December 23rd, Tuesday.
Early in the morning, the diligent Master Aiden was already busy in the kitchen, preparing to showcase his skills on the last day for Cynthia.
He would be leaving for Sinnoh with Cynthia in the afternoon, so today was his final day in Paldea this year.
Therefore, he should prepare a little surprise.
Although Aiden modestly claimed he wasn't big on ceremony, he still had a bit of it in him.
However, after an hour and a half of hard work, he suddenly realized—
He hadn't overestimated his sense of ceremony, but he might have underestimated his cooking ability.
"Bui~"
Drifting lazily from the bedroom, Eevee was about to jump onto the table as usual, ready to urge its Trainer to serve breakfast.
But upon entering the kitchen and seeing Aiden deep in thought, holding that indescribable lump of goo, Eevee quickly realized it had been a bit rash today.
"Bui!"
After letting out a scream, Eevee immediately scurried back to the bedroom, pretending it hadn't woken up yet.
"..."
Seeing his bowl of berry porridge easily scare away Eevee, Aiden's expression became somewhat complicated.
If I took this stuff outdoors, would it be more effective than repellent spray?
Could it be that my talents were actually invested in crafting items?
But the taste should be fine; every type of berry is nutritious—it just looks a bit unappealing!
Scooping a spoonful into his mouth, feeling the peculiar texture that was slightly bland but oddly slippery, Aiden immediately fell silent.
Hmm, does the taste also not work?
Just as he was seriously considering whether to pour his carefully prepared results down the drain, the door was suddenly pushed open from the outside.
Then, a sleepy Miraidon walked into the kitchen, eyes half-closed, and flopped down on the ground, emitting a weak groan.
"Gao..."
Aiden scratched his head, suddenly struck by an idea. He tentatively held the food in front of Miraidon.
"If you're hungry, do you want to eat this first?"
Apparently still half-asleep, Miraidon didn't open its eyes. Seeing Aiden offering a bowl of food, it opened its mouth without hesitation.
"Gao?!"
After swallowing a small bite, Miraidon instantly perked up, scrambling and rolling out of the kitchen at lightning speed.
"..."
Watching its hasty retreat, Aiden quickly gave up struggling.
It seems my cooking skills are still too ahead of their time.
Until berries and other ingredients evolve to catch up with my level, I'll have to endure for now.
...
"Mmm—"
When Cynthia (in her pink pajamas) emerged from her room, hair messy and covering her face while yawning, sandwiches and miso soup were already set on the table.
"Good morning."
Aiden waved and greeted her.
"You woke up late today, so we'll have to make do with this. When we return to Sinnoh, I'll treat you to a fancy restaurant meal."
"It's alright, something light is good too."
Cynthia smiled gently, not minding at all, and soon headed to the washroom.
After Cynthia left, Eevee, hearing the commotion, came running to Aiden from the room.
Upon confirming that there was no dark cuisine on the table, only normal sandwiches, it shed a few tears of gratitude.
Seeing this scene, Aiden's lips couldn't help but twitch violently.
In theory, with Eevee being so close to evolving, its friendship should be maxed out.
But why do I feel like Eevee isn't the cute, thoughtful little cotton ball I imagined…
By the time Cynthia reappeared, she had regained her usual energetic demeanor, looking like she had slept well last night.
"Is the flight this afternoon?"
Sitting at the dining table, Cynthia suddenly asked.
Since their only means of transportation, Miraidon, was banned, Aiden temporarily had no flying Pokémon, so they had to take a plane for the long journey.
Although this world has many convenient Pokémon for carrying people, obviously only a few can capture them.
Thus, various modern modes of transportation also exist.
They were mentioned in the game as well.
Unova's airport, Kalos' taxis, and riding Pokémon from various regions together form the travel methods of the Pokémon world.
"Mm, after eating, we should get ready to leave and wait for the plane in Mesagoza."
As Aiden spoke, Bagon appeared at his side with its signature reckless steps and skillfully used "Tackle."
Having grown accustomed to its behavior of greeting with affection, Aiden simply picked it up and placed it on the table.
"I've also prepared Moomoo Milk for you, drink up."
After patting its rock-hard head, Aiden smiled.
Pokémon in their infancy haven't grown teeth yet, so they can only obtain necessary nutrients through Moomoo Milk, as mentioned on the first page of Green's breeding notes.
However, Pokémon grow through their infancy very quickly.
About a week later, Bagon's teeth will start to grow, and then it can eat normally.
After a simple breakfast, before departure, Aiden took out the Mega Stone he received from Rayquaza from his pocket.
After processing, the Mega Stone was now embedded in a pendant, fitting perfectly around Bagon's neck.
"Do you plan to let Bagon wear this Mega Stone all the time?"
Cynthia immediately understood Aiden's thoughts.
"Mm, it might be beneficial for it."
Aiden nodded.
According to Mr. Drake's advice, Bagon should carry this special Mega Stone from a young age to help it get used to the power of Mega Evolution early.
Perhaps after evolving into Salamence, it could Mega Evolve without needing a Mega Stone, just like Rayquaza?
In the game, part of Mega Rayquaza's strength comes from its high stats and abilities that counter Primal Groudon and Kyogre, but a significant part also comes from its ability to Mega Evolve without a Mega Stone.
If Salamence could also bypass the item lock, even if Diantha brings ten more boxes of Moomoo Milk, it won't help!
Under Aiden's expectant gaze, Bagon, who had just burped, soon noticed the pendant in his hand.
Although Bagon was still very young and its brain hadn't fully developed, it vaguely remembered that this thing seemed to come from the big guy who looked like it could really fly yesterday.
If I have this, can I fly freely in the sky like it?
With a dream of flying since childhood, Bagon didn't hesitate and, under Aiden's approving gaze, suddenly opened its mouth wide.
And then—
Aiden's expression instantly turned to terror, and he immediately picked Bagon up.
My little ancestor, how did you manage to eat the Mega Stone?
Even if you want to hide items, this isn't how you do it!
Fortunately, given Bagon's current size, the Mega Stone couldn't go down its throat, and Aiden easily retrieved it from its mouth.
After narrowly avoiding turning a pleasant surprise into an accident, he sighed deeply.
This clumsy dragon is truly making me worry myself to death!
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