The faint glow of morning sunlight seeped into the apartment, its golden hues stretching across the walls and settling over Uriel’s face. He stirred, blinking slowly, and let out a deep sigh. The world was calm—eerily so—as though the day itself was holding its breath.

As his senses sharpened, Uriel became aware of the small, warm presence near his feet. Delta, his Paldean Wooper, was curled up on the bed’s edge, his muddy skin leaving faint smudges on the blanket. Neon, ever the opportunist, was perched near Uriel’s pillow, his minuscule legs twitching faintly in sleep. Uriel chuckled softly to himself and swung his legs over the side of the bed, careful not to disturb either Pokémon.

He crossed the hall to Morgan’s room and pushed the door open just enough to peek inside. She was sprawled out across the mattress, one arm draped protectively over Blueberry, who had nestled into her side. The sight tugged at something deep inside Uriel—pride at how far they had come and worry over how far they still had to go.

Shaking his head, he retreated to the kitchen and began preparing breakfast. His hands worked automatically, slicing bread and cracking eggs into a bowl, but his mind wandered. He couldn’t help but think of the enormity of their situation. They were leaving everything behind—again. No plan. No safety net.

The sound of bare feet padding into the kitchen broke him from his thoughts.

“Morning,” Morgan mumbled, her hair an explosion of black and white that framed her bronze-toned face. She yawned, stretching as she shuffled toward the table.

“Morning,” Uriel replied, his tone even as he placed a plate of toast and eggs in front of her.

Blueberry trailed behind her, hopping onto the counter with surprising agility. Before Uriel could react, the little Pokémon knocked over a jar of sugar, sending it cascading across the surface.

“Blueberry!” Uriel groaned, grabbing a towel.

Morgan laughed, scooping up the Azurill and cradling him. “Oh, come on, Uriel. He’s just excited! Right, Blueberry?”

The Azurill squeaked in agreement, his tail bouncing rhythmically.

“Excited or not, he’s a walking disaster,” Uriel muttered, though his lips betrayed the ghost of a smile.

They ate together, the morning air filled with lighthearted banter. But as the plates emptied, the mood shifted.

“Do you really think this is the right move?” Uriel asked quietly, breaking the silence.

Morgan looked up, her expression softening. “You’re worried.”

“I just... It feels reckless,” Uriel admitted. “We’ve got no plan, no idea what we’re stepping into. What if—”

“What if we actually succeed?” Morgan interrupted, her voice firm but kind. “Uriel, we’ve been running for so long. Don’t you think it’s time to stop? To build something real?”

Her words hung in the air, and Uriel nodded, albeit reluctantly. He couldn’t argue with her optimism, even if he wished he could share it.

They spent the rest of the morning packing. Uriel meticulously checked their supplies—Pokéballs, Rotom Phones, Pokédexes—while Morgan darted around, throwing in last-minute items like snacks and a spare jacket.

By the time they stepped out of the apartment, Uriel glanced back one last time. The apartment was small, worn, and far from perfect, but it had been safe—a refuge. Now they were stepping into the unknown.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Morgan’s hand on his arm pulled him back to the present. She smiled up at him, her excitement almost contagious.

“Come on, Uriel. Let’s go,” she said.

The Pokétch Company was a marvel of modern architecture. Its sleek, glass façade reflected Jubilife City’s busy streets, and the automated doors opened soundlessly as they approached. Jenna was waiting for them just inside, her professional demeanor softened by the warmth in her smile.

“Welcome back,” she greeted, leading them deeper into the building.

The tour was brief but impressive. They passed research labs filled with scientists and engineers, rooms humming with prototype machinery, and display cases showcasing the company’s innovations. Uriel felt out of place, overwhelmed by the scale of it all, but Morgan’s eyes lit up with fascination.

When they reached the training arena, Uriel couldn’t help but pause in awe. The room was massive, its walls lined with screens displaying various terrains—grasslands, caves, even simulated battlefields. Automated targets whirred and zipped across the floor, and the polished surface gleamed under the overhead lights.

Morgan wasted no time. She sent Blueberry out first, calling for Tail Whip against the moving targets. The Azurill spun gracefully, his tail smacking into the closest target and sending it spinning.

“Nice one!” Morgan cheered, her enthusiasm infectious.

Meanwhile, Uriel hesitated. He glanced down at Delta, who stared back with his usual unbothered expression, and Neon, who clung to his shoulder like a tiny sentinel.

“You’re overthinking it,” Jenna said gently, stepping up beside him. “Just start with something simple.”

Nodding, Uriel directed Delta toward the wetland simulation. “Mud Shot,” he commanded.

Delta complied, firing a glob of mud that hit its mark with a satisfying splat. Neon followed with String Shot, weaving intricate webs between the targets.

As the session progressed, an experienced trainer approached. His Whiscash moved fluidly across the arena floor, its whiskers twitching.

“Training’s as much about trust as it is about skill,” the man advised. “Let your Pokémon show you what they’re capable of. You might be surprised.”

Uriel took the words to heart, easing into the session. Delta’s Poison Tail grew sharper, and Neon’s Leech Life became more precise.

Toward the end of the session, Jenna suggested a mock battle.

“Just a practice round,” she said. “It’ll be good for both of you.”

Uriel hesitated but ultimately agreed. Delta stepped forward, facing Blueberry, who hopped energetically in place.

Morgan grinned. “Ready to lose?”

“We’ll see,” Uriel replied, his voice steady.

The battle began.

“Blueberry, Tail Whip!” Morgan called.

Blueberry spun on his tail, lowering Delta’s defenses. Uriel countered quickly.

“Delta, Mud Shot!”

The glob of mud struck Blueberry, who skidded backward but quickly regained his footing.

“Water Gun!” Morgan shouted.

Blueberry fired a stream of water, but Delta dodged, his stubby legs surprisingly agile.

“Poison Tail,” Uriel commanded.

Delta’s tail glowed faintly purple as he swung it, grazing Blueberry. Morgan’s Azurill wobbled but refused to back down.

“Splash!”

Uriel raised an eyebrow. “Splash doesn’t—”

Before he could finish, Blueberry bounced high into the air, his tail glinting as he came crashing down. The unexpected maneuver startled Delta, giving Morgan an opening.

“Water Gun, now!”

The stream of water hit its mark, soaking Delta. Uriel clenched his fists.

“Finish it, Delta! Tackle!”

Delta charged, slamming into Blueberry just as the Azurill fired another Water Gun. Both Pokémon stumbled, clearly exhausted.

“Enough,” Jenna called, stepping between them. “It’s a draw.”

Morgan rushed forward, scooping Blueberry into her arms. “You were amazing!”

Uriel knelt beside Delta, patting his head. “Good job, buddy.”

After the battle, they sat together with their Pokémon, sharing a light meal. The Pokémon interacted with each other, their bond growing visibly stronger. Delta and Blueberry exchanged playful nudges, while Neon perched atop Blueberry’s tail, much to Morgan’s delight.

Uriel broke the silence. “Morgan, are you sure we’re ready for this?”

She looked at him, her expression soft. “No one’s ever ready, Uriel. But we’ve got each other, and that’s enough.”

Her words lingered, filling the space between them.

That night, back at the apartment, the siblings released their Pokémon to roam freely. Delta waddled to a corner, Neon found a perch on the windowsill, and Blueberry bounced around the room.

Over dinner, they talked about their plans, Morgan’s optimism helping to ease Uriel’s doubts.

As the night deepened, Morgan fell asleep with Blueberry curled against her side. Uriel lay awake, staring at the ceiling. Delta was at his feet, and Neon nestled near his pillow.

For the first time, Uriel felt a glimmer of hope. Together, they could face whatever came their way.

Tomorrow, their journey would truly begin.