"Then, I shall take my leave first."
Brock, with his dark skin and squinting eyes, held a copy of the herbal medicine encyclopedia that Gothitelle had hand-copied for him. He stood at the entrance of the Breeding House, bowed to Lucas and Gothitelle, and said.
"Leaving already? Why not stay for a few more days?"
Lucas looked at Brock and tried to persuade him to stay.
"No, Ash has already set off back to Pallet Town, and Dawn is resting at home, preparing for her next journey. It's time for me to return to Pewter City as well."
Brock smiled and said, "I am truly grateful for Lucas's care during my time in the Sinnoh Region. Arigato."
After saying this, Brock bowed again.
"I'm just glad I could help you."
Hearing Lucas's words, Brock's expression turned serious. "To tell you the truth, Lucas, during this time, I have learned a lot from you and Gothitelle about how to care for Pokémon, treat them, and check for physical issues. This is incredibly valuable knowledge for someone like me who wants to become a Pokémon Doctor."
Brock paused for a moment and continued, "Furthermore, I have also learned from you how to use food to treat Pokémon."
Lucas nodded, looking at Brock before him.
From Ash's journey in the Kanto Region to the Johto Region, the Hoenn Region, and now the Sinnoh Region, Brock had always been by Ash's side, traveling together through three generations.
He was also the person who had traveled with Ash for the longest time.
With the conclusion of the Lily of the Valley Conference, the journey of Ash and his group in the Sinnoh Region also came to an end.
When Lucas was a child, his first contact with Pokémon was through the TV at a neighbor's house, where the episode featured Ash catching a Snorlax.
Has it really been that long?
Brock's departure meant that he would only appear again in the Journeys arc.
But fortunately, this wasn't a game, nor was it an anime; it was a living, breathing reality.
Lucas patted Brock's shoulder with complex emotions. "I believe you will definitely become an excellent Pokémon Doctor."
Sensing the determination in Lucas's tone, Brock was stunned for a moment, then nodded heavily.
"Rest assured."
"Next time, if I have the chance to go on a business trip to your area, remember to treat me to a meal."
"No problem."
"If anything comes up, remember to tell me. For example, if you encounter any difficult or miscellaneous Pokémon ailments, or if you run into any trouble while treating Pokémon, be sure to tell me."
Lucas raised an eyebrow at Brock. "I'll make time to come and help you."
Although I might not necessarily know how, I have a Golden Finger, so I'm not afraid.
Following that, Lucas continued to say a lot more, but Brock didn't find it annoying at all; instead, he listened carefully to the end.
Finally, Lucas clapped his hands and took three jars of sweet honey from Gengar. "Take these back with you. One jar is for you to eat. As for the other two, one is for Ash and Pikachu, and the other is for you to give to Professor Oak on my behalf."
"Okay, I will definitely deliver them."
Accepting the delicious sweet honey from the Breeding House, Brock nodded.
"Then, I wish you the best of luck."
Brock smiled with his eyes closed. "And I wish Lucas a prosperous business."
Watching Brock carrying his familiar large brown backpack, walking under the sunlight with the setting sun stretching his shadow very, very long, Lucas stood at the door and watched for a long, long time.
When will the next time we meet be?
The next time I meet Ash, I should be able to see Cilan and Iris, right?
Friendship is a pearl, memories are diamonds——
"Good morning, everyone."
Lucas came downstairs while yawning, greeting Shauna and Tomoyo, who were sitting in the rest area quietly waiting for breakfast.
Behind him followed Gengar, Lilligant, and the others.
"Gothitelle?"
Why are you up so early today? Wait a little longer, breakfast isn't ready yet.
Gothitelle floated out of the kitchen, saw everyone had come downstairs, and said a sentence.
"No rush, I'm not hungry right now."
After saying this, Lucas walked to the rest area, sat down next to Tomoyo, and waited quietly for breakfast.
Gothitelle floated over to Lucas with a cup of hot honey water she had prepared, placed it on the table beside him, and then floated back to the Breeding House to prepare breakfast.
"Gen gengar——"
I really want to eat flower rolls today——
Gengar was lying on the carpet, its large tongue lolling out.
"Flower rolls?"
Lucas glanced at Gengar, and Gengar nodded listlessly.
Lucas looked at its half-dead appearance and felt somewhat helpless.
How can a Pokémon twist its waist doing yoga——
It's not even certain if it has a waist——
"Gothitelle, can we have flower rolls this morning?"
Lucas shouted loudly.
Inside the kitchen.
Gothitelle looked at the deep-fried dough sticks already made, as well as the dough stick embryos she had prepared in her hands.
Under the gaze of Alcremie, the Male and Meowstic, and Mime Jr., she put all these embryos back into the refrigerator, then took out flour, added water, and kneaded the dough, all in one go.
"Lilli~"
I want to eat red bean paste filling~
"Shoo."
Meat.
Lucas: ——
"Gothitelle, I want to eat meat filling, red bean paste filling, and lotus seed paste filling——"
Gothitelle looked at the fillings she had already prepared and fell into silence once again.
Subsequently——
Clang, clatter——
Rumbling sounds came from the kitchen.
Meat filling, red bean paste filling, and lotus seed paste filling were all prepared and placed on the table.
"Gothitelle——"
Lucas's vision blurred, and when he came to his senses, he found Gothitelle standing in front of him, holding a kitchen knife.
"Gothitelle."
What else do you want to eat? Say it all, now, immediately, right away.
Lucas swallowed his saliva, then revealed a big smile, moved the direction of the kitchen knife in Gothitelle's hand away, pointed it at Gengar lying on the ground, and then shook his head. "No—no need. I just wanted you to help me squeeze some soy milk to drink—if you're busy, never mind."
Gothitelle looked at the empty cup of honey water that Lucas had finished drinking and placed on the table, used her psychic power to pick up the cup, and then floated back to the kitchen.
"Gothitelle."
Wait a moment.
Mime Jr. was making flower rolls. After seeing its sister come in from outside, it took a handful of soybeans from the jar and began to soak them in water.
"Nini?"
Is this to prepare soy milk?
Gothitelle nodded, carefully selecting high-quality soybeans to soak in water.
"Meow——"
You're the only one who can spoil him like this.
Male complained.
"Gothitelle."
If he wants to eat, he eats.
Outside the kitchen, Lucas and Lilligant and the others high-fived.
Usually, after Gothitelle started preparing breakfast, if Lilligant and the others suggested what they wanted to eat, Gothitelle and the others in the kitchen wouldn't pay any attention at all.
The preparations are already done, and you're telling me you don't want to eat?
Even if you don't want to eat, you have to!
But Lucas was different. Whatever Lucas wanted to eat, Gothitelle would prepare. Even if the preparations were almost complete, Gothitelle could start over because of a single word from Lucas.
So, Gengar and the others would usually tell Lucas what they wanted to eat, and then Lucas would tell Gothitelle.
"Uncle, I don't want to drink milk, hee hee."
Shauna also learned from Lilligant and the others, acting spoiled toward Lucas.
"Refused."
Lucas refused without mercy.
Shauna: "Uncle is a big bad guy!"
"Only by drinking more milk can you strengthen your physique, not get sick easily, and grow taller more easily."
Lucas said to Shauna earnestly.
I don't understand why Shauna doesn't like drinking Moomoo Milk when it's so delicious.
"Then why doesn't Uncle drink it?"
"Uncle is already grown up and doesn't need to drink it."
"Look, you just don't like drinking it yourself, and then you force children to drink it. You're so bad!"
"Did you figure it out? So what? Little Shauna, you can't possibly beat me to death, can you?"
Lucas showed a mischievous expression to little Shauna.
Little Shauna was so angry her mouth was puffed up, just like a Pachirisu with its mouth full of berries.
Slap!
Ninetales's tail lashed onto Lucas's back without mercy.
"Ah——"
Hearing Lucas's scream, Shauna's anger came quickly and went quickly.
"Hee hee, Ninetales sister is still the best to me, unlike Uncle, the big bad guy."
Ninetales extended its tail to tease Shauna and Tomoyo, causing Shauna and Tomoyo to burst into giggles.
Lucas suddenly felt a weight on his legs. Looking down, he found Latias resting her head on his legs, fast asleep.
Usually, as long as she wakes up early, Latias will definitely find a place to continue sleeping.
Looking at the little red Plane Sister sleeping so sweetly, Lucas felt somewhat helpless. He reached out and touched Plane Sister's chin. I have to say, Plane Sister feels really comfortable to touch.
It's cool and refreshing.
Lucas discovered that it seems many Water-type or Ice-type Pokémon feel cool and smooth to the touch.
Although Latias is not a Water-type Pokémon.
"Gothitelle."
Breakfast is served.
As soon as Gothitelle finished speaking, Gengar directly used Magikarp's Splash, floated straight up, and then rushed toward the counter.
"Gen gengar~"
My flower rolls~ I'm coming~ (Bear Er voice)
Lucas looked at Plane Sister who was still sleeping sweetly, reached out and pinched her cheek. After waking her up, facing her confused expression, he said softly, "Finish breakfast before continuing to sleep."
"Okay——"
Latias lingered for a while, then flew up, followed behind Lucas, and went to eat breakfast.
Gothitelle held a cup of hot milk and a cup of hot soy milk in her hands. She placed the hot milk in front of Shauna, and the hot soy milk in front of Lucas.
Drink it.
"Thank you, Gothitelle~"
Lucas grinned.
Gothitelle was expressionless. She used her psychic power to lift Gengar, who was sitting next to Lucas, then tossed it away, making it sit at the end, while she sat beside Lucas.
Gengar, who was eating flower rolls: ???
∑(△?!
Just when it wanted to rise in rebellion, it saw a large pile of flower rolls floating out from the kitchen, along with dough sticks, all falling in front of it.
Gengar looked at the flower rolls of various flavors, as well as the golden and crispy dough sticks, and swallowed its saliva.
Hee hee.
Then it started to bury its head and eat heartily.
What a good-for-nothing guy.
Lucas complained.
Then he started to enjoy his own breakfast.
After breakfast, Lucas sat in the rest area with peace of mind, holding Zorua in his arms, who had eaten too much and was feeling sleepy, yawning while he leisurely rocked his chair.
So boring, I really want to find something to do——
But I don't want to get up——
After Gothitelle and the Male and Meowstic had washed the dishes and tidied up, they passed by Lucas, looking at him slacking off on the armchair.
"Gothitelle."
We are going to the Cottage.
"Okay, stay safe on the way."
Lucas said listlessly.
Oh no, I've been infected by Zorua; I've started yawning too.
But in this kind of weather, with Zorua in my arms and a Ninetales lying beside me, and having eaten breakfast very full, it's really easy to get sleepy——
Thinking and thinking, Lucas lost consciousness.
Ninetales's tail gently covered Lucas.
Because the Breeding House was permeated with the fragrance of the gracidea flower, Lucas slept very comfortably, but in his sleep, he vaguely heard an argument coming from outside the Breeding House.
He opened his eyes, rubbed his somewhat blurry eyes, and looked at the Ninetales beside him. "What happened outside?"
——
Ninetales shook its head.
Almost forgot that Ninetales can sleep even more than me.
Lucas held Zorua, stood up, and walked out of the Breeding House.
Ninetales yawned, stood up, shook itself a few times, and followed Lucas.
Outside the Breeding House, a large group of people carrying machines were arguing with Mr. and Mrs. Fujino about something.
Lucas hurriedly stepped forward, stood in front of Mr. and Mrs. Fujino, looked at the middle-aged man opposite, stopped his incessant talking with a look, and then turned to ask Mr. and Mrs. Fujino, "What happened?"
Before Mr. and Mrs. Fujino could speak, the middle-aged man opposite already spoke up, "Are you the owner of this Breeding House? It's like this: our film crew has been filming in this area recently, and a few days ago we happened to see the Breeding House's Mime Jr. It's very cute and clever, so we thought about asking if it would be willing to go film with us. It just so happens that we have a role here that suits it quite well."
"Filming?"
"Yes, it's a movie starring Pokémon."
Before Lucas could speak, he heard the middle-aged man on the opposite side continue, "The main thing is, I see it working in such a small Canteen, which will bury its talents. And how much can it earn cooking? Coming to film with us, it will earn much more than it earns here."
Lucas raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Is filming so profitable now?"
"Of course, it earns much more than here. Perhaps even your Breeding House's income for several years can't compare."
"Is your movie that popular? Can't compare to a few hundred million a year?"
"Certainly popular——How much?!"
The middle-aged man looked at Lucas in front of him, and then looked at the Breeding House beside him. This Breeding House doesn't look that big? How can it earn so much a year?
This guy, isn't he trying to trick me?
Thinking of this, the middle-aged man's eyes sharpened, preparing to let his Emboar teach Lucas a lesson.
Immediately after, the middle-aged man saw a huge Tyranitar walk out of the Breeding House, carrying a large shoulder bag, and wearing a hat with the Breeding House Gengar logo on its head.
"Tyran."
I'm going to make a delivery.
"Okay, stay safe."
Tyranitar, like Rhyperior, had all been arranged by Lucas for delivery services.
Emboar retracted the leg it had stepped out, swallowing its saliva.
Good thing I didn't make a move——
"What's going on?"
At this moment, a man with a beard, wearing glasses, and holding a megaphone walked over. "Didn't I tell you to come over and ask if Mime Jr. is willing to come over for a cameo? If they aren't willing, don't keep bothering them. What are you all gathering here for?"
"Director, I didn't—"
The man in front looked at the middle-aged man and frowned. "Did you say something again?"
Subsequently, the director looked at Lucas. "Sorry, I am their director. My name is Edward."
"The owner of the Breeding House, Lucas."
At this time, Mime Jr. ran over, nimbly climbed up Lucas's leg to his shoulder, and sat down.
Edward looked at Mime Jr. on Lucas's shoulder and asked Lucas, "Is this Mime Jr. your Pokémon?"
Lucas nodded. "Yes."
"It's like this: I am the director of a Pokémon movie being filmed not far from here. A while ago, we heard that there was a Breeding House nearby with particularly delicious food, so I brought them over for a meal. Then, we happened to discover Mime Jr., and felt that it was very well-suited for one of our roles, so we thought about coming over to ask if it would be willing to go over for a cameo."
Edward saw the unfriendly expression on Lucas's face. "Of course, if you are not willing, it doesn't matter; after all, this matter is indeed a bit abrupt. If you are willing, we will pay a fee."
"Wouldn't it have been better if you had spoken like this earlier?"
The expression on Lucas's face finally improved a little. "I can't make the decision on this matter; you have to see Mime Jr.'s willingness."
Lucas looked at Mime Jr. "Do you want to go acting?"
"Nini?"
Acting? Is it the same as what I saw on TV with Gengar brother?
"That's right, maybe in the future Gengar, me, and everyone will be able to see you on TV."
Hearing Lucas's words, Mime Jr.'s eyes lit up, but it thought of something and shook its head.
"Nini."
Forget it, I still have to guard the Cottage.
Seeing that Mime Jr. seemed very interested, Lucas smiled and pinched its little nose. "It's okay, you just go, I'll handle the rest of the matters."
After saying this, Lucas discussed the relevant matters with Edward.
The final result is, Mime Jr. is going to join the cast and film!!!
***************************
Thoughts on where the plot is heading? Let me know in the comments! If you're enjoying the ride, please leave a quick review and toss a few Power Stones my way. Every bit of support means the world! 🙌