The one-day teaching assignment has concluded.
After school, Luke received 20 Attribute Restraint forms from Giselle.
"Yes, the handwriting is very accurate," Luke nodded with a sense of satisfaction.
In the end, people have become the most irritating sight of the year!
"Teacher Luke!"
Summoning courage, Giselle called out to Luke as he walked out the door.
"I... Can I participate in the end-of-year Inter-school exchange competition!"
Luke stopped and raised his hand: "We'll see about your performance."
As dusk fell, Giselle was slightly dazed but quickly deepened her bow.
"Thank you very much!"
On the way home, Gengar still looked guilty.
"It's okay."
Luke patted Gengar's head.
"You were thinking of me too."
Gengar shrunk his head, and suddenly a light bulb lit up above his head.
You have to find a new job!
Saffron City… There should also be coaching opportunities!
As it got late, Erika sent a message asking Luke how his first day felt.
Erika said with a slight smile: "How was the first day of class?"
"I spent the day playing cards with the students, it was quite exhausting."
"Huh?" Erika blinked.
"Just kidding," Luke thought to himself.
In reality, it was a day of playing "Pokemon: Battle."
Since there are only two days of classes a week, Tuesday and Friday.
On days off, either stay at home or take a stroll in the vicinity.
Cynthia won't be back until the weekend.
Teacher Luke didn't say anything, but he still missed her in his heart.
Seated on the bus back to the city center, Luke leaned his head against the car window, with a dim light outside.
The Gengar next to him had fallen into a deep sleep, a drool flowing out of its mouth.
Luke put on headphones, watching the rain gradually wet the car windows, allowing his thoughts to wander.
Suddenly, Luke felt someone poking him.
Sylveon stood on Luke's lap, stood up, and the ribbon stretched towards Luke.
"Handshake?"
"Vui~! (｀Д´)ﾉ"
"Haha, okay, okay, I get it. Give me a hug."
"Vui~ !o(´^｀)o"
Sylveon's little head rested on Luke's shoulder.
It felt like holding a little kitty.
The bow on the side of Sylveon's ear shook slightly, its head swaying little by little.
Finally, the little fellow fell asleep on Luke's shoulders.
Luke gently recalled Gengar into its Poké Ball.
Holding Sylveon, he barely managed to take out the key and open the door to the house.
"Forgot to turn off the lights?"
Luke was taken aback.
Suddenly, he saw two big brothers popping out in front of him, staring at him with ominous eyes.
"Luca!"
"Kaao!"
Why are you two here!
Luke was slightly startled.
In the living room, the blonde in black clothes and insulated gloves shaped like Bewear walked out of the kitchen somewhat embarrassed, holding a plate of dark and unidentified solids.
"You're early."
Cynthia's fair face was lightly flushed with a hint of embarrassment.
"Otherwise... I might have made it."
"What is this?"
"Cake..."
"You're calling this a cake?"
"I've been practicing for a long time."
Cynthia, with her blond hair in disarray, leaned on the back of the chair and looked towards the ceiling, seemingly helpless.
"I even went to the Kalos dessert shop with Diantha..."
Lucario and Garchomp next to them glared murderously.
Can we really eat it?
Luke looked perplexed.
This isn't a matter of whether we should eat it or not.
Taking another step forward might lead to hell!
Luke took a deep breath and picked up the spoon tremblingly.
Finally, he put down the spoon and said seriously:
"Let's open a coffee shop together in Kalos."
"I will definitely teach you how to make desserts and drive those unscrupulous merchants away."
Cynthia, in a lazy manner, with her head on the table and her blond hair hanging down, raised her eyes to Luke.
Her pupils were bright, with a gray and deep luster.
"Will it take long?"
"No, every day with you feels short."
"This is in the realm of quantum mechanics."
"More accurately, it's the theory of relativity."
Cynthia tilted her head lightly, pondering for a moment.
Then she stood up and scooped the dark cake in front of him.
She cautiously put the silver spoon close to her red lips, her black long sleeves revealing her fair hands and wrists.
"It's terrible," Cynthia sighed, silently putting down the spoon.
The two leaned back in their chairs, looking at each other, silent.
The chandelier in the restaurant emitted orange and yellow light, creating a flickering play of light and shadow.
Suddenly, Cynthia couldn't help but laugh, and Luke covered his face, coughing.
"Don't eat it if it tastes bad!" Luke exclaimed.
"No, I managed to make it!" Cynthia patted the table and said.
"Don't give any to Gengar; it's just a child!"
"jie jie~! (*⊙~⊙)" " (Evil laughter!)
"Don't worry Master, I'm a Poison Type; poison isn't evil."
....
While tidying up, Luke received news that Cynthia's flight was delayed, and she would be returning.
"So you have to leave again tomorrow?"
"Yes, on the morning flight."
Cynthia lounged on the sofa, petting Glaceon with one hand and Sylveon with the other.
"Being a Champion... it's truly hard work."
"It is." Cynthia ruffled her golden's hair, her eyes forming crescents.
"When will you take over as Sinnoh Champion?"
"Being a Champion is uncertain, but there are other paths." Luke contemplated, envisioning something akin to President Rose contracting the Galar Region.
Cynthia smiled slightly, not delving further into the topic, and lazily yawned.
"I have an early start tomorrow... good night."
"Aren't you playing games anymore?"
Cynthia's steps suddenly halted.
"Battle," Cynthia's eyes lit up. "Or maybe a card game?"
"I'm up for it, if you're free."
"Gengar, pour me a cup of coffee, thanks~~"
"Jie jie~! [](￣▽￣)*"
Gengar, reinvigorated, nodded happily.
...
Wednesday, November 14.
Cynthia left for the airport early.
Teacher Luke stayed at home, preparing lesson plans.
"There are end-of-year tasks... you still have to train these kids."
Luke pondered for a moment.
"Or... should Gengar be the coach?"
However, this was just a passing thought. Teacher Luke, with a background as an assistant teacher at Magic University, was quite knowledgeable in training.
Regarding the Pokémon Trading Card, Johto's expansion pack had been successfully released, showing significant improvements in gameplay and rules. Although Kanto cards were still dominant in strength, this was a typical pattern in every card game—one generation being better than the previous. Fortunately, the Pokémon Trading Card had just begun, with at least five generations of expansions to look forward to.
"Wait until the Galar expansion pack arrives... I can rebuild the Kanto deck."
Luke stroked his chin.
"I might as well become a Kanto Let's Go, passing it down through generations!"
Unbeknownst to him, the entire morning passed quietly.
Today, it was Squirtle's turn to bring the baby. Squirtle, fearing Togepi's potential kidnapping, was visibly anxious and sweaty. Finally, Squirtle placed Togepi in an emptied fish tank, breathing a sigh of relief.
"This should be the safest place!"
Luke got up to prepare lunch for the little Pokémon, but Gengar was nowhere to be found.
"Working again to support the family?"
Luke paused, then checked the location of the special Pokédex on his mobile phone.
In an instant, Teacher Luke's expression became rather peculiar.
Pokédex location display.
Gengar's location.
Saffron Gym, guarded by Sabrina!