Moving is unquestionably a taxing endeavor.
As twilight approached, the packing was finally completed. The neighborhood committee's aunt smiled warmly and gestured, saying, "If you need anything in the future, don't hesitate to ask, dear!"
"Of course!" The Machoke flexed their muscles, striking a Bulk Up pose in unison and cheering.
Luke nodded, smiling, "Absolutely!"
The new residence was a small villa with an open courtyard, surrounded by low walls covered in lush green vines. It bore a resemblance to Shinnosuke Nohara's home.
Luke surveyed it briefly and nodded in approval. Renting this villa in Magic City for just 10,000 yuan a month was undoubtedly a steal.
"This is our new home," Luke announced with a smile. "Let's clean up and prepare dinner later."
"Jie jie~!" Haunter eagerly carried a box.
Squirtle wiped his brow, placed the fish tank on the ground, and was taken aback.
Weren't we supposed to carry our own luggage? Then why isn't Eevee carrying anything?
"Vui~?" Eevee gave Squirtle a sideways glance. Do you have a problem with that?
Squirtle hesitated for a moment, then swiftly picked up the fish tank and headed indoors. He wasn't going to argue!
As Squirtle took the fish tank inside, a glint appeared in his eyes. His Aura had already sensed something unusual. This couldn't be Illusion Technique!
Luke laughed, donned an apron, and instructed, "Haunter, tidy up the rooms and get ready for dinner later."
"Jie jie~! (๑`▽´๑)۶"
Eevee pushed its own roller into the living room and lay down, wagging its tail. Suddenly, its face turned red. Had it really put on weight recently?
"Vui~! (*≧▽≦)"
Eevee leaped onto the roller but soon dismissed its concerns. Its cheerful growl filled the living room: "Vui~! (*≧▽≦)"
Luke shook his head in amusement, saying, "Squirtle, please check out the second floor and place the fish tank in the bedroom."
Although the room was spacious, Luke had a habit of sleeping with his Pokémon. If they didn't sneak out in the middle of the night, it might be for the best.
"Uirt~!" Squirtle held the fish tank and climbed the stairs to the second floor, with Haunter levitating behind.
"Uirt~?" Squirtle glanced back, puzzled.
"Jie jie~!" Haunter chuckled and gestured for Squirtle to follow.
They both shared a knowing look and grinned maliciously.
Haunter & Squirtle: (o≖◡≖)
Haunter thought to himself, "The master is already so busy. He's entrusting me with this task—clearly, he wants me to train Squirtle!"
Squirtle had a similar thought. "I need to develop steadily, learn more moves, and become more useful to the master!"
They both clicked on the learning video, eager to progress.
But suddenly, the door swung open with a bang.
"Jie jie~ ?Σ(っ°Д°;)っ"
"Uirt~ !Σ(°△°|||)︴"
Haunter hastily closed the notebook and turned around.
Luke questioned suspiciously, "What's going on here?"
The two Pokémon shook their heads vigorously, denying any wrongdoing.
Luke stroked his chin. Why did it feel like they were discussing a demolition plan worth hundreds of thousands of dollars again? But it was their first day in the new house, so he decided not to dwell on it.
"Alright, let's forget about it. Come on, it's time for dinner!"
Haunter & Squirtle: ψ(｀∇´)ψ
…
"To cheers~!"
The warm orange glow illuminated the dishes, making the berries appear even more appetizing.
Luke raised his glass, clinking it with the Moomoo Milk in Squirtle and Haunter's hands.
"Jie jie~ *"
Eevee hopped onto the table, its dark eyes fixed intently on Luke.
Why aren't you toasting me?
Luke was momentarily surprised. He noticed Eevee nuzzling against a glass, so he moved closer and looked at it with anticipation.
Luke patted Eevee's little head, smiling as he touched his glass to Eevee's.
"Cheers!"
"Vui~~!" Eevee beamed, revealing a tiny fang.
"You're not accustomed to drinking Moomoo Milk, Eevee."
"Vui~!" (I want some!)
Eevee stood up, dipped its head into the glass, and started lapping up the milk.
Luke was taken aback.
Could it be that Eevee, like a cat, possesses liquid-like qualities?!
"Um... I could ask Professor Oak to undertake a research project!" Luke pondered, scratching his chin.
"Erm... erm, vui~!"
Eevee suddenly let out a burp, its face turning slightly red as it cast murderous glances all around.
Haunter and Squirtle kept their heads down, engrossed in their meal, seemingly oblivious to the situation.
If they were to look up now, things might take a dangerous turn!
"Vui~!" Eevee nodded contentedly.
...
The first day of moving was truly exhausting. Yet, upon arriving in the new environment, the Pokémon exhibited no fear of the unfamiliar. Instead, they initiated a lively gathering in the living room.
Squirtle was perfecting its Water Gun technique while Haunter wielded a mop.
They pretended to be tidying up, but in reality, they were engaged in a playful water battle.
"Vui~!" Eevee gleefully splashed around in a small pond.
"Remember to clean up after yourselves!" Luke reminded them through gritted teeth.
After another half-hour, Squirtle, who had been carrying its belongings all day, finally withdrew into slumber, utterly fatigued.
Eevee, too, let out a yawn, lying on the sofa with its head drooping occasionally.
Leaning against the wall, Luke observed the two little creatures and couldn't help but smile.
They look quite adorable when they're asleep...
But when they playfully strike back, my hand hurts a bit!
At that moment, Haunter tapped Luke's shoulder and grinned.
"Jie jie~? (ノ￣▽￣)"
Luke was momentarily startled, then suddenly realized and sighed in resignation.
"I understand. I'll take you for training now!"
He had bought a Toxic Orb for Haunter earlier, along with a promise to train together. Given the inherent danger of this training, Luke had issued specific instructions.
While he might not become a Trainer, Teacher Luke was committed to fulfilling his Pokémon's wishes as much as possible.
"The timing is just right."
Luke glanced at the deeply slumbering Eevee and Squirtle. "Shall we begin our training?"
"Jie jie~! (*≧▽≦)" Haunter eagerly nodded.
Following Koga's "Toxic Experience," Haunter, equipped with the Toxic Orb, would learn the move [Venoshock]. It was a part of their advanced Poison-type training, akin to mastering the powerful move [Sludge Bomb].
Given the extreme toxicity of these two moves, Luke couldn't afford to neglect this training. He and Haunter had an agreement: Toxic Orb usage was strictly prohibited at home, or the item would be confiscated. Haunter reluctantly accepted these terms.
"Seems like this will be my second training move," Luke mused, recalling their earlier Toxic training. "Thinking about it... I'm actually quite excited!"