socalfunplaces Chapter 631 Serena's Bold Progress!
Chapter 631 Serena's Bold Progress!
The game ends here.
As he was leaving, Master Fu suddenly turned his head, his narrowed eyes filled with a smile, and said:
"By the way, young people, if you're not in a hurry, you might as well stop here for a while. Tomorrow we'll be holding our annual Couple's Celebration, it'll be very lively!"
Does Biyi City also have a festival? What are the activities involved in the festival?
Xiao Guang asked curiously.
This reminded her of the Futaba Festival, which was also held in her hometown of Futaba.
The aroma of takoyaki wafts through the night market, while impromptu Pokémon battles erupt among the crowd.
And the dazzling fireworks that burst forth in the deep night sky that night.
"Are there any battles? The kind with lots of people participating."
Xiao Zhi continued to speak steadily.
"Are there any Mega Stones as prizes? Bricaron Stones would be even better."
The blond-haired boy followed closely behind Ash.
But there was no composure in his eyes regarding the battle; instead, there was only a strong desire for Mega Stones.
"Hey, don't you guys think too much?"
Sanping finally couldn't help but complain.
One is a battle-oriented mindset, the other is a money-making mindset.
Are there no normal people among them?
"Haha, we don't have so many rules here. It's just a heartwarming little thing that comes from the relationship between trainers and Pokémon."
Grandpa Fu laughed heartily and patiently explained:
"It is said that a long time ago, a trainer brought his Pokémon to Pidgey City, was so attracted by the place that he decided to settle down there."
"Then, one day, this trainer gave his Pokémon a plant as a thank you gift for its constant companionship."
"Many years later, that inconspicuous little plant has grown into the tallest and most magnificent tree in Biyi City, which we call the Tree of Oath!"
"Wow……"
Everyone gasped in surprise.
Although the story is simple and lacks an epic feel, it carries the most basic and sincere friendship between a person and their pet.
"Where is that Tree of Oath now?"
Serena clasped her hands in front of her chest, her long flaxen hair swaying gently in the evening breeze, her gaze occasionally glancing at Ash beside her, who was holding Pikachu.
Grandpa Fu laughed heartily and pointed into the distance:
"There it is!"
Everyone looked in the direction that Master Fu pointed.
At the top of the mountain, a towering tree stood majestically, its lush canopy seemingly supporting the entire sky.
"Since this legend spread, a tradition has been formed in Biyi City."
"On certain days, trainers gather under the Pledge Tree, decorate the branches with gifts they have carefully prepared, and then personally give them to their Pokémon as night falls."
"This is not just a gift, but a transmission of sentiments, symbolizing the deepening of our bond."
“How romantic!”
Xiao Guang, Serena, and Yulijia, along with the other girls, couldn't help but cup their hands around their hearts.
They certainly didn't want to miss such an event, as it would be a meaningful experience for any trainer who cherishes their relationship with Pokémon.
Serena, in particular, couldn't help but imagine herself and Ash exchanging gifts and smiling at each other under the giant tree.
Only Xiao Zhi scratched the back of his head, puzzled, and muttered to himself:
"Romantic? It's just a big tree. But it looks like a pretty good battleground!"
Upon hearing this, Pikachu helplessly covered its forehead with its little paw.
"Pikachu..." (This idiot is hopeless...)
The festival, like a joyful breeze, swept through Lovebirds City and stirred the hearts of the young trainers.
The next morning, the whole city seemed to be enveloped in a sweet and busy atmosphere unique to the period before the holiday.
In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the windows of the Pokémon Center guest rooms.
Xiao Guang has woken up and is sitting on the edge of the bed, carefully grooming Bogarman's feathers with a small comb.
"Boga~"
Piplup comfortably squinted its eyes, its little wings slightly spread, enjoying the caresses from its trainer, occasionally letting out a satisfied hum.
What gift should I prepare for Bogarman today?
Xiao Guang muttered to himself, his brows furrowing slightly, looking somewhat troubled.
This is the first time she has given Bogarman a gift.
At this time, there was a gentle knock on the door.
Xiao Guang opened the door and saw Xiao Yun standing outside, holding two steaming breakfasts in her hands.
"Good morning,"
Xiaoyun's voice carried the freshness of early morning and a unique gentleness.
"I guess you might be troubled by the gift. Let's eat something first and think about it together."
Xiao Guang felt a warmth in her heart from her boyfriend's thoughtfulness, and a sweet smile bloomed on her face:
"Yeah, you know me best."
The two sat down at a small table by the window, enjoying a simple breakfast while chatting, creating a warm and tranquil atmosphere.
Bogaman and Shemi also huddled together, discussing their own holiday.
"I'm thinking, it's not just Pokémon,"
Xiaoyun put down her milk cup and smiled at Xiaoguang:
"Shouldn't we also prepare a gift for each other to commemorate this special day we spent together?"
Xiao Guang was slightly taken aback, then two blushes appeared on his face as he replied:
"Yeah...that's what I was thinking too."
Meanwhile, in the lobby of the Pokémon Center, Serena was looking at a pile of colorful fabrics and decorative materials with a headache.
She wanted to make a one-of-a-kind scarf for the long-tailed fox.
She also wanted to... prepare a small gift for Xiaozhi. This thought made her both nervous and excited.
"What's wrong, Serena? Have you run into some trouble?"
Ash's energetic voice rang out behind her, and Pikachu on her shoulder curiously poked its head out.
Serena was startled and instinctively tried to cover the somewhat girly-looking materials on the table with her hand.
"No, it's nothing!"
She said hastily, her heart pounding, "I was just thinking of doing something for the Long-tailed Fire Fox..."
Ash grinned, revealing his signature, sunny, and infectious smile:
"As long as Serena prepares it with care, the Long-tailed Fire Fox will definitely love it!"
"Just like me and Pikachu, no matter what I give him, even if it's just an ordinary stone from the roadside, Pikachu will be very happy."
"Right, Pikachu?"
"Pickup..."
Pikachu's eyes instantly turned hostile, and faint sparks began to emanate from its cheeks.
That's what I said, but you're not really going to send me a broken rock, are you?
Sensing the familiar electric threat from behind, Ash quickly reacted and waved his hand to remedy the situation:
"But then again, we still have to choose a gift. How can a mere stone be worthy of our unbreakable friendship?"
"Pikachu, right?"
"Pickup."
Pikachu nodded in satisfaction.
You're quick on the uptake!
As Serena watched this familiar and reassuring scene, her previous tension eased slightly.
She mustered her courage and tentatively said:
"Well... Ash, can you come with me to the shopping street later? I can't carry too much by myself..."
Xiao Zhi readily agreed to this request almost without hesitation:
"Of course! I was just about to go buy some Pokémon snacks for Pikachu and the others to eat at the festival! I heard that there's a special kind of pancake in Wing City that tastes amazing!"
Ash was completely unaware of the girlish thoughts hidden in Serena's words, but Serena was still happy with this pure and straightforwardness.
"Thank you, Ash!"
The girl smiled brightly, her eyes crinkling.
The commercial street in Biyi City was exceptionally lively today, decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and lined with stalls.
The air was filled with the sweet aroma of candy, biscuits, and various Pokémon snacks.
The colorful lanterns have been hung up and are ready to be lit when night falls.
Xiaoyun and Xiaoguang walked side by side on the bustling street.
Xiao Guang's gaze was quickly drawn to a blue ribbon in the window of a quaint little shop.
The ribbon was made of silk, its color like the deepest, purest ocean, and its top was cleverly adorned with a small, teardrop-shaped transparent gemstone, like a frozen dewdrop.
"so beautiful……"
Xiao Guang couldn't help but stop and stare, a look of delight in his eyes.
“It suits you perfectly, why don’t you give it a try?” Xiaoyun said from the side.
Xiao Guang nodded, then gently shook his head: "Never mind, it's more important to choose gifts for the Pokémon first."
Without giving Xiaoyun a chance to refuse, she pulled Xiaoyun toward a shop that specializes in selling Pokémon accessories.
Xiaoyun smiled and didn't say much. But while Xiaoguang was focused on choosing a gift for Bogaman, she quietly went back to the boutique and bought the blue ribbon.
This subtle action was noticed by Citron, who happened to be passing by, and Yulijia, who was eating a candied apple.
"Brother, look! Brother Xiaoyun is so thoughtful!"
Yulijia excitedly tugged at Citron's sleeve and whispered, her eyes sparkling with the excitement of discovering a secret.
Citron adjusted his signature glasses, a rational glint flashing across the lenses, and analyzed earnestly:
"Based on my observation, this is a typical surprise strategy designed to enhance intimacy. The cost is moderate, but the expected emotional return is high, making it a very wise approach..."
"My brother is really something!"
Yulijia pouted and interrupted him, clearly displeased.
"You have to feel these things with your heart. It's because my brother is always so nagging that he can't find a girlfriend!"
click!
As if struck by an invisible bolt of lightning, Citron froze instantly. He silently squatted down on the street corner and drew circles on the ground with his finger.
"What? Why would you say that..."
In another traditional craft fabric shop, however, the scene was quite different.
Serena carefully compared the texture, color, and thickness of the different fabrics, occasionally picking one up and holding it up against Pikachu on Ash's shoulder.
"Ash, what do you think of this bright yellow velvet? Isn't it too similar to Pikachu's fur color? Or is this orange one better?"
Serena picked up two pieces of cloth and asked Ash for his opinion.
Xiao Zhi looked at the almost identical colors in front of him, and his face showed a typical look of confusion when facing a knowledge gap:
"Uh... I think they're all great."
To be honest, he's really not good at matching the textures of these fabrics; it feels even harder than memorizing an attribute counter chart.
Pikachu on his shoulder mimicked Ash's gesture, helplessly shrugging its shoulders.
This isn't its area of expertise either.
"Ash is still Ash after all."
Seeing his stunned expression, Serena couldn't help but chuckle. Her previous tension and anxiety turned into a helpless yet indulgent smile.
"It's okay, let's choose this orange one then, it looks warmer."