That night, the moon was bright and the stars were sparse.
Milotic was still talking with Feebas, comforting Feebas.
Having learned from Shion that there was also a sick Arcanine here, Cynthia decided to visit it.
But she had to be accompanied by Li Wei.
Because Arcanine wouldn't let anyone touch it except Joy and Li Wei.
Come to think of it, Arcanine was Cynthia's comrade-in-arms.
In the battle against Team Galactic at Mt. Coronet, Cynthia, as the SinnohChampion, naturally felt it was her duty.
"I had heard about Arcanine's situation, and I was relieved when I heard it was cured, but I didn't expect..."
"Arcanine's problem isn't big; it just needs more exercise. I take it for a run every morning."
Watching Arcanine gently lick Li Wei's palm, Cynthia smiled with relief: "That's good."
Just like Li Wei, Cynthia didn't think Arcanine needed to return to the police force; it would be better for it to live out its life peacefully.
It had already paid a great price.
As if remembering Cynthia, Arcanine changed its target and began licking Cynthia's hand.
"That tickles... Good boy, you're amazing, Arcanine."
"From now on, just be happy."
"Woof!"
From Arcanine's Growl, Li Wei could feel Arcanine gradually opening its heart.
"Arcanine really likes you."
Cynthia could feel it too.
She nodded slightly: "Mm."
...
The next day.
As it was a holiday, Cynthia slept in.
Pulling open the curtains of the second-floor French window and opening the upper window, Cynthia looked out.
The courtyard was lively at this time.
Garchomp was sunbathing and taking a sand bath in the sand pit,
Gastrodon and Milotic were swimming freely in the river,
And two Lucario were battling.
Of course, Cynthia's Lucario held back significantly.
"Catch it! Arcanine! Togekiss!"
Four frisbees circled in the sky.
Two Arcanine shot out like arrows from a bowstring, accurately predicting the frisbees' landing spots, and with a leap, bit them down.
Togekiss and Braviary circled in the sky, perfectly swooping to catch the frisbees.
Originally there were six Pokemon, but Furfrou and Eevee were reluctantly taken away by their Trainers.
Eevee and Furfrou were happy staying here, but their Trainers' wallets would be sad.
"Well done! Here's your reward."
Every time a frisbee was caught, Li Wei would give them a perfect quality Oran BerryEnergy Cube.
Cynthia's Togekiss and Braviary blended in seamlessly.
"Bori!"
"Pichu!"
Jigglypuff and Pichu clapped enthusiastically.
Their short legs meant they had more suitable games.
Da You and Incineroar stood ready, one on each side.
"Are you ready?"
"Bori!" ٩(๑❛ᴗ❛๑)۶
"Pichu!" φ(＞ω＜*)
(I'm ready!)
"Then let's start, three, two, one..."
Da You and Incineroar slowly swung the rope.
The contrast in Da You's personality was something Cynthia hadn't expected.
He looked tall and intimidating, yet his thoughts were so delicate.
A faint smile involuntarily appeared on Cynthia's face as she stretched.
"What a beautiful day."
Cynthia didn't have to worry about SinnohChampion matters, nor did she have to worry about Garchomp's diet.
"Perhaps this is why Mr. Qinglv insisted that Arcanine stay here."
Last night, Cynthia learned from Li Wei that it was Qinglv who suggested Li Wei take over Arcanine.
Cynthia's gaze shifted to the calm fish pond, "I hope you can get better soon too, Feebas."
She believed that in this environment, Feebas would one day open its heart.
The first step is always the hardest, but since Feebas was already willing to communicate with Milotic, recovery was just a matter of time.
Breakfast was simple: sandwiches paired with Smoked Round Citrus Juice that Li Wei had brewed and chilled overnight.
Since she was at Li Wei's house, Cynthia was the only one eating.
In a heated room, even in winter, drinking an iced beverage was not a problem.
Undoubtedly, the Smoked Round Citrus JuiceLi Wei brewed was still close to perfect.
Just a sip, and Cynthia felt completely refreshed, the fatigue from waking up completely gone.
Cynthia immediately decided to add it to her diet!
Regrettably, as the Champion, Cynthia couldn't stay here permanently.
Otherwise, Cynthia swore she would drink it every day.
Thinking of this, Cynthia increasingly wanted to retire.
She even wanted to quit like Mr. Steven.
But she couldn't.
Mr. Steven had Mikuri to cover for him,
But without Cynthia, Sinnoh would truly have no one.
Palmer, though strong, was not truly Champion-level.
With Cynthia in charge, things were calm, but if she stepped down, evil forces would become restless.
Little Roland, you have to work hard and surpass me!
o(╥﹏╥)o
Roland, far away on Iron Island researching, suddenly sneezed.
"It can't be my sister again, can it?!"
It seemed Li Wei could too...
From Li Wei's team composition to his skills comparable to a top Energy Cube master...
Li Wei had the ability to surpass her.
Never mind, Li Wei didn't seem interested in being Champion.
Cynthia didn't like to force others, nor did she like to shift responsibility onto others.
From the day she became the SinnohChampion, she had carried this heavy burden.
Moreover, Cynthia had pursuits in life: to become the strongest Trainer and to understand the ancient myths containing many secrets.
She couldn't stop here.
After breakfast, Cynthia came to the courtyard.
Garchomp and the others were staring at the Pokemon food in Li Wei's hand with fierce, hungry eyes, like evil forces.
"Are your Pokemon foods also that good?"
Hearing Cynthia's voice, Li Wei turned and replied:
"Only my Poffins are just average."
Li Wei's Poffins were still not at an advanced level, but they were getting there.
"You're not as modest as before, but it's not bragging."
Li Wei shrugged: "Perhaps I was infected by my dad?"
Recalling the cheerful Leon, Cynthia couldn't help but smile; indeed, it was rare to be so optimistic.
Cynthia suggested: "Make some Poffins when you have time. I'd like Garchomp and the others to try them too. If they like them, they can have a change of flavor."
"I can do it this afternoon, after I finish filming the Mapo Tofu video."
"Alright."
Time came to eleven o'clock.
Li Wei was about to start grooming Garchomp, so he put on special gloves.
Garchomp's grooming was a bit different; it required a fine salt sand bath under the bright sun to maintain its rough skin.
In contrast to Metagross, which needed to be as smooth as possible, Garchomp's skin required dryness and roughness.
Cynthia watched from the side, ready to intervene even if Garchomp became unhappy.
But Cynthia realized she had overthought it.
With perfect quality Energy Cubes on offer, Garchomp indicated everything was negotiable.
And Li Wei did a great job.
"Kao~"
(So comfortable~)