Pokémon：Trainer's Gambit

"Everyone brings one ingredient?"

Red thought for a moment, then smiled. "Sounds fun."

"You handle mine."

Blue Oak waved a hand. "I've got someone to meet."

"Hey, you can't just order me around—!"

Red opened his mouth, but Blue Oak had already vanished into the twilight.

"...Fine."

Red nodded to himself. "I'll ask Green to prepare Blue's share too!"

Night fell over Viridian City, its streets adorned with festive lights.

But Viridian's Nurse Joy, heartbroken, had left the Pokémon Center in Chansey's care.

Rumors said the same was happening in other towns.

Blue Oak, hands in his pockets, frowned.

Did you all get dumped by the same guy?

His destination was an old house near Viridian.

Pushing the door open, a chill crept over him as a Gengar materialized from the shadows, grinning eerily.

"Gengar." Agatha tapped her cane. "Lights."

The room brightened. Agatha eyed Blue Oak—his resemblance to Samuel Oak unmistakable. "Why are you here?"

"To invite you to Professor Oak's lab."

Agatha's cane struck the floor. "Did that old fool send you to mock me?"

"No." Blue's voice was calm. "Just inviting you to tonight's party."

"What party?"

"Kanto's Elite Four might all be there. Wouldn't it be nice to catch up?"

"I doubt they'd agree." Agatha's smile was venomous.

Blue sighed. "You've wanted to talk to Grandpa, haven't you?"

"Holding onto grudges helps no one. That's why I came."

Agatha fell silent.

Blue shrugged. "Message delivered. Up to you."

Hands in his pockets, he turned away, muttering, "Can't live in the past forever."

Stepping outside, he gazed at the dark sky before walking on.

...

Pallet Town, Oak Research Lab.

Professor Oak scratched his head, chuckling. "Ah, sorry for the trouble!"

"We're the ones intruding."

Crystal smiled. "Showing up uninvited must be bothersome."

"Nonsense!" The Professor Oak laughed. "Being around young folks keeps me young too!"

"Besides, a lively lab beats the cold any day!"

Laughter spilled from the backyard.

Brock, having finally calmed his siblings, wiped his brow and stepped inside.

"Professor Oak, any other guests tonight?"

Professor Oak rubbed his chin. "The list I saw was already impressive. How'd you gather so many?"

"It's Natsume-sensei's doing."

Crystal grinned. "Gotta respect the group admin!"

"Natsume, huh?"

The professor recalled the cunning young man who'd outplayed him in a wild battle. "He's got pull, I see!"

Small gatherings weren't rare, but one of this scale? Unprecedented.

Inspired, Professor Oak decided to compose a few festive senryū later.

Just then, a graceful woman entered from the backyard.

"Muk's all cleaned up, Professor Oak." Delia smiled.

"Ah, thank you, Delia!"

"Of course." She touched her cheek. "It's Ash's Muk, after all."

Professor Oak brightened. "Speaking of Ash—is he home?"

"Yes, training hard to complete your Pokédex evaluation."

"Have him come by tonight." The Professor Oak beamed. "He'll meet plenty of familiar faces!"

...

A Pallet Town party wouldn't be complete without its reigning champion—Ash, the "Type Reverse Master."

Learning that Red and Natsume would attend, Ash gasped, eyes shining. "C-Can I go?!"

"The Professor Oak invited you!"

Delia tapped his forehead. "Mind your manners. No challenging seniors to battles on a whim!"

"Got it!"

Ash spun his cap backward, grinning. "Pikachu wants to battle them too—right, Pikachu?"

"Pika-chuu!~~"

This kid didn't listen at all. Delia sighed.

But letting him experience this might be good...

Ash's eyes sparkled with excitement.

Natsume-sensei AND Senior Red?!

I wonder who's stronger...

Wait—why not battle BOTH?!

...

The snow had stopped, leaving a clear, starry sky.

Pallet Town, a canvas of white, glittered under pristine heavens.

In Professor Oak's backyard, Brock and Forrest tended to the younger siblings.

Meanwhile, the first guests arrived.

Red, laden with bags, trailed by Yellow and Green, glanced around.

"Are we... too early?"

Professor Oak blinked. "Why so much stuff?"

"One ingredient per person."

Red shrugged. "I brought Blue's share too."

"Ah."

The professor chuckled. "Brock's prepping outside. Head on over."

"What's for dinner?" Green asked eagerly.

Professor Oak winked. "Outdoor hot pot!"

...

December 25th, Friday Night.

Clad in her signature trench coat, Cynthia walked beside Natsume, who wore a thick wool overcoat.

Gengar floated nearby, humming cheerfully, a grocery basket in hand.

The scene resembled a family returning home for the holidays.

Professor Oak stared, momentarily speechless.

"Professor Oak ." Cynthia smiled.

His eyes darted between them. Then, with a clap of realization:

"Come on in!"

He grinned. "The others should be here soon!"

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