novelraw Chapter 757: Lan’s Gift
Chapter 757: Lan’s Gift
Chapter 757: Lan’s Gift
I Really Didn’t Want to Be a Trainer
As evening deepened, the sun sank, scattering a blaze of sunset colors. Clouds streaked with gold in varying shades, and flocks of Pidgey flew past the dying light.
Lu Ye stood on a high slope outside the town, gazing. Overhead, the huge Oath Tree spread its leafy canopy, and the decorative lanterns hung from its branches suddenly lit up — a pleasantly cool night had arrived.
The blonde beauty linked her arm with Lu Ye’s. Her gray eyes shone brightly as she looked toward the piles of gift boxes gathered beneath the tree.
“How do you know which gift is yours?” she asked.
“There will be matching numbers,” Lu Ye replied. “Master Fu’s riding goats will help find them.”
“That’s quite the undertaking.”
“There are also some boxes that are only for decoration, they don’t contain gifts.” Lu Ye paused.
The souvenir he’d just received had been an empty box… whether it was the staff’s mistake or he’d drawn the blind box’s ‘thanks for participating’ prize, he couldn’t tell.
Cynthia snuggled up to Lu Ye and turned her head slightly. Her golden hair was pinned with a black ornament, the delicate hand resting on his arm pale as porcelain, her breathing steady. Lu Ye put his arm around her waist and glanced toward the seaside to the west.
A field of stars rose above, and a Magikarp leapt from the water. A breeze skimmed the rippling surface toward the floating pier, and a long, serpentine shape could be seen in the distance.
“Milotic,” Cynthia whispered.
“I see it, it really is beautiful,” Lu Ye said, calming his heartbeat.
The Oath Tree lit its bulbs, and the once-dim slope suddenly sparkled. Master Fu and the riding goats stood before the tree and announced:
“The annual Bygone City festival officially begins.”
“Trainers, please send out your Pokémon to celebrate with them!”
Cynthia tilted her face upward, exchanged a look with Lu Ye, and the corners of her mouth lifted slightly. She released a Poké Ball in a brisk, graceful motion.
“Come out, everyone.”
The Poké Balls popped open with cheerful sounds, white light flickering. Cynthia’s first six Pokémon appeared on the grass: Garchomp, Lucario, Gastrodon, Glaceon, Spiritomb, and Togekiss.
Bamboo Lan also had a Milotic, but she hadn’t come along this time.
Lu Ye gathered the small Poké Balls in his palm and threw them out together.
White light flashed.
Haunter grinned, waving flamboyantly, “Gengarrr!”
Cynthia half-crouched and pinched Haunter’s cheek with a smiling face. “Good evening, Haunter.”
Sylveon sat on the lawn, ribbons fluttering from its bows, tilting its head up: “Bu-bii~”
I’m not interested in gifts… why did you call me out…
The surrounding Pokémon were stunned by Sylveon’s beauty, blushing and glancing at it shyly.
Blastoise and Lucario discussed aura usage.
Little Rotom was taking photos of Gastrodon: “Beep beep… analyzing differences between West Sea and East Sea Gastrodon, Rotom~”
Gastrodon lazily flicked an eye at the Rotom Pokédex and slithered forward across the grass.
Togekiss cheerfully flew beneath the night sky, carrying Togepi.
Latias flew alongside but remained invisible to passersby.
Pupitar opened a bag of chips and handed some to Spiritomb. Spiritomb reached a shadowy claw out, grabbed a handful, and then shyly hid behind its mask again.
Meloetta sat on a branch of the Oath Tree, swinging her slender legs and smiling sweetly.
“Awwooo~” energetic Arcanine wagged its tail and tried to jump on Teacher Lu right away.
Luckily Lu Ye dodged in time. Arcanine missed and happily ran circles around the Oath Tree.
“It’s the cadre’s Arcanine, meow.”
On the far side of the slope, at the other end of the Oath Tree, Meowth’s sharp eyes spotted Arcanine.
James looked at Arcanine, his mind stirred: “Ah… Arcanine…”
Young master James had a Growlithe back home; it was his best friend, long missed and fondly remembered.
“Alright then, everyone come out too.”
Jessie tossed her Poké Balls, and Wobbuffet bounced out first, followed by Wobbuffet’s companions, Goodra and Pumpkaboo.
The trio stood beneath the night sky, looking at the glittering Oath Tree when suddenly brilliant fireworks blossomed overhead.
Laughter rang from the other side of the hill as trainers handed gifts to their Pokémon, thanking them for their companionship.
“Sou-nashi…” Wobbuffet squinted and looked up at the night sky.
“What beautiful fireworks, meow.” Meowth lifted her head and opened her mouth wide.
At that moment, Wobbuffet clumsily caught a gift box Jessie had tossed and looked at it in puzzlement.
Jessie said lightly, “This one’s for you.”
Wobbuffet froze for a moment, tears welling up: “Sou…nashi…”
“And this.” Jessie pulled another gift from her pack, “Here, this is for Meowth.”
Meowth flustered, “I actually have one too, meow?”
“Hmph, of course, we’re partners.” Jessie replied.
James lifted a gift: “We also prepared some for Goodra and Pumpkaboo~”
Looking at the little Pokémon with watery eyes, Jessie crossed her arms and said, “After all, we owe you a lot of care.”
“These gifts were prepared by me and Jessie.” James said with a smile.
“Jessie, James~(இωஇ)” Meowth inhaled deeply, exchanged a smiling look with James, and cried out loudly, “We prepared a gift for you too, Jessie!”
Jessie pointed at herself, astonished: “For me?”
“This is it…” James reached under Goodra’s drifting tentacle to take out a dress pouch and slowly revealed a gorgeous dress.
Jessie’s eyes widened.
A deep purple dress, green onyx earrings, a ruby necklace… James displayed each piece and said, “We had this custom-made from Melisa to support you in the Triple Princess competitions.”
“That cost quite a bit, meow.” Meowth covered her mouth, then corrected herself, “Heh heh, not worth many coins.”
“You…”
Jessie stood stunned for a long while, looking at the extravagant dress, her body trembling slightly.
She lowered her red hair, then suddenly looked up, clenching her fists and gritting her teeth as she shouted:
“I will win the Triple Princess competitions and become the Kalos Queen!”
“Go Jessie!” James and Meowth cheered in unison.
Jessie frowned, “By the way, how did you know my measurements?”
James’ face shifted, he laughed awkwardly, “We guessed, we guessed.”
Jessie eyed him suspiciously, folding her arms proudly, “Fine, I’ll accept your favor this time. Watch me win the Triple Princess competitions for you.”
“Sou—nashi!”
……
The Oath Tree glittered with lanterns and gifts, bathing the evening in a romantic festival glow.
Master Fu announced with a smile:
“Next is the gift-giving segment.”
They looked toward the warm scenes beneath the Oath Tree where trainers and Pokémon shared presents.
Lu Ye and Cynthia spoke simultaneously: “I prepared gifts for you and Garchomp/Haunter.”
Cynthia looked at Lu Ye in surprise. She found a trace of surprise in his black eyes and said gently:
“I spent a long time preparing them.”
“I thought so too…” Lu Ye nodded seriously.
Choosing gifts — more than one even — was a hellish task for the indecisive Sinnoh Champion.
But thinking of it warmed Lu Ye inside, a sweetness like frost-cream cake dusted with sugar.
“So I asked for everyone’s opinions,” Cynthia said hesitantly, “I just… don’t know if you’ll like them.”
“Anything you give will please Haunter and everyone else, right—” Lu Ye looked at Haunter.
Haunter scratched its head, saw Lu Ye’s look, and immediately nodded: “Gengarrr!”
Exactly.
Cynthia smiled, then walked lightly to the gift pile and, together with the riding goats, sorted through the presents.
Lu Ye went to fetch the gifts he had prepared for Mengmengda, Garchomp, and the others.
After a short while, the two met beneath the Oath Tree. The night breeze was cool, and the festival atmosphere wrapped around them.
“Gengarrr?” Haunter curiously eyed a huge gift box.
Cynthia half-crouched, opened the box on the grass, and began handing out presents: “This is a commemorative microphone for Haunter. Its previous owner was said to be the lead singer of a very famous Kalos band.”
“Gengarrr!” Haunter’s eyes widened and it took the microphone like a treasured prize, then suddenly bowed ninety degrees and banged its head on the ground.
Lu Ye was shocked: “How did you do that move just now, can you do it again?”
“Gengarrr~” Haunter wagged its little spike, clutching the microphone and laughing.
“Next is a Strong Herb for Sylveon… it pairs with Geomancy to reduce charging time…”
Cynthia shook a deep-red Strong Herb that looked like a cat teaser and smiled, “Here, Sylveon.”
“Bu-bii…” Sylveon flushed and waved a paw, reluctantly accepting it.
“A Smoke Ball for Blastoise so it can escape battle… a Assault Vest for Arcanine that looks like clothing… a new handheld game for Togekiss, a Galar leek for Sirfetch’d, a home appliance manual for Rotom…”
Rotom read the manual and unlocked a new appliance form, nodding from time to time:
“Beep beep… there really are such novel appliances in the world, Rotom~”
“Kameh…” Blastoise held the Smoke Ball and gave a thumbs-up.
Perfect for escaping when you can’t win, super convenient!
Lu Ye: “This is way too much…”
“Too much? I think one item each is still too few.” Cynthia looked slightly pained.
Lu Ye: “…”
So I really don’t need to try so hard anymore…
From Bamboo Lan’s generous gift box came a giant Gold Pearl for Pupitar, a Flying Z-Crystal for Latias, and a macaron set for Victini.
“Nimi~˚*̥(∗*⁰͈꒨⁰͈)*̥” Victini hugged the macaron gift box.
What is this? Where am I now?!
“I’d like something to eat too.” Latias eyed the Flying Z-Crystal and seemed conflicted.
“Flying Z will boost flying speed, it’ll make traveling to places easier,” Cynthia said with a smile.
“Oh! That’s great!” Latias’ eyes sparkled.
Lu Ye: “…”
Boost flying speed… oh no, I just fell for that.
Cynthia also prepared the Pokémon Flute for Meloetta.
Ash had used this flute in the anime to wake a sleeping Snorlax. Trainers and Pokémon can play it; different tunes can either wake or lull into sleep.
“Melo~” Meloetta took a graceful bow and accepted it with a sweet smile.
Lu Ye thought: I can play this too — Jigglypuff sings while I play the flute so everyone can enjoy Jigglypuff’s whole performance.
Darkrai pointed at himself in surprise.
“Do I get one too?”
“Of course.” Cynthia smiled slightly. “Try these black sunglasses on.”
Black sunglasses increase Dark-type power; Blastoise also had a pair.
Darkrai put the shades on, turned to Lu Ye with swagger, and asked, “How do I look?”
“Looks good,” Lu Ye nodded.
I even think everyone should get a pair of black sunglasses… mainly to up their style stats.
Teacher Lu also prepared big gift packages for Bamboo Lan’s team.
Garchomp’s Focus Sash for when it isn’t locking an item slot, Lucario’s Choice Scarf used for escape and rescue, Togekiss’s Proof of Kingship, Spiritomb’s leftover meals, and Gastrodon’s Assault Vest…
These items emphasized strategy and practicality… and a touch of nastiness!
“As expected, gifts from you are thoughtful.” Cynthia rested a hand under her chin and smiled.
“I spent a long time choosing them too, wanted to surprise you…” Lu Ye scratched his head, “didn’t expect you to prepare so much as well.”
“That’s natural.” Cynthia folded her hands behind her back, a faint smile at the corner of her lips.
As the festival neared its end, fireworks blossomed in the sky with a ‘whoosh whoosh’ at Master Fu’s call.
Cynthia looked up, her face shifting in the starlight. Lu Ye watched her refined profile and said, “Lan, I prepared a gift for you too.”
“What is it?” she asked.
Lu Ye took two ferry tickets from his pocket and said seriously:
“I’d like to invite you to travel to Alola with me.”
Cynthia paused, smiling: “Who gives that as a gift?”
“Will you accept them?”
“Of course.” Cynthia took the tickets playfully and said, “I have to go.”
Fireworks bloomed in the night sky. The two walked to a ridge with a wide view and stood shoulder to shoulder, watching the display.
Lu Ye felt the weight on his shoulder, the pleasant nearness at his arm, and the sweet scent carried by the night breeze.
Cynthia tucked half of a Sweet Ball into Lu Ye’s pocket with a small motion.
“What’s this?” Lu Ye shook the ball’s lid. “A failed capture Poké Ball?”
“Dummy, I’ve got the other half.” Cynthia said.
“Can you catch Bamboo Lan with just a Sweet Ball?”
“At least a Master Ball.”
“That’s true.”
Silence filled the valley, fireworks burst above, and the two silhouettes stood on the ridge. Closer, then closer still, they leaned into each other and melted into the night.
……
“Serena, what did you prepare as a gift?” Clemont asked.
“A pair of shades for Pancham, a bow for Fennekin…” Serena answered.
As for Ash… he had gone deep into the mountains to battle Pokémon, returned with a dirty face and a big bag of tree fruit, and sat cross-legged, happily patting Pikachu and Froakie as they devoured the harvest.
A small smile unconsciously curved Serena’s lips.
Perhaps what I like is precisely this — Ash’s love for Pokémon…
“Ash, Serena.”
Ash heard someone call and looked up toward the ridge.
A figure stood beneath the sky, backlit by the fireworks, shirt tails fluttering. Beside them, Haunter snickered.
Lu Ye waved: “Come watch the fireworks.”
Ash slowly widened his eyes:
“Teacher Lu — Champion Cynthia!”
Cynthia swept her wind-tossed golden hair back, Garchomp beside her looking indignant, and she smiled faintly.
“Good evening, Ash, Serena.”
“Me too, me too.” Bonnie cried, running up to the ridge.
Lu Ye almost got knocked down by Bonnie and patted the little girl’s yellow hair.
Considering you’ll be traveling with a Z-God in the future, I won’t bother you about it…
“What did you bring as a gift, Bonnie?” Lu Ye asked with a smile.
“A picture I drew.” Bonnie put her hands behind her back and asked, “And you, Teacher Lu?”
“Let me think…”
Lu Ye looked up at the sky and counted off in his head while watching the brilliant fireworks.
Ash and Serena reached the ridge just then. A Rocket Delivery courier wearing the R uniform rode a riding goat and delivered an exquisitely decorated dress into Ash’s hands.
“Your delivery has arrived, Mr. Ash.”
Ash blinked: “Mine?”
Ash even sensed a hint of the Power of Transcendence near his ear.
“Quickly accept it and give it to whoever needs it.” Lu Ye looked away and said, “This was sponsored to you by the organizing committee, no charge.”
Serena’s cheeks flushed.
Ash custom-ordered a dress?
Although it arrived only now and in an unhidden manner… it is indeed Ash’s style…
Ash scratched his head.
Why would the committee sponsor this for me?
Suddenly Ash realized.
It must be because of my performance in other leagues; the Triple Princess competitions’ organizers want me to be an ambassador!
“Aha, sorry for making you go out of your way.” Ash scratched his head and laughed, “But this must be a mistake.”
This is women’s clothing, I can’t wear this at all.
“Um…” the courier looked at Teacher Lu for help.
Teacher Lu crossed his arms and sighed deeply: “Sigh…”
Dummy, I know you have a tradition of wearing female outfits every season.
But this was meant for Serena, not for you to wear yourself!
Serena’s expression dimmed.
So it was a mistake…
But it’s fine.
Serena promptly brightened again, eyes twinkling.
I will win the Triple Princess competitions!
The courier left with the dress. In the end Ash did not give the dress to Serena. Fortunately Serena could wear her mother’s dress on stage tomorrow.
Lu Ye glanced at the still-confused Ash and sighed softly.
Can’t save him, hopeless, let him die a slow death.
Whoosh whoosh whoosh —
Fireworks lit the sky.
Everyone looked up in unison.
The Oath Tree shone gorgeously. Ash looked up and then at Serena’s profile. For some reason he felt, naively, that this was the moment to do something.
Ash rummaged in his pocket and took out the ribbon bracelet he’d received at the station that morning.
The ribbon bracelet sat in a small box.
“Serena—” Ash began.
“Hmm, what is it?” Serena looked at Ash.
Ash closed the box lid and handed the gift to Serena, saying seriously:
“I don’t know what’s best to give. But thank you for always taking care of me. Please accept this gift!”
Lu Ye remained outwardly calm while his heart surged.
ohhhhhh—
He made the move!
Cynthia watched with interest, occasionally glancing over with her arms folded and nodding thoughtfully.
Hmm… observing Ash and Serena’s expressions is very interesting~
Serena blinked, her eyes curved like crescent moons, and she happily accepted the gift:
“Mm, I’ll treasure it.”
Ash looked away and scratched his head shyly.
Lu Ye kept a composed face while his emotions churned.
ohhhh—
A true rookie can be bashful too!
Teacher Lu and Bamboo Lan stood side by side, gazing at the sky, each lost in thought.
Ash and Serena, Bonnie and Clemont, all enjoyed the festival fireworks together.
On the other side of the hill, the Team Rocket trio also stared at the sky.
The same belief burned in both Serena and Jessie’s hearts.
They must win the Triple Princess competitions!