Back at the villa, Julian released Metagross and gently pressed the Teleport TM/Disc, rewarded from the system against its head.
With a flash of white light, the disc vanished, signaling it had been successfully absorbed.
Julian let out a relieved sigh, having worried Metagross might fail to absorb it, and the reward would have been in vain.
But he realized he was overthinking; after all, the system tailored it specifically for Metagross, so there was no chance of failure.
"Metagross, Teleport" Julian said.
In an instant, Metagross disappeared and reappeared in the courtyard pool, then back in front of Julian.
"Perfect!"
Julian said, patting Metagross's head.
Metagross relaxed, giving a satisfied look as Julian massaged it with his Aura-infused hands.
Just then, Growlithe trotted over, nudging Julian's hand for attention.
"Meta~"
Metagross turned to look at Growlithe:
'What's up, little guy? You want in on the massage too?'
Growlithe barked back, "Grow, Grow, Grow!"
After a good fifteen minutes, Julian had given Metagross a full massage.
Looking around, he noticed Growlithe and a lineup of Steelix, Dragonite, Lucario, Meltan, Slowking, and Aron, all waiting patiently.
Julian held his head, chuckling. "Alright, one at a time. Slowking, could you grab me a bottle of ice-cold soda?"
Settling in for a long afternoon, Julian began his Aura massage with Growlithe, who was already sprawled out, all four legs up, gazing at him expectantly.
His Aura-imbued hands moved gently over Growlithe's limbs and torso, easing out the tension in its small, furry frame. The Aura followed his hands and slowly penetrated into Growlithe's body.
Compared to Metagross, Growlithe was much softer and more pliable. Metagross had the density of iron, much like Steelix and Aron.
Within minutes, Growlithe was dozing off comfortably.
Using his Psychic ability, Julian floated his soda bottle over, took a refreshing sip, and curiously tugged on Growlithe's little tongue, which had flopped out.
The pup stayed asleep.
"Is it really that relaxing?"
Julian smiled.
After over two hours, Julian had massaged all eight Pokémon.
Thankfully, his superhuman physique and power of advanced Aura made it manageable to care for them all.
"Slowking, let's have a barbecue tonight. Could you pick up some ingredients?" he called.
"Slow!"
Slowking nodded, setting out with a basket, ever mindful of the environment, avoiding single-use plastic bags.
"Lucario, can you grab the grill?"
"Metagross, the charcoal's also by the grill—mind bringing it over?"
"Not you, Meltan. You'd just make a mess."
He quickly caught Meltan, who tried to help.
"Steelix, could you cover up the holes you dug? We need a flat space to set up."
Surveying the backyard, Julian noticed Steelix's resting pit, which would need to be filled for their cookout.
"Dragonite, come here."
Dragonite waddled over with a silly expression. Julian retrieved a custom-fitted Flying saddle from the system space and secured it onto Dragonite's back.
This would make Dragonite his designated Flying mount. Though Metagross was powerful, Dragonite had the advantage in both speed and comfort.
Julian climbed onto Dragonite's back, sat in the saddle, and fastened his seatbelt. Immediately, he felt a sense of security.
"Alright, Dragonite, let's give it a test flight."
The Flying saddle was custom-designed to fit Dragonite's unique body shape, so while it might feel a bit off at first, Dragonite would soon get used to it with regular flights.
"Swish~"
In less than 0.01 seconds, Dragonite went 0 to 100.
Julian's neck nearly snapped from the sudden acceleration.
Dazed, Julian heard a soft, apologetic rumble from Dragonite.
It seemed to have momentarily forgotten Julian was on its back and had taken off at full speed.
"If you want a new Trainer, just say it" Julian patted Dragonite's head gently, he really felt like he almost died when Dragonite accelerated just now.
"Let's start slow. I'll tell you when it's time to speed up," he said.
Although cities typically restricted Flying Pokémon without relevant permits.
However, colleges and universities were more relaxed about it, and in the skies above Imperial University he often saw other Trainers flying.
Some rushing to class, while others practicing their moves just like Julian.
The added weight and presence of a rider naturally affected a Pokémon's balance and movement, so frequent practice was essential to build their coordination and comfort.
After an hour of flight practice, they returned to the yard.
Julian unlatched the Flying saddle, appreciating its quick-release mechanism.
By now, Slowking was back with the barbecue supplies.
The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the villa's courtyard.
The barbecue ingredients were all processed, and there was no need to clean anything.
Julian took out some fresh fruit from the system space, choosing each one based on his Pokémon's preferences, and passed them to Slowking, his unofficial chef.
"Make some non-alcoholic piña coladas for them, and I'll just take a Coke," Julian said.
As Julian began grilling, he called to Growlithe. "Start the fire, but go easy."
Julian warned, for fear that Growlithe would directly burn Charcoal to ashes.
Growlithe spit out a small flame, carefully igniting the charcoal.
As the food started to sizzle, its aroma filled the air.
The lights in the courtyard flickered on as dusk settled, and Lucario turned on the Bluetooth speaker, filling the evening with music.
Julian grinned at his Pokémon surrounded him.
"Hang tight, it's almost ready!" he reassured them.
Every now and then, Julian treated his team to human food, but tonight's menu was tailored just for them—roasted berries, energy cubes, and even grilled treats.
Slowking returned with drinks, serving Julian a bottle of MooMoo Milk instead of the Coke he'd asked for.
Julian raised a brow. "I wanted Coke…"
"Slow~"
Slowking shook its head; 'You can only drink one can of Coke a day, and you've already had it.'
Julian: (?`w'?)
"Fine, then how about a beer?"
Barbecue and beer, it was a perfect match.
"Slow~"
'You can't drink beer at your age,' Slowking replied, reminding him.
Julian: \(¯ ¯)/
Shrugging, Julian settled in, content with the milk as he grilled.
This time, Julian didn't invite anyone. Compared to others, he preferred to spend time with his Pokémon.
The full moon hung high above, stars twinkling in the night sky.
Under its glow, Julian and his Pokémon enjoyed their own private barbecue party.
*****
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