The tension in the temporary camp eased significantly, and soon, the atmosphere became lively. After the battle between Combusken and Ambipom, the two seemed to have developed a mutual respect, quickly becoming close.
Ambipom even instructed its group of Aipom to bring over a large number of berries, clearly intending to share them with everyone.
Under this harmonious atmosphere, Ambipom's group quickly bonded with Rex's Pokémon.
From a distance, Shaymin watched the situation with some bewilderment. It was surprised that the two sides, who had been hostile toward each other, had suddenly become friends. However, Shaymin did not dislike this development. As a peace-loving Pokémon, Shaymin preferred avoiding conflict, instead enjoying activities like purifying the atmosphere and making barren lands bloom with beautiful flowers.
Ambipom and its group stayed at the camp until late at night before reluctantly departing. After tidying up the somewhat messy camp, Rex also returned to his tent to rest.
That night, Rex felt unusually well-rested, as if he had slept straight through until morning. This kind of restful sleep was rare in the wild, even with Swellow and the others standing guard. Normally, he would keep a certain level of alertness and not fully relax.
However, last night, Rex felt as if his guard had completely dropped, as if he were back at home on the Farm, not out in the wild.
Unable to figure out the reason for this, Rex set the matter aside and began packing up the camp, preparing to continue his journey to Sunyshore City.
Just then, Ambipom and its group returned, bringing even more berries, clearly intending them as a breakfast gift.
Rex gratefully accepted the berries and, after a hearty breakfast with his Pokémon, bid farewell to Ambipom.
As Rex rode Swellow toward Sunyshore City, Ambipom and its group watched them depart, bidding them farewell.
After seeing Rex off, Shaymin resumed following him, its small legs moving swiftly. Despite its small size, Shaymin could keep up with Rex without falling behind.
After more than four hours of travel, Swellow finally landed in the Pokémon Plaza in Sunyshore City. Swellow, showing signs of fatigue, was quickly recalled into its Poké Ball to rest.
As it was already noon, Rex decided to find a restaurant for lunch before heading to the airport.
He soon found a quaint, elegantly decorated restaurant. Upon entering, he noticed that the dining area was full of customers, indicating the restaurant's popularity.
After waiting for some time, Rex finally found an empty seat and quickly ordered some of the restaurant's signature dishes.
The restaurant, despite being packed, managed to serve the food swiftly. It was no surprise that a popular place like this would serve delicious food. After enjoying a hearty meal, Rex paid the bill and continued toward the airport.
At the airport ticket counter, he discovered that the next available flight to Canalave City was in four days, meaning he would have to stay in Sunyshore City for a while.
There was nothing Rex could do; even taking a ship would take longer.
After leaving the airport, Rex suddenly remembered someone and quickly sent a message to Yuli, informing her that his flight was in four days.
Afterward, he found himself at a loss, unsure of how to spend the next few days.
Suddenly, he remembered that he knew someone in the city and picked up his phone to call Lenka.
"Lenka, are you still in Sunyshore City?" Rex asked as soon as the call connected.
"I'm here. My parents were worried about me traveling alone after what happened in Hoenn, so I've been stuck helping out at the store these past few days. It's so boring," Lenka replied in a somewhat pitiful tone.
"Haha, you really should learn your lesson. Remember, when traveling, don't let yourself get into such a tough spot!" Rex teased, amused.
"Hmph, you're still making fun of me. By the way, have you reached Floaroma Town yet?" Lenka asked, trying to change the subject.
"I've already returned from Floaroma Town to Sunyshore City. But the next flight to Hoenn isn't for four days, so I was hoping you'd show me around Sunyshore City. But if you're busy, that's okay," Rex said, sounding a bit regretful.
"I'm free! Why wouldn't I be? Where are you? I'll come find you right now!" Lenka responded quickly.
"Aren't you helping out at home? Maybe you should just stay there," Rex suggested, teasing her again.
"It's fine! I'll just talk to my parents!"
After some back-and-forth, Rex finally agreed to meet Lenka at the Pokémon Center, realizing she was eager for an excuse to leave the house.
When Rex arrived at the Pokémon Center, he found it bustling with activity, with Nurse Joy overwhelmed by the number of trainers lining up for assistance.
Curious about the situation, Rex approached a trainer at the back of the line to ask what was going on.
After a brief explanation from the young trainer, Rex learned that these trainers had attempted to challenge the Sunyshore Gym but had failed, resulting in their Pokémon being severely injured.
The Sunyshore Gym Leader, Volkner, was known for his powerful Electric-type Pokémon. He often scheduled multiple challengers on the same day, and today happened to be one of those challenge days.
Because of Volkner's formidable strength, few trainers could defeat him and earn the Beacon Badge. His Electric-type Pokémon were not only powerful but also had devastating moves, leaving many challengers' Pokémon seriously injured. This explained the crowded Pokémon Center.
"Nurse Joy, my Lapras can use healing moves. Maybe it can help out a bit!" Rex offered, seeing how overwhelmed Nurse Joy was.
"Really? That would be wonderful!" Nurse Joy responded excitedly.
With Lapras joining the effort, the line quickly divided into two: one for Lapras to treat the less seriously injured Pokémon, where a single Life Dew could heal most of the damage.
"Lenka, when did you get here?" Rex asked, noticing Lenka standing nearby with her Buneary after Lapras had finished treating the last injured Pokémon.
"I just got here a little while ago. I didn't want to interrupt you while you were busy," Lenka replied with a smile.
In fact, she had arrived just as Rex began directing Lapras to treat the injured Pokémon but had chosen not to speak up to avoid disrupting the healing process.
(End of Chapter)