"Finally home!"
Johan pushed open the door and took a deep breath, savoring the familiar atmosphere of his small, cozy home.
"Cough, cough…"
Even though he'd only been gone for about a week, a thin layer of dust had already settled over everything.
"Driii?"
Dratini cautiously slithered inside, its large, curious eyes surveying the warm and snug interior.
Gengar, ever the self-proclaimed big brother, patted Dratini reassuringly on the back, baring its teeth in a cheerful grin.
"Ka-kah!"
Don't worry, kiddo. Big bro's got you covered!
"Alright, no need for words—let's clean up first."
Johan issued the "mission" with practiced authority.
He'd been away for nearly a week and had experienced quite a bit during that time.
Helping Lance restore the Red Gyarados, battling at the Mauville, Saffron, and even Viridian gyms, meeting Sabrina, Giovanni, Professor Birch, Professor Oak, and Green—it had been a whirlwind of activity.
More importantly, though, he'd captured Dratini and evolved Gastly into Gengar!
He'd also collected several valuable items: a Giant Dragon Scale, a Metal Coat, a Dragon Fang, and even some Technical Machines.
Originally, Professor Oak had invited Johan to stay a couple more days to discuss research findings in greater depth.
But both Johan and Gengar had refused.
For Johan, there were lectures to prepare for tomorrow.
As for Gengar? Well, it found Professor Oak's peculiar friendliness… unsettling.
It felt like the professor might be eyeing it for some mysterious purpose.
And Johan's refusal? Definitely not because he was worried Oak might tempt him with one of the starter Pokémon—Bulbasaur, Squirtle, or Charmander.
Even though these iconic choices held a certain allure for any Pokémon lover, Johan's current finances were better suited to ensuring he and his Pokémon didn't starve.
Absolutely not because he feared being burdened with a special Pokédex, loaded with tasks and responsibilities.
After all, who typically received those special Pokédexes?
Red, Green, Ethan, Silver—all protagonists.
And what did they face?
Freezing, fires, and relentless attacks from sinister organizations.
Not to mention the real problem: being targeted by Legendary Pokémon.
Super Mewtwo was already more than enough trouble for Johan.
The only thing he regretted was missing the chance to meet Red or Ash—or perhaps even both.
But with their abilities, he was certain they'd cross paths someday.
Hopefully… much later.
"Home is safe."
As Gengar and Alolan Vulpix introduced Dratini to its new surroundings, Johan entered the bathroom and emerged with a mop, bucket, and cleaning cloths.
"Gengar, you're on ceiling, walls, and all the nooks and crannies."
"Vulpix, handle the bed, tables, and surfaces."
"Tinkatuff, the floors are yours!"
The three Pokémon saluted with enthusiasm.
After all, they'd done this many times before and were quite accustomed to the process.
"Driii?"
Dratini blinked curiously at Johan, clearly waiting for its task.
After a moment of thought, Johan assigned the bathroom to Dratini.
"You'll be in charge of cleaning the bathroom with water," he said.
It was only fitting since Dratini was the only one capable of using water.
"Just remember—whatever you do, don't use Water Gun."
"Driii!"
Thrilled to be entrusted with a job, Dratini chirped happily and slithered off with a cloth in its mouth.
Johan, meanwhile, took charge of the kitchen—a crucial area that demanded his personal attention.
Thus began the grand Johan's House Cleanup Mission in earnest.
Gengar floated up to the ceiling, a cloth in hand. It huffed lightly at a light fixture, then wiped it meticulously until it squeaked.
"Gengar, use water, not saliva. That's the fifth lampshade you've ruined!" Johan's voice rang out from the kitchen.
"Ka-kah!"
I know, I know!
Gengar shouted back indignantly.
It wasn't saliva this time—just a little breath!
As it inspected the light fixture, Gengar froze, realizing the lampshade was thinning before its eyes.
"Ka… Ka-kah…"
This should be fine… probably.
"Vulpix! Stop burrowing into the blankets. You'll complain about being cold tonight if they're dirty!"
"Wu… Oowu?"
Poking its head out from the cozy folds, Alolan Vulpix gave an innocent look, then took a deep breath, savoring the scent.
"Oowu…"
But Johan's scent is so comforting!
"Tinkatuff, remember—you're holding a mop, not your hammer! Be gentle!"
Unconvinced, Johan left the kitchen to check.
Sure enough…
Snap!
A very serious-looking Tinkatuff stood clutching a mop handle snapped clean in two, contemplating how to repair it.
Johan groaned, pressing a hand to his forehead.
"I should've remembered you've all gotten stronger after our travels."
"Ka-kah"
"Oowu"
"Driii~~"
The trio chimed in unison, their faces lighting up with smiles.
Don't worry, we forgive you.
Johan: "…"
He was used to this.
"Wait, where's Dratini?"
Johan suddenly realized the bathroom had been eerily quiet.
A foreboding sense of dread crept over him.
What if… opening the door revealed a bathroom transformed into a watery mess?
Steeling himself, Johan cautiously approached.
With a deep breath, he opened the door…
Thankfully, there was no flood.
Dratini had indeed refrained from using Water Gun.
But…
Johan's eye twitched at the sight.
The bathroom was crammed with soap suds—bubbles filled every inch of the room, forming a frothy fortress.
Amid the foam, a familiar thud sounded.
Dratini poked its head out of the bubbles, its face beaming with a silly, bubbly grin.
"Driii~~"
Johan let out a dry laugh.
Eventually, the cleanup concluded.
Sitting on the couch with a steaming cup of tea, Johan exhaled in relief.
"Finally done."
While there were plenty of minor hiccups, the process went smoothly overall.
At least, compared to the first time he'd cleaned with his Pokémon, when they'd caused a blackout, frozen the house, and shattered the tiles.
Things had improved considerably.
With everyone's cooperation, the house was spotless—and most importantly, still intact.
But as he surveyed his cozy home, Johan couldn't help but realize something.
"This place… might be getting a bit small."
It was charmingly snug, sure, but Gengar's newly evolved bulk was clearly a tight fit.
Gengar, now a certified pudgy powerhouse, struggled to maneuver in the cramped space.
For now, they could manage.
But if Vulpix and Dratini evolved? The house would definitely feel crowded.
"Maybe… it's time to consider moving."
The idea of leaving his current home made Johan feel wistful.
But for the sake of his Pokémon's growth and comfort, it was something he'd have to seriously consider.
Ideally, he thought, a place with an attached storefront would be perfect.
A café or a Pokémon psychology clinic could bring in some extra income.
While Johan mulled over his options, his Pokémon kept themselves busy.
Gengar floated in midair, gnawing on the Dark Stone shards Giovanni had given it, while a pink incense burner released faint wisps of smoke nearby.
Tinkatuff, thrilled with its new Metal Coat, was hammering away on the balcony.
With its upgraded hammer, it was likely even stronger now.
As for Vulpix, it was sprawled on the bed, diligently studying a Technical Machine to learn Pain Split.
Occasionally, it let out thoughtful little hums as it nodded in understanding.
And Dratini?
Its biggest challenge at the moment was figuring out how to consume the massive Dragonite scale they'd acquired.
Despite breaking the scale into smaller pieces, it remained a daunting task for Dratini's delicate teeth.
The solution? Take it slow and steady.
"Ding-ding!"
Johan's phone buzzed, interrupting his thoughts.
The message was from the academy's dean of academics, asking if he'd returned.
The principal had brought the rewards for passing the instructor certification exam and wanted Johan to pick them up tomorrow.
----------
Powerstones?
For 20 advance chapters: patreon.com/michaeltranslates