As Elias carefully tended Lucario's injuries, Lance walked over with his heavily bandaged Dragonite. The latter had regained consciousness, sporting white wraps covering the wounds that had already received preliminary treatment.
"He insisted on seeing Lucario—I couldn't stop him," Lance explained helplessly, pointing toward Dragonite as they entered the resting area.
Surprised, Elias glanced toward Dragonite. Despite its own exhaustion, the large Pokémon had willingly given up rest just to visit Lucario.
Yet, unexpectedly, Dragonite showed no hostility at all. Instead, it managed to straighten its hefty body and gave Lucario a sincere nod of acknowledgment.
The intense battle just now had made Dragonite fully recognize Lucario's strength. Its purpose for coming over was purely to express respect and perhaps exchange a few friendly words.
As for causing trouble—
Forget it.
Gardevoir was standing right there.
Unless Dragonite had a death wish, this was absolutely not the time for tantrums.
Seeing Dragonite's intentions, Lucario relaxed his wary expression, returning the nod calmly.
"You fought well," Lucario conveyed telepathically. Then, he closed his eyes, enjoying Elias's healing again.
The warm, soothing sensation of the [Power of Virdian] flowing through his body was simply too comfortable, to the point that Lucario didn't even want to bother with the visiting Dragonite anymore.
Dragonite wasn't annoyed by Lucario's dismissiveness, however. Instead, it tilted its head curiously, wondering what exactly Lucario was experiencing that seemed so comfortable.
After a quick glance, Dragonite immediately discovered the source. Staring unblinkingly with its large, round eyes, it focused on Elias's hand radiating gentle green energy.
Its intuition told it clearly: this glittering green energy was exactly what had put Lucario into such a strangely contented state.
"Do you want to try too, Dragonite?" Seeing the Pokémon's curious expression, Elias smiled gently, indicating his palm.
Gulp—
Dragonite swallowed audibly.
Can...can I really?
...
Lucario wore a dark expression, glaring at the Dragonite sprawled lazily on the ground nearby. Its eyes closed blissfully as Elias's hand rested gently on its back, steadily channeling the [Power of Viridian].
Damn fat dragon! Lucario clenched his fists, teeth grinding in irritation.
Just moments ago, he'd actually begun thinking of this dragon as a worthy friend. Yet now, mere minutes later, the fat creature had shamelessly stolen his spot!
"Ahem, Dragonite, we should go." Lance cleared his throat awkwardly. "I'll take you to the Pokémon Center. Nurse Joy can treat you further."
Seeing his own Pokémon practically refusing to budge, Lance felt somewhat embarrassed, trying to persuade Dragonite.
Unfortunately…
Dragonite didn't even bother opening its eyes at Lance's voice, clearly planning to abandon its original trainer without hesitation.
It wasn't that Dragonite lacked loyalty—it was simply that Elias's [Power of Viridian] felt far too good.
Unlike Lucario, who regularly enjoyed Elias's treatments, Dragonite was experiencing it for the first time and felt a comfort dozens of times greater than anything Nurse Joy could offer.
It could even sense the old, hidden injuries deep within its body slowly healing, a treatment far superior to anything a Pokémon Center could provide.
Seeing his ace Pokémon about to be stolen away, Lance sighed helplessly. Even he could tell the [Power of Viridian] benefited Dragonite immensely, leaving him no choice but to rely on Elias's generosity a bit longer.
Several minutes later, Dragonite stood up refreshed and energized, stretching its body and feeling better than it had in years.
Seeing Dragonite still looking wistfully at Elias, Lance hurriedly recalled it into its Pokéball before he lost his Pokémon for good.
"Elias, thank you," Lance bowed deeply in gratitude. If not for Elias, Dragonite's hidden injuries might never have healed in its lifetime.
Seeing Lance's sincerity, Elias casually waved his hand. For him, it was merely a small gesture. Besides, Dragonite's plump, soft body had proven surprisingly pleasant to the touch.
"I can only heal physical injuries. You should still let Dragonite get proper rest after this," Elias advised after a moment, remembering he needed to meet Professor Oak shortly.
Understanding immediately, Lance nodded knowingly.
"I'll contact you later."
...
Shortly afterward, Elias, accompanied by his Pokémon, arrived at the resting area behind the stadium.
"You're really famous now," Cynthia remarked with a teasing smile. Along the way, numerous people had already tried approaching Elias for autographs—both men and women alike—though all had been swiftly driven away by Gardevoir and Zoroark's intimidating glares.
Even so, their eager gazes had been impossible to ignore.
Elias sighed bitterly, realizing his mistake. If he'd known earlier, he definitely would've come in disguise.
"Elias, over there," Gardevoir softly tapped his shoulder, reminding him.
They were here to meet Professor Oak. According to information, the professor should be nearby. Gardevoir had already pinpointed his location using her powerful psychic senses.
After navigating several street corners, Elias finally found Professor Oak and his group near a practice battlefield.
Upon seeing Elias, Professor Oak and Delia warmly waved at him, while Ash bounced eagerly in excitement.
The sole exception…
...Was Gary, who was currently hunched over awkwardly, looking ready to bolt at any second but hesitating out of pride. When he saw Elias approaching, Gary's usually arrogant face turned slightly pale.
Observing Gary's uneasy demeanor, Elias's eyes narrowed in amusement.
"Professor Oak, Delia-san," he politely greeted the two adults first.
Then, with Gary squirming nervously nearby, Elias slowly lifted the corners of his mouth into a gentle yet mischievous smile:
"Sorry to keep you waiting, Gary. Our battle agreement from yesterday… it's still valid, right?"