"Chu-lu-lu."
With a kick of her hind legs, Lopunny dove into the field like an arrow. Dirt fountained outward as she wove through the soil like a river dragon, breaking up the iron-hard crust and turning the earth from within.
"Sha."
Gardevoir watched with bright curiosity.
Then Lopunny began to spin at high speed underground. The whirlwind she raised drew loose soil into a brown spiral. Furrows formed cleanly in her wake, and freshly overturned earth gleamed under the sun.
Before long she popped her head out, shook off the dust, and the wind she had stirred dropped away.
[Quest I Complete: As farm owner, clear three mu of fields]
[Rewards: Premium Fortune Grain seeds ×500, Prime Rolling Bean seeds ×200, Rare Candy ×3]
"Nice work."
Noah stepped up and ruffled Lopunny's head with a smile.
"Chu-lu-lu."
His fingertips brushed her cheek and she blushed without meaning to.
"Here, Lopunny. Have one."
Like a magician, Noah produced a candy wrapped in blue foil and offered it. Curious but trusting, Lopunny opened her mouth and swallowed the Rare Candy in a gulp. Her instincts told her it would be good.
[Lopunny ate a Rare Candy. Level increased to 25]
"Not bad at all."
Even as a mid-tier boost, the effect was pleasantly strong. Noah promptly fed her the remaining two.
[Lopunny ate a Rare Candy. Level increased to 27]
[Lopunny ate a Rare Candy. Level increased to 28]
With two crisp chimes, her level shot from 23 to 28 in the blink of an eye.
"How do you feel?"
Eyes closed, the little helper stood still, clearly sensing the new energy surging through her.
"Chu-lu-lu."
After a moment she trilled excitedly. Stronger again.
[Notice: Your Lopunny learned Headbutt]
"Sha."
Gardevoir drifted close, a faint fragrance in her wake, and blinked up at Noah.
What about mine?
Her emerald eyes held a hint of longing.
"Oh, yours are..."
Noah patted his pocket and froze. He had given all three Rare Candies to Lopunny.
He glanced at the satisfied Lopunny, then at Gardevoir, who looked one sigh away from pressing his face into her chest in protest. Guilt pricked.
"Sha..."
Of course Gardevoir understood. She gave a small hum and looked up at him with watery eyes.
How could you be so biased, Trainer? I was here first.
She drooped like a wife waiting at the door for years without her husband returning.
"How about I owe you this time, and the next drop you get first?" Noah offered quickly. "No tears. Name anything reasonable and I will make it up to you."
"Sha."
At that, the pale-teal lady dabbed the corners of her eyes, very businesslike. I heard that. No takebacks.
Her eyes sparkled with triumph. Noah sighed inwardly. Lesson learned.
"Deal. If I lie, I am a Mightyena," he said solemnly. "So, what do you want?"
Gardevoir leaned in with a mischievous smile. Instead of anything indecent, she held up six fingers, then ten.
"You are planning to skip dinner, huh?"
Noah flicked her forehead. "Be serious."
"Sha."
She clutched her brow, clearly ready to make a fuss.
"No. At most this much."
He thought a moment, then showed nine, and added three.
Why so few?
Gardevoir stared, aghast. Only three?
Noah's look brooked no argument. Finally, she sighed and nodded, since he had ended the count with a zero that meant no further haggling.
Fine. Three.
She could tell the difference between some and none. With a huff, she puffed her cheeks, tipped up her chin, and Teleported away to cool down.
"Chu-lu-lu?"
Lopunny, who had witnessed the entire exchange, tilted her head in confusion. She had understood none of that. What kind of deal was that between Trainer and Gardevoir?
"If you did not follow it, do not ask. Little ones can just relax," Noah said, mussing her hair and absently playing with her soft ears.
By the time he let go, Lopunny's face was scarlet. Noah withdrew his hand at last and added, half stern and half fond, "Remember, do not learn Gardevoir's bad habits."
"Chu-lu-lu."
Lopunny lowered her head, cheeks burning.
"All right. Let's head back for dinner."
The last of the sun was slipping away. Night's prelude spread across the broad land. The system had gifted a good bundle of seeds, but sowing would wait for morning. He could also put up a line of lamps along the paths.
As he walked toward the cabin, Noah eyed the farm fading into evening. Once the lights were in, nighttime patrols would be easier. Maybe they could even do the occasional campout, lying on the grass and counting stars until the soft glow lulled them to sleep. That was the quiet kind of beauty the Pokémon world offered.
"Chu-lu-lu."
Following a few steps behind, Lopunny tiptoed along, mind replaying the feel of Noah rubbing her ears. It had been tingly, like a little current humming through her. She had never noticed how sensitive she was.
After a while she cooled down, then remembered something and puffed out her cheeks.
Hmph.
She watched Noah's back with mock indignation.
Who is a little one?
I am not little at all.