Chapter Text
“GET UP, WILL! It’s a beautiful morning in Johto!”
My mom’s voice crashed into my dreams like a Hyper Beam through a glass window. Bright, relentless, and impossible to ignore. I groaned, dragging the blanket over my head as sunlight leaked through the curtains, stabbing at my eyes.
And then I remembered. Today wasn’t just any horrible morning.
It was my birthday.
Seventeen. One more year older. One more year without a single Pokémon to my name.
Most kids in Johto grew up with the same dream: turning fifteen, meeting their first partner, and setting out into the world to find adventure. Me? That dream had been locked away ever since my grandfather’s death. His Rhydon, - large, unstoppable, and honestly terrifying, went on a rampage that left half our land in ruins and left my family too scarred to risk letting me train. Since then, the answer had always been the same: No Pokémon. Not for you. Not ever.
So I stayed home. Studied. I memorized everything I could. Movesets, typing charts, breeding patterns, and even that obscure trivia trainers usually forget. At first, it was exciting. Now? Just an endless cycle of facts and theories with no Pokémon to actually share them with.
Still, hopeless hope is better than no hope. Maybe this birthday would be different.
Dragging myself out of bed, I caught sight of my reflection in the mirror. Same messy brown hair. Same odd swirl of blue and green in my eyes. At least the acne was finally clearing up, and oh look, I actually grew last night. Small victories.
I started to trudge downstairs, only to feel a sudden shove.
“Hu-AGGHHKK!”
My younger brother had body-checked me mid-step, and the world turned into a blur of stairs and pain. I crashed to the bottom in a heap of limbs, groaning dramatically as my birthday morning nearly ended with a trip to the ER.
“LIAM WYNTERS!” My mom’s voice rang like a thunderclap as she caught sight of me sprawled on the floor.
My little brother froze. Mom’s glare promised swift punishment.
I smile to myself. Karma, sweet Karma. Happy birthday to me.
As tradition stated, my father took me outside for some uninterrupted talking. Which was rare; he was almost always off on business trips to other regions, or inspecting Pokémon as part of his work. I still didn’t get why he could spend every waking hour with Pokémon while forbidding me from having one. His usual line was, “Treating a Pokémon’s illness is different than training one. And you’re too young for that.”
But this morning felt different.
We sat down on the back steps, and he didn’t waste any time. His voice came calm but heavy. “Will.”
I looked over, and he was already holding something out to me.
It was an unusual Pokéball, white, smooth, gleaming faintly in the porch light. A Premier Ball.
For a moment, I could only stare, my emotions tangled in shock, confusion, and gratitude.
“This isn’t just a regular Pokéball,” he continued, seeing my expression. “It’s a Premier Ball. You only get one when you’ve purchased enough standard Pokéballs to earn it as a gift. A mark of dedication. Now… I know your mother will think of how her father died every time she sees it, but…” His voice softened. “I can’t stand watching you so down anymore. You’ve graduated two years before anyone in your class, and you don’t have schoolwork to distract you anymore. You deserve this chance.”
He leaned closer, his eyes firm. “If, or more likely when, you bring home a Pokémon, don’t hesitate to call me. I’ll help you keep your mom calm.”
This wasn’t the usual: Hey son, what do you want this year?
This was something entirely different.
“D-dad… are you sure about this?” My voice cracked as I held the Premier Ball in my hands.
“I’m positive.”
I hugged him. I honestly couldn’t remember the last time I had hugged my father. It was grounding, almost surreal. But then, a tickle showed up in the back of my mind. But not a tickle, it was a sharp poke in my head like someone was attacking my brain.
I flinched, and he pulled back. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing. Just… something weird in my head. Like, like someone shoved me.”
He stroked his chin, thoughtful. “Hmm. That might be a Psychic Pokémon reaching out to you now that you’ve got a Ball. You should try to find it!” His tone was almost giddy.
I wasn’t in the mood for a hunt, but I didn’t want to crush his excitement. So, I nodded and went searching in the forest.
The further I walked from the house, the sharper and more frequent those mental shoves grew. My head throbbed like invisible hands were pressing against my skull, guiding me forward.
When I stepped into a clearing, I froze.
It wasn’t a party. It wasn’t a ceremony. It was… something else.
Hundreds, no, thousands of Pokémon were gathered in this huge clearing.
Every single one of them radiated psychic energy. Slowpoke, Exeggcute, Hypno, Mr. Mime, Beheeyem, familiar and strange alike, all turned their glowing eyes toward me.
I tried to retreat, but before I could, I was lifted off the ground like a puppet, suspended in the psychic haze. My stomach lurched.
“What the?” My whisper barely left my lips as I spotted it.
At the center of them all sat an egg. Gleaming. Pulsing with light.
Then the voices began.
“What shall we do with the human?”
“Gut it. Eat its innards.”
“It looks plump. I wonder how bouncy it is?” (That one, I think, came from a very large Jynx.)
A harsher voice cut through. “No. We must know why it trespasses in our forest.”
The air started to shimmer, and then—“WHAT. ARE. YOU. DOING. IN. MY. FOREST?!”
The sound ripped through my skull like a hammer. I cried out, clutching my head.
Another voice said idly, “Do you think it heard us? You should try again.”
“No, please don’t!” I blurted before I could stop myself.
Silence. Every single Pokémon turned to stare.
The Exeggutor closest to me tilted its heads. “Itsss underssstandsss uss…”
“Yes, I can understand you!” I snapped, half-panicked. “Now please, put me down and I’ll be on my- EEEEAAARRRGHHH!”
The shoves in my skull spiked into a searing knife. My knees buckled in midair as tears pricked my eyes. The pain wasn’t coming from the crowd. It was radiating from the egg.
They hesitated. Then, slowly, my unseen captor lowered me to the ground.
I stumbled forward, my eyes wide as I was drawn in by the pull of the egg. The Pokémon parted in silence. My hands shook as I reached out, placing my palm against the shell.
Warmth. But more than warmth.
It was the same comfort of being curled up by a fire with cocoa. The safety of being surrounded by family during a storm. Balance. Calm. Relief.
The crowd seemed to feel it too. Their eyes widened, their psychic glow shifting from suspicion to reverence. One by one, they bowed.
The Slowking at the front spoke solemnly: “You may take the egg with you, benevolent leader.”
Leader? My brain scrambled. Wait. Me?
But no one contradicted it.
I lifted the egg carefully into my arms. It was mine now—my responsibility.
Still in shock, I turned back. The Pokémon continued bowing as I stepped out of the clearing. But when I looked back again, there was nothing. Only trees.
By the time I reached the yard, my parents were still arguing, like nothing had changed. My dad spotted me first.
“Will? Weren’t you supposed to be catching a Pokémon?”
Wordlessly, I held up the egg.
Both of them stared in stunned silence.
Dad finally asked, “Where did you get that?”
I couldn’t tell them the truth. Not about the forest, not about the bowing. So I lied. “Some nice lady down the street. We chatted, and when she realized I didn’t have a Pokémon, she gave me this egg.”
He looked skeptical about something, but let it go with a shake of his head. “Go wash up. Breakfast soon.”
I showered, scrubbing away the dirt and sweat. Back in my room, I bundled the egg in blankets, placing it carefully on my bed. Then I locked the window. Double-checked the door.
Whatever this egg was, it wasn’t ordinary.
And now, it was mine.
When I walk downstairs, the air feels lighter than before—my parents have stopped arguing and are already taking their seats at the table. I slide into the chair next to my dad, while my brother sits by my mom.
Dad’s Mr. Mime bustles in with a tray, setting down plates loaded with Chansey eggs, courtesy of Mom’s Pokémon, along with crisp bacon and golden-brown hash browns. The smell alone makes my stomach rumble. We dig in, and for a while, the clatter of silverware fills the silence.
As we eat, Mom and Dad fall into conversation about his old traveling days, and—of course—my brother can’t resist butting in. “So, the World Coronation Series—” he starts, eyes wide like he’s holding back a secret.
That catches my attention. “The what now?” I ask, looking up from my plate.
His face lights up. “It’s this massive tournament where thousands of trainers battle to prove who’s the ultimate best. But really, everyone knows it’s about one thing—defeating the Champion.”
I raise a brow. “And who’s the Champion?”
“That’s the mystery!” he says, leaning forward like he’s telling me a campfire story. “No one knows who they are. But at the end of every year, only nine trainers qualify to face them. And whoever wins gets the title of the world’s strongest.”
I sit back, mulling it over. “Huh. That actually sounds… kind of fun.”
The thought lingers, but my brother cuts in again, smirking. “Not that it matters for you. To even qualify, you’d need a Pokémon. Which you don’t have.”
I let the jab sit for a moment, then lean in close, lowering my voice to a whisper: “Is that really the best you’ve got? Your insults hit harder than a Magikarp. Which is to say, they don’t.”
His smirk falters, but before he can think of a comeback, I casually stand, carry my empty plate to the sink, and leave him stewing.
Upstairs, the air is different—too quiet. My bedroom door is ajar. My chest tightens, and I hurry inside.
That’s when I see it.
An Ekans, coiled low, its tongue flicking, fangs bared—hovering right above my egg.
“No!” I shout, lunging forward without thinking. My hands clamp around its neck, and with a surge of adrenaline, I hurl the serpent against the wall. It crashes with a sickening thud, hissing angrily.
The noise draws Mom’s Chansey, who waddles into the room with wide eyes. “Chansey!” she chirps.
“Use Disarming Voice!” I bark.
Chansey’s cry rings sharp and melodic, washing over the Ekans. The serpent lets out one last screech before slithering back through the crack of the window, defeated.
I slump back, heart racing. Chansey, unshaken, walks up to the egg. She gazes at it for a long moment, then places her small hands gently on the shell. A soft glow blooms around her, seeping into the egg. I don’t recognize the move—Wish? Heal Pulse? Something else?—but the effect is clear. The egg pulses with light, brighter and brighter, before settling into a gentle shimmer.
Chansey gives a satisfied nod and waddles back out into the hall, resuming her chores as if nothing unusual had happened.
I, on the other hand, sit frozen. Weirdly creeped out, and oddly relieved, I can’t stop staring at the egg.
Later, Mom returns, carrying something cradled in her arms. “Here,” she says, holding out what looks like a padded case. “It’s an egg holder. Helps with incubating and protecting it. Should make things easier.”
I take it carefully, murmuring a quiet thanks.
And right on cue, my brother’s head pokes through the doorway. “Ha! Look at you. You’re never gonna make any friends lugging that around.”
I shoot him a glare. “Says the guy who takes style tips from a potato sack.”
Mom sighs and swats me lightly on the head. “Be nicer to your brother.”
I groan, rubbing the spot. My eyes lock on him, though, and I give him a look that says everything I can’t say in front of Mom: We’ll finish this later.
After setting up the egg holder, which fitted quite nicely on my chest, I started my walk to school. I was quite surprised with how warm the egg was. On my way to school, I couldn’t resist the temptation to peek into a small, quirky store tucked between the bakery and the Pokémon supply shop. The bell above the door jingled as I stepped in, and the scent of polished metal, electric sparks, and faintly sweet candy hit me all at once. I wandered past rows of Pokéballs, badges, and miniature figurines, but then—something on a display table caught my eye.
It was… unlike anything I had ever seen. A sleek, black wrist device with glowing lines of light pulsing along its edges. I picked it up, and the warmth from its surface felt almost alive, like it was acknowledging my touch.
The tag said: “Multi-Pokéball Wrist Command Device – New Generation.”
I couldn’t resist asking the shopkeeper what it did. His eyes twinkled as he leaned closer. “Ah, that? It’s more than just a Pokéball holder. Watch.”
He tapped a button, and the six tiny Pokéballs on the display shrank, neatly docking into the wristband. “It can hold up to six Pokéballs safely, but that’s just the start. It monitors your Pokémon’s health, stamina, and status conditions in real time. Look here—” He swiped, and a holographic display popped up, showing HP bars, stamina, type weaknesses, and even predicted move effectiveness against common opponents.
I blinked. “Predicted… effectiveness?”
“Yep. It analyzes type advantages and suggests optimal moves during battle. Oh, and you can teach TMs directly through it, no extra tools needed. It also tracks your Pokémon’s recovery, alerts you to environmental hazards like weather, and even sends silent signals to your partner if you need to coordinate in a fight. It’s basically a miniature battlefield control center on your wrist.”
My jaw practically hit the floor. “That’s insane.”
As I was still marveling at the wrist device, my eyes landed on another item. It was a sleek, phone-like gadget with a tiny, glowing Rotom swirling inside its transparent case. The screen flickered with movement, almost like it was breathing.
The shopkeeper chuckled at my wide-eyed stare. “Ah, that’s the Rotom Phone. Imagine your Pokedex, your map, your battle tracker, and your communication hub all rolled into one.”
I leaned closer. “It… talks?”
“In a manner of speaking,” he said. “The Rotom inside can scan Pokémon, log all their stats, track their locations, and even alert you to nearby wild Pokémon. It has GPS tracking, battle analytics, and it monitors Pokémon moods and care requirements. You can communicate with other trainers directly through it, or even get advice in tricky situations. Oh, and the AR overlay lets you see Pokémon stats in real time while you’re outside. It’s basically a mobile command center for trainers.”
I had to take a deep breath. My mind was spinning. “So… I could track my Pokémon, talk to them, plan battles, AND monitor their health—all from one device?”
The shopkeeper nodded. “Exactly. And if anything weird happens—fake Pokéballs, sick Pokémon, rogue trainers—the Rotom can alert you and assist. It’s smart enough to adapt on its own. Just… treat it well. Rotom doesn’t like being ignored.”
I picked it up, and the little Rotom inside twirled like it had been waiting for me. My wrist device hummed slightly as if recognizing the Rotom Phone too. I couldn’t stop grinning. “Okay… yeah, these are going to be… incredible. But Like, ridiculously expensive.”
So because earlier my Dad said I could buy something with his card I decided this is what I wanted. So I took the Multi-Pokéball Wrist Command Device to the counter and bought it with my dads card.
I then slipped the wrist device onto my arm, feeling it mold oddly well to my wrist, and started talking to the shopkeeper. Today, my birthday, had just gotten a whole lot more interesting.
I was pretty cool, but then my eyes caught on what time it was. And I knew I was going to be late to school! “Sorry! Got to Go! “So rushing out of the store I speed-walked the rest of the way to school. And then I saw my teacher walking beside me and when Mrs. Perez noticed the egg on my chest and said “ Is that an egg?” ‘No its a child. What else would it be?’ stayed in my mouth but the words that came out were something along the lines of “ Yeah it is! I got it from a random pokemon that I met out in the woods!”
“Woods?” She asked as we entered the classroom. ‘Whoops’ “Yeah I found it in the woods! I hope it wont be an aggressive one!”
I then said as I sat down at my assigned seat and luckily enough we were doing a review assignment on pokemon eggs. ‘ ok, I have an egg all I need to do is figure out what it is. About halfway into a video from professor Oak, he says, “ we still have no clue how eggs appear! Its truly a mystery!” which got me thinking ‘In the forest did I walk into a pokemon creating a egg!?’ then I realized. ‘ no, please say I didn’t.’
After forcing that wild thought about Pokémon eggs out of my head, I focused on the pop quiz in front of me. A relief—it was multiple choice and only five questions. Piece of cake… or, well, egg. I finished quickly and got up to hand it in, clutching my precious bundle carefully against my chest.
And that’s when it happened.
I didn’t even see him coming. Ethan. Of course it had to be him. One second, I was walking calmly; the next, my foot caught on something, I know it was him, and I nearly face-planted onto my chest. My mind screamed: No! Not the egg!
And as i was falling i turned and my back hit the floor and i reached to make sure the egg was intact.
But before I could even react, a soft, golden glow started radiating from the egg. At first it was gentle, warm… almost like sunlight filtering through autumn leaves. Then, it intensified, brighter and brighter, until the classroom was bathed in an otherworldly light. Heads turned. Eyes widened. Even Mrs. Perez’s mouth hung open, frozen mid-sentence.
“Oh my… Will!” she gasped, and carefully, almost reverently, guided the egg onto a soft cushion she grabbed from the reading corner. “We… we’ll just watch it hatch.”
The glow didn’t dim. It pulsed like a heartbeat. I knelt closer, mesmerized, and tentatively placed my hand on the egg. And then—BOOM! The light exploded, blinding me for a moment, and a high-pitched, almost musical voice filled my mind. “WHERE… AM I? WHO… ARE YOU?!”
Before I could respond, a force shot through me, and I flew backwards, crashing into a desk. My heart raced. I opened my eyes to a scene of utter chaos: papers fluttered in the air, chairs were knocked over, and in the center of it all, perched atop Mrs. Perez’s desk, was the creature that had just emerged.
It was tiny, white, and had a curious little green hat-like growth on its head. Its eyes—well, they were more like shimmering orbs—stared straight into mine. And then reality kicked in. I grabbed the Pokéball from my pocket, aimed… and threw.
Time seemed to slow. The ball spun through the air, a streak of white, and hit the Pokémon perfectly. It shuddered. One… two… three… four… five… six… seven… eight… nine… ten shakes. And then—the click. Silence.
I blinked. My chest heaved. I… I had caught it. My very first Pokémon.
The classroom was still. Everyone was staring at me, at the Pokéball, at the glowing aftermath on the desk. Ethan looked shocked—though, honestly, he probably deserved that.
And there it was, nestled safely inside the ball: my partner, my birthday gift from fate itself, ready to begin the adventure that had only just begun.
After all the chaos, I decided to call my dad to let him know the egg had hatched. I’d need him to come pick me up. His voice on the line sounded… complicated. Part proud, part strained. I caught a faint hint of anger, but it didn’t seem directed at me.
By the time he arrived and I was waiting at the front of the school, I glanced down at my new partner in her ball and it hit me. She shares a birthday with me. How, perfect.
A brief moment of hesitation crossed my mind as i think: ‘Should I set her loose here? Or farther away so neither of us gets hurt?’ Nah. Close it is.
I released her from the Poké Ball. The world seemed to pause, holding its breath. Athena stepped out, small but poised, her presence calm and commanding. She didn’t move closer or farther—she just stared at me, her focus sharp, as if quietly weighing the world.
A wave of thoughts and feelings washed over me, not words, but emotions: confusion, curiosity, fear, and a longing for understanding. I could feel her searching for answers, for someone to guide her.
I tried to respond gently, speaking aloud, though I doubted she could understand the words yet. “Hey… my name is William. You’re in Johto. I found you as an egg, and I carried you, protected you… and you hatched here at my school.”
She tilted her head slightly, and a faint warmth pulsed through my mind, like a spark of recognition. I could sense her thinking—her mind brushing against mine, tentative, cautious.
I crouched down to be closer, careful not to startle her. “I don’t know who your mother is,” I said softly. “But I hope I can help you grow… to help you discover your true power.”
A gentle pressure, almost like a sigh, pressed against my thoughts. It wasn’t agreement, but something like trust. Slowly, she floated closer and closer until she went in between my legs and then hid behind my right leg, observing me and the world with quiet curiosity. I guess she likes that spot, I said to myself.
I smiled, touched by the silent connection. For the first time, I felt that we were more than trainer and Pokémon—we were partners, and this was the beginning of something extraordinary.
With that, she floated gracefully up onto my shoulder, her presence calm but alert. Athena observed the surrounding area in silence, as though quietly promising that this was only the start of my first adventure
When my dad pulled up in his car, he practically leapt out, excitement spilling out faster than he could control. “Is that a Ralts?! Wow! They aren’t found in this region! They’re rare even in other regions! Was this the Pokémon that hatched from the egg? Did you name it yet?”
I froze, caught off guard by the intensity of his reaction. Athena, who floated and was now hiding behind my leg again, pulsed faintly with warmth—a subtle shimmer I could feel even through my jacket. The energy he was radiating was… a lot, even for me.
“Dad, yeah, it is,” I managed, careful to keep my voice steady. “And She’s called a Ralts… well, I like the name Athena, and she likes it to
I sidestepped him and slid into the car. My dad gave me a brief look—part put out, part understanding—before settling into the driver’s seat. “We should get you registered! Then you can register a Pokédex and start building your team. Let’s head to the Pokémon Center.”
As we drove, Athena floated quietly next to me, occasionally tilting her head as if inspecting the passing scenery. During the drive I show my dad the Wrist command device and how it worked. And then handed him his card back.
When we arrive, I returned Athena to her Pokéball and wait while my dad led the way inside, the regular warm, cheerful voice greeted us. “Hello! Welcome to the Pokémon Center. We restore your Pokémon to full health and now even offer accommodations for trainers on their journeys!”
“My dad responds immediately, “No thank you. We’re actually here for a registration. My son’s actually” as he gestures to me
The nurse raised an eyebrow, studying me with mild curiosity. “Is that so? You look a bit old to be registering for a Pokédex.”
I shrugged, keeping my tone polite but firm. “It’s not my fault my parents wanted me to be a bit more mature before taking care of a pokemon.”
Athena stirred lightly inside her ball, a faint glow pulsing as if approving my words—or perhaps sensing the excitement in the room.
With that, Nurse Joy nodded and gestured for us to follow her into the back rooms. “This is where the interview process happens,” she explained, “to see if you’re eligible for a Pokédex and a trainer card.”
We stepped inside, and after nurse joy left, a Pokémon Ranger emerged, taking a seat across from me. His voice was rough, almost scratchy. “Are you this young man’s son?” he asked my father.
My father nodded.
“Okay, then I’m going to have to ask you to leave the room for the questioning process,” the ranger continued, “just to make sure there’s no influencing the answers.” My father gave me a quick, supportive smile and left the room.
The moment the door clicked shut, the ranger turned his piercing gaze on me. “Do you feel like you’re suited for the responsibility of a Pokémon?”
“Yes,” I replied firmly.
“Have you caught a Pokémon before?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Is that Pokémon your starter?”
“Yes.”
“What Pokémon is it?”
“It’s a Ralts, sir.”
“Ralts, hm… You can’t normally find those in Johto. Where did you get it?”
I stuck to the story I’d told before. “It was a birthday gift from one of my neighbors, sir.”
The ranger studied me for a moment before nodding. “Okay… Now, are you in enough control of it that you can release it here?”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out the Premier Ball. Taking a deep breath, I pressed the button, and Athena floated gracefully onto the table. “Hey, this nice guy here is going to look at you to make sure you can be my partner,” I murmured softly. She gave me a faint shimmer of acknowledgment, as if understanding, then regarded the ranger with a wary curiosity.
“Ah… It’s a girl, correct?” the ranger asked.
I nodded, still unsure how to interpret Athena’s subtle gestures. My mind wandered until I noticed the needle on the counter. My stomach tightened.
“Umm… what’s that?” I asked, pointing to the needle.
The ranger glanced at it casually. “Oh, it’s just a vaccine we give to every Pokémon, in case there’s an outbreak.”
Something about the way he said it didn’t sit right with me. His eyes flicked away too quickly. Athena’s glow pulsed faintly—a warning I could almost feel. I clenched my fists subtly, telling myself to stay calm.
Something about the needle… it wasn’t right. I couldn’t put my finger on it. Already feeling protective over Athena, I asked cautiously, “Has your Pokémon had this before?”
“Yes. All of my Pokémon have been injected with it,” the ranger replied casually.
I narrowed my eyes. “What is it exactly? What’s it made of? Who made it? Can I see the order receipt?”
“JUST SHUT UP AND LET ME INJECT IT INTO YOUR POKÉMON!” he bellowed, and that was the last straw.
I lunged instinctively—but before I could even reach him, Athena’s psychic power erupted. In an instant, the ranger slammed against the wall, one of his Poké Balls lifted into the air, and the needle hovered right beside it. It was almost like Athena could read my thoughts perfectly.
“Tell me what you are. Now,” I demanded, my voice shaking slightly but steady.
Pinned by the psychic force, the ranger grunted, struggling to breathe. “Elite… Will… Conquer…” His words cut off as he fainted from the sheer pressure of Athena’s push.
My heart was racing. I could barely process what had just happened when my dad burst into the room, releasing his Mr. Mime. “Barrier!” he shouted, and a faint shimmering wall formed in the air, just long enough to steady me. And then it hit me—I could understand her. Athena’s thoughts… her warnings… even the expletives. Oh gosh She’s sassy.
Before I could give Athena a shocked look, Nurse Joy came rushing in, her face going pale with shock. Behind her, the real ranger appeared, staring at the unconscious man on the floor with disbelief. “Who… who is that?” he asked.
“I… I don’t know,” I stammered, still trying to process.
The ranger walked past Joy, crouched down at the strange man, and then—horrifyingly—grabbed his face. In a grotesque, gooey motion, the man’s face peeled away like melted wax. My dad’s expression hardened, and he immediately excused himself from the room, taking a step back from the chaos.
I froze, Athena floating on my shoulder, her tiny green hat tilting slightly as if sharing my shock. Somehow… we’d just uncovered something far bigger than any registration process.
The ranger finally got a good look at the fake ranger’s face, set him down roughly, and turned back to me. “Alright, start from the beginning,” he said, sitting down across from me. I relayed everything—how the man tried to inject Athena, how she’d used her psychic powers to stop him.
Then the ranger noticed something. Athena was still holding the fake ranger’s Poké Ball suspended in the air.
“You can tell your Ralts to hand me the Poké Ball,” he said calmly.
I nodded at Athena, and she released it without hesitation. The ranger retrieved the ball, inserted it into his high-tech Pokédex, and started pressing a few buttons. To my surprise, the Poké Ball released a Tynamo.
The tiny electric Pokémon wiggled in the air, brushing against me. A small jolt of electricity shot through my arm, making my hair stand on end, and I instinctively tried to shoo it away.
“Wait,” the ranger stopped me. “This is unusual. Tynamo are usually timid, but this one… seems to like you. They shock lightly to show affection. Huh. Dang. This one really likes you.”
“Really?” I asked, a little stunned.
“Yeah,” he said with a grin. “Here, I’ll rewrite the programming in the pokeball so it can choose you as its new trainer.”
A few seconds later, he stood and said, “Done. You’ll need a Poké Ball, though—this one’s useless now.”
My dad dug through his coat and found an empty ball, holding it out to me I grabbed it. Then the Tynamo gave me another tiny shock, then shot itself toward the ball. The red beam engulfed it, and it landed safely inside.
That’s when I heard Athena, her voice clear in my mind. Go into the ball. You will appreciate him. He’ll be a good trainer to you.
I glanced at Athena. “Really?” I said, a little sassy.
What, she replied, with matching sass.
I laughed. “Wow… impressive that you can convey that much disgust in a single word.”
Athena twitched her hat, floating closer to my head this time, and I knew she approved—even if she’d never admit it out loud.
“Anyways,” I said, trying to steady my excitement, “I’m going to release my new Pokémon. Just… don’t do anything crazy.”
I opened the Tynamo’s Poké Ball, and the tiny electric Pokémon floated out, crackling slightly. I still couldn’t fully explain how Athena seemed to speak for both of us, but somehow the two of them communicated effortlessly through my mind.
Then Tynamo’s voice echoed—small, high-pitched, yet oddly chilling in a pleasant way. What is your name, human?
“My name is Jaron,” I answered. “What’s yours?”
I wish for a new name, the Tynamo replied through Athena.
“Okay… how about Wattson?” I half-heartedly suggest.
I like Wattson. I like that name, it confirmed, its tiny body sparking with what I assumed was excitement.
“Alright, Wattson,” I said through Athena, “would you happen to know what moves you can use?”
Charge Beam… Spark… Thunder Wave… and… I think Tackle, Wattson listed.
“Great,” I nodded. “Not bad at all for a starter moveset. But… I don’t understand how you got here. What happened?”
Well… one moment I was in my hometown, the next I was in a different region, forced to use my moves. But the person who took me… they weren't good. They made me attack humans to steal their Pokémon, for… evil purposes.
“Oh…” I said softly, my chest tightening. “That’s… awful. I know you probably don’t want to talk about it, and I won’t push. But… do you know where all of that happened?”
No… sorry, it admitted.
“Don’t worry,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck. “It’s okay. That information would help the ranger, but you don’t have to feel bad about it.”
I glanced at Ranger Steve, still hovering over the faked-out ranger’s unconscious body, typing and pressing buttons into his Pokédex. “Mr. Ranger… umm… what’s your name?”
“Sorry?” he asked, not looking up.
“Your name. What is it?”
“Oh… Steve. My name’s Steve.”
I nodded and returned Wattson to his Poké Ball. “Thanks, Steve. Now… can I have a Pokédex, please?”
“Oh! Right, that’s the whole reason you came here.” He handed me a sleek new device, a hybrid of a Rotom and a more classic Pokédex—exactly like the one I had seen in the store earlier. “All you need to do is input your information. Make sure it’s correct because it can’t be changed later. Once it’s done, it’ll handle everything else for you.”
“Um. sir, you sure this is the right device?” I ask in bewilderment
“Yes, i decided to gift this because of all the trouble you've gone through today.”
“Got it,” I said, taking the device carefully.
I stepped outside the room to find my dad waiting, pale and still trying not to look sick.
“You okay to drive home?” i ask cautiously.
“Yep,” he said with a small smile.
We walk outside, and I decide to release Athena. There’s a strange comfort in having her outside the ball—like she’s watching for danger and reading the world alongside me. Plus, bonding now will be important if we’re going to trust each other. I decide against releasing Wattson. Having an electric-type floating around a car? Not exactly the safest idea.
Athena hovers beside me, her green hat-like shape tilted curiously as if she’s assessing everything, silently noting every detail. I feel a small thrill of pride—my first Pokémon, my first real partner, and she’s already making me feel safer.
During the ride home, I finish entering all the information into the Rotom phone. Name: William. Last name: Scott. Hair: Brown. Eyes: Green. Gender: Male. Age: 17. Pokémon caught: Ralts, Tynamo. Region: Johto.
It then asked for a pin for a trainer card which would act as both a credit card and identification.
Once I finished that I whispered “Done,” to myself, almost in disbelief. The screen flashes, confirming that my profile is now officially registered. Then it showed me my trainer card. My hands tremble just a little—not from nerves, but from excitement.
When I get out of the car, I glance around the driveway and immediately notice the decorations. Streamers, balloons, and a big banner that says Happy Birthday! My stomach sinks as realization hits me.
Oh… right. Mom didn’t forget. I’m having a birthday party tonight.
I groan, dragging my feet toward the front door, and Athena floats a little closer, tilting her head as if reading my mind. Do you not like parties? she asks, and I can almost hear the teasing in her tone.
“Not exactly my favorite thing right now,” I mutter. “I just… wanted some quiet time after everything today.”
Athena hovers silently beside me, her presence oddly calming. Somehow, I know that no matter what happens tonight, I won’t be alone.
As I step inside, I immediately notice—Mom had decorated the. Entire. House. Apparently, she’d spent yesterday at the store picking up supplies and decorations, and she didn’t hold back. Streamers twisted along the walls, balloons floated in every corner, and a giant banner declaring “Happy Birthday, William!” hung over the dining table.
I wandered over to the table of presents, curiosity tugging me toward the colorful piles. I bent down to try and guess what was inside when—BOOM!
“Surprise!”
I jumped back, startled, and looked up to see a buff, tall, blonde-haired person looking down at me. Talula is grinning from ear to ear. My one and only current friend. She had finished the Gym circuit in under a year, beaten the Kanto Champion a year later, and was now herself a Champion. Her schedule had been insane, but she had somehow made it here.
“Talula!” I shouted, leaping into her arms. She caught me easily, her muscles firm but warm as I hugged her tightly. “How have you been?!”
“Oh, nothing much,” she said with that signature gusto only she could pull off. “I did find a successor, though! He’s a great trainer.”
“So that’s how you’re able to visit me?” I asked, still clinging to her in disbelief.
“Yep!” she replied. Then her eyes widened. “Wait… is it true that you hatched a Ralts?!”
I nodded, and without saying another word, I released Athena. The little green-hatted Pokémon floated up gracefully, tilting her head curiously.
“Athena, say hello to Talula. She’s one of my only friends,” I explained.
Athena responded in her usual sly tone, Well, does that mean you don’t get outside or are just bad at making friends?
“Neither,” I said, striking a mock-proud pose. “I just let my sparkling personality handle social interactions like a pro. Outdoors are overrated when you’ve got this level of charm!”
Talula’s eyes narrowed slightly, deadpan. “Are you always like this?”
“Oh, yes,” I muttered.
“Are you talking to her?” Talula asked, nodding at Athena.
“Yeah,” I admitted. “I found out I can hear what they’re saying. I think it’s a Psychic Pokémon trait.”
Before Talula could respond, Mom’s voice boomed from the kitchen: “Play nice, children!”
“Mom, I’m just trying to teach them the difference between caring and taking over the world! It’s for their own good!”
“WILLIAM! GET OVER HERE!”
“Coming, Mom!”
“What did you want?”
“Red, blue, or yellow!”
“What?”
“CHOOSE A PRIMARY COLOR!”
“Uh… blue…” I muttered, shrugging.
“Ok, now go play with your friend,” Mom said, ushering me toward the living room. I could already tell dinner tonight was going to be an expensive production.
Back in the living room, Talula and Athena stared intently at each other. I started walking over to them, trying to look calm and in control, when—classic me—I tripped over the coffee table. Thankfully, it was clear of anything, but I still tumbled forward and landed flat on my face.
Athena let out a tiny, disapproving tsk,
When I finally stand up and brush off the dust from my fall, I notice both Talula and now Athena laughing so hard I swear the floor might shake. Lovely. Now I really won’t have any friends.
“How in the world did you fall on your face?” Talula manages to gasp out between fits of laughter, her shoulders shaking so violently it’s a wonder she doesn’t topple over. I can’t help it—I start laughing too.
Eventually, we calm down, though my cheeks still ache from grinning. Talula gets up to reach for one of her Pokéballs, presumably to release a partner, but the moment her hand touches it, she jerks back like she got shocked. I can’t stop laughing this time, tears actually forming at the corners of my eyes.
Then I notice Wattson—my tiny Tynamo—had somehow slipped out of his Pokéball and was nestled quietly behind one of her Pokéballs, peeking out mischievously. When Talula tries again to release a Pokémon, Wattson zaps her with a gentle jolt. She yelps and jumps back again, this time less startled and more laughing.
After introductions between Wattson and Talula are sorted, I sink onto the couch, brushing my hair out of my eyes. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Talula crouched down, trying to coax Wattson into generating another spark. He’s hesitant, still new and learning control, so nothing happens—but it’s clear he’s intrigued by her energy.
Talula speaks again, Wanna meet one of my friends: Clifford, Shelly, Gulpy, Cerebro, or Shocky?
He likes the sound of Shocky, Athena says. Would you mind showing him?
“Absolutely!” Talula responds with a grin, reaching for one of her Great Balls. When she releases it, a Raichu emerges, sparks crackling along its tail. My eyes widen—definitely an outside situation coming up; I can already picture the lights short-circuiting if this continues indoors.
“Shall we take this outside?” I suggest as Raichu and Wattson cautiously observe each other, tails twitching, sparks flying off in little arcs.
“Yeah! Whoops—SORRY, MRS. SCOTT! I’LL TAKE THIS OUTSIDE SO THAT YOU DON’T HAVE A HIGHER ELECTRICAL BILL, OKAY?” Talula yells, practically bouncing as she waves her hands.
Thankfully, Mom’s voice carries from the kitchen: “Alright honey, stay safe!”
We gather a few chairs on the porch, arranging them in a loose circle, and finally settle down. Wattson and Raichu glance at each other warily, tails sparking just enough to make me giggle, while Athena floats nearby, observing like the tiny, hat-wearing boss she is.
The warm air, faint hum of the neighborhood, and the crackle of two electric Pokémon ready to test their limits—all of it made me realize that today, even with chaos, laughter, and minor shocks, felt like the start of something incredible.
“So,” I said, leaning back in my chair, “what happened after you were gifted your partner?”
“Oh, Will,” Talula began, her eyes sparkling, “it was the best thing that ever happened to me. Other than you, of course. But when I was at Professor Oak’s lab on a field trip with my school, I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d even get a Pokémon. I was nervous. But then he looked at me… and I swear, it was like he was staring right into my soul. It was Pretty creepy, actually.”
She grinned, shaking her head. “But he walked up to me, handed me a Pokéball, and I was one of only two kids gifted a Pokémon that day. Before the trip ended, he held me—and my new partner—back and talked to us about responsibility, what it truly means to care for a Pokémon. At the end of it, he gave us our Pokédexes. That’s when my journey began.”
Talula leaned forward, animated. “The first gym went smoothly, but that’s when I found Growlithe outside the gym! Training that thing… oh man. I spent days trying to get Clifford to like me. Every time he resisted, I had to return him to his Pokéball and assert my dominance, make sure he knew I was in charge. It was tough, but thankfully”
“After my Squirtle, Shelly, evolved into a Wartortle at the Cerulean Gym, Clifford finally started trusting me. He put effort into training and eventually learned Flame Wheel, which helped me challenge the Vermillion Gym. And win, of course!”
Her eyes gleamed with excitement. “Then I went back into Viridian Forest and that’s when I met Gulpy. After defeating the Celadon Gym, Erika suggested I get a Fire Stone for Clifford. So I did—Clifford evolved into an Arcanine, and Gulpy evolved into a Weepinbell. Shelly evolved into Blastoise too. Three evolutions at once! Erika was ecstatic, but nothing compared to my joy.”
Talula took a breath but kept going. “I breezed through the other gyms, though Saffron was tricky. That’s when I decided I needed a Psychic type. Out on Route 11, I got lifted off my feet by a Hypno’s Psychic attack. Shelly came out, one Hydro Cannon later, and the Hypno was weakened enough for me to catch it. Welcome, Cerebro. Yeah, I know, not my usual naming style.”
She laughed. “Cinnabar Gym was easy with Shelly, and that got me some attention. So I decided to catch a fan-favorite—a Raichu. Shocky boosted my popularity even more. But I attempted the final gym, and… didn’t pass. I sent out Shocky first and made a few bad decisions. But I trained relentlessly, and when my team felt ready, we tried again. We beat the gym, then the Elite Four, then the Champion. And I guess the rest is history!”
She leaned back, exhaling. “Every battle, every evolution, every tough day—it all taught me what it truly means to be a trainer. And I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it.”
“Wow… you did all that in only two years. That’s incredible. I doubt anyone has ever done that before!” I said, my eyes wide.
Talula smirked, leaning back just slightly. “Yeah, I was one of the very few to complete the circuit in under a year. Red did it in a year, but since then? No one’s come close. Thanks, by the way.”
I glanced over at Wattson and Shocky. Sparks were crackling between them, small arcs of electricity jumping through the air. Wattson was glowing faintly, and I felt a twinge of excitement.
“Hey, Talula,” I asked, leaning forward, “do you have a lower-level Pokémon for a battle?”
“Hm?” she replied, tilting her head.
“I mean, do you have a Pokémon that can battle without the huge advantage?”
“Oh, yeah! I recently hatched a Swinub. He’s about level 20. Wait… hehehe” she hesitated, a playful gleam in her eye. “I have an idea. If you beat me, I’m sure Boreas would love joining your team. That is, if you can actually win. Think of it as a birthday present… for the last two years!”
“Alright! A challenge! Let’s do it!” I exclaimed, practically vibrating with excitement.
“Great!” she said, clapping her hands once. “We should move to a field that’s a good size for a proper battle.”
I led her to the backyard, which was just big enough for a full-on Pokémon match. The grass swayed in the warm breeze, and the air carried that faint scent of electricity from Wattson. Perfect.
I called Athena to my side and gave her my orders. She nodded, her tiny form glowing slightly as she relayed my commands to Wattson. Talula reached for her Pokéball and released Boreas, the Swinub waddling onto the grass, ready to face us.
I exhaled, feeling the thrill of the moment settle in. This was it. The battle had begun.
“Ready?” Talula asked, a confident smirk on her face.
“Absolutely!” I shouted back, heart pounding.
“Three, two, one… NOW!”
Talula yelled, “ANCIENT POWER, then ICE SHARD!”
The shards of frozen water and jagged rocks hurtled toward my Pokémon with frightening speed. Athena acted first, teleporting just in time—but one shard grazed her hand, drawing a thin line of blood. Wattson wasn’t so lucky; the earth slammed into him full force, but Athena quickly flung him to safety.
Athena appeared in front of Boreas and unleashed a fast Hypnosis, putting the Swinub into a light daze, followed by a Draining Kiss to recover some health. But Boreas retaliated with Flail, hurling Athena backward while injuring itself in the process.
Wattson finally regained control and fired a Charge Beam—but it barely fazed Boreas. A Mud-Slap struck him, and I quickly recalled Wattson to prevent further damage.
That’s when something strange happened. Heat seemed to radiate from Athena, the red glow intensifying until it formed a small, fiery orb. A voice echoed in my mind, calm yet commanding: “I think it’s called Mystical Fire. Try it.”
“MYSTICAL FIRE!” I shouted, and Athena launched the ball of fire through a perfect arc. It hit Boreas squarely, lighting him up but leaving him unharmed. Encouraged, I shouted again, and after one more blazing strike, Boreas was recalled—defeated.
I returned Athena to her Pokéball, my chest heaving with adrenaline, and walked over to a smiling Talula.
“You’re much stronger than you think,” she said, eyes gleaming with respect. “Let me see your Rotom phone.”
I handed it to her, and she tapped a few buttons. A hologram projected from the device, displaying both my Pokémon in perfect detail: their names, nicknames, health, status conditions, and levels. Athena was level 17, Wattson was level 20—but the screen showed Wattson had leveled up twice and Athena four times during training.
The hologram also listed their moves. Athena knew: Disarming Voice, Double Team, Confusion, Hypnosis, Draining Kiss, Teleport, Psybeam, and Mystical Fire. Wattson knew: Spark, Charge Beam, Thunder Wave, and Spark.
“Wow,” I said, genuinely impressed. “I didn’t know a Rotom Phone could do all that.”
“Yeah,” Talula said, smirking. “You pick up a few tricks when you’re a champion.”
Her eyes lit up as she remembered something. “Wait—I remember having a special arrangement. Since you won the battle…” She released Boreas and gestured for me to show my Pokédex again. After a few taps, she looked up and handed it back.
“Enjoy Boreas. He’s going to be a handful, but he’s worth it.”
She used a couple of items to heal Athena and Wattson, and we spent the rest of the afternoon letting our Pokémon roam freely in the backyard. Athena floated gracefully around the grass, Wattson buzzed with electricity, and Boreas waddled curiously, sniffing everything. Talula and I continued to talk, sharing stories and laughing, while the warm sun bathed the backyard in golden light.
A few hours later, I hear my dad calling from the kitchen:
“HEY! C’MON INSIDE SO WE CAN EAT DINNER!”
“COMING!” I shout back, returning all three of my Pokémon to their Pokéballs. As I start heading inside, a sudden rush of air—like a strong fabricated breeze—catches my attention. Along with it comes a Pokémon cry I’ve never heard before. My eyes scan the yard, but I can’t find the source. Shrugging it off, I step inside.
The dining room is a riot of colors and smells. My mom had prepared a feast of sushi—so much sushi that it looked like a small festival had landed on our table. Perfect. I loved sushi, so it made sense that this was my seventeenth birthday treat.
As I sit down, my mom looks at me with a soft smile and speaks:
“Okay… so you have a Pokémon now, and you’ll probably want to go on a journey to train and level up. And, I can’t believe I’m saying this… I believe you can do this. Your dad and I—we’ll support you in any way you need.”
I blink in surprise. That was… more than I expected. I stammer, “T- thank you, Mom.”
Before I can gather my thoughts, my brother pipes in, grinning:
“Hey! At least now you can travel to Galar if you want. They recently adopted the gym circuit, but with a twist… sort of like the coronation series.”
Talula cuts in, animated as ever:
“Oh yeah! I was actually thinking of checking it out myself. I mean, I am the Champion. But if you want to enter, you’ll need a letter of recommendation. I’d be glad to give you one!”
I frown, trying to follow her train of thought. “What? Sorry, can you say that again?”
She leans forward, undeterred:
“Sure! I’m planning to go to Galar soon to check the Gym Challenge. If you want to enter, they require a letter of recommendation for safety reasons. The challenge is mostly the same as Johto or Kanto’s circuit, except at the end of each year, everyone who’s completed it gathers for a tournament. The winner faces the Galar Champion! This system has only been running for about two years. I think you should do it, and I’d be glad to provide the letter of recommendation.”
I don’t know what to say, so I simply nod and give a thumbs-up.
Dinner passes in a blur of sushi rolls, nigiri, and my occasional “This is amazing!” moments. Then my parents bring out what I assumed was the cake… but it’s not. It’s a pie. My favorite kind. Relief and excitement hit me at the same time. My family sings “Happy Birthday,” and we dig in, savoring each slice.
After dessert, we all move to the living room to watch a movie. I settle in, letting the warm glow of the TV fill the space. And then, I hear it again—that strange, piercing sound from before.
I glance around, but no one else seems to notice. Not a head turns, not a single frown or glance. The sound—part breeze, part Pokémon cry—seems to linger in my chest more than my ears.
Something is out there, and somehow… it feels like it’s looking for me.
I tense up, my eyes scanning the darkening yard through the window. The sound comes again—stronger this time—a sharp cry, almost like a mix between a whistling wind and a Pokémon’s call. My heart hammers in my chest.
“Athena…” I whisper, reaching for my Ralts’ Pokéball instinctively. I release her, and she floats gracefully beside me, her bowl-shaped head tilting as if sensing what I can’t quite see. Wattson stays in his ball, a wiser decision given the electric-type’s tendency to react to strange energies.
Athena tilts her head, her voice resonating softly in my mind: There’s… something out there. I can feel it. It’s… frightened, but strong. You should see it.
I swallow, nodding. “Alright, let’s go check it out. Quietly.”
We step onto the porch, the night air cool against my skin. The usual hum of the neighborhood seems muted tonight. I squint, scanning the shadows at the edge of the yard, near the tall pines.
Then I see it—a faint, shimmering light weaving between the trees. It’s larger than I first expected, graceful and regal, with a luminous body that seems to shimmer in hues of gold and blue. Its antlers branch out like crystalline trees, glowing softly, pulsing with a quiet, life-like energy.
Athena floats closer, her psychic energy rippling slightly. It’s not hostile… but it’s wary, as if it senses the weight of the world in every step. Approach slowly.
I take a cautious step forward. The light shifts, stepping back with an almost elegant hesitation, and the faint cry echoes again—a sound of both curiosity and quiet longing. My pulse quickens, yet a strange calm washes over me, as if the Pokémon is trying to communicate through the space between us.
“Hey… it’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you,” I murmur. Athena floats ahead, her psychic presence extending gently, a warm wave reaching toward the glowing creature. The light hesitates, flickering like the pulse of a heartbeat, then slowly drifts closer.
Now I can see it clearly: a quadruped figure, sleek and elegant, with antlers radiating multicolored light. Its hooves barely touch the ground, giving the illusion of floating, and its eyes shine with a serene intelligence that feels almost human. My chest tightens—this is no ordinary Pokémon.
Athena whispers in my mind: It… it wants to trust you. Slowly. Carefully.
I take another step forward, slowly extending my hand. The Pokémon tilts its head, then glides closer, antlers glowing brighter as if acknowledging me. A soft, warm aura spreads from it, filling the space with an almost tangible sense of life and vitality.
“Alright… we need a name,” I murmur under my breath. The Pokémon fixes its gaze on me, and I feel a quiet, mutual understanding.
Athena hums softly in my mind: It’s choosing you… Will. Be gentle.
I nod and sit down and hold my hand out to the large majestic Pokémon. And when it approaches it, placed a single hoof lightly in my palm. A surge of warmth flows through me—not electric, not psychic—just pure connection.
I whisper instinctively, “I’ll call you… Liona.”
Athena giggles softly in my mind: Looks like you’ve got another partner. One unlike any you’ve had before.
I smile, my heart racing. “Yeah… I think you’re going to be very special, Liora.”
The breeze dies down, and Liora vanishes into the pokeball that somehow appeared in my hand, the night quiets, and for the first time today, everything feels… just right.
Little did I know, Liora’s appearance was only the beginning of a story that would take me far beyond Johto, testing everything Athena, Wattson, and I thought we knew about Pokémon, friendship, and the bonds that tie trainers to their partners.
Trainers
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William
Ralts-Athena
Swinub-Boreas
Tynamo- Wattson
Xerneas - Liora