With the emergence of the top 32 players, today's final event was to group these players for the championship tournament. As the big screen flickered, the avatars of the group of players appeared, and Rex was surprised to find his next opponent was Rina.
Rina was also taken aback by the result but quickly became excited, thinking it was great to meet Rex in the championship tournament.
"Rina, I look forward to our match the day after tomorrow," Rex smiled at the eager Rina.
"Hmph, I'll show you the results of my hard training, and don't cry if you lose," Rina, although not confident inside, believed in maintaining an imposing demeanor.
"By the way, what are your plans for tomorrow's break?" The organizers gave the players a rest day after three matches over two days to ensure their Pokémon could recover and participate in the next round in their best state, providing a better visual experience for the audience.
"Vivica and I plan to go to the beach tomorrow. Would you like to join us?" Rina invited, her face slightly blushing.
"Sure, it's a plan then. Most of the audience has left, so we should head out too," Rex said, noticing the crowd thinning out.
"Rex, your Swellow was so cool today. It's a shame we're not in the same group again," Ash said as he and the others approached after they stepped out.
"Let's celebrate tonight; you three made it through the preliminary tournament," May suggested.
"Why not have a bonfire party tonight and invite Tyson and Morrison too?" Ash proposed eagerly.
Everyone was interested in Ash's suggestion. To make the bonfire party more lively, they decided to invite their friends, while Brock and Max went to the city to buy some food and supplies.
As everything got ready, the sun had set. Being on an island far from the hustle and bustle of the city, countless stars twinkled in the sky, and meteors occasionally streaked across.
In this world filled with mysteries, Rex knew many meteors actually contained extraterrestrial visitors, like Deoxys or common ones like Solrock and Lunatone, said to arrive on meteors.
Or perhaps smuggled into this world, most meteors became food for Rayquaza, the Sky High Pokémon living in the ozone layer. Only a few lucky ones safely reached the ground.
News of the bonfire party spread among the trainers and tourists, resulting in the beach becoming crowded with happy people who seemed to forget all their worries.
"Rex, what are you doing here alone? Come and dance," Rina found Rex sitting alone on the beach and pulled him into the group dancing around the bonfire.
In this lively atmosphere, the usually shy Rina seemed more open, spinning with Vivica and dancing with Rex, fully immersed in the joyous mood.
Ash and Morrison were engaged in a competitive run on the beach, with Brock and Max cheering them on from the side.
May and Tyson discussed their plans for the next day. They had already enjoyed many local delicacies and planned to continue until the end of the Ever Grande Conference.
The bonfire party continued late into the night. As it got late, people gradually left reluctantly. Rex and his friends, planning to visit the beach the next day, also returned to the Pokémon Center.
Early the next morning, Rina came to get the still sleepy Rex. After a simple breakfast, they happily headed to the beach.
Rex thought the beach would be empty early in the morning, but to his surprise, it was already bustling with people.
The island where Ever Grande City was located had beautiful scenery and a pleasant climate. If it weren't so far from the Hoenn mainland, its tourism industry would be thriving.
The three found a less crowded spot and spread a tablecloth on the sand. Rina and Vivica brought out a lot of pre-prepared food.
Rex released all his Pokémon, wanting them to have a good rest on this rare day off.
When Milotic appeared, Rina and Vivica were amazed and gathered around it, making Sceptile and Persian a bit jealous.
Milotic's charm was hard to resist, especially as it sparkled in the morning sun. Many tourists ran over excitedly, quickly crowding the previously empty beach.
Rex hadn't anticipated this but couldn't just recall Milotic into its Pokéball because of it.
Fortunately, the island's visitors were all trainers or Pokémon enthusiasts. After their curiosity was satisfied, they stopped bothering Rex and returned to their activities.
A few brave children swam over to Milotic, wanting to play with it. Seeing the apologetic looks from their parents, Rex didn't shoo them away.
Milotic, known as the Tender Pokémon, quickly played with the children, even letting them climb onto its back.
Seeing this, the parents on the shore smiled warmly.
Rina and Vivica, however, were a bit disappointed. They had wanted to play with Milotic too but felt shy joining the kids.
To vent her frustration, Rina started splashing Rex with seawater, drenching him.
Feeling attacked, Rex quickly joined in, splashing Rina back.
Due to their size difference, Rina soon lost. She then called Vivica to join, and together, they managed to soak Rex thoroughly. He surrendered quickly to avoid further soaking.
Swellow, lounging on the shore, watched and felt its trainer was embarrassing. It moved a bit away, pretending not to know him.
"Swellow, what are you doing?" Rex noticed and questioned it.
Swellow ignored Rex's outburst, tucking its head under its wing as if it knew nothing.
"Ha ha!" Rina and Vivica laughed at Rex and Swellow's interaction.
(End of Chapter)