Ayako's treatment did not take long. Soon, Aron was back in good spirits and came over to Yong, looking a little dejected.
"Ar-ar~"
"It's all right!"
Seeing the little Pokémon's disappointment, Yong crouched down and gently stroked its cool head.
"That was only your first battle! Hitmonlee is really strong. It lives out in the wild on its own, so it has much more battle experience than you. And it's an evolved Pokémon, too. It's perfectly normal to lose!"
"Ar-ar~?"
Aron looked at him doubtfully.
"Believe in yourself! As long as you train hard, you'll definitely become strong. Really strong, just like your dad... no! Even stronger!"
Yong encouraged the little Pokémon, building up its confidence. Of course, he meant every word. With his training and Aron's talent, surpassing its father, Aggron, was entirely possible. After all, that was why he had earned Aggron's approval and been allowed to take Aron with him.
"Ar-ar!"
With Aron no longer downcast, Yong offered a few more words of encouragement before recalling it into its Pokémon Ball, along with Steelix and Marshtomp.
Turning to Ayako and Aihara, Yong asked,
"Miss Ayako, can we take Machop to Mauville City? Would that affect its injuries?"
Chengjie recalled Hitmonlee as well and walked over.
For once, Ayako showed no disdain for either of them and answered seriously.
"Hmm... Machop is recovering quickly. Fighting-type Pokémon do have excellent constitutions, after all, and its wounds have already been treated. As long as you're careful on the road and don't let it do anything strenuous, it should be fine."
"That's great! We can take it along when we leave!"
Chengjie smiled happily, only to see Ayako frown.
"While I don't really approve of you traveling with an injured patient, there's still something I need to confirm."
She looked at Chengjie seriously.
"If you want to catch it, I have no objections. But if you intend to take it away before you've caught it, then as a Pokémon doctor, I refuse. I'm responsible for my patients!"
"Uh..."
Her sudden, stern words flustered the boy, leaving him unsure what to say.
Yong patted his shoulder, signaling for him to relax, then addressed Ayako.
"I understand your concerns, Miss Ayako. How about we go see Machop now and let Chengjie ask it himself whether it wants to come with us? After all, its injuries haven't healed yet, so putting it in a Pokémon Ball wouldn't be suitable."
Having listened from the side, Aihara also spoke to the doctor.
"I think that would work. We should respect both sides' wishes, after all. If Machop wants to go with them too, that wouldn't mean neglecting your duties as a doctor!"
"Hmph~"
Ayako turned and headed toward the treatment room.
"That had better be the case. If Machop doesn't want to go, I won't let it leave before it recovers!"
The three in the courtyard exchanged smiles, all understanding her concern. Without another word, they hurried after her.
When they entered the treatment room again, Machop had been moved to a nearby bed. Its leg was bandaged, but its energy had returned. Seeing them come in, it greeted them happily.
"Machop!!"
"You're recovering nicely, Machop!"
"Machop!"
Ayako, who had arrived first, stepped forward to check its recovery. Machop cooperated obediently, and Chengjie walked over.
"How are you feeling, Machop?"
"Machop! Machop!"
Remembering the boy who had saved it, Machop looked at him happily, smiling and nodding.
By then, Ayako had finished her examination. After confirming that everything was fine, she stepped away from the bed.
With Yong and the others watching, a slightly nervous Chengjie stroked Machop's head. Seeing its happy smile, he asked softly,
"Machop! Yong and I are about to leave and continue our journey. Would you like to come with me?"
"Machop?"
Machop looked at him in confusion, then glanced at the others.
"Become my partner, Machop!"
Chengjie looked at it and spoke firmly.
Everyone quietly waited for Machop's decision. Just as when Yong had caught Aron, no one interfered. They fully respected the Pokémon's choice.
Under their gazes, Machop seemed a little unused to the attention at first and lowered its head in a slight panic. After a moment, it raised its head again to look at the boy before it.
It had felt his urgency and anxiety as he carried it in search of a doctor!
"Machop!"
Reaching out to grasp Chengjie's arm, Machop nodded, then flexed both arms in a strongman pose.
"Does that mean...?"
Still a little bewildered, the boy turned to Yong.
Yong shook his head in amusement and explained,
"It wants to go with you. Fighting-type Pokémon usually strike that pose to say they're strong. Here, Machop is telling you that it'll protect you from now on!"
At Yong's explanation, Chengjie finally understood and looked happily at Machop.
"That's wonderful! Machop, thank you for becoming my partner. Let's do our best together!"
"Machop!"
With an enthusiastic cry, the boy and his Pokémon extended their right hands, clenched their fists, and bumped them together. It was a promise, an unbreakable vow between a human and a Pokémon!
Touched by the sight, Aihara nodded, as though remembering his own younger days.
Beside him, Ayako gave a soft huff.
"Silly Pokémon. Your injuries haven't even fully healed yet!"
Delcatty, which had entered the treatment room at some point, rolled its eyes at its owner's words and lay down on a nearby table, not bothering with her.
You never say what you really mean! Meow~
With Machop's agreement to become Chengjie's Pokémon secured, Ayako no longer objected. Everyone was happy!
Yong and Chengjie listened carefully to the doctor's instructions, then packed their bags. Carrying Machop in his arms, Chengjie joined Yong in saying goodbye to the two adults before they set off again, retracing the mountain path.
It was the same mountain path, but their moods were different. Rather than rushing as they had on the way there, they walked at a normal pace, enjoying the beautiful mountain scenery and greeting wild Pokémon along the way as they gradually made their way back to Verdanturf Town.
The town was as peaceful and relaxed as ever. The elderly residents out for a stroll had not forgotten the boys. Seeing them return, they came over to greet them, offering greetings to the somewhat nervous Machop as well.
Yong answered them and said his goodbyes. Amid the elderly residents' farewells, he and Chengjie stepped onto the main road and headed east.
"Yong, once we get to Mauville City, how about coming to my place first? You can get some proper rest before challenging the Gym!"
As they walked, Chengjie happily invited Yong to visit his home.
"Your Pokémon completely counter old man Wattson's Electric-types anyway. Getting the badge will be easy!"
Yong thought it over and decided he still should not underestimate a Gym Leader. Although Wattson would not send out his main team, Yong did not plan to use Steelix or the others either. He had decided to let Aron lead the charge and gain experience. With that in mind, he said,
"No, I'm planning to train Aron properly at the Pokémon Center and make it my main battler. I'll visit your place after the Gym battle!"
"Hmm..."
After considering it, Chengjie nodded in understanding.
"All right! But let me know when you're having your Gym battle! I'll come watch!"
This time, Yong did not refuse and readily agreed.
Ahead of them, a developed city powered by electricity was beginning to emerge in the distance.
Mauville Gym! Here I come!
Yong brimmed with fighting spirit. A new journey was beginning, and he could hardly contain his excitement!