Pokemon Paldea [261-262] (Patreon)

Chapter 261: Summer is quietly approaching—let's get ready together!

Several days had passed since the spar between Lucas and Dendra, yet the buzz around that battle at Naranja Academy remained high. Even the enrollment numbers for Dendra's Battle Tactics course had risen noticeably.

That left the newly appointed Dendra swamped with work, often spending entire days teaching at Naranja Academy—exhausting, to say the least.

Fortunately, Lucas had essentially been promoted into a leadership role. He no longer needed to teach large classes; he could focus on nurturing an elite cohort and scouting for talented students.

Thanks to Geeta's bold reforms, Naranja Academy's campus culture had been completely renewed.

Although most students had been drawn in by the power of Raging Bolt's drum, even hearing from Dendra that Lucas now focused on training a small number of battle-gifted students didn't dampen their enthusiasm. If anything, they worked even harder, hoping to become part of that chosen few.

Dendra didn't complain about the workload. On the contrary, she enjoyed every moment of teaching and interacting with her students.

After their battle, Lucas had also sought out Dendra in private to discuss directions she and her Kommo-o could try for future improvement.

And so, a new month arrived.

…

May 1st, Ranch District.

Stroking the deep-brown coat of a Sawsbuck, Lucas gently plucked the last blooming pale pink flower from its antlers and placed it into a nearby basket already lined with blossoms.

Wiping away the sweat beading on his forehead from the warming weather, Lucas exhaled and smiled. "All right, that's all the flowers cleaned off."

The two Sawsbuck nuzzled his now-free left hand one after another, chirped a goodbye, and headed off with two noticeably grown-up Skiddo.

They had a plan to train Grass-type moves together later.

Watching their retreating figures, the pasture grass whispering under the breeze and making a rustling sound, and a blissed-out Miltank munching in the distance, Lucas recalled the tender new leaf-buds he'd felt on the Sawsbuck's antlers while picking blossoms.

Sawsbuck are Pokémon whose physical traits change with the seasons: in spring their antlers bloom with pretty pale pink flowers; in summer they grow lush green leaves; in autumn the leaves redden; after the red leaves fall, winter leaves them with bare snow-white wooden antlers.

Both the climate and the Sawsbuck's changing bodies were saying the same thing—

Summer seemed to be quietly arriving.

On his way back, Lucas happened to run into three Eldegoss happily hopping toward the storage shed.

Now fully integrated into farm life, they were Lucas's right-hand helpers in the fields. Under their care, crops thrived and yielded bountiful harvests, supporting a varied menu for the ranch's Pokémon.

You could say that the leisurely, well-off life they now enjoyed came from the cooperation of the Eldegoss and the other Pokémon.

"Eldegoss~"

Seeing Lucas, the three Eldegoss got excited. Sadly, they had no hands to wave, so they could only greet him by bouncing.

Lucas waved back with a smile. "Heading off to rest?"

"Eldegoss~"

The Eldegoss nodded.

They'd just checked over the fields with Serperior, and some of the faster-maturing crops were ready to harvest. In a few days, they planned to invite other Pokémon on the farm with free hands to come enjoy the joy of reaping together.

For now, they were going to Comfey's infirmary to enjoy some aromatherapy and relax.

"Let's go together," Lucas suggested.

The Eldegoss gladly accepted, and they all headed back to the cottage.

Watching them enter the infirmary he had set aside for Comfey, Lucas realized the Eldegoss had actually booked aromatherapy appointments. They really knew how to live.

Chuckling softly, Lucas took a few proposals from Oranguru, who had been waiting nearby.

[Farmwide Flagstone Pathway Installation – Estimated cost: 200,000 League credits]

[Farm Lighting Plan & Electrical Wiring – Estimated cost: 250,000 League credits]

[Underground Ice Cellar Construction – Estimated cost: 180,000 League credits, several Ice-type Pokémon required]

[Power Generation and Storage System – Estimated cost: around 500,000 League credits]

After Lucas went through them one by one, Oranguru's telepathy sounded.

[Young master, these are the infrastructure projects I think should be completed as soon as possible before summer. The sooner the better.]

"You're right."

Lucas nodded thoughtfully, fully agreeing with Oranguru's suggestions.

Currently, the so-called roads on the farm were just compacted earth pressed by Swampert and Mudsdale. Whenever it rained, they turned to mud, and any Pokémon passing through inevitably got dirty.

After every rainy day, Lucas had to have Politoed and the Poliwhirl line spend ages washing the Pokémon.

Especially Arcanine—that husky-brained one. He never learned, rolling in the mud with Dachsbun until they were caked in it, then trying to bolt into the house.

Lucas had no idea how many times his blood pressure had spiked because of Arcanine.

And Luxray—just washing it nearly cost Lucas half his life.

Who knew why a Pokémon that counters Water-types hated getting wet so much? Thankfully Politoed and the Poliwhirl line could clean with Bubble Beam, saving Lucas from the ordeal.

In any case, flagstone pathways were among the most important infrastructure.

Oranguru suggested again:

[Young master, to save costs, I recommend laying the farm's electrical conduits before installing the stone paths. Otherwise, you'll have to tear up the pathways later to put wiring underground—wasting effort and money.]

Lucas found that logical. Planning existed for exactly this reason: there's a lot to learn in building the best farm from scratch in the right order.

As for his imagined eco-dome farm—never mind the finances; he had no idea whether Blueberry Academy would even share the necessary tech. For now, he could only shelve that idea.

Next, Lucas and Oranguru discussed the underground ice cellar and the power generation and storage facilities to go along with the wiring.

The farm now had two powerful Electric-types, Raging Bolt and Luxray, plus many Pokémon that could learn Electric attacks. If they commissioned equipment to convert Electric-type moves into electricity, they could power the entire farm.

They would need a reliable contractor for this. The storage capacity should be large, too; Lucas hadn't forgotten his agreement with Zapdos.

He absolutely wanted Zapdos to come discharge once and fill the batteries in one shot!

And Articuno—when the underground ice cellar was built, it could create the ice. That way, if Delibird returned from its travels, it would have a suitable environment to live in.

Of course, Lucas had a backup plan in case Articuno didn't return soon. After all, time flows differently for Legendary Pokémon—like the way elves and humans perceive time differently in fantasy worlds.

If Articuno never came back to the island, Lucas would go to Mt. Glaseado or another snowy mountain and kidna—er, bring back a few Ice-types.

Fluffy Alolan Vulpix or Ninetales, Glaceon, Frosmoth that spits icy silk, and so on.

Or, if he dared, he could seek out Regice, which makes Never-Melt Ice, or Glastrier, which breathes freezing mists.

Kyurem, who can freeze the world, would be overkill. Bring Kyurem back and the whole farm—and even Levincia—might end up buried in blizzards.

Or perhaps he could run into Iron Bundle in Paldea.

As their discussion drew to a close, Oranguru asked with some concern:

[Young master, about the funding…]

"Ah, the money? Don't worry about that."

Lucas thought Oranguru was worried about his savings and quickly tried to put it at ease.

"You know I was just promoted—my salary tripled: 24 a month. The farm's making money, and I have savings. Worst case, I'll take on some jobs and earn more."

"Build! We have to build hard! Since I've taken everyone in, I need to create an environment where everyone can live happily."

[…]

Oranguru fell silent for a moment. It had originally wanted to offer its own savings—what it had put away over years of Pokémon Butler Academy and odd jobs—for the farm that was both its workplace and home for the foreseeable future.

It wasn't much—only a few times the farm's current working capital—but it was Oranguru's heartfelt contribution.

Since the young master had so boldly taken this on, Oranguru decided to hold onto it for emergencies.

In the afternoon, Lucas rode Dragonite back to Naranja Academy.

After the promotion, he no longer had fixed teaching hours. His schedule adjusted based on his availability and the needs of the students he chose to train.

In his new office, Lucas received a slightly stiff, nervous girl.

He had just sparred a few rounds with Arcanine against Nemona, pointing out her shortcomings, and returned to his office to rest and read before heading back to the farm.

But then, Penny came by.

Penny still carried her beloved fluffy Eevee bag. After Lucas welcomed her in, she came straight out with it: she wanted to become stronger.

Lucas sat up, momentarily surprised. He tapped his right-hand fingers on the desk. "You're saying you want to train your Pokémon under me—you want to get stronger?"

Penny twisted her fingers together and nodded lightly. "Yes."

Lucas's tapping paused. Had the sun risen in the west today?

A student he had already marked as a target actually came to him on her own.

Still, procedure was procedure.

Lucas put down the book in his left hand, stood up, and looked at Penny. "May I see your Pokémon?"

The office was spacious enough to hold several Tauros, so Lucas wasn't worried about space.

Besides, her Pokémon tended to be small and cute…

Penny nodded nervously, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Come out, Sylveon."

With a sweet cry, an extremely cute Pokémon appeared.

Sylveon's body was mostly white, with pink on its head, ears, tail, and lower legs. A bow was on its left ear and around its neck, from which two ribbonlike feelers extended. The tips were a gradient of pink, deep blue, and light blue.

After leaving its ball, Sylveon looked around. Then the feelers from its bows looped around Penny's wrist—clearly a very affectionate bond.

Sylveon's light-blue eyes curiously regarded Lucas, while Penny, comforted by the feelers twined around her wrist, introduced it. "This is my first partner, Sylveon."

Lucas nodded with a small smile. "Judging by your bag, I had a hunch—you really like Eevee."

"I can tell you and Sylveon have a great relationship. Trainers who can evolve Eevee into Sylveon are very caring toward their Pokémon. That's excellent."

Penny's cheeks reddened, embarrassed by the praise.

Though he knew that in the future Penny would be strong enough to scare off the bullies who were already gone, Lucas still suggested:

"From how well this Sylveon is raised, your nurturing ability seems solid. As for battling, let's schedule a test later. How about it?"

Penny hesitated. "Ah… not now?"

Lucas glanced at her, didn't answer directly, and instead asked after a brief pause, "Don't you dislike being in the spotlight? What made you change your mind?"

Penny's social anxiety was severe. Lucas hadn't expected her to seek him out.

As if sensing Penny's resolve, Sylveon's feelers tightened gently, sharing its strength.

Penny clenched her fist slightly and said in a low voice, "…I want to train myself a little. I can't always rely on the teachers' help. Sometimes, you have to force yourself."

"Good answer." To Penny's surprise, Lucas gave a light round of applause, then picked up the book on his desk and smiled. "Chairwoman Geeta needs to see me in a bit, so I don't have time today."

"I understand…"

Penny started to lower her gaze, but then saw the title of the book in Lucas's hand.

Atlas of Ice-Type Pokémon Habitats.

Was he planning to capture some Ice-types?

Though she didn't say it, Penny did feel grateful to Lucas.

He had fired the opening shot in dealing with the bullies, and he had helped keep her secret so her family back in Galar wouldn't worry. Penny wanted to thank him.

She thought of her father and sister, who were exploring the Crown Tundra and researching legends.

As Galar's frigid region, the Crown Tundra housed many Ice-types and a rich ecology—likely enough to satisfy Lucas's needs.

If she got the chance to learn what he was looking for, she could ask her father and sister to help track those Ice-types.

Chapter 262: Heading to Johto? An evil deal between adults & Hatching: Applin and Tropius!

In the chairwoman's office, Geeta placed two steaming cups of black tea on the table and sat down on the sofa across from Lucas.

As the highest authority in the Paldea League, Geeta didn't keep a whole entourage of secretaries or assistants. She preferred to handle many small matters personally.

This trait gave her unusually strong support and influence among Paldea's people.

Geeta lifted her cup and studied Lucas, who looked like he already knew why she'd called him. She smiled. "From the look of you, I'd say you already know what I want to talk about?"

Lucas took a sip and looked up. "Blueberry Academy?"

"Yes, but not only Blueberry Academy."

Geeta pulled out a gilt-edged envelope and handed it to Lucas.

He hesitated for a moment, accepted it, didn't open it, but looked at the ink-painted emblem of a rearing dragon on the seal. He raised an eyebrow and returned the envelope.

"Is this the crest of some prominent dragon clan family?"

Geeta took it back, set it on the table, and nodded slightly. "The Dragon Clan of Blackthorn City in Johto—the Dragon Masters. It's the clan of Johto's League Champion and Kanto's Elite Four, the one who defeated that professor from Alola, Kukui—the Dragon Master Lance."

Lucas paused mid-motion of setting down his cup. "You want me to go?"

"Not bad—you're getting good at buzzing in." Geeta teased, clapping lightly, then emphasized, "This isn't an assignment from me, but an opportunity—one for your Dragonite to become stronger."

Lucas straightened. "To make Dragonite stronger?"

Geeta nodded slightly. "If I'm not mistaken, your Dragonite hasn't learned Extreme Speed yet?"

"That's right."

"The Johto Dragon Clan, Unova's Village of Dragons, and Hassel's family of Dragon tamers—all are ancient lineages dedicated to training Dragon-types."

Her fingers tapped the tabletop as she recalled.

"Each lineage has different emphases in Dragon-type training. Leaving aside the Village of Dragons and Hassel's family, let's talk about the Dragon Clan."

"Beyond their unique insights into raising Dragon-types, they have extraordinary methods for training and using the move 'Extreme Speed,' especially when used by Dragonite."

"So, I call this an 'opportunity,' not a commission. I had planned to send Hassel, but you know his current situation. I'll be blunt: are you interested in representing the Paldea League for a trip to Johto?"

Geeta met Lucas's eyes, asking his opinion.

Lucas didn't answer immediately, falling into thought.

Geeta didn't rush him, sipping tea and waiting.

Hearing "Extreme Speed," the Dragon Clan, and Lance's name, Lucas admitted he was surprised.

He hadn't expected "Extreme Speed" to be so effective in the Dragon Clan's hands that Geeta would praise it so highly.

In his mind, "Extreme Speed" plus Dragonite conjured images of a Multiscale Dragonite Terastalizing to Normal and detonating with absurd priority power.

In Gen IX, Dragonite was nicknamed a "Normal-type pseudo-legendary." That's how much weight Terastal Normal Extreme Speed Dragonite carried.

In reality, as a priority move, Extreme Speed lets a lightning-fast but somewhat cumbersome Dragonite avoid being toyed with by agile Pokémon—like Weavile, the dragon slayer.

Strategically, it's huge—and Geeta said the Dragon Clan's Extreme Speed was unusual on top of that.

Johto… It also had plenty of Pokémon Lucas coveted—ones rare in Paldea.

Native Miltank aside, there were Mareep for wool, and Shuckle whose body could brew juices and potions. Lucas had had his eye on Shuckle for ages.

Even aside from juicing, what if Herba Mystica—herbs in a sense—could be processed by Shuckle into potent tonics?

 Lucas felt there was a lot of room to experiment.

From both the angle of strengthening Dragonite and his collector's itch, Johto was worth the trip.

Having decided, Lucas shed any hesitation, looked up at the smiling Geeta, and nodded. "I'm interested."

Geeta's smile deepened. She handed him the envelope again and, before he could open it, waved a hand. "Read it later. For now, let's talk business."

Lucas paused. "Business… the exchange program with Unova's Blueberry Academy?"

"Yes. The date is set."

She nodded slightly and handed him a dossier.

"Early June. You'll depart at the end of May. Unova is quite far from Paldea, so in this coming month, you need to select the students you'll bring to Blueberry Academy."

"Because this concerns the plan to restore Naranja Academy's reputation, to be blunt, I hope you can outshine them—both in your students and in you as the lead instructor."

"Blueberry Academy favors Double Battles. Once your team is set, prioritize Double training over the next month. If all goes well, the bonus won't disappoint you."

Lucas: "…"

Why was Geeta so blatant about a cash transaction? Did she take him for a money-eyed mercenary?

Still, Blueberry Academy and Doubles… That DLC content he'd never touched. He'd have to study carefully.

He remembered: Aliquis's older brother studied at Blueberry Academy, right?

Maybe he could start there.

Lucas put on a polite yet awkward smile. "Then… I'll take the job. Oh, Chairwoman, my farm's doing infrastructure right now—you know."

He'd already bragged hard in front of Oranguru; now he needed to grab every chance to make money.

Geeta smiled knowingly. "I understand."

If money alone could buy Naranja's prestige back, she'd throw all her savings at it. All the better if she could fund Lucas's bonus while raising a solid cohort.

Wicked deals sealed by money—always struck in little rooms like this.

As Lucas was leaving, Geeta added one last reminder: "The Johto Dragon Clan invitation comes later. For this month, focus on boosting your students' Doubles skills."

"Best if you consult teacher Tyme about Doubles."

…

May 3rd, bright and sunny—perfect for Grass-types to photosynthesize.

After farm chores, taking advantage of the clear day, Lucas gathered the Grass-types for a sunbath.

UV darkens the skin, sure, but in moderation it boosts immunity and prevents illness. For Grass-types, it literally provides energy for activity via photosynthesis.

Serperior loved sunbathing—ever since it was a Snivy. Its ability to command massive Frenzy Plant battles was inseparable from sunny weather.

On overcast days, Serperior might control only a few Frenzy Plant roots; under blazing sun, with its innate gift to amplify solar energy, it could command a sea of roots.

Beneath the sun, Serperior was in a great mood. Its tail-tip swished constantly. Sometimes it would coil gently around Lucas's wrist as he napped, then bask for a while in secret delight.

Then it'd catch itself, dart its gaze around like a thief, and, seeing everyone else dozing in the light, quietly exhale.

Being this forward cheapened its dignity. It had to be reserved—it was Serperior, after all!

A short while later, seeing everyone still asleep, Serperior sneakily extended a vine to wrap Lucas's wrist again.

It had seen that Sylveon do the same thing a few days ago from inside its Poké Ball!

Mimikyu under Lucas's recliner shade: Speechless.jpg

Grass-types were the most numerous and diverse on the farm.

The Eldegoss now napping in a heap; Arboliva in the coop tending slightly bigger chicks while photosynthesizing; the Sawsbuck and Skiddo sunning in the pasture; and Comfey, a Fairy-type but practically part of the plant guild.

Serperior often ran itself ragged among them, all because Lucas had said, "They're fellow Grass-types. I'm counting on you to keep an eye on them." Even though it stubbornly couldn't learn Grassy Terrain and randomly learned the near-useless Grassy Glide instead, it still cared for them its own way.

It taught them clean, efficient Grass-energy control; how to use sunlight to reduce move costs; and how to wield Grass-type offensive moves—so that in any danger that might or might not come, they could protect themselves.

Highborn and aloof as Serperior was supposed to be, its heart was gentle, doing many things at odds with its nature. It was a contradiction.

Serperior itself didn't fuss over these small things. It was itself; whatever it chose to do was its choice.

Once it felt the solar energy in its body was almost full, Serperior opened its scarlet eyes. Its gaze fell on two Pokémon Eggs basking beside Lucas's recliner, recalling what he had said when bringing them out.

"They're Grass-type Pokémon too. We can't keep them on the balcony all day. Bringing them out to sunbathe helps newborn Grass-type Pokémon be healthier."

Knowing the eggs were also Grass-type made Serperior a little tense. The farm already skewed heavily toward Grass and Water-types—wasn't the attribute distribution getting a bit lopsided?

This time, Lucas had deliberately kept Moltres away from the eggs, worried its thick Fire-type aura might not be good for Grass-type babies inside.

Better to incubate slowly than risk anything.

Which meant the duty of caring for the new Grass-types would likely fall to Serperior.

With hatching time drawing near, even though it seemed reluctant on the surface, Serperior honestly went to consult Moltres—once its nemesis, now on slightly better terms.

After all, Arcanine had often been looked after by Moltres when it was little.

Serperior cast a discreet glance at the eggs, saw everything was normal, and stretched its long body.

Just as it was about to patrol the fields for any fool pests chewing on crops, both eggs burst into blinding light at once!

Serperior: So sudden!?

Nothing was ready—Moltres had said to have hot water, towels, warm Moomoo Milk, and a draft-free environment!

Newborn Pokémon are most fragile right after hatching—and there was wind outside!

Seeing the light flicker faster—hatching any second now—

Serperior froze for a heartbeat in shock. Then its pupils burned crimson, and dozens of hardened roots burst from the ground, dirt flying, wrapping the two eggs in tight protection.

The commotion jolted Lucas and the Pokémon awake. Before they could react, Serperior's commanding voice rang out.

"Serpe! Serpe! Serperior~!"

The Eldegoss, long used to Serperior's orders, moved on instinct.

Warm water! Basins! Towels!

Comfey and Mimikyu hurried into the house. Thankfully the farm now had Skiddo and Miltank—Oranguru needed to be notified immediately to prepare warm Moomoo Milk and sheep's milk so the newborns could choose their favorite.

Still bleary-eyed from deep sleep, Lucas caught a quick, harmless vine whip from Serperior that snapped him awake. He scooped up the eggs and, urged on by Serperior, sprinted into the house!

Once everything was ready, with the windows cracked just enough for airflow, Lucas, Serperior, and the others watched anxiously as the eggs' flashing quickened—until the crisp sound of cracking shell rang out.

Two small, adorable figures appeared before their eyes.

One looked like an apple—but that was only its shell. The real Pokémon hid inside.

With a crisp little "pop," a pair of stemlike eyes rose from the apple's top, and a tiny green tail stuck out the back.

Its name was Applin, a Grass/Dragon-type Pokémon.

The other was a petite Pokémon, barely half the usual size for its species.

Its body was mostly brown-gray, with a long neck like Raging Bolt's. Fresh green leaves like budding shoots wrapped its head and neck, and a pair of enormous forest-sprite-like leaf-wings grew from its back.

Its name was Tropius, a Grass/Flying-type Pokémon.