Pokémon from Galar

"Alas—my bed can't fit four people."

Yuri turned her head and gave Mary an exaggerated sideways glance. Sonia's house wasn't far from here, and now a phone call might just bring her over.

……

After spending two leisurely days at Yuri's house, on the morning of the third day, after taking care of her and Yuri's Pokémon's morning exercise, Mari returned to Yuri's room and looked at the two figures still curled up in bed, motionless.

"Yuri—Mukutana, it's time for you to get up!"

He yanked the blankets off the bed, exposing their bodies to the cold air, which startled them both, causing them to open their eyes simultaneously.

"Marie-chan is so mean!"

She quickly got up and pulled the blanket back up, but Yuri was already much more awake by then. She reached out and hugged Mukita to her chest, then shrank back into the corner. The two of them glared at Mari.

However, Mary simply smiled, picked up the clothes she had prepared beforehand, and said to the two people on the bed:

"I'm going to take a shower. Hurry up, everyone. Don't we have to pick up Lillie and the others in Gongmen City today?"

"That's too early! Their flight doesn't arrive until 11 o'clock, and it's only this early now!"

"It's already 8:30, okay... I never realized you were this lazy when we were traveling."

"I haven't been back for a long time, isn't it common sense that I'll sleep more when I'm in a familiar bed!"

"Hi hi..."

Mary was the first to abandon the pointless argument. Looking at Mugenta, who had already closed his eyes again, Mary sighed and walked alone to Yuri's bathroom.

After quickly rinsing herself off and changing her clothes, Mary came out while drying her long hair with a towel. Meanwhile, Si-chan was already standing by Yuri's table with a hairdryer, patting the back of the chair in front of her.

Recently, Sisi seems to have developed a liking for hair care again, but since nothing strange has happened and her skills are surprisingly good, Mary has let Sisi do it.

The two people were no longer visible on the bed, presumably having gone to wash up. Mary leaned back in her chair, listening to the noise of the hairdryer coming from behind her, but her mood was quite calm.

Although we keep in touch often, it's been a long time since I've seen the people of Alola. I heard that their first tournament is about to start, but it clashes with the schedule here in Marie, so I can't go for a few days.

After this year's tournament ends, Marie really wants to go back to Alola for a while longer; she still misses the feeling of the sea and sunshine.

After dawdling for almost another hour, Yuri finally got ready to go. After saying goodbye to Yuri's parents, she sat on Xiaochu's back and flew towards Miyamon City.

"Did you stay in Gongmen City all day? Where are Lillie and the others staying?"

Yuri, nestled in Mary's arms, turned her head and whispered in Mary's ear, "..."

"We should be in Gongmen City today, but the three of us will be doing our own thing this afternoon. They must be quite tired after flying for most of the day. Let them rest for the afternoon before having lunch together. Sonia is also coming this afternoon."

"Oh, so that means I have a date this afternoon!"

"...And Mukyuu Tana is there too."

"It's nothing. I was planning to find some time to ask Lorz some questions, and today is perfect."

Mugentana's voice reached the ears of the two people behind them. Yuri's expression lit up, while Mari curiously looked down and asked:

"Is there a problem at the lab?"

"No, there's nothing wrong with the experiment itself... I'll tell you after I confirm with Lorz."

Considering Yuri's anticipation for the date, Mugentana decided to suppress his own thoughts and wait until he had confirmed Rose's opinion before explaining things to Mari.

"That's fine."

There's no need for Mari to worry about Mukyuu. Since he's already said that, there's no need to press him for details.

"By the way, speaking of which, after the elimination rounds are over, it will be the start of the school season. Wuji Tai, have you decided which city you want to go to for school? We should take care of that."

"Of course it's Gongmen City. I like that bustling and progressive city. It's so much more comfortable than the past-clinging atmosphere of Quan Guan City."

To reiterate, Mari has never been able to empathize with Muttana's idea of ​​embracing the future and rejecting the past. After all, human civilization is inherited from history. While looking forward is necessary, history itself is an indispensable part.

However, given the vast difference in their lifespans, Mary never dwelled on such matters.

"I understand. I'll have my brother handle the paperwork for you later."

"What a pity, Tana. I was hoping to travel to other regions together next year."

Yuri sighed regretfully, holding onto Mugentana's shoulder. Although she was initially a little resistant, after spending time together, Mugentana's well-behaved and sensible personality had allowed Yuri to fully indulge in being an older sister.

Chapter 372 Reunion with the Alora

Upon arriving in Miyamon City, Mari first dropped off Mugentana at Rose's place before she and Yuri took the city bus to the airport.

As usual, the airport in Gongmen City was crowded with people. Mari held Yuri's hand tightly to prevent the two from getting separated.

"Hey—Marie, I think I just saw the flight information. It should be arriving soon."

Yuri, who was standing beside her, pointed to the fluorescent screen in the hall separated by a huge transparent glass.

"Ah...that's good. If it were any later, I don't know how long I would have to wait."

Mary also looked up and glanced into the distance, then breathed a sigh of relief. After all, it was a weekday, and as long as they stayed away from these transportation hubs, there wouldn't be too many pedestrians causing congestion.

The two pushed their way through the crowd to the exit, which was also packed with people, and from time to time, they could see people holding up signs with names or titles written on them.

Mary hadn't prepared any of these things, mainly because she and Yuri weren't tall enough to begin with. Even holding up signs, they were only slightly taller than adults. Plus, there were many other people holding signs around, so frankly, the effect was probably not very good.

However, Kukui's group is quite large, and Ash's Pikachu is definitely with them, so finding each other shouldn't be too difficult.

As Mary had predicted, although Ash's Pikachu didn't spot the other first, it slipped out of the crowd and ran to Mary's feet.

"Pikachu~ (Long time no see~)"

Mary bent down, letting Pikachu climb up her arm and onto her shoulder, and then stroked Pikachu's fluffy belly.

"Are you all out yet? Where is everyone?"

Pikachu raised its paw and pointed in a direction. Marie stood on tiptoe and barely managed to find Professor Kukui's outfit, which looked rather peculiar no matter where he was dressed.

"Oh—Marie and Yuri, it's been a long time!"

Dr. Kukui had obviously found Pikachu in the crowd, so he led everyone through the crowd.

"long time no see!"

Mallow and the others naturally gathered around. Ash reached out and picked up Pikachu, while Lillie stood to the side, not squeezing in, but smiling as she fixed her gaze on Mallow's face.

After greeting everyone, I led them away from the train station.

Marie and Dr. Kukui led the way, while the others looked around at the sights, guided by Yuri.

"Shall we go to the inn first? It's late at night in Alola, isn't it?"

"Of course, I've already booked a hotel in Gongmen City. I'll be staying for several days, so I specifically chose one with a nice environment."

Dr. Kukui smiled and took out his phone to show Mary, and the prices listed on it surprised Mary.

"The chairman sponsored a lot of funding this time."

"Oh—I see, no wonder."

Just then, Ash's voice suddenly came from the side.

"Doctor! I'm hungry, can I get something to eat first?"

Following the sound, Xiao Zhi was already standing in front of the store, looking completely dignified.

"...It's still the same as always."

"Hahaha~ Yeah, everyone, let's fill our stomachs before we head to the hotel."

"Yes—!" xN

Mary and Yuri weren't very hungry after eating, so while they were shopping, they went up to Mao and curiously looked at Shaymi in her arms.

"Marie, this is the first time I've ever seen Shami!"

"Me too, Mallow, you're amazing, you actually managed to encounter such a rare Pokémon."

"Well, that's a long story... More importantly, can we really go to the arena and experience Dynamax?"

Mao casually brushed the topic aside, then revealed a longing expression.

"Of course! It's not a difficult task. Speaking of which, I heard from Professor Kukui that the Pokémon Tournament in Alola is going to be held. Will you be participating?"

"Waaah—of course I'll participate! My goal is the championship!"

Before anyone knew it, Xiao Zhi had already started eating. He stuffed a steaming hot fried bread into his mouth and eagerly answered Marie's question.

"Haha... I don't have such high ambitions, but I'll still participate."

Mao scratched her head somewhat embarrassedly. She didn't have a strong desire to win, at least not when it came to battles.

"Keep it up! Although I can't be there in person, I'll watch the live stream."

As they were talking, Shui Lian came over with four packages and distributed them to everyone, then said:

"Speaking of live streaming, Mary, I've watched your dojo challenges at home a few times."

"Really? It must be late at night there."

Yuri took it and blew on it twice, then asked a question out of curiosity.

"It's alright. It seems like it's not being streamed live on my end, but I really enjoyed Yuri and Mari's fight."

"Yes, yes! Let's have a battle! Marie and Yuri are both!"

"Me too! I want to try it again!"

Kiawe was still the same as always, just as enthusiastic about battling as Ash. Unfortunately, apart from these two hot-blooded idiots, everyone else was exhausted, and besides, there weren't any gyms nearby to battle in.

Watching the two people so easily persuaded by Kukui, Mari couldn't help but laugh. Then she moved closer to the quiet Lillie and scratched her gleaming white chin.

"Bai Huanghuang is still so cute."

“kon~”

Bai Huanghuang squinted and tilted his head back, signaling Mary to continue.

"Hehe~ I'm not just cute, I've also learned Z-Moves!"

Lillie tilted her head slightly, revealing a charming and adorable expression, and hummed twice, as if showing off or sharing her joy.

"Really?! When did it succeed? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

Focusing her attention on the wristband on Lillie's wrist and the crystal-clear ice-attribute Z-crystal, Marily said with a hint of complaint.

"Of course, it was to scare you! I was holding back for a long time! I even asked Mao and the others not to tell you."