The trio was still soaking comfortably in the luxurious Lavaridge Hot Spring when a staff member approached.
"Excuse me, guests. A young lady outside says she's a friend of yours. She'd like to come in. Should we allow her?"
Since Steven Stone had booked the entire hot spring, no one else could enter unless they approved.
Chen Shi blinked at Steven Stone.
"You invited someone?"
Steven Stone shook his head.
"No? I only have you as a friend."
The staff member added politely,
"She said her name is Cynthia."
Chen Shi immediately shot up from the water.
"Yes—she's a friend. Please let her in."
The attendant nodded and stepped out.
Behind Chen Shi, his Pokémon exchanged the exact same look—Dragapult, Florges, Leafeon, Togetic:
Ohhh? Someone special arrived…?
They remembered her.
Traveling together.
Ambiguous atmosphere.
Unspoken chemistry.
They had eyes.
Chen Shi ignored their stares.
He turned to Steven Stone.
"She's from Sinnoh. I mentioned her before, right? She's known as the Battle Goddess. I'm sure you've heard of her."
Steven Stone smirked, eyes glinting.
"Ohhh… the Battle Goddess."
His tone made his intentions painfully clear.
Chen Shi coughed loudly.
"Don't misunderstand. We're just friends."
He forced a casual tone.
"Should be fine to let her join us, right?"
Steven Stone nodded.
He didn't mind at all. In fact, he welcomed new connections—especially the kind only powerful trainers possessed.
"Sure. I'd like to meet her too."
Cynthia Enters
Soon, the attendant returned.
And behind him stepped a golden-haired beauty in a soft bathrobe, arms cradling a newly hatched Togepi.
Cynthia.
Chen Shi froze for a heartbeat before smiling brightly.
"Miss Cynthia! Long time no see. Come try the hot spring—this place is fantastic."
Cynthia narrowed her eyes.
"'Miss Cynthia'? Since when are we that formal?"
Her voice lowered.
"Just call me… Chronic Battle Indecision Disorder."
The entire hot spring went silent.
His Pokémon turned slowly toward him:
"Oh? She came armed."
Chen Shi's soul wilted.
She's here for revenge…
He tried to salvage it.
"That nickname is nonsense—just rumors! Don't trust the internet!"
Cynthia arched an eyebrow.
"Oh? Then how do you explain that thread on the Researcher Forum?"
Chen Shi immediately changed the subject.
He pointed at the baby Togepi.
"Oh! Your little one hatched! She looks very healthy!"
Cynthia snorted.
She wasn't letting him off the hook.
Actually, she had arrived in Hoenn the same day Chen Shi left home.
She visited his family ranch—only to learn he had already left for the exhibition match.
She spent two full days searching Lavaridge Town.
Only this morning did Lucario finally catch Chen Shi's scent and lead her here.
Motherhood Crisis — Togetic Edition
Chen Shi called out to his Pokémon.
"Togetic, look—your daughter. She finally hatched. You can relax now."
Togetic froze.
Turned slowly toward Togepi.
"…Tcha—kohii…?"
Leafeon, Florges, Dragapult, all stared.
To be fair—
the little Togepi did look exactly like Togetic used to.
Dragapult patted Chen Shi like a weary uncle.
"Chyaa~"
(I'm barely a year old and already an uncle… help.)
Togetic flew up and whacked Chen Shi on the head.
"Tcha-koh!!"
(You think I had a baby?! I'm still pure!!)
Togepi blinked innocently, staring up at Togetic—the familiar aura unmistakable.
Formal Introductions
Chen Shi cleared his throat.
"This is Cynthia from Sinnoh.
Silver hair over there is Steven Stone—Steven Stone.
And that little girl is Phoebe."
Phoebe's eyes sparkled.
"Big sister… you're so pretty…"
Cynthia smiled warmly.
"Thank you. Nice to meet you too, Phoebe."
Steven Stone, however, froze for half a second.
Then delivered the most Steven Stone-style compliment known to mankind:
"It's an honor to meet you, Miss Cynthia. Your beauty surpasses even the finest Shiny Stone."
Silence.
Everyone stared.
Bro… a stone?? Really?
Chen Shi's eye twitched.
This man's love for rocks was beyond saving.
Cynthia blinked, then laughed softly.
"I've heard of you too. Winner of the Rustboro Conference. Nice to meet you, Steven Stone."
Cynthia's Team Arrives
Cynthia released her team:
Garchomp
Lucario
Milotic
Glaceon
Spiritomb
"Yo! Sharkie! Lucario! Milotic, Glaceon—long time no see!"
Lucario nodded coolly.
But the others—
Garchomp, Milotic, and Glaceon—
immediately rushed toward Chen Shi.
"Garchaa! "
"Miiino~"
"Bu-ee~!!"
Glaceon leapt straight into Chen Shi's arms.
He automatically began massaging her soft, silky fur.
Glaceon melted instantly, tail swishing lazily.
"Buuuu~
(Hot spring + massage… heaven~)"
Cynthia watched.
Garchomp leaning against him.
Milotic curling beside him.
Glaceon fully defecting into his chest.
Her eyes narrowed.
Very.
Very.
Narrow.
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