December 26, Friday. Clear skies.
Christmas had just passed. After attending the school's end-of-term assembly, Young Master Mao said goodbye to his three students at the villa entrance.
Brendan and the other two would each be going home for winter break, and Young Master Mao was returning to the Kanto Region too.
The Golden Melody Awards ceremony, the Overgrow Group's annual party, New Year's Day, and the Spring Festival.
In short, the coming holiday would be both busy and relaxing.
After several days of snow, the temperature in Rustboro City had dropped very low.
Young Master Mao stood at the entrance in a long white down coat and a blue scarf.
Carrying their suitcases, the three children came up to hug him one by one.
"Teacher~ We're off, then~" Wally called out affectionately.
"Mm, enjoy your vacation, but don't forget to collect Badges and Ribbons," Young Master Mao reminded them.
"Teacher, I'll miss you..." Kimarō's eyes were red.
"Teacher Oak~" Brendan joined in the teasing.
"Get going, all of you. It's winter break, and you're acting like we're parting forever..." Young Master Mao laughed and scolded them. "Hurry up, or you'll miss the number two bus."
The three students left, laughing and joking, and only then did Young Master Mao return to the villa to pack.
There really wasn't much to pack. He put some clothes in a suitcase, and the local specialties he had prepared for the old man were already tucked away in Gengar's shadow.
He made sure the water, electricity, and gas were shut off. As for the cleaning, Gardevoir had nearly fought Gengar yesterday over who got to fold the bedding...
In the end, Gengar had won the housework with that seasoned housewife advantage.
After drawing all the curtains, Young Master Mao clapped his hands in