The unexpected video call instantly changed Xia You and Erika's relaxed, happy mood. They looked at each other, both heavyhearted.
But this was not something they could change. Unless Erika resigned from her Gym position, she had to follow the Pokémon League's arrangements, and resigning and giving up her work to travel everywhere with Xia You was clearly unrealistic.
Sigh...
Although Xia You had already been through this once when he parted with Sabrina, he had not grown used to it. Instead, he felt even sadder.
Seeing Erika's sorrowful expression and silence, Xia You took a deep breath, mustered his manly resolve, and held her in his arms, comforting her softly.
"All right, then go back. You really have been away too long. Both the Perfume Shop and the Gym are waiting for you to take charge. There are more people who need you than just me."
Burying her head in Xia You's chest, Erika wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, still without saying a word.
This was the first time Xia You had clearly felt Erika's vulnerable, feminine side. Usually, she presented the gentle, intelligent image of a Yamato Nadeshiko, and rarely grew this emotional.
It also showed just how reluctant Erika was to part with him.
Holding back his own sadness, Xia You comforted her gently and finally managed to calm her down somewhat.
With things having turned out this way, however, the Gym battle was certainly out of the question, and Xia You was naturally in no mood for it either. Moreover, since Rustboro City had no international airport, Erika could not return directly to Kanto. They could only leave Rustboro, pass through Petalburg City, return to Littleroot Town, buy a ticket, and take a passenger ship back to Kanto.
In this atmosphere, the two traveled