I woke to the sound of wingulls and the low creak of the inn settling around me.

  For a moment, I didn't remember where I was. Then the events of the previous night flooded back, forest, fire, blood, the weight of Caesar's breathing against my side, Ash's wide eyes in the cave. My chest tightened, but eased when I reminded myself that everyone had made it back alive.

  I pushed the covers aside and sat up. Morning light spilled through the window, pale and cool. My muscles protested as I stood, a dull ache from yesterday's activities. I stretched once, then crossed the room to wash up at the sink, cold water splashing my face while my hands braced against the porcelain until my breathing steadied.

  I dressed simply a t-shirt, ranger jacket, pants, and boots. I clipped my RangerNav to my belt, more out of habit than necessity.

  As I stepped into the hallway, the inn was already awake. Doors opened and closed softly, and footsteps padded over the wooden floor. Somewhere, Mr. Mime's muffled mime-mime echoed as it moved between rooms, likely already tidying up.

  I followed the hall toward the stairs and descended into the main area. The smell of breakfast hit me halfway down, toast, berries, and something sweet simmering on the stove.

  Ash was already at the table.

  He sat with his shoulders hunched, spoon moving mechanically through his bowl without making any noise or turning on the TV.

  Delia stood at the counter, her back to me, hair tied up, wearing a loose shirt and apron instead of her robe. She plated food with steady, practiced motions, but there was tension in her posture that wasn't usually there.

  I approached quietly.

  "How's Ash?" I asked, keeping my voice low.

  She didn't turn right away. "He's fine," she replied. "He didn't say much after we got home. Just went straight to bed."

  I nodded. "I spoke with him at the lab before you arrived."

  That made her pause. She set the plate down and finally looked at me, worry etched on her face, a mother's worry.

  "He told me," I continued carefully, "that he went after the Charizard because he thought maybe he could get a Charmander out of it. He believed that getting a Pokémon at a young age would make him stronger. He heard it from me."

  Her jaw tightened as she processed my words.

  Delia exhaled slowly, her hands braced on the counter. For a moment, she was silent.

  "Do you want me to talk to him?" I asked. "I can try, if you want."

  She hesitated, the conflict clear on her face, motherly instinct clashing with the realization that I may have started this.

  Finally, she nodded once. "Okay. But gently."

  We carried the plates over together and sat across from Ash.

  "Hey, Ashy," Delia said softly. "Do you want to talk about yesterday?"

  "No," he muttered immediately, his eyes glued to his bowl.

  I didn't wait.

  "Ash," I said calmly, "you were right about one thing yesterday. I did have a Pokémon when I was younger than you."

  He glanced up, startled.

  "But what you did," I continued, "was dangerous. You could have died. Gary could have died."

  His mouth twisted. "You did dangerous stuff too."

  "I did," I agreed. "I was lucky and supervised. Even then, I messed up more times than I can count."

  Delia nodded firmly. "Exactly."

  I leaned forward slightly. "If you want a Pokémon, the right way is to talk to your mom. She can help you do it properly and safely."

  "And," I added, "Caesar wasn't even mine at first. He was my aunt's Pokémon until recently."

  Ash's eyes widened. "Really?"

  Delia crossed her arms, a dangerous smile creeping onto her face. "Don't get any ideas. You're still grounded."

  His shoulders slumped. "I'm still grounded…"

  "Yes," she said sweetly. "Very much so."

  After that, I finished my breakfast quietly. The tension eased just a little—enough.

  When I stood, Delia looked at me. "Heading to the lab?"

  "Yeah," I replied. "And to check on Caesar and Livia."

  She smiled, softer now. "Sure. And… thank you. Again."

  I nodded and stepped outside.

  The morning sun hit my face as soon as I cleared the door, warm and bright. A breeze rolled in from the ocean, carrying salt and the sound of waves. For a moment, I just stood there, breathing it in.

  Then I headed down the road toward Oak's lab.

  The path through Pallet was now familiar, the fences, the fields, the distant lowing of Pokémon grazing. People waved as I passed, and I waved back.

  Upon reaching the lab grounds, I didn't hesitate. I went straight inside and down the corridor to the room Clancy, Ashley, and I usually used between sessions.

  They were both there.

  Ashley sat on the edge of the table, arms folded, her expression unreadable. Clancy paced, hands clasped behind his back, irritation written all over his face.

  "You're late," Clancy said immediately.

  "Morning to you too," I replied.

  Ashley snorted. "We were wondering if you got eaten by the rogue Charizard yesterday."

  "Almost," I said flatly.

  That got their attention.

  Clancy stopped pacing. "Wait... what?"

  "We'll talk later," I said. "Where are we supposed to go?"

  Clancy rolled his eyes. "The professor's office. We've been waiting on you."

  "Great," I said. "Lead the way."

  We continued down the hall together, the sound of our boots echoing softly off the polished floor. The deeper we went into the lab, the more active it became, researchers moving between rooms with tablets in hand, aides carrying equipment, and the low hum of machines bleeding through the walls.

  The corridor opened into the main lab hall.

  I slowed without meaning to.

  Professor Oak stood near the center of the room, shoulders squared, listening intently. Surrounding him were several senior researchers, two police officers in standard blue, and a Ranger in a forest-green jacket with the League insignia stitched over the chest. The atmosphere wasn't exactly tense, but it was serious, the kind of seriousness that lingers after something has gone wrong.

  We didn't interrupt. Instead, we stopped a few steps away and waited.

  "…with all due respect, Professor," the Ranger said, his voice controlled yet firm, "that Charizard is a hazard. It could have flown over to the town and attacked civilians, children, even. Standard protocol would dictate relocation at a minimum. If it can't be secured—"

  "...it will not be put down," Oak replied calmly.

  His words carried weight, and the room fell silent.

  The Ranger exhaled through his nose, rubbing his jaw. "Sir… you know the League won't accept that answer."

  "I'm aware," Oak said. "And I'll take responsibility for it. The Charizard EMBERwill be secured, contained, and observed. I'll personally oversee the process."

  One of the police officers glanced between them. "If you're certain it won't pose a risk again..."

  "I am," Oak affirmed. "That Pokémon is territorial, injured, and acting out of fear, not malice."

  The Ranger studied Oak for a long moment before giving a short nod. "Alright. I'll report that it's being handled internally."

  He turned to leave, then stopped when he noticed us.

  His gaze lingered on me a beat longer than the others. "You're the junior Ranger," he said.

  I nodded. "Yes, sir."

  He returned the nod, a flicker of approval crossing his face. "Good work last night; I read the report. And for what it's worth, if you decide to pursue a full Ranger position when you come of age… you'll do fine."

  I didn't trust my voice, so I simply nodded again.

  The officers followed him out, their boots clicking softly as they disappeared down the corridor.

  The room felt lighter after they left, as if a held breath had finally been released.

  Professor Oak turned toward us, his expression easing into something warmer. "Good morning," he said.

  "Good morning, Professor," we replied almost in unison.

  Ashley shifted her weight, concern evident in her voice. "Is… Gary alright?"

  Oak smiled faintly. "Physically? Yes. His mother, however, is having what one might call a field day with him."

  Clancy winced. "Yikes."

  Oak chuckled. "I believe that lesson will stick."

  He motioned us forward. "Come. There's something for you."

  We followed him to the far end of the hall, where a long table had been cleared. A sleek, dark case sat on top, the Oak Labs emblem etched into its surface.

  Without ceremony, he opened it.

  Inside were three devices.

  My breath caught.

  Pokédexes.

  They were slimmer than I had imagined, black casing with subtle silver trim, the screen dark , as if it were waiting to be used. The back bore a small League seal beneath the Oak Labs insignia. When Oak lifted one, it powered on with a soft chime.

  "This is the latest prototype," he said. "More than a simple encyclopedia: environmental scanning, behavioral logging, habitat mapping, evolutionary tracking…"

  He set one in front of each of us.

  "When synced to your PokéGear, it will also function as a computer once you set it up, as well as an ID," he added, looking at us carefully.

  I picked mine up slowly.

  It felt cool to the touch.

  "As for your responsibilities," Oak continued, "you'll be expected to record accurate data—not just on the Pokémon you encounter, but on your own as well: training, development, setbacks. No falsifying entries or engaging in illegal activity. Any breach will result in the device being revoked."

  Ashley nodded seriously, and Clancy swallowed before nodding as well.

  I kept my gaze fixed on the Dex.

  "Congratulations," Oak said gently. "You've earned this."

  Something in my chest loosened. I hadn't realized how tightly I'd been holding myself together until that moment.

  The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  "Thank you, Professor," I said quietly.

  He inclined his head. "This marks the end of your time here, for now. You're free to depart today."

  Ashley let out a breathy laugh. "I can't believe this."

  Clancy grinned, unable to contain his excitement. "Finally."

  Oak's gaze shifted back to me. "Arata. If you could stay for a moment?"

  I looked up. "Of course."

  Ashley and Clancy exchanged glances, and Ashley gave me a small smile. "See you later?"

  "Yeah," I replied.

  They headed for the exit, excitement buzzing between them.

  Oak gestured toward his office. "Come."

  I followed him down the familiar hallway, past the glass walls and humming equipment, until we reached his door. He opened it and waved me inside.

  I sat where I had before, the Dex resting in my hands as my thoughts struggled to catch up.

  Oak took his seat across from me, studying me with that same thoughtful curiosity.

  I broke the silence first.

  "…What is this about, Professor?"

  Oak didn't respond immediately. He leaned back slightly, fingers steepled, his thoughtful gaze making my shoulders tense despite myself.

  "I suppose," he began slowly, "I should start with a confession."

  That caught my attention.

  "I was present in the cavern yesterday," he continued. "For a few moments before I intervened."

  The words hit harder than I expected.

  "You were there?" I blurted before I could stop myself. "Professor, do you have any idea how dangerous that was? Ash, Gary, my Pokémon..."

  He raised a hand, calm but firm. "Arata."

  I stopped.

  "You underestimate my Pokémon," he said gently, "and me. The moment I arrived, none of you were in any real danger."

  I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to breathe. He wasn't wrong.

  Still…

  "You let it go on," I said quietly. "You watched."

  "Yes," he replied without hesitation. "Because what I was witnessing mattered."

  I looked down at the Dex, my thumb resting along its edge.

  "You tried to calm the Ember," Oak said.

  My chest tightened.

  "You used aura."

  I looked up sharply.

  He studied me closely now, like a scientist on the brink of a rare discovery.

  "I have encountered many unusual abilities in my life," Oak said. "Some classified, some misunderstood, some lost to history. Aura… is one of the oldest."

  I swallowed.

  I'd never put a name to my power.

  It might not even be aura...

  I let out a slow breath. Right.

  He leaned forward. "Tell me about it."

  The room felt smaller.

  I could lie. But this was Samuel Oak.

  I sighed.

  "It's something I feel," I said. "And I share it with my Pokémon in general; it's unique."

  Oak nodded, listening.

  I hesitated, then added, "I don't even know if it is aura."

  He smiled, a small, genuine smile.

  "Thank you for your honesty," he said. "That alone tells me a great deal."

  He fell silent, his gaze drifting to the window as if he were arranging his thoughts.

  Then he said, "I have a proposition for you."

  My pulse jumped. "Sir?"

  "How would you feel about becoming a lab trainer here?"

  For a moment, I genuinely thought I'd misheard him.

  "…A lab... what?"

  "A trainer affiliated with my research team," Oak clarified. "You would assist in observation, field testing, training young Pokémon as starters, and accompanying researchers as protection in the field."

  My mouth opened. Then closed.

  That was...

  That was huge.

  "I... why?" I asked, feeling a bit slow.

  Oak didn't hesitate. "Because of your potential. As a trainer. Because of your Ability. And most importantly..."

  His eyes met mine, steady and warm.

  "...because of your bond with your Pokémon."

  Something in my chest twisted, pride.

  "You would remain a junior Ranger," he continued. "This would not interfere with your duties. In fact, it would complement them. You may begin your journey when you turn sixteen next year. Until then, you would work here and learn. You would also be paid."

  I stared at him.

  This wasn't just an offer; this was sponsorship—quiet and indirect.

  "…What about Clancy and Ashley?" I asked after a moment.

  Oak smiled faintly. "Clancy has already been accepted to Saffron University. My letter of recommendation helped smooth the way."

  That made sense.

  "And Ashley?"

  "She's heading to Hoenn," he said. "Contests. She has her own path."

  I leaned back, absorbing it all.

  "I accept," I said quietly.

  Oak's smile widened. "Good. We'll work out the details soon. There will be paperwork, interviews, and a few conversations I need to have."

  He stood. "For now, you should retrieve your Pokémon."

  Right. The Center.

  As if on cue, my RangerNav chimed softly with a status update: Caesar and Livia were stable and cleared for pickup.

  "I should tell my aunt," I said, already rising.

  Oak nodded. "Of course."

  I left his office in a daze, the world feeling like it had shifted half a step to the side.

  The Pokémon Center was busy but efficient. They recognized me immediately, guided me to a waiting area, and then returned Caesar and Livia's Poké Balls with quiet reassurances. Orin's ball was warm at my belt, a steady presence.

  I stepped aside into a private booth, thumb hovering for a moment before tapping in Hailey's contact.

  The screen flickered.

  Hailey appeared, her hair pulled back messily, wearing pajamas that clearly hadn't been chosen for company. She blinked once, then smiled when she saw me.

  "Hey," she said. "What's up? You haven't called in a few days."

  I smiled awkwardly, feeling a mix of fatigue and excitement. The image of a fire-lit cave and the feral roar of a Charizard flashed in my mind.

  "…Yeah. It's been a long few days. But..."

  I reached into my jacket and pulled out the

  Pokédex, holding it up to the screen.

  For a moment, she just stared.

  Then her eyes widened.

  "Oh," she breathed. Then, with greater intensity, pride swelling in her voice, she exclaimed, "Oh my Arceus. Arata."

  She laughed and covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes sparkling. "You finally did it."

  I nodded, a grin tugging at my lips despite myself. "Yeah. I did."

  She shook her head slowly, a mix of disbelief and pride crossing her face. "I knew you would. I knew it." Leaning closer to the screen, she added, "I'm so proud of you."

  A warm feeling settled in my chest. "Thanks."

  She tilted her head, studying me as she always did when checking for damage, be it physical or emotional. "So… when are you coming back?"

  I hesitated.

  Then I said it. "I'm not. Not yet."

  Her smile faltered, just slightly.

  "I'm staying here," I continued. "Professor Oak offered me a position as a lab trainer for the next year."

  For a moment, she just stared.

  Then her face lit up again, brighter than before. "That's, Arata, that's amazing."

  I released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "Yeah. It kind of is."

  She laughed softly, shaking her head. "A lab trainer under Oak. Do you have any idea how significant that is?"

  "I'm starting to."

  Her smile was proud but tinged with wistfulness. Then, as if it were

  a casual remark, she said, "Huh. I was hoping you'd be back soon. I wanted to introduce you to my boyfriend."

  I stared at the screen.

  "…Your what?"

  I didn't think she was the type to have ONLY one.

  Her eyebrow twitched.

  "Oh," she said flatly. "You were thinking something rude just now, weren't you?"

  "No," I replied immediately, perhaps too quickly. "I was thinking… normal thoughts."

  She narrowed her eyes. "Uh-huh."

  I coughed, adjusting my grip on the Dex. "Anyway, I should go. I need to pick up my Pokémon."

  She smirked. "Sure you do."

  "I'll call you later," I said quickly.

  "Arata—"

  I ended the call.

  The screen went dark.

  I stared at my reflection for a moment, then exhaled slowly.

  Boyfriend. Right. Of course.

  I clipped the Dex back to my belt and headed out to collect my Pokémon.

  Back at the Ketchum Inn, the atmosphere felt quieter than before.

  I stepped through the back gate into the garden.

  Delia was there, standing between rows of berry trees, sleeves rolled up and hair tied back. She was inspecting leaves, humming softly to herself, while Mr. Mime stood nearby, holding a basket with exaggerated care.

  She looked up when she heard my steps.

  "Oh! You're back," she said warmly. "Everything alright?"

  I nodded, unable to suppress a smile. I unclipped the Dex and held it up. "I got it. Officially."

  Her hands flew to her mouth.

  "Oh, Arata, congratulations!" She rushed toward me, her eyes sparkling. "That's wonderful!"

  "Thanks."

  She paused, tilting her head as her smile faded slightly. "So… when are you leaving?"

  The question landed softly, yet it still had an impact.

  "I'm not," I replied. "At least, not for a while. Oak offered me a position here as a lab trainer for the next year."

  Her expression shifted, first surprise, then something softer.

  "Oh," she said, smiling as she clasped her hands together. "That's wonderful."

  "Yes," she added quickly. "This place could use someone like you." She laughed lightly. "And honestly, it'll be nice to have another responsible adult around."

  I snorted. "Low bar."

  She looked at me with pride and warmth. "I think it's going to be a very good year."

  I gazed out over the berry trees, the ocean just visible beyond them.

  "Yeah," I said quietly. "I think so too."

  END OF ARC