Companionship. That was what was keeping Nick down, wasn't it? Companionship -- or a lack thereof. It was something Josh had no shortage of, whether it be his going-on fifty Gym employees, his over one hundred fifty Pokémon, or the countless friends he made on the long and arduous road to Champion Rank. Zaborg stood up and gave Nick a gentle pat on his good side, would he allow it, making sure to keep his sharp claws and the electric pads on his paws far away.

"Mauville Racing Grounds has entered into a partnership with Delibird Deliveries," the Gym Leader shouted out Locke Jamison 's company. "Do you keep any of your smaller bird Pokémon outside their Poké Balls routinely? Once you've got the clearance, we could get one of them from where it's being stored and bring it to you." That, of course, wouldn't be right away; with all the sensitive machinery, Nick would need to be at the point where he could be weaned off it before a personal Pokémon of his own would be permitted in the room. But when that time came, Josh was sure Nick would appreciate it.