There wasn't much Professor Carolina could do about Chen Shi's situation. In the end, all she could do was tell him not to worry too much.
Chen Shi himself wasn't particularly concerned. He believed that as long as he was willing to spend enough time searching, he would eventually discover why Celebi had insisted he come to Sinnoh.
The journey from Kanto had taken quite a while, and by the time they arrived, dusk was already approaching.
Neither Chen Shi nor Cynthia had eaten anything on the way.
Just as they were about to make something to eat, they discovered the house was completely empty.
Left with no choice, Chen Shi headed out to buy groceries before returning to prepare a hearty dinner.
While they were eating, Professor Carolina asked, "Shi, when are you planning to head out?"
"Tomorrow," Chen Shi replied. "Celebi told me to come to Sinnoh as soon as possible. I've already delayed long enough, so I'm leaving first thing tomorrow."
The moment he finished speaking, Cynthia immediately chimed in.
"I'm coming with you."
Professor Carolina's face instantly darkened.
Seriously?
She'd only been home for less than a day, and now she already wanted to run off with this brat again?
Couldn't she spend a little time with her grandmother?
Chen Shi wasn't surprised in the slightest by Cynthia's decision. He simply nodded.
"Sure."
He had no idea where this journey would ultimately lead anyway. Since he was just planning to wander around until he found some clue, there was no reason Cynthia couldn't come along.
They could treat it as a relaxing trip.
Seeing the two of them settle the matter so casually, Professor Carolina could only sigh inwardly.
My granddaughter really has grown up...
She doesn't dote on her grandmother anymore.
...
The next morning, when Chen Shi and Cynthia woke up, Professor Carolina had already left the house.
Neither of them found it surprising.
She was always busy. The fact that she'd stayed home yesterday was probably only because she knew they were returning.
Now, she had most likely gone back to the research institute.
After breakfast with their Pokémon, the two of them packed their backpacks and set off immediately.
As for their first destination, Chen Shi had already made up his mind.
Lake Verity.
There wasn't any special reason for choosing it first.
It was simply the closest of Sinnoh's three great lakes.
This time, Chen Shi didn't ask Jirachi or Mew to teleport them.
Instead, Dragapult carried him through the skies.
Since they had no idea what they were actually looking for, they might as well enjoy the journey.
Besides, ever since reaching the Champion rank, Dragapult's flying speed had increased dramatically. The trip from Celestic Town to Lake Verity wouldn't take long.
Meanwhile, Cynthia flew alongside him on Garchomp.
After a little over an hour of travel, they finally arrived at Lake Verity.
Perhaps because it was one of Sinnoh's famous Three Lakes, quite a few visitors had gathered around the area.
Chen Shi and Cynthia silently put on face masks, careful not to be recognized.
After all, both of them were fairly well known these days.
Eventually, they found a quiet corner away from the crowds.
Standing side by side, they quietly gazed across the tranquil lake.
The crystal-clear water resembled an enormous mirror, reflecting the white clouds drifting overhead and the lush trees lining the shore.
A gentle breeze swept across the surface, sending shimmering ripples dancing across the water, as though a delicate veil had been draped over the mirror.
The scenery was breathtaking.
After a while, Cynthia spoke softly.
"They say Azelf lives here."
"I've visited Lake Verity many times, but I've never seen it."
Chen Shi smiled.
"Mythical Pokémon aren't that easy to find."
"For all we know, Azelf could be standing right in front of us, watching us this very moment—and we'd never notice."
"It's just like Little V and the others. If they decide to hide themselves, nobody can find them."
Thinking about Victini's invisibility, Cynthia nodded in agreement.
If a Mythical Pokémon truly wanted to remain hidden, seeing it would be almost impossible.
What neither of them noticed was Mew, perched on Chen Shi's shoulder, glancing toward the empty sky above Lake Verity.
It stuck out its tongue and made a silly face.
The empty air suddenly rippled.
"..."
After wandering around the lake for quite some time, they still failed to discover anything unusual.
As noon approached, Chen Shi released all of his Pokémon and began preparing lunch.
After all—
No matter what else happened, eating always came first.
He could go hungry if he had to.
His Pokémon absolutely could not.
Especially Togekiss.
If she got hungry, she'd pout and make a fuss for ages.
Only ice cream could calm her down.
Chen Shi distributed everyone's prepared Pokéblocks one by one.
After finishing, however, he suddenly frowned.
Something felt... off.
He counted again.
Then his expression changed slightly.
The one who was normally the most enthusiastic about mealtime—
Mew—
was nowhere to be seen.
Mew's sudden disappearance caught Chen Shi off guard.
After a brief pause, he walked over to Jirachi, who was happily munching on its Pokéblocks.
"Jirachi, have you seen Mew?"
"Mmm..."
Jirachi thought for a moment before looking around.
Then it shook its head.
"No."
"Jirachi hasn't seen Mew."
"Alright." Chen Shi smiled and gently rubbed its head. "Then keep eating. I won't disturb you."
"Mhm~"
Jirachi obediently nodded and continued hugging its Pokéblocks while happily nibbling away.
"What's wrong?"
Noticing his expression, Cynthia walked over.
Chen Shi didn't hide anything.
"Mew's gone."
He wasn't worried about Mew's safety.
With Mew's strength, there was no way anything could make it disappear without a trace.
The only reasonable explanation was that Mew had wandered off on its own.
But normally, Mew always let him know before going anywhere.
This time, it had vanished without saying a word.
That was what puzzled him.
Just as Cynthia was processing the news, Mew suddenly popped out from who-knew-where and landed back on Chen Shi's shoulder.
[Hey, kid. Hurry up and get Lord Mew's food ready.]
Seeing it return, a thoughtful look flashed across Chen Shi's eyes.
Without saying anything, he handed over Mew's share of Pokéblocks.
Mew didn't stand on ceremony. It immediately jumped over and started eating.
While everyone continued their meal, Chen Shi glanced toward Lake Verity once more but remained silent.
Only after every Pokémon—including Mew—had finished eating did he finally ask,
"Were you meeting Azelf just now?"
Mew hadn't disappeared earlier.
It hadn't disappeared later.
It had vanished the moment they arrived at Lake Verity.
How could Chen Shi not be suspicious?
Mew didn't bother denying it.
It simply nodded.
[Yep. I went to see that little blue mushroom-head.]
"Oh?"
Chen Shi asked casually, hiding the curiosity in his eyes.
"So... what did you two talk about?"
[Nothing much. Just an ordinary chat.]
Mew paused for a moment, as though suddenly remembering something.
[Oh, right. I originally wanted you to meet it.]
[But that little blue mushroom-head seemed extremely reluctant to see you.]
Chen Shi blinked in surprise.
"Azelf didn't want to meet me?"
"But I've never even met it before."
"So why would it be so unwilling to see me?"
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