Chapter 13: Chapter 12: The Arrival of the Tsubaki Family.
James was walking along the path leading to the imposing Morgan Mansion, his heart beating with a mix of excitement and nervousness. The mansion, with its classic architecture and perfectly manicured gardens, was a symbol of his family's status and tradition. As he approached, he recalled the numerous times he had passed by, but this time was different; his parents would be arriving soon, and there was much to discuss.
Upon entering, he was greeted by Hopkins, the family butler, who offered him a warm smile. "Welcome home, young James. Your parents are already in the living room waiting for you," he said in a formal yet friendly tone.
"Thank you, Hopkins," James replied, feeling a warmth at being welcomed by the butler who had been in his life for as long as he could remember. He walked toward the living room where his parents awaited him.
Mr. Morgan, a man of serious demeanor and penetrating gaze, stood up upon seeing him. Although his expression was grave, there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "James," he said firmly. "It's good to see you."
"Hello, Dad," James replied, moving in for a brief but meaningful hug. The contact was subtle but enough for James to feel the affection his father tried to hide behind his serious facade.
Mrs. Morgan, in contrast, was radiant. With a warm smile and open arms, she rushed to embrace her son. "James! I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed enthusiastically. Her maternal love had always been evident and overwhelming.
After the greetings, conversation flowed naturally. Mrs. Morgan looked at her son with curiosity and affection. "Did you manage to get the Psychic-type Pokémon for Caitlin from the Tsubaki family?" she asked with interest.
James hesitated for a moment before responding. "I found an Abra egg," he began, recalling the small Pokémon he had encountered on his journey. "But... considering what happened to little Abra's mother, I want to test Caitlin Tsubaki's character before giving it to her; I want to ensure that Abra won't suffer when it hatches."
Mrs. Morgan frowned slightly, concerned about the idea of conducting a test during such an important dinner for the family. "James, I'm not sure this is the best time for that. This dinner is very significant for us," she said cautiously.
However, surprising everyone in the room, Mr. Morgan intervened. "It's fine for him to do what he thinks is best," he affirmed in a calm but determined voice. "If you feel it's right for little Abra and its future, then you should follow your instincts."
James felt immediate relief upon hearing his father's supportive words. Approval from him was rare and valuable. "Thank you, Dad," he replied sincerely.
Mrs. Morgan looked at her husband with a mixture of surprise and gratitude before refocusing on James. "Then I trust your judgment," she said softly.
Scene Change…
In the majestic Tsubaki Mansion, Caitlin was in her room packing a large suitcase full of clothes. Her Gothitelle floated attentively by her side, helping her organize the garments with smooth and precise movements.
"Do you really need to take so many clothes, Young Mistress Caitlin?" asked Kokuran, the family butler, with concern as he watched the young girl filling her suitcase. "We're only going to be out for two or three days for dinner with the Morgan family. There's no need to take so much."
Caitlin ignored her butler and continued packing excitedly. "It's always better to be prepared! You never know when an opportunity might arise to wear something special," she replied with a smile as she placed an elegant dress into the suitcase.
As she continued organizing her clothes, Caitlin began to reflect on her upcoming trip to Kanto. "What kind of Pokémon will be there?" she thought to herself. The idea of capturing a new Pokémon excited her; she even considered finding one that she could give to her sister Cynthia, whom she always affectionately called "sister." Cynthia was her only friend who hadn't drifted away despite Caitlin's constant struggles to control her psychic powers.
"Maybe I'll find a Pokémon that's perfect for her," Caitlin murmured, imagining the possibilities. Her optimism shone as she thought about how she might make new friends in Kanto. "Maybe I'll even make some new friends," she told herself, feeling a spark of hope in her heart.
With Gothitelle helping her finish packing, Caitlin felt that this trip could be more than just dinner; it could be an opportunity for growth and connection with others—both humans and Pokémon alike. With a determined smile, she closed her suitcase and prepared for what the future held in Kanto.
Scene Change…
In the garden of Morgan Mansion, James was immersed in an intense training session with his Pokémon. The sun shone brightly in the sky, illuminating every corner of the vast grounds while the fresh air buzzed with energy and determination. Each of his companions was pushing themselves to their limits; the atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm.
His sturdy Tauros, was navigating an improvised obstacle course that James had designed using some old furniture and other items found in the shed. With a stopwatch in hand, James cheered on his Pokémon while timing him. "Come on, Tauros! A little faster! You have to beat your best time!" The Tauros charged determinedly over obstacles with surprising agility for its size. Each time Tauros cleared an obstacle, James clapped and encouraged him even more: "That's it, buddy! Keep it up!"
A few meters away, his Golduck, was engaged in completely different activity—trying to dodge tennis balls shot from a machine that James had borrowed without permission from his father's tennis team. With eyes closed, Golduck moved gracefully and confidently, trusting its instincts to avoid the projectiles. "That's it, Golduck! Stay focused!" James shouted between laughs as he watched his Pokémon glide effortlessly away from the balls.
Meanwhile, his Hitmonlee, and Arcanine were engrossed in a friendly battle under gravity created by Exeggutor. The pressure from Gravity made every hit and kick more impactful as Hitmonlee's muscles tensed while delivering precise kicks towards Arcanine who responded with quick and elegant moves. His Pidgeot flew overhead watching the fight with interest and emitting excited cries to cheer both on.
His mischievous Gengar was busy distracting everyone with its antics—appearing and disappearing in a constant game of illusions and funny faces that provoked laughter and distractions among its companions. Each time Gengar managed to make one of them laugh or distract them with its tricks; James couldn't help but laugh too: "Gengar! No cheating!" he exclaimed amidst laughter.
Meanwhile, James did push-ups on the ground enjoying both exercise and company from his Pokémon while little Wynaut watched from a corner of the garden sipping Moo-Moo milk and munching on poke cubes. Still in its infancy stage it seemed content with its snack; occasionally looking up curiously at what others were doing with its big round eyes.
The energy from training was contagious; James felt excitement surging through him as he watched his Pokémon friends give their all together knowing that every moment spent together strengthened not only their individual abilities but also their bonds as a team.
Suddenly Hopkins approached him holding a towel with a kind expression on his face: "Young James," said the butler respectfully yet familiarly "It's time for you to get ready for dinner with the Tsubaki family; they will arrive in about three hours."
James paused wiping sweat from his forehead with the towel: "Thanks Hopkins," he replied while watching his Pokémon train enthusiastically "I can't believe it's already so late." The thought of dinner filled him with nervousness; he knew how important this gathering was for his family even though he wasn't particularly interested in going.
"They're doing very well," said Hopkins while watching Tauros clear another obstacle determinedly "But you wouldn't want to be late for dinner."
"True," James nodded feeling both responsibility and anticipation about this family gathering "I'll get ready."
Before entering the mansion he took one last look at his enthusiastic training Pokémon—Tauros still jumping obstacles while Golduck continued dodging balls shot by machine; Hitmonlee and Arcanine were immersed in their friendly battle under Exeggutor's gravitational field.
"Alright! Last round before I go!" shouted James trying to capture everyone's attention momentarily halting their activities upon hearing him speak.
"I want to see your best before I leave," he added challengingly smiling brightly.
Gengar made a funny face before disappearing again into shadows of garden while Pidgeot flew higher for better view of Hitmonlee vs Arcanine battle.
With one last affectionate glance towards beloved Pokémon friends James headed inside mansion preparing himself accordingly.
...
The sun began setting on horizon painting sky orange-pink hues when Tsubaki family arrived at Morgan Mansion—the grand entrance adorned fresh flowers soft lights illuminating path ahead—James who had been eagerly awaiting this moment felt mixed emotions excitement nervousness watching from main door.
James' parents Mr and Mrs Morgan stepped out welcoming guests—the serious Mr Morgan extended hand greeting Mr Tsubaki who responded warmly smiling "It's our pleasure having you here tonight" said Mr Morgan maintaining formal yet friendly tone.
Mrs Morgan approached Mrs Tsubaki known for warmth kindness "So nice seeing you! Hope your journey was pleasant" exclaimed Mrs Morgan embracing affectionately as they greeted each other warmly.
Both families' butlers also exchanged respectful greetings short words ensuring everything remained orderly ahead dinner—the atmosphere radiated cordiality anticipation—a prelude promising memorable evening ahead.
Meanwhile Caitlin and James stood aside garden staring intently at each other accompanied by their Pokémon: Arcanine proudly sitting next James while Gothitelle floated elegantly beside Caitlin.
Caitlin gazed at James curiously eyes reflecting mixture interest nervousness—James meanwhile maintained serious expression contemplating Abra egg found how it might affect what lay ahead.
Silence between them became palpable; background noise parents greeting faded away into background.
Both continued locking eyes momentarily stretching indefinitely tension grew thick air before finally interrupted lively voices parents resumed conversation around them.