After Team Rocket blasted off into the sky, the tension finally eased. My Pokémon and I relaxed, and the lively energy of the festival slowly returned.
Ash and Misty stepped forward, introducing themselves with curious smiles.
They asked a few questions about my unusual Pokémon, and Misty even reached out, clearly wanting to touch them.
I answered honestly, explaining that they were from different regions…
But when it came to actually letting her touch my Pokémon, the situation became a bit strange…
Meowscarada outright refused, letting out a sharp "Nyaaa~". Her gaze flicked toward me, a subtle spark of jealousy showing that she didn't like the attention I had given the girl earlier.
Gardevoir, as usual, stayed shy and kept her distance, refusing as well.
Only Lopunny, calm and friendly, allowed Misty to gently touch her ears.
While Ash wanted a battle, his eyes shining with excitement.
I shook my head politely. "We're busy today," I said, hoping for a quiet moment with my Pokémon.
After everything that had happened with Team Rocket, we just wanted to relax, but the sudden appearance of another group had ruined the mood for a moment.
So we said our goodbyes and wandered back, letting ourselves enjoy the rest of the festival…
…
By the time the festival was over, we finally checked into a quiet hotel room overlooking the sea.
The moment the door closed, Meowscarada's grin widened as she reached into my bag and pulled out a thick pink candle and a lighter.
She lit it, and the flame danced, filling the room with a sweet, warm scent that wrapped around us like a gentle, fragrant hug.
"Nyaaa~♡" she purred, placing a hand on her hip and nodding slightly, clearly satisfied with what she had done.
Then she took my hand and Gardevoir's hand, guiding us to the bed. Next, she grabbed Lopunny's paw and pulled her toward the bathroom.
"Lopuun~?" Lopunny asked, her voice laced with confusion. Still, she followed anyway.
The door clicked shut behind them, leaving the room bathed in the soft pink glow…
All the while, Gardevoir and I sat there, silently wondering exactly what's going on…?
...
Unknown to us, the whole setup had been Meowscarada's plan from the start…
Earlier, while wandering through the bustling market, she had paused near an old man's stall. He held up a pink candle and spoke to a pair of women.
"Light this at bedtime," he said with a wink, "and your partner will notice you more. The flame stirs feelings that have been sleeping too long…"
Meowscarada's ears perked up, a slow, mischievous grin spreading across her face.
Perfect, she thought.
Ryan and Gardevoir are idiots. They like each other, they know it, and yet neither will make a move. Fine. If they won't, I'll do it for them…
Meowscarada stepped up to the old man's stall and picked up a thick pink candle.
She turned it over slowly in her paws, examining it carefully.
The old man frowned, eyes widening. "Wait now… that's not a normal candle," he muttered, leaning closer. "These are romantic…"
Before he could say another word, she paid for the candle and slipped into the bustling crowd, disappearing from sight, her tail flicking with a quiet satisfaction.
…
Now back in the hotel room, the thick pink candle glowed softly on the low table.
Its warm, rosy light wrapped the space in something strangely romantic…
Meowscarada peeked through the slightly open bathroom door, her eyes glinting with mischief.
Below her, Lopunny's long ears perked up as she peeked curiously. She tilted her head, clearly wondering what Meowscarada was planning, but stayed perfectly still to avoid being noticed.
On the bed, Ryan and Gardevoir sat closer than usual…
Both looked adorably awkward, hesitant and shy. They stole quick glances at each other, yet neither could bring themselves to move.
They were like two magnets stuck just a hair's width apart. One more nudge and well… hopefully a short circuit would happen…
A soft, pleased purr rumbled from Meowscarada's throat.
Finally nyaa… she thought.
These two love-struck idiots have been dancing around their feelings for ages. They know exactly how the other feels, yet neither will take the first step. Hopeless, really hopeless.
She knew exactly why they needed this little nudge. Gardevoir still carried the weight of guilt from the earlier ship incident, hesitant to fully step forward.
As for Ryan… well, he was a complete idiot like always.
He still saw her as the small, fragile Kirlia, not realizing she had grown stronger, capable, and ready for him to finally keep that old promise…
Meowscarada flicked her tail with quiet delight.
Come on, you two. Just get on with it already.
Maybe, just maybe, this small push would help Gardevoir finally shake off her lingering guilt and truly become part of our family, not just a loyal Pokémon…