Mingyou vs. Shali: An unexpected move

Shali's mind raced when she saw Mingyou, who should have been in Pastoria City, already on Peat Island ahead of them. She immediately realized what was wrong.

"You were following us!"

She demanded an explanation. Otherwise, how could someone who had been asking where Bear's Arena was earlier have reached their destination?

That was right—Bear's Arena was on Peat Island. Only a few traces remained after all this time, though. Cynthia had found records of it in Team Galactic's files and told her about it.

As she listened, Cynthia rested one hand on her hip without speaking. She quietly studied him with her right eye, the one not hidden by her bangs. A hint of wariness flashed in her platinum-colored gaze, along with... curiosity!

After all, this boy had followed them the entire way without even her noticing, and had reached the island first. Someone capable of that had to be a fairly skilled Trainer, right? Yet she had no recollection of him.

Noticing Cynthia studying him, Mingyou abandoned the excuse he had been about to make and immediately apologized honestly. "Sorry... I heard you say you knew where Bear's Arena was, so I had my Pokémon fly me up into the sky and followed you."

"Is that so?"

Shali eyed him suspiciously, then raised her camera and flashed an easygoing smile. "Keeping up with us took some skill, too. How about a battle? If you win, I'll tell you!"

For Trainers, meeting eyes was a signal to battle, regardless of the circumstances. But Mingyou hurriedly waved his hands. "But I'm not a Trainer..."

"That doesn't matter!"

Shali spread her hands and raised her slender eyebrows, a smile on her face as she waited for his answer.

At that moment, Cynthia finally spoke up from beside her, smiling. "I can