Beneath the azure waves, an enchanting world of marine wonders unraveled its vibrant tapestry. Qwilfish frantically puffed up their bodies, narrowly escaping the grasp of a relentless Hauntail. Their movements a desperate rush of survival as they weaved through strands of swaying seaweed. Meanwhile, Jellicent floated with spectral elegance, their ghostly forms trailing shimmering tendrils that left an otherworldly imprint in the aquatic expanse.
On a sturdy rock jutting from the water's surface, a trio of Galarian Slowbros basked lazily under the warmth of the sun. They rested upon weathered rocks, their unique Shellder-encased poison arms providing an unnecessary warning sign against anyone who dared to disturb their peace.
The sea echoed with the harmonious symphony of water Pokémon, each contributing to the peaceful melody that enveloped the maritime sanctuary. It was a moment to contemplate, a serene interlude in the vast expanse of the open sea.
Suddenly, a disturbance stirred in the tranquil marine symphony. From a distance, a figure propelled itself through the water with remarkable speed, creating rhythmic waves in its wake. A Lopunny, aided by her long ears as she used it like powerful impellers, swam with determined grace, each stroke a display of self-imposed challenge. The water Pokémon, attuned to the approaching presence, gracefully yielded, allowing the swift swimmer to pass unimpeded. Only the oblivious group of Slowbro, engrossed in their leisure, remained undisturbed even after being drenched by the waves Lopunny left in her wake.
The water Pokémon observed as Lopunny faded into the distant horizon, a stark contrast of her delicate and slim figure and the incredible physical display cutting through the calm aquatic scene, leaving a lasting impression. Driven by a personal quest, the bunny Pokémon vowed to prove herself to that person, her unwavering determination evident in each stroke as she finally glimpsed a piece of land, leaving the aquatic expanse behind.
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In the open expanse of grassy fields, Elysia and her friends had discovered a tranquil haven for trainers and travelers alike. The vibrant sun bathed the area in warm rays, casting a golden hue over the waving grass. Towering cliffs in the distance hinted at the proximity to the sea, and the salty tang of the ocean breeze wafted through the air.
Though the trees were not giants providing ample shade, they dotted the landscape, offering intermittent relief from the sun. Their branches swayed gently, creating intricate patterns of light and shadow on the ground below.
The open area, surrounded by the natural fragrance of the nearby ocean, provided a peaceful retreat for Elysia, Owen and Adrian to prepare their meals and explore the culinary possibilities with whatever the young girl was trying to find.
Elysia deftly retrieved the peculiar device from her backpack – a small, square metallic brick. As she activated the device, its surface hummed with a soft glow, capturing the curiosity of her Gible and Owen's Sobble, who peered at it with wide-eyed fascination.
While Elysia focused on the intricate workings of the device, Owen eagerly snatched up the basic instruction manual, flipping through its pages with unbridled excitement. "This is incredible! I can't wait to see what Clemont has come up with! My parents will be so jealous!" he exclaimed, his eyes filled with anticipation.
Elysia smirked, a hint of caution in her voice. "Just be prepared. Uncle Clemont might be a genius, but mom used to say most of his experiments had a tendency to fail or explode after a while."
Owen's grin widened, undeterred by the warning. "Even Clemont’s explosions would be awesome to witness! The thrill of the unknown, right?" he replied, his enthusiasm undiminished. "So, what's this invention supposed to do anyway?" he asked, gesturing towards the mysterious metallic brick in Elysia's hands.
Elysia chuckled, "It's a birthday gift from him and Aunt Bonnie. Supposedly, it's a tool to make my meals even more delicious, or even save myself from the chores of cooking. I’m… not as good a cook as my mom."
Owen's eyes lit up with newfound excitement. "That sounds awesome! Let's see it in action!" Without hesitation, he pressed the single button on the device, following the lone instruction from the manual.
As the device hummed to life, emitting a soft glow, Elysia turned her attention to Adrian. Her stoic friend remained seated at the picnic tables, eyes shut in contemplation, seemingly attuned to something beyond their immediate surroundings. Gwain, his partner Kyrlia, also had his eyes closed, engaged in the same contemplative state.
Undeterred, Elysia called out, "Adrian, you've got to see this! Uncle Clemont's invention is about to work its magic!"
Adrian opened his eyes, a serene expression on his face. He rose gracefully from the picnic table and made his way over, intrigued by the unfolding spectacle. "Have both of you found out how this device works?" he asked, his calm demeanor contrasting with Owen's bubbling excitement.
After Owen pressed the button, a series of lights appeared, illuminating in a mesmerizing circle. Then, a voice emanated from the device.
"Greetings, esteemed users. I am the ‘GourmetMaster Module’, your culinary companion," the device's voice resonated with a robotic cadence, each word precisely enunciated with a calculated rhythm and a tone inherently polite. "I am designed to assist you in the art of meal preparation and offer precise suggestions based on the ingredients available in your vicinity, thanks to my specialized scanner and internet connectivity."
Elysia and Owen's eyes widened in fascination as the voice continued, "But that's not all. I'm not just a voice in the culinary world; I am a shape-shifter of kitchenware. Pans, pots, and more – you name it, and I can become it."
Owen, caught up in the marvel of the moment, eagerly asked, "Can you turn into a cooking pot?"
"Indeed, I can," replied GourmetMaster Module, and in response to Owen's request, the metallic brick unfolded in an intricate display, transforming seamlessly into a functional cooking pot. The kitchenware sat there, ready for use, leaving Owen wide-eyed with amazement.
"This is incredible! Clemont really outdid himself with this invention!" he exclaimed, already envisioning the endless culinary possibilities.
As the trio contemplated the culinary possibilities with the GourmetMaster Module, Elysia considered the potential efficiency boost and suggested, "How about we split the chores to make things faster? Everyone can contribute."
“That’s a good idea,” said Adrian. “I’ve been trained in gastronomic arts due my family’s close connection to the renowned chef Siebold, so…”
However, Owen interjected with an air of determination, "No way! I've got this. Consider it Elysia’s and mine’s victory celebration for the first gym challenge, as well as an apology for having caused her those troubles with her dad."
Elysia, recalling the recent tension with her dad and the repercussions of withholding information, smirked awkwardly. Owen, noticing the subtle tension, assured them, "Don't worry; I've got everything under control. Plus, I'm going to let you both taste the sublime flavors of my dad's cooking skills – the absolute best in our family."
Confident and with a spark of enthusiasm and deft hands, Owen took charge of the cooking duties. He skillfully handled the ingredients, adjusting temperatures and orchestrating the culinary symphony with finesse. Elysia, eager to witness his culinary prowess in action, hovered nearby, but Owen politely insisted, "Sorry, but I cook better when I'm not being stared at. Trust me."
Respecting his wishes, Elysia retreated to the table with Adrian, where they busied themselves arranging plates and utensils in anticipation of the meal to come.
After a short but tantalizing wait, Owen's cheerful voice rang out, "It's ready!" With a flourish, he exclaimed, "Tadaa!" and placed the steaming pot in the center of the table.
"Ready? Here you have it!" Owen announced, beaming with pride as he invited Elysia and Adrian to partake in the culinary creation.
As Owen presented the dish, Elysia and Adrian exchanged uncertain glances. The appearance of the plate left much to be desired: chunks of meat and vegetables drowned in a murky mustard-colored sauce. Though the aroma was passable, it hardly lived up to their expectations.
Hiding her disappointment as best she could, Elysia asked, "Uhm… What's this?"
Undeterred by their muted reactions, Owen maintained his enthusiasm. "This is my dad's famous 'bland casserole'!" he declared confidently. Sensing their still apprehension, he reassured them, "Don't worry about hiding your expressions. Once you taste it, you'll be amazed by the flavor."
Elysia and Adrian exchanged another glance, uncertainty lingering in the air as they prepared to take their first bites of Owen's creation. As they cautiously sampled the "bland casserole," the young chef watched them intently, anticipation evident in his eyes. With hesitant movements, they scooped up a spoonful each, bracing themselves for the unknown.
Then, as they took their first bites, a symphony of flavors exploded on their palates. Elysia's eyes widened in delight, unable to contain her joy as she savored the unexpected burst of taste. Adrian, though maintaining his stoic demeanor, felt a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks, betraying his surprise.
"Are the looks deceiving, because this is really good!" Adrian admitted, his voice tinged with genuine surprise. "I'm honestly amazed by such taste."
Elysia couldn't help but nod in agreement, a wide grin spreading across her face. Owen chuckled at his companions' realization, thoroughly enjoying their surprise.
"No matter how many times I challenge people to try what seems like a tasteless dish, I always relish proving them wrong," he confessed with a grin. "My dad's not just a skilled programmer; he's also an excellent chef. But with both he and mom always busy, he never has time to arrange and prettify the dish."
Elysia's excitement bubbled over, and she hurriedly summoned her Meowth and Gible to share in the discovery. Adrian followed suit, calling forth Gawain and Sigilyph to join in the culinary celebration.
Seeing their Pokémon join the gathering, Owen beamed. "I've even prepared a version of the dish for our Pokémon, so everyone can enjoy it," he announced, his enthusiasm contagious as they all gathered around the table, ready to share in the unexpectedly delicious meal.
As the group savored their food, Elysia found herself lost in thought, reflecting on her decision to travel alongside her friends after initially intending to journey alone for a while. Adrian, ever perceptive, seemed to sense her contemplation, a gesture Elysia seemed to have sensed once she crossed eyes with her friend.
"Are you reading my mind or something?" Elysia quipped, half-jokingly.
Adrian shook his head with a small smile. "No need for mind-reading abilities; your body language says it all," he replied, his observant nature shining through.
Owen, chiming in, echoed Elysia's sentiment despite his lack of psychic abilities. "You know, being part of a group was one of my wishes when I embarked on my journey," he admitted, his eyes reflecting the camaraderie they had formed on their shared adventures. "I'm glad we're all here together."
Owen’s statement was a sweet sentiment Elysia also shared, and even Adrian in some degree, hidden behind his demeanor. However, the young legends chaser showed once again his blunt honesty.
“And it’s a relief your dad didn’t get mad at all! Seriously, I was half expecting Ash to unleash Pikachu's Thunderbolt on you!" he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of dark humor. "But hey, looks like you dodged that bullet."
Elysia shifted uncomfortably at the reminder, her thoughts drifting back to the tense moment when she had to face her dad and deliver news that had deeply distressed him.
Adrian shot Owen a stern look, silently disapproving of his lack of tact. Sensing the tension he had caused, Owen quickly attempted to apologize for his indiscretion.
"I-I’m sorry. I didn't mean to bring up such an uncomfortable memory," Owen said, his tone more subdued now. "I'm just glad everything worked out in the end."
Elysia, ever the peacemaker, swiftly intervened, dismissing Owen's apology with a wave of her hand. "It doesn't matter now," she declared. "We're all here, looking out for each other, and that's what's important."
Eager to shift the focus of the conversation, she glanced over at Owen's Corvisquire, a Pokémon she hadn't noticed until after they began traveling together. The raven Pokémon sat alongside Sobble, eating with a dignified posture that hinted at its renowned intelligence.
"Your Corvisquire seems quite impressive," Elysia remarked.
Owen's face lit up with pride at the mention of his Pokémon. "Yeah, I caught him when he was just a Rookidee," he explained. "He's been a valuable member of the team ever since. It was actually thanks to him that I defeated Hop during my first gym challenge."
As Owen spoke, Corvisquire cawed softly, as if acknowledging the praise. The young trainer's gaze then shifted to Adrian's Kirlia, Gawain, and he couldn't help but feel curious about the elegant Pokémon, whose demeanor seemed to mirror that of his trainer's stoic nature.
"What's that blue pendant around Gawain's neck?" Owen inquired, pointing out at the particular piece of jewelry.
Adrian looked down at Gawain, a fond smile gracing his features. "Ah, that's actually a family heirloom," he explained. "It's been passed down from generation to generation in the line of Gardevoir and Gallade in my family for centuries."
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He continued, "Gawain, like myself, is the most recent heir of this legacy. He wears the pendant as a symbol of honor and respect for his ancestors, who have guided and protected my family for generations."
Taking advantage of the inquiring about Adrian’s mystic companion, Elysia posed a question about his Sigilyph.
"Why doesn't Sigilyph wear a pendant like Gawain?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Adrian considered her question for a moment before replying, "Sigilyph doesn't need nor want one. She's both a protector and an heirloom herself. Sigilyph actually belongs to my great-grandmother. She's an old and wise Pokémon, helping me communicate with my relatives, especially when the Rotom Phone lacks tact or discretion."
Elysia nodded, impressed by the unique role that Sigilyph played in Adrian's life and family heritage.
Then it was Adrian's turn to gaze upon Owen's starter, Sobble, and he couldn't help but notice something peculiar about the timid Water-type Pokémon.
"Has Sobble always been like that?" asked Adrian.
“What do you mean?” Owen sought clarification.
"I haven't noticed Sobble crying a single time since we began traveling together. It's quite unusual for someone known as the 'sobbing Pokémon'."
Owen chuckled softly at the observation and congratulated Adrian on his keen sense of observation. "You're right," he admitted, scratching his head thoughtfully. "I hadn't really noticed, but now that you mention it, Sobble does seem to have a different demeanor compared to others of its species. Ever since Sobble became my first partner, it's always had a prideful and adamant look, as if trying to suppress its inner nature."
Elysia found the revelation amusing, recalling stories her uncle Goh had told her about his own Sobble, which struggled to control its contagious crying. It was a charming trait that added to the peculiar ones from the Pokémon in their group, each one carrying their own special significance.
Suddenly, Adrian and Gawain sensed something amiss. They sprang to their feet, their senses on high alert. Owen and Elysia, puzzled by his sudden change in demeanor, looked to Adrian for an explanation.
"Something's approaching," Adrian warned, his gaze fixed on the horizon in the direction of the sea.
Alarmed by Adrian's words, Elysia and Owen and their Pokémon gathered around, preparing for whatever might be coming their way. As the figure drew nearer, Adrian finally caught sight of it through the haze of dust it kicked up.
"Gawain, get ready!" Adrian commanded, his voice firm with determination.
"Gible, do the same!" Elysia added, her tone matching Adrian's seriousness.
"Sobble, let's protect everyone!" Owen declared, his Pokémon ready to spring into action.
But then, as the figure drew closer, Elysia squinted, trying to make out its shape. "Wait a minute. Is that... a Lopunny?" she pondered aloud, surprised by the unexpected sight.
The running Lopunny, noticing the group of Pokémon and trainers in its path, assessed the situation quickly. Instead of slowing down for a confrontation, it accelerated its pace, leaping gracefully over the group with such agility and precision that it left Adrian and his friends gaping in awe, amazed by the display of skill and grace.
As Lopunny landed with a flourish, passing effortlessly through the group of trainers and their Pokémon, they turned their gazes just in time to witness the bunny Pokémon in action. Before they could react, Lopunny was already on the move, showcasing not just her speed in running, but also in her swift and sneaky theft of their food.
"H-Hey! That's ours!" Elysia accused, her voice laced with indignation.
But Lopunny paid no heed to their protests. With lightning-fast movements, she snatched up their Pokémon's portions as well, devouring everything in mere seconds. The group watched in disbelief as their carefully prepared meal disappeared before their eyes.
"That's our Pokémon's food!" Owen yelled with frustration, echoed by his Sobble and the rest of their Pokémon, who voiced their displeasure at having their meal stolen.
Lopunny, however, seemed unfazed by their anger, pausing for a brief moment to savor the delicious food she had snatched, a mischievous blush coloring her cheeks with delight. With a final playful hop, she turned and dashed away, leaving behind a group of bewildered and frustrated trainers and their Pokémon, unsure whether to be annoyed or amused by the unexpected encounter.
They chose to be annoyed.
"That's it! We'll teach it a lesson!" Elysia declared, her determination clear as she prepared to pursue the thief and make her pay for her transgression.
"Yeah! Let's do that!" Owen echoed, eagerly gearing up for the chase.
But Adrian interjected, his calm demeanor contrasting with the others' fiery resolve.
"Wait," he began, his voice measured. "For a Pokémon such as Lopunny to behave in this way is extremely rare. They are supposed to be flirty but still passive. Also, it seems that it is not running just because, but rather as if searching for something. And judging by the speed it ate all our food, I think it has been like this for quite a while, which explains why it is in desperate need of nutrients if it wants to continue at that pace."
"Are you trying to defend this Pokémon thief?" Elysia protested.
"No, what I'm saying is that it is unnecessary to waste our time and energy chasing after Lopunny," Adrian clarified. "We just need to follow its trail and maybe ask trainers in the area about its whereabouts. If food is what it's looking for, then those who are camping are easy targets."
"Wow! That's very insightful!" Owen admitted, impressed by Adrian's logical approach.
Elysia quickly grabbed her Rotom Phone and opened the map app. "There's a gathering point for trainers not far from here, and it's heading to Hulbury," she announced with resolution. "I bet there will be enough food for our thief's hunger. And we won't deviate from our path to the second gym. Let's go!"
With a sense of purpose, the group swiftly cleaned up the area, returning all the utensils to their proper places and transforming the GourmetMaster Module back into its compact brick form. They then called back their Pokémon, ready to continue their journey in the direction Elysia had pointed out on the map.
Adrian, taking charge, commanded Sigilyph to hover and scan the area for any signs of the elusive Lopunny. With their preparations complete, they set off toward their destination, determined to find the thief and uncover the truth behind its unusual behavior.
As the group made their way toward the trainer's gathering point, they trotted along the path with determined strides, their gazes fixed forward. Along the way, they encountered other trainers, whom they stopped to inquire about any sightings of the elusive Lopunny. Unfortunately, their inquiries yielded no success, leaving them no closer to solving the mystery. Despite Sigilyph's diligent efforts to scan the area from above, it hadn't yet found any traces of the mischievous bunny Pokémon.
Once they approached the trainer's gathering point, the unmistakable sounds of clashing, clamoring, and the excited cheers of a Pokémon battle filled the air, drawing their attention like a magnet. The bustling gathering point was a hub of activity, with numerous tables and stands selling useful items to travelers, but it was the large battlefield in the center that commanded everyone's focus. Trainers crowded around the arena, their eyes alight with excitement as they watched the intense battle unfold before them.
Elysia and her friends scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Lopunny amidst the bustling crowd. However, their attention was quickly diverted by the spectacle of the ongoing Pokémon battle, leaving only Adrian to remain focused on their original quest.
"All right, dodge it with Acrobatics!"
As the energetic voice of a teenage girl echoed through the bustling battleground, commanding her Pokémon with fervor, Owen's attention was immediately drawn to the familiar tone. Intrigued, he moved closer to the outskirts of the battlefield, weaving his way through the crowd in search of a better vantage point. Elysia, noticing his sudden shift in focus, followed suit, curious about what had caught his attention.
"Finish it with Heat Wave!" the girl commanded once more, her voice filled with determination. Owen and Elysia pressed on through the throngs of people, eager to catch a glimpse of the battle's conclusion. As they finally reached a clear spot, they witnessed the decisive moment of the battle unfold before their eyes. Trainers around them cheered, their voices rising in unison as they hailed the victor's skills.
"Hilda! Hilda! Hilda!" they chanted, the name ringing out with admiration and respect.
"Look, Elysia! It's her!" Owen's voice brimmed with excitement as he pointed towards the source of the crowd's admiration.
Elysia's gaze followed Owen's gesture, and her eyes widened in recognition as she spotted the teenage girl whose photo she had seen before in Owen's Almanac, a character whose presence exuded an undeniable aura of strength and confidence. With her fluffy, chestnut-colored hair under her cap and cascading down her back, her athletic frame clad in her signature denim shorts, black vest, and sturdy field boots, Hilda stood tall and resolute, her azure eyes ablaze with determination.
"Yeah... she's even cooler and prettier in person," Elysia admitted, a hint of intimidation creeping into her voice as she took in Hilda's imposing presence.
"One of the youngest winners of the Unovan Pokémon League is here, just as I told you!" he exclaimed. “Let me say hello to her!”
As the trainers began to disperse after witnessing the battle, and others eagerly awaited their turn to meet or even challenge Hilda in person, she crouched down to thank her partner and recalled him to his Poké Ball. Wiping the sweat from her forehead, she paused for a moment of reflection, only to be interrupted by the calling of her name.
"Hilda! Hey! How are you?" Owen's voice rang out, catching her attention.
Turning her gaze towards Owen, Hilda offered him a warm smile in return. "Hello! Pretty good here. What about you?" Her friendly demeanor softened her previously fierce expression.
"I'm great too! I was wondering where I would see you here in Galar!" Owen replied enthusiastically.
Hilda's smile faltered slightly as she looked at Owen with curiosity.
"Yeah... Do I know you? Or are you just one of my fans?" she asked honestly, causing Owen to pause, momentarily taken aback by her question.
"It's me! Owen!" his voice rang with eagerness, hoping to jog Hilda's memory. However, Hilda only gave him a perplexed look, her expression betraying a hint of confusion. Undeterred, Owen swiftly retrieved his Almanac from his backpack, flipping it open to the page adorned with Hilda's autograph. "Back at Nimbasa City, you signed this photo for me. Don't you remember?"
Hilda shook her head, her friendly demeanor remaining intact despite her inability to recall the encounter. "Sorry, kid. I've given so many of those that I can't remember all of them," she responded apologetically, her tone sincere yet regretful.
"But I took this photo myself!" Owen insisted, his disappointment palpable as he tried to validate the authenticity of the moment they had shared.
Elysia, observing from behind Owen, couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her friend. She could see the disappointment etched on his face as the trainer he admired appeared to have forgotten their encounter. Sensing Owen's attempt to hide his true feelings, she gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I-It's okay," Owen attempted to brush off his disappointment, his words masking the lingering sting of oblivion. "As you said, it may be difficult to remember every person you come across."
"You, on the other hand... I think I know you," Hilda declared, her gaze fixed on Elysia.
Hilda's sudden recognition caught Elysia off guard, her surprise mirrored by Owen's incredulous expression. Elysia's eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she processed Hilda's words.
"The World Monarch's kid, aren't you?" Hilda sought confirmation.
Elysia nodded slowly, her curiosity piqued by Hilda's apparent familiarity. "I'm Elysia. Pleased to meet you," she responded politely.
"Yeah, I knew it was you. Saw your gym battle, girl," Hilda continued, her previous friendly tone now laced with subtle mockery. "Lost with type advantage. What a letdown."
Elysia felt a surge of anger bubble up within her at Hilda's cutting remark. "That was only during my first battle!" she objected, her voice tinged with frustration. "And besides, I managed to beat it the second time, even against an evolved Pokémon," she added, seeking to defend her honor.
Owen chimed in, his voice firm as he came to his friend's defense. "Yeah! Elysia may have lost before, but she proved herself the second time. She's a great trainer!"
However, Hilda remained unimpressed, her expression steely as she leveled a critical gaze at Elysia. "For the daughter of the strongest trainer in the world, I expected more," she remarked coolly, her words stoking the flames of anger within Elysia.
Tension crackled in the air, the palpable animosity between the two trainers drawing the attention of those nearby. Trainers waiting their turn decided that watching the verbal exchange between the two girls was more entertaining than any Pokémon battle.
Hilda, however, showed another facet of her fierce nature, her voice cutting through the tension like a knife. "If you don't want to be the next ones out, I suggest you leave now," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Without a word of protest, the other trainers dispersed, leaving only Hilda, Elysia, and Owen standing in the center of the battleground, the atmosphere heavy with unresolved tension.
Elysia couldn't shake the feeling that there was something deeper at play, as if Hilda's annoyance with her skills and upbringing ran deeper than mere competitive rivalry. Unable to ignore the tension between them, she finally mustered the courage to confront Hilda directly. "Do you have a problem with me?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and frustration.
Hilda's response was unexpected—a burst of laughter that seemed to dispel the lingering tension. "A problem with you? Not at all," she replied, her tone lightening considerably. However, despite her attempt to diffuse the situation, Owen and Elysia still couldn't shake their confusion.
“I have no issue with you personally, it’s just the way I interact with trainers who have yet to prove themselves. And let me tell you, you still have a lot to learn," she added with a hint of condescension. "Especially when you consider all the privileges you were born with."
Elysia was taken aback by Hilda's blunt assessment. While she was aware of her privileged upbringing, she had never considered it a point of contention before. Intrigued by Hilda's words, she pressed for clarification.
"Really?" Hilda responded incredulously, her tone turning slightly scornful. “Daughter of Ash and Serena, raised among Pokémon royalty with mentors like Cynthia and Lei. Have you really appreciated what you were born with? I mean, your first partner was a Gible, probably born from Cynthia’s Garchomp! Who begins like that? And a shiny one too! Do I have to press further?"
Hilda's pointed remarks cut deep, challenging Elysia to confront her own privilege in a way she had never considered before. The weight of her words settled heavily upon Elysia's shoulders, stirring a sense of unease within her. She had always taken pride in her heritage, viewing it as a source of inspiration rather than entitlement, but now they seemed like sharp darts used against her.
Elysia's mind raced as she struggled to find the right words to respond to Hilda's cutting remarks. Despite Owen's encouraging presence at her side, she found herself at a loss, her confidence shaken by the weight of Hilda's words. Yet, as Hilda prepared to deliver another scathing comment, Adrian's unexpected interjection cut through the tension like a knife.
"I thought we had a mission, guys," Adrian's calm voice interrupted, drawing the attention of everyone present. “Yes, I acknowledge the inherent unfairness of privilege, and I admit that I too have grappled with the morality of my own upbringing. However, I’ve learned that it should never be a position of ease and laziness. Rather, it is an additional responsibility—one that myself and Elysia bear as individuals born into influential families."
Hilda listened intently as Adrian continued, "We are tasked with meeting others' expectations, a duty that can become a prideful burden. We work tirelessly to enhance our families' names by setting an example, yet there is no guarantee that we will fulfill our duty. It’s a responsibility that always comes with the harsh reality that our mistakes and setbacks are seen with more scrutiny, because unlike those who use their influence to cover their children's mistakes, our parents hold us to a higher standard. Always directing us to make a positive impact in our world."
His impassioned speech struck a chord within Elysia, reminding her of the responsibility she also bore as someone with the means to effect change, as well as the bearer of her beloved parent’s legacy. With newfound resolve coursing through her veins, Elysia made a bold decision: to challenge Hilda directly to a Pokémon battle. Owen, noticing her determination, couldn't help but express his concern.
"Are you sure about this, Elysia?" he asked, his voice laced with apprehension.
Elysia met his gaze with steely determination. "I may not have the upper hand, Owen. Hilda is an experienced trainer and Pokémon League winner," she admitted, her tone resolute. "But I'm not going to let her undermine me. Even if I lose, I'm going to prove to her that I'm not some kind of ‘pampered princess’. I'm more than ready for this challenge!”