If the power of insight in someone's eyes could cause harm, Luke would surely have been on the receiving end from the security uncle numerous times.
Cynthia's radiant blond hair was undoubtedly a magnet for attention on the streets, with an impressively high probability of catching people's eyes.
Moreover, with Cynthia's already tall stature, walking alongside Teacher Luke, who was just over eighteen meters away, immediately drew a considerable amount of attention.
"How did you used to go out in public?" Luke inquired of Cynthia, who was wearing sunglasses beside him.
"I'd basically commandeer the streets," Cynthia responded, her brows slightly furrowing. "Or sometimes, I'd even buy a street just for shopping."
"Excuse me?"
Cynthia arrived at the Orient Alliance, where she was supposed to be welcomed by the commissioner of the Pokémon Association and escorted all the way. However, Cynthia was quite averse to such formalities. Since Teacher Luke was conveniently in Magic City, she had him pick her up instead.
As they walked through the streets, Cynthia asked curiously, "Did you use a Flying Pokémon?"
"No, we took a taxi."
Cynthia took on Luke's role as the Pokémon vehicle, offering, "I could have given you a lift."
"I'm afraid of being shot down by anti-aircraft fire."
Taking off openly in Magic City would likely lead to a commotion, wouldn't it?!
Cynthia thoughtfully nodded and remarked, "I almost forgot, Magic City allows that."
"Is it different in Sinnoh Region?"
"No, in fact, you can even fly to Kanto via the Mt. Coronet and Mt. Silver routes."
"That's quite convenient," Luke mused.
"You can save a lot on airfare!"
Cynthia offered a smile, but what she didn't mention was that for someone like her, the cost of a private jet only accounted for the crew and fuel expenses...
Luke got in touch with the driver who had given him his business card earlier.
The driver, assuming Luke was attempting to evade, rushed to the airport only to be taken aback. There was more than just admiration in the master driver's eyes upon seeing Luke.
In addition to "admiration," no other expression could quite capture the driver's gaze.
Cynthia's use of Chinese was not particularly fluent, so she looked out of the car window in silence, lightly stroking the dozing Eevee.
Her blonde hair trailed gently over the back of Luke's hand, eliciting a peculiar sensation within him.
"Thinking about skipping town?" the driver asked.
"Yes."
The driver's tone turned somewhat sentimental. "In a foreign land, skipping town is no big deal! Those who can't commit to anything can't even commit to a Poké Ball!"
Every driver had countless tales to tell.
However, just as the driver was about to unleash his deluge of stories, their destination arrived.
"Ah..." The driver's expression was one of great regret.
"Another time," Luke reassured, patting the driver's shoulder with determination.
As the car pulled away, the driver could be seen through the window, shouting with tears in his eyes, "Wishing you all the best!"
"What did he say?" Cynthia asked Luke.
"In Orient, tipping is not customary. You actually tipped quite a bit."
"But didn't you pay him?"
"We'll get it reimbursed later."
"I see."
...
The shade of the trees cast a tranquil, calming ambiance, yet the house appeared a little dilapidated, nestled within an old-fashioned community.
"You live here?" Cynthia looked around.
"The rent here is affordable."
"It's hidden within the city, as Professor Rowan once said."
"If that's how you see it... I can't argue."
Haunter took the initiative to enter the house, eagerly unlocking the door with a mischievous expression.
Cynthia officially stepped into Luke's home.
"Should I take off my shoes?"
Luke's gaze involuntarily shifted toward Cynthia's high heels, a hint of regret in his eyes. "It's not necessary."
"It would be rude not to."
In order to accurately assess Eevee's stress response, the first step was to eliminate any environmental influences.
Cynthia briefly surveyed the neighborhood earlier and hadn't noticed any potential natural enemies for Eevee. In fact, she felt that Eevee, as an omnivorous creature and an indigenous Pokémon, might even be more apprehensive of humans.
"Don't worry, things will be fine soon."
Cynthia retrieved a portable stethoscope from her bag and placed it gently against Eevee's chest.
Eevee lay down with an air of reluctance, its cheeks flushing.
Luke couldn't help but feel a touch of sadness.
Eevee had never let him touch its stomach before. How did it become like this when an outsider was involved?
"Teacher Luke, may I also request your assistance in assisting my other Pokémon?"
"Oh... huh? Which Pokémon?"
Luke was taken aback by the unexpected request. As the realization dawned on him, his expression shifted slightly.
A flicker of red light, and the narrow living room suddenly became bustling with activity.
Cynthia's six Pokémon had all emerged, and Luke's situation seemed quite dire.
Garchomp, with its scarlet eyes radiating a murderous aura;
Lucario, its eyes cool and composed as it crossed its arms.
Two imposing Pokémon, one on each side, flanked Luke in the middle, their eyes displaying a hint of scrutiny.
"Jie jie~?! Σ(°△°|||)︴" Haunter looked absolutely terrified.
These two colossal beings... They appear quite fearsome!
Panic surged within Haunter as it realized its owner was about to become a meal. Anxious thoughts raced through its mind as it waited online, extremely agitated!
However, Luke was somewhat prepared for this situation.
With a jar of crystal clear and nearly transparent Pokéblocks, resembling gemstones, in hand, Luke cautiously approached. He wiped the beads of sweat from his brow and nervously spoke, "Masters, care for some treats?"
Garchomp and Lucario exchanged glances, the two Champion-class Pokémon tilting their heads slightly before nodding in unison.
...
"You're quite the skilled Trainer."
Brushing aside strands of blonde hair from her ears, Cynthia smiled and gently petted Eevee on her lap.
"Vui~ …o(´^｀)o" Eevee wagged its tail hesitantly, feeling a bit uncomfortable. It decided to bury its little head in Cynthia's lap.
"Very healthy. Eevee's Anticipation Ability seems to enhance its responsiveness. You've trained it quite well..." Cynthia whispered, her voice filled with approval. She noted that Teacher Luke's strength was comparable to her own, especially on a tactical level.
Although Eevee's battle prowess was modest, its breeding method and training techniques were at peak level. Haunter's breeding method was somewhat reminiscent of Grandma Agatha's method. Additionally, Eevee bore faint traces of the Red Espeon's influence.
Thinking back to Luke's comments about not wanting to be a Trainer again, Cynthia found it somewhat amusing.
"Isn't it ironic..." Cynthia chuckled softly.
Her golden hair cascaded down as she raised her head. However, she remained unaware of the peculiar behavior exhibited by a few of her Pokémon.
Garchomp, usually wearing an expression that warned strangers to stay away, was now engaged in boisterous laughter with Haunter. This unexpected change completely shattered its usual demeanor.
The reserved Lucario's hand speed had turned into a blur as it swiftly tossed the contents of the Pokéblock jar into its mouth. In mere moments, the entire Pokéblock had vanished.
Cynthia was momentarily taken aback.
The Pokéblocks I usually buy for you aren't quite suited for you!
Slime-covered Gastrodon made its way along the wall, leaving a trail of corrosion marks in its wake as it descended from the ceiling. Luke couldn't help but cry out, "Stop! I just repainted this wall!"
Gastrodon cast a disdainful glance at Luke and continued its wriggling journey, leaving deep marks of corrosion on the wall...
Luke could almost hear the sound of his wallet shrinking again.
"It's alright... I'll reimburse you."
Cynthia walked over to the frustrated Teacher Luke and crouched down, picking up the scattered Pokéblocks from the floor.
The crystal clear Oran Berry cubes, nearly transparent and resembling blue gems, shimmered with a gentle luster. A hint of surprise filled Cynthia's beautiful eyes as she examined them closely.
"Perfect quality... these are Pokéblocks?"