The soft, cool, fluffy Glaceon leaped toward Elias, and without thinking, he caught her gently in his arms.
Once safely in his embrace, she contentedly nuzzled closer.
Her eyes narrowed into blissful crescents, clearly enjoying the familiar warmth.
Though Elias's Zoroark and Lucario had once terrified Glaceon enough to make her avoid them at all costs…
There was another undeniable fact.
Elias's cooking was simply too delicious. The mere memory of it made Glaceon swallow involuntarily.
And even beyond the food, the soothing aura of Elias's [Power of Viridian] alone was enough to put her at ease.
But regrettably…
Since Elias had left, she hadn't tasted his cooking again, nor had she enjoyed napping in his embrace.
Now that he was back, Glaceon naturally wouldn't miss her chance.
Feeling how comfortable Glaceon's fur was, Elias subconsciously stroked it.
"Glace~"
Hearing her Pokémon's pleased cry snapped Irida back to reality.
She swallowed nervously, feeling her palms tremble involuntarily.
Her heart was pounding so fiercely in her chest, she could practically hear her own heartbeat.
Glaceon's behavior had triggered every nerve in her body.
After all, Irida knew her Pokémon's temperament better than anyone.
Timid, wary, and hesitant around strangers.
Even among those familiar to her, only a select few could make her let her guard down.
But now, Glaceon had leaped into Elias's arms without hesitation, clearly revealing how deeply familiar and trusted he was.
"E-Elias?"
Taking a deep breath to steady herself, Irida carefully ventured the question.
The moment her voice faded, she felt like she'd forgotten how to breathe.
"Has it been so long that you don't recognize me?"
Hearing her voice, Elias responded with a gentle smile.
Irida's reaction was entirely expected.
After all, anyone would be startled to suddenly find a friend who was supposed to have died standing right before their eyes.
Upon hearing Elias's reply, Irida finally confirmed she wasn't hallucinating.
An indescribable joy exploded in her heart instantly.
Yet alongside that joy, other complex emotions surged.
Thump—
Quickly scooping Glaceon out of Elias's arms, Irida flung herself at him.
She wrapped her arms tightly around him, as if afraid he'd vanish from sight again.
At this scene, several Pokémon nearby frowned instinctively.
But considering Elias and Irida had only just reunited, they reluctantly held back their dissatisfaction.
Irida's sudden embrace caught even Elias by surprise.
Noticing how tightly she was pressing her face against him, he curiously asked:
"Aren't you worried I might be a ghost?"
From his memories, Irida's courage was about as limited as her Glaceon's.
"Even if you were a ghost, that's still better than losing you again."
Irida's muffled voice came from within his clothing.
In truth, when she breathed in Elias's familiar scent, all her worries dissipated.
He wasn't a ghost or anything strange.
This was the real, genuine Elias she was holding onto.
Though she had no idea how he'd returned or what hardships he'd endured—
To defy fate and return to life, the journey must've been unimaginably dangerous.
"Elias, welcome home."
"You've worked hard."
Hugging him tighter, Irida murmured softly.
...
Pearl Clan Settlement, Irida's room.
"Palina-onee-san, I can't believe you teamed up with Elias to trick me!"
"You two are terrible!"
Irida complained indignantly, her eyes wide with exaggerated innocence.
Yet from the subtle curl at the corners of her lips, it was obvious she was actually thrilled.
"It was Elias's idea. I had nothing to do with it," Palina replied with a gentle laugh.
She was equally pleased.
Not just because Elias had returned, but because of Irida herself.
It had been far too long since she'd last seen such genuine happiness on Irida's face.
Sure enough, hearing Palina's words, Irida sipped her tea, using the cup to hide her expression.
She should've realized sooner.
Ever since Elias and Cynthia left, there hadn't been anyone strong enough among the three factions.
Although that girl, Akari, had grown rapidly in recent days…
She usually stayed with the Galaxy Expedition Team and wouldn't casually visit the Cobalt Coastlands without reason.
In such circumstances, how could there suddenly appear a trainer capable of defeating Heatran?
"Oh, right, Elias."
Irida suddenly thought of something, turning toward Elias.
He paused petting Mew's head and met her gaze questioningly.
Irida's eyes narrowed slightly, moving over Mew, Gardevoir, and the others.
With deliberate casualness, she spoke:
"The clan recently built brand-new Pokémon care facilities. They're extremely comfortable, want to let them all stay there?"
"They're freshly renovated," she emphasized enticingly.
Not long ago, she'd tried to hug Elias again, only to be rudely pushed aside by that Gardevoir's psychic powers.
Afterward, Gardevoir even possessively held onto Elias's arm, openly declaring ownership.
And the other Pokémon were equally obstructive—
Including that stupid fox she hadn't seen in ages!
To think she'd personally gone to bid that troublesome beast farewell before its journey into the Distortion World.
And this was how she was repaid!
Irida decided it was crucial to lure these overly attached Pokémon away.
Hearing this, Elias quickly understood Irida's intentions.
Though knowing the outcome would likely disappoint her, he still said gently:
"You can ask Gardevoir and the others directly. Let them decide for themselves."
Seeing Elias didn't outright refuse, Irida's eyes brightened immediately.
Turning to Gardevoir and the others, she sweetened her voice:
"The facilities are brand new, complete with fireplaces and regularly rotated Pokémon snacks."
"If you want toys, I can even arrange some. Wouldn't you like to give it a try?"
As she spoke, her gaze lingered significantly on Mew.
She wasn't confident about convincing all of them, but surely that cute little pink kitty—about the same size as her Glaceon—would take the bait.
If she could trick even one, it would be worth it.
Unfortunately…
Noticing Irida's intentions, Mew immediately nestled deeper into Elias's arms, casting Irida a disdainful glance.
Who was she trying to fool? Mew was the ancestor of all Pokémon!
Who'd fall for a trick like that?
Seeing this reaction…
Irida: "…"