Chapter 254: Hot Springs and First Snow
Monday, November 23rd.
Amid the grayish night, steam rose from the hot springs. "Alright, after soaking, let's go watch a movie," Red said, waving. "See you later."
"S-See you later..." Yellow replied softly.
The hot springs were divided into two baths, and Pokémon were allowed inside. Naturally, Lu Ye brought all his Poké Balls.
Inside the changing room, Red took off his shirt. "Snorlax loves hot springs too."
—Boom! With a heavy thud, Snorlax plopped into the spring, sending a massive column of water into the air.
"Snor..." With a towel on its head, it let out a contented grunt before dozing off. "This guy is still the same as ever," Red laughed.
Suddenly, a dark shadow flickered beneath the surface. "Gengar!" Gengar emerged, blowing bubbles and performing an elegant butterfly stroke. On the edge, Wartortle cast a nervous glance at a nearby Venusaur. Master's friends… are all this strong?! I have to keep training!
Despite being a Fire-type, Growlithe was dog-paddling, carefully carrying Togepi on its back. Meanwhile, Lu Ye was holding a reluctant Sylveon, combing its snowy-white fur. "Vee..." Sylveon's ears twitched, looking adorable.
"You two get along really well," Red remarked. A Pikachu lay lazily on his head.
"We've been through a lot together," Lu Ye mused.
Sylveon lowered its ears and submerged its head, blowing bubbles. A Trainer's strength wasn't just about a Pokémon's level. Emotion, bonds… maybe that was what truly made a Trainer powerful.
Steam rose as a wooden tray carrying fresh fruit floated by. Gengar, Wartortle, and Togepi sat in a neat row, each with a towel on their head. Meanwhile, Red struggled to pull Snorlax out. "Come on, wake up, Snorlax! We're leaving!" "Snor..." Snorlax yawned. Watching as it barely budged, Lu Ye's eye twitched. Is this… the true strength of a Pallet Town native?! In the end, he rummaged through Gengar's dimensional stash, pulled out a can of Pokéblocks, and opened it. The fragrant aroma wafted through the air. Snorlax's eyes snapped open, glowing red. "SNORLAX!!" —Boom!! The hot spring's entrance was blown open, leaving behind a Snorlax-shaped hole. Red wiped his sweat. "Thanks… Teacher Lu." "No problem."
Hearing the commotion, Yellow hurried over. "What happened?" "Nothing—" Red was about to respond when he froze. Yellow's usual high ponytail had been let down, cascading over her shoulders. "R-Red-senpai?" she asked shyly.
"Stunned, huh?" Lu Ye teased, nudging Red.
"I just suddenly remembered..." Red scratched his head. "Yellow is a girl!"
Lu Ye: ??? Wait… is that supposed to be a compliment?!
Yellow, used to this, simply gave a bashful smile. "Pika!" Red's Pikachu wrapped its tail around its partner, giving its trainer a judgmental glare.
Lu Ye put on a cardigan, preparing to leave them some alone time. But just as he was about to leave, his phone rang. He accepted the video call—Cynthia's elegant face appeared. "It's snowing in Sinnoh," she said. "The first snow."
Lu Ye looked up—it was a dull gray. "When it starts snowing here, I'll call you too," he said.
"Alright."
Nearby, Yellow and Red stood frozen. "R-Red-senpai!" Yellow stammered, "Is that…?"
"Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia," Red replied, equally shocked.
"Is someone else there?" Cynthia asked.
"Just a world champion… and his girlfriend," Lu Ye replied casually.
"Girlfriend?!" Red and Yellow's faces instantly turned bright red.
"Red?" Cynthia's voice carried a hint of curiosity. "How's his hand injury?"
Lu Ye turned his camera around. Red greeted her politely. "Hello."
Cynthia nodded. "It's been a while. How have you been?"
"I'm still recovering."
"I see…" After a bit of small talk, Cynthia said, "Lu Ye, thanks for taking care of him."
"Oh, no, not at all!" Red said awkwardly.
"I don't have anything else to say," Cynthia said.
"I do," Lu Ye replied.
"What is it?"
"You look really cute today," he said with a straight face.
Cynthia's ears turned red. She cleared her throat and immediately hung up.
After that, Red and Yellow headed out to watch a movie. As they walked, Yellow suddenly spoke. "Teacher Lu and Cynthia… w-what kind of relationship do they have?"
Red shook his head and sighed. "Teacher Lu is amazing... In every possible way."
Yellow fell silent, then mumbled, "Would people… think that about us too…?"
"Hm? What was that?" "N-Nothing!"
Red thought for a moment, then snapped his fingers. "Oh, right! I still need to help Teacher Lu contact Mr. Blaine!" "Huh?"
"Teacher Lu wants to challenge the Gym, right?" he said while scrolling through his phone. "It'd be a hassle if he couldn't find him." He dialed a number. "You'll head to the inn right now?" he asked with a chuckle. "Of course! Against someone like Teacher Lu, I'll have to give it my all!" the voice on the other end replied.
After sending the two off, Lu Ye found himself with nothing to do. Then, a private message popped up—Lorelei was snooping for gossip. "So? How'd it go?"
"Not bad. Sent them to watch a movie."
"What a shame," Lorelei sighed. "There's another poor soul on the Seafoam Islands."
"Who else is on Seafoam?"
"I'm here keeping Misty company… Should we tell Red?"
Lu Ye felt a headache coming on. This was a classic White Album situation. "Yeah, no thanks…"
Technically, Red and Yellow went out under the excuse of Gym battles. But collecting Gym Badges? Not happening. Yawning, Lu Ye was about to head to bed when Growlithe suddenly barked. He opened the door to see a tall man wearing sunglasses, a wig, and a ridiculously fake handlebar mustache. "Can I help you?" he squinted.
"It's about the damages at the hot spring…" the man hesitated.
Lu Ye winced. "Sorry… I'll pay for it!"
"Oh, that won't be necessary," the man stroked his mustache. "A battle with me will do!"
Lu Ye froze. Then, a realization hit him. "Wait a minute… Don't tell me… Mr. Blaine?"
"W-What?! No way!" The man nervously adjusted his wig. "How did you see through such a brilliant disguise?!"
Lu Ye was speechless. "It's written in the tourist guide that the owner of this inn is named Blaine…"
Blaine paused, then took off his wig. "…Right. I forgot. Ahem! Anyway!" He clenched his fist. "Red asked me to come. Come, let's settle this in battle!" Even at his age, his eyes burned with spirit.
"I refuse," Lu Ye said flatly.
"Huh?" Blaine blinked.
"I don't plan to challenge the Gym," he shrugged.
"O-Oh… Well, getting rejected is part of life," Blaine muttered, his fiery spirit extinguished. As he turned to leave, something tugged at his pants.
Growlithe's eyes were gleaming with determination, its tail wagging excitedly. Back in Saffron Gym, I didn't get to perform well… This time, I'll prove myself to my Trainer! "Awoo~~!! (｀0´)"
Lu Ye's face stiffened.
"You've got one determined Pokémon," Blaine smirked. "Come on, kid. A battle is all about passion—youth is meant to burn brightly!"
Growlithe panted, staring up at Lu Ye. Since joining the team, I… have never truly made my Trainer proud. I've always caused trouble. But… just like Gengar, I want to make him smile. This is my moment!
Lu Ye stared into Growlithe's dark, determined eyes and hesitated. Without Legendary Pokémon, Blaine was only a second-tier Gym Leader. Besides… Wartortle was always there as backup. He let out a long sigh. Trainers… sometimes, they have to respond to their Pokémon too.
"I understand." Lu Ye recalled Growlithe, took a deep breath, and his eyes sharpened. "Mr. Blaine, I accept your challenge!"
[Inorin Note:
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