March 24th, Wednesday.
After days of rain, Sinnoh finally welcomed clear skies.
Natsume stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, squinting at the azure sky.
Sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting golden rays over Sandgem Town, bathing it in a gentle morning glow.
'Tyndall effect.'
He vaguely recalled the term as he stepped onto the balcony—then froze.
Screw the Tyndall effect!
This was Arcanine practicing Sunny Day!
"Arcanine~! 凸(｀0′)凸"
The sturdy Arcanine howled skyward, its crimson mane shimmering as a miniature sun rose from its maw.
In an instant, the clouds parted, and a beam of Morning Sun descended upon Arcanine, its mane rippling majestically in the light.
"Gengar~"
Gengar, sporting sunglasses, tilted its head to admire the artificial sun while sipping iced juice. Then it gave Arcanine an approving thumbs-up:
"Gengar!"
"Arcanine! ○( ＾皿＾)っHiahiahia… " Arcanine puffed its chest, tail wagging triumphantly.
Leaning on the railing, Natsume surveyed the yard with mixed feelings.
You guys started training the moment I got back from Kanto?
Could you not be so diligent?!
But once Pokémon officially launched, the sales would surely lift Natsume from rags to riches.
Supporting seven little ones would be a breeze by then!
Smirking, Natsume heard the radio blare from Rotom's speaker form and decided to head downstairs.
"Stretching exercises, one-two-three-four… Rotom!"
On the lawn meticulously tended by Gengar, a patch of medicinal herbs—cultivated by Blastoise's Aura—sprouted Revival Herbs.
Now, the fresh green shoots swayed rhythmically to the music, creating a bizarrely 'grass-growing' spectacle.
"Togepi doo-ee~ ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ"
Even Togepi joined in, wiggling its stubby arms for jumping jacks!
Natsume: "Ah right… you can't clap, can you?"
"Togepi doo-ee~（-_-.）"
"Don't worry. Gengar can't touch its toes either."
The words were like a sharp sword, piercing the Gengar next to him.
"Gengar! Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
Bending over, Gengar strained its short arms downward.
Today's the day I'll reach them!
"Sirfetch'd! 〒▽〒"
The plump Sirfetch'd lounged on its shield, sunbathing.
Ahh, such lovely sunshine~~
No training today—just slacking off~~ （´v｀）
Per schedule, this was a rare day off.
After a week in Kanto, Natsume had returned to Sandgem Town to sip tea, pamper Eevee, and tease Togepi.
And this afternoon… a beach date with Moe-Moe!
"Life," Natsume sighed contentedly, "doesn't get better than this."
Post-morning workout, Natsume wheeled his Rotom Bike to the town market, groceries in tow.
Togepi sat in the front basket, Gengar floated alongside grinning, while Sylveon strode proudly beside them—its ribbon subtly coiling around Natsume's arm like a territorial claim.
Pokémon around Sandgem Town already knew this Sylveon sister, cowering in fear at her approach.
The pink-and-white demon approaches…
Her Royal Cuteness, Sylveon, graces her loyal Research Institute backyard!
The market buzzed with activity: Aipoms helped grannies carry loads, a panicked Bidoof dashed past with a stolen berry.
"Thief! Stop that Bidoof!" a bandana-clad vendor shouted.
An Aipom on a granny's shoulder effortlessly snagged the berry thief with its tail.
The granny knelt, patting Bidoof gently.
"If you're hungry, come to my shop. But stealing isn't right—apologize now, dear."
Bidoof nodded dumbly, bowing to the vendor before scampering off.
"Tch," the vendor muttered, arms crossed. "Just say sorry… I wasn't even mad."
As the market resumed its lively rhythm—Starlies flitting overhead, humans and Pokémon working side by side—the vendors noticed a familiar face.
A handsome young man in a light shirt, pushing a bike.
"What'll it be today?" the granny beamed. "Haven't seen you in a while—away on business?"
"Yeah, just got back for a break," Natsume scratched his cheek.
"Hard work's good, but don't forget to rest~ Here, take an extra Cheri Berry on the house!" She winked. "I know you love these!"
"Gengar! (￣▽￣)／"
"Ha! You get an Oran Berry, Gengar… but no more, or this old lady'll go broke!"
Chatting in the sunlight, Natsume soon received another request:
"Could we borrow your speaker tonight? Ours broke down."
"No problem," Natsume agreed instantly. "Rotom, switch to speaker mode for square dancing later!"
"Affirmative, Rotom~"
Since Natsume often cooked, the vendors knew him well. One teased:
"No Gengar running errands today?"
"My girlfriend's visiting. Need fresher ingredients."
The vendor froze, then sighed dramatically:
"What a shame! A real pity!"
Pity? Did I buy all the good stuff?
Checking the time, Natsume handed bags to Gengar.
"Let's go. Moe-Moe! should be arriving soon."
"Gengar! ヽ(￣▽￣)?"
Master of household logistics, Gengar carried groceries in one hand and berries in the other.
(The System sold berries too, but Natsume preferred supporting the granny's business—her quality was superb.)
"Togepi doo-ee~o(^▽^)o"
Togepi reached for a bag, then hugged one twice its size, grinning triumphantly.
Spring painted the foothills in pink cherry blossoms, while snow still crowned the peaks—like Sylveon licking powdered sugar.
Pushing his bike past Jubilife's tram tracks, Natsume paused at a red light.
A train rumbled by beneath the cloud-streaked blue sky.
...
Returning home, Delibird carried a mailbag and was dropping letters into the mailbox.
Having been deeply impressed by Pryce's Delibird, Natsume took an extra glance at it.
Delibird shot Natsume a look, then waddled away like a penguin, hoisting its bag as it moved toward the next house.
"Let's see… today's mail."
Natsume opened the mailbox and muttered, "Please don't be another Steam spring sale discount."
Unfolding the letter, a lengthy Electric Bill came into view.
Natsume-sensei's expression twisted as he crumpled the bill, then smoothed it back out.
"Whatever… I'll keep the receipt. Maybe Matori can reimburse me."
I've bled and sweated for Team Rocket!
As a Mentor, isn't it reasonable to expense a few bills?
"Garchomp!!"
Before even stepping through the gate, the roar of Garchomp echoed from the yard.
Natsume parked his bike and waved at Garchomp. Lucario, deep in Calm Mind, opened its crimson eyes.
Sensing that peculiar Aura, Lucario's expression flickered before it deliberately shut its eyes again.
Standing tall on the steps, bathed in sunlight, a golden-haired beauty in black crossed her arms, a faint smirk playing on her delicate, fair face.
"Gengar missed you," Natsume said.
"Gengar! (￣▽￣)／" Gengar immediately chimed in.
Cynthia smiled softly, her eyes curving like crescents.
"I missed you too."
...
Living Room.
Glaceon swayed its ribbon-like tail, spotting Sylveon after so long, and licked its tiny paw. "Glaceon~"
"Sylveon!" Sylveon lifted its head proudly, its disdainful gaze making Glaceon flinch.
Spiritomb stretched its eerie, vine-like tendrils, hiding in a sunlit spot, cosplaying as a potted plant.
Gastrodon and Milotic lounged in the rooftop pool—one sipping water, the other lazily stretching.
"Togekiss~~~"
Togekiss soared outside, performing dazzling aerial tricks, leaving contrails in the clear sky.
"Togepi doo-ee!" Togepi cheered, waving its little hands with a giggle.
Cynthia pulled her gaze from the window, scooping a spoonful of ice cream into her rosy lips.
"Delicious~"
"I stole the recipe from that Eterna City Restaurant. Next time, I'll make you Castelia City Ice Cream."
"And what reward do you want?" Cynthia asked, eyeing the cherry atop the ice cream with interest.
"A swimsuit will do," Natsume answered without hesitation.
"Such a predictable answer." Cynthia rested her cheek on one hand, golden locks framing her face, her gaze tender and clear.
Natsume mirrored her, propping his chin on his hand as their eyes met.
"The swimsuit doesn't matter. I just like you."
Cynthia chuckled, lowering her hand to cradle the ice cream cup.
"That line is so overused!"
"Then how about… I like Moe-Moe!?"
"Try again." Cynthia looked down, scooping another bite. The chilled sweetness helped mask the warmth creeping up her cheeks.
"I like Cynthia."
Silence. Sunlight spilled onto the round table, illuminating Cynthia's smooth golden hair, the faint gloss on her lips, the elegant curve of her snow-white neck.
Cynthia lifted the glass, slowly eating the ice cream, her face slightly flushed.
Natsume watched the condensation on the cup before meeting her gaze, then reached for her hand.
"W-What are you doing?"
"Your hands get cold from the ice cream."
The warmth from his palm seeped into hers like thawing ice—tingling at first, then flooding her mind blank, her pulse quickening.
Finally, Cynthia exhaled softly, her chest rising gently.
"Let's go to the beach this afternoon."
She spoke with composure, poised like a graceful doe, smiling elegantly.
"Mmm…" Natsume glanced down at their intertwined fingers—Cynthia's long, firm ones.
Reversed the situation?!
"I've already reserved Sandgem Beach."
Cynthia leaned closer, her golden hair brushing his arm, chest, lips.
Her warm breath tickled his ear as she whispered, cheeks tinged pink:
"I'll wear it just for you."
...
Sandgem Beach.
Natsume's gaze was dull as he stared at the blushing Moe-Moe!.
Cynthia still wore her black hair ornaments, her golden locks cascading over her chest, dressed in a sky-blue shirt.
For a beach outing, it was a perfectly natural outfit, but…
You call this a swimsuit?
Not a bikini—fine, but a beach shirt!?
'Whatever.'
Natsume's eyes trailed over Cynthia—her smooth, slender legs, her graceful waist, her flowing golden hair.
'Knowing Cynthia's personality, she must've agonized over coming to the beach at all.'
"Done staring?" Cynthia asked with a smile.
"Not even in a lifetime."
Cynthia shook her head lightly, a 'you're hopeless' look on her face.
"Going for a swim?" Natsume grinned. "I could teach you. Hands-on."
"No need. I have Milotic." Cynthia crossed her arms, smiling.
Natsume sighed in disappointment.
Waves crashed against the rocks, sunlight glinting off the sea's surface. Wingulls soared overhead, while a Magikarp leaped from the water.
"Gengar! (ノ￣▽￣)"
"Togepi doo-ee~ ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ"
Gengar and Togepi were building a sand fortress, only for the rising tide to threaten its destruction!
"Sirfetch'd!! ～( TロT)σ"
If Togepi throws a tantrum, it's over!
No one ruins my day off!!
Sirfetch'd swung its leek with a mighty Leek Strike, a radiant Solar Blade extending meters long—cleaving the wave in two!
BOOM!!
The water split apart, and Sirfetch'd stood triumphantly in the spray, eyes closed, basking in its own glory.
Done— SPLASH!!
The collapsing wave drenched Sirfetch'd, leaving it a soaked, pitiful duck.
Meanwhile, Gengar and Togepi's sand sculpture was swallowed by the sea.
The two exchanged glances, not disappointed, but stifling giggles behind their hands.
"Sirfetch'd! ╮（╯＿╰）╭"
Don't think I don't know you're laughing at me!!
Natsume and Cynthia lounged on beach chairs, watching the scene with amusement.
"Togepi's adorable," Cynthia remarked, sipping her juice.
"So are you," Natsume said, arms behind his head as he gazed at the horizon.
Cynthia rolled her eyes, then suddenly smiled, pointing toward the beach with an uncharacteristically sweet tone:
"What do you think of that dazzling move?"
"Fuu~!" Milotic leaped from the water, its pink-tinted tendrils refracting the light as it sent up a shimmering mist.
Natsume entered Condition, nodding in appraisal:
"Not bad, but its style points still fall short of Arcanine's."
"Oh?" Cynthia blinked, playing the role of an earnest student.
The two turned their gaze toward Arcanine.
"Arcanine"
Arcanine was busy digging furiously in the sand, eventually tossing up a massive pit before burying itself inside. It then used its tail to sweep loose sand over its body, completely covering itself.
"Arcanine…"
Lying in the sandpit, Arcanine basked in the sun, eyes half-lidded, tongue lolling, wearing an expression of wise contentment.
Cynthia couldn't help but laugh, smiling as she said:
"Being the smart squad, they must score really high, huh?"
"Of course. After all, I'm a Top Coordinator in Pokémon Contests."
"Hmm?" Cynthia glanced at Natsume.
"Wallace begged me to be a judge. I couldn't refuse, so I reluctantly agreed," Natsume said offhandedly.
Cynthia assumed he was joking and simply smiled without comment.
"Since we're at the beach, we might as well take a swim."
Natsume stood up, stretching as he shouted:
"Blastoise, let's race in backstroke later!!"
Blastoise had been participating in the sandcastle activity, currently constructing a three-meter-tall war fortress that left Gengar marveling.
Hearing Natsume's call, Blastoise turned and gave a thumbs-up.
"Blastoiseヾ(■_■)"
The warm breeze was soothing, the sea a brilliant blue, while cherry blossoms bloomed on the nearby hills.
Cynthia suddenly felt the urge to swim as well.
Rising gracefully on long, slender legs, she glanced at Natsume, her fair cheeks tinged pink as she murmured:
"Actually… I brought another swimsuit."
"Huh?!"
Cynthia's finger hovered over the buttons of her light-blue shirt.
The sunlight spilled through, faintly revealing the black swimsuit beneath.
The rustle of fabric, a flash of snow-white skin—Cynthia crossed her arms, gaze lowering, her face burning red.
Natsume's breath hitched, frozen in place.
...
At dusk, the waves shimmered gold under the fading light, the rhythmic shhh of the tide bringing a sense of calm.
"Sylveon~" Sylveon's pristine form basked in the sunset, ribbons swaying, unbearably cute.
"Let's head back."
Cynthia dusted off the sand, turning to Natsume, her gray eyes clear and captivating.
In them, Natsume could see the sun sinking into the sea—a breathtaking sight.
He smiled faintly, nodding in satisfaction:
"Let's go. I'll make dinner!"
Instantly, excited cries erupted from the little ones behind them.
Howls and cheers, Garchomp swinging its twin scythes, even Lucario letting out a half-hearted bark.
Then, surrounded by the whole family, the two walked leisurely toward Sandgem Town.
"Oh, there's one more thing I forgot to mention."
"What?"
"The Lunar Feather was a bonus from the Regigigas incident."
Cynthia smiled.
"And as for the poachers… there's a Pokémon egg. Might even be a pseudo-legendary."
Natsume's brain short-circuited.
Despite the warm spring air, a familiar chill crept up his spine.
"A… pseudo-legendary?"
Cynthia relayed the Sinnoh League's decision, adding softly:
"It needs to find a Trainer worthy of it."
"Of course, no one's forcing you to catch it. After all…"
Tucking a strand of golden hair behind her ear, she smiled. "Encounters between lives are complicated things."
Natsume pressed his lips together.
Logically speaking, if it was something like Beldum—a pseudo-legendary that wasn't too expensive to raise—he could manage.
Un-evolved, it'd be low-maintenance, even usable as workout equipment.
But if it was a Bagon or Larvitar—those krypton gold sinks…
Natsume shuddered.
Yet Cynthia's words struck a chord.
Through Pokémon Hunter J and Poacher Rico, he'd seen the fury of abused Salamence and Tyranitar.
Years of mistreatment and endless battles had filled them with hatred.
This egg's offspring still had a chance—to meet a kind Trainer, to live a happier life…
"I'm such an idiot… just like Ash."
Natsume shook his head wryly, meeting Cynthia's gaze:
"I'll only handle the hatching. If we're incompatible, or if it doesn't adjust well… we'll send it back."
Cynthia's eyes softened, nodding cheerfully.
There was a theory in hatching circles: Pokémon hatched by their Trainer often developed similar personalities.
And over time, their traits would mirror their Trainer's more and more.
She was curious—what kind of life would emerge from this egg?
"Then, in a few days, I'll deliver the egg to you," Cynthia said warmly.
"You're returning to the Sinnoh League?"
She nodded slightly.
Natsume sighed regretfully.
"I'll be judging the Wallace Cup soon… Just have Lucian bring it to Lake Valor."
Cynthia's eyes widened in surprise.
"Wallace actually invited you as a Pokémon Contest Judge?"
Natsume nodded, clearing his throat.
"Guess I really am… a Top Coordinator."
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