Chapter Ten: Joining the Ranks with the Dragon

After dinner, Zhuyuehan took Qianhui out for a stroll—or rather, it was the messenger bird leading the elderly and the child for an evening walk. Their plan was simple: wander the bustling streets of Golden City at night, randomly pick a few lucky shops, and test their fortunes. The routine played out the same each time: Qianhui would draw the consolation prize—tissues—while Zhuyuehan would casually reach out and claim the grand prize. The messenger bird became ever more convinced that this icy old fellow was a walking Poké-egg.

Elsewhere, Grandpa Liu had found a secluded spot where everyone could sit down to enjoy tea together.

“How long has it been since our group gathered like this?” he mused.

Professor Oak fanned himself. “Hard to believe a big city like Golden City still has such quiet corners. You really know how to enjoy life.”

Liu, ever expressionless, replied, “The gym leader here is a young girl. When there's a meeting, she never stops chattering.”

The Breeder Dad broke into a sweat. “Ah, Liu, you haven’t changed a bit.”

Kikuza chuckled. “In any case, it’s been a while since we’ve all sat together so peacefully. Liu, the Elite Four?”

Grandpa Liu frowned. “I’m still considering it.”

He knew very well what the League was like, and Professor Oak had mentioned it to him before. If he agreed, he’d have to accept Elite Four status—and might even be expected to fill the Champion’s shoes.

The Breeder Matron waved it off. “Why not let the Dragon Clan send someone? They’ve always wanted the job.”

Families who’ve managed to breed a single Pokémon type for generations surely have deep roots.

But Liu shook his head. “No, it seems their focus has shifted. Their new poster child is the next generation—a boy named Lance.”

“So, there won't be a Dragon Clan member filling the spot anytime soon.”

A change in focus? Everyone exchanged glances; it likely meant the clan was preparing Lance for leadership.

“Interesting,” Kikuza remarked, tapping her cane. “I’ll keep an eye on this Lance boy. Now, next topic: what about that young man who is older than all of us combined? What are your plans for him?”

Professor Oak replied, “We plan to send him to the academy. He doesn’t seem much interested in being a trainer.”

Kikuza shot him a dubious look. Not interested in being a trainer? But someone who could calmly grab a Gengar by the tongue would surely go far as a trainer.

“Being a trainer isn’t everything. There’s time,” Grandpa Liu said, stroking the Swinub on his knee. “These days, ‘trainer’ means collecting badges and aiming for tournament victories. But as Kikuza’s question suggests, it’s clear what he wants.”

“In our day, anyone—a breeder or a ranger—could call themselves a trainer. It’s just a title; not something to fuss over.”

Everyone nodded. He had a point. In truth, the title “Pokémon Trainer” could be boiled down to something much simpler.

In the first movie, Mewtwo Strikes Back, when trainers braved the storm to reach Mewtwo’s island, Officer Jenny had said:

“They’re Pokémon Trainers.”

“Adventurers.”

No matter the reason, those who seek more knowledge about Pokémon all end up on the same path.

“Still, is now the right time for the academy?” Steel asked, puzzled. “Aren’t they on break? Where are you sending him?”

“Joy Academy. The boy seems interested in Pokémon conditions themselves,” Professor Oak explained. “Compared to Quartz or Jade University, Joy Academy suits him better.”

“Of course, if he wants to become a true doctor or breeder, he’ll have to work for it.”

“In that case,” Steel mused, stroking his chin, “why don’t you and Liu get his academy certificate, and let him spend some time with me before term starts?”

Liu was surprised. “With you? Are you going to teach him how to make Poké Balls?”

“That’s the idea, but I’m more concerned about Qianhui,” Steel replied. “She seems to like Zhuyuehan. I’m getting old, and I don’t have the energy to take her out to play. Having a young man around would help.”

“If he’s interested in Poké Ball crafting, I’ll teach him. To put it bluntly, it’s payment for helping look after Qianhui.”

Qianhui wasn’t an orphan, but her parents were absent. Her father worked for Silph Co. and rarely came home—a source of heartache for Steel, who missed his granddaughter but didn’t want his son to abandon his career.

With such a suitable candidate appearing, Steel was naturally tempted.

Liu considered this. “Why not ask him yourself? He spent all night researching at the Kaji Gym—he’s clearly curious about new knowledge.”

Two hours later, Zhuyuehan, holding Qianhui’s hand and guided by the messenger bird, found the others.

The sight of the messenger bird’s now enormous bundle made everyone’s lips twitch. This wasn’t a lottery trip—it was a shopping spree!

Steel cleared his throat to start the conversation.

“Would you like to stay in Azalea Town for a while?”

Zhuyuehan tried to recall what was interesting there—the most famous site was Slowpoke Well. Oh, and there was the Bug-type Gym Leader, Bugsy, whose gender was ambiguous at first glance but was actually a boy.

“You’re coming to Azalea Town, Zhuyuehan?” Qianhui exclaimed, delighted. “Come, come! There are so many fun places, and I can show you Slowpoke Well!”

Maybe I’ll even find a King’s Rock there, Zhuyuehan mused as he ruffled Qianhui’s hair, sneaking a glance at Steel.

If Liu was the mastermind behind the original timeline, then Mr. Steel was the quintessential recluse. Apart from Professor Oak and the others, no one even knew about the GS Ball.

Now, inviting him to Azalea Town could only mean one thing: they wanted a companion for Qianhui.

Zhuyuehan glanced at Grandpa Liu, who shook his head, signaling he wouldn’t interfere. This was Zhuyuehan’s decision alone.

“All right, I’ll go,” Zhuyuehan agreed. After all, convincing Liu to leave his icy isolation wouldn’t happen overnight. Indirect nudges from old friends might work better.

Of course, the best outcome would be finding Liu a companion—but no suitable candidate came to mind. Or perhaps there was—Sinnoh’s Ground-type Elite, Bertha… But he decided not to dwell on it.

Steel laughed heartily. “Splendid! Will you come with me now, or return to Kaji Gym for your things?”

Zhuyuehan patted the incense burner in his pocket. There wasn’t much he needed.

Liu stood up. “Come walk with me.”

Outwardly, the pair—a child and an elder—walked outside. Liu gazed silently at the stars, as if waiting for Zhuyuehan to speak first.

Instead, Zhuyuehan busied himself organizing the prizes from the lottery, making them easier to retrieve later.

Liu couldn’t hold back any longer; craning his neck was tiring.

“What are your thoughts?” he asked.

Zhuyuehan shrugged. “It’s clear Mr. Steel is thinking of his granddaughter. For me, it doesn’t matter where I go. Plus, I’d love to see how Apricorn Balls are made.”

Liu nodded. “If you ask, Steel will teach you.”

“I heard from Xuancheng you want me to move to Pallet Town?” Zhuyuehan asked, direct as ever. “Honestly, the Kaji Gym isn’t a great place for old folks.”

“I’m used to it, and I rarely go out. It’s the assistants who do the hard work,” Liu replied. “So, you’ve decided? You’ll stay in Azalea Town for now. We’ll handle your enrollment—you’ll just need to wait for the notice and then report to the academy.”

Zhuyuehan scratched his head. “Uh, where is the academy, exactly?”

“In the mountains between Goldenrod and Ecruteak, north of Azalea Town—a vast place. If you don’t want to make the trip, Steel can arrange for a Pokémon to fly you there.”

Zhuyuehan hesitated. Wait, isn’t that near the central area of the Ruins of Alph? Oh well, it wasn’t important.

“That’s fine. I’ll just enjoy the scenery on the way,” he said easily. “But what about you, Liu? What are your plans?”

“Call me whatever you like,” Liu replied, not bothering to correct Zhuyuehan’s informal address—after all, appearances could be deceiving.

“I’ll remain a Gym Leader, sculpt ice in my spare time, and spend my days with my old companions. If there are more gatherings like this, I’ll be there.”

“Oh, and this is for you.”

Liu reached to his belt and handed Zhuyuehan a red-and-white Poké Ball. The red half was translucent, revealing a Lapras inside waving its flippers in greeting.

“She likes you,” Liu said. “Our bond began with her parents. Now, I entrust her to you.”

The ball clicked open. Two mature Lapras gazed at Zhuyuehan, both lowering their heads to nuzzle their rescuer.

Though they’d all taken a tumble back then, it was a gesture of trust and gratitude.

“Will you come with me, Lapras?”

“Lapraaa!” The Lapras inside the ball waved her flippers, her gaze resolute.

“Good.”

Without hesitation, Zhuyuehan accepted the Poké Ball and tossed it into the air.

“Lapraaa!” Lapras wrapped him in a hug, resting her massive head against his chest, listening to the unique rhythm of his heartbeat.

Cradling Lapras’s neck, Zhuyuehan’s smile was gentle and warm.

“Let’s take care of each other from now on, Lapras.”