Chapter 0639: Across the Seas to See You(Two-in-One)

June 30, Wednesday.

Lumiose City, Pokémon Café.

Natsume stood in the garden, arms crossed with one hand against his chin, watching the rambunctious Pupitar.

"Pupitar!!"

Pupitar’s cocoon-like body had mask-like spikes protruding near its eyes, with stubby feet peeking out from its armored shell.

Right now, it was hopping around the sandpit, kicking up clouds of dust that settled over the entire garden like a thin blanket.

In the holographic projection before Natsume, Professor Oak chuckled as he explained:

"Though Pupitar’s encased in a carapace, it can jump freely and even dart around to relieve stress—it’s quite the temperamental Pokémon!"

No sooner had he spoken than Pupitar launched itself into the air, propelled by compressed gas from its body like a deflating balloon, ricocheting wildly across the garden.

"Pupitar!!"

This reckless, headstrong maneuver was one of Pupitar’s signature moves:

Thrash.

Natsume’s expression turned wry as he recalled Lance’s suggestion to "just grab onto Pupitar mid-flight."

"So… any solutions?" he asked.

"During its Larvitar stage, eating helps manage its mood," Professor Oak said, shrugging. "For Pupitar? Digging or ramming into things, I suppose."

Makes sense. Deprived of its favorite chips, no wonder Pupitar was so irritable.

"Ah!" Professor Oak raised a finger. "Music therapy could work too!"

"Gengar?" Gengar, clinging to Natsume’s cheek, pulled out a microphone and waved it at the Professor Oak.

"Not your Perish Song, haha…"

Professor Oak wiped sweat from his brow, forcing a laugh. "Soothing tunes—lullabies, Grass Whistle, that sort of thing."

"Easy enough."

Natsume turned and called out to Togepi, who was staring up at Pupitar: "Togepi, use a sound-based move!"

While 'Metronome' couldn’t guarantee a specific move, the psychological suggestion of "The Power of One" allowed for "targeted retrieval (sort of)."

By filtering for sound-type moves—and with Togepi’s absurd luck—it was easy to land the desired attack.

Professor Oak crossed his arms, baffled:

"You can command it like that?"

"Togepi doo-ee~ (｀▽｀)"

Togepi’s fingertips glowed a soft blue as it hummed a soothing lullaby, the melody drifting through the gardens.

Metronome · Sing!

"Pupitar…" Pupitar’s eyelids grew heavy before it plummeted headfirst into the sandpit, stubby legs sticking up.

Rotom—currently in vacuum form—had been cleaning the sand but now shut its eyes and began snoring: "Rot~to~"

Natsume, who had plugged his ears in advance, shook his head to stay alert and cautiously asked:

"Professor Oak?"

"Huh?" The professor barely kept himself awake before snapping back to attention.

Natsume: "You were saying?"

"Ahem!" Professor Oak coughed into his fist, expression complicated. "It actually worked… I mean, before evolving, Pupitar won’t need to absorb any more minerals. Just let it patiently grow through its development phase."

"Pseudo-legendaries often have long growth periods, which is why they’re called 'late bloomers' among Pokémon," he explained.

Natsume nodded slightly.

Pupitar’s breeding methods still primarily followed "Giovanni’s Techniques."

In battle, his Pupitar clearly excelled at weather warfare. With Sandstorm boosting its Special Defense and the held item Weakness Policy, it could execute flawless counterattacks.

The flinch chances from Iron Head and Rock Slide were also critical factors—not to be underestimated.

After all, Tyranitar wasn’t called the "Tyrant of the Desert" just for its Dark typing. The sheer intimidation it caused played a big role.

"Though my Rock Slide rarely hits…" Natsume muttered.

Professor Oak: "Well, I should go tend to the other Pokémon now. Like Muk—ack, mmph!"

Muk oozed into frame, engulfing the unsuspecting professor. His struggles grew faint.

Natsume’s expression was complicated.

He’d seen this scene many times before.

Yet it never failed to shatter his worldview.

Not that he had to worry—Professor Oak’s "Gen 1 Protagonist Physique" meant he’d be fine.

After thanking him and ending the call, Natsume exchanged a glance with Togepi.

"Doo-ee?" Togepi tilted its head.

Some Pokémon wanted to grow stronger. Others just wanted to bond closer with their trainer.

Remembering Old Man Wulfric’s words, Natsume smiled. "It’s nothing. Go play."

"Togepi~!" It waved its tiny hands before trotting to the sandpit, grabbing Pupitar’s legs, and tugging with all its might.

Eventually, Togepi flopped onto its rear—Pupitar still lodged upside-down.

Natsume expected tears, but instead, Togepi’s gaze sharpened. With a wave of its hand, Confusion’s pink-purple energy lifted Pupitar safely onto solid ground.

"Pupitar…" Pupitar blinked awake.

"Doo-ee! " Togepi beamed.

Warmth bloomed in Natsume’s chest, his lips curving up.

There was no need to obsess over evolution. If Togepi could live happily, that was enough.

If the day ever came where Togepi had to protect everyone—that would mean he had failed as a trainer.

But if Togepi ever wanted to evolve, to fulfill a dream of its own… Natsume would make it happen.

"Sirfetch'd!" The leek-wielding knight stood beside him, its stern eyes radiating a fatherly pride.

"Guess Sirfetch'd and I sync up like a chef and their ingredients—perfect compatibility!"

Natsume marveled at his own bizarre analogy.

"Sirfetch'd… (°ー°〃)" Sirfetch'd froze.

After a long stare, Sirfetch'd hefted its Leek and Shield and marched off to practice its daily "Leek Swinging" in the garden.

Even the simplest act, repeated a thousand times, could carve through stone.

"Sirfetch'd!~(っ╥╯﹏╰╥c)"

Tears streamed as Sirfetch'd swung its leek with practiced precision.

Another day survived…

……

The next step in the itinerary was to invite Darkrai as a bodyguard before heading to Unova.

And to gather intel on that delivery company's Delibird.

Natsume contacted the local courier service in Sandgem Town, providing Delibird's employee ID. His eyebrows rose in surprise.

"It already quit?"

"Not quit—transferred to another district," the voice on the other end apologized. "Rocket Delivery recently took over our operations, so I’m not entirely clear on the Pokémon reassignments."

Natsume exhaled quietly. Rocket Delivery? That’s basically our own business.

Just imagine: Under the cover of night, an enemy operative receives a package from a Team Rocket Delibird, containing a note that reads—

[Mentor: I'll make you an offer you can't refuse.]

Natsume mused: "Now that’s some real Boss Giovanni… no, that Persian energy!"

After thanking them and hanging up, Natsume dialed Matori, instructing her to track down a certain Delibird.

Matori asked cautiously: "Is this… a Pryce-level Delibird?"

Natsume: "...No. It’s just a delivery guy."

Matori sounded relieved. "Understood. I’ll begin the investigation immediately!"

He couldn’t shake the feeling Matori had misunderstood something.

But her efficiency was terrifying. Within five minutes, she called back.

"Found it," Matori reported. "That Delibird is under Rocket Delivery’s Sinnoh division and has been reassigned to another district."

"Which one?"

"Well… Since Rocket Delivery in Lumiose City recently acquired 'Gogoat Transport Services,' they’re short on staff. So it was transferred to the Kalos region."

Natsume blinked.

Kalos region. Lumiose City?

Isn't that where I am now?

He distinctly remembered telling Delibird he’d be heading to Kalos. Was this a coincidence… or had it requested the transfer itself?

Natsume fell into deep thought.

"Guess I don’t need to go back to Sinnoh after all…"

……

Two Weeks Earlier

At Sandgem Town’s courier service, the staff and Pokémon were informed of the Rocket Delivery takeover.

Delibird, Pelipper, Starly, and others exchanged bewildered looks, while the human employees whispered among themselves.

One unassuming Delibird, travel bag strapped to its back, tilted its head at the newly appointed manager.

"Delibird?"

"Allow me to introduce myself! I’m Onitsuka of Rocket Delivery, currently in charge of logistics coordination for Sandgem Town!"

The supervisor grinned confidently, spinning his work cap on one finger. "As of now, Rocket Delivery spans four major regions—Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, and Kalos. Unova’s cross-region operations are still under development."

"Our Kalos branch is currently in need of experienced staff and Pokémon! Anyone interested can sign up with me!" he announced cheerfully.

"Grooah!"

Nearby, a Muk oozed closer unnoticed before engulfing the supervisor in one swift motion. The Pokémon gasped in shock.

"Hahaha, no worries," the muffled voice came from inside the sludge. "I’m used to this—ack, mmph!"

As the employees stared at the Muk-covered supervisor, they shared uneasy glances. This guy didn’t inspire confidence.

Only one Delibird remained resolute. Shouldering its bag, it prepared to cross vast oceans.

To the Kalos region.

For a new job—and a new journey!

……

Today marked Delibird’s tenth day since crossing the ocean to officially start its new job.

It had witnessed the solemn atmosphere of Professor Sycamore’s Research Institute, marveled at the bustling luxury of Hotel Richissime.

Compared to Sandgem Town, Lumiose City was undeniably massive.

But Delibird weaved through its streets and alleys, thoroughly enjoying itself—even earning the title of "Top-Tier Delivery Guy" from its superiors for outstanding performance.

Today, Delibird received an urgent parcel destined for Pokémon Rainbow Café on Southern Street.

Overhearing its superiors discuss:

"What’s inside?"

"Badges? Ah, then it really should be prioritized. I’ll send our best delivery guy!"

A warm, giddy feeling bubbled in Delibird’s chest.

It loved this job.

Some Pokémon weren’t cut out for battle. Some simply wanted to live and work alongside humans.

That green-haired young man, N, had tried to liberate all Pokémon from their Poké Balls.

But he never realized—a Poké Ball wasn’t just a human’s shackle on a Pokémon.

It was also a human’s promise to a Pokémon.

[If you want to catch a Pokémon, you must risk shedding tears.]

Delibird adored living alongside humans.

One black-haired young man had left a particularly deep impression.

If possible, it hoped to see him again.

Lost in thought, Delibird trudged down Lumiose’s streets with its delivery bag—until it suddenly remembered: This is an urgent parcel!

Flapping its wings in panic, it dashed toward the [Pokémon Café].

I’m gonna be late—eek!

Panting heavily outside the café, Delibird tilted its head up at the sign, then peeked through the window at the charming interior decor.

Swallowing nervously, it tapped the glass door with a "tap-tap" and prepared to hand the parcel to the café’s owner.

"Coming."

The owner stepped out, sunlight casting soft shadows across his handsome face. He froze for a long moment before a faint smile crept onto his lips.

Like spotting an old friend.

Like seeing a carelessly planted berry finally sprout.

Like watching Ho-Oh’s rainbow streak across a cloudless sky.

"Welcome—" Natsume almost said, but the words that came out instead were:

"Long time no see."

"Buh…?"

Delibird stiffened, bag still strapped to its back, suddenly flustered. It lowered its head and hastily held out the parcel.

H-Here’s your delivery!

Natsume accepted it but showed no interest in the sender—his attention fully on the delivery guy.

He pulled out a gleaming golden Pokéblock, crafted from Golden Razz Berries, Golden Lansat Berries, and Golden Pinap Berries.

"Here, for you," he said with a grin.

Delibird’s neck stiffened. After a long pause, it shook its head. "Delibird!"

I-I’m professionally trained! I can’t accept treats from customers!

Natsume: "Then if you work at my café, I won’t be a customer—I’ll be your boss."

Delibird blinked. After a hesitant nod—as if this logic somehow checked out—it accepted the Pokéblock, cradling it in both wings before gulping it down.

"Delibird~ (′▽`〃)"

Seizing the moment, Natsume flicked Delibird’s forehead with a crisp "thok!"

"Same old texture, same old recipe!" he declared triumphantly.

"Delibird…"

Clutching its forehead, Delibird looked ready to cry—but instead broke into a goofy grin.

The two stared at each other, sharing a dumb, happy laugh.

The sun dipped lower, bathing Prism Tower in golden twilight.

Natsume pulled out a Poké Ball, offering it tentatively. "Is this okay?"

Delibird hesitated, adjusting its bag as it studied Natsume seriously.

Conflicted, a storm of joy and sorrow swirling inside, it finally shook its head.

"Delibird…"

I love my job.

We can be friends.

But fighting for you—for a trainer—I’m not ready yet.

With a deep bow, Delibird murmured:

"Delibird~ (☉_☉)"

...Sorry.

Natsume wanted to say, "I won’t make you battle." But a trainer’s duty was to fight—to scale the heights of battle.

He carried too many expectations. The bonds tied to him were ones Delibird couldn’t yet bear.

To Natsume, a Poké Ball symbolized a promise between two beings.

When Mewtwo shattered them in rebellion, it never considered that some Pokémon needed that promise.

Still, Natsume wasn’t disheartened. Smiling, he asked:

"Then how about working part-time at my café? Deliveries and ice cream. I’ll give you a cut."

"Delibird!" Delibird hoisted its bag, nodding eagerly—then shyly scratched its head.

No salary needed~

Just toss me some Pokéblocks, boss!

Natsume chuckled. "Deal."

"Buh!"

Bubbling with happiness, Delibird waddled off to complete its courier handover.

Natsume watched its silhouette fade into the sunset, a teary-eyed Gengar materializing beside him, handkerchief clenched in its teeth.

"Gengar~(｀Д｀)"

"Bonds… huh."

Respecting Poké Balls meant respecting Pokémon. Not as a trainer, but as people forming bonds with them.

Muttering to himself, Natsume finally opened the parcel.

"Now that I think about it… I don’t remember ordering anything."

Clink!

Two metallic badges tumbled into his palm—one insect-shaped, the other resembling a wall—both with a muted sheen.

Natsume stared blankly.

"These are…"

His lips pressed into a thin line.

Badges?

Two of them?!

[Ding! Quest Updated!]

[Badges Collected: (4/8)]

Natsume slowly typed a question mark in his mind.

Natsume: ?