After spending the night at the Pokémon Center, Xia You set out early for the Opelucid Gym with Cheryl and Dawn after breakfast the next morning.
As for Makomo...
For some reason, she seemed to have been tackling some research over the past few days and was deeply absorbed in it. According to Dawn, she had barely slept even last night. After breakfast today, she had gone straight back to her room, researching who knew what. Xia You left her to it, leaving her at the Pokémon Center and departing with just the two girls.
After all, she was a Pokémon Professor. It was understandable for her to forget food and sleep occasionally when she got into her work.
They could simply come back for her after the Gym challenge.
On the streets, every trace of yesterday's rain had vanished.
Except that the air seemed a little fresher.
Following their previous route, they reached the Opelucid Gym before eight thirty.
That was considerably earlier than the agreed time, and could be considered Xia You's show of respect for Unova's strongest Gym Leader, who was about to retire.
The two stone dragons at the Gym's entrance looked particularly imposing in the morning sunlight. Washed by the rain, their ancient carved patterns stood out more clearly, as though telling stories of the passing years.
Passing them once again, the group entered the Gym.
The staff member from yesterday was already waiting there.
"Good morning." Seeing Xia You, he greeted him with a smile. "You're all here very early, even earlier than the agreed time."
Xia You nodded. "A little early, so we don't arrive late and hold Mr. Drayden up."
"Gym Leader Drayden isn't here yet." The staff member checked the time. "He usually arrives around eight fifty. You can wait in