Sinnoh's Gift of Thanks

After seeing Looker and Lila off, Hu Yang returned to his room and sat in a rocking chair on the balcony, basking in the sun as he stared into space.

Arcanine lay lazily at Hu Yang's feet, while Piplup chirped and argued with Metagross in the room over the last small piece of cake.

Haxorus stood between them, wanting to mediate, but unable to get involved. It could only stand off to the side with a headache.

"Gengar!"

Gengar was exhausted by all the noise. How were these two less well-behaved than it, a Ghost Pokémon that naturally loved playing pranks?

So, to stop them, Gengar floated over, split the little cake in half with its claws, then folded its arms and looked expressionlessly at Piplup.

Teacher Gengar was very strict. Piplup felt a little scared. Not only it—even Metagross was somewhat intimidated by Gengar like this.

The large and small Pokémon exchanged a glance and immediately decided to make peace, becoming good friends again.

That was more like it. Gengar was satisfied.

Seeing that they had finally stopped, Haxorus quietly breathed a sigh of relief.

Just then, the cries of Cramorant and Charizard came from outside.

Hearing the two voices, the Pokémon immediately ran over in delight.

When they arrived, Hu Yang was removing an ice cream bucket from Charizard's neck.

Seeing Piplup and Metagross, Hu Yang smiled slightly and asked, "What were you two talking about just now?"

"Piplup..."

"Metagross..."

The two Pokémon looked embarrassed.

They exchanged a perfectly coordinated glance. The next second, Metagross placed Piplup atop its head, looking like the best of buddies.

"Metagross!"

"Piplup, Piplup!" Piplup nodded repeatedly. They were the best friends in the world!

Hu Yang: "..."

He handed out the ice cream to the little troublemakers, then took the change the