Cynthia had initially assumed that Li Yuan's teaching method would be similar to other skill masters—a step-by-step process involving explanations, demonstrations, and perhaps the use of specialized Berries to guide a Pokémon's senses. While time-consuming, it was the most reliable method known to the public. Another highly effective way required the Pokémon to already know a "mimic" type move to find the rhythm of a new skill faster.
But as she watched, Li Yuan didn't use either method. In fact, he didn't seem to be doing much of anything at all. His palm remained pressed against Garchomp's rough, sandpaper-like skin, seemingly indifferent to the discomfort of the texture. If she hadn't seen him caught in an intimate embrace with Gym Leader Erika on the livestream earlier, Cynthia might have suspected he had some... unusual feelings for her Garchomp.
Fortunately, the Champion possessed great patience. She could see that Garchomp was deep in a state of sudden enlightenment, so she allowed him to continue his "operation."
After about fifteen minutes, Garchomp's eyes snapped open. A sharp glint of clarity flashed in her pupils. Suddenly, she took to the air, performing a series of strange, rhythmic movements in the spacious lounge. The dance appeared bizarre at first glance, yet it held a hypnotic attraction, resembling some ancient, primal ritual.
Ten seconds later, the ritual was complete. A mysterious surge of power descended upon her, and Garchomp's aura skyrocketed. She had successfully executed Dragon Dance.
"She... she actually did it?" Cynthia watched with genuine shock. The success seemed almost too effortless. For the longest time, she had labeled Garchomp as a Pokémon simply incapable of learning that specific move. Even as a woman who loved challenging the impossible, she had slowly let the dream of a dancing Garchomp fade away.
She never expected to see this day. Something that a Champion—heralded by millions as a once-in-a-generation genius—couldn't achieve was solved with zero effort by a university student.
Is this what they mean by 'masters hidden among the commoners'? she wondered. Who exactly is he, and why has he remained anonymous for so long? If she had met him sooner, perhaps her own path to mastering skills wouldn't have been so arduous. She recalled him mentioning the Aura. Could he be a fabled Aura Guardian? Rumor had it that every Aura user shared a mysterious connection with the Mythical Pokémon Mew. Is he the one Mew has chosen?
Cynthia looked at him again, her evaluation of him rising significantly.
"Still took fifteen seconds? You need more practice," Li Yuan critiqued. "There are too many redundant movements in your steps. When you have time, come find me again; I can help you trim it down further."
While Garchomp and Cynthia were thrilled by the success, Li Yuan's words were a cold splash of reality. A move that took over ten seconds to cast was useless in a real match—no high-level opponent would ever give them that much time to dance.
"Char! (What's the rush? Can't you see I just learned it? I'll master the speed once I'm used to it!)"
Garchomp glared at him, annoyed by his "backseat driving," yet she remained incredibly smug. Why wouldn't she be? She was likely the only Garchomp in existence that knew Dragon Dance. The thought of revealing this on the battlefield made her blood pump with excitement.
"Yes, yes, Shark Queen is a badass," Li Yuan said, stroking her ego. "But wouldn't it be better if I helped you shorten the cast time so you could debut it sooner?"
"Char! (Hmph! I think your desire to help me is fake—you just want an excuse to see my Champion!)"
"Shark Queen, that's not fair. Some things are better left unsaid, aren't they?" Li Yuan shrugged.
"Char? (Who's your 'sister'? You just call everyone 'sister' now? Don't think a single Dragon Dance can buy my loyalty. We paid for this!)"
Garchomp tossed her head arrogantly. As a Champion's Pokémon, she wasn't that easy to bribe.
"Well, there's still the Dual Abilities and the Sober Outrage," Li Yuan tempted her. "Those are things money can't buy. Do you want them?"
"Char... (Ah... well... since you're so sincere, I suppose I could accept you as a little brother~.)"
Garchomp paused, remembering there were still more "cheats" on the table. She didn't care much for Dual Abilities—her own Ability was somewhat lackluster in her eyes—but a Sober Outrage was a must-learn. Every Dragon knew the sheer power of Outrage, a primal force from their bloodline. But that power came with a crippling side effect: a mental overload that caused uncontrollable confusion. It was a terrible sensation, far worse than the most severe motion sickness.
Usually, Garchomp avoided that move. Even when she used it, she could only maintain her sanity for a few seconds before succumbing to the haze. The prospect of using her Dragon blood's full power while remaining perfectly conscious was irresistible.
"Then it's a deal. Next time you come, I'll teach you the Sober Outrage." Li Yuan nodded, satisfied.
"Char? (Why wait for next time? Do it now!)"
"You need to master Dragon Dance first. Too much at once will lead to a messy result."
"Char! (I think you just want an excuse for me to bring my mistress back to see you! Whether I can handle it is my business. One more word and I might just forbid this 'marriage'!)"
"Fine, fine. We have a deal then. Once you learn the Sober Outrage, you have to agree to the marriage." Li Yuan seized the opportunity, cementing the "proposal."
"Char? (Has this shark ever broken her word?)"
Garchomp didn't care. Her "agreement" didn't mean much—it ultimately depended on whether Cynthia agreed, so it was a harmless promise to make for more power.
Li Yuan understood this, but as the saying goes: To capture a woman's heart, you must first capture her shark. A Trainer's marriage was never a solo decision; the feelings of their Pokémon mattered immensely. If the Pokémon disliked a partner, the relationship was doomed. By winning over Garchomp, half of the battle for Cynthia was already won.
Cynthia: "..."
What do you mean 'half-won'? she thought. Enough, you two. Do you think I'm invisible? She had let the earlier comments slide, but now they were negotiating her marriage? If she let them keep talking, they'd be picking out names for her children next.
Cynthia sighed and pulled out Garchomp's Poké Ball, recalling the shark and forcefully ending the increasingly ridiculous conversation.
"Li Yuan is right. Too much at once is a bad idea. You can consult him about Outrage next time," Cynthia said, giving the ball a slight glare before looking helplessly at Li Yuan.
This boy was truly shameless. Every word he said to Garchomp was a thinly veiled attempt to flirt with her. Is he really not afraid of me getting angry? Or does he just know my personality too well?
Sigh... whatever. I still need his help.