Chapter 0757: Cynthia’s Gift(Two-in-One)

As evening deepened, the sun set, painting the sky with dazzling color. Golden streaks brushed drifting clouds, and flocks of Pidgey flew through the sunset.

Natsume stood atop a hill outside the city, gazing into the distance. Above him, the mighty Tree of Oaths spread its vast canopy; the colored lights strung through its branches suddenly glowed—the cool, pleasant night had arrived.

A golden-haired beauty held Natsume’s arm, her grey eyes bright and vivid, glancing at the mountain of gift boxes piled beneath the shade of the tree.

“How do you know which one is yours?” she asked.

“They each have a matching number,” Natsume replied. “Ramos’s Gogoat will help with the sorting.”

“That’s no small operation.”

“Some boxes are for decoration, empty inside.” Natsume paused.

He’d just received a memento—an empty gift box. Who knew if it was staff oversight, or just drew the “thank you for participating” from the blind box.

Cynthia leaned into Natsume, tilting her head slightly. Her golden hair pinned with a black accessory, her delicate, snow-white hand resting on his arm, breath calm and gentle. Natsume slipped his arm around her waist and looked west across the sea.

Stars began to emerge. A Magikarp leaped out of the water. A gentle breeze brushed the rippling surface, and near the levitating pier, a serpentine shape glided by.

“Milotic,” Cynthia whispered.

“I see it. It’s beautiful,” Natsume replied, steadying his heartbeat.

The Tree of Oaths sparkled with its lights, transforming the dusky hill into brilliance. Ramos and Gogoat stood at the tree’s base and announced:

“The annual Coumarine City Festival has officially begun.”

“Trainers, release your Pokémon and celebrate with them!”

Cynthia lifted her face, caught Natsume’s gaze, their lips both curving into soft smiles. She slipped away from his arm, standing tall and proud, golden hair billowing as she tossed her Poké Balls.

“Come out, everyone.”

Her six Pokémon materialized in shimmering white: Garchomp, Lucario, Gastrodon, Glaceon, Spiritomb, Togekiss.

Cynthia also owned a Milotic, but it hadn’t accompanied her on this trip.

Natsume tossed out his minimized Poké Balls.

White flashed.

Gengar grinned hugely, waving: “Gengar!”

Cynthia crouched with a smile, pinching Gengar’s cheek. “Good evening, Gengar.”

Sylveon settled gracefully onto the lawn, bow ribbons fluttering, lifting its chin: “Sylveon~”

I don’t even care about gifts… Why call me out for this…

Nearby Pokémon blushed at Sylveon’s beauty, sneaking admiring glances.

Blastoise and Lucario discussed the art of using Aura.

Rotom was photographing Gastrodon: “Beep… Now analyzing differences between West and East Sea Gastrodon, Rotom~”

Gastrodon lazily eyed Rotom’s pokédex, squirming through the grass.

“Togekiss—!” Togekiss shone with cheer, carrying Togepi as they flew under the starry sky.

Latias flew nearby, but was hidden from view.

Tyranitar tore open a bag of chips, offering some to Spiritomb, who reached out a shadowy claw, snatched a handful, then bashfully retreated behind its fan.

Meloetta sat atop the Tree of Oaths, swinging her slender legs, beaming.

“Arcanine~” Arcanine wagged its tail with energy, ready to pounce on Natsume. Natsume dodged just in time; Arcanine whiffed, then ran excitable circles around the tree.

“That’s the executive’s Arcanine, meow.”

On the far side of the hill, at the tree’s base, Meowth spotted Arcanine.

James stared at Arcanine, a touch moved. “Ah… Arcanine…”

Young Master James’s family once had a Growlithe as his best friend—he missed it dearly.

“Alright then, everyone, come out!” Jessie called, releasing Poké Balls. Wobbuffet leaped out first, followed by Inkay and Pumpkaboo.

The Trio stood in the starlit night, gazing at the dazzling Tree of Oaths, as fireworks suddenly bloomed overhead.

Laughter rang from the other side of the hill, where trainers handed gifts to Pokémon, thanking them for their faithful companionship.

“Wobbuffet…” Wobbuffet squinted up at the sky.

“What beautiful fireworks, meow!” Meowth gaped at the display.

Just then, Wobbuffet clumsily caught a gift box tossed by Jessie and looked back in confusion.

“Thanks for always being there.” Jessie said simply. “These are for you.”

Wobbuffet froze, teary-eyed. “Wo-buffet…”

“And this one.” Jessie pulled another box from her bag. “Here, Meowth, this is yours.”

Meowth gawked, “I get a gift too, meow?”

“Of course, we’re partners.” Jessie said.

James smiled, holding up a box. “And we got gifts for Inkay and Pumpkaboo, too~”

Watching the little Pokémon tear up, Jessie folded her arms. “We owe you plenty, after all.”

“These gifts are from Jessie and me,” James said warmly.

“Jessie, James~ (〃ω〃)”

Meowth drew a deep breath, exchanged a look with James, then declared loudly, “We got you something too, Jessie!”

Jessie pointed to herself, astonished. “For me?”

“This…” James accepted the travelling bag from Inkay’s tentacles and carefully drew out an elegant dress.

Jessie’s eyes went wide.

A deep purple dress, green agate earrings, ruby necklace… James displayed each piece, saying, “We had this commissioned from Fantina herself—a showpiece just for you so you can compete in the Pokémon Showcase.”

“Cost us a fortune, meow.” Meowth covered his mouth, then muttered, “Er, barely a few coins, really.”

“You guys…”

Jessie stared, trembling slightly, for a good while before dropping her head—then looked up, fists clenched, and declared loudly:

“I’ll win the Pokémon Showcase and bring home the Kalos Queen title!”

“Go, Jessie!” James and Meowth cheered, fired up.

Jessie: “Wait—how did you know my measurements?”

James winced, forced a laugh. “Just guessed, really, just guessed.”

Jessie eyed James suspiciously, then tossed her hair. “Fine. I’ll accept your goodwill and win the Showcase for you.”

“Wobbuffet!”

……

The Tree of Oaths was ablaze with colored lights and sparkling gifts, spreading a festive and romantic air.

Ramos, smiling, announced:

“Now, it’s time for the gift-giving!”

He watched the trainers and Pokémon under the tree.

Natsume and Cynthia spoke at the same time: “I got something for you and Garchomp / Gengar.”

Cynthia looked at Natsume in surprise, seeing the hint of surprise in his dark eyes too, and said gently:

“I’ve been preparing for quite a while.”

“I thought you would,” Natsume nodded carefully.

Picking a gift—no, several gifts!—was a trial worthy of a champion’s indecision.

But thinking of it now, Natsume felt a sweet warmth, like frosting atop an Alcremie cake.

“So I asked everyone for advice,” Cynthia admitted hesitantly. “I just… hope you like it.”

“As long as it’s from you, Gengar and everyone will love it—right, Gengar?” Natsume looked to his Pokémon.

Gengar scratched his head, caught Natsume’s look, and nodded hard: “Gengar!”

Exactly!

Cynthia smiled, stepping lightly to the gift pile, joining Gogoat in finding her boxes.

Natsume collected the gifts for Moe-Moe!, Garchomp, and the others.

Soon, they ran into each other under the Tree of Oaths, the evening breeze cool and the air full of holiday spirit.

“Gengar?” Gengar eyed the huge gift curiously.

Cynthia knelt, opening the gift on the grass, and distributed gifts: “This is a limited edition microphone for Gengar, once used by a famous Galar band lead singer.”

“Gengar!” Gengar’s eyes went wide as he accepted the microphone, bowing ninety degrees so hard his head hit the ground.

Natsume was floored. “How did you do that move—can you do it again?”

“Gengar~” Gengar wagged his spiky tail, clutching the microphone and giggling.

“And for Sylveon—a power herb. It’ll work with Geomancy to lower charge time…”

Cynthia twirled the deep red herb like a cat teaser and smiled, “Here you go, Sylveon.”

“Sylveon…” Sylveon’s cheeks went pink and, waving her paws, “reluctantly” accepted it.

“For Blastoise: a smoke ball—perfect for escaping battles… For Arcanine: an Assault Vest—it looks just like clothes… For Togepi: a new handheld console… For Sirfetch’d: a Galar Leek… And a home appliance guide for Rotom…”

Rotom paged through the handbook, unlocking new appliance forms, nodding eagerly:

“Beep… So many strange gadgets in the world, Rotom~”

“Blastoise…” Blastoise gripped the smoke ball, giving a thumbs-up.

When you can’t win, being able to escape is just too convenient!

Natsume: “That’s so much stuff…”

“Is it? I thought it was too little, only one per person.” Cynthia replied, a bit troubled.

Natsume: “……”

Looks like I don’t have to work so hard anymore…

Patron Saint Cynthia’s gift bundle also included a giant Nugget for Tyranitar, a Flyinium Z for Latias, and a commemorative box of macarons for Victini.

“Victini~(⊙ˍ⊙)” Victini cradled the macaron box.

“I want food too.” Latias eyed the Flyinium Z, a little confused.

“It’ll let you fly faster, so you can see even more places,” Cynthia smiled.

“Oh! That’s great!” Latias’s eyes lit up.

Natsume: “……”

Faster flight… Oh no, I’m in trouble.

Cynthia also gifted Meloetta a Poké Flute.

Ash had used one in the animation to awaken a sleeping Snorlax. This flute, playable by trainers and Pokémon, had tunes that could lull or awaken anyone.

“Meloetta~” Meloetta bowed gracefully and accepted with a smile.

Natsume speculated—he could play, too. If Jigglypuff sang while he played the flute, surely everyone could hear the whole song without falling asleep.

Darkrai pointed hesitantly to himself.

“For me too?”

“Of course.” Cynthia smiled. “Here: Black Glasses—try them on.”

Black Glasses strengthen Dark-type moves; Blastoise also received a pair.

Darkrai donned the shades, turned coolly to Natsume, and asked: “How do I look?”

“Nice,” Natsume nodded.

Maybe everyone should get a pair of Black Glasses—just for the style points.

Natsume had also prepared a bundle for Cynthia’s team.

A Focus Sash for Garchomp, a Choice Scarf for Lucario, King’s Rock for Serene Grace Togekiss, Leftovers for Spiritomb, and an Assault Vest for Gastrodon—

All practical, if a little dirty—the kind of gifts that scream “strategy!”

“That’s so you.” Cynthia held her chin thoughtfully and smiled.

“Took me ages to pick them. I wanted to surprise you…” Natsume scratched his head. “Didn’t know you’d do the same.”

“Naturally.” Cynthia clasped her hands behind her back, lips turned up in a gentle smile.

As the festival neared its end, fireworks lit up the sky with Ramos’s announcement.

Cynthia gazed upward, her features alight in the flicker. Natsume took in her noble profile in the sky’s glow. “Cynthia, I have one for you, too.”

“What is it?” she asked.

Natsume pulled two boat tickets from his pocket, and said seriously:

“I’d like to invite you to travel to Alola with me.”

Cynthia blinked, then smiled. “Who gives something like this as a gift?”

“Will you accept it?”

“Of course.” Cynthia snatched the tickets with a flourish. “I have to go!”

Above them, fireworks blazed; on the wide-open ridge, they stood together and gazed at the sky.

Natsume felt the warm weight of her on his arm, scented by the night breeze.

Cynthia quietly pushed half a Love Ball into Natsume’s hand.

“What’s this?” Natsume shook the cover. “A failed Poké Ball?”

“Silly, the other half is with me,” Cynthia replied.

“Would a Love Ball really catch a Cynthia?”

“At least use a Master Ball!”

“True!”

Silence blanketed the ridge as fireworks spilled across the sky, the two figures standing close, then closer, melding into the night.

……

“Serena, what gifts did you prepare?” Clemont asked.

“Some sunglasses for Pancham, a bow for Fennekin…”

As for Ash… he’d run into the wilds to wrestle with Pokémon, returned covered in mud with a bag brimming with Berries, grinning as he handed them out to Pikachu and Frogadier.

Serena couldn’t help but smile.

Maybe what I love… is that Ash loves Pokémon so much…

“Ash, Serena.”

Ash heard his name, and looked up to the ridge.

A figure stood against the sky, fireworks bursting behind him, shirt billowing. Gengar snickered at his side.

Natsume called, “Come watch the fireworks.”

Ash’s eyes widened:

“Natsume-sensei—Champion Cynthia!”

Cynthia gathered her windswept golden hair, Garchomp glaring at her side, and smiled gently.

“Good evening, Ash, Serena.”

“And me! And me!” Bonnie called, running up the ridge.

Natsume nearly toppled as Bonnie barreled into him, ruffling her blonde hair as she arrived.

I’ll forgive you this time—you’ll be carrying a Legendary someday…

“What did you give for gifts, Bonnie?” Natsume asked, grinning.

“A drawing I made myself,” Bonnie replied. “What about you, Natsume-sensei?”

“Let’s see…”

Natsume gazed up at the vibrant fireworks, enumerating his gifts quietly as Ash and Serena ascended the ridge.

And right then, a Rocket Delivery courier—dressed in an R uniform and riding Gogoat—presented Ash with an ornately wrapped dress.

“Delivery for Mr. Ash.”

Ash blinked. “For me?”

He could even hear “The Power of One” swelling in his head.

Hurry up and give this to the right person, Natsume muttered, eyes averted. “It’s from the Tournament Committee, not a penny owed.”

Serena’s cheeks flushed.

Did Ash order a custom dress?

Even if it arrived just now, and there’s no subtlety… that really is Ash’s style…

Ash scratched his head.

Why would the Tournament Committee sponsor this for me?

Suddenly, it dawned on him—

It must be for my performance in other leagues; the Showcase Committee wants me to endorse!

“Ahaha, thanks for the trip.” Ash laughed awkwardly. “But this must be a mistake.”

It’s a girl’s dress. There’s no way I could wear this.

“Uh…” The deliveryman looked helplessly at Natsume-sensei.

Natsume folded his arms with a sigh: “Sigh…”

Hopeless. I know every season you end up in drag, but this is meant for Serena—not for you!

Serena’s eyes dimmed.

Oh, it was a mistake…

But it doesn’t matter.

Serena rallied, eyes shining once again.

I’ll win the Pokémon Showcase!

The courier left with the dress. Ash ultimately didn’t give it to Serena, but at least she’d have her mom’s dress for the performance tomorrow.

Natsume looked at the still-clueless Ash and sighed deeply.

Beyond saving. Hopeless.

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh—

The night erupted in magnificent fireworks.

Everyone gazed up in unison.

The Tree of Oaths gleamed in the glow. Ash watched, then glanced at Serena, feeling like he should do something, even though he didn’t know what.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out the Ribbon Bracelet he’d gotten at the station that morning.

“Serena—” Ash called.

“Mm? What is it?” Serena turned to him.

Ash closed the gift box and held it out with both hands. “I… didn’t know what to give. But thanks for everything. Please, will you accept this?”

Natsume’s face stayed calm, but inside—ohhhhhhh——

He finally made a move!

Cynthia looked intrigued, watching out of the corner of her eye, arms folded, nodding with interest.

Mm… watching Ash and Serena’s faces—very entertaining~

Serena paused, then her eyes crinkled in a happy, crescent smile.

“Mm, I’ll treasure it.”

Ash looked away, scratching his head shyly.

Natsume’s face was serene, but inside—ohhhh——

The total rookie actually blushed!

Natsume-sensei and Cynthia gazed upward, lost in thought.

Ash, Serena, Bonnie, Clemont, everyone enjoyed the festival fireworks together.

On the other side of the hill, the Trio watched the same sky.

That same resolve burned in the hearts of Serena and Jessie alike.

They both vowed—they would win the Pokémon Showcase!