The Next Day
Having stayed up until midnight the previous night translating ancient scripts with Cynthia, Aiden—who normally prided himself on early bedtimes and robust health—succumbed to the dual assault of sleep deprivation and jet lag. He slept through the entire morning after arriving in Sinnoh.
At 10 AM Sinnoh time, Cynthia's bedroom door creaked open.
Dressed in adorable pink loungewear, Cynthia stepped out with a drowsy yawn, her golden hair tousled from sleep swaying gently with each step.
"I really got carried away last night… accidentally staying up this late."
Shaking off her grogginess, her gaze instinctively drifted toward the guest room down the hall.
"I remember—Aiden doesn't handle late nights well. I wonder if he's awake yet…"
Recalling childhood details of their time as neighbors, Cynthia—who should have been heading to the bathroom to freshen up—suddenly halted. Almost against her will, her hand reached for the guest room's doorknob.
Pushing the door open with painstaking gentleness to avoid any sound, she slipped inside like a Sneasel sneaking treats—pink pajamas and all.
As expected of a guest room, the layout was simple.
The only thing worthy of attention was Aiden himself—still asleep on his side, lost in peaceful dreams.
Did I push him too hard last night?
He was already adjusting to jet lag… and I dragged him into staying up past 2 AM on a whim—
Gazing at Aiden's tranquil sleeping face, Cynthia murmured softly:
"Mm… it's all Paldea's fault. If you'd just stayed in Sinnoh, you'd never have to deal with jet lag again~"
Of course—a composed Champion and mythologist like herself would never voice such thoughts aloud.
But in this moment, her identity held only one meaning:
Aiden's childhood friend.
Naturally, she'd never say anything potentially embarrassing like this while he was awake.
But right now—
Let me be a little selfish~
It's a childhood friend's exclusive privilege, after all~
As she thought this, Cynthia slowly approached the bed.
But just then—
"Sylveee——?" (———)..o
A soft chirp echoed through the room—freezing Cynthia mid-step.
She turned instinctively—spotting Sylveon, previously hidden behind the nightstand in her line of sight.
Roused from light slumber by faint noises, the sound-sensitive Sylveon had risen groggily—blinking sleep from its eyes before turning toward Cynthia's position.
Zzz—?!
The drowsy Pokémon instantly jolted awake upon seeing a Cynthia materialize in the room.
Wh-what's happening?! ∑(°△°)
Though confused why Cynthia was here, Sylveon immediately registered the complex emotions on her face: one part stunned, two parts flustered, three parts awkward, four parts bashful.
'Oh no—I woke up at the worst possible moment!'
'Should I pretend I saw nothing and go back to sleep?'
'But… I've already been spotted. Playing dumb might seem even more forced now—'
'My Trainer has zero romance sense to begin with… and I just walked in on a classic drama scene?!'
So awkward!
Wait—aren't the male/female leads' roles reversed here?
Never mind—that's not important!
'If only I'd stayed at the lab with the others last night!'
Sylveon's rapidly shifting expressions actually amused the slightly guilty Cynthia—helping her relax.
"Shhh…"
Cynthia raised a finger to her lips, smiling gently at Sylveon.
Sylveon instantly understood—using two ribbons to cover its mouth in a "zip-it" gesture before nodding vigorously… then shaking its head just as hard.
'I saw nothing! Absolutely nothing!'
Then, under Sylveon's watchful eyes, Cynthia's fingers curled into a palm—waving softly before her.
She vanished behind the closing door.
Watching the shut door, Sylveon sighed helplessly—then turned to its still-slumbering Trainer.
Ugh… why are you sleeping so deeply at a time like this, you dummy Trainer!
With a soft push of its hind legs, Sylveon noiselessly leaped onto the bed—curling up on the empty pillow beside Aiden.
Last night really would've been better spent at the lab with everyone…
But—
Come to think of it… I only realized last night that I literally can't fall asleep if I'm too far from my Trainer.
That's why it had snuck back to the room in the dead of night—and accidentally witnessed that scene.
Reflecting carefully… it had never been separated from Aiden since hatching. No wonder it had developed such deep dependence.
Only with its Trainer nearby did it feel truly secure. Even its battling courage stemmed solely from wanting to meet his expectations—gradually overcoming its naturally timid disposition.
Without my Trainer… I—
Thoughts trailing off, Sylveon tucked its limbs beneath itself—assuming a classic "cat loaf" pose with its face buried in the pillow.
But its four ribbons—extended from its neck—slowly, tentatively slipped beneath the covers… gently coiling around its Trainer's arm.
For Sylveon, this was a gesture of affection.
Feeling the faint pulse thrumming through his arm, Sylveon soon relaxed—its breathing deepening into peaceful rhythm.
Well… since I ruined my Trainer's moment…
I'll make it up with some long-overdue cuddles!
---
"Aiden… wake up."
"A gentle female voice called beside his ear."
As consciousness returned to his body, Aiden squinted open his eyes.
"Unfamiliar ceiling——"
That's what he'd intended to say.
But the moment his vision cleared—the first thing he saw was a golden-haired woman.
"If you don't get up soon, Grandma will have lunch ready~"
In his field of view, Cynthia—now dressed in sleek black casual wear—smiled warmly while waving.
"O-oh!"
Aiden instinctively replied—then jolted fully awake, sitting bolt upright.
Did I stand up too fast?!
I fall asleep alone… and wake up to an angel by my bedside?!
"After washing up, lunch should be ready. I'll go help Grandma downstairs."
Seeing Aiden still disoriented, Cynthia simply smiled—turning to leave the room.
"Oh—and thanks for last night~"
Just before closing the door, she peeked back in—flashing a playful grin at the still-dazed Aiden.
Leaving behind a remark ripe with ambiguous meaning.
????
Forced awake while his brain remained in chaos, Aiden snapped to full alertness.
What kind of suggestive phrasing was that?! Don't say things that can be misinterpreted!
---
Once upon a time, Aiden considered life at Sunshine Gym blissfully leisurely.
As a Gym Leader, his workload seemed substantial—but in actual content, it was remarkably light.
Later, he even implemented automated battle systems—letting his Pokémon handle challengers themselves, or simply deploying the Gym's two "ace enforcers": Mewtwo and Nemona.
Both were lethally efficient—so much so that Aiden, the Gym Leader himself, had gradually become the most idle resident of Sunshine Gym.
But returning to Sinnoh made him realize—
What kind of hardship was I living before?!
In Celestic Town, he couldn't even find chores to do! Waking at noon for lunch… then left with nothing to do but sit on the sofa and stare into space?
——
A life without burdens… is truly——
Absolutely wonderful!
Being a sugar baby in Sinnoh doesn't seem so bad after all~
Sorry, Chairwoman Geeta—please don't contact me anymore. I'm afraid Cynthia might get the wrong idea!
Sipping hot tea on the sofa, Aiden's face softened into pure contentment as this thought crossed his mind.
Of course—this was purely self-amused joking.
Given Paldea League's current investment in him, if he actually said this… Chairwoman Geeta would likely storm into Sinnoh tomorrow——
Setting down his teacup, the now-awake Aiden's expression turned resolute.
As a battle-hardened elite Gym Leader, his ironclad will wouldn't be corrupted by such sugarcoated temptations!
Save indulgence for retirement. At eighteen, I'm in my prime for striving!
After this internal pep talk, his conviction solidified.
Still… what to do now?
With nothing to occupy him at home—Professor Carolina and Cynthia both busy with work, his Pokémon still undergoing examinations—he truly was alone and bored.
After some thought, Aiden decided to take a walk—reacquainting himself with Celestic Town's layout.
But the moment he stepped outside—the fierce Pokémon lounging on the lawn instantly locked onto him with a hostile glare.
"Kroah!"
Startled by the sudden sound, Aiden froze in place.
Oh no—I completely forgot about this!
Cynthia's Garchomp has never given me a friendly look—
His expression turned awkward—his steps slowing considerably.
[Garchomp used Scary Face! Aiden's speed sharply decreased!]
In his memories, he'd often told Garchomp "meaningfully ambiguous" puns during childhood:
"Don't force it—'Dragon Cheer' is basically Dragon Dance!"
"What kind of Sandstorm team member are you?"
"When you grow up, you'll understand how much the world hates you."
Cynthia had even compiled these into "Garchomp's Top 10 Most Hated Topics."
Naturally, the Trainer who delivered these jokes was equally disliked.
Though it wouldn't suddenly attack him… friendly treatment was out of the question.
About his past self, Aiden remained puzzled—
Logically, I should be a transmigrator… but fragments of childhood memories feel eerily consistent with how I speak now?
Unable to resolve this paradox, he'd simply stopped pondering it.
By the time Aiden snapped back to reality—he'd already walked quite a distance, approaching Garchomp step by hesitant step under its watchful gaze.
"Kroah?"
Garchomp blinked—surprised he hadn't fled. It shifted into a defensive stance.
He's walking toward me instead of running?
If he starts spouting those nonsensical "jokes" again… I could probably land a light reprimand without breaking anything, right?
Noticing Garchomp's resentful glare, Aiden halted—thinking:
At a time like this… "sandwich diplomacy" should work better, right?
Too bad I'm in Sinnoh—didn't bring sandwich ingredients back with me.
But if we're talking about relationship-builders——
Didn't I have some leftover milk powder in my system storage?
"Dragon Milk Powder"—a system reward originally meant to nourish his Bagon. After it evolved into Shelgon and lost the ability to eat normally, the can had gathered dust in storage.
Whether it'd work on a Ground/Dragon-type… he honestly wasn't sure.
Whatever—let's try it!
Besides—if he wanted to deepen his bond with Cynthia… he couldn't keep this strained relationship with Garchomp forever.
Focusing his mind, Aiden's hand suddenly produced an iron can from thin air.
"Kroah?"
Garchomp blinked—completely baffled by the sleight of hand.
Are you performing magic tricks now?
"Want to try some? My Salamence loved this before evolving~"
Tucking the can under his arm, Aiden spoke while prying open the lid with his free hand.
Soon, a rich milky aroma filled the air—making Garchomp instinctively narrow its eyes.
Such a wonderful scent… probably delicious——
Wait—no!
The appreciative expression on Garchomp's face instantly twisted—unleashing Scary Face at Aiden again.
"KROAH!"
You trickster! Still messing with me!
Who gives adult dragons milk powder?! Treating me like a baby?!
Several "#"-shaped veins popped on Garchomp's forehead.
If Aiden hadn't seemed genuinely well-intentioned this time… it would've already lashed out!
"Not to your taste?"
Reading its expression, Aiden felt uncertain.
But he clearly sensed Garchomp's anger—best not to provoke it further.
Just as he moved to reseal the can—both arms were suddenly pinned by immense force.
Looking down, he saw Garchomp's scythe-like arms resting on his forearms—effortlessly restraining him.
Though silent, from the way it angled its head away—coupled with slightly guilty eyes—Aiden finally deciphered its true meaning:
I never said I didn't want it!
"I get it, I get it—just wait a moment~"
A smile instantly bloomed on Aiden's face. He turned lightly—heading back into the institute to prepare Garchomp's "welcome gift."
And in his heart, he mused:
So that's how it is… Garchomp's still that silly, sweet-toothed Gabite at heart!
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