A few hours later, all the classes on the first day of Summer Camp came to an end.
The sunset's afterglow fell across the Practical Training Hall's hemispherical dome as Tong Hua, Mu Mu, Lümei, and Huangyao walked out with their Pokémon.
The other students also finished their day's activities and headed toward the teaching building in twos and threes.
"I learned so much today, all thanks to Mr. Tong Hua lending me Hattrem!
Thank you, Mr. Tong Hua!"
"You're welcome."
Tong Hua smiled and nodded, never expecting that the very next second-
"Hatt!"
Hattrem jumped into Tong Hua's arms in a huff. I was the one doing all the work!
What are you thanking him for?
"Stee!" Steenee scooped Hattrem away. You can talk without clinging to Tong Hua like that!
"Hatt!" Hattrem struggled indignantly in Steenee's arms, her pink curls bristling slightly with anger.
"Stee!" Steenee refused to give an inch, and the two little ones squabbled right in front of Tong Hua.
Not knowing whether to laugh or cry, Tong Hua separated them. "All right, all right, stop making a fuss."
He gently patted Steenee's head, then ruffled Hattrem's curls. "You've had plenty of fun. Isn't it time to go home?"
At those words, the two little ones immediately presented a united front. Though they still glared defiantly at each other, they answered in unison.
"Not enough!"
"Hatt!" Hattrem clutched Tong Hua's clothes, her beady eyes instantly misting over.
"Stee!" Steenee hugged Tong Hua's leg too, reluctance written all over her little face.
"Dolli!" "Meow!" Dolliv and Purrloin beside Tong Hua immediately chimed in as well.
Lümei and Huangyao couldn't help laughing at the amusing sight. Mu Mu even teased, "Junior Fellow Apprentice, you really are close to your Pokémon!"
"Groo-" Grovyle shook his head helplessly, clearly