Pokemon Paldea [263-264] (Patreon)

Chapter 263: Eri and Penny come to challenge!

Lucas wanted to shout with delight, but worried the noise might scare them, so he lowered his voice and called, "Applin, Tropius!"

Applin really did look like a slightly oversized apple, while this Tropius—compared to its rideable kin—stood only about a meter tall by eye.

Even so, next to the tiny Applin, the one-meter baby Tropius was a veritable giant.

Yet despite their stark size difference, the two newborn Pokémon reacted in perfect sync after hatching.

"Waaah~!"

Two cries that felt like they could pierce eardrums rang out. Lucas and the Pokémon present all felt like they'd descended into hell.

The sonic waves from their baby wails were pure devil's music—and in duet, no less.

Fortunately, judging by the loud cries, both newborns were healthy, with no congenital illnesses or frailty.

Which meant they urgently needed energy, and could only summon their caretakers by crying—just like human babies.

Serperior quickly extended a vine whip from its collar to curl around the baby bottles the Oranguru had already prepared, filled with warm Moomoo Milk—a fine first meal for newborns.

Catching the Moltres peeking in at the window from the corner of her eye, Serperior felt nervous, but still imitated how to care for newborns, placing the bottle nipples before the two babies.

Under everyone's tense gaze, the little Tropius paused its crying, sniffed the bottle, and its already-open eyes lit up. Unfazed by all the attention, it happily started drinking the Moomoo Milk.

Everyone exhaled in relief.

Applin drew their focus next.

Its tiny eyes stared at the fragrant bottle. Its crying paused for a heartbeat—then started up again, louder than before.

Serperior was at a loss.

Lucas started, as if recalling something. He looked at the apple shell on Applin. Clearly, this apple came with Applin at hatch.

In a sense, Applin is like a hermit crab—living inside an apple!

He'd looked up Applin beforehand and remembered that their food is typically the flesh of the apple they inhabit. The shell it came with now obviously had no flesh—it was hollow. That made it very uneasy.

Because in this state, the apple shell might crumble at a touch!

Lucas glanced around, and his eyes fell on the fruit basket Oranguru had set on the living room table—there were several fresh apples there.

He looked to Oranguru. With telepathy, no words were needed. The Oranguru fanned its leaf fan; a psychic force neatly lifted an apple as large as Applin's current shell and floated it over to land gently beside Applin.

Under the dumbfounded stares of Serperior and the others, Applin's crying stopped instantly.

It cautiously poked two eyes out from the apple to survey the surroundings; its tail tucked back inside.

Just when everyone thought Applin was going to hide and refuse to show itself, a green blur shot out of the apple; amid rapid munching, in the blink of an eye Applin swapped to a new house!

Wrapped in plump apple flesh, Applin finally seemed to feel safe. When Serperior placed the bottle at the hole in the apple, the Applin inside began to suckle.

Sadly, Applin was small—and maybe it had eaten some apple flesh—so it was full after drinking less than a fifth of the Moomoo Milk.

Meanwhile the one-meter baby Tropius downed three bottles, a stark contrast in appetite.

Just like with Growlithe back then, once fed and watered, the two newborns—exhausted from hatching—fell fast asleep, and Serperior took the chance to give them a light cleaning.

She dampened a towel in warm water and wrung it out; her vines moved like arms and fingers, deft at every fine motion.

Lucas had planned to bathe them himself, but Serperior took over the chores. She'd done the same during the hatching. Lucas sensed something was off.

He didn't dare ask, and chalked it up to Serperior's competitive streak—maybe she wanted to challenge motherhood like Moltres had.

A tsundere snake as a mom. Lucas had a bad feeling.

On the side, Arcanine watched Serperior caring for the newborns with curiosity. Childhood memories surfaced, and it suddenly wanted to go whine to Moltres for cuddles…

The two new lives brought fresh vitality to the farm and made Lucas think about how to build a suitable environment for them.

For the little Tropius, as long as there's warmth, grassland, and woods, it'll thrive; the farm already fits the bill.

But once winter comes, a Tropius with a quadruple Ice weakness will get sick from the cold. He'll need to build warm Pokémon cabins—maybe even a greenhouse.

Applin likes living in trees. The farm's mini orchard of fifty berry trees should be perfect.

Even so, Lucas planned to buy a batch of quality apple trees or saplings. Applin will consume a lot of apples in the future. Better to grow his own than rely on outside purchases.

After Serperior finished scrambling to handle all the newborn care, Lucas, seen off by Oranguru, mounted Dragonite and flew toward Naranja Academy.

This trip was purely for work.

With just over twenty days until the end of May, he needed to pull together a doubles team that could battle the Blueberry Academy students.

As for the prize money—he was determined to win it!

…

By the time Lucas arrived at Naranja Academy, two girls had been waiting on the field for a while.

"Fii~a!"

A cute Sylveon cried sweetly in Lucas's direction. The two girls—standing apart and looking awkward—turned together, staring at Lucas like he was their savior.

"Teacher Lucas!"

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Eri and Penny."

Looking at the two, Lucas sighed inwardly. In the original timeline, Penny—the real leader of Team Star—and Eri, leader of the Fighting Crew, now felt like strangers to each other.

Eri's personality was very kind—gentle despite her tall, imposing frame. The awkward air must be due to shy, socially anxious Penny wanting to keep her distance.

A rift like this can't be bridged with a pep talk; it'll depend on how they get along moving forward.

Lucas intended to pair Eri and Penny as a doubles team. Though Eri specializes in Fighting-types and Penny in Eeveelutions, at their current level, basic synergy was enough. Overthinking typings and comps would only make them rigid.

These two, future comrades, might be awkward now, but he felt they could become a great pair.

No speeches and no platitudes—Lucas went straight to it: "You two know what we're doing today, right?"

Eri glanced at Penny, who didn't dare meet her eyes. Eri sighed gently—this classmate seemed timid—then answered for both: "We're going to battle you in doubles to see if we qualify for your personal coaching."

Eri was among the first students to know Lucas's strength. After the Raging Bolt's big showing, many students wanted his guidance. She understood how rare this chance was.

Lucas nodded slightly. "Right. But it's not me and you doing doubles. It's you two versus me."

"Eri, you'll team with Penny and battle me in doubles."

Both blurted, "Huh!?"

We're fighting Teacher Lucas?

Isn't that a bit much?

Lucas smiled. "Relax. I won't use my main team—only ordinary farm-raised Pokémon."

Hearing this, Penny patted her chest in relief. If it's just ordinary farm Pokémon, maybe they wouldn't be crushed—might even win.

"First, introduce yourselves and sync up. We'll battle in ten minutes. I don't need you to win—just show me something impressive."

He waved them off and sat on a bench nearby, eyes closed, not caring what they discussed.

Silence returned.

Penny tried to break the ice, but Eri gave a warm smile and said softly, "Penny… if you're not comfortable, you can just listen to me for now, okay?"

Penny hesitated, then nodded.

"I'm Eri, a Fighting-type specialist. My ace is Annihilape. You?"

Penny took several deep breaths, forcing down her racing heart, and stammered, "I'm… Penny. I don't specialize—I like Eevee-lutions. Sylveon is my partner…"

"Fii"

Sylveon wrapped a ribbon around Penny's wrist and greeted Eri.

"Hello, Sylveon~"

To avoid intimidating Sylveon with her height, Eri squatted and tucked herself smaller, warmly shaking the other ribbon Sylveon extended.

Watching them, a thought flashed through Penny's mind.

Eri seems really gentle. One shouldn't judge by appearances, huh.

…

Ten minutes flew by. When Lucas opened his eyes, Eri and Penny were no longer as stiff. There was still some distance, but they could communicate; at least their doubles coordination wouldn't trip each other up.

At a battle court, Lucas looked at Eri. "Eri, your Primeape evolved into Annihilape in the last half month, right?"

She nodded. "Yes, sir."

His gaze shifted to Sylveon. Considering he didn't yet know how much Sylveon could output, he'd already picked his team.

"Go, Sawsbuck!"

Two Poké Balls opened in Lucas's hands, releasing a pair of Sawsbuck into view.

"Normal/Grass-type… Annihilape's Ghost moves won't affect them, and their Normal moves won't affect us. Plus they're weak to Fighting…"

Penny lowered her head, whispering her assessment.

Eri glanced at her in surprise. Penny's knowledge reserves seemed solid.

They sent out their own picks.

"Annihilape!" "Sylveon!"

Annihilape, Primeape's evolution, hadn't changed much—just unruly white hair, eyes burning red, and iron-gray limbs.

Eri's creed was offense as defense. She chopped her right hand downward and barked, "Brick Break!"

Annihilape leapt high, hand like a blade, targeting the slightly smaller female Sawsbuck!

Penny slipped into battle mode. She'd quickly parsed Eri's style and pondered her own role…

Now, she should cover!

Penny pushed up her glasses. "Disarming Voice—hamper the male Sawsbuck's steps!"

Sylveon reacted instantly. Notes and hearts woven from Fairy energy surged at the male Sawsbuck, dragging at its attempt to guard the female.

Seeing their first coordinated play—mutually supportive without interference—Lucas's eyes brightened.

Maybe his hunch was right—they could be a fine duo.

But he wouldn't sit idle.

"Zen Headbutt."

As Annihilape came down with Brick Break, the female Sawsbuck's antlers glowed faint pink. Unfazed by Annihilape's ferocity, she met it head-on!

A shockwave rippled. The female Sawsbuck staggered back, dazed—she wasn't great into brawny attackers like Annihilape.

Having taken the edge, Annihilape and Eri went to press with a second strike.

This time, a heavy Fighting move—Cross Chop!

Annihilape crossed its arms, dense Fighting energy cloaking its hands—but as it moved to strike, the energy sputtered out, and Annihilape froze.

Eri's smile faltered—what just happened?

At the same moment, the male Sawsbuck broke free of Sylveon's Disarming Voice and, ignoring the other clash, lowered its head and charged Sylveon.

"Zen Headbutt."

Thud—!

Thud—!

Under Penny and Eri's stunned faces, both Sylveon and Annihilape were smashed to the ground by the Sawsbucks' Zen Headbutts. They tried to rise, but their bodies were stiff and wouldn't move.

In a blink, the two kept getting chained by Headbutts, unable to counter.

Lucas didn't forget his duty as a teacher. He chuckled, "Ability: Serene Grace. That's what these Sawsbuck have."

"You can think of it as Heaven's favor—extremely good luck. Thanks to it, some of their moves will have unexpected effects."

"For example, Zen Headbutt—condensing will at the head or antlers—has a chance to cause flinching."

"I was worried Annihilape might have Inner Focus, and Sylveon Cute Charm. Looks like luck's on our side today."

Chapter 264: On the Connection Between Ground-type Pokémon and Civil Engineering

"Are you kidding me—there's an ability this busted?"

Eri and Penny both went pale from shock. If "good luck" means constant proc of added effects—can you even call this a fair Pokémon battle?

Watching their reactions, Lucas smiled. Sawsbuck's Zen Headbutt plus Serene Grace was nothing.

Togekiss's Air Slash plus Serene Grace—that's what breaks souls. Even a baby Togepi might roll into Spacial Rend, Precipice Blades, Sketch, or Judgment on luck alone…

Seeing their partners endlessly juggled by Headbutts, damage piling up while flinches kept them locked, the two girls hit a crossroads.

Give up?

Or fight to the last second?

Unexpectedly, the first to step up wasn't Eri, but Penny—the girl who could barely string full sentences to strangers.

Penny stepped forward. Even her long-indoors, pale skin flushed with color. Cupping her hands to her mouth, she shouted to Sylveon, being volleyed like a ball by Sawsbuck:

"Don't give up, Sylveon—!"

Just like when she formed Team Star in the game to tackle bullying, Penny might be bad at people, but she wasn't short on courage.

Eri was briefly stunned—Penny seemed to shine. The grappler's sixth sense in her said they'd get along great.

If Penny was bolder than her, Eri couldn't lag behind!

She planted her stance, drew breath, and boomed, "Annihilape, show your resolve—!"

Trust your partners. They will answer you.

Battered by Zen Headbutts, Annihilape and Sylveon seemed to hear their trainers' cries. They burst with unprecedented potential, forcing themselves free of the flinch lock on sheer will. Fairy aura and Fighting spirit surged.

"Fiiya!" "Saru!"

With Annihilape's hand knife and Sylveon's Fairy-laced sonic attack, the Sawsbucks' Headbutt chain was broken.

Lucas smiled lightly. Pokémon battles are fickle; even if you're stronger, bonds and resolve can spark power beyond reason.

Annihilape, who trained, ate, and slept alongside Eri; Sylveon, whose evolution hinges on affection—both fit that bill.

Seeing their rekindled fighting spirit, Lucas considered them qualified.

But the battle continued.

"Grassy Terrain!"

His excited command rang out again over the field.

…

"Aaahhh, we still lost—"

Eri plopped down, heedless of image, face full of frustration.

"I-I'm sorry… I couldn't keep up with your pace."

Penny wore regret. She'd been the obvious weak point, and her support was always a beat late.

"…"

The sudden silence from Eri made Penny glance up in a panic—Eri was staring at her, unblinking, so focused it rattled Penny.

No way… would Eri punch her for making them lose?

Eri looked strong (not an insult). One punch might knock out a shut-in like Penny…

Just as Penny tensed under that gaze, Eri opened her arms. Penny flinched shut-eyed—only to be hugged warmly.

"Eh?"

A tiny yelp slipped from Penny. Her nose twitched; her first thought was that Eri smelled faintly of nice laundry soap—she wanted to ask the brand.

Next, warm, callused hands—different from dainty fingers—landed on Penny's head and gently patted.

"It's not your fault, Penny-chan. You did great. The Sawsbuck's teamwork was just too tight—we couldn't find any openings—"

"Eri…"

Penny's eyes went dazed behind her round frames. She let Eri pat her head, dumbfounded.

Was… she being comforted?

Eri was too gentle, wasn't she?

"That's right. These Sawsbuck have lived together for ages and often help other farm Pokémon in battles. For a first-time doubles pair, you two did quite well."

Lucas's voice drifted closer. Penny and Eri looked over.

He swore he wasn't trying to kill the vibe—but Annihilape and Sylveon had finished treatment from Comfey and recovered their stamina.

The two Pokémon came over looking dejected and guilty—they'd still lost.

"It's not on you."

After soothing them for a while, Penny scooped up Sylveon, and Eri clasped Annihilape's hand, eyes blazing as they looked at the Sawsbuck by Lucas.

They'd turn defeat into fuel.

Catching their looks, Lucas smiled, stroking the female Sawsbuck's coat. "Congrats, you passed. Time is short, so next comes intensive special training—daily until we leave for Blueberry Academy. Are you in?"

"Yay!"

They glanced at each other and jumped with joy.

A beat later, after hearing the training plan, Penny froze.

Every day? For the next month?

She raised a timid hand. "Um… do we get weekends?"

Getting stronger is great, but breaks exist… right?

Lucas looked at Penny like it was obvious and smiled meaningfully. "What do you think?"

Eri stared as Penny's legs gave out; she sank to her knees, whispering—

"Oh no, I think I've boarded a pirate ship…"

After finishing Eri and Penny's interview with pleasant surprises, Lucas called Nemona and Arven, too, to brief them on the Blueberry trip and a month of doubles training.

Nemona, a battle maniac, had zero resistance—doubles was new territory, and her fighting spirit only grew.

As for Arven, no amount of wailing could free him from Lucas's Five Finger Mountain.

"Do you want to get back into the Great Crater of Paldea or not?" ignited his resolve. Lucas snorted—just a kid, falling right into an adult's wicked hands.

These four would be Lucas's core squad for Blueberry Academy.

Before leaving Naranja, Lucas found math teacher Tyme to ask her to occasionally supervise the four's doubles practice, offer advice, and spot weaknesses he might miss.

As the former Montenevera Gym Leader, Tyme specialized in Rock-types and had years of doubles experience. Lucas had theory, but Tyme could catch many practical, subtle issues more readily.

…

May 5th, at Lucas's farm.

As trucks stopped outside the fence, twenty-odd hard-hatted workers and Machops/Machokes disembarked. The Machoke Construction Crew had gone all-in for this big contract—every worker and Pokémon assembled.

Lucas and the Oranguru were waiting. After shaking the foreman's hand, Lucas smiled, "Please keep a close eye on this build, foreman."

"But of course—that's our job. Don't worry, Teacher Lucas. I'll personally oversee all four project items from start to finish!"

The foreman beamed at him like he was a walking gold mine.

This was a million-plus job that fell into his lap like manna from heaven!

The whole crew deployed, and they'd even pulled strings to bring in city electrical engineers to handle wiring and the power storage/generation setup.

Getting in good with the farm owner who casually keeps pseudo-legendaries was right—every month a major remodel landed on his desk!

Thanks to him, the boys were living better—he practically fed the whole crew single-handedly.

After small talk, Lucas gestured. "Please, come in."

The foreman nodded and had the boys rest outside while he followed Lucas in.

After reviewing the detailed plan and statement of work, Lucas pointed at the underground electrical routing map based on the farm layout. "This goes underground, so we need to dig tunnels, right?"

Unsure why he asked, the foreman still replied, "Uh—yes."

"How do you plan to dig?"

"Well, typically we use an excavator to break up the hard surface, then workers, Machokes, and some Dugtrio we caught for this do the fine work."

"What's the efficiency?"

"Given your farm's size… at least three to four days."

"…"

Under his nervous gaze, Lucas frowned, thinking.

Sensing it, the considerate Oranguru explained via telepathy:

 "The young master worries that three or four days of construction noise will strain the Pokémon's mental health."

The foreman froze—voice in his head!?

He stared at Oranguru. His gut said the 'voice' belonged to it.

Good grief—several dragon pseudo-legends, a huge farm, and a talking "butler" Pokémon calling him "young master."

So Lucas must be some scion doing rural life experience!

"The noise is unavoidable. If we endure a few days, the later work will be much quieter…"

He tried to persuade him, fearing the big contract might slip.

Before Oranguru could answer, Lucas said, "Let's get all the tunnels dug today."

"Huh?"

The foreman was dumbstruck. Lucas hadn't been an unreasonable client before—why demand the impossible?

Seeing the confusion, Lucas added, "You mark the routes for the wiring across the farm. I'll handle opening the tunnels."

Cold sweat prickled the foreman's back. What was this likely scion thinking?

"Continental Crush!"

Brilliant light flared at Lucas's words. In the stunned faces of the crew, jaws agape enough for duck eggs, the light poured into the burly Mudsdale.

"Rehhhhh!!!"

Mudsdale roared, bringing its massive forehooves down. Ochre shockwaves lanced out like arrows, the earth groaning—cracking open.

"Th-this is—!!!"

The foreman's voice shook.

Before them lay a tunnel exactly to spec in width and height. Normally, even with an excavator and crew, carving out a hundred-plus-meter tunnel would take at least half an hour.

Lucas and Mudsdale did it in under a minute.

Before he recovered, more gasps sounded as a Swampert, with raw strength alone, split the ground—soil rolled like a turning earth-dragon—and in moments formed a tunnel no worse than the one from Mudsdale's Z-Move.

The foreman was shattered. Their Dugtrio could, at best, open a slit and till the soil to make it easier for workers and Machoke to dig.

Why do our Ground-types not look anything like yours!?

He bit back words—surely Lucas was at least Gym Leader-tier, given how strong his Pokémon were.

Oblivious to their inner drama, Lucas eyed the tunnels following the marked routes and patted Mudsdale. "Your control keeps getting sharper. Tapu Bulu would be proud."

Mudsdale whickered happily and nuzzled him.

While accepting the affection, Lucas gauged his stamina.

He hadn't used the Z-Move at full power, so the drain wasn't bad. The Z-Ring and crystal should recharge shortly.

At this rate, all tunnels would be done today!

Then they could lay the wiring!