Pokemon-Aster

Aster's POV

We soon arrived at the Pokémon League building, and the sheer size of it left me momentarily stunned. My temporary residence was more than just a mansion—it was a fortress. Over 30 rooms, towering architecture, and a design that exuded prestige and power.

As we walked through the entrance, I got a better understanding of just how massive the facility truly was. The Champion's Arena and Elite Four Chambers were its crown jewels, but beyond those, the building housed training and healing facilities, VIP lounges, a Pokémon storage system, administrative offices, strategy rooms, and even a research division. There were spectator seating areas, cafés, a gift shop, and relaxation spaces, making it a self-sustaining hub for top trainers. This wasn't just where battles happened—this was where champions were made.

Before we could settle in, Lance turned to us.

"We need to meet in the strategy room for a briefing. The tournament final is happening now, and we need to go over the challenger's details."

Mom gave me a glance. I knew she was debating whether to leave me in the room or take me along.

Once we reached our private quarters, she finally made her decision.

"Come with me, Aster," she said.

I looked up at her, surprised. I had fully expected her to tell me to stay put.

She must have caught my expression because she gave me a small smirk. "If you're going to sit in on the strategy meeting, you better behave."

I nodded quickly. "I will."

I had no idea if she brought me along because she truly trusted me or if she just didn't want to leave me alone in an unfamiliar place. Either way, I had just been granted an opportunity I wasn't about to waste.

Lorelei's POV

After deciding to bring Aster along, we entered the strategy room, where the other Elite Four members were already waiting.

Agatha's sharp gaze immediately landed on my son, her lips curling into a knowing smirk. "Hah. So much for leaving the boy in the room."

I gave her a flat look. "Aster is mature enough to sit in on the meeting. He won't be a distraction."

Agatha raised a skeptical brow. "Mature or not, he's still just a child. This isn't a daycare, Lorelei."

I crossed my arms, holding my ground. "And yet, if I left him alone, you'd be the first to criticize me for that, too. You can't have it both ways, Agatha."

The older woman let out a cackle. "Heh. At least you've got some spine."

Lance, who had been watching the exchange with amusement, gestured toward Aster. "I don't see the harm. Who knows? Maybe the kid will have some insights."

Bruno remained silent.

With that, I guided Aster to a seat beside me, and the meeting began.

Strategy Meeting: Discussing the Finalists

Lance pressed a button on the console, bringing up a live feed of the tournament finals on the large monitor.=\

"This year's finalists are Ethan from New Bark Town and Tobias from Viridian City," Lance announced. "They're in the middle of their battle right now."

Bruno, arms crossed, spoke first. "Ethan has been impressive throughout the tournament. His adaptability is his greatest strength. He adjusts his strategy mid-battle without hesitation."

I nodded. "His Charizard is his ace, but his Lapras, Machamp, and Venusaur have been equally dangerous. His Machamp, in particular, has given opponents a lot of trouble with its speed and bullet punch combos."

Agatha smirked, noticing Tobias' Gengar. "Ah, a boy who actually knows how to use Ghost-types properly. I already like him."

Lance chuckled. "We'll see if that admiration lasts when he faces you."

Agatha cackled. "Oh, I hope he does. It's been too long since I've had a challenger worth my time."

I crossed my arms as I watched Ethan's Machamp narrowly dodge a Hyper Beam from Tobias's Dragonite. "If Ethan wins, do you think he has a chance against us?"

Lance leaned back. "No one has beaten all four of us in years. He's good, but the Elite Four challenge isn't just about strength—it's endurance. Even if he beats one of us, he has to conserve enough to fight through the rest."

Bruno nodded. "If he pushes too hard in one battle, he won't make it to the Champion."

I glanced at Aster, curious. "Since you're here, tell me—between Ethan and Tobias, who do you think has the edge?"

The room fell quiet as all eyes landed on Aster.

For a brief moment, he remained silent, his gaze locked onto the battle on the screen.

Then, calmly, he answered.

Aster watched the screen for a moment, taking in both trainers' battle styles. Ethan was aggressive but adaptable, while Tobias was calculated and methodical.