After the race, it was time for the awards ceremony.
Ponyta, Zebstrika, and Boltund each received a jar of species-specific Pokéblocks. Hitmonlee and Heliolisk got jars matching their types. Pokémon ranked fifth to tenth received half-jars—modest portions but enough to last a month if rationed.
Those who didn't place were given participation prizes: Su Feng poured assorted Pokéblocks into small dishes, letting the Pokémon feast until stuffed. Even the hungriest Pokémon could only eat three or four blocks before being full. With around twenty participants, the total used was less than a full jar.
Su Feng also created a "Perseverance Award"—a small bag of type-specific Pokéblocks—for Farfetch'd and Phanpy, who'd stubbornly finished the race despite their disadvantages. None of the other Pokémon objected; everyone had witnessed their determination.
Additionally, Su Feng commissioned the system to mass-produce metal medals dyed in different colors to match rankings and awards, costing just a few points. He presented them like a dignitary, and the Pokémon treated the medals as great honors.
"Feng, look." Xiao Da tugged Su Feng's sleeve.
Following her gaze, Su Feng saw non-participant Pokémon eyeing his Pokéblocks longingly. A Nidorino even drooled onto the grass.
After a moment's thought, Su Feng pulled out another jar of generic Pokéblocks. He patted Xiao Da's shoulder. "Hand these out to the audience as thanks."
"Got it!" Xiao Da skipped into the crowd. The spectators parted for her, sensing free treats.
Su Feng focused on awarding medals while the Pokémon celebrated. Nidoking shared its Pokéblocks with Nidoran♀ and Nidoran♂. Zebstrika pranced proudly, flaunting its medal. Heliolisk napped on Su Feng's table, exhausted from the race. Hitmonlee, unsatisfied with fourth place, dashed back to the lake to train.
[This is so wholesome… Different species coexisting peacefully.]
[We were wrong to see them as invaders. They've done nothing but coexist.]
[Don't blame yourself. The host said Pokémon are simple—treat them well, and they'll return the favor.]
[I once hit a Pokémon that wandered into my home. I want to find it and apologize.]
The festivities lasted all night. Su Feng grilled fish for the Pokémon, earning universal praise. The Pokémon reciprocated with performances: Hitmonlee demonstrated dazzling kicks (inspiring Combusken to meditate), while Aipom juggled five Berries mid-interference—a act that could put circus clowns out of business.
Dawn broke, sunlight hitting Su Feng's face. He sat up, finding himself sprawled on a camping table. Jin slept nearby, Xiao Da snored softly in her tent, and the Pokémon had vanished—except Haunter and Combusken snoozing beside him, and Ponyta standing guard over Jin.
Noticing a pile of odd items by the tent, Su Feng checked the live chat.
[Morning! The Pokémon left quietly last night.]
[They left gifts! Not sure what they are though.]
[Update: I found the Sentret I hurt! We made up, and it's my partner now!]
Su Feng inspected the haul: Berries like Oran and rare Lansat, fragrant herbs from Sawsbuck's antlers (perfect for premium tea), and… a giant leek nestled in the flowers.
"Farfetch'd…" Su Feng chuckled, holding up the leek. "Thanks for the 'gift.'"