"Looks like we came back at just the right time."
Lucas glanced at the sun in the sky and remarked.
It was currently afternoon in White Poplar Town, and the sunlight was bright and warm.
"Lucas? Champion Cynthia? Why are you here?"
Alice's surprised voice drifted over.
She trotted over to stand before Lucas and Cynthia.
"Darkrai is here too?"
Alice noticed Darkrai hiding in Lucas's shadow and spoke with a smile.
"By the way, Lucas, didn't Mr. Wallace say the day before yesterday that you and Champion Cynthia had left White Poplar Town for some business?
How come you're back already?"
Alice asked curiously.
Lucas replied to Alice, "We went to find two partners who gave us a lot of help during the battle back then."
Looking at the two Celebi on Lucas's shoulder and head, Alice seemed to understand a little.
"By the way, Mr. Wallace hasn't left White Poplar Town yet. I'll go tell him that you've returned."
Lucas quickly called back Alice, who was about to run out of the garden. Seeing her confused expression, he pulled out his Rotom Phone.
"Phone."
Hearing Lucas's words, Alice realized, "Oh right, I can just send him a message. I was so excited I forgot."
Alice felt a bit shy and gave a small laugh.
After Lucas sent a message to Wallace, he had Gengar set up a place for tea in the garden.
Since arriving in White Poplar Town, the Celebi had been sensing the abundant power of time and space enveloping the town; the sensation made them narrow their eyes comfortably.
Feeling the heavy weight on his neck and shoulder, Lucas twisted his neck slightly.
Cynthia smiled and reached out to pick up the Celebi on her shoulder; usually, the top of Lucas's head was occupied by the Celebi wearing the small wooden plaque.
Meanwhile, the Celebi from Crown City sat on Lucas's shoulder.
Once Gothitelle had finished brewing the tea, a handsome man in a white hat, white trench coat, and green hair walked into the garden.
"Manager, Champion Cynthia."
Wallace greeted Lucas and Cynthia with a smile.
"Mr. Wallace."
Alice stood up and gave a polite greeting.
Then Wallace and Alice sat down together. Lucas poured them each a cup of tea, and for snacks, he temporarily used Garchomp's treats to fill in.
Originally, Gengar was supposed to provide them, but Garchomp very generously offered its own. Lucas didn't know why, but seeing Gengar's slightly resentful and aggrieved eyes, and after Gengar nodded, Lucas used Garchomp's snacks as desserts.
"When I woke up the day before yesterday and didn't see Lucas or Champion Cynthia, I thought you had already left."
Wallace spoke.
Lucas shook his head and turned his gaze toward the two Celebi playing with Gengar and the others. "We went to find them."
Lucas briefly explained the sequence of events to Wallace.
Wallace nodded repeatedly after listening. "So that's how it is. Then Lucas, do you mean the Celebi want to recuperate in White Poplar Town and leave once they've recovered?"
The Celebi flew back. The one with the wooden plaque sprawled directly on Lucas's head, while the other one, under Alice's expectant gaze, flew into her arms, making Alice laugh happily.
Lucas hummed in affirmation. "Because they said White Poplar Town seems to allow them to recover faster."
As soon as Lucas finished speaking, the two Celebi exchanged looks, their tiny faces filled with confusion.
"Sha?"
Did we say that?
The Celebi on his head shook its little head.
"Sha?"
Wasn't it Lucas who said it?
Lucas understood their conversation, but he didn't respond to them. If he said they said it, then they said it; after all, no one else present could understand the language of Celebi.
"That's great, that's great. They can just live in the garden, and there are many cute Pokémon living here. I'm sure the Celebi won't feel lonely or bored."
Alice said, then she peeked at Darkrai. "Besides, the garden also has a very reliable partner protecting it."
Darkrai was currently lying under a tree, leisurely eating snacks and looking at the sky, counting the Starly flying by, looking quite relaxed.
Lucas then took over the conversation. "I thought so too, which is why I wanted to come over and ask for your thoughts first, Alice. If you agree, we'll let the Celebi recuperate well in the garden."
Alice nodded like a woodpecker.
"No problem, no problem!"
Seeing this, Lucas nodded and then looked at Wallace, saying apologetically, "Sorry Wallace, I agreed to attend your Wallace Cup as a special guest, but it looks like I'm already too late."
Wallace put down his teacup and waved his hand. "It's fine, there was a reason, I can understand. Besides, you might have escaped this time, but you won't escape the next. No matter what, you have to come as a special guest next time."
Lucas laughed. "No problem. Same as usual, just notify me once it's arranged."
Wallace nodded and then said, "The Wallace Cup ended yesterday. According to the original plan, I'll be leaving White Poplar Town today to head back to the Hoenn Region."
"To see your sweetheart?"
Lucas teased with a smile.
Wallace admitted it openly. "I'll have to take a few scoldings first."
Lucas and Wallace shared a smile, then raised their teacups to toast with tea instead of wine. After finishing his tea, Wallace stood up. "Then I'll be going now. Miss Alice, take care. Champion Cynthia, Lucas, see you later."
Lucas and the others stood up and nodded. Lucas said, "The Breeding House is always open to you."
Wallace said 'good' and turned to walk out of the garden.
Cynthia also sighed and said to Lucas with a smile, "I've been away for so long, I should head back to the League too."
"After all, the situation at Mt. Coronet still hasn't been cleared up. I must go back."
Lucas hummed in response and didn't say much else.
Mt. Coronet had not been peaceful at all lately.
"Remember to call me if you need anything."
Hearing Lucas's words, Cynthia was about to refuse, but then she remembered the events of this period. She gave a faint smile and responded gently.
"Okay, you too."
Lucas smiled and nodded. "Don't worry."
Cynthia hopped onto Garchomp's back and left the garden.
After sitting with Alice for a while, Lucas looked at her. "Then we're preparing to leave as well."
Hearing this, Alice looked at Darkrai, her eyes full of reluctance.
Lucas laughed. "Don't worry, Darkrai will continue to protect the garden."
Alice: "Eh? You're not taking Darkrai with you?"
Lucas was helpless. "Why would I take him away?"
Alice: "But didn't you catch him?"
Lucas wanted to cry but had no tears. "Where did you hear that? Darkrai and I are friends. There's no such thing as catching or not catching."
Alice realized the truth and then smiled.
Lucas stood up. "Then I'll leave the Celebi in your care."
Alice nodded. "Leave it to me."
Lucas looked at the two Celebi flying before him, patted their little heads, and then pulled out another small wooden plaque to tie onto the Celebi from Crown City. This plaque had 'Crown City' written on it.
"Rest and recover well here. Once you've recovered, you can leave whenever you want. You don't need to specifically look for me, but if you run into any trouble, remember to come find me."
Lucas said softly.
The Celebi nodded, then held hands and flew around White Poplar Town together.
Lucas walked up to Darkrai. "I'm leaving. Come over to the Breeding House for tea when you're free."
Darkrai nodded. "I'll be heading over during this time to teach Gengar. I'll teach it the moves I'm best at."
Lucas said with a smile, "Then I'll be in your debt."
"If you need my help with anything, you can call me."
Lucas waved his hand. "Don't worry, I won't be polite about it."
Afterward, Lucas mounted Latias. "I've been out for so long, it's time to go home. Everyone, we're heading back to the Breeding House!"
Lucas's voice echoed in the air.
Darkrai stood up and found fifty cans of snacks had appeared by its side.
(*∀**)*.
As expected of you, Lucas, Gengar.
***************************
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! 🙌