Two days had passed since the solo expedition to Grandpa Canyon. The research team led by Professor Oak had completely taken over the area. Gary Oak had been a good boy, staying at Lorelei's house for two days as a homebody. There was no choice; even with Blissey's healing abilities, the wound on his scalp could only stop bleeding. It was a pipe dream to expect his hair to grow back in just two days...
While Lorelei went out daily with the research team for field investigations, Gary stayed home wearing a white hat and cooking. He was quite content. On the living room table lay a creamy yellow Pokémon egg resting securely on a soft cushion. The mane of his Arcanine covered the egg, while its large head helplessly stuck out its tongue. Yes, Gary had taken Togepi's egg. As an incredibly lucky Pokémon, Togekiss was also one of Gary's ideal Pokémon. Legend has it that Togepi's eggs are filled with happiness, and if it gets along well with you, it will share some of that joy. Such a lucky charm must be taken!
After leaving Grandpa Canyon, Gary returned the Nidoking couple to the lab. There was no helping it; as soon as Nidoqueen saw the egg, she transformed into a Pokémon version of a clingy mother, refusing to let go... So, Gary had to send her off to calm her down while also sending Nidoking back to comfort her... Also sent home was Scizor, who was drooling over the egg and made him quite uneasy...
Originally, Professor Oak had brought a hatching machine for Gary, but he disdainfully tossed it in a corner to gather dust. To speed up the hatching process, a Fire-type Pokémon's warm body was the best choice... Looking at the bottle of alcohol under Charizard's feet, Gary decisively decided that the task of hatching the egg would fall on Arcanine. Arcanine never expected that as a little male dog without a mate, it would suddenly become a surrogate mother...
Having prepared the ingredients for lunch, Gary wiped his hands and returned to the living room. Aside from Arcanine incubating the egg, Charizard was nursing a hangover, and Sneasel was practicing Tai Chi. The other Pokémon were resting peacefully. Sneasel had been diligently practicing Ice Punch with Slowbro these past two days and could now use it skillfully.
However, this kid's originally sharp gaze had become unfocused day by day, which left Gary somewhat helpless. That gaze was too deceptive... Just imagine—a Sneasel with a dazed look suddenly exploding into action and punching you twice in the head without changing expression... Watching Sneasel and Slowbro practicing Tai Chi outside the window, Gary felt that he couldn't blame Sneasel for this.
Electivire had been on vacation these past two days, sleeping on the windowsill all day long. When asleep, sparks occasionally shot out from its body. It seemed like it was absorbing its own thunder energy. Eevee still clung to Gary, while Golduck had become the laziest of them all. Ever since Gary prohibited him from watching paid adult TV shows, Golduck had been fantasizing about sneaking into Lorelei's room to find some intimate fabrics... After being pinched on the head by Cloyster twice, he finally calmed down...
Sitting on the couch and looking at Golduck beside him, Gary covered his mouth and couldn't help but start shaking with laughter. On Golduck's handsome head was an obvious red line that looked incredibly prominent. "Pfft~ Buoy!???" Eevee laughed so hard it rolled around on the couch. Golduck rolled its eyes. "Cuba~ (Laugh if you want; I'll take care of that Cloyster once I hit level 80...)"
"Hahaha... Sorry, I just couldn't help it; you got your head caught in the door, Golduck," Gary burst into laughter while holding Eevee. Affected by their laughter, all the Pokémon in the room began to smile.
After finishing its training session, Sneasel walked into the room and saw everyone laughing at Golduck... Unable to resist smirking slightly, it calmly sat down beside the coffee table. With rare free time today and all his Pokémon around him, an idea struck Gary, and he waved at Electivire who had just woken up. "Electivire, bring me the guitar from the wall." Electivire obediently took down the guitar and handed it to Gary.
Strumming a few chords casually made the room go quiet. Eevee raised its head with sparkling eyes looking at Gary while Charizard leaned in slightly closer from behind the couch, exposing its head and tail— The other Pokémon gathered around Gary, eagerly waiting for what would come next.
Looking at his Pokémon surrounding him, Gary smiled gently and began strumming chords—
After saying goodbye to Pallet Town,
Not knowing how much time had passed—
Scrapes and bruises,
The number of friends,
Makes me feel a bit proud—
Those sneakers I bought because they were trendy,
Have become—world's best worn-out shoes that can't be bought anymore—
...
Unknowingly—
My dear ones—
Even more—
My Pokémon—
...
No need for suitcases or tour guides for travel,
But that warmth from our encounters—I will cherish and bring back with me—
...
And then one day I will say to myself—
Hello, my dream—no prints—tye ild
The warm melody echoed through the living room as Eevee snuggled into Gary's arms and rubbed against him gently. Charizard propped its head up with one hand while showing a warm smile. Electivire and Sneasel also leaned against Gary, crowding around their trainer affectionately. Arcanine wagged its tail cheerfully while letting out soft whines. Golduck rubbed its head contentedly while gazing into the distance.
How wonderful it is to meet you~ The feelings of these Pokémon felt like a hot spring enveloping Gary's heart. Creak! The door opened as Lorelei looked at Gary with emotion. "What a gentle song. Gary dear, I didn't expect your talent in music to be this good."
"Hehe, Sister Lorelei! You're back! I was just singing randomly," said Gary, scratching his head with an embarrassed smile.
"Your voice can touch hearts; there's no doubt about it. Gary dear, your singing possesses that power," Lorelei praised him earnestly.
"What else is there that I don't know about you?" Sitting on a bar stool at the dining counter with her chin resting on her hand, she looked curiously at him.
Raising an eyebrow, Gary replied playfully: "Oh there's plenty; you'll have to explore slowly." Tying his apron tightly, he walked into the kitchen. "Today we're having Smiles Pasta—(sweet and sour tomato meat sauce spaghetti)."
Lorelei happily leaned on the bar counter. "Having someone cook for me every day after work feels so good~" As he plated up spaghetti and placed it gently in front of Lorelei, he said: "That's quite a simple wish. Your lunch is served~"
Lorelei picked up her fork and took small bites of spaghetti while Gary rested his chin on his hands across from her at the counter, quietly watching her eat like an ice princess.
Golduck raised an eyebrow—this is my trainer; this scene looks like something out of an idol drama...