Chapter 60: The Timid and Mischievous Gastly

With the increasing number of Pokémon, Kawaki's work became increasingly busy.

He had to create healthy dietary plans for each Pokémon at the Daycare, handle various management tasks, oversee Growlithe's battle training, entertain lodging guests, and teach their Pokémon new moves.

Though it was hectic, with the Clefairys' help, Kawaki managed without collapsing from exhaustion.

On the second day after Chansey and the others moved into the Daycare, light rain began to fall from the sky.

Spring drizzle drifted gently. Wild Pokémon living outdoors hurried back to their dens, peering out through the openings at the rain-shrouded forest.

Traveling trainers also paused their journeys, taking shelter in caves with their Pokémon companions, making campfires to warm themselves.

With this kind of weather, the Daycare had few customers. Trainers had stopped moving, and townspeople wouldn't come to buy Pokémon eggs.

Kawaki enjoyed a rare moment of peace, sitting behind the counter gazing out at the rain while thinking about various Daycare matters.

By this point, the Daycare had officially gotten on track.

The expanded backyard was now full of fruit trees and vegetables, and after this spring rain nourished them, they should grow robustly.

"The saplings need time to mature. According to the growth cycle of fruit trees, it'll be at least autumn before we can properly harvest berries..." Kawaki thought to himself.

If he had a Grass-type Pokémon to help, that timeline could probably be shortened.

Unfortunately, Oddish's current strength was limited. Forget about Gloom—it hadn't even evolved into Weepinbell yet.

"Sigh, there's still a long way to go," Kawaki couldn't help but sigh.

However, just thinking about the picture of the saplings he and his Pokémon had planted together growing up and producing countless large, plump berries filled him with hope for the future.

With the rain outside, the Pokémon all scurried back indoors.

Bewear gently wiped drinking glasses nearby, Growlithe lay dozing at Kawaki's side, and Bellsprout and Ditto crowded against the window, watching the rain outside.

As for the Clefairys...

Speaking of Clefairys, Kawaki suddenly remembered something.

Recently, the Clefairys had been staying in the Daycare continuously and hadn't even returned to their UFO.

Probably because they preferred the Daycare environment?

Compared to the cold, drafty spacecraft, the warm and comfortable Daycare was clearly better for living.

Not to mention there was a TV here, endless berries, and milk to drink. Wind and rain posed no problem.

Unless someone was an idiot, it was obvious they'd choose to stay in the Daycare.

Kawaki glanced at the sofa occupied by the Clefairys and thought how nice it would be if they never returned to their home planet and just stayed with him forever.

*

In the shelter, Ralts, Gastly, Abra, and Ditto huddled beside Chansey, watching the rainy weather outside.

Thin strands of coolness drifted through the door cracks, momentarily transporting these Pokémon back to their time living in the underground sewer prison.

That prison had been just as cold and icy, with terrifying humans wielding whips to strike them.

Back then, Chansey had bravely stepped forward, standing before them to protect them.

When they got hurt, Chansey would share its eggs with them—those delicious eggs helped them survive day after day.

"Chansey~," feeling the small ones trembling beside it, Chansey gently embraced them, softly soothing their emotions.

"Kekeke..."

Little Gastly slowly exhaled a puff of murky air.

That's right—they'd already been rescued!

Among these Pokémon, Gastly was the most restless.

Its nature was inherently mischievous and troublesome. Now that danger had passed, that nature seemed to be showing signs of resurfacing.

Since that kind human rescued them and settled them here, it hadn't come to check on them even once.

This made Gastly's heart stir with curiosity. On this rainy day, what was this human named Kawaki doing?

It suddenly wanted to go look.

But if it went alone, it couldn't help but feel some fear.

The timid, mischievous Gastly looked at the other Pokémon, wanting to invite someone to go with it.

"Kekeke!"

Abra floated in mid-air with its eyes closed, a large bubble of snot emerging from its nose—clearly sleeping.

Ralts hid behind Chansey, watching Gastly cautiously.

The moment Gastly's gaze met its, Ralts quickly retreated.

Gastly drifted forward, "Kekeke!"

As a Psychic-type Pokémon, Ralts possessed the ability to sense human emotions.

It had felt an incredibly strong wave of goodwill from that human named Kawaki.

Yet even so, it remained fearful.

Whenever a human drew near, it lost all ability to move, freezing in place.

"Ralts..."

Ralts gently shook its head, rejecting Gastly's invitation.

What about Ditto then?

Gastly turned toward Ditto.

Ditto had transformed into the shape of a Pikachu. Seeing Gastly, it shook its head without hesitation, rejecting the invitation.

"Kekeke..."

Gastly felt quite dejected.

Bulbasaur beside it, noticing Gastly had overlooked it, quickly reminded the Ghost-type, "Bulb bulb saur!"

There was still it!

Hearing the call, Gastly finally remembered there was one Pokémon it hadn't invited!

"Kekeke!" It immediately looked toward Bulbasaur.

But Bulbasaur just shook its head, "Bulb bulb saur!"

"Kekeke!" Gastly gnashed its teeth in frustration.

Hmph! Then it would go alone!

Gastly floated out of the shelter in a huff, but the moment it left everyone's side, the once-confident Gastly drooped.

"Kekeke..."

It was still somewhat afraid.

This fear wasn't of Kawaki specifically.

Rather, it was fear of all humans.

Closing its eyes, Gastly recalled the terrifying image of that cruel human wielding a whip, striking it over and over.

But if it didn't go, wouldn't everyone look down on it?

Cool rainwater dripped onto Gastly's body. It took a deep breath and slowly drifted toward the Daycare.

Soon, it arrived under the eaves.

However, Gastly didn't enter the house. Instead, it only poked out half its head, peering through the window to observe what was happening inside.

Through the transparent glass, a heartwarming scene unfolded before Gastly's eyes.

Inside, many Pokémon had gathered, and that human named Kawaki sat in the middle of the sofa, surrounded by other Pokémon.

Some sat on the floor leaning against Kawaki's legs, while others lay draped across his head, playing with him.

Though Kawaki's face showed exasperation, he didn't push them away.

Instead, he picked up the Clefairy and gently stroked its fur with tenderness.

An animated show played on the TV in front of them, and on the small round table before them sat an abundance of food.

Kawaki and those Pokémon gathered together, eating delicious things while watching television.

A cool breeze mixed with rainwater blew against Gastly's body.

Gastly's gaze flickered. Looking through the window at that warm scene, its heart suddenly surged with an emotion it had never felt before.

That emotion was... envy.

It truly envied those Pokémon so much!