Seven years passed since the Midori family visited the Hermonia estate.
In that time, everyone grew older—and Ethan changed the most.
He learned more about his Dragon Force. He could now sense nearby dragons, feel their presence, and even share a faint mental connection with them. It wasn't control, but awareness. Like standing near a fire and knowing its mood.
Life didn't slow down for the Hermonia family either.
A new baby was born—Tade-Ai, Ethan's youngest sister. Her arrival shifted the entire household. With her, Ethan's parents now had eight children, and the family somehow grew louder, warmer, and closer all at once.
Thankfully, money was never a concern.
They were rich.
One thing the family learned after Tade-Ai turned four was that she had inherited the family gift.
She could talk to Pokémon—just like Grandpa Crimson.
That meant the family power had chosen her.
The news filled the house with celebration. Everyone cheered her on, proud and relieved in equal measure. For Tade-Ai, it came naturally, as if she had always been meant to hear them.
Akagi and Asagi, however, couldn't help but wonder if their parents had really planned for so many children just to see who would inherit the gift.
The thought lingered for a moment.
Then they pushed it to the back of their minds.
The next few years passed quietly.
Erika and Sabrina visited often, and every visit ended the same way—with a kiss before they left.
If anyone ever asked Ethan who his first kiss was, he answered carefully. For his own safety, he'd say Erika or Sabrina, depending on who happened to be nearby that day.
Now, Ethan was thirteen.
He slept alone in his own room—long gone were the days of sharing a bunk bed with his twin. The house felt bigger now. Quieter, too.
Something shifted beside him.
Ethan stirred, then opened his eyes.
Pink hair spilled down into his vision. Pink eyes stared straight into his red ones.
She leaned in and kissed his cheek.
"Happy birthday, Ethan."
Ethan blinked, then laughed softly. "Morning, Whitney."
Whitney wrapped her arms around him, cuddling close. "So? Ready for your big day?"
Ethan sat up, gently nudging her away as he got out of bed. "Kinda."
He stretched, then added, "I still don't see the point of getting another starter when I already have Noibat."
Whitney puffed her cheeks. "You're still getting one. It's tradition."
Ethan glanced at her. "Traditions are just peer pressure from dead people."
Whitney stared at him for a second, then laughed. "You've been hanging around Violet too much."
As if summoned by name, the door slid open.
Violet peeked in, glasses already on, tablet in hand. "Statistically speaking, traditions do serve social cohesion—oh. You're both awake."
Whitney grinned. "He's awake. He's just being difficult."
Ethan sighed. "I'm being practical."
Violet adjusted her glasses. "Father already registered you. You're receiving a starter whether you like it or not."
Ethan froze. "He what?"
"Yesterday," Violet said calmly. "Paperwork, Pokédex update, League notice. Everything."
Whitney leaned closer, whispering dramatically. "There's no escape."
Ethan groaned and ran a hand through his hair. "I knew sleeping was a mistake."
As if on cue, something stirred near the window.
A small shape fluttered, clinging upside down to the curtain rod.
Noibat opened one eye, then the other, fixing Ethan with an unimpressed look.
Ethan smiled. "Morning."
Noibat chirped softly, wings twitching.
Then—something else.
A faint pressure brushed against Ethan's senses. Warm. Old. Vast.
His expression shifted.
Whitney noticed immediately. "What is it?"
Ethan frowned, placing a hand over his chest. "Dragon energy… not Noibat's."
Violet's eyes sharpened. "Nearby?"
"Yeah," Ethan said slowly. "And it's watching."
Noibat let out a low hiss, wings spreading slightly.
Whitney swallowed. "That's… not starter-related, is it?"
Before Ethan could answer, a knock echoed through the hall.
Outa's voice followed, loud and cheerful. "Birthday boy! Get dressed! You've got guests, gifts, and approximately twelve dramatic adults waiting downstairs!"
Ethan exhaled. "Yeah. Of course."
He grabbed his jacket, glanced once more at Noibat, then at the window.
The feeling didn't fade.
Whatever it was—
It wasn't here for cake.
Ethan went down stairs where his family and friends waited for him.
Once he stepped down, party poppers went out, as he rolled his eyes.
He saw Outa bring the cake's, for him and Kitsu.
Kitsu was already there, with his parents, his mother clapped, his older sister that weren't with him smiled.
He saw Sabrina and Erika also there holding gifts, with there parents. Then he saw Drayden, who seemed to now growing a beard.
Ethan stepped fully into the room, the noise settling into warm chatter as the last streamers fell.
"Happy birthday!" came from everywhere at once.
He gave a lazy salute. "I survived another year. Truly heroic."
Outa set the cakes down with a proud grin. One chocolate, one strawberry. No arguments today. "You're welcome. I personally supervised these so no one poisoned them with vegetables."
Kitsu snorted. "Coward."
Shinku rested a hand on Ethan's shoulder. "Thirteen already. Try not to start an international incident before dinner."
"No promises," Ethan said.
Erza smiled, softer. "Just don't break anything expensive."
Ethan looked around properly now.
Sabrina stood near the wall, posture perfect as always, red eyes calm but sharp. When their gazes met, she gave a small nod—polite, composed, and somehow still unsettling in the way only she could manage.
Erika, on the other hand, waved immediately, her smile bright. She held her gift with both hands like it might float away if she didn't.
Drayden crossed his arms, beard definitely new, definitely intentional. "Hmph. Thirteen. That's about the age when dragons start testing you."
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "That supposed to be comforting?"
Drayden laughed. "No."
Then Ethan noticed them.
Professor Elm stood beside an older man who looked like him, only broader, steadier. Elm Sr. held a sleek Pokéball case, open just enough for Ethan to see the two balls resting inside.
The room quieted.
Elm cleared his throat. "Ethan and Kisumi Hermonia. As of today, you're officially of age to begin your journey."
Elm Sr. stepped forward, voice calm, practiced. "These were prepared specifically for you and your sister. Not chosen yet. That part is still yours."
Ethan felt it again.
That pressure.
Stronger now.
His Dragon Force stirred, reacting before his mind caught up. Noibat hissed softly from the railing above.
Drayden noticed immediately. His eyes narrowed. "You feel it too, don't you, boy?"
Ethan nodded slowly. "Yeah."
Elm blinked. "Feel what?"
Ethan took a breath, then looked at the Pokéballs.
"Something's already responding to me."
Sabrina's eyes glinted.
Erika leaned forward, excited.
Whitney whispered, "Oh this is gonna be good."
The two Pokéballs trembled—just barely.
And somewhere beyond the walls of the mansion, something old and draconic shifted… sensing him back.
Erza clapped her hands once, sharp and decisive. "Alright. Pokémon later. Food now."
No one argued. That alone said a lot.
Everyone moved into place, chairs scraping softly as the long table filled. Ethan and Kitsu sat side by side like always, the birthday twins, with parents and guests lining in around them. It felt crowded in the good way—warm, loud, familiar.
Outa handed over the knife. "Do the honors before someone steals frosting."
Kitsu grinned. "On three."
"One."
"Two."
"Three."
They cut together. Cameras flashed immediately.
Ethan barely had time to react before Erza was already holding her phone at a dangerous angle. "Smile."
He did. He'd learned that lesson years ago.
Cake was passed around, plates filling fast. Chocolate disappeared quicker than expected. Strawberry didn't last much longer.
Akagi fed Asagi a bite and immediately regretted it. "Why is it spicy?"
"That's your fault," Asagi said, completely unbothered. "You grabbed my fork."
Tade-Ai sat between Erza and Shinku, feet swinging as she took a very serious bite of cake. Halfway through, she froze, eyes lighting up.
She tugged at Ethan's sleeve and proudly held up a slightly crooked drawing. Two stick figures, one taller with messy hair, the other smaller with a bow. A big sun in the corner. A dragon that might also be a snake.
"Happy birthday, dàgē," she said, frosting on her cheek.
Ethan felt something in his chest soften instantly.
He took the drawing carefully, like it was fragile. "This is amazing."
Tade-Ai beamed.
He reached over and patted her head. "I'm keeping this forever."
She nodded like that was the correct outcome.
Sabrina watched the exchange in silence, eyes unfocused for a second. She tilted her head, psychic senses brushing the moment.
Erika smiled, hands folded around her plate. "She really likes you."
Ethan glanced at her. "Yeah. I like her too."
Whitney leaned across the table, whispering loudly. "You're totally the favorite sibling."
Kitsu deadpanned. "Rude. I taught her how to cheat at cards."
Shinku laughed into his drink. "And that's why you're supervised."
Photos continued. Gifts were stacked. Laughter filled the room.
For now, no destinies. No dragons. No starters.
Just family.
And for Ethan, that felt like the best gift of all.
After a while Ethan and Kitsu moved to the front of the room, gifts piled high in front of them like a small mountain.
"Okay," Kitsu said, cracking her knuckles. "Let's see who actually knows us."
They started opening things one by one.
Clothes first. Good ones, too.
Ethan unfolded a jacket and nodded in approval. "Hey, this is actually my style."
"Because Violet picked it," Outa said. "I just paid."
There was money next. Envelopes, neat and practical. Poké Balls after that—standard, Great, even a couple of specialty ones. Travel items. Field kits. A few sleek cases stamped with the Hermonia Corp logo.
Then the Pokégear.
Ethan's eyes widened a little as he turned it over in his hands. "This is the new model."
Violet adjusted her glasses. "Prototype, technically. Don't break it."
"No promises."
Kitsu snorted and went back to her own pile.
That's when Whitney, Erika, and Sabrina quietly slid in closer, sitting beside him. Ethan noticed immediately.
He paused, eyebrow lifting. "You three are being suspicious."
Whitney smiled sweetly. "Open ours."
Whitney went first.
He pulled out a soft pink plush, round and squishy, with a familiar face.
Ethan blinked. "Is this… a Skitty?"
"It's limited edition," Whitney said proudly. "And it's for luck."
He squeezed it once. It squeaked.
"…I love it," he admitted.
Whitney grinned and leaned closer, clearly pleased.
Next was Erika's.
Inside was a small, carefully wrapped box. He opened it to reveal a Miracle Seed, polished and warm to the touch, faint green light pulsing within.
Erika spoke softly. "For growth. Not just Pokémon."
Ethan looked at it for a long moment, then smiled. "Thank you. I'll take good care of it."
She nodded, satisfied.
Then Sabrina's.
The box was heavier than expected.
Ethan opened it—and froze.
A Psychium Z rested inside, the crystal catching the light, humming faintly with psychic energy.
The room seemed to quiet for half a second.
Ethan slowly looked at her. "Wait. This is—"
"Authentic," Sabrina said calmly. "From Alola."
He stared at the Z-Crystal, then back at her.
"…So that's what you meant when you said your vacation was 'interesting.'"
Sabrina's lips curved into a small, knowing smile.
Asagi leaned in, whispering, "Your girlfriends are scary."
Kitsu, watching from the side, shook her head. "This is what happens when destiny hands out souvenirs."
Ethan closed the box carefully, still processing.
"Yeah," he muttered. "My journey is already getting complicated."
Elm Sr stepped forward, the room settling almost on instinct.
He opened the Poké Ball case with a practiced motion. Inside, two capsules rested in velvet slots.
"All right," he said, voice calm but ceremonial. "Starters. Officially."
Ethan and Kitsu leaned in.
Ethan frowned slightly, then paused.
He could feel it.
A faint pull, low and steady, brushing against his Dragon Force. Not loud. Not aggressive. Just… there. One of these Pokémon carried draconic blood somewhere in its line.
He stepped back and gestured. "You go first."
Kitsu didn't argue. She popped open the first capsule.
Light flashed, and a small green shape landed on the table with a soft thump.
"Turtwig!"
The little Pokémon blinked, then smiled up at her.
Kitsu gasped. "Oh my Arceus—you're adorable."
She scooped Turtwig into a hug instantly. Turtwig let out a happy cry, clearly approving.
From behind her, Ember the Flareon bristled, tail flame flaring brighter.
Outa laughed. "Uh-oh. Someone's jealous."
Kitsu glanced back. "Ember, don't be dramatic."
Ember huffed.
Ethan smiled, then turned to his own Poké Ball. Noibat shifted on his shoulder, wings twitching with interest.
He rolled the ball once in his palm.
"Come out."
The Poké Ball opened.
Blue light spilled out, forming a small, sturdy shape that landed with a splashy thud.
"Mud!"
A Mudkip stood there, orange cheeks bright, tail fin swishing as it looked around.
The room went quiet again—then Noibat chirped sharply.
Ethan felt it immediately.
There it was.
Deep. Old. Subtle—but unmistakable.
Dragon blood.
Not dominant. Not pure. But present.
Ethan crouched down, meeting Mudkip's eyes. Mudkip tilted its head, then stepped forward and gently poked Ethan's finger with its fin.
"…Yeah," Ethan said softly, a grin spreading. "I thought so."
Elm Sr raised an eyebrow. "Interesting reaction."
Violet adjusted her glasses. "Very interesting."
Kitsu glanced over, still holding Turtwig. "So? What do you think?"
Ethan picked Mudkip up, the Pokémon settling comfortably in his arms like it already belonged there.
"I think," he said, "this is going to be a problem."
Mudkip beamed.
Noibat chirped again, clearly approving.
Elm smiled, hands in his coat pockets, calm as ever.
"Now, as you know, the Johto League will be starting soon," he said. "I'm hoping to see both you and your sister there."
For half a second, Ethan just stared at him.
His brain stalled.
'…Did I just get personally challenged by the Champion?'
He glanced at Kitsu. She looked just as stunned, Turtwig blinking in her arms like it was enjoying the drama.
Outa snorted. "Wow. No pressure or anything."
Violet pushed her glasses up, tone dry. "Being personally invited by the Champion at thirteen is… notable."
Drayden crossed his arms, grinning. "He'll be fine. Kid's got Aura".
Ethan scratched the back of his head. "Uh… yeah. We'll be there."
Elm chuckled. "Good. I'll be watching."
Mudkip shifted in Ethan's arms, letting out a confident little "Mud!" like it had already decided this was happening.
Noibat puffed its chest.
Ethan sighed, smiling despite himself.
"Great," he muttered. "No pressure at all."
Later that night, after the guests had gone home and the mansion had finally gone quiet, Kitsu and Ethan stood together in one of the old family rooms.
Their grandfather, Crimson, had returned just in time.
He stood in front of them, holding a necklace split cleanly into two connected halves. Each piece held a dragon—one black, one white—carved in fine detail, their bodies curling toward each other like they were meant to reunite.
"This necklace," Crimson said, "has been passed down through generations of our family. It is always meant for twins."
He closed his fist for a moment, then opened it again, the metal catching the light. "My brother and I received it from our father. And he received it from his."
Shinku, standing nearby with his arms crossed, sighed. "Since I was an only child, I never got it."
Crimson let out a short laugh and glanced at his son. "That's not quite true. I tried to give it to you when you were young. You refused."
Shinku rubbed the back of his neck. "I said it wouldn't be fair. A twin's heirloom doesn't belong to someone without one."
Kitsu tilted her head, studying the two dragons. "But… we're not the only twins in the family. Why didn't our sisters get it?"
Violet, leaning against the wall with her notebook in hand, answered without looking up. "Because Akagi and Asagi didn't want it. Outa didn't qualify and didn't push the issue. Midori and I had our own reasons."
Crimson stepped closer and knelt in front of Ethan and Kitsu, the two halves of the necklace resting in his open palm. Up close, the craftsmanship was unmistakable—ancient, deliberate, and heavy with history. The black dragon looked fierce and proud. The white dragon was calm, almost gentle. Perfect opposites.
"When twins are born into this family," Crimson said quietly, "the necklace decides whether it wakes or not. Most generations… it stays silent."
He looked up at them, eyes sharp despite his age.
"But this time," he said, "it didn't."
Crimson placed the black dragon pendant into Ethan's hand first.
The metal felt warm. Not heavy—steady. Like it belonged there.
Then he turned and placed the white dragon into Kitsu's palm. Hers felt cool at first, then gently warmed, as if responding to her grip.
"And now," Crimson said, his voice firm but proud, "you two will continue the passing of the torch."
The moment the pendants left his hands, something changed.
The two halves tugged—not physically, but instinctively. Ethan felt it first, a low hum in his chest, the same sensation he got when his Dragon Force stirred. Noibat lifted his head on Ethan's shoulder, wings twitching.
Kitsu gasped softly as the white dragon glowed faintly, a clean, pale light spreading through the carved lines.
The two pendants reacted together.
Black and white light pulsed once.
Then stopped.
Silence filled the room.
Violet adjusted her glasses, eyes narrowed. "So it really activated."
Outa let out a low whistle. "That hasn't happened in, what, three generations?"
Shinku stared at the twins, expression unreadable. "Father… what does it mean if it wakes?"
Crimson stood, resting his cane against the floor. "It means the twins aren't just born together. They're bound. Spirit, will, and fate."
Ethan swallowed, glancing down at the black dragon now resting against his chest. "Bound how?"
Crimson met his gaze. "When one of you stands, the other will never truly fall. When one walks a path, the other will feel it. Not control. Not dependence."
A pause.
"Balance."
Kitsu looked at Ethan, then down at her pendant. "So… if he does something stupid—"
"I'll know," Ethan said flatly.
She smirked. "Good."
Noibat chirped, clearly approving.
Crimson smiled, a rare, genuine one. "You two will walk different paths. One sharp, one gentle. One forceful, one guiding."
His eyes lingered on Ethan. "A dragon that moves forward."
Then on Kitsu. "And a dragon that keeps it from losing itself."
The old man straightened. "Wear them always. They are not weapons. They are reminders."
Ethan closed his fingers around the pendant once more, feeling the quiet strength within it.
Kitsu did the same.
Neither of them spoke—but both understood.
Whatever came next, they wouldn't face it alone.
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me Power stones and enjoy and this is the last Ch for this week