The boy named himself Aren.
He didn't register with the League immediately. He didn't rush into battles.
Instead, he walked.
Through parks where trainers laughed.
Through streets where Pokémon lived beside humans.
Through peaceful districts untouched by dungeon shadows.
His handheld device didn't force him.
It guided.
Charmander walked beside him, tail flame low and content.
Every Pokémon they passed… Aren could see them.
Their futures.
Their limits.
Their heartbreaks.
He learned quickly:
This power was not meant to be shown.
It was meant to be used carefully.
That night, as he trained Charmander under a bridge using simple movements, the device vibrated.
Wild Presence Detected
Type: Ice
Emotional State: Curious
A ripple formed in the air.
A sleek blue form stepped out.
White ribbons flowing.
Eyes ancient—and gentle.
Suicune.
Then another.
Male.
Female.
They watched him.
Not as prey.
As something… familiar.
Chapter 5 – Bonds Beyond Contracts
Aren did not throw a Poké Ball.
He simply stood.
Charmander stepped forward, unafraid.
The female Suicune approached, lowering her head until it touched Charmander's.
The male circled Aren once, then sat.
Legendary Bond Available
Limit: 1
Exception Triggered: Twin Resonance
The handheld device pulsed—but did not command.
This was not capture.
This was choice.
Aren knelt.
"I won't own you," he said quietly. "But… if you walk with me, I'll walk with you."
The two Suicune looked at each other.
Then both stepped forward.
The bond sealed—not as master and Pokémon.
But as partners.
As lovers bound by shared paths.
Above the city, the world remained peaceful.
But something ancient had begun to move.