The first ray of morning sun pierced the Naranja Hotel's presidential suite's floor-to-ceiling windows, falling in golden bars and casting dappled light across the carpet.
Cynthia's lashes fluttered; she slowly opened her eyes.
Not quite fully awake, she felt a gentle rise and fall on the pillow beside her. Turning her head, she saw a pale-lavender blob curled on her pillow, sleeping soundly.
Jason.
Sometime in the night he'd shifted from Gible back to Ditto.
Looking at that defenseless sleeping face, Cynthia's lips curved into an involuntary, tender smile. She stretched out a forefinger and poked his jelly body—springy, with a hint of warmth.
"Good morning, Jason." Her voice was soft, touched by sleep—nothing like her usual cool timbre.
The poke made him wobble awake. He raised part of his body and bobbed at her—a nod.
"Morning, sis."
Privately, his thoughts drifted: Cabbage Lady's bed… really isn't ordinarily warm. And that faint scent of hers—intoxicating. Best sleep since crossing, hands down.
While he savored the memory, Cynthia sat up. The silky duvet slid from her shoulder, revealing graceful collarbones and a pale neck. She stretched; her golden hair fell like a waterfall, the morning light painting her into a picture.
She glanced at Garchomp dozing by the bed on the carpet. "Good morning, Garchomp," she murmured.
A low, disgruntled rumble answered. It turned its big head away, presenting the back of it—full tsundere mode.
Don't talk to me. I'm mad.
"Hm?" Cynthia blinked, puzzled. What was with the child today? Bad sleep? A nightmare? She didn't even consider "ace's spot stolen by a Ditto" as a cause.
Still perplexed, she went to wash up. When she came out, the Champion's polish was back in place: fitted black athleisure, long hair in a neat high ponytail, every line crisp.
She stood in the center of the room, swept Jason with a look, and said, hands on hips, gray eyes alight with curiosity for the unknown, "No sparring today. We're going exploring!"
"Eh?" He froze, whole jelly body stiffening.
Exploring?
Disappointment surged. No sparring? What about that Lucario Dex? He'd wanted to push his luck and coax her into sending out that handsome aura user for a good long look. So much for that plan.
He swallowed it. Traveling with a Champion was a once-in-a-lifetime thing too. He bounced once—agreement.
Seeing him nod, Cynthia smiled, sat gracefully on the sofa, legs crossing, and explained. "Yesterday's academic panel with Chairwoman Geeta was productive. And…" she paused, expression turning wry, "she mentioned a little problem she hasn't had time to handle. I was interested, so she handed me the request."
"Problem," huh? His curiosity pricked. What could stump the Paldea Chair and interest Sinnoh's Champion? A newly uncovered ruin? A rampaging Paradox?
He opened his mouth to ask—she winked, playful. "Patience. You'll know soon. We're waiting for someone. When she's here, we'll go—and I'll brief you at the site."
The tease itched him. "Who?"
"Let's see…" she drew it out, a sly sparkle in her gray eyes. "You know her."
"I do?"
He was floored. He knew… very few people in Paldea.
A knock came—three bright, rhythmic raps.
"I'll get it! I'll get it!"
Before either of them moved, Xiaoyou piped up, zipping off like a purple streak. Cynthia didn't understand her words, but the intent was obvious. At Cynthia's nod, Xiaoyou sprang to the door and popped the latch.
The door swung inward—and a whirlwind of energy swept in.
"Good morning! Hallo Ciao~! Iono, your electrifying net idol, on stage! Did I shock your eyes, sho~ck?☆"
Pink-and-aqua twin tails, Levincia Gym's leader and top streamer—Iono. She slipped right into her signature pose; her chirpy voice rang through the suite.
Catching Jason's stunned face, Cynthia chuckled. "This is our plus-one, Levincia's Gym Leader Iono. You two met last time. We need a local guide; she volunteered."
After her intro, Iono made herself at home. Big bright eyes flicked around: first Garchomp—"Whoa! Ms. Cynthia's ace! So cool! I've only seen it on TV—now it's LIVE!"—then a sweet smile at Cynthia…
Finally, her gaze snapped to the sofa—locked on Jason.
"Aha! Found you again!"
She whooped, scampered over in little steps, and squatted eye-level, that radiant face inches from him. She reached out and poked his jelly, chuckling—