The summer downpour came abruptly and left without a trace.

Puddles formed in the low-lying fields reflected a faint rainbow in the sky, rippling when the wind blew.

Two figures walked hand in hand in the distance, with an Arcanine strolling leisurely beside them, its mane flowing in the breeze.

"This time of year is peak tourism season for Sinnoh," Cynthia remarked, her golden hair swaying as she gazed at a flock of Starly passing overhead. "Since Sinnoh gets so much snow, many tourists come from Hoenn and Alola."

"Does the Champion need to know these things too?"

"I haven't been slacking off, you know."

Lu Ye glanced at her profile - the elegant bridge of her nose and the slight upward curve of her lips.

Like the Champion herself, the entire Sinnoh League was undergoing subtle changes.

A Sinnoh of perpetual winters, warm humanity, silent snow-capped mountains and occasionally active volcanoes.

The humid scent of damp earth filled the air as Lu Ye looked at the vibrant green rice fields and sighed:

"Summer has arrived."

"Otherwise there wouldn't be fireworks festivals," Cynthia replied as they walked leisurely.

"Our entire itinerary got disrupted," Lu Ye lamented.

Cynthia stopped walking and turned to face him, her expression serious yet clear as spring water.

"No, nothing could be better than this."

The sun beat down again, enveloping them in sweltering heat as cicada songs grew from faint to deafening.

Teacher Lu actually felt somewhat shy and said after a moment's thought:

"Let's head back. I've got chilled watermelon."

"...Ice cream."

"Then watermelon-flavored ice cream!" Lu Ye declared loudly.

Cynthia's eyes sparkled - this indecisive woman had made the wisest choice.

"I'll leave it to you," she said with a faint smile.

As they chatted, they walked along the puddle-filled ridges, each water surface holding its own little rainbow.

Bamboo Lan's Gastrodon paused to drink from a puddle, then suddenly raised its head.

Looking through the tall grass, it saw the mirror-like sea glittering as if made of gold.

...

Night fell over the cool summer evening after the rain.

The azure night sky was dotted with stars as Cynthia bathed.

Splashing water filled the steamy bathroom, mist clinging to her porcelain calves as golden hair cascaded down her slender waist.

Teacher Lu was watching the news in the living room.

"The effects of the torrential rain are still being assessed. As a precaution, the fireworks festival has been canceled..."

Though ostensibly watching TV, his attention was actually everywhere at once.

Cynthia's Lucario could sense Aura—

But could it detect the Power of Transcendence too?!

Lu Ye smirked.

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Haunter giving him a disapproving look: "Gengarrr~"

"What's wrong with a husband finding his wife attractive?!" Lu Ye declared righteously.

Click—the bathroom door handle turned.

Cynthia emerged wrapped in a white towel, drying her waterfall of golden curls with one hand while squinting at him:

"Still planning to train tonight?"

"Which kind of training do you mean?" Lu Ye blinked.

Her cheeks flushed from the bath as she rolled her eyes nonchalantly:

"If it's for preparing for the Lily of the Valley Conference, we should start early."

After all, this was one of the League's premier tournaments with exceptionally skilled trainers.

When he actually won the championship... Cynthia contemplated.

It might be the right time to tell grandmother or make a public announcement...

Hearing this, Teacher Lu clasped his hands before his forehead in deep thought: "True."

"My power is still too weak... I can't underestimate even a Baby Cup."

Cynthia tilted her head curiously: "What are you talking about?"

"Haunter," Lu Ye announced loudly. "Let's team up!"

"You train, I'll command - we'll attack from both sides!"

"Gengarr! (￣▽￣)／" Haunter waved a remote control beside Lu Ye.

Leave the training to me if we want to win, Gengarr~!

**

The Lily of the Valley Conference opening ceremony was scheduled for late May.

There was still a week left for preparation.

Cynthia had three days off.

During this time, they stayed home enjoying ice cream and playing games.

The villa's third floor had an outdoor pool where she occasionally swam with her Milotic in a swimsuit.

Sunlight glinted off her golden hair and water droplets on her skin as she laughed radiantly.

Teacher Lu played the role of househusband, experimenting with new desserts like Swablu Fluff Ice and Double Vanillish Ice Cream...

All receiving enthusiastic praise from Mengmengda and the little ones.

"At this level," Lu Ye nodded approvingly, "I could open a shop and challenge the Cooking King to a Food War!"

During this period, Larvitar munched on metal ores bought by its sugar mommy: "Yoshi~(￣～￣)"

Each bite produced crisp crunching sounds, the little dinosaur's scales taking on a metallic sheen.

Combined with techniques recorded in "Essence of Earth," getting through preliminaries would be easy.

In fact, Larvitar's growth rate far exceeded records in "Essence of Earth."

Probably because Giovanni never imagined... someone would use such extravagant training methods...

Even Arceus Temple's pillars were nearly gnawed through by Larvitar...

Meanwhile, Cynthia continued teaching Larvitar "Dragon Dance."

As a Dragon master from Celestic Town, she was exceptionally skilled in such techniques.

During training, Garchomp would watch enviously from the sidelines, grinding its teeth: "Garr!!"

When will this ground dragon learn Dragon Dance?!

"Larvitar will evolve soon," Cynthia mentioned to Lu Ye.

Lu Ye nodded: "I plan to keep it in its initial form a while longer."

After evolving into Pupitar, it would enter a pupal stage unable to eat.

Thus, nutrients absorbed now would directly determine Tyranitar's final strength.

Though the little one had a big appetite, Teacher Lu had his own selfish reason:

Pupitar just wasn't as cute as Larvitar...

"Gah!_(:3 ⌒ﾞ)_"

Sirfetch'd had been slacking off lately, skipping daily iron-cutting practice.

Lu Ye suspected the duck was being lazy.

But Cynthia pondered:

"I've heard ancient swordsmen would stop dueling when reaching bottlenecks, traveling famous rivers or meditating."

"This might not be laziness," she smiled, raising a finger. "But comprehending new techniques!"

Lu Ye suddenly understood: "I see..."

Sirfetch'd: ???

You can interpret that much from me slacking off?

What if I don't learn any new moves? That'd be awkward!

"My apologies, ducky," Lu Ye said sincerely. "I believe you'll make breakthroughs and set an example!"

Instantly, Sirfetch'd stiffened, feeling Togepi and Larvitar's "Crayon Shin-chan" stares behind it.

"Chu-chu-dwee~~ξ(✿＞◡❛)"

"Gah! (´థ౪థ)σ" The duck wept.

By the Light, as a knight, there are always those one must protect!

**

The three-day break passed like a May holiday that ended as soon as it began.

Cynthia changed back into her signature black coat, sweeping aside her dazzling golden hair with regal bearing.

"Aren't you hot?" Lu Ye couldn't help asking.

Cynthia sighed lightly: "Very. But it's the Champion's uniform, designed when I first won."

Champion attire had strict regulations to solidify public image.

If Red didn't wear his red vest or Lance his cape... many would lament their lost youth.

Lu Ye scratched his head, suddenly imagining the Sylveon outfit Melisa designed.

While cute, wearing that as Champion would be social suicide...

Shaking his head, he coughed: "Safe travels."

"You're not coming to Lilycove Island with me?" Cynthia asked surprised.

Lu Ye blinked: "How?"

"On Garchomp of course!"

Cynthia crossed her arms as Garchomp glared red-eyed behind her: "Garr!"

Imagining Garchomp piercing clouds at fighter jet speeds...

Lu Ye hesitated: "I'm... afraid of heights..."

A genuine phobia - one of Teacher Lu's dreams was installing safety saddles on flying Pokémon.

"It's fine," Cynthia smiled, stepping closer. "Relax."

Lu Ye retreated half-step: "No way, stop!"

"I'll hold you, don't worry, we'll arrive quickly~"

...

In the chat group:

Discussions also centered on the Lily Conference opening.

"Anyone going to Lilycove Island?" Marshal asked around his cigar in the captain's quarters. "Plenty of room on Waterflow!"

Lily whispered: "I'd like to watch live."

"Oho, no problem, pretty ladies ride free!" Marshal grinned.

Nassi said coolly: "Then who here doesn't qualify?"

Marshal's smile froze: "Uh...well..."

"League Conferences are boring," A-Jin yawned, arms behind his head. "Trainers can't even fight themselves."

With the bomb passed, Marshal sighed in relief.

Whitney gaped: "How are you out already?"

A-Jin pointed at himself: "Me? My mute duration ended!"

[Member 'A-Jin' muted by admin Lorelei for 24 hours!]

Lorelei said coolly: "My oversight."

Xiao Yin: "..."

"Unrestricted battles risk casualties," Red explained. "Professor Oak says it's progress."

Bruno crossed his arms noncommittally;

Marshal similarly scoffed.

Then Marshal remembered that Pallet Town boy and his expression grew strange.

Baby Ash's straight punch could probably stagger Mewtwo!

"Ahem!" Marshal coughed. "Indeed, this is progress!"

"I'm all ready to compete~"

Ash grinned: "Got help from all over Kanto!"

Green reminded solemnly: "Don't underestimate opponents who've traveled multiple regions."

"No problem, Master Green!" Ash's eyes burned passionately.

"What's your starting lineup?" Brock inquired.

Ash counted fingers: "Snorlax and Sceptile. Charizard's training in Charicific Valley so it won't return..."

"Good luck, Ash," the girl giggled behind her hand. "Among Pallet trainers, your Conference rankings are lowest!"

Ash scratched his head sheepishly: "I'll do my best!"

"Remember to help when you reach Lilycove," the girl licked her lips. "I've got great merchandise to sell!"

"Those coming to Lilycove, head to the battle zone!" Flint laughed. "Volkner and I are doing doubles!"

"An Elite Four and top Gym Leader team?!" Lily gasped.

"Heh," Flint grinned. "Learning from Teacher Lu's playbook - smurfing is fun!"

Lucian adjusted his glasses silently.

Teacher Lu... truly a man of sin!

"Speaking of Teacher Lu," a Grass Gym Leader said. "He should've arrived at Lilycove?"

"Yeah...but he hasn't said anything in chat," Ash scratched his head.

Meanwhile above Lilycove:

A contrail split the clear blue sky.

Team Rocket Trio looked up at the streaking Garchomp.

"Something just flew by, meow," Meowth said.

"Nevermind that! More merchandise means more profits!" James said.

"With enough funds, we'll be the Boss's favorites~!" Jessie clasped her cheeks.

"What a wonderful feeling~"

"So~nanis!!"

...

Piercing through clouds, lush Lilycove Island expanded below.

Lu Ye clung tightly to Cynthia's slender waist as Garchomp streaked across the sky.

"Afraid of falling?" Cynthia teased.

"Afraid you'll fall," Lu Ye said seriously.

Cynthia's eyebrows rose as golden hair streamed behind her: "Garchomp—"

"Dragon Rush!"

Lu Ye: !?

Instinctively holding tighter, Cynthia glanced sideways, lips curving:

"Just kidding~"

"No ice cream for you!"

"My apologies," Cynthia surrendered meekly.

"Garr!!" (Stop flirting midair!!)

Garchomp began descending toward the sea-encircled island.

Breezes rippled the azure waters as the central stadium came into view.

Holding Mengmengda, Lu Ye contemplated.

Maybe not having flying mounts wasn't so bad...

Cynthia stiffened: "Hands stay put!"

"Afraid I'll fall," Lu Ye said honestly.

Her cheeks flushed as black coat flapped, silently facing forward.

Today's result: Mengmengda's complete defeat!

Garchomp landed at Sinnoh League headquarters, the massive stadium and dormitories visible ahead.

Cynthia landed lightly in wide-leg pants, sweeping back golden hair.

"I need to report to the League first...there's still the opening ceremony."

Though the ceremony was tomorrow, trainers and vendors had already arrived.

Lu Ye thought of Team Rocket.

No reminders needed - those three were undoubtedly already here...

Gazing at the bustling venue, Lu Ye murmured: "Haunter and I will win."

"Gengarr~(⁎˃ꌂ˂⁎)" Haunter licked his cheek.

Cynthia smiled, then frowned: "Where are you going?"

"To register," Lu Ye chewed a Cheri Berry. "Don't competitors stay in dorms?" Google seaʀᴄh novelfire(.)net

"Already handled. Also—"

Blushing slightly, she glanced at him, lips red as she declared loftily:

"You're sharing my room tonight."

Such are the privileges of a Champion's partner?

I, Lu Ye, am made of sterner stuff than to covet Mengmengda!

Lu Ye declared staunchly: "Deal!"