Early the next morning.
After packing her suitcase, Cynthia went to the pond in the research institute's backyard.
Lucario was practicing staff techniques in the open space in the backyard, holding a blue Energy Baton.
Roserade and Gastrodon were watering the fruit trees and flowers planted beside the institute.
Glaceon and Spiritomb were playing a game of heading a ball.
Cynthia clapped her hands and called all her Pokémon over.
No sooner had she finished speaking than a Togetic descended from the sky, landed beside her, and gave her a big good-morning kiss.
"Toge!"
Milotic leaped out of the pond, her scales glittering beautifully in the morning sunlight.
Garchomp, Glaceon, Spiritomb, Togetic, Lucario, Gastrodon, Roserade, and Milotic-all eight Pokémon gathered in front of Cynthia.
They were all the Pokémon she was currently raising.
"I have an announcement. I'm going to Johto next week. Does anyone want to come with me?"
Glaceon raised a paw, Garchomp raised a finned arm, and Lucario dismissed the Energy Bone Club and raised an arm toward Cynthia.
Togetic also flew over to Cynthia and rubbed her cheek against Cynthia's, showing that she wanted to go too.
"All right, there's one spot left. Who wants to come?"
Gastrodon and Roserade exchanged a glance. They preferred to stay home, tend the flowers, and water the Berry trees.
Milotic shook her head from the water as well. With her size, she would have to spend most of her time in a Poké Ball if she went out, so she wasn't particularly keen to leave either.
"Spiritomb, aren't you coming?"
"Tomb."
Spiritomb had initially been excited at the prospect of going out, but once she heard that Cynthia wasn't going to Hoenn, she immediately lost interest.
"Oh? If you don't want to come, that's fine. I'll just tell Roy