May 2nd, seven days off for Labor Day! Weather: clear. Air quality: thick with the sticky scent of hormones.
With Kiko's arrangements, Gary and Clair checked into the Wild Park in Charizard Valley.
At the two-story guesthouse by the park entrance, Young Master Mao rose early and was surprised to discover that quite a few guests had arrived in Charizard Valley overnight.
There were Professor Birch from the Hoenn Region, Professor Sycamore from the Kalos Region, and some researchers from the Kanto Region.
So the Spring Festival wasn't just a figure of speech-there really was a festival! Gary was amazed!
Dressed in cartoon Charizard pajamas, Young Master Mao stumbled groggily out of his room and saw Professor Birch being chased and beaten by a group of Charmander.
"Help! Help me!" Clinging to a crooked tree, the bushy-bearded Professor Birch flailed at Gary.
"Oh! Professor Birch, long time no see." Gary waved lazily and greeted him with a smile.
"Let's save that for later," Professor Birch said helplessly. "Just get me down first!"
"Oh~" Gary nodded and headed downstairs in his pajamas, the decorative tail swinging behind his backside.
"Gary, be careful! These Charmander are very wild!" Professor Birch warned in alarm as Gary walked straight over.
"Eh~ It's fine." Gary waved calmly, a soft green glow rippling over his body.
"Char?" The Charmander keeping watch beneath the tree immediately turned toward Gary in curiosity.
This human... why did he look so dragon-like? And he had such a comforting aura~
"Come here~ There, there~ A little stroke, and there's nothing to fear." Without hesitation, Gary crouched beneath the tree, scooped the Charmander into his arms, and spread his Viridian Force over each of them.
The little troublemakers immediately narrowed their eyes in pleasure and clung to the tail of Gary's pajamas,