"Phew... why did it suddenly get so cold~"
Coming out of the Farfetch'd restaurant after a satisfying meal, Hilda walked down the streets of Snowpoint City—crossing her arms over her chest, fingertips unconsciously rubbing her elbows.
Her delicate nose was already red from the cold.
Wade shook his head—amused.
The chestnut-haired, high-ponytail girl's attire wasn't revealing. White inner shirt, sleeveless black vest. Dark blue jeans—lightly exposing fair skin.
Normal style. Clearly summer clothing.
Dusk in Snowpoint City—northernmost Sinnoh. Feeling cold was perfectly normal.
"I thought you dressed like this specifically for challenging the Gym. Training with your Pokémon."
"No—I just didn't expect the temperature to be so low. Didn't bring thick clothes."
Hilda puffed out her cheeks—red from the cold wind—mumbling, sniffing.
In the Pokémon world—challenging different Gyms—some Trainers underwent environmental training.
Fire-type Gyms? Hot volcanic areas. Fighting-type Gyms? Close combat with Pokémon.
Hilda clearly wouldn't choose such methods.
"If it's just this weather—I can still handle it... huh?"
A finger tapped her forehead.
Her exposed arm felt heavier—something covering it.
A thick coat came into view.
"Here. Put on my coat."
Wade chuckled—draped it over her.
Energetic, lively—sometimes stubborn, tsundere.
"Phew—"
Smelling his scent on the clothes—Hilda lightly exhaled—unconsciously wrapping herself tighter.
Two blushes flew to her cheeks.
Incredibly cute. Charming.
"Oh—right." She snapped out of her shy state. "It's still early, big brother. Should we walk around Snowpoint City?"
"No problem~"
Wade nodded.
Cogita watching the cabin. Houndoom pack patrolling the farm. Safety factor much higher.
Teaching Little Sneasel? No rush.
Later—big black stick reward—blue-haired loli who liked being spanked.
"Yay!!!"
Already imagining a date—Hilda grabbed Wade's sleeve.
They strolled down Snowpoint City's streets.
Though nearing dusk—Snowpoint City was much livelier than in the afternoon.
"My Metapod is the strongest!"
"What do you mean? My Kakuna is clearly stronger!"
"Roserade—prepare for the upcoming Contest! Show off your Petal Dance in the air!" "Rosera~"
"Huh? Pelipper—you delivered the package to the wrong place again! Not Mr. Eben from En City—Veilstone City... Wait—everything's messed up."
"Oh no—salary deducted again. Next month's energy cubes—gone."
"Peli? Peli!"
Children from Pokémon school—gathered—shouting about whose Metapod was stronger.
Coordinators—practicing moves for the upcoming Contest.
A beret-wearing delivery person—riding through streets with Pelipper—eyes wide—already prepared to eat dirt next month.
Wade and Hilda passed through Greenbelt Park—arrived at a bustling street.
Stalls lined both sides—like a night market from his past life.
"These are so cute~"
Hilda was drawn to a small roadside stall.
"These ornaments are made in the image of Pokémon that inhabit Sinnoh."
An old woman dressed as a shrine maiden—kind, gentle smile. Several Chimecho floating in the air—eyes curved in joy—emitting welcoming, crisp bell-like sounds.
Cute, petite hanging ornaments. Clearly for pure, lovely young girls.
Hilda squatted before the stall—dazzled by choices.
"Gible, Shinx, Bidoof, Starly... big brother, do you recognize this one?"
"This one?"
Wade examined the ornament.
Elfin appearance. Two gray tails trailing behind. Sparkling ruby embedded in its forehead.
"Uxie. "
"This young gentleman is truly knowledgeable!"
The old woman exclaimed—then, seeing Hilda's puzzled expression—smiled and explained.
"In ancient Sinnoh legends—Uxie is the Pokémon representing knowledge. Its birth brought people wisdom—enriching their lives. A pity many no longer know its name."
"So that's how it is."
Hilda nodded.
Such ancient legends—unheard of by many Sinnoh residents.
Let alone her—living in Unova since childhood.
Before the high-ponytail girl could even raise the Uxie pendant for closer examination—the old woman's next words completely floored her.
"If you like it, young sir—you can also buy one for your girlfriend."
"Eh?! Gi... girlfriend?!"
Hilda's face flushed crimson. She stood frozen—like a steam-powered doll.
Even for a lively, straightforward girl—having her innermost thoughts directly exposed made her too shy to speak.
"Alright."
Wade smiled—ruffled her hair—readily paid for two.
The old woman watched their interaction—face full of smiles.
"By the way—if you're not in a hurry—you can go to the very west."
She enthusiastically began introducing.
"A large Ferris wheel was recently built there. You can see Lake Acuity—the scenery is beautiful. And according to legend—the Pokémon revered as the God of Wisdom lives there~"
"Understood. Thank you."
Wade nodded—looked at Hilda—eyes practically sparkling.
"Let's go."
"Wow~ It's magnificent!"
Following the old woman's direction—they quickly arrived at the giant Ferris wheel.
After paying 500 PokéDollars—the impatient high-ponytail girl pulled Wade's hand—walking toward the exquisite, brand-new passenger cabin.
As their height gradually increased—Mt. Coronet's ridge line—cutting through clouds—came into view.
East: grand Snowpoint City—Powder Snow fluttering—coated in sacred white.
West: a lake—like irregularly shaped glazed glass—nestled against continuous snow-capped mountains.
Lake Acuity. The rumored habitat of the 'God of Wisdom'—Uxie.
The water—broken into millions of shimmering golden flakes by the evening breeze.
Wade fell into contemplation.
In anime and games—he was familiar with Uxie and Lake Acuity.
Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf—Sinnoh's three great lakes. A major plot point.
Uxie governed 'wisdom.' Mesprit governed 'emotion.' Azelf governed 'will.'
A trinity—possessing power to connect time and space.
Team Galactic—excavating Arceus's Plates on Mt. Coronet—would covet the Lake Guardians' power.
To complete their 'new world' plan.
Current plot—still early. Aside from informing Cynthia to watch Cyrus—Wade couldn't intervene much yet.
While Wade gazed at Lake Acuity—Hilda fell into indecision.
They hadn't known each other long. But she was truly attracted.
Helping her retrieve her Gym Badges. Pleasant demeanor. Meticulous care. Captivating strength.
Her heart fluttered.
Now—a perfect opportunity.
City date. Just them. Romantic Ferris wheel.
The chestnut-haired girl's face was crimson. Her breathing quickened.
Such scenes—only in romance novels from Unova.
Though the author—Ghost-type Elite Shauntal—had never been in love—her words unexpectedly matched Hilda's situation.
"Hmph~"
She remembered the Gym challenge. Candice's words.
Whether Pokémon battles or love—unstoppable momentum!
The observation cabin gradually ascended to its highest point.
Hilda—finally mustering courage—leaned in.
Soft, moist flesh—cherry-like lips—like flower petals—gently pressed against his.
"Th-that..."
She lowered her head. Fair, delicate fingers shyly intertwining.
She'd prepared mentally. After actually kissing—her mind went blank.
Organized words—stuck in her throat—too shy to speak.
"Usually at this moment—scenes in romance novels aren't just about the heroine's kiss, you know~"
Wade chuckled softly.
His warm large hand—naturally wrapping around the high-ponytail girl.
Their lips—only just parted—pressed together again.
Lingering, alluring wetness.
"Sha~"
Gardevoir—casually released from her Poké Ball—puffed her cheeks.
She gently raised her slender hand.
A Psychic energy orb—like a mirage—completely enveloped their observation cabin.
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