Had she debuted as a popular streamer to revitalize her Gym?
Xia Chi hadn't expected Iono, now arguably the most famous Gym Leader of the younger generation, to have started out with that sort of life story a few years ago.
So, like him, she was a Trainer of "Maushold (Batman form)"?
Xia Chi thought back. Whether in the games or the anime, he really had never seen Iono's family.
And considering what she'd been through...
Perhaps she, too, had a past she couldn't share with others.
Out of politeness, Xia Chi didn't ask.
Iono took the initiative to change the subject. "By the way, Xia Chi, how long are you planning to stay in Levincia?"
Xia Chi thought for a moment before replying, "About half a month. I'll head to the Great Crater of Paldea once the Pokémon Egg hatches."
"Won't you stay a little longer?"
Iono looked a little troubled. "I've got a pretty important tournament in a few days, so I might not have much time to hang out with you."
"That's fine," Xia Chi said. "I don't really feel like going out much right now anyway."
He glanced back at the Pokémon Egg in Floragato's arms, an indulgent father's smile spreading across his face.
"Everything else can wait until this little one hatches."
Iono sighed in relief, then said apologetically, "Still, I feel really bad. You came all the way to Levincia to see me, and I can't keep you company."
Xia Chi shook his head to show he didn't mind. In truth, he hadn't come specifically for her.
If he hadn't needed to hatch the Egg, he might have flown straight from Mesagoza to the Great Crater of Paldea.
He needed somewhere to stay for a while and couldn't be bothered with the hassle of