Chapter 1 - The Ho-oh Incident

  In the bustling core of Saffron stood a towering skyscraper, all steel and glass, its third-floor home to an expansive exercise gym. Even on Sundays, the place buzzed with activity, swimmers slicing through the pool's waters with rhythmic vigor. Among them was a middle-aged man, his expression a mask of determination as he pushed himself to the brink, each stroke powerful and precise. Despite the pool's generous size, he held a deep-seated disdain for the gym, forever plagued by crowds, further exacerbated by the free-roaming Pokémon. These creatures, which had indelibly altered the course of his life, were an unavoidable thread in the tapestry of daily existence, leaving him constantly on edge.

  Elduran Aloger, a 31-year-old sniper, stood as a legend within the ranks of the Joint Anti-Pokémon Special Ops for Kanto and Johto (APSO). With 27 missions to his credit, including confrontations with legendary Pokémon, he had rightfully earned the moniker "Owl." His most renown deed involved a long-range shot that dispatched a rampaging Spiritomb menacing a village near Fuchsia City. With a fairy-infused round, fired from a mile's distance, he brought down the destructive Pokémon with a single, expertly placed shot.

  A native of Cianwood City in Johto, Elduran grew up in a coastal cottage alongside his parents, who were prosperous entrepreneurs owning an asset management firm. Their idyllic life met a tragic end when Kyogre's wrath unleashed a massive tsunami, devastating the city and claiming hundreds of lives, including his parents. This calamity left Elduran scarred, both physically and emotionally, compelling him to maintain his distance from Pokémon.

  Pokémon activists blamed a shadowy group known as the Watchers, accusing them of attempting to control Kyogre and failing in a disastrous manner. The Watchers are the main adversaries of the Anti-Pokémon Special Ops (APSO), holding responsibility for the majority of legendary Pokémon-related catastrophes. Orphaned by misfortune, Elduran spurned the government's offer of a complimentary Pokémon at sixteen and enlisted in the army. His path was unequivocal: to combat the creatures and the organization that had devastated his world.

  A thunderous explosion shook the building, reverberating through the water. Elduran broke the surface, tearing off his goggles as debris showered from above. Adrenaline coursed through him as he dashed for the changing room and his locker. A Nidorino erupted into the chaos, narrowly avoiding him with a vault. Pandemonium broke out as people and Pokémon scrambled toward the exits. Elduran remained resolute. The distant screech confirmed his suspicions: a Pokémon was behind this. The situation demanded a quick, lethal response.

  He charged into the locker room, making a beeline for his own. Just before reaching it, a section of the ceiling collapsed before him. Convinced his end was near, he braced for the inevitable blow. Yet, a sudden, fierce gust of wind hurled him backward, his body crashing into the metal lockers. Dazed and with his heart thundering, he surveyed the scene around him. A Vivillon with vibrant red and white wings hovered beside a lifeless woman, its sorrowful cries resonating through the debris-strewn room. Clearly, the creature had saved his life, a debt he knew he could never truly repay.

  His locker lay ensnared beneath the wreckage. He strained against the ruins, but it was hopeless. As despair seeped in, a formidable push stirred him. The Vivillon, with a determination belying its size, was urging him aside. "Alright, if you're that keen to help," he murmured, moving out of the way. With another mighty gust, the Vivillon cleared the debris from the locker. "Impressive little bugger," Elduran remarked, respect glinting in his eyes. He wrestled with the lock as it groaned under his efforts. Finally, the locker relented, and he skillfully pieced together his rifle. He also retrieved a small black cassette. Equipped and ready, he dashed out of the locker room into the turmoil consuming the gym's main area.

  He had borne witness to innumerable horrors, yet this scene ranked among the worst. Gym equipment lay strewn as if deployed by a malevolent force, claiming casualties—both human and Pokémon. Those with flying Pokémon found themselves fortunate, able to leap to safety from shattered windows. Below, the stairwells festered with frenzied crowds, trampling one another in a frantic bid for survival. Elduran dismissed the exits, driven by an urgent need to gauge the threat; he sprinted toward a window, avoiding as much as possible the broken tempered glass on the floor. As he neared, a gigantic, avian figure loomed from afar. Recognition turned his stomach: it was a Class Level 7 threat, Ho-oh, and he was alone against it. Understanding that Class Level 10 represented the ultimate peril, he grasped the gravity of the encounter. Yet, Ho-Oh's devastation wasn’t limited to this building; the entirety of Saffron City lay in its destructive path.

  Lying prone on the floor, he settled himself and set up the rifle rest. Opening the black case, he selected a small blue vial from among the many within and carefully applied two drops to a bullet. As he waited for Ho-Oh's return, he chambered the water-infused round. The military had engineered essences that armed ammunition with Pokémon-type traits to target their weaknesses, even those of legendary beings. Ho-oh was particularly susceptible to rock, electric, and water.

  Another tremor rippled through the city as yet another building crumbled beneath Ho-Oh's wrath. Patience was essential. Finally, the colossal bird filled his vision through the scope. This was a risky gamble with just a single attempt; reloading was impossible. An eye shot was crucial. Even Class Level 9 Pokémon had retreated after taking a single, expertly aimed bullet that exploited their weaknesses when struck in the eye. The unsettling truth was that legendary Pokémon seemed impervious to death, yet enduring torment could drive them to withdraw.

  The bullet found its mark in Ho-Oh's right eye, eliciting a blood-curdling shriek as its flight became wildly erratic, plunging toward the building Elduran occupied. A surge of panic gripped him, realizing the inevitability of its trajectory. Through his scope, he glimpsed the impending doom.

  Reacting instantly, he dashed across the room, diving through the opposite window just in time, as Ho-oh crashed mere moments later into the floor above. The structure crumbled in its wake. Memories of intense training sessions flickered through his mind: lessons on surviving long falls. Land on your feet, lean to one side, roll. At best, suffer a broken leg and some broken ribs. Yet, the street below, littered with debris, made even that seem implausible. Impalement posed a genuine threat. Even in a fortunate fall onto flat ground, severe injuries were almost certain. Escape seemed impossible. Demise felt inescapable.

  As he plummeted, Elduran steeled himself for the end. Below loomed a twisted, overturned car, its metal frame a grim welcome. Surprisingly, he found himself less attached to life than expected. He was going down, yet he had single-handedly forced Ho-Oh's retreat.

  In that near-final moment, a gust of wind intervened, slowing his descent, nudging him away from the collapsing building. Though still falling rapidly, the imminent injury seemed less catastrophic. Then, with a sudden burst of color, Vivillon intervened, crashing into him midair, redirecting him safely into the rear of a large, overturned truck.

  Elduran groaned as he rolled to a stop. Vivillon lay still outside, a hefty chunk of concrete resting ominously beside it. "Damn it, get up!" he urged himself. With a painful effort, Elduran inched to the truck's edge, clasped Vivillon's wing, and pulled. "You're heavier than you look," he grumbled, fighting to hoist it inside. Just as he managed, the building came crashing down onto the truck. For a moment, the world was obliterated. Half the truck bed lay crushed, yet remarkably, the roof above them held firm. They were alive, but just barely. Elduran appraised their dire predicament. The truck was precariously balanced, teetering on the brink of destruction. They had survived, but only by sheer chance.

  ***

  Vivillon stirred, its eyes fluttering open. It gazed directly into Elduran's eyes and uttered a soft "Viiii." Elduran often pondered how Pokémon seemed to grasp human emotions more keenly than humans understood them. Despite the common notion of humans being the more intelligent species, Pokémon had a knack for more effective communication.

  He still couldn't fathom how trainers discerned the meanings behind their Pokémon's cries. To him, it was an endless array of "Viiii" here and "Viiii" there—nothing but indecipherable babble. People claimed that owning a Pokémon led to understanding, though even Pokémon professors failed to provide a lucid explanation, accepting it as an unquestioned truth.

  Elduran cast a reluctant glance at Vivillon, feeling a surge of gratitude, he found hard to express. These creatures had once brought chaos to his life. Vivillon stared back with an enigmatic look in its eyes.

  "Why are you staring at me like that?" Elduran asked.

  He couldn't explain the certainty, but he was sure Vivillon's gaze was filled with admiration, tinged with sorrow for its previous trainer. Elduran was unsettled by his ability to perceive the Pokémon's emotions. Even if he believed in a Pokémon-human bond, such understanding was thought to take months.

  Elduran's shivering grew more intense, his endurance slipping away. Vivillon ascended, its mouth agape, unleashing a string shot directed at Elduran. He tried to sidestep, but Vivillon was relentless, circling him tirelessly with its String Shot. When it finally halted, Elduran inspected himself, discovering a nearly silk-like string enveloping him from waist to neck. He understood it was attempting to warm him.

  Vivillon emitted a resonant "Viii," raising its arms and gazing at him with anticipation. Soon, he discerned its intent—it wanted him to lift his arms. Acquiescing, Vivillon encased them in silk as before, circling him and releasing a steady stream of string, crafting a makeshift attire. At another "Viii," Elduran immediately understood the cue. Rising, he parted his legs, allowing Vivillon to wind the string from his feet to his waist, ensuring his movement remained unhindered. As he settled back down, a comforting warmth enveloped him.

  "Vivillon," Elduran began, struggling. "This isn't easy for me to say but thank you." Vivillon blinked twice before drifting back to sleep. "Guess with that injury on its head, it wasn't ready for all that string shot," Elduran mused. He had known the bug Pokémon only hours yet felt a growing attachment.

  Gazing upward, he noticed water trickling from a crack in the truck's roof. Rising, he retrieved a piece of metal debris, shaped well enough to serve as a bowl, placing it under the drip. It would be a slow collection, but it promised survival for days.

  Maybe it was the rain pouring outside, or perhaps the rescue team was utilizing Pokémon adept at Rain Dance to provide vital water through the cracks. Muffled noises gradually started reaching Elduran's ears, dampened by the rubble. Assistance was on its way, yet patience was required. Hope remained his sole comfort.

  ***

  Elduran had lost track of how long they'd been ensnared. Three days? Four? Perhaps more. His bond with Vivillon had grown stronger, and he'd learned she was female. Besides Gust, she knew Psybeam, trying to shift debris once when he was asleep. He had stopped her; afraid she might disturb something crucial holding the truck together.

  The noise from above, presumably from rescue teams, intensified yet still seemed distant. Starvation hovered as an ominous threat. A grim thought crossed his mind: he could attack and consume Vivillon. It would sustain him for days. But he realized his martial skills were no match for her potential Poison Powder and Stun Spore. Most troubling was his reluctance; he had become attached to Vivillon, a departure from his typical pragmatic mindset.

  Vivillon had been despondent for days, mourning her trainer's demise. She was vocal, her anger at their plight evident, and Elduran realized she held Ho-oh responsible.

  "Let me tell you something, Viv," Elduran began.

  Vivillon squeaked, spinning mid-air, tears glistening in her eyes.

  "Did I say something wrong? I understand you're grieving, but considering our circumstances, we both need to stay strong."

  She gazed at him, then moved closer, clinging to his chest, her wings enveloping him as she wept. Elduran froze, uncertain. His mind urged him to return the embrace, but his arms refused to move. He recalled his words and finally understood.

  "Viv was the name your trainer gave you, wasn't it?"

  Vivillon hugged him tighter, her wings pressing into him. Elduran struggled but managed to hug her back. He couldn't fathom why the gesture was so difficult. After all, it wasn't Vivillon who had stolen his childhood, it was Kyogre—or rather, humans. He owed payback to an organization.

  He hid behind his dislike for Pokémon. Deep down, he knew it wouldn't last. If they emerged from this, he would leave APSO. His hunt would turn from Pokémon to humans. The organization known as the Watchers had orchestrated every legendary Pokémon attack. Only he refused to see the truth. The truth that only the Watchers were at fault.

  "I have to say, you have a beautiful name. I would've named you the same. What I meant was, it wasn't Ho-oh's fault, Viv. An organization called Watchers is behind this. They've sparked most legendary Pokémon attacks globally. I don’t know how or why, but they're always involved. I bet they’re behind this event too."

  Their communication was still imperfect, so it took hours for Elduran to explain fully who Vivillon should hold accountable. As they talked, a noise emerged from below. Something approached them.

  The noise grew louder, piercing the truck’s floor. Dust swirled, but Vivillon used Gust to clear it. Before them stood two Pokémon: an Excadrill and a Zubat. Vivillon prepared a Stun Spore, but Elduran stepped in to calm her.

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  "Viv, relax. We’re saved. These are rescue Pokémon. Excadrill digs tunnels, Zubat guides with its keen hearing. They’re a staple rescue team for trapped Pokémon and humans. It helped that you were loud," Elduran said.

  Vivillon let out a loud "viiiiiiiii."

  "Okay, okay, I made noise too," Elduran admitted, turning to the others. "I guess we follow you through the tunnel?" he asked, keeping his distance from the unfamiliar Pokémon.

  Excadrill nodded approval and led the way into the tunnel, motioning for them to follow. The tunnel widened as Excadrill dug. Elduran and Vivillon crawled along, moving slowly but hopeful of a safe escape.

  ****

  A full week had elapsed since the Ho-oh Incident, which claimed the lives of over 1500 people. The devastation was even more severe for Pokémon, as untold numbers remained confined within their Poké Balls, unable to be released. Unless their trainers were located, either alive or dead, the Pokémon Registry Center (PRC) in Celadon City was powerless to dissolve the bond.

  A sorrowful outcome of this predicament is that releasing a Pokémon from an entombed Poké Ball would lead to its instant demise. Twenty-one years back, the PRC suggested legislation permitting trainers to transfer their active Pokémon to the Database, akin to switching between active and stored ones. Although this would have provided many advantages, the populace voted against the proposal.

  The mythical bird's onslaught resulted in the collapse of five towering skyscrapers, leaving the heart of Saffron in shambles. The destruction surpassed even the havoc wrought by Kyogre in Cianwood, though Kyogre was deemed a greater menace. Saffron's denser population contributed to a significantly higher toll of casualties, despite the fact that only five structures were obliterated.

  Elduran brewed his stovetop coffee, rinsed the pot clean, and stepped out onto the balcony of his second-floor apartment. Nestled on the outskirts of town in a tranquil neighborhood, his home offered a quiet retreat. Settling into his chair, he inhaled the rich aroma of his drink, took a sip, and heard the ring of the doorbell.

  Without checking the camera, Elduran pressed the buzzer to let the visitor in. Moments later, a woman in her mid-thirties knocked on the door. Elduran unlocked the door and welcomed her inside. She had long blonde hair, stood of average height, and wore a neatly tailored gray pantsuit.

  Elduran greeted Gemma with a compliment on her appearance.

  "I can't return the favor," she replied, eyeing him with concern. "Seriously, how are your injuries?"

  "Just some scratches," Elduran reassured her, gesturing to his wounds. "No broken bones this time."

  He set his coffee on the table and beckoned Gemma to sit. "I know this is risky," he began. "I need your help, Gemma. You know how desperate I am."

  Gemma nodded. "I do, but there are safer ways to approach this. You can't keep risking your life. If the higher-ups discover I'm feeding you intel, I'm as good as fired."

  "I know, and I appreciate your help. Do you have any specific information?"

  "That was the easy part. We have a region, not specific locations. The Watchers' reach is global. Few criminal organizations are this vast. Unfortunately, we believe they're in Tenera, far from here."

  "Tenera? I kind of like the sound of that."

  "Yeah, an island nation six hours by plane from anywhere else. Why did I think you wouldn't be into that?"

  "I don't know," Elduran said with a smile, "maybe your sharp observational skills are slipping."

  "So how exactly are you planning on taking them down? You're not part of the military anymore. You quit, remember? No resources, no weapons, no Pokémon. What's your plan, to ask them to self-destruct? You might source a rifle from the black market, as they can reprogram it to work with your fingerprint, it won't work for someone who's been exposed to Pokémon digital energy, but you don't have to worry about that."

  "You're well aware of my exceptional prowess with the bow," he remarked with a smirk.

  Gemma sighed. "A bow? Really? Okay, let's roll with it—bow instead of guns. Got it. Even though I'm sure I can get you a rifle. What about resources? This apartment's a dive, and rent is dirt cheap, but you couldn't have saved much. Soldiers don't make a lot."

  "Oh, that's simple. I'll earn money by becoming a Pokémon trainer. So, no need for a rifle; it'll be useless. You know Pokémon digital energy and all, with Pokéballs.

  Gemma gasped. "I'm sorry, did I hear that right?"

  "You heard me," Elduran said with a smirk. "Tenera is part of the 1st Year Pokémon Trainer Agreement, like every other region. New trainers get free housing at Pokémon Centers, free healthcare for themselves and their Pokémon, and free meals—up to fifty Pokédollars a day at PokéCafés and three hundred Pokédollars a day for Pokémon food at PokéMarts. It's perfect. Plus, any trainer can stay up to a year in a region without a special visa."

  "There's a problem. You need to prove you're competing for badges, or you lose all those benefits. And Tenera doesn't use PokéDollars; they use Crimson Cetis."

  "Even better," Elduran exclaimed. "I never understood why our currency needs to feature Pokémon. I like that region already. And when did I say I won't be competing?"

  "You know you can't just get a starter Pokémon and challenge all the gyms. Challenges increase in difficulty as you earn badges. To challenge the first gym, you'll need at least two Pokémon. The second gym requires three, the third four, and the fourth five. There's no obligation to have a sixth Pokémon. You have six months to earn the first four badges, which isn't easy. I only got to three when I was sixteen, with family support for half a year. My second year, well as you know went a lot better"

  "Oh, I'm competing, alright. If I can't get eight badges, then I won't be able to handle the Watchers," Elduran said gravely.

  "So, you're planning to fight them with Pokémon?" Gemma asked curiously.

  "Did you think I'd go against them alone with a bow?"

  Gemma looked at him seriously before speaking calmly. "Elduran, you do realize you're too old for this, right? A Pokémon trainer at thirty-one? And don't mention Rurik Crevace. He's an outlier."

  "Why not mention him? He began at forty-two and became Johto's champion within a year. He's held that title for thirty-three years, the oldest and longest-reigning champion. I know Pokémon, Gemma. My skills came from observing their movements and habits, not just my aim. I've invested hours daily studying Pokémon for far too long. The connection may take work, but I trust my instincts. They'll need to battle the Watchers, so they must be strong."

  Gemma walked to the window, her voice calm. "Elduran, if you only see Pokémon as weapons, you won't succeed."

  "I never regarded them merely as weapons; akin to bombs, they're frequently misused," he remarked with a smile.

  A crimson glow burst from Gemma's Poké Ball, unveiling a Vileplume at his side. Elduran sprang to his feet, grabbing a knife, but hesitated, realizing what Gemma did. He let the knife fall, took a long, measured breath, and settled back, his gaze fixed intently on Vileplume.

  "I see Violet evolved," he said, still focused on Vileplume.

  "Pluuuum," cooed Vileplume, reaching out with her petals to brush against Elduran.

  Elduran delicately placed his hand on the petal that contacted him, gently nudging her away with care to avoid causing offense.

  "Quite a breakthrough," Gemma commented, softly caressing Vileplume. She sat across from Elduran, who maintained his watchful gaze, ready for any swift movement from Vileplume. "Even with Violet, your trust falters, despite knowing her intentions are harmless. Yet, here you are, touching her.”

  "She has every reason to resent me? Every time you let her out, I made sure she went back into her Pokéball. It's understandable if she's upset. I figured you might have left me because of that, among other reasons. Trust me, I understand—being with me means your Pokémon spend most of their lives inside those balls," Elduran replied.

  "I left because you opposed marriage, wanted me to move into this hovel, and you were too immature—eight years younger than me. The Pokémon excuse was just that, an excuse," she explained calmly.

  "I guess I had that coming. I sincerely believed it was concern for your Pokémon's wellbeing that drove you off. By deceiving me, you only made me more wary of them. Well done!" he retorted with a sardonic smile.

  Gemma was startled. Elduran appeared unaware that Violet was touching him once more. Seeing Gemma's confusion, his smile dimmed. Turning to Violet, even he was taken aback; Violet was in contact with him again, and he hadn't even realized it.

  "You really are more comfortable with Pokémon now. You weren't lying," Gemma remarked.

  Elduran thought he was merely pretending, but a newfound ease with Pokémon had emerged. He really did not notice Vileplume touching him, That Vivillon had completely transformed his outlook.

  Gemma stood, recalling her Vileplume, and declared, "You've got what you need. I'm leaving. I'm glad you're taking this step and hope you'll release your vengeance and embrace becoming a trainer."

  Elduran stood up, a faint smile on his lips. "You could stay the night. You might not see me again."

  Gemma sighed, raising her left hand. "See this? It's a wedding ring."

  Elduran, still smiling, said, "Can't blame me for trying," and embraced her in farewell.

  Just before Gemma left, she hesitated, turning back to extract a Poké Ball from her purse. It was no ordinary ball; it was a green and white Friend Ball, adorned with a distinctive yellow dot nestled between two pairs of red stripes—a symbol of fortune and nostalgia from her days as a trainer, one she treasured but had never used. She tossed it to Elduran, then firmly closed the door behind her and walked away.

  ***

  It had been three weeks since Ho-oh's disastrous assault on Saffron City. Elduran stood upon a vast hill, gazing down at the city where the majority of fallen, both human and Pokémon, were laid to rest. A solemn memorial service drew nearly half the populace, gathering to remember and mourn.

  Mayor Christopher Cornwell and Gym Leader Rina Comps spoke earnestly, offering their condolences and stressing the urgency of strengthening the city's defenses against future threats. The usual sentiments of resilience and strength filled the air, echoing the typical rhetoric that followed in the wake of calamity.

  Rina, a celebrated Psychic-type trainer once considered for an Elite Four spot, had chosen to remain in Saffron. Her unparalleled abilities had earned her the title of the mightiest gym leader in Kanto. Yet, she was a casualty of the system's inefficiencies. The League's bureaucratic hurdles stifled proactive threat management, often only acting post-crisis. Regional restrictions complicated interventions against international criminal entities like the Watchers.

  Despite his personal distaste for Pokémon, Elduran admired trainers who operated independently of the League’s influence. Securing eight badges guaranteed permanent residency in any region; however, aligning with the League required surrendering residency in other regions. Although employment with the League assured job security, independent trainers demonstrated superior skill in confronting the Watchers, often by their expedited arrival.

  The army paled in comparison to the might of legendary Pokémon. Countless soldiers perished merely to provide a fleeting chance for their snipers to execute the perfect shot. Top-tier league trainers needed only minutes to subdue a legendary Pokémon when in numbers, yet they invariably arrived too late. Elduran felt the bitter pang of inadequacy, acknowledging the sobering reality that firearms were futile against such mythical creatures. Yet, in this moment, he aspired to join those who could truly make a meaningful impact.

  "I reckon we've both had enough of this for one lifetime," came a voice from behind Elduran.

  Turning, he found Bob, a towering figure renowned for his physical prowess.

  "Hey, Bob!" Elduran greeted with a friendly shoulder punch.

  "I'll miss you, Owl," Bob replied, nodding to Elduran's sharpshooter nickname. "The security of having you at our backs was invaluable."

  They clasped hands, grips firm and resolute.

  "Taking on Ho-oh alone? That's one way to make an exit. I'm eager to tell my kids about the legend in our squad," Bob grinned.

  "You all will thrive even more in my absence. Some rising star will take my place shortly. At last, I've come to understand the message you've always imparted. Trainers possess a unique advantage in this battle. How I wish I could do both, wield firearms and command Pokémon," Elduran admitted.

  "That would be quite intimidating," Bob laughed. "Picture yourself with six champion-level Pokémon and a rifle. You’d be unstoppable! There's a reason this law exists—it's for formidable people like you."

  "Trainers exceed firearms, that's always been clear. I understand my reasons, but what compelled you to join the army?" Elduran asked with curiosity.

  "At sixteen, nearly everyone dreams of becoming a trainer. We all tried, though we weren't cut out for it, we still longed to make the world a better place. Parting with our Pokémon for the army was tough, but I visit mine often, since my parents took custody of them. There's another matter, too; having Pokémon is wonderful, yet I've always yearned to battle the forces of evil. However, I could never bear the thought of losing any of my Pokémon in combat, as league trainers often do. Elduran, you have immense potential, whether for good or ill. The choice is yours."

  "What do you mean?" Elduran asked, intrigued.

  "You have an exceptional understanding of Pokémon. I've seen you study them tirelessly. You don't need a Pokédex to know their moves or abilities. But it’s more than moves and commands. The bond with your Pokémon is paramount. They must trust your judgment without hesitation. It's not about affection or humor but a respect-based bond. Rainbows and unicorns, strength, or fear—trainers forge bonds in various ways. Time nurturing that bond outweighs studying moves and counters."

  "I’ll take that to heart. Gemma gave similar counsel," Elduran reflected.

  "Listen to her. She was a great trainer. And one final piece of advice: if you're enjoying this new path, leave the Watchers behind for a while. Arceus knows you deserve some peace," Bob advised.

  "That's asking a lot," Elduran said with a smile.

  Bob smirked at him. "I like that beard you're growing. I never pegged you for a beard guy, but let your hair grow. You're not in the military anymore, no need for that haircut." He extended his hand.

  They shook hands one last time. "I prefer short hair, but I'll see about the beard. My flight's tomorrow morning; this is farewell. Until we meet again."

  "For your own sake, I hope it's not too soon," Bob replied, nodding toward a woman approaching. "Here's my cue. Thought she should know you left the force. Take care!" He called back, walking away.

  "Wait, what?" Elduran called, but Bob was already leaving.

  A woman in her fifties approached, eyes puffy from tears. Clad in black, her attire mirrored her inner sorrow.

  "Are you Elduran?" she asked.

  "Yes, can I assist you?" he replied.

  "I'll be brief. Don't blame your friend, but he revealed it was you who drove Ho-oh away."

  "And why seek me?" Elduran questioned cautiously.

  "For this Vivillon, my daughter's Pokémon..." Tears welled up. "All she wanted was..."

  "It's all right, I understand," Elduran said gently, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'd be honored to see Viv again. Your daughter must have been a remarkable person to raise such a well-behaved Pokémon."

  "You misunderstand," the woman replied, finding her voice. "Bob told me you left the force. Vivillon wishes to join you. You’re allowed to accept her now, if you want her."

  Elduran was stunned. Accepting Viv as his first Pokémon? The joy was immense, yet he hesitated to take her from her deceased trainer's family.

  "I'm unsure if I can accept her," he faltered. "She must mean so much to you."

  "This isn't about us. She's not property, nor is money a factor. She truly wants to be with you. The only obstacle is your acceptance," she spoke gently.

  "Of course, I will accept her," Elduran declared with resolve.

  She released Vivillon from her Pokéball. Enveloping Elduran in a tight hug, the Pokémon almost smothered him.

  "I'm thrilled to see you," Elduran gasped for air. "But we need to work on those hugs. You'll be the end of me!"

  "Proves it's truly you," the woman said, smiling through tears. "They identified my daughter the second day. After completing paperwork, her Pokéball connection was severed. I recaptured her, promising to find you." She explained, pressing her thumb against the Pokéball's top. A blue ring appeared around her finger. Unlocking her phone, she entered her Pokédex app password, then passed the Pokéball to Elduran. "Hold your thumb there." Elduran did so until the light flashed twice and vanished. "There, she's yours. Take care of her," she said, turning away, tears renewed.

  Vivillon hugged her from behind. She paused, tenderly stroking Vivillon's wing.

  "May I know your name, please?" Elduran asked softly.

  "Johanna," she answered, as Vivillon released her.

  "Just one more thing," Elduran hesitated. "May I ask your daughter's name? It would mean a lot to Viv. To address her previous trainer by name"

  She paused, wiping tears. "Nancy. Please cherish her dearest friend. She was her world."

  As Johanna walked away, Vivillon's tears flowed as she mourned her former trainer hearing her name spoken out loud.

  Elduran walked towards Vivillon, gently taking her into his arms. This time, he initiated the hug, offering her comfort.

  ***

  The plane finally touched down. After clearing security, he emerged from the airport into a vast expanse of farmland with a distant city a few miles away. He had arrived in Tenera, and Asven City, where his registration awaited, was a short bus ride away. At 31 years old, he was about to embark on a new chapter as a trainer.