The night deepened within the cozy room.
Natsume was playing cards with Cynthia while Togepi watched curiously. Gengar lurked behind Natsume, gesturing mischievously.
"Gengar!" (Play this one!)
Natsume gave Cynthia's deck a complicated glance.
She's already collected every UR card before the set's even two weeks old... Is this the power of money? I should go print my own set later!
"Have you decided your move yet?" Natsume yawned as drowsiness crept in.
"Let me think a bit longer..." Cynthia studied her hand, chin resting on her fingers.
Natsume stared at the ceiling. "You've been thinking for ten minutes..."
At this rate, you'll end up sleeping here again.
"Decision made!" Cynthia's eyes sharpened as she played a card. "Activating Moon Stone from my hand to evolve Nidorino into Nidoking."
Natsume blinked.
"But my Pidgeot's Flying-type is immune to Ground-type moves..."
Cynthia smiled knowingly, wagging her finger. "Though Earth Power is Ground-type, its shockwaves can reach aerial targets. Therefore, Pidgeot's HP drops to zero. Victory is mine."
She plucked a prize card from Natsume's side.
Nani?!
After a stunned pause, Natsume ventured, "What if... my Pidgeot flew higher to dodge Earth Power?"
Cynthia pondered briefly before returning the prize card.
"Fair enough."
Natsume's gaze returned skyward.
So we're just making up rules now?!
Given Cynthia's chronic indecision, their match lasted an hour. Ultimately, Natsume's quicker wit secured victory.
"Why does your deck contain Johto Pokémon?" Cynthia inquired.
"Unreleased expansion pack," Natsume grinned. "Still in playtesting."
That's downright cheating!
"What about Sinnoh's expansion?" Cynthia tapped her chin. "Including Garchomp..."
"Don't worry, you'll get a special edition." Natsume gave a thumbs-up. "As long as you promote the Pokémon TCG, it's not favoritism!"
"Agreed." Cynthia smiled faintly.
...
Though peace prevailed globally, Champions couldn't idle indefinitely. As a mildly internet-addicted blonde patron, Cynthia was still more diligent than certain rock enthusiasts.
Of course, jokes about Champions slacking off were peacetime luxuries. When crises emerged, these individuals always spearheaded the response—whether Cynthia confronting deities during the Pillar incident or Steven commanding the legendary titans trio against Groudon at Mt. Chimney.
Watching Cynthia's silhouette vanish into the night astride Garchomp, Natsume rubbed his chin.
Must keep striving... Maybe start with supporting the Sinnoh Champion?
"Alright, bedtime!"
Tomorrow brought his Celadon University orientation. As Natsume turned indoors, a letter on the sofa caught his eye—alongside a tiny USB drive. Cynthia had left a brief note: [For Sylveon—TM Hyper Voice]
Natsume: ???
He glanced between Sylveon blinking innocently on the couch and Growlithe (already knowing Snarl) looking equally confused.
Rubbing his temples, Natsume sighed. "Something tells me... peaceful sleep is over."
...
November 11th, Sunday
Singles' Day shopping mania infected the chat group.
"These are just marketing tactics," Gold unusually asserted. "Johto has no such tradition!"
Rarely active Jasmine sent a soft voice message: "Um... Torren's online store has half-price potato chips..."
She'd stocked snack packages that might rival her petite height. Though embarrassed to admit, Jasmine still treasured her kindergarten eating contest trophy.
"Half-price chips?!" Gold wavered.
"What if I bulk-order now and resell post-festival?" Green's eyes gleamed.
Blue Oak facepalmed. "You think everyone's stupid?"
Silver: ...I'll buy.
Gold: [Angry Dog Head Rub.jpg] Suspect!
Red: @Gold, free for Mt. Silver sparring today.
"Bring it!" Gold boasted. "Don't cry when I win."
Red chuckled: "Naturally."
Natsume paused.
Sparring at Mt. Silver on Singles' Day? That's some bromance.
Most group members were coupled up... Who remained single?
Oh. Me.
Lorelei adjusted her glasses: "This holiday seems unnecessary."
Gold cautiously asked: "Because nobody pursues you?"
Lorelei's smile turned glacial.
Using honorifics won't save you from my Johto visit, Hatcher!
Amidst the chaos, Erika stood apart: "@Natsume-sensei, I await you near the Bullet Train station at Celadon's Pokémon Center."
Natsume-sensei: "En route!"
"Natsume-sensei actually got hired at Celadon University!" Yellow marveled.
Gold: "Wow! Equal to Oak's old man status!"
Professor Samuel Oak served as both faculty member and honorary president.
Gold nodded sagely.
Not bad judgment, old man. Hiring Natsume-sensei!
Blue Oak sighed at the disrespect, @Red: "Pummel him extra hard."
Red: "Roger that."
Natsume mentally erected Gold's funeral banner.
Gold = Doomed
Closing the chat, Natsume approached the Pokémon Center while rubbing dark circles. Last night's "Hyper Voice" training meant even dreams echoed with Sylveon's adorable but piercing cries—amplified by Growlithe's Snarl.
No more sleeping in...
Recalling his Eevee-filled nightmare, Natsume yawned: "Gengar, need a pick-me-up!"
"Gengar!"
The ghost's paralyzing Lick attack hit perfectly.
"Refreshing!" Chewing a Cheri Berry, Natsume asked: "Got anything else?"
Gengar rummaged through its dimensional belly pouch before producing...
Ultra-strong coffee!
"Magnificent, Gengar!"
This functionality rivals a certain blue robot!
At the Pokémon Center, green-kimonoed Erika stood waiting.
"My apologies for lateness."
"I've just arrived." Erika smiled. "Shall we proceed?"
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