They all talked about trivial things, enjoyed some casual games, and eventually gathered for lunch.
Although they originally planned to wait until the package arrived, it was running late. So Victor suggested they move forward with giving Michael his starter Pokémon first.
"It's better to give him the first surprise now," Victor said, seeing the excitement practically radiating from Michael, who was bouncing on the spot like a Togepi on caffeine.
Victor took out a Poké Ball and looked at his younger son. "Okay, kiddo. This is gonna be your starter Pokémon and—"
Just as Victor extended the ball to Michael, the doorbell rang.
"Package for Champion Drake!" a voice called from outside.
"Coming!" Janice answered, standing up to open the door.
Outside, a full convoy of military-style vehicles was arranged in formation. A man holding a heavily armored case stood at attention near the door. Behind him were ten people in uniform, each with a stoic Rhydon at their side—standard issue pokémon for jobs of this caliber. The Rhydon stood like statues, their rock hides glinting under the sun, muscles tense and ready.
Drake stepped outside, greeted the officer, and signed for the delivery. He exchanged a few quiet orders with the squad before they saluted in perfect sync, boarded their vehicles, and drove off in disciplined formation.
Inside, Janice and Drake returned to the hall, the heavy case now in Drake's hands.
"Okay, boy," Drake called out to Michael, setting the case down with a metallic thunk. "Looks like you're getting both surprises at the same time."
Michael, eyes wide and sparkling, shouted, "Let me check my starter first! Then I'll see what's in the package!"
"As you wish, kid," Drake replied with a warm smile.
Michael snatched the Poké Ball from Victor's hand like a starving Mankey grabbing fruit. He didn't even wait for the dramatic speech—he pressed the button with a trembling thumb.
Shwish!
Bright light poured from the ball, and a small but fierce-looking Bagon materialized before them, blinking in the sudden light. Its stout body, powerful jaw, and rugged scale-covered head gave it a naturally defiant look—as if ready to challenge the world.
"Whoooo!" Michael squealed, practically vibrating with joy. "Grandpa, is this your Salamence's kid?!"
Drake chuckled, eyes twinkling. "Indeed. Direct offspring of my old partner."
Asher groaned loudly from the side, flopping against Janice like he had just taken a Hyper Beam to the chest. "That's not fair! I got a Dragonite, but he gets your signature Salamence as his first Pokémon?"
Despite being an 18-year-old Elite Trainer, Asher had no problem acting like a child when it came to sibling rivalries. His dramatic suffering drew laughs from everyone except Janice, who just sighed and patted his shoulder.
The truth behind Asher's jealousy was a little more nuanced. His Dratini had been a miracle itself—born from the union of Drake's Salamence and his grandmother's Dragonite. Somehow, against the odds, it hatched as a Dratini, not a Bagon, as Drake Salamance was both higher in level and potential. Inter-species breeding in the wild wasn't unheard of, but in controlled environments, it was typically avoided due to gene instability. However, both parent Pokémon were exceptionally strong and genetically stable, making the birth safe.
Moreover, Asher's Dragonite was of Indigo Potential, the highest naturally occurring tier. There were no known cases of Pokémon born with Purple Potential without external intervention or legendary artifacts. Still, even with a top-tier Pokémon, Asher couldn't help but feel robbed of a "cooler" lineage.
"Stop whining like a kid, you're an Elite," Victor teased, crossing his arms.
"But Salamence has a mega form! My Dragonite doesn't!" Asher complained, sulking further despite the smile twitching at the edge of his lips.
As if insulted, Asher's Poké Ball suddenly wobbled and popped open.
Fwoosh!
A proud and burly Dragonite appeared with a grumpy expression. It loomed over Asher, crossing its arms with narrowed eyes.
"WoooOO!" Dragonite growled indignantly.
Dragonite: You think I'm inferior just because I don't glow purple and sprout wings with extra spikes?!
"W-wait, no, I didn't mean it like that!" Asher panicked. "You're amazing! Like—strong and noble and—uh, aerodynamic! I was just saying... genetically speaking… never mind!"
Everyone burst into laughter, even Drake snorting behind his hand.
Michael, meanwhile, had crouched down beside his Bagon and gently stroked the side of its thick skull. The Bagon leaned into the touch and let out a satisfied purr.
"Grrrr," it growled softly, content.
Bagon: Decent fingers. Acceptable scratches. If you can make me fly, human, I will declare you the best trianer.
Suddenly, Bagon hopped away, scurried up onto the couch, and leapt off dramatically—arms spread wide.
"Yaaaah!"
Thud!
It landed with a loud thud, then grunted, shook itself, and looked around as if to say, "Did I fly?"
Victor burst out laughing. "Just like mine when it was a Bagon! It used to leap off every ledge it could find, trying to fly."
Drake joined in, his laughter more nostalgic than amused. "I remember being so confused back then. We didn't know anything about Bagon's natural instincts. I honestly thought my Bagon had a death wish."
He chuckled, then grumbled, "My squad used to tease me, saying my Pokémon was trying to off itself because it couldn't handle being stuck with me."
That drew howls of laughter from everyone—except Asher, who was still negotiating a peace treaty with his puffed-up Dragonite.
Michael approached Bagon and knelt beside it again. "Hey. Don't jump from random places, okay? We'll practice flying later, but in the right way."
Bagon gave a small growl but nodded.
Bagon:Fine. But I expect results. And snacks.
Michael gave it a thumbs-up and helped it back onto the floor.
He knew Bagon were naturally durable—especially with its Rock Head ability—and his even had the Hidden Ability: Sheer Force. But still, careless jumping wasn't something he wanted to encourage. It was the first step in their bond, understanding and mutual respect.
Everyone finally gathered around the heavy case.