Once Valeria leaves Pokémon Home, Orion turns to Pikachu, a wide grin spreading across his face as he looks down at the small electric mouse. "Thank you, Pikachu! You truly are a star employee!" he exclaims, patting the electric mouse gently on the head.
Pikachu's cheeks flush with happiness, and he lets out a joyful "Pika!" Tiny jolts of static electricity dance around him as his tail wags back and forth, sending small sparks into the air with a faint, ozone smell.
Orion watches as Pikachu scampers around the store, his little paws padding softly against the polished floor. He looks so pleased with himself, the electricity crackling around him intensifying with each bound.
He is so cute when he's happy, Orion thinks, a warm feeling spreading through his chest.
"Alright, buddy," Orion says, crouching down to Pikachu's level. "Ease up on the zipping around when you're outside, okay?" He adopts a stern expression. "I know you were just having a bit of fun messing with Valeria back there, but still…"
"Pika?" Pikachu tilts his head, his ears drooping slightly.
"Yeah, I know, she bought a Beldum because of it, and that's great for business. But this world ain't exactly a playground, you know? We got dudes flying around in metal suits, gods throwing lightning, and all sorts of craziness." Orion gestures vaguely with his cane. "You gotta be careful. Powerful beings are everywhere. Got it?"
Pikachu nods seriously, his big eyes wide. "Pika pika."
"Good," Orion says, straightening up. "Now, you go have fun, but remember what I told you."
Orion watches Pikachu dash off to play, and then sighs. "Honestly, do you ever listen to me?" he mutters, adjusting his tailcoat.
As Pikachu continues to frolic, Orion begins to reflect on the day's events. He never expected that his first customer would be a member of the Fantastic Four, one of the most iconic superhero teams in the Marvel Universe.
The United Superverse, he muses, his mind drifting back to the circumstances that brought him to this strange and wonderful world. What a bizarre mix of Marvel and DC characters. He chuckles softly, shaking his head in disbelief.
Orion wasn't just some random guy who decided to open a store. He was once a regular person from Earth, living an ordinary existence. One day, he received a visit from Arceus. The Pokémon deity tasked him with a mission: to introduce Pokémon to the United Superverse. Without a second thought, Orion accepted. To help him, Arceus bestowed upon him Pikachu, but not just any Pikachu. This one wore a cap, and its power rivaled even Legendary Pokémon. It had already reached its maximum potential.
Setting up Pokémon Home wasn't a simple task. Orion had to navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy of permits, licenses, and regulations. It felt like an eternity, but when the store was finally ready, Arceus granted him another blessing. He created all of the store's functions and gifted him another Pokémon. The Home also had a special feature: Orion could pull a Pokémon for himself upon reaching certain milestones.
As if on cue, a small, gelatinous being materialized near Orion. It pulsed with a soft, green light, its two black eyes blinking curiously. Two small, antenna-like extensions twitched from its head. It was a Zygarde Core.
Orion smiles and gently pats the Zygarde Core. "Hello there, Zygarde," he says.
Zygarde Core is the embodiment of order. It is a Legendary Pokémon whose duty is to maintain the balance of nature. Zygarde Core is responsible for summoning Zygarde's Cells to transform into one of its powerful forms when there is an imbalance. He obtained Zygarde as a partner after opening the Pokémon Home. Now, Zygarde acts as the protector of the Sanctuary. It constantly monitors the Pokémon and ensures their well-being. It also watches over any customers who might be in danger, ready to intervene at a moment's notice. The other cells of Zygarde's body are not currently present and are watching the sanctuary.
"Everything okay in the sanctuary?" Orion asks the Zygarde Core.
All is well. The Pokémon are at peace, the Core replies, its voice resonating inside Orion's head.
Orion nods, satisfied with the response. "Any new Pokémon that need my attention?" he asks, always concerned about the well-being of his charges.
"No new arrivals. The current residents are integrating well," Zygarde replies telepathically. "Except for the occasional squabble over territory, all is calm."
"Good, good. Keep up the good work, Zygarde," Orion says, giving the Core another affectionate pat. He knows that with Pikachu and Zygarde by his side, Pokémon Home is in good hands. He can now focus on his mission of spreading Pokémon culture and helping humans and Pokémon coexist in harmony within this bizarre new reality.
But a nagging feeling tugs at his mind. He's only had one customer since opening the store.
What's the deal? Is there something I'm missing? he wonders, scratching his chin thoughtfully. I have the perfect location! The place is spotless! And the Pokémon are all happy and healthy!
He pauses, tapping his cane thoughtfully. Oh. He mentally smacks himself. Marketing! That's it! I forgot about marketing! It's a facepalm moment.
Every successful business has incredible marketing. How is anyone supposed to know this place exists if he doesn't advertise?
I've been so focused on the Pokémon, I completely forgot about putting out the word!
Orion starts pacing back and forth, muttering to himself, trying to brainstorm the best way to spread the word about Pokémon Home. "Posters? Flyers? Ads? A blimp with Pikachu's face on it?" He stops, considering each option.
Hmm, a blimp might be a bit much. But posters... and flyers... maybe a bit old-fashioned. He snaps his fingers. "Wait, I got it! I'll make a guidebook!"
He stops pacing and grins. Perfect! "Yeah! A guidebook for new Trainers! Something that explains everything they need to know about Pokémon, battling, and training! That way, I don't have to keep repeating myself every single time!"
It'll be like a one-stop shop for Pokémon knowledge!
"That sounds like a good idea." The Zygarde Core nods approvingly.
"And while I'm at it," Orion continues, his eyes sparkling with excitement, "I'll make some videos for the internet! Fun, informative videos about Pokémon! Maybe even a few featuring Pikachu!"
With a renewed sense of purpose, Orion strides toward his office, leaving Zygarde and Pikachu to watch over the store. He pulls out his laptop, cracks his knuckles, and begins to type. He's got a guidebook to write, videos to film, and a whole world to introduce to the wonders of Pokémon.
***
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