Arven's Concerns

Hmm...

I'm really happy Juliana and the others invited me to a winter party, but what should I cook?

What do you guys think, Mabosstiff? Scovillain?

Maybe I shouldn't have raised the bar so high, saying I was gonna make something super special.

I've never been to a party like this before...

Hey.

What were you talking about just now?

I see. So you're not sure what to make for the winter party.

This might be a good opportunity...

Well don't just keep it to yourself. What do you mean?

The thing is, I'm planning a winter party for my family, too.

(For his family...)

I was gonna have Siebold teach me how to cook a few dishes.

What?! THE Siebold? The legendary chef from Kalos?!

Yeah. Wanna join me?

Would I ever! Count me in!

By the way, what was your name?

Oh, right. I never introduced myself. The name's Gladion.

I'm Arven! Nice to meet you, Gladion!

Before we start cooking, I'd like to hear what kind of dishes you'd all like to make.

I want to make something for my dear mother!

With our dish, we wanna thank her for working hard for our family.

I see.

And how about you, Arven?

Me? Well...

I want to make a special dish, something different from what I'd usually make!

What did you have in mind?

I... I guess I still don't know.

Hmm...

Whoa! What's up with you?

I don't think I've ever seen that Pokémon back in Alola!

Heheh. This is Scovillain.

In Paldea, components extracted from Scovillain are used in chili sauce. So it's a Pokémon with a deep connection to cooking!

Do you think maybe it came out to help you cook?

That'd be my best guess, too.

Here's what I suggest...

Why don't you cook together with Scovillain and try making something for those special to you?

Huh?

Cooking with someone in mind does improve the artistry of the dish.

It's important to keep in mind who you're cooking for, not just what dish to make.

Those special to me...

I guess you're right. It doesn't have to be a family member.

I should put my heart into making something for my pals and my Pokémon!

It seems you've landed on a direction for your dish.

On the day of the winter party...

All right. I've got everyone's presents sorted out...

and I'm done buying ingredients for my dish! We're all set!

Oh, it's Gladion and Lillie. I wonder if they're grocery shopping, too.

I'm so sorry... I'll get there as soon as possible.

It's OK, Mom. It isn't your fault.

Good luck at work, Mother!

Hey, about that call just now...

Oh. Hey, Arven.

Mom said she can't make it to the party tonight.

Wh-what?!

It's because of work, so this is no time to be selfish.

Hey...

Your mom's president of the Aether Foundation, right?

She is, yes. Why do you ask?

You two keep preparing for the party!

Trusty Arven will figure out a way to get your mom to attend!

Hang on, Arven. What exactly are you planning?

Don't you also have a party with your friends?

Don't worry about us. This happens all the time...

Then I REALLY can't let this slide!

I know you both treasure your mom.

Today's special! That's why you've gotta spend it with her!

Arven...

Madam President! Please leave the rest to us!

Hurry, go be with your family!

But I can't just yet...

Aiyee!

Who is this rambunctious child?!

And you are...?

Hey, you! What're you doing, prioritizing work over family?!

Didn't you promise Gladion and Lillie you'd spend time together?!

Hey! Hang on a second! This is hard on the president, too!

Look, a Trainer out there lost their Pokémon...

and the president is doing everything in her power to reunite them, because to that Trainer, that Pokémon is family!

Huh?

She even told us to go home already.

You all have important people waiting for you too, after all.

But I...

I'm both a mother and the president of the Aether Foundation.

...I see. Sorry for shouting at you.

OK!

If that's the case, then let me help you find that missing Pokémon!

Why would you do that?

Because I promised Gladion and Lillie!

Also...

Your family reminds me of what mine was like.

Hm?

My parents were always busy. I barely have any memories of them playing with me.

... ... ...

But I recently learned they really did care about me!

Gladion and Lillie also know about the work you're doing, and that you do it out of love for them.

So...

I just wanna make sure you get to spend this special day together.

Thank you, Arven.

Then I will happily accept your help. Would you mind?

Not at all!

She said they haven't searched this area yet.

Arven!

Hey, everyone! You made it!

Of course! 'Cause our pal called us!

I guess you still haven't found it, huh?

Yeah. That Pokémon's gotta be hungry by now.

That's it!

Maybe we can lure it out with the smell of your cooking!

Oh yeah... Come to think of it, our present for Arven would be perfect for that!

Huh? For me?

Yup. It's still a little early to open presents, but...

Here you go, Arven! This is from all of us!

Wow, look at this!

It suits you perfectly!

Hehehe! Thanks a bunch! This is the best present ever!

OK then. Let's get cookin'!

Yeeeaaarrrt! Hiya! Huwatcha!

Let's top it off with a dash of chili sauce...

And we'll use Scovillain's flames to up the heat...

Wow, it smells amazing!

Hm?

I'm so glad the whole family's together!

Yeah. It wouldn't have been possible without you.

You have our thanks.

No prob, buddy! That's what friends are for!

Thank you so much, Arven.

While you're here, wanna try some of our cooking?

I'd love to, but...

I've got company today, so you should enjoy it as a family!

OK, we will.

You're our friend, so come hang out with us again sometime, OK? You're always welcome.

Will do! Thanks, Gladion!

I heard what happened. Sounds like you were a huge help.

Siebold!

Were you able to complete your special dish?

Ah. About that...

To make the dish to lure out that missing Pokémon, I had to use all the ingredients I got for the party...

So I wasn't able to make what I initially had in mind.

But you put your all into it, right?

Of course!

Then I'm sure it'll taste just fine.

I'm sure the love you put into it will touch the hearts of those special to you.

Yeah! Thanks, Siebold!

I'll put my heart and soul into my cooking and make everyone smile!

Sorry to keep you waiting, guys!

Sheesh.

I'm so hungry, I was about to order something myself...

Ahaha, Penny's just giving you grief for being late! She was looking forward to your cooking!

H-hey! You didn't have to say that!

You SHOULD be looking forward to it! I made something pretty darn good!

Also...I've got some presents for you all!

I was the only one who got to open mine early, since you all gave me that apron earlier...

Whoa! A present from Arven?!

What could it be?!

You'll just have to open it to find out!

This is a special present...

for all of my pals!