November 23rd, Monday
Under the dim evening sky, steam rose from the hot springs, faint starlight peeking through.
"After the soak, let's catch that movie," Red waved. "See you soon."
"S-See you…" Yellow's reply was barely audible.
The springs were divided into two pools—Pokémon permitted. Natsume naturally brought all his Poké Balls.
In the changing room, Red peeled off his shirt. "Snor loves hot springs too."
"Snor…?" Natsume blinked.
"Ah, Snorlax."
...
THUD!
Snorlax belly-flopped into the pool, sending a geyser skyward. Water rained down seconds later as it sighed contentedly, a towel draped over its head.
"This guy never changes," Red laughed.
The water level had risen significantly. Bubbles erupted as Gengar burst through the surface, butterfly-stroking with gusto.
Squirtle eyed the dozing Venusaur nervously.
Natsume's friends are all monsters!
A determined glint flashed in its eyes. Steady growth is key.
Despite being Fire-type, Growlithe dog-paddled past with Togepi on its back, while Natsume wrestled a reluctant Sylveon into the water, combing its snow-white fur.
"Sylveon…" Its ears twitched adorably.
"You two are close," Red remarked, Pikachu perched on his head.
"We've been through a lot," Natsume said.
Sylveon dunked itself, leaving only its eyes above water, blowing bubbles.
A Trainer's strength wasn't just levels—it was bonds, trust, the ties between human and Pokémon.
Red smiled.
...
A floating tray of fresh fruit drifted by. Gengar, Squirtle, and Togepi (smallest to largest) sat poolside, towels on their heads, feet kicking.
Red strained to haul Snorlax out. "Snor, time to go!"
"Snorlax…" It yawned, unmoved.
Natsume's eye twitched as Snorlax shifted maybe a centimeter.
Is this the legendary Pewter City physique?!
Finally, Natsume pulled a Pokéblock from Gengar's fourth-dimensional stash and placed it by the exit.
The scent hit Snorlax's nose—its eyes snapped open, glowing red.
CRASH!
The door now featured a Snorlax-shaped hole.
"Thanks," Red sweatdropped.
"Anytime."
...
Hearing the commotion, Yellow rushed over. "What happened?!"
"It's—" Red froze.
Yellow's usual ponytail cascaded loose over her shoulders, carrying a faint floral scent.
"Senior Red?" She blushed.
"Cat got your tongue?" Natsume elbowed Red.
"Just hit me…" Red scratched his head. "Yellow's a girl!"
Natsume: ???
Is that a compliment in Battler-speak?!
Yellow, oddly accustomed, smiled shyly.
"Pika!" Red's Pikachu cradled its mate, shooting its Trainer a "Pathetic" look.
Natsume changed into a cardigan and wooden sandals, ready to give them space—until his phone rang.
Cynthia's face filled the screen. "Snow in Sinnoh. First of the season."
Natsume glanced at the clouded, snowless sky. "I'll call when mine arrives."
"Deal."
Beside them, Red and Yellow gaped.
"Senior Red!" Yellow whispered. "That's—!"
"Champion Cynthia," Red confirmed, equally stunned.
"Company?" Cynthia asked.
"The World Champion and his girlfriend," Natsume said. "Probably."
Girlfriend?!
Red and Yellow turned beet-red.
"Red?" Cynthia's voice warmed. "How's his injury?"
Natsume flipped the camera.
"Hello," Red greeted politely.
"Long time," Cynthia smiled. "Recovering well?"
"Getting there."
"Natsume-sensei has been in your care."
"The honor's mine!" Red sweatdropped. If anything, he's the one outclassing me.
The call ended after Cynthia's "You look cute today" left Natsume grinning at a blank screen.
...
Post-movie strolls through the lantern-lit plaza saw Yellow hesitantly ask: "Natsume-sensei and Sister Cynthia… are they…?"
Red shook his head. "He's amazing. In every way."
Yellow murmured, "Do people think we're like that…?"
"Huh?"
"Nothing!"
Red suddenly brightened. "Oh! Gotta call Mr. Blaine for Natsume-sensei's Gym challenge!"
"Eh?"
"He'll save time if Blaine comes to him."
Dialing, Red cheerfully arranged the "friendly match."
...
Back at the inn, Natsume's peace was shattered by Growlithe's barking.
A tall, sunglasses-and-wigged man with a comical mustache stood at the door.
"About the hot spring damages…"
"I'll pay!" Natsume said hastily.
"No need!" The man stroked his beard. "Battle me instead!"
Natsume paused.
Since when do battles cover repair bills?!
Recognition dawned. "You're… Mr. Blaine?"
"Wh-What?! This disguise is flawless!"
"The guidebook lists you as the owner."
Blaine yanked off his wig, fanning himself. "Forgot about that…"
"Red sent me," he admitted. "Ready for a fiery showdown?!"
"Pass."
Blaine deflated—until Growlithe tugged his pants, eyes blazing.
Last time at Saffron Gym was a fluke!
This time, I'll make Trainer proud!
Natsume met its determined gaze.
Blaine was strong, but not Legendary strong. With Squirtle's type advantage as backup…
Sometimes, a Trainer's job is to answer his Pokémon's heart.
"Alright."
Returning Growlithe to its Luxury Ball, Natsume straightened.
"Mr. Blaine—let's battle."
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