December 25th, Friday — Christmas.
The evening breeze drifted through the air, the night sky broad and crisp.
Green was directing everyone as they decorated the backyard of Professor Oak's lab.
"Using Abomasnow to cosplay as a Christmas tree…" Lu Ye remarked. "Talk about saving on the budget."
"Of course," Using said proudly, instructing Jigglypuff to hang bells on the branches of Abomasnow. She muttered, "Originally I wanted to use an Exeggutor, but thinking it over, Abomasnow feels more on-theme."
Several Abomasnow wandered about, wearing bells and Santa hats, jingling as they moved.
They looked quite pleased with their gifts, happily playing in the snowy underbrush.
Cynthia, wrapped in a fur-lined black coat, exhaled a soft breath, a gentle smile blooming on her cheeks.
"Didn't expect Miss Cynthia to come to the party too," said Red, already there, a bit surprised.
"We were together this morning, so we just came over together," Cynthia replied with a cheerful smile.
Hiding behind Red, only half her head poking out, Yellow's brain short-circuited. "Eh?"
'Doesn't that mean—That Teacher Lu and Miss Cynthia… spent the entire night together?!' Yellow's face flushed deep red, steam practically rising from her head.
"I see," Red said calmly, nodding. "Makes sense."
Given Teacher Lu's strength, it's only logical to spend time with the Sinnoh Champion.
He lowered his head slightly, adjusting his cap. A small smile appeared on his lips.
Maybe tonight… he'd get a chance to spar with Teacher Lu.
"Don't just stand around—come help decorate!" Green shouted.
"Got it." Red tossed out his Poké Balls. "Poliwrath, Pikachu… everyone, pitch in!"
The backyard filled with Pokémon—some chasing each other around, others helping out, and a few clinging to their Trainers playfully.
"You've got a great affinity with Pokémon," Cynthia said, smiling at Yellow, who was surrounded by happy Pokémon.
"Ah, Miss Cynthia!" Yellow blushed and scratched her head shyly. "Hehe, being with Pokémon just makes me happy!"
"I totally agree," Lu Ye nodded earnestly.
Cynthia gave him a side-eye for cutting in, but then suddenly froze.
"Gengarr~ (⁎˃ꌂ˂⁎)"
Gengar stuck out its tongue and gave Lu Ye a big, slurpy lick.
"Are you okay?!" Cynthia asked anxiously.
"Small issue." Teacher Lu calmly pulled a Pecha Berry from his coat pocket.
Good thing he brought plenty of them today for the spicy dishes!
Brock walked over, waving at Teacher Lu. "Teacher Lu, let's handle the cooking together tonight!"
"No problem," Lu Ye replied. "What's the main dish?"
As Brock came closer, he glanced at Cynthia in surprise. Cynthia returned a soft smile.
'We agreed to be bachelor bros… and you brought a plus-one?!' As someone bonded with Lu Ye through true manly friendship, Brock felt complicated.
"Outdoor hotpot," Brock said. "We'll set up several burners because…"
He scratched his cheek awkwardly and coughed, "Red's Snorlax, my Golem… they're all heavyweight eaters."
"Gengarr!" Gengar waved its little fists in protest.
Don't underestimate me, squinty eyes! I can eat too!
"Yeah," Lu Ye remembered the dumpling incident. "Alright, I'll help out!"
"Me too!" Cynthia said excitedly.
At that moment, Garchomp and Lucario both stiffened.
Lu Ye: "…Maybe you should sit this one out."
Cynthia pouted. "Oh."
Garchomp and Lucario both sighed in relief.
Red and Yellow, neither of whom could cook, stood awkwardly nearby, glancing at each other.
"If only Blue were here—we could battle," Red said wistfully.
"Yeah… but since Teacher Lu's cooking, we can't bother him," Yellow added. "So… Miss Cynthia?"
Red shook his head. "With Miss Cynthia's personality, she wouldn't give her all in a casual battle."
Cynthia at full power versus Cynthia with a sweet smile—they were like two different people.
Yellow nodded in thought.
Besides… Cynthia looked super smitten right now.
For some reason, the blonde ponytailed girl's cheeks turned red.
She stole a glance at the man in the red cap beside her and fidgeted.
"Um, R-Red, I…"
Suddenly, Red looked up at the sky and smiled. "The second wave of guests has arrived!"
A gust of wind blew through the clear winter night.
In the distance, Dragonite flapped its small wings and soared in.
Wearing a red cape, Lance arrived—his spiky red hair and cold expression made him look totally unapproachable.
But Red, who knew him well, was aware that this guy was actually a huge goof.
"Mr. Lance!"
Dragonite gently landed. Yellow waved and greeted him.
"Yo, Yellow—miss me?" Lance grinned and reached out to pinch her cheek.
Red calmly stepped in and shook his hand.
"Perfect timing. I've been looking for someone to battle."
Lance blinked, looking around. "Wait—can we eat first? I just came for the food!"
Red chuckled. "So the second wave—Kanto's Elite Four?"
"Well, that older single lady should be arriving soon," Lance said, dropping the teasing tone. "She went to Cerulean to pick someone up."
"Cerulean?" Red asked.
Yellow suddenly felt a chill. She looked up and saw a beautiful Articuno gliding in, trailing shimmering snowflakes.
On its back sat a mature red-haired woman with crossed legs, and clinging to Articuno's neck was Misty, shivering from the cold.
"Isn't she scared of falling?!" Lu Ye looked up in disbelief.
"Well… it is an Elite Four kind of entrance," Brock said as he teared up while chopping onions.
Articuno descended gracefully, carrying Lorelei and Misty down.
"When did you catch Articuno?" Lance asked in surprise.
"I didn't," Lorelei replied casually. "It nests near Seafoam Islands. We're friends."
She gently patted Articuno. It flapped its wings, left a trail of glittering ice, and disappeared into the night.
"No matter how many times I see them, Ice-types always leave me awestruck," Lorelei said, pushing up her glasses, slightly moved.
"Same for Dragon-types!" Lance nodded.
Misty waved and greeted Red, then turned to Yellow: "Long time no see, Yellow."
"Mm…" Yellow nodded softly.
Misty glanced at Yellow's hand gripping Red's sleeve. Her eyes dimmed slightly, but she smiled.
"Dinner hasn't started yet, right? Want us to help out? Teacher Lu and Brock are already on it," Red smiled. "Once everyone's here, we'll dig in."
Their conversation was warm and polite.
Lorelei held her cheek and sighed with a smile.
Red… really is a dangerous man!
---
In the kitchen zone, the drama didn't reach Brock and Teacher Lu.
"What are you doing now?" Cynthia asked in a hushed voice, afraid of interrupting Lu Ye's work.
"Marinating. Helps the ingredients soak up flavor," he replied casually.
Cynthia folded her arms and rested her chin thoughtfully.
"There's fresh ice cream in the fridge," Lu Ye glanced back. "Pick one if you'd like."
Cynthia's face lit up like a kid getting praise. "Should I pick one for you too?" she asked sweetly.
Crack— Brock's hand trembled while beating eggs.
"No need. I knew you'd hesitate, so there's only one flavor in there."
"Ohhhh~" Cynthia drawled.
Thump—Brock gazed up at the ceiling, bitterness in his heart, 'So… even Trainers at the top of the Pokémon world come in couples now?'
Lorelei had originally planned to pop in and tease Lu Ye a bit.
But when she arrived, she froze.
"Champion Cynthia?"
Cynthia turned with a smile. "You must be Lorelei of the Elite Four. Nice to meet you."
"You're…"
"I came with Teacher Lu," Cynthia said, still smiling.
Lorelei blinked for a long time, glancing at Lu Ye, who coughed awkwardly.
In that instant, Auntie Lorelei understood everything.
She'd assumed Lu Ye brought a bunch of single friends for company.
Turns out this brat came to rub it in?!
"Ha… N-Nice to meet you," Lorelei said, removing her glasses to wipe the lenses.
She looked up at the sky, which hadn't started snowing yet.
And yet, Auntie Lorelei's heart felt like it had just been hit by a blizzard.
Then she squinted up at a small dot in the sky.
It grew larger—revealing Gold, grinning with flight goggles on.
"Yo, third wave's here," Lu Ye commented.
"TEACHER—LUUUU!!"
Riding Togekiss, Gold pulled off a stunt, diving from the sky.
"Kissu!!" Togekiss, full of battle spirit, looked down and accelerated even more.
Silver clung to Honchkrow's claws mid-air, sighing helplessly.
As the two landed, Gold froze.
Lorelei stood in front of him, smiling sweetly: "Gold… Care for a quick match?"
'I haven't even caught my breath! You wanna battle already?!' Gold stood dazed for a moment, then blew on his bangs. "If it's anything goes… I'm all in!"
Lu Ye glanced around—at Lorelei's gentle smile, and Gold's suicidal confidence.
He sighed quietly.
Lorelei's Glalie once even gave Red a hard time…
'Give it up, Gold! They're all lying in wait for you!'
---
Inside the lab.
"Kanto and Johto's trio are all here now." Professor Oak smiled, sipping his coffee while watching the lively courtyard.
"Why aren't you guys going out?" he turned and asked.
"I'll head out after sorting these files." Crystal smiled. "Gold's about to get wrecked out there," Oak said, winking.
"Then I—I'll go after I finish sorting!" Crystal blushed but stood her ground.
Lance and Blue sat on the couch, exchanging looks.
"Didn't think we'd actually get everyone together," Lance murmured.
"Some people inspire not just through strength," Blue said calmly.
Lance frowned, a figure flashing through his mind—a buzzcut man in a suit.
In some ways…
Teacher Lu bringing all these people together rivaled Red back then… even Giovanni.
While lost in thought, the lab's front door suddenly knocked.
"Guess someone doesn't have a Flying-type ride," Oak muttered, opening the door.
A breathless boy burst in.
"I-I'm late! The party's not over yet, right?!"
"It's already over," Oak deadpanned. "Come back next year."
"Not this again…" Ash's face fell. "Wait—why did I say 'again'?"
"Stop teasing him," said a purple-haired young man with a necklace, standing up. "Everyone's in the backyard—you'll see them there."
"Blue-senpai!" Ash's eyes lit up.
"I know you're not here for me." Blue waved him off. "Red and Teacher Lu are both back there…"
Before he even finished, Ash had dashed off like the wind.
Blue: "…"
"Pfft—ignored at last, huh?" Lance laughed.
"Shut up," Blue muttered.
Lance patted his shoulder, howling with laughter: "Hahaha~ o(*≧▽≦)ツ"
"Ash," Blue said with a cold smile, "I hope you're ready for some serious training…"
"Red-senpai! Teacher Lu!!" Ash rushed into the backyard—only to be smacked by a flying black shadow.
"Ow, ow, ow!" Gold had just been sent flying by Lorelei. Rubbing his arm, he blinked.
"Huh? I'm okay?"
"Wait, who cushioned my fall?!" Gold scrambled up and yanked Ash to his feet. "Bro, you good?"
Lorelei and the others caught up. "Sorry, couldn't pull my punch!"
"Auntie, you totally did that on purpose!" Gold shot back.
"..." Lorelei twitched, but decided to forgive him—this time.
"I-I'm fine." Ash shook his head, quickly recovered, and smiled. "I came to find Red-senpai!"
Gold looked at him like he was an alien.
He was the human airbag, and he recovered that fast?
Is this guy even human?
Not far off, Red stood between Misty and Yellow, gently petting a Sun Espeon.
The Espeon, named Abo, peeked shyly at Sylveon, its cheeks blushing red.
"Red-senpai!" Ash ran over and pulled off his cap, revealing a signature hidden beneath the brim, "This is… I grabbed your signed model online. I've always been a huge fan!"
Red blinked. "But I've never sold limited editions. And my hat's always been red."
"Eh?!"
Ash looked devastated. "How… how could this happen?!"
"But I've heard stories about you," Red smiled, "Maybe someday, your hat will become a limited edition too."
Ash stood frozen for a long moment.
Then he turned his cap backward.
"I'm Ash from Pallet Town. My dream is to become a Pokémon Master." Fire lit in his eyes, "Red-senpai, please battle me!"
Red stood up between Misty and Yellow, lowered the brim of his cap, and narrowed his eyes, "Gladly."
The sound of an intense battle echoed.
Lu Ye rubbed his temples. "How many battles is this tonight?"
"Second one," Brock replied. "If you count Gold getting smacked earlier."
"This bunch…"
Lu Ye looked speechless.
Can't you guys just enjoy dinner in peace?!
Cynthia: (⁎˃ᴗ˂⁎)
Lu Ye glanced at her.
She was licking her ice cream slowly. When she noticed his gaze, she turned away protectively.
"I wasn't gonna take it…" Lu Ye mumbled.
Looking around, the hotpot stations were all prepped.
The broth was mushroom-based, with some giant shrooms Blue had somehow sourced.
The ingredients included various berries from Professor Oak's backyard, sausages, fried snacks, beans—typical Sword and Shield curry fare.
For the record:
Lu Ye picked the spicy option.
"This spicy… Are you sure it's okay?" Brock wiped sweat from his forehead.
"Spicy makes it more appetizing!" Lu Ye grinned, slipping his notebook back into his coat. "Even Moltres-tier dishes are spicy, aren't they?"
"…You've got a point," Brock admitted.
"All right." Lu Ye patted Brock's shoulder.
He cupped his hands like a mic and shouted to the onlookers still watching the battle:
"Alright everyone—dinner's ready!"