"Bzzz..."
Beedrill's wings fluttered weakly. It glanced at its trainer, then at Lin Feng, before standing quietly in place.
Exhaling softly, Lin Feng hesitated. Some words were hard to say, but in the end, he still spoke.
"If you trust me, you can leave it with me. I'm confident I can heal it."
After all, he had the Power of Verdant, and with the help of his advanced breeder techniques, success was almost certain.
The man smiled faintly and shook his head.
"No need to trouble you, young Lin. I'd rather spend a little more time with it."
"In the past, I always thought it was still young, that its body was strong enough to endure. Some injuries we just dragged along until they became like this."
"It's stubborn too. Even when it shouldn't have been fighting, it still forced itself to go on."
His smile carried a trace of self-mockery.
"Honestly, I haven't been a very good trainer. I couldn't even recognize its condition."
He paused, then added softly, "It's always loved sweets. Doctors told me to cut back, but at this point, it doesn't matter anymore. Young Lin, just let it have what it likes."
Lin Feng respected his choice and nodded firmly.
"Alright. I understand."
He reached into his storage and took out a bottle of energy cubes.
These were SSS-grade specialty cubes, rare even in Lin Feng's own reserves. One of their effects was healing old wounds and compensating for flaws, making them perfect for Beedrill's condition.
Precious as they were, Lin Feng did not regret offering them.
Most of the other benefits wouldn't matter. Even if the hidden injuries healed, Beedrill's lifespan remained an issue. It had already lived through most of its years.
To carry such heavy wounds this far what had given it the strength to endure?
Lin Feng explained, "These cubes can clear internal damage. Have it try them, it should feel much better."
"...Is that so? Then thank you, young Lin."
The man, Liang Feng, accepted the cubes, but his reaction wasn't one of excitement.
Over the years, he had taken Beedrill to countless doctors and breeders across different regions. At best, they could only ease its pain temporarily. In the end, they had to rely on Psychic Pokémon to hypnotize Beedrill, dulling the suffering from its hidden injuries.
So he didn't believe that a small-town breeder could truly do what the experts could not.
Seeing the man's doubt, Lin Feng repeated firmly, "Be sure to give it these."
"I will," Liang Feng replied with a nod. He picked up a few bottles of Swirlix juice from the shop, then left with Beedrill. Their figures soon vanished down the road beyond the town.
"..."
"Fros..."
The Milcery standing by the counter had witnessed everything. They looked at Liang Feng's retreating back with sorrow in their eyes.
Finally, one of them couldn't help but ask softly, "Fros...? (Will it die?)"
Lin Feng was silent for a long moment before nodding.
"Most likely."
Even if the cubes worked, Beedrill's time was nearly up.
"Fros... (That's so sad... If it dies, will it leave its trainer forever?)"
"Fros... (I don't want to be separated. Separation hurts too much...)"
Their voices faltered.
Memories surfaced.
These Milcery had once been separated from their first trainer, Kelly. Though their current lives were happy, the thought of permanent separation was unbearable.
But Beedrill's case was different. It wasn't just separation it would never see its trainer again.
And then another thought arose. One day, their own trainer, Lin Feng, would die too. Would they never be able to be together again?
The more they thought about it, the more sorrowful they became. Their little eyes brimmed with tears as they looked at Lin Feng.
"I'm only eighteen..."
Lin Feng couldn't help but feel a touch of absurdity, almost dazed, seeing his Milcery worry about such distant things.
Still, he comforted them gently.
"Don't worry. We still have a long time ahead of us. We'll all live long, healthy lives. And I'll cook for you every single day."
"Fros...? (Really?)"
"Really. I promise."
One by one, they calmed down. Lin Feng let out a quiet breath, though his own heart still carried a heavy weight.
After closing the shop and bringing the Milcery back inside, he headed to the barn, where the Metapod was still waiting.
Its shell had been shifting more and more lately, and when he touched it, it felt faintly soft.
It seemed evolution was close.
"Almost ready, aren't you?"
"Pupu?"
The Metapod wriggled, confirming.
"Once you evolve, you'll get to eat delicious food and grow stronger. Excited?"
"Pupu!"
The cocoon shuddered with excitement. It had been waiting for so long, dreaming of the sweet green dumplings Miltank made. Lately, they had even started making honey-flavored ones. Just the thought made its mouth water... if only it had one right now.
Seeing its eagerness, Lin Feng chuckled.
"Alright. Once you evolve, I'll make you something special."
"Pupu!"
The Metapod shook even more energetically, and Lin Feng couldn't help but laugh again.
After checking on it, he moved over to the Combee hive, collected some honey, and then returned to the kitchen with the Milcery.
At first, he thought tonight's cake would just be a simple birthday dessert. But after what had just happened, he decided to put in his full effort.
"Garde."
In the kitchen, Gardevoir wore a white apron as it prepared ordinary energy cubes for tomorrow.
Strictly speaking, it didn't need an apron. With its psychic powers, no flour or ingredients could ever touch its clothes.
But Lin Feng had said it looked cute this way, so it wore it anyway.
"Alright everyone, let's try making different cakes tonight. Maybe we can help that Beedrill spend more time with its trainer."
"Fros~! (Help Beedrill?)"
"Fros! (Yes, let's do it!)"
Hearing this, the Milcery grew excited. They gathered around the counter, watching Lin Feng eagerly, ready to help.
Lin Feng rummaged through his supplies and laid out an assortment of berries that could restore stamina.
Yes...
He wanted to try something new
To see if he could create a dish that might actually extend a Pokémon's lifespan.
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