"Dee~dee?" (Brother, I've learned a new move!)
The younger sibling, a cheerful Indeedee, proudly announced her discovery the moment she mastered her skill. She hurried to tell her brother, only to notice the surprised look on his face as he glanced at Lin Feng.
Indeed, having a human so casually grant them new abilities was almost unbelievable.
Lin Feng smiled reassuringly and said, "That's good progress, but remember this new move will still take a lot of practice. Don't overuse it just yet, or you might strain yourself."
The move she had just acquired was Psychic Terrain, an advanced form of energy control, essentially a stronger, more specialized version of basic telekinesis. To use it properly, a Pokémon needed precise mastery over their psychic powers.
The younger Indeedee nodded earnestly, though her expression was a little complicated. Then she asked curiously, "Dee~dee?" (If my sister handles things in the orchard, what about me? Will my work just be cleaning the little house in front of the nursery?)
Lin Feng thought for a moment before replying with a smile. "Not just cleaning. You'll also help out at the front of the nursery. Come with me, I'll show you."
He guided the elder sibling back toward the reception area where Melody Huang once worked as a helper.
"In the mornings and afternoons, I'll need you here," Lin Feng explained. "Your job will be taking payments. Sometimes new customers don't understand the prices or the effects of certain items. They may ask you questions, and I'll teach you everything you need to know beforehand."
Handling the register wasn't difficult, but explaining the subtle differences in Pokéblocks and their effects would take some practice. Still, the elder Indeedee absorbed the instructions quickly, their calm and methodical nature making them an ideal candidate for the task.
Most of the nursery's clients were long-time regulars anyway, so Lin Feng wasn't particularly worried.
"Dee~dee." (So the last part is to keep the nursery clean, right?)
The elder sibling asked with quiet seriousness, as though ensuring they had understood everything perfectly.
Lin Feng paused, then chuckled. "Of course. Cleaning is important too."
Until now, he and Gardevoir had shared most of the cleaning duties. With Indeedee's arrival, the workload could finally be lightened. That they had volunteered themselves only made Lin Feng more appreciative.
"Alright," Lin Feng said with a wave of his hand, "why don't you two take some time to wander around and meet the other Pokémon here? I'll head into the kitchen to prepare food for everyone."
"Dee~dee!" (I can help in the kitchen too!) the younger sibling piped up eagerly.
Lin Feng shook his head gently. "No need. Gardevoir and I can handle it. For now, it's more important that you two settle in and get familiar with the others."
The Indeedee exchanged a quick glance. For once, they didn't argue, watching quietly as Lin Feng walked away toward the kitchen.
As soon as the door shut behind him, the elder sibling beckoned their sister closer.
The younger Indeedee trotted over with a bright expression. "Dee~dee!" (Brother, this trainer seems like a really nice person!)
The elder sibling didn't answer immediately, but his silence carried its own meaning. He, too, was starting to believe it. Still, he couldn't shake the weight of his parents' words.
Before they left home, their father had warned: If you're ever unhappy where you go, find a way to leave take your sister and protect her.
But their mother had given different advice: When you arrive somewhere new, listen to your trainer. Do your best to help them, and trust them as you would us.
Conflicting voices.
So the elder sibling had chosen caution. His plan was simple: test this new trainer quietly. If Lin Feng proved unworthy, he would take his sister and leave.
But now, seeing Lin Feng's patience and care, the first step of that "test" was already passed.
Meanwhile, his sister had grown lively, skipping about the nursery as though she had already decided this would be her new home. She hummed happily while tidying up, lifting small tools with psychic energy and putting things in place.
Before long, the two siblings were working side by side. In just a few minutes, the nursery which had been a little cluttered looked much tidier.
The younger Indeedee clapped her hands proudly. Then, her gaze fell on the counter, where several Alcremie were gathered.
She had noticed them earlier, their sweet aroma immediately catching her attention. Now she padded closer.
"Al~cremie?" (Hello there!) she greeted with a bright smile.
The Alcremie turned their eyes toward her at once. Having spent enough time in the nursery, they were no longer shy. Their initial timidity had long since melted away, replaced by cheerful curiosity.
"Dee~dee?" (You all smell so sweet…)
The younger Indeedee's gaze lingered on one particular red Alcremie, her tone filled with wonder.
"Al~cremie?" (Isn't it our desserts that smell nice?) one of them giggled.
"Alcremie!" (Yes, we bake cakes! If you eat the ones we make, you'll smell sweet too!)
Another chimed in, "Alcremie! (I heard you two were invited here by Lin Feng. Is that true?)"
The Indeedee didn't hesitate. "Dee~dee." (Yes. Our parents and Mr. Cho told us we'd be going to a very good trainer.)
At that, the Alcremie practically sparkled. They clustered closer, voices overlapping in excitement.
"Alcremie!" (That's right! Lin Feng is the best trainer we've ever met! He cooks amazing food, helps us bake cakes, even made us the biggest birthday cake we've ever seen!)
"Alcremie~" (Yes! He even let us meet Clefairy. Although… I don't miss Clefairy as much anymore…)
"Alcremie!" (Anyway, he's wonderful. Really wonderful.)
Soon, the group of Alcremie was so caught up praising Lin Feng that they forgot their new companions were even standing there.
The younger Indeedee listened intently, her eyes bright. It was often said that the best way to judge a trainer was to ask their Pokémon. And from the looks of it, Lin Feng was held in the highest regard.
Even her brother drifted closer, curiosity overcoming his reserve. The more they listened, the more something subtle began to happen.
From the heartfelt words of the Alcremie, faint emotional energy gathered in the air, flowing invisibly toward the horns of the two Indeedee. It wasn't a deliberate exchange, just the natural resonance of genuine affection.
That energy seeped into the siblings, strengthening them, making them feel lighter, happier.
It wasn't until Lin Feng's voice carried from the kitchen that they stirred again.
"Alright, everyone! Food's ready. Indeedee, could you help bring the Alcremie out to the garden?"
"Dee~dee!" (Of course!)
"Dee~dee." (Alright.)
Snapped out of their reverie, the siblings answered together. Their spirits felt brighter than ever. Carefully, they guided the Alcremie toward the garden, their hearts filled with a growing sense of belonging.
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