As Trainers, everyone present naturally understood the significance of it.
This Trapinch was far rarer than any of those common Pokémon you'd run into in the woods.
The boy cradled the egg happily and was about to leave when—
"Wait a moment!" Kawaki called out. "You've still got a mystery gift to claim!"
Mystery gift?
The remaining Trainers, who hadn't yet left, instantly turned their attention toward Kawaki.
Could it be… an even rarer and more precious Pokémon?
"Boss, boss! What's the mystery gift?!" someone asked eagerly.
Kawaki smiled and said, "A month of free lodging and meals at the Bewear Inn! How's that for mysterious?"
Everyone: "..."
Forget it then. They were all just passing Trainers—staying here a month would put their Gym Challenge progress way behind the others.
Gradually, the Trainers dispersed.
As the sun set and dusk arrived, the tournament concluded perfectly.
It was getting late—time to head home!
After the tournament, all the Trainers who had been staying at the inn packed up and left, and the daycare returned to its usual quiet, with only Kawaki and his Pokémon remaining.
The chef Clefairy were already busy in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Tonight, they were making delicious sandwiches and berry juice for everyone to enjoy.
The two chef Clefairy had completely fallen in love with the joy of cooking—especially the delight of seeing guests smile while eating their food.
The other Clefairy were all gathered in the lounge, sitting around a small table, watching TV.
The show on screen was a Pokémon-themed cartoon—only Pokémon in the cast—and the Clefairy were absolutely loving it.
The table was filled with the snacks and candy Kawaki had bought for them. The Clefairy nibbled on treats while watching the show, enjoying pure happiness.
The janitor Clefairy had taken the night off and joined the others for TV time, so Bewear had no choice but to take over its old job. It picked up the broom and began cleaning the floors that had been dirtied during the day by guests.
Kawaki, meanwhile, sat behind the counter, petting Growlithe.
Its fur was warm and fluffy…
But underneath the surface, he could now feel firm muscle hidden beneath the coat.
In just a single day, thanks to the Exp. Share, Growlithe's body had undergone a dramatic transformation.
Now, Growlithe didn't look like a newborn pup at all—it looked more like a seasoned, battle-hardened Pokémon, strong and sturdy.
Kawaki glanced at Growlithe's status again.
[Pokémon: Growlithe]
[Gender: Male]
[Ability: Intimidate]
[Moves: Tackle, Sleep Powder, Baby-Doll Eyes, Swords Dance, Leer, Ember, Morning Sun, Howl, Flame Wheel, Bite, Fire Fang, Helping Hand, Agility, Take Down, Incinerate]
…Yup, it had learned even more moves.
Growlithe's parents were both Elite Four-level Pokémon. In terms of comprehension and talent, Growlithe far exceeded the average.
So Kawaki wasn't too surprised by how quickly it was growing.
Looking at Growlithe's solid frame, glossy fur, and those bright, lively eyes, Kawaki murmured:
"Looks like this Exp. Share isn't just for moves—it even changes their outward appearance."
"Woof!"
Growlithe noticed Kawaki staring and wagged its tail, nuzzling his palm with its head.
Once Kawaki looked over, Growlithe sat obediently in place, tongue lolling out, tail wagging—a picture of pure puppy joy.
Kawaki: "..."
The body may have grown, but the mind was still all puppy.
He gave Growlithe a pat. "Alright, go play."
Nearby, Chingling looked a little jealous. It floated over beside Growlithe, wearing a hopeful expression.
It wanted head pats too!
Kawaki: "..."
He reached out and patted Chingling as well. Only then did it smile with satisfaction.
After dinner, Kawaki was about to head to bed when he suddenly remembered something.
The twenty Moon Stones Steven had given him—he still hadn't handed them over to the Clefairy!
Remembering this, Kawaki got up, grabbed the Moon Stones, and headed out to the back where the Clefairy spaceship was parked.
The Clefairy had all gathered inside the ship, resting together.
In the dim moonlight, Kawaki knocked gently on the door. A chorus of Clefairy voices responded from inside.
One Clefairy peeked out, then a second, a third, a fourth—all poking their heads out curiously.
"Clefairy?"
"These are for you," Kawaki said, placing the twenty Moon Stones before them.
Upon seeing the Moon Stones, the Clefairy became visibly excited and overjoyed.
"Clefairy!!"
They jumped out and hugged the stones, eagerly placing them into the spaceship's energy core.
Watching this, Kawaki let out a small sigh.
After spending these days together, he had grown quite fond of this group of Clefairy.
But the truth was—they weren't his Pokémon. Their relationship was more like a working partnership. And one day, they would leave.
When their spaceship was fully powered and spaceworthy, the Clefairy would likely return to the stars from whence they came.
The thought left Kawaki a little melancholic.
Should he try convincing the Clefairy to stay?
Or maybe… capture them and make them his Pokémon?
He wasn't sure what to do.
They hadn't known each other long, and he didn't know what choice the Clefairy would make.
After some thought, he decided to just wait and see.
Maybe, in time, the Clefairy would grow too attached to leave—and stay at the daycare of their own will.
The Clefairy were thrilled to receive so many Moon Stones.
Above each of their heads, a little glowing sun appeared—a symbol of happiness.
Then, hand in hand, under the gentle moonlight, they danced around Kawaki in a joyful circle.
"Clefairy~ Clefairy~ Clefairy~!"
Kawaki blinked in surprise. "What are you all doing?"
"Clefairy~"
"Clefairy~"
To the Clefairy, Kawaki was nothing short of divine.
Once, their god had been the moon, because it nurtured them. They used to dance under the full moon in reverence.
But since arriving on this planet, they had faced many trials—danger, fear, uncertainty.
And it was Kawaki who had saved them from a terrifying Dragon-type Pokémon, taken them in, bought them delicious cream cakes, and helped them find the stones to power their ship.
The moon had once been their great protector.
Now, so was Kawaki.