Pokemon Paldea [271-272] (Patreon)

Chapter 271: Nimbasa City, the Ferris Wheel, and N — Visiting the Terarium

The designer of the Terarium: Director Cyrano.

Hearing that name, Lucas subconsciously sat up a little straighter. If he had to name one of his ambitions for the farm's future, creating an artificial environment like the Terarium—where Pokémon of many species could live—was definitely on the list.

He'd planned that if he got the chance to go to Blueberry Academy, he would make sure to talk with Director Cyrano, hopefully build a good relationship, and, when he had the ability in the future, invite him to help design such a place.

He didn't expect Director Cyrano would personally come to Naranja Academy to pick them up.

Before Lucas and Nemona could greet Cyrano, Cyrano—walking over with Clavell—suddenly stopped. He looked blankly around the area, pondered for a while, then asked in confusion, "Huh? Little Clavell, what are we doing here? And who are these?"

Lucas & Nemona's group of four: "???"

Clavell pressed a hand to his forehead helplessly. "You're here to pick people up. Our academy has one teacher and four students going to Blueberry Academy for a visit and exchange."

"And also, Director Cyrano, that form of address in front of students is a bit too, well… you know."

Cyrano's face lit with sudden understanding. "Oh! Right, I think there was something like that. Thanks to you, Little Clavell!"

"By the way, what are their names?"

With a weary expression, Clavell introduced them one by one: "Head of Battle Studies, Lucas; students Nemona, Arven, Penny, and Eri. They're all the pride of Naranja Academy."

Penny tightened her ever-present Eevee backpack and whispered to the others, "Isn't this Blueberry Academy Director Cyrano a bit… forgetful?"

Arven nodded in agreement. "Hard to imagine he designed something as epoch-making as the Terarium."

Lucas's face, meanwhile, showed the shattering of an ideal. He'd imagined the person who built the Terarium would be a brilliant, wise master designer; reality turned out very different.

This forgetful guy—enough to make him suspect mild dementia—designed the Terarium?

Fortunately, with Clavell's efforts, Director Cyrano barely remembered the five people's names and faces—though no one knew how long that memory would last.

Clavell led the six of them to the highest point of Naranja Academy. There was even a helipad there—Lucas had never noticed before.

Seeing the helicopter on the pad, Lucas had to marvel at Geeta's generosity. They were getting a private ride to the airport.

He poked Clavell and whispered, "Director, can I have Dragonite land on the helipad in the future? The school's stairs are really too many."

Worried that Dragonite's downdraft might affect people or buildings in Mesagoza, Lucas rarely had it land in the city. He practically ran from the outskirts to the academy every day—exhausting.

Clavell looked at him with mild surprise, then nodded. "That's fine."

At Clavell's signal, the six boarded the helicopter, which would take them straight to the Glaseado Airport, then they'd transfer to a direct flight to Unova.

As if afraid Cyrano's forgetfulness would cause trouble, Clavell held Lucas's hand and went over the procedures several times, also reminding the pilot, and only then—with a worried look—stepped away.

As the rotor spun up and air blasted out from the helicopter, Clavell guarded his hairstyle and raised his voice: "Teacher Lucas, I'll leave it to you!"

Lucas naturally understood the double meaning and smiled knowingly. "Leave it to me!"

Although this might be a bit of a backstab to their sister school and the visiting Director Cyrano…

This trip—victory is a must!

Clavell's concern was not misplaced. Before boarding, Cyrano nearly caused them to miss the flight due to his forgetfulness. Thankfully, Clavell knew him well and had repeatedly taught Lucas how to handle various mishaps caused by Cyrano.

At last, they boarded the direct flight to Unova without incident.

In first class, Lucas held the soft, sweet-smelling Alcremie, while Comfey dozed above his head. He poked his head out to check on his students and to make sure Cyrano wasn't wandering.

Geeta was generous—her arrangements were usually first class, at worst business. First class gave everyone their own seat and privacy, and they could let out small Pokémon like Alcremie and Comfey.

Arven was probably asleep, cuddled with Mabosstiff and Skwovet. Penny had likely called out all her Eevee-lutions. Nemona was probably hugging with her partners. From Eri's closed-off seat came faint sounds of boxing.

Lucas turned to the beautiful night sky outside. Paldea to Unova spanned half the globe; they'd be on the plane a long time. Better to sleep and conserve energy.

In a Unova where truth and ideals intersect, he was excited to see who and what he might meet—and what stories might be written.

…

June 2nd, Friday, evening, Nimbasa City.

The sky was awash with afterglow, giving this leisurely city a unique mood. Neon lights that glittered at night had already lit up early. Word was that a dazzling model's runway show was about to begin. The entire city seemed shrouded in a glorious electric radiance.

Nemona and the others looked curiously around Nimbasa. Eri sighed, "Compared to the kaleidoscopic Levincia, Nimbasa feels like a city of brilliant electric light."

Lucas released Serperior from its ball and smiled. "In a sense, this is your homeland."

Serperior looked around. Compared to Levincia, Nimbasa didn't feel that different, though the climate was markedly changed.

It withdrew its gaze and began to worry about Applin and Tropius—were they doing well now?

They hadn't waited long outside the airport when their pickup arrived, slightly out of breath.

It was a very cute girl. She had smooth, natural, shoulder-length pink hair. The slightly curled tips added a playful touch, giving a first impression of energy and cuteness.

She wore a light pink jacket over a white shirt and blue-and-white track pants, paired with spotless white sneakers. Even in a school uniform, she wore it with a sense of style.

Hands on her knees, catching her breath, she then shot Cyrano a reproachful look, seeking an explanation.

"Why are you at Exit 8? I was waiting ages at Exit 1."

She'd waited quite a while at the agreed Exit 1. The plane had already landed, but no one came. Knowing Director Cyrano wasn't exactly reliable, she tried searching other exits.

To her surprise, she found them at Exit 8—the farthest from Exit 1, near the amusement park.

Cyrano looked puzzled. "Weren't we meeting at Exit 8?"

Meanwhile, Nemona and Eri went up with concern to pat her back. "Are you okay?"

The girl shook her head. "I'm fine. I'm getting used to the Director's airheadedness. I just feel a running sprint doesn't look very cute on me…"

She lifted her head with a sweet smile and introduced herself. "Hello, everyone, I'm Lacey, a student at Blueberry Academy. I'll be leading our honored guests from Naranja Academy to Blueberry. Please take care of me."

Everyone quickly introduced themselves, and Lacey led them out of Nimbasa Airport.

On the way, Nemona asked curiously, "Lacey, how are we getting to Blueberry Academy?"

Guiding while also making sure Cyrano didn't wander off, Lacey thought for a moment. "Mm, Exit 1 is too far now. Let's cut through the Nimbasa Amusement Park here near Exit 8, then grab a taxi to the port and take a boat straight to Blueberry Academy."

Lucas, silent until then, asked, "Do we need tickets for this amusement park?"

Lacey's gaze first fell on the Serperior beside him. She felt this Serperior was… strong. Then she looked at Lucas—remembering he was a teacher—so her voice naturally carried respect. "Nimbasa Amusement Park is a municipal park. You only need tickets for the rides—like the Ferris wheel. Entry itself is free."

Lucas nodded thoughtfully. In the lively chatter of the students, they entered the night-bustling Nimbasa Amusement Park.

The most eye-catching structure was the enormous Ferris wheel—so tall it seemed to pierce the sky.

As they passed, Serperior suddenly imitated Penny's Sylveon, extending a Vine Whip to coil around Lucas's wrist. The usual hauteur faded; its gaze at the Ferris wheel was a little wistful.

"When we're done at Blueberry Academy, let's ride it if we get the chance."

Knowing exactly what Serperior was thinking, Lucas smiled and looked up at the rotating Ferris wheel. Suddenly, for a brief moment, his eyes met a pair of pure, clear eyes inside one of the moving cabins.

The owner of those eyes sat quietly. The cabin was low—he must have just boarded.

Lucas's eyesight was good enough to roughly make out the face.

He had long, teal-green hair, a low-key black-and-white baseball cap, and strikingly handsome features.

His height was likely excellent—even sitting, half his body appeared in the window frame. A strangely designed planetary pendant on his pure white turtleneck swayed gently with the wheel's motion.

The features clicked in Lucas's memory. His pupils contracted slightly.

The king of Team Plasma: N.

His full name—Natural Harmonia Gropius.

Lucas was surprised he still remembered N's full name. Before he could react further, Arven, noticing Lucas lingering, walked back and pushed him forward.

While pushing, Arven grumbled, "Seriously, how old are you and you still want to ride the Ferris wheel? Fine, fine. We'll ride it on the way back!"

Serperior's slithering paused, and it shot Arven a killing-cold glare.

Ahead, Penny turned and exposed Arven's real thought. "Who are you kidding? You want to ride too—and with someone else. For example, Teacher Lucas!"

Arven's face went crimson. "Mind your own business!"

Up above, as the Ferris wheel reached its peak, N gazed quietly over Nimbasa's nightscape. The night breeze lifted his hair. A faint smile curved his lips as he spoke in a gentle, magnetic voice, "That Serperior seems to like that person quite a bit."

They left the park, took a taxi to the port, then a boat to Blueberry Academy. By the end of the process, it was late at night.

Thankfully, Blueberry Academy had prepared lodging. After Lacey settled them into the dorms, she left with a yawn.

Lucas stood by the window. The night breeze was invigorating—especially refreshing now that the weather was turning hot.

He couldn't see the academy's full view in the darkness, but the outline was clear: a vast school-city floating on the sea, combining much of Unova's advanced tech and concepts.

But he wasn't in the mood to ponder that. He thought back to the glance near the Ferris wheel. Reviewing the details, it was highly likely that person was N.

He wondered whether this was the N from the games, the N from the anime, or some fusion of both.

His thoughts drifted. Sleepiness arrived. After washing up, he fell into the soft bed and, in Comfey's floral fragrance, slept deeply.

…

The next day.

Gathered by Lacey, they came to Blueberry Academy's main hall.

Lucas was fine—teachers came and went here. But Nemona and the others, in Naranja Academy uniforms, drew many looks. Penny's social anxiety flared and she hid in Eri's arms.

Lacey wore the same cute outfit as yesterday, making one wonder if she had several of the same set.

She led them through the gate and down a long descending corridor, smiling. "Because Director Cyrano got lost and fell into a pit on his way home last night, he's mostly fine, but he is an older gentleman. He'll be resting at home for a couple of days. So I'll be taking you around."

"Today's plan is to show you Blueberry Academy's pride and joy—the undersea courtyard: the Terarium."

As Lacey spoke, light spilled from the end of the corridor, and—much to Lucas's widening eyes—what opened up ahead was… a vast wilderness!

Nemona and the others couldn't help gasping.

Lacey said proudly, "We're in the ocean, but what looks like outside—the walls and the dome overhead showing the sky—that's all projection."

"Everything here is artificially created to suit different Pokémon habitats. The Terarium is divided into four zones."

"A subtropical grassland zone, a southern-coast zone, a canyon zone full of river valleys, and a snowy polar zone."

"Each zone's temperature, humidity, and other conditions are finely tuned. Pokémon from all over the world live here. Very romantic, right~?"

"Mhm!"

As Lacey introduced things, their expressions grew more excited. The Terarium was paradise for Pokémon—and for trainers.

Lucas carefully observed the nearest grassland zone. It wasn't just grass; there were rocky outcrops and marshland.

Farther out, the coast zone had beaches, forests, mountains, and lakes. The canyon zone had towering mountains laced with rivers. The polar zone had snowy peaks and frozen seas.

Many Blueberry students were scattered about inside. Lucas even saw a number of wild Pokémon that were rare in the outside world. The teaching resources here were truly abundant.

As expected of Unova.

"Oh, one more thing I must mention." As if remembering something, Lacey gathered their attention and mimicked Cyrano's tone. "Ahem… Today, our VIP guests from Naranja Academy may freely explore the Terarium."

"Oh, and the Pokémon here—you can try to catch any that you click with. Just register on your way out!"

"That's what Director Cyrano said~"

Nemona's eyes lit up. You could even capture Pokémon from this amazing dome!?

At this, Lucas—already marveling at Blueberry and Unova's wealth—cast his gaze toward the furthest polar zone.

There should be many Ice-types there, right?

Could he… recruit a few?

Lacey seemed to naturally include Lucas.

She smiled. "Any zones you want to visit?"

They began chattering and decided:

Arven: "I'll stick to the grassland zone."

Nemona: "I'm heading for the canyon zone."

Penny: "I don't want to go anywhere, but if I have to pick—coast zone."

Eri: "I also want to train in the canyon. The environment will temper body and soul. Maybe I'll meet a Pokémon that wants to train with me."

With the four students decided, all eyes went to Lucas. It was Lacey's first time really sizing him up. She'd heard from the Director that Lucas was a strong trainer, and she was curious what he'd choose.

No hesitation. Lucas had already decided. He answered seriously, "I'd like to check out the polar zone. If possible, I want to capture an Ice-type. That should be okay, right?"

Chapter 272: A Fluffy Pervert and the Snow Sprite

Terarium, polar zone.

All around was a world of white. Snow fell from the sky, piling on the ground and mountains. With sub-zero temperatures, one had to wear heavy winter gear to move around.

Wearing a snowfield outfit borrowed from a polar rest station, Lucas walked across dense ice. The boots' traction kept him from slipping.

Looking down, he could see shadows swimming beneath the ice—Pokémon living in the seawater below.

With every breath, fog swelled and faded. Surveying the surroundings, Lucas had to admit Blueberry Academy was impressive.

Never mind the technology needed to maintain four distinct climate zones—the mere construction cost of a structure this massive was astronomical, and the Dome was full of rare wild Pokémon.

Not far away, a group of Piplup were playing on an ice floe, watched over by their evolved Prinplup.

Piplup is an official Sinnoh starter, available from Pokémon Professors, with small wild populations as well.

Before setting out, Lucas had heard from Lacey that the Dome housed many Pokémon from all regions, including multiple starter lines, and that students and visitors could catch them freely.

Tempting as it was to stock up, he wasn't shameless enough to walk out with a truckload of Poké Balls—catching should consider the Pokémon's will and other factors.

In short, he'd look for Ice-types first, then use his tried-and-true method: lure them with the Poké Puffs he'd prepared.

From his gear he took a snow pole. It would help probe the path and avoid thin ice—and a sudden plunge into the sea below.

He looked toward the lofty snowy mountain in the distance. First, head for the mountain.

Ice floes drifted everywhere. He needed to avoid them and walk on solid ice.

He couldn't be sure if aquatic wild Pokémon would suddenly attack from below.

By his side was an eager Politoed. It had been training near the massive Damp Rock Swampert brought back, and its power over weather had improved a lot.

In this environment—besides Swampert—Politoed was the best companion.

Passing a drifting floe, Politoed tugged his pant leg and pointed. "Poli~!"

Lucas looked over and saw, on a floe carried by the current, several Dewgong and Seel basking and resting.

Their snowy coats concealed thick fat under the fur—adorably plump.

Lucas's eyes lit up. Seel is pure Water, but Dewgong is Water/Ice. Worth a try!

He crouched and carefully approached, a Puff ready in hand to tempt them.

But the vigilant Dewgong noticed him, barked a few times, then—without another glance—herded the Seel and slid into the sea, vanishing in an instant.

Lucas: "…"

Politoed patted his knee comfortingly. Those Dewgong just didn't have the fortune to enter the farm.

With them gone, he moved on, soon seeing the mountain's outline more clearly.

On the way, wild Pokémon did pop up to cause trouble. A Samurott blocked their way—blade drawn—to protect its young. A Kingdra burst up from below with a surprise ice-breaking attack.

These encounters made clear why he'd seen almost no Blueberry students in the polar zone.

It was just too hard to operate here.

He did see small teams of Blueberry students picking their way cautiously over the ice. Neither side approached; a glance was exchanged and each moved on.

Roughly three hours into the polar zone, the snow mountain loomed clearly. The ice underfoot gave way to ground covered in deep snow.

The snowfall grew heavier.

Lucas recalled Politoed and called to his shadow, "Mimikyu, your turn!"

His shadow wriggled and Mimikyu hopped out, tail like a stick wagging happily. It followed at Lucas's side, ready to challenge the mountain!

Riding Dragonite would be faster, but he might miss catches. He chose to climb on foot.

Climbing was dull and exhausting. Aside from glimpses of distant silhouettes, he didn't meet a single Pokémon in the first hour.

The wind and snow worsened, with signs of a coming blizzard.

Normally, the Dome's climate would be preprogrammed for safety—no intentional blizzards.

Perched on his shoulder, Mimikyu pantomimed frantically: "Mimi~"

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "You mean you sense a lot of Ice-type energy in this growing storm?"

Mimikyu nodded.

He scanned around but saw nothing suspicious.

It was likely some Pokémon—or a group—was stirring the storm. And it was trending toward a blizzard.

"Let's find shelter first, Mimikyu."

Decision made, they searched for a cave or windbreak.

A blizzard would blind them, sap body heat and stamina. Until they knew what caused it, caution was wise.

Near a grove of hardy plants, Lucas poked ahead with the snow pole—then froze.

He'd hit… nothing? Empty space?

Even with goggles, visibility was low.

He crouched and felt forward a few dozen centimeters, discovering a hole wide enough for a person.

He and Mimikyu exchanged a glance—lucky he'd used the pole, or he'd have stepped into it.

Examining the rim, he found the passage rough, as if dug by some creature—likely not a natural pit.

It sloped rather than dropping straight down—like it had been made for sliding.

He sniffed. Beyond the scent of snow, there was a faint, fresh fragrance—suggesting the hole's owner ate plants, or mostly plants.

With the storm raging, he thought a moment and said, "Let's go in and wait it out. The owner probably isn't aggressive. We can befriend it with berries and food."

Mimikyu nodded and leapt into his arms, eyes fixed on the hole.

Whatever was inside, it would protect Lucas.

Holding Mimikyu and making sure his gear was secure, Lucas took a breath and slid down.

The winding tunnel ran ten to twenty meters. A vertical drop would be bad news, but the curved slope was safe.

Aside from some scuffing on the loaner pants, they were okay.

Moments later, they emerged… into midair?

The tunnel opened into a small cavern, but the exit was four to five meters above the ground.

For many Pokémon, not a problem. For him—landing wrong could mean sprains or fractures. Headfirst, worse.

No time to survey; Lucas barked, "Mimikyu!"

From within his arms, Mimikyu's eyes sharpened. A massive spectral claw extended from beneath the rag.

Shadow Claw clamped into the floor, kicking up dust. That tiny body unleashed great strength, holding Lucas suspended, then lowering him safely.

Only then did Lucas take in the surroundings.

The cavern wasn't large—about the size of his farm's old warehouse. Its resident's body or group size probably wasn't too big. The whole interior was sheathed in crystalline ice that faintly glowed.

In a corner lay a nest of dry grass and leaves. Likely the owner's bed.

From the clues, he guessed the owner was an Ice-type.

But the cave was empty for now.

As he wondered what it might be, a rustling came from the hay.

He and Mimikyu looked over. A small head timidly peeked out.

At that instant, Lucas's pupils quivered; his eyes went wide.

"This is… hitting the jackpot."

A snow-white little fox Pokémon—round, blue-white gradient eyes shyly peering out. Fluffy white fur crowned its head and tail. Two tufts of thick fur framed dark-blue ear swirls. Pale-blue little paws hovered, hesitant to step forward.

An Alolan Vulpix—an Ice Vulpix—here!

Fluffy, soft, cool to the touch—simply the cutest creature in the world!

Lucas stared, as if bewitched by a snow fox spirit, his gaze reverent.

Vulpix was timid. It wasn't sure if Lucas and Mimikyu were hostile—especially Mimikyu; that brutal Shadow Claw scared it.

But it was very, very hungry.

Ever since it fell into this hole, time had passed and the little belly its elders had filled was now flat. The first true hunger it'd known left it scared and aggrieved, but in this strange place it didn't dare cry.

Tears glistened on its eyes. It looked pitifully at Lucas, wanting food but too scared to approach because of Mimikyu.

Lucas sensed the hunger. At first he thought this was its den.

But the deep claw marks in the ice and the Vulpix's soft, harmless-looking little paws made him suspect the truth.

It had likely fallen in and been trapped, starving, until he and Mimikyu arrived—giving it courage to come out.

Though thrilled inside, Lucas kept a gentle smile.

Under Mimikyu's exasperated stare, he swiftly took out a small box from his jacket pocket—inside, Poké Puffs he'd carefully prepared.

He crouched, the very picture of a suspicious uncle coaxing a child. "It's okay, we mean no harm. Want a snack?"

Mimikyu covered its eyes: Can't watch. Where did this fluffy pervert come from?

Perhaps truly starving—or enticed by the Puff's rich aroma—Vulpix blinked innocently and inched forward.

"Vuu~"

After triple-checking there was no attack coming, it reached Lucas's palm and nibbled in delicate bites.

Even while starving, it ate with such grace. Lucas's eyes gleamed as he endured the tickle of its little tongue on his palm.

Staring at the fluffy bundle so close, his free hand twitched.

Fluff! Must pet!

Little belly! Must rub!

Perched on his shoulder, Mimikyu of course noticed that feverish gaze.

Watching Vulpix already on its second Puff, purring softly as it ate, Mimikyu sighed.

Was this child naïve or just unguarded? Faced with Lucas's culinary assault, it surrendered in under a minute.

A pure, cute airhead. And Lucas fell for it completely—Mimikyu was even a little jealous.

Like Pikachu, Vulpix had a natural advantage in looks. Unlike itself, which could only hide under a rag…

Still, Mimikyu's old hang-ups had long resolved, and the emo only lasted a moment.

After Vulpix finally filled its belly, it looked up at Lucas with dewy eyes, timid but curious. Inside Lucas, tiny choirboys fell over from cuteness.

Under its puzzled gaze, he carefully reached out, aiming to stroke its little head.

Maybe because he'd offered a delicacy it had never tasted, Vulpix had gained some trust. It simply tilted its head, letting his hand sink into that fluffy white fur.