Morning arrived with mechanical precision,6:00 AM exactly, announced by a facility-wide chime that was designed to be insistent without being aggressive. Micah woke to find Donny already awake, sitting by the window and watching the sunrise with the focused attention of someone experiencing their first mountain dawn.

  Bellatrix, of course, had probably been awake for hours, maintaining her vigil from her position by the door.

  "Big day," Micah said to both Pokémon, though only Donny responded with an enthusiastic rumble. "Let's try not to embarrass ourselves."

  He showered, dressed in what he hoped were appropriate clothes for laboratory work,the same practical denim and faded shirt that had served him well on the farm,and made his way to the cafeteria. The facility was already active, researchers moving through corridors with coffee mugs and data tablets, discussing projects in technical language that might as well have been a foreign dialect.

  Breakfast was self-serve, laid out on a long counter with the efficiency of a system designed to feed busy people who couldn't waste time on elaborate meals. Micah loaded a plate with eggs, toast, and fruit, then filled bowls for Donny and Bellatrix with their respective nutrition formulas.

  He'd just settled at an empty table when someone approached,a young man, probably early twenties, with sandy blond hair and the kind of eager expression that suggested he was new enough to the facility to still find everything exciting.

  "Micah? I'm Matt, Phoebe's research assistant." He extended a hand, which Micah shook. "I'll be showing you around this morning. Full orientation, safety protocols, equipment familiarization,the works. Fair warning, it's going to take most of the day. Phoebe says to pace yourself and ask questions whenever something's unclear."

  "Thanks. I appreciate it."

  Matt settled into the opposite chair, his own breakfast tray loaded with what appeared to be primarily carbohydrates. "So, you're the apprentice everyone's talking about. Twelve years old, farm background, personally recruited by Maxie. That's... unprecedented, actually. He's never taken an apprentice before. Ever."

  "So I keep hearing." Micah fed Donny a piece of toast, which the Rhyhorn demolished with enthusiasm. "What's he usually like? As a boss, I mean?"

  "Exacting. Brilliant. Expects everyone to operate at his level of competence, which is frankly impossible, but we try." Matt took a bite of his own breakfast, chewed thoughtfully. "But he's also fair. If you do good work, he acknowledges it. If you mess up, he explains why and how to improve. He doesn't play politics or play favorites,well, except possibly Courtney, but that's because she's legitimately the best behavioral analyst in Hoenn."

  "What about the division heads? Phoebe seems approachable, but Tabitha looked..."

  "Terrifying? He is. At first." Matt laughed. "I've been here eight months, and I'm just now getting to the point where he'll actually acknowledge my suggestions instead of just assigning me grunt work and walking away. But when he does engage with you, when he actually explains his thinking, it's incredible. The man understands geology and tectonics in ways that make textbooks look simplistic."

  They talked through breakfast, Matt providing the kind of informal context that official orientations couldn't,which researchers were morning people versus night owls, whose equipment you absolutely didn't touch without permission, the unspoken rules of the communal workspaces, and the fastest routes through the facility's sometimes confusing layout.

  "The mountain integration makes navigation tricky," Matt explained. "Some corridors follow natural cave systems, so they curve in ways that don't match the artificial sections. You'll get lost a few times before your mental map solidifies. Don't feel bad about it,everyone does."

  By 7:30 AM, they'd finished eating and were ready to begin the actual orientation. Matt led Micah through the facility with practiced efficiency, pointing out key locations and explaining their functions.

  "Primary lab is where most sample analysis happens," he narrated as they passed the cathedral-like space Micah had seen yesterday. "Tabitha's geological lab is integrated with natural rock formations,never touch anything in there without explicit permission. Courtney's behavioral observation center is mostly automated, but she reviews footage manually and does not appreciate interruptions during analysis sessions."

  They moved through storage facilities containing preserved specimens in temperature-controlled units, equipment rooms where field gear was meticulously organized by type and function, and the medical bay that was apparently staffed 24/7 because "field work accidents don't happen on convenient schedules."

  "Safety protocols," Matt said, pulling up a digital document on a wall-mounted screen. "These are non-negotiable. Emergency exits are marked in green,memorize their locations relative to wherever you're working. Fire suppression is automated but can be manually triggered here," he pointed to a clearly marked panel. "Hazardous materials are stored in designated areas with specific handling requirements. You'll need certification before accessing those sections."

  Micah absorbed the information as quickly as he could, though the sheer volume was overwhelming. Laboratory safety, equipment operation, data handling protocols, specimen preservation techniques, emergency procedures for various scenarios including Pokémon-related incidents,it was like drinking from a fire hose.

  "Don't try to memorize everything today," Matt advised, apparently sensing Micah's growing stress. "The important stuff will become routine through repetition. For now, just get the broad strokes,where things are, who to ask for help, what the big safety concerns are."

  They reached Phoebe's section of the facility around 10 AM,a space that was distinctly more aquatic in focus than the other divisions. Large tanks lined the walls, containing various Water-type Pokémon in controlled environments. Monitoring equipment tracked temperature, pH levels, salinity, and dozens of other variables that Micah couldn't begin to identify.

  Phoebe herself was bent over a microscope, examining what appeared to be a water sample, her orange hair pulled back in the same messy bun from last night. She looked up as they entered, face brightening with recognition.

  "Ah, the apprentice survives his first morning. How's the information overload treating you?"

  "It's... a lot," Micah admitted.

  "It always is. Matt, did you cover the basics? Emergency procedures, equipment locations, safety protocols?"

  "Yes, ma'am. He's got the overview. Figured we'd do hands-on familiarization this afternoon once he's processed the morning dump."

  "Smart. Take a break, Micah. Get some water, let your brain cool down, maybe take your Pokémon outside for a quick walk. We'll reconvene in thirty minutes for the fun part,actually getting your hands dirty." Phoebe returned her attention to the microscope. "Matt, can you check the filtration system on Tank Seven? I'm getting readings that don't match yesterday's baseline."

  Matt moved immediately to the indicated tank, pulling up diagnostic screens and making notes. This was how research actually worked, Micah realized,not dramatic discoveries and exciting breakthroughs, but careful monitoring, systematic data collection, and immediate response to anomalies.

  He took Phoebe's advice and headed outside with Donny and Bellatrix. The morning sun was warm on the mountain, and the air carried the distinctive scent of pine and stone. Donny immediately began investigating interesting rocks,his favorite activity,while Bellatrix conducted her standard perimeter assessment.

  Micah found a flat boulder and sat, pulling out his PokeNav to check messages. One from his mother, time-stamped early that morning,

  Sweetheart, your father and I received your letter. We're so glad you and Donny arrived safely. The farm is managing,we sold three more acres to a developer from Slateport, which gives us breathing room through the season. Don't worry about us. Focus on your apprenticeship. We love you and are so proud. Mom

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  The relief was immediate and overwhelming. His parents were okay. Not thriving, maybe, but okay. The weight of guilt he'd been carrying,abandoning them to chase his own future,eased slightly.

  He typed back, Love you both. Tell Dad that Donny is getting stronger every day. He'd be proud of how his Rhyhorn's offspring is developing. I'll write more this weekend with details about the facility. Everything here is incredible and terrifying in equal measure.

  A second message waited, this one from Finn,

  Dude. DUDE. You won't believe what happened. Vandal evolved! Like, just evolved yesterday during training. He's a Mightyena now and he's MASSIVE and we actually beat a wild Linoone without taking a single hit. I know you said we'd have our battle when we're both ready but holy crap I'm getting ready FAST. Don't slack off or I'll kick your ass when we finally meet up again. -F

  Micah grinned despite himself. Finn's Poochyena had evolved into Mightyena, a genuine accomplishment that required consistent training and care. His friend was taking their promised future battle seriously. Good. That gave Micah additional motivation to train Donny properly, to develop into a trainer worth challenging.

  He sent back, Congratulations on the evolution! That's amazing progress. Don't get cocky though,Donny knows Counter and once I figure out how to use it properly, your Mightyena is going to have problems. Race you to competence.

  The thirty-minute break passed quickly. Micah returned to Phoebe's section to find her and Matt setting up what appeared to be a water chemistry analysis station.

  "Perfect timing," Phoebe said, gesturing him over. "We're going to teach you the absolute basics of aquatic sample analysis. This is fundamental to my division's work, understanding water composition, how it affects Pokémon health, how environmental changes propagate through ecosystems. Exciting stuff, I promise."

  Micah approached the station, which was covered in equipment that looked complicated and expensive. Beakers, testing strips, digital analyzers, reference charts showing optimal ranges for various parameters.

  "First principle," Phoebe began, falling into teaching mode. "Water is never just water. It's a complex solution containing dissolved minerals, organic compounds, microorganisms, temperature gradients, and pH variations. All of these factors affect which Pokémon can thrive in a given environment and how they adapt to changes."

  She pulled out what appeared to be a simple water sample,clear liquid in a sealed container. "This is from the coast west of Rustboro, collected yesterday morning. Looks fine, right? drinkable by human standards. But to a Water-type Pokémon, this tells a complete story about the ecosystem."

  Matt pulled up a digital interface on a nearby screen, displaying empty data fields waiting to be filled. "Standard analysis protocol involves testing for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, mineral content,specifically calcium, magnesium, and various trace elements,organic contamination, and microbial presence. Each test requires different equipment and methodology."

  "Which is where you come in," Phoebe said, her tone warming with enthusiasm. "We're going to teach you how to conduct a full baseline analysis. It'll take about two hours, and you'll probably mess up several times,that's fine, expected even. The goal isn't perfection; it's building foundational competence."

  She handed Micah a pair of safety gloves and protective eyewear. "Always wear proper safety equipment when handling samples. Even 'clean' water can carry contaminants or pathogens that you don't want on your skin or in your eyes."

  The next two hours were simultaneously fascinating and overwhelming. Phoebe and Matt walked Micah through each step of the analysis with patient thoroughness,

  Temperature measurement required a calibrated thermometer inserted to specific depth, held for exactly thirty seconds, then recorded to the nearest tenth of a degree.

  pH testing involved both litmus strips for quick reference and a digital analyzer for precise measurement, with the understanding that pH could vary throughout the day based on biological activity and temperature changes.

  Dissolved oxygen analysis required a specialized probe that measured oxygen concentration in parts per million, critical for understanding whether the water could support aerobic life.

  Mineral content testing was the most complex, involving chemical reagents that reacted with specific elements to produce color changes that were then measured spectroscopically. Micah had to learn proper reagent handling, precise measurement techniques, and how to read the spectroscope's output without accidentally contaminating samples.

  "You're doing better than most first-timers," Matt observed as Micah carefully pipetted a reagent into a test tube. "Your hand's steady,that's important. A lot of people shake when they're nervous, which ruins measurements."

  "Farm work," Micah explained, concentrating on keeping the pipette level. "You learn to be steady when you're handling delicate seedlings or treating sick Pokémon."

  "Agricultural skills transfer surprisingly well to laboratory work," Phoebe agreed, making notes on her own data tablet. "Both require patience, attention to detail, and the ability to follow complex procedures without cutting corners. That puts you ahead of some candidates who come from purely academic backgrounds."

  By the time they'd completed the full analysis,temperature, 18.7°C, pH, 7.2, dissolved oxygen, 8.4 ppm, mineral content within normal ranges for the region,Micah's concentration was flagging. His mind felt full, oversaturated with new information.

  "Break time," Phoebe declared, apparently recognizing the signs. "You've been processing technical information for hours. Your brain needs rest. Go have lunch, take your Pokémon for another walk, don't think about water chemistry for at least an hour."

  "What should I do this afternoon?" Micah asked, carefully removing his safety equipment.

  "Come back around 2 PM. I'll have Matt set you up with equipment cleaning duty,unglamorous but essential. Every piece of equipment we used this morning needs to be properly cleaned, calibrated, and stored. That's standard protocol after any analysis session, and it'll give you hands-on familiarity with the tools."

  "Plus," Matt added with a knowing grin, "equipment cleaning is meditative. Repetitive physical tasks after intense mental work help consolidate learning. Your brain processes the morning's information while your hands do simple, mechanical work."

  Micah nodded, filed that away as practical advice, and headed to lunch with his Pokémon in tow.

  The cafeteria was busier at midday, researchers taking breaks from their various projects to refuel. Micah claimed his food,some kind of curry with rice and vegetables, and found an empty table near the windows. Donny settled at his feet, content to doze after his morning explorations, while Bellatrix maintained her standard vigilant position.

  He was halfway through his meal when someone approached, a woman probably in her mid twenties, with violet hair styled into a bob and an expression that suggested emotions were inefficient distractions. She carried a data tablet and moved with precise, economical efficiency.

  "Micah DeLaroche," she stated, not quite a question. "The apprentice."

  "Uh, yes. That's me." Micah set down his fork, suddenly feeling like he was being evaluated.

  "Courtney. Behavioral analysis division." She didn't offer a handshake, just stood there with perfect posture, apparently waiting for something.

  "Nice to meet you?"

  "I've reviewed your intake documentation. Farm background, minimal formal education, recruited directly by Maxie following an emergency situation involving your family's land." Her tone was completely neutral, stating facts without judgment. "Unusual circumstances. Typically apprentices arrive through academic channels with established credentials."

  Micah wasn't sure if that required a response, so he just nodded.

  "Maxie doesn't make recruitment decisions casually," Courtney continued. "Therefore your presence indicates potential he's identified. I will be observing your development with interest." She paused, then added with what might have been the ghost of approval, "Your Rhyhorn displays advanced behavioral markers for its age. The imprinting is well-established, and its response to your presence suggests healthy attachment without codependency. That's good fundamental training."

  "Thank you?"

  "Not a compliment. An observation." She adjusted her tablet, making a note. "When Phoebe's rotation concludes and my division becomes active, you will likely be assigned to my team for a period. I will expect absolute precision in data collection and behavioral documentation. No approximations, no assumptions, no creative interpretation of protocols. Are we clear?"

  "Crystal."

  "Good." Courtney turned to leave, then paused. "Your Houndour is well-trained. Guard-type, professional specification. You should study her behavioral patterns,they'll provide excellent examples of disciplined response conditioning and threat assessment protocols."

  She walked away without waiting for acknowledgment, leaving Micah feeling like he'd just been subjected to the most clinical evaluation of his life.

  "That was Courtney," someone said from a nearby table. Micah turned to see an older researcher, probably in his forties, with graying hair and laugh lines around his eyes. "Don't take it personally. She evaluates everyone like they're specimens. It's how her brain works."

  "Does she ever... relax?"

  "Define relax." The researcher chuckled. "I'm Dr. Yamada, biochemistry consultant. Been with the facility for three years. Courtney's brilliant but intense. The trick is not trying to engage her socially,just provide the data she requests and stay out of her analytical path."

  "Noted. Thanks for the warning."

  "No problem. Welcome to the team, by the way. Having an apprentice around is good for facility morale. Reminds us that we're training the next generation, not just grinding through research cycles." He stood, collecting his tray. "You'll do fine. Maxie doesn't make mistakes about people."

  Micah finished his lunch feeling slightly more confident. Multiple people had now expressed some version of faith in his potential. Maybe he actually could do this. Maybe he wasn't completely out of his depth.

  Maybe.