After a mont's thought, Lucas dialed the number Director Harrington gave him during the faculty eting.
Beeep... beeep…!
The call was answered quickly. Harrington's voice ca through: "Anything you need, Mr. Lucas?"
Lucas organized his thoughts, "About that group ssage, just to be safe, I wanted to confirm—"
"That ssage?"Harrington chuckled, "It's just as it says. Though you could teach Battle Studies theory in the classroom, the weather's too nasty. I've also heard a typhoon is forming over the Paldea Sea, so even theory classes might stop soon."
"Even if you could ride Dragonite over, the Academy won't force you to commute in this weather. Please just rest at ho until the typhoon passes. Don't worry—your salary is unaffected."
Lucas was speechless for a mont.
Was Naranja Academy really not running a charity?
Even with a sudden vacation, Lucas found himself at a loss for what to do.
With heavy rain, he couldn't plant crops—thankfully, he'd spent money building basic drainage ditches, or flooding would be a worry.
The farming and ranch areas were out of commission—he'd have to relax at ho for a while.
After washing up, Lucas went to the living room.
The fireplace blazed. Moltres was sheltering from the rain indoors, with Growlithe cuddled up beside it. Lucas's missing slipper was under Growlithe's head, being used as a pillow.
Sighing, he decided not to wake Growlithe for the slipper—he had spares anyway.
Under Moltres's gaze, Lucas quietly added more firewood.
While doing so, he watched the orange-red flas tinged with gold, his mind wandering.
He rembered the Kanto and Johto regions revered Moltres's flas as sacred fire. During the Indigo and Silver Conferences, the sacred fla was lit in the arena's torch.
So what did that make him?
Warming himself with sacred fire?
Moltres watched Lucas, noticing him staring at its flas. For so reason, Moltres suddenly felt a chill.
It sensed Lucas was probably thinking disrespectful thoughts, but as a guest, it didn't say anything.
Moltres knew its wounds were fully healed and it could leave anyti, but it felt bad for the clingy Growlithe. At least it should teach Growlithe a few moves before leaving.
Ending his aimless thoughts, Lucas crossed the room, briefly eting Moltres's gaze—neither felt like talking.
Moltres was anxious, worried Lucas would ask it to leave.
Lucas figured legendary Pokémon like Moltres tended to be aloof, except with those they personally hatched, like Growlithe.
If Moltres wanted to stay for Growlithe, that was fine. Even if Moltres's presence brought trouble, Lucas was confident he could handle it.
They maintained an unspoken understanding because of Growlithe.
On the other side of the living room, Luxray was lying down, responsible for watching over Delibird. Poliwag was also sleeping there due to the rain and late hours.
Except for Pokémon who couldn't leave water, Poliwag and company could rest on land.
Luxray was a light sleeper due to its past before eting Lucas, so as soon as Lucas approached, it opened its eyes, alert.
Lucas petted Luxray's fur. "Thanks for checking on Delibird last night."
Luxray nodded, purring contentedly.
The bright, warm room, with its crackling fire, contrasted sharply with the howling wind outside. A house's shelter brought peace of mind.
Lucas enjoyed the calm. He picked up the drowsy Poliwag, looking at the still-sleeping Delibird. "Did you clean it up?"
"Poli!"
Poliwag nodded, then froze, glancing at Lucas, worried he'd be upset at its initiative.
Compared to last night, Delibird looked completely different.
Its makeshift nest was scattered with charred feathers. Delibird, once an unrecognizable black lump, was now a pitiful, half-plucked little bird.
Most of its skin was exposed, but it didn't seem uncomfortable—likely thanks to its Ice typing.
Lucas noticed Poliwag's nervousness and smiled.
This clever little guy always thought too much.
With a warm smile, he gently patted Poliwag's head. "Don't worry, you did well."
"In Delibird's current state, cleaning off the burnt feathers with Bubble Beam was right. Leaving them would only hinder new feather growth."
Poliwag relaxed, becoming lively again.
After comforting Poliwag, Lucas realized how much skill it took to care for Pokémon's feelings. He handed Poliwag to Luxray, then headed to the kitchen.
From the kitchen door, he could hear steady chopping sounds. Rembering what he'd told Ceruledge last night, Lucas smiled and opened the door.
Ceruledge, wearing a wave-patterned apron, focused intently on the cutting board. The flaming greatsword it wielded in battle was now skillfully dicing carrots.
It was the new apron Lucas had picked out for it in Cascarrafa City.
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