When Felix mentioned that he's not one for battles, it made Connor reflect on his own choices. Was he just battling beccause everyone else did it? Because that's what they did in the tv series and games? He wondered if he really enjoyed those battles or if he was just going through the motions. "Well..." he started and paused for a second. "I have been training with Gyarados ever since he was a Magikarp. But frankly, the main reason for that was because they made fun of him. He was a typical Magikarp, doing little more than splashing at first. I sympathised for him and started to show him how to battle. When our bond was strong enough, he evolved into the massive powerhouse you saw at the river."

He rubbed Umbreon on the head, who closed his eyes in pleasure. "Now Umbreon here is a different story. He doesn't seem to be motivated to battle like Gyarados does. Then again, it never seemed necessary." Connor smiled at Umbreon. It didn't matter at all that there was no battle spirit.

Upon Felix' subtle change in behavior, Connor frowned a little. Had he said anything wrong? Something seemed up. "Anyway, may I be so direct to ask for your reasons to not participate in battles? Just curious."