The battle between Delphox and Mega Blastoise was reaching an intense climax.
Despite being marked by a magical flame seal, Mega Blastoise retaliated with an even stronger hydro impact from its massive cannons. Fire and water clashed fiercely on the battlefield.
With a resounding boom, both Pokémon staggered back simultaneously. At that moment, Klein and Lucas, in perfect sync, recalled their Pokémon.
"Next time, we might finally determine the true winner," Lucas remarked.
The mechanical arm on Lucas's hand flickered with a dazzling glow. His Mega Blastoise had yet to unleash its full power in battle. After years apart, there was no doubt that Lucas had grown far stronger than before.
"Honorable Sandstorm Prince, since you've come all the way to Cinnabar Island, shouldn't you at least treat me to something?"
Walking side by side along the road, Lucas noticed that Klein remained as taciturn as ever, so he took the initiative to start a conversation.
Klein pondered Lucas's request seriously. "Not long ago, a new shop opened here. They serve frozen drinks from the Unova region."
"That sounds great."
The small shop was located in the southern part of Cinnabar City. Its owner was from Snowbelle City in Unova, and he had deliberately set up this frozen drink store in the scorching climate of Cinnabar Island. The beverages, infused with the unique fruit aromas of Unova, stirred a nostalgic expression on Lucas's face. "This tastes like home."
Klein picked up a red fruit-flavored ice drink. He didn't pay much attention to Lucas's words—he wanted to drink it but didn't take a sip. To him, indulgent food and drinks only served to weaken his willpower. He had always been the type to take just a small taste before setting it aside.
"You used to love drinking this," Lucas commented.
"Drinking too much is pointless. I'd rather spend my time improving my strength," Klein replied matter-of-factly.
Lucas stirred his orange juice with a straw, then grabbed a snack and took a cheerful bite. "Balancing work and rest is important too. If you keep yourself wound up like a tight string, you're going to snap one day."
"I won't collapse so easily anymore," Klein said firmly.
What happened to him? Where did the Klein from before go—the one who was always quick with a joke, always wearing a carefree smile? Now he was like a stubborn block of wood.
"Delphox, do you want a drink too?"
Klein didn't particularly enjoy ice-cold drinks. His head was still aching slightly—the aftereffects of the battle at Seafoam Islands hadn't entirely faded. Rubbing his temple lightly, he thought of his Delphox.
A flash of light from the Poké Ball, and Delphox elegantly emerged in the shop, maneuvering countless purple flames with a poised and dazzling grace. Her stunning presence immediately drew the attention of the other trainers in the store.
"What a beautiful Pokémon—so majestic!"
"A purple Delphox! I've never seen one like that before!"
Delphox graciously accepted the admiration from the onlookers. Being a rare variant, she was naturally more refined and youthful compared to the usual Delphox, which often carried a matronly air.
When Klein extended the invitation, Delphox shyly glanced at him and hesitantly stepped forward, just about to take the elegant drink in front of her—when a shadow flashed past, snatching the drink right from under her nose.
Who dares steal the drink my master offered me?!
Purple flames flared violently into a menacing Will-O-Wisp. The previously graceful Delphox now radiated an eerie, ghostly chill, her fury evident.
A crisp laughter echoed through the shop. Amid a flurry of silver-white petals, a petite and adorable Grass-type Pokémon giggled mischievously while sipping Klein's drink.
You old hag, stop pretending to be young. This kind of drink is for girls, not someone who's lived over a hundred years.
It was a Florges—a Fairy-type Pokémon that ruled over beautiful gardens, drawing power from the energy of flowers. In ancient times, lords invited Florges to cultivate magnificent floral gardens in their estates.
Florges sneered playfully, her voice dripping with mockery, as she boldly strolled up to Klein. A faint, pleasant fragrance drifted from her, and under its calming influence, Klein's headache began to ease.
"Florges, thank you," Klein said as his mind cleared completely. Recognizing that she had used Aromatherapy, he expressed his gratitude.
Under Klein's gaze, Florges' face suddenly flushed. Like Delphox before her, she grew bashful. Soon, her cheeks were so hot that she became dizzy herself.
"Are you okay?"
Noticing that Florges appeared to be in a confused state, Klein immediately took out a healing potion from his bag. He gently held Florges' hand and carefully examined her condition.
At Klein's touch, Florges nearly melted on the spot. Having just evolved, she had never interacted with a male before. And the scent of Klein—it was intoxicating to her.
This little vixen!
Delphox was nearly bursting with rage. If Klein weren't in the middle of treating her, she would have incinerated that flirtatious wench with her flames.
"Cinnabar Island's climate isn't suitable for a Florges to live in," Klein observed. "She was probably carried here by shifting weather patterns back when she was still a Flabébé or a Floette."
As a regional Elite Four, Klein was highly knowledgeable—not just about Pokémon attributes and abilities, but also their natural habitats and behaviors. It was clear to him that this Florges must have drifted here unintentionally.
Even if you're an old hag, I have to admit you have good taste in men.
Florges let out a soft, cooing sound. To Klein and Lucas, it sounded like an affectionate whimper. But to Delphox, it was a blatant challenge.
A blast of fire erupted, streaking toward Florges—only to be intercepted mid-air by a Water Pulse.
It was Mega Blastoise.
What do you think you're doing, you damned turtle?
Delphox glared coldly at Blastoise. Blastoise shrank his neck slightly. I just think Florges looks kind of pitiful. You shouldn't bully her.
For a moment, Delphox was speechless. Then, her twig ignited with even fiercer flames. You stupid turtle, are you asking for a beating?
Blastoise hesitated but still stood protectively in front of Florges.
"Whoa, looks like Delphox and Blastoise are about to fight again!"
This guy seems strong. He'd be a good match for me.
Hearing Florges' remark, Delphox's fury erupted completely. The surrounding flames detonated into a swirling vortex of violet fire.
"Delphox, don't be so reckless," Klein scolded.
Sensing his firm tone, Delphox immediately simmered down. She withdrew her flames, though her icy gaze remained locked onto Florges.
"Don't worry, I'll get you another drink," Klein added.
—
Meanwhile, deep in the Silver Mountain range of Johto, a special guest arrived at Koga's office.
With a grim expression, Koga accepted a Pikachu mask from the visitor. "What exactly do you want me to do?"
"Finish the job your predecessor left behind—gather the remaining fragments of the Platinum Plate and locate a better passage in Kanto," the young man instructed. "Since the Elite Four are keeping a close eye on this, I'll send some of our top Association operatives to assist you."
He handed Koga a data card. "Everything you need is in here. And keep a low profile."
As the young man departed, Koga stared at the Pikachu mask in his hands, lost in thought.