Flames That Could Be Inherited

After the two Elite-level Pokémon withdrew their Presence, the two Combusken felt an overwhelming wave of weakness wash over them.

Yet they stubbornly remained standing. Their chests heaved violently as they gasped for breath, but their eyes still shone like stars. They exchanged a glance and saw both recognition and an even fiercer competitive spirit in each other's eyes.

Gym Leader Takeda's gaze swept over the exhausted yet bright-eyed people and Pokémon before finally settling on Xinhai and Brawly.

"This morning's training ends here."

His voice returned to its usual steadiness. "Remember the feeling of burning at this moment. The training ahead will teach you how to control this flame, how to make it burn brighter, until it becomes an inseparable part of your strength."

"Now, get some rest! Training resumes at two this afternoon."

Xinhai and Brawly both let out a breath of relief at those words and answered loudly, "Yes, Gym Leader sir/Father!"

Xinhai quickly stepped forward to support the somewhat weakened Combusken. Feeling the lingering warmth from its body, he wore a smile full of pride and concern.

"Thanks for the effort, Combusken!"

"Chamo..." Combusken wearily hugged Xinhai, its eyes full of dependence and contentment.

Brawly also supported his own Combusken and gave its shoulder a firm pat. Everything that needed to be said was left unspoken.

In the pool, the people and Pokémon enduring the waterfall's impact were finally freed as well.

Dragging his utterly exhausted body along, Xinhai slowly made his way to the edge of the pool and carefully scooped Feebas from the water.

It had been frightened by the impact and pressure earlier, and a trace of lingering shock remained in its eyes. Yet upon closer inspection, there seemed to be an indescribable spark of liveliness and resilience deep within those once slightly