Before leaving, Ishida repeatedly thanked Xinhai and enthusiastically said that if Xinhai needed a guide or any help while exploring the forests near Fallarbor Town, he should definitely come find him.
Watching Ishida leave with a spring in his step, Xinhai touched the transfer notification vibrating from the Pokédex in his pocket. He knew his points had been reduced to zero.
Still, helping a father working hard for his son felt pretty good.
Besides, those mere fifteen points were pocket change to him now, yet they might change the future path of a young Trainer.
It reminded him once again that the resources and starting point he possessed had already far surpassed those of many people his age, even many veteran Trainers.
"Eevee?" (Xinhai, where are we going next?) Eevee looked up at Xinhai, pulling him back from his thoughts.
"Hmm, let's head back to the Pokémon Center. The medicine won't arrive until tomorrow, so we'll rest properly this afternoon and plan out the next few days of training." Xinhai smiled, rubbed Eevee's head, and temporarily put aside his earlier reflections.
"Eevee!" (When we get back, I want to eat those Honeyfrost Pecha Berries and Fallarbor Golden Oran Berries!) Eevee jumped onto Xinhai's shoulder and affectionately rubbed against his cheek.
"Sure, I'll wash some for you all to try when we get back." Smiling, Xinhai held Gardevoir's hand with one hand, carried Eevee on his shoulder, held Charmander in his other arm, and headed toward the Pokémon Center.
After leaving the League Mission Hall, the afternoon sunlight was still warm. Xinhai led his partners slowly back to the Pokémon Center along the tree-lined streets.
Fallarbor Town seemed even quieter in the afternoon. A gentle breeze carried the scents of grass, trees, and faint flowers from afar, unconsciously relaxing everyone's mood.