Chapter 77:
August 11.
After the earlier rain, Aogiri City got another light shower. The fine drizzle rinsed the Bluestone Trail clean.
Because of it, foot traffic at the Breeding House was a bit sparse today. Hayashi Kaede didn't mind — it gave him some free time, and he let Takagi Megumi take the afternoon off early.
Yeah — hopefully the Squirtle that stole food on the way home won't run into her.
After lunch, Kaede dragged a small stool outside the Breeding House. Cradling an Alolan Vulpix in his arms and holding a cup of juice squeezed from Bounsweet, he sat beneath the eaves and listened to the rain drip. He took a sip, then idly stroked the Vulpix's fur along its back, feeling comfortably content.
Sometimes a little rain is just what you need: relax, listen to the drops, and watch the green world gleam under the shower. That's the countryside at its best.
He glanced at the juice. Besides fruit, he'd added a touch of sugar.
[Bounsweet Juice — Sugared (C+)] — Juice made from Bounsweet, with a little added white sugar. Some Pokémon that like sweets might love it.
Culinary effect — briefly raises the drinker's mood.
Servine was the one who usually liked this juice most — especially with a few bits of Pecha Berry stirred in.
The Alolan Vulpix in his lap suddenly whimpered, "Vulpix~" (I want some too~).
Kaede laughed and chided, "When I asked you if you wanted some earlier you said no — now you want mine? Nope!"
"Vulpix~" (Pwease~) it pleaded, stamping its two paws on his thigh and whining.
Kaede couldn't resist. He put the cup to its mouth. "Alright, alright — here."
Watching the Vulpix lap happily, Kaede opened his Scan Eye.
Pokémon: Alolan Vulpix
Gender: Female
Ability: Snow Cloak
Aptitude: Red
IVs: HP (29), Attack (25), Sp. Atk (31), Defense (28), Sp. Def (25), Speed (31)
Level: 14–18
Moves: Hypnosis, Moonblast, Tail Whip, Powder Snow, Icy Wind, Ice Shard, Wrap
Friendship: 97 (She considers you her anchor.)
Happiness: 70 (So sweet~)
"I need to find a decent Ice Stone," Kaede mused, watching the Vulpix's panel.
Hatched from an egg and seeing Kaede and Servine first, she'd become very attached — she either followed Kaede or curled beside Servine. In short: a clingy personality. Would she calm down after evolving? Kaede wondered. He smiled at the thought.
When Servine was still Snivy, it was comfy to hold; after it evolved, it was harder to hug and he'd missed that. Now with Alolan Vulpix he felt the same bittersweet pull — she might someday be big enough to be a cuddle-pillow after evolving into Ninetales. That thought both pleased and conflicted him. He liked both things.
Kaede called from the Breeding House doorway, "Rotom?"
The red little device buzzing about replied and floated out. "Yes, Master?"
"How long until the rain stops?"
"Master — Rotom reports the light rain will end in 53 minutes."
"Also, a message you sent this morning just got a reply. Want to check it?"
"Alright — show me."
Rotom pulled up the chat. A message from Moomoo Ranch — Kusano Genmu read: "That food-producing Pokémon you asked about? Funny question — why would you want to raise so many food-producing Pokémon? Still, there are quite a few breeders who raise food-producing. In neighboring Budō Town, a grower of Densegrape farms a bunch of Combee for honey; if you plant more berry trees you could ask her for Combee… oh, and she raises a few Sinistea for brewing — I don't know how many, you'll have to ask. I'll ask her for you. Also, in Nagisuna City there's an Oliva food-processing factory. Other stuff I'm not sure of — search online for dessert shops; they often have corresponding Pokémon behind them."
[Hayashi Kaede]: Thanks, Kusano Genmu~
He thought a moment, then snapped a photo of the Vulpix drinking milk and sent it with the caption "Thanks~."
[Moomoo Ranch — Kusano Genmu]: Fancy stuff. How are the Miltank doing? Any problems?
[Hayashi Kaede]: No problems. They're happy here.
[Moomoo Ranch — Kusano Genmu]: Good. If they weren't happy with your grass, I'd come check if you were mistreating them!
Uncle Kusano sent a smiling face and then the chat went quiet. Kaede wasn't bothered; instead he asked Rotom, "How far is Budō Town from Aogiri City?"
"Rotom~ query complete. Aogiri City is 125 kilometers from Budō Town."
"Whoa." Kaede exclaimed. "That far? No wonder I've never heard of it."
Over a hundred kilometers. By ordinary transport, a day-trip. But with Pidgeot, a return trip would take just an hour or two.
"Search Budō Town's dessert shops too."
"Okay, Rotom~"
"Found it, Rotom~ A shop in Aogiri City is up for transfer; the Alcremie inside are said to be included with the sale…"
"Hmm?" Kaede's eyes lit up. "Contact them and connect me! Call them now."
"Connecting, Master — please hold."