[The next day, as agreed, you left the Underground Kingdom early, bringing Gardevoir with you.]
[Since Diancie had now become something like a "queen-in-waiting," she didn't accompany you.]
[Delphox, however, eagerly tagged along.]
[Having been cooped up underground for quite a while, she was desperate to come out for fresh air.]
[Moreover… whether it was returning Gardevoir or getting the chance to travel alone, both were rare bits of good fortune for Delphox.]
...
"Waaah—"
On the road, Delphox theatrically let out a mournful wail, patting Gardevoir's shoulder with exaggerated reluctance.
Anyone unfamiliar would've believed the two Pokémon were extremely close.
Smack!
Gardevoir lightly slapped Delphox's paw away and shot her a sharp glare.
She wasn't stupid—and Delphox's acting was honestly terrible.
It was obvious Delphox was putting on a show. Who knew how happy she was inside?
"Gardevoir! (I'll be back!)"
Gardevoir puffed out her cheeks, declaring stubbornly.
This time things had been rushed, and she hadn't managed to win Elias over.
It was truly a shame—but she wasn't giving up.
Once Diantha's business was concluded, she was definitely coming back to study here again.
Seeing Gardevoir's determined expression, Delphox's face stiffened slightly.
How had she not considered that…?
Gardevoir wouldn't be busy forever. Eventually, she might return to mooch food and lodging again.
At that thought, a wary glint returned to Delphox's foxlike eyes.
Only then did Gardevoir's expression relax a bit.
That fox's strength was roughly the same as hers. Diancie, on the other hand, was notably weaker.
As long as Elias had no Pokémon strong enough to easily subdue her, she had nothing to worry about!
Gardevoir lifted her chin, brimming with confidence.
...
[By afternoon, you and the two Pokémon arrived near Diantha's villa.]
[Compared to a few years ago, nothing here had changed much—it remained as quiet and peaceful as ever.]
...
Walking, Elias recalled something Diantha had once mentioned.
The reason it was so peaceful here—and had stayed unchanged for years—
was apparently… that Diantha had bought up all the surrounding properties to avoid disturbances.
It sounded outrageous.
But back then, Diancie had merely snorted disdainfully.
The Carbink invested heavily in the human world as well; the tangible assets they held were supposedly terrifying.
When Elias reached Diantha's house, before even entering the yard, he spotted a familiar white figure.
Having not seen her for several months, Diantha seemed slightly taller.
The youthful softness that once characterized her face had completely faded.
In its place was the confidence befitting a celebrated actress—and Kalos nobility.
"Elias!"
As soon as she saw him, Diantha's eyes lit up.
She looked like a predator sighting its prey, as if she wanted to pounce.
For an instant, Diantha's thoughts stalled.
The way Elias walked toward her now reminded her of a scene from years before.
Back then, shortly after they'd first met, he'd walked into this very house around the same time of day.
"Diantha. Long time no see."
Reaching her side, Elias smiled and greeted her casually as always.
As he spoke, Elias suddenly felt something soft wrap around his arm.
Turning, he found Gardevoir standing at his side.
She'd gently looped her arm around his.
"Gardevoir~"
Gardevoir gave Diantha a small nod.
Polite, yet distant.
As if… she'd always belonged to Elias and barely knew Diantha at all.
Seeing her own Pokémon acting like this after months apart, Diantha's eyelid twitched.
Suddenly, she felt she might have spoiled Gardevoir a bit too much in everyday life.
...
A short while later, at Diantha's training ground.
"Gardevoir~"
Holding her faintly aching head, Gardevoir grumbled in dissatisfaction.
Beside her stood Delphox, openly gleeful.
Seeing Gardevoir scolded was one of Delphox's favorite pastimes.
"Diantha, why don't you test Gardevoir's strength now?"
Noticing Diantha's anger had subsided, Elias took the opportunity to suggest this.
He was fairly confident in Gardevoir's recent improvements.
Diantha, who'd originally planned to let the topic go, froze.
Based on her earlier prediction, Gardevoir's strength likely hadn't improved much.
To avoid embarrassing Elias, it was better not to bring it up.
Yet she hadn't expected… he'd mention it himself.
He was that sincere?
Warmth rose in Diantha's chest, and she nodded inwardly.
As expected of Elias. If that was the case, she'd just conduct a token test.
"Goodra, come out and help."
With that in mind, Diantha took out a Poké Ball and tossed it gently into the air.
Poom—
In a flash of white light, a Pokémon appeared in the open space, its body pinkish-purple with patches of green here and there.
Its draconic features weren't especially obvious. Far from fierce—it appeared more adorably goofy.
But it was noticeably taller than Gardevoir, its body coated with sticky fluid.
"Goodra is my team's second strongest, just after Gardevoir."
"Having her test Gardevoir's strength will be just right."
Diantha smiled gently. At first glance, there was nothing odd about her statement.
However…
Elias could faintly guess her real intention.
Goodra might be second strongest, but she was a Dragon-type Pokémon.
Against Gardevoir—a Fairy-type Pokémon—Goodra would naturally be disadvantaged.
Not to mention…
Gardevoir's strength had always been greater anyway.
If they fought under these conditions, Gardevoir would undoubtedly win.
Diantha was clearly going out of her way to spare his feelings.
Understanding this, the smile on Elias's lips deepened slightly.
Since Diantha believed Gardevoir's strength couldn't have increased significantly, this was a perfect chance to surprise her.
"Sure. Let Gardevoir battle Goodra first."
Elias nodded, showing no objections.
Only then did Diantha breathe a sigh of relief.
She'd genuinely worried Elias wouldn't accept such an obviously uneven match.
"Goodra, I'm counting on you!"
Diantha turned, smiling as she said it.
Goodra: …
---
T/N: POOR GOODRA