"So this was all because of the evolution forms…"
Hearing Sarod's explanation, Ethan and the others were stunned.
"But I can't shake the feeling that…"
Logan glanced at Apprentice Bear, whose face looked like it was about to explode with frustration. His expression turned subtle.
"Boss Sarod, is it really okay to just hand Apprentice Bear over to them? Evolution is something he has to go through, so shouldn't he decide which form to take?"
"Umm… well, shouldn't children obey their parents?" Sarod hesitated for a moment before replying uncertainly.
He had no children of his own. Though he had always regarded Apprentice Bear as his own, he wasn't exactly experienced in parenting.
"The Martial Arts Masters really love the little guy, but they…"
"Bah!!"
Before Sarod could finish speaking, Apprentice Bear let out a furious growl, unable to hold back any longer.
"Woooloo?"
"Wushi…?"
Apprentice Bear's sudden outburst clearly shocked the two Martial Arts Master Bears. They both turned to stare at him in astonishment.
"So there really are family disputes like this in the Pokémon world…" Nathan muttered, watching the scene unfold with a strange expression.
They were learning a lot today.
"Forcing a child into a decision never works. It'll only make Apprentice Bear more resistant to evolution, maybe even hate evolving altogether."
Ethan shook his head.
Sure, he wasn't a parent himself, but anyone knew that forcing your will on a child never ended well.
Parents and kids fighting over decisions was a tale as old as time—and it was never comfortable for the kid.
"Ah, this is…" Sarod scratched his head, his dark-furred face looking a little lost.
"Apprentice Bear has his own will. So why can't he choose his own evolution form?" Lily asked softly.
Is It Really the Right Choice?
Sarod's face scrunched up in deep thought.
Nathan hesitated before carefully suggesting,
"Maybe you should try reasoning with them, Sarod? If the Martial Arts Master Bears truly love Apprentice Bear, then they should respect his choice. If they keep forcing evolution on him every day…"
"I think Apprentice Bear might just run away in a couple of days."
"Be confident. I'd say he'll run away in one day."
"One day? That's too generous. I think Apprentice Bear wants to start throwing punches right now."
One by one, everyone took turns persuading Sarod.
After all, looking at Apprentice Bear's incredibly angry face made them all feel bad for him.
That expression—wanting to lash out but holding back just because these were his parents—was too much.
"Then… should I talk to them?" Sarod finally seemed moved by their words.
Hearing Ethan and the others, he realized—
Maybe… they hadn't really considered Apprentice Bear's own feelings.
"You absolutely should!"
"It's not even a big deal! Apprentice Bear should decide for himself!"
"Sarod! I take back everything bad I ever thought about you! You're actually pretty cool!"
"Oh~ My god, you're the most handsome monkey!"
At the last comment, Sarod bared his sharp teeth at Edward, making an aggressive face.
What monkey?!
He was clearly an ape, you damn human!
Edward gulped and shrank back. Shit! This black-furred monkey looked scary as hell!
But Sarod was just messing with him. With a grunt, he turned and strode toward the family of three bears.
The Turning Point
"This should work, right?"
Watching Sarod begin talking to the two Martial Arts Master Bears, Lily glanced at Ethan with curiosity.
"It was all just a big misunderstanding from the start. Today's been wild, but at least it's been worth it."
Nathan smirked as he reached into his pocket—pulling out a tiny camera.
That's right.
He recorded EVERYTHING.
"What a shame…" Jason sighed dramatically.
"It looks like I won't be able to capture Apprentice Bear after all."
A legendary Fighting-type Pokémon? That was perfect for his Fighting-specialist team!
But now, he knew there was no chance.
"There was never a chance. Even if he hasn't evolved yet, Apprentice Bear is already crazy strong. Defeating and capturing him would've been next to impossible."
Lily shook her head.
Before, Apprentice Bear one-shot Charlotte's Dragonair without breaking a sweat. At this point, it was basically a fully evolved Pokémon already.
"But this is so fascinating. So Pokémon families… really are like human families."
Nathan gazed at the Martial Arts Master Bears, intrigued.
Sure enough, Pokémon emotions were strikingly similar to humans. Even family disputes like this were so relatable.
This reminded him of his own childhood—
Living under the shadow of his father, who had forced him to study piano, chess, calligraphy, and painting every single day.
He always felt like his head would explode from all the expectations.
Though it wasn't exactly like Apprentice Bear's situation, Nathan completely understood his frustration!
A New Understanding
"This is seriously incredible~" McKenna's blue eyes sparkled as she watched the family of bears and Sarod.
"Many Pokémon are just as intelligent as humans. Naturally, they'd have family relationships like us. But seeing it firsthand is unforgettable."
Ethan nodded and pulled out his phone.
He took several close-up shots of the 'family of four' before putting his phone away with satisfaction.
This was the first time he had ever been so close to wild Legendary Pokémon.
Not only that—
He had witnessed an entire family drama unfold, plus fought against Sarod.
Today was insanely worth it.
Free trail is available 🎉🎉🎉🎉
Advance chapter in PATREON
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