Gladion placed another cup of ice cream in front of Latias. The cup was filled with a large scoop of vanilla topped with chocolate syrup and colorful sprinkles.
Latias looked at it with wide eyes. She leaned forward and licked the entire scoop in one quick motion. Her whole body shivered with delight. A happy expression spread across her face. Her wings fluttered slightly, and she let out a soft, pleased hum.
"This is tasty," Latias said. "Younger brother, why have you not made us taste this heavenly dish before this?" She licked her beak again and closed her eyes as if savoring every bit of the flavor. "It is cold and sweet at the same time. It feels like happiness melting on my tongue. I could eat ten more cups right now."
Gladion smiled gently. "You insisted on staying in your Poké Balls most of the time. You both thought such food was meant only for mortals. I never got the chance to offer it to you."
Latias opened her eyes and looked at Latios. "Well, it seems we might have been too arrogant. My dear, it looks like we have missed a lot of opportunities by living inside Poké Balls all the time."
Latios nodded slowly. "Indeed. This is quite enjoyable. The cold sensation is refreshing after so much flying and fighting."
Latios floated a little closer to Gladion. "Hmm, little brother, whenever you are at home or at your gym, you should let us stay outside in your gym ranch. We see many young Pokémon around your gym. We could guide them and help them grow stronger. But in return, we would need such good food every day."
Gladion smiled wider. "You do not need to give anything in return. You can stay here freely. I have already prepared a place for you."
He pointed toward the far side of the ranch. "It is near the caves in the artificial volcano area. Mom's Pokémon live there, along with Arsenal. You will have plenty of space to rest and fly whenever you want."
Gladion whistled softly. Erza's Charizard flew out from one of the large caves. The huge Pokémon landed gracefully near them. He looked straight at Latios and Latias without any fear. He simply gave a respectful nod of his head.
Latias tilted her head and examined the Charizard. "Now that is a strong specimen of a Charizard. He is quite powerful. Your mom has taken good care of him and trained him well."
Gladion patted the Charizard's neck. "That is Mom's ace after all. He will guide you to the cave. You can fly freely in the skies above the ranch. I will have someone bring fresh dishes for your meals every day. Enjoy your vacation here."
Latias giggled. "Very well, little brother. But remember to call us whenever you go outside. We still have our duty to protect you, and we still want to explore more of the world with you."
Gladion nodded. "I will."
The two legendary Pokémon followed Charizard toward the caves. Gladion watched them fly away for a moment. Then he turned to the rest of his team.
All of his Pokémon were enjoying their ice cream. Most licked it happily. Arsenal the Magmortar, however, was drinking his melted ice cream straight from the cup. It turned into a warm liquid the moment it got close to his fiery body.
Guy held his cup high. [Youth tastes even sweeter when shared with friends! This ice cream fuels the spirit of springtime!]
Nyx licked daintily. [This cold sweetness is perfect for a shadow like me. It cools my dark heart.]
Zeus sparked with joy. [This icecream is electric! Sweet and cool at the same time! I could eat this forever!]
Mystique sighed dramatically. [These burns from the battle have made my beauty even more special. Now the ice cream adds a mysterious chill to my perfection. What am I going to do with so much beautifulness?]
Lee punched the air once as the annhilape took another spoon of his cookie and dough ice cream. [I want to rage-fist that bird again, but this ice cream is making me calm.]
Tengen, even with his missing arm, held the cup carefully with his remaining claw. Gladion fed him with a flying using telekinesis.
Gladion watched them all and felt peace settle in his chest. He took another bite of his own ice cream. The cold sweetness helped wash away the stress of the past days.
Suddenly a Water Pulse shot toward him. Gladion raised a quick psychic barrier. The water splashed harmlessly against it.
Gladion sighed.
Froagadier rushed out from behind a tree. His eyes were angry. He croaked loudly and prepared another attack.
Before he could fire, a small blue figure jumped in front. Riolu punched Froagadier square in the chest and pinned him to the ground.
Riolu looked at Froagadier with a stern expression. [Please respect Master and respect the food he is giving us.]
Froagadier struggled. [I will shuriken his ass and get off, you blue fur!]
Riolu pressed harder. [Please mind your language. It is bad manners.]
Froagadier growled. [Bad manners? I will show you bad manners! Let me go!]
Riolu stayed firm. [Master saved you from poachers. He gave you a home. He gives you food. He gives you training. Show some gratitude.]
Froagadier stopped struggling for a moment. [He kidnapped me from the poachers. That is not saving.]
Riolu tilted his head. [He took you away from people who wanted to sell you or hurt you. That is saving. Now behave, or I will make you behave.]
Froagadier huffed. [Fine. But only because you are strong. Not because of him.]
Riolu released him. [Good. Now go eat your ice cream before it melts.]
Froagadier grumbled but walked back toward his cup.
Gladion watched the whole scene and smiled. "Ah, I have missed this. The fun and banter among us. And I left all of this for growing my business empire. Truly, I was delusional. And for showing me that path, I will have to thank you, Giovanni."
He took another spoonful of ice cream. The sweetness felt better than ever.
-----Author Notes------
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