After another month, Saturo finally turned 8. But this time, he didn't want to celebrate his birthday.
The only joy for him was his Pokémon—his "children." Because no matter how much he tried to correct Gible and Beldum, they would just take it as him not wanting to take responsibility and rush to Cynthia, who would then sarcastically fight him in a playful manner.
Meanwhile, Escanor and "Oriana" (Gible's name) would smugly watch as their "mom" tore their "dad" a new one.
After a gruesome battle with half-blindness, Saturo finally got his bandana removed.
Though he was given a pair of sunglasses to wear—the kind Dark-type Pokémon use to boost their attacks.
Saturo:
"Finally… I'm free."
Nurse Joy:
"No, you aren't. The only reason you were able to remove that bandana is because of that Haunter behind you."
A Haunter licked Saturo playfully, making its presence known.
Saturo:
"What's that?" (pointing at the glasses)
Nurse Joy:
"Oh, you mean these? I specially ordered them for you. These are Black Glasses, customized."
Saturo:
"What's the difference between normal ones and these?"
He looked like he was being scammed.
Nurse Joy:
"Well, to make these, you follow the normal process of making glasses. But then, Dark-type Pokémon have to wear them for quite some time to infuse them with their energy. Since you're psychic, these should weaken your powers."
The Haunter suddenly made Saturo wear the spectacles.
Cynthia: (acting coy)
"Can I get one too, maybe?"
Nurse Joy immediately kicked both of them out.
"Don't get hurt. I don't want to see your faces around here again."
Oriana leaped from Cynthia straight onto Saturo's head and started biting him instantly.
Escanor tried to stop her—but Cynthia's glare made him pause.
Then… he started helping Oriana by pushing Saturo forward.
Saturo:
"Cut it out, you two!"
Cynthia patted Escanor's head.
Cynthia:
"Good boy."
Escanor:
"Thanks, Mom."
Saturo, while getting his head bitten:
"…."
Oriana became jealous and rushed to Cynthia's side like a child asking for praise.
Cynthia:
"Good girl!"
She hugged both Pokémon.
Then Oriana started "surfing" on Escanor as they headed home.
Cynthia suddenly smashed a pan on Saturo's head and started running.
Saturo—still adjusting to his eyes—got angry and chased after her like a madman…
Only to get hit by a flying Feebas Cynthia had caught a few months earlier.
After 2 days of recovery
Saturo asked Cynthia for a private talk.
Saturo:
"Let's train our Pokémon."
Cynthia:
"No. My Oriana and Escanor are too fragile."
Saturo:
"That's what training is for, dum—"
Cynthia's hand reached for something.
Saturo immediately covered his mouth.
Cynthia:
"Well then… let's begin your training alongside theirs, shall we?"
She smiled maliciously.
Escanor and Oriana, standing beside her, seemed to agree.
Why the hell did we get dragged into their couple squabble…?