Wednesday, December 9th.
The preliminary round of the Inter-School Exchange Tournament had concluded.
Almost everyone who watched the match was blown away by Yuhong University's incredible dominance.
And the most attention-grabbing of all—was none other than Teacher Lu, who led the team in utterly crushing Rustboro City Academy.
From one perspective, a coach's tactical setup decides at least half the outcome of a battle.
From another—this coach was a powerhouse in his own right.
The warm-up hadn't even started yet, and he already smashed the Rustboro City Gym Leader...
This one? This was a classic "slack off while casually clearing a Gym!"
---
Night had fallen in Jubilife City.
The iconic giant screen downtown was replaying this morning's showdown.
"Another shutout! Yet another shutout!" the announcer's passionate voice echoed.
"This is the most one-sided score we've seen in years!"
Passersby looked up at the screen.
"Celadon University's insane this year."
"Is it 'cause they've got a new team ace?"
"That Sylveon was seriously too cute!"
On the street, Teacher Lu was leading three students toward a private villa.
To avoid being recognized, Lu Ye lowered the brim of his cap just a little.
And then it hit him, 'No wonder Grandpa Red always did that cool brim-lowering move before flexing. D*mn, this is way too extra!'
"Should I go custom-make a signature hat too?" Lu Ye stroked his chin, falling into deep thought.
Jubilife City had a big temperature swing between day and night.
Gladion exhaled a puff of white breath and looked back at Wally.
"You okay?"
Wally shook his head and smiled. "Still hyped up from this morning's match."
"Tomorrow, I'm down to smash—uh, play another friendly match."
Lu Ye coughed lightly. "Who's our next opponent?"
Giselle took out her phone, scrolled through updates, and said: "Jubilife Academy lost… tomorrow it's the Striaton City Trainer Academy."
"Oh, right." Lu Ye vaguely remembered that city.
It housed Unova's first Gym, a Trainer Academy, and was also Cilan's hometown.
In Black 2 and White 2, the first Gym gets moved to Aspertia City, and Cilan even becomes its new Gym Leader.
Kinda similar to Roxanne's deal.
Cilan also became both a teacher and a Gym Leader at a young age.
Lu Ye's feelings were… complicated.
So joining the Baby Cup also meant racking up two Gym Badges for free?
But tomorrow, Erika would be back to anchor the ace slot.
With her around, the risk of getting backstabbed dropped significantly.
"Not a big deal." Lu Ye cleared his throat. "Let's head back—I'm buying late-night snacks!"
---
Jubilife City, Sinnoh.
A chandelier cast a warm orange glow, highlighting the golden tips of Cynthia's hair in a soft light.
She was reclining on the couch, flipping through a book on mythology with focused eyes.
The doorbell rang.
Indeedee, acting as the villa's housekeeper, opened the elegant front door after getting the lady of the house's permission.
Warm air rushed out to greet Lu Ye as a refreshing scent drifted from inside.
Behind him, the three students stiffened a bit as they took in the luxurious interior.
Gladion stayed calm—after all, he was also a young master from the Aether Foundation.
But Wally stammered, "D-Do we need to change our shoes?"
Lu Ye laughed. "No need to be so formal. Make yourselves at home."
Giselle shot a sharp glance at the shoe rack—and saw a pair of sleek black high heels.
Crack!
She swore she could hear her heart shattering.
"Gengarr~!" Gengar darted cheerfully into the living room.
Moments later, there were sounds of someone getting up inside.
The three students collectively held their breath.
Golden hair draped down, brushing against pale shoulders, following the elegant curve of a swan-like neck upward to a face that was both delicate and gentle.
Deep gray eyes shimmered with a trace of a smile.
"Welcome," Cynthia greeted softly.
The three of them felt their voices get caught in their throats. For a long moment, no one could form a sentence.
"Cy… Cynt…"
"Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion," Lu Ye said, surprised. "You guys seriously don't recognize her?"
No sht!*
The students' faces twisted.
Of course they recognized her—that's why they couldn't speak!
This was the freaking Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia!
Wait a minute…
Gladion glanced at the others, slowly piecing it together, 'With Teacher Lu's looks… yeah, this kinda tracks.'
Crack!
That earlier hairline crack? Now shattered into a million pieces.
Giselle was crying inwardly.
So this is the real mistress of this house!
She'd lost. Totally, absolutely lost. No chance at competing.
After a three-second brain crash, Wally was the first to snap back.
"Good evening, Ma'am!" he bowed deeply.
What the—
Lu Ye froze.
Kid, you're way too bold!
"Gengarr?! ∑(っ°Д°;)っ"
Gengar was stunned for a second, then looked up instinctively.
The blonde beauty's face briefly showed surprise, then she gave a small smile and said casually: "Come on in and have a seat."
Just a misunderstanding.
Besides, I often host Caitlin and the others at my place anyway.
Cynthia remained calm… for about ten seconds.
"Good evening, Ma'am!" the three students said in unison, bowing again.
Cough! Cynthia couldn't help but give Lu Ye a sharp side-eye, 'Did you rehearse this with them beforehand!?'
Lu Ye held his hands up, 'Kids are sharp, what can I say!'
Cynthia let out a small sigh, wearing a defeated expression.
"There are three guest rooms. Indeedee will show you the way."
"Thank you, Ma'am!"
"Just call me Cynthia…"
"No problem, Ma'am!"
Cynthia shook her head, a little exasperated—but also amused. A smile crept up on her face.
Forget it. Not worth arguing.
Giselle instantly realized she had zero market value here.
Thankfully… the villa's soundproofing was excellent.
She wouldn't have to take another emotional gut punch tonight.
Wally and Gladion were still reeling from the realization about Teacher Lu and Cynthia.
Friends? Didn't seem like it.
Lovers? Didn't seem overly intimate either…
"I've got it!"
On the stairs to the guest room, Gladion clapped his hands.
"What?" Wally asked.
"Teacher Lu is pursuing his landlady!"
"???"
The three human light bulbs went to their rooms.
---
Back in the living room, only Cynthia and Lu Ye remained.
Sylveon no longer feared Cynthia and let her brush its fur with ease.
Togepi raised its tiny arms and waved at Lucario.
"Tchugki~briee!" (Let's play!)
Play?
Lucario crossed its arms, looking indifferent.
I don't have time for that.
Togepi, being rejected for the first time in its life, looked utterly shattered.
Tears welled up, ready to burst.
"Tchugki~briee!!!"
Togepi wailed to the heavens, tears shooting out like a fountain—its innocent sobbing was downright heartbreaking.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh—dangerous glares shot toward Lucario.
"Graaawr!" Garchomp narrowed its eyes and raised a scythe to Lucario's neck.
Play. With. It.
Lucario's face twitched. He raised his hands and gently picked up Togepi.
"Lucaa!"
Up you go!
"Tchugki~briee~(ﾉ≧∀≦)ﾉ"
"You guys are so close," Cynthia said, lounging on the couch, her long legs elegantly crossed. She smiled.
"Aren't we too?"
"Not that close."
"Then what level are we at now?"
Cynthia uncrossed one leg, expression serious.
"Level where we can pull an all-nighter together."
Crap!
She countered!
"Playing games!" Cynthia added with a cheeky smile.
"R-Right…"
"Why do you look so disappointed?"
"Nothing," Lu Ye sighed. "We've got a match tomorrow. Better get some sleep."
Just as Lu Ye stood up, he pulled two Trainer Cards from his pocket.
"Here—like I promised."
On the card, the golden-haired beauty looked radiant.
Beside her stood the imposing Garchomp, like an unstoppable war god.
Cynthia paused, then smiled sweetly.
She handed one of the cards back to Lu Ye.
"For you."
"You're just giving back something I gave you?"
"You want it or not?" Cynthia said coolly.
"I want it!"
---
Night deepened. The breeze was soft.
Cynthia lay tiredly on the couch, golden hair trailing at her waist, breathing steadily.
Lu Ye closed the book, feeling conflicted.
All I did was read a few myth stories… that hypnotic?
She lay there like a giant orange cat—yet her side profile was breathtaking.
He stared for a while, then smiled helplessly.
"Lucario, could you help me out?"
"Lucaa." Lucario nodded, moving to carry Cynthia back to her room.
Then suddenly, Lucario froze.
Wait… why am I even listening to this guy!?