Xiao Yan instinctively stepped in front of Serena and Fennekin, grabbing an Ultra Ball from his belt. White light shot out of it, and a Sceptile appeared before him, caught Ruhua's fist, and flung her away.
Although Ruhua was much stronger than an ordinary person, a Pokémon's strength was several times greater than a human's.
Ruhua hit the floor hard, the impact to her head knocking her unconscious. Perhaps the music was too loud, because no one noticed the commotion.
Looking at Ruhua lying unconscious on the floor, Xiao Yan breathed a sigh of relief and recalled Sceptile into the Ultra Ball. After that frightening ordeal, he had completely sobered up.
"Oh, right! Serena, what are you doing here?" Xiao Yan turned to ask Serena, who stood behind him.
"Everyone and I have been looking for you these past few days since you disappeared. Then someone told us you might be at a nightclub, so I rushed over. As soon as I came in, I saw a really muscular woman dragging you away... but all that matters is that you're safe!" Serena replied.
"Sorry for causing you all so much trouble..." Xiao Yan felt guilty too. They had only just reunited, yet he had suddenly disappeared again.
As guilt weighed on Xiao Yan, Serena suddenly reached out and gently stroked his cheek.
"None of us thinks you're a bother. We're a family, so helping each other is only natural. You're the one who said that! I've always kept those words close to my heart," Serena said softly. Xiao Yan's face turned bright red, though he didn't know whether it was because he had just been drinking.
"Then let's head back!" Serena took Xiao Yan by the wrist and walked toward the exit.
Xiao Yan stole a glance at Serena's profile.