Sorren
We had been walking for a long time and the incubator inside my bag was not helping the weight on my shoulder. Pikachu padded beside me and glanced up with a soft "Pi?" His ears tilted with worry. I forced a smile to reassure him even though my legs were burning.
Brock and Misty slowed down, then came to a stop at the outskirts of Centra City. Brock pointed toward a small bench under a tree.
"Feeling tired?" he asked.
I nodded and dropped onto the bench with a sigh. Misty scooped Pikachu up while both of them watched me with nearly identical expressions of worry.
"Yeah. I am not used to walking this much," I admitted. "I should have travelled with Dad a bit like Alex did..." I whispered the rest under my breath.
"I wanted to ask something," I said as I adjusted the strap of my bag. "I get why being in the city helps, but are we actually looking for someone? You two keep turning your heads every few steps."
"He has sharp eyes," Misty said playfully as she rubbed Pikachu's forehead with her chin.
Heat shot up my neck and I waved my hands around awkwardly. "I mean I guess I am just used to overthinking?"
"You are not off the mark," Brock replied. He crossed his arms and looked toward the streets ahead. "We have a friend named Rosa. She is from the Unova region and there is a chance she might join our team."
My energy instantly rushed back. "Really? Then what are we waiting for?!" I shot to my feet but my legs wobbled and I swayed forward. Brock caught my shoulder before I toppled over and guided me back onto the bench.
Misty sighed in a way that made it very clear she expected this reaction.
"You stay right here," Brock said. He gave my shoulder a firm but gentle pat. "If you keep pushing yourself, you will get fatigued. Read the pamphlet I gave you about Pasio. Misty and I will go look for Rosa."
"If either of us find her, we will ping you through the Poryphone," Misty added. She bent down and set Pikachu on the bench. Pikachu circled once and curled up beside me, his tail wrapping around his own body.
I leaned back against the bench, feeling both embarrassed and relieved, while Brock and Misty headed off into the flow of Centra City's streets. I set my bag down beside the bench and pulled out the pamphlet Brock mentioned. The paper unfolded with a soft rustle and I began reading the first few lines. One sentence immediately grabbed my attention.
Pasio is an artificial island.
My eyes widened. An entire island built from scratch? I could not imagine the amount of work and trouble that must have taken.
A photo of a massive stadium filled the next page. When I lifted my head, the real pillar of the stadium rose in the distance, glowing under the afternoon sun in the exact same way. Even from far away it stood proudly, as if designed to draw every gaze toward it.
I closed the pamphlet and decided I would finish it later when I was lying on an actual bed. A sudden shout tore through the street. Pikachu shot upright, ears perked and tail stiffened.
"We are not going anywhere until we battle the Champion ourselves!" a man's voice roared from somewhere up ahead.
Without a word we started moving toward the noise. I barely took a few steps before Brock and Misty appeared beside me, matching my pace as if they had never left at all. Their faces showed the same mix of surprise and concern that I felt.
They had heard it too.
A second voice echoed through the crowd. This one was sharper and higher, filled with frustration.
"Will you please stop?! It is against the rules to force a Trainer to battle if they do not want to!"
I quickened my steps with Pikachu close to my leg, ready for whatever was happening ahead. When we reached the scene of the chaos, my eyes locked onto the familiar long black coat and the long blonde hair that matched mine. A single name slipped out of my mouth before I could stop it.
"Aunt Cynthia?"
I whispered it, but she still heard me. She turned, her eyes widening in surprise before softening into a warm look I had not seen for years. She did not speak to me yet, probably because the street was full of people watching but her focus was on the Trainers who wanted to challenge her.
"I am sorry, but I just cannot battle right now. My Pokémon needs to rest. She has worked hard enough for today."
She must be talking about her Garchomp…
"Yeah! If you really want to battle, you will have to challenge her another day!" the girl beside Cynthia said firmly. My gaze moved to her, taking in her bright outfit and energy. She had to be Rosa…since there is a hint of recognition in Brock's and Misty's face.
"Forget that! You are battling me now, Champion!" the man who had started the whole scene barked again. Brock and Misty exchanged a look, clearly annoyed, and Pikachu stepped closer to my leg with a spark of irritation in his eyes.
"There is no way I am passing up a chance like this! Come on, let us just battle already!" the woman beside the man added loudly, her voice sharp with impatience. She seemed even more eager to fight than he was.
Another girl stood slightly behind them. She kept wringing her hands and shifting her weight from foot to foot. Everything about her body language screamed discomfort.
"Guys…let us just let them be…" she murmured in a timid voice, but the other two acted as if they had not heard a word.
Brock stepped forward, standing tall. "Hey, you two! Cut that out! Don't you see you are bothering them?"
"Brock? Misty?!" The girl finally looked at us but she looked beyond me, eyes wide with disbelief.
"You look like you could use a hand, Rosa. Don't worry, we'll take care of these guys!" Misty said as she readied herself, pulling out her Pokéball with a swift motion.
"Who are you? If you want to start something, you got it! We'll make you eat dirt!" The man sneered, calling out his Pokémon alongside the others and a Zubat, a Pidgey, and a Litwick in front of them, ready for battle.
I glanced nervously at Brock and Misty. I had no idea how a team battle worked, but Pikachu looked just as determined as I felt, sparks flickering across his cheeks.
"Misty…Brock…" I muttered, feeling the weight of the moment.
"This is your first lesson, Sorren!" Brock said with a grin, calling out his Onix. Misty followed, her Starmie materializing beside her. "Do your best, and let's show them not to mess with us!"
I inhaled deeply and forced my nerves aside, lowering myself into a steady stance. "Let's impress Aunt Cynthia, alright, buddy?" I whispered. Pikachu chirped in response and gave a little clap on my outstretched hand with his tail, his determination matching mine.
Pikachu darted forward to stand between them, cheeks sparking as he waited for my command.
"Zubat, use Air Cutter on that Pikachu!" the man barked.
A sharp gust wrapped around Zubat before splitting into slicing blades that shot straight toward Pikachu.
"Pikachu! Dodg—" My voice was drowned out by Brock's firm command.
"Onix, protect Pikachu with your body and endure the attack!"
Onix lunged forward with surprising speed, its massive form shielding Pikachu. The Air Cutter hit its rocky surface with little effect, barely making it flinch.
"Starmie, Water Gun on that Litwick!" Misty shouted.
Starmie spun once, the central gem glowing before it released a powerful stream of water. Litwick was too slow to move and took the hit head on. Its tiny flame flickered in distress, and its trainer began to panic.
"Litwick, Will-o-Wisp on that Starmie!"
Purple flames gathered around Litwick, swirling into ghostly wisps before shooting toward Starmie.
I looked at Pikachu and he looked back at me with the same idea forming in both our heads.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail to extinguish the attack!"
His tail gleamed silver as he sprinted forward. With one clean swing, he cut through the flaming wisps, scattering them into harmless sparks. Misty sent me a relieved nod, and I returned a quick smile.
"Pidgey, Gust on Pikachu!" the girl shouted.
A swirl of wind formed in front of Pidgey and blasted toward us, but Onix moved again, blocking the attack with its massive body.
Something clicked in my mind. Two flying types. Both weak to Pikachu. If he could land one strong hit on both at once, that would leave Litwick exposed for Starmie to finish.
"Guys…" I whispered, hoping they would hear me over the chaos. They did. Both heads turned toward me.
"I think Pikachu can take out Pidgey and Zubat together. I will leave Litwick to you, Misty. Just follow my lead."
They nodded, and we all refocused.
"Pikachu, climb Onix and get to the top!"
Pikachu dashed forward, leaping onto Onix's rough surface. He scampered upward, dodging incoming attacks while Onix hurled rocks to keep the flying types busy.
The moment Pikachu reached the top of Onix's head, I shouted, "Thunder Shock with everything you have!"
Pikachu glowed bright yellow. A crackling wave of electricity exploded outward, lighting up the entire area. The attack hit all three opponent Pokémon with a burst of power that left the ground humming.
One by one, Zubat, Pidgey, and Litwick collapsed. The three trainers gasped, recalled their Pokémon in a hurry, and turned to run.
"I cannot believe we lost to you bozos! You will pay for this!" the man yelled as they scrambled away.
Pikachu hopped down and leaped into my arms. I held him close, still stunned.
"What just happened, Pikachu?" I whispered.
"That, Sorren," my aunt's familiar voice followed as I turned toward her, "was a sync move."
A sharp voice echoed inside my head. "Never use it again!" I glanced around, searching for the source, but the presence vanished as quickly as it came.
I must be hallucinating that voice—
"Ugh…" The strength drained from my legs, my vision blurring as my body tilted forward. Before I could hit the ground, a firm hand caught my shoulder and pulled me upright.
"Are you alright, Sorren?" Aunt Cynthia's voice wrapped around me again. Her expression had shifted into open concern.
I forced a small smile, trying to reassure her, when Brock and Misty's voices reached me at the same time.
"Sorren!" Misty hurried over and grabbed my arms, turning me slightly as she checked me from head to toe. "If you were feeling exhausted, you should have told us!" She had fully entered mom mode, and my face burned with embarrassment. I hated the thought of worrying her.
"You have found some good friends, Sorren," Aunt Cynthia said as she looked at the three of us. There was something close to pride in her eyes, and the warmth crept up my neck despite myself.
"You know Sorren, Cynthia?" Brock asked, glancing between us as Onix rumbled behind him.
Misty shot me a questioning look, silently asking if I could stand on my own. I nodded, and she slowly let go, turning her attention back to Cynthia and the girl beside her, who I still believed was Rosa.
Before my aunt could answer, the words slipped out of me in a near whisper. "She is my aunt…"
"Your what?!" Every head snapped toward me, except Aunt Cynthia. She gently lifted Pikachu from my shoulder and set him on her own. Pikachu immediately nuzzled against her, chirping affectionately, completely unbothered. Meanwhile, I stood there, mind racing, wondering how I was supposed to explain our relationship without completely blowing everyone's minds.
"This is too much…attention…" I murmur, my shoulders curling inward as the weight of everyone's eyes presses down on me. For a moment, I feel like shrinking straight into the ground.
Pikachu must sense the shift immediately. He hops down from my aunt's shoulder and lands in front of me, sparks crackling along his cheeks as he plants himself between me and the others. "Pika!!" he cries, glaring up at them protectively.
That finally snaps everyone out of their staring. They instinctively step back. Brock is the first to recover, turning his attention toward the girl beside Cynthia.
"Are you alright, Rosa?"
"I am!" Rosa answers quickly, nodding with her unusual brightness. "Thanks for asking, Brock! Cynthia and I were just having a nice chat before those two started harassing us."
She offers a warm thank you to Brock and Misty, then her gaze drifts back to me. There is curiosity there, but no pressure. I straighten a little and bow politely in her direction. Her eyes widen for half a second before she laughs softly and bows back, clearly imitating me without thinking.
"So that's what was going on," Misty says with a sigh, resting her hands on her hips. "All in all, I'm glad we were around."
"Oh, right!" Brock suddenly claps his hands together. "You two haven't met yet, have you? Rosa, this is Sorren. We formed a team with him to participate in the tournament. Sorren, like we talked about earlier, this is Rosa. She's quite famous in her home region, Unova."
"Hiya! Rosa here!" she says brightly, stepping forward with an easy grin. "Nice to meet you, Sorren!"
I swallow and return her smile, bowing my head slightly again. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Rosa."
She waves her hands in front of her face with a laugh. "Rosa is just fine, Sorren. No need to be extra polite."
"I, um…right! Sorry…" I rub the back of my neck, feeling my face warm again as Pikachu peeks back at me with an approving chirp.
"We were looking for you because there was something we wanted to ask you about, but…" Misty trails off, glancing at Cynthia with a half amused smile. Starmie spins beside her, its gem catching the light as if agreeing with the sentiment. "Imagine our surprise when we found you with the Sinnoh Champion. It's lovely to have you here, Cynthia."
I glance at Aunt Cynthia, but her attention remains on Brock and Misty. Her eyes are calm, thoughtful. For a brief moment, I wonder if she is evaluating them, deciding whether I am safe with them. It would not be the first time. She has always been protective of me, even when she tries not to show it.
"Lovely to meet you all," Cynthia replies after a short pause, her voice warm and composed. "I'm flattered that you think so highly of me."
She shifts her gaze toward me then, her expression softening. "I'm sure you have questions about my relationship with Sorren, but I believe he will explain when he feels ready. Please give him time. He is a bit introverted and does not do well under pressure."
Heat rushes to my face and I cover it with both hands, groaning quietly. Aunt Cynthia lets out a soft chuckle at my reaction.
"We'll wait until he's comfortable," Brock says easily, offering me an understanding smile.
"Also," Cynthia continues, turning back to Brock and Misty, "thank you for stepping in earlier. I truly appreciate it."
Her eyes return to me, steady and proud. "You've improved in battle, Sorren. I hope being here helps you grow even more."
"T-Thank you, Aunt Cynthia!" I straighten despite my embarrassment. "I'm only here because of you!"
"I merely nudged you in the right direction by sending that message to Elijah," she replies gently. "You're the one who chose to take that step, and I'm glad you did."
She glances toward the street, then back at us. "I should return now. Garchomp needs her rest." Before turning away, she gives me a knowing look. "Next time, Sorren, we should battle."
I nod eagerly, my nerves mixing with excitement. Rosa lifts her hand and waves with energy. "Take care, Cynthia! Bye!" Cynthia smiles once more before leaving.
"Cynthia knows you…that might be the biggest shock we've had all day," Misty murmurs as she leans closer to me. I let out a nervous laugh and rub the back of my neck, unable to meet her eyes. "Yeah…I get that a lot."
Brock clears his throat, shifting the conversation back on track. He turns toward Rosa with a thoughtful look. "That aside, Rosa, we were actually hoping to ask you something. What do you think about joining our team?"
Rosa freezes for a split second, her eyes widening. Then her surprise melts into a bright, determined grin as her gaze locks onto me.
"I'll join if Sorren can beat me in a one on one battle."
"Me?!" The word escapes my mouth before I can stop it, my voice cracking slightly.
Rosa laughs, clearly enjoying my reaction, and spins a Poké Ball between her fingers. "I already know Brock and Misty pretty well. But if I'm teaming up with you, I want to see what you're like in battle. That's the best way to get to know someone, right?"
I don't know!? Talking seems like a better idea to me!?
Before I can say anything else, Brock places a firm, encouraging hand on my shoulder. Misty mirrors the gesture on my other side, both of them smiling with confidence as they step back and recall their Pokémon.
"You've got this," Misty says softly.
Pikachu pads over to them, giving me one last encouraging chirp before stopping at their side. I swallow and turn back to Rosa, my heart pounding as I reach for my Poké Ball.
Guess it really is just me and Luxray now.
Brock steps forward and raises one arm, his voice clear like he has done this countless times before. "Alright! This will be a one on one battle between Sorren and Rosa. Each trainer will use one Pokémon, and the battle will end when one Pokémon is unable to continue. There will be no switching. Are both trainers ready?"
Rosa plants her feet, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Ready when you are!"
I tighten my grip around Luxray's Poké Ball and take a steady breath. Pikachu's encouraging chirp echoes, giving me just enough courage. "I am ready."
Brock nods. "Then…battle begins!"
Rosa wastes no time. She flicks her wrist and throws her Poké Ball high. "Let's go, Serperior!"
The ball bursts open in a flash of light, and Serperior coils onto the battlefield with effortless grace. Its emerald body gleams, red eyes sharp as it lifts its head proudly.
My first match without any help. I trust you, Luxray.
I swallow hard and release Luxray. Blue light spills forward as she lands firmly on the ground, electricity crackling faintly through her mane. She lowers her stance, eyes locked onto Serperior without fear.
"Serperior, use Leaf Storm!" Rosa calls, pointing forward. Leaves spiral violently around Serperior before shooting forward like a raging green vortex. The force of it sends dust and wind whipping across the area.
"Luxray, dodge and counter with Thunder Fang!" I shout. Luxray leaps sideways just in time, leaves tearing through the space she was standing in moments before. She lands, jaws glowing with electricity, and lunges forward. Thunder crackles as she clamps down, but Serperior twists its body midair, the attack grazing its scales instead of landing cleanly.
"Nice move!" Rosa laughs. "Serperior, Coil!"
Serperior lands smoothly and tightens its body, its movements becoming more controlled.
"Luxray, Spark!" I called. Luxray charges forward, her body wrapped in crackling electricity as she slams into Serperior. The impact sends both Pokémon skidding back, Serperior hissing softly as Luxray digs her claws into the ground to stop herself.
"Serperior, Vine Whip!" Rosa commands. Vines snap forward, wrapping around Luxray's legs and pulling hard. Luxray growls, electricity flaring brighter.
"Break free and use Crunch!" I yell. Luxray tears through the vines with brute force and lunges again, teeth slamming into Serperior's side. Serperior cries out but refuses to fall, retaliating with a powerful tail slam that sends Luxray rolling. Both Pokémon stagger back to their feet, breathing heavily now.
"Finish it, Serperior! Leaf Blade!" Rosa shouts. Her sync stone glowing and I know I have to use mine as well.
"Luxray, Wild Charge!" I responded without hesitation as I touched the sync stone attached to the Poryphone.
Green light forms into razor sharp blades as Serperior rushes forward. At the same time, Luxray surrounds herself with blazing electricity and charges head on.
The collision is blinding. A thunderous boom echoes across the area, kicking up dust and light so intense I have to shield my eyes. When the smoke clears, both Pokémon are still standing, trembling, eyes locked on each other.
For a brief moment, neither moves. Then Serperior collapses to one side. Luxray takes one step forward and drops to the ground as well.
Brock steps forward, eyes wide as he looks between the two fallen Pokémon. After a second, he raises both arms.
"Serperior and Luxray are unable to continue. This battle ends in a tie!"
I manage a small smile, but before I can say anything, the voice thunders through my mind again. "How dare you go against my wishes!? Do you wish to perish!?"
The sound crashes into me like a physical blow. My vision blurs, and pain shoots through my body all at once. My knees buckle, and I barely have time to gasp before I feel Luxray move beneath me. She steps closer, letting me fall against her side.
"You did amazing…" I murmur, my hand gripping her fur weakly.
Rosa recalls her Serperior in a flash of red light, her smile fading as she rushes over. Brock and Misty are beside me in seconds, and Pikachu walks towards me, chirping sharply as sparks flicker from his cheeks.
"Are you alright, Sorren?" Rosa asks, worry clear in her voice as she leans closer.
"Yeah," I say, forcing a smile. "Just… jet lagged, I think?"
I try to straighten up, but my legs refuse to cooperate. Before I can fall again, Brock steps in, sliding an arm around my shoulders and helping me upright. My hands instinctively grip the back of his vest.
"Thanks…" I mutter.
Brock gives a small nod, his expression thoughtful. "Maybe we should have looked for Rosa another day."
"It's fine," I blurt out quickly, lifting my head despite the dizziness. "I am really glad I met her and battled her!"
Misty folds her arms and shoots me a look that clearly says calm down before I pass out. I shrink just a little under her gaze.
Rosa laughs softly, relief easing the tension in her shoulders. "It really was amazing! Your Luxray made me and Serperior think twice out there."
I glance down at Luxray, her looking up at me, despite her injuries. "She is competitive like that," I say fondly as I recall her, the Poké Ball clicking shut in my hand. "You did great out there…"
Rosa steps closer, hands on her hips, eyes bright with excitement again. "Well, Sorren, I would say that was more than enough to convince me."
Pikachu climbs back onto my shoulder, and bumps his fist against my cheek with a cheerful "Pika!". We all laugh at the display. "Welcome to the team, Rosa" She grins at being part of whatever we are putting together.
"Let's head back to the Pokémon Center for now," Misty says, brushing some hair back from her face as she looks at the sky. The sun is already dipping lower. "It's almost night. We should let our Pokémon rest and," she adds, pointing straight at me, "get you something to eat."
I straighten immediately, snapping into a stance despite Brock's hand hovering near my shoulder in case I wobble again. "Yes, ma'am!" I reply, earning a laugh from Rosa and a sigh from Misty as we all walk the path towards the pokemon center with another member in our team.
❦
Dinner was anything but quiet. The moment we sat down, I was bombarded with questions, and honestly, I couldn't blame them. It is not every day you find out someone is related to Cynthia. The Cynthia.
I did my best to satisfy their curiosity, explaining that Elijah, my dad, is Cynthia's older brother, which technically makes me her nephew. That revelation alone earned me a few stunned looks. Then came the next question about Pikachu. I shook my head quickly and explained that Pikachu was not a gift from her. He evolved from a Pichu my father rescued during one of his ranger missions in Sinnoh, along with a Starly that ended up bonding with my brother, Alex.
That seemed to be enough to finally quiet them down. Plates were slowly emptied, conversations drifting into lighter topics. When dinner wrapped up, Brock and I confirmed we would be sharing a room. I left the incubator with him and stepped out of the Pokémon Center. The night air was cool. I walked behind the building without any real direction until the sound of flowing water caught my attention. A lake stretched out before me, the surface shimmering softly under the moonlight. I released Pikachu and Luxray, settling down on a smooth rock near the edge.
"Pikaaaa," Pikachu yawned as he curled up beside me, his body warm against my thigh.
"Lux?" Luxray murmured, tilting her head as if questioning why we were here.
"I needed some time alone," I admit quietly, resting my hands on the rock. "And we need to call our parents. Especially Mom. You know how she gets if we end the day without checking in."
I unhook the Poryphone from my hip and tapped Mom's number. It rings twice before the screen fills with familiar black wavy hair.
"Chansey, would you be a dear and place the plates back?" she says offscreen before turning toward the device. Her eyes widened. "Hello. Sorren?!"
"Hi, Mom," I reply softly, unable to stop the small smile forming on my face.
"Oh my, Sorren, my baby," she gushes, her expression instantly brightening. "How is the new place treating you? Did you make any friends? And where are Pikachu and Luxray?"
I tilt the Poryphone so she can see Pikachu, half asleep but still twitching an ear, and Luxray sprinting through the grass before leaping gracefully into the air.
"Luxray is as energetic as ever," Mom laughs as Luxray lands with a proud flick of her tail.
"She's just happy to be somewhere open," I say. "And yes, I found some friends. Their names are Brock, Misty, and Rosa. And you will not believe this, but on my very first day, I met Aunt Cynthia. It felt like something out of a fairytale."
"You met Cynthia?" Mom says, clearly delighted. "That's wonderful. Next time you see her, tell her to come home. She hasn't visited in far too long."
"I will," I promise. "But where are Dad and Alex? It's not like the house to be that quiet."
"Oh, sweetheart," she says gently. "It's just me and Chansey tonight. Your dad got an emergency call and left shortly after sending you off. And Alex could not stay put. He took the next flight to Kalos. You should call him next. He said he has something to show you."
I nod. "Alright. I will."
I pause, my grip tightening slightly around the Poryphone. "And Mom…um…"
"Yes?" she prompts.
"I love you."
Her face softens, eyes shining. "I love you too, my baby. Take care of yourself and do not skip your meals." She sends a few more words my way, warm and reassuring, before we end the call.
I wonder what Alex wants to show me.
I dial his number next, and he picks up immediately, like he has been waiting for the call. His face fills the screen, far too energetic for this late at night.
"Don't you know the term 'stranger danger,' Alex?" I say, shifting the Poryphone slightly.
"The only person who would call me this late is either Mom or you, and I already talked to her," Alex replies. "Plus, if someone else called me at this forsaken time, it would mean they miss me too much." He leans closer to the screen, squinting. "Either way, you look awfully jolly. What happened that made my brother's face shine like a Sunflora dancing in a field?"
"Before that," I said quickly, "didn't you want to show me something?"
"Nuh uh. I asked you first," Alex counters, crossing his arms.
I sigh, resting my elbow on my knee. "Well…I made friends," I admit, then straightened a little. "I mean, yeah, I made friends. And they're really nice. I already had two matches. One ended in our favor and the other was a tie. Luxray got to show her moves."
As if on cue, Luxray shoves her face into the camera. "Lux!"
"Aww, I'm proud of you, Luxray," Alex gushes. "She's the best, after all. She trained with Toxicroak."
"Don't let it go to her head," I say, glancing at her. "She was already the best. Right, Luxray?"
"Lux lux!" she chirps, grabbing Pikachu, who has been sleeping by my side, gently by the scruff with her teeth and plopping him onto her back before sprinting off along the lakeside.
I shake my head. "Now your turn."
Alex grins. "Okay, don't be too shocked, but…" He lifts a Poké Ball into view and clicks it open. A blue frog Pokémon appears, blinking curiously.
"Wait, that is—"
"That's right!" Alex beams. "I got myself a Froakie! All thanks to Professor Sycamore. I'm working with him, and he thought I should have one of Kalos's starter Pokémon. You know me, I wasn't about to say no to a cool Pokémon like this."
Froakie croaks happily before sticking its tongue straight onto Alex's face. I burst out laughing.
"Yeah, she does that sometimes," Alex mutters, clearly used to this as he peels her tongue off his cheek.
"A she?" I say, still smiling. "That's pretty rare, I think. Please take care of my brother, Froakie. He's…reckless."
"Froakie!" she responds enthusiastically, immediately sticking her tongue against the screen.
Alex yelps and pulls her back. "Hey!" He laughs despite himself, clearly smitten already.
"So what exactly is your work?" I ask.
"Oh! I'm helping him with his research on mega evolution—"
A loud thudding sound echoes from the forest behind me. I glance over my shoulder, considering ignoring it, but the sound comes again, heavier this time.
I look back at Alex. He notices my expression immediately and frowns. "What's that?"
"Hey, let's talk tomorrow," I say quickly.
"What? You're really ditching your brother over some random noise like that—"
"Yeah, yeah," I interrupt, already standing up. "You can be dramatic later."
"Sorren—"
"Goodnight!" I cut the call and lowered the Poryphone, attaching it to my belt around my hip. "Let's see what that noise is all about?" I whisper to my pokemons as Luxray skids to my heel with Pikachu atop her back.
I follow the direction of the noise, careful with each step, until the trees begin to thin. Ahead, the forest opens into a small patch of grassland, moonlight spilling freely through the gap above. The air smells faintly of smoke and scorched earth. And…
Someone is there.
I duck behind a thick bush at the edge of the clearing, holding my breath as I peer through the leaves. A man stands in the open grass, his posture straight and focused, as if the world around him barely exists. He looks older than me, maybe in his early twenties. His black hair falls messily around sharp features, eyes narrowed with intensity. He wears dark clothes with a scarf like blue frames around his neck.
And standing before him is a Charizard. No. Not exactly.
The Pokémon is larger, its body black, with glowing blue flames burning fiercely at the corners of its mouth and the tip of its tail. Blue fire. I have never seen fire like that before.
"What…is that?" I whisper without realizing it.
The man raises his arm. "Again," he says, his voice calm but commanding.
The Charizard roars, blue flames flaring brighter as it lunges forward, slamming its claws into the ground with a force that sends cracks racing through the dirt. Heat washes over the clearing, even reaching where I hide.
My fingers curl into the leaves beneath me. I should not be here. This feels invasive to their training. I should leave—
But right at the wrong time, my Poryphone vibrates.
My heart stops.
Before I can silence it, the screen lights up and a cheerful, loud voice fills the night.
"Pokémon detected! Mega Charizard X, the Flame Pokémon in its Mega Evolved form! This Charizard has undergone Mega Evolution, transforming its fire into intense blue flames and greatly increasing its physical strength and—"
"No no no no," I hissed, fumbling with the device.
The man and his Charizard snap their eyes toward the bush at the same time. My breath catches, and the Poryphone slips from my fingers, disappearing into the grass as I look up and hear footsteps moving in my direction.
Luxray bolts from the clearing, sensing the chaos in my thoughts. I drop down and frantically reach through the grass in the darkness, fingers brushing against something solid. Without stopping to check what it is, I grab it and run.
By the time we reach the lake again, my lungs are burning. I force myself to slow down and take a deep breath. Then another. Only when my heart stops pounding do I glance down at my hand.
It is not the device.
It is a branch.
Luxray and Pikachu stare at it, then at me. Slowly, both of them shake their heads. Heat rushes up my neck and settles into my cheeks as embarrassment sinks in.
"Let's just go back to the room," I whisper, curling my fingers around the branch before letting it fall. "This is enough adventure for a day."
I recall them both and make my way back toward the Pokémon Center, already wondering how I am going to explain losing my Poryphone.
Still, one thought refuses to leave my mind.
Who was that guy?