Hotel Z stood in one of Lumiose's older districts, its architecture a blend of classic Kalosian elegance and something more timeless. The building seemed to exist slightly apart from the modern construction surrounding it, as if it had witnessed centuries and would witness centuries more.
Taunie pushed open the ornate front doors with practiced ease. "Home sweet home," she announced. "Well, my home. Your temporary home. Hotel Z isn't the biggest or fanciest place in Lumiose, but it's got character."
Andrew followed her inside, Yuto's Pokéball warm against his hip. The lobby was surprisingly cozy—soft lighting, comfortable furniture that had clearly been well-maintained over many years, and flowers in elegant vases that seemed to glow with an inner light.
"Wait here a sec," Taunie said. "I'll grab the owner. He likes to meet all our trainer residents personally."
She disappeared through a doorway, leaving Andrew alone in the lobby. He approached one of the flower arrangements, drawn by that subtle luminescence. The petals were unusual—five distinct colors arranged in a delicate pattern. Beautiful, but somehow melancholic.
"Eternal Flowers."
The voice was deep, measured, and carried the weight of unimaginable time.
Andrew turned to find himself looking up—way up—at the tallest person he'd ever seen. The man had to be nearly nine feet tall, his frame thin but not frail, wrapped in worn but dignified clothing. His face was lined with age, his beard long and gray, but his eyes… his eyes held an awareness that was almost painful to witness.
"They bloom only once, in remembrance," the man continued, approaching with slow, deliberate steps. "I am AZ. This hotel is my… responsibility."
"Andrew," he managed, trying not to stare. His mind was racing. AZ. The AZ. Three thousand years old. The Ultimate Weapon. Floette.
But something was different from what he remembered from Pokémon X.
Floating beside AZ, almost shyly, was a Floette unlike any Andrew had seen. Its flower was enormous and radiant, the same five colors as the eternal flowers in the vases. The Pokémon watched Andrew with gentle curiosity, staying close to its trainer.
"You have your partner back," Andrew said softly, the words slipping out before he could stop them. "I remember hearing legends that say they left you."
AZ's expression shifted—surprise, then something that might have been relief. The Floette chimed softly, a sound like distant bells.
"Yes," AZ said simply. "After three thousand years of searching, she forgave me. We are… together again." His massive hand reached up, and the Floette nuzzled against his palm. "Taunie tells me you showed remarkable synchronization with your Tepig in your first battle."
"His name is Yuto," Andrew said. "And he's… special to me."
"I can see that." AZ's ancient eyes studied him. "The bond between Pokémon and trainer is a sacred thing. Powerful. Dangerous, if corrupted by selfish desire." His gaze grew distant. "I learned that lesson at terrible cost."
Taunie returned, breaking the heavy moment. "Got your room key! You're on the third floor. It's not huge, but it's got a great view of the city, and the bed's comfortable."
"Thank you," Andrew said, accepting the old-fashioned key. "Both of you. I know I just arrived, but…"
"But you feel like you have a purpose here," AZ finished, his knowing look making Andrew's skin prickle. "I have lived long enough to recognize when someone carries destiny with them, young trainer. Whatever brought you to Lumiose, I suspect it is no accident."
Before Andrew could respond, the Floette floated over to him, circling once with a musical chime. She returned to AZ's shoulder, and the ancient man nodded slowly.
"She approves. That is… rare, but a welcoming one." AZ gestured toward the stairs. "Rest, Andrew. Tomorrow, Taunie will help you register for the ZA Royale and begin your journey properly. But tonight, settle in. Speak with Yuto. The path ahead will require trust between you."
The room was simple but comfortable—a bed, a desk, a small bathroom, and a window that opened onto a view of Lumiose's illuminated streets. Andrew sat on the edge of the bed, releasing Yuto in a flash of light.
"Tepig!" His starter immediately began exploring, snuffling at corners and investigating the furniture with enthusiastic snorts.
Andrew watched him, a smile tugging at his lips despite the surreal nature of everything. "This is really happening, isn't it, buddy?"
Yuto hopped onto the bed beside him, settling down with his head resting on Andrew's leg. The little Fire-type's warmth seeped through his clothes.
"We're starting over," Andrew murmured, gently scratching behind Yuto's ears. "You're level five. I'm nobody. We're at the bottom of the ZA Royale rankings. But we'll climb back up. Together. And the others—Itachi, Midori, Izumi, Rajan, Ace—they're out there somewhere. We'll find them."
"Tep… pig…" Yuto's eyes were already drooping.
"Yeah, I'm tired too." Andrew lay back on the bed, Yuto curled up against his side. "Three thousand years, Yuto. AZ waited three thousand years to be with his Floette again. And they found each other." He stared at the ceiling. "I don't know why I'm here or what I'm supposed to do exactly, but… I won't waste this chance. I promise."
Yuto's soft snoring was his only answer.
Andrew felt his own exhaustion creeping in, the events of the impossible day finally catching up to him. But sleep felt dangerous somehow—like he might wake up back in his room, this all having been a vivid dream.
A knock at the door made him sit up carefully, trying not to disturb Yuto.
"It's Taunie!" came the voice from the hallway. "You still awake? I wanted to show you something cool before you crash for the night."
Andrew eased Yuto onto a pillow and opened the door. Taunie stood there with an excited grin, now wearing a comfortable hoodie over her crop top.
"Come on," she said. "You can't spend your first night in Lumiose without seeing the city from the best view."
"I should probably
"Five minutes. I promise it's worth it."
Andrew glanced back at the sleeping Yuto, then nodded. "Lead the way."
Taunie guided him up two more flights of stairs, then through a door marked "Roof Access - Residents Only." They emerged onto Hotel Z's rooftop, and Andrew's breath caught.
Lumiose City spread out before them in all its glory. The Prism Tower dominated the skyline, its crystalline structure glowing with soft light. But beyond it, the entire city sparkled—construction lights mixing with street lamps and lit windows, creating a tapestry of warm illumination against the night sky. In the distance, he could see the darker shapes of scaffolding and cranes, evidence of the city's transformation.
"Beautiful, right?" Taunie leaned against the rooftop railing, her expression softening. "I come up here when I need to think. When the social media stuff gets stressful, or the hotel finances look impossible, or when I'm worried about—" She stopped herself. "Sorry, you don't need to hear about my problems on your first day."
"I don't mind," Andrew said, joining her at the railing. The night air was cool, carrying the distant sounds of the city below.
"AZ is a good man," Taunie said quietly. "But the hotel isn't that popular. Not enough guests, not enough income. I'm trying everything—social media campaigns, promotional videos, special rates for ZA Royale trainers—but it's tough competing with the big modern hotels." She smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm determined though. This place… it deserves to thrive."
Andrew thought of AZ's solemn face, the Floette that had stayed by his side for three millennia, the weight of ancient mistakes. "He's lucky to have you helping him."
Taunie turned to face him fully, her expression growing serious. "That's actually why I wanted to talk to you up here. I wanted to ask you something." She took a breath. "I'm the leader of Team MZ. It's not a big organization or anything—just me and some friends who want to help Hotel Z succeed and support AZ. We do promotional events, help with renovations, compete in the ZA Royale to bring attention to the hotel…" She met his eyes. "I'd like you to join us. Help the hotel. Help AZ."
Andrew looked at her earnest face, then out at the city. He thought about AZ's ancient burden, about Floette's forgiveness after three thousand years, about the message on his Rotom Phone. Protect Lumiose and all Pokémon.
A smile spread across his face. He held out his fist.
"You know, I'm beginning to like it here," Andrew said. "Let's grow stronger in the Royale together."
Taunie's face lit up. She bumped his fist with her own, grinning widely. "Yes! You won't regret this, I promise. Team MZ is going to put Hotel Z on the map!"
"Maybe we're both lucky to have found this place," Andrew said.
Taunie pushed off from the railing, her usual energy fully returned. "Anyway! Tomorrow you start your real adventure. ZA Royale registration, your first ranked battles, and trust me—Lumiose has way more secrets than you'd think. Rooftop parkour, hidden construction areas, rare Pokémon in the weirdest places…"
"Sounds exciting," Andrew said honestly.
"It will be." Taunie headed for the door, then paused. "Hey, Andrew? That thing with Yuto earlier. The way you two just… knew each other. I've been around trainers my whole life, and I've never seen anything quite like that. Whatever your story is, I think it's going to be something special."
Before Andrew could respond, she waved and disappeared back inside, leaving him alone under the stars.
He stayed a few minutes longer, looking out at the city he was meant to protect. Somewhere out there, a Froakie that would become Itachi was waiting. A Ralts that would become Izumi. A Mareep—shiny, golden—that would become Rajan. A Bulbasaur for Midori. An alpha Pidgey for Ace.
His team. Scattered across Lumiose, living their own lives, waiting for fate to bring them together.
"I'll find you all," Andrew whispered to the city. "I promise."
He returned to his room to find Yuto still fast asleep, tiny embers occasionally puffing from his snout as he dreamed. Andrew lay down beside his starter, exhaustion finally pulling him under.
His last conscious thought was of the Rotom Phone's message: Please protect Lumiose and all Pokémon.
He didn't know how yet.
But with Yuto at his side, and now Team MZ, he'd figure it out.
The morning sunlight streaming through the window woke Andrew slowly. He blinked, disoriented for a moment, half-expecting to find himself back in his own bed at home.
But the unfamiliar ceiling, the sound of Lumiose City waking up outside his window, and the warm weight of Yuto still curled against his side confirmed it. This was real.
"Tepig…" Yuto yawned, stretching his little legs.
"Morning, buddy," Andrew said, sitting up. "Ready for our first full day of trai
He froze.
At the foot of his bed sat a neatly folded set of clothing that definitely hadn't been there last night. Resting on top was a piece of paper, elegant handwriting visible even from where he sat.
Andrew's heart hammered as he reached for the note.
I'd think you'd like this outfit I made for you. Best regards, The Creator.
"The Creator…" Andrew whispered. The same entity that had sent him the message on the Rotom Phone. The one who'd brought him here.
With trembling hands, he unfolded the clothing.
A sleeveless, orange martial arts gi with a dark blue obi. A short-sleeved, dark blue undershirt. Blue kung fu shoes with red borders. The style was unmistakable, iconic—inspired by one of his favorite anime characters.
"Goku ," Andrew smiled alright then who ever you are thank
"Pig?" Yuto tilted his head curiously.
Andrew held up the outfit, studying it. The craftsmanship was impeccable, clearly made specifically for him. The symbolism wasn't lost on him either—Goku, the protector, the fighter who always stood up for others, who grew stronger through bonds and determination.
Is this what you want from me? Andrew thought, looking at the note again thank you who ever you
He dressed slowly, the gi fitting perfectly. The fabric was comfortable, breathable, allowing for easy movement. When he tied the obi securely around his waist, something clicked into place—a sense of purpose, of identity in this new world.
Andrew caught his reflection in the small mirror above the desk. The orange and blue stood out boldly. He looked… different. Not like a kid who'd just been playing a video game. Like someone ready to take action.
A small smile found its way onto his lips.
"I'll protect everyone with all I have," Andrew said to his reflection, his voice steady with conviction.
"Tepig!" Yuto bounced beside him, embers sparking from his snout in agreement.
A knock sounded at the door—Taunie's voice calling out. "Andrew! You up? We've got a big day ahead! ZA Royale registration waits for no one!"
Andrew looked down at Yuto, then at the note from The Creator one more time before tucking it safely into his desk drawer.
Whatever came next—challenges, battles, threats to Lumiose he was ready.
With Yuto at his side, Team MZ backing him up, and the will to protect this city and its Pokémon, Andrew stepped toward the door.
His real journey was about to begin.