Pokémon: Breeding Simulator [155]
Just like Zoroark, Regigigas didn't show it on the surface, but inwardly he was thrilled.
If it weren't for [Slow Start], he might've jumped for joy right then and there.
The human finally agreed.
The reason he'd been so fixated on Elias was because of how... unusual he was.
A man from Hisui who possessed both psychic power and the [Power of Viridian]—there was no way that was just coincidence.
Regigigas was convinced Elias's appearance had something to do with that llama.
In fact, it was entirely possible Elias had been raised specifically to deal with him.
But clearly, Arceus hadn't seen this coming—
Because Regigigas had intercepted Elias first!
He'd seen through the alpaca's scheme and forced himself into the equation.
Now the very person meant to be used against him... had become his asset.
Just wait, you damn llama. Once I collect every single [Plate] fragment, I'll make sure you live up to your name—and turn into an actual alpaca!
Regigigas seethed triumphantly.
---
Meanwhile, after giving the clingy Zoroark a few good ear-scratches, Elias was getting ready to leave.
"Hey, big guy—when are you planning to keep your end of the deal?"
"Zoroark and I should get going."
He turned toward Regigigas.
"Right now is fine," came the calm reply after a pause.
Elias gave Zoroark a gentle nudge.
"Go on. I'll be right here waiting."
Looking at the nervous yet hopeful fox, he couldn't help but smile a little.
He'd thought she might have matured a bit after evolving, but clearly... not much had changed.
At the sound of his voice, Zoroark hesitated for a second—then her eyes sharpened with resolve and she stepped forward.
...
...
Regigigas's method of making Zoroark stronger... Elias honestly didn't understand it.
From what he saw, the titan simply reached into the ground with one massive hand and stirred it around like soup.
Then, after digging out a chunk of stone, he handed it to Zoroark.
And not long after that, her aura noticeably grew in strength.
It was bizarre. Both Elias and Lucario watched in awe.
But what really mattered—
Zoroark wasn't hurt. And that was more than enough.
"Elias! Do I look stronger? Did I get taller?" Zoroark asked excitedly as she ran back to him.
She could feel it—she was way stronger than before.
If she fought that smug Lucario again now, she was sure she could beat him.
"Hmm, your fur does feel a bit silkier than before," Elias teased, playing along with a grin.
Zoroark puffed up with pride.
"Her future potential is high," Regigigas called out from afar. "She should make an excellent partner for you."
As he spoke, he reached behind himself.
After fumbling for a moment, he pulled something out and tossed it in Elias's direction.
Elias caught it midair with a flick of his psychic power.
It was a small, smooth, diamond-shaped shard of white stone—polished and glowing faintly.
Just from touching it, Elias could feel a sacred, almost mystical energy emanating from it.
"This is what I meant by a [Plate] fragment," Regigigas explained. "The one you're holding is called the [Blank Slate]—it represents the Normal type."
"What I need you to do is find the other seventeen fragments... and bring them to me."
He pointed at the stone in Elias's hand.
"Got it," Elias nodded and tucked the shard away.
He had expected this whole quest to be a bit of a chore—but now that he'd seen the [Plate], he was intrigued.
Something told him that being around these fragments could drastically improve his affinity with Pokémon.
"Oh, one more thing."
Regigigas's tone suddenly turned stern.
"I won't pressure you too much in collecting the [Plates]... but I will expect at least one every two years."
"If you break that promise—"
"I'll take back all the strength I just gave the fox."
Of course, that was a total bluff.
Regigigas had no way of reclaiming power once it had been granted—just like Arceus couldn't control every Pokémon he'd created.
But he wasn't above lying a little if it meant keeping Elias motivated.
Fortunately, Elias had no idea what Regigigas was really thinking.
After hearing the warning, he simply nodded, serious and sincere.
"I'll keep my promise."
Even if Regigigas hadn't said that, Elias would've done it anyway.
The titan had done something important for Zoroark—so he had to hold up his end.
"I'll do my best too!" Zoroark chimed in, perking up beside him.
She felt oddly happy that she and Elias now had something to work on together.
But just as she finished speaking, another voice awkwardly cut in:
"Um..."
Lucario raised a paw, voice hesitant.
"I-I could help too, actually."
Elias looked over, surprised.
Before he could even respond, Zoroark had already exploded.
She knew this big mutt had ulterior motives! So this was what he'd been waiting for!
"No way!"
"You're ugly! Elias doesn't like you, so get lost!"
Zoroark snapped defensively.
But before she could escalate further, Lucario had already raised his aura staff.
Wanna fight?
Zoroark dropped into a low stance, eyes gleaming with challenge.
She wasn't afraid. Not anymore.
But then...
Just as she was about to lunge forward—
Lucario reached out with his long aura staff and tapped one of the Poké Balls hanging at Elias's waist.
Click!
A flash of red light—Lucario was pulled into the Poké Ball.
Thump—
The ball didn't even shake once. A crisp ding confirmed the capture.
Zoroark: ┏(°ロ°;)┛
She stood frozen, tail bristling, utterly stunned.
And she wasn't alone. Elias stared down at his belt, expression just as dazed.
How badly did Lucario want to leave this place...?
Elias could more or less guess the reason.
Lucario was probably terrified Regigigas would rope him back into forced labor.
So rather than risk staying behind... he'd rather be caught.
---
T/N: HEH