After receiving the small crown, Garchomp kept looking at Lionel with delight.
With the translation help of Metang, Lionel understood what Garchomp meant:
Garchomp said that it now likes him; the first is Cynthia, the second is Garchomp itself, and the third is the one who gave it the "Crown."
Unbeknownst to them, the night was already deep.
Cynthia was finishing her stay, and she was going to the city early tomorrow morning to meet up with the Unova team at Professor Rowan's lab before setting off for the Unova Region.
Lionel found Tyrantrum and Metang in the yard and sat down next to them.
"Did you have fun playing with Garchomp today?" Lionel asked softly.
Tyrantrum nodded vigorously, letting out a satisfied roar.
He even lowered his head and said to his friend, "Garchomp is very powerful. It can even smash such big rocks without stopping; I can't beat it yet."
With Metang's help, Lionel understood the meaning of Tyrantrum's words and gently kneaded the Pokémon's neck.
"Cynthia invites you to go to Unova with her. She will teach you Outrage on the way, and maybe there will be a special opportunity to make you even stronger. However, it will take one or two months, during which time we can only contact each other via video call. Are you willing?"
Tyrantrum paused, staring intently at Lionel, then turned to look at Larvesta beside it, making a low sound in its throat.
With Metang's translation, it understood Lionel's meaning and was thinking seriously.
Lionel waited patiently, without urging him.
Milotic also popped out of its Poké Ball at this time.
It waited with Larvesta for Tyrantrum's decision.
The fossil Pokémon remained silent for a long time, a hint of reluctance for its companions flashing in its eyes, quickly replaced by a stronger desire for growth.
It lowered its head, its mind resonating with a firm, low rumble as it made its decision.
With Metang's help, Lionel understood: Tyrantrum wanted to go with Cynthia!
It had seen the powerful skills released by Garchomp that afternoon and wanted to learn them.
It wanted to become even stronger!
Lionel patted Tyrantrum's head: "Okay, since you've made up your mind, I'll tell Cynthia first thing tomorrow morning. You must listen carefully and not cause trouble for others, understand?"
Tyrantrum nodded vigorously in assurance. Lionel smiled and promised: "Don't worry, I'll save some high-level Energy orbs for you. When you come back, it'll be enough for you to show off."
These words made Tyrantrum's eyes light up, and it happily nudged Lionel's face with its limbs.
As for the stat boosters, they were no longer effective on Tyrantrum.
Earlier, the HP Ups had already stopped working, so Lionel had switched them to Milotic to increase its recovery and stamina.
The Protein and Iron had also reached their limit on Tyrantrum a few days ago.
Lionel saved the extra ones for when a suitable new Pokémon joined the team.
Knowing Tyrantrum's decision, Milotic, Metang, and Larvesta clung tightly to their friend, chattering away.
Metang told Lionel that they wouldn't be coming inside tonight; they were going to sleep outside with Tyrantrum. Lionel smiled and nodded in agreement.
The moonlight shone on them, casting a silvery veil over the scene, and the sea breeze carried the sound of distant waves, making everything seem exceptionally beautiful.
The next morning, just as dawn broke, Lionel was already up. Metang and Larvesta were standing quietly beside their friend.
Milotic had swam over not long ago and was watching the three from the nearby pool.
At this moment, Garchomp rushed over. Seeing the three Pokémon still curled up and half-asleep in their "nest," it looked down at them and let out a roar.
Lionel, Tyrantrum, Larvesta, and Metang were all startled awake.
They stood behind Lionel, listening to the imposing Garchomp's scolding like students being reprimanded by a teacher.
"You're such an unruly trainer!"
Metang translated Garchomp's words, its tone full of sarcasm: "As a trainer, how can you get up so late? You have to set an example by getting up early to train! Look at me, I get up before the sun, that's why I'm so good! If you hadn't made me your third favorite, I wouldn't even bother trying to train you!"
Lionel was stumped and wanted to retort.
But looking at the two-meter-tall, imposing figure of Cynthia's ace, and considering its overwhelming strength, the words died in his throat.
He could only act the part of the student, nodding repeatedly: "You're right, I was negligent."
Seeing Lionel's humble attitude, Garchomp became smug and began to talk incessantly about its training plan, interspersing "glorious deeds" from its many battles.
Metang rolled its eyes, clearly not wanting to translate anymore, but Garchomp patted its head with a claw, forcing it to "transmit properly."
Lionel and Metang exchanged a glance. Their eyes seemed to say: Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river—just wait until we become stronger.
Just then, Cynthia walked over and saw Garchomp acting like a professor. She immediately smiled.
"Alright, alright. Garchomp, what are you doing now?"
Lionel saw her as a savior and quickly announced the decision: "Cynthia, Tyrantrum has decided to go with you to Unova."
Upon hearing this, Garchomp forgot about "training" Lionel and excitedly rushed to Tyrantrum's side, emitting a happy low sound.
It promised it would teach Tyrantrum well and make it more powerful.
After all, they were both different from those other Dragons who relied on Dragon Dance.
"Phew!" Lionel secretly rejoiced.
Thankfully, last night he had repeatedly reminded Tyrantrum: Must not use Dragon Dance in front of Garchomp.
If asked, just say he didn't know it. Metang and Larvesta had also helped drill this into Tyrantrum's head.
Cynthia smiled and opened her communicator to add Lionel's contact info.
"This is my number. When we arrive in Unova and establish a connection with the League in Castelia City, I'll call you. If you miss him, call me anytime via video call."
"Thank you, Cynthia."
The aroma of breakfast—caramelized meat and sweet deep-sea fish—wafted over the terrace, but the atmosphere of parting had begun to permeate.
Tyrantrum stood before Lionel. Its amber eyes were filled with barely contained emotion.
Its massive body drooped slightly, and its thick fringe swayed as it let out a low, willful rumble.
"Alright, it's time to go," Cynthia said softly.
Beside her, Togekiss was stretching its wings, its snow-white feathers shimmering with pearly light.
Tyrantrum reluctantly turned to Milotic, Larvesta, and Metang, bidding them farewell by bowing its head and touching cheeks.
After doing all this, it entered the Poké Ball. A flash of red light, and the ball fell silent.
Cynthia carefully put the Poké Ball away and waved to Lionel and Steven: "We're leaving. Take care of yourselves."
She lightly leaped onto Togekiss's back. "Wait for our good news!"
Togekiss let out a clear cry and took off. Sunlight filtered through its wings, casting dappled patterns on the ground as they flew toward the city's port, finally disappearing from the sky.
Lionel, Milotic, Metang, and Larvesta stood in place for a long time.
"Alright, don't be down," Steven Stone stepped forward, patting Lionel's shoulder.
"It's just a temporary departure. Once the cooperation with Unova is finalized, Pokémon teleportation will be established. You can see him anytime."
Steven continued, "Professor Juniper and our League have a close relationship. Plus, with Cynthia looking after him, he'll be fine. Moreover, the Village of Dragons in Unova is a paradise. Maybe he'll make new friends there."
Lionel nodded, his disappointment easing.
"Speaking of which…" Steven suddenly changed the subject, his tone tinged with wistfulness.
"If only our League and the Alola region could establish such smooth diplomatic relations."
"The Alola region?" Lionel's heart skipped a beat. He remembered that island region from his past life—a place of beauty and the Z-Move.
Steven explained: "It's a very special place. The locals are very exclusive, emphasizing harmony between humans and nature. Furthermore, four Pokémon known as Guardian Deities—the Tapus—protect the islands. They don't have a traditional League Tournament or Elite Four. Instead, they have the Island Challenge. Those who pass can receive the 'Power of Z.' We haven't figured out the principles behind it yet."
"What's even more special," Steven said,
"is that Alola has regional forms. Due to the environment, Pokémon have evolved with completely different attributes. The League and the Devon Corporation have tried to promote diplomacy, but they are resistant to outside contact. They also have 'Totem Pokémon,' which are much larger and stronger than ordinary ones, empowered by the Guardians."
Steven sighed: "The key is the four Island Guardians. Their strength is on par with the combined power of a regional League. We can't force our way in. But things are different now. The emergence of Mega Evolution has given us a breakthrough."
"Elite Four member Drake left for Alola last night to investigate the situation and prepare for future actions. Afterward, he will head to League headquarters for Mega Evolution testing. We're going to see if my Aggron can evolve further."
Steven remembered something and pushed a contact to Lionel's phone: "I almost forgot. This is Drake's signal. He asked me to give it to you. Add him; there's something he wants to tell you."
"Elite Four Drake?" Lionel was surprised. He hadn't met the Dragon-type master yet.
Steven explained: "His Salamence can Mega Evolve. Since you discovered the secret of Mega Evolution, the President and the Elite Four won't take your contribution for granted. He knows you only have five Pokémon on your team now. He's going to Alola to scout, and he wants to see if he can catch a Totem Pokémon offspring or a unique regional form for you. He'll message you to see if there are any Alolan Pokémon you like."