Chapter 229: A Typical Start of Winter
November 7th, Wednesday. The beginning of Winter.
A light drizzle pattered against the window, and the temperature had suddenly dropped. As expected, Sylveon was burrowed deep into the blankets, reluctant to leave its cozy spot. Meanwhile, Togepi had claimed a small pillow, curled up in an egg-like shape, snoring softly.
Yawning, Lu Ye pulled on a hoodie and got out of bed. Gengar stood in front of the mirror, brushing its teeth alongside him. Though he was used to this, Lu Ye still couldn't help but complain, "Do ghosts even need to brush their teeth?"
"Gengaa!" Gengar gargled, then flashed a sparkling white grin.
"…Forget I said anything."
His parents called. Aside from reminding him to dress warmly, they also told him to eat dumplings today, a family tradition for the start of winter. His mother, Liang Fang, dusted flour off her apron as she nagged, "Do you want me to send you some homemade dumplings?"
"No need. I'll make them with my Pokémon tonight."
"That works… Oh, by the way, that regional championship you won—was it a big deal?" she sounded confused. "Your dad's been bragging about it to everyone for a whole week."
"It was just a friendly competition, nothing to worry about," Lu Ye chuckled.
"If you say so. As long as you're doing well…" Then, she added shyly, "Oh, your dad's planning a trip with me soon. He says it's like… a belated honeymoon or something."
Hearing that, Lu Ye felt a mix of emotions. He sighed, smiling helplessly. "Go enjoy your trip! Don't worry about me."
After some more family talk, Lu Ye casually mentioned his plans to study in Kanto. His parents had no objections. His father, Lu Yong, simply said, "You brat, just take care of yourself and don't bother your mother and me!"
Lu Ye: … Fine. No house, no car, and now even my parents are busy.
Pokémon Chat Group
Everyone was discussing the dumpling tradition.
Green: Do they boost a Pokémon's friendship level?
As expected of a hardcore breeder… Lu Ye sweatdropped. "They're just delicious, that's all!"
Erika: (¯﹃¯)
Blue: "I remember Brock mentioning he was making dumplings too, right? Can we go mooch off him?"
Brock replied via voice message, "I'm in the middle of making them! If you guys want to come over, feel free… Geodude, give me a hand!"
Red: "With all his siblings, he probably has to make at least ten servings… Maybe we shouldn't disturb him."
Then, Lorelei sent a photo. It was a selfie—she and Misty were at a hotpot restaurant in Cerulean City. On this chilly day, steam from the hotpot had fogged up the window. Lorelei's cheeks were flushed, while Misty was making a peace sign. Even more surprising—Lorelei had added cute stickers!
Gold nearly choked from holding back laughter. He was just about to type a joke—but thankfully, his 24-hour mute was still active. Disaster averted.
Lu Ye idly scrolled the chat before deciding to stream a match. He shouted toward the living room, "Gengar! Go buy some flour and veggies this afternoon—we're making dumplings tonight!"
"Gengaa!" From the living room, Gengar, who was playing cards with Togepi, called back. Since it had just lost, Gengar leaned in and doodled on Togepi's face.
"Togi~togi!" Togepi giggled and drew a huge heart on Gengar's cheek.
"Gengaa!" Gengar hoisted Togepi onto the sofa, turned on the Pokémon Battle channel, and then picked up a shopping basket to head out. Just as it reached the door, it felt someone watching. Togepi looked up at Gengar with an eager expression.
"Gengaa?" (What do you want?)
"Togi~togi!" (I'll go instead!)
Togepi hopped once, grabbed the basket, and happily trotted outside. The drizzle had turned into a heavier rain. Togepi had barely made it down the stairs before tripping. From the shadows, Gengar quickly caught it, discreetly wiping away cold sweat.
"Togitogi~ (๓´╰╯`๓)" As Togepi walked, a group of Meowth at the alleyway entrance locked their eyes on it. "Meow!!" Just as they reached out their claws—a large shadow dropped from the sky. Growlithe's Take Down slammed into the lead Meowth! Seeing Togepi unharmed, both Growlithe and Gengar sighed in relief and quietly resumed following.
At last, they reached the supermarket. Togepi couldn't reach the flour on the high shelf. Just then, an invisible force gently lifted the bag and placed it into its basket. "Togitogi~ (≧∀≦)♪"
With the shopping list complete, Togepi checked out. A torrential downpour now blocked the way home. Togepi sat innocently on the supermarket steps. Just then, it felt a tap on its head. "Gengaa! (๑•̀ㅂ•́)و✧" Gengar stood next to it, holding up a big umbrella. "Awoo" Growlithe nudged Togepi onto its back and dashed into the rainstorm. "Togitogi o(*≧▽≦)ツ" As the rain poured down, Gengar hovered beside them, holding the umbrella steady. At the corner of a nearby alley, a drenched Sylveon finally relaxed after confirming that Togepi had made it back safely.
Back home… "Didn't I send Gengar out?" Lu Ye raised an eyebrow. "Why did all four of you end up going?" The four Pokémon exchanged glances before breaking into laughter. "Forget it…" Lu Ye shook his head with a smile. "I've boiled some hot water—go take a warm bath first."
"Togitogi~ ヾ(◍°∇°◍)ﾉﾞ" Togepi handed over the shopping bag proudly.
Lu Ye paused, then pieced things together. Ruffling Togepi's head, he smiled. "Good job, all of you."
Speaking of which, Wartortle had been in training for a week now. Given its talent… could it be preparing some ultimate move?! "That… shouldn't be the case, right?" Lu Ye poured himself a cup of tea, but as he took a sip, the teacup on the table suddenly began to tremble. An earthquake? The source was his bedroom.
Inside a water tank, Wartortle was suddenly alert. Sensing the flow of Aura, its eyes snapped open. A brilliant gleam flashed. Placing its hands together, a glowing blue energy sphere began to form. The intense Aura pressure rippled outward, making the entire villa tremble. Outside, a thunderclap roared. BOOM!! A dazzling lightning strike split the heavens.
Wartortle exhaled slowly, the Aura dissipating. With a nod, it had finally mastered—Aura Sphere: Intermediate Level!
By now, the skies had cleared. Lu Ye stared at the new "Aura Sphere" listed in Wartortle's moveset with mixed emotions. Clearly, the tremors had been caused by its training. "Wartortle…" Lu Ye swallowed. "Before using Aura Sphere, please think it through carefully!"
"Wartortle! ヾ(⌐■_■)" With a serious nod, Wartortle pushed up its sunglasses. Understood, Boss. If this is the current strength of Aura Sphere… it clearly isn't something to be used recklessly. Better to keep training!
Meanwhile, Lu Ye taught everyone how to roll dumpling wrappers.
"Vee~~ (｀・ω・´)" Sylveon wrapped its feeler around a rolling pin, meticulously pressing out skins.
"Gengaa!" Gengar used Double Team, speeding up the process at an absurd pace.
Lu Ye twitched. "Are we really going to eat this many?" Gengar gave him a side-eye. Was someone questioning its appetite?
Lu Ye's expression turned awkward. "…Right, you basically have a black hole for a stomach."
With all eyes gleaming, Lu Ye finally boiled the oddly shaped dumplings. Steam rose from the pot. He immediately recognized Sylveon's handiwork—each dumpling was carefully pleated. At the table, he poured drinks for everyone: orange juice for Sylveon, MooMoo Milk for Growlithe, distilled water for Wartortle, canned cola for Gengar, and bottled cola for Togepi. Surrounded by his Pokémon, Lu Ye felt a familiar warmth, like a father surrounded by his children.
"Vee!" (I'm digging in!)
"Gengaa! (*⊙~⊙) (I already finished!)
[Inorin Note:
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