Chapter 313: Party Preparations
“One dish per person?”
Red thought it over and smiled. “Sounds kinda fun.”
“You can prep mine too.”
Green waved his hand. “I’ve got someone to meet.”
“Hey—how are you bossing me around like that?!”
Red opened his mouth to protest, but Green’s figure had already vanished into the twilight.
“…Alright then.”
Red nodded to himself and muttered,
“Guess I’ll ask Blue to help prep Green’s too.”
As night deepened, the lights of Viridian City glittered in the dark.
But for some reason, Nurse Joy at the Viridian Pokémon Center was nowhere to be seen today. In her place, Chansey was managing things solo.
Rumor had it this strange occurrence had cropped up in other towns too.
Green, with one hand in his pocket, was feeling puzzled.
Could it be… they all fell for the same person?
His destination was an old, weathered house not far from Viridian City.
When Green pushed open the door, a chilly air washed over him. Gengar grinned wickedly as it emerged from the shadows.
“Gengar.”
Agatha leaned on her cane and said calmly, “Turn on the lights.”
In an instant, the room lit up. Agatha gave Green—who bore a striking resemblance to Yukishiro Oak—a once-over.
“You came here for something?”
“I’m here to invite you to Professor Oak’s lab.”
Agatha struck her cane against the floor, frowning.
“Did that old guy send you to mock me?”
“Of course not.” Green shook his head, calm as ever. “I’m just inviting you to tonight’s gathering.”
“What gathering?”
“Some of Kanto’s Elite Four might be there… Catching up with old friends, doesn’t sound too bad, right?”
“I don’t think so,” Agatha sneered. Green let out a rare sigh.
“Didn’t you always want to talk to Grandpa again?”
“I figured… rather than letting guilt fester on both sides, why not meet face-to-face? That’s the real reason I came.”
“…”
Agatha fell silent.
Green shrugged. “I’m just the messenger. Whether you come or not is up to you.”
Turning his back to her, he walked toward the door, one hand in his pocket, waving lazily as if talking to himself:
“People can’t live in the past.”
Then Green stepped out into the night, glanced up at the deep, dark sky, and walked away.
Pallet Town – Professor Oak’s Lab
Professor Oak looked over a stack of sorted files and scratched his head sheepishly.
“Ahh, you’ve really gone to a lot of trouble!”
“No, we’re the ones imposing.”
Kristal smiled. “Showing up out of nowhere like this must’ve been a bit of a hassle for you.”
“Not at all!” Professor Oak laughed heartily.
“Being around young folks makes me feel younger too!”
“And with weather this cold, the more people here, the warmer the lab feels!”
Laughter rang from the backyard.
Brock came inside, wiping the sweat off his brow after tending to his younger siblings.
“Professor, are we expecting any other guests tonight?”
Professor Oak rubbed his chin.
“I’ve gone over the original guest list… I’m honestly impressed you managed to get so many people together.”
“Well, it’s Teacher Lu organizing it.”
Kristal grinned. “You gotta show the group admin some respect!”
“Lu Ye, huh…”
Professor Oak pictured that cunning, strategy-loving youth who once beat him in a wild match and chuckled loudly:
“That explains it—he’s got quite a rep now!”
There had been smaller gatherings before,
But this was the first time such a big crowd had come together.
Professor Oak was even tempted to write a few seasonal senryū to match the festive mood.
Just then, a graceful woman walked in from the backyard.
“Grimer’s all cleaned up now, Professor Oak.” Hanako smiled.
“Ahaha, thank you so much, Mrs. Hanako!”
“Don’t mention it.” She smiled as she held her cheek.
“After all, it’s Ash’s Grimer. Helping clean it is the least I can do.”
Professor Oak’s eyes lit up.
“Speaking of Ash… is he home right now?”
“Yes. He’s been training hard to pass your Pokédex certification.”
“Then… ask him to come to the lab tonight,” Professor Oak said with a smile.
“I bet he’ll see a lot of people he’s wanted to meet.”
And since this was a Pallet Town party,
It had to include Pallet Town’s pride and joy—the Type Disadvantage Master, Ash.
When he found out both Red and Teacher Lu would be there tonight,
Ash was panting with excitement as he looked at Hanako.
“C-Can I go too?!”
“Professor Oak invited you himself!”
Hanako tapped his forehead and reminded him,
“Mind your manners at the party—don’t go charging in asking veterans for a battle!”
“Got it!”
Ash spun his cap around and grinned.
“Pikachu wants to battle too… Right, Pikachu?”
“Pika-chu~!” Pikachu nodded adorably.
This kid… didn’t listen to a word I said, Hanako sighed.
But then again,
Letting Ash meet all those people might not be a bad idea.
Excitement sparkled in Ash’s eyes.
To meet Teacher Lu and Grandpa Red at the same time!
Who was stronger, he wondered…
Oh man, what if I get to battle both of them?!
Hot-blooded Ash was already lost in thought, ready to get wrecked for science…
The snow had cleared.
The night sky sparkled, stars twinkling high above.
Even the sky above snowy-white Pallet Town was spotless and pure.
In the backyard of Professor Oak’s lab,
Brock and James were tending to the younger kids together.
At the same time, the first guests began arriving at the lab.
Red came carrying several bags, followed by Daisy and Blue, looking around.
“Did we… get here too early?”
Professor Oak blinked. “Why did you bring so much stuff?”
“Well, everyone had to bring one dish,” Red explained.
“I brought Green’s share too.”
“Ohhh, I see.”
“Brock’s already prepping in the backyard. You guys can go meet him there.”
“What’s for dinner?!” Blue asked excitedly.
Professor Oak chuckled and winked:
“Outdoor hotpot!”
December 25th. Friday night.
Wrapped in her signature black trench coat, Cynthia walked beside Teacher Lu.
He wore a warm fleece-lined overcoat, and a Gengar floated cheerfully by their side.
“Gengar~!”
Gengar was humming happily with a shopping basket in hand,
Looking very much like they were bringing groceries home for the holidays.
When Professor Oak saw them, he was stunned for a long moment.
“Professor Oak,” Cynthia greeted with a light nod and smile.
His gaze flicked back and forth between Lu Ye and Cynthia.
Then suddenly, he slapped his forehead in realization.
“Come on in, come on in!”
Professor Oak beamed. “The others should be on their way too!”