We won!
We defeated the Four Heavenly Kings Drake!
Even though it was in a private setting, not in the Champion Alliance or the Four Heavenly Kings Cup and other public events, the important thing is not whether you can gain external recognition and fame.
It's about confirming that Pokémon and oneself have never stopped growing.
"Ha..."
Baimu's heart was full of joy, but his face couldn't conceal his exhaustion, after all, it was a battle that required his utmost focus from start to finish, without a moment of relaxation.
Thus, compared to the trivial physical exertion, the mental fatigue was more apparent.
Rustle, rustle, rustle—
A continuous wave of applause from the Meteor People surrounded them.
Then, the young Dragon Tamers gathered around excitedly with loud praise.
"Baimu! It's just like you!"
"Brother Baimu, you're amazing!"
"Hopes are high for a victory in the Champion Alliance! Another Regional Champion for Dragon Tamers!"
"Sister Xijana will be so happy!"
Everyone spoke one after another, clearly not as well-informed as Drake, knowing he had given up participating in the Hoenn Champion Alliance.
Baimu smiled as he responded, taking the initiative to explain his plans.
The crowd was surprised and a little disappointed after hearing, but they accepted his decision with blessings, as for Dragon Tamers, the location of the Regional Champion didn't matter.
Moreover, Baimu grew up in Ore, so wanting to become its champion was only natural.
In the field.
Mawile reverted to its original form, panting heavily while looking at Salamence collapsed in front of it, and for once, the pleasant feeling of defeating a strong enemy wasn't as intense.
As a Steel and Fairy Attribute Pokémon, it resisted the Flying Attribute and was immune to the Dragon Attribute, almost sealing all of Salamence's avenues, yet it was forced to fight step by step with great effort to achieve victory.
Even if the Trainer's battle style was such, fundamentally, its output capability was lacking.
Otherwise, with its Strongman Trait, the initial Frozen Fist should have taken down Salamence, who had a quadruple weakness to the Ice Attribute, rather than being easily countered by a simple Hot Wind, forcing it to retreat.
Annoyed.
Had it become complacent after winning the Gorgeous Festival?
Mawile reflected on its recent life, embarrassingly realizing that indeed, ever since it and its Trainer won the festival, its entertainment time in daily life had greatly increased.
Previously, it occasionally watched dramas but generally spent more time practicing for the Gorgeous Competition's performances and technique variations.
Now, a drama can take up a whole day, and after finishing, it could spend hours searching for a new one.
Reading novels was hindered by recognizing too few words.
Instead of eagerly learning with Porygon II as when it first got a phone, it simply had Porygon II intermittently read to it.
Indulging in sweets endlessly, and throwing a tantrum when the Trainer lectured it.
"Tch..."
Mawile suddenly fell silent, with a slight hint of panic.
It always considered itself the sharpest "spear" in Baimu's hands, corresponding to Aggron, the hardest "shield".
Titles like ace didn't matter, but it insisted on excelling in both performance and battle.
It was naturally favored by its Trainer, revered and feared by its teammates, even the characteristically bold Hydreigon, who dared to taunt Aggron, would retreat from it.
Why?
Because its strength was undeniable.
Even though the team never based status or treatment on power, who would dare to speak carelessly when it frowned?
Proud yet willful, and a bit independent.
No problem.
After all, Mawile was cute and strong, a beloved lady by the Trainer, undoubtedly the strongest offense in the team, certain to be chosen alongside Aggron against tough opponents.
It had always been like this.
This made it feel incredibly happy, cherishing every moment of its current life.
The past?
Already forgotten.
The lonely self that once slept clutching a broken doll seemed non-existent, the environment it lived in before had become a blur.
What remained deeply in its mind were the various beautiful dolls and foods, the sceneries encountered during travels, the cheerful laughter of its companions, the delicious meals and desserts, and the fragrant black tea.
Besides these.
Its favorite moments were waking up drowsily in the morning, seeing the Trainer dragging Hydreigon to wash up, Corsola's resentful look after being awakened, the Porygon II flying out of the phone, and Dragapult becoming visible after accidentally hitting its nose against the door.
Frequently heard outside the bedroom were the annoying shouts of the Dreepy Siblings, Gengar's inexplicable laughter, Milotic's intermittent singing, and Aggron's heavy footsteps.
Taking another short nap after closing its eyes, once it smelled the carefully prepared breakfast by Blissey, its Trainer's call would be in its ear.
"Young Miss~ time to get up."
Being patted on the head was annoying, but it wasn't angry.
Hugging its beloved doll, rubbing its eyes, it came into the living room where the noisy companions awaited its arrival.
The lovely day started with the first cup of black tea brewed by the Trainer—
So lovely.
Mawile clenched its fist.
It thought if it continued to rest on its laurels, once Steelix and Altered-color Gengar also acquired the ability of Super Evolution, and even more companions gained powerful strength, it would be hard to maintain everything it currently had.
Even though the Trainer wouldn't neglect it and the companions would still interact with it as usual.
But some things, would silently vanish.
Didn't want to change.
It wanted to remain strong forever.
"Tch."
Mawile turned swiftly, its steps light yet especially resolute.
——
"Cough, cough..."
Drake coughed lightly twice, retrieved the fainted Salamence, and hoarsely said, "Well done."