Shiny Feebas didn't perform well on the first day of climbing the waterfall.
But as Baimu always said, grades can improve, and the level of improvement is the proof; what's important is Shiny Feebas's daring spirit to climb.
Truth be told.
If his swimming skills were better, he would have liked to lead by example and join in the climb up the waterfall—
Alright, just a joke, doing so would only add to Shiny Feebas's psychological burden.
And after understanding this fellow's mental journey, he basically reaffirmed that choosing Dragon Gate Waterfall to build Shiny Feebas's confidence was an utterly correct decision.
"You've worked hard, though it's my responsibility."
Under the moonlight, Baimu sat in pajamas on the edge of the roof, smiling and expressing gratitude to Aggron beside him.
"Grr~"
Aggron shook its head; it hadn't done much, just exchanged a couple of words with Shiny Feebas.
Even if it did help Shiny Feebas in some way, that was expected. Although it didn't have the title of ace, it shared a companion and teammate relationship with Shiny Feebas; knowing the situation and ignoring it would be the real problem.
"So considerate, ace."
Baimu sighed as he leaned against Aggron; the Hoenn summer night wasn't particularly hot, but the cool touch from its dark skin was still very comfortable.
In the faint sense, he could even feel its heartbeat.
His own heartbeat maintained a frequency with it, softly beating along.
Aggron seemed to perceive this too, and even its slightly heavy breath slowed down, enjoying the peaceful embrace with its Trainer under the quiet night.
In this moment.
Their spirits were suspended between heartbeats, yet a deeper connection was actually forming, seemingly about to merge into one.
Though neither of them acknowledged it.
They merely longed to be even closer, to linger a little longer.
Observing this scene, the Dragon Elder, who had come out of concern, stood still in the distance.
"..."
After a while.
A smile appeared on her face as she silently departed.
Initially worried that Baimu might not adapt well to living here, she intended to come over to chat, hoping to foster greater understanding and strengthen his sense of belonging to the Meteor People.
However, in reality, the Dragon Elder knew she was overthinking it; if he weren't well-adapted, he wouldn't have been able to resonate with his Pokémon like this.
Indeed, a child like Baimu, regardless of his background or upbringing, would inevitably shine.
"An outstanding Dragon Tamer... no, should call Trainer, hoping you bravely continue forward, and may the Dragon God protect you."
She whispered softly.
And in the distant and towering sky, the Rayquaza wandering and spiraling in search of meteorites glanced downward.
Then, quickly retracted its gaze and continued flying forward as if nothing had occurred.
A lot of meteorites will fall later.
Hope they'll be enough to fill its stomach.
On the ground.
Unfortunately, Baimu couldn't stay cozy with Aggron for too long.
Because Hydreigon repeatedly awoke, sensing the Trainer hadn't returned to bed, came over, seeking out him with a low growl.
Causing Baimu to suddenly awaken from his semi-dream state, gazing helplessly with Aggron at the charging Hydreigon.
"Go back to sleep, I'm waiting for Lei Gong to come, be good."
He patted Hydreigon's three heads, half-coaxing and half-pushing to send the fellow away.
Though having clingy Pokémon was pleasing, being glued at all times wouldn't do; he must reserve room for other Pokémon to get close to him, he himself needed this opportunity.
"Rou…"
Dragonair looked pitifully at the Trainer, so dejected that the deep violet petals-like fur on its neck drooped down.
Nonetheless, Baimu remained stern-faced, softly commanding, "Go to sleep!"
It reluctantly hovered back to the bedroom, hanging above the bed like a balloon and closed its eyes.
The Galarian Corsola's rosy eyes at the bedside appeared and quickly vanished, hiding in its not-so-sturdy shell, laughing secretly; it loved seeing the simple-minded dragon defeated.
On the open edge of the roof.
Baimu couldn't resist sighing, turning to ask Aggron, "Am I spoiling Hydreigon too much?"
Though always aiming to balance things, humans aren't machines, and the simulator doesn't show the amount of time spent with each Pokémon, inevitably leading to "favoritism."
If other Pokémon didn't mind, it'd be alright; however, if any felt neglected, it represented Baimu's negligence.
Unless he's willing to catch and toss them back to Pyrite Town like Xiaohao, entrusting them to N, who promised to help care for the Pokémon, currently indeed managing Steelix.
But even Steelix inevitably comes to him every two days, for check-ups, battles, and body strengthening.
It proves such an approach doesn't suit him.
Thus, Baimu must become a master of time management.
"Grr."
Aggron comforted gently, yet amid his touched expression, discreetly raised a little paw, teasingly curling an eye in laughter, "Grr~"
Indeed, just a bit.
"You rascal." Baimu chuckled.
Since overcoming the challenging "adolescence," lacking the territorial obsession, Aggron's character has matured significantly, and likewise like Blissey, transformed from being a recipient to a reciprocator.
Willing to listen to the Trainer's confessions, to share his burdens, like a child gradually growing mature.