"Xiao Yan, you're back!" The moment Xiao Lan saw Xiao Yan, she rushed over and hugged him.
"I can feel your enthusiasm..." Held tightly by the little girl, Xiao Yan could barely breathe. He hurriedly pushed her away, then looked at everyone else. He knew what was coming next.
"Xiao Yan, why did you suddenly join Team Flare?" Gary asked, cutting straight to the point.
Xiao Yan understood. He had promised to travel with them, only to leave without a word. That had been irresponsible, and these friends had come all this way after him. "I'll explain everything in a bit. Could you come with me to visit someone first?" he asked.
"The girl from earlier, right? Then let's go see her first."
Xiao Yan and the others arrived at the Medical Center inside the base. A great many people were waiting for treatment. The facility treated both Pokémon and humans; injuries were inevitable during missions and battles, after all.
Xiao Yan led everyone around the crowd and into the Ward. Outside one of the rooms, a nameplate read "Meng Tingting."
"Let's go in!" Xiao Yan gently pushed open the door.
As Xiao Yan opened the door, he saw a pretty girl sitting up in bed. Her beautiful black eyes gazed at the scenery outside the window, and she seemed troubled. Pikachu, who had been sitting beside her, spotted the new arrivals and immediately ran over, jumping straight onto his golden throne-Xiao Yan's shoulder.
It was a private room, filled with the strong smell of disinfectant. Several pieces of art decorated the room, while a vase and some fruit for the patient stood beside the bed.
Xiao Yan led everyone to the bedside. Meng Tingting did not turn to look at them; her black eyes remained fixed on the