Pokemon Paldea [269-270] (Patreon)

Chapter 269 The Fun-loving Iron Bundle and a letter

Evening of May 29, Lucas's farm.

Night had mostly covered the dusk. After seeing off the foreman and the Machamp construction crew, Lucas planted his hands on his hips and looked back.

What used to be pitch black at night was now lit by bright streetlights, and the newly laid stone roads were clear to see.

It was the symbol of human wisdom, the morning star in the night—light!

 "Nice. When you patrol with Arcanine and the others, you won't need to spam Flash anymore."

Lucas smiled as he watched the Luxray beside him staring, entranced, at the lights.

Seeing the farm aglow, Luxray recalled the time it lived in a city's shadows before it met Lucas.

Back then, looking at the neon that lit the city and the laughter of people and Pokémon behind glass walls, Luxray wondered whether it would one day find a brightly lit place to call home.

Now it seemed that wish had long since come true.

Lucas let Luxray savor the moment. When it had had its fill, he spoke gently: "Come on. Let's check out the new warehouse and ice cellar."

Luxray pulled its gaze back and nodded lightly, padding after Lucas with a buoyant step—anyone could tell it was in a great mood.

In front of the expanded and reinforced new warehouse, Lucas raised an eyebrow. He'd been mentally prepared, but the size was still impressive—three to four times the old warehouse.

He opened the new doors and went in. Bright incandescent lights illuminated everything. The stock that had crammed the old warehouse—stored produce, food, and consumables—now took up only a quarter of the space, leaving the rest strikingly empty.

Whether for new harvests or new supplies, Lucas was already thinking that someday he'd fill the whole place.

In one corner of the warehouse, the floor held a large metal hatch, like a secret basement entrance from a movie.

Besides this, the newly built building next to the warehouse also led straight down into the ice cellar. Having an entrance in the warehouse would make it easier to move goods between the cellar and storage.

He opened the hatch. No cold air or mist billowed up—the ice cellar had just been finished, and no Ice-type Pokémon had moved in to chill it yet.

Down a not-so-steep staircase, a vast underground space came into view, much larger than the new warehouse.

In Lucas's plan, beyond serving as an ice cellar, the upper level would also house the Ice-type Pokémon he would one day bring back to the farm.

The entire cellar used insulating materials with good breathability, and the upper level had generous space. The Ice-types would rest upstairs and, at the same time, bring the cellar's temperature down.

Looking at the empty space, Lucas realized he'd need quite a few Ice-types to make this work.

But before that—time to test this guy.

He took out an Ultra Ball, exchanged a nod with Luxray, and released the Pokémon inside.

With a crisp metallic clank, Iron Bundle—defeated by Moltres—appeared in its captured state: powered down.

"It's barely different from a machine. Next to it, Genesect is basically just a bio-weapon in a metal shell…"

He muttered, then picked an ice-blue stone with snowflake patterns from the basket he'd brought and tossed it at the inert Iron Bundle.

After a bit—

No reaction. Iron Bundle didn't absorb the Ice Stone's energy.

So Ice Stones won't charge it. Lucas thought a moment, then signaled Luxray to discharge into the port-like spot on Iron Bundle's back.

Generally, robots run on electricity, right?

Sure enough, charging worked. In Lucas's view, the dim points of light on Iron Bundle's body lit up as Luxray's current flowed in.

To avoid overcharging and sparking a rampage, Lucas had Luxray stop after a short while.

Under their gaze, Iron Bundle's digital eyes lit, and it stood. Its head turned left and right, apparently surveying the environment.

Luxray watched it warily—if it showed aggression, it would drop it in an instant.

But Iron Bundle merely glanced at Luxray and Lucas, then turned, lifted the spherical device under its wing, and blasted a stream of extreme cold at the open space.

[Energy reserves restored. Beginning environmental remodeling.]

It just began altering the ice cellar as if no one else existed, completely ignoring Lucas and Luxray.

Lucas & Luxray: "…"

According to Three Scar—now evolved into Corviknight—so long as you don't interfere with Iron Bundle's environmental remodeling, it won't become hostile.

The Corvisquire and Fletchinder flocks had been wiped out because they resisted to protect the forest's environment.

As for its attitude after finishing the remodel, Lucas didn't know—maybe he'd find out today.

He and Luxray backed off and silently watched Iron Bundle reshape the cellar, pondering how maxed-out its tool-bird attributes were.

No matter what, the ice cellar was far smaller than Three Scar's forest and lake. Even with suboptimal energy, Iron Bundle took less than ten minutes to turn the cellar into a winter wasteland.

Fortunately, Lucas had prepared thick winter gear and donned it while Iron Bundle worked.

Even so, he shivered. Luxray kept calm under its fur.

The entire cellar was now sheathed in thick ice. Each breath bit with cold. Iron Bundle stood on a pile of snow atop the ice, still active.

Lucas and Luxray exchanged a glance. The electricity Luxray had discharged was maybe enough to run a refrigerator for a month.

Yet Iron Bundle had not only rebooted on that but also remodeled such a big space. This thing was ridiculously energy-efficient.

Born to be exploited—cough, cough.

Before Lucas could imagine a hundred use cases, Luxray suddenly growled a warning.

Looking closely, he saw Iron Bundle had turned to face them at some point. Its emotionless eyes were fixed on him and Luxray.

[Environmental remodeling complete. To ensure survival and continued activity, begin hunting.]

[Target: organism with abundant electrical power.]

Iron Bundle raised the spherical device. Ice-type energy gathered, about to blast forth—when Luxray's body crackled, and in the next instant a terrifying current split the air and engulfed Iron Bundle.

Unlike the gentle charge from before, this current was ferocious. Under Luxray's control, it deliberately avoided Iron Bundle's charging port.

Violent electricity pounded Iron Bundle's body. The frost stream from its device couldn't pierce Luxray's discharge at all.

In no time, Iron Bundle toppled into a slushy pile, smoke curling from it.

[System heavily damaged. Energy reserves all diverted to self-repair.]

[Warning, warning: energy insufficient. To ensure survival, forced shutdown.]

Seeing it go limp, Luxray wore a disgusted look.

What was that—noob yet loves to play?

…

A while later.

On the phone, Lucas said, "Yes, Iron Bundle's habit seems to be remodeling its environment to suit itself. Before completion it shows no aggression, but after, either to replenish energy or from territorial instincts, it attacks nearby life."

"It's not suited to the outside world. I've decided to return it to the Great Crater of Paldea."

On the other end, Geeta nodded. "Understood. If you can't communicate with it, returning it to Area Zero is the only option. You don't need to go down this time—have Larry make the run."

Lucas: "Huh? Make Larry go?"

Geeta sounded puzzled. "With his strength, isn't that the safest approach?"

After hanging up, Lucas looked at the Ultra Ball in his hand.

He sighed—who knew whether he was lamenting Larry's corporate-slave lot or the release of Iron Bundle.

Alas, such a good ice-maker that's energy-efficient, and he had to let it go—what a pity.

For Lucas, the farm Pokémon's safety came first. Iron Bundle's instability was too great. No matter how careful, something could slip through. Better to uproot the danger at the start.

There were plenty of other Ice-types in this world. Rather than keep an unstable factor, he'd recruit normal Ice Pokémon.

He shook his head. When he set out, he'd drop the Ultra Ball with Iron Bundle to Larry.

Departure for Unova was fast approaching. He also planned to check whether his four students had cleared the Montenevera Gym.

So Lucas mounted Dragonite, flew over Paldea's mountains and rivers, paused at Casseroya Lake to let Dragonite reminisce, then shot up the great waterfall into the Montenevera range.

He'd been to Montenevera more than once and had even captured a notorious Pokémon hunter en route, so Dragonite knew the route like the back of its claw.

As Montenevera's silhouette grew, Lucas fell into thought.

Where were Hunter J and her cohorts imprisoned now? Since he'd put her away, she probably wouldn't be meddling in Sinnoh's Team Galactic and the lake guardians, right?

Even with summer near, Montenevera Town was its usual wintry self, though the weather was a touch sunnier and greener.

Wearing the same tactical outfit from Hunter J's arrest, Lucas had barely landed in town when someone called out to him.

"Isn't that Lucas? Long time no see!"

He turned. It was old Mr. Tron, who'd accompanied him and Anabel up Montenevera Mountain.

The old gentleman looked as spry as ever, with rosy cheeks—seemed to be in good spirits.

At Tron's feet, a Greavard looked curiously at Lucas.

"Mr. Tron, long time no see." Lucas replied, then his eyes lit as he looked at the flickering flame atop Greavard's head. "Looks like you're getting along well with Greavard."

Tron smiled, crouched, and patted Greavard's head. "Thanks to you, my wife has recovered as well. She's been wanting to meet you. If you don't mind, would you honor us by coming to our humble home for a cup of hot tea?"

"It was just a small favor." Lucas scratched his head, apologetic. "I was planning to check on my students—They're challenging the Montenevera Gym right now—so I can't go at the moment. It'll have to be later."

"No matter, no matter. As long as you come, we—and Greavard—will be delighted."

Tron waved it off, then seemed to recall something and smiled. "Your students—would they be Arven, Nemona, Penny, and Eri, those four?"

"If so, their challenges are already over. They've been staying in Montenevera for a week. There were some bumps, but they all finished this morning."

"Right now, I believe Gym Leader Ryme is hosting them."

"That's great!" Lucas's eyes lit up. They'd done him proud. He bowed slightly. "Then I'll take my leave and visit later."

Tron waved with a smile. "Bring those four children along, too."

Lucas nodded. "Will do!"

Watching Lucas's departing back, Tron smiled, turned into a shop, and chose a suitable envelope.

Then he took up a pen and carefully filled in the address—Eindoak.

..

Walking the streets of Montenevera, Lucas lavished praise on the four and made a promise.

"You all did great. As a reward, before we set out I'll treat you to a big meal at the Treasure Eatery."

Ryme had said Nemona finished the next day, Eri on day four, Penny on day five, and Arven this morning.

Even Ryme praised their week's progress and their taking the sixth badge. A reward was in order.

"Hooray!"

The four cheered in delight. Every Paldean knows the Treasure Eatery's reputation.

Arven was already fantasizing about what to order. The Eatery's signature dish was, of course—

Having been there many times, Nemona cared less about "the Eatery" than about "a reward from Lucas." She asked excitedly, "Teacher Lucas, are we heading down the mountain now?"

Penny and Eri also looked at him curiously. After a week in Montenevera, they knew the paths; this one should lead to the residential area…

Lucas smiled mysteriously and wagged a finger. "You'll know when we get there."

Chapter 270 Eindoak and preparations before departing for Unova

Blithely ignoring Arven and the others' protests about his suspense, Lucas led the four to a cozy, well-kept detached house.

Mr. Tron was in the yard with his old partner, a Delibird, tending the plants. Seeing the Delibird reminded Lucas of the one that had left his farm to travel.

With no instant way to keep in touch, who knew which corner of the world Delibird was in now? In a way, that was good—it meant Delibird hadn't run into anything it couldn't handle.

If anything really happened, Delibird would find the red-roofed building he'd mentioned and ask Nurse Joy at a Pokémon Center to contact him.

As a seasoned Ranger, Tron was very sensitive to changes in his surroundings; he noticed them as soon as the five reached the door.

Setting down the watering can, he looked up before Lucas could speak. "You're here?"

Swallowing his greeting, Lucas changed his words. "We're here, Mr. Tron."

After sending Delibird inside to announce the guests, Tron smiled. "Welcome to our humble home."

The four students bowed politely. "Hello, Mr. Tron."

He stepped aside to invite them in. "Come in quickly. It's still chilly outside. The fireplace is going strong, and my wife and Greavard are already inside waiting."

They followed Tron in without fuss.

At the entryway, Lucas asked curiously, "It looks like you're pretty familiar with Arven and the others?"

Tron paused mid-shoe-change, exchanged a glance with the group, and gave a knowing smile. "Nothing much. I just took them out for some training. They also helped me a lot—they're very good kids."

He led them to the living room. An energetic older lady had already set out hot tea and snacks. The crackling fireplace filled the warm room with homely life.

It was Mrs. Mela, who had been bedridden months ago; now her spirits seemed fully restored, which made Lucas quite happy.

Seeing Tron bring everyone in, Mela smiled warmly. "Please, sit, sit!"

Once they were seated and tasting the carefully prepared refreshments, Nemona asked, brimming with curiosity, "Teacher Lucas, how did you meet Mr. Tron?"

Arven, Penny, and Eri perked up too, clearly curious.

Tron and Mela exchanged a look. Petting Greavard's fur, Mela chuckled. "We actually have Lucas to thank. If not for him, I might still be confined to bed."

Lucas shook his head. "It was a small effort. As long as you've recovered, I'm happy."

Unable to resist the students' overflowing curiosity, Tron and Mela slowly recounted how, during Lucas's participation in the operation to capture Hunter J a few months back, he'd also helped uncover the cause of Mela's strange illness.

Time slipped by with refills of tea and snacks. After the tale, the four exchanged looks, seeing shock in each other's eyes.

So the globally discussed "Hunter J captured" incident months ago—turns out the one who actually brought her down was Lucas?

"Dragonite actually rammed a huge airborne warship clean through…"

Eri clapped a hand over her mouth, amazed.

They'd known from the beach that Dragonite was strong, but that such a cute Dragonite could shatter a flying warship single-handedly was beyond her imagination.

Penny, however, was calm. Her own dopey dad, as a former Champion, could probably pull off something like that too.

In fact, bearing the title of Champion, that level was only normal.

Nemona was moved. "To be reunited with Greavard again—your bond wasn't over!"

Arven fell silent. Putting himself in Tron's place, if Mabosstiff had something happen, he'd be devastated.

Good thing he was getting stronger and stronger. If he kept it up, Mabosstiff would be with him always, for life.

The pleasant conversation continued until near sunset, and they stayed for a hearty dinner.

Just as Lucas stood to take his leave, Mela suddenly asked at the table, "Dear, about that letter—do we have any way to send it now?"

Tron paused while clearing dishes, helpless. "Unova is still too far from Paldea. The Montenevera post office doesn't serve that distance. I'll have to head down to Medali in a few days and try my luck."

On hearing a keyword, Nemona's ears perked. "Unova?"

Mela blinked and nodded. "Yes—something the matter?"

Penny, blissfully rubbing her slightly rounded tummy, drawled, "We're heading for Unova the day after tomorrow. Burp~"

Tron asked, "If I may—what city are you going to?"

Eri thought a moment. "A sea-based academy, I think. It's called Blueberry Academy."

At that, Tron frowned thoughtfully, hurried back inside, and spread a brand-new Unova map on the table. After a quick search, his eyes lit up at the sight of Blueberry Academy near Eindoak.

"Blueberry Academy is right next to Eindoak!"

Hearing another keyword, Lucas, who was picking his teeth with a toothpick on the sofa, sat bolt upright.

Eindoak… Eindoak—he remembered that name!

Arven was surprised. "Whoa, that's quite a coincidence."

Tron nodded gently; even he hadn't expected such a coincidence. "In a few days, Eindoak will be hosting a Harvest Festival. I want to send this letter to a woman in that city."

Mela, dissatisfied, added, "A woman younger and prettier than me, right?"

Anyone could hear the vinegar in her tone. Penny's gossip sense tingled, but politeness kept her quiet, to her own torment.

Tron waved his hands in a fluster, explaining hard, "She's a mother now—she has a daughter. And she was just someone I rescued back when I was a Ranger…"

Mela was only teasing him. She covered her mouth and laughed. "All right, all right—I believe you, okay?"

Nemona stroked her chin, thinking. "What's a Harvest Festival?"

Seeing the heiress had no clue about festivals of the common folk, Arven explained, "A celebration of the harvest—usually a lively festival. If Eindoak is a big city, the festival will probably be huge."

Nemona's eyes practically sparkled. "What is it like? I really want to go!"

Penny and Eri traded a look and suggested, "Since Nemona wants to see the Harvest Festival, and Mr. Tron needs a letter delivered, why not combine the two? After Blueberry Academy, we can go to Eindoak to deliver the letter and enjoy the festival."

Nemona nodded vigorously. "Great idea!"

Penny gave a meaningful smile. "But the final say belongs to a certain teacher over there who's picking his teeth."

Suddenly the focus of everyone's gaze, Lucas loosened his fingers; the toothpick fell into the trash.

His memory finally clicked on Eindoak.

In ancient Unova, there was a legendary "divine dragon." Over time and turmoil, the "divine dragon" split, becoming the empty husk Kyurem, the dragon of truth Reshiram, and the dragon of ideals Zekrom.

The two great dragons chose two princes of the "People of the Vale," making them their heroes. But because the heroes' ideals clashed, war broke out. In the end, both dragons exhausted their power and became two stones, slumbering within the castle now known as the "Sword of the Vale" in the town called Eindoak.

The Mythical Pokémon Victini should also be trapped in Eindoak. It's said to bring victory—trainers with Victini would be unbeatable.

Victini can also generate infinite energy within its body. The chairman over in Galar would be drooling at the thought.

Lucas didn't know whether the two dragon stones were currently in Eindoak; if they were, what was Team Plasma and N's situation?

Ash should still be in the Orange Islands or Johto now. A trip to Eindoak shouldn't drag them into anything weird… right?

His thoughts ended. Seeing his students' pleading faces, Lucas smiled helplessly. "I'll try applying to the chairwoman. But even if it's approved, you'll have to behave yourselves at Blueberry Academy."

".ヽ(^Д^*)/. Yay~~!"

The students cheered, while Tron and Mela stood dumbfounded, full of confusion.

Wait—before they'd even said a word, these kids had already decided it all among themselves?

…

A little later, under a starry, moonless sky—

"Please deliver this letter to a woman named Juanita. She has a daughter named Carlita—about your age, Lucas. They run a souvenir shop and have a Golurk as a helper."

Tron solemnly handed Lucas the letter.

"We'll deliver it to Ms. Juanita intact."

Having already gotten Geeta's approval by phone to take the four students to enjoy Eindoak's Harvest Festival afterward, Lucas accepted the letter with equal solemnity.

Nemona and the others also looked determined. For a chance to play in Eindoak… they would do their utmost to get that letter delivered!

After stowing the letter, Lucas waved to Tron, Mela, Delibird, and Greavard. "We'll be taking our leave."

"Travel safely!"

He saw the students back to their inn, told them to wait till morning to descend the mountain and not to rush, and said he'd wait for them in Medali. Then he rode Dragonite straight to Medali.

There, he handed the Ultra Ball containing Iron Bundle to the bleary-eyed Larry. Seeing those heavy dark circles, Lucas suddenly realized—

Could it be… that nap at Research Station 4 was the best, deepest, longest sleep Larry would get all year?

Respect and guilt flashed over Lucas's face. After watching overworked Larry depart, he found a random inn in Medali for the night and slept like a log.

The next day, Lucas met the four students in Medali, treated them to a feast at the Treasure Eatery, then escorted them safely back to Naranja Academy and returned to the farm.

It was May 30. Tomorrow they would depart for Blueberry Academy. He had to get farm affairs in order first.

After all, he'd likely be in Unova for about a week.

The past month's farm infrastructure had cost nearly 600,000 Poké dollar in liquid funds; the money was nearly dry, and the priciest power generation and storage array still wasn't installed.

Five hundred thousand more Poké dollar—only by, ahem, challenging Blueberry Academy, defeating their side in friendly bouts, and collecting a commission—er, prize—from Geeta could he fill that hole.

He delegated oversight of the Machamp construction team's installation of the facilities to Oranguru.

Unova had an active evil team called "Team Plasma." If Lucas were going alone, fine—but he'd be taking four students.

To be safe, he'd bring as much of his combat power and logistics as possible, leaving only the necessary force to guard the farm and avoid irreparable accidents due to insufficient strength.

Since it was Unova, he figured he should bring Serperior.

Fortunately, Applin and Tropius were past infancy. After explaining the pros and cons and asking the farm-staying Pokémon to look after them, a mere week should pass quickly.

Before leaving, Lucas visited Thunderclap Lake to call up Politoed, who had trained long at the great wet boulder, and checked on Dragonite Leader—Dragonite's mother.

Thanks to the three Dragonair caring for her, the leader's condition was stable. Next, he'd consider when to visit Alola. Compared to the elusive Celebi and Dialga, Tapu Fini, who had a fixed abode, was easier to find.

…

May 31—the last day of May and spring's final echo.

In Naranja Academy's main hall, the four neatly dressed, bright-eyed students gathered before Lucas, clearly well prepared for the trip.

Because Geeta was busy with League duties, Director Clavell soon arrived with a dark-skinned, white-haired gentleman in a white dress hat and suit.

Clavell adjusted his glasses with a small smile. "Allow me to introduce: this is the director of Blueberry Academy and designer of the Terarium, an old acquaintance of mine—Cyrano."