"We're doing well, Ms. Cynthia!" he said, taking out his camera.

"The talk with Alder sir really cleared my doubts. I think I've gotten much closer to my Pokemon since then... oh, I also made a new friend here!"

Not normally a word he'd use [friend still felt kind of juvenile to him], but it came out naturally, without a thought, and he stepped aside to let Cynthia see the cream-coloured Alcremie hiding behind him.

She looked at the Champion hesitantly, but quickly ducked behind him again.

"Huh, she's not usually shy... I guess your strength intimidated her. How have you been?"