Celestic Town. Cynthia's Home.
"You can stay in the same room as before; nothing's really been moved."
Cynthia sat curled up on the couch, her arms hugging her knees, her snow-white feet peeking out and lightly swaying like small fish in clear water.
"Got it."
It was convenient, after all. Johan was already familiar with the place since this was his second visit.
After putting his luggage in the room, he stepped out and found Cynthia looking at him with a pitiful expression, her large gray eyes almost irresistible.
But thinking of Garchomp's sharp sideways glare and Lucario's watchful aura…
Johan gritted his teeth and coldly declared, "I'll charge extra for that!"
"Okay~~" Cynthia obediently replied, her voice sweet.
"Hmph!"
Scoffing, Johan grabbed an apron from the wall, tied it around himself, and asked, "What do you want to eat?"
Cynthia tilted her head, blinking as though deep in thought, her hesitation and indecision written all over her face.
Johan sighed. He really shouldn't have asked.
Getting someone with choice paralysis to pick a meal? By the time she made up her mind, they'd probably need to think about tomorrow's breakfast instead.
"Noodles?"
Quick, simple, and practical.
Besides, given how rarely Cynthia stayed at home, there probably weren't many ingredients in the kitchen anyway.
Just then, Johan's phone buzzed twice.
Beep! Beep!
A notification popped up: 10,000 Pokédollars received.
He clicked his tongue in satisfaction.
"Let's do noodles, then," Cynthia said with a smile.
Johan's mood instantly brightened. Grinning, he said, "Right away, dear guest!"
Humming a tune, he grabbed Rotom and headed into the kitchen.
"Lo…to?"
Rotom tilted its screen-like face, perplexed.
With pay secured, Johan's motivation soared.
Meanwhile in the Living Room…
Lucario glanced at Charcadet, who had quietly walked up to it.
"Lu...ca?"
Its tone carried curiosity.
With a faint hum, Charcadet released a small wave of aura, signaling its intent.
Lucario immediately understood—it had come seeking guidance.
For a student with a humble and studious attitude, Lucario was always happy to oblige, just as it had once taught Tinkaton.
Elsewhere, Gengar had dragged Garchomp off to the side.
"Ka-kah~~"
It glanced sneakily toward the kitchen, ensuring Johan and Rotom were preoccupied before whispering conspiratorially:
"Big Sis Shark, what's the plan for tonight?"
Hearing this, the other Pokémon in the room perked up their ears.
It had been a while since they'd had any nighttime "excursions."
Back in Rustboro City, they'd practically exhausted all the local wild and stray Pokémon.
Who didn't know the name of "Sunglasses Gengar" by now?
Now that they were at the resource-rich Mt. Coronet, how could they pass up the opportunity to stir up some chaos?
"Garrr!"
Garchomp huffed coldly, shooting Gengar a sidelong glare before curling its lip in a menacing grin.
"You'll find out by midnight."
Later
Johan emerged from the kitchen carrying two steaming bowls of udon noodles.
The savory aroma wafted through the air, making Cynthia's nose twitch. She perked up and walked to the dining table, her tired demeanor replaced with eager anticipation.
On a chilly winter night, especially one near Mt. Coronet, a simple bowl of assorted udon was perfect for banishing fatigue and warming the soul.
Setting the bowls down, Johan barely had time to adjust his apron before Cynthia clasped her hands together and declared:
"Time to eat!"
Johan shook his head with a wry smile.
Noticing Gengar's hopeful gaze, he said, "The fridge is almost empty. These two bowls were the limit. If you want some, I'll give you my portion."
"Ka-kah?" Gengar scratched its head in confusion.
"What about you?"
"Me? I'll just snack on some Pokéblocks."
Garchomp & Lucario: ??
Johan casually retrieved a box of Pokéblocks and distributed them to all the Pokémon present, including Cynthia's team.
Soon, the room was filled with the sound of contented munching as everyone dug into their meals.
In the end, Gengar didn't touch Johan's noodles—it was too worried about him stealing its Pokéblocks in retaliation.
Cynthia ate slowly, taking small, delicate bites. Yet somehow, her bowl emptied at a surprising pace.
When she slurped up the last of the broth, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she let out a soft, satisfied burp.
Realizing Johan was watching, she quickly averted her gaze, her blush deepening.
"To change the subject," she stammered, "I heard Rotom Pokémon are becoming more common recently?"
Johan blinked. "Probably because of the discovery of Rotom Island."
He recalled how, back when he first played the Pokémon games, he'd assumed Rotom was some kind of mythical Pokémon—especially since Cyrus had schemed to capture one.
Now?
Johan glanced at his own Rotom, currently alternating between biting a battery and nibbling a Pokéblock.
"Roto?"
Sensing his gaze, Rotom paused mid-bite, sparks flickering from its body.
"Nothing," Johan said.
"Roto!"
Rotom nodded blankly before resuming its feast.
"Apparently, they've even started making Rotom-powered appliances, like berry blenders," Cynthia added.
"Rotom berry blenders?" Johan raised an eyebrow.
"They're supposed to improve the quality of berries."
"That sounds useful. How much is one?"
"Hmm…" Cynthia tilted her head. "I'm not sure. A few million Pokédollars, maybe?"
Johan froze.
On second thought, his old, affordable berry blender was perfectly fine. It only cost around 100,000 Pokédollars and worked just fine for making Pokéblocks his Pokémon loved.
Later That Night
After finishing their meal, Johan and Cynthia stayed up chatting for a bit before finally heading to bed, yawning as they went.
For the Pokémon, however…
The night was just beginning.
The Next Morning
"Kuuu~!"
Kubfu stood before Mt. Coronet, bowing repeatedly with utmost sincerity.
"Thank you, great nature, for your generous bounty! This humble bear offers its deepest gratitude!"
Johan: …
He didn't even need to guess.
The wild Pokémon around Mt. Coronet were probably in for a harsh winter this year.
Pouring himself a cup of coffee, Johan opened the window, letting in the crisp morning air.
The cool breeze was invigorating, bringing with it the subtle scent of snow.
On the refrigerator, he found a note from Cynthia.
She had left early for the Celestic Town Historical Research Center, leaving Johan free to explore or train.
She'd even mentioned a training area south of the house, equipped with plenty of facilities.
"Perfect," Johan thought, smiling. "After breakfast, we'll train for a bit."
Stepping outside, he relished the soft feel of grass underfoot and the warm touch of sunlight.
Just as he was about to comment on the beauty of the morning, he froze.
His gaze shifted to a nearby tree, where three people stood, staring at him in stunned silence.
"That guy… just came out of the boss lady's house…" Flint stammered, his wild, fiery hair practically standing on end.
Aaron's antenna-like strand of hair quivered as he seemed to have an epiphany.
"It's Johan!"
Lucian, meanwhile, turned away, shielding half his face with his hand as he muttered, "I saw nothing. I saw nothing. I saw nothing…"
Johan blinked.
Wait a second.
These three were none other than three future members of Sinnoh's Elite Four: Flint, the Fire-type master; Aaron, the Bug-type specialist; and Lucian, the Psychic-type ace.
"What are you guys doing here?" Johan asked.
Aaron, eyes sparkling, exclaimed, "You're Johan!"
Lucian groaned. "Please don't lump me in with these two…"
Flint's jaw dropped, his disbelief growing. "You even know what the boss lady did this morning?!"
Aaron, however, grew even more excited. "It's really Johan!"
Johan: …
He glanced at Lucian, offering a silent look of sympathy.
It must be exhausting hanging around these two all the time.
Lucian's eyes met his, glistening with unshed tears.
Finally, someone who understands…
"Johan!" Flint suddenly shouted, startling everyone.
Even Gengar, who had been napping inside, fell from the ceiling with a loud thud.
Rubbing its head, it floated out of the wall and glared at Flint.
"Ka-kah!! (ಠ益ಠ)"
What's with the yelling?!
But Flint ignored it, pointing at Johan with burning determination.
"Let's battle!"
Johan's face twitched.
"…No."
Flint froze, clearly unprepared for such a swift rejection.
Aaron gawked. "But battling is the best form of training!"
Johan exchanged a look with Gengar.
"Ka-kah~~"
"…He might have a point."
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Powerstones?
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