Fighting for a Brighter Future
Chapter 2 : Survivors
As her consciousness slowly surfaced, Kai became dimly aware that she was lying on something hard and cold. A dull pressure rested against her chest, rising and falling ever so slightly, as though something—or someone—was perched atop her.
“Pika…”
A soft touch brushed against her cheek.
She stirred faintly, but her eyelids refused to open. The exhaustion clinging to her body was too heavy, dragging her back down like an anchor. Whatever had just happened… she didn’t want to think about it. Not yet. Not now.
“Pika pi…”
The touch came again, a little firmer this time. Insistent.
No. She wouldn’t open her eyes.
Not when, for the first time in what felt like forever, she could simply lie still and feel… safe.
“Pika!”
The next poke carried a hint of irritation.
Kai stubbornly remained where she was, refusing to give in. Even if the sky itself came crashing down, she wasn’t—
“Piiika—CHUUUU!!”
A violent jolt of electricity surged through her body.
Kai screamed, her entire form jerking upright as the shock ripped her out of unconsciousness. This time it hurt—far worse than before. Rainwater still clung to her clothes and skin, amplifying the current until it burned through her nerves.
Gasping, she forced her eyes open.
The weight on her chest shifted, and she found herself staring straight into the familiar, furious face of her Pikachu.
“You—!” she choked out, still trembling slightly.
Pikachu stood there, paws planted firmly against her, glaring as if scolding her for even thinking about staying asleep. But beneath that anger, his eyes shimmered. Whether it was lingering tears or droplets of rain, Kai couldn’t tell—but the sight made her chest tighten.
He was covered in bandages, small and careful wraps around his limbs and torso. Someone had treated him.
Someone had saved them.
Kai’s breath hitched as she pushed herself upright, her gaze darting around in alarm. Pikachu squeaked in surprise, nearly losing his footing before scrambling onto her shoulder out of habit, clinging to her as if to make sure she wouldn’t disappear again.
They were… on a boat.
No—not just a boat. A small yacht, gently rocking with the waves beneath a gray, rain-heavy sky.
Her eyes scanned every corner, searching for any sign of the attackers—but there was nothing. No uniforms. No voices. No looming threats.
Just the sound of the ocean.
A shaky breath escaped her.
They were safe.
“We made it…” she whispered, her voice trembling as relief finally broke through. Her arms instinctively wrapped around Pikachu, pulling him close as she buried her face into his fur. “We actually made it, Pikachu.”
“Pikaaa~”
His soft coo carried a warmth that grounded her, his small body pressing back against her just as tightly.
They had escaped.
They survived.
But—
Kai’s grip tightened.
Her teeth clenched as the relief soured into something heavier, sharper.
They hadn’t saved anyone.
Her mother.
Gina.
The captain.
Everyone else…
The images came flooding back—chaos, fear, helplessness—and with them, a burning anger that twisted deep in her chest.
She wanted to go back.
She wanted to fight.
To save her mother.
To tear down the people who had done this—who had taken what was supposed to be a perfect day and shattered it without a second thought.
Her hands trembled slightly against Pikachu’s fur.
What about Crescent…?
Kai’s thoughts flickered briefly to her. If anyone could escape something like that, it would be her—and her Gothitelle. As unpredictable as that Pokémon was, abandoning its trainer wasn’t something it would do.
…Right?
Kai exhaled slowly, forcing herself to steady her breathing.
Only then did she realize—
They weren’t alone.
Her body tensed immediately.
Not far from where she sat stood a woman, watching her quietly. Beside her loomed a large, falcon-like Pokémon, its presence both imposing and strangely reassuring.
The creature’s red-orange plumage burned like embers even under the dull sky, covering its head, wings, and much of its body before fading into a flame-like pattern. Its underside was a muted gray, dotted with small orange markings, while its long wings tapered into sharp black tips. Powerful yellow talons gripped the deck, and its keen eyes, framed by bold black-and-yellow markings, observed everything with sharp awareness. Its long tail feathers fanned out behind it, marked with distinct V-shaped patterns, resembling the fletching of an arrow.
Kai instinctively pulled Pikachu closer.
Her guard shot back up.
This could be a trick.
Seeing the wariness in her eyes, the woman gently raised both hands, her expression calm and open.
“No, no… it’s alright,” she said softly. “We don’t mean you any harm. You’re safe now.”
Kai didn’t respond immediately.
She simply stared, searching the woman’s face for any sign of deceit. But there was none—only a quiet kindness that felt… painfully familiar.
It reminded her of her mother.
Slowly, reluctantly, Kai’s shoulders eased—just a little.
The woman seemed to notice.
“Oh dear…” she murmured, her voice filled with concern. “What happened to you?”
And just like that, the words came spilling out.
The banquet.
The sudden attack.
The hijackers.
The strange creatures.
Kai spoke quickly at first, then slower, her voice tightening with each detail. Anger bled into her tone, mixing with something far more fragile beneath it.
“My mother… she…” Her voice faltered. “They took her.”
The words caught in her throat.
She couldn’t go on.
Tears blurred her vision, spilling over before she could stop them. She bit down hard, trying to force them back—she didn’t want to cry. Not now. Not when she needed to be strong.
A small paw brushed against her cheek.
Pikachu.
Gently, carefully, he wiped away her tears.
The woman’s expression softened, her heart clearly aching at the sight.
“That’s… truly terrible,” she said quietly. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
She paused, glancing briefly toward the horizon before continuing.
“I was on my way to East Gearen from Terajuma when I picked up a distress signal. Then I saw it—a flash of lightning shooting into the sky.” Her gaze returned to Kai. “We came as fast as we could.”
She gestured toward her Pokémon.
“It was thanks to Talonflame that we reached you in time.”
Kai’s eyes flickered toward the large bird again.
So it was the one who saved them.
“If we had been any later…” the woman trailed off, shaking her head slightly, as if unwilling to finish that thought.
Then, as if suddenly remembering herself, she straightened.
“Oh! Forgive me, I haven’t even introduced myself properly.”
She placed a hand lightly against her chest, offering a gentle smile.
“My name is Tesla. Tesla Von Brandt. I’m from Terajuma Island, in the Aevium region.”
Kai hesitated for a moment before answering.
“…Kai. My name is Kai.”
She adjusted slightly, and Pikachu perked up on her shoulder.
“And this is Pikachu. My partner.”
“Pika chu!”
He gave a small, cheerful greeting despite everything, which earned a soft laugh from Tesla.
“Such a wonderful name,” she said warmly. “And you—aren’t you just adorable?”
Before Pikachu could react, she reached out and pinched his cheeks, gently at first—then repeatedly, unable to resist.
Pikachu’s ears twitched.
His eyes narrowed.
A faint crackle of electricity sparked at his cheeks.
Tesla quickly withdrew her hands with a small laugh. “Ah—alright, alright. I’ll behave.”
Her expression grew more serious after a moment.
“As for what happened… the group you encountered…” She paused. “They’re known as Team Xen.”
Kai frowned slightly.
“Their presence in Aevium is… relatively recent,” Tesla continued. “A criminal organization that seemed to appear out of nowhere. But until now, they’ve been—well…” she hesitated, choosing her words carefully, “not particularly active.”
“That’s why this is so troubling.”
Her gaze darkened slightly.
“This may be their first large-scale attack.”
Kai’s hands curled into fists.
Team Xen.
So that was their name.
“It doesn’t make sense,” Tesla went on quietly. “Attacking an entire ship… just to capture one person?” She shook her head. “There’s something more to this.”
Kai didn’t respond.
But the thought lingered heavily in her mind.
“Kai…” Tesla’s voice softened again. “You’re on your own now, aren’t you?”
The question caught her off guard.
“What will you do next?”
Kai blinked, her thoughts scrambling for a moment.
Before all of this… they had a plan.
“…I was going to go to Gearen Laboratory,” she said slowly. “To get a Pokédex.”
Tesla’s face brightened slightly.
“That’s a wonderful idea. You should definitely go.”
She gestured lightly toward Pikachu.
“And don’t worry—every registered trainer is still eligible to receive a starter Pokémon, even if they already have a partner.”
Pikachu blinked, then pointed at himself, clearly confused.
Kai couldn’t help the faintest hint of a smile.
“I’ll be heading back to the wreck site,” Tesla continued. “There may still be others who need help.”
Then she turned, pointing toward a small building near the harbor in the distance.
“After you’ve visited the laboratory, meet me there.”
Kai followed her gaze, then nodded.
“…Alright.”
Not long after, the yacht eased into the docks at Oceana Pier. The sky remained heavy and gray, casting a somber tone over everything.
As Kai stepped onto solid ground, Tesla mounted Talonflame in one smooth motion.
“Remember,” she called, “after the laboratory.”
Then, with a small smile, she added—
“I believe everything happens for a reason. Even this. So be patient… things will work out.”
“Talonflame—full speed ahead. Tailwind!”
“Flammm!”
With a powerful beat of its wings, Talonflame soared into the sky, vanishing into the thick clouds above.
Kai stood there for a moment, watching until they disappeared.
Beside her, Pikachu let out a soft sound.
She reached up, gently resting her hand against him.
“…Let’s go,” she said quietly.
There was still so much left to do.
_____
After some time walking in silence, the two of them finally reached the port gate that led into the eastern side of Gearen City. Along the way, Kai had come to a quiet but certain conclusion—what she had felt earlier wasn’t just because of the rain, nor her own mood. The air here truly was polluted.
It clung faintly to her skin, carried a bitter tang that didn’t belong near the sea. She had seen busy cities before, even rough harbors—but nothing quite like this. This place felt… worn down, as if the life had been slowly drained out of it.
And yet, strangely, life still persisted.
Not far from the gate, her eyes caught a small enclosed area—almost easy to miss against the gray surroundings. Inside the fenced space were patches of green: trees, flowers, and scattered leaves that swayed gently despite the heavy air. A few Pokémon lived there too—small bird-like creatures, their shapes somewhat reminiscent of Talonflame’s line, though smaller and more fragile-looking. The fence surrounding them seemed deliberate. Whether it was meant to keep them safe from the pollution… or to keep the pollution contained, Kai couldn’t tell.
She slowed slightly, about to step through the gate—
“Pika—?!”
Pikachu’s sharp, panicked cry cut through her thoughts.
Kai turned immediately. Pikachu had already leapt from her shoulder, pointing urgently in the opposite direction, toward a cluster of worn apartment buildings nearby.
“What is it—?”
She didn’t need to finish the question.
A group of feline Pokémon was advancing aggressively across the cracked pavement. At the center of their attention were two others—a red, monkey-like Pokémon and a small blue frog Pokémon.
Kai’s eyes narrowed.
The frog Pokémon… was injured. Badly. Burn marks covered its body, dark and uneven, as if it had already been fighting for a while.
Before she could react, the leading feline Pokémon lunged forward. It moved with confidence—no hesitation, no doubt. Its jaws opened wide, sharp fangs igniting with flames as it aimed straight for the monkey Pokémon.
“Chimmm char!!!”
The small monkey froze, panic overtaking its body. It trembled in place, unable to even flinch away as the blazing fangs came down toward it—
—but suddenly, it was shoved aside.
The blue frog Pokémon forced itself forward despite its injuries. With a strained motion, it formed a compact sphere of water in its hand and thrust it directly into the attacker’s open mouth.
The impact was immediate.
The water burst violently on contact, erupting inside the feline Pokémon’s jaws and blasting it backward into its group.
“Froooakie!”
The leader skidded across the ground before regaining its footing. Slowly, it stood upright again, eyes burning with anger as it glared at the two Pokémon in front of it. Then it let out a sharp, commanding growl:
“Leoooo!”
At once, the rest of the pack responded.
They began to spread out, circling their prey.
Chimchar clutched desperately at Froakie, its entire body shaking. Froakie, meanwhile, struggled to stay upright, his breathing uneven. His eyes flicked from one opponent to another, calculating—but there was hesitation there now.
And frustration.
This wasn’t how things were supposed to go.
All he had wanted was to leave the lab… to follow that faint, distant light he had seen—to find the one he was meant to meet. That had been his goal from the start.
But then Chimchar had followed him.
That timid, non-combatant Pokémon—who knew this territory belonged to the Litleo gang—had still chosen to come after him.
And now…
Now Froakie was stuck protecting him.
If he were alone, this would have been simple. He could outmaneuver them, confuse them, overwhelm them. But with Chimchar here, everything changed. Even using Double Team was risky—because the leader had already figured it out.
No matter how many copies he made… the real one would always stay close to Chimchar.
Froakie clenched his jaw.
The Litleo leader met his gaze, a smug expression curling at the edges of its mouth as its pack tightened the circle.
Then—
“Pikachu, Electro Ball—go!”
The voice cut in sharply.
A glowing sphere of electricity shot forward, slamming into the ground between the two sides. The sudden burst of energy forced the Litleo pack to leap back, breaking their formation.
Every Pokémon present froze for a moment.
Kai ran forward, Pikachu already at her side, sparks dancing across his fur as he positioned himself protectively in front of her.
She dropped to one knee beside the two injured Pokémon, her eyes scanning them quickly.
“Are you two alright?” she asked, her voice urgent but steady. “Don’t worry—we’ve got you.”
Pikachu gave a firm, supportive cry. “Pika!”
Kai stood again, turning to face the opposing group. Her expression hardened.
“A whole pack ganging up on two like that?” she said, her tone edged with anger. “Seriously?”
The Litleo leader only snorted in response, clearly unimpressed. It let out another command:
“Leoooo!”
The pack surged forward again, flames igniting along their fangs as they charged.
Kai didn’t move.
Instead, a small, confident smirk formed on her lips as she adjusted her hat.
“Pikachu,” she said, her voice calm but firm, “use Thunderbolt.”
“Pikaaa—CHUUUUU!!”
Electricity exploded outward.
A massive bolt of lightning erupted from Pikachu’s body, striking the entire group head-on. The air filled with blinding gold as the attack engulfed the Litleo pack, their cries lost in the crackling roar of the current.
The ground itself seemed to tremble under the force.
For a brief moment, everything was light.
Froakie’s eyes snapped open.
That light—
He knew it.
He had seen it before. Back in Terajuma. The same overwhelming brilliance… the same presence.
The reason he had left everything behind.
The reason he had waited.
When the light faded, the battlefield was silent.
The Litleo gang lay scattered across the ground, their bodies twitching weakly, smoke rising faintly from their fur. Their leader struggled to stand, legs unsteady, its expression twisted with frustration—but it couldn’t fight back.
Not anymore.
“Leoo…” it called weakly.
One by one, the others forced themselves up. Without another attack, without another glance, the pack retreated—limping away as quickly as they could manage.
Kai watched them go, arms crossed.
“And don’t you dare come back!” she called after them.
“Pika!” Pikachu echoed sharply.
Only once they had disappeared did she turn back.
Chimchar was still clinging to Froakie, its eyes filled with tears. Froakie, despite everything, was trying to stand again—his body trembling, his strength clearly spent—but his gaze…
It was locked onto her.
Bright. Focused.
Familiar.
For a brief second, Kai felt something stir in her chest. That look…
It reminded her of Pikachu.
Of the moment he had truly chosen her.
“Fro—”
Before he could finish, Froakie’s strength finally gave out. His body went limp, collapsing forward.
Kai reacted instantly, catching him before he hit the ground.
“Oh no—his injuries…” she murmured, worry quickly replacing everything else.
Chimchar broke down completely, sobbing as Pikachu gently tried to calm him.
Kai softened slightly, glancing at him.
“Your name’s Chimchar, right?”
He nodded, still sniffling.
“Do you know somewhere we can get him treated?”
Chimchar hesitated—then nodded again, more firmly this time. Without another word, he turned and began running toward the gate, glancing back to make sure they were following.
Kai adjusted her hold on Froakie and stood.
“Alright. Lead the way.”
As they hurried after Chimchar, Kai looked down at the unconscious Pokémon in her arms.
“Hang in there,” she said quietly. “You’re going to be okay. We’ll get you help.”
She focused forward, following Chimchar through the gate—
unaware that Froakie’s eyes had slowly opened.
Just slightly.
Just enough to see her face.
The worry in her expression. The determination.
The warmth.
And in that quiet moment, despite the pain, despite everything—
he understood.
He had finally found it.
Not just the light.
But the one he had been searching for all along.
His trainer.
______
Following Chimchar’s frantic lead, Kai and Pikachu sprinted straight down the road toward the looming building ahead. It stood not far from the city’s entrance—just a straight path, nothing complicated—but even in that short dash, the state of the place pressed itself into Kai’s mind whether she wanted it to or not.
Gearen City was… wrong.
Overflowing trash bins crowded the sidewalks, their contents spilling out onto the cracked pavement as if the city itself had given up trying to contain the mess. The air carried a faint, sour stench that clung to the back of her throat, and the water in the nearby harbor was so dark it swallowed the light instead of reflecting it. It was the kind of place that made your instincts itch, the kind that felt off before you could even explain why.
Under any other circumstance, Kai would have slowed down, taken it all in, maybe even judged it.
But none of that mattered now.
“Hang on, Froakie… we’re almost there,” she murmured under her breath, tightening her hold just slightly as she ran.
“Pika…!” Pikachu clung to her head, ears pinned back, his gaze locked on the unmoving Froakie in her arms.
The moment they burst through the building’s entrance, Kai didn’t hesitate.
“Anyone! Please—this Pokémon needs treatment, urgently!”
Her voice rang through the lobby, sharp and desperate, echoing faintly off the clean walls—a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Pikachu added his own urgent cry, his small body tense with worry.
“Pika! Pika!”
A girl stepped forward almost immediately, as if she had been waiting—but clearly not for something like this. She had black-and-red hair, warm brown eyes, and wore a cap marked with a familiar Poké Ball symbol. Her outfit matched—black, red, and white—giving her an energetic, striking presence that stood out even more against the sterile surroundings.
For the briefest moment, she froze at the sight of Kai rushing in with an injured Froakie.
Chimchar didn’t.
With a choked cry, he dashed toward her, tears streaming freely down his face. “Chim-char! Cha—char!” he sobbed, clutching at her trousers with one hand while pointing frantically at Froakie with the other.
That was all the explanation she needed.
Without another word, she turned on her heel and motioned them forward. “Nurse Joy—Froakie needs help. Now.”
Kai hurried after her, barely keeping pace as they reached the counter. The moment Nurse Joy saw Froakie, her entire expression shifted—soft concern sharpening instantly into focused urgency.
“Chansey, quickly! We have an emergency!”
A large pink Pokémon appeared almost at once, already pulling a stretcher behind it as if it had been prepared for exactly this kind of situation. Together, with swift, practiced movements, they transferred Froakie onto it with utmost care before rushing through the doors leading deeper into the facility.
The doors swung shut behind them.
And just like that, the rush was over.
Kai stood there, staring at the spot where Froakie had disappeared, her chest rising and falling as the adrenaline slowly began to fade. Only then did her shoulders drop, tension loosening its grip ever so slightly. She lifted a hand, steadying Pikachu, who remained perched on her head, his eyes still fixed on the closed doors.
“He’ll be okay,” she said softly, as much to herself as to him.
“Piii…ka,” Pikachu replied, though his voice carried a quiet uncertainty.
After a moment, Kai crouched down beside Chimchar. The small Pokémon was still trembling, his gaze glued to the same spot, guilt and fear written plainly across his face.
Gently, she rested a hand on his head, stroking it in slow, reassuring motions. “Hey… it’s alright,” she murmured. “You did the right thing bringing him here. Really. You don’t need to be scared.”
“Charr…” Chimchar sniffled, trying to hold himself together, though the tears refused to stop.
Seeing the situation settle, the girl who had helped them earlier turned back toward Kai, placing her hands on her hips. There was a hint of impatience in her stance—but the small smile tugging at her lips softened it.
“You must be Kai,” she said. “Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for you?”
Kai blinked, caught completely off guard. “Huh?” She pointed at herself, genuinely confused. “You were… waiting for me?”
“Pika?” Pikachu echoed, tilting his head.
The girl waved a hand dismissively, as if brushing the question aside. “Well, now that you’re finally here, I guess it doesn’t matter.” She turned, gesturing for them to follow. “Come on—we can finally get started.”
Kai exchanged a glance with Pikachu. Neither of them had any idea what she was talking about—but with nothing else to go on, they followed anyway. Chimchar hesitated for only a second before hurrying after them, clinging shyly to Kai’s leg as they moved.
“Oh—right. Introductions,” the girl added suddenly, spinning around mid-step. “I’m Amanda.”
“Kai,” she replied, nodding slightly before gesturing upward. “And this is Pikachu—my partner.”
“Pikaa-chu!” Pikachu chirped, lifting a paw in greeting despite everything.
“Alright, then—this way—”
“Not so fast, Amanda.”
The voice cut cleanly through the moment.
A tall, broad-shouldered man with dark hair and a thick beard stepped out from a side doorway near the treatment area, his expression already edged with irritation.
“Where have you been?” he demanded. “I’ve been trying to call you for weeks.”
His eyes flicked briefly to her hat. “And what’s with that? I thought you said those weren’t your thing.”
Amanda froze—just for a fraction of a second—before scratching the back of her neck, a sheepish grin spreading across her face. “Uh… sorry! I’ve been busy. Really busy.” She adjusted the brim of her cap slightly. “And, yeah… the hat’s new.”
For a fleeting moment, something about her demeanor shifted—subtle, but enough for Kai to notice. It was small, almost imperceptible… but it felt like Amanda was dodging something.
“I just felt like changing things up,” Amanda added quickly, flashing a grin. “What, surprised?”
Before the man could respond, she turned back toward Kai with renewed energy. “Anyway! Kai, this is Jan—my brother. Jan, this is Kai. And Pikachu, too.”
“Nice to meet you,” Jan said, his tone leveling out as he gave a polite nod.
Kai returned it. “Nice to meet you.”
“Pika.”
“I’m the head manager of the Aevium League,” Jan continued, folding his arms. “And my sister here is the co-manager.”
His gaze shifted sideways toward Amanda, a trace of annoyance slipping back into his expression. “Or at least, she’s supposed to be. Lately, she’s been slacking off.”
“I am not!” Amanda shot back instantly. “I’m just… not great with paperwork. You know that!”
Jan exhaled slowly. “If I left all the documentation to you, this place would probably burn down within a week.”
Kai and Pikachu stood there, caught awkwardly in the middle of the exchange.
“These two really are siblings…” Kai muttered under her breath.
“Pika…” Pikachu agreed, nodding with quiet certainty.
Even Chimchar, still clinging to Kai’s leg, seemed to recognize the familiar rhythm of the argument.
“…Anyway,” Jan said at last, as if deciding the conversation had run its course. His expression smoothed over completely, returning to something calm and composed. “I won’t keep you. It was nice meeting you, Kai.”
And just like that, he turned and walked away, as though the tension from moments ago had never existed.
Amanda watched him go with a small huff before snapping right back to her usual upbeat self. “Ignore him,” she said breezily. “Now—this way!”
Without waiting for a response, she darted through the door behind the counter. Chimchar quickly let go of Kai’s leg and scampered after her.
Kai blinked, then glanced at Pikachu. No words were needed.
With a quick nod, they ran after her.
But just as Kai reached the doorway—
Bang!
The door burst open from the other side, slamming outward as a blonde girl rushed through at full speed—straight into her.
“Oof—!”
“Pika!”
The impact sent them both stumbling backward. Pikachu slipped from Kai’s head but landed safely in her arms, while the girl’s belongings scattered noisily across the floor.
“Owie…!” the girl groaned, already pushing herself up. “S-Sorry! I’m in a rush—please, excuse me!”
Before Kai could even process what had happened, the girl had grabbed her hand, pulled her upright, hastily gathered her things, and bolted past them again—her hurried footsteps echoing as she disappeared out of the building as quickly as she had come.
Kai stood there for a moment, blinking.
“…What was that about?” she muttered, brushing herself off.
“Pika…” Pikachu agreed, still staring after the girl’s vanishing figure.
After a brief pause, Kai shook her head. Whatever that was, it wasn’t their concern right now.
“Come on.”
Stepping through the doorway the girl had just burst out of, Kai and Pikachu pressed forward once more, following Amanda deeper inside—toward whatever awaited them next.
____
Entering the room, the two were immediately greeted by the sight of Amanda, who was already waiting for them. The moment she noticed their arrival, she waved them over with a bright, impatient smile.
“Right this way!”
Without giving them much time to take in their surroundings, she turned and led them deeper into the lab. The air carried a faint sterile scent, and the quiet hum of machinery filled the space. At the far end stood a table, where a blond man sat with his back turned to them. His attention was fixed on a large screen mounted against the wall, where the image of a red-haired woman flickered.
“And above all else, make sure she’s there for the pickup,” the woman was saying, her tone calm but firm. “I assure you, everything has already been set into motion.”
Kai slowed slightly, her steps growing more cautious. Something about the woman’s voice—too composed, too certain—sent an uneasy feeling curling in her chest. She couldn’t explain why, but instinctively, she didn’t trust her.
“...Professor Jenner? I’ve brought the new trainer as requested.”
Amanda’s voice broke through the moment, though the man didn’t react. The conversation on the screen continued for another second too long.
“Ahem.”
That did it.
Startled, Professor Jenner fumbled slightly before hastily cutting the connection. The screen blinked, the woman vanishing as it reverted to streams of data and shifting numbers. He spun around in his chair, clearly caught off guard, a flicker of nervousness crossing his face before he quickly forced a smile.
“O-Oh, Amanda. I didn’t expect you to arrive so soon.”
Amanda blinked, her brows knitting together in confusion. “So soon? We’re technically late, Professor.”
Jenner waved it off with a light, almost dismissive chuckle, as if the detail didn’t matter. Then his attention shifted to Kai, his expression smoothing into something more welcoming—though the tension hadn’t completely left his eyes.
“In any case,” he said, straightening slightly, “welcome to my laboratory, Kai.”
“I am the lead scientist here at Gearen Lab. I was hired by Jan and Zumi—”
“Professor,” Amanda cut in with an exasperated sigh, clearly having heard this speech one too many times. “You always put the trainers through this long introduction.”
She placed a hand on her hip, giving him a pointed look. “Can’t we just skip it for once?”
Jenner faltered, visibly thrown off by the interruption. “A-Ah… yes, I suppose you’re right.” He cleared his throat, recovering quickly. “In that case, Amanda, please take Kai upstairs and help her choose right away.”
That was all Amanda needed.
Her entire demeanor shifted in an instant, excitement lighting up her face as she turned toward Kai. “Oh man, this is the best part!” she said, practically bouncing on her heels. “Come on, let’s go!”
Before Kai could respond, Amanda had already grabbed her hand and was pulling her toward the staircase on the right side of the room.
Kai followed, unable to hide the spark of anticipation rising within her. Despite everything—the strange conversation, the uneasy feeling lingering at the back of her mind—she couldn’t deny her curiosity. She had already met Froakie and Chimchar, and the thought of seeing what other Pokémon the lab had to offer was enough to stir genuine excitement.
Still, a small part of her hesitated.
She didn’t really need to choose a starter. Not when Pikachu was already by her side—her partner from the very beginning. The bond they shared wasn’t something that could simply be replaced or replicated.
And yet… she wanted to see.
As she was led upstairs, that curiosity began to outweigh her doubts, if only for the moment.
Behind them, the room fell quiet again.
Professor Jenner remained where he was, his gaze fixed on the staircase long after they had disappeared from view. The smile he had worn earlier had long since faded, replaced by something far more troubled—something close to dread.
His shoulders sank slightly.
“…Could it really be happening so soon…?”
______
It would be a lie to say Kai wasn’t overwhelmed—because she was.
The moment Amanda led them onto that floor, Kai felt as though she had stepped into another world entirely. The space stretched out far beyond what she had imagined, vast and vibrant, each section carefully crafted yet brimming with life. For a brief moment, she simply stood there in silence, her eyes wide as she took it all in. Beside her, Pikachu perched comfortably on her shoulder, its ears twitching as it scanned the surroundings with equal curiosity.
“This entire floor is divided into different areas, each with its own unique layout,” Amanda explained, her voice carrying a hint of pride as she gestured ahead.
Kai followed her gaze toward a lush, green expanse. Towering trees cast gentle shade over a playground filled with swings, slides, and seesaws. Small Grass-type Pokémon darted between the structures, their laughter and playful cries blending into a lively chorus. The entire area felt warm and inviting, like a sanctuary built just for them.
“That one’s called Snivy,” Amanda said, pointing toward a slender, elegant Pokémon resting beneath a tree. Its eyes were closed, its posture calm and composed, as if it were completely at peace.
Kai leaned slightly forward, studying it. The way Snivy carried itself—even while asleep—felt almost regal.
“Snivy’s tail can perform photosynthesis,” Amanda continued. “It converts sunlight into energy, which helps it move faster and even strengthens its moves.”
Kai nodded slowly, clearly impressed.
Amanda then tilted her head upward, drawing their attention to the branches above. “And that’s Rowlet.”
Perched high in the tree, a small, round, owl-like Pokémon glided effortlessly through the air. It swooped down and back up again, juggling an Oran Berry with surprising precision. The berry bounced from its talons to its beak, then rolled along its wing before dropping neatly back into its grasp.
“Roo-let!” it chirped cheerfully, clearly pleased with itself.
Kai couldn’t help but smile, her earlier awe softening into genuine delight. “That’s amazing.”
“Pika chu,” Pikachu chimed in, nodding in agreement as it watched the performance with bright, attentive eyes.
Amanda laughed softly before shifting her attention once more. “Over here.”
This time, she pointed toward a small, quadrupedal Pokémon standing near a patch of flowers. It had a sturdy, compact body, with a large bulb growing on its back. The creature was gently sniffing a white blossom, its expression calm and content, as if savoring the simple moment.
“That’s Bulbasaur,” Amanda said. “See the bulb on its back?”
Kai and Pikachu both nodded in unison.
“It absorbs sunlight for energy, just like Snivy,” Amanda explained, “but it also stores nutrients inside that bulb. You could think of it as a kind of reserve—it helps Bulbasaur keep going even when food is scarce.”
Kai crouched slightly to get a better look, her expression softening. “It looks… peaceful.”
“It usually is,” Amanda replied with a small smile.
They moved on, stopping near the edge of a clear pond. The water reflected the surrounding greenery like glass, barely disturbed except for the gentle ripples created by a small, green Pokémon standing at its edge. It tilted its head slightly, gazing at its reflection with quiet curiosity.
“That’s Chikorita,” Amanda said. “The leaf on its head is very sensitive. It can detect changes in temperature and humidity, helping it find comfortable places to rest.”
Chikorita gave a soft, content sound, as if agreeing with the description.
For a moment, everything felt calm—almost too calm.
Then Amanda’s expression shifted. She glanced around the area, her eyes scanning the trees, the playground, the open patches of grass. There was a flicker of uncertainty in her gaze.
Kai noticed immediately. “Something wrong?”
Amanda hesitated, then shook her head lightly. “It’s nothing serious. I was hoping to introduce you to a few more Grass-type starters… but Treecko, Turtwig, Chespin, and Grookey aren’t here right now. They usually spend a lot of time in this area.”
Kai followed her gaze, half-expecting one of them to appear from behind a tree or leap out from the bushes. When none did, a faint sense of disappointment settled in her chest.
Still, she straightened, brushing it off with a small smile. There was no point dwelling on it—they didn’t have the time.
“It’s okay,” she said. “You can show us the rest another time. We’re kind of in a hurry anyway.”
“Pika pika,” Pikachu added, its tone supportive as it gave a small nod.
Amanda’s expression softened, relief replacing her earlier hesitation. “Alright,” she said, her smile returning. “Then let’s head over to the Water-type area.”
She turned and pointed toward the far end of the floor, where the greenery gave way to the shimmering blue of a large lake. A waterfall cascaded down from above, its steady rush of water echoing faintly even from a distance.
Drawn by both curiosity and anticipation, Kai followed without hesitation. Pikachu adjusted its balance on her shoulder, its tail flicking lightly as they moved.
With Amanda leading the way, the three of them left the gentle calm of the forest behind and continued their tour—toward whatever awaited them next.
_____
Beep. Beep. Beep.
The steady pulse of the monitor echoed through the quiet room, its mechanical rhythm grating against Froakie’s senses until, with a faint twitch of irritation, his eyes snapped open. Harsh white light flooded his vision, forcing him to squint before his gaze slowly adjusted. The sterile ceiling above came into focus—and with it, a familiar, unwelcome realization.
Gearen Laboratory’s emergency room.
Of course.
A quiet, frustrated breath escaped him as he lay there for a moment, staring upward. This place had become far too familiar—an inevitable destination whenever he pushed himself past his limits or challenged opponents stronger than he should have. The nurses here knew him well. Too well.
With a small grunt, Froakie pushed himself upright. The moment he moved, he felt them—the tubes, the wires, the restraints of recovery. His expression darkened. Without hesitation, he began pulling them off, one by one, wincing slightly at the sting but refusing to slow down. He had never liked being tethered, never liked being still.
He wasn’t made for that.
For a brief moment, he sat on the edge of the bed, shoulders tense, mind drifting back through fragments of memory.
A flash of lightning splitting the sky.
The Liteo gang.
Chimchar.
That girl—
Her Pikachu.
…Trainer.
The word struck him with sudden clarity, sharper than anything before it. His eyes widened, and in the next instant, he was on his feet.
Trainer.
His trainer.
Froakie’s heart began to pound—not from exhaustion this time, but from something far stronger. Determination surged through him, burning away the lingering weakness in his limbs. This was it. The opportunity he had been waiting for. The one chance he refused to let slip away again.
Without another second of hesitation, he leapt down from the bed and darted toward the door.
It slid open just as he reached it, revealing Nurse Joy mid-step. She froze, startled to see him already up, her eyes widening in disbelief.
“Wait—Froakie! Where are you going?”
He didn’t answer. Didn’t even slow.
In a blur of blue, he slipped past her, ignoring her call as it faded behind him. The polished floors of the laboratory stretched ahead, but he barely noticed them, moving on instinct alone. Through the corridors, past the emergency ward, straight toward Professor Jenner’s office—his path clear in his mind, as if something unseen were guiding him forward.
He burst into the office without warning.
Professor Jenner looked up in shock, clearly unprepared for the sudden intrusion. Beside him, Ren stiffened, his expression shifting from confusion to disbelief as he recognized the Pokémon who had once rejected him so coldly.
Froakie spared neither of them a glance.
They didn’t matter.
Not now.
Without breaking stride, he bounded toward the staircase and began ascending, each movement fueled by a singular, unshakable conviction. He knew where he was going. More importantly—he knew who he was going to.
She was there.
He could feel it.
Not just a guess. Not just hope.
A connection.
Something deep and certain, resonating within him in a way he couldn’t explain—but didn’t need to. It was enough that he felt it. Enough that he knew, without a doubt, that she would feel it too.
That girl…
His trainer.
The one he had been waiting for all this time.
His pace quickened despite the strain it placed on his still-recovering body. Pain flickered through him, but he ignored it, pushing forward without hesitation. Nothing else mattered—not exhaustion, not injuries, not the people he passed who called out in confusion as he rushed by.
He had already wasted too much time.
Reaching the upper floor, Froakie slowed only slightly, his sharp eyes scanning ahead as his breathing steadied. He was close now. So close he could almost—
There.
A presence.
Familiar.
Certain.
A faint, determined smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.
He wouldn’t hesitate.
He wouldn’t falter.
And most of all—
He wouldn’t let her choose anyone else.
Not this time.
______
“And that’s Scorbunny.”
Kai followed the direction Amanda was pointing. Perched on a large rocky outcrop beside a bubbling lava pool, a small white rabbit Pokémon with a yellow band marking on its nose was skillfully juggling a pebble with its feet. The way it moved—precise, controlled, almost rhythmic—made it look less like a wild Pokémon and more like a trained athlete putting on a performance.
“Scor sco scor,” it counted in a steady rhythm as the pebble bounced effortlessly between its feet.
By now, Kai and her partner had already been guided through nearly the entire floor by Amanda. They had explored the Water-type starters’ area earlier, encountering a wide variety of Pokémon, each one unique in its own way. And now, they had reached the final stop of their short tour—the Fire-type habitat.
The environment here was drastically different. The air was dry and heavy with heat, the terrain dominated by jagged mountains, scattered rocky outcrops, and glowing pools of molten lava. It was harsh, intense… yet perfectly suited for Fire-type Pokémon.
Even so, Kai couldn’t help but feel a slight pang of regret. She hadn’t gotten to see the remaining Grass-type starters yet—and Chimchar was nowhere to be found either. It was strange. He didn’t seem to be here.
“Do you see those yellow pad patterns on Scorbunny’s body?” Amanda asked.
Kai nodded, her gaze still fixed on the Pokémon’s movements.
“Scorbunny has a sac in its chest that stores fire energy,” Amanda explained. “It uses that energy to generate heat through the special pads on the soles of its feet and its nose when it’s ready to fight. Those pads can become so hot that it can actually ignite small fires—and even burn opponents with its kicks.”
As if to demonstrate, the pebble Scorbunny had been juggling began to glow faintly from the heat of its repeated contact. Within seconds, it resembled a tiny fireball. With a sharp yelp, Scorbunny kicked it high into the air, where it burst into a spray of sparks like miniature fireworks.
“That’s so cool!” Kai exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.
“Pikaaaa!” Pikachu chimed in enthusiastically from her shoulder.
Soon after, they began heading back toward the stairs that led down. Amanda stopped and turned to her with a cheerful smile.
“So, who do you want to choose?”
Kai hesitated, turning her head to look back at the various Pokémon scattered across the area. Each one had its own strengths, its own personality… its own potential. Choosing wasn’t just about power—it was about finding the one that matched her heart, her goals.
She wanted a partner she could truly connect with.
And so, she would choose—
“Chim?”
The soft, familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.
All three of them turned toward the source of the sound.
From a patch of bushes nearby, a timid Chimchar slowly emerged, clutching a small bundle of flowers in its hands. It approached cautiously, each step hesitant, as if unsure whether it would be welcomed.
When it finally reached her, the little Fire-type lifted its hands, offering the flowers with a shy, uncertain expression.
“Chimchar,” it said quietly.
Amanda blinked in surprise before letting out a small sigh. “Ah… so Chimchar was picking flowers for you this whole time. That’s why we didn’t see him.” She smiled warmly. “That’s so sweet.”
“Char,” Chimchar nodded.
Before Kai could even respond—
Four green energy spheres suddenly shot out from nowhere.
They struck Chimchar directly.
“Chimcharr!”
The force sent him flying backward, the flowers scattering from his hands. He skidded across the ground before slamming hard into a boulder, shattering it into pieces on impact.
Kai froze.
Then—
Four shadowy figures leapt down from a nearby tree, landing with hostile intent. They stood there, glaring at Chimchar, who was struggling to push himself back up.
As they stepped forward, their forms became clear.
One was a bipedal Pokémon with a light green and brown body, darker arms, and three triangular markings around its face. Its oval brown eyes, red triangular nose, and rodent-like incisors gave it a mischievous yet aggressive appearance. Leaf-like spikes sprouted from its head, and its tail ended in an orange tip.
The second was a small, monkey-like Pokémon with a green body, brown tail, wedge-shaped ears, and orange hands and feet. A lime-green mask pattern framed its eyes and extended upward into a small bump above its snout. Two leaf-shaped tufts of hair held a stick atop its head.
The third was a small quadrupedal Pokémon resembling a turtle. Its light green body contrasted with a brown shell made of earth and minerals, marked by a thick black stripe. Its eyes, feet, and lower jaw were yellow.
And finally—the one that stood slightly ahead of the others.
A small, green, bipedal reptilian Pokémon with narrow yellow eyes and a sharp, focused gaze. Its hands and feet bore small spikes, its chest and throat were red, and its large tail split into two distinct lobes.
“Chespin, Grookey, Turtwig, Treecko? What are you guys doing?” Amanda asked in shock.
So these were the Grass-type starters they hadn’t seen earlier.
Kai’s initial excitement at finally seeing them vanished almost instantly.
Because this—this was unacceptable.
Without hesitation, she ran to Chimchar’s side. Pikachu leapt down from her shoulder, landing in front of her with a determined stance, cheeks sparking with electricity.
Carefully, she lifted Chimchar under his arms, supporting his weight.
“What are you doing?” she demanded, her voice sharp with anger. “Why are you ganging up on Chimchar like that?”
“Pika pika!” Pikachu snapped, equally furious.
Treecko didn’t answer.
Instead, it glared at Chimchar in her arms, its expression filled with anger. Slowly, it brought its hands together, forming a glowing green sphere of energy between them.
The others followed suit—Turtwig even forming one in its mouth.
Without warning, they launched the attacks straight at Chimchar.
“Pikachu, use Electro Ball!” Kai shouted.
“Pika pika pika pika!”
Electricity gathered rapidly at the tip of Pikachu’s lightning-shaped tail, forming a bright yellow sphere that spun with crackling energy.
“Chupi!”
He hurled it forward.
The attack collided with two of the incoming energy spheres, destroying them—but the remaining two continued toward them.
And in that critical moment—
A blur flashed past.
In a single motion, the incoming attacks were sliced clean in half, erupting into harmless bursts of energy.
When the smoke cleared, a familiar figure stood before them.
“Froakie.”
The blue frog Pokémon stood calmly, a white needle-like weapon in his hand. He glanced back over his shoulder, meeting Kai’s gaze—and smiled.
It was a confident smile.
A reassuring one.
The kind that made her believe everything would be okay.
Just like Pikachu’s.
She didn’t hesitate.
“Do you want to help?” she asked.
“Froakie.” He nodded firmly.
She recalled seeing him earlier by the dock—using a move that formed a sphere of water in his hands. It had looked similar to Pikachu’s Electro Ball.
Crescent had told her about it before.
Water Pulse.
“Okay, Froakie—use Water Pulse!” she called. “And Pikachu, use Thunderbolt around Froakie’s Water Pulse!”
“Fro froakie.”
Froakie formed a large, swirling sphere of water between his hands and launched it forward.
“Pikaa!”
Pikachu pat his cheeks, his body bursting with electricity as he unleashed a powerful bolt of lightning.
“Chuuuuu!”
The lightning wrapped around the Water Pulse, turning it into a massive sphere of water crackling with electric energy.
The Grass-types retaliated, firing their Energy Balls.
The attacks collided violently.
But the combined force of water and electricity overwhelmed them.
The Energy Balls shattered.
The electrified sphere surged forward, engulfing the four Grass-types in a massive explosion that sent thick black smoke billowing into the air.
They were blasted backward, screaming as they flew—luckily landing toward the Water-type area instead of the lava.
“Chimchar, chim!”
Kai looked down.
Chimchar was smiling again.
Relieved.
Safe.
“Are you alright, Chimchar?” she asked softly.
“Chim.” He nodded.
“Oh dear…” Amanda sighed, already heading toward where the others had landed. “Please accept my apologies on their behalf. I’ll make sure they’re properly disciplined.”
Then she turned back.
“So… have you decided who you want to choose?”
Kai hesitated.
Her gaze moved between Chimchar—standing beside her, hopeful—and Froakie, who watched her quietly.
She placed Chimchar down gently.
“I… I…”
Before she could finish—
Froakie stepped forward.
From within the frubbles around his neck, he pulled out a Poké Ball he had hidden for who knows how long. He nudged it toward her with his nose.
Amanda blinked, then smiled. “It seems Froakie wants to go with you, Kai.”
Kai stared at him, stunned.
“Really?” she asked softly. “You want to come with me?”
“Froakie.” He nodded.
And before she could second-guess it—
He leapt forward, pressing the button.
A red beam burst from the Poké Ball, enveloping him. Just before he disappeared inside, he looked at her—smiling, completely satisfied.
The ball fell into her hands.
It shook once.
Twice.
Three times.
Ding.
“Congratulations on successfully catching Froakie,” Amanda said warmly.
Kai blinked—then suddenly raised the Poké Ball high into the air, her face lighting up.
“I’ve caught a Froakie!”
“Pi Pikachu!” Pikachu cheered, jumping excitedly.
But—
Not everyone was celebrating.
Chimchar stood nearby, head lowered, eyes shimmering as he struggled to hold back tears.
He hadn’t been chosen.
Again.
Kai noticed immediately.
Her smile softened.
She crouched down and gently patted his head.
“Don’t cry, Chimchar. Some trainer will choose you soon.”
“Char?” he sniffled, looking up at her.
“Of course!” she said firmly. “You’re strong—you just haven’t shown your full power yet.”
“Pika,” Pikachu agreed.
“Well then…” Amanda stepped forward. “Why don’t you and Chimchar have a battle with me and my Pokémon?”
Kai blinked in surprise.
She had never battled using a Pokémon that wasn’t hers before.
But when she looked at Chimchar—
At the uncertainty in his eyes—
She smiled gently.
“Would you like to battle with me?”
“Chim.”
He nodded immediately.
Then he stepped forward, standing in front of her—ready.
_____
The two of them had moved to a more open stretch of ground—close enough to the habitats of Grass- and Fire-type Pokémon to feel alive with energy, yet far enough from the bubbling lava pools to avoid any real danger. The air still carried a faint warmth, and the earth beneath their feet felt slightly scorched, as if countless battles had already taken place there.
Kai and Amanda stood facing each other, a quiet tension settling between them. In front of Kai, Chimchar bounced lightly on his feet, his tail flame flickering with restless excitement. Pikachu had already leapt down from Kai’s shoulder and now stood beside her, small paws clenched, eyes bright as he cheered his partner on.
“Okay,” Amanda said, a confident smile tugging at her lips. “And here’s my Pokémon.”
She tossed her Poké Ball into the air. It burst open in a flash of blue light, and a small figure materialized gracefully in front of her.
“Tenna.”
The Pokémon that appeared was tiny, almost delicate. Its round pink body was mostly hidden beneath a soft, blue, wig-like covering that draped over its form. A small, hat-like tail curved upward, decorated with a white spot and ending in a bulbous blue tip. Strangely, its eyes weren’t visible at all, giving it an unreadable, almost mysterious presence.
“You guys go first,” Amanda said, gesturing toward Kai.
Kai hesitated.
Truthfully, she had no idea what Chimchar was capable of. He wasn’t even her Pokémon—at least, not yet—and she had only just met him. Issuing commands felt… uncertain.
Sensing her hesitation, Amanda added casually, “Chimchar knows Ember, Fury Swipes, Flame Wheel, and Dig.”
Kai blinked in surprise.
That was… a lot.
“He hasn’t even had a trainer yet…” she murmured under her breath, glancing at Chimchar with newfound admiration. Then another thought struck her—Amanda had listed those moves so easily, as if it were nothing.
There were dozens of Pokémon in the lab.
How could she remember them all so clearly?
Still, that question faded quickly as Kai’s attention returned to the small Fire-type in front of her. A smile spread across her face, warm and genuine.
“You’re amazing, Chimchar.”
“Pikachu,” Pikachu chimed in, nodding firmly in agreement.
“Char…” Chimchar scratched the back of his head, a little flustered. He wasn’t used to praise—certainly not like this.
Kai took a breath, steadying herself. Then, with a spark of determination lighting her eyes, she pointed forward.
“Alright, Chimchar—use Flame Wheel!”
“Chimchar!”
Flames surged from Chimchar's fire tail, rapidly engulfing his body as he spun forward. In an instant, he transformed into a blazing wheel of fire, rolling across the battlefield with increasing speed, heat shimmering in his wake as he charged straight toward Amanda’s Pokémon.
“Dodge it, Hatenna!” Amanda called without hesitation. “Then use Confusion!”
Despite her small stature, Hatenna moved with surprising agility. She sidestepped the incoming attack with a quick, precise motion, narrowly avoiding Chimchar’s fiery charge. Then another step. And another. Each movement was calm, controlled—almost effortless.
As Chimchar rolled past, Hatenna leapt lightly to the side. A faint blue glow began to surround her, the air around her subtly warping as her psychic power took hold.
A nearby rock—large, easily bigger than Chimchar himself—trembled, then lifted off the ground.
Kai’s eyes widened. “Wait—!”
But it was too late.
Hatenna held the rock in place for a split second, waiting… watching… and the moment Chimchar came back around—
She struck.
The rock hurtled forward with crushing force, slamming directly into Chimchar mid-attack. The impact shattered the stone into fragments, flames dispersing instantly as Chimchar was knocked out of his Flame Wheel and sent flying backward.
He hit the ground hard, skidding across the dirt until he came to a stop near Kai’s feet.
“Charrr—!”
“Chimchar!” Kai dropped to one knee instinctively, her voice filled with worry.
“Now, use Tackle!” Amanda pressed the advantage.
“Hatenna!”
Hatenna dashed forward, her small form moving quickly across the battlefield, closing the distance in seconds.
Kai’s heart raced.
“Chimchar, use Dig—quickly!”
Reacting instantly, Chimchar slammed his hands into the ground and burrowed beneath the surface, disappearing just as Hatenna reached him.
The ground fell silent.
Only the faint sound of digging echoed from below, shifting unpredictably from one place to another.
Hatenna paused, looking around. For the first time, uncertainty crept into her posture.
“Don’t worry,” Amanda said calmly. “Just listen carefully. Focus on where he’ll come up.”
“Tenna… tenna…”
Hatenna steadied herself, closing her senses off from distraction, trying to pinpoint the subtle vibrations beneath her feet.
But Chimchar wasn’t making it easy.
The sound seemed to come from everywhere at once.
Kai watched closely—and then, suddenly, she saw it.
A slight tremor. Right behind Hatenna.
Her eyes sharpened.
“Chimchar—now!”
“Charrr!”
The ground burst open.
Chimchar erupted from below, launching himself upward with explosive force. Hatenna barely had time to react before his fist connected—a clean, powerful hook that sent her flying backward.
“Tennaa!”
“Hatenna!” Amanda called out, concern flashing across her face.
Hatenna hit the ground and slid, struggling as she tried to regain her footing.
Kai didn’t hesitate.
This was the moment.
She stood tall, adjusting her hat slightly, her voice ringing out with renewed confidence.
“Chimchar—finish it! Flame Wheel!”
Chimchar leapt into the air, flames roaring back to life as they wrapped around his body once more. The fire burned brighter this time, fiercer—fueled not just by power, but by determination.
He spun forward, becoming a blazing wheel once again, and charged straight at Hatenna.
There was no time to dodge.
The impact was explosive.
Flames burst outward as Chimchar slammed into her, sending her crashing into a large rock nearby. The collision sent dust and debris billowing into the air, momentarily obscuring everything from view.
For a brief moment—
Silence.
Then, as the dust slowly settled, the outcome became clear.
Hatenna lay motionless on the ground, unconscious.
And standing before her, chest rising and falling, eyes wide with disbelief—
Was Chimchar.
He had won.
“You’re amazing, Chimchar!” Kai ran toward him, her face lighting up with pure joy.
Pikachu rushed in beside her, raising his paw eagerly. “Pikachu!”
Chimchar blinked—then grinned.
He lifted his hand and met Pikachu’s in a firm, triumphant high-five.
For the first time, he understood.
This feeling.
Victory.
“See?” Kai said, her voice softer now, but filled with warmth. “You’re really strong. Any trainer would be lucky to choose you.”
“Pika pika,” Pikachu added, nodding with certainty.
Chimchar’s flame flickered a little brighter.
He wasn’t useless.
He was strong.
And for once… he believed it.
“Aw man… I lost. That’s so annoying,” Amanda muttered as she walked over, though there was no real bitterness in her tone. She took out Hatenna’s Poké Ball and gently recalled her.
But just as quickly as her disappointment appeared, it vanished. She looked back at Kai with a grin.
“So, are you heading downstairs to get your Pokédex now?”
That snapped Kai back to reality.
Right—Professor Jenner.
She nodded. “Yeah. I need it if I’m going to start my journey.”
She bent down, scooping Pikachu up and placing him on her shoulder. Pikachu settled there comfortably, his tail curling lightly around her neck as if it belonged there.
“Well then,” Amanda said, turning away, “good luck. I’ve got to go deal with Treecko, Chespin, Turtwig, and Grookey.”
She started off toward the area where the Grass-type starters had been sent flying earlier. Chimchar followed after her—though not immediately.
“Goodbye, Amanda. Goodbye, Chimchar,” Kai called, waving.
Pikachu waved too. “Pika pika!”
Kai turned and began heading toward the stairs, her footsteps light, her heart full. She didn’t look back.
But Chimchar did.
He paused, glancing over his shoulder.
For a moment, he stood there in silence, watching as Kai and Pikachu disappeared from view.
Something stirred inside him—something new.
Yes.
They would meet again.
Whether sooner than expected… or much later down the road.
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