Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

Monday, December 14th.

Another day of Sirfetch'd fighting for survival—literally.

Morning mist clung to the air, dew beading on the windowpane.

Sirfetch'd raised its leek and drew a smiley face on the glass.

"Sirfetch'd!" The bushy-browed 'Leek Pancake' squinted, admiring its masterpiece.

Suddenly, a friendly roar came from behind.

"Arcanine~凸(｀0´)凸"

The dopey Arcanine grinned, flashing teeth as it greeted 'Sirfetch'd Guidance.'

If Gengar was the little ones' Coach…

Then Sirfetch'd, lurking on the sidelines, was everyone's Guidance.

After all, with its 'Guidance' move, it could buff the whole team.

Because of that…

Even a rough-around-the-edges Arcanine held 'Sirfetch'd Guidance' in high regard.

Sirfetch'd gave a serene nod.

Tiny beads of sweat dotted its snow-white feathers.

Holy Light!

It… doesn't have any other intentions toward me, right?

Sirfetch'd broke into a cold sweat.

Then it snatched up its leek and began today's 'Leek Swinging' training.

"Arcanine!"

Arcanine couldn't help but feel a flicker of respect.

Even 'Sirfetch'd Guidance' was working so hard.

I can't fall behind either!

"Morning." Natsume shuffled out of the bedroom, wearing a Gengar-themed hoodie pajama set, Togepi cradled in his arms.

Covering a yawn, he mumbled lazily, "What's for breakfast?"

Arcanine tilted its big, clever head.

Thanks to Sirfetch'd's Guidance last night…

Better ask for its opinion!

"Arcanine~" It turned, casting a questioning glance.

Sirfetch'd stiffened under Arcanine's gaze.

Combined with Natsume's question, sweat poured down its face.

"Sirfetch'd!" It shook its head politely.

I'll skip breakfast—you guys go ahead!

Then, waddling on short duck feet, it scurried off to find Squirtle.

"Seriously, it's not like we'd eat it." Natsume chuckled.

"Arcanine~" Arcanine nodded regretfully.

Seems Sirfetch'd Guidance was still a bit shy.

Gotta get closer to it!

Natsume ruffled Arcanine's fluffy mane before heading to the kitchen.

Calling it 'emergency rations' was just a joke.

To Natsume, once someone joined the team, they were family.

He thought maybe he could let Sirfetch'd appear in a livestream sometime.

The kitchen vent beeped as it whirred to life.

Sylveon had somehow slipped in unnoticed.

"Sylveon~~" It let out a soft, sweet cry.

"Almost done." Natsume crouched to pat its head.

"I'll play with you later."

"Sylveon~o(｀^´)o"

Sylveon made it clear it totally didn't care.

Then it sauntered back to the living room, hopping onto the couch and idly flicking its ribbons.

"Gengar!" In the living room, an apron-clad Gengar glared at the household cleaning robot.

"Beep…" The robot meekly abandoned its duties and retreated to recharge.

"Gengar! (≧◇≦)??"

In high spirits, Gengar hummed as it grabbed a broom instead.

The dining table was soon laden with a lavish breakfast.

Sirfetch'd caught a whiff and gulped.

Natsume sighed. "You can train after eating…"

Hearing that, Sirfetch'd set down its leek and strode politely to the table.

Flapping its tiny wings, it hopped onto a chair, then properly picked up chopsticks and a bowl.

Natsume's eyebrow twitched.

Since when were you so skilled with chopsticks?!

"Sirfetch'd!" After a brief hesitation, it started shoveling food in, eyes glistening.

What IS this?!

It's SO good!

Squirtle and Gengar froze, then snapped into action: (*⊙~⊙)

Slacking at mealtime is a crime!

Togepi sat in a booster seat, clutching a bag of chips.

"No junk food before meals!"

"Togepi doo-ee…" It reluctantly set the bag down—then quickly stuffed one last chip into its mouth.

"Togepi!" Flushing, it looked up guiltily.

After confirming Natsume hadn't noticed, Togepi broke into a gleeful grin.

...

Afternoon.

Gengar headed to Saffron Gym for a lecture and invited Sirfetch'd along.

"Gengar!" It flashed a toothy grin.

With Sirfetch'd there, the lesson would go much smoother!

Sirfetch'd, sprawled on the couch, tilted its head in confusion: Do you guys ever REST?!

Is this place even meant for slackers?!

It shook its head firmly. "Sirfetch'd!"

Screw it.

If I'm useless, no one can exploit me!

"Gengar?" Gengar tilted its head, realizing Sirfetch'd Guidance planned to stay home and train its ultimate move.

With a knowing smirk, it gave Sirfetch'd a thumbs-up.

Good luck—just don't wreck the house!

Gengar left with Togepi and Arcanine to crush some noobs at Saffron Gym.

"Sylveon." Sylveon rose gracefully, calling out to Squirtle, who was pumping iron.

Wanna hit the Fighting Gym?

"Squirtle!" Squirtle's eyes sharpened as it nodded solemnly.

I've been studying advanced Aura Sphere techniques.

Since our trainer's entering tournaments…

We've gotta step up too!

Sirfetch'd dozed atop its shield.

By the time it woke, the house was silent.

Natsume sat with headphones on, engrossed in researching Sirfetch'd's habits and diet.

"So that's how it is…" he muttered. "Eats Galar leeks… Gotta order some online…"

Sirfetch'd didn't want to disturb him.

"Sirfetch'd…" The bushy-browed duck sighed quietly.

Kinda lonely…

Evening sunlight spilled in, glinting off its leek.

Sirfetch'd seemed to reach a difficult decision.

It grabbed its leek and began practicing fencing.

Even slackers… Its gaze hardened.

…shouldn't be underestimated, dammit!

"Sirfetch'd!"

It swung its leek—a full-range Brutal Swing, boosted by critical hit rate, sending a gust through the room.

Natsume, heading to the living room for tea, froze at the sight.

Sirfetch'd… training a move?!

Crack!

The already battle-scarred wall gained another fissure.

Sirfetch'd flinched, lowering its leek.

It turned slowly, meeting Natsume's stare, and froze.

"Sirfetch'd! (☉∀☉)"

Natsume calmly poured tea.

"It's fine… Just train outside next time."

Still, he couldn't shake a strange melancholy.

Cold. Shaking. Fuming.

Can't even slack in peace anymore.

We were supposed to fail together, but you're secretly grinding at night?!

Natsume: "Never change, Sirfetch'd."

Enjoying the story? Get early access to 410+ Advanced Chapters!

✨ Weekly Updates: 7 chapters

⚡ Bonus System: Every 100 Power Stones = 1 Extra Chapter

🌟 Double Rewards: Rate the novel (⭐5 stars) to unlock 2x chapters!

Voting with [Power Stones] helps you earn twice as many chapters.

👉 Support now: patreon.com/PokemonStoryWeaver