Sunlight filtered through the feathery fronds of the palm trees, casting fine, regular patches of light across the ground.
Several Wingull lined up on the railing, tilting their heads as they watched passersby.
Eevee walked at the front of the group, its little paws rustling over the gravel path. Its tail stood high as its large brown eyes curiously took in everything along the roadside.
Whenever a butterfly fluttered out of the bushes, it would stop and raise its head to watch for a while before continuing onward.
Gardevoir walked beside Xinhai, her steps light and unhurried, her red eyes quietly observing the scenery along the way.
After returning from their walk, Xinhai gave all his partners a thorough, relaxing massage in the room.
Blaziken lay sprawled across the sofa as Xinhai's fingers slowly pressed along the muscles beside its shoulder blades, kneading from its neck all the way down to its legs.
Blaziken closed its eyes, its blue gaze hidden behind thin eyelids. Its breathing gradually became deep and steady, and every so often, it let out a faint purr from its throat.
"Cha mo..." When the massage was over, Blaziken stood up and rolled its shoulders, giving Xinhai a soft cry. Its blue eyes held the contentment of being well cared for.
"Get some good rest. We'll start a new journey tomorrow." Xinhai patted its shoulder.
After massaging every one of his partners, Xinhai took a hot bath himself and went to bed early.
On the morning before departure, Xinhai woke before his alarm went off.
He quietly got out of bed, finished his morning training, ate breakfast, packed everything into his Spatial Backpack, and then headed out with his partners.
Mossdeep City's harbor was especially quiet in the morning mist. Several passenger ships and fishing boats