"You're choking me."
Lucas opened his eyes, removed the Mime Jr. that was hanging around his neck, sat up, and took a deep breath, panting.
Mime Jr. was woken up by his movements; it sat on the carpet, looking at Lucas.
"Nini?"
Why are you up so early?
"Do you know you almost choked me to death?"
Lucas said irritably, while reaching out to pinch Mime Jr.'s nose.
"Nini."
Hehe, I didn't mean to.
Lucas yawned and was just about to lie back down to sleep when he discovered that his original spot had been taken over by Meowstic Sister. He glanced to his side and saw Pokémon with all sorts of strange sleeping postures everywhere.
So, can someone tell me why there are so many Pokémon in my room? Little Kangaskhan, you aren't sleeping with your mother, is it okay for you to come to my room? And you, Larvitar, shouldn't you be sleeping with your aunt and cousin? Why are you in my room too?
Finally, there's you, Munchlax, how did you get into my room too?!
No, wait, where is my little red Plane Sister? Why haven't I seen her today?
Lucas hurriedly stood up, searched the room, and then got down on the floor to look under the bed. Aside from Luxray, there were no other Pokémon under the bed.
Looking at Luxray sleeping under the bed, Lucas had black lines running down his forehead.
I remember you were quite a cool and aloof Pokémon, right? How did you get infected by the sleeping habits of Mime Jr. and the others?
After searching a circle, Lucas still couldn't find Plane Sister. "Strange, where is my big Plane Sister? Why is she missing?"
To be honest, waking up and not seeing Plane Sister's bold sleeping posture first thing really made Lucas feel a bit unaccustomed.
"Speaking of which, didn't I sit in the lounge yesterday? How did I suddenly end up back in my room sleeping?"
Lucas muttered in confusion while opening the closet to change clothes. As soon as he opened the closet, Lucas was startled.
"Holy crap, what is that—"
Lucas jumped back in fright and landed on the mattress with a thud. Gothitelle, who was sleeping on it, was bounced up with a "duang."
Gothitelle fell back onto the mattress, opened its eyes, and stared at Lucas in confusion.
"Gothitelle?"
What are you doing again?
Hearing Gothitelle's voice, Lucas quickly stood up. "It's nothing, I was just startled by something in the closet."
Gothitelle floated up from the bed and came behind Lucas, curious about what he meant by the thing in the closet. When it looked, it saw a red and white plane lying comfortably inside, fast asleep.
Lucas: ————
He carried Plane Sister out of the closet and tossed her onto the bed. The red plane was awakened by Lucas's movements. She opened her eyes in a daze, and a voice from just waking up entered Lucas's mind.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm the one who should be asking you, how did you end up sleeping in my closet?"
"I don't know ———— I was sleeping on the carpet yesterday ————"
Listening to Plane Sister's voice, Lucas was completely speechless.
How can a Pokémon sleep from the floor into the closet? I don't get it.
Lucas changed his clothes and looked at the Pokémon lying helter-skelter on the carpet in the room. Lucas said, "Gothitelle, you must make it clear to them today. Except for special Pokémon that can return to the room to sleep, all other Pokémon must return to the places arranged for them to sleep."
"Gothitelle."
Hmm, I know.
If I don't do this, it won't work. There's no place to put my feet in the room.
Especially since there is a Larvitar inside. What if it dreams that it is eating and bites the bed in half?
After Lucas finished washing up in the bathroom with Gothitelle and Mime Jr., Gothitelle took Mime Jr. downstairs to prepare breakfast.
Looking at a certain Meowstic Sister who was sleeping soundly, Lucas thought to himself that she was really getting lazier and lazier. She used to wake up with Gothitelle, but now she always waits until Gothitelle has been busy downstairs for a while before waking up.
For this reason, Meowstic Brother had even protested to Lucas, saying that Lucas spoiled his sister too much, making her so lazy now.
Lucas actually felt that sleeping a little longer was quite good and indicated that Meowstic Brother could also come over to sleep together. However, Meowstic Brother refused because he was shy; he couldn't accept being held in Lucas's arms and petted.
Lucas pushed open the balcony door. Lilligant and Roserade were sitting on the balcony, swinging their little feet, whispering to each other while looking at the backyard.
Gengar was practicing yoga as usual.
"Speaking of which, Gengar, you get up so early every day, aren't you tired?"
Lucas sat in a chair, watching Gengar practicing yoga, and asked curiously.
It seemed that ever since he came to the Breeding House, in his impression, Gengar rarely slept in, especially after learning to use a tablet and seeing yoga classes. It got up even earlier, running to the balcony to practice yoga every day, regardless of wind or rain.
Even when they were on business trips, Gengar would find a relatively open and quiet place to practice yoga every morning.
Sometimes when Lucas saw that Gengar got up later than him, it was because Gengar had finished yoga, and Lucas hadn't woken up yet, so it got bored and ran back to its little bedding on the ceiling to continue sleeping.
Gengar was busy controlling its form and didn't have time to answer Lucas's words.
"Lilli."
Don't you know? Actually, Ghost-type Pokémon don't need to sleep.
"Ah? Is there such a saying? Then doesn't that mean Gengar doesn't have to worry about the consequences of sudden death?"
Lucas opened his mouth wide and then said something that made Gengar break down on the spot: "Then couldn't I let Gengar go out to deliver food at night? Night snack delivery, the price is five times that of the daytime."
Hearing Lucas's words, Gengar, who was lifting one leg, suddenly felt its feet go soft and fell to the ground with a smack.
It stared at Lucas angrily.
"Gen gengar!"
You have absolutely no conscience!
"How do I have no conscience? Isn't this to help the Breeding House earn more money? Anyway, you won't die suddenly, so what's wrong with doing a little more? Haven't you heard that those who can should do more?"
"Gen gengar!"
I won't die suddenly, but I also need to sleep! Besides, delivering food at night, will you get up to make it for me? You can't ask me to cook, right? I dare to cook, but do you dare to let them eat it? Huh? Speak!
"Of course I ———— dare not."
Lucas recalled the scenes where Gengar took charge of the kitchen a few times and ruined the pots, and shook his head.
Letting a Ghost and Poison-type Pokémon cook, others wouldn't dare to eat it either. Mainly, if they accidentally got poisoned, that would be bad.
And there is another point, for the food Gengar makes, it can eat at least 70% of it itself.
At this time, Gothitelle floated directly from downstairs to the balcony, placed the pot of tea in its hand on the table beside Lucas, took out cups, and poured tea for Lucas, Gengar, and Lilligant.
"Thank you, Gothitelle."
Lucas picked up the teacup and took a sip, sighing comfortably, "Sure enough, there is nothing more comfortable than a pot of hot tea in the morning."
Gengar also picked up the teacup and drank the tea in one gulp, also sighing comfortably.
"Gen gengar!"
There is nothing more comfortable than drinking a cup of hot tea after finishing yoga in the morning.
"Copycat."
Mind your own business.
"Shameless."
I'm not listening, I'm not listening, I'm not listening to Squirtle chanting.
"Big fatty, shameless, copycat."
Lilligant and Roserade looked at each other, both feeling helpless in each other's eyes.
They picked up their teacups and drank tea, then listened carefully to Lucas and Gengar arguing.
After Lucas finished one cup, Gothitelle would pour him another. Usually, it would continue until Lucas indicated he wouldn't drink any more, or if there was something particularly urgent, Gothitelle would stop its actions.
During the time Gothitelle was pouring tea, Lucas looked at the planting area in the backyard and said, "I remember the tea leaves in the planting area are almost ready, right?"
Lilligant nodded.
"Lilli."
They are already very fragrant.
"Then let's find a time to pick them, and then try to stir-fry them ourselves to see if we can succeed. I'm still quite looking forward to tea grown by our own Breeding House."
The Breeding House slowly awakened amidst the chatting of Lucas, Gengar, Gothitelle, Lilligant, and Roserade, and then became full of vitality.
After Lucas finished breakfast, he returned to his armchair specifically for lying around, sat down, and then lay down.
"Mrs. Fujino, is there any arrangement for today?"
Lucas yawned, pulled Ninetales' tail to stroke it, and then asked Mrs. Fujino who was taking notes on the side.
"Let me see. A few Trainers said they would come by today to pick up the Pokémon they've left here. There's also one person who called ahead to say they'd come by today to buy a pokémon egg. Aside from that, there's nothing else. In other words, Manager, you can just wait for customers to arrive, same as usual."
Mrs. Fujino flipped through the small booklet in her hand and said without looking up.
"Another day of slacking off—"
Lucas yawned again. "Ninetales, should we go for a ride? It feels like it's been a long time since we ran freely and enjoyed chasing the wind."
"Gen Gengar."
It's up to you, I'm fine with anything.
Lucas glanced at the Ninetales lying beside him, its massive body. "Look at you, eating and sleeping all day without exercising. Look how much weight you've gained."
As soon as Lucas finished speaking, a sharp pain shot through his thigh, making him cry out involuntarily.
Ninetales didn't even lift its head, retracting the tail that had just whipped Lucas's thigh.
Ninetales was not like Gengar; it wouldn't argue with Lucas. All it knew how to do was whip Lucas hard with its tail.
"Have you not checked your video since you uploaded it yesterday?"
Diantha walked over holding a cup of milk tea and sat on the chair beside Lucas.
"Yeah, what's up?"
"I personally suggest you go take a look. The video you filmed has already sparked a lot of discussion."
Diantha offered Lucas a suggestion.
"Discussion? It's not all people cursing at me, is it? In that case, I'd rather not look."
"Don't worry, it's about half and half."
Hearing Diantha's words, Lucas curiously asked Gengar to hand him the tablet, then opened the website to browse.
Lucas browsed the relevant information and saw that in just one night, the view count had already reached first place, far ahead of the second place, which was the new movie Diantha had filmed.
"First in views? I didn't pay for traffic, so how are so many people watching it?"
Lucas gasped.
"Pay for traffic?"
Diantha stared at Lucas. "Are you implying that my new movie paid for traffic?"
Lucas: !
"No, you misunderstood. I meant that I didn't pay for traffic for my video either, so how could the view count be above your movie?"
"I didn't say you paid for traffic. You're wronging me."
"Alright, I know what you mean. It's normal for your video to have the most views."
"Why?"
Lucas was very confused. Logically speaking, given the piece of crap he filmed, how could it be more popular than the movie Diantha filmed?
Could it be that what he filmed wasn't actually crap? Does everyone like watching what he films? Could he be a hidden master director?
Was he just being held back by this Breeding House?
"You should look at who recommended it for you."
Hearing Diantha's words, Lucas curiously opened the website link Diantha sent him. Upon entering and looking, he was so shocked his jaw dropped.
???
"Huh?! Why did everyone @ my video?"
Seeing that all the Champions had @-ed his video, Lucas was incredibly surprised. "And the Gym Leaders too? Why is Professor Oak joining in on the fun?"
With the recommendations from all the Champions, plus some Gym Leaders he had good relationships with, no wonder so many people were watching.
A Champion is a source of popularity and traffic in themselves. Especially with all the Champions recommending it together, it was even easier to attract others to watch.
"How about it? Any thoughts? Are you excited? Having all the Champions give you a free shout-out—the effect is much more powerful than paying for traffic."
"Actually, I don't have much to say, but I do know that I can continue filming the second episode now."
"But why did Alder from the Unova region and Champion Geeta from the Paldea region give me a shout-out too? I don't think I've ever met them, right?"
Lucas asked doubtfully.
"I guess Alder from the Unova region just wanted to join in the fun. As for Champion Geeta from the Paldea region, I actually know very little about the Paldea region. In fact, most of us Champions know very little about Paldea, especially Champion Geeta. She rarely participates in our battles. It is said that there is a deep crater in the Paldea region that needs someone to keep an eye on it at all times, so Champion Geeta stays in the Paldea region."
Diantha explained, "Occasionally, we are needed to go over and provide support, but we know very little else. I always feel that Paradox Pokémon are a bit strange."
I know about that. Koraidon is cool, but riding it on land is really awkward. It clearly has a wheel on its chest, but it insists on running on all fours.
"I'll find an opportunity to thank them later."
Lucas returned the tablet to Gengar. "Gengar, although the video we filmed—well, maybe we can't call it a video, it's a cartoon, should we call it a cartoon? Never mind, let's just call it a cartoon. Although our cartoon gets a lot of bad reviews, I've also discovered that some people find what we filmed very interesting. How about it? Do you still want to continue?"
"Gen Gengar?" Does anyone really like it?
"Really, why would I lie to you? Although the number of people is a bit small."
"Gen Gengar." As long as someone likes it, I'll film it, hehe.
"Alright, as long as you're happy, I'll accompany you in whatever you want to do."
Seeing Gengar's innocent smile, Lucas couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Upon hearing this, Gengar pounced directly at Lucas.
"Gen Gengar—"
"Nu—mb—nu—mb—"
"Gothitelle?" Why are you calling me?
Gothitelle floated down from upstairs, staring at Lucas with an unfriendly expression.
I'm not calling you "Mama"—I'm saying I'm numb—
Lucas had grievances he couldn't express.
"Is this Lucas's Breeding House? Oh? This floral scent is truly refreshing—"
A familiar voice came in from the entrance of the Breeding House.
Gothitelle floated to the door immediately and saw Cynthia standing at the entrance accompanying an old man, with Professor Rowan standing beside them.
Professor Oak?
Gothitelle had met Professor Oak before, so it recognized him at a glance.
"Long time no see, Gothitelle."
Professor Oak greeted Gothitelle with a smile. Gothitelle politely responded to Professor Oak's greeting and then stepped aside to welcome Professor Oak and the others in.
"Professor Oak, Professor Rowan."
Seeing the two doctors of the Pokémon knowledge world arrive, and the top-tier ones at that, Diantha stood up politely and greeted them.
"Champion Diantha is here too? Long time no see, Champion Diantha."
Professor Oak was a bit surprised and greeted her.
"Long time no see, Professor."
"Is Lucas still not awake?"
Professor Oak saw Lucas lying in the armchair and asked with a smile.
"Nu—mb—nu—mb—"
"Mama?" Professor Oak was a bit confused. He looked at Cynthia on the side. "Is he calling you Mama?"
Are young people these days this wild?
Cynthia was speechless.
Seeing this, Gothitelle quickly took out a Cheri Berry and stuffed it into Lucas's mouth.
"Phew—that numbed me to death—"
After returning to normal, Lucas breathed a sigh of relief and then quickly stood up. "Professor Oak, long time no see."
"What was that just now—"
Professor Oak asked curiously.
"Oh, just now, I was playing around with Gengar and got paralyzed by its Lick. Please excuse me."
After understanding what happened, Professor Oak laughed. "It's clear that your relationship with Gengar and the others is very good."
"Didn't you say you were going to Professor Rowan's Research Institute? I was just about to head over there."
Hearing Lucas's words, Professor Rowan spoke up: "Because Professor Oak wanted to come over and see your Breeding House, to discuss and learn, so Cynthia and I accompanied him. We didn't disturb you, did we?"
"Not at all. Shall I take you on a tour of our Breeding House?"
"Sorry to trouble you."
Professor Oak said with a smile.
Following Lucas to the backyard, Professor Oak looked at the Breeding House, which occupied less than a tenth of the area of his place, where wild Pokémon could be seen everywhere, and there was a pervasive floral scent.
"This Breeding House of yours—"
Professor Oak took a deep breath and then said: "It seems quite suitable for retirement."
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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! 🙌