"Hm."

Desmond listened to her words, surprised as his hand was placed on the Pokedex. He observed her, the passionate words she told him making him  almost a bit emotional. She was worthy, he could tell. But she wasn't willing to accept his gift, not without proving to herself she deserved it. He smiled, widely, in fact. Seeming to be more set on giving it to her than ever, now. As the feeling of her small, soft hands left him, he brought the Pokedex back to him; slipping it into his pocket to fix later. 

"I... Understand." He replied, nodding firmly. Five badges... She was looking to battle Erika as well, then. He couldn't help his smile, as he kept focused on her. "Very well, then." He added, head tilting slightly. "I have one other condition for you to obtain this Pokedex, since you wish to challenge yourself." He said, noticing her attention on his words, now. His smile turned into a confident expression as he reached down to his belt, pulling up a single Pokeball. It was Ivysaur's.

"I want you to beat me in the tournament. If you do, I'll promise you this Pokedex will be yours the second you earn your fifth badge. If you fail to beat me..." He becomes silent for a moment, looking her over. When he speaks, he sounds playful rather than serious. "Well, consider it a tally mark off your readiness grade. But it won't fail you, heh." He laughs a little, seeming to think he was acting a little too important. He wasn't a famous Professor, but he still saw a good person in Lily; And wanted to see what she could do, before he decided to make anymore decisions. 

"So, how's that sound?" He asked, his team around him acting natural as if they weren't even with a soon to be opponent; They didn't seem worried. But then, neither was Desmond. Not because he didn't think Lily would be a challenge; But because Pokemon Battling was for fun. Plus, she'd go all out for that Pokedex, he'd bet. She would be fun to battle... He was getting excited for this tournament. Nothing could make this better now; Aside from living conditions better than a Pokemon Center... But, you can't get it all.