With less than a week left until the new year, Xiao Ran and Ye Ling stopped going out to take care of things. Qiao Yan's Breeding Center had closed for the holidays too, so mother, son, and future daughter-in-law spent a few peaceful, comfortable days at home, waiting for the new year to arrive.
As they had budgeted earlier, the family had bought a new villa designed for Pokémon Trainers. The neighborhood had training grounds and living spaces for Pokémon, though most of the time, their Pokémon still preferred roaming around the house.
"Yiyi, go play in the living room. We're cooking in here. Do you want dinner tonight or not?" Xiao Ran was helping Qiao Yan in the kitchen, but Sylveon kept making trouble beside him. Of course, mostly Sylveon just wanted to stay close to him.
"Vee~~~" Sylveon called softly, affectionately rubbing against Xiao Ran's leg. But that cry annoyed Kirlia, who was waiting in the kitchen for something to eat.
"Hmph! Stop making trouble!" Kirlia called softly, activating Confusion and tossing Sylveon straight out of the kitchen!
"Vee~~~~ Vee, vee~~~~" The mischievous Sylveon immediately protested, complaining to Ye Ling and the other Pokémon in the living room, even tugging on Umbreon to seek revenge!
"Aoo~~~" Just then, Primarina let out a low call, instantly quieting the little troublemakers who were about to tear the house apart. Milotic even curled that long, serpentine tail around Sylveon and drew the troublemaker into an embrace.
Seeing Sylveon carried away, Kirlia raised that little head smugly. All of Xiao Ran's Pokémon listened to Primarina to some extent. Primarina was the big sister of the group, after all, and even Milotic and Diancie showed due respect. Kirlia alone feared nothing and no one, daring to challenge anybody!
Having dealt with that vexing