"Ciallo~"
In the bright, spacious Pokémon League lobby, Lisia beamed and waved her arm with boundless energy. "It's been months since we last saw each other!"
Girls could grow up astonishingly fast.
Two years ago, Lisia had still looked as young as a middle schooler. Now she had grown into a poised young woman.
Altaria, Xiao Qingqing, had hardly changed. Her legs weren't as long as an ostrich's, but she was far livelier, hopping about with her right wing raised high.
"Chuu~"
"Yeah."
Baimu smiled. "Another half year has almost flown by."
They chatted online regularly, but meeting in person was different. Why else would people go to such lengths to meet their online friends?
Ogerpon hid behind Baimu, leaning halfway out to watch them quietly.
"Ponio?"
"Aww~ Little Ogerpon~"
Lisia hurried over excitedly. Facing the shy Little Ponkan, she bent down with her hands on her knees and spoke gently. "Ogerpon~ Do you remember me? We had a video call before~"
"Ponio... Ponio!"
Ogerpon's eyes lit up. She remembered!
The two girls, one big and one small, laughed together like close friends reunited after a long time apart.
Altaria circled around them.
Baimu stood with his arms crossed. Catching sight of Wallace out of the corner of his eye, he started to call out, "Wal—"
In an instant, he felt as though a blinding light had struck his eyes and quickly looked away.
"Baimu!"
Wallace approached with elegant steps and smiled. "Even your bearing has changed since you became Champion!"
Baimu managed a strained smile.
Wallace seemed to realize something and turned to show off his outfit. "What? Does my new look seem awful?"
The Contest Master wore a one-piece blue vest with white trousers, while a translucent, multicolored cape replaced his old one. Beneath it was a purple