Seeing Ash and the others walking out from the direction of the forest, carrying wooden basins and humming a little song.
Seeing that they had finished soaking in the hot spring, Lucas glanced at the time and got up to head back to the kitchen.
Ash and the others had just put their things away and sat down in the garden to rest.
They were discussing how comfortable the hot springs deep in the forest were.
"What a comfortable hot spring."
Dawn's hair was already dry, because Dawn, Shauna, and the other girls had gone first, followed by the boys.
"Lucas is such a good person. On the surface, he said he wanted us to help out, but he actually let us go into the forest to train."
Ash lay on a lounge chair and spoke from the heart.
Brock, Dawn: ————
You don't have the slightest clue as to why he kicked you out to train, do you—
"Have you guys noticed that Lucas is really amazing? He seems to know everything. He can guide Ash's battle training, discuss Pokémon breeding knowledge with Brock, and he even gave me some guidance on being a Coordinator Trainer just now, which was a huge help."
Dawn was holding a Swinub in her arms; Piplup had already run off to play in the Lake area.
"I was wondering why you were so happy. So Lucas gave you some guidance. In that case, you'd better win the next Ribbon."
"I'll do it even without you telling me."
Ash grinned upon hearing Dawn's words, "I'll also win the next badge."
Brock looked at them and felt the same way. Over the past few days, it wasn't just Ash and Dawn who had benefited; he himself had gained a lot as well.
Seeing Gothitelle and the others returning, Lucas shouted that it was time to eat.
Everyone, humans and Pokémon alike, consciously moved tables and chairs and handed out bowls and chopsticks.
Then they sat quietly at the table, waiting for the food to be served.
Ash took a sip of the delicious soup and couldn't help but cry out in surprise.
"So delicious!"
Then he buried his head and began to eat heartily.
Brock took a sip, his eyes narrowing as a glint of light flashed through them.
"I've learned another of Lucas's dishes."
Brock said to himself.
Dinner came to an end with Gengar and Ash fighting over the last piece of meat.
In the end, Gengar emerged victorious. It tossed the meat into its mouth and then shot Ash a glance.
"Gengar gar—"
Little punk, trying to fight me? You're twenty thousand years too early.
Ash, on the other hand, looked regretful.
"Darn it, I actually lost. I'll definitely win it back next time."
"Abbreviated cry————"
Sitting in his chair digesting his food, Lucas looked at Ash and the others and asked, "How is the training going?"
Ash nodded. "I'll definitely be able to defeat Mr. Volkner when I go back this time and then take the badge!"
Ash said with a look of certainty.
Dawn also nodded from the side. "I'll also win the next Ribbon!"
Seeing this, Lucas nodded inwardly. "In that case, I won't keep you any longer. I'm sure Ash is already itching to go and challenge the Gym."
Ash scratched the back of his head sheepishly and gave a little laugh.
"When do you plan to leave?"
Ash and the others looked at each other; Brock and Dawn left the decision to Ash.
Ash and Pikachu looked at each other. He scratched the back of his head again and then straightened his hat.
"If it's alright, we'll leave in a bit."
Lucas gave an "en" of agreement, and then at the entrance of the Breeding House, he handed them the wooden plaques he had prepared for them.
Seeing them staring at the wooden plaques in their hands, Lucas said with a smile, "A little gift for you. I wish you good luck in battle and a safe journey."
"If there's anything you can't resolve, remember to tell me."
As soon as Lucas said those words, he regretted it.
It's over.
These are Ash and his friends, not Gary and Paul.
These are characters who are present for every major incident————
This is a death sentence; I've really put my foot in it.
Ash and the others carefully tucked away the wooden plaques and then gave Lucas a deep bow.
"We understand, Lucas. Thank you for your care and guidance these past few days."
"Remember to call Auntie Delia often to let her know you're safe. She's very worried about you."
After Lucas finished speaking, he waved his hand, signaling them to leave quickly. Then he took down the sign hanging at the entrance of the Breeding House and closed the Breeding House's main door.
Seeing the closed door of the Breeding House, Ash and the others looked at each other and then gave a passionate shout.
"Alright, next we're going to achieve our goals. We absolutely cannot let Lucas down!"
"Let's go, Pikachu."
"Pika————chu!"
A Thunderbolt to freshen the spirits.
Brock, Dawn: ————
"We can't lose either, Piplup."
"Piplup Piplup."
Inside the Breeding House, Lucas, listening to the voices outside, glanced at Gengar beside him and then tugged at the corners of its mouth.
"Gengar, how about we have Gary participate in the League Conference too? When the time comes, we'll go to the scene to watch the matches. I'm sure it'll be quite a sight, right?"
After saying that, Lucas broke into an evil laugh.
Gengar's face was constantly being deformed in Lucas's hands. "Gengar gar—Gengar gar—"
So that was the idea you were harboring at the time.
I knew you weren't a good person.
After messing around with Gengar for a while, a phone call came in. Lucas took a look; it was Gary.
He and Gengar then shared a knowing smile and answered the phone.
Gary called to ask Lucas about some issues regarding Shieldon. Lucas looked at the several Shieldon eating in the video, gave some advice, and then spoke up just as Gary was about to hang up the phone.
After coming out from his bath, Lucas leaned back and lay down on the bed.
He pulled out his phone and skillfully opened Cynthia's chat window.
Lucas: I have a particularly good idea regarding the League Conference. I'm sure it will make the League Conference even more exciting.
Cynthia: ?
Lucas: It's a secret for now.
—
Lucas: [Shh]
Cynthia: [Smile]
Cynthia: [Garchomp]
Cynthia: [Lucario]
Lucas: You'll find out when the time comes, hee hee.
Cynthia: It's snowing here.
Cynthia: [A picture of snow]
Lucas: Snow, huh———— I wonder if it will snow here. I've never seen snow in all my life.
Cynthia: For real?!
Lucas: Really. I'm a Southerner.
Lucas put down his phone and hid under the covers, feeling a bit unaccustomed. Then, holding Mime Jr., he rolled around on the bed a few times, naturally falling onto the floor and landing in Ninetales' embrace.
Ninetales: ?!
Ninetales: Happy.
Lucas looked at Gengar, who was sleeping on the ceiling. "I wonder if it will snow here, and when it will snow."
"If it snows, let's go out and build a snowman, okay? I've never built a snowman before."
"What does snow feel like? Gengar, do you know?"
"Gengar gar————"
Hmm———— It should be icy and cool, right?
Lucas kept talking about things related to snow, and eventually, as he spoke, he fell asleep.
Ninetales gently covered him and Mime Jr. with its tails.
"Gengar gar"
Goodnight.
Then the room's light was switched to a night light.
In the latter half of the night, Lilligant was sleeping by the Lake with Snorunt and Roserade. She opened her eyes and found many small white flowers falling onto her face, icy and cool.
The temperature began to drop.
Inside the room, the color of Ninetales' fur turned a bit more crimson, and then its tails tightly wrapped around Lucas and Mime Jr.
Early the next morning.
"Gengar, it's snowing!!!"
"Gengar gar—"
It's snowing!!!