When it came to racing, Maractus had some objections.
Shan Sheng had said Shen Qi would be much stronger than Lilligant, and Maractus felt indignant on her good friend's behalf.
I won't go easy on you in the Regular Race two days from now!
"Hahaha, of course."
Her straightforward nature was refreshing, and Maractus's cheerful laughter encouraged Imite too.
Inside the simple little house, warm yellow light illuminated this area. The lights elsewhere were off to save electricity.
Just a small pool of light, a little space around a table, was enough to make people feel warm and at ease.
"If I weren't sick, I'd want to race with everyone too."
Maractus snuggled against her Pokémon Trainer to comfort her.
Although she was shaped like a cactus, her body had no spines. Only her two braids had flowers and golden spikes, so ordinary hugs and snuggles were no problem.
Sick?
"Jili!"
"Hmm? Do you want a hug too, Chansey?" Imite spread her arms.
Shen Qi's expression changed in alarm, and he hurriedly reached for a Poké Ball.
Too late. Chansey lunged and pinned Imite to the floor with enough force to send the ceiling lamp swinging.
"Aah-"
Maractus screamed.
She and Doduo knew all too well how frail their Pokémon Trainer was.
That crushing impact had also carried a powerful Normal-type attack, its energy surging. An ordinary person might not have withstood it.
"Duo-"
Doduo and Maractus crowded around anxiously while Chansey clapped her little hands and got up.
On the floor, Imite's eyes were closed, her breathing even as she slept soundly.
Shen Qi, who had only just taken out the Poké Ball, stuffed it back into his pocket and pinched Chansey's chubby cheeks.
"Could you say something before you do that?! Don't be so sudden. You nearly scared