Were these two at it again? Zygarde displayed an exasperated expression. "Do they really want to sink Sakura Island? Aren't they afraid of Rayquaza stepping in?"
It considered enlisting Ho-Oh to coordinate with Suicune and Xerneas to manage the aftermath. But wait! A sudden idea struck.
If a battle was inevitable, why not let them fight here? It would be the perfect opportunity to test the boundaries of the domain. If the test yielded no results, it would be because those two were too weak, and getting rid of them would save some trouble in the long run. Plus, it could lure Rayquaza over—if one wasn't enough, more would come. The plan was flawless. With that thought, Zygarde sprinted off in a particular direction.
Meanwhile, in the villa, Carl was blissfully unaware of the grand scheme unfolding. He was casually chatting with Cynthia.
"Are you interested in Caitlin?" Cynthia asked bluntly.
"In comparison, I'm more interested in you," Carl replied directly.
Cynthia tossed her hair with a smile. "Why don't you finish your bet with Caitlin first? Win against me, then we'll talk."
"That's not difficult," Carl said with calm confidence. "You might want to start considering it now."
Cynthia's eyes flickered as she shifted the topic slightly. "What do you really think about Caitlin?"
"I'm helping her," Carl said without flinching. "Her psychic abilities are too strong, leading to emotional instability. Having her as an apprentice is to help her control her powers."
"Shouldn't you be helping her, then?" Cynthia wasn't taking the bait.
"Then take her with you tomorrow," Carl responded with indifference.
"Really?" Cynthia raised an eyebrow.
"As long as you say the word, I won't stop her," Carl nodded.
Cynthia was thoroughly perplexed. Did she really have such an influence?
"Then I thank you on Caitlin's behalf," she said with a slight smile, turning to leave.
"Thank you?" Carl gazed into the distance, his eyes deep. Was she thanking him for letting Caitlin go, or for helping? Either way, in Cynthia's eyes, it was all for her. But in reality...
"Caitlin, get ready for tomorrow."
After dinner, Carl and Cynthia's group split into two to enjoy the hot springs.
"Everyone, you've worked hard. Relax and enjoy."
After checking on his Blaziken and the others, Carl reclined comfortably in a massage chair. Two Cosmog were energetically giving him a shoulder and back massage, a treatment fit for a king.
"What a luxury," he sighed contentedly, eyes closed.
Meanwhile, in the women's section, Caitlin was scoffing, "These artificial hot springs are so tacky. Natural springs are the only way to go." She glanced at Sabrina soaking in the water, unable to resist a jab. "Some people's taste is just deplorable."
"Is that so?" Sabrina didn't even look up. "Sure you're not getting in?"
"Definitely not!"
"Won't regret it?"
"Are you kidding?"
Then Cynthia chimed in, "She's definitely going to regret it."
"Huh?"
Suddenly, Caitlin was submerged in the hot spring, only her head visible, with a look of shock. "This is actually a Mystic Spring?!"
These magical hot springs could restore energy, heal injuries, and with prolonged soaking, even enhance beauty. Missing out would be a huge loss!
Thinking so, she glared at Sabrina. That woman must have done it on purpose!
"Tasteless."
"Unrefined."
"Won't regret it."
Sabrina's airy comments cut like knives into Caitlin's heart, echoing her own words from just moments ago.
"You!" Caitlin's eyes welled up with frustration.
At once, her Metagross assumed an aggressive stance.
Sabrina's Alakazam rose, spoon in hand, ready to counter.
Thanks to Carl's reminder, Caitlin and Sabrina realized they were still trainers, and skilled ones at that. Both felt a bit embarrassed, acknowledging that Pokémon should resolve their disputes.
Caitlin secretly felt relief, knowing that with her Pokémon, she wouldn't have to swallow her pride anymore. A trainer's battle should be fought with their Pokémon.
Sensing the tension rise again, Serena quickly diverted the topic. "Caitlin, are you sure this is Mystic Spring?"
"Absolutely," Caitlin replied, taking the cue. "I'm familiar with this feeling."
Lillie asked curiously, "Caitlin, do you visit these hot springs often?"
"Yes, I have residences all over the world," Caitlin replied nonchalantly. "I come by every winter."
"But don't you visit often too?" she asked with a hint of confusion.
Lillie's expression turned somber. "My situation is a bit different..."
Sabrina interjected suddenly, "Not everyone has your leisure. Some people have the spring water flown home for baths."
Lillie's comment left Caitlin stunned.
"You air-ship Mystic Spring water daily?" Caitlin asked, surprised.
Lillie nodded. "My mom heard about the springs' benefits and arranged for a regular delivery." She cast a grateful glance at Sabrina, grateful for her help.
"That's a brilliant idea." Caitlin imagined daily baths with spring water and suddenly smacked her forehead in realization. "Why didn't I think of that?"
Lillie quickly added, "The effect diminishes during transport, but..."
"It's better than nothing," Caitlin said, already pulling out her phone. "I'm arranging it now; a refined life can't be compromised."
Cynthia reminded her with slight exasperation, "Don't forget you're staying here for three years."
Only then did Caitlin realize, turning to Cynthia. "Even your influence won't work?"
"What are you talking about?" Cynthia feigned ignorance.
"I saw it myself!" Caitlin persisted. "Weren't you sneaking off to discuss something with Carl?"
"It was just a coincidence. You've been following her all along," Sabrina interjected suddenly.
"Could you just not butt in?" Caitlin stamped her foot in anger.
Metagross and Alakazam immediately squared off, tensions high.
"Stop it!" Lillie and Serena rushed to intervene, casting pleading looks at Cynthia.
"Can't even have a peaceful soak?"
"Caitlin, you're overthinking it," Cynthia said calmly. "Even if it was Carl's setup, it's a done deal. I can't abuse my power to change it."
"Besides, even if I wanted to, it might not affect Carl."
"I only asked him to take care of you."
"How could this happen?" Caitlin deflated. "Does this mean I'm separated from you, Cynthia?"
"That's not a bad thing," Cynthia comforted. "With Lillie and Serena here, and hot springs every day, it's not so bad, is it?"
Wisely, Cynthia didn't mention Sabrina.
In the end, everyone found a way to enjoy their time, despite the earlier tension.