the Gallade behind him, along with an Alakazam who had been meditating.

Both Pokémon, capable of using Teleport, stared fixedly at Gary with wary eyes.

Their almost tangible killing intent told Gary that these two were definitely fighting machines at the very peak of the Elite Four level.

Good grief. They were all on the same team, so why did these two have a completely different vibe?

Eevee was so frightened that his ears flattened sideways. He clenched his teeth and watched Gary anxiously.

Those two look really dangerous. What if they actually try to hurt Master? No, even if I can't beat them, I have to get a couple of bites in! Then Master can use the opening to escape!

Little Eevee bared his fangs, determination firm in his heart.

Charmeleon hadn't moved, but he made no attempt to hide the flames leaping higher from his tail or the ferocity in his eyes.

Though Growlithe's tail was tucked miserably between his legs, he stood beside Eevee without hesitation. If Eevee bit Alakazam, he would immediately leap at Gallade.

If I can't bite you to death, I'll pee all over you!

Loyalty was a conviction etched into Growlithe's very bones.

As the team's strongest fighter at present, Golduck already had light shining from the ruby on his forehead. He might not have a chance of winning one against six.

But even against Elite Four-level opponents, Golduck was confident he could get Gary and the other Pokémon safely away.

Seeing the tense standoff, Caitlin's lips turned down, and tears began welling in her eyes. "What are you doing? Gary and his Pokémon are our friends! Are you trying to scare them away?"

Alakazam and Gallade jolted. (ﾟ⊿ﾟ)ﾂ Oh no! Our little princess is about to cry!

The two hastily withdrew their killing intent and clumsily took Gary's hands to show they were friendly...

Apart from Gothitelle, the other Pokémon were in a flurry too, some making funny faces and others singing.

Musharna was the funniest. In sheer panic, his eyes rolled back, and he actually fainted...

"There, there. Don't cry. I'm sure nobody meant any harm. Let's all get along." Gary stepped past the Pokémon and gently patted Caitlin's head.

Tsk, tsk... That feels amazing. What shampoo does this girl use?

At Gary's touch, Caitlin slowly stopped sniffling. She lifted her head and asked pitifully, "Really?"

"Of course. Sit tight and watch me work!" Gary said with a confident smile. She nodded trustingly.

Honestly, though Caitlin had the strength of an Elite Four member, her long-standing lack of social experience made her seem more like a little child when she was with Gary...

Gallade and Alakazam exchanged a glance.

Gallade: I'll chop his paws off!

Alakazam: No. Our Trainer would cry herself to death!

Gallade: Then what do we do?!

Alakazam rolled his eyes. Eat and drink for now. We'll find a chance to chop him up later!

The two old killers nodded in mutual understanding.

Meanwhile, Gary began pulling Pokémon Food from his backpack, muttering under his breath, "Why do you think I worked so hard studying Pokémon breeding and care? Come on, let me show you the power of food. Honor every ingredient, then unleash your appetites completely!"

Soon, a chef's special of bright, fresh Pokémon Food, sprinkled with chopped Berries and Gary's secret powdered sugar blend, sat before every Pokémon.

As usual, Gary clapped his hands. Time to eat!

Gary's Pokémon had long since run out of patience. They immediately lowered their heads and dug in.

Caitlin's Pokémon initially tasted it in small, restrained bites. The instant they swallowed the first mouthful, their eyes lit up.

They maintained their elegant bearing, but their eating speed increased severalfold!

"Wow, they're really enjoying it!" Caitlin marveled. "Apart from Grandpa Darach's food, this is the first time I've seen them eat with such enthusiasm."

Gary proudly planted his hands on his hips. "Of course. I'm a professional."

Even Alakazam and Gallade's gazes softened as they looked at Gary.

Gallade: If he makes me five meals-no, ten-I'll forgive him and let him keep his hands.

Alakazam: Just try laying a damn finger on my chef!

How about we haul him back to Unova? The two Elite Four-level Pokémon nodded. That had potential.

Hearing her Pokémon's thoughts, Caitlin leaned curiously toward the Pokémon Food. "Did you mix all of this yourself?"

Gary nodded. "Of course. If you want to raise Pokémon, food you formulate yourself is best."

Caitlin nodded. Gallade and the others' reactions made it clear that the stuff really was delicious.

Grrr... The girl covered her little stomach and looked at Gary. "Watching them has made me hungry too..."

Cold sweat broke out on Gary's forehead. You're not thinking about eating Pokémon feed too, are you...?

Fortunately, just then, a voice came from outside the door. "Hello, delivery! Hurry up and open the door, or the damn noodles'll turn into a lump..."

Gary shrugged, went to the door, and accepted the bags of takeout.

Back in the living room, Gary picked up a serving of fried noodles and handed it to Caitlin.

She stared awkwardly at the chopsticks in her hands. Gary chuckled and swapped them for a fork.

Caitlin forked up a clump of noodles and stuffed it into her mouth. The aroma from the griddle mingled with the rich fragrance of the sauce. Her eyes lit up, and she immediately began wolfing them down.

After the main meal came springy pudding, sweet and delicious donuts, oden in a flavorful broth, and mood-lifting fried chicken.

Paired with the even more joyous soda, the meal left Caitlin's little belly bulging.

"So yummy! I'm so satisfied!" Patting her stomach, Caitlin happily sipped her soda.

Gary cleaned up the trash and patiently asked, "Well, Caitlin, is there anything else you need before bed?"

Caitlin's eyes lit up. Having slept throughout the journey and just eaten her fill, she pulled out her game console. "Do you know how to play Sokoban?"

Gary: "Huh?"

And so, under Caitlin's admiring gaze, Gary played Sokoban all the way to level 99.

As dawn gradually brightened the horizon, Gary rubbed his neck. Good grief, he had actually spent the entire night playing games with Caitlin. That was really something!

Remembering Caitlin's visit, Gary asked as he washed up, "Caitlin, do you have an itinerary? What are you planning to do next?"

Caitlin sat on her bed, full of energy, swaying from side to side. "Nope! I just used this visit as an excuse to sneak out and see the world. Other than having a battle with Lance, I don't think I have any particular plans. What about you, Young Master Mao?"

Gary splashed cold water on his face and answered while drying his hair. "I'm still traveling to collect Badges. Along the way, I need to attend an academic seminar in Celadon City. Oh, Celadon City is famous for its perfume. You can pick out a few you like when we get there."

"That sounds more interesting than staying in a hotel playing games! Then I'll travel with you! I only have a month anyway, so I'm going to enjoy life to the fullest!" Caitlin's eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands, making her decision.

Gary scratched his head and accepted with a slightly incredulous smile.

What did you call this? Traveling with an Elite Four member?