Luke was caught off guard by Crystal's sincere gaze.
As everyone knows, newly hatched Pokémon often adopt a personality that mirrors their Trainer's.
Taking Gold as an example: Togepi from Tyranitar, Pichu from Arceus.
In a way, it's like a reflection of their Trainer's essence.
"Hatch a brave and kind Pokémon," Luke repeated, his expression peculiar. Am I really brave?
Crystal smiled gently, "Teacher Luke's willingness to befriend Gold is an act of bravery and kindness!"
Luke hesitated for a moment, momentarily speechless. Gold is truly fortunate to have a girlfriend who understands him so well!
(Gold in Johto sneezed from a distance.)
Gengar peered at the Pokémon egg in Crystal's hands, sticking out its tongue as if attempting to taste it. Luke, alarmed, quickly intervened, coughing, "This isn't a poached egg... I'll cook for you later!"
"Gengar retracted its tongue with a mischievous laugh and scratched its head enviously.
Crystal, momentarily taken aback, looked down at the Pokémon egg in her arms. Entrusted to Teacher Luke, it should be fine, right?
Determined, Crystal handed the Pokémon egg to Luke and bowed, "Please, Teacher Luke!"
Given the prior agreement with Professor Elm, Luke found it difficult to decline at this moment. Accepting the still-warm Pokémon egg, he examined it closely.
The white Pokémon egg adorned with red and blue triangular ring patterns resembled decorative items favored by girls. Though Luke found it vaguely familiar, he couldn't place it, and he asked curiously, "Which Pokémon is this?"
"Togepi," Crystal answered with a smile. "It's the younger sibling of Gold's Togekiss."
Gold's Togepi was the Pokémon egg entrusted to him by Professor Elm and later hatched. However, its developed character proved to be a source of headache for Professor Elm. As for Togepi's origin, the parents are two Togetics belonging to Jasmine, the "Johto Steel Type Gym Leader." Given their match against Tyranitar, it possesses at least 6V aptitude, making it an invaluable Pokémon for any Trainer.
Despite its worth, Luke's expression became complicated.
Togepi, a symbol of good luck, is said to be filled with happiness in its eggshell, often considered a Pokémon blessed by heaven. Could this super lucky Pokémon truly get along with him?
Luke licked his lips, glanced at Togepi's Pokémon egg, and coughed softly, "Can you provide me with Professor Elm's contact information?"
"Of course," replied Crystal, initiating a video call to Professor Elm. In no time, the connection was established.
"Oh, have the Pokémon eggs been delivered?" Professor Elm grinned, spotted Luke beside Crystal, and added, "Then, Teacher Luke, Togepi is pleased!"
"Professor, perhaps you should reconsider," Luke said with mixed emotions. "I'm afraid I might not be the right Trainer for Togepi."
"Why not!" Professor Elm pushed his glasses up and insisted, "I've conducted research, and Professor Rowan holds you in high regard. He believes people can't make mistakes."
"Moreover, you could teach it card games and billiards, just like Gold did," teased Professor Elm, setting up a flag.
It feels like you're setting up a flag, Professor Elm!
Crystal pursed her lips and added, "After all, Teacher Luke is a good person!"
Luke received yet another Good Person Card.
Looking up at the sky, he couldn't help but imagine a Togepi with a dark face, playing tactics and holding cards. It sent a shiver down his spine.
But every situation has two sides. Perhaps this little angel could bring a change of fortune to his life. Additionally, Professor Elm wouldn't give away a rare Pokémon like Togepi without a reason.
"Then, after it hatches, I'll transfer it to you," Luke said.
Professor Elm initially exclaimed, ready to suggest that Luke directly receive Togepi. However, upon reflection, he recognized the importance of nurturing the bond between people and Pokémon. The decision would be left to Luke until the day of incubation.
"No problem," Professor Elm assured with a slight smile. "I have prepared the reward."
"Then, please, Teacher Luke!" Professor Elm ended the call.
Staring at the Pokémon egg in his hands, he felt a newfound sense of responsibility. It was the first time Teacher Luke was hatching a Pokémon egg, and he cautiously embraced the role of a new father.
"Be careful... don't influence Togepi negatively!" he reminded himself.
"Gengar extended its little hands, expressing a desire to hold the Pokémon egg.
"Hmm? Are you sure you won't try to eat it?" Luke gave Gengar a suspicious look.
"jie jie~! (눈‸눈)"
"Gengar giggled, insisting that it wouldn't.
"Alright, be careful then," Luke agreed.
Taking the Pokémon egg, Gengar meticulously controlled the temperature around it. Staring at the egg's patterns, Gengar's gaze held a sense of depth.
"jie jie~! (✪ω✪)"
I hope you train it hard too.
May master's championship career shine!
Observing this, Luke couldn't shake off a slight tremor. "You two seem to get along well," he said with a smile. "I hope you grow up safely!"
Crystal, observing the interaction, silently nodded in approval. Entrusting Togepi to Teacher Luke seemed like the right choice.
After the exchange, Crystal bid farewell to Luke. When he insisted on treating her to a light meal, she was puzzled but agreed. However, within half an hour, Crystal experienced the expansive and profound world of Orient cuisine once again, this time with a tearful appreciation for the "Mushroom Little Red" lying on the table.
Luke, unfazed, calmly explained, "It's an onion; I added an onion!"
Once the farewells were exchanged, Crystal departed, leaving behind an impressed and slightly teary-eyed uncle security guard.
October 15th, at night.
Teacher Luke's home had a new addition—an eagerly anticipated Pokémon egg Togepi. Placed on the sofa, it garnered curious glances from the little fellows.
Observing Growlithe's large fangs, Luke couldn't resist teasing, "Growlithe, be careful, I might stew you tonight!"
"ao wu ~~⊙_⊙" Growlithe protested, closing its mouth.
Squirtle, cautiously testing the egg with Aura, received a warning from Luke: "Squirtle, don't use Aura to test it; this one isn't explosive!"
"uirt~ !ヾ(⌐■_■)" Squirtle responded by nudging its sunglasses.
With a reminder for an early rest, Luke looked at the Pokémon egg with a mix of exhaustion and hope. He wished silently, "I hope it doesn't hatch another problem child!"
As night fell, Teacher Luke drifted into a peaceful sleep.
Sylveon gracefully joined him on the bed, using its ribbon to switch off the bedside lamp and comfortably resting its arm.
In the darkness, Gengar playfully rubbed Growlithe's head, silently beckoning it to follow for nighttime training.
Before leaving the house, Gengar cast a glance at the Pokémon egg on the sofa and contemplated whether to bring it along for training.
Simultaneously, Togepi, a symbol of luck, began to radiate with a gentle light.