Chapter 0648：Not Like Me, Who Only Knows How to Dote on Natsume(Two-in-One)

July 6th, Tuesday, early morning.

A flight cut through the night sky, its red lights blinking intermittently.

The luxurious cabin accommodated only four passengers, with ample space for Pokémon to stretch out.

Ash had reclined his seat into a soft "bed," snoring loudly with Pikachu curled against him.

Iris was also fast asleep, hugging Axew while mumbling:

"Drayden... Dragon Envoy..."

"Arcanine~" Arcanine lay sprawled on the floor, tail wagging gently in deep slumber.

Natsume dimmed the overhead lights, reading a Unova mythology collection under the warm glow, the sheet music spread across the pages.

"Can't sleep?" Cynthia turned to ask.

Natsume glanced sideways.

Her golden hair cascaded over her fair cheeks, pristine gray eyes gleaming in the low light.

"Going to sleep now." He closed the book with a snap and switched off the light.

Darkness enveloped them like an eternal night, the hum of turbulence faint against the window.

A rustling sound. Then—soft lips brushed against his, sweet and fleeting. Golden strands tickled his face as Natsume met Cynthia's gaze.

Three seconds of silence.

"Goodnight." Her warm breath lingered before she settled back into her seat.

The sound faded into the dark.

Natsume touched his lips, drowsiness washing over him. As he stretched, he whispered into the shadows:

"Goodnight, Darkrai."

"…Goodnight." Darkrai’s voice echoed faintly in reply.

Natsume smirked and closed his eyes lightly. Then, his shoulder suddenly felt a slight weight—as if Eevee had perched there again.

He turned to look.

A small Pokémon rested on his shoulder, eyes shut. Its tiny, musical-note-like hands nestled against him, its head pillowed on its arm, breathing softly.

Natsume blinked in surprise.

[Ding! Meloetta: The Melody Pokémon. It can manipulate the emotions of humans and Pokémon through song. This ability is believed to have developed as a means of self-defense against threats.]

Since Rotom Pokédex was asleep.

Natsume: "…My weirdness quota just increased."

The aura conveyed a sense of goodwill. Natsume recalled last night’s performance—it must have been aided by Meloetta.

But why was Meloetta here? Did it sneak onto the plane? And why was it sleeping on his shoulder so familiarly…?

Natsume, in a delicate mood, chose not to wake Meloetta. Instead, he glanced at Ash, who was snoring away.

The legendary Pokémon magnetism of a Pallet Town trainer… truly no joke.

Thankfully, it was just Meloetta this time. If Hoopa snuck in next, wouldn’t the danger level skyrocket?!

"Oh, right. I meant to tell you earlier—this little one’s been following you since this afternoon."

Darkrai suddenly smacked its forehead in realization. "I was too focused on Oración and forgot!"

"Some bodyguard you are," Natsume said. "I’m docking you a can of Pokéblock."

Darkrai: ?

Considering it really had been negligent, Darkrai found itself hoping for more encounters with Legendary Pokémon.

At that point, the unit of measurement wouldn’t be "cans"—it’d be truckloads…

If he let Meloetta sleep on his shoulder all night, he’d probably wake up with a stiff neck.

Then again, the café was short on live singers…

Natsume studied Meloetta, already scheming how to recruit it.

Just then, Meloetta rubbed its eyes and blinked awake, its ocean-blue gaze meeting Natsume’s.

Silence.

Silence was the bridge tonight.

"Meloetta!" Meloetta jolted, quickly levitating into the air before vanishing again.

Natsume stroked his chin.

I here isn’t some demon… Was that really so scary?

"If you want to rest, you can sleep on the sofa over there. It’s fine."

Natsume covered a yawn and whispered:

"Goodnight, Meloetta."

No response.

Only when the cabin fell completely silent did Meloetta quietly watch the black-haired young man sleeping soundly. It placed a small hand over its chest and murmured:

"Meloetta~"

……

Afternoon.

Natsume received the daily report from 'Handsome'.

"Team Plasma hasn't made any moves yet."

Handsome said gravely:

"But there's important intel... The 「DNA Splicers」 guarded by Mayor Drayden are said to have the ability to undo genetic chains."

Handsome continued explaining:

"That legendary artifact has been passed down through the Village of Dragons lineage. The DNA Splicers possess both the power to combine two into one and separate one into two. But since it's just a legend, no one has ever verified..."

This was easy to understand - similar to Fusion and Defusion.

Natsume pondered: "I see. So Mayor Drayden still refuses to transfer the DNA Splicers?"

Handsome sighed lightly: "After all, asking Mayor Drayden to hand over a treasure his family has guarded for generations based merely on speculation... is too much to ask."

Natsume nodded slightly.

He had anticipated this.

That's precisely why Boss Giovanni and the Trio had set out for Opelucid City - to deal with potential risks.

"I'm on vacation." Natsume replied. "I'll be passing through Opelucid City... ahem... I'll take a quick look then."

"Understood!" Handsome saluted before ending the call.

Checking his schedule: Departure for Lacunosa Town was in three days, with a stop at Opelucid City Airport.

Natsume's mood was delicate.

Traveling with Ash during this period did carry some risks...

In the Garden of the Seaside Villa

Cynthia, dressed in a blue blouse and black wide-leg pants, played with the Pokémon while smiling.

Sylveon swayed on the swing, humming softly: "Sylveon~"

Pupitar stared intently at its favorite sandpit, where a lazy Gastrodon had taken up residence.

Frustrated by its lack of hands, Pupitar's eyes welled up with tears:

"Pupitar... (〃ω〃)"

Just wait till I evolve. I'll show this guy who's boss!

Ash was training Krokorok barehanded: "Come on, use Aerial Ace! I can take it!"

A bead of sweat rolled down Krokorok's forehead as it glanced between Ash and the silent, sunglasses-wearing Blastoise.

"Krokorok..." Krokorok shivered.

There's not a single normal Pokémon in this yard!

Natsume walked into the garden just in time to see Ash drilling Aerial Ace into Krokorok.

"Truly the Flying-type Master," Natsume thought to himself. "Every Pokémon must learn Aerial Ace."

This Krokorok would eventually evolve into Krookodile, becoming Ash's ace in the Unova region.

Also wearing sunglasses... Just like Blastoise. Excellent taste!

"Blastoise...ヾ(■_■)" Blastoise adjusted its sunglasses, gave Krokorok a once-over, then looked away.

Hmm... Confirmed not a Zorua or Ditto. Next target.

Natsume's eye twitched.

Now that we're in Unova, Zorua's been added to the checklist... Makes perfect sense.

Bzzzt—

The lights flickered erratically before cutting out completely.

"Power outage?" Cynthia turned toward the interior.

Rotom Pokédex waved its arms. "Beep... Not Rotom's doing, roto."

"Nobody accused you," Natsume arched an eyebrow. "Why so defensive?"

"Beep... There can be only one truth, roto!"

Rotom Pokédex spun dramatically before pointing at Pikachu:

"According to the great detective Rotom's deduction, Pikachu's electrical currents interfered with electronic devices, roto~!"

"Pikachu?" Pikachu took a startled step back.

"Alright, Washer Rotom. Less detective dramas, please."

Natsume checked his phone. "Pokémon Center reports the blackout was caused by equipment failure at the Power Plant."

"Rotom?!" The Pokémon visibly deflated, hanging its head in dismay.

Natsume: "..."

Your whole persona isn't Washer Rotom—you're basically a failed Inspector Gadget!

"Should we check out the Power Plant?" Ash asked excitedly. "Might run into Zapdos!"

"As if Legendary Pokémon just appear that easily!" Iris crossed her arms.

"Wouldn't be so sure..." Natsume murmured.

This scenario felt familiar—likely the event where Iris would catch her future partner Dragonite.

Iris's Dragonite had a unique temperament—aggressive and often fierce-looking, but with unexpected gentleness.

A motorcycle roared up as Officer Jenny arrived at the villa, requesting Champion Cynthia's assistance with the Power Plant disturbance.

"It's an extremely powerful Dragonite... Our small town's security forces are overwhelmed."

Jenny bowed apologetically. "We'll properly compensate you. Please help us, Champion Cynthia."

"No need for compensation," Cynthia smiled. "We'll take a look."

Jenny relaxed, then noticed Natsume. Blushing, she whispered to Cynthia:

"One more... personal request."

"Yes?" Cynthia blinked.

"Could I..." Jenny gulped. "Get Natsume-sensei's autograph?"

Cynthia: ?

Jenny ultimately got her autograph.

After profuse thanks, she sped off on her motorcycle.

Natsume watched her leave—then felt a sudden chill. Cynthia smiled sweetly:

"You seem... quite popular with Jennys, don't you?"

"Nonsense," Natsume reflexively replied before adding: "And Joys too."

Cynthia: ??

Realizing his mistake, Natsume's expression became complicated.

Crap. Self-sabotage!

"Ha! Let's head to the Power Plant. Maybe we'll bag a Zapdos or something," Natsume quickly changed the subject.

Cynthia arched a perfect eyebrow, giving him a sidelong glance.

"Please punish me."

Natsume said solemnly:

"For example, stepping on me in black stockings. I won't resist."

"That would be a reward for you." Cynthia kept her gaze forward, her snow-white neck slightly flushed as she muttered.

"Actually... a Wobbuffet-patterned apron would be nice too..."

Noticing Iris and Ash present along with the innocent Meloetta, Natsume coughed lightly:

"I mean, I'll wear an apron to cook dinner tonight."

Cynthia seemed to enjoy seeing Natsume flustered, a smile playing at her lips as she turned to Iris:

"Let's go to the Power Plant together."

The Power Plant housed Iris's future Dragonite.

It had taken a Hydreigon's Ice Beam while protecting startled Pidove, accidentally crashing into the Power Plant and causing the town-wide blackout.

Natsume contemplated the vague plot, casually plucking a leaf.

Battling might accidentally hurt Dragonite... Better put it to sleep instead.

Upon arriving at the Power Plant, the awakened Dragonite looked fierce, violently flapping its wings as it roared:

"ROAR!!!"

A fierce gale swept through. Cynthia placed a hand on her hip, her clear eyes sharp as she murmured:

"So this is the Dragonite Officer Jenny mentioned."

Iris's gaze flickered as she protested: "But... but that child..."

Before she could finish, Dragonite dove toward Pikachu. Ash lowered his cap brim and grinned:

"Perfect timing, Pikachu—"

A melodious Grass Whistle sounded, an ancient and ethereal melody.

Cynthia and the others froze simultaneously, turning to see Natsume playing the leaf. Dragonite also paused unexpectedly.

A familiar pulse resonated again, symbolizing art and romance.

Relic Song flowed rhythmically.

Meloetta levitated midair, placing a hand over its chest as it bowed to Dragonite.

Then, brilliant white light enveloped Meloetta as it seemed to transform from a singer to an enthusiastic tap dancer, its pomegranate-red eyes burning with fighting spirit. It leaped before Natsume, extending an arm toward Dragonite:

"Meloetta~!"

Meloetta - Pirouette Forme!

This sudden development shocked everyone present. A faint smile appeared on Natsume's face.

This child has finally decided to show itself.

Probably because its Aria Forme is shy while its Pirouette Forme is outgoing.

"I see."

Cynthia rested her chin on her hand, musing: "So that strange energy on the plane... was Meloetta."

Ash froze for a moment before classically pulling out his Pokédex to scan.

Meanwhile, Iris rushed before Dragonite, spreading her arms to shield Meloetta as she shouted:

"P-please stop! I believe Dragonite isn't a bad Pokémon!"

"Meloetta?" Meloetta blinked.

Dragonite gave Iris a complicated look before ceasing its aggressive stance.

"Come to the Pokémon Center for treatment." Iris gently patted Dragonite's head. "Good child, everything's alright now."

Dragonite looked disdainful, but after glancing at the cold-eyed Garchomp and snarling Gengar, it reluctantly nodded.

At sunset, Natsume and Cynthia returned to the villa first.

Meloetta had reverted to its Aria Forme, floating in the air.

"Meloetta~" Meloetta gently perched on Natsume's shoulder, carefully observing Cynthia with its azure eyes.

"This child seems quite attached to you." Cynthia smiled softly.

"The problem is, Mythical Pokémon have lifespans spanning millennia..." Natsume glanced at Meloetta.

"Mentioning a lady's age is impolite behavior." Cynthia reminded.

Natsume paused slightly.

While Meloetta has no gender, it's typically treated as feminine...

"Sylveon!"

Sylveon glared at Meloetta on Natsume's shoulder, then turned away haughtily when Natsume looked over.

"Sylveon! o(｀^｀)o"

It's not like I'm complaining or anything!

"Meloetta..." Meloetta shrank back timidly.

Natsume thought of a certain world-famous painting and nearly laughed aloud—

Natsume, if Sylveon finds me sitting on your shoulder, will it get angry?

Unlike me, I'd never make Natsume uncomfortable~

Shaking his head to dispel the ridiculous imagery, Natsume cleared his throat.

What bad intentions could Meloetta possibly have?

Of course, I'll need to groom Sylveon tonight to consider this tsundere little one's feelings.

Who would have thought I'd experience Red's romantic entanglements between Yellow and Misty—but with Pokémon!

Natsume sighed emotionally.

My respect and sympathy for Red has grown even stronger.

When Iris returned from the Pokémon Center, she had successfully caught Dragonite.

With her innate connection to Dragon-type Pokémon, Iris would rise from Gym Leader to Champion in just one year—her talent and opportunities were both indispensable.

Natsume felt no jealousy, only quiet satisfaction.

Watching future Champions of Unova and... well... Alola grow gives me a sense of achievement—like nurturing trees over ten years.

"Will you travel with us?"

Natsume asked Meloetta on his shoulder.

Meloetta had its own tribe and guardians—like Mew at the Tree of Beginning—a true Mythical Pokémon with authority.

Though Natsume didn't know Meloetta's past... if it chose to accompany them, he would gladly accept.

Meloetta showed a thoughtful expression before breaking into a small smile.

"Meloetta~"

"We might encounter unexpected events." Natsume remarked casually.

"Meloetta!" Meloetta nodded gracefully, hand over chest, radiating confidence.