I'm Being Cocky Again

That night, the four of them talked about many things, from the legendary Pokemon Master to whether Caterpie could evolve into Rayquaza. Serious things, absurd things—whatever came to mind, they talked about.

By the time the dishes had gone cold and the ice cream had melted into sugary water, Umbreon and Glaceon were snuggled together asleep in the corner, completely unaffected by the others.

"The Pokemon Master is too far away. Champion will do!"

"I want to catch more and more partners!"

"Pokemon Breeder Master... I think that could work."

"What about you, Sato?" Cynthia asked. George and Mark also turned to look at him.

"Maybe... I'll go take a look at the Peak of the Mountain!" Sato laughed heartily. Beneath the glaring white lights, his eyes shone exceptionally bright.

...Nothing happened overnight

The next day, Sato woke up early as usual, while George was already busy in the kitchen.

Having just finished washing up, Sato saw Mark stumbling toward the bathroom with a Chicken Head, his eyes half-closed.

"Set your alarm clock wrong?" Sato teased.

Mark struggled to open one eye and glanced at Sato. Too lazy even to respond, he went around him and headed straight for the sink.

Crashing sound...

"Let's sneak away... glug glug glug..." Amid the sound of running water, Sato heard Mark speak.

Sato glanced at Cynthia's tightly shut bedroom door but did not respond to Mark. Instead, he walked straight to the dining table.

George walked over carrying three cups of Moomoo Milk, while only three portions of breakfast had been set on the table.

"She left in the middle of the night."

"I know." Sato nodded, took the Moomoo Milk, and drank half of it in one gulp.

Three minutes later, Mark, still sporting his Chicken Head, hurried over in a panic.