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"Eh!! Really?! It's actually a Love Ball… When did I even throw it out?"
After Liam's reminder, Delia finally noticed the peculiarity of the PokeBall in her hand. Looking carefully, she recognized it—it was indeed one of the rare special balls gifted by Mr. Kurt, a very precious Love Ball.
"Well~ never mind that! It's already been used, so nothing can be done, hehe. Now then! Come on out, Aipom!"
Even though she knew she'd just used such a rare special ball, Delia didn't dwell on it. Sticking her tongue out, she opened the Love Ball, releasing the newly captured Aipom.
"Ai… pom…." (Note: I think imma just stick with using Aipom for its speech)
The moment it came out, the Aipom looked completely dispirited. Its big ears drooped, its expression dark and hopeless.
"Cynda! Cyndaquill~"
At that moment, Cyndaquil hurried over to Aipom's side. Standing upright, it stretched out a tiny paw and patted Aipom's shoulder comfortingly, as if playing the role of a senior.
"Aii..? Aipom~"
Perhaps Cyndaquil's comfort worked, because Aipom perked up slightly. A smile returned to its face, and it suddenly hugged Cyndaquil tightly, rubbing its cheek affectionately against Cyndaquil's face. In an instant, the two little ones seemed to have become inseparable friends.
"Hehe, Delia, judging from the way they're acting, I'd say this Aipom you just caught is female. No wonder she went into the Love Ball so easily…"
Liam walked over while picking up scattered belongings. Seeing the two Pokemon already bonding, he chuckled at Delia, then used the system scan.
.....
[Ding!]
Pokemon: Aipom
Type: Normal
Species: Long Tail Pokémon. Resembles a monkey, with a highly flexible and powerful tail. Usually hangs from trees by its tail, which it also uses as its main form of attack. Mischievous by nature, loves playing pranks, often causing trouble for others.
Ability: Pickup
Nature: Naughty
Gender: Female
Moves: Scratch, Tail Whip, Sand Attack, Baton Pass, Tickle, Fury Swipes, Swift, Screech, Agility.
Egg Move: Double Slap.
Base Stats: Total 355/360
HP: 55
Attack: 70
Defense: 53/55
Sp. Atk: 38/40
Sp. Def: 55
Speed: 85
Evaluation: Good. Full of energy, with decent potential. With excellent training, can perform very well. Worth raising.
.....
Just as Liam expected, this Aipom was indeed a girl—which explained why she ended up inside the Love Ball during her battle with the male Cyndaquil.
But wait… Liam suddenly froze, watching the clingy Aipom snuggling up to Cyndaquil. 'Hold on… Cyndaquil and Aipom belong to the same egg group, don't they?'
A strange gleam flashed in Liam's eyes.
"Aipom~"
"Cynda~ Cynda!"
Meanwhile, Cyndaquil was clearly unhappy. Looking aggrieved, it pushed at Aipom's face with both paws, trying hard to keep her from getting too close.
"Hey! You two are teammates now—you need to get along! Cyndaquill, she's a girl! How can you be so rough with her? You two have to play nicely together, okay~"
Delia, upon learning that Aipom was female, looked even more delighted. Seeing Cyndaquil struggling free and hiding against her leg, she scooped him up in her arms, scolding him with mock seriousness.
"Cynda…"
Cyndaquil squinted, looking at Delia's serious expression. His whole face drooped, head hanging low, as if his world had gone dark.
"Aipom~"
At that moment, Aipom laughed softly at the sight of Cyndaquil pinned helplessly in Delia's arms. She scampered over, climbed up Delia's body in a flash, hooked her tail around Delia's arm, and swung herself right next to Cyndaquil—then happily rubbed her cheek against his again.
"Hehe, see, Cyndaquil? Aipom really likes you~ Oh, right! Since we're partners now, let me give you a proper customary nickname!"
Delia beamed at the sight of her "peaceful" Cyndaquil and Aipom, then spoke to Aipom.
"Aipom?"
Aipom tilted her head curiously at Delia's words.
"Hmm… what should it be? Little Mischief? Little Monkey? How about Little…."
Delia gathered both Cyndaquil and Aipom into her arms, muttering to herself in indecision.
"Uh… I think Little Mischief works," Liam chimed in at just the right moment, worried she might pick something truly bizarre.
"Hmm? Mm! Then it's decided! Your customary nickname will be Little Mischief! Welcome to the team~ Everyone has to get along from now on!"
Thanks to Liam's suggestion, Delia decided on the nickname for Aipom.
"Aipom~"
Aipom was clearly pleased with her new name, nodding happily before nuzzling Delia as well.
"Haha~ Not there, that tickles! Hmph, we just got out of the hot spring, and now you've made me all dirty again, Aipom! Well, if that's the case—everyone, come out! Time to meet our new partner, and then we'll all enjoy the hot spring together!"
With her newest partner added to the team, Delia was bursting with joy. She quickly retrieved her PokeBalls from Liam, tossed them open, and released her remaining Pokemon. Beams of light flared, and her other partners appeared at the hot spring's edge.
"Haha~ Everyone, meet our new partner—this is Aipom! Take good care of her from now on! And now… yoo-hoo~!"
Holding up Aipom proudly for everyone to see, Delia introduced her to the team. Then, laughing, she hugged the squirming Cyndaquil tight and leapt back into the hot spring, sending up a huge splash.
"Wah~ this feels so good~ Everyone, come in too!"
Stretching out in the hot spring again, Delia lifted her flailing Cyndaquil above the water and called out to her other Pokemon.
"Woo~"
"Luu~"
"Wartortle~"
"Mii~"
Aside from the fire-type Cyndaquil, who disliked water, the rest of her Pokemon either loved it or didn't mind. At her call, they all eagerly jumped into the hot spring, faces relaxed as they began to enjoy themselves.
"Liam~ you should let everyone out too~"
Delia held her Cyndaquil above the surface, trying to teach him to swim. When she saw Liam had just finished gathering up their scattered things, she called out cheerfully to him.
Liam glanced at his team's lineup, then… sighed silently.