That night, the moon shone bright, with only a few stars in the sky.
Milotic was still having a heart-to-heart with Feebas, trying to help Feebas work through things.
After learning from Shiyin that there was also an ailing Arcanine here, Cynthia decided to go see Arcanine.
But she needed Li Wei to accompany her.
Arcanine wouldn't let anyone except Nurse Joy and Li Wei touch him.
In a way, Arcanine had been Cynthia's comrade-in-arms.
As the Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia had naturally been duty-bound to take part in the battle against Team Galactic on Mt. Coronet.
"I'd heard about what happened to Arcanine, too. When I heard he'd been treated, I was relieved. I never thought..."
"Arcanine's problems aren't too serious. He just needs someone to exercise with him more. I take him out for a run every morning."
Watching Arcanine gently lick Li Wei's palm, Cynthia smiled in relief. "That's good."
Just like Li Wei,
Cynthia didn't think Arcanine needed to return to the Police Force. He should simply be allowed to spend the rest of his life in peace.
He had already paid a heavy price.
Seeming to remember Cynthia, Arcanine switched targets and began licking her palm.
"That tickles... Good boy. You're amazing, Arcanine."
"From now on, just be happy."
"Woof!"
From Arcanine's bark, Li Wei could tell that he was gradually opening up.
"Arcanine really likes you."
Cynthia could feel it, too.
She nodded slightly. "Yes."
The next day.
Since she was on vacation, Cynthia slept in.
She drew back the curtains over the second-floor floor-to-ceiling windows, opened the upper window, and looked outside.
The courtyard was bustling.
Garchomp was taking a sand bath and basking in the sun,
Gastrodon and Milotic were swimming happily in the river,
and the two Lucario were battling.
Of