"Uncle, Happy New Year~"
Shauna ran down the stairs, pitter-patter, and came up to Lucas, grinning with her toothless mouth, laughing hee-hee.
"Happy New Year, little Shauna."
Little Shauna blinked at Lucas.
Lucas: "What's wrong? Did you lose another tooth today?"
Little Shauna frowned, "Wishing you prosperity."
"Didn't I give you one yesterday?"
Little Shauna pouted, "What you gave yesterday was for last year; today's is for this year. You shouldn't bring last year's matters into this year; that's not good."
Shauna said logically.
Lucas was dumbfounded hearing this, "Where did you learn that?"
"I won't tell you. Wishing you prosperity."
A red envelope was handed over from the side and placed in Shauna's palm.
"Wishing you prosperity~"
Cynthia sat by the side, smiling as she spoke.
"Big Sister Cynthia, Happy New Year~"
Cynthia smiled until her eyes curved, then looked at Lucas with puffed-up cheeks, "Bad uncle, hmph!"
Lucas: "I—"
"Not listening, not listening, bleh, bad uncle, I'm going to call Tomoyo to come play."
After making a face at Lucas, Shauna ran out of the Breeding House, mounted her Rapidash, and rode toward Twinleaf Town.
"You just spoil her too much."
Lucas said irritably to Cynthia, who was sitting next to him.
Cynthia glanced at Lucas, then looked at Gengar and the others, giving a red envelope to each Pokémon.
Cynthia stood up with the red envelopes, and Lucas followed behind her to the counter. Now, the shop clerk was the Meowstic sister; the two flowers that used to be the shop clerks—one was now keen on the business and work of the Cottage, and the other had been in the planting area nurturing the seeds just planted since yesterday.
After Cynthia gave red envelopes to the Meowstic sister behind the counter and the Alcremie in the kitchen, she walked toward the backyard.
After handing out all the red envelopes, Cynthia and Lucas walked along the path in the Breeding House. She looked at the newly reclaimed planting area, feeling somewhat puzzled, "What is planted in the newly reclaimed land? I remember it was only planted yesterday, right? The seeds, how did they grow so lush today?"
Lucas looked at the place where the seeds had just been sown yesterday; the seeds there had already taken root and sprouted today, growing lush and green.
"Perhaps it's because I watered them with love that they grew so fast to repay me."
Lucas said with a smile.
He couldn't talk about the Golden Finger.
Cynthia glanced at Lucas and walked into the tea planting area. Lilligant was sitting in the middle of the soil. Seeing Lucas and Cynthia walk in, it stood up. Unexpectedly, the little dress on its body wasn't stained with a single speck of dirt.
As expected of nature's darling, Lilligant, known as the little Celebi.
"Lilli~"
Lilligant greeted the two of them sweetly.
"Were you just sleeping?"
Hearing Lucas's question, Lilligant nodded embarrassedly.
"Lilli~"
It was too comfortable here, and it fell asleep accidentally.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Lucas bent down and patted Lilligant's head, saying.
Just as Cynthia handed the red envelope to Lilligant, Lilligant handed the red envelope back to Lucas.
Lucas held the red envelope that Lilligant had entrusted to his care and gestured provocatively at Cynthia.
Cynthia: ——
Boring.
Cynthia walked out of the tea planting area first and headed toward the garden.
Lucas gave a thumbs up to Lilligant, and Lilligant returned a sweet smile.
After Lucas left, Lilligant sat back down on the dirt, basking in the early spring sunlight, and took a nap.
Seeing this, Cynthia's Roserade ran over, and the two Pokémon sat together on the dirt, taking a nap.
Lucas brought tea and desserts out from the kitchen. After pouring a cup for Cynthia, Lucas sat beside her, "Can't help it, where we come from, a daughter's New Year money is always handed over to the adults for safekeeping."
Cynthia stared at the additionally reclaimed flower garden and asked curiously: "What kind of flower was newly planted? I feel like the flowers that bloom will be very beautiful."
Lucas looked at the flowers in the garden that had grown but had not yet bloomed, and spoke a name. "gracidea flower."
"gracidea flower? The one from the Gracidea flower garden?"
Cynthia turned to look at Lucas. As far as she knew, the environment for the gracidea flower to grow was extremely harsh. She didn't expect the Breeding House could keep it alive too?
However, looking at Lilligant napping in the planting area in the distance, she understood a little.
Even the world's greatest horticultural master couldn't make Lilligant bloom such vibrant and beautiful flowers, yet Lucas had done it, so the gracidea flower shouldn't be a problem either.
"Actually, I was just trying it out with a hopeful heart yesterday. Whether it's the gracidea flower, the tea leaves in the tea garden, or the new herbal medicine, especially those rare berries in the berry area, if they can grow in the Breeding House, that would be best. If not, then there's nothing I can do."
"Rare berries?"
"Yes, for example, Salac Berry, Petaya Berry, and so on."
"Can the Breeding House grow them too?"
Lucas pointed to the berry area, that area where new buds had just emerged, "There, everything looks good at the moment, just don't know what will happen next."
It had to be said that the blessings of Lugia and the others were really very useful for the Breeding House. They could not only improve the quality of the Breeding House's crops and shorten the Growth time, but also enhance the effects, and even adjust the soil to make it reach the best state for the crops.
Moreover, after these blessed crops were consumed, they also had very good effects on people and Pokémon. The most obvious one was the "Gourmet Critical Hit," which could also be stacked. These crops would also indirectly improve the effects of other products, such as Miltank's Moomoo Milk, Gogoat's goat milk, and Vespiquen's sweet honey.
It was simply the gospel for farming enthusiasts.
Cynthia saw two swings, one big and one small, still hanging on the tree. Thinking of when she first came to the Breeding House, she couldn't help but curl her lips, then stood up and walked over.
Just as she sat on the swing, someone behind her helped push the swing.
Cynthia grabbed the rope on the swing with both hands, letting Lucas push the swing for her from behind.
"Is little Shauna planning to go on a journey?"
Lucas's movements didn't stop, "She hasn't turned ten yet."
"What if she turns ten?"
"She has mentioned to me that she also wants to go on a journey. I even gave them some courses on the knowledge that a Trainer needs to master."
"A Breeder teaching Trainer courses?"
Cynthia turned her head, with a smile in her eyes, asking Lucas.
"My strength is also very strong, you know."
Lucas was a little dissatisfied.
"Hmm."
Cynthia didn't say much, just nodded lightly.
"Which region does she want to travel in? Sinnoh?"
Listening to Cynthia's question, Lucas paused his movements for a short while, thinking, and said: "I don't know about her. She can travel wherever she wants. Anyway, she has acquaintances in almost every region."
"If you let her stay in the Sinnoh region, she should listen to you, right?"
"I won't interfere with these choices of hers. She said she wants to see more Pokémon, so whether she chooses to challenge the Gym, participate in the Pokémon Contest, or become a Breeder, or participate in nothing and just travel in various regions, it's all her choice, as long as she can be happy."
"You already treat her as your own daughter, just like Lilligant and the others."
Lucas laughed, "I suppose so."
Then Lucas felt Cynthia staring at him. He looked over and found that Cynthia was frowning in dissatisfaction, looking at his hands.
Lucas hurriedly used his hands to continue pushing the swing. Cynthia was swung up again. A spring breeze blew by, blowing her golden hair high up, then it slapped on Lucas's face, a bit itchy, and accompanied by a burst of fragrance.
"But she probably won't set off alone when the time comes."
"Little Tomoyo is going too?"
"Dream, that way she can protect Little Shauna on the road."
Lucas thought of this and couldn't help laughing again, "So I handed the Dratini pokémon egg that Lance introduced to her."
"Dratini? Dragonite is indeed a very powerful Dragon-type Pokémon, but I still think Garchomp is cooler and more imposing."
"I think so too. Garchomp is simply the number one Dragon-type Pokémon in the universe that is both imposing and cool in my mind."
Feeling the killing intent behind him subside, Lucas finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"The League Conference is in a week, and the location is still chosen in Lily of the Valley."
"A week later?"
"Yes, because it can't be delayed any longer."
"The League Conference, I seem to have never watched it. I'm planning to go take a look when the time comes. I estimate that this League Conference will be very exciting."
Lucas said.
Paul, who learned to say "Thank you for your hard work," Gary, who mastered Mega Evolution, Ash, the veteran making a comeback, along with Aran, and finally, the Legendary Trainer Tobias.
I'm so looking forward to it.
After Cynthia gave a hum of acknowledgment, neither of them continued to speak. One sat on the swing, while the other stood behind, gently pushing it.
The warm spring sun shone down on them, stretching their shadows long—very, very long.
Garchomp watched Cynthia sitting on the swing, and remembering the days when a young Cynthia used to hold it while it was still a Gible on that same swing, its eyes inexplicably welled up with tears.
"kao!"
No way, I'm still going over there to slash him.
Gengar quickly grabbed Garchomp. "Gengaaar—"
Gengar used every ounce of its strength to finally calm Garchomp down.
"Manager, someone is looking for you."
Mrs. Fujino stood at the entrance of the backyard and called out to Lucas in the distance.
After saying a few words to Cynthia, Lucas headed toward the Breeding House.
Cynthia didn't get down, just called out without turning her head, "Garchomp."
The next second, the swing began to move again.
Lucas walked out from behind the counter and found a Jenny sitting in the rest area. Judging by her posture, this Jenny was likely not the one from Twinleaf Town.
Because the Jenny from Twinleaf Town always treated the Breeding House like her own home, so the conclusion was obvious.
"Sister Jenny? Happy New Year."
"Lucas, Happy New Year?"
The Jenny from Sandgem Town paused upon hearing Lucas's words, then realized the Breeding House was filled with a festive atmosphere.
"A holiday from your side?"
"Yes, today happens to be the Spring Festival."
"I see. Happy New Year, is that how you say it?"
Lucas laughed, "That's right."
The female Meowstic ran over to pour two cups of tea, then ran back to sit behind the counter.
"Sister Jenny, is there something you need today?"
Lucas asked, sitting beside the Jenny from Sandgem Town.
The Jenny from Sandgem Town nodded. "Remember the contract we signed with the Seviper? Later, with their help, we apprehended a group of Pokémon Hunters and rescued a batch of Pokémon, as well as some pokémon eggs. Professor Rowan has already handled those Pokémon, returning them to the wild or finding Trainers for them. However, regarding the pokémon eggs, Dr. Rowan and I discussed it and decided to entrust them to you, asking the Breeding House to help sell them."
Lucas's eyes widened instantly.
The first good news of the New Year?
"I don't know if you're willing."
"Of course."
Lucas's unhesitating answer clearly surprised the Jenny from Sandgem Town. She was obviously stunned for a moment before collecting herself. "That's good. The pokémon eggs are outside, let's go take a look."
Lucas stood up, followed the Jenny from Sandgem Town, and called out toward the backyard.
Not long after, Gengar and Ninetales walked out together.
Arriving outside the Breeding House, the first thing Lucas saw were the six pokémon eggs placed on the vehicle.
"There aren't many, just six. Don't mind that."
Lucas grinned widely.
As for pokémon eggs, the Breeding House never minded having more, and certainly didn't mind having fewer, especially since they were free.
Lucas took the stethoscope Gengar handed him and began to check them one by one.
[Eevee egg] [Hatching progress: 1/30]
Eevee?!
[Togepi egg] [Hatching progress: 4/30]
You even have Togepi?!
[Happiny egg] [Hatching progress: 2/30]
[Riolu egg] [Hatching progress: ----]
Wait, what the heck?!
Lucas placed the stethoscope back onto one of the pokémon eggs.
[Happiny egg] [Hatching progress: 2/30]
???
Happiny?!
Isn't this kind of Pokémon usually controlled by the Joy Family? Why would it be given to me?!
Happiny is a Pokémon that can evolve into Blissey, the standard partner for Nurse Joy.
Lucas was a bit worried. He looked at the Jenny from Sandgem Town, "Sister Jenny, have you checked these pokémon eggs?"
"We checked them, there are no issues at all, they are all very healthy. Dr. Rowan said so."
Lucas pointed at this pokémon egg, took a breath, and said, "This one is a Happiny egg."
"A Happiny egg? I see."
The Jenny from Sandgem Town suddenly realized and said.
Isn't this reaction a bit too calm?
"Can our Breeding House sell this kind of pokémon egg?"
"Hmm... I suppose so? You can ask Linnea from Twinleaf Town. Aren't you two quite familiar with each other?"
The Jenny from Sandgem Town said, "Don't worry, I know what you're worried about. Actually, whether it's the Blissey of the Joy Family, or the Arcanine of our Jenny Family, their pokémon eggs aren't exclusive to us to sell. We entrust them to some trustworthy Trainers or Breeders. Besides, there are so many Blissey and Arcanine in the wild, so don't worry, we're here."
"Thank you, Sister Jenny."
The Jenny from Sandgem Town waved her hand. After Gengar moved all these pokémon eggs into the incubation room, she patted Lucas on the shoulder. "I'll be going now. Happy New Year."
Before she left, Lucas stuffed a huge pile of New Year's goods into her hands.
After the Jenny from Sandgem Town left, Lucas called Nurse Joy from Twinleaf Town to tell her about the Happiny situation.
"It's fine, I believe you can find a trustworthy Trainer for it."
Nurse Joy's voice came from the phone, her tone full of trust in Lucas.
Hanging up the phone, Lucas prepared to walk back to the Breeding House when he heard someone calling him.
"Lucas."
Lucas turned around and found Rhys standing in the distance with a Floatzel, waving at him while holding a large fish.
"Why did you come over?"
Rhys ran up to Lucas holding the fish. After a winter, his skin had become a bit fairer, but it was still bronze-colored, just like Brock's.
Rhys gestured to the large fish in his hand. "I heard from Nurse Joy that today is your Spring Festival. It sounds quite grand. I happened to catch a big fish today, so I brought it over as a New Year's gift."
Gengar floated out, looking at the large fish in Rhys's hand that was still moving, its drool dripping down.
"Gengaa~"
It's been so long since I've had grilled fish—
Lucas tugged at Gengar's mouth. "Then thank you very much. Happy New Year."
"Happy New Year? Happy New Year! Lucas."
Rhys handed the fish to Gengar. Just as Lucas was about to invite Rhys inside for tea, he heard someone calling him again.
"Lucas!"
Turning around to look, he found Grandpa Yask and the round Ursaring.
Grandpa Yask was wearing a small vest and carrying a basket. He walked up to Lucas and Rhys. "I heard you're celebrating a holiday today? Perfect, I brought you some gifts. This is some honey that Ursaring and I went out into the wild to steal—er, borrow. I hope you don't mind."
Without needing a signal from Lucas, Gengar took the basket. Lucas reached out and patted Ursaring's soft, bouncy belly.
Soon, another voice rang out.
"Lucas!"
This time it was Grandpa Manny and Grandma. They were carrying some vegetables and berries grown at their home.
"Happy New Year! That is the right way to say it, right?"
Grandpa Manny asked Lucas with a smile.
"Happy New Year, Grandpa Manny, Grandma, and also Grandpa Yask and Ursaring."
"I told you it was right! Before coming here, I specifically asked Jenny for advice."
Grandpa Manny laughed heartily upon hearing Lucas's words, then said.
"Happy New Year, Happy New Year."
Grandpa Manny couldn't stop smiling.
Grandma adjusted Lucas's collar. "In the new year, I hope our Lucas stays healthy, everything goes smoothly, you make lots of money, eat well, and are happy every day—"
Grandma chattered on and on to Lucas, but Lucas didn't feel the slightest bit impatient. On the contrary, he was quite happy to hear these words.
Sure enough, grandmothers all over the world are the same.
Lucas looked up at the crowds of aunts, uncles, grandpas, and grandmas in the distance and smiled.
Even in a strange place, there will be a bunch of lovely people coming to spend the holiday with you. Perhaps this is the meaning of Pokémon connecting us all.
Happy New Year, everyone.
Lucas smiled from the bottom of his heart, welcoming the arriving guests.
***************************
Thoughts on where the plot is heading? Let me know in the comments! If you're enjoying the ride, please leave a quick review and toss a few Power Stones my way. Every bit of support means the world! 🙌