As we stepped off the ship…
A cool sea breeze wrapped around us, carrying the sweet scent and the distant hum of excited voices.
That hum suddenly sharpened as a harbor announcement rang out over the speakers, cutting cleanly through the noise of the crowd.
"Attention, visitors! Don't miss the annual summer festival now underway at Maiden's Peak! Games, dances, and delicious treats await you all. Please enjoy your stay."
The moment I heard it, I didn't even need to look. I already knew what was coming.
Behind me, something shifted in the air.
A pair of bright eyes suddenly sparkled with pure delight.
"Nyaa…!"
Meowscarada caught my hand in a flash and pulled me forward, her tail flicking with restless excitement like she couldn't wait even a moment.
I let out a soft chuckle and gave in, letting her pull me along.
Afterall festivals always had this effect on her, especially when the scent of food drifted through the air. And honestly… keeping it a surprise until now only made that reaction more satisfying.
Lopunny didn't say a word, but her excitement showed in the way she slipped to my side.
She slipped her soft paw into my free hand, her grip warm and eager, barely able to contain the excitement bubbling out of her.
Gardevoir lingered a step behind, her pace slower.
Her gaze drifted for a moment before settling on us, quiet and thoughtful, watching us with a careful, almost hesitant tenderness.
There was something in her eyes, a shadow of doubt, a pause… like she feared stepping forward would break the fragile happiness around us.
Meowscarada noticed it instantly.
She slowed her steps, then spun around with a bright, energetic "Nyaaa~!" Her green ears perked up as she reached out without hesitation.
With a big, playful grin lighting up her face, she gently grabbed Gardevoir's hand and tugged her forward, as if saying, Come on, you're part of this too!
Still holding Gardevoir, Meowscarada turned back to me, her soft paw slipping around my fingers again, this time holding on a little tighter.
A warmth spread through me, and I couldn't help but smile as the simple, loving connection between all of us deepened in that moment.
"Come on, everyone… let's enjoy this together," I said, my voice soft but bright with cheer.
"Lopun…"
"Gar…"
"Nyaa…"
…
As we moved deeper into town, the summer festival burst into full life around us.
Bright daylight made everything shimmer. Cheerful music floated through the streets, a mix of flutes, beating drums, and rhythmic clapping that pulsed with pure energy and joy.
Rows of colorful stalls stretched ahead, with small circles of people gathered around them.
Visitors paused to chat, sample sweet treats, or simply wander at their own pace. The warm festival spirit carried everyone along like a gentle current.
Amid the sights and music, Meowscarada squeezed my hand tightly, her tail swishing with uncontainable excitement…
Her mouth opened slightly, and her gaze locked onto a row of skewers roasting over an open flame.
The smell alone seemed to make her eyes shine brighter, and it stayed fixed on them, unable to look away.
Then she turned back to me, her big, pleading eyes silently begging, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
Shaking my head, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a pouch of money.
Over the past few months, the research notes I had written on different Pokémon and their environments had started bringing in a surprising amount of income.
Still, even that felt small compared to what we earned after everything that happened aboard the M.S. Aqua Wing.
The captain, along with several wealthy passengers, had rewarded us generously for stopping Team Rocket.
On top of that, the League issued a massive payout after I submitted my report on Meowscarada, a grass type defeating Sabrina's powerful Psychic-type Pokémon. It was something only Ghost-types had been capable of until now.
In the end, none of that really mattered. Smiling softly, I lifted the pouch slightly toward her, letting her know she could have it. What mattered was letting them enjoy themselves.
Meowscarada took the pouch from my hand and darted ahead, dragging a surprised Gardevoir with her.
"Slow down…!" I called, but they weaved through the festival crowd with effortless grace.
Laughter and energy spilled into the air around them. I shook my head, a warm smile tugging at my lips, and hurried to catch up.
The festival's vibrant chaos wrapped around us like an old friend, pulling us deeper into its lively heart.
Lopunny stayed quietly by my side the whole time. When I offered her a small pouch of money, she gently shook her head.
"Lopun~♡"
Instead her fingers tightened around mine as she leaned a little closer, her shoulder resting softly against my arm.
Her gaze lifted to meet mine, soft, warm, and steady.
The message was clear:
I just want to stay by your side.
I couldn't hold back a small smile. I slipped the pouch away and simply took her hand more firmly, turning our walk into our own little date.
She stayed close, her quiet warmth never leaving me as we moved through the festival together. With every step, her smile grew softer, sweeter, and more content.
…
Later, we wandered deeper into the festival.
I bought Lopunny a stick of sweet dumplings coated in warm syrup.
She ate slowly, savoring each bite. Her long ears twitched once, then relaxed completely as a look of pure contentment spread across her face.
"Lopuuun~♡" she hummed happily, leaning against my side.
Meowscarada, of course, went wild. She dragged Gardevoir from stall to stall, picking up all kinds of snacks: candied fruits, colorful shaved ice, and a variety of unique treats I couldn't even name.
Even when Gardevoir politely tried to refuse with a soft "Gar… de…" Meowscarada still pushed them into her hands with a mischievous "Nyaaa~♡".
Every time Gardevoir took a bite of something new, her eyes would light up just like they used to when she was still a tiny Kirlia, and it made my heart feel warm.
"You like it here?" I asked softly, stepping closer to her.
Gardevoir nodded, a gentle smile blooming on her face. "Gar… voir~♡"
A little bit of syrup had stuck to the corner of her lips. Without thinking, I reached out and gently wiped it away with my thumb.
Her cheeks turned a soft pink instantly. She looked up at me with wide, surprised eyes, then lowered her gaze shyly, the red core on her chest glowing a little brighter.
I couldn't help but smile.
Later, Meowscarada found a ring-toss game and played it with wild enthusiasm. Her bright laughter rang through the air, light and carefree, drawing smiles from everyone nearby.
By the time I looked ahead again, the noisy festival had faded behind us.
Without realizing it, we had wandered to a quiet shrine on the edge of the celebration.
A small crowd had gathered there, speaking in hushed, excited tones.
My Pokémon and I paused, curiosity pulling us closer.
"What's happening…?" I murmured.