Chapter Nine: Perhaps There Is Something to Be Gained After Ceasing to Struggle

Alyu looked at Chen Ou, who was squatting in the corner of the Tower of Time and Space, his entire figure enveloped in a gloomy aura, and asked Shirona in puzzlement, “Who is this guy? What happened to him?”

He and Daye had just hurried over from the Sinnoh League headquarters when they heard others say that Shirona had already resolved the situation and that Eterna Town was safe and unharmed. Relieved, Alyu and Daye couldn’t help but think that the whole affair had been much less dangerous than expected. But as soon as they entered the town and heard from Alice and Tonio that the incident had involved the two gods of time and space, they were instantly shocked.

After confirming that Shirona was still by the Tower of Time and Space, Alyu didn’t bother to wait for Daye and dashed over alone to get to the bottom of things. Daye, watching Alyu run off without so much as a greeting, could only sigh helplessly.

He would’ve liked to slack off too...

Shirona glanced at the dejected Chen Ou, her lips curving in a faint smile. “That’s Chen Ou, a researcher from Kanto. We’d been attending the Pokémon Research Summit in Jubilife City. He also helped resolve this incident.”

Now that she’d spoken with both Chen Ou and Palkia, Shirona had pieced together the entire story. She felt a little sorry for Chen Ou’s luck, but couldn’t help finding it amusing as well. After all, it’s only human to take a bit of pleasure in others’ misfortunes.

Besides, Chen Ou was merely downhearted, not truly desperate or shattered. Shirona didn’t bother to comfort him; she could tell he had anticipated this outcome and was prepared for it. His gloom was simply regret for his own reckless actions.

As she explained the sequence of events to Alyu, she began, “The two gods of time and space appeared in the spatial rift—”

“Mm.”

“They arrived here and then Darkrai—”

“Mm-hmm.”

“After Chen Ou and I came—”

“Mm-hmm-hmm.”

When she finished, Alyu nodded repeatedly. He was quietly gloating that while he was slacking off, Daye was stuck recording damages and losses. But before he could relish his good fortune, Shirona glanced at him in confusion and asked, “Aren’t you going to take any notes? You’ll have to write a report later.”

“…Huh?”

Alyu stared at Shirona, pointing at his own nose, “I’m writing the report?”

Shirona nodded. “Is there a problem?”

“But you’re the one who solved everything!” Alyu felt as if he’d accidentally taken on someone else’s work while trying to shirk his own.

Shirona nodded again, but said, “But I handled it as a mythology researcher and a concerned trainer. I’m still officially on vacation.”

Alyu was utterly stunned.

Given the circumstances, she wasn’t wrong. A champion on vacation isn’t obliged to act as champion, and it’s not as if she needed the credit. But then, why had the responsibility fallen on him?

He opened his mouth, wanting to protest, but words failed him.

With a gentle smile, Shirona patted him on the shoulder in encouragement, then turned and walked to the corner, where she took the puppet-like Chen Ou by the arm and led him toward Charizard. The Poké Ball for Charizard was still in Chen Ou’s hand; stunned as he was, he hadn’t recalled it. Shirona helped Chen Ou onto Charizard’s back, then waved to Alyu with a smile.

“Charizard, fly northeast. We’re going to Celestic Town.”

With a beat of its wings, Charizard soared into the sky, heading northeast.

Alyu stared blankly after Shirona, his right hand grasping at the air, his expression a perfect mirror of Chen Ou’s earlier despair.

“Why am I so unlucky?!”

——

Night in Celestic Town was unusually tranquil. Only the cricket Pokémon’s song and the occasional rustle of wind in the trees broke the silence, painting the town with gentle, peaceful, and lively hues.

Chen Ou lay on the grass in Shirona’s yard, hands pillowed beneath his head, gazing at the deep night sky and its twinkling stars, thoughts tangled in a hopeless mess. Yet he had no desire to sort them out. The soft grass, fragrant with the scent of new growth, and the sounds of nature were at least somewhat comforting.

Inside, Shirona watched him through the floor-to-ceiling window, smiling gently.

She already knew Chen Ou had come to Sinnoh seeking the two gods of time and space, hoping they could send him home. He’d gone to Eterna City because of the statues of those gods, hoping for a clue. But now, it seemed he wouldn’t be eager to see them again anytime soon.

Since Celestic Town was right next to Eterna City, Shirona simply brought Chen Ou home. First, so he could set out for Eterna easily if he wished; second, because this was her home. She had many houses, but only one true home. In Shirona’s heart, this was the place best suited to soothe the soul.

As for her own safety... when had Shirona ever needed to worry about that?

Especially when Chen Ou posed no threat to her whatsoever.

“Luca. (The milk’s warm.)”

Lucario emerged from the inner room, carrying a cup of freshly warmed Moomoo Milk, and handed it to Shirona.

“Thank you, Lucario,” Shirona said with a smile as she took the cup.

Lucario nodded and disappeared back inside.

Cradling the milk, Shirona rose, opened the door, and walked out to where Chen Ou lay.

Meanwhile, several heads peeked from behind the wall, watching as Shirona sat down beside Chen Ou.

“Garchomp! (Why is the mistress so concerned about that male human?)” Garchomp muttered, unable to contain its curiosity.

Lucario shot it a glare. “Luca! (You were out with them and still don’t know. How could any of us back home know?)”

——

Chen Ou watched the cup of milk waving before his eyes. He smiled, sat up, and thanked Shirona as he took it. “Thank you.”

Shirona shook her head, indicating it was nothing. Cocking her head with a gentle smile, she asked, “Have you come to terms with it?”

Chen Ou took a sip; it was rich and sweet, even better than Shuckle’s berry juice. Hearing her question, he gave a wry smile. “There’s nothing I can do about it now. If even Palkia and Dialga can’t send me back, there’s only Arceus left. But if the gods of time and space can’t help, why should Arceus be able to?”

He looked up at the sky, raising his brows. “Maybe I really should give up. It’s been five years, ten months, and twenty-one days. My parents probably think I died long ago.”

He glanced at Shirona, who seemed to want to speak but hesitated. He smiled. “If you have a question, just ask. I’ll answer anything I can.”

Shirona laughed, a little embarrassed. “It’s nothing really. At first I thought you might be a mythical Pokémon who could take human form.”

Chen Ou’s face grew solemn. “So you’ve seen through me. That’s right, I’m actually a Victini. What you’re seeing is a human body constructed with my psychic power. My flames are my own ability.”

Shirona pretended sudden realization, making a fist with her right hand and striking her left palm. “Of course! That explains everything.”

The two exchanged a glance, then burst out laughing.

“I’m not a Pokémon, you know. Hahaha...”

When their laughter subsided, Chen Ou asked, “Did you bring your phone? May I borrow it?”

Shirona handed it over. Chen Ou dialed a number.

Soon, Green’s voice came through the receiver. “What is it?”

Chen Ou smiled. “No need to look for Celebi anymore.”

There was a pause. “Alright. I’ll let Red know, too.”

“Thanks.”

“If that’s all, I’ll hang up.”

“I’ll be back soon.”

“Mm.”

The call ended. Green, still holding Arcanine’s Poké Ball, glanced up at a certain branch not far away, where a green, onion-headed Celebi dozed. Silently, he put the ball away and walked off.

Lucky Celebi, unaware it had narrowly escaped a mysterious fate.

Meanwhile, after the call, Chen Ou drained his cup, returned the phone to Shirona, and asked, “Where do I wash the cup?”

Shirona took the phone and reached for the cup as well. “I’ll do it.”

Chen Ou shook his head. “No, I’ve troubled you enough already, and I’ll be staying here tonight. I should at least wash my own cup.”

“Oh? Who said you’d be sleeping inside tonight?”

“Wow, Cabbage, how can you be so heartless? Leaving me out in the cold?”

“Why not? And stop calling me Cabbage!”

“Cabbage, cabbage, cabbage...”

Inside, the Pokémon watching the pair’s laughter felt a mix of emotions.

“Garchomp... (Mistress has really grown up...)”