That night, the moon shone brightly while stars scattered sparsely across the sky.
Milotic was still conversing with Feebas, gently comforting the troubled Pokemon.
Having learned from Shion that there was also a sick Arcanine residing here, Cynthia decided to visit it.
However, she had to be accompanied by Wayne.
This was because Arcanine wouldn't allow anyone to touch it except for Nurse Joy and Wayne.
Come to think of it, Arcanine had been Cynthia's comrade-in-arms.
During the battle against Team Galactic at Mt. Coronet, Cynthia, as the Sinnoh Champion, had naturally felt it was her duty to fight.
"I had heard about Arcanine's situation, and I was relieved when I learned it was cured, but I didn't expect..."
"Arcanine's condition isn't serious. It just needs more exercise. I take it for a run every morning."
Watching Arcanine gently lick Wayne's palm, Cynthia smiled with relief. "That's good."
Just like Wayne, Cynthia didn't believe Arcanine needed to return to the police force. It would be better for it to live out its remaining years peacefully.
It had already paid a tremendous price.
As if remembering Cynthia, Arcanine changed its target and began licking her hand instead.
"That tickles... Good boy, you're amazing, Arcanine."
"From now on, just be happy."
"Woof!"
From Arcanine's Growl, Wayne could sense that Arcanine was gradually opening its heart.
"Arcanine really likes you."
Cynthia could sense it too.
She nodded slightly. "Mm."
The next day.
Since it was a holiday, Cynthia slept in.
Pulling open the curtains of the second-floor French window and opening the upper pane, Cynthia gazed outside.
The courtyard was lively at this hour.
Garchomp was sunbathing while taking a sand bath in the sand pit.
Gastrodon and Milotic were swimming freely in the river.
And two Lucario were engaged in battle.
Of course, Cynthia's Lucario was holding back significantly.
"Catch it! Arcanine! Togekiss!"
Four frisbees circled through the air.
Two Arcanine shot forward like arrows released from bowstrings, accurately predicting where the frisbees would land. With powerful leaps, they caught the frisbees in their jaws.
Togekiss and Braviary soared through the sky, swooping down perfectly to catch their own frisbees.
Originally there had been six Pokemon, but Furfrou and Eevee had been reluctantly taken away by their Trainers.
Both Eevee and Furfrou had been happy staying here, but their Trainers' wallets wouldn't have been.
"Well done! Here's your reward."
Every time a frisbee was caught, Wayne would reward them with a perfect-quality Oran Berry Energy Cube.
Cynthia's Togekiss and Braviary blended in seamlessly.
"Bori!"
"Pichu!"
Jigglypuff and Pichu clapped enthusiastically from the sidelines.
Their short legs meant they were better suited for different games.
Alan and Incineroar stood at the ready, positioned on opposite sides.
"Are you ready?"
"Bori!"
"Pichu!"
(I'm ready!)
"Then let's begin. Three, two, one..."
Alan and Incineroar slowly swung the jump rope.
The contrast in Alan's personality was something Cynthia hadn't anticipated.
He appeared tall and intimidating, yet his thoughts were remarkably considerate.
A faint smile involuntarily appeared on Cynthia's face as she stretched.
"What a beautiful day."
Cynthia didn't have to worry about Sinnoh Champion responsibilities, nor did she need to concern herself with Garchomp's diet.
"Perhaps this is why Blue insisted that Arcanine stay here."
Last night, Cynthia had learned from Wayne that it was Blue who had suggested Wayne take over Arcanine's care.
Cynthia's gaze shifted to the tranquil fish pond. "I hope you can recover soon too, Feebas."
She believed that in this environment, Feebas would eventually open its heart.
The first step was always the hardest, but since Feebas was already willing to communicate with Milotic, recovery was simply a matter of time.
Breakfast was simple: sandwiches paired with Smoked Sitrus Berry Juice that Wayne had brewed and chilled overnight.
Since she was staying at Wayne's house, Cynthia was the only one eating.
In a heated room, even during winter, drinking an iced beverage posed no problem.
Undoubtedly, the Smoked Sitrus Berry Juice Wayne brewed remained close to perfect quality.
Just one sip, and Cynthia felt completely refreshed, the lingering drowsiness from waking up vanishing entirely.
Cynthia immediately decided to add it to her regular diet!
Regrettably, as the Champion, Cynthia couldn't remain here permanently.
Otherwise, Cynthia swore she would drink it every single day.
Thinking about this, Cynthia increasingly wanted to retire.
She even considered stepping down like Steven had.
But she couldn't.
Steven had Wallace to take his place.
But without Cynthia, Sinnoh would truly have no one capable.
Riley, though powerful, hadn't truly reached Champion-level strength.
With Cynthia maintaining order, things remained peaceful, but if she stepped down, malevolent forces would surely become restless.
Celeste, you have to work hard and surpass me!
Celeste, far away on Iron Island conducting research, suddenly sneezed.
"It can't be my sister thinking about me again, can it?!"
It seemed Wayne could potentially fill that role too...
From Wayne's team composition to his skills rivaling those of a top Energy Cube master...
Wayne possessed the ability to surpass her.
Never mind—Wayne didn't seem interested in becoming Champion.
Cynthia disliked forcing others, nor did she enjoy shifting her responsibilities onto someone else.
From the day she became the Sinnoh Champion, she had shouldered this heavy burden.
Moreover, Cynthia had her own aspirations in life: to become the strongest Trainer and to unravel the ancient myths containing countless secrets.
She couldn't stop here.
After breakfast, Cynthia stepped into the courtyard.
Garchomp and the others were staring at the Pokemon food in Wayne's hands with fierce, hungry expressions, resembling villainous forces.
"Are your Pokemon foods also that exceptional?"
Hearing Cynthia's voice, Wayne turned and replied, "Only my Poffins are just average."
Wayne's Poffins still hadn't reached an advanced level, but they were approaching it.
"You're not as modest as you used to be, though it's not mere bragging."
Wayne shrugged. "Perhaps I was influenced by my dad?"
Recalling the cheerful Leon, Cynthia couldn't help but smile. Indeed, such optimism was rare.
Cynthia suggested, "Make some Poffins when you have time. I'd like Garchomp and the others to try them. If they enjoy them, it could provide a nice change of flavor."
"I can prepare them this afternoon, after I finish filming the Mapo Tofu video."
"Alright."
Time advanced to eleven o'clock.
Wayne was about to begin grooming Garchomp, so he put on his special gloves.
Garchomp's grooming routine was somewhat different. It required a fine salt sand bath under the bright sun to maintain its rough skin texture.
In stark contrast to Metagross, which needed to be as smooth as possible, Garchomp's skin required dryness and roughness.
Cynthia observed from the side, prepared to intervene should Garchomp become agitated.
However, Cynthia realized she had overthought the situation.
With perfect-quality Energy Cubes being offered, Garchomp indicated that everything was negotiable.
And Wayne performed exceptionally well.
"Kao~"
(So comfortable~)