The wheels turned as they traveled along the mountain road they had come by, heading toward Fallarbor Town, shrouded in forest.
Warm sunlight fell over them, driving away the lingering chill from their bodies.
Pushing his bicycle, Xinhai returned to the Fallarbor Town Pokémon Center with his companions.
As he pushed open the familiar glass doors of the Pokémon Center, fresh air and soft light greeted him.
In the afternoon, the center's lobby was livelier than usual. Many Trainers who had finished a day of training or just returned from the wilderness were lined up at the counter to handle business, while others sat in small groups in the lounge, chatting and resting.
All kinds of Pokémon followed beside their Trainers, speaking softly. Pokémon cries mingled with the busy notification sounds from the counter, filling the place with life.
Holding Eevee and Axew in his arms, Xinhai entered the lobby with Blaziken and Gardevoir, immediately drawing plenty of attention.
Blaziken's calm, powerful aura, Gardevoir's elegant and mysterious bearing, and Eevee's lively cuteness were already eye-catching. But the uniquely colored Axew in Xinhai's arms, timidly looking around, became the true center of attention.
"Huh? That Axew... its color is so unusual!"
"Is that a Shiny Pokémon?"
"That Trainer... he looks so young, but the Pokémon around him are all extraordinary..."
Whispers and curious, probing, even envious gazes came from every direction.
Feeling so many strangers and Pokémon watching him, Axew's body tensed involuntarily. He shrank further into Xinhai's arms, a flicker of nervousness and unease passing through his purplish-red eyes as his little claws tightly gripped Xinhai's collar.
"Axew..."
"Eevee~" (Don't be afraid, Axew.) Eevee immediately sensed his companion's emotions. He released gentle, soothing waves of Confusion and comforted him softly.
*We'll protect you. And Nurse Joy is right ahead—she's really