November 22nd, Sunday - Light Snow
Mt. Silver's hot springs steamed under the pale winter sky.
A modest yet imposing Venusaur lay dozing nearby, its presence heavy even at rest.
Soaking in the springs, Red called out through the mist: "Thanks, Blue."
"No big deal."
Though Red usually relied on Aerodactyl for travel, he often borrowed Blue's Charizard too. With some free time today, Blue had flown him to Mt. Silver for training.
The mountain was home to many powerful wild Pokémon.
Hopping off Charizard, Blue scanned their surroundings before asking casually: "That old injury still bothering you?"
"Yeah..."
Red smiled wryly. "When it gets cold, my wrist still acts up."
The lingering damage came from his battle with Lorelei's ice puppets during the Elite Four challenge years ago. Yet despite that, he'd claimed the World Championship title—only stepping down afterward, leaving the crown to rising star Leon.
Lorelei still carried guilt over the injury, though Red himself remained optimistic. The hot springs were remedy enough.
Blue's eyes flickered. "I heard the springs on Cinnabar Island help with recovery too. Might be worth checking out."
Red blinked.
"Blaine built a famous resort there using the active volcano's heat," Blue sighed. "Do you live under a rock?"
"Ahaha, Mt. Silver's springs work so well, I never looked elsewhere!" Red scratched his head sheepishly.
"Even the best treatments lose effectiveness over time." Blue pocketed one hand. "Find backup options before the pain flares up again."
"Thanks."
"Tch." Blue mounted Charizard. "Later."
Watching him vanish into the distance, Red pondered.
Cinnabar Island, huh...
Might as well make it a group trip.
...
Chat Group
Natsume-sensei: "A resort vacation? Why the sudden idea?"
"Just testing if other hot springs help with my injury." Red's message carried an apologetic tone. "Too much trouble?"
"N-Not at all!" Yellow's text practically vibrated with excitement. "I'll go!"
The culprit herself, Auntie Lorelei, chimed in obliviously: "Sounds romantic~!"
Snowy getaway, lovers entwined... Her imagination ran wild.
Gold: "Pretty sure no one invited you, Senior Lorelei..."
A vein throbbed at Lorelei's temple.
That honorific won't save you from my blacklist!
Nearby at Seafoam Islands, Misty considered joining but ultimately stayed silent with a wry smile.
Sapphire: "Hoenn's Mt. Chimney has hot springs too! I can book them for you, Senior Red!"
"Appreciate it," Red replied. "But Cinnabar's the plan this time."
Ruby: "Shame we're globe-trotting, or we'd join!"
Natsume deadpanned.
"Globe-trotting"? More like honeymooning.
The unspoken consensus left Red and Yellow as the only confirmed travelers.
Green: "How long are you staying? Group discounts available~"
"Pass on the group buy..." Red coughed. "Just one night. Back by Tuesday."
Gold: "Can I come? Never been to a resort!"
Crystal: "NO."
Gold: "Huh?"
Flustered, Crystal switched to private messages: "I-I'll take you another time! Don't third-wheel them!"
"Hmm..." Gold rubbed his chin. "Pretty sure they'll be more awkward alone though..."
Red fidgeted at the thought of solo travel with Yellow.
Red: "@BlueOak, joining?"
BlueOak: "Gym duty."
Sabrina: "Natsume-sensei's free. Ask him."
Natsume's stomach dropped.
Yellow would murder me!
Yet to his shock, a private message arrived:
Yellow: "P-Please come too, Natsume-sensei! I don't know how to act alone with him..."
Natsume stared heavenward.
Two socially clueless lovebirds needing a wingman...
He created a "Love Operation" subgroup and tossed the problem to its "detectives."
Natsume-sensei: "Advice needed. Stat."
Lorelei: "LOCK THEM IN A ROOM FOR 48 HOURS."
"That's a crime!" Natsume paled.
What manga poisoned your brain, Auntie?!
Erika: "This one suggests subtlety. Natsume-sensei, could you... gather intel for us?"
Her elegant phrasing made spying sound noble.
Lance: "Agreed."
Lorelei: "THE DRAMA DEPENDS ON YOU!"
Natsume-sensei: "But I've got Tuesday classes..."
Erika: "This one will substitute. Go forth!"
Celadon's Leader has a black heart!
But as group admin, their happiness was his duty. Steeling himself, he typed:
Natsume-sensei: "Count me in!"
Twin sighs of relief came from Red and Yellow.
Sabrina, however, frowned.
If Natsume-sensei's leaving...
No Gengar for three days?
Her mood plummeted.
...
Preparations began.
Meeting Red in person left Natsume slightly nervous. Coupled with his mission, relaxation was impossible.
"Back by Tuesday for classes... unless..."
He smirked.
Might as well let Erika cover it properly.
Opening his livestream schedule, he updated:
[Field research trip. Streaming resumes in 3 days with new strategies.]
Luggage in hand, Natsume set off for Cinnabar Island.
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