Crack.
White light flashed as the red chiles went from halves, to thirds, to a fine crumble. A bold, peppery heat spread through the kitchen.
"Mm." Lopunny pressed a hand over her nose. So strong.
When the chiles were fully ground, Noah nodded at the fierce aroma and cracked eggs into a bowl.
"Lopunny, could you get the fire going first?"
"Okay."
In a soft, sticky-sweet voice, she answered and trotted to the woodpile to fetch kindling.
"Next we will…"
Before he could think through the next step, a plate heaped with cod slices drifted to a stop in front of him. He looked up to see Gardevoir in the doorway, smiling like she had done something clever.
"All cut already."
She tilted her head, seeking praise. At some point she had Teleported over from the living room and sliced the cod for him. Noah examined the plate. Under the gleam of her gathered psychic blades, every piece was even and paper thin. They looked appetizing before even touching oil.
"Thanks for the help."
He took the plate with a smile and ruffled her hair. Gardevoir closed her eyes in quiet bliss, the cool beauty next door when she was not teasing him.
Noah sprinkled salt, added a splash of cooking wine, slid in the egg whites, and folded the fish gently to marinate.
"The slices look even smoother now," Lopunny said, peeking up from the stove.
Gardevoir leaned closer too, eyes bright with expectation. She was genuinely hungry this time.
Once the fish had taken the seasoning, oil went into the pan, then the fish. Noah poured in the bowl of ground chiles Gardevoir passed him. The pan crackled. A rich fragrance rose.
Gurgle. Gurgle.
The two girls swallowed in unison.
"Just a moment. Almost ready."
Noah soothed them with a laugh and worked the spatula, folding the fish and spices through the bubbling oil.
He had not had time to renovate the cabin after taking over the neglected farm. The years had not been kind. The plank bed was stiff, and on a heavy rain the old ceiling might well drip.
Even so, they were happy.
Noah glanced at Gardevoir gazing at him with soft eyes, and at Lopunny, face smudged with soot from tending the fire without noticing. Warmth spread through him as he stirred the pan.
It took him back to the anime from his previous life. The main cast traveling through region after region, the joy of a new partner, the nerves and fire of Gym battles, and the heaviness of farewells at the end of a road. All of it stirred the heart.
He was not setting out to challenge Gyms like the other rookies. Building a farm felt like its own kind of adventure. Quiet country days, broad views of nature, the satisfaction of cultivation step by step. And companions like these two, each with her own bright personality.
I need to work hard and make this place better.
"Ready to plate."
Minutes later, Noah tipped the finished fish into a big dish and spooned a final veil of hot oil over it.
One plate of Spicy Cod Slices, done.
"Yay."
Lopunny cheered, and her ears flicked high. Gardevoir set three freshly washed place settings on the table with a thought.
So good.
Lopunny took the first bite and beamed, ears standing straight. Gardevoir tasted a piece with quiet grace and then looked genuinely impressed, though the glint in her eyes hinted she was craving something else entirely.
Either way, seeing both girls eat so happily brought an easy smile to Noah's face.
After dinner, while the two Pokémon girls tidied the cabin, Noah returned to his room.
"League Calendar 2075, October 6, Daybreak Farm.""Income: Three Hard Stones, estimated 15,000 League Credits.""Expenses: None.""Today's progress: Three mu of fields tilled.""Current farm funds: 50,000 League Credits."
He clicked on the desk lamp and wrote the entry in a large logbook. Ever since taking over Daybreak Farm, he made sure to finish this task no matter how late.
"We will need to plant daily staples," he murmured, tapping the desk.
He had made up his mind to build a good home for the girls, so he began drafting long term plans.
"The system rewards, Fortune Grain and Rolling Beans, can be our basics."
Those would cover his meals and the Pokémon's feed. Given the size of the fields, he planned to fence off a small herb garden as well, to grow Heal Grass, Antidote Herb, and Vigor Buds. They were versatile, sold well, and would cover medical needs on the farm while allowing extra to sell at the Poké Mart. Heal Grass for Potions, Antidote Herb for Bug Sprays, Vigor Buds for Revives.
In the western hills he would start with the most common Berries. Oran and Sitrus for sure. Whether sold fresh or processed into Pokéblocks and other products, they would be popular with Trainers.
As for the eastern prairie, tradition suggested livestock. Mareep wool and Miltank milk were both fine options. For now, limited starting funds meant tabling that idea. The priority was cultivation.
An hour later he set down his pen, stretched, and noticed the sky outside had gone fully dark.
"Trainer, may I use the bath?"
Lopunny peeked through the doorway, voice gentle. She must have been waiting so as not to interrupt while he was writing.
"Of course. It is the room next to the living room. There should be fresh towels."
He rubbed her soft ears and smiled.
In many ways, Pokémon were like the cats and dogs of his previous world. Trainers bathed their partners regularly. Making a Pokémon clean and lovely was basic skill for Coordinators and Breeders alike. For a transformed Lopunny, though, she could handle it herself.
"Mm."
She was, as always, adorably pink in the cheeks.