Eevee emerged victorious against Growlithe and returned home, just as Luke was arriving.
"vui~!"
Spotting Luke, Eevee appeared somewhat excited, yet also worn out, as evident from her weary expression.
Luke picked up Eevee and ran his fingers through the soft fur on her head, his expression a mixture of emotions. He said, "Did you defeat the landlord's Growlithe?"
"vui~?"
Eevee tilted her head, evading Luke's fingers with a quick movement. Her tiny face took on a serious, contemplative look, and then her eyes lit up.
"vui~!" (I won!)
"You're so sure of yourself!" Luke chuckled with a wry smile. "Tonight, I fear we might get kicked out by the landlord's wife!"
Though Eevee hadn't actually caused any structural damage to the house…
What had she done? It seemed to be worse than tearing the place apart?
Had she truly offended the landlord to the point of being homeless tonight?
"vui~ (*ω＼*)"
"I wasn't complimenting you at all! Why are you still acting proud?"
Luke sighed slightly, exasperated.
Indeed, this was his fault as Eevee's trainer. Alongside teaching Eevee moves, he needed to provide proper guidance.
Note to self: Eevee must never be left home alone again!
"jie jie~ jie jie~ o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
Haunter laughed, taking amusement in others' misfortunes.
"What's so funny? You're not much better!"
Luke rubbed his temples, fatigued.
One of these Pokémon learned moves at home and almost set the house on fire, while the other sneaked out to fight and ended up in a showdown with the landlord's Growlithe?
Were they both on a self-imposed journey to level up?!
Then, what exactly was his purpose as a Trainer?!
Suddenly, a realization dawned on him.
"It's not that I don't want to be a Trainer..."
"It's just that being myself is useless!"
The logic was surprisingly sound, and Luke nodded in agreement.
He glanced at Eevee, who bore small scratches and traces of blood on her body.
Luke reached out to touch Eevee's head and mustered a faint smile.
"We'll go to the Pokémon Center together later to treat your wounds."
"vui~."
Eevee lowered her head and let out a soft whimper.
...
Luke, acting as a parent tending to his child's aftermath, arrived at the Pokémon Center. He began by sincerely apologizing to the landlord and offered to cover the medical expenses.
Eventually, Luke found himself blushing with embarrassment as he said, "Sister Liu, I truly apologize for causing so much trouble..."
"If you're considering changing tenants, give me a day to make arrangements."
From accidentally setting his house ablaze to needing medical care for his pet, Luke could hardly think of a reason why the landlord wouldn't evict him.
"These are trivial matters."
Sister Liu shook her head. "In any case, all the rental properties here belong to me. You should stay."
Initially moved by her words, Luke grew more skeptical as he considered them. Was she really speaking like a human?
"I shouldn't have charged you for medical fees since I didn't secure the rope properly."
Sister Liu smiled gently. "I also have some soup at home. Feel free to bring your little companion over to taste it tonight."
"Don't worry, Sister Liu, I'll definitely be there!"
Eevee had sustained some injuries.
Worth noting, the doctor who had nearly been poisoned by Gastly during a previous visit examined Eevee.
Upon seeing Luke, the doctor exclaimed, "You again!"
Luke grinned and scratched his head. "I'm sorry, Doctor. I'm bothering you again."
During the examination, Eevee scratched the doctor three times, leaving him with injuries. After bandaging his hand, the doctor scribbled the diagnosis:
"No major issues, just use a Potion. And by the way, please don't call me again… I still haven't beaten that level."
"Next time, definitely next time."
...
Luke cradled Eevee and headed back home.
Eevee wriggled free from Luke's embrace, landing gracefully on the ground. She shot a sidelong glance at Luke.
"So, you're giving me face in public. That's it, right? Do you still want to keep holding me at home?"
Luke adjusted his approach, lifting Eevee by the back of her neck and carrying her to the recently acquired cat litter. After spraying the potion, he let out a sigh of relief.
"Everyone else treats their Pokémon as friends, comrades-in-arms, or something."
Luke's expression turned quizzical.
"Am I imagining things, or does it feel like I adopted an ancient ancestor?"
Grumbling to himself, Luke still made sure to prepare high-quality Oran Berry Pokeblock for a dinner meant for two Pokémon.
Taking advantage of Eevee and Haunter being preoccupied with eating and play-fighting, Luke finally found the opportunity to check on the ongoing events.
In the grade group, there was shock over Luke's advancement to the finals.
In the Online Friends Group, the host was impatiently awaiting the broadcast's start, and the dining hall faced a shortage of food.
In the Master group, Red, who had been out of sight for a while, made an appearance online.
"Just training at Mt. Silver recently."
Red mentioned, "Did you recently acquire Eevee, Teacher Luke?"
About to consult Red, Luke changed his mind.
"Red, my Eevee seems to be quite temperamental. Any suggestions?"
Recalling Eevee's demeanor prior to evolution, Red couldn't help but smile slightly.
"Vee used to be quite reserved as well, but after evolving into Espeon, he became quite affectionate."
Red's Eevee had even been subjected to experimentation by Team Rocket, gaining the ability to freely switch between fire, water, and thunder types. This versatility came at the cost of intense pain, making it rather aggressive.
After evolving into Espeon, the shape and personality became more stable and gentle.
Luke stroked his chin in contemplation.
Do intimacy evolution?
The choices were narrowed down to Sun, Moon, or Fairy.
Regardless, it doesn't need to spend money.
When the time came, Luke could print out images representing the three options and observe Eevee's response.
"For specific evolution methods, you can consult the special research on evolution conducted by Professor Rowan in the Sinnoh Region."
Red suggested, "As for contact information, I can ask Professor Oak for that."
"No need for that; I already have his contact information."
After a moment of consideration, Red nodded in agreement.
As a Master Rank Trainer, Luke's acquaintance with Pokémon Professors from different regions was only natural.
"That works perfectly."
Concluding the conversation with Red, Luke retrieved Professor Rowan's business card from a drawer.
"I wonder if he'll even answer..." Luke mumbled to himself.
Surprisingly, the call was promptly answered, with Professor Rowan's serious voice on the other end.
"Rowan Laboratory, who's calling?"
"Professor, it's Luke from the Orient Region. You left your business card the last time you visited... I have a few questions I'd like to ask you."
After a brief pause, Professor Rowan recollected and smiled.
"Ah, Luke, isn't it? I still remember. Are you considering joining me as a researcher?"
"No, my question is different..."
Luke went on to describe Eevee's personality and Ability.
"I want to know if this will affect Eevee's evolution."
Although Eevee's Anticipation Ability seemed fitting, her behavior was more impulsive than even Haunter's.
Wary of potential consequences, Luke sought guidance from the experts.
"The temperamental Eevee? Quite rare," Professor Rowan pondered before suggesting, "Would it be possible for you to bring Eevee over for further observation?"
Glancing back at Eevee, who was napping, Luke coughed lightly. "I just recently got her, and she's rather skittish, so transferring her might be a bit tricky."
"I understand."
Professor Rowan nodded. "If you're able, could you open a video call? I'd like to observe this little one."
As the video call connected, the distinguished old man with a halo of gray-white hair and sagely glasses nodded and greeted, "It's been a while, Luke."
"My invitation stands; I hope you'll consider becoming a researcher."
"I will."
Luke agreed, holding up Eevee, who looked drowsy and still had bandages wrapped around her.
"These scars are from today's fight...and she initiated it herself..."
Professor Rowan occasionally focused on Eevee's ears, studying her for a while before uttering a soft exclamation.
"This Eevee should have the Anticipation Ability yet she challenges other Pokémon of her own accord."
Professor Rowan couldn't help but nod. "She's driven by a strong desire to win!"
"Professor, will this behavior have any negative impact on her?" Luke asked.
Stroking his beard, Professor Rowan smiled gently. "Not only will it not be detrimental, but you should be grateful to have acquired such an exceptional Pokémon."
"Your emotions may have inspired her to boldly pursue victory, regardless of personal safety, all in the pursuit of becoming stronger."
Luke looked bemused.
Wait, what?!
Is this really how it works?!
"Professor, I never thought of myself as her Trainer..."
"Hahaha, I understand!" Professor Rowan chuckled heartily. "But this could be, as you put it, a fortunate mistake!"
Looking at Eevee, who was sleeping, Luke couldn't help but reach out and pat her head.
Ordinarily, Eevee didn't display her affection for Luke openly. She merely chose to express her gratitude by growing stronger.
Haunter also drifted over, prodding at Eevee's sleeping face and bursting into laughter.
"There's a profound bond between you two," Professor Rowan remarked.
Luke coughed lightly, about to say something, when a brilliant golden light suddenly appeared on the screen.
"Professor, the inscriptions have been deciphered."
A slightly husky voice spoke up, a voice that felt oddly familiar to Luke, though he couldn't quite place it.
A tall woman with cascading blonde hair appeared, and the sight of her struck Luke with a sense of recognition.
Suddenly, it clicked, and Luke's eyes widened in realization.
Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia!