The Monster That Came to Kitakami from Hisui

Back in the living room, Mingyou set a tea bowl he had made on the table and poured a cup of tea.

"I brewed this Green Plum Tea myself. It's pretty good chilled, and perfect for cooling off in the summer."

"Thank you for the tea."

Akari sat on the sofa and took a small sip from the bowl. It was sweet and tart, and tasted even better cold.

"It's delicious~"

"Zorua~"

Zorua pawed at the air. I want some too~

"I'll get you a cup."

Mingyou went back to the kitchen for a clean cup and poured some for Zorua. The little fox seemed to love cold drinks. Its pink tongue kept lapping up the Green Plum Tea.

Mingyou sat down on the sofa to one side and looked at Akari. "So what did you want to talk to me about? And those questions of yours..."

Akari cradled the tea bowl in her hands, her expression turning serious again. "Since no one else is here, I'll get straight to it. I hope you don't mind."

"It's fine. Go ahead."

"Ogerpon... is here, isn't it?"

"..."

Mingyou's gaze sharpened instantly. He stared straight into her eyes, and the atmosphere grew tense.

Several seconds passed before he spoke. "How did you know?"

"I saw it when I arrived. I think I startled it, though. I watched it run upstairs, and I'd like to apologize."

Akari answered honestly. Mingyou leaned back against the sofa and rubbed his forehead. So that was all it was. He nodded. "Ogerpon is here. But how do you know its name?"

"Didn't I tell you? I've forgotten a lot, but I still remember everything I know about Pokémon. I know every Pokémon, and I look forward to meeting them!"

Mingyou hesitated. *Why does that sound a bit