Sinnoh League, Lily of the Valley Island
Cynthia set aside her paperwork, lazily propping her chin in one hand as she skimmed through her tablet's schedule.
"All done with the reports," she murmured. "Next up is that exhibition in Canalave City..."
Given her secondary role as a mythology scholar, the Sinnoh League had granted its Champion a three-day break during the research conference.
Considering Granny Bertha's age, Flint and Aaron's playful tendencies, and the fact that Psychic-type Elite Four member Lucian was the only mature and reliable one left…
The higher-ups had decided—after this rotation, they would give Lucian a proper vacation. Absolutely.
Pulling out her phone, Cynthia glanced at the screen, her lips curling into an unconscious smile.
Then, answering the call, she adopted a stern tone:
"Don't be late for the Canalave exhibition next week."
"My stomach might hurt that day," Natsume said.
Cynthia's voice softened. Knowing Natsume's chronic issues, she reassured him:
"The conference only lasts three days. Avoid spicy food, adjust your sleep schedule—I'll supervise you starting today."
"How exactly will you supervise me?" Natsume asked curiously.
"Gengar~ （´v｀）"
A sinister chuckle and an eerie chill seemed to creep up behind him.
Natsume whipped around—nothing there. Frowning, he looked down.
Gengar was peering up at him from his own shadow, blinking innocently.
"Traitor! It was Gengar all along?!" Natsume shoved Gengar back into the shadow.
"Gengar Glub glub" Bubbles floated up as Gengar "drowned," slowly sinking into the darkness...
"Gengar will monitor you for me," Cynthia said cheerfully. "A week is plenty of time to get you in shape for the event."
"Can I just... not go?"
"No." Cynthia's tone brooked no argument. "Because this is our shared achievement."
Silence. The atmosphere grew oddly charged.
"Don't get any weird ideas," Cynthia said sweetly, though her voice carried a frosty edge.
"Got it. I'll be there!" Natsume thumped his chest emphatically.
Cynthia paused, then hurriedly muttered, "I—I'm hanging up now."
Click.
The call ended abruptly. Natsume scratched his head.
"After all this time, she's still getting flustered over stuff like this..."
"Gengar~ ( ╯▽╰)
"Weren't you drowning just now? How'd you recover so fast?"
Gengar froze, then promptly flopped onto the floor, tongue lolling out: "Gengar~(๑´ㅂ`๑)"
Natsume ignored the theatrics. Meanwhile, Togepi toddled over, waving a Revival Herb:
"Togepi doo-ee~ ヽ(￣▽￣)ノ"
Instantly, cold sweat beaded on Blastoise's forehead.
Adjusting its sunglasses with a trembling flipper, it stared in horror at the garden:
"Blastoise (OдO)"
Gone. The Revival Herb had been plucked.
Dejected, Blastoise glanced at Togepi, then slumped in a corner, drawing circles in the dirt.
"Blastoise..."
Maybe I should install a fence around the garden...
Natsume patted Blastoise's shell consolingly.
"We'll replant it. I'll order you a Psyduck watering can online."
Blastoise glanced back at its shell—confirming no cracks—and nodded solemnly.
The research conference was next week.
Last year, Natsume had attended as just an ordinary finance student.
Back then, his only notable traits were being handsome, an exceptional cook, witty, effortlessly elegant... really, nothing too impressive.
This time, he'd be teaming up with Moe-Moe!, playing more of a supporting role.
Still, it'd be a chance to reunite with old friends like Bill, Professor Oak, and Sonia—basically a work retreat disguised as a trip.
With his plans settled, Natsume headed out to pick up his package.
Meanwhile, Gengar and Blastoise set off together.
"Gengar! (￣▽￣)／" (We're going to Professor Rowan's backyard!)
"Sure, just be back for dinner."
Natsume paused. "Take Sirfetch'd with you. It's not good for it to mope around alone."
"Sirfetch'd"
Sirfetch'd was sprawled on the couch, chips and soda within reach, binge-watching dramas with Togepi.
Mid-laugh, it looked up blankly as Blastoise approached with grave determination.
Then—hoisted onto Blastoise's shoulder, it was carried toward the research lab.
"Blastoise… ヾ(■_■)" (Sirfetch'd's dedication is inspiring. Even lazing at home, it keeps up with the team. I must train harder!)
"Sirfetch'd! (′?`)σ" Waving its leek, Sirfetch'd wriggled indignantly.
Put me down! The detective's about to reveal the killer!
This is so unfair, quack!
Elsewhere, Natsume rode his sturdy Arcanine through the tranquil town.
"Arcanine!"
Arcanine trotted beneath cherry blossom trees, sniffing at the drooping branches.
After a sneeze, it grinned dopily, basking in the serene stroll.
"'In me the tiger sniffs the rose,'" Natsume declared.
"Arcanine? (O_o)" Arcanine tilted its head.
"It means we're gathering petals to make sakura mochi later."
"Delibird! ?"
At the post office, a flock of Delibird stood in formation, all turning to stare in unison.
Delibird chorus: (⊙-⊙)
Natsume pointed at one. "I know you! You delivered my Gym Badge!"
The Delibird clutched its forehead: "Deli! (ー`´ー)" (It's the forehead-flicking menace!)
"You're in a meeting? No wonder you couldn't deliver today."
Natsume cheerfully collected his parcel. "Next time, I'll treat you to snacks."
Delibird eyed Arcanine's bared teeth and shook its head violently:
"Deli! （｀へ´）" (I quit. No more deliveries!)
The package contained Valerie's 『Choice Trio』—luxury battle-enhancing items.
Bag in hand, Natsume walked back through the blossoms, golden-maned Arcanine at his side.
"Arcanine!" Arcanine gazed up at the falling petals, its usually fierce expression softening.
Natsume scooped up a handful of petals to rinse for sakura mochi.
The blossoms, peeking from the branches, seemed to blush as they watched the handsome trainer pass.
BOOM!
A thunderous crash shattered the peace.
Natsume turned toward Professor Rowan's garden.
Dark clouds swirled over the mountains, lightning flickering within.
"Storm?"
He glanced at the sunny sky overhead. "Huh. Sunshower, then."
"Better get home before the laundry gets soaked. Dinner, then a match with Gold, then stream time!"
Patting Arcanine's mane, he shouted:
"Charge forth! Full speed ahead!"
"Arcanine!! (｀0′)"
A blaze of orange streaked through the petals, kicking up a pink whirlwind in its wake.
Sunlight filtered back through the trees, and the grove returned to stillness...
...
As dusk settled, Gengar and Blastoise made their way home, followed by a sulky Sirfetch'd trailing behind like a wronged bride.
"Sirfetch'd!(っ*´Д`)っ" Sirfetch'd was still shaken.
Oh my feathers! Those storm clouds were actually summoned by Blastoise?!
This is terrifying! And you call this a "slackers' team"?!
Life is so hard, quack~!
Natsume glanced at Gengar. "How was training?"
"Gengar! (￣▽￣)／" Gengar waved its tiny hands with a toothy grin.
Natsume nodded slightly, lost in thought.
Did I just see renovation trucks heading toward the research institute earlier?
Hmm... Probably nothing to do with me.
He washed the freshly gathered cherry blossom petals and prepared sakura mochi with red bean paste, carefully placing them into Rotom's oven form.
Ding!
When the timer went off, Natsume slipped on oven mitts and pulled out the steaming tray.
The sweet aroma filled the room, making the little ones drool: (ˉ﹃ˉ)
After plating and arranging the mochi on the dining table, the Pokémon gathered around—only to freeze in unison, staring at the delicate treats.
Natsume raised an eyebrow. "Why aren't you eating?"
"Gengar~ (｀Д｀)" Gengar teared up, unable to bring itself to ruin such beautiful mochi.
"Arcanine! (ㄒoㄒ)" Arcanine shook its head.
Too pretty to eat! Rotom! o(TヘTo)
Natsume shrugged. "What's wrong with you all?" He picked up a warm mochi and took a big bite: (￣～￣) chew.
The others gulped audibly.
Then—a cherry-colored ribbon sneaked out from under the table, swiftly snatching a mochi.
Natsume bent down to look and found Sylveon with its back turned, peeking guiltily over its shoulder:
"Sy-Sylveon! _w(ﾟДﾟ)w"
"Tasty?" Natsume asked with an amused smile.
"Sylveon! (〃＞皿＜)" (Delicious!)