Want to read ahead. You know where
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The next morning.
What was the point of visiting a new place if you didn't take a stroll?
Sam and Cynthia soared through the skies on a Flying-type Pokémon, heading toward one of Hoenn's most popular tourist spots, Slateport City.
Of course, Sam's Lugia was out of the question for casual travel.
The legendary's presence alone would cause a commotion.
So today, they flew in on Cynthia's Garchomp, faster, sleeker, and much less conspicuous in public airspace.
Slateport, with its bustling markets and sea breeze, was alive with energy.
As they landed near the coast, Cynthia led the way through winding streets.
"There's this dessert place I read about," she said, eyes sparkling.
"Locals swear by it."
Sam just smiled and followed.
Her excitement was contagious.
Soon, they arrived at a cozy dessert shop nestled between two boutiques.
The smell of baked goods drifted through the air, warm and sweet.
"Babe, here it is!" Cynthia beamed as they stepped inside.
She reached for the menu but immediately handed it over to Sam with a sheepish smile.
"You know I'm hopeless at choosing," she said, laughing.
"Just surprise me?"
Sam chuckled, already flipping through the laminated pages.
Without missing a beat, he turned to the waiter.
"One cocoa taro purée, one mango smoothie, a cheese tart, and... original donuts."
The waiter blinked, slightly wide-eyed at the list, but nodded and left to prepare the order.
Cynthia leaned back in her chair, visibly pleased.
"Babe, you understand me best~" she said, eyes half-lidded with a dreamy smile.
Sam raised a brow.
"You say that now, but you're about to inhale a week's worth of sugar in one sitting."
"Hey~" she grinned, flicking a strand of hair behind her shoulder.
"You're the one who ordered it."
"You're also the one who's somehow not afraid of gaining weight," Sam said, half impressed, half resigned.
Cynthia gave a smug little shrug.
"Your babe's just naturally gifted."
She said it so matter-of-factly that Sam couldn't even argue.
He glanced at her, slim waist, toned figure, not a trace of indulgence showing on her frame.
He wouldn't say it aloud, but if a perfect figure scored a ten, Cynthia was an eleven.
And not even modest about it.
"Alright, alright. You win," he muttered, rolling his eyes with a faint smile.
"You're the best."
The sweets began arriving soon after.
Cynthia lit up like a kid on her birthday as the table filled with brightly colored desserts and warm pastries.
"Come on, try this cocoa taro purée. It's amazing~" she said, scooping a spoonful with visible anticipation.
Before Sam could even respond, she leaned across the table and snatched the donut from his hand, the one he'd just taken a bite from.
"Hey, "
Too late.
Cynthia bit into it without hesitation, puffing her cheeks like a satisfied Snorlax.
"Mmm~ sweet but not greasy. Fluffy like cheesecake," she said, licking a bit of glaze off her thumb.
"Definitely keeping this one."
Sam just sighed and placed the rest of the donuts on her side of the table.
"You can have it. I'll pass."
"What? You don't like sweets?"
"I like meat," he replied flatly.
"The bigger the steak, the better."
Cynthia smirked, already digging into the mango smoothie.
"Such a hunk~"
As they continued eating, a small television mounted in the corner of the shop caught Sam's attention.
One of the waiters had changed the channel to a local news broadcast.
The footage flickered to a breaking news segment.
The screen showed aerial shots of scorched terrain.
Groudon had resurfaced.
A solemn news anchor's voice filled the café.
"After traveling nonstop for over twenty-four hours, the legendary Ground-type Pokémon Groudon has moved from Sootopolis City and is now approaching the outskirts of Lavaridge City."
The reporter continued, her tone urgent.
"Alliance Champion Wallace, alongside members of the Elite Four, is mobilizing to intercept the threat. Experts have mapped Groudon's projected path, and citizens along the route are being asked to evacuate as a precaution."
"We'll continue to provide updates as the situation unfolds."
The camera zoomed in on Groudon's massive form, molten scales radiating intense heat as it stomped forward through the landscape.
Sam leaned back in his seat, sipping water slowly.
So Groudon had finally begun to stir.
His gaze wandered outside the window, where the sun glared brightly over the sea.
And Kyogre? He smirked faintly.
Probably snoring at the bottom of the ocean by now.
Groudon, the mighty embodiment of the Earth.
A massive legendary Pokémon, capable of shaking the ground with each step... but still, walking on two legs only.
Despite being a Ground-type, unlike Garchomp, Gligar, or even Flygon, Groudon couldn't fly.
Some beast, huh? Sam mused, lips twitching with amusement.
The "land god" looked clunky compared to the graceful dragon of the skies.
If someone asked Groudon why it couldn't fly, Sam imagined it responding:
"Don't ask. I love this land too deeply."
After finishing their dessert feast, Sam and Cynthia wandered the streets of Slateport City, arm in arm.
The air was salty from the sea, and the streets were bustling with vendors and tourists.
They didn't have any destination in mind; they were enjoying the stroll, pointing out odd shops, and laughing at cheesy souvenirs.
They looked like any young couple on vacation. Sweet. Close.
Carefree.
As they passed a large, stylish women's clothing store, Sam suddenly paused.
His steps slowed. Something sparked in his mind.
"Hmm…"
Before Cynthia could ask, he gently tugged her hand and led her toward the entrance.
Cynthia blinked in confusion, heels clicking as she followed him inside.
"Wait, why are we going in here?" she asked, tilting her head.
"We're not staying in Hoenn for too long."
She looked around at the racks of coats, dresses, and accessories.
"And I already have enough clothes. I don't need anything new~"
Sam coughed awkwardly, eyes darting to the side.
"Cough… Well… It's not like we have to buy clothes."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow.
"Then what are we buying?"
"Well, y'know…" Sam scratched his nose, lowering his voice.
"The weather's changing. It's getting cooler soon. Just thought... maybe you should get some stockings? To prepare."
There was a beat of silence.
Then Cynthia narrowed her eyes, a slow smirk curling on her lips.
"Stockings, huh?" she said, tone sharp and teasing.
"You mean like… high-silk ones?"
Sam straightened up, trying to play innocent.
"W-What are you talking about? Hey, don't make it sound weird!"
"The main thing is," he added quickly, "you might catch a cold. I'm just being considerate!"
Cynthia gave a small, amused snort, clearly not buying it.
"Mmhm. Sure. You're very thoughtful, aren't you?"
Seeing his act unravel, Sam let out a sheepish laugh.
"Alright, alright. You got me."
He held up his hands in surrender.
"Shall we… take a look then?"
A small showdown of silent grins passed between them.
Cynthia shrugged, then turned on her heel.
"Let's go~" she said with a mischievous lilt, heading deeper into the store.
When they finally came out, Sam was carrying a large shopping bag in one hand, clearly pleased with himself.
He peeked into the bag and felt his mood lift instantly.
Warm, fluttery happiness in his chest.
"Alright, dinner's on me tonight!" he declared, puffing out his chest like he'd just won a championship battle.
Cynthia glanced sideways at him and rolled her eyes.
"Man?" she muttered under her breath.
"Calm down~"
They walked side by side, heading back toward their hotel.
But as they neared the quiet street corner, Cynthia's steps slowed a little.
Something came to mind.
During the half-month they'd spent apart, Sam had made some impressive gains; he'd caught Lugia and even ridden on the back of a Rayquaza.
Cynthia smiled faintly to herself.
She might not have accomplished something that flashy… but she had her victory.
Thanks to the coordinates Sam had passed to her earlier, she'd tracked down the elusive Garchompite, her Garchomp's Mega Stone.
After some intense training, her Garchomp had successfully achieved Mega Evolution.
She hadn't mentioned it yet.
Maybe I should keep it a surprise...
She imagined the look on Sam's face.
He won't expect it at all. That could be fun.
A quiet spark lit behind her eyes.
The idea was born.