Homecoming

"Hello, what can I do for you?" Yuga asked, even though he had a suspicion in his mind.

"What else could I want with you? Your Audino training is almost complete, and you can take it back now," came the voice of Gardenia from the other end of the phone.

"Really?" Despite already knowing why Gardenia was calling, Yuga couldn't contain his excitement upon receiving confirmation.

"Of course! When can you pick it up?"

"I'm heading to the Pokémon Center right now!" Yuga interrupted before Gardenia could finish her sentence.

Hearing the urgency in Yuga's voice, Gardenia shook her head in amusement. Did he really need to be in such a hurry? I could have finished my sentence first!

"Wigglytuff"

Meanwhile, on Yuga's end, Wigglytuff watched his excited expression with curiosity, wondering what good news had him in such high spirits.

Facing the perplexed Wigglytuff, Yuga said, "Wigglytuff, Audino is coming home soon. Let's go to the Pokémon Center together!"

Audino? Wasn't that the Pokémon the little trainer wanted to give an apron to?

For some reason, Wigglytuff felt a bit uneasy.

Despite this unease, Wigglytuff obediently nodded in agreement, even though it couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. Audino was going to be a part of their family now, and it didn't find that very appealing.

And so, Yuga rushed to the Pokémon Center with Wigglytuff, where Gardenia handed him a Poké Ball.

As soon as Yuga took the Poké Ball off the trade machine, he eagerly opened it. A flash of red light revealed the familiar form of Audino.

"Welcome home, Audino!" Yuga exclaimed, extending his arms to greet it.

"Audino!" Audino rushed into Yuga's embrace, overflowing with joy and emotion.

It had been too long, and the reunion was sweeter than it had imagined!

"Wigglytuff! Wigglytuff!"

At that moment, Wigglytuff, who stood behind Yuga, tugged at his clothes.

So this was Audino? It didn't seem any more appealing than me! Wigglytuff thought with a hint of jealousy.

Yanked back to reality by Wigglytuff's reminder, Yuga let go of Audino, who was still happily hugging him.

"Oh, right! Audino, let me introduce you. This is Wigglytuff, my mom's Pokémon," Yuga said, introducing Wigglytuff to Audino.

Audino turned its gaze toward Wigglytuff.

Mom's Pokémon? But Yuga's mom had already passed away. Where did this little trickster come from?

In an instant, Audino narrowed its eyes suspiciously.

"Audino!"

With a seemingly friendly smile, Audino greeted Wigglytuff.

"Wigglytuff, I told you about Audino before!" Yuga added.

However, as soon as Audino turned its gaze towards Wigglytuff, it sensed a strong tension in the air.

"Wigglytuff"

Smiling, Wigglytuff greeted Audino as well, although it was a bit forced.

(#‵′) Why does this Audino seem a bit too strong? I can't compete with that!

With their Pokémon amiably exchanging greetings, Yuga joyfully said, "From now on, we're a family. You two should get along well!"

At that moment, Yuga also noticed a unique aura emanating from Audino.

...

<<Audino>>

Type: Normal

Gender: Female

Ability: Healer

Potential: Blue

Level: 63

Moves: Last Resort, Hyper Voice, Helping Hand, Pound, Misty Terrain, Baby-Doll Eyes, Refresh, Disarming Voice, Double Slap, Attract, Secret Power, Shadow Ball, Heal Pulse, Heal Bell, Healing Wish, Safeguard, Fire Punch, Drain Punch, Dazzling Gleam.

...

Upon closely examining the situation of Audino, Yuga immediately noticed that Audino had successfully reached the level of a pseudo-Elite. Notably, its level was two levels higher than the Great Flygon, another pseudo-Elite.

The Joy family truly excelled in nurturing Audino!

It seemed impossible for the Great Flygon to surpass Audino now. The big sister always remained the big sister!

"Audino, congratulations on advancing to the pseudo-Elite level! You're amazing!" Yuga exclaimed joyfully.

"Audino!" Audino accepted Yuga's praise with humility, giving a triumphant glance to Wigglytuff.

Seeing Audino's smug expression, Wigglytuff couldn't help but feel annoyed.

What's so impressive about reaching the pseudo-Elite level? I've been with my little trainer since I was small!

Wigglytuff cast a disdainful look at Audino.

Unbeknownst to Yuga, a silent battle of pride and jealousy was brewing between Audino and Wigglytuff.

After a brief reunion, Yuga returned to the YoYo Day Care with Audino.

Audino's long-awaited return received a warm welcome from everyone at the shop.

We've missed Audino's meals so much! This sentiment was shared by everyone, including Windy, Misaki, and Arata Sena.

Seeing how well-received Audino was, Wigglytuff felt even more frustrated.

"Audino, look! This is the gift I got for you!" Yuga revealed the apron he had bought for Audino and handed it to the Pokémon.

Audino happily accepted the apron, wasted no time putting it on, and even twirled around in it. Finally, it gave a smug glance at Wigglytuff.

Little did Audino know that Wigglytuff, far from being upset, casually flicked its own apron hem with a self-satisfied air.

Like that would make any difference!

Observing Wigglytuff's half-apron attire, Audino had no trouble understanding the situation.

Fine, we'll see about that!

That night, upon Audino's return, it prepared a sumptuous dinner to celebrate.

Suzuki Koen, along with Dian and Arata Sena, stayed to enjoy the feast.

Taking a bite of the dishes, Beidou sighed, "Today, I've learned what it means to truly live!"

Though he had been cooking at the shop for some time, the level of cuisine on the table still far exceeded his own!

Beidou's words had everyone bursting into laughter.

Wigglytuff also took a bite of the meal and instantly felt its taste buds explode.

(￣▽￣)~* Is this even legal? So delicious!

Strong, talented in cooking, and not bad-looking... Well, sort of.

What do you do when your opponent is too strong? Waiting online for advice, urgently seeking help!

Audino's triumphant return filled the shop with a joyful atmosphere, and with an efficient helper back on board, Yuga felt a sense of relief.

Finally, business with the Sootopolis Gym could officially begin.