Pokémon: I have no choice but to do this old thing?

After spending a few relaxing and fulfilling days with Professor Oak and Ash in Pallet Town, Zhang Jianying and his friends set off again, taking the League's flight path back to the Sinnoh region.

His first stop was naturally the Dr. Yamanashi Research Institute in Masatake.

"Doctor, we're back."

Pushing open the familiar door of the research institute, Zhang Jianying greeted Dr. Yamanashi, who was busy in front of the instruments. Gardevoir, who was beside him, nodded elegantly. The dragon still wanted to squeeze Gardevoir's place, but was gently pressed down by psychic power and could only helplessly flap its short legs in place.

Dr. Yamanashi looked up at the sound, adjusted his glasses, and a smile appeared on his serious face: "Yes, it's good that you're back. I've read the preliminary assessment report from Gustav's side, and it highly praised your progress over the past six months."

His gaze swept over Zhang Jianying and the Pokémon beside him. "Their energy and spirit are indeed different from before, especially the Bagon. Its energy fluctuations are much more stable. It seems that they have gained a lot."

"Thanks to your initial help, Doctor, a solid foundation was laid for it; otherwise, the subsequent special training would not have gone so smoothly."

Zhang Jianying sincerely thanked him and gently patted the baby dragon's head. The baby dragon also obediently let out a "woof" at Dr. Yamanashi. Dr. Yamanashi's early contributions were crucial to its successful control of the raging energy within it.

"The greatest satisfaction for researchers is to see their theories put into practice and achieve results in their own work."

Professor Yamanashi waved his hand, then, as if remembering something, turned around and carefully took out a Pokémon egg from the constant-temperature incubation chamber next to him.

The egg is light blue all over, and the surface of the shell has a unique pattern that resembles ice crystals. You can feel a gentle coolness when you touch it.

"A while ago, I was invited to the Galar region to attend an international symposium on Dynamax energy. On my return trip, my local colleagues kindly gifted me this Ice Goose egg."

Dr. Yamanashi handed the egg to Zhang Jianying.

"My regular research here mainly focuses on evolution, and I've also been preparing starter Pokémon for newcomers recently, so I really haven't had time to take care of this Ice-type little guy. But since you're building your team, it might be a good addition."

"An ice-built goose?"

With a mixture of surprise and anticipation, Zhang Jianying accepted the slightly cool egg. This was the first time he had ever touched a Pokémon egg that was about to hatch since arriving in the Pokémon world, and a strange feeling welled up in his heart.

He focused his mind and activated his data vision.

【Ice-plated goose (egg)】

Gender: Male

[Attribute: Ice]

【Special Feature: Frozen Head (An ice shell on the head will protect you from physical attacks, but your appearance will change. The ice will refreeze when it hailes or snows)】

[Skills: Impact, Fine Snow]

[Inherited Skills: Belly Drum, Immersion, Icicle Drop]

[Status: Extremely high life activity, 90% development, in the final countdown to hatching. Internal ice-type energy is pure and active; overall health is excellent.]

[Note: A suitable low temperature and abundant ice-based energy environment will help it hatch successfully and grow in its early stages.]

Looking at the information in the data field, Zhang Jianying had an idea.

This Pokémon can undoubtedly make up for the lack of a weather setter in his team, since neutral weather can often change the course of a battle.

He smiled knowingly as he thought about the Pokémon's adorable appearance and its future plans.

"Thank you, Doctor, I really like this gift."

Zhang Jianying placed the egg into a specially made portable insulated incubator and carefully carried it on her back. "I will do my best to provide it with the best possible growing environment."

Professor Yamanashi nodded in satisfaction: "According to the latest monitoring data, this egg is on the verge of hatching, and it's expected to happen within the next day or two. Newborn Pokémon are the most vulnerable, especially Ice-types, which need a stable low-temperature environment to successfully complete their initial adaptation. I suggest you consider going to Snowpeak City."

"The harsh climate there is perfect for the initial training of Ice-type Pokémon. Moreover, the Gym Leader of Snowpeak City, Xiaosong, is highly skilled in training and battling Ice-type Pokémon. Challenging her will be a valuable experience for both you and your hatched Elysium."

"Xuefeng City...?"

Upon hearing the name, Zhang Jianying paused slightly, recalling the scene when he first arrived in this world—the blizzard, the biting cold, and his fateful encounter with Ralts in that pure white world.

Everything seemed to be a cycle, and his badge collecting journey seemed destined to start anew from there.

Without lingering long at Dr. Yamanashi's place, Zhang Jianying bid farewell to the doctor and then, with his companions carrying incubators filled with ice-crusted goose eggs, boarded a train heading north.

Sitting on the speeding train, the scenery outside the window gradually changed from lush green to a vast expanse of white, and the distant mountains began to be covered with snow.

When the announcement said, "We are about to arrive at Snowpeak City," Gardevoir looked out the car window and saw the familiar outline of the snow-covered mountains in the distance, sending a clear and nostalgic emotional ripple through her.

"Ah Jian".

Gardevoir's gentle voice echoed in my mind, "Before we challenge the gym, could we get off at the town we're in? I'd like to visit the Noctowl chieftain in the forest outside the town."

"Back then, because of the crisis we faced, and because my color was too conspicuous, staying with the tribe would only bring greater danger... so the chief had no choice but to let me leave."

"But I will always remember that during the days when I was just hatching from the egg, when I was the weakest and most helpless, it was it that searched for tree fruits to carefully feed me and warmed me with its wings on cold nights. I will always remember this kindness of nurturing and protecting me. I want to tell it in person that I have found a trainer I can entrust to, that I am doing well, and that it doesn't need to worry about me anymore."

Gardevoir's narration is filled with deep gratitude, and even a hint of pride in a child who once ran away from home now returning in glory.

"We have to go!"

Zhang Jianying waved and responded with a smile, immediately deciding to get off the bus ahead in the small town.

"Let the clan leader see, the little one it cared for back then has now grown into a beautiful young lady!"

……

After the train arrived at the station, they slowly walked into the snowfield.

With crunching snow beneath her feet and breathing in the crisp, familiar air, Gardevoir unconsciously slowed her pace, her hands clasped slightly in front of her, revealing her inner tension and anticipation.

Cross the edge of the town and step into the forest where it once lived.

The trees here are covered with glistening frost, shimmering in the afternoon sun, just like they were back then.

Gardevoir closed its eyes, and its powerful psychic energy spread out gently like ripples, conveying its call in the same way it had always done.

Not long after, a steady flapping sound came from afar.

A sharp-eyed night owl, its eyes gleaming with the wisdom of time, slowly landed on a thick, snow-covered branch in front of it.

It first cautiously examined these powerful, unfamiliar Pokémon, but when its gaze fell on Gardevoir and the familiar human, that caution was quickly replaced by surprise and disbelief.

Gardevoir stepped forward, gave a graceful bow, and spoke in a telepathic voice filled with warmth and gratitude:

"Chief, it's me. I've returned. Thank you for remembering me. If it weren't for your shelter and care back then, I might not have survived here. I will always remember this kindness."

It turned slightly to look at Zhang Jianying, its tone filled with pride and reliance: "This is my trainer. He found me, showed me a wider world, and made me as strong and happy as I am now. Please rest assured, I'm doing very well."

Zhang Jianying stepped forward at the opportune moment, gently placing a basket filled with high-quality berries and special Pokémon food on the snow. He sincerely said, "Chief Noctowl, thank you very much for taking care of Gardevoir back then. This is a small token of our appreciation; please accept it with your clan."

The Nighthawk chieftain looked at the once disheveled young man before him, then at the radiant and elegant Gardevoir. The last trace of doubt in his eyes vanished, replaced by a deep sense of satisfaction.

It let out a long, drawn-out cry, as if offering a blessing.

"Gugu, seeing you like this now, I'm completely relieved. You've found a trustworthy partner and gained immense power... Ralts, no, Gardevoir, you've truly grown up."

The other Pokémon also felt this solemn yet warm atmosphere.

The baby dragon was unusually quiet, simply holding the Everstone and standing peacefully beside Zhang Jianying's legs; Gastly put away its mischievous expression and floated slightly behind; Shuckle slowly climbed onto the shell of a tortoise in the nearby forest, quietly witnessing the event with its good friend.

In this tender moment, the egg made of ice in the incubator on Zhang Jianying's back seemed to sense the warm emotions flowing from the outside world, and gently, almost imperceptibly, shook.

After a brief reunion and heartfelt conversation, Gardevoir's worries finally subsided.

It bid farewell to the clan chief once again, promising to come back to visit often in the future.

The Noctowl chieftain patted Gardevoir on the shoulder with its wing, smiled nonchalantly, and, carrying its basket, turned and disappeared into the snowstorm.

"Alright, one more thing on my mind."

Looking at Gardevoir beside him, who seemed much more relaxed and at ease, Zhang Jianying smiled and said, "Now, let's get down to business. Let's go, little ones, head to Snowpeak City and get the Glacier Badge!"

In the snow, the little ones rubbed their hands together, eager to play, and a series of howls and screams filled the air.

……

Leaving the forest, we resumed our journey towards Snowpeak City.

Zhang Jianying looked at Gardevoir beside him and suddenly had a thought: "Gardevoir, wouldn't it be fast to go directly from here to the Pokémon Center in Snowpeak City using Teleport?"

Gardevoir blinked, nodded, and stretched out its hands.

The next moment, a sense of spatial distortion enveloped Zhang Jianying.

Everything in my field of vision was spinning, stretching, and deforming wildly, as if my entire body had been stuffed into a high-speed spinning drum, and my internal organs were protesting against this illogical way of moving.

"vomit--"

As soon as Zhang Jianying stepped onto the snow in front of the Snow Peak City Pokémon Center, he couldn't help but grab onto a nearby lamppost, gagging and turning pale.

He felt as if his internal organs were still knotted up from the spatial travel he had just experienced.

I swear.

He gasped for breath and said weakly to Gardevoir, who looked at him apologetically, "Until the aura is strong enough to block these things... I never want to experience long-distance teleportation again."

……

In the evening, in a warm room at the Pokémon Center, Zhang Jianying and his friends sat together, with a detailed map of the Sinnoh region and real estate sales charts spread out in front of them.

"Let's discuss our future home."

Zhang Jianying's finger traced across the map. "The league's prize money is substantial; it's time to buy a place of our own. What kind of environment do you all want?"

"Heh heh! Boss! Pick a spot near a forest or an abandoned castle!"

Gastly, excitedly flicking its tongue, was the first to suggest, "That way, I can freely develop new pranks... oh no, I mean spread joy!"

The forest tortoise let out a slow, low growl, expressing its wish: it hoped for a large enough place, preferably near a forest, where it could peacefully enjoy the sunshine and, incidentally, deliver the shrine's blessing to a distant place.

"Woo-hoo! Woo-hoo!"

The baby dragon hugged the Everstone and used its little hands to trace names on the map, demanding a super spacious yard where it could run, frolic, and practice its skills. In the future, it would be a dragon that could fly into the sky!

Pot Pot poked its head out of its shell, blinked its beady eyes, and pointed at the forest tortoise, indicating "Pfft!"

The meaning is clear: wherever the tortoise is, I'll be there. As long as there are trees, fruit, and sunshine, that's enough. I don't ask for much.

Gardevoir gazed tenderly at her companions in their discussion, communicating telepathically: "Home is where I am, as long as I'm with everyone. I long for a quiet garden where I can relax and have tea with everyone in the evenings."

Taking into account his partners' opinions, Zhang Jianying slowly moved his finger across the map.

"Hmm... let me see. It needs to be near a forest, spacious, and sunny. How about 'Scenic Area'? It's near the sea, with beaches and forests, a beautiful environment, and it looks like it's big enough. We should be able to find a property that meets our requirements."

More importantly, the location is relatively convenient yet not too noisy, making it a great place to settle down.

His mind involuntarily conjured up images of sunshine, beaches, and bikinis, imagining how wonderful it would be to build a home in such a place.

For some reason, a fleeting image flashed across my mind: a blond champion strolling on the beach.

"Cough cough..."

Zhang Jianying shook his head abruptly, quickly suppressing the strange association, "Focus on choosing a location, focus on choosing a location..."

Amidst the noisy discussions filled with anticipation for the future, the incubator, carefully placed on a soft mat, suddenly made a "click" sound!

Immediately afterwards, the eggshell shook noticeably, and the ice crystal patterns on its surface seemed brighter than usual, emitting a soft blue halo.

"etc!"

Zhang Jianying's attention was immediately drawn to it. He carefully picked up the incubator and could clearly feel the intense fluctuations of life force inside through the waveguide.

"It looks like it's about to hatch!"

The discussion among all the companions abruptly ceased, and their eyes instantly focused on the slightly trembling elf egg.

The room fell silent, filled only with the tense breathing of everyone, brimming with anticipation and attention for the impending arrival of a new life.