After Brionne and the other two finished their spa treatment, Cole decided to offer sessions to the remaining Pokémon as well.
With Daisy's assistance, he could treat eight Pokémon at once, making the process much more efficient.
For Purrloin and the three Ghost-type Pokémon, it was their first spa treatment. Though initially puzzled by Cole's invitation, the experience left them feeling positively heavenly.
The streamlined process helped Cole finish the treatments quickly. He saved Daisy for last and, as a reward for its help, gave it an extended session.
When Purrloin and the Ghost-type Pokémon emerged, they were completely dazed. Their first spa experience had been so overwhelming that they remained in a blissful trance even after leaving.
The cat was especially affected, stumbling and nearly colliding with the doorframe on its way out.
"As long as you perform well, you can have spa treatments anytime." Cole told them before they left.
This promise sparked hope in the four Pokémon about their future at Mt. Ascendant. The treatment's effects were so remarkable that Purrloin — drawing from its past experiences with drug dealers — wondered if the human child had used some addictive substance.
After everyone departed, Cole left the room and found Lily waiting to inform him of Keith's arrival.
Keith had been making frequent, daylong visits during Cole's absence.
Being home on holiday meant spending more time with his father, which led to more arguments. Whenever tensions rose, Keith would seek refuge at Mt. Ascendant, visiting Machamp, Vaporeon, and the others.
Watching them work and play freely always reminded him of his late grandfather, bringing him peace.
"Cole, you're back!" Keith exclaimed joyfully upon seeing him emerge from the house.
Since Cole had only informed those at the orphanage of his return, Keith's surprise was natural.
"Yes, just got back yesterday." Cole replied with a smile, inviting him inside.
Keith had brought his backpack and, after some conversation, settled in to study and read.
Cole left him to his work and headed to Mt. Olympus with Daisy to inspect the grafted berry trees.
Finding the trees thriving, he updated their growth charts before returning to Mt. Ascendant to discuss shipping arrangements with his Berry Exhibition contacts.
Meanwhile, the freshly pampered Pokémon resumed their duties.
The Talonflames took up their usual patrol.
Brionne joined Vaporeon in watering the berry trees, while the Bunnelby family, Machamp, Nidoking, and Nidoqueen went to the warehouse at the mountain's base to await the Nurture Nest Breeding House staff collecting stored berries.
Leavanny took Purrloin, Gastly, Misdreavus, and Litwick on an orchard tour to learn about their future responsibilities.
It was July, Oran Berry season. As the cat gazed at the fruit-laden trees, its nose twitched at the rich aroma drifting through the air, making its mouth water.
"Meow~ Meow~" — So many berries! I wonder how long it would take to eat them all!
Purrloin's eyes sparkled with enchantment.
Having often gone without meals in its past, the cat's main concern had always been finding enough food.
Though Cole had assured Purrloin there would be plenty of berries and no need to worry about survival, the naturally distrustful cat hadn't fully believed him.
"If you want me to believe you, prove it!" had been its attitude.
Now, gazing at the vast orchard laden with fruit, Purrloin finally felt certain it would never go hungry again!
Seeing the cat's hungry expression, Leavanny smiled.
"Lea~ Leava~" — These berries aren't just for eating — most will be sold. But don't worry about food — if you work hard, the boss will make sure you're well-fed.
Noticing Purrloin's skeptical look, Leavanny shared its own story and those of Machamp and the others with Purrloin and the three Ghost-type Pokémon.
The four were surprised — they had assumed Leavanny and the others had been with Cole from the beginning, never imagining they too had been taken in by him.
Leavanny described their working conditions: room and board provided, pocket money, and occasional spa treatments — it was like living in paradise!
As they listened to Leavanny's detailed account of their wonderful life in this paradise, Purrloin gradually lowered its guard, and the three Ghost-type Pokémon finally relaxed.
After all, if so many Pokémon could thrive here, why couldn't they?
While everyone was occupied, Helioptile, having nothing to do, quietly slipped down the mountain with some berries.
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After a busy morning, Cole finalized the tree delivery schedules with his friends and had a video call with the owner of Evergreen Nursery to discuss future cooperation.
When all this was done, it was noon, and he invited Keith to stay for lunch.
During the meal, noticing the gecko's absence, he asked Brionne curiously, "Why hasn't Helioptile come back for lunch?"
Brionne, munching on energy blocks, replied:
"Brion~ Bri~" — How should I know? It's probably not hungry — it'll come back when it wants to eat.
Cole looked at Daisy and Larvitar, but both Pokémon shook their heads, indicating they didn't know.
Could it have gone to see its wild Pokémon friend again?
Cole wasn't concerned — this had happened before, and Helioptile always returned eventually.
He was aware that the gecko had befriended a wild Pokémon down the mountain and sometimes shared berries or unripe fruit from the trees with it, though he hadn't given the matter much thought.
That afternoon, Cole had scheduled a visit to the orchard with Kiara and the others, so he bid Keith farewell and prepared to pick them up.
When Keith learned about the expected visitors, he immediately tried to leave, but Cole stopped him.
Understanding Keith's reluctance to return home, Cole encouraged him to stay and continue studying. After consideration, Keith decided to take his Pokémon up the mountain for special training.
Cole mounted the Talonflame captain and headed toward the Pokémon Center in the West District.
✲✲✲
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