SteveZ12: Good evening people, I hope that y'all are doing well. I really hope that you guys took time to be with your families during christmas and alla dat. For my part, I had a fun christmas and even a nice Chrismas present in the form of reuniting with people I hadn't seen in a while, both online and irl. Now I am starting this chapter on the verge of my birthday. How cool is that! I gotta say that 2020 has been an odd year for sure, but it did bring some nice blessings in disguise. I hope it did the same for y'all. Anyhow, enough about me. I hope that you'll enjoy this chapter as well as i'll enjoy writing it :D

Previously on Nuevo: Our group of heroes finally had left the forest filled road 6 to reach Pueblo Leaf Grove. Receiving a rather disturbing call almost as soon as they reached the Pokemon Center, Sven left the group , his gilla in tow, leaving both Andre and Snow alone to discover the city. What adventures awaits our heroes on the evening of their arrival?

Chapter 24: An evening in the Pueblo.

Andre and Snow had been sitting in a table area inside the massive Pokemon Center. They were slightly worried of course, the way Sven had departed had left them tense, pensive. Andre especially had half a mind to follow him secretly, idea that was corroborated by his starter Pokemon, always eager for more adventures. Snow, the more reserved and careful of the two, quickly reeled in her over eager travel companion before he did something dangerous. The tone Sven had used was friendly enough, but there was that...edge to it, that made Snow understand that they were either not needed or that it was too dangerous for them to follow. Following Andre's defeat at the hand of the Amyaket enforcer and her own destruction by Ricardo, she realized that they were still fledgling trainers and that they couldn't just rush into conflict expecting them to magically resolve it, despite their best intentions. It wasn't to say that she didn't care however, Sven was her friend. If he called upon them, she would go and help him, strong trainer or not strong trainer. She was fairly certain that her raven haired friend felt the same way. For now, they were in a brand new metropolis and they would make most of that opportunity.

Andre had calmed down and had settled on the table as Snow opened a touristic leafet she had taken on her way to the table. It was currently being inspected by Vixen, who despite not knowing how to read human language as well as she wanted, still was interested by what she was seening on said leafet.

''I will have to learn how to read one day, I can understand human language, human writing shouldn't be too hard!'' Vixen reasoned with an annoyed yip that made Aguade giggle.

''Well why do you need to read when you have two readily available humans that will graciously explain it to us?'' Asked the hatchling as he nose bumped the lentimas native's arm, earning a him a small , distracted petting that he indulged in happily.

Vixen snorted. ''Of course an unrefined baby such as yourself would let someone else do the heavy lifting for you...'' She chided him , raising her nose in the air in a suffocating superior manner.

Aguade glowered at her. He hated when she did that...but she was so pretty when she did that... wait what?

''Contradictary thoughts...why...?'' Panickedly thought the small water type before pouting. ''I am not a baby...'' he grumbled as he looked away.

Andre and Snow looked warmly at their Pokemon.

''Well they sure are full of spirit today!'' Andre pointed out, giving his starter Pokemon some more pets , which said recipent reveled in.

Snow nodded happily, gently playing with the golden vixen's golden tuff, ripping a happy yip from the Vulpix, all fancier than thou antics melting away in the mind numbing sensation.

The white haired teen then turned her attention toward the touristic leafet. ''Seems like there is a lot to do here Sleepyhead.'' She pointed out happily.

Andre's gaze followed Snow's and he started to read the leafet as well. ''Definitely Iztaca... From what I can see, there is a Gym, a Contest Sanctuary and a trainer's school.'' He said eagerly. Andre smiled upon seeing the mention of a trainer school. He hadn't gotten in one ever since he had gratuated from Cheren's back in Unova at age 13. He had loved his experiences there. ''I gotta wonder how do they do school here in Nuevo though'' he pondered out loud.

Snow smiled. ''I don't know, but maybe it could be beneficial to go there. Who knows what we can learn?'' She agreed as Vulpix nuzzled her trainer.

''See, even Vixen agrees...'' She pointed out as she kissed the top of Vixen's forehead, the latter yipping in delight.

Andre rolled his eyes playfully. ''Go figure, we can go tomorrow though. Considering how late it is, I doubt that school's open though.'' He reasoned. Snow looked up pensively before nodding. ''That is very likely...but then what should we do tonight then?'' She asked the Lentimas native.

Andre realized at that instant that he had to pick an activity to go with Snow...not unlike a date. This realization made the poor Lentimas native flush quickly. Deciding against panicking, as they didn't need that. He simply decided to remain natural. ''Well, remember your challenge about eating more burgers than me? How about we put that to the test and walk it off around the city?'' He asked, praying desesperately for Snow to say yes and not question why he felt like the tip of his ears were burning up.

Snow looked at him sweetly. It was simple enough, but spending time alone with Andre would be nice for a change. That realization made her blush slightly... Time alone with Andre sounded more than a good time. It is without any surprise that she replied affirmatively to the proposal ; ''Sure Andre, i'm famished anyway.''

Andre smiled in relief and took the leafet in his hand to fetch the adress. While browsing the leafet, a restaurant caught his eye. ''Hyekusa Burger huh? That looks interesting enough...Let's go there.''

''Alright let's!'' Said Snow as she placed Vixen close to the ground and walked next to Andre. The pair then left the center to go toward the said Hyekuza Burger.

A few moments laters they were in front of the building. The building was a lustrous black color, with an extravagant Pompadour shaped roof. Andre and Snow whistled. That was rather extravagant for a burger joint, but they did catch the eye. Whoever designed this knew what they were doing. For Aguade and Vulpix however, the real attraction was not the quality design of the restaurant but the odors that wafted from the doors...

Vixen in particular felt her mouth moistening at the scent. Her tails lifted into the air and she crouched down, as if she was getting ready to pounce. Her eyes even looked a little glazed over. She was salivating...whatever was inside was waking up primal, carnal urges that she didn't even know she possessed. Even Aguade had snapped from his hunger induced stupor and slowly backed away from the vixen, suddenly sensing that the fire type was unstable.

''Whoa there Vixen, what's gotten into you?'' Snow panickly said as she scooped the fire type before she could pounce on the door. The contact with her trainer seemed to snap Vulpix out of her trance... ''Huuh? Whaaa...'' She lowly growled, looking completely out of it.

Andre eye's had widened. ''What ever was that about?'' She asked Snow who shrugged.

''Yeah, what was that about indeed?'' She asked her starter Pokemon. Aguade, seeing that the treat was no more, relaxed and got back on the ground from Andre's arms where he had previously seeked refuge and comfort.

Vixen looked confusedly to her trainer. ''I don't know...I just smelled something... Such...a divive...smell...'' She said, her eyes glazing over at the memory.

Snow's eyes widened. This was a first even for her to see Vixen acting like that over human food. ''Well, let's see for ourselves what do they serve here then.'' She said as she stepped in the joint, closely followed by Andre and Aguade.

Andre quickly scanned the interior upon entering. It was rather simple, like your everyday burger joint, although it was mostly chromatic colored, some black blue, a lot of black, white and grey. It gave the interior that chic, polished appeareance that honestly appealed a lot to him. But what was most striking was the odors. Andre and Snow both fully understood why Vixen had acted the way she had...which also prompted Snow to keep Vixen in her arms to avoid incidents, reminding herself of Sven's Pokemon etiquette here in Nuevo when it came to Pokemon handling. it smelled divine. Roasted french fries, mouth watering burger patties... even a hint of chocolate cake. All of the smells seemed to have for sole purpose to ensnare the senses and make the customer spends all of their live economies into the meal they served here. Andre looked at his starter Pokemon. For some reason, Iztatl wasn't a drooling mess atop of his shoulder, but the way he looked hyperfocused on the workers basically performing live cooking was pretty tell tale of his state of mind. Vixen was now audibly growling, almost fighting with herself in order not to bite Snow's arms and run toward the mesmerizing piece of meat that called to her like a long lost friend. Both trainers decided that it would be much more smart to find a place and order something, as their own stomachs were starting to cry out, the smells getting to them.

''HOLA MI AMIGOS!''

As they were about to make their way to a vacant table, our two heroes heard a warm, enthousiast baritone voice welcome them. Both human and Pokemon turned their head toward said voice and gaped. In front of them stood a round bellied collosus that seemed right out of a cartoon. Tall, sporting proudly his chef bod, thick moustache that was slightly gel'd up at the end to create curly lines, lustrus black chef gown that did gave him a rather sophisticated appeareance, before them was standing someone important obviously. However, the two trainers didn't exactly understand the man's words, as their slightly cocked head suggested. Iztatl however, a native of the region, seemed to have gotten the meaning however as he friendlily replied a eager "Guade!" While agitating his front paw in a friendly gesture. Only then the pair and the still softly growling vixen understood that the man had actually greeted them.

"Huh..hola?" Replied timidly the raven haired teenager, Snow following suit in a timid fashion.

The burly man laughed once again loudly. " I am sorry friends, I tend to forget that not many people speaks Neo Nuevian outside of People and Pokemon born here in our marvelous region. My name is Giovanni Cantador" He explained to them as both teen relaxed, relieved that they could overcome the language barrier somehow. It is something that hadn't occured to them. Another new wonder to get over. Andre especially relished the challenge. He would for sure study offhandedly that language. For now though, the polite thing to do would be to properly present themselves...and fast too. The amazing wafts were making him go blank a little with each passing seconds and he didn't really want to embarass himself in front of the owner or Snow.

"I can only imagine! My name is Andre." He presented his hand to the chef, who shook it vigorously before the Lentimas native designated his white haired friend. "And this is Snow..." He presented the maiden, who coquettishly gave a slight bow. "Nice to meet you..." She shyly added, cheeks burning.

The big man looked at Snow with an interested eye and Andre didn't miss the slight glint that illuminated the man's gaze. His possessive nature urged to grab Snow's hand and squeeze it to show possession, but decided against it. He was an adult and sometimes it happened. He couldn't act like this. He was raised better. He forced himself to relax.

Snow grew a little uncomfortable under the man's gaze and shifted in place. If the burly saw that, he didn't give any indication, almost carrying on like nothing just had occured.

"Mamma mia, Que bella." He exclaimed before he turned to Andre. "Is that fine lady your novia?" He asked the raven haired native.

Andre looked in wonder but then quickly blushed, realizing despite the language barrier what the man was asking. Snow quickly seemed to have gotten the implications as she was positively rosy as well, almost hiding her face in the vixen's fur.

"No no..she is not. She's just a very good friend." He stammered kind of lamely. But that was better than nothing.

Snow simply nodded rapidly from behind her Vulpix.

The burly man laughed heartily. "Ah, young love, so pure and denial prone" he thought while coveting the pair in a knowing look.

He then saw the pair's Pokemon. An Aguade and a Vulpix that looked with each passing second that she would devour his face. "My my, your Pokemons and yoursellves looks that you are mucho hambre. Go seat to this area and release your Pokemon. At hyekuza burger, everyone is a friend, Humans and Pokemon." He happily said. It was at that moment that the pair realized that some of the customers actually were eating with their Pokemons and having the time of their lives.

Snow and Andre knew that their teams hadn't fully bonded together often aside of Vixen and Gilla. Getting the gang together in a city setting was more than appealing.

"Pokemon always get a base meal for free. Its a custom of this region. We probably wouldn't be there if it wasn't for them, so they at least deserve to be fed free of charge...in our eyes at least." Explained the owner-chef warmly. Andre and Snow smiled. They could feel the gratitude in his voice and it warmed their heart. It was at that moment that next to him arrived a tall Pokemon. It looked like a large bipedal hyena, sporting an extravagant pompadour with the tip of it dyed white. His fur gave the appearance of fashionable ripped garments, like some sort of jacket. On top of said fur-jacket sported two bone like fragment, furthering the Punk style of the Pokemon. Brown skinned and oddly blue nosed, the Pokemon looked like a cross of a hyena and a unovian bike gang ruffian with a pompadour instead of a mohawk. The dark furred Pokemon gave a large toothed smile to the pair, looking friendly enough.

Fascinated, Andre took out his dex to scan the big fella.

The monotone voice of the electronical device soon resounded: Hyekusa, the Bad News Pokemon and the final evolution of Pomparunt. Dark/Fighting Type. Fiercely proud and protective of its hairdo, the Hyekuza with the largest and most extravagant pompadour is considered the leader of the pack."

At this information, both teens looked back up at the Hyekusa and judging by how large and striking his Pompadour was, it was clear that this was a top percentile specimen.

"Kusa!" Snorted proudly the Hyekusa as he realized that the human got the concept of his grandeur.

Giovanni laughed heartily. It seemed that hapiness was just rolling of this man's caracther, which really warmed the atmosphere and made them all very comfortable. "This fine Hyekusa is Sakazuki. As you can see, he's a proud hyekusa. Helps me in the kitchen and I to pelear quite often to quench his fighting urges." He explained as the dark/fighting type snorted happily. He then tapped the chef and then his wrists. Giovanni got the message immediately.

''I am so sorry, amigos. But it seems that I have stayed a bit too long already. As you can see, Sakazuki is very proud of our services and makes sure I keep is at such... That sadly includes cutting my hablarmos with clients when it happens. You may use that area for your seating. You will be served shortly. Since it's your first time, the house will fournish your the meal, only pay for drinks and extras. Your brave companeros will be fed as well of course. Here at Hyekusa's every client is our friend and family. Adìos!'' The chef said as he left toward the kitchens, his proud hyena Pokemon walking behind him, his hands behind his back. Just like that , he was gone.

Snow and Andre looked at each other and quickly started laughing. ''Well they sure know how to welcome people here!'' Andre said as they moved toward their sitting area. ''You can say that again, sleepyhead. The way his Hyekusa seemed to boss him around reminds me of a certain someone...'' She said while petting Vixen under her chin, making the kitsune growl and whine in content. ''Mmmroar...I only do that for your well being and you know it...'' She growled in her language before nuzzling into the white haired teenager's palm.
Andre chuckled and released his entire crew as they took place around the laquer black table. This space was deceptively well spaced, definitely well designed to accomodate both trainers and Pokemons. Pit, the Peppit and Eclipse, the Shibalbat. THe latter snorted upon being called out. Said Shibalbat looked around confused. It was understandable, as it was the first time the large gargovyle Pokemon was out of the small village where she guarded the local temple. ''Where in Patama's name am I? Answer me!'' The bat hissed loudly in her own whistling language, prompting the group to momentarily protect their ears. The statue Pokemon then quickly flourished her wings, preparing to take off in her panic

Iztatl took it upon himself to try to snap the statue like Pokemon out of her tantrum. ''Calm down, bat breath. Surely you've heard of cities and restaurants before?'' He said in a clumsy attempt to reason the gargovyle.

It didn't work.

''You unfitting human pet! I'll handle my ''master'' once i am through with you!'' She threatened the small water type, opening her maw and letting flash some orange flames, signifying her intent to fight.

Peppit just looked in slight confusion before going to Andre and lightly biting him on the arm. ''That's for not letting me out often enough... But I forgive you. I can see more or less everything in those balls anyway...'' He reasoned while the lentimas native shook his hand to ward off the sting... The fire bunny was right. he hadn't released him much ever since his first battle, a fact that he swore to rectify. For now, more pressing matters were at hand...

Andre took a deep breath and walked toward the confused bat Pokemon.

''Chualo. Stop.''

The tone had been short, imperative, definitive. Eclipse's face almost expressed her disbelief. There was no hesitation, no usual weakness in his voice. The large bat Pokemon definitely did not see that coming. Andre interiorly smirked when he realized that the newest member of his team was not acting up anymore, but he needed to be sure that the bat Pokemon was calmed down enought to eat with them. Andre gently raised his hand toward the bat Pokemon's chin and rubbed it softly.

''We are at Hyekusa's in Pueblo Leaf Grove. They allow Pokemon to eat for free here, so I thought you'd like a meal.'' He explained gently as the bat softly blushed and pushed her head toward Andre's palm.

''How...How can I even resist when he's confident like that...'' interiorly groaned the gargovyle as she calmed down, feeling her internal temperature cool down slightly.

Aguade watched the scene in shock, shock shared by Vixen and even Pit. ''Whoa...that's what you call taming a beast, even if for a moment...'' The water type starter noted.

''I have to agree. He actually looked dignified here...'' Added the fire type Pokemon.

''Whoa...'' Merely added the pepper bunny Pokemon.

Snow smiled at Andre. She wasn't really surprised to see the Lentimas native manage to calm the bat Pokemon down.

She released in the meantime her whole team; Pint, Zorua and Flora. The three Pokemon appeared and gave their respective battle cries, happy to be out of their capsules.

''Finally, I was getting a bit restless here.'' complained the foliat as she went to Snow and climbed in her arms.

''Meh...I'm just happy to be out.'' Rumbled the large pine three Pokemon, almost immediately resting on his knees and drowsing, to the annoyance of the last come in the family, Zorua. The small fox Pokemon knew hyekusa's burger because the owner had been the most generous to her than any other restaurant. Just feeding from their leftovers could have easily meant a life where she never grew hungry.

''Those scents... If there is a place where I will never do any mischief, its here...'' She fondly declared...forgetting about her telepathy and making everyone around the table look at her in suspicion.

This slightly irritated the dark type, who started pouting. ''What... What?'' She asked, off-putted.

Snow narrowed her eyes at her. ''You weren't planing to do any mischiefs here werent you?'' She asked with her sweet as honey voice. However, the hidden edge in her voice made everyone around her, Andre included, step back a bit.

Zorua felt her fur turn white. That human girl was terrifying... ''No, I wasn't planning to...'' She truthfully admitted, not wanting her new trainer to hate or mistrust her.
Snow nodded happily. The entire crew sweat dropped.

Andre smiled and let his crew huddle together as they started chatting. Well everyone but Chualo, who stayed next to Andre, standing guard. However, both trainers could tell. The Gargovyle Pokemon was much more relaxed now.

Andre then looked back at Snow. ''I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to try those Hyekusa burgers... They look amazing...'' He conveyed, drooling a bit in anticipation.

Snow shook her head. Some things did never changed, did they? ; ''You and food... I oughta smack some manners into you...''

Andre merely grinned at her rebuke '' You say that but I bet you like it!'' He replied energically.

The white haired teen blushed, warmed from the inside by Andre's happiness and confidence.''Well.. eum...'' She tried to think about a retort but couldn't come up with a good one. Andre gave Snow a victorious grin that made her blush even harder, if it was possible.

''Oh You! Just for that, you're paying!'' Said the white haired teen, determined to have the last laugh.

It worked. Andre's smile completely vanished in record time, transforming into a frown very quickly; ''And why would I?''

That response made Vixen's tails twitch, distracting her from her bickering with Zorua about the prettiness of her tail. ''Did that uncouth guy not hear her? I'll show him to disregard my human's desires...'' She reasoned within herself as she started to turn around to apprehend the Lentimas Native. Truthfully, she did that to get away from the Zorua before she burned her to a crisp.

The Golden furred vixen did not have the time to go very far however...

Snow had taken Andre's hand and plunged her deep silver eyes into his black orbs. ''Please? For me?'' She asked softly, her voice deep and tender.

Andre's blood froze in his veins...then heat up very rapidly. Snow's gentle brushing into his palms, her lovely silver gaze, her soft, whiny voice. He did not stand a chance. He melted completely at her voice. A dumb smile appeared on his face and he nodded. ''Since you asked so nicely...how could I refuse...'' He replied. The poor raven haired trainer was so out of it, completely mesmerized.

Snow chuckled. No matter how many times it happened, she still enjoyed it. She nicked him on his forehead to wake him up. ''Why thank you Andre, since you've volunteered...'' She then answered, making Andre blush hard and finally piece 2 and 2 together.

''SNOOOOWWW!''

In the black corner of a tower as black as lacquer, last floor. A man was siroting some berry juice, a large cat next to him.

He received a phone call. Answered it. Smirked and let go of it.

''The operation is soon. I expect big things from you, Agent T.''

He closed the phone.

At the other end of the line, a poncho'd figure stood up and put on some equipment. It was time to act, yet again.

The evening passed quickly. The Hyekuza Burgers made both teens and the carnivore Pokemon they had sing with happiness. It was how tasty it was. Their Pokemon had bonded a little more. In the end, even Chualo had reluctantly participated to their conversation, much to Andre's relief. The lentimas native couldn't help to think about that small imp Pokemon he had left during their travels toward that part of the district. Where was he, was he still bullied?, did he become strong? Was he fed properly? , Many question that preoccupied his mind briefly. But he had hope that the small imp Pokemon was doing well.

After their copious meal at Hyekusas and a long disgestive walk, both Teenagers headed back at the Pokemon Center.

''Tonight was fun Sleepyhead.'' Snow said as she stopped before her room at the living quarters of the megacenter.

Andre smiled. ''Yeah, definitely... Aside when you made me lose my wits in the middle of the restaurant that is...'' He softly whined.

Snow's eyes shined. ''But you looked so adorable, lost in my eyes...'' She tried to comfort him, barely holding her chuckles back.

Andre's eyes narrowed at Snow but sighed. That girl had weird powers over him...that much was a fact. But it wasn't something he disliked. He'd have to live with it anyway since they would be travelling together for a while now. ''You're lucky that you're cualtzin...'' He muttered.

Snow heard the compliment and smiled. She much preffered when Andre was doing well. ''Hehe, I guess I am...'' She softly said as she hugged Andre.

Andre closed his eyes, gently returning the hug. There was something soothing about holding Snow in his arms. A strange, empowering feeling that made him feel like he could accomplish anything...yet a soothing feeling that basically screamed that he was safe as long as she was around. Andre gently brushed the tip of his nose in Snow's hair in a tender gesture.

They stayed like that for a while before separating. '' Good night Iztaca. Tomorrow, we tackle the trainer's school.'' He gently said as he ran his fingers in Snow's hair before leaving her to go to his room, a smile on his face.

Snow gently smiled at his back. For some reason, she felt midly frustrated...as if she had missed an opportunity. ''Oh well, the feeling of his hand in my hair is nice enough. Can't wait to see what I can learn at the trainer's school...'' She reasoned as she headed to her own room.

To be continued...

StevenZ12: I ended up finishing this chapter only on 2021 haha. To everyone reading. I wish you happy 2021. I hope that you all will have got nice vacations and are ready for this year. I wish you all good luck and good success.