"Lucky~"
As the Blissey who had just finished healing him left, Hoshino was still trying to process everything.
Just as he had suspected, some Pokémon friendships were easier to obtain than others.
This ability only worked on himself, simply accelerating his recovery speed, making him similar to a Pokémon in that regard.
"...If I stack enough of these abilities, am I gonna turn into a humanoid Pokémon?"
He wasn't sure, but it felt entirely possible.
Hoshino got off the stretcher and looked at the Pokémon Egg in his hands.
It was gently pulsing—a sign that it was close to hatching. If he had to guess, it would probably hatch within a week.
"I'll keep it safe for now."
This was only a temporary responsibility. Once it hatched, he needed to report back to Officer Jenny. Since it was a non-native Pokémon, releasing it into the wild could disrupt the ecosystem, so it had to be handled properly.
For now, he set that aside and walked over to the little mouse, who was still being comforted by Gengar.
Squatting down, he gently patted the Pokémon's tiny head and said, "Don't worry. If he's still alive, then he's definitely wandering somewhere in Hau'oli City. He might even be looking for you too."
"Eeeng…"
"Trust me, Yorozuya always completes a request. So for now, just stay with us."
The tandemaus froze, staring blankly at the boy who had spent an entire night running around for him.
Then, after a brief hesitation, he nodded.
That was a sign of trust.
Hoshino was relieved, though he knew this request wouldn't be easy.
Good thing winter break was starting soon—he'd have more time.
Seeing that the mouse had finally stopped crying, Gengar also relaxed. Then, she noticed the Pokémon Egg, floating over curiously, reaching out to tap it.
Luckily, Hoshino reacted in time and pulled it away.
"Careful! Don't hit it!"
"Gengar?"
"This is a Pokémon Egg. Most Pokémon hatch from these, so you have to be gentle…"
He patiently explained.
Since Gengar wasn't hatched from an egg herself, she had never seen one before—it made sense that she'd be curious.
After making sure she wouldn't treat it as a bouncy ball, Hoshino turned his attention to the biggest issue here—
The sleeping Cyclizar nearby.
Earlier, he had suddenly charged at Hoshino at full speed and crashed into him like he had slipped on ice—nearly sending him to the afterlife on the spot.
Then, the next second, all of his electricity disappeared, and he just fell asleep.
Everything about it was completely absurd.
Hoshino reached out and gently patted Cyclizar's head.
His HUD popped up, showing that Cyclizar was just exhausted and had fallen asleep—not injured, and his moves and abilities were normal.
But there was no doubt that, moments ago, Cyclizar had activated Hardon Engine.
[T/N: it was quantum drive?]
The purple lightning, the OLED pixelated eyes—
That was Miraidon's signature.
Why?
"..."
Hoshino couldn't figure it out.
Cyclizar was just a common Pokémon, while Miraidon was a Legendary Pokémon from the future. Even if they were Paradox forms of each other, this was still insane.
Could it be that his Cyclizar actually was Miraidon, but had somehow lost his powers and memories, leaving him in this form?
That would explain why his strength was so ridiculous.
A Legendary Pokémon in its teenage phase, basically.
For now, that was the best theory he had.
Maybe it was the threat of Silvally's power that had forced Cyclizar to instinctively 'log into his main account' and temporarily use Miraidon's abilities?
While he was deep in thought, his hand suddenly twitched.
Snapping back to reality, he saw that Cyclizar had opened his eyes—
But his pupils were back to normal.
He looked confused.
"Cycli?"
"You're finally awake. Feeling okay?"
Hoshino smiled, not bringing up Miraidon right away. Instead, he focused on checking his partner's condition first.
"Cycli…"
Cyclizar shook his head, then stood up and looked around, seemingly searching for the one who had knocked him out.
He had no memory of fighting Silvally.
"…So he forgot again."
Hoshino noticed that Cyclizar was still in his usual amnesiac state and sighed.
"Forget it. Just be yourself. Yorozuya isn't changing anytime soon."
"Cycli?"
Cyclizar tilted his head, not understanding—but nodded anyway.
Then, with his usual happy-go-lucky attitude, he bit down on Hoshino's head.
"Ow, ow, ow—don't drop the egg!!"
With that, the incident finally came to a close.
By the time Hoshino returned to Kabukicho from the orchard, it was already past 2 AM.
Gengar and the little mouse had fallen asleep, while Cyclizar was still full of energy, carrying Hoshino all the way back.
He hadn't even eaten dinner, but at this point, he was too tired to care.
Even though Blissey had healed his injuries, fatigue was another matter entirely.
So, he immediately decided—
"I'm skipping the practical exam in the morning. Gonna get some actual sleep."
He was already failing two subjects anyway—one more wouldn't make a difference.
Besides, it was a practical battle test. Even in a make-up exam, he could clear it with his eyes closed.
No way anyone could actually fail that, right?
After that, he needed to find a part-time job.
Yorozuya wasn't getting many requests lately, and once rent was due at the end of the year, he'd be surviving on berries for New Year's.
Back at home, he tucked the Pokémon Egg into a blanket and placed it by his bedside.
Then, he blocked all calls, gave Cyclizar a few instructions—
And collapsed into bed.
By the time he woke up, it was already afternoon.
The Pokémon Egg had been moved to the living room sofa, where the three Pokémon were staring at it intensely.
"You guys better not break it…"
Checking the time, he realized that Pokémon School had already gone on winter break.
As for make-up exams?
He'd deal with that next year.
Turning to Cyclizar, he asked, "Did you guys go to Naye-chan's place for free food this morning?"
"Cycli~"
"A true freeloader's mindset. Alright, I'll cook lunch, then we're heading out."
He planned to find a delivery or courier job.
With his shortcuts and Cyclizar's speed, this job was too perfect.
Plus, it gave him free time to explore Hau'oli City while searching for the missing Tandemaus.
This would be his daily routine for the foreseeable future.
In his past life, he had plenty of experience dodging security while delivering food during the day, then working as a security guard at night catching food couriers.
He had mastered both roles.
------
One week passed.
It was now almost Christmas.
And Hau'oli City had just experienced its first snowfall in three years.
The snow started suddenly in the evening.
Cyclizar, hating the cold, could barely run.
Hoshino had just finished his last delivery for the night in illi Town.
Snowflakes drifted through the chilly night sky.
It was Gengar's first time seeing snow.
She reached out to touch it—but it melted instantly.
The cold sensation made her shiver.
"Gengar…"
Hoshino, wearing goggles and a helmet, glanced at her.
"If you're cold, just get in my jacket. I'll have Cyclizar slow down—we're almost home."
Gengar nodded and climbed into his coat, leaving only her head peeking out to watch the snowfall.
Hoshino chuckled.
"This order had a big bad-weather bonus. Let's grab the little mouse and get some grilled octopus."
"Cycli~!"
"Gengar~!"
They continued on their way—
Until they reached a bridge near the port district.
That's when Hoshino saw a girl standing alone by the railing, completely still.
Golden hair and a white dress—
Snowflakes gathered on her white sunhat.
She stood motionless, as if contemplating jumping.
Hoshino frowned.
"Oi, don't do anything stupid—!"
But when he took off his goggles for a better look—
"Wait… is that Lillie?!"
--------
To Unlock Bonus Chapters:
10 Powerstones - [1 chapter]
50 Powerstones - [3 chapters]
250 Powerstones - [5 chapters]
500 Powerstones - [7 chapters]
1000 Powerstones - [10 Chapters]
All bonus chapters will be released on friday!
Resets every Friday!
------------------------------
Check out my patreon for more chapters
patreon.com/phaeron