Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A plume of icy breath escaped from the lips of a boy nestled deep within the boreal woods of Kalos. Auron Frostvale stood still, surrounded by towering conifers that reached toward the bright yet frigid sky. Though summer had taken hold of most of the region, the perpetual chill of Snowbelle City remained unshaken. Auron didn’t mind it; the cold had always been his constant companion.

His ice-colored eyes sharpened, focusing intently on a distant target—a makeshift bullseye carved into the bark of a sturdy pine. Slowly, methodically, he drew the string of his bow back, the arrow rigid as iron, poised for flight. The bowstring stopped just shy of his ear, his practiced hand finding its anchor point. He exhaled once, steadying himself. Then came the release—a clean, sharp snap.

The arrow soared, cutting through the crisp air with precision, before embedding itself dead center in the target over a hundred meters away. Auron didn’t celebrate, nor did he move to retrieve it. Instead, he stood still, his gaze fixed on the small puffs of steam that escaped his mouth. He watched as they dissipated into the frigid air, mesmerized by their fleeting existence.

The woods were silent save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the soft crunch of snow underfoot. Auron’s mind wandered. He couldn’t understand the people around him—their eagerness to leave the safety of their homes to become Pokémon trainers. Kalos was far from safe, especially now. Just a few months ago, the entire region had teetered on the brink of destruction at the hands of that red-haired lunatic and Team Flare. His parents, Wulfric and Drasna, had been called to the frontlines to protect the region.

Auron remembered the suffocating fear, the endless nights wondering if they would return. He couldn’t bear the thought of losing them. Why would anyone willingly risk their life like that? What was the point?

“Swab?”

The soft chirp broke his thoughts. Auron turned to see his Swablu perched on a low-hanging branch, its cotton-like wings puffed up against the cold.

“Hey, Swablu,” Auron greeted, a rare smile breaking his otherwise somber expression. His voice carried warmth, a stark contrast to the frosty air. “Does Father want me home?”

Swablu bobbed its head in response, its gentle demeanor comforting.

“Alright, I’ll pack up and head back,” he said, reaching for Swablu’s Pokéball. A beam of light enveloped the bird-like Pokémon as it returned to its capsule. Auron slung his bow over his shoulder and began packing his gear, the motions slow and deliberate.

But he was not alone.

Unbeknownst to him, a pair of glowing, crystalline antlers shimmered faintly in the distance. Hidden among the trees, a majestic stag watched the boy with quiet curiosity. Its radiant, otherworldly presence was a stark contrast to the mundane stillness of the forest. Xerneas, the Life Pokémon, observed Auron intently, as if measuring the weight of his soul.

The stag’s eyes reflected wisdom far beyond mortal comprehension. Though Auron remained blissfully unaware, this would not be the last time their paths crossed.

As Auron secured his quiver and retrieved his arrow from the bullseye, the faintest breeze stirred the woods. It carried with it an almost imperceptible hum of energy, a whisper of life itself. Though the boy could not know it yet, he had already begun walking a path that would intertwine his fate with that of Xerneas—and the future of the entire world.

________________________________________

Auron cherished his family’s cottage. Nestled on the edge of Snowbelle Forest, it was spacious yet cozy, radiating a warmth that no grand mansion could rival. The dark timber walls bore signs of time and care, and the large stone fireplace in the living room remained ever aglow, casting flickering light over thick rugs and well-worn furniture. Though Auron’s parents were wealthy and could afford the finest luxuries, they had chosen this simple, rustic retreat. For Auron, it wasn’t the size or grandeur of the cottage that mattered—it was the sense of belonging it brought.

As an only child, Auron had been doted on from a young age. His parents, Wulfric and Drasna, were renowned throughout Kalos as formidable Pokémon trainers, yet at home, they were just “Dad” and “Mom.” Their success had afforded him a comfortable upbringing, but despite their indulgence, they had instilled in him humility—or at least tried to. Auron was blissfully unaware of his privilege. His dismissive remarks about money—like casually suggesting someone buy a bike that cost 500,000 Pokédollars—often earned him sideways glances from his peers. Though he didn’t mean to offend, it set him apart from others his age.

The short jog through the forest to the cottage was familiar and comforting. Auron arrived with brisk energy, pushing open the sturdy oak door with one hand while reaching for Swablu’s Pokéball with the other. He released the bird, who fluffed up her downy wings before wobbling adorably over to the crackling fire. His shiny Beldum, who had been dozing in the hood of Auron’s snow-white jacket, floated out to join Swablu, its steely body gleaming faintly in the firelight.

“Auron, is that you?” his father’s booming voice called from the kitchen.

“Finally, you’re home!” added Drasna, her tone teasing. “Hurry, or your father might waste away from hunger!”

The two voices blended in a familiar symphony of good-natured warmth and humor. Despite their high-profile careers, both Wulfric and Drasna were incredibly down-to-earth. Wulfric, Snowbelle City’s Gym Leader, was a man of immense strength and a hearty laugh that seemed to fill every room he entered. Drasna, the elegant Dragon-type trainer of the Kalos Elite Four, was equally formidable—both on and off the battlefield. Her sharp wit and playful sense of humor often made Auron think she could best Wulfric in any contest, be it Pokémon battles or banter.

Grinning, Auron kicked off his boots and jogged into the kitchen. His parents were seated at the counter, a plate of freshly made sandwiches piled high between them. The smell of warm, toasted bread and savory fillings immediately hit him, making his stomach rumble.

“Mom, you made sandwiches!” he exclaimed, stars practically twinkling in his ice-blue eyes. He darted to the counter and grabbed one eagerly.

“Auron,” Drasna chided with a chuckle, “manners?”

“But dear,” Wulfric interjected with a laugh, patting his ample stomach, “he’s got a bigger appetite than me sometimes!”

Both parents erupted into laughter, and Auron flushed red with embarrassment, though he couldn’t help but grin. The warmth of their teasing filled the room, banishing the lingering shadows of the recent Kalos crisis.

After a lively meal, the family clasped their hands together over the table. In unison, they offered their thanks: “Thank Arceus!”

The words echoed through the kitchen, a simple but heartfelt expression of gratitude. For Auron, this moment captured everything he loved—his family, their shared humor, and the sense of security that had survived even the darkest days.

Though the world outside remained uncertain and dangerous, here, within these walls, they were safe. And that was all that mattered.

________________________________________

“When are you going to tell him?” Drasna’s voice was soft yet urgent, her golden eyes fixed on Wulfric. She stood by the fireplace, the flickering flames casting shadows across her elegant features.

Wulfric sat at the kitchen table, his broad shoulders hunched as he stared out the window at the setting sun. His hands rested heavily on the polished wood, betraying his internal struggle. “How am I supposed to tell him?” he muttered, his deep voice tinged with doubt. “He’s going to be furious.”

Drasna crossed her arms, leaning slightly forward. “Don’t worry about his anger,” she replied, her tone firm but compassionate. “He deserves the truth, Wulfric. He needs to hear it—from us.”

Upstairs, Auron sat at his desk, flipping through a thick book on Pokémon biology. He’d always admired his parents, not just for their strength as trainers but for their dedication to helping others. It was a trait he wanted to emulate in his own way. While his father inspired awe as a Gym Leader and his mother commanded respect as an Elite Four member, Auron had no interest in battle for the sake of glory.

His shiny Beldum floated nearby, its single glowing eye focused on him. Auron smiled faintly, reaching out to touch its cool metallic surface. He felt a pang of guilt every time he thought about his partner’s condition. Beldum’s severe allergy to Pokéballs had forced him to adapt, and while Auron didn’t mind carrying it in his hood or letting it roam free, he hated seeing it suffer from something so preventable.

Auron’s dream wasn’t to battle—it was to heal. He wanted to become a Pokémon researcher and doctor, someone who could mend the wounds inflicted by careless trainers and restore what had been broken by villains like Team Rocket, Team Aqua, and Team Flare. His hatred for the latter ran especially deep, as their actions had nearly cost him everything.

A knock at his door startled him from his thoughts.

“Auron, come downstairs. We need to talk,” his mother’s voice called from the bottom of the stairs.

Auron frowned but obeyed, sliding his chair back and heading down. As he entered the kitchen, he noticed his parents standing together—Wulfric’s large frame looming over the table, Drasna poised beside him with a measured expression.

“What’s going on?” Auron asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

“Sit down, son,” Wulfric said, gesturing to the chair across from him.

Auron complied, glancing between his parents. His father’s usual boisterous demeanor was gone, replaced by a solemnity that made Auron uneasy.

Wulfric took a deep breath, his gaze flickering toward Drasna for support before turning back to his son. “We want you to become a Pokémon trainer.”

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.

Auron blinked, his mind racing. “What?” he whispered, his voice a mix of confusion and disbelief.

“We’ve talked about it,” Drasna interjected, her tone gentle but firm. “We believe it’s the best path for you.”

“But why?” Auron’s voice rose, a rare display of emotion from the usually reserved boy. “You know that’s not what I want! I’ve told you—I want to help Pokémon, not fight them!”

“Auron, listen—” Wulfric started, but his son had already risen from his chair.

“No!” Auron’s fists clenched at his sides, his ice-blue eyes burning with frustration. “You’ve always supported me, Dad. Why are you forcing this on me now?”

Before Wulfric could respond, Auron turned and stormed out of the front door, the sound of it slamming echoing through the quiet forest.

Drasna sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Well, that went… poorly.”

Wulfric groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I really messed up this time,” he muttered.

Before either of them could say more, a loud crash came from the back of the house. The window above the kitchen sink shattered, and a radiant snout, adorned with glowing antlers, pushed its way inside. The majestic form of Xerneas filled the space with an ethereal light.

“Xer!” the legendary Pokémon bellowed, its deep voice vibrating through the room.

Wulfric approached the stag, his expression both awestruck and exasperated. “Not well, Xerneas,” he admitted. “He didn’t take it well at all.”

The Life Pokémon’s voice resonated telepathically in their minds, its tone calm but resolute. “Do not worry. Leave it to me.”

With that, Xerneas withdrew its head, retreating into the forest with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly.

Drasna placed a hand on Wulfric’s shoulder, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Arceus bless that boy,” Wulfric muttered, shaking his head.

“Arceus bless Xerneas,” Drasna replied with a chuckle, and soon the two of them were laughing softly, their shared faith in their son and his fate unshaken.

________________________________________

He ran. Faster than he ever had before. The cold wind bit at his cheeks, mingling with the tears that streamed uncontrollably down his face. Each breath stung his lungs, and yet he didn’t stop. He couldn’t. His thoughts churned in a chaotic storm of anger and sorrow, the betrayal cutting deeper than the icy air.

How could they? How could they throw away everything he’d worked for, everything he dreamed of? They had supported him for so long—encouraged his studies, praised his ambitions. And now, without warning, they were asking him to abandon it all?

The weight of it overwhelmed him. His legs faltered, and he collapsed into the snow just outside the town. His sobs wracked his body, shaking him as he knelt in the frozen ground. The pristine white blanket beneath him grew damp with his tears, and he buried his face in his hands, unable to hold it in any longer.

But then, it happened.

Warmth.

It spread through him like sunlight breaking through storm clouds, wrapping him in an embrace that felt as tangible as his mother’s arms when he was a child. It wasn’t physical, yet it radiated through him, soothing the ache in his chest. The sorrow remained, but the chaos began to quiet, replaced by something steadier. Comfort.

Auron lifted his head, his ice-colored eyes still glistening with tears. He felt it before he saw it—a presence, immense and ancient, watching over him. Slowly, he turned.

And there, standing a short distance away, was Xerneas.

The majestic stag stood tall, its antlers glowing softly with a kaleidoscope of colors that pulsed like a heartbeat. The aura it emitted wasn’t just light—it was life itself, a gentle yet overwhelming energy that seemed to breathe warmth into the frozen air.

Auron froze, his breath catching in his throat. “X-Xerneas?” he stammered, his voice trembling.

The legendary Pokémon stepped closer, its movements fluid and deliberate. It lowered its head slightly, meeting Auron’s tear-streaked gaze with eyes that radiated both wisdom and resolve.

“Why are you here?” Auron managed to ask, his voice barely above a whisper. He didn’t expect an answer.

But then, to his astonishment, a voice spoke—not aloud, but directly into his mind. “You, Auron.”

He stiffened, his hands gripping the snow beneath him. “Me?”

“Yes, you.” Xerneas’s voice was calm, resonant, and filled with a strange familiarity, as though it had always been there, waiting to speak. “You are like me—a healer. You wish to heal the world, and to me, that is of great importance.”

Auron blinked, his tears forgotten for the moment. The warmth of Xerneas’s words filled him with something he hadn’t felt since leaving the cottage—hope. “Thank you… Xerneas,” he murmured, his voice cracking with emotion.

The legendary Pokémon tilted its head slightly. “Auron, I have watched you for some time. Your heart is pure, your resolve unwavering. That is why I have chosen you.”

“Chosen me?” Auron repeated, his brow furrowing.

“Yes. Every legendary has the power to name a champion—a guardian of their will and purpose. And I wish to choose you.”

Auron shook his head, disbelief written across his face. “But why? I’m not a trainer… I’m just… me. I’m not strong, or brave, or anything special.”

Xerneas stepped closer, its luminous antlers casting light over the boy. “Strength and bravery are not measured by battles won or titles earned. I see your soul, Auron. I see the healer within you, the one who strives to mend what others have broken. That is why I choose you.”

The words struck something deep within Auron, and for a moment, he couldn’t speak. He looked up at Xerneas, the tears in his eyes now born of gratitude rather than sorrow.

The stag straightened, its presence towering yet gentle. “Take this, Champion, a token of my power and trust.”

From the glowing antlers, a strand of vibrant energy unraveled, flowing toward Auron like a ribbon caught in the wind. It wrapped around his gloved right hand, solidifying into a bracelet that shimmered with the colors of life itself. The aura pulsing from it felt alive, a constant reminder of the bond he now shared with the Life Pokémon.

Auron stared at the bracelet in awe, his voice barely audible. “Thank you… Xerneas.”

The stag inclined its head, its gaze softening. “Now, Auron, you have somewhere to be.”

Realization dawned on him. He looked back toward the direction of the cottage, his resolve hardening. “You’re right,” he said, his voice steadier now. “I need to go back.”

Xerneas watched him rise to his feet, its own form seeming to glow brighter. “I trust you, Auron. Go forth, and let your heart guide you.”

With a final glance at the legendary Pokémon, Auron turned and began running back toward the cottage, the bracelet on his wrist a beacon of purpose.

As the boy disappeared into the trees, Xerneas stood silently for a moment, its antlers casting one last pulse of light across the snow. Then, with a graceful bound, the stag vanished into the forest, leaving nothing but the warmth it had bestowed on its chosen Champion.

Chapter Text

Auron sat once again at the kitchen table, his gaze fixed on his parents. This time, the anger and sorrow from earlier were gone, replaced by something warmer—hope. The bracelet Xerneas had gifted him gleamed faintly on his wrist, its pulsing energy a reminder of the encounter he would never forget.

Drasna, her hands folded in front of her, broke the silence first. “Son, we are so sor—”

“No!” Auron interrupted, his voice trembling but steady. “I ran. I wasn’t listening. I stormed out like a child, and I… I’m sorry.” He lowered his head, the dried streaks of tears on his cheeks still visible. His voice softened as he asked, “Why do you want me to become a Pokémon Trainer?”

Wulfric leaned forward, his large hands clasped together on the table. He hesitated for a moment before speaking. “Auron, we’ve talked about this a lot—your mother and I. And, the truth is… we’re afraid.” He sighed, his usual booming voice subdued, the word afraid lingering on his tongue like an unfamiliar burden. “After the Kalos crisis, we’ve been terrified for your safety. We see what’s out there—the dangers, the people willing to hurt others to get what they want. We couldn’t sit by anymore.”

Drasna nodded, her expression serious but kind. “We’ve been searching for a way to protect you while letting you follow your dream. Then, a few days ago, something incredible happened.”

Wulfric shifted uncomfortably before continuing. “Xerneas approached us.”

Auron’s head shot up, his eyes wide. “Wait. Xerneas came to you?” His voice brimmed with surprise, even disbelief. “Was he helping you?”

Drasna chuckled softly, the tension easing slightly as she glanced at her husband. “If anything, we were helping him,” she teased, earning a small, sheepish grin from Wulfric. Turning back to Auron, she said, “What we mean is, Xerneas gave us clarity. He reminded us of who you are—not just our son, but someone with a heart full of purpose. So we’ve found a way for you to pursue both your dream and the path of a Pokémon Trainer.”

Auron tilted his head, curiosity blooming in his mind. “How?”

Wulfric leaned back, a satisfied grin spreading across his face. “We had a house built for you in Alola.”

Auron blinked, his expression blank for a moment. Then, the words clicked. His eyes widened as he leaned forward. “Wait… what?”

Drasna smirked, sticking her tongue out playfully. “And there’s more,” she said, her tone almost sing-song.

“A house? In Alola?” Auron muttered, trying to piece it together.

Wulfric chuckled, leaning forward to capture his son’s attention. “Not just that. You’ll also have an internship.”

It was as though a spark had ignited in Auron’s chest. He grabbed his father’s collar, practically shaking him as stars lit up his ice-colored eyes. “An internship? You got me an internship? I mean, how did you even—when did this—what do you—” His words tumbled over one another in an unintelligible mess of excitement.

Drasna laughed, leaning against the counter as Wulfric gently pried Auron’s hands off his shirt. “Easy there, champ! Let me explain,” Wulfric said, patting his son’s shoulders.

Clearing his throat, Wulfric continued, “I spoke with Professor Kukui. He’s agreed to take you on as an intern.”

Auron froze, his mind racing. Professor Kukui?

Wulfric wasn’t done. “He’s not just a professor, though—he’s a seasoned battler and one of the best minds in Pokémon move research. You’ll study under him and learn from his experience. But listen carefully: you’ll be respectful, diligent, and focused.”

Auron hardly heard the rest. His mind was spinning with the possibilities. He’d watched interviews with Kukui, read papers he’d authored on Pokémon battle theory and move creation. The man was a legend in his field, second only to figures like Professor Burnet in Alola. To study under him was an opportunity Auron had never dreamed possible.

“You leave in five days,” Wulfric said, his voice pulling Auron back to the present.

“Five days?” Auron jumped out of his chair, nearly tripping in his excitement. “I need to pack!” He bolted toward the stairs, already making mental lists of everything he would need.

Wulfric and Drasna exchanged a look, laughter bubbling up as their son’s footsteps echoed through the house.

________________________________________

Upstairs, Auron burst into his room, flinging his closet doors open and rifling through his belongings. “Beldum, Swablu!” he called, his voice full of excitement.

Swablu, who had been perched by the window, chirped curiously and fluttered down to his shoulder. Beldum, who had been dozing in its usual spot, hovered over, its eye blinking sleepily.

“You guys won’t believe this,” Auron said, turning to them with a wide grin. “We’re going to Alola! And not just to visit—we’re moving there! I got an internship with Professor Kukui!”

Swablu cooed in delight, nuzzling against his cheek, while Beldum let out a soft, metallic hum of approval.

“It’s going to be amazing,” Auron said, looking down at the bracelet on his wrist. “A new place, a new start. And this time, we’ll make it count.”

He looked out the window, the Kalos sun setting in the distance. His heart swelled with excitement, determination, and just a touch of nervousness. Whatever awaited him in Alola, he was ready for it.

________________________________________

Auron hated airports. He always had, though this was his first time actually stepping foot in one. The experience was, to put it lightly, a disaster.

It started during the TSA check. The metal detectors wouldn’t stop buzzing, thanks to Beldum resting securely in his bag. The agents, unsurprisingly, were skeptical when he explained that his Pokémon wasn’t in a Pokéball due to a severe medical condition. He had to practically move mountains, providing letters from doctors and his parents, before they begrudgingly allowed him to pass. The ordeal left him flustered, his cheeks burning with embarrassment and frustration.

Unfortunately, the delay meant he was late to his flight. He sprinted through the terminal, his bag bouncing against his side as Beldum hummed in protest. He barely made it to the gate, panting and sweating bullets, but he made it.

Auron sank into his first-class seat, trying to catch his breath. He wore a black button-down shirt tucked into gray khaki pants, with a charcoal sweater vest completing the look. The outfit was an odd choice for Alola, but Auron had always been a naturally cold person. He figured his pale skin wouldn’t tan much in the tropical sun—though there was always the possibility of a burn.

The flight turned out to be surprisingly tolerable, largely thanks to the benzodiazepines his father had thoughtfully packed. He slept through most of it, his nerves dulled by the medication, and woke to the soft announcement of their arrival.

When Auron stepped off the plane, the sheer beauty of Alola took his breath away. The bright sun bathed the landscape in golden light, and the air was warm and humid, carrying the scent of the ocean. Towering palm trees swayed gently, their leaves rustling in the breeze. It was unlike anything he had ever seen in Kalos.

Beldum stirred inside his bag, shifting restlessly. “Alright, alright,” Auron muttered, patting the bag. “Just hang in there for a bit longer.”

The streets bustled with life as he made his way from the airport. Pokémon he had only seen in books and on television wandered freely, blending seamlessly with the human population. A towering Alolan Exeggutor caught his eye, its long neck stretching toward the sky. It was so vastly different from the stubby, coconut-shaped Exeggutor of Kalos.

Pulling out his notebook, Auron jotted down some quick notes. “Maybe… adapted for sunlight?” he murmured to himself. “It is a tropical climate—”

“Ahh!”

A startled yelp pulled him from his thoughts as he collided with someone, nearly knocking them over. Auron stumbled back, eyes wide.

“I’m so sorry!” he exclaimed, bowing in apology as he helped the person up.

The girl he had bumped into was shorter than him, with long blonde hair spilling over her shoulders. She dusted off her white sundress, her wide-brimmed hat slightly askew. “It’s fine!” she said quickly, bowing in return. “No need to be so formal!”

Auron glanced at the ground and noticed a melting ice cream cone. “Oh no, you dropped your ice cream…”

The girl looked down with a small sigh. “It’s okay,” she said, though her disappointment was clear.

“No, it’s not okay,” Auron said, determination in his voice. “I’ll buy you a new one!”

“Are you sure?” she asked hesitantly.

“Absolutely. What flavor do you want?”

“Umm… vanilla, please.”

“Got it. Go ahead and find a seat—I’ll be right back.”

The girl nodded and sat on a nearby bench. Auron returned a few minutes later with two vanilla cones, handing one to her.

“Thank you,” she said, smiling warmly at him.

“No, thank you for forgiving me,” Auron replied, returning the smile. “I wasn’t paying attention. Alola’s just… amazing. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

“Is this your first time here?” she asked, tilting her head curiously. “Where are you from?”

“I’m from Snowbelle Town in Kalos,” he replied. “Oh, where are my manners? I’m Auron.”

The girl smiled shyly. “I’m Lillie.”

Her name seemed to linger in the air, and Auron found himself captivated by her. She had an elegance about her, but her gentle demeanor was what stood out most. He thought she was beautiful, though he would never admit it aloud.

As they talked, Beldum finally decided it had had enough of being cooped up. With a loud rustle, it pushed its way out of Auron’s bag and floated beside him.

“Beldum, what are you—” Auron started, but Lillie had already reacted.

“Oh!” she gasped, her eyes wide with alarm. “W-would you look at the time!” She stood abruptly, her voice wavering. “I-I have to go!”

Before Auron could respond, she hurried away, climbing into a sleek black limo that sped off moments later.

“Huh… weird,” Auron muttered, watching the limo disappear down the street. He turned to Beldum, crossing his arms. “Nice going. You spooked her!”

Beldum gave a metallic hum, entirely unapologetic.

Auron sighed, shaking his head. “Whatever. It’s getting late, anyway. Let’s head to the house.”

He gave Beldum a gentle tap on its spikes, then started walking. “C’mon. Let’s see what Alola has in store for us.”

________________________________________

The house was far grander than Auron had anticipated. A high, gleaming wall surrounded the property, with an intricate wrought-iron gate that opened into a long, winding driveway. At the end of the drive stood the house itself—a modern yet understated brick mansion that exuded comfort despite its size. Unlike the rustic charm of his family’s cottage in Snowbelle Town, this residence was sleek and contemporary, but it still carried a sense of warmth.

Inside, the house was furnished with soft, neutral tones and inviting textures. The spacious living room had plush seating arranged around a large fireplace, and every room seemed designed to balance function with relaxation. Despite its opulence, the house felt cozy. Auron could see his parents had gone to great lengths to make it a place where he could thrive, though he couldn’t help but think they had overdone it.

The house staff, consisting of twelve kind and diligent people, added to his sense of being cared for. Miss Seraphine, the head maid, was a particularly gentle presence, always smiling and attentive to his needs. She’d already set out a warm meal and fluffed his bed pillows by the time he arrived, which made him feel a bit guilty about all the effort they were putting into his stay.

Then there were the extras. His parents had apparently spared no expense to ensure he had everything he could possibly need. A laboratory was tucked into one wing of the house, fully stocked with state-of-the-art equipment for his research. Attached to the property was a Pokémon playground, complete with climbing structures, pools, and grassy fields. The playground was visible through a large glass panel in the lab, allowing Auron to observe Pokémon interactions while working.

His parents had been adamant about a few rules: call them every day, eat three proper meals, and most importantly, have fun. He found their insistence on the first rule puzzling. Why every day? Still, he didn’t mind—it wasn’t like he’d stop missing them anytime soon.

With the whirlwind of his arrival finally calming down, Auron decided to get some rest. The flight and the emotional day had left him utterly drained. As he settled into the soft mattress, Beldum floated lazily beside him, its silver metal glinting softly in the dim light, while Swablu nestled comfortably into his neck, fluffing its downy feathers against his skin.

Sleep came quickly, washing over him like the waves he’d seen rolling onto Alola’s beaches. Tomorrow, Professor Kukui would arrive, and his new life would truly begin.

________________________________________

Professor Kukui wasn’t sure what to expect. It wasn’t every day that a Gym Leader of Wulfric Frostvale’s stature called him personally. Wulfric’s request had been simple enough on the surface: allow his son to intern under Kukui’s guidance. But there had been another, more intriguing request that lingered with the Professor. “Can you teach him to battle?”

The question played on a loop in Kukui’s mind as his truck climbed the winding road leading to the Frostvale estate. The hill was cloaked in dense forest, shrouding whatever lay at its summit from prying eyes. The drive was scenic but brief, and soon Kukui arrived at a massive wrought-iron gate that marked the property’s entrance.

“Man, this is giving me some serious Lillie déjà vu,” Kukui muttered, surveying the grand structure in the distance. While not as imposing as the Aether estate, the mansion was still impressive—a sophisticated yet modest blend of modern architecture and rustic charm.

His thoughts were interrupted by the crackle of an intercom.

“Hello, you must be Professor Kukui,” came a woman’s refined yet welcoming voice.

“Alola! That’s me!” Kukui replied cheerfully, rolling down his window.

“The young master is currently in the laboratory. Miss Seraphine will escort you there.”

The gates creaked open, revealing a circular driveway with a fountain at its center. As Kukui pulled up, a neatly dressed woman with striking pink hair stood waiting by the entrance.

“You must be Professor Kukui,” she said, inclining her head slightly.

“That’s right! And you must be Miss Seraphine?”

“Indeed. Please, no honorifics—I find them rather unnecessary,” she replied, gesturing for him to follow.

As she led Kukui through the mansion’s west wing, he took in the understated elegance of the home. It was luxurious but not ostentatious, with an air of warmth that suggested it was more than just a house—it was lived in.

“So, what can you tell me about the boy?” Kukui asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

“Auron is… different from most children of his standing,” Seraphine said thoughtfully. “He is kind, inquisitive, and unpretentious. This morning, he helped the kitchen staff prepare breakfast and insisted on eating with them. However, he is also naive to the ways of the world, though far from foolish.”

Kukui nodded, a smile tugging at his lips. “Sounds like he’s got a good head on his shoulders.”

When they reached the lab, Seraphine opened the door and bowed slightly before leaving. Kukui stepped inside and was immediately impressed. The room was state-of-the-art: wall-mounted lab coats, shelves of neatly labeled equipment, a healing station for Pokémon, and even a bio-tube for advanced research.

In the middle of the room, a boy stood hunched over an enclosure, his lab coat slightly oversized on his lean frame.

“You must be my new student,” Kukui said, a playful edge to his tone.

“Ahh!” Auron jumped, dropping his clipboard and bumping his head against the glass of the enclosure.

Kukui rushed forward, helping the flustered boy to his feet. “Whoa, my bad, kid! Didn’t mean to scare ya.”

“I-It’s fine,” Auron stammered, his pale cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Kukui chuckled, giving the boy a reassuring pat on the shoulder. “So, what’s got you so focused that you didn’t hear me coming?”

Auron adjusted his glasses, regaining his composure. “I’m observing the behavior of a Zigzagoon with a leg injury.”

“A Zigzagoon?” Kukui peered into the enclosure, noting the small Pokémon limping on three legs. “What’s the story there?”

“It’s his left leg. Nurse Joy said it might have to be amputated, but I think I can save it.”

Kukui arched an eyebrow. “Oh? And what makes you so sure?”

Auron’s confidence flickered, but he pressed on. “There’s an unusual infection preventing the wound from healing. It’s resistant to standard treatments, but I’ve been studying its behavior and symptoms. I think it might be linked to something synthetic—possibly a pollutant from the stream where Zigzagoon was found.”

Kukui stroked his chin, impressed. “Huh, you’ve done your homework, kid. Most trainers would’ve given up and gone with Nurse Joy’s advice. But you’ve got a researcher’s mindset—never taking things at face value. I like that.”

Auron’s lips twitched into a small smile. “Thank you, Professor.”

“Tell you what,” Kukui said, clapping his hands together. “We’ll tackle this together. I’ve got some ideas about Alolan herbs that might do the trick. But you’ll do the heavy lifting—consider this your first lesson in problem-solving.”

Auron nodded, determination replacing his earlier nerves. “I won’t let you down.”

“That’s the spirit! Oh, and by the way,” Kukui added with a grin, “you’ve got more than research ahead of you. If your dad asked me to teach you how to battle, I’m gonna make sure you’re ready for anything.”

The boy’s expression faltered slightly, a mix of excitement and apprehension. “Do you really think I can learn to battle? I’ve… never been good at it.”

“Good? Kid, I don’t want you to be good. I want you to be great,” Kukui said, a fire in his eyes. “And trust me, with your smarts and a little heart, you’ll be unstoppable. But first, let’s save this little guy.”

Together, they began their work, the lab buzzing with the energy of their collaboration. Auron might have been unsure of his future, but for the first time, he felt like he was on the right path—guided by someone who believed in his potential.

________________________________________

The battle area behind the mansion was more than adequate—a wide, flat field bordered by soft grass and glowing lanterns that lit up as the sun dipped below the horizon. The gentle hum of the evening was broken only by the occasional rustle of the trees and the quiet chirps of Pokémon in the distance.

Kukui grinned, tossing a Pokéball into the air. “Alright, let’s make this quick and exciting. Go, Rockruff!”

In a flash of red light, the energetic pup materialized, barking and wagging its tail. Its keen eyes sparkled with excitement, ready for the challenge.

Auron stepped forward, his resolve strengthening. “Alright, Beldum, let’s show him what we’ve got!”

Beldum floated into position, its eye glowing a faint blue as it locked onto its opponent.

“Rockruff, start with Bite!” Kukui commanded.

Rockruff charged forward with lightning speed, its fangs gleaming in the lantern light.

“Beldum, dodge and counter with Zen Headbutt!” Auron called.

Beldum hovered upward, narrowly avoiding Rockruff’s attack, before propelling itself forward in a silvery blur. Its head glowed with psychic energy as it collided with Rockruff, sending the pup skidding back slightly but still on its feet.

“Nice move!” Kukui said with a grin. “But we’re just getting started. Rockruff, hit it with Rock Throw!”

Rockruff barked, stomping the ground and sending a barrage of small rocks flying toward Beldum.

“Iron Defense!” Auron commanded.

Beldum’s metallic body shimmered as its defenses hardened, deflecting the incoming rocks with ease.

“Now, close in with Take Down!”

Beldum shot forward, its body glowing as it tackled Rockruff with considerable force. Both Pokémon took recoil damage, but Beldum hovered back into position with determination.

Kukui whistled. “You’ve got good instincts, Auron. But let’s see how you handle this. Rockruff, use Howl!”

Rockruff howled, its attack power rising as its energy seemed to surge.

Auron’s mind raced. “We can’t let them build momentum. Beldum, Zen Headbutt one more time!”

Beldum surged forward, its psychic energy glowing even brighter as it aimed straight for Rockruff.

“Dodge and use Bite!” Kukui countered.

Rockruff sidestepped Beldum’s attack with surprising agility and sank its fangs into the metallic Pokémon, causing Beldum to let out a metallic screech.

“Hang in there, Beldum!” Auron called, his voice firm. “Use Iron Defense again, and then go for Take Down!”

Beldum’s body shimmered as it bolstered its defenses once more. It then launched itself at Rockruff with ferocious speed, slamming into the pup with a powerful tackle.

This time, Rockruff tumbled back, landing in a heap before struggling to its feet, panting heavily.

Kukui raised a hand. “That’s enough, Rockruff. You did great!”

Auron called Beldum back, smiling warmly. “You did amazing, Beldum.”

Kukui approached, his grin wide and approving. “Not bad, Auron. You’ve got a solid bond with your Pokémon, and your strategies are pretty sharp. With a little practice, you’re going to be a real force to be reckoned with.”

“Thanks, Kukui,” Auron said, feeling a swell of pride.

“Let’s call it a night,” Kukui said, returning Rockruff to its Pokéball. “Tomorrow, we’ll kick things up a notch.”

As they walked back toward the house, Auron glanced at Beldum, who floated beside him, and felt a flicker of confidence. Maybe, just maybe, he could really do this.

Chapter Text

“Wait—you want me to what!?” Auron’s voice echoed across the open-air veranda, disbelief etched across his pale face. His mouth hung open, staring at Professor Kukui like the man had suggested walking into a den of Garchomp unarmed.

“I want you to attend Pokémon School tomorrow,” Kukui replied, his tone light and his grin mischievous. The setting sun cast a warm glow over Kukui’s tan skin, making his perpetual energy almost tangible. “It’s not just a school; it’s an experience. Trust me, you’ll love it.”

Auron’s brow furrowed, his ice-blue eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Why would I need to go to school? I already know more about Pokémon biology than most adults!” he retorted, crossing his arms over his chest.

Kukui chuckled, clearly expecting the resistance. “It’s not just about learning, kiddo. Pokémon School is about meeting people, connecting with others, and understanding Pokémon in ways books and labs can’t teach. You might even make a friend or two.”

Auron visibly recoiled, a look of horror spreading across his face. “Friends? I’m terrible with new people. I’m too shy, and honestly, most people think I’m weird.”

Kukui placed a reassuring hand on Auron’s shoulder, his grin softening into a genuine smile. “Everyone starts somewhere, Auron. Besides, you might even come across an injured Pokémon or two. I know how much you love playing doctor.”

That struck a chord. Auron’s mind began to turn, and he sighed in defeat. “Fine. But if I don’t like it, I’m dropping out.”

Kukui’s grin widened, his hand shooting out for a handshake. “Deal.”

After Kukui left, the realization of what he had agreed to settled in. School. People. Socializing. The idea was daunting, and the walls of his lab suddenly felt a little closer than usual. To shake off the nerves, Auron turned his attention back to his current project—rehabilitating the Pokémon Nurse Joy couldn’t manage.

The enclosure was bustling with life. Pokémon of all kinds played or rested in the meticulously crafted space. The playground had started as a simple area but had evolved into something much more. Auron had plans to expand it with an underground segment for rock and ground types, but for now, the small cave would have to suffice.

Swablu and Beldum had been cooped up for too long, with most of their interactions limited to Auron or his parents’ much older Pokémon. He wanted them to experience what it was like to interact with others their age. Standing by the enclosure door, he watched nervously as he released them into the playground.

To his surprise, Swablu and Beldum clicked almost immediately with the group. Auron observed as the playful Swablu flitted around, chirping cheerfully, while Beldum hovered curiously, studying the others before joining in a game of tag with a young Eevee and a hyperactive Joltik. Auron allowed himself a small smile before stepping back to focus on his other duties.

The day was long but productive. Auron spent hours poring over books Kukui had left him, learning new strategies for battle. Though he wasn’t confident in his battling skills yet, he was determined to improve.

When the sun dipped lower, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, Auron made his way to the garden. Beth, the gardener, was humming softly as she pruned a bed of marigolds. Her silver hair glinted in the fading sunlight, but her eyes were sharp and lively.

“Evening, young master,” she greeted warmly, not pausing in her work.

“Hi, Beth,” Auron replied, his tone shy but fond. He often sought her out for advice or just to talk. Today, he found himself asking about the garden’s design, eager to learn more about the delicate balance of maintaining such beauty.

Beth chuckled at his enthusiasm. “You’re a curious one, Auron. That’s good. Curiosity will take you far in life.”

Later, he helped Peter in the kitchen, learning how to perfect a soufflé, and spent time with Catherine, who showed him the best way to polish the mansion’s intricate silverware. James, the ever-patient steward, gave him a lesson on basic economics and resource management. Auron absorbed it all, grateful for the knowledge but growing increasingly tired as the hours wore on.

When night fell, Auron returned to the enclosure to check on his Pokémon. He was greeted by a heartwarming sight. Swablu and Beldum were fast asleep, nestled in a pile of other Pokémon, forming a warm, protective cocoon around them.

Auron leaned against the doorframe, a soft smile tugging at his lips. They looked happy—content. It gave him hope that perhaps the Pokémon School wouldn’t be so bad after all.

As he crawled into bed, exhaustion finally claimed him. Tomorrow loomed large in his mind, a mix of nerves and curiosity swirling in his chest. He didn’t know what to expect, but one thing was certain—his adventure in Alola was just beginning.

________________________________________

Auron awoke with nervous energy, determined to make a strong impression on his first day at the Pokémon School. After a hearty breakfast and meticulous preparation, he slung his bag over his shoulder, strapped on his belt with Swablu’s Pokéball, and donned his white hoodie, where Beldum nestled inside, blending seamlessly with the fabric. Seraphine, ever dutiful, offered to drive him to school.

The ride, however, hit an unexpected snag.

“Wait…” Auron blinked, realization dawning as he settled into the limo. “I don’t even know the address!”

Seraphine sighed, her tone tinged with patience. “We’ll stop at the Pokémon Center for directions.”

‘Kukui! I’m going to strangle you,’ Auron thought darkly as they made their detour. Finally, they arrived at the school five minutes late, where Kukui stood waiting by the entrance, looking far too cheerful for someone who’d caused so much trouble.

Auron stepped out of the limo, thanked Seraphine, and walked up to Kukui, giving him a sarcastic slap on the arm.

“OW!” Kukui exclaimed, rubbing the spot. “What was that for?!”

“You didn’t tell me the address!” Auron snapped.

“Oh…” Kukui scratched the back of his head, clearly sheepish. “Whoops. My bad.”

Auron glared at him, his irritation simmering.

“Look,” Kukui said, clapping his hands together in an attempt to move on. “The principal’s already been informed about your arrival. The students are in class, so let’s head in.”

Auron followed him inside, nerves beginning to bubble up. At a classroom door, Kukui paused. “I’ll go in first to explain everything. When I call you, come in.”

Auron nodded, fidgeting with the strap of his sling bag. Kukui entered, and muffled voices from within silenced as he addressed the students.

“You can come in now!” Kukui’s voice rang out.

Auron took a deep breath and stepped into the room. All eyes turned to him, the weight of their stares making his palms clammy. As he scanned the classroom, his eyes landed on someone familiar.

“ASH?!”

“AURON?!”

The two boys pointed at each other in shock.

“You know Ash?” a student blurted out, breaking the stunned silence.

Before either could answer, another voice chimed in—soft but unmistakable. “It’s you!”

Auron turned, surprised to see Lillie. Her cheeks flushed as she ducked her head, clearly embarrassed.

“Lillie?” Auron tilted his head in recognition.

“Wait a second,” Kukui interjected, looking between Auron, Ash, and Lillie. “You all know each other?”

Auron shrugged. “Yeah, I met Lillie when I first arrived in Alola. Accidentally knocked over her ice cream, actually. We talked for a bit before she had to leave.”

The class turned to Lillie, their curiosity evident.

“And Ash?” a blue-haired girl asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I met him back in Kalos,” Auron explained with a grin. “Long story, but I saw him battle my dad for the Snowbelle Gym badge.”

Ash gave a nervous laugh, clearly wanting the subject to shift.

But the class wasn’t done with Auron yet. They swarmed him, eager to know more about their new classmate.

The first to introduce herself was Mallow, a cheerful green-haired girl who beamed as she shook his hand. “My family owns a restaurant nearby! You should totally come by sometime.”

Next was Lana, the blue-haired girl who gave him a knowing smile. “If you ever want to learn about Water-types, I’m your girl.”

Sophocles followed, shorter than the others but brimming with energy. “I build gadgets! If you ever need something cool, I can probably make it.”

Kiawe stepped forward with a firm handshake, his voice deep and steady. “My family runs a farm. It’s hard work, but it’s worth it.”

Finally, Lillie hesitantly reintroduced herself, her voice soft but sincere. “And…my mom runs the Aether Foundation.”

Auron’s eyes widened. “Wait, wait, wait—your mom owns the Aether Foundation?!”

Lillie blushed under his awestruck gaze. “It’s…not as amazing as it sounds,” she mumbled, clearly wanting to change the topic.

“Okay, but back to Ash,” Mallow said with a mischievous grin. “How do you know him?”

“Oh, that’s easy,” Auron said, smirking at Ash. “He traveled through Kalos and stayed at my house for a bit. He even got his butt kicked by my dad.”

“That’s not what happened!” Ash protested, his face turning red.

Auron’s smirk widened as a devilish idea formed. “Hey, Ash, how’s Serena?”

Ash froze, his blush deepening to rival a Tamato Berry. Mallow and Lana exchanged intrigued looks, their attention zeroing in on him.

“Who’s Serena?” Mallow asked, her tone teasing.

“Oh, he hasn’t told you?” Auron said innocently. “Serena’s his girlfriend from Kalos.”

“She’s NOT my girlfriend!” Ash shouted, his voice cracking.

“Oh really?” Auron said, feigning innocence. “Because Bonnie mentioned something about an airport kiss…”

Ash’s face turned crimson, and the entire class erupted into laughter. Mallow and Lana nudged each other, delighted by the juicy tidbit.

Auron found himself smiling. Maybe Pokémon School wouldn’t be so bad after all.

________________________________________

The midday sun bathed the Pokémon School’s courtyard in golden light as Auron and Ash leaned against a low stone wall, a gentle breeze carrying the sounds of their classmates chatting in the background. Swablu perched lightly on Auron’s shoulder, her soft feathers blending seamlessly with the white fur lining of his hoodie. The atmosphere felt relaxed, but Ash’s curiosity broke the comfortable silence.

“So, why’d you come to Alola, Auron? I thought you were studying to be a professor,” Ash asked, his tone genuinely curious as he adjusted the brim of his hat.

Auron shifted his weight, glancing at Ash with a faint smile. “I still am. Right now, I’m interning under Professor Kukui. I’m learning about regional variants, Pokémon behavior, and… battling.”

Ash’s brow furrowed slightly. “But you don’t like battling, right?”

Auron hesitated, his gaze dropping to the dirt path beneath his feet. “It’s… because of the Kalos Crisis.”

The air grew heavier at the mention of the infamous event, and a somber silence fell between them. Both boys shared a connection to the disaster, and neither needed to explain further. The weight of the unspoken memories lingered, a reminder of the struggles they had faced in Kalos.

Before the moment could stretch too long, Mallow, ever the upbeat one, interjected with a wide grin. “Why don’t you two have a battle? It could be fun!”

Ash immediately perked up, his competitive nature rekindled. “Sure! I haven’t seen your Beldum in years!” he exclaimed, already reaching for a Poké Ball on his belt.

Auron’s expression softened as he gave a small, knowing smile. “Beldum’s been doing well. But…” He trailed off as his hoodie began to move. A shimmering, metallic Pokémon floated out from the folds of his hood, its single glowing eye surveying the crowd with calm curiosity.

“Beldum!” it chimed, its voice a soft, mechanical hum.

The gathered students stared in awe, their excitement breaking the quiet tension.

“THAT’S A SHINY BELDUM!” a voice shouted, startling everyone. They turned to see Rotom Dex, buzzing with energy as it floated up to scan the rare Pokémon. “A SHINY STEEL-AND-PSYCHIC-TYPE! THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!”

“Rotom, take it easy,” Ash chuckled, shaking his head. “You’ll scare it off.”

Kiawe stepped closer, folding his arms as he examined the Pokémon. “A shiny? That’s incredibly rare. I’ve never even heard of a Beldum before.”

Rotom Dex buzzed louder, its screen lighting up as it displayed an image of the Pokémon. “Beldum is an exceptionally rare Pokémon native to the Hoenn region! It evolves into the mighty Metagross, one of the most powerful Steel-types!”

“Wow…” Lana murmured, leaning forward to get a closer look. “It’s beautiful.”

Beldum hovered closer to Auron, seemingly shy under all the attention. Auron patted its side gently, his voice calm. “You won’t be battling Beldum today, though.”

The crowd’s interest shifted as Auron pulled out a Poké Ball, tossing it lightly into the air. “Go, Swablu!”

The small, cloud-like Pokémon burst forth in a swirl of soft light, letting out a cheerful chirp as it took to the air. Its delicate, feathery wings shimmered faintly in the sunlight, and it spun playfully in place.

Ash grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge. “Alright, if you’re bringing someone new, so will I!” With a dramatic flourish, he tossed his Poké Ball high. “Go, Rowlet!”

A tiny owl Pokémon emerged in a flash, spinning midair before landing lightly on the ground. Its wide, cheerful eyes scanned the field as it ruffled its leaves, letting out a confident chirp.

The students buzzed with excitement as both trainers took their positions on opposite ends of the courtyard. Kiawe stepped forward, raising his arm as he assumed the role of referee. “This will be a one-on-one battle between Auron and Ash. The match ends when one Pokémon is unable to continue. Trainers, are you ready?”

Ash raised a fist confidently. “Ready when you are!”

Auron took a steadying breath, his nerves fading into determination. “Let’s do this.”

The air between Auron and Ash was thick with anticipation as they squared off on the schoolyard. Mallow, Lana, and the others formed a loose circle around them, their excitement palpable. Kiawe, taking his role as referee seriously, raised his arm.

“Alright, this will be a one-on-one battle between Ash and Auron! The match ends when one Pokémon is unable to continue. Trainers, are you ready?”

Ash gave a confident nod, adjusting his hat with a grin. “You bet!”

Auron took a deep breath, glancing at Swablu perched lightly on his arm. “Ready.”

“Then let the battle begin!” Kiawe shouted, dropping his arm.

Swablu fluttered into the air, her delicate wings shimmering faintly in the sunlight. Across from her, Ash’s Rowlet hopped forward with a chirp, puffing out its chest as it prepared to take flight.

“Rowlet, use Leafage!” Ash commanded, his voice sharp and decisive.

Rowlet spread its wings wide and launched a flurry of glowing green leaves toward Swablu. The leaves spiraled through the air, swift and precise.

“Swablu, counter with Safeguard!” Auron called.

A gentle, iridescent barrier shimmered into existence around Swablu, causing the incoming leaves to bounce harmlessly off. The onlookers let out murmurs of approval at the graceful defense.

“Not bad,” Ash admitted. “But let’s see how you handle this! Rowlet, use Peck!”

Rowlet darted forward like an arrow, its beak glowing with a sharp, metallic sheen.

“Dodge, then use Disarming Voice!” Auron countered.

Swablu darted to the side with an agile twist, narrowly avoiding the strike. As Rowlet zoomed past, Swablu let out a high-pitched, melodic cry. The sound waves shimmered pink as they washed over Rowlet, who flinched mid-flight and veered off course.

“Whoa, that’s a Fairy-type move!” Lana said, impressed.

“Stay focused, Rowlet!” Ash urged. “Use Tackle!”

Rowlet steadied itself and charged toward Swablu again, wings tucked in for maximum speed.

“Swablu, take the hit and counter with Sing!” Auron instructed.

The crowd gasped as Swablu held her ground. Rowlet slammed into her with full force, sending her spiraling backward. But just as Rowlet prepared to press the attack, Swablu began to sing. The soft, lilting tune floated through the air, wrapping around Rowlet like an invisible lullaby.

Rowlet’s flight faltered. It wobbled midair, eyes drooping as it struggled against the drowsiness. Finally, it let out a small chirp before falling to the ground, fast asleep.

“Great timing, Auron!” Mallow cheered.

“Now’s your chance!” Auron called, his voice steady despite the pressure. “Swablu, use Mist to set the field!”

Swablu flapped her wings, releasing a dense, silvery fog that enveloped the battlefield. The mist swirled around Rowlet, obscuring its sleeping form and giving Swablu a tactical advantage.

“Rowlet, wake up!” Ash shouted, clenching his fists.

Rowlet stirred, shaking its head groggily. The mist made it hard to orient itself, but Ash’s voice cut through the haze.

“Now, use Razor Leaf to clear the mist!”

Rowlet spun rapidly, releasing a barrage of razor-sharp leaves in every direction. The mist dissipated under the onslaught, revealing Swablu hovering high above.

“Good work, Rowlet! Now use Peck!”

Rowlet shot upward, aiming directly for Swablu.

“Swablu, dodge and counter with Take Down!” Auron shouted, his voice carrying a newfound confidence.

Swablu twisted in midair, narrowly avoiding Rowlet’s glowing beak. Then, with a burst of energy, she dove downward, her small body glowing with golden energy as she collided with Rowlet.

Both Pokémon tumbled to the ground, the impact kicking up a cloud of dust. When the dust settled, Swablu was struggling to rise, her wings trembling from exertion. Rowlet, however, remained motionless, fainted from the powerful blow.

“Rowlet is unable to battle! Swablu wins!” Kiawe announced, raising his arm toward Auron.

The crowd erupted into cheers, with Mallow and Lana clapping enthusiastically.

Ash ran to Rowlet, gently picking up his fainted partner. “You did great, buddy. Take a good rest.”

Auron approached Swablu, who chirped weakly but happily as he held out his arm for her to perch on.

“That was a close one,” Auron admitted, looking at Ash with a small smile. “You almost had me there.”

Ash grinned, his competitive spirit undiminished. “You’ve gotten stronger, Auron. But don’t think I’ll let you win next time!”

The two shook hands, their friendly rivalry cemented. As the group began discussing the battle’s highlights, Auron couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride. Maybe battling wasn’t so bad after all.

________________________________________

Auron lingered near the edge of the courtyard, watching Swablu flutter around the other Pokémon. The battle had left him drained, though a small smile tugged at his lips as he replayed the moments in his mind. That smile faltered when he heard a soft voice behind him.

“Hey, Auron, can I talk to you?”

He turned to see Lillie standing a few feet away, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her voice was barely above a whisper, and she avoided his gaze, looking every bit as nervous as he felt.

“Y-yeah, what’s up?” he replied, scratching the back of his neck. His tone was calm, but inside, guilt gnawed at him. He didn’t dislike Lillie—not at all—but ever since the ice cream incident, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he’d been the cause of her distress.

She gestured toward a shaded awning nearby, and they walked in silence until they reached it. Once they were settled, the tension between them was palpable. Both seemed to be waiting for the other to speak, the quiet stretching thin.

Finally, they broke the silence simultaneously.

“I’m sorry!”

The words tumbled out together, and both froze in place, blinking at each other in surprise.

“Wait,” Auron said, breaking the stalemate. “Why are you apologizing?”

“I could ask you the same question,” Lillie countered, her tone soft but curious.

He hesitated, gathering his thoughts. “What I wanted to say is… I’m sorry for making you run away that day.”

Lillie’s eyes widened, and then, to his utter confusion, she began to laugh. It wasn’t mocking; it was light and genuine, the sound catching him completely off guard.

“Auron, it wasn’t your fault!” she managed through her laughter, holding a hand to her chest as she tried to compose herself.

“What…?” He stared at her, completely dumbfounded.

She tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear, her smile softening. “I… I have an irrational fear of Pokémon.”

“Oh…” Auron muttered, and suddenly, everything clicked into place. His eyes widened in realization, and he felt a pang of guilt twist in his chest. He should have guessed that sooner. He’d been so focused on blaming himself—and poor Beldum—that he hadn’t even considered it. “I… I’m sorry,” he said again, quieter this time.

“You don’t have to apologize,” Lillie said quickly, her voice gentle. “I’ve been working on it. Slowly.”

Auron, desperate to steer the conversation away from his embarrassment, asked, “Is it all Pokémon, or just a few?”

She hesitated, then nodded. “Most Pokémon scare me, but… I mean, I have Snowy.”

“Snowy?” he repeated, tilting his head curiously.

Lillie smiled, reaching into her bag. “Ah! You haven’t met her yet. She’s been feeling a little under the weather today, so I kept her in her Pokéball.” With a gentle toss, she released the Pokémon inside.

The light materialized into a small, elegant Vulpix. But instead of the fiery orange fur Auron expected, this one was a pristine white, her coat shimmering faintly in the dappled sunlight.

Auron blinked in surprise. “You have a shiny Vulpix?”

“Not quite,” Lillie said with a soft laugh. “Snowy is an Alolan Vulpix.”

His eyes widened in amazement. “Whoa! I’ve read about regional forms, but I’ve never seen one in person before. What’s her type?”

“Ice,” Lillie replied proudly.

“That’s… really cool!” Auron said, crouching slightly to get a better look at Snowy, who tilted her head curiously at him.

The two of them talked for a while, the conversation shifting easily from Pokémon to life in Alola. For the first time, Auron felt the tension between them ease. Lillie seemed to relax, her shy demeanor giving way to genuine interest as they spoke.

Then, her gaze landed on his wrist. “That’s a beautiful bracelet!” she exclaimed, pointing at the intricate piece resting against his sleeve.

Auron froze for a split second before glancing at the bracelet—a gift from Xerneas. Its faint glow was muted, but up close, its unique craftsmanship was unmistakable.

“What kind of material is that?” Lillie asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Uh…” Auron hesitated, scrambling for an excuse. “I don’t know. It was a gift.”

Lillie nodded, clearly believing him. “It’s stunning. Whoever gave it to you has excellent taste.”

Auron let out a silent breath of relief, silently promising himself that he might tell her the truth someday.

“GUYS!”

Both turned to see Mallow approaching, dragging a thoroughly beaten Ash and Kiawe behind her. The boys looked as though they’d been through a war, with their clothes rumpled and soot smudges on their faces.

“Wanna grab lunch? School’s almost over, and I’m starving!” Mallow offered cheerfully.

Auron chuckled, the sight of Ash’s disheveled state too amusing to ignore. “I could eat,” he said, standing and brushing off his hands.

As they walked off together, he felt a little lighter. Maybe Alola was starting to grow on him after all.

Chapter Text

“Mallow, this food is absolutely delicious!” Auron exclaimed, his voice muffled as he hastily stuffed another sandwich into his mouth, crumbs scattering across the table. His praise was genuine, his face glowing with satisfaction as he savored every bite.

“Thank you, Auron!” Mallow responded with a radiant smile, her emerald eyes sparkling with delight. She continued plating food for her friends, her movements practiced and graceful. “I’m glad you like it!”

Ash, seated across the table, nodded approvingly as he bit into his own sandwich. “You battled well today, Auron,” he remarked, his tone filled with both camaraderie and a touch of competitive spirit. “Still, let’s not kid ourselves—what you pulled off today was pure luck!” His grin widened as he teased, crumbs decorating the corner of his mouth.

Auron chuckled, shaking his head. “Definitely,” he admitted humbly, “I could never match a trainer like you!” The sincerity in his voice caught Ash off guard, causing him to blush slightly. He scratched the back of his head, trying to hide his embarrassment.

“What do you mean, Auron?” Kiawe asked, leaning forward with a curious expression. His dark eyes flickered with interest, and the other Alolans mirrored his curiosity, their faces alight with anticipation.

Auron blinked at them, surprised. “What do you mean? Don’t you know?” He paused, glancing around at their expectant faces before revealing the truth. “Ash isn’t just any trainer. He’s a Pokémon Master. He’s been a runner-up in every regional league he’s participated in so far.”

The room erupted into stunned disbelief. “WHAT?!” the Alolans exclaimed in unison, their voices echoing off the walls of the outdoor lunch area. They all turned to Ash, their expressions a mix of awe and shock.

Kiawe’s jaw dropped slightly as a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. “I thought you were just a normal kid…” he muttered, his tone laden with disbelief. “That’s seriously impressive.”

Mallow clutched the edge of the table, her green eyes wide. “Ash, why didn’t you tell us?” she asked, her voice carrying a slight tinge of indignation.

Ash chuckled nervously, his hands waving defensively. “It’s not a big deal, really! I’m just a regular trainer like anyone else.”

“Regular?” Lana interjected, her blue eyes narrowing suspiciously. “You’ve been runner-up in multiple leagues, and you call that regular?”

“Do you guys seriously not know about Ash’s adventures?” Auron asked, tilting his head in disbelief. He had assumed his old friend’s exploits were common knowledge, even in Alola.

“No!” they all shouted in unison, glaring at him with exasperation.

Ash scratched the back of his head again, laughing awkwardly. “Well, I guess I never really brought it up…”

“You guess?” Kiawe exclaimed, slapping his forehead. “You’ve been a Pokémon Master in the making, and you kept that to yourself?”

“Sounds like Ash,” Auron quipped, smirking as he took another bite of his sandwich.

Mallow crossed her arms and leaned closer to Ash, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Well, now that we know, you’d better tell us everything! Every league, every battle—you’re not getting off that easily.”

“Yeah!” Lana chimed in, her tone unusually animated. “You’ve got some serious explaining to do.”

Ash groaned, his shoulders slumping as the group closed in on him with eager questions. Auron sat back, watching the scene unfold with a smile. Despite the intensity of the conversation, there was a warmth in the air—a sense of camaraderie that made Auron feel like he was truly part of something special.

“Yo! I figured I’d find all of you in here!” Professor Kukui’s voice rang out as he strode into the room with his usual laid-back energy, his hands tucked into the pockets of his lab coat.

“Hello, Professor!” the group chimed in unison, their voices cheerful as they turned to greet him.

Kukui nodded with a grin, his ever-present excitement about Pokémon and life shining through. “Alright, gang, I’ve got some work to finish back home, so I’ll see you all tomorrow. Consider this an early dismissal!” With a wave of his hand, he turned toward the door, his sandals slapping against the floor as he made his way out.

“Yeah!” the group cheered, their voices blending into an echo of collective joy.

As the room settled down, the group finished their meals, the clock ticking closer to 12:45. The plates were empty, and their stomachs were full. “Thank you for the amazing food, Mallow!” they all said in unison, their gratitude genuine and heartfelt.

Seeing an opening, Auron quickly raised his hand. “I’ll pay for the meal!” he declared confidently.

But no sooner had the words left his mouth than Lillie, sitting beside him, spoke up with equal determination. “No, I’ll pay!”

The two turned to look at each other, their declarations hanging in the air like a challenge issued on the battlefield.

“I insist,” Auron said firmly, his voice unwavering as he met her gaze.

“No, I’ll pay this time,” Lillie countered, her tone just as resolute.

The tension between them was palpable, their metaphorical tug-of-war over the bill drawing the attention of the entire table. It was Lana, always quick with a quip, who broke the standoff. She leaned forward, her mischievous grin growing wider. “Mom and Dad, please stop fighting,” she said sarcastically, her voice dripping with playful amusement.

Both Auron and Lillie froze, their determination instantly replaced by embarrassment. Their faces turned an identical shade of beet red as they processed Lana’s words.

“STOP IT, LANA!” they both shouted at the same time, their voices tinged with mortification. The room erupted into laughter, the group reveling in the sheer awkwardness of the situation.

Even as the laughter died down, Auron and Lillie remained flustered, the blush lingering on their cheeks as they avoided eye contact. Eventually, they settled on a compromise: Auron would pay half the bill, and Lillie would cover the other half.

Mallow tried valiantly to protest, waving her hands as she said, “Guys, it’s fine! You don’t have to—”

But her attempts were no match for Auron and Lillie’s combined stubbornness. They pushed the money into her hands, their expressions making it clear there was no room for negotiation.

With the matter settled, the group lingered for a little while longer, their conversation light and filled with laughter. It was a peaceful moment, one that felt like the calm before the storm of whatever adventures lay ahead.

________________________________________

Ash and Auron strolled toward the school gates, having returned to retrieve their belongings after Professor Kukui dismissed the group. As they made their way out, Kiawe waved to them from atop his Charizard. “Bye, Ash! Bye, Auron! Nice meeting you both!”

“Later, Kiawe!” Ash called, waving back enthusiastically. Auron offered a polite nod, raising his hand in farewell.

Once Kiawe disappeared into the sky, the two were left alone, walking side by side. “Hey, Ash,” Auron began, a grin tugging at his lips. “Wanna come over to my place?”

Ash, always up for hanging out, immediately agreed. “Sure!”

Auron’s grin widened. Moments later, the two climbed into a sleek black limousine waiting just beyond the school gates. As the vehicle pulled away, Ash’s eyes widened as he realized where they were headed.

When they arrived at Auron’s mansion, Ash nearly tripped over himself. “You live here?!” he exclaimed, gawking at the sprawling estate before him.

“Uh… yeah?” Auron replied with a casual shrug, clearly unfazed. “I dunno, though. It feels kinda… mediocre to me.”

“Mediocre?!” Ash repeated incredulously, smacking his forehead in disbelief. “Auron…”

The two stepped through the grand front doors into a luxurious foyer, its marble floors gleaming beneath a chandelier that sparkled like a constellation. Ash’s amazement only grew as he wandered through the mansion, taking in its towering ceilings, elegant furniture, and intricate decor.

“Your place is amazing!” Ash declared, his voice echoing faintly through the grand hall.

“Eh, it’s home,” Auron said nonchalantly, though a slight smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “Wanna check out the lab?”

“Definitely!”

Auron led Ash through the mansion, descending a spiral staircase into a brightly lit laboratory that felt like stepping into a state-of-the-art Pokémon Center. Ash’s attention was immediately drawn to a vibrant Pokémon playground in one corner, where injured Pokémon were recovering. Some were playfully chasing each other, while others rested peacefully on soft beds.

“This is so cool!” Ash said, his eyes gleaming with wonder.

“I know, right?” Auron replied, folding his arms as he watched Ash explore.

Ash’s expression softened as he watched the Pokémon. His care and concern for them were evident in the way his eyes lingered on those still recovering. Auron couldn’t help but admire how deeply Ash cared for Pokémon, but his thoughts were interrupted by something unexpected.

Ash suddenly froze. His posture shifted as he crouched low to the ground, his muscles tense. It wasn’t just any stance—Auron recognized it immediately. It was Greninja’s battle stance.

“Ash?” Auron called, but Ash didn’t respond. His hands shot to his thighs before mimicking the motion of throwing twin water shurikens. His movements were sharp, precise, almost too perfect—like Greninja’s.

“Ash!” Auron shouted again, snapping Ash out of whatever trance he was in.

Ash blinked, straightening slowly as he clutched his throat. “What… just happened?” he asked, his voice hoarse and confused.

Auron stared at him, realization dawning. “You’re still connected, aren’t you?”

Ash hesitated before nodding, guilt etched across his face. “Yeah… I am. I’m sorry.”

“Dude, what are you apologizing for?” Auron said, his tone incredulous. “It’s not a problem!”

“It is a problem,” Ash insisted, his voice heavy with self-reproach. “Greninja’s probably struggling because of me. I… I’m holding him back.”

Auron frowned, crossing his arms. “Maybe you should take him back,” he said after a moment.

“What?” Ash’s eyes widened, clearly caught off guard.

“I mean it,” Auron continued. “If you two share a bond that strong, even at this distance, you should be together. You’re his partner.”

“But… he’s Zygarde’s partner now,” Ash replied, his voice wavering. “He’s helping clean up the Kalos crisis. That’s more important.”

“And what about after?” Auron pressed. “Once the crisis is over, what then? You’re still connected, Ash. That doesn’t just go away.”

Ash fell silent, Auron’s words sinking in. He lowered his gaze, deep in thought. The idea of reuniting with Greninja tugged at his heart, but the weight of his responsibilities and Greninja’s new role made the decision complicated.

Auron watched him closely. “Look, I’m not saying it’s an easy choice. But I’ve seen how much you care about your Pokémon. Greninja isn’t just a teammate to you. He’s family.”

Ash’s lips parted as if to respond, but he hesitated, his thoughts still racing. Before he could say anything, though, he looked up at Auron with a determined expression.

“There’s something I need to tell you first,” Ash said, his voice steady despite the uncertainty in his eyes.

Chapter Text

Auron and Ash strolled side by side through the grand hallways of Auron’s mansion, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. The silence between them wasn’t awkward, but rather filled with an unspoken tension—Ash looked deep in thought, his brows slightly furrowed as if wrestling with something he wasn’t sure how to say. Auron, sensing his friend’s hesitation, decided to give him time, but his curiosity gnawed at him nonetheless.

Finally, Ash let out a small sigh, breaking the silence. “Auron… there’s something I haven’t told you.” His voice was quieter than usual, lacking its usual confident energy. He kept his gaze forward, avoiding Auron’s eyes.

Auron tilted his head slightly, sensing the weight behind Ash’s words. “Yeah? What is it?”

Ash took a deep breath, his hand clenching at his side. “It’s… kind of a big deal. I’ve never told anyone, except for one person.”

Auron raised an eyebrow. “You’re making it sound serious.”

“It is,” Ash admitted before finally glancing at him. “Auron… I’m what’s called The Chosen One.”

Auron stopped in his tracks, blinking at Ash in confusion. “You’re the what?” he asked, his tone laced with disbelief.

“The Chosen One,” Ash repeated, this time with a little more conviction, though he still seemed uncomfortable saying it out loud. “Back in Johto… I helped Lugia save the world.”

Auron stared at him, his mind racing to comprehend the weight of such a claim. “Wait—Lugia? The Legendary Pokémon?”

Ash nodded, looking almost embarrassed. “Yeah… and she made me her champion.”

For a moment, Auron was at a loss for words. “You mean to tell me… you’re Lugia’s chosen champion? Like, officially?”

Ash sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Yeah. It’s not exactly something I go around telling people, you know? I didn’t want it to define me.”

Auron absorbed the information, his expression serious. “That’s… insane.”

Ash nodded slowly. “You’re telling me.”

There was a brief silence before Auron’s lips twitched into an uncertain smile. “You too?”

Ash blinked. “Huh?”

Auron lifted his arm, showing Ash the shimmering bracelet wrapped around his wrist. “You’re not the only one, Ash. I was chosen too… by Xerneas.”

Ash’s eyes widened, his jaw practically dropping. “Wait—Xerneas? Like… the Xerneas?”

Auron nodded, looking down at the gift on his wrist. “Yeah… she appeared to me a long time ago. Told me I was meant to help heal the world.” He let out a small chuckle. “I didn’t really understand what that meant at the time, but… I think I get it now.”

Ash stared at him for a long moment before a grin broke across his face. “Of course. The Pokémon of Life choosing the guy who’s all about helping Pokémon. Makes sense.”

Auron rolled his eyes but couldn’t help smiling. “Hey, no teasing.”

“I’m not teasing!” Ash said, raising his hands defensively. “It’s just… kinda cool knowing I’m not the only one.” His voice softened, and for the first time, Auron could hear the weight in his words. “I thought I was alone in all this.”

Auron’s expression shifted into something more thoughtful. “Yeah… me too.” He met Ash’s gaze. “But I guess we’re in this together now, huh?”

Ash smiled. “Yeah. We are.”

The tension that had once filled the space between them was gone, replaced by something else—something lighter.

Auron stared at Ash, his chest tightening as a strange sensation rippled through him—a tether, an inexplicable string that seemed to bind the two of them. He blinked, his breath hitching as the feeling grew stronger, almost tangible.

“Do you feel it?” Auron asked softly, his voice laced with awe and confusion.

Ash nodded, his expression mirroring Auron’s bewilderment. “Yeah… I do.”

Almost instinctively, they both raised their hands. A glowing strand of energy, radiant and alive, connected them. Auron’s aura shimmered pure white like freshly fallen snow, but streaks of iridescent rainbow hues danced along its edges, pulsating with gentle warmth. In contrast, Ash’s aura radiated a vibrant mix of red and blue, intertwining like the spiraling helix of DNA.

The strands of their auras twisted and folded together, merging into a radiant sphere of light that hovered between them. The room filled with an almost oppressive energy, thick and electric, as the orb pulsed with life. Within its luminous depths, two faint shapes began to materialize.

Auron’s breath caught in his throat as the spectral outline of a Greninja formed within the sphere, its body cloaked in a shroud of Ash’s blue and red energy. Beside it, another figure took shape—Beldum, its silhouette radiating Auron’s pristine white and rainbow aura. The two Pokémon seemed to acknowledge one another within the glowing sphere before the energy abruptly dissipated, leaving the room silent and the two trainers stunned.

“What… what was that?” Auron exclaimed, his voice breaking the heavy stillness.

“I don’t know,” Ash admitted, his hand trembling slightly as he stared at the now-vanished orb. “It almost looked like… a Pokémon move or something.”

“That was no ordinary move. That felt—different.” Auron’s mind raced, trying to make sense of what had just happened. He rubbed his temples before snapping his fingers, his eyes lighting up with sudden determination. “Wait here—I have an idea.”

Before Ash could respond, Auron grabbed his wrist and practically dragged him across the room toward a large, futuristic-looking machine nestled against the wall of his lab. The device hummed faintly with power, its sleek design bristling with advanced technology.

“What is this?” Ash asked, eyeing the machine curiously.

“This is a brainwave scanner,” Auron explained, his hands moving quickly across the control panel to power it up. “It’s based on Clemont’s design—remember how he used it to confirm your Bond Phenomenon with Greninja back in Kalos?”

Ash’s eyes widened in understanding. “Yeah! You think it can tell us if something similar is going on here?”

“Exactly,” Auron said, gesturing for Ash to sit in the chair connected to the device. “If that weird aura phenomenon has anything to do with your bond to Greninja—or maybe something new we’ve just uncovered—this machine should pick up on it.”

Ash sat down, his face serious despite his curiosity. Auron carefully placed the scanner’s helmet-like apparatus on Ash’s head, tightening the straps just enough to hold it in place. The machine hummed louder as Auron activated it, its screen lighting up with colorful graphs and data streams.

“Alright,” Auron muttered, focusing on the monitor. “Let’s see what’s going on in that head of yours, Ash.”

Ash chuckled nervously. “You might not like what you find.”

Auron smirked but didn’t take his eyes off the screen. As the scanner whirred, the room filled with a soft hum, and the display began to populate with patterns of energy that looked far from ordinary. The graphs spiked wildly, and a swirl of blue and red began forming on the screen, intertwined like the aura they had seen moments before.

“Whoa…” Auron murmured. “This is… incredible.”

“What is it?” Ash asked, leaning forward slightly despite the machine.

“It’s your bond with Greninja,” Auron explained, pointing to the vibrant energy signature. “It’s still there—stronger than ever, even with the distance between you two. It’s like the bond transcends physical proximity.”

Ash’s expression softened, a mix of relief and guilt washing over him. “Greninja…”

“But there’s more,” Auron continued, his tone growing more serious. “There’s another signature here—one that’s reacting to my aura. I think whatever happened earlier wasn’t just about your bond with Greninja. It was something between the two of us.”

Ash’s eyes widened. “You think… our auras are connected somehow?”

Auron nodded, his mind racing with possibilities. “It’s the only thing that makes sense. But why? And how? This kind of bond—it’s not normal.”

Ash frowned, his hands clenching into fists. “Maybe it has something to do with us both being chosen. Lugia, Xerneas… maybe they share some kind of connection we don’t understand yet.”

“That’s… actually a good theory,” Auron admitted, surprised by Ash’s insight. “But we’re going to need more data to figure this out. For now, though—” He shut down the machine and removed the scanner from Ash’s head. “—we know one thing for sure. Whatever that phenomenon was, it’s powerful. And it’s tied to both of us.”

Ash stood, his gaze steady as he looked at Auron. “Then we need to figure out what it means—together.”

Auron nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Yeah. Together.”

Though the mystery of their connection remained unsolved, one thing was clear: they were in this journey side by side, their destinies intertwined in ways they were only beginning to uncover.

____________________

They both hunched over the small, creaky wooden table, its surface nearly invisible beneath the chaotic mountain of books sprawled across it. Ancient tomes with frayed edges, dusty research journals, and crumpled scrolls lay scattered in disorganized piles, their faded covers barely holding together under the weight of time. The dim glow of a flickering lamp overhead cast long, restless shadows across the cluttered mess, making the room feel both suffocating and vast in its silence.

Ash let out an exaggerated groan, slumping in his chair, his head nearly falling onto the mess of papers. “Ugh! This is so BORING!” he whined, dragging out the word as if hoping it would somehow make time move faster. He threw himself backward dramatically, arms flailing slightly. “We’ve been at this for hours, and we’ve got nothing! Not even a hint!”

Auron, ever the more patient of the two, didn’t even look up from the dusty tome he was flipping through. His fingers traced the faded ink with care, his eyes sharp with focus. “Calm down, Ash,” he muttered, flipping another fragile page with precision. “We’re bound to find something—anything—about legendary connections if we keep looking. We can’t afford to overlook even the smallest detail.”

Ash groaned again but reluctantly leaned forward, lazily flipping through yet another book that smelled of old parchment and forgotten places. The minutes stretched on, the only sounds being the soft rustle of turning pages and the occasional sigh of frustration.

Then—something.

“Wait…” Ash’s voice dropped to a hushed tone, filled with sudden intrigue. His fingers froze on a thick, dusty book bound in cracked leather, its spine nearly torn. He tilted it slightly, squinting at the faded golden lettering etched along its worn side. “This one says something…”

Auron’s head snapped up, his fatigue momentarily forgotten. He shot out of his chair, nearly tripping over the scattered books on the floor as he rushed to Ash’s side. “What is it? Let me see!”

Ash slid the book over, and Auron eagerly snatched it, flipping it open with more force than necessary, causing a puff of dust to rise into the stale air. They both coughed slightly but ignored it, their eyes drawn immediately to the faded pages within.

There, nestled between cryptic writings in an ancient language neither of them could read fluently, was a detailed illustration that made Auron’s breath hitch. It depicted a lone figure—a trainer—standing tall upon a pedestal carved from stone. His posture was commanding, yet serene, his silhouette etched with an air of mystery. Surrounding him in a breathtaking, celestial formation were the outlines of various Legendary Pokémon, their majestic forms drawn with such reverence that even the faded ink couldn’t dull their grandeur. Entei, Lugia, Dialga, Giratina, Rayquaza—and at the very top, almost glowing even in simple ink, was Arceus, looming above them all like an omnipresent deity.

“Woah…” Auron whispered, his voice barely audible as his fingers hovered above the page, careful not to smudge the delicate ink.

Ash leaned in closer, his curiosity outweighing his earlier boredom. “Who is this guy?” he muttered, his eyes narrowing as he studied the trainer’s vague features. The figure was shrouded in shadow, intentionally left faceless, as if his identity was never meant to be known—or had been lost to time.

“I don’t know… There’s no name. No description. Nothing,” Auron replied, flipping through the surrounding pages in hopes of more context. But the book offered nothing—just diagrams, celestial charts, and strange symbols that seemed to guard the figure’s secrets.

Frustration mixed with intrigue. Auron quickly pulled out his PokéGear, snapping a picture of the mysterious illustration. “We’ll have to search for clues later,” he said, determination hardening his voice. “Maybe someone knows about this… or maybe there are more records hidden somewhere.”

Ash nodded slowly, his earlier impatience gone. There was something about the drawing—something unsettling yet magnetic. It felt almost familiar, though he couldn’t explain why. A strange chill crept down his spine as he stared at the faceless trainer, a faint pulse of energy lingering in the back of his mind.

“It’s seven already? Crap, the professor is going to kill me…” Ash groaned, his eyes widening as he glanced at the small digital clock glowing faintly on the corner of Auron’s PokéGear. He shot up from his chair, nearly tripping over the mountain of books they’d haphazardly stacked after hours of relentless searching. His hands fumbled to gather his belongings, a mix of mild panic and disbelief etched across his face. “How long did we even spend in the library?!”

Auron, still seated, lazily stretched his arms over his head, his fingers brushing against the ceiling’s faint glow of artificial light. He stifled a yawn, his own exhaustion finally creeping in now that Ash had snapped him from his hyper-focused trance. His gaze drifted to the mess they’d left—a battlefield of open books, scattered scrolls, and notes scribbled in rushed handwriting.

“Uhh… including the cleaning time we took so the librarian wouldn’t kill us?” Auron tilted his head thoughtfully, tapping his chin with a finger before letting out a small, amused snort. “Six hours.”

Ash’s jaw dropped slightly, disbelief plastered across his face as he slung his bag over his shoulder. “Six hours?! Geez…” He ran a hand through his messy hair, ruffling it into even more of an untamed state. His voice trailed off into a groan as he stumbled toward the door, clearly frustrated with himself yet unable to fully shake off the excitement of what they’d discovered earlier.

Their footsteps echoed softly as they exited the library, the once-bustling Pokémon School now eerily quiet under the dim hue of the setting sun. The sky outside was painted in strokes of deep orange, fiery reds, and hints of violet, casting long shadows across the pathways. A cool breeze swept past them, carrying the salty scent of the ocean mixed with the faint aroma of tropical flowers blooming somewhere nearby.

“Guess we’ll pick this up tomorrow,” Auron mumbled, stuffing his hands into his pockets, his mind still lingering on the mysterious figure in the book—the faceless trainer surrounded by legends.

Ash nodded, already half-distracted by the thought of getting back before Professor Kukui had the chance to give him one of his infamous “responsibility lectures.” With a casual wave and a grin, Ash turned toward the direction of the beach, his familiar, carefree energy returning as he jogged off into the fading light. “See ya, Auron!”

“Yeah, see you,” Auron replied softly, watching Ash disappear down the path, his silhouette eventually swallowed by the orange glow of the sunset.

Auron stood there for a brief moment longer, letting the silence settle around him like a thin blanket. The cool evening air felt refreshing against his skin, chasing away the stuffiness left behind from hours spent indoors. He inhaled deeply, his chest rising and falling as he exhaled slowly, trying to shake the restless feeling that had begun to creep in.

Instead of calling for a ride or taking the usual short route home, he decided to walk. I need the exercise anyway, he thought to himself with a faint smirk, his legs already carrying him forward without much thought.

At first, it was just a leisurely stroll—his footsteps light against the cobblestone pathways that wove through Hau’oli City. But as his mind drifted deeper into thought, replaying every detail of the ancient illustration, every word of conversation with Ash, his pace unconsciously quickened. The walk turned into a brisk stride, and soon after, into a jog.

The city around him blurred slightly as he moved, its evening life bustling quietly in the background. Streetlights flickered on one by one, casting pools of soft amber light across the ground. Vendors were closing up shop, their cheerful voices bidding farewells to lingering customers. The faint sounds of Wingull cawing above mixed with the distant crash of ocean waves hitting the shoreline.

Auron’s heart beat steadily in his chest, matching the rhythmic thud of his feet hitting the pavement. The cool breeze grew stronger as he picked up speed, tugging at the hem of his jacket, carrying whispers of voices from passing strangers and the faint aroma of food stalls—grilled Magikarp skewers, malasadas fresh from the fryer, and the sweet tang of Pinap berries.

But he paid them little mind.

His thoughts remained tangled with the day’s discoveries—the aura connection with Ash, the inexplicable phenomenon they’d shared, and, most of all, that haunting image of the faceless trainer surrounded by gods. His pulse quickened not just from the exercise but from something else—an unspoken pull in his chest, a nagging sensation that whatever they had uncovered was only the beginning.

What does it mean?

His footsteps grew heavier, echoing off the quiet streets as he turned down a less crowded path lined with palm trees swaying gently in the evening breeze. The golden glow of the sun had dipped further below the horizon now, leaving streaks of purple and deep indigo etched across the sky.

As he jogged, Auron’s mind drifted back to the aura sphere they’d accidentally created. The vibrant swirl of colors, the outline of Greninja and Beldum intertwined within it—it wasn’t just some random occurrence. It couldn’t be. There was something binding them, something ancient and far greater than either of them understood.

Why us? Auron wondered, his breath coming out in steady puffs of condensation as the night grew cooler. What’s the connection between me and Ash… and these Legendaries?

The more he thought about it, the faster he moved, as if running could somehow outrun the questions piling up in his head. His jog turned into a sprint, his muscles burning slightly with the effort, his breath ragged but determined. The city faded around him, nothing but a blur of lights and distant sounds.

Eventually, he skidded to a halt near the edge of a familiar street—the gates to his mansion standing tall and silent in the distance. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he tried to catch his breath, his hands resting on his knees. Sweat trickled down his temple, but he barely noticed.

Auron straightened slowly, wiping his brow with the sleeve of his jacket. His gaze drifted upward toward the darkening sky, where the first stars had begun to pierce through the twilight haze.

Auron’s breath came in ragged bursts, his chest rising and falling as the burn in his legs gradually faded. The sweat slicked against his skin cooled quickly in the ocean breeze, leaving him shivering slightly under the thin fabric of his jacket. But it wasn’t the cold that unsettled him—it was the gnawing frustration buried deep in his chest, festering like an unanswered question echoing through his very bones.

What was that aura connection with Ash?
Why does it feel like there’s something missing—something we’re not seeing?

His hands clenched into fists at his sides, nails digging into his palms. The rhythmic pounding of his heart had slowed, but the chaos in his mind refused to quiet. He couldn’t shake the image of that swirling sphere of aura, the way it pulsed with life, the outlines of Greninja and Beldum flickering within it like fragile phantoms. It hadn’t been an accident. No way. There was a pattern—some unseen thread weaving their destinies together like strands of DNA, twisting, overlapping… but to what end?

“Ugh!” Auron growled under his breath, kicking a loose pebble with unnecessary force. It skittered across the empty sidewalk, bouncing against the curb before disappearing into a nearby gutter. The sound did nothing to soothe him.

His pace picked up again, brisk and erratic, not caring where his feet carried him. He didn’t want to go home. Not yet. The mansion felt like a cage right now, too pristine and sterile, its walls suffocating with silence. No—he needed to move, to breathe, to find something that could ground him before his thoughts spiraled out of control.

The streets grew quieter as he wandered farther from the familiar routes he usually took. Hau’oli City’s bustling nightlife faded behind him, replaced by dim alleyways and the distant hum of streetlights buzzing against the encroaching darkness. The occasional flicker of neon signs reflected off rain-slick pavement from an earlier drizzle, casting ghostly colors across the empty roads.

His mind raced faster than his steps, drowning in questions without answers.

Why me? Why Ash?
What’s the connection between us and the Legendaries?
And that figure in the book—who was he?

Auron didn’t see the shadow until it was too late.

His shoulder slammed hard into someone rounding the corner—a jarring impact that snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. The collision sent him stumbling backward a few steps, his balance shifting wildly before he managed to steady himself.

“Tch—watch where you’re going,” a sharp, low voice snapped, cutting through the night air like a blade.

Auron blinked, disoriented, his heart still pounding—not from the impact, but from something else. A strange, instinctive prickle crawled up the back of his neck, like the feeling of unseen eyes lingering too long. He straightened, his gaze narrowing as he finally took in the figure standing before him.

It was a woman. Tall, lean, her posture rigid with the kind of precision that spoke of discipline—a dangerous kind of discipline. She wore a dark, form-fitting jacket with high collars that obscured part of her face, casting shadows over sharp, angular features. A pair of sleek, black tactical goggles rested on her forehead, their reflective lenses catching the faint light and momentarily hiding her eyes.

Her hair was silver-gray, pulled back into a tight, no-nonsense ponytail, though a few stray strands framed her face. Her gloved hands were tucked casually into her pockets, but there was nothing casual about her presence. It radiated like an invisible force—a quiet, simmering tension that made Auron’s instincts scream even though she wasn’t doing anything overtly threatening.

“Sorry,” Auron muttered reflexively, though his eyes didn’t leave her for a second. There was something… off about her.

She gave a curt nod, her gaze lingering on him just a moment too long, as if assessing, calculating. Then she stepped past him without another word, her footsteps unnervingly silent despite the heavy combat boots she wore.

But Auron couldn’t shake the feeling.

His aura, still restless from earlier, stirred faintly—an almost imperceptible ripple beneath his skin. It wasn’t like the connection he’d felt with Ash. No, this was different. It was colder, sharper, like the edge of a blade pressing lightly against his spine.

He glanced over his shoulder, watching as the woman disappeared into the shadows of a nearby alleyway, her figure swallowed by the night.

Who was that?

Auron frowned, his curiosity battling against the uneasy feeling coiled in his chest. There was something… wrong about her. She hadn’t looked at him like a person—more like an object, something to be measured and filed away for later.

Shaking his head, Auron forced himself to keep walking.

It’s nothing, he told himself. Just a stranger. Don’t overthink it.

But the feeling didn’t leave him.

And as the woman vanished from sight, a small, cruel smile tugged at the corner of her lips. Hidden beneath her jacket, she thumbed the smooth surface of a metallic device clipped to her belt—a specialized Poké Ball with modifications that weren’t exactly legal.

So, she thought to herself, her eyes narrowing slightly, another one with a connection to the Legendaries…

She didn’t need to know his name. Not yet.

I’ll be seeing you again soon, kid.

Chapter Text

CRAP. That was all that was flowing through Auron’s mind.

He bolted upright, heart hammering against his ribs as the realization struck like a Thunderbolt. School starts in ten minutes. He had completely forgotten. His body moved on autopilot, adrenaline fueling every motion as he scrambled out of bed and into the bathroom. There was no time for grogginess, no time for second thoughts. He had to move.

The cold shower water shocked him awake, but he barely registered it. His hands worked on muscle memory, washing off as quickly as humanly possible before rushing to dry off. He yanked open his wardrobe and threw on a simple yet comfortable outfit—black shorts and a short-sleeved button-down, the loose fabric helping with the Alolan heat. He wasn’t fat by any means, but he wasn’t exactly muscular either, sitting somewhere in the middle. Not that it mattered. He was already moving before he could even check himself in the mirror.

His mind raced as he rushed down the grand staircase of the mansion, nearly tripping on the last step in his hurry. The beach… they’re going to the beach for today’s lesson! He couldn’t miss that. Not after barely getting used to this new school routine.

The front doors swung open with force as he burst outside, immediately spotting Miss Seraphine standing by the waiting limo. She looked as put together as ever—cool, calm, collected. And worst of all? Smug.

“Auron, it seems you’re late,” she teased, arms folded, her usual taunting smirk firmly in place.

Auron returned her expression with a smirk of his own. “Then I guess we’d better speed.”

Seraphine’s smirk widened ever so slightly. “Hold on tight, then.”

The instant Auron slid into the backseat and buckled in, Seraphine floored it. The limo lurched forward with unexpected acceleration, zipping through the early morning traffic as if it were a small, agile sports car rather than a massive luxury vehicle. Auron held onto the door for dear life as Seraphine maneuvered effortlessly through tight streets and around sluggish drivers, weaving through Hau’oli City with way more finesse than a limo driver had any right to.

He barely had time to process the ride before the limo skidded to a smooth halt in front of the school, tires just barely grazing the curb.

“Enjoy your day,” Seraphine said smoothly, utterly unfazed by the reckless driving that had Auron’s heart pounding.

Auron stumbled out, quickly adjusting his bag over his shoulder before dashing towards the school buses. The moment his foot hit the pavement near the bus lot, the doors to the last bus swung shut.

“WAIT!” Auron shouted, sprinting forward.

The bus driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror and, thankfully, opened the doors just in time. Auron clambered aboard, breathless, as the other students turned to look at him.

“You just barely made it,” Mallow grinned from her seat, elbowing Lillie beside her. “Thought you were gonna sleep through the whole day or something.”

Auron groaned, collapsing into the nearest open seat. “Would’ve been nice if someone reminded me.”

Ash, sitting a few rows ahead, turned in his seat with a teasing grin. “Hey, I figured you were smart enough to set an alarm. Guess not.”

Auron glared at him half-heartedly. “Not. A. Word.”

Ash just chuckled and turned back around as the bus finally began rolling toward their destination—the warm, sunlit shores of Alola.

____________________________

The ride was short, yet fulfilling. As the bus sped across the island, the radiant Alolan sun cast its golden glow over the pristine sands, painting the world in warm, vibrant hues. The rocky cliffs that bordered the coastline loomed in the distance, their jagged forms cutting through the horizon. Their shadows stretched long over the land, casting a cool, bluish tint against the otherwise sunlit earth. The contrast between light and dark was mesmerizing—like two opposing forces in perfect harmony.

Auron found himself staring out the window, mesmerized by the view. The ocean shimmered, its surface a vast, rolling expanse of sapphire and teal, rippling under the sun’s touch. It was different from the frigid waters back home in Snowbelle. There, the lakes and rivers were like sheets of glass, still and unyielding, reflecting the frozen world around them. But here? The sea moved—alive, breathing, endless.

The bus took a sharp turn, veering out of the cliffside shadows and back into the full embrace of daylight. Auron blinked at the sudden brightness, shielding his eyes momentarily before adjusting.

“We’re here, kids!” Professor Kukui’s voice rang through the vehicle as the bus came to a slow, steady stop.

The air filled with the sound of shifting bodies and rustling bags as the students trickled off the bus, stepping onto the soft, warm sand. Auron followed suit, inhaling deeply as the crisp, salty breeze swept over him. The scent of the ocean was different from the cold, sharp air of home—this was fresh, briny, and tinged with the faintest hint of tropical flowers carried by the wind.

The waves danced along the shore, curling into mesmerizing, fluid patterns—indescribable and hypnotic, like nature’s own artistry. Each crest shimmered with the sun’s reflection before crashing into the shore, retreating just as quickly as it had arrived.

Auron dug his foot into the sand, feeling the warmth seep through his sandals. The grains shifted under his weight, soft yet firm. He glanced around at the others, taking in their excitement. Mallow had already kicked off her shoes, letting the sand slip between her toes as she stretched her arms toward the sky. Lana was staring out at the ocean, her usual calm expression betraying a spark of anticipation. Kiawe stood near the edge of the group, arms crossed, surveying the landscape as if he were analyzing the best battle terrain. Lillie hesitated, carefully stepping onto the sand, her delicate steps contrasting the carefree enthusiasm of the others.

Ash, of course, was already ahead, practically bouncing on his feet as he turned to Kukui with a wide grin. “So, what’s the plan, Professor?”

Kukui chuckled, his signature grin never fading. “Well, my young Trainers, today’s all about Pokémon behavior! We’ll be observing how different species interact with their environment, and for those of you interested—” he shot Auron a knowing look, “—there’s even a little challenge at the end.”

Auron perked up at that. A challenge? He wasn’t much of a battler, but he was competitive. He glanced down at the Pokéball clipped to his belt—the only one he had. Swablu might enjoy this…

Before Auron could finish his thought, Kakui’s voice broke through the air. “Ash! Auron! Kiawe!” The professor waved them over enthusiastically. “Help me get the coolers out of the bus!” Without hesitation, the three boys followed the professor as he handed each of them a load to take down to the beach.

The beach stretched out in front of them, bathed in the sunlight, the sapphire sea stretching endlessly beyond the shore. The backdrop was dominated by a towering cliff, casting a shadow over the sand beneath it, offering a small respite from the heat. The air smelled of salt and earth, the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the shore adding a soothing undertone to the bustling atmosphere.

Once the coolers were brought down to the beach, the students scattered, each diving into their activities. Sophocles was busy tinkering with an underwater camera device, carefully adjusting its settings while Mallow focused on setting up a grill and arranging cookware. The air was filled with the enticing scent of the grill, making Auron’s stomach growl with anticipation. His mind briefly wandered to the delicious meals Mallow’s parents had made the other day—he couldn’t wait to see what she’d cook up today.

His gaze shifted, and he caught sight of Lana sneaking up behind Ash. In one swift motion, she pushed him into the water. Laughter erupted from the group as Ash sputtered, caught off guard by the surprise attack. Auron couldn’t help but laugh along, his attention momentarily drawn to the gentle sound of Lillie’s laughter beside him.

Lillie sat at the water’s edge, her sunhat casting a soft shadow over her face, her bare feet gently dipping into the rising tide. The sight of her—her blonde hair shimmering like strands of gold in the sunlight, her fair skin glowing softly, and the peaceful smile playing on her lips as Snowy rested comfortably in her lap—left Auron staring longer than he intended. Her beauty was almost otherworldly, and his heart fluttered as he realized he was blushing, hoping no one would notice the emotions stirring within him.

Shaking himself from his trance, he wandered over and took a seat next to her, the soft sand beneath him grounding him. “It’s beautiful today,” he murmured, his voice soft but genuine.

Lillie turned to him, her smile widening as she met his gaze. “Indeed! Days like these are the reason I love Alola,” she replied, her voice filled with a warmth that matched the sun above them.

“It’s definitely addicting,” Auron agreed, his eyes drifting toward the vast ocean before him. The endless stretch of water was so different from the cold, still landscape of Snowbelle City. It was almost intimidating, yet alluring in its own way.

“What’s Snowbelle City like, Auron?” Lillie asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Snowbelle? Oh, you’d love it!” Auron’s eyes lit up as he spoke. “It’s beautiful, especially during the winter. The snow falls in soft blankets, and the city looks like it’s made of ice and crystal. There’s a peacefulness to it that’s hard to explain.” He paused, his eyes darkening slightly with the thought of his hometown. “It’s quiet, the kind of place where you can hear the wind, but also the whispers of the past.”

Lillie’s eyes widened with interest. “I might have to come visit you sometime, then!”

“Definitely! It would be fun,” Auron replied eagerly, his smile genuine. He felt his heart skip a beat at the thought of her visiting Snowbelle. The idea of showing her around, sharing his world with her, seemed like a dream.

Auron hesitated for a moment before continuing. “Have you ever been outside of Alola?”

Lillie’s expression softened as she looked down at Snowy, her fingers gently stroking his fur. “No… Mom never did anything like that. We never really left the islands.”

Auron nodded thoughtfully. “Well, that’s okay. Some people are just protective of their children.” He could understand that; his own parents were protective in their own way, even if they encouraged him to explore and grow.

Lillie looked up at him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “Yeah… I guess so.”

Auron’s gaze softened, and he said with a sudden surge of determination, “If you’ve never been, that’s a new goal of mine.”

Lillie tilted her head, confused. “Huh? What do you mean?”

“I’ll take you to Kalos!” Auron’s voice was filled with excitement, and the words left his mouth before he could second-guess himself.

Lillie’s eyes widened, a blush coloring her cheeks as she looked at him in surprise. “You would do that?”

“Totally!” Auron said, his smile playful. “I’ll introduce you to everyone. Maybe even take the rest of the students, too.”

“That would be so fun!” Lillie exclaimed, her face lighting up with excitement.

Auron chuckled before adding, “I’d definitely take you, Mallow, and Lana first if I had the chance.”

Lillie raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Oh? Why’s that?”

Auron leaned back slightly, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Well, you guys gotta meet Ash’s girlfriend!” he said louder than intended, drawing Ash’s attention.

Ash’s face flushed a bright red as he immediately turned to shout back, “SERENA’S NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!”

Auron smirked, leaning in with a playful grin. “Never said who!”

Ash blushed even harder, his face nearly as red as his hat, before he was suddenly splashed by both Kiawe and Lana, who had snuck up behind him.

Lillie’s giggles rang out in the air, her laugh sweet and carefree as she watched the chaos unfold around her. She took a long look at her friends, her gaze lingering on Auron. He was so… perfect. He was kind, gentle, and there was something different about him—a depth that she hadn’t encountered before. And yes, he was undeniably handsome… Her face warmed as a blush crept up her cheeks, but before she could dwell on it, Auron turned his head toward her.

Their eyes met for a brief moment, and they both laughed softly, sharing a quiet moment of happiness amidst the playful chaos around them.

After about fifteen minutes of lighthearted conversation, Lana’s voice cut through the laughter, her tone full of excitement. “Guys, look!” She pointed out to the sea, where a group of Lapras glided gracefully through the water, heading toward the cliffs. “They’re so pretty!”

Lana’s excitement was infectious, and the rest of the group watched in awe as the Lapras passed by the shore. They were magnificent creatures, their smooth, blue bodies shimmering in the sunlight. The group of Lapras continued on their path, disappearing into a cave on the side of the cliff, leaving a trail of awe-struck gazes behind them.

Just as the group started to settle back into their own conversations, Mallow’s voice called out, her tone filled with anticipation. “Alright, guys! Let’s start lunch!”

“YES, MA’AM!” Ash said instantly. It was almost as though he moved at light speed, and in the blink of an eye, he was standing next to Mallow, a small grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. Mallow giggled softly before gesturing for him to sit down. The others followed suit, wandering over and accepting their food, some more graciously than others (Ash, of course, was a little more… exuberant in his approach).

Once everyone had settled, scattered around the area but still within earshot of one another, Professor Kukui spoke up for the first time since they’d arrived. Auron could tell that the professor was exhausted. He didn’t know exactly why, but it was clear in the way Kukui leaned back in his chair under the umbrella, occasionally sipping from a strawberry smoothie as if to recuperate from the morning’s excitement. His face seemed much more relaxed now, and when he spoke, it was with the clarity of someone who had gathered their thoughts after a long day.

“Alright, guys! After lunch, we’ll begin our research!” Kukui’s voice was light, but there was a spark of enthusiasm beneath it.

The students cheered in response, their excitement palpable—except for Ash, who was already halfway through devouring his food. Auron smiled at the sight, enjoying the warmth of the moment.

However, just as the cheers faded into a peaceful lull, a deafening explosion shattered the calm. The ground trembled violently beneath them, sending ripples through the sand. Lillie stumbled, nearly falling, but Auron was quick to catch her, his heart racing as he steadied her. They all turned to look in the direction of the explosion—the source was unmistakable. It came from the cave where the Lapras had disappeared earlier.

A thick plume of smoke billowed from the cave, creeping out like a dark cloud. Before anyone could react fully, Lana’s voice rang out, urgent and filled with concern. “We need to go check on them!”

Auron, Ash, and the others wasted no time. “Go, guys!” Auron shouted, sending out his Pokémon with haste. His Beldum and Swablu sprang into action, while Ash called out to his own team, and Professor Kukui sent out his Incineroar. Kiawe wasn’t far behind, releasing his Charizard.

The group made their way swiftly to the far end of the beach, closest to the rock wall, eyes fixed on the cave entrance. It was eerily quiet now. The sounds of the sea were drowned out by the heavy silence of the moment, only interrupted by the occasional clatter of Pokémon scrambling at their trainers’ sides. The cave lay ominously empty in front of them.

Then, the shrill sound of a boat siren cut through the air—a massive ship, significantly larger than the bus they had arrived in, began to creep through the narrow opening of the cave.

Auron’s eyes widened in realization. “Swablu! Go check it out, but stay in the air!” he commanded. Swablu, ever obedient, took to the sky with Rowlet flapping close behind it. Both Pokémon hovered above the scene, ready to scout ahead.

As the boat neared, emerging from the smoke, the truth became horrifyingly clear. The group of Lapras were trapped aboard the ship, entangled in a massive net. Their mournful cries echoed over the beach, the sound of their distress cutting through Auron like a knife. It hurt—deeply—to see them in such a helpless state.

“Wait… I know that logo!” Ash suddenly pointed out, drawing everyone’s attention to a logo on the side of the boat. Auron’s blood ran cold as he recognized it instantly—Team Rocket.

“Why is Team Rocket here?” Auron muttered, his voice barely audible over the chaos.

Before anyone could respond, the door to the boat flew open with a loud creak, and two figures appeared, standing dramatically in the doorway. Auron’s eyes narrowed as the figures made their entrance.

“Prepare for trouble!” Jesse cried, her voice as theatrical as ever.

“And make it double!” James chimed in, his grin wide and smug.

“To protect the world from devastation!” Jesse continued, her hands on her hips, striking a pose.

“To unite all peoples within our nation!” James finished, mimicking her stance.

“To denounce the evils of truth and love!” Meowth shouted from behind them.

“To extend our reach to the stars above!” They all added, wobbafett popping out from behind Jesse and James with his signature, wobbly stance.

“TEAM ROCKET!” Ash yelled, his voice filled with exasperation.

Auron blinked in confusion. “Ash, you know these guys?”

“All too well,” Ash replied with a groan, his hands thrown up in frustration. “They follow me around all the time, trying to steal Pikachu!”

Auron looked over at Jesse and James with skepticism. They seemed… well, incompetent at best. But the sight of the Lapras trapped on the boat was enough to remind him of the gravity of the situation. He had to help.

“Ash, we need to save the Lapras,” Auron said, determination in his eyes. “We have to distract them while we get the Lapras free.”

Ash nodded, already calling for his Pokémon to assist. “Let’s go, Pikachu!”

Auron turned to Professor Kukui and Kiawe. “You two distract them. I’ll work with Ash on freeing the Lapras.”

Kukui didn’t hesitate. “Incineroar! Use Flamethrower!” he shouted, his voice firm as the Fire-type unleashed a torrent of flames toward the ship.

Kiawe followed suit, his Charizard roaring as he commanded, “Charizard! Use Flare Blitz!”

The flames surged forward with tremendous force, but just as the attacks were about to reach their targets, James raised his voice, his usual panic replaced with something more focused. “Wobbuffet! Use Protect!”

Wobbuffet’s round body glowed faintly as he extended his arms, creating a shimmering shield around the boat. The fiery attacks collided with the barrier, creating a massive explosion of light and energy, but the attacks were stalled by Wobbuffet’s protective shield.

“Wobbuffet!” Jesse shouted, her voice gloating with satisfaction. “You’ll never get past us!”

Auron gritted his teeth. The battle had only just begun.

“Alright, Swablu, Beldum, let’s move!” Auron called out, his tone urgent.

The ensuing battle was nothing short of intense. Jesse sent out her Pokémon, a Wobbuffet and a Koffing, while James summoned a Weezing to back them up. Kukui and Kiawe were quick to respond, with their Pokémon launching synchronized attacks aimed at the duo.

Incineroar’s Flamethrower met Koffing’s Smokescreen, creating a swirl of smoke and fire in the air. Charizard, in all his glory, barreled through the smoke, using Flare Blitz to knock out one of the Weezing’s, while Swablu dove in, utilizing their aerial advantage to strike from above.

As the battle raged on, Auron felt a surge of energy and focus. This was what he had been training for. He couldn’t allow Team Rocket to harm the Lapras—he had to protect them. They weren’t just wild Pokémon; they were innocent creatures, and he would make sure they were safe.

Auron and Ash quickly made their way to Team Rocket’s blind spot, crouching low to avoid being seen. They exchanged a quick, silent look—an unspoken agreement. They had to act fast.

Auron was the first to speak, a plan already forming in his mind. “Swablu! Use Aerial Ace on the net! Be stealthy!” he ordered, his voice low but urgent. Swablu immediately obeyed, flying silently through the air. Its feathers gleamed as it expertly cut through the net with precision.

Ash, not missing a beat, added, “Rowlet! Use Leaf Storm on the net!”

Rowlet took to the air with a flap of its wings, unleashing a flurry of razor-sharp leaves that sliced through the remaining portions of the net. The Lapras were now free, but still trapped on the boat. They couldn’t escape just yet.

“This isn’t enough,” Auron muttered, realizing the net had been cut, but the boat’s enclosure was still intact. He quickly came up with a second part of the plan. “Sophocles! Lana! It’s time. Tip the boat!”

Sophocles, grinning with a spark of mischief, nodded eagerly. “Got it!” He grabbed a small gadget he had been working on earlier, and with a quick flick of his wrist, threw it towards the back of the boat. Lana’s Popplio was quick to grab the device with its water abilities, carrying it the rest of the way.

“Popplio, use Surf!” Lana shouted, her voice steady. Popplio released a torrent of water that hit the boat with an explosive force, causing it to lurch to one side. The Lapras shrieked, but the boat wasn’t tipping enough to allow them to escape just yet.

Sophocles’ grin widened as he hovered his hand over the big red button on his controller. “Now!”

He pressed the button, and the gadget detonated with a loud pop. The boat tilted sharply, giving the trapped Lapras the chance they needed to break free. However, there was one Lapras left behind, struggling against the remaining restraints.

Auron froze, his heart skipping a beat as he watched the last Lapras strain against the net. He couldn’t let this happen. “No!” he muttered under his breath, but before he could react, Team Rocket had snapped out of their daze.

“James! They freed the Lapras!” Jesse shouted, her voice filled with alarm.

James spun around, eyes widening when he saw only one Lapras left aboard the ship.

“Meowth! Let’s go now! We still have one!” Meowth screeched, his claws already at the controls, pushing the boat forward at full speed.

Auron’s mind raced. The boat was escaping, and with it, their last chance to save the Lapras. But then, a thought hit him.

“Kiawe!” Auron called out, voice sharp. “Fly me over there!”

Kiawe blinked in confusion. “What?!”

“Just do it!” Auron urged, his eyes narrowing as the boat began to pull further away.

Without another word, Charizard roared and swooped down, grabbing Auron with his powerful claws. The air whipped around Auron’s face as Charizard carried him swiftly toward the boat. When they were close enough, Charizard released him, sending Auron hurtling through the air. He landed with a thud, using what remained of the net as a cushion to soften the fall.

James was too distracted to notice until it was too late.

“Huh?!” James started, eyes widening as Auron quickly got to his feet.

With a burst of energy, Auron rushed forward and punched James square in the face, the force behind the strike sending a shockwave of pain through his hand. Auron yelped in pain, clutching his wrist, but James was too stunned to retaliate.

“What the—?!” James began again, but Meowth quickly leapt into action.

“You got a lot of nerve!” Meowth spat, launching himself at Auron with his claws extended.

Before Meowth could land a hit, Beldum intervened. With a swift Zen Headbutt, Beldum knocked Meowth into James, sending both of them sprawling onto the deck.

Auron thought he had a moment of respite, but before he could get to the Lapras, Jesse appeared from behind, shoving him into the enclosure with the remaining Lapras.

“Forget the Lapras!” Jesse shouted. “This kid might have given us a big break!”

Auron’s heart raced as he heard Jesse’s words. “Give him back!” he shouted, anger flaring in his chest.

Meowth cackled, his voice dripping with malice. “Now that’s a beautiful Beldum! Boss is gonna be thrilled!”

Auron turned his gaze back to the Lapras, his voice softening as he whispered, “Do you trust me?”

The young Lapras looked at him with wide, hopeful eyes, as if understanding his plea. Auron smiled and nodded. “I won’t let them hurt you.”

Auron pointed toward Jesse with a renewed determination. “Lapras! Use Water Gun!”

The Lapras, as if understanding Auron’s words, nodded and blasted a powerful jet of water at Jesse, knocking the net out of her hands and sending Beldum tumbling toward Auron.

Quick as a flash, Auron caught the shiny Beldum in his arms, holding it protectively as he called out to his Pokémon. “Swablu! Use Drill Peck!”

Swablu dove in, spinning like a drill and knocking Meowth and James into the sky, followed by Jesse, who screamed in surprise as she was flung into the air.

As they soared, Auron could faintly hear the familiar cry in the distance: “Team Rocket’s blasting off again!”

“Weirdos,” Auron muttered, rolling his eyes as he turned to unlatched the back of the boat, allowing the Lapras to finally float free.

With a final push from the water, Auron rode the Lapras back toward the beach, where the rest of his group and the Lapras’ family waited anxiously.

As soon as Ash reached the shore, Lapras raced toward her family, their joyous reunion touching everyone who watched. Auron was immediately tackled to the sand by Lillie, who was almost crying.

“You idiot!” she cried, her voice trembling with worry. “Why did you do that?! You could’ve died!”

Auron smiled up at her, his voice calm. “I was okay, all thanks to Lapras.”

Lillie stared at him for a moment, her face flushing as she realized she was hugging him. Her cheeks puffed out in frustration, and she quickly pulled away, crossing her arms in a huff.

Auron chuckled softly to himself. “Cute,” he thought, his heart warming at the sight.

The rest of the group gathered around Auron, laughter filling the air as they exchanged stories of their wild adventure. Ash, however, couldn’t help but smirk.

“What’s with the smirk?” Auron asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, nothing,” Ash replied, his smirk widening. “I just gained the ability to get my revenge~ :3”

Auron blinked, completely confused by the cryptic response. Deciding to let it go, he turned his attention back to the Lapras. As the rest of the group celebrated, the Lapras began to move back toward their cave, though one remained behind.

Professor Kukui walked up to Auron, placing a hand gently on his shoulder. “I think she wants to go with you,” he said, his tone warm.

Auron’s eyes lit up. He quickly waded into the shallow water, turning to face the last Lapras. “Would you… like to join me?” he asked softly, offering her a smile.

The Lapras gazed at him for a moment, and then, as if answering his question, she gave him the Pokémon equivalent of a smile.

Auron’s heart soared as he pulled out a Poké Ball from his bag. “Welcome to the team, Lapras.”

He held out the ball, and the Lapras gently tapped it with her head. The Poké Ball absorbed her in a flash of red light, and it floated on the surface of the water.

The ball shook once… twice… three times…

Click.

Auron smiled to himself, a sense of satisfaction washing over him. “Welcome to the team, Lapras!”

Chapter Text

“Lapras! Use Ice Beam!” Auron commanded, pointing forward as his Lapras reared back, a bright blue glow forming at the tip of her mouth.

“Counter with Flamethrower!” Kiawe called out, his voice firm.

Turtonator roared, spewing a stream of molten flames that met Lapras’ icy blast head-on. The collision of fire and ice sent steam hissing into the air, momentarily shrouding the battlefield in a thick mist. The intense clash painted the scene in streaks of white and orange, but it was clear—Auron’s inexperience left him at a disadvantage.

It was a quiet day at the Pokémon School, with no disturbances from Team Skull or Team Rocket—wherever they were hiding. Auron found it strange how Ash always had at least three villainous groups trailing after him, but at this point, it was just another mystery he didn’t bother questioning.

The battle ended as quickly as it began. Auron clenched his fists. He hadn’t even come close to victory. His battles against Ash had been similarly uncertain—his wins always feeling like they came with an asterisk. The only reason he ever managed to defeat Ash was when Ash was using a Pokémon he wasn’t fully accustomed to. Otherwise, Auron knew where he stood—outclassed.

As the mist cleared, Lapras panted, looking fatigued. Auron sighed and nodded, raising a hand in surrender. “That’s enough. I forfeit.”

The watching crowd erupted in cheers.

“Wooo! That was awesome!” Mallow called, clapping along with the rest of the students.

Kiawe smirked as he dusted off his hands. “That was quite a fight, Auron!”

Auron huffed, shaking his head. “You’ve gotta be kidding me. That was probably an easy match for you.”

Kiawe chuckled. “Maybe, but you still put up a fight.”

The two laughed, making their way back to the benches where the others were gathered. As Auron took his seat, Lillie offered him a warm smile.

“You did great, Auron!” she said, her voice filled with genuine encouragement.

He gave her a nod. “Thanks.”

They continued chatting, going back and forth about the battle, Pokémon training, and everyday life, until Lana suddenly tilted her head, curiosity evident in her eyes.

“Hey, Auron, you don’t really talk about your family much,” she remarked. “Who are they?”

Auron paused, feeling the weight of their collective attention shift to him. He wasn’t used to being the center of discussion. Slowly, he glanced at the expectant faces surrounding him.

“My family?” he echoed, folding his arms. “Well… I have two parents. They’re both extremely powerful trainers.”

That was an understatement.

Mallow leaned forward, her expression eager. “No way! What do they do?”

Auron hesitated for a moment before continuing. “My dad… he was the Gym Leader of Snowbelle City.”

A stunned silence fell over the group.

“Wait, wait, what?” Mallow blurted. “Your dad was a Gym Leader?”

Auron shrugged. “Yeah. He was the toughest person I knew—until Ash kicked his butt.”

All eyes immediately darted to Ash, who blinked in confusion at the sudden attention.

“Ash?!” Sophocles gawked. “I mean… sure, we know he’s strong, but he beat your dad?”

Auron nodded. “Ash and Greninja had the strongest bond of any trainer and Pokémon I’ve ever seen. I’d even say their bond rivals the one he has with Pikachu.”

Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, chuckling. “Aww, come on, it wasn’t that big of a deal…”

The conversation continued, the group delving into tales of Ash’s past battles and Auron’s upbringing, when a familiar voice interrupted them.

“Ash,” Professor Kukui called as he approached, his tone carrying an unusual weight. “We’ve got a very special call for you.”

Ash blinked, tilting his head. “Huh? What call?”

Kukui crossed his arms, a smirk playing at his lips. “You’ll want to see this for yourself.”

________________________________________

Auron and the others were ushered into a room he had never entered before. It was large and cold, softly lit by the glow of monitors and humming with quiet machinery. Sleek black panels lined the walls, and at the far end stood rows of specialized computer systems, many of which had round indents clearly meant for Pokéballs. The room gave off a sterile, high-tech vibe, unlike the rest of the school’s earthy charm.

Professor Kukui led the group to one of the larger monitors, his fingers swiftly gliding across the keyboard. With a soft beep and a sudden flash of light, the screen buzzed to life, and the face that appeared on the other side sparked immediate recognition in one of the students.

“PRINCIPAL OAK?!” Mallow blurted out, eyes wide with disbelief.

The man on-screen gave a boisterous laugh, shaking his head. “Professor Oak!” he corrected with a chuckle, raising a finger to his chest. “I may have filled in as principal once, but I am—and always will be—Professor Samuel Oak.”

Ash grinned and stepped forward. “Guys, this is Professor Oak! He’s the one who gave me my very first Pokémon and started me on my journey in Kanto!”

The others leaned in, fascinated. Auron’s eyes lingered on the professor with a quiet curiosity.

Professor Oak cleared his throat. “Yes, yes, quite the moment it was. Ash came running into my lab late, of course—all the other new Trainers had already picked their starters. But one Pokémon remained… a rather unruly Pikachu. They didn’t get along at first, but over time—through thick and thin—they forged one of the greatest bonds I’ve ever seen.”

Lillie’s eyes softened. “That’s incredible…”

Oak smiled wistfully. “I’ve known Ash a long time. I’ve watched him grow, region after region. Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola… and each time, his team grows with him.”

The professor’s tone shifted slightly. “And that… actually brings me to the reason I called.”

Ash tilted his head, slightly nervous. “What’s going on, Professor?”

Oak gave a sheepish smile. “Well… I have some interesting news. You, uh… might need to take some of your Pokémon back.”

Everyone froze in confusion.

“What do you mean?” Auron asked, glancing between Oak and Kukui.

Professor Oak chuckled, though his expression was clearly exhausted. “I simply don’t have the space anymore. Between research, visiting Trainers, and the sheer number of Pokémon Ash has entrusted to me over the years, the pens are packed. I can still keep some, but… frankly, it’s time some of them returned to their Trainer.”

Ash’s expression brightened with genuine warmth. “You’re kidding? I’d love to see them again! I’ve missed them so much.”

“Excellent!” Oak grinned. “Sending them over now.”

He pressed a button off-screen, and suddenly, a section of the machine beside the monitor hissed and opened, revealing a Pokéball dispenser slot. One… two… three Pokéballs slid out.

Then another.

Then five more.

Then ten.

Then fifteen.

The machine kept going.

Mallow stared in horror and awe. “How many does he have?”

Sophocles leaned back. “Did he… did he catch every Pokémon in Kanto?”

Kiawe counted under his breath, but lost track by the time the thirtieth Pokéball rolled into view. “I thought you only had six Pokémon on a team!”

Lana blinked in disbelief. “What kind of person needs this many?”

Even Auron was stunned. He had only ever seen Ash’s Kalos team—and that alone had been overwhelming in strength and unity. But this… this was something else. Auron stepped back as the Pokéballs continued to spill out into a neat row, each one gleaming with the promise of battles fought and bonds forged.

Ash scratched the back of his head, eyes shining with nostalgia. “Heh… guess I might’ve overdone it.”

Lillie tilted her head. “How many Pokémon do you have, Ash?”

Ash grinned, and gave a simple answer:

“…I stopped counting.”

Auron let out a breath, unable to stop the smile forming on his face. Of course you did.

________________________________________

Ash quickly transferred all the Pokéballs into a temporary storage slot on the school’s PC system. He planned to release them all later—but first, he needed to figure out where they’d go. With dozens of Pokémon waiting to be reunited with him, space was an urgent concern.

The students had all gathered around, forming a tight circle in the classroom, papers and maps scattered across desks as brainstorming commenced.

“What about the meadow near Route 1?” Sophocles suggested, scribbling something on a notepad.

“But wild Pokémon live there too,” Lana replied thoughtfully. “We’d risk territory clashes.”

“There’s always Wela Volcano Park,” Kiawe added, “if we could divide the terrain.”

Ash gave a sheepish laugh. “I have Pokémon that definitely don’t belong near lava…”

“What about rotation?” Mallow chimed in. “Only release a few at a time?”

“That’d work,” Ash said, nodding, “but it kind of defeats the point of bringing them all back.”

“Then maybe a pen system?” Lillie offered. “Fenced areas for each group by type or personality?”

“Too expensive,” Sophocles frowned, tapping his pencil. “We’d need materials, land, and caretakers.”

Ideas kept coming—but each ended in uncertainty, cost, or conflict. The room grew quiet. Everyone glanced around, clearly stuck.

Then Kukui suddenly stood up, snapping his fingers. “I have a place that might work!”

“Where, Professor?” Lillie asked, standing with interest.

“You’ll see!” he said, a grin forming on his face. “Follow me!”

The class followed Kukui as he led them out of the building, curiosity buzzing among the group. They moved past the training grounds and through a small forested trail behind the school. A wooden bridge arched over a murmuring creek, the soft rush of water setting a peaceful tone.

“Where are we going?” Kiawe whispered.

“Is this a field trip?” Mallow added with a giggle.

They pushed past a thick curtain of trees, brushing leaves aside—and there it was.

A massive, timeworn barn loomed ahead. Vines curled around the eaves, and the red paint was faded to a dusty rose. Though clearly old, its structure remained sturdy. It was surrounded by enough open land to house a small ranch.

“This place would work!” Kukui said, hands on his hips with a triumphant laugh.

The students were stunned.

“Wait—how is this here?” Sophocles exclaimed.

“Has it always been behind the school?” Lana blinked.

“It’s beautiful…” Lillie whispered, eyes wide.

Ash walked around the perimeter. “Still… it’s going to need a lot of work.”

“Don’t worry,” Auron said calmly, stepping forward. “I got this.”

Everyone turned as Auron pulled out his phone. They leaned in, whispering, watching his every move. He dialed and raised the phone to his ear.

“Hey Sera, can you do something for me?” His voice was low, calm.

He walked away from the group a little, speaking into the phone with quiet nods and the occasional smile. The others couldn’t hear all of it, but the way he carried himself gave the impression that everything was handled.

He returned after a minute, sliding the phone into his pocket and looking at Ash. “The barn will be fixed in the next two days.”

Everyone froze.

“What?” Ash blinked.

Mallow was the first to erupt. “HOW MUCH DID THAT COST YOU?”

Auron looked thoughtful, tapping his chin. “I don’t know… like 1,420,000 PokéDollars?”

“WHAT?!” the entire group screamed in unison, voices echoing into the trees.

Lillie blinked. “Is that… a lot to everyone?” she asked, tilting her head slightly.

At once, the entire group collapsed to the ground, clutching their heads, groaning in disbelief.

Auron turned to Lillie, utterly unfazed. “What’s their problem?”

Lillie smiled serenely. “I don’t know…”

Then her eyes lit up with a spark of inspiration. “I’ll also call some people! The barn must be decorated!”

“Good idea,” Auron nodded. “We should make it feel like home for them.”

The two walked off together, deep in conversation, voices overlapping as they discussed styles, decorations, and color palettes. Their steps were light, completely detached from the shocked heap of classmates behind them.

Laying flat on the ground, still processing what had just happened, the others stared up at the sky and muttered in perfect unison:

“Those two are insane…”

Chapter Text

Auron stood at the edge of the wooden bridge, his hands stuffed in the pockets of his snow hoodie, the cool breeze tugging at the pale fur lining his hood. Beside him, Lillie sat quietly on a timeworn bench, her hands folded neatly in her lap, the hem of her dress swaying gently in the wind. They both gazed beyond the creek, where the dense curtain of trees had parted to reveal the long-forgotten barn—its paint faded, roof sunken in places, and windows clouded with dust and ivy. Yet now, that forgotten place buzzed with purpose.

Dozens of workers moved with brisk coordination. Sera, standing tall and commanding in a sleek black jacket and silver visor, barked orders with crisp efficiency. She pointed toward the barn’s foundations, waving several engineers over. Metal beams, crates of tools, and wooden planks were being carried across the bridge with the rhythm of a well-orchestrated operation.

Auron finally exhaled, breaking the long silence. “Well… looks like it’s time to introduce the cavalry.”

Lillie giggled beside him, her smile soft and warm. “Are you… nervous?”

Auron hesitated, his face stoic for a heartbeat before his shoulders sagged slightly, as though releasing something heavy. “Yeah… I am. I was never really good with people back home.”

“Really?” she asked, tilting her head. “You got along with everyone here pretty fast.”

He gave a half-smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “That’s just because… you guys don’t know who I am. Back in Snowbelle, everyone knew my parents. So any time someone tried to be friends with me, it always felt kind of… fake. Like they were just trying to get close to me because of who my dad was.”

Lillie’s smile faded as she looked down at her hands, fingers fidgeting in her lap. “Makes sense… It happened to me too.”

Auron turned, concern flickering across his features. “I’m sorry… I guess we all have our own stuff, huh?”

Without hesitation, he sat beside her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. She didn’t pull away.

“It just feels like people think my mom is this cool, powerful figure,” she muttered. “But…”

He waited patiently, the wind rustling softly through the leaves above them.

“…She’s… distant. Dismissive. I barely ever see her. And when I do, it’s like she doesn’t even want to talk to me.” Her voice cracked. “It makes me angry…”

Tears welled in her eyes, spilling quietly down her cheeks.

Auron wrapped his arms around her in a hug—not rushed, not awkward, but tender and protective. She leaned into him, her small hands clutching the front of his hoodie, as though anchoring herself.

“It’s okay,” he whispered. “Let it out. I’m right here.”

They sat there in silence, the noise of the construction faded behind the soft rhythm of wind and creek water. No words were needed. Just the quiet understanding that comes when two people see one another clearly—beneath the masks, beyond the legacies.

“…Thank you,” Lillie murmured at last, lifting her face from his shoulder. “Thank you for listening, Auron.”

Auron’s face turned a brilliant shade of crimson as he scrambled for a response. “O-of course! I’ll always be here to listen to you!”

Her cheeks lit up to match his, the earlier tears now replaced with a shy, glowing smile.

Their moment was interrupted by a sudden metallic bonk! to both their heads.

“Beldum… bel! Bel-dum!” the little steel Pokémon chimed with a stern tone, floating beside them with unimpressed eyes.

“Ouch! Okay, okay, we get it!” Auron laughed, rubbing the back of his head. Lillie giggled beside him, wiping away the last of her tears.

“Seems like someone’s getting impatient,” she said with a grin. “We probably should go check on the workers before Beldum throws another tantrum.”

She reached out and grabbed his hand without hesitation, standing and tugging him along.

Auron blinked, his fingers laced in hers, warmth blooming in his chest. He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to.

________________________________________

By the time Auron and Lillie made their way across the bridge and through the treeline, the transformation was already well underway. Less than an hour in, and the site around the old barn thrummed with motion. Wood and scaffolding were being hoisted, blueprints unfurled across folding tables, and voices—sharp, focused, and professional—called out measurements and instructions over the hum of progress.

Alola had good workers, that much was clear. It made sense—regions prone to tropical storms and sudden weather shifts needed tough infrastructure and tougher crews. And these people moved like a storm themselves: synchronized, swift, adaptable.

Sera stood at the heart of it all, speaking in quick, clipped phrases with a group of builders huddled around the cracked foundation of the barn. She wore dark gloves now, her visor reflecting the sun as she gestured between support beams and a freshly dug trench.

“We can either strip it completely and replace the supports,” she said to the team, “or reinforce them with treated steel and raise the floor. Either way, we need to decide now before we waste any more daylight.”

Her sharp gaze flicked up—and caught sight of Auron and Lillie approaching, still hand-in-hand. She arched a brow and smirked, her expression somewhere between amusement and approval.

“Auron! Just in time,” she called, turning from the workers and clapping her hands loudly. “Alright, everyone! Eyes over here, please!”

The hum of tools and voices dimmed. Heads turned. Hammers paused mid-swing. Even a Machoke stood upright, holding a beam over one shoulder like a loaf of bread.

Sera stepped to the side with a flourish, motioning toward the two teens as though presenting royalty. “This is Auron Frostvale and Lillie Aether—your employers.”

Auron blinked, already bracing for disbelief. There was no way these rugged, experienced workers were going to—

“YEAH!” a unified chorus erupted, loud enough to shake dust from the barn’s roof.

Dozens of workers beamed at them like fans at a concert. Some waved. A few gave enthusiastic thumbs-up. And then, just like that, they returned to work, as if nothing unusual had happened at all.

Lillie blinked, stunned. Auron’s mouth was slightly open.

“…I wasn’t expecting that,” he murmured.

A chuckle came from behind them. Auron turned to find a large man approaching—a giant of a worker, with thick tan arms, sunbaked skin, and a beard so burly it could host a nest of bird Pokémon. He wore denim overalls with one strap loose, a white shirt stained with sawdust, and suspenders that looked like they had stories of their own.

“The name’s Douglas,” the man said, his voice a low, warm rumble. He extended a calloused hand that could’ve been mistaken for a slab of stone.

Auron and Lillie both shook it in turn, their own hands dwarfed by his grip.

“Nice to meet you, Douglas!” they said together, then laughed at the synchronization.

Auron tilted his head. “What did you mean by, ‘don’t worry about them?’”

Douglas stepped back, planting both hands on his suspenders like a father about to share some heartfelt wisdom. “You see all this?” he said, sweeping his arm to gesture at the organized chaos around the barn. “This is a big job for us.”

Lillie tilted her head, blonde hair catching the sunlight. “But don’t you all get a lot of work? With all the storms lately?”

Douglas laughed—a full, jolly bellow that sounded like it belonged in a fireplace-lit tavern. “Aye, we do. Hurricanes give us plenty to fix. But those jobs? Patch-ups. Fixin’ roofs. Replacing fencing. Little things. You don’t get to call everybody in for those.”

He turned, pointing to a Machoke that had just hoisted a timber beam and walked it effortlessly to the foundation. “But today? We’ve got every hand, every ‘mon, all on one job. That’s rare. And it’s good work. Real build something from the ground up work.”

Auron watched the Machoke ease the beam into place with surgical precision, then turned to scan the rest of the field. Something dawned on him.

“…Wait a second. Where are the machines? There’s no cranes, no diggers… not even a cement mixer?”

Douglas followed his gaze, then laughed again and clapped Auron on the back. “We don’t need ‘em! We’ve got our partners. Pokémon handle it all.”

Almost on cue, a sturdy-looking Golem rolled by, flattening a section of ground with its weight before popping upright with a grunt of pride. Near the barn, a Graveler passed a bucket of nails to a Timburr, who scurried off with it balanced over its head.

Auron smiled, impressed. There was something poetic about it—no industrial roar, no mechanical hiss—just Pokémon and people, working in harmony.

He stepped back, giving them space to continue their labor, while Lillie watched with wide-eyed admiration.

Sera rejoined them, her tone casual now that the groundwork was set. “Feel free to meet the other teams. There’s a landscaping crew working the back, electricians on standby, and I think the roof team has a surprise or two up their sleeves.”

She gave a sly look to Auron. “I may have mentioned you’re very picky about sunlight exposure.”

Auron narrowed his eyes in mock suspicion. “What exactly did you tell them?”

Sera just smiled. “Only that your aesthetic is ‘soft shadows and frostbitten melancholy.’”

Lillie burst into laughter. “That sounds about right!”

Auron groaned. “Oh no. Whatever… as long as ash's Pokémon enjoy it.”

And with that, the three parted—Sera back to the blueprints, Auron and Lillie off to meet the rest of the crew.

Somewhere behind them, the Machoke gave a salute.

________________________________________

Hours passed beneath the steady warmth of the Alolan sun, and not a moment of it was wasted. Auron and Lillie sat on the grassy hill overlooking the barn, observing with quiet admiration as the workers carried out their tasks with the kind of discipline that made even seasoned professionals look lazy. From the moment the clock struck 9:10 AM, the site had surged into motion like a hive of Combee—organized, focused, humming with energy.

In that time, they’d visited each of the teams spread across the property. The landscaping crew was elbow-deep in the soil just beyond the barn, planting rows of different Pokéberries—sitrus, oran, and pecha—to nourish and brighten the space. They were also carefully leveling the earth in front of the barn, laying the groundwork for a training yard where Pokémon could run drills or bask under the sun.

Near the back, the electricians had already begun wiring up a secondary generator, completely separate from the school’s main power source. They moved like synchronized magnets, tools flashing and Pokémon partners assisting with precision. Meanwhile, the roof team had started their prep work—peeling away the old tiles in strips and readying buckets of tar for the replacement shingles stacked beside the barn. Unlike the others, they’d eaten early and planned to work through the lunch break, raising the new tiles while the rest of the crew refueled.

Professor Kukui himself had made a surprise appearance just before noon, driving up in an old island truck with the windows rolled down and a grin as wide as the bay. When he hopped out and waved, the workers gave him a warm shout of recognition. He left soon after, promising lunch for everyone—and now, with the minute hand brushing past 12:20 PM, the smell of something warm and delicious was already wafting on the wind.

Auron lay on a blanket he’d unfurled beneath a tree, arms folded behind his head, his eyes half-lidded with comfort. Lillie walked up, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, and settled beside him with a soft smile.

“Hobbes said he’d be here shortly with the designers,” she murmured, a hopeful glint in her eyes.

“That’s great.” Auron rolled his head to face her, returning the smile. “I really hope Ash’s Pokémon enjoy this when it’s finished…”

“They will,” Lillie said confidently. “They’ll love it. You made sure of that.”

He chuckled. “I don’t know about that. You did a lot too. Especially when you wrestled that blueprint out of Douglas’ hands.”

“Oh, please,” she said, nudging him gently with her shoulder. “If I didn’t, the entire yard would be a mud wrestling pit.”

“I mean… could be fun,” Auron teased.

Lillie raised a brow. “You want Machoke to throw you in the mud again?”

“Okay, no, I retract everything.”

They both laughed, light and warm, the kind of laughter that came easy after a day well-spent.

But their moment was cut short by the growl of tires crunching gravel. Auron turned his head just in time to see Kukui’s truck pulling up again in a puff of warm dust, the back piled high with large metal containers and a few coolers stacked like cargo.

Kukui hopped out of the driver’s seat and cupped his hands around his mouth.

“Who’s ready to eat?!”

A mighty cheer erupted from the workers.

“WE ARE!”

Auron and Lillie got to their feet and hurried down to help Kukui unload. One by one, they carried out the warm, foil-covered containers and set them on the long folding tables under a tented canopy. The coolers followed, filled with drinks and stacks of folded blankets for seating. The workers formed a patient line, though their noses were already twitching with anticipation.

When the last container was set in place, Kukui clapped his hands for silence.

“Alright, ready for the big reveal?” he said with a wink.

He gripped the largest foil lid and peeled it back in a dramatic flourish.

A wave of savory, mouthwatering aroma hit them like a Heat Wave attack.

“Whoa…” Lillie whispered, eyes wide.

It smelled like garlic, butter, and citrus all melted into one divine harmony—the kind of baked fish dish that could convert a vegetarian on the spot. There was a collective, reverent silence among the workers.

And then—uproarious applause.

It was as if Arceus themselves had reached down and blessed the meal. The line moved in perfect order, each person grabbing a portion of fish, a bottle of soda, and a blanket before finding a patch of shade to sit. Laughter broke out. Someone cheered. Two Timburrs playfully jousted with sticks behind the barn, earning a half-hearted scolding from their supervisor.

Soon, the front yard looked less like a construction site and more like a local festival. Music began to echo from the barn as the electricians—ever resourceful—rigged a microphone and small speaker system up to the base of the wall. Someone started singing a very off-key version of the Alolan Welcome Song. Someone else followed with a stand-up routine that involved impressions of everyone’s Pokémon.

It was chaotic, cheerful, and wildly contagious.

Auron took a bite of the baked fish and leaned back beside Lillie, both of them watching the scene with quiet joy.

“This is… amazing,” he said.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like it,” she murmured.

“Yeah. Me neither.”

And then came the thunder of boots on grass.

Douglas ambled up to them, grinning with a cola in one hand and a suspicious glint in his eye. He took a swig, wiped his beard with the back of his wrist, and pointed his can at them like a challenge.

“Hey, you two!” he boomed. “Get up there and sing a song!”

Auron blinked. “Wait—what?!”

Before he could protest further, Machoke—gleefully ignoring all pleas for mercy—scooped them both up like beach balls and carried them toward the makeshift stage.

“WAIT A MINUTE—!”

Lillie’s laughter echoed through the yard as they were deposited onto the wooden platform, cheeks flushed and still trying to recover from the sudden airlift.

The crowd erupted in applause.

The microphone gave a sharp squeal of feedback as Auron and Lillie stood frozen on the small wooden platform. The workers watched with wide grins, a few clapping rhythmically, others already laughing in anticipation of whatever off-key chaos would follow. A Machoke flexed triumphantly behind them, clearly proud of his matchmaking stunt.

Auron scratched the back of his head, avoiding Lillie’s gaze.

Lillie held the second microphone with both hands like a Skitty caught in headlights.

Then the karaoke screen flickered to life, and soft chords began to play from the speakers.

It was… surprisingly gentle.

A calm acoustic guitar, followed by a mellow violin, backed by the hum of wind chimes and soft percussion. The lyrics appeared onscreen, and both Auron and Lillie blinked at the title:

“Through Tall Grass”

The beat picked up just enough to suggest something hopeful, something brave.

And then, almost without thinking, Auron started to sing.

🎵 Auron (softly, hesitantly):

“I walked alone through the tall grass again,

With just a dream and an old Pokéden.

Hoping that maybe I’d find something rare…

But nothing out there ever seemed to care.”

His voice trembled slightly at first, but it wasn’t bad. In fact, it had a gentle rasp to it—like wind brushing across a mountainside. A few people in the crowd whistled encouragingly.

Lillie looked at the next line. Her lips parted. She breathed in… and sang.

🎵 Lillie (quiet, breathy):

“Then came a flash like a lightning call,

You stood beside me when I feared it all.

Your hand reached out through the morning dew…

And suddenly the world felt new.”

Auron turned to her in surprise. She had a voice like moonlight on the sea—clear and full of something vulnerable and brave. She blushed, but smiled when she saw him staring.

The music swelled, and now the lyrics were for both of them.

🎵 Both (gaining confidence):

“We don’t need maps, we don’t need signs,

With you I’ve learned to cross all lines.

I’d brave the storms, I’d fight the fear,

If I knew that you were near.”

🎵

“Let’s go where the legends wake,

Where hearts evolve, where bonds don’t break.

We’re stronger now, not just alone—

With you, I’ve finally found home.”

By now, a few of the workers were swaying, others clapping in time. Professor Kukui stood off to the side, grinning as he popped open another soda.

Auron looked down at Lillie as she hit the next verse.

🎵 Lillie (singing solo, stronger now):

“You’re like a flame that won’t burn out,

A call I follow, through fear and doubt.

I used to hide behind the walls I made…

But you saw through, and stayed.”

He sang next, more sure of himself, the emotion curling in his voice like a tide rising.

🎵 Auron:

“I never knew what it meant to care,

Not till I saw you standing there.

You shine like Glaceon in morning snow…

And I’m not afraid to let it show.”

The final chorus arrived—and they didn’t hold back.

🎵 Both (together, smiling):

“Let’s go where the legends wake,

Where hearts evolve, where bonds don’t break.

We’re stronger now, not just alone—

With you, I’ve finally found home.”

🎵

“We’ll catch the stars, we’ll heal the skies,

With just your voice to harmonize.

Together, wild and still unknown…

But with you, I’ve finally… found home.”

The music faded.

There was silence—just for a second.

Then an eruption of applause and laughter so warm it nearly knocked them off their feet. Someone in the crowd whooped. A Timburr hit a log like a drum. Lillie hid her face behind her microphone, laughing. Auron scratched the back of his head again, face pink.

Even the roof team clapped.

Sweat-slicked brows and grime-stained shirts did little to dim their cheer as they shouted and whistled from above, tiles and tools forgotten for a moment of simple joy. Below, laughter rolled through the sun-warmed air, like wind through tall grass. Beldum floated just beside Auron, emitting a strange, metallic hum—what Lillie could only interpret as his version of clapping. She smiled softly, caught in the warmth of it all.

The world slowed as she turned, watching the festival-like scene unfurl with all its gentle chaos: a Machoke arm-wrestling two laughing electricians at once, Douglas sharing a cola with a Sudowoodo, Kukui wiping his hands on his lab coat while grinning proudly.

But then—

“LOOK OUT!”

The shout cleaved the air like lightning. Heads snapped upward. A pallet of roof tiles, heavy and cracked with age, tipped wildly from the ropes as it was lifted. The cords slipped. Wood splintered.

It fell—straight toward where Beldum hovered beside Auron.

No time to think.

Lillie’s body moved on its own, legs pumping with speed born not from reason, but instinct. She dove forward, arms outstretched, tackling Beldum from the air and shielding him as the pallet came down with a CRASH!—shards of tile exploding in all directions like a burst of wild Stone Edge.

“LILLIE! BELDUM!”

Auron’s voice was raw with panic as he tore through the scattering crowd, heart crashing against his ribs. The workers erupted into motion, a dozen boots pounding the grass as they rushed toward the scene.

Lillie groaned softly. “I’m okay… just a scraped knee…”

Auron and Sera were at her side instantly, lifting her gently, brushing shards of tile away as they moved her to the safety of the speaker platform.

The worker who’d been securing the pallet stumbled down the ladder, nearly tripping in his haste. “I—I’m so sorry! I didn’t double-check the rope tension—!”

“It’s okay!” Lillie said quickly, voice still shaky. “It all turned out fine—”

But her reassurance was cut off by a cold, precise voice that sliced through the crowd like a Honedge.

“Well, well, well… It’s no surprise that someone like Seraphine might let this happen.”

Auron blinked, turning. Who—?

Sera stood slowly, expression flattening into a practiced glare. “Look who decided to crawl out of his hole. Hobbes.”

The voice belonged to a sharply dressed butler who now stepped into view, his silver hair immaculate, his gloves spotless despite the dust, as though he belonged at a royal banquet and not on a construction site. His gaze, behind monocled glasses, was like polished glass—measuring everything, including Lillie.

Auron’s jaw dropped slightly. Wait. That’s Hobbes?

Hobbes sniffed disdainfully. “Of course a second-rate head maid would allow such an incident to occur.”

Lillie gasped in disbelief. “Second-rate?”

Sera folded her arms, the corners of her mouth twitching up with venomous amusement. “Second-rate? Please. Like your battling skills?”

“Oh? You mean the time I defeated you in under four turns using only a Froslass?”

“That Froslass used Toxic and Protect like a coward’s crutch!”

“Tactical planning. Something you clearly lack, Seraphine. Much like basic management.”

Auron finally stood, stepping in between the two before the sparks could ignite a wildfire. “Enough!”

Both house staff turned toward him at once, their postures stiffening.

“Seraphine,” Auron said, voice steady and firm, “you’re in charge of this project, and you know better than to let yourself get baited like this. That almost became something serious.”

Her eyes softened, and she nodded faintly, casting her gaze downward. “Yes, Master Auron. You’re right.”

Lillie stepped forward as well, eyes narrowing at Hobbes. “And you, Hobbes. What kind of entrance is that? My knee is bleeding and your first instinct is to insult someone? Have you always been this insufferable?”

Hobbes gave a crisp, shallow bow, but even that seemed like a smug gesture. “Forgive me, Miss Lillie. I merely found it disconcerting that our former sparring rival has been entrusted with such… delicate matters.”

“You two know each other?” Auron asked, blinking.

“We grew up in the same town,” Sera muttered, crossing her arms again.

“We used to battle constantly,” Sera said, rubbing her forehead. “He used to act like a prince and call me ‘Lady Seraphine✨✨,’ and I’d call him ‘Sir Hobblepants.’”

“I have never worn hobble pants.”

“You had suspenders and shorts,” she deadpanned.

The tension cracked slightly. A few chuckles rolled through the workers. Auron allowed himself a tiny grin.

Hobbes sniffed again and peered over at the Beldum in Lillie’s arms.

“Miss Lillie,” he said thoughtfully, “since when have you taken a liking to Beldums?”

She blinked. “Huh? What do you—”

She looked down.

Beldum was still nestled in her arms, nuzzled warmly against her blouse like a small, humming jet engine. Its single eye blinked up at her with serene comfort.

Her face lit up scarlet.

“OH—oh my gosh—!!” She gently held Beldum out as if she’d just realized she’d been hugging a wild Growlithe. “I didn’t even—! I was just—!”

The crowd broke into laughter, light and carefree.

Even Beldum gave a pleased little chime before floating away toward Auron, who looked just as amused.

Hobbes turned on his heel and strode away without another word, retreating behind a parked van just as a new vehicle pulled in beside it—likely the design team.

Lillie was still fanning her face. “I didn’t even notice—I just grabbed him and—!”

Auron chuckled, gently nudging her with his shoulder. “It’s fine. Beldum probably liked it. He hums around people he trusts.”

She glanced at him, wide-eyed, but said nothing.

Behind them, Douglas cracked open another soda. “Now that’s what I call lunch entertainment.”

Chapter Text

The days flowed by faster than Auron had originally anticipated… and yet, it somehow still felt slow. Excitement had clung to the air like humidity before a storm, heavy and expectant. The entire class had been buzzing about the barn’s reconstruction ever since Auron and Lillie had taken charge, their hopes pinned on the promise of a quick two—maybe three—day transformation.

But five days?

Five whole days?

By the fourth morning, the enthusiasm had begun to rot into impatience. Even Mallow—usually the optimist of the group—had started poking fun at how “a Rapidash could’ve built it faster.” It wasn’t that the class had lost faith; no, they were just… anxious. Anticipation, when stretched too long, has a way of folding back on itself.

Yet despite that, the workers from Auron’s crew and the designers from Lillie’s end had gone above and beyond. The pace had never slowed—if anything, it had only accelerated with time. Designs were being redrawn mid-construction. New Pokémon-safe installations were being added: elevated roosts for flying types, misting fans for the water types, a padded enclosure for electric types to discharge their energy. The barn was evolving from a basic shelter into something truly remarkable—something that felt alive with care and personality.

Still, while the barn took shape behind that wall of trees and caution tape, both Auron and Lillie had been caught in their own whirlwind of obligations.

Lillie had been called away on the third day. Her mother, ever the distant specter behind Aether’s pristine white towers, had summoned her to attend a formal staff event. Apparently, it was vital that Lillie “keep up appearances.” The words stung Auron more than he liked to admit. Not because Lillie left—she’d promised to be back in time for the unveiling—but because he could hear the hollow echo in her voice when she repeated those words to him.

He’d nodded, trying to be supportive. But deep down… it burned. How someone like Lusamine could treat her own daughter like a marketing asset was something he couldn’t wrap his heart around.

Still, he had no time to dwell on it.

Professor Kukui had kept him busy.

Extremely busy.

He was serious about his promise to help Auron along the path to becoming a Pokémon Professor—and now that the project was halfway done, Kukui doubled down on Auron’s tutoring sessions.

Three assignments in particular stood out that week:

1. Assignment One: “Basic Pokémon Physiology & Injury Response.”
   Kukui had Auron study detailed charts of Pokémon anatomy across different species groups—mammalian, avian, reptilian, and elemental—and then gave him mock scenarios involving injuries. Auron had to diagnose and create treatment plans using herbal remedies, potions, or rest protocols. One case study involved a Flygon with severe wing strain. Another involved a Luxray suffering from overcharged nerves. It wasn’t easy—but it was fascinating.
2. Assignment Two: “Field Application of PokéMedicine.”
   Kukui dropped Auron and Hau into a simulation where they had to treat Pokémon in the wild—under time pressure and with limited supplies. It was all hypothetical, of course, but the exercise forced Auron to think fast. He ended up using Oran berries, a mixture of Moomoo Milk, and a soft cloth made from Swablu feathers to create a quick leg wrap for a limping Mudsdale.
3. Assignment Three: “Therapeutic Pokémon Behavior & Environment Management.”
   This one hit close to home. Kukui tasked Auron with drafting an enrichment environment plan for shelter Pokémon—those recovering from trauma or neglect. It required him to design play areas, socialization strategies, and even music-based relaxation therapy. The parallels to Ash’s returning Pokémon didn’t go unnoticed.

By the end of the fifth day, Auron was mentally fried. But his heart… it was full. He was tired, sure. But it was the kind of tired that comes from doing something that matters.

And now, at long last…

The barn was finished.

The day of its unveiling, Principal Oak and Professor Kukui finally gathered the students in the courtyard just as the sun began to crest over the eastern ridge. Morning dew glistened like stars across the grass. The air was thick with curiosity—and a few whispers of barely-contained excitement.

They still weren’t allowed to see it.

Not until the signal was given.

And Auron?

He stood at the back of the group, arms folded, eyes flickering toward the treetops behind the school. His pulse quickened. He loved surprises. Not just the outcome—but the build-up. The suspense. The moment right before the curtain lifts. It was one of the few parts of life he could enjoy without guilt or pressure.

He was grinning already.

“Alright, class!” Professor Kukui called out, his voice full of energy. “I think it’s time for what you’ve all been waiting for!”

The schoolyard erupted with cheers.

Finally.

“About time!” Kiawe grinned, arms crossed as Turtonator let out a puff of smoke behind him.

“I was starting to think they’d built a castle or something,” Mallow added, her hands on her hips, laughing.

“I counted every minute…” Lana muttered dramatically, staring into the middle distance. “There were four thousand, eight hundred, and seventy-three of them…”

“Lana, are you okay?” Sophocles blinked.

“She’s not,” Rotom whispered conspiratorially.

Auron stood just off to the side, chuckling as he adjusted the strap of his shoulder bag. His eyes drifted toward Ash, who stood nearby with two full bags practically bursting with Poké Balls—more than anyone in the class had ever seen in one place.

He never really noticed before, but Ash looked… different today. Focused, like something had clicked. Auron realized in that moment: they’d never actually seen any of Ash’s older Pokémon. At least, not beyond Goodra, Noivern, and his Kalos crew. The rest of them? They were legends spoken of in whispers at lunch tables. Rumors. Ghost stories of a guy who once had thirty Tauros and wrestled a Dragonite with a Hawlucha.

Apparently, Ash had released each of his Pokémon earlier that morning—personally explained the situation to them—and let them roam the fenced reserve beyond the barn, unseen by the students until now.

Kukui’s voice broke through the chatter. “Follow me now!”

The class obeyed with a collective scramble of feet, backpacks bouncing as they trailed behind the professor. He led them across the wooden bridge that arched over the soft creek separating the school courtyard from the barn’s secluded grove.

Auron followed with his head down, just as instructed.

There was tension in the air. That good kind of tension. He felt it in his chest, in the stillness of the group, in the distant sound of rustling leaves.

Halfway across the bridge, Kukui held up his hand.

“Alright,” he said, turning back with a grin. “Lift your heads.”

And they did.

What stood before them was no simple barn. It was a marvel—a masterwork of architecture, craftsmanship, and care, born of sweat, vision, and passion. A union of Auron’s practicality and Lillie’s grace.

The barn itself towered like a proud sentinel at the edge of the clearing, its red and white walls gleaming beneath the sunlight. The paint was still fresh; the faint scent of it mingled with sawdust and blooming pokeberries. Gleaming black roof tiles gave it a bold, dignified silhouette, and at its apex stood a polished lightning rod, arcing skyward like a spear of iron.

A classic ranch-style fence marked the property’s boundary, a white line that extended outward in a wide crescent until it touched the dark stone of the forest’s outer cliffs. The gate at the end of the bridge swung inward like an invitation—heavy, wooden, and decorated with a symbol: a stylized Poké Ball flanked by two wings.

And the space inside that fence?

It was massive.

To the left of the barn, rows of exterior stables stood proudly, each carved with loving detail. There were dozens—more than anyone expected—and each stable bore a hand-carved icon representing a different Pokémon type. Water droplets for one, a flame for another, leaves, stars, stones, even swirling wind patterns.

To the right, nestled like a mirror, stretched a glimmering man-made pond. Its surface sparkled in the morning light, large enough to accommodate even the biggest Water-types. The barn had a wide ramped entrance connected directly to the water—so aquatic Pokémon could swim in and out freely. You could already see ripples in the surface… something was in there, waiting.

But the barn… oh, the barn.

It was more than a building—it was a home.

Windows lined the walls at even intervals, letting natural light pour in. Overhead, wind turbines spun slowly beside a solar panel array installed along the east-facing wall. This was more than a habitat. It was a sustainable sanctuary.

And standing right at the grand double doors—his shirt stained with paint and his face proudly flushed—was Douglas, arms crossed beside his newly-evolved Machamp. The towering Pokémon nodded to Auron with a grunt, its four arms folded like a sentinel.

Douglas gave a hearty grin as the group gathered. “So,” he said, his deep voice rumbling like gravel. “Are you all ready to see the inside?”

The class answered with a resounding, “YES!”

Douglas turned, grasped the large bronze handles, and pushed the doors open with a theatrical swing.

Inside was a marvel of functionality and comfort. The barn interior had been carefully partitioned, not into stalls or storage—but into zones, each designed for a different Pokémon type.

“Over here,” Douglas said, pointing to the left wing, “we’ve got elemental quarters—Fire types, Grass types, and Electric types. They each have their own resting dens made of heat-resistant or plant-based materials, and yeah—there’s even a grounding line in the Electric zone, courtesy of the electricians. Zap away, little guys.”

He walked ahead, gesturing to the right. “This corridor has Ice types—fully insulated—and the Rock and Ground zones. Built into the stone foundation for that earthy feel. There’s even a digging enclosure for ‘em to burrow without wrecking the yard.”

Douglas led them farther in.

“You’ll notice this big open area here in the center—it’s communal. Perfect for training, mingling, or just relaxing.”

At the rear, a ramp sloped downward into a gentle pool—connecting seamlessly with the pond outside.

“The Water types have full access to the pond through there,” Douglas said. “And the pond’s got a filtration system built by Kukui himself. Took us four tries to get the salinity right.”

“Wait—salinity?” Sophocles asked, blinking.

“Yeah, we got both fresh and saltwater zones. Don’t ask me how it works. Ask the guy with the lab coat.”

Speaking of which…

“And here,” Douglas said, pushing open a side door, “is the health lab.”

A clean, sterile room greeted them—full of Pokémon medical tools, healing stations, a Pokéball diagnostic machine, and a basic computer terminal. Auron’s breath caught in his throat. This was it. This was his domain. One day, maybe, this would be the kind of space he ran every day.

“And over here,” Douglas continued, leading them to a smaller door, “is the guest room. Just in case someone—say, Ash—wants to sleep near his Pokémon overnight.”

There was a modest cot, a desk, and a bedside lamp.

Next door, a fully functional kitchen waited, half-stocked already, with food prep tools for both human and Pokémon cuisine.

“And finally,” Douglas said, gesturing with pride, “the lounge. Tables. Mats. Relaxation spots. A space for everyone to unwind. Even Pokémon need a break now and again.”

The barn held even more—storage rooms, a second upper level, nesting shelves for Flying-types, a patch of heat-lamps in one corner. It was massive. Thoughtfully designed. Capable of housing seventy Pokémon comfortably—and with room to grow.

Auron’s throat was dry. His chest swelled with something that felt too big to name.

Lillie brushed up beside him, eyes sparkling.

“Well?” she whispered.

“It’s—!” Auron began, voice half-cracked from awe, but Ash’s excitement burst through to finish the sentence for him.

“GREAT!” he beamed, stars glittering in his eyes as he jogged forward.

Without wasting a second, Ash fished out a hefty bundle of Poké Balls from his bag—neatly organized, labeled with stickers, and clicked them into what looked like a compact mechanical dispenser mounted on the wall just beside the entryway. It looked almost like a vending machine, but sleeker, shinier, and humming softly with power.

Sophocles squinted, raising an eyebrow. “Hey, Professor? What is Ash doing with those Poké Balls?”

Kukui, who’d been chatting with Douglas about ventilation systems, turned his head, then chuckled as he caught on.

“Oh! I see!” He turned to face the class, his grin widening. “This here’s a Poké Ball Sustainer!”

A beat of silence passed.

The class stared blankly.

Lana tilted her head. Kiawe blinked. Acerola mouthed the word ‘sustainer’ like it was a foreign language. Even Rotom floated in place, blinking.

Kukui coughed into his hand. “Right, right, I guess that needs some explanation!” He gestured back toward the machine. “These are used in Pokémon ranches across regions. They keep your Pokémon’s Poké Balls safe and connected to the building’s system. Meaning—your Pokémon can come and go from their Poké Balls freely, without being confined. It’s like giving them the freedom of a field, without the danger of getting lost or straying too far.”

A collective “Ohhhhhhh!” rippled through the class.

Ash grinned from the sustainer panel. “You can even track where they go if you sync it with a monitor!”

Kukui continued, “Even better—this model automatically sorts each Pokémon into the part of the barn best suited to them.”

To demonstrate, he pulled a Poké Ball from his belt, clicking the release button just long enough to show it was occupied.

“This one belongs to a Litten,” he explained, before placing it into a designated slot on the sustainer’s panel.

With a soft hum, the Poké Ball was drawn in and zipped away through a transparent tube. The class followed its progress with wide eyes as the ball whisked up, around, and down through a branching pipeline system that disappeared into the wall.

Moments later, a soft ping echoed from the Fire Zone.

And with a flicker of red light—Litten appeared, stretching with a lazy yawn as firelight flickered gently in the hearthstone corner.

“WHOA!” the kids gasped in unison.

“That’s so cool!” Mallow said, clasping her hands.

“It’s like a Pokémon hotel!” Acerola giggled, waving at the Litten.

“Professor,” Lana raised her hand, “what happens if the Pokémon’s a dual-type?”

“Great question, Lana!” Kukui nodded, reaching back toward the sustainer and recalling Litten’s Poké Ball with a soft click. He slipped it into his pocket.

“You see, the sustainer’s sorting system is based not just on typing, but also temperament and comfort,” Kukui explained. “So, a Steel/Psychic-type like Beldum would probably end up in the Steel zone—since it prefers solid, enclosed spaces. But an Alolan Raichu—Electric and Psychic—might choose somewhere with open sun and surf. It’s not just about type. It’s about where they’ll feel most at home.”

Pikachu, sitting on Ash’s shoulder, let out a short, sharp “Pika.”

Auron glanced at him.

That… wasn’t a happy pika.

Did Pikachu just sneer at the mention of Alolan Raichu?

Auron blinked.

Rotom zipped forward, catching it too. “Observation! Pikachu exhibits notable tension when Alolan Raichu is mentioned! Possible rivalry? Jealousy? Height-related inferiority complex?!”

“RO-TOM,” Pikachu growled.

“Observation retracted!” Rotom yelped, fleeing behind Sophocles.

Mallow giggled, then leaned over to Lana. “Do you think Pikachu’s jealous of the surfing Raichu?”

Lana smirked. “Or maybe it’s the tail.”

Kiawe chuckled and shook his head. “Either way, I wouldn’t challenge Pikachu to a duel over it. That mouse can fight.”

Meanwhile, Sophocles was still marveling at the technology. “Can we hook this up to a smart watch? Imagine tracking your Pokémon’s movement in real time…”

Lillie had her fingers laced together, a small smile on her lips as she watched the systems whirl to life. She glanced at Auron, who was still gazing at the barn’s inner mechanisms with the same joy a child might feel when unwrapping a gift.

“It really came together,” she whispered to him.

“It did,” Auron nodded. “I didn’t think it would feel like… like this.”

“Like what?” she asked.

“Like it matters.”

Before she could respond, Ash stepped away from the sustainer with a dramatic stretch. “And that’s the last of them!”

All eyes turned to him.

“Every single one’s in the system now. Thirty-four Poké Balls, all sorted,” Ash said proudly. “Charizard, Sceptile, Infernape, Snorlax—you name it.”

“You’ve got a Snorlax?” Mallow asked, eyes wide.

Ash winked. “He might be in the lounge already.”

A low rumble echoed through the barn at that very moment—something heavy shifting lazily.

Mallow burst into laughter. “I think we just got confirmation.”

Kukui grinned at the students. “Alright, everyone! I hope you’re ready. Because the real fun’s just beginning.”

The moment Kukui’s words fell upon the class, the courtyard grew still. Auron tilted his head slightly, brow raised.

“What do you mean, Kukui?”

“Yeah, that sounded kind of… ominous,” Lana added with a cautious frown, a slight shiver running up her spine.

Kukui’s grin widened as he tilted his chin toward the one student who already looked like he was trying not to burst.

“Why don’t you tell them, kid?”

Ash’s eyes glimmered with devilish mischief, his grin stretching wide across his face.

“We’re going to have a Tauros Race!”

Silence.

And then—

“WHAT?!” the class exploded in unison.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

To say the students were shocked would be an understatement.

A Tauros Race? No one saw that coming.

Ash and Kukui had already declared themselves the moderators, ruling themselves out of participating—thank Arceus for that. The rules were simple, though still pretty chaotic. Each team would be made up of two students and two Pokémon. If all students paired off equally, there’d be three Tauros on the field.

Ash stepped forward again, his usual boundless energy practically vibrating off him.

“Here’s how it works: you get with one other classmate and choose one of your own Pokémon to race with. You’ll form a team with two people and two Pokémon. You’ll ride the Tauros together, and your Pokémon can assist you—or mess with the other racers!”

That last bit got a dramatic mix of gasps, excited chatter, and wide grins from the class.

Auron’s gaze flicked instinctively to the person beside him.

And—sure enough—Lillie was already staring at him.

Her soft seafoam eyes met his, locking with a look of complete, silent agreement.

They were a team. No doubt.

Ash pumped his fist in the air, “The race’ll go around the school three times! And the winner gets a prize!”

A chorus of excited cheers erupted through the crowd, students already pairing up and chattering about strategies and which Pokémon to bring.

Kukui held up his hands to get everyone’s attention again. “Alright now! I bet you’re wondering, ‘Why allow Pokémon to interfere?’ Well… that’s the fun part!”

More whoops followed. The battle-loving students were already fantasizing about wild mid-race tactics.

Lillie looked back at Auron, her hand curled into a fist of determination, eyes blazing with passion.

“We are going to kick their butts!” she declared with an intensity that made Auron blink.

“…Are you okay?” he asked with a cautious glance.

“I’m great, Auron!” she grinned. “Let’s do this!”

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

She was not doing this.

“I DIDN’T THINK ABOUT THIS!!!” Lillie wailed, near tears.

Auron, already near the saddled Tauros, turned with concern. She hadn’t moved an inch.

She stood frozen before the broad-shouldered, snorting Tauros. Its breath puffed hot against her skin as she reached toward it, but—her hand stopped.

Trembling.

She pulled it back.

“I… I can’t,” she whispered.

The others were already mounting their Tauros. Mallow laughed as Kiawe confidently swung himself into the saddle. Lana and Sophocles stood with Popplio and Togedemaru, deep in strategic discussion.

But Lillie?

She couldn’t even touch the Tauros.

“I’m too stupid… too weak,” she muttered bitterly, her voice cracking. “I can’t even touch it… what’s wrong with me?”

“No,” Auron said suddenly, stepping beside her.

He reached out, gently placing his hand on top of hers. Warm. Steady.

“Don’t say that about yourself,” he said softly, but firmly. His amber eyes met hers, no teasing, no pity—just conviction. “You are the strongest person I know, Lillie.”

She looked up at him, eyes glistening.

“You deal with so much—every single day. You’re brave enough to stand beside Pokémon even when you’re afraid of them. That’s not weakness. That’s courage.”

She shook her head, trying to wipe her eyes, but he interrupted again—this time stepping aside, pointing back at the others.

“Look.”

Mallow and Kiawe were already settled in, their Pokémon calm and ready. Lana and Sophocles were nearly finished mapping out a plan to use water attacks and electric support to slow their opponents.

“They’re great trainers,” Auron said. “But they don’t have to fight themselves just to get on a Pokémon.”

“You do.”

He turned back, gently lifting her trembling hand.

“And you still showed up. That’s why I believe in you. Because I know—you can do this.”

Lillie looked at him, his voice echoing in her heart.

His hand held hers, warm and unwavering.

She looked back at the Tauros, heart pounding, then closed her eyes—

And stepped forward.

With a shaky breath, she brought her hand down on the Tauros’s coarse fur.

The beast snorted.

But… it didn’t buck. It didn’t turn. It just blinked.

Lillie opened her eyes.

“…It didn’t eat me,” she whispered.

“Told you,” Auron smiled.

Suddenly, she grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him toward the saddle.

“Let’s go then! We’ve got butts to kick!”

“Wha—wait! Lillie!” Auron yelped, stumbling as she hauled him up.

She took the reins with newfound confidence, adjusting her seat like she’d done it before, even if she hadn’t.

“You’re right, Auron!” she beamed, eyes sparkling. “Let’s show them what we’ve got!”

Auron’s face flushed deep red, his voice caught somewhere between awe and panic.

“…What was that you just muttered?” he asked, half-dangling behind her in the saddle.

“Nothing!” she called back, a cheeky grin tugging at her lips.

________________________________________

The sun sat high over the Alolan sky, casting brilliant gold light over the makeshift racetrack etched around the Pokémon School grounds. The starting line buzzed with tension—Tauros hooves stamped and snorted, trainers clutched reins tightly, and spectators lined every part of the field with cheering in their lungs and cameras in their hands.

Kukui stood beside the stage with a cheeky smile, one hand gripping the microphone, the other holding the starting pistol aloft.

“Alrighty, everyone!” his voice rang out through the speakers, snapping heads toward him. “I’m your announcer, Professor Kukui!”

“And I’m your other announcer—Ash Ketchum, fresh off the road and ready to shout like never before!” Ash called with his trademark enthusiasm.

A chorus of cheers exploded from the crowd.

“Now this race ain’t just about fun!” Kukui continued, holding back a chuckle. “No, no! The winning team’s gonna receive a very special prize from none other than Kahuna Hala himself!”

The crowd roared.

Near the starting line, Auron nervously adjusted himself on the saddle, sitting just behind Lillie. She hadn’t said much since dragging him aboard their Tauros, her focus now laser-sharp and unwavering as she locked eyes on the track.

Truthfully, Auron was slightly terrified of her right now.

Ash glanced their way, chuckling softly. “Looks like some teams are more fired up than others, huh?”

Each pair was now fully assembled.

Auron and Lillie had brought Swablu and Snowy. At first glance, a cloud bird and an Alolan Vulpix didn’t exactly scream power pair, but that glimmer in Lillie’s eyes meant something was planned.

Kiawe and Mallow, meanwhile, had a more direct combo—Marowak, cloaked in its ghostly green flames, and a sharply prancing Steenee, who looked far too proud to lose.

Lana and Sophocles brought brains to the track—Popplio and Togedemaru were at the ready, but Sophocles’ Tauros was lined with odd devices and blinking lights. The bull looked like a moving science fair project.

On the sidelines, classmates waved flags, shouted names, and rooted for their favorites. Even the crews who helped build the barn had gathered, along with Lillie and Auron’s house staff. Food truck workers leaned from their booths, a few of whom looked suspiciously familiar—though no one could place them yet.

Kukui raised the mic again. “Racers, ready!”

“Three…” Ash’s voice echoed like a countdown from heaven.

A breath held.

“Two…”

A breath exhaled.

“One…”

Muscles tensed. Pokémon braced.

“GO!!” Ash roared as Kukui fired the blank into the sky.

The crack of the pistol split the air.

And chaos followed.

–––

LAP ONE: The Launch

All three Tauros exploded into motion.

Thunderous hooves pounded the ground. Clouds of dust burst behind them. The entire school seemed to tilt as the cheering swelled to a deafening roar.

“AND THEY’RE OFF!” Ash shouted. “It’s a tight start already!”

“Kiawe and Mallow take an early lead thanks to Tauros’ high-speed dash! That Marowak’s flame wheel is lighting the path!” Kukui called out, pointing to the ground where Marowak rolled forward, sending up fiery embers and searing away obstacles before the Tauros could trip.

Right behind them, Sophocles’ Tauros surged forward—assisted by what appeared to be miniature fans on the saddle.

“Looks like Sophocles has installed a booster rig!” Kukui said with a laugh. “That Tauros is turbo-charged!”

Togedemaru darted around the wheels, using Rollout to clear debris. Popplio summoned bubbles and used Aqua Jet to create a slick path for the Tauros to coast on, saving stamina. Their movements were surgical. Clinical. Pure tech.

But Auron and Lillie?

They were holding steady in third. Lillie kept her eyes ahead, her grip steady. Snowy ran just behind them, using Powder Snow to cool the Tauros’ hooves and give it slight traction through rough turns. Swablu soared just above, keeping watch on the field.

“She’s pacing herself,” Kukui murmured. “Interesting… she’s not rushing to the lead.”

“Maybe they’re playing the long game?” Ash said, brow raised.

–––

LAP TWO: The Scramble

The Tauros rounded the first turn and crossed the starting line again. The second lap began—and so did the chaos.

Marowak veered left and Boomerang-ed a rock into the path behind it, forcing Togedemaru to ricochet back to avoid it. Popplio responded with a Water Gun, which sent the rock skidding harmlessly off track—but the distraction gave Mallow and Kiawe room to charge ahead again.

“They’re not playing nice now!” Kukui chuckled. “It’s anyone’s game!”

Auron leaned closer behind Lillie, his hands gripping tighter to the back of the saddle. “We’re still in this!”

“Just wait,” Lillie murmured. “Almost…”

Then, bang! One of Sophocles’ devices sparked.

“What’s this?” Ash gasped. “Looks like that booster rig’s overclocked!”

Sparks sprayed from the back of the Tauros. “They’re losing control!”

Popplio used Bubblebeam to slow them—but not before Togedemaru jumped and absorbed some of the power with its Lightning Rod ability. The jolt shocked it forward, and it zipped ahead like a bolt of static fury.

“Smart tech… but risky!” Kukui called. “They’re barely hanging on!”

Meanwhile, Swablu began to swoop lower.

“Swablu!” Lillie called. “It’s time!”

–––

LAP THREE: The Finale

The racers crossed the line into the final lap—neck and neck. Dust spiraled into the sky. The crowd screamed as Tauros charged down the last hill.

“LILLIE AND AURON ARE MOVING UP!” Kukui shouted into the mic.

Swablu, flapping mightily, hooked its talons gently under Snowy’s soft fur.

“What are they doing!?” Ash’s jaw dropped.

“They’re taking to the skies!” Kukui beamed. “Swablu’s carrying Snowy!”

As Snowy was lifted off the ground, her eyes gleamed. She opened her mouth—and unleashed a wide Powder Snow across the track in front of them.

The fine white mist glittered, drifting ahead—

—straight into the path of the overloaded boosters on Sophocles’ rig.

“Wait for it…” Auron muttered.

CRACK!

Frost met circuitry.

Sparks flew. The Tauros skidded, losing balance. Sophocles and Lana yelped as their ride slowed drastically.

Kiawe and Mallow were now neck-and-neck with Auron and Lillie.

Marowak leapt forward, its bone ablaze—but Swablu dipped in front, flapping to blow the fire away from their Tauros.

“Go, go, go!!” Lillie cried.

Their Tauros burst forward with the last of its energy.

The finish line was inches away.

Kiawe’s Tauros charged beside them—hooves striking like thunder.

“THIS IS IT!” Ash bellowed. “WHO’S GONNA MAKE IT?!”

“IT’S DOWN TO A METER!”

Swablu strained to hold Snowy steady.

Snowy blasted one last Powder Snow on the ground—cooling the dirt, slicking the track—

Auron and Lillie’s Tauros slid, skidded—and crossed the line just one meter ahead.

The school erupted.

“AND THE WINNERS ARE—LILLIE AND AURON!” Kukui shouted over the cheering.

Lillie gasped, eyes wide. “We… we won?!”

Auron nearly fell off the saddle. “We won?!”

Lillie grabbed his wrist and raised it high like a champion. “We WON!”

Ash and Kukui were laughing, announcing the victory as confetti was tossed into the air. Snowy and Swablu did celebratory spins in the sky and on the ground.

Even the food truck workers clapped and cheered. One of them—a woman with red-pinkish hair and a blue haired man—smiled knowingly.

Kukui stepped back onto the mic. “Lillie, Auron—congrats on your victory. And thank you for showing us all that clever thinking and teamwork always win the race!”

Lillie turned toward Auron as the crowd swarmed the field.

“…We actually did it,” she whispered, the corner of her lip quirking into a grin.

He smiled back, flushed, but proud. “Told you we would.”

She muttered again under her breath.

“…What was that?” he asked.

“Still nothing,” she said—just as the whole school lifted them into the air in celebration.

Chapter Text

Lillie and Auron stood proudly atop the stage platform overlooking the schoolyard, still catching their breath from the thrilling Tauros race. The sun shimmered off their gold-colored medals, and their Tauros companion stood dutifully behind them, letting out a soft snort of contentment. Around them, laughter and cheers still echoed from the race grounds, the excitement in the air palpable and infectious.

Professor Kukui bounded up the steps beside them, microphone in hand. “Everyone! Let’s hear it for our FIRST PLACE WINNERS!”

A thunderous applause erupted from the crowd—students, staff, workers, and Pokémon alike. A few Machoke in the back even tried to clap, resulting in a heavy clap-slap sound that rippled across the field like thunder. The cheering was joined by a few wild calls from Pokémon and an enthusiastic bark from Rockruff.

Ash stood nearby, holding a camera almost as big as his own head. “Alright, you two—say cheese!” he grinned.

Without hesitation, Auron and Lillie slung their arms around each other’s shoulders, cheeks dusted with pink but eyes bright with joy. Behind them, their Tauros leaned in just enough to poke its head above theirs in the frame, its large snout comically close to the lens.

“Cheese!” the two called out in unison.

Click!

The camera’s flash captured the moment with perfection: two young trainers, glowing with pride and laughter, side by side with their Pokémon—each wearing a first place medal that sparkled like the smiles on their faces.

The clapping continued until a familiar, burly voice called out from stage left.

“Now, now! Don’t forget—we got prizes!” Douglas, the gruff but cheerful construction supervisor, appeared with a wide grin and four neatly wrapped prize boxes stacked beside him.

He patted one of the boxes fondly. “Pick wisely, winners! Each one holds something mighty special.”

Lillie and Auron glanced at one another with excited curiosity. The boxes stood before them in a perfect row. Four choices. Only two could be opened.

“Hm… I’ll take this one,” Lillie said confidently, pointing to the second box from the right.

“Then I guess I’ll go with the far-right,” Auron replied with a smile, rubbing the back of his neck.

Douglas raised a brow. “You sure? Once opened, no take-backs!”

Lillie nodded with certainty. “I’m sure!”

“Me too,” Auron agreed.

With a small pause of anticipation, they each flipped open their boxes.

Auron’s eyes immediately caught the gleam of a red-and-white Pokéball nestled inside. He carefully pulled it free and gave it a small toss. The ball popped open with a satisfying ping and released a flash of white light.

From the light emerged a small, round-bodied yellow Pokémon with black stripes and plug-like horns atop its head. It landed on the stage with a cheerful “Ele-ki!”

Douglas leaned forward, ready to announce it himself—only to be interrupted by the excited buzz of Rotom-Dex flying up to eye level.

“BZZT! Species identification: ELEKID! The Electric-type Pokémon! It generates electricity by rotating its arms—perfectly energetic and occasionally shocking!”

Auron chuckled as the Elekid gave him a playful fist bump. “Heh… looks like I’ve got a new spark in the team.” He knelt down, ruffling the little Pokémon’s head. “Welcome aboard, buddy.”

But before he could turn to share the moment, he noticed Lillie staring silently into her own prize box, her expression unreadable.

“Lillie?” Auron asked, concern flickering across his face. “You okay?”

Lillie didn’t respond immediately. Her hands trembled ever so slightly, but her lips curled upward into a brilliant smile as she looked down at the soft, glowing contents of her box.

Douglas leaned in just as she reached inside. “Well now… would you look at that!” he announced. “Looks like Lillie found the big ticket prize!”

The crowd let out a collective gasp.

Lillie slowly lifted a medium-sized Pokémon Egg from the box—a soft pink in color with subtle white speckles and a warm glow pulsing faintly beneath its shell.

It was beautiful.

“I-It’s a… it’s a real Pokémon Egg,” Lillie whispered in awe. She cradled it like it was made of glass, her heart fluttering with both fear and joy.

Auron stepped beside her, eyes wide with wonder. “Lillie, that’s amazing…”

“I’ve only held one other egg, and that was Snowy’s,” she murmured, voice thick with emotion. “The school gave me her to take care of, a-and I’ve studied them, but… this one’s mine?”

“It’s yours,” Douglas said with a nod. “Came all the way from Akala Island. No one’s sure what’s inside, but the lab said it’s in perfect condition. Should hatch in a week or so.”

Lillie’s eyes shimmered. “A week…?”

Auron placed a hand on her shoulder gently. “Then we’ve got to get ready to welcome whoever’s in there.”

She looked up at him and smiled, hugging the egg gently to her chest.

The applause began again, louder this time—students cheering for both the electric shock of a new teammate and the delicate miracle of new life.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow over the barn and the fields beyond, it was clear that this wasn’t just a celebration of a race—it was a moment that would last in their memories for years to come.

After the cheers and celebration had begun to die down, Professor Kukui found Auron resting on the grass beside the stage, still catching his breath from the race.

“Auron,” Kukui called, his voice warm but firm, “why don’t you head back to the barn with Ash? There’s still a bit of cleanup to do.”

“Cleanup?” Auron raised an eyebrow, brushing a few blades of grass off his coat.

Kukui only grinned. “Let’s just say… you’ve got a little ‘extra credit.’ Go with Ash. He’ll explain on the way.”

The sun was beginning its slow descent over the canopy as Auron and Ash jogged up the path toward the barn. The smell of fresh lumber and grass still lingered in the air, and the red-and-white structure stood tall like a beacon of new beginnings.

“I’m going to grab the first batch of Pokéballs,” Ash said, bounding ahead. “You go on in. Kukui said he left something for you inside.”

Auron tilted his head. “What do you mean… something?”

Ash shrugged. “Dunno. Something about a message.”

Auron stepped through the sliding barn doors, the scent of fresh varnish and earth welcoming him. His eyes briefly scanned the Forest Zone—a lush, wide enclosure built into the barn’s left wing, where towering indoor trees and dappled artificial sunlight filtered through roof panels. In the distance, he saw a Heracross munching on tree bark beside a peacefully snoozing Snorlax. Other Pokéballs remained in the sustainer tube, softly glowing with readiness.

He moved past them and entered the lab tucked near the center of the barn. The doors opened with a soft hiss, revealing a gleaming space that somehow already felt like his.

The lab was modest but marvelously equipped.

To his left was a custom-built examination bed lined with memory foam, tailored to adjust its contour depending on the Pokémon’s weight. Beside it stood a bio-scanner console with biometric readouts, capable of analyzing heart rate, temperature, hydration, and stamina. A built-in type-resonance monitor could detect elemental imbalances—an invention Kukui had apparently customized himself.

To the right was a temperature-regulated Vibro-Mixer, commonly used in advanced Pokémon centers to blend berries and medicines without damaging their natural enzymes. Above the counter hung a digital diagnostic tablet synced to the central Pokédex network, allowing for quick reference and records.

Nestled between a jar of clean syringes and an array of labeled medicine vials was a worn but sturdy leather-bound journal.

Auron stepped forward, drawn to it instinctively. He opened the cover.

A note was written on the first page in Professor Kukui’s familiar looping script.

“Hey Auron! If you’re reading this, then it means it’s time for your first real assignment!”

“As you know, becoming a Pokémon Professor isn’t just about wearing the coat—it’s about experience, knowledge, and trust. Here, I’m giving you two of those things. This lab was designed for you—yes, you. Lillie directed the aesthetics, but I added the tech. Consider it a gift from the both of us.”

“In this journal, you’ll document every Pokémon Ash has brought back. Every. Single. One.”

“That means checkups on his Heracross, his Infernape, even the… well, all thirty Tauros. You’ll record weight, height, condition, temperament, diet, battle fatigue, elemental stability—the works. This will be your fieldwork.”

“You’ll do routine physicals, administer treatment when needed, and learn what it means to care for Pokémon beyond battle.”

“Ash trusts you. I trust you. Make us proud.”

—Professor Kukui

Auron slowly lowered the journal, a flood of emotions swirling in his chest—honor, surprise, and a quiet, rising confidence.

He took off his jacket and hung it over the back of a chair. His eyes landed on the white lab coat folded neatly nearby, with his name embroidered on the breast: Auron Frostvale. Beneath it, resting neatly, were clear safety goggles with blue trim.

He slipped the coat on, adjusted the sleeves, then settled the goggles onto his forehead.

It felt… right.

Ash stepped in, balancing five Pokéballs in his arms like a waiter on a mission.

“Wow,” he said, flashing his usual crooked grin, “you really look the part.”

Auron glanced down at his lab coat, brushing the edge of the collar with modest amusement. “Thanks. I think I’m starting to feel like a professor already.”

Ash chuckled and crossed the room, placing the Pokéballs gently into a circular socket at the base of a specialized tubing system. “These are the first five. Take your time—there’s no rush.” He affixed the tube’s latch into a port on the secondary Pokéball Sustainer installed against the lab wall. “This’ll let you cycle through them one at a time. Once you’re finished, just send them back to their zones.”

Beldum, who had been resting in Auron’s hood, floated up with a soft mechanical hum and nuzzled the side of Auron’s head.

“Heh—wanna help out, buddy?” Auron asked with a smile.

“Bel-dummm!” came the enthusiastic reply.

“Well then,” Auron said, adjusting his goggles and cracking his knuckles, “let’s get started.”

He walked over to the control panel and clicked the first release button. A hiss of pressure escaped the tube, and with a faint gleam of red energy, the shape of the first patient materialized on the padded exam bed.

A Kingler.

The crab-like Pokémon appeared stiff at first, his massive claw twitching slightly as his eyestalks took in his surroundings. His carapace had a faint dusting of sediment clinging to the grooves along his legs, and he looked as though he hadn’t had a proper checkup in a while.

“Hey there,” Auron said softly, voice gentle and steady, “I’m Auron. I’m a friend of Ash’s, and I’m going to make sure you’re feeling your best.”

Kingler let out a deep krrah! but it didn’t sound aggressive—more surprised. Slowly, he settled into the bed, lowering his claw and stretching one leg.

Beldum floated forward with Auron’s leather-bound journal, holding it telekinetically and flipping it open to a blank page. Auron smiled. “Thanks, partner.”

He began his examination methodically.

Species: Kingler

Trainer: Ash Ketchum

Classification: Pincer Pokémon

Type: Water

Nature: Hardy

Height: 1.3m (average height: 1.3m)

Weight: 63.5 kg (normal range: 60–65 kg)

Body Condition: Excellent

Carapace: No cracking or flaking observed. Shell hardness measured at 7.4 on the Resistance Scale. Moisture levels slightly low but within tolerable range.

Claw Pressure Test: Right claw exerted 1,180 psi—well above average. Reflexes responsive. No signs of stiffness or locking.

Eyesight: Eyestalks responsive to light and movement. Pupillary reflex within healthy parameters.

Temperature: 35.2°C—healthy for species.

Respiration Rate: Normal. No signs of gill irritation.

Hydration Levels: Slightly dry. Recommend 10–15 minutes of submersion in freshwater habitat daily to rehydrate gill tissues and maintain carapace moisture.

Behavioral Notes: Slight unease when entering unfamiliar environments. Calmed quickly upon verbal reassurance. Responded positively to friendly tone.

Overall Health Evaluation:

✔️ No disease

✔️ No physical damage

✔️ No signs of stress

✔️ Excellent muscle tone

✔️ Well-rested

Recommendation:

• Routine hydration schedule
• Shell polish if in extended dry environments
• Continue standard feeding regimen (protein-heavy)
• Cleared for return to active training

Beldum hovered nearby, writing in perfect script as Auron dictated the details aloud. Kingler watched him carefully through one eye, relaxing visibly the longer the examination went on.

“Looks like you’re in excellent shape, big guy,” Auron said with a warm smile. “You’ve been taking care of yourself.”

Kingler gave a contented krak! and raised his massive claw, tapping it once against the steel frame of the exam bed like a satisfied nod.

With a pat on the side of Kingler’s shell, Auron stepped back. “Alright, ready to head back?”

He pressed a button on the console, and the bed gently tilted back as a red beam recalled Kingler into his Pokéball. The ball was then quietly drawn into the sustainer tube and routed back to the Water Zone.

Auron looked to Beldum, who gave a proud, humming spin in the air.

“One down,” Auron said, flipping the page in the journal. “Let’s bring in the next one.”

Auron pressed the button on the console, and a stream of red light emerged from the sustainer, materializing into a new Pokémon on the exam bed.

“Quilava!”

The Volcano Pokémon appeared curled on the soft cushion, its fur slightly ruffled, blue back rising and falling with slow, steady breaths. Auron stepped forward, clipboard in hand, while Beldum floated attentively beside him.

“Hello there,” Auron said calmly, “I’m Auron, a friend of Ash’s. I’ll be conducting your health checkup today, alright?”

Quilava’s eyes narrowed slightly at first. The flames on its back sparked faintly in warning, flaring to life with a low hiss as the Pokémon slowly stood up on all fours. But Auron didn’t flinch—he only smiled.

“It’s okay,” he continued gently, “you’re in a new place, and I know it can be overwhelming. I just want to make sure you’re healthy and comfortable.”

Quilava stared at him for a long moment… and then, slowly, the flames subsided. A soft puff of warmth exhaled from its nostrils as it settled back into a sitting position. Auron gave a nod to Beldum, who hovered nearby with a pencil already lifted psychically over the notebook.

“Alright then. Let’s begin.”

Species: Quilava

Trainer: Ash Ketchum

Classification: Volcano Pokémon

Type: Fire

Height: 0.9m (Standard)

Weight: 18.7 kg (Healthy range)

Body Temperature: 39.1°C (Normal for Fire-types)

Coat Condition:

Sleek and clean. Minor soot buildup on the dorsal side from recent flaring activity, but no matting or signs of skin irritation. Responsive to brushing. Ears clear of wax or debris.

Flame Emission Test:

Back vents ignited cleanly in 1.2 seconds. Flame stability confirmed. Heat measured at a consistent 860°C. No signs of flare sputtering or gas irregularities.

Mobility & Reflexes:

Excellent motor response. Fast turn rate and no joint stiffness observed. Responded appropriately to reflex taps on paws and shoulder joints.

Eyes & Vision:

Pupil dilation within normal range. Eyes track movement and light with no clouding or signs of stress.

Teeth & Oral Check:

Canines sharp. No gum inflammation or tooth decay. Fire gland near the throat hums with low resonance—healthy fire sac response.

Hydration:

Good moisture levels. Nose cool and damp. Paw pads smooth and flexible—no cracking or dry patches.

Temperament:

Initial caution toward unknown handler. Calmed significantly after soft verbal reassurance. Open to interaction and enjoys stimulation from environment (responded very well to Beldum’s floating antics).

Overall Evaluation:

✔️ No signs of physical trauma

✔️ No illness detected

✔️ Excellent temperament post-acclimation

✔️ High flame stability

✔️ Cleared for free activity

Auron had just placed his stethoscope back onto the tray when a knock echoed against the examination room door. He glanced up, startled.

“Quilava, would you mind giving me a moment?” he said politely.

Quilava gave a small nod, curling his tail around his paws while Beldum floated beside him like a metallic babysitter, juggling a rubber ball and a roll of gauze in midair for entertainment.

Auron stepped toward the door and cracked it open.

“Rotom?” he blinked.

Hovering there was the floating Pokédex, his screen face bright and blinking with excitement.

“HELLOOO, Auron!” Rotom buzzed, static crackling around its edges. “I came to register all of Ash’s Pokémon in my database! Do you mind if I watch you work?”

Auron paused for a second, thinking it over. “Hmm… yes, I suppose that’s fine. But listen—these are my patients. Most of them haven’t seen this place before, so they’re likely on edge. Don’t stress them out. I mean it.”

Rotom gave a respectful nod. “Zzt! Understood! I promise I’ll keep it low-energy for the patients!”

Satisfied, Auron opened the door fully, allowing Rotom to hover into the room.

They returned to find Beldum performing an aerial somersault while levitating a bandage roll between two glowing claws. Quilava was now laughing—actual tears forming in the corners of his eyes—as he rolled onto his back, fire dancing lightly along his spine without burning anything.

Auron chuckled, “Looks like you two are getting along.”

Beldum let out a cheerful metallic chime, floating upside-down while keeping its tools in orbit.

“Hey, you two,” Auron said, gesturing behind him. “It seems we’ve got a visitor.”

He stepped aside so Rotom could hover into view.

“Quilava, this is Rotom. He’ll be observing the checkup from now on. Is that alright with you?”

Quilava blinked at the odd hovering screen, then gave a small smile and chirped, “Quil!”

Rotom buzzed excitedly but quickly toned itself down. “Heh—Zzt! I mean… thank you for your cooperation, Quilava.”

With the mood light and the Pokémon at ease, Auron completed the remaining parts of the checkup—taking final measurements, recording respiratory rate, and making sure the sustainer’s tracking chip registered the updated health log.

When it was all done, Auron reached out with a small Poké treat in his palm. Quilava sniffed it, then took it gently, his tongue brushing Auron’s fingers in the process.

“You’re good to go,” Auron smiled. “Rest easy in your new zone.”

He tapped the panel, and the red light from the sustainer glowed once more. Quilava gave one final nod before dematerializing back into his Poké Ball and being routed to the Fire-type zone.

Beldum floated the clipboard back into Auron’s hands with a proud twirl.

Rotom spun gently beside them. “Zzt! That was AMAZING! I’ve never seen such a calm checkup for a Fire-type before!”

Auron shrugged modestly. “It helps when they feel like they’re being heard, not just handled.”

He turned back toward the sustainer console, taking a breath.

Auron leaned against the back wall of the barn lab, arms folded across his chest, the soft whirring of the Pokémon sustainer filling the quiet air.

“Hey, Rotom,” he said at last, his voice quiet and contemplative.

Rotom turned its screen-like face toward him, floating gently above the tiled floor. “Yes, Auron? What’s on your mind? I’ll try my best to answer!”

Auron’s eyes narrowed slightly, thoughtful. “How’d you meet Ash?”

“Ah!” Rotom’s screen flickered to life with a cheerful image of a younger Kukui. “That’s a fun story! I was rescued by Professor Kukui! I was injured and stuck in a power box near Hau’oli City, and he took me in, fixed me up, and built me a custom Pokédex shell. Then, when Ash first arrived in Alola and came to the lab, I decided to inhabit the Pokédex he was holding. It just felt right!”

“So,” Auron murmured, staring off into the middle distance, “before that… you couldn’t talk?”

“No! I indeed could not. I could buzz and make basic noises—bzzzt!—but I couldn’t form words. I couldn’t speak or ask questions. It was like being awake and asleep at the same time. Strange, huh?”

Auron was silent for a moment longer. Beldum hovered quietly beside him, watching.

“Do you enjoy it?” Auron asked suddenly.

Rotom blinked. “Enjoy what?”

“Being able to think… to really talk? To understand people? To have real intelligence?”

There was a pause. Rotom tilted in the air, puzzled. “Of course I do! It’s fun to talk with people like you and Ash and Kukui! I learn something new every day!”

Auron nodded slowly, his eyes dropping to the floor. “But do you think humans are… good?”

The question settled heavy in the room.

Rotom’s screen flickered once. “I… I don’t understand.”

“Let me rephrase,” Auron said, stepping slightly out of the shadowed corner, his face partially illuminated by the soft glow of the monitors. “Do you believe in humans? That we’re all… good? Kind? Worthy of your trust?”

Beldum floated over to Auron, bumping his forehead against Auron’s shoulder in comfort. Auron didn’t move.

Rotom hesitated, voice lower now. “Why are you asking me this, Auron?”

Auron let out a slow breath. “Because you trust us. Me. Kukui. Ash. Everyone here. And that’s good. It’s really good.”

Rotom hovered in place, unmoving.

“But you have to know,” Auron continued, voice soft but firm, “that not all humans are like this. Not all of them are kind. Not all of them want peace, or joy, or friendship.”

He walked toward one of the lab benches, picking up a cloth and absentmindedly wiping dust from the edge of a microscope.

“There was a man once, Rotom. His name was Lysandre. He nearly destroyed an entire region. Kalos. My home.” Auron’s voice darkened. “He wanted to ‘purify’ the world. To wipe out everything that didn’t meet his ideals. Pokémon… humans… entire cities would’ve burned if he succeeded.”

Rotom gasped. “That… that can’t be true.”

“It is.” Auron turned back to him, serious now. “People like Ash, Kukui, Lillie… they’re good. They try. They fight to protect what matters. But there are others—like Team Skull, or Team Rocket. You’ve met them. You’ve seen what they do.”

Rotom’s voice lowered. “Yeah… I have…”

“I just don’t want you to be naive,” Auron said gently. “You’re intelligent. You’re growing. And someday, you might be alone in a situation where you’ll have to decide who to trust. When that time comes, don’t rely just on what you want to believe. Trust what you know.”

Rotom’s screen went dim for a second, processing.

Then, after a moment, his screen lit up again—still confused, but calm. “I… I think I understand. I still like the people I’ve met. But I’ll be careful.”

Auron gave a small, rare smile. “That’s all I wanted to hear.”

He turned back to the sustainer console and pressed the button. The light shifted, flickered—and another Poké Ball materialized into a glowing silhouette.

“Now,” Auron said, his tone softening, “let’s finish up here. And after that, maybe I can show you my lab.”

Rotom perked up immediately, screen bright with sparkles. “R-Really?! I’ve only heard Kukui talk about it! He said it’s like an Alolan observatory had a baby with a tech lab!”

Auron chuckled. “Something like that. But first—let’s meet our next patient.”

The light fully materialized… and a new Pokémon appeared before them.

Beldum hovered closer, notebook and pen ready. Rotom zoomed in, his sensors humming softly.

And the checkup continued.

________________________________________

“Hunter!”

The metallic clank of boots on steel flooring echoed into the cold chamber as a subordinate burst through the heavy door. His breath was uneven, half from the climb and half from the weight of what he was about to report. He stopped just short of the elevated platform where she stood.

“The packages are scheduled to arrive within the hour.”

The woman turned her head slowly, red-tinted visor catching the ambient light of the room like a blade unsheathed.

“Good,” she said smoothly, her voice as precise and cold as the steel walls around them. “Inform the crew… payday is coming.”

The grunt nodded sharply, saluting before hastily retreating back through the doorway. The door sealed shut behind him with a hiss.

Alone again, Hunter J turned toward the massive wall-mounted monitor, her black-gloved hand pressing a sequence of keys along a recessed console. With a low beep, the screen flared to life—three images appeared, each one showcasing a different specimen encased in stasis fields: a Hisuian Arcanine, a Basculegion mid-transformation, and finally… a Hisuian Zorua, its eyes dim but unmistakably intelligent.

Her gaze lingered on the third image.

“This one…”

She leaned forward, one gloved finger tracing the digital image of the black-furred fox, her smile curving into something wolfish, cruel.

“This one will make us very rich.”

She exhaled softly, then stepped away from the monitor and crossed to a steel rack mounted on the wall. With practiced ease, she grabbed the black radio from its magnetic slot, pressed the call button, and brought it to her lips.

“Bring me my Salamence,” she said, voice low and edged with anticipation. “If anyone tries to interfere… I’ll want a front-row seat to their failure.”

The radio clicked off.

Outside, far below the gunmetal deck of the buildings upper level, the deep roar of a dragon’s wings began to stir the wind. The beast would be ready. And so would she.

Because soon… the real hunt would begin.