Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice-Chapter 251: Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice []

When she woke up the next day, Cynthia noticed that her best friend looked even more haggard than before.

But this time, instead of comforting her, Cynthia blushed and quickly fled.

Stephen glanced at the psychic girl who looked utterly burned out and thought to himself that, in this state, Caitlin would've been better off not knowing the truth at all.

At least she wouldn't have had to witness the wild scene from last night.

...

Meanwhile, at the Rustboro Gym in Hoenn...

Under the fierce attacks of a Shiny Stufful, Gym Leader Roxanne's Nosepass was soon defeated.

Seeing this, the referee immediately raised his flag and announced:

"Nosepass is unable to battle, Stufful wins! As both of Gym Leader Roxanne's Pokémon have lost, the winner of this Gym Challenge is Gary Oak from Pallet Town, Kanto!"

Gary stood with arms crossed, tossing a provocative glance at Ash, who was dumbfounded in the audience.

Coming back to his senses, Ash gritted his teeth in frustration and encouraged the yellow mouse on his shoulder:

"Pikachu! Let's give it our all too!"

"Pika Pika!"

...

Elsewhere, in Littleroot Town, a boy and a girl made a bet: one would aim to win the Hoenn League's Grand Festival this year, while the other aimed to win the Ribbon Cup at the Pokémon Contest.

But obviously, neither goal would be easy.

Because of the reconstruction of the Indigo Plateau, many rookie trainers from Kanto and Johto, including Ash, Gary, and even Gold from Johto, had chosen the Hoenn Grand Festival as their first regional league.

On the Pokemon Contest side, Sonia decided to go for her third Ribbon Cup.

...

"Pokemon Contests are probably no challenge for Sonia anymore unless Wallace enters himself,"

Stephen chatted about this with his family over breakfast.

"Yeah, so Sonia said after she wins this time, she'll retire from contests to focus on taking care of you and the Pokémon at home,"

Nessa said, glancing sideways at the chaotic living room.

Whenever Sonia wasn't around, everyone tended to go wild.

Cynthia was about to join the conversation when her face suddenly turned pale. She rushed to the bathroom, retching, leaving the whole family bewildered.

After breakfast, Stephen wanted to take Cynthia to the hospital for a checkup, but Cynthia refused to let him accompany her.

Left with no choice, Stephen called a doctor to the house.

While waiting, Stephen picked up the newspaper.

The Hoenn's Mauville Daily published photos of several familiar faces: Gary, Sapphire, and Ruby (whom Stephen hadn't met in person but recognized). The article read:

"According to our star reporter duo, Gabby and Ty, several outstanding rookie trainers are challenging this year's Grand Festival and Contest. Notably, a 10-year-old named 'Ruby' is the son of Gym Leader Norman. Unlike Professor Oak's grandson Gary, Ruby hasn't aimed for the Hoenn League but is targeting the Pokemon Contest. However, the challenges Ruby faces will be much greater, as standing in his way is Miss Sonia, who has won the Ribbon Cup two years in a row and, as one of Dr. Stephen's girlfriends, owns both Diancie and Mew."

As Stephen read the paper, the commotion downstairs grew louder.

Going down, he found Bewear hugging a very reluctant Cynthia tightly, her big paw gently stroking her flat belly.

"I have some good news for you,"

Karen said with a complicated look.

"Is Shirona pregnant?"

Stephen asked with a smile.

"Did you give her special treatment?"

Karen was unconvinced.

She'd been with Stephen even earlier, so why was Cynthia the first to get pregnant?

"How could that be?"

Stephen smiled wryly.

That's not something he could control.

"Hmph!"

Karen snorted and ignored Stephen.

"This child will be very happy,"

Stephen knelt in front of Cynthia, holding her hand.

"Just don't be a playboy like his dad,"

Cynthia replied, a little annoyed but a blooming smile appeared on her face.

Stephen had no rebuttal.

"What will the child's name be?"

Mary asked excitedly.

"How about Camilla?"

Stephen blurted out.

Karen bonked Stephen, exasperated.

He just used the mother's name in another language for the child.

She'd actually found it touching at the time, but now realized he just used the same formula for every name.

Will there be "Azzurra," "Sania," and "Samantha" in the future too?

"Forget it, I'll think of it myself,"

Even Cynthia couldn't take it anymore.

"Why are you only coming up with girl names? Aren't you worried it might be a boy?"

Nessa asked, amused.

...

The next day, Stephen woke up to find Professor Carolina and Cynthia's little sister sitting in the living room.

"Chairman Carolina, what brings you here?"

Stephen hurried up to greet her but was startled by the mountain of baby products behind the grandmother-granddaughter duo.

"Still calling me 'President'?!"

Carolina glared at Stephen.

Even if you can't get married, you should still mind your manners!

"Sorry, sorry, Grandma,"

Stephen apologized, hands together.

Cynthia's little sister cutely chimed in: (PS: What's the name of Cynthia's little sister?)

"We arrived last night—ow!"

She got smacked on the butt before she could finish.

Stephen: ...

He suddenly wondered if he'd somehow triggered some kind of karmic weapon with Cynthia—why did people always catch them in the act?

He'd have to be more careful in the future.

Not interested in putting on a show for people, and thankfully, at least both times it was women who saw.

"When a woman is pregnant, it's best not to do that,"

After making her granddaughter shut up, Carolina sternly warned Stephen.

"Yes, yes, yes..."

"Quick, take me upstairs to see my great-grandchild!"

Carolina urged eagerly.

"Yes, yes, yes..."

Stephen wanted to say that her eldest granddaughter didn't show any signs yet.

But, at this point, Stephen could only nod along and agree to whatever the elders said.

Meanwhile, as Carolina was rubbing her eldest granddaughter's belly under her resentful gaze, photos of her and Cynthia's little sister's spree at Jubilife Department Store last night were already spreading like wildfire across the media.

Editors from news agencies all over were scrambling to get their stories out; the printers were practically steaming.

Sinnoh Jubilife TV: "Chairman Carolina and Cynthia's little sister's massive baby shopping spree—Sinnoh League set to welcome the most talented trainer ever, inheriting the bloodline of Dr. Stephen and Ms. Cynthia."

Kalos Lumiose TV: "This is the biggest news of the year. We thought Sonia would be the first to get pregnant, but Cynthia beat her to it. Meanwhile, Ms. Morgan, who's been with Dr. Stephen the longest, shows no signs yet. We've invited Kalos' top OBGYN to analyze why; the program airs tomorrow at 6 p.m."

Kanto Celadon Evening News: "The Saint Child arrives! As Team Rocket's power grows, the Indigo League continues to strengthen, and Dr. Stephen's child is exactly what we need."

Galar Wyndon Business Daily: "According to eyewitnesses, Chairman Rose has left Galar by private jet—but oddly, he's headed for Hoenn, not Alola. Meanwhile, Sonia is entering the Pokemon Contest."

...

Within a few hours, Stephen's phone had over 99+ missed calls.

Every region sent representatives bearing gifts.

Rose, who was usually the most proactive about these things, was the last to arrive.

After Sonia returned, she quietly told Stephen that as soon as Rose heard the news, he rushed to Hoenn to ask her if their child could be registered as a Galar citizen.

Stephen was speechless but had to admire Rose's business sense.

Realizing he couldn't get the child of Cynthia to choose Galar, he set his sights on any child of Sonia instead—and knowing everyone would be looking for Stephen, he went to the mom first.

...

At the banquet, Rose raised his glass and said:

"This is a great moment. Dr. Stephen's children will lead the world into a new era. Let's toast to Xiaolan!"

He'd heard from Kizilan that, after discussion, the families had decided to name the child "Ran." (Orchid.)

"To little Ran!"

Everyone laughed, raising their glasses.

Later, many got drunk.

Retired former Chairman Goodshow was especially happy; he didn't care whether the child joined Kanto or Johto.

As long as they served the League, it didn't matter.

With Hoopa around, the League could send reinforcements anywhere instantly.

To be fair, Goodshow was more strategic than Rose.

A very drunk Wallace clung to Steven's leg, mumbling:

"Child... we should have one too, Winona... let's have a child... boo hoo..."

Stephen took out his phone to record, planning to upload it online later.

...

As the night went on, Stephen had just sent people home with Hoopa when Giovanni arrived with Aster, Green, and the others.

...

Cynthia was only a month pregnant, still a long way from her due date.

After several days of celebration and confirming mother and child were healthy, the family returned to their routines.

A week later, Sonia, having won her second ribbon this year, flicked her hair in front of the camera and smiled:

"I'm so happy to see Stephen's first child coming this year. I also plan to retire after this Pokemon Contest. I love participating in contests, but I love children even more."

At the end of the interview, a boy in a white knit hat suddenly knelt before Sonia and cried out:

"You and your Pokémon are so dazzling! So beautiful! Please take me as your disciple!"

Sonia blinked in surprise, then smiled and waved as she turned away:

"Sorry, I'm not taking any students. Besides, this is my last Contest."

"Wait! Master!"

With the persistent boy on her tail, Sonia had no choice but to call out Mew and teleport away.

...

Three months later, on a small island south of Hoenn.

This was once the place where Tobias caught Latios, only to have it snatched away by Karen. Now, it was Team Rocket's temporary base.

In the meeting room, as a figure gradually emerged from a portal, Giovanni said:

"Sorry to call you away from your wife and kid, Stephen, but... eh!?"

Halfway through, Giovanni was startled at the sight of Stephen, who looked much thinner than two months ago.

"S-Stephen, what happened to you?"

Giovanni asked, confused.

"Nothing, let's get to business,"

Stephen waved it off, not wanting to admit he'd been drained by Karen and the others every night for the past two months.

"There's a new powerhouse in Team Magma and Team Aqua."

Once seated, they got down to business.

A month earlier, atop Mt. Chimney near Lavaridge, Team Magma and Team Aqua had a fierce battle over a meteorite from a scientist.

While both sides were locked in battle, Archer led Team Rocket in a surprise attack on their second-in-commands, Shelly and Tabitha.

They were almost captured, but suddenly a hooded expert with a Salamence appeared on Team Magma's side, easily overpowering Archer's team with champion-level strength.

Two days ago, at the Weather Institute west of Fortree City, Archer had heard that Team Aqua planned to raid the place.

Thinking Team Aqua didn't have any strong trainers, Archer confidently led his men to intercept.

Unexpectedly, another masked expert appeared on Team Aqua's side, this one with a Goodra, and also at champion level.

Single-handedly, this person wiped out Archer's elite team.

Archer was dumbfounded.

His intel never mentioned such experts in Magma or Aqua!

And both used Dragon-types!

After two straight defeats, Archer dared not act rashly and reported to Giovanni, who sensed something was off and called Stephen to discuss.

"Hooded... using Salamence and Goodra?"

Stephen raised an eyebrow.

After listening, he pretty much guessed who the so-called experts were.

"Let Aster, Green, and Marnie handle it, Uncle,"

Stephen said after thinking it over.

"The plan was for Aster to manage Hoenn anyway, and it's her hometown. Maybe she'll recover her memories there."

Giovanni nodded.

The Seven Warlords hadn't made their debut yet, so using Team Magma and Team Aqua as stepping stones was perfect.

But mentioning Aster reminded Giovanni of another issue.

"Even though Aster's been enhanced to have Pokémon with champion-level power, Stephen, don't you think she should catch her own Pokémon? There's only so much one person can do."

Stephen smiled:

"Aster does have her own Pokémon, but they're missing right now. Sending her to Hoenn might help her get them back."