In the Living Room—First Floor
"Mew! (You lied to me!)"
Mew hovered midair, her round eyes wide with fury as she glared at Gardevoir.
What that deceitful Gardevoir had just done and what she'd told Mew before were complete opposites! The betrayal was so profound that Mew could barely contain her heartbreak.
She was so adorable! How could Gardevoir have the heart to lie to her?
How could she stand there and watch Mew believe her, watch her face light up with hope, only to shatter it?
"Gar-de~ (You're just an idiot.)"
Gardevoir let out a cold chuckle, mercilessly mocking her.
Did this dumb cat really think she couldn't see through her little schemes?
Besides, everything Mew had thought of, Gardevoir had figured out even earlier.
The day after Elias disappeared, she had already realized that being too forceful would only backfire.
Rather than making Elias avoid her, it was better to soften up—go back to how things were before.
After all, even if she did that, she'd still be Elias's number one.
Mew and that newly arrived water snake could just step aside.
Seeing Gardevoir's smug expression, Mew trembled with rage.
She clenched her tiny fists, making up her mind—she had to put an end to Gardevoir's monopoly over Elias!
"Mew! (Just you wait!)"
With a huff, she threw down her challenge before teleporting away.
But Gardevoir wasn't the least bit concerned.
As per usual, Mew was probably just going to raid her snack cabinet again.
Unfortunately for her, though…
Gardevoir had already moved every last snack.
If Mew could find so much as a single Rattata in there, Gardevoir would admit defeat!
Just as Gardevoir basked in her victory, she suddenly noticed Elias walking down the stairs.
In an instant, she wiped the cocky grin off her face and slipped back into her usual graceful demeanor.
"What is it, Elias?" she asked softly.
Hearing her, Elias hesitated slightly.
He did have something to say, but he wasn't sure how she'd take it.
After all, he had just come back—and now he was about to leave again. It would seem a little strange.
After thinking for a moment, he quickly spoke up before Gardevoir could narrow her eyes at him:
"Gardevoir, I want to go to Saffron City for a couple of days... to see Sabrina."
This was something Elias had already decided on.
After all, he had already met with Gardevoir, Mew, and Gengar—even Lance had checked in on him.
If he didn't go see Sabrina, it just wouldn't feel right.
"Sabrina?"
Gardevoir instinctively wanted to frown.
But when she saw the determination in Elias's gaze, she could only sigh in defeat.
"Hmm..."
Knowing she couldn't stop him, she simply let out a soft grumble to express her displeasure.
But in the end, she still said:
"If you're going, you have to take me with you."
That was her bottom line.
Unlike Milotic, who didn't even look humanoid, and Mew, who still reeked of childish innocence—Sabrina was a real human woman.
And Gardevoir had secretly checked on her before.
After several years, Sabrina had grown into a tall, elegant, and mature woman.
If she left Elias to go see that woman alone… a long-awaited reunion like that?
Gardevoir didn't even want to think about what could happen.
Luckily, Elias had no problem with her request.
He really did just want to see Sabrina—he wasn't planning anything else.
Having a powerful Pokémon like Gardevoir by his side actually made him feel more at ease.
"Then let's leave tomorrow morning," Elias suggested. "We'll go to Goldenrod City first, then take the high-speed train to Saffron. We should arrive by evening."
"Gar-de. (Alright.)"
...
That Night – On the Villa Rooftop
Elias sat quietly on the rooftop of Gardevoir's villa, gazing at the night sky.
Maybe it was because she had grown up watching the stars with him, but Gardevoir had specially built a staircase leading straight up to the rooftop.
Tonight, however, his only companion was Milotic.
Not that Gardevoir and Mew didn't want to come up—they were stuck washing dishes.
Since Elias had made dinner, the cleanup duty fell to them.
And since Milotic didn't have hands, she had been spared.
Suddenly, a thought struck Elias.
He took out the "Latias' Gift" he had received from the system after completing his simulation.
The moment he saw the black and red flute, Elias couldn't help but think, Just as I thought.
Gardevoir's gift was a bracelet.
So it made sense for Tis to have left him the Eon Flute.
Staring at the flute in his hands, Elias hesitated.
Should I play it?
His heart told him yes—he wanted to see Latias again.
For him, maybe only a day had passed.
But for Tias, he had been dead for years.
But at the same time, he was worried.
If Latias and Gardevoir met... would they start fighting?
For a moment, he found himself stuck between choices.
"Miu～"
Noticing his dilemma, Milotic slithered closer and pressed her cool, smooth scales against his cheek—gently helping him cool off.
Elias patted her head and made up his mind.
He would summon Latias.
If a fight broke out, worst-case scenario, he'd just whip out the family register and prove his relationship with Tis.
He was a Trainer, dammit.
Surely he could handle Gardevoir.
With that thought, Elias placed the Eon Flute to his lips.
"Ooooo—"
A deep, lingering melody drifted from the rooftop, scattering through the night breeze like solidified notes.
Milotic watched Elias play, her eyes gleaming mischievously.
Yes, yes! Let chaos reign!
Once that red little jet showed up, Gardevoir and Mew would finally have a real opponent!
Then, while they were too busy fighting, Milotic could sit back and enjoy the show.
It was the perfect plan.
Except...
The song ended.
And nothing happened.
Elias: "...?"
Milotic: "...?"
"Did it break?"
Elias frowned at the flute in his hands.
Legendary Pokémon artifacts were supposed to be indestructible.
Even if you buried one for a thousand years, it should still work fine.
So then...
"Maybe Latias is too far away to hear it?"
Countless theories crossed Elias's mind.
He even tried playing it again—but the result was the same.
With no other choice, he reluctantly put the Eon Flute away.
Looks like he'd have to wait a little longer to see Latias.
But while Latias hadn't shown up, the flute's sound had reached someone else.
Gardevoir, drawn by the music, appeared on the rooftop.
"Gar-de~ (That was lovely~)"
She smiled sweetly and clapped, while Milotic—who had been full of anticipation—fell into despair.
Before she could even react, Gardevoir used her psychic power to haul her back inside.
Now, it was time for her private moment with Elias.
---
...
Huh. You really stuck it out all the way to the end.
Didn't think you had the patience. Guess I was wrong.
WiseTL's the one who actually made all this come together. I'm just here putting a bow on it… or, well, shoving it in a backpack and calling it a day. Same thing.
If you had fun, you know what to do:
👉 [patreon.com/WiseTL]
Heads up—Patreon's 50% off for all tiers during May. So if you were on the fence? Now's the time.
And if you're the social type, there's a Discord too. Pretty decent spot to hang out—no battles required.
👉 [discord.gg/wisetl]
Alright. That's enough standing around. Go on—before you make it weird.
—Leaf