"Chen-gege, wait!"
Just as Chen Shi and the others stepped out of the lounge, a soft voice called out from behind.
Chen Shi turned around with a small smile.
"Yuuko? What's wrong?"
Yuuko hurried over, cheeks flushed, fingers tangled nervously in the hem of her dress.
"Y-you… you must keep winning. I… I'll be cheering for you."
Chen Shi paused for a beat, then chuckled.
"Alright. I'll keep winning."
He waved gently.
"See you later, Yuuko. If you need anything, come find me."
"…Mm. See you, Chen-gege…"
After parting with her, the group no longer felt like wandering the arena. They headed straight back to the villa.
A Quiet Night in the Villa
Inside his room, Chen Shi prepared Pokéblocks and began his nightly routine of massaging his team.
"Baluyaa~"
Dragapult lay sprawled comfortably across the carpet, long eyes half-closed in bliss. A tiny Dreepy poked out from his head horns, grabbed a Pokéblock, and tossed it directly into Dragapult's mouth.
Dragapult munched lazily while receiving his massage, enjoying life without a care in the world.
"Raa-chiii~"
Swampert peeked over anxiously. He had eaten earlier, but what he really wanted… was his turn.
"Baluya~"
Dragapult shot him a sideways look that clearly said:
"What's the rush? Wait your turn."
"Raa… chii…"
Swampert scratched his head helplessly, then plopped down and grabbed Chen Shi's backpack—fishing out another portion of food.
If he couldn't have massage time…
Then he'd eat away his suffering.
Swampert shoved a Pokéblock into his mouth, perfectly embodying a depressed, oversized tadpole.
Chen Shi glared.
"Eat, eat, eat — that's all you ever do! After the tournament, I'll double your training! Don't even think about turning into a pudgy mudfish!"
"Raa… chii…"
Wronged. Completely wronged.
You don't massage me…
You yell when I eat…
What am I supposed to do?!
Chen Shi sighed.
"…Alright, come here."
"Raa-CHII!"
Swampert launched himself down enthusiastically.
As Chen Shi massaged him, he murmured:
"From here on, your opponents will only get stronger. You might run into real monsters."
"Are you scared?"
"Raa-chi!"
Swampert shook his head. Battle wasn't scary—he enjoyed it. Winning was just icing on the cake.
Chen Shi chuckled softly.
"It's almost time. I'm close… really close… to fulfilling my promise to you."
Swampert hummed sleepily. Within minutes, the big guy was snoring on the floor.
Chen Shi shook his head and moved on to Lady Florges, Togekiss, and Leafeon.
None of them had appeared in the World Championship yet—not because Chen Shi didn't want them to, but because their roles were special. He was saving them for the right moment.
Leafeon didn't mind at all—her personality was built on quiet obedience.
Charizard and Metagross, who had already fought hard during preliminaries, also kept quiet. They knew their limits well enough.
Lady Florges Levels Up
"Flaaar~"
While receiving her massage, Lady Florges suddenly trembled. A soft, glowing energy welled up inside her—warm, bright, overflowing.
Her aura flared gently.
Chen Shi's eyes brightened.
"You leveled up again?"
One quick scan confirmed it—Level 61.
She had officially caught up to Swampert.
"Is it because of the horn fragment?"
Lady Florges nodded, touching the fragrant pouch hanging from her neck—the small, radiant fragment of a Xerneas Horn she had been absorbing day by day.
Suddenly—
Togekiss fluttered over with a soft "Togekiii~" and shoved herself into Chen Shi's chest, then pointed pitifully at Lady Florges's pouch.
She was clearly saying:
I want one too…
Chen Shi pressed a hand to his forehead.
Legendary-grade Fairy resources didn't grow on trees.
Even his grandparents, with their entire lifetimes of connections, had only ever acquired one such treasure.
Still, Chen Shi stroked her head gently.
"I promise — I'll find something suited for you too. Just give me time."
"Togekiii!"
Togekiss nodded, trusting him completely.
Her desire wasn't for power.
She simply wanted his attention and approval.
Lady Florges watched quietly… then did something unexpected.
She unhooked her pouch and offered it to Togekiss.
Chen Shi blinked.
Togekiss was frozen for a full second—then shoved the pouch gently back.
Togekii, toge… kii!
(I might want something good… but I'll never take away a teammate's treasure.)
Lady Florges paused—then slowly tightened the ribbon around her neck again.
Seeing how badly Togekiss wanted it, she had been prepared to give it up, even if it hurt her.
But Togekiss refused to take something meant for someone else.
Chen Shi rubbed both their heads softly.
"I'll find something perfect for each of you. Everyone gets their turn—some sooner, some later."
"Togekiii~"
Togekiss nuzzled into him happily.
Pokémon were simple, wonderful creatures.
Give them love, and they'd return it with their whole hearts.
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