Cynthia rembered that Alcremie could have dozens of different forms, depending on decorations and other factors.
Since the dessert association awarded a wild berry candy, the evolved Alcremie would surely be a blueberry Alcremie. As for the exact flavor, even Cynthia was curious.
As the white light faded, Cynthia, eyes watching closely from behind her Togepi mask, saw the answer in Lucas's arms.
The Alcremie's body was still made totally of whipped cream, like Milcery before, but now it was a pure, snow-white color with delicate, sky-blue stripes outlining its form, sapphire-like eyes, and two blueberry-like decorations on its head—completely harmonious.
"Blueberry Alcremie—Salted Cream flavor."
Holding the newly evolved Alcremie, Lucas was quite surprised.
The most common Alcremie flavors are vanilla, ruby, or caral. Salted Cream is rare, as its cream is not only rich and creamy but also has a hint of saltiness.
As Alcremie evolved, the rich, happy scent of fresh cream spread under the sugar maple tree. Cynthia blurted out, "It's really happy."
Legend says Alcremie's cream tastes better the happier it is—the happier an Alcremie, the richer and more delicious the cream it produces.
That's why pastry chefs dream of partnering with Alcremie and, after becoming partners, treat them with great care.
Cynthia could sense that this Alcremie was truly happy.
"Thank you for the complint, Ms. C."
Lucas smiled politely and thanked her.
The joint dessert competition held by the two major regional associations concluded. Lucas's winning Orange Peel Honey Puffin ~ Cream Ice Cream Style attracted the attention of many dessert lovers. So were already asking if he would open a dessert shop.
After sincerely thanking Katy for teaching him how to make puffins, Lucas watched her rematch against Arven.
The result was good, of course.
Driven by the lure of food, Skwovet unleashed amazing power. Katy also adjusted her lineup based on Arven's strength. With two Pokémon, Arven earned his first badge and began his journey to the second gym.
Lucas didn't linger in Cortondo Town. After exchanging puffin-making tips with Katy and receiving so desserts as gifts, he rode Dragonite ho fully loaded.
This ti, Alcremie evolved smoothly, becoming a rare and pretty Salted Cream flavor, and Lucas also learned how to make puffins. He felt these three days had been well spent.
The only thing that puzzled him was the masked Ms. C. If Geeta, as League Chairwoman and Champion, needed to hide to avoid being caught slacking off by Larry, then…
What about this Ms. C from Sinnoh? Why did she wear a mask? Surely she couldn't be Sinnoh's champion, Cynthia?
But Lucas was just a bit curious and didn't try to figure it out. A few days later, he forgot all about it.
…
The next day.
"This way—be careful not to let the fry get past the barrier net."
Lucas, wearing a hard hat, directed the small truck dumping fish into Thunder Lake.
Given the fish density and the lake's size, he hadn't needed a big truck—this small one held all he needed.
As Lucas was working, many idle Pokémon on the farm gathered around, watching curiously.
The happiest were, of course, the Politoed and its Poliwhirl brothers.
Though they're still classed as tadpoles, their diets also include these fish, so having them as neighbors (and ergency rations) made them very happy.
Even Ceruledge paused sword practice, its ghostly eyes fixed on the fish, already imagining cooking grilled fish for Lucas while wearing its beloved yellow duck apron.
Thinking about Lucas eating grilled fish with a satisfied expression, even Ceruledge's usually expressionless, armored face showed anticipation.
Ceruledge resolved to patrol Thunder Lake daily after sword practice to prevent wild Pokémon from sneaking in and stealing fish—or Swampert from stealing from the farm.
Soon, the fish were all in the lake. The rest was up to Lucas.
Lucas paid the remaining 20,000 Pokédollars, bought several dozen kilos of fish feed for storage, and waved happily as the little truck left.
Lucas was delighted. "From today on, I'm a fish pond owner too!"
He intended to stay by the lake to check if the fish were adapting, but suddenly Dolliv ran over in a panic.
"Dolli~! Dolli~!"
Clearly sothing big had happened. Dolliv tugged Lucas's pants, trying to pull him sowhere.
Lucas was startled. Had sothing happened? Wild Pokémon intruders? Bad people?
A thousand worries flashed through his mind, and he beca serious, calling his Pokémon to follow Dolliv to a fenced area in the farm's fields.
It was the area where he'd planted the secret seasoning seeds.
Led by Serperior, all the Eldegoss, Comfey, Sawsbuck, and Mudsdale stared gravely at the new sprouts in the field.
Lucas was stunned.
He looked at Dolliv, who was also on high alert, then at the fish spear he'd grabbed, and felt a bit foolish.
None of his worst fears had co true. The Grass types were just alard because the rare seeds had finally sprouted.
In their experience, normal seeds germinated in a few days with proper care. But these special seeds had been dormant for over half a month—they'd thought they were dead. So, when they sprouted, it was a shock.
Lucas put down the spear, rubbing his forehead. "They just take a long ti to sprout, that's all."
User Comments
0 comments from readers