"Wait," Barbara finally spoke up, stopping Amber from trying to take the Larvitar. "Shopkeeper, can you tell me about Larvitar's lifestyle?"
Takashi handed her the Pokédex, letting her look at the information herself.
The information in the Pokédex was pretty accurate, covering most aspects of Larvitar's life.
As for the specifics, as long as the trainer wasn't careless, forgetful, or always trying to be some reckless type advantage master, Larvitar could easily look after itself.
"The details are all in the Pokédex, or you can tell me what exactly you want to know about Larvitar?" Takashi could sense there was more behind Barbara's question.
It seemed she wasn't just interested in Larvitar's lifestyle, but more curious about its past—specifically, how Larvitar lived before, and who it lived with.
This topic couldn't be discussed without bringing up Barbara's relationship with her older sister, Jean. They were siblings; their father was Simon Page, a bishop of the Church of Favonius.
Their parents divorced when Barbara was young. She followed her father into the Church, while her sister Jean stayed with their mother and eventually joined the Knights of Favonius. After Grand Master Varka went on an expedition, Jean became the Acting Grand Master.
Now, both sisters lived in Mondstadt. Barbara worked in the support division, treating the injured, while Jean held a high position in the Knights. Their relationship was complicated, with both avoiding each other's gaze whenever they met.
Neither knew how to face the other.
Later, Barbara became the idol of Mondstadt. On the surface, she was a brave young woman, but deep inside, she had no confidence when it came to her relationship with her sister. She lacked the courage.
She felt that her current relationship with Jean was much like her relationship with Larvitar. She was too afraid to take that step forward.
"Larvitar…"
Larvitar, seeing Barbara like this, lowered its head, letting out a weak whimper, as if influenced by her, feeling down as well.
Amber squatted down, placing her hand on Larvitar's head, gently comforting it. "It's okay, Larvitar. This big sister is just thinking about what delicious food to prepare for you tonight."
Larvitar lifted its head, its fierce eyes blinking until they turned into thin, cheerful lines, and its mood became lively again.
Takashi explained, "Barbara, as you can see, Pokémon can sense their trainer's emotions. They aren't just simple pets."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that." Barbara bowed to apologize. Every time she thought about her sister, she became flustered, even losing her composure.
"I understand your feelings a little," Takashi said kindly. "You're worried that having a Pokémon might complicate things between you and your sister, right?"
"Huh?" Barbara was taken aback. It was true. She had been worried about this all along.
Aside from that, Larvitar's appearance was a bit intimidating.
Takashi crossed his arms, asking seriously, "Barbara, what's your dream?"
Barbara fell silent.
"To protect Mondstadt, right?"
Amber stood with her hands on her hips, chiming in suddenly, "I didn't know Barbara's dream was so noble. I thought she wanted to be the world's idol singer."
Barbara clasped her hands in front of her chest, lowering her gaze, stealing a glance at Larvitar.
Larvitar also raised its head, staring at her blankly, its small mouth slightly open, seemingly lost in thought.
"You were brave enough to confront two Treasure Hoarders," Takashi said, "yet you're scared of a little Pokémon?"
Takashi left it at that, giving Barbara time to think.
Getting Barbara to face her true feelings was challenging. She had been in Mondstadt for so long without opening her heart to Jean.
How could a few words from Takashi make her bravely open that door?
Instead of convincing her to reconcile with Jean, Takashi was more interested in whether Barbara was willing to bond with Larvitar.
Amber rested her chin on her hand, leaning against the counter, casually saying, "Shopkeeper, it looks like Barbara doesn't really like this Pokémon. How about I take it home? I promise I'll raise it to be as lively as my Ponyta."
Takashi rolled his eyes. If Ponyta ever stopped jumping around, it would probably be dead.
"Larvitar…"
Larvitar waddled over to Barbara, gently patting her shin with its tiny hand.
Barbara instinctively shivered and took a step back. She looked down to see Larvitar staring up at her with a bright smile.
Amber was about to say something, but Takashi stopped her.
"Larvitar…"
"Larvitar…"
Larvitar lightly patted Barbara's leg with its small hand, actively trying to get closer to her.
Barbara's face first went pale, and then memories flashed through her mind—memories of her childhood, running with Jean around the Seven Statue at Windrise.
Colorful Windwheel Asters, fluttering Crystalflies, white cranes feeding by the lakeside, endless green fields…
Back then, her smile was just as pure as Larvitar's current expression, so innocent and sincere.
Everything seemed so far away. They wanted to protect each other's smiles, but whenever they met, they remained silent, pretending not to know, going about their own lives.
Why was she projecting her relationship with her sister onto her bond with Larvitar? Larvitar was so innocent and pure.
"Larvitar…"
Larvitar gave Barbara a sweet smile.
"Alright…" Barbara crouched down, tentatively placing her hand on Larvitar's head. Its texture felt rough, almost like granite.
According to the Pokédex, Larvitar was a Rock-type Pokémon, so its hardness made sense.
"Larvitar."
Larvitar closed its eyes, enjoying Barbara's touch, accepting her as its trainer.
Seeing this, Amber and Takashi couldn't help but applaud Barbara's courage.
Barbara looked up, her face flushed, and instinctively covered her face, "I'm sorry, I lost my composure."
Takashi shook his head. "No, we like seeing the real you, Barbara."
"Exactly," Amber nodded vigorously. "If Barbara is just a bit braver, Larvitar can have a happy life too."
Barbara lowered her head slightly, "Don't say it like that. I'm still a novice. I don't know much yet. I'll have to learn a lot from you, Amber."
"No problem! We'll grow together," Amber said cheerfully.
Barbara tried to pick Larvitar up but found it too heavy. She exclaimed in surprise, "Shopkeeper, this…"
Not every newcomer can be from Pallet Town... Takashi smiled, "Larvitar grew up in the mountains, eating rocks. It may look small, but its weight is comparable to an adult man's."
Amber was astonished, "So pseudo-legendary Pokémon are that strong, huh?"
Barbara whimpered to herself. Would it end up eating her entire villa someday?