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Cynthia walked up to Steven, meeting his gaze directly.
Steven was slightly taller than he had been two months ago when he first set out on his journey, but he was still only about 1.72 meters tall.
Cynthia, standing before him, was around 1.68 meters, so their height difference wasn't significant.
Steven's expression remained calm as he met Cynthia's gaze. But secretly, he was incredibly nervous.
The childhood friends before him had only spent a few days together, but those few days were precious to both of them.
Steven's later feelings for the blonde girl, after understanding her identity, made him realize she was the childhood version of his favorite character.
Combined with being inexperienced in romance in both lifetimes, it would be a lie to say Steven wasn't nervous.
Cynthia smiled slightly, and while Steven was lost in thought, she raised her hand and chopped him lightly on the head.
"Ow..." Steven was somewhat taken aback, feeling the faint pain on his head, confused about what just happened.
"Hehe..." Cynthia couldn't help but laugh when she saw Steven's expression.
This was completely different from the aloof boy she remembered.
Cynthia gently patted Steven's head again, then clapped her hands with satisfaction. "Alright, two chops done!"
Two chops, exactly two chops! Not one more, not one less!
"Garchomp?" Garchomp looked somewhat displeased, glancing at his shark-like fin.
Shouldn't I be the one doing the chopping?
The timid Piplup, staying safely inside its Poke Ball, witnessed everything through the transparent casing.
Something's not right! Why is he getting chopped by the pretty lady, while I got chopped by that fearsome shark behind her!
"Garchomp!" Garchomp stared intently at Steven.
He felt like someone was insulting him right to his face!
Piplup felt Garchomp's intense gaze and immediately fell silent, looking toward Lairon in the adjacent Poke Ball.
Best friend! Shield me from him!
Lairon noticed the gaze from next door and quickly blocked the view with his precious metal ore.
What? There's nothing worth hiding about this stuff!
(T/N:In the manga, Pokemon can see outside from inside their Poke Balls.)
"What does this mean?" Steven asked curiously, rubbing the top of his head.
Was there some significance to these two chops?
"Nothing much," Cynthia giggled, her demeanor perfectly matching that of a cheerful young woman.
It seemed there was still some distance from the majestic, dignified, and graceful champion he remembered from the future.
Steven thought to himself.
"Big bro..." Cynthia suddenly spoke, but felt shy about using that form of address.
She had grown up—she wasn't the little girl who sweetly called him brother anymore.
"Just call me Steven," Steven said with a gentle smile.
"Can I?"
"Of course," Steven shrugged, not thinking there was any issue with being called by his name directly.
"Then, Steven, you can call me Cynthia!"
Watching Steven and Cynthia chatting and laughing together, Garchomp's teeth ground with frustration.
He really wanted to chop this guy on the head!
Someone was trying to steal his Cynthia right in front of him!
"Metagross," Metagross calmly advised Garchomp.
Relax, jealousy is normal.
"Garchomp!" Garchomp turned his head and glared angrily.
What, do you want to get slashed too, you metal crab?
"Metagross."
Bring it on, you stinky shark.
The two Pokemon could only exchange harsh words. Since their Trainers hadn't given orders, they didn't dare act on their own.
Seeing that the dispute seemed to have ended, Professor Rowan stepped forward and asked, "I'm heading back to the lab now. Would you like to come along?"
"Yes!"
"Thank you, Professor Rowan," Steven bowed slightly with a smile.
Cynthia, seeing this, also followed suit. "Thank you, Professor."
"Return, Metagross."
Metagross glanced at Garchomp one last time before being recalled by the red light of the Poke Ball.
Garchomp: So irritating!
"You return too, Garchomp." Cynthia took out a Poke Ball, but Garchomp refused.
"Garchomp!"
"You don't want to go into the Poke Ball? Alright then!"
Cynthia took a seat in the back. As Steven was about to get in from the other side, Garchomp got there first.
Before climbing in, Garchomp glared at Steven.
No one can steal my Cynthia while I'm around!
The nearly two-meter-tall Garchomp was cramped and uncomfortable inside the vehicle, but he didn't complain.
Steven chuckled softly. Compared to Grandma Caroline, Garchomp was proving to be the most difficult obstacle.
Steven sat in the passenger seat, riding in Professor Rowan's SUV back to Sandgem Town.
Although they had planned to make breakfast for the Pokemon, after everything that happened, it was already noon by the time they returned to the lab.
"Professor, is there a kitchen in the lab?"
After exiting the vehicle, Steven first asked Professor Rowan.
"Yes, why?"
"If you trust me, I'd like to borrow the kitchen and prepare a meal to thank you," Steven explained with a smile.
"That's no problem, as long as what you make doesn't interfere with our research." Professor Rowan opened the door and led Steven and Cynthia into the lab.
Leading them to the lab's backyard, Professor Rowan said, "Your Pokemon can rest here for now. As for the kitchen, follow me."
Steven released all his Pokemon, instructing them to wait there while he prepared something for them to eat.
"Then everyone come out too!" Cynthia also released her Pokemon.
Steven turned his head to look. Cynthia's current team consisted of only four Pokemon: Garchomp, Lucario, Roserade, and Shellos.
Lucario sat cross-legged on the ground, his gaze fixed on Scyther across from him.
Scyther felt Lucario's stare, opened his eyes, and met it directly.
Sparks seemed to fly as the two Pokemon's gazes clashed intensely.
"Piplup?" Piplup looked at the small sea slug that was even smaller than itself with curiosity.
"Shellos?" Shellos tilted its head, looking at Piplup.
"Piplup!"
Piplup spat out an extremely weak stream of water, spraying Shellos.
"Shellos~"
Shellos climbed directly up Piplup's body to the top of its head.
"Piplup?!"
Could it be... you too...
Piplup's aura immediately began surging forth, and the sudden pressure made Cynthia's Pokemon stand on guard.
"Shellos?!"
The inexperienced Shellos immediately fled from atop Piplup.
"Piplup..." Piplup sighed, turning to look at Steven's Pokemon, whose expressions remained normal, and at Lairon, who was holding metal ore with a happy expression.
Indeed, Lairon is my one true best friend!
"Piplup!"
Piplup pounced onto Lairon, crying openly.
"Lairon?"
What's wrong?
"What a powerful Piplup..." Cynthia was also startled by the brief burst of power. It was the first time she had witnessed such a thing.
Was this still the same Piplup who cried and ran away after being chopped by her Garchomp?
Hmm... probably still the same one.
Just then, Steven returned to the backyard carrying two Pokemon-specific food bowls.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"