Jubilife City, Casa de María
Austin hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Would it be alright if we stayed for dinner tonight? I'm a chef. I can cook."
He wanted Dragapult to remain here a little longer. Even a short while mattered.
Rosa looked at him with doubt.
"You can cook?"
A young Trainer like him, with strength obvious from Zenith and Ryu, choosing to cook instead of battling or competing, felt unusual.
Austin did not argue. He simply pulled up his PokéStream account on his Pokégear.
Rosa's expression changed almost immediately.
"So that's you? I didn't realize. In that case… I'll leave it to you."
Austin gave a small nod.
"Agni, Zenith, you two stay here. Ryu, come with me. We need ingredients."
"Nine!"
"Meta"
The moment he left, Agni and Zenith were quickly surrounded by a wave of excited children.
"So soft and warm~."
Agni was turned into a pillow.
"Flyyy!"
Some children tried to have Zenith fly them around.
Austin had already disappeared out the door.
. . .
He returned later with a large pile of ingredients, along with ten cases of canned Moomoo Milk.
Cooking time turned chaotic.
"Careful with that pot!"
"Miwa, don't run in here!"
"Riley put the flour down!"
"Peach!"
The same little girl who had grabbed his pant leg earlier nearly climbed into a cooking pot.
Austin reacted instantly and pulled her back.
This was not going to turn into a disaster.
Rosa stepped in with calm authority.
"Let's have a competition. Whoever stirs the best gets a lollipop. Top three win."
"Yay!"
Simple. Effective. Immediate order.
For the main dish, Austin prepared soft meat and root vegetable stew, simmered until tender, so the children could eat it easily. He also made lightly stir-fried seasonal vegetables and baked sweet potato cakes, keeping everything mild, nutritious, and safe for the little ones.
The kitchen chef watched with a competitive look, but Austin paid no attention.
On another day, he might have entertained it. Not today.
He had suggested staying here for a reason. The noise, the energy, the life of the children helped quiet the heaviness in his chest.
The dining hall felt warm and refined, far from what one would expect from an orphanage.
No wild Pokémon roamed inside the orphanage. Just a small tank of Goldeen rested in one corner.
Rosa had explained earlier.
"Maria didn't want these children to grow up feeling deprived. She wanted them to have something better."
Austin understood.
That kind of kindness stayed with people. It stayed with Pokémon, too.
He carried a portion of food over to Dragapult and Drakloak.
"Here. Eat something."
"Draga-pult"
No appetite.
Austin paused, then spoke more quietly.
"She cared about you. That hasn't changed."
Dragapult remained still for a moment.
Then, slowly, it began to eat.
A small step, but enough.
Austin turned to Rosa.
"Do you organize outings for the children?"
Rosa nodded.
"Once a month."
"If you're open to it, you can bring them to the Black Crest Jubilife Breeding House. It's spacious, and there are plenty of wild Pokémon to observe."
Rosa hesitated.
"There are safety concerns."
"Ryu and Zenith control that area. Nothing nearby would pose a threat."
Rosa considered it, then smiled.
"That sounds wonderful. Our next outing is in two weeks."
They exchanged contact details.
Austin added one more request.
"In return… would it be alright if Dragapult came here from time to time?"
Rosa's answer came without hesitation.
"Of course. Even if it comes alone. This is Maria's home. It's also her home."
"Thank you."
"I should be thanking you. You've helped fulfill something that was left unfinished."
That evening, after spending time playing with the children, Austin prepared to leave.
"We'll head out now."
"Take care. Come back anytime."
"Goodbye, Austin!"
Their voices were bright and full of life.
Austin smiled faintly.
"Goodnight. Get some rest."
Outside, Jubilife City was still alive with light. The streets glowed under the night sky.
Standing beneath a streetlamp, Austin looked at Dragapult.
"I won't catch you."
He paused, then continued.
"But… will you come with me? My home is close to Mt Coronet."
"Pult."
Dragapult nodded.
Austin looked at Drakloak beside her, then took out a Luxury Ball.
"Drakloak, would you like to become my Pokémon?"
"Drrrraaa!"
Drakloak gently tapped the switch on the Luxury Ball, turning it into a red light and vanishing inside.
A soft thump sounded.
"I caught Drakloak!"
Austin punched into the sky.
"Lucaa!"
"All right, let's go home!"
Austin had originally planned for Zenith to carry him, but Dragapult herself gently lifted him instead.
By 9:30 PM, only the streetlights glowed at the Black Crest Jubilife Breeding House; the place was peaceful.
"Dragapult, Drakloak, this will be your home from now on. Mt. Coronet is that way."
"Kloakk!"
"Pult"
Before heading back to his room, Austin checked on Arcanine, who was curled up in the corner of the row house, trembling at the slightest sound.
Austin rubbed Agni's head.
"Agni, help your companion more."
"Arcaninee!"
Agni bared his teeth in a confident grin.
(Leave it to me!)
Arcanine was easier to treat than Feebas. Austin already had a plan: regular exercise.
Exercise soothed the mind, burned off frustration, and built confidence.
Hopefully, after a good run, Arcanine would feel more social.
Austin pushed open the door to his house. His father was snacking in the living room.
"Son, you're back? I thought you weren't coming home tonight?"
Seeing his father's ambiguous expression, Austin nearly rolled his eyes.
"What did you think I went to do? Eat less late-night snacks; they're bad for your health."
Hearing Austin's voice, Amanda, wearing a face mask, stepped out.
"Eh? This seems to be…"
"These are Drakloak and Dragapult. Drakloak is my new partner, and as for…"
Austin quickly introduced his new Pokémon to his parents.
"You went out today just for these?"
"What else?"
His father poked Austin's shoulders, muttering softly:
"I thought you went on a date…"
Austin looked at his father strangely.
"Why will I bring my date to such a dangerous place like Mt. Coronet?"
. . .
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