Weather Strategies

Mightyena and Zigzagoon lay side by side on a clean stone slab nearby, squinting as they enjoyed the warmth of sunlight spilling over their fur. Their tails swished contentedly from time to time.

Sandile was nearby as well, sprawled flat like a "crocodile pancake," its short tail gently swaying.

Noticing Xinhai looking over, Blaziken turned his gaze toward him, gave a steady nod, and let out a low cry. "Blaziken." (We're done eating.)

Mightyena and Zigzagoon also raised their heads, letting out muffled growls to indicate that they were full.

"It's good that everyone's full." Xinhai smiled, finished the last bit of porridge in his bowl, then efficiently cleaned up both his own dishes and those of his partners.

After paying the bill, Xinhai picked up Eevee, who had eaten and drunk her fill and was seriously washing her face with her paws. He called out to his sunbathing partners, "All right, everyone, let's head back to the Pokémon Center. Rest well this morning and make the final preparations for this afternoon's Gym Battle."

"Vee~" (We're going back!) Eevee jumped onto Xinhai's shoulder, wrapping her tiny paws around his neck.

Gardevoir floated lightly into the air and followed at his side.

Blaziken, Mightyena, Zigzagoon, and Sandile also got to their feet, shaking themselves awake before following behind Xinhai as the group headed toward the Pokémon Center.

The morning sunlight grew brighter and brighter. Voices gradually filled the streets of Lavaridge Town, while the lanterns outside the hot spring inns had long since been extinguished, replaced by colorful banners advertising their businesses.

The sulfur scent in the air mingled with the aromas of breakfast and vegetation, creating the distinctive, vibrant morning atmosphere of this little town.

Back in the cool room at the Pokémon Center, Xinhai first took the three Vitality