Pokémon: I picked up a reborn Eevee at the start of the game

…………

"Hello, my name is Ruby. Your Salamence is very strong. Would you like to have a Pokémon battle with me?"

Ruby excitedly challenged Higana to a duel.

The girl next to her interrupted impatiently, "Hey, didn't you see she just finished a match? Of course she needs to rest for a while!"

When she turned to look at Xijiana, her expression instantly switched to a kind one. "Little sister, don't mind him. Take a rest for a while. We can wait. Oh, by the way, my name is Xiaoyao. It's nice to meet you."

Xia Chen, who was sitting on a chair not far behind Xijiana, suddenly remembered that there was only Xiaoyao in this world.

To describe the relationship between May and Sapphire, it's probably similar to the relationship between Ash and Red.

The two are based on the same prototype, but have different appearances in different Pokémon derivative works.

There are subtle differences in appearance and personality, but the similarity is so striking that it's impossible to tell them apart at a glance.

Xiaoyao participated in the first Grand Contest last year, but I've forgotten about it for a moment.

Speaking of which, I was wondering a while ago if Du Qianli's next child might be Xiaoyao... Luckily, I didn't offer any naming suggestions for his second child, or I would have made a fool of myself.

But even Ruby and Haruka... have developed a strange connection in this world?

In the special episode, Ruby and Safia are the officially designated couple, and also a special episode couple that Xia Chen personally liked very much in his previous life.

Surprisingly, even when it was Xiaoyao who was in the picture, the two remained close.

Seeing this bickering couple arguing again, Xia Chen's expression was a bit strange. Was this me cheating on myself?

Well, that doesn't seem to be the key point. The key point is, Brother Qianli, do you know that your son is here picking up girls and having a puppy love affair?

No, according to the information Qianli himself revealed, he wasn't much better off; he became pregnant out of wedlock and had a son before he was even twenty.

Like father, like son...

As Xia Chen was lost in thought, Xi Jiana waved her hand, stopping the two from arguing. "Alright, stop arguing. Take it one at a time. Rocky and I don't need to rest."

With both parties having made their stance clear, there was no point in arguing anymore, so the battle began, with Lu Bi first and Xiao Yao second.

Salamence is outside, so Ruby has the opportunity to choose a Pokémon to counter it. Normally, people would send out a Pokémon that is super effective against it, but Ruby does not.

He threw out the Poké Ball, and it turned out he had chosen Swampert, one of the Hoenn starter Pokémon, a Water-type starter.

…………

"Time flows like water, yet this body remains steadfast, bursting forth like a shooting star, its fury soaring to the heavens! Go, ZUZU!"

A highly emotional, melodious voice drifted through the night sky, drawing astonished glances from passersby who wanted to catch a glimpse of the trainer poet's face.

Xia Chen facepalmed. No matter how cool your opening poem is, it can't change the fact that Swampert is completely countered by Salamence!

Dragons are waterproof, and flying creatures are immune to ground attacks. How could you possibly use a Swampert to defeat a flying dragon?

Just for the sake of using the Freeze Punch?

Once Salamence takes flight, how are you going to hit it with your head?

You have Gardevoir, right? Use Gardevoir to fight, you idiot!

Amidst Xia Chen's inner turmoil, the battle began.

Just as Xia Chen had anticipated before the battle, Swampert had no real way to deal with Salamence, and was once repeatedly overwhelmed by the latter's aerial attacks.

But as the protagonist of the series, Ruby still has some unique ideas.

For example, pretend to be hit by Salamence's Dragon Pulse and run away in fear, then launch an avalanche at Salamence as it swoops down.

If the attack power had been sufficient, the double avalanche damage would likely have shattered the Salamence, which is four times weak to ice.

After the avalanche, Higana abandoned her contempt and fought seriously for two or three minutes before defeating Ruby's Swamp Monster.

However, Salamence did indeed suffer considerable damage from the avalanche, and was subsequently defeated by Ruby's second Pokémon, Kirlia.

"Let's stop fighting, let's take Rocky to heal."

Higanbana enjoys seeing the shocked expression on other people's faces after their Nombat is followed by Salamence, but dislikes seeing the speechless expressions when the order is reversed. So, she decisively ran away after Salamence fell down.

Ruby, still somewhat unsatisfied, caught up, "Hey, are you stopping before it's over? My... idol!!!"

The volume of the last two words suddenly increased, so much so that it even startled Dorgonchi, who was standing next to him.

The first half of the sentence was spoken to Xijiana, while the second half was naturally shouted at him after seeing Xia Chen next to Xijiana.

"Uh... hello."

Xia Chen smiled and waved at him.

I can recognize my fans just by looking at their faces, without them having to introduce themselves. That's what makes them my true fans!

…………

"So you two are here for the grand celebration, right?"

Inside the Pokémon Center at the Battle Park, Xia Chen looked at the excited boy and girl in front of him and asked a question he already knew the answer to.

"Yes, Senior Xia Chen! My name is Xiao Yao. I even made it to the main competition in the Grand Contest in Aroma City last year. Do you remember me?"

Xiaoyao, looking every bit the fangirl, introduced herself.

Xia Chen smiled and nodded, "Of course I remember. The Pokémon you used back then were Combusken, Skitty, and Beautifly, right?"

"Yes! Combusken and Skitty have both evolved now!"

Xiaoyao nodded excitedly.

Lubi, standing to the side, was a little jealous. "Hmph, so what if you compete on the same stage as your idol? You still get eliminated in the first round, don't you?"

Xia Chen: "......"

Young man, are you jealous of the wrong person?

Before Xia Chen could reply, Xiao Yao turned around and snorted coldly, "Hmph, so what? I participated in the first Grand Contest with Senior Xia Chen, you should call me senior."

Serena, also a fan of Xia Chen, watched with relish as the two bickering lovers fought over Xia Chen, a strange sense of joy welling up inside her.

Xijiana then asked softly, "Brother Xia Chen, why are these two older brothers and sisters traveling together when they don't get along at all?"

Xia Chen smiled and patted her head. "That's part of the fun of traveling. Many people end up developing feelings for each other while arguing."

Xia Chen didn't lower his voice when he said this, and his teasing words clearly reached Ruby and Xiaoyao's ears.

They both blushed and immediately turned their heads away, no longer looking at each other.

"If this guy didn't also like Senior Xia Chen, I wouldn't have traveled with him."

"You think I'm not? What good qualities do you have besides idolizing my idol, you tomboy?"

Xia Chen smiled gently.

Well, I've become the matchmaker.

After Xia Chen skillfully defused the argument, the two were noticeably less agitated.

Ruby asked, "Idol, will you also participate in the Grand Celebration competition this time? The championship is definitely yours!"

Xia Chen shook his head. "I won't participate in the main competition, but I will have a small event at the opening ceremony."

Ruby and Haruka were both a little disappointed. "Ah, what a pity. I thought I would be able to see my senior's amazing performance again."

Xia Chen replied with a smile, "I'm already an old man. The glory of the Grand Contest will definitely be brought by fresh blood like you. I look forward to seeing your wonderful performance on stage."

"Yes, yes, senior, we will definitely do our best!"

…………

The chance encounter with Ruby and Haruka was just a minor incident tonight.

This grand celebration is huge, and I might run into even more acquaintances in a few days.

It was getting late, and Higana was tired from playing. After chatting with two fans on the Pogaman, the two groups parted ways.

Silent all night.

September 4th marks five days until the grand celebration begins.

Xia Chen didn't go out today because he had promised Serena he would guide her in a glamorous performance.

While it's called performance guidance, it's more about guiding the Pokémon, because the essence of performance lies in the combination and execution of Pokémon moves.

Serena's flamboyant performance style is very similar to that of the anime in that world, where she involves the Pokémon itself, and even her own body, in the moves.

For example, the mischievous panda can create a ring of fire using its moves, and the red fox can spin and jump in the air while stepping on rocks controlled by the psychic powers of its cat, Meowth.

This performance style is more lively to watch, but it also carries certain risks.

For example, if you lose control of your body and fall to the ground, you will undoubtedly drop from a perfect score to a zero score.

Therefore, it is crucial for elves to understand and control their own bodies.

Fortunately, Senbu is a mentor-level expert in this field. Giving her guidance for a few days of intensive training will definitely improve the overall performance significantly.

Furthermore, the control and release of moves are also important; Gardevoir can provide great assistance to Fooja and Meowth.

Fortunately, Xia Chen's entire team is now at the Gym Leader level, so instructing Serena's experienced Pokémon was a piece of cake. After a day of teaching and learning, they all gained a lot.

The following day, September 5th, there was a torrential downpour.

Early in the morning, Xia Chen received a news article forwarded to him by Michael, with the headline: [Red High Temperature Warning Issued in Multiple Areas of Hoenn; Daily High Temperature May Reach 48 Degrees Celsius, Breaking Weather Research Institute's Record!]

He added, "I still told the Alliance about your guess, and they said they would consider making some preparations. Also, I'd like to postpone the grand celebration for a while. What do you think?"

Should the Grand Contest be postponed?

Listening to the large raindrops pattering against the window, Xia Chen stroked his chin, thinking that the suggestion was worth considering.

The signs of the two fools waking up are becoming increasingly obvious, and leaving so many people in Liuli City is not a wise choice.

After thinking for a moment, he replied, "I think that's fine, but please use milder wording. For example, mention that it's due to extreme weather, and try not to cause panic among the public."

Mikoli: "Understood."

The main figures in charge of the grand celebration were Ma Xiu and Xia Chen, the representatives of the organizers, and Michael and Adam from the organizing committee, Liuli Dojo.

They all agreed, and things proceeded smoothly.

Putting away his phone, Xia Chen took out the two green beads—the Deoxys Core and the grass-green orb.