September 1st.
At dusk, the golden glow of the setting sun painted the small town like a scene on an artist's canvas.
Watching the scene before him, Ethan felt a twinge of sadness.
Sophie stood before him with a travel pack slung over her back, already saying her goodbyes.
"Since you've passed the Trainer's License exam, just finish your school's general courses quickly, then set off on your journey."
In this region, the rules for new Trainers weren't as strict as in some places, but they weren't completely relaxed either. Passing the Trainer's License exam wasn't enough students still had to finish their school's cultural subjects before they could set out.
That was why Ethan reminded her so firmly.
"Got it, Ethan," Sophie replied with a bright, playful smile, ready to leave.
"Wait." Ethan stopped her, tossing her a storage capsule. "Once you're out there, be careful. The world's not without danger. Don't make your parents worry, and don't forget to send letters or call home. Inside are some energy cubes for your Wartortle don't let it go without."
Sophie fumbled to catch the capsule, still too rushed to open it before Ethan waved her off. "Go on, or you'll miss the last bus."
She nodded quickly, tucking the capsule away. Her eyes sparkled as she ran toward the edge of town. When she reached the outskirts, she couldn't resist turning back for one last glance.
From here, the breeding house was no longer in sight, but if she looked far enough, she could still see the town's deep flower fields and the occasional customers leaving with their purchases.
This place is getting livelier every day… she thought.
If nothing went wrong, she'd set out right after finishing her courses chasing her dream.
One of the customers waiting for the bus with her, a man in his forties, glanced over.
"Sophie? You've got a schoolbag. Heading to class or going on a trip?"
"Both," she replied without hesitation. "School first, then traveling!"
"That's great," he said warmly. "With your brother's talent for making those energy cubes, you could become a top Pokémon Trainer yourself."
"Heh… I'm nothing like Ethan… Oh, the bus is here."
…
Watching Sophie disappear down the road, Ethan closed the shop door with a sigh.
No more such a reliable cashier from now on.
Inside the storage capsule he'd given her, he'd packed a variety of energy cubes enough to see Wartortle through to its evolution.
As for what came after… well, she'd have to figure that out herself.
No time to dwell on her departure, Ethan turned to Gardevoir. "Come on, we've got wine to make."
The honey berries and oak barrels had all arrived earlier that day twenty-five thousand pounds of berries. If he worked alone, it would take ages, so Gardevoir's help was essential.
Even then, they probably wouldn't finish tonight. Gardevoir could only work until about midnight at the latest.
"Garde~"
She nodded and floated toward the orchard.
Inspired, Ethan decided to join her in using psychic levitation. He wasn't as graceful with it as she was, but still, he had to admit psychic powers were incredibly convenient.
At the barn, Ethan unloaded all the oak barrels from storage, arranging them neatly in the stalls. They fit perfectly, filling every open space.
Next, he had Gardevoir call over Popplio and Milotic. Setting a large steel basin between the barn and the garden, he had them fill it with water.
This way, the rinse water from cleaning berries would flow into the garden instead of pooling in the barn.
Ethan poured the honey berries into the basin, adding a pinch of salt before washing them.
Of course, there was no need to wash by hand his and Gardevoir's telekinesis made quick, thorough work of it.
The cleaned berries were wrapped in psychic energy and sent straight to the oak barrels. Before that, each berry was peeled and crushed, just like winemaking back in his previous life.
The only difference was that this time, there'd be no stomping grapes by foot. Twenty thousand pounds of fruit would take forever that way.
With Gardevoir's telekinesis, a gentle squeeze was all it took to separate pulp from skin.
…
"Popplio…"
The small sea lion Pokémon's voice was tinged with fatigue as it struggled to keep the water flowing. It didn't want to admit it was tired it so rarely had the chance to help Ethan with real work.
But Ethan noticed immediately.
"If you're tired, take a break. Milotic can handle the rest."
"Popplio…"
It tried to insist it was fine, but a stumble proved otherwise, and Gardevoir had to catch it in a telekinetic hold.
"It's okay. You've done great." Ethan gently patted its head.
"Popplio!!"
But instead of relaxing, Popplio's eyes burned with determination.
Since arriving here, its days had been mostly spent eating and resting. The other Pokémon all pitched in somehow Torchic had evolved into Combusken, helping Ethan exercise and even cook meals; Bounsweet made fresh juice for him.
Popplio had always felt a little useless, dreaming that it could evolve and be more helpful.
Yet here it was, struggling even with berry washing.
The frustration and determination surged inside it until light burst from its body. Its drained energy returned all at once stronger, fuller and its form began to change.
When the glow faded, Popplio's dark-blue fur had softened to light blue, its nose-ball turned a brighter pink, and frilled "braids" of bubbles adorned its head. Its body now carried the flowing elegance of a layered, wave-like skirt.
Driven by emotion, it had evolved.
"Huh?"
"Brionne? Brionne!"
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