"Mr. Shen Qi, that was thoughtful of you."
"We fought side by side. It's only right."
Led by Old Man Fuji, Shen Qi entered the Soul House.
Meng Ai was buried in this underground chamber used to house Pokémon ashes and belongings... it did not feel out of place. She was an artificial life-form somewhere between a human and a Pokémon.
Before a metal container with a finish resembling a Cultivation Pod, Shen Qi mourned in silence.
He hoped Zinnia and Meng Ai could continue keeping each other company in another world.
Whoosh-
Shen Qi could keep his emotions under control, but behind him, Blastoise broke down first, tears streaming freely. Charizard did too. Anyone who did not know better might have thought they had learned a Water-type move.
"Everyone, you don't have to be so sad," Old Man Fuji explained. "Little Ai hasn't died in the conventional sense. Only her body has perished. Her semi-virtual, digitized soul is severely damaged, but it can still be repaired... however, she may no longer want to go outside in a humanoid form."
"That's fine too."
By the time Shen Qi left the Soul House, the sun was setting.
"Shen Qi, thanks for coming all the way from the Hoenn Region. Stay the night and rest before you leave."
Honestly, Shen Qi really was exhausted.
He had rested for a day after the battle in Sootopolis City. The following evening had been the bonfire celebration, immediately after which Rayquaza had guided him to see Meng Ai on her deathbed. Then he had flown across an entire ocean to Lavender Town. How could he not be tired?
He really should have sent the big shots and Pokémon Trainers in Sootopolis City a farewell message along the way, but his phone had been destroyed in