The screen hung there like a wall of heaven's neon lights, each glowing icon pulsing faintly in front of Bob's face. His arms were crossed, his mouth set in a thin line, his eyes flicking from one to the next. Type Synergy glimmered with a burning aura. Guardian Bond shone with protective light. Quick Capture winked playfully with a bouncing Poké Ball. Trainer's Eye hovered sharp and tempting.
And then there was the glowing fruit icon. Berries. Always berries.
The decision was made before Bob could even think about it. The menu shimmered, locking into place with a faint ding.
[PERK ACQUIRED!]
Berry Forager – Rank 2
Chance to find rare evolutionary berries in the wild.
Doubled berry harvest continues.
Small chance to discover unique "wild variant" berries with strange effects.
Bob blinked. "Wait… what? Did… did I even press anything?"
{AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!}
Aqua's laughter detonated in his skull like a cannon stuffed with fireworks. She howled, gasped for air, then howled again, each echo slamming against the inside of his mind until he thought his eardrums might burst.
{Ohhh, Bob… ohhh you absolute legend! Out of all the perks, out of all the options for glory, survival, actual power, you let the system hand you Berry Forager. AGAIN. Rank two! This is priceless!}
Bob's eyebrow twitched once.
{You've officially gone from tragic bag boy to berry boy supreme! Forget Pokémon Master, forget Champion of Kanto — you're going to retire as the proud owner of a fruit stand! Can I get you a straw hat and a sign that says "Bob's Berry Barn"?}
His eyebrow twitched twice.
"Are you done?" he muttered, voice flat, dangerously flat.
{Oh, no no no, we are just getting started!} Aqua squealed, her tone giddy and cruel all at once. {Let's give it up for Farmer Bob, the berry knight, chosen champion of foliage and fertilizer! While other trainers tame dragons, you'll be hoarding fruit baskets like a deranged Miltank!}
Bob's hands clenched into fists at his sides. The vein above his temple pulsed. His eyebrow twitched for the third time — and that was when Gardevoir tilted her head at him curiously.
She couldn't hear Aqua. She couldn't see the shimmering menu. But she could feel the sharp spike of irritation radiating off him like a storm cloud. Her sapphire eyes softened, her fingers tightening faintly at her sides, as if she was ready to soothe him with a word.
Bob exhaled through his nose, slow, controlled. "Great. Fantastic. Glad to know my destiny is now tied to trail mix. Just what I always wanted."
{Don't be mad, berry boy!} Aqua teased, her laughter still bubbling. {Think of the possibilities! While everyone else dies horribly, you'll be the one with a balanced diet! Heroes may fall, legends may crumble, but YOU will have potassium!}
His eyebrow ticked again. "I swear, if I could mute you—"
{You wouldn't survive two minutes without me,} Aqua purred. {Face it. You need me. And I…} she giggled, the sound like shattered glass, {…I am going to enjoy every single second of this.}
Bob groaned, dragging his hands down his face, muttering into his palms. "This system hates me."
The screen flickered one last time before fading, leaving only the faint taste of Aqua's laughter echoing in the back of his skull. Gardevoir stepped closer, laying one cool hand gently against his arm, her eyes questioning. He gave her a tired smile and shook his head.
"Nothing. Just… don't ask."
Gardevoir tilted her head once more, studying him with quiet sapphire eyes, but she didn't press. Instead, her lips softened into a small, almost imperceptible smile, as if to say she trusted his words even when she didn't understand them. Then, without another word, she stepped back and let the world fall into silence again.
It was in that silence that Bob finally lifted his head — and the sight before him almost stopped his heart.
The trees behind them had thinned into open air, giving way to rolling green slopes that spilled down into a valley alive with color and structure. Farmland spread in tidy patches of gold and emerald, rows of crops stretching like stripes across the earth. Thin dirt roads threaded between the fields, twisting like veins toward clusters of homes with red roofs and whitewashed walls. A river cut through the landscape, catching the sun on its rippling surface, and bridges arched neatly across it like little hand-carved ornaments.
And there, standing high above it all, was a hill crowned with a familiar shape — the clean white facade of a laboratory, windows catching the daylight, and atop its roof the silhouette of a small wind turbine turning lazily in the breeze.
Bob's chest tightened. His legs carried him forward a step without him realizing. His lips parted, a whisper escaping before he could hold it back.
"…That's… Professor Oak's lab."
The words tasted surreal. He had seen it in games, in anime reruns, in guides on old fan sites when he was younger. But here it was, real, set against the backdrop of distant mountains and endless green. The birthplace of legends. The town that raised Ash Ketchum, that sent Gary Oak strutting into the world, that launched countless journeys with a simple gift of three Poké Balls.
His knees almost gave. "Holy… I'm actually here."
Inside the ball at his belt, a warmth brushed against his mind. {You're… trembling,} Gardevoir whispered softly, her voice faint but certain.
Bob huffed a laugh, pressing a hand against the ball like it was the only anchor he had. "Yeah. Guess I am. Can you blame me? That's… that's it. That's Pallet Town. I know this place. I grew up with this place — not literally, but…" He shook his head, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth despite the dizziness in his chest. "It's like standing in front of a fairy tale and realizing the book was real all along."
Her reply came gently, curious, tinged with the same shy warmth that had been there since their bond formed. {If it means this much… then perhaps it was waiting for you.}
He blinked at that, his laughter stalling for a beat. He didn't know what to say — not to her, not to himself. So he just let the sight wash over him again, the farmland, the houses, the lab on the hill. The real Pallet Town.
And for the first time since waking under that strange blue sky, since stumbling through forests with death one step behind him, since meeting the strange, terrifyingly shy Alpha who chose to trust him… Bob let himself believe.
"…I'm actually in the Pokemon world."
The words slipped from Bob's lips in a whisper, but they carried the weight of something far larger. He stood at the crest of the hill, staring down at the valley below, his chest tightening with every breath. The farmland stretched out in neat, patchwork squares of green and gold, broken only by thin dirt roads and sparkling rivers that cut like silver veins through the countryside. White fences lined the edges of the fields, some buzzing faintly with Mareep huddled together in soft clouds of wool, others dotted with workers tending crops. Beyond it all, small clusters of homes rose with red rooftops, smoke curling lazily from their chimneys.
And there — on the hill beyond it all — stood the place he'd only ever known through a screen: Professor Oak's laboratory. White walls gleaming in the sunlight, tall windows catching the sky, and the lazy spin of the wind turbine crowning the rooftop. The sight punched him harder than any fist ever could.
Bob's throat worked around the words as if he had to wrestle them free. "…It's real. It's actually real."
Beside him, Gardevoir stood tall and silent, her gown-like body swaying faintly in the breeze. Her sapphire eyes softened as she followed his gaze toward the town. She didn't speak aloud, but he felt her emotions brush against his mind through their bond — curiosity, gentleness, a kind of patient waiting. She didn't know why he was trembling, but she stayed near, like a quiet anchor.
For a moment, everything was still. The world was perfect, untouchable.
And then Aqua shattered it.
{OH. MY. ARCEUS. Look at you!} Her voice roared in his skull like a stadium speaker, shrill and gleeful. {Big dramatic zoom-in! Cue the inspirational soundtrack! Roll the credits on Episode One of "Berry Bob's Wild Adventure"!}
Bob's eyebrow twitched.
{No, no, wait—this is even better!} she went on, laughter bubbling like champagne. {You're standing here, staring at fields of wheat and potatoes, and I swear you're about to cry. Who knew the future Champion of Kanto would be a man whose greatest perk is "better groceries"?}
His eyebrow twitched again.
"…Really?"
{Oh, don't get snappy with me, berry boy!} Aqua crowed, practically rolling with laughter in his head. {This is perfect! Ash Ketchum left this very town dreaming of being Champion. Gary Oak strutted out of here with his whole fan club cheering. And you? You're about to walk in and ask where the farmers market is. Absolute gold!}
Bob pinched the bridge of his nose so hard it hurt. "One of these days, I'm going to figure out how to uninstall you."
{Pfft, like you could survive without me! Who else is going to narrate your slow-motion awe shots? Without me, you'd just look like a sweaty guy gawking at farmland. With me, you're history's first berry-themed protagonist. Legendary!}
He groaned, dragging his hands down his face, muttering through his palms. "I hate my life."
From the corner of his vision, he caught Gardevoir watching him with faint confusion, her brows knit delicately together. She couldn't hear Aqua. All she saw was him arguing with the empty air. And yet, she didn't laugh. She simply moved a little closer, her hand brushing against his arm in a quiet show of presence.
Bob sighed, forcing a smile at her. "…It's nothing. Just… don't ask."
She didn't push.
---
Together, they descended the hill into Pallet.
The dirt road was smooth under their boots, the smell of tilled soil thickening in the warm air. Fences creaked as Mareep shifted, their wide eyes following the pair as they passed. Children's laughter floated from the river where two kids splashed with a Poliwag. A farmer in a broad hat straightened from his rows of vegetables, wiping sweat from his brow. His gaze drifted up the road — and froze.
Because there was Bob. And there was the towering, pale figure gliding silently beside him.
The farmer's eyes went wide. His mouth dropped open.
A few paces further down, a pair of women carrying baskets slowed to a halt, their chatter dying mid-sentence as they caught sight of the tall, statuesque Shiny Alpha Gardevoir. One of them clutched the other's arm. A younger boy darted out from behind a fence, then stopped dead, eyes saucer-wide, his jaw nearly hitting the ground.
Everywhere they walked, heads turned.
Bob felt sweat bead at the back of his neck. He leaned toward Gardevoir, whispering out of the corner of his mouth. "…Yeah, so, uh… I don't think they're used to seeing someone like you just… strolling down Main Street."
Through the bond, her voice was soft, hesitant, almost apologetic. {Should I… go?}
He shook his head quickly. "No. Not unless you want to. You're with me. That's all that matters."
Her blush bloomed faintly, though she stayed silent.
And so they walked, through the center of Pallet Town, every villager staring, every whispered voice trailing behind them, while Aqua cackled somewhere in the background of his skull like the world's worst laugh track.
Every step deeper into Pallet Town drew more eyes. The dirt road cut through rows of homes and tidy fences, and everywhere Bob looked, life slowed to a halt. Farmers paused in their fields. Women carrying laundry baskets froze mid-step. Children with toy Poké Balls dangling from their belts gawked with their mouths wide open. Even the Mareep in their pens tilted their fluffy heads, bleating softly as if confused.
It wasn't Bob they stared at. It was the seven-foot-tall gleaming figure gliding silently beside him — a Shiny Alpha Gardevoir, gown flowing in the breeze, sapphire eyes unblinking, her very presence commanding the street like royalty visiting peasants.
Bob tugged nervously at his collar, muttering through clenched teeth. "Yeah… this is fine. Totally normal. Just a casual stroll into town with a walking goddess who looks like she could erase anyone with a thought. Nothing weird here."
That was when Aqua's voice erupted in his head — louder, sharper, and with the hammy enthusiasm of a game-show announcer.
{LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, BOYS AND GIRLS, AND BERRY ENTHUSIASTS OF ALL AGES!}
Bob nearly stumbled at the volume. "Oh no."
{Straight from the wilderness, it's the rookie nobody asked for — give it up for Berry Bob! Watch as he enters Pallet Town with his towering, shiny, possibly world-ending waifu by his side! Will the villagers faint? Will the children cry? Will he embarrass himself in under five seconds? Stay tuned!}
Bob's eyebrow twitched so hard it felt like it might detach. "You are not doing commentary."
{Too late!} Aqua shrieked with glee. {The crowd gasps as Berry Bob struts in, his Alpha partner glowing like a diamond in the sun! Look at those villagers — jaws hitting the dirt, baskets dropped, hearts broken! The old lady on the left just forgot how to breathe!}
Bob glanced — and sure enough, an elderly woman had dropped her basket of herbs, the leaves scattering across the dirt as she clutched at her chest in wide-eyed shock. He groaned into his hand. "Why does she have to be right?"
Gardevoir, oblivious to Aqua's voice but not to the dozens of gawking eyes, shifted uncomfortably. Her fingers fidgeted in front of her gown, her gaze lowering as a faint blush tinged her pale cheeks. Through the bond, her whisper brushed against his mind: {They… are staring.}
"Yeah," Bob muttered dryly, "no kidding."
Aqua was relentless. {And what's this?! A farmer on the right freezes mid-hoe, his arms trembling as the Shiny Alpha locks eyes with him! Will he bow? Will he faint? Place your bets, folks!}
Bob rubbed his temples. "I hate my life."
The "announcer's" words weren't far off. The farmer had indeed stopped in his tracks, his tool slipping from his hand as he gaped. His lips moved soundlessly, like he was trying to recall a prayer.
Further down, a small group of children peeked from behind a fence. One brave boy tugged on his friend's sleeve, whispering in awe, "That's… that's a Gardevoir… but it's different!" His friend shook his head, eyes round as Poké Balls. "No way… it's huge!" A third child started bouncing on his heels. "I bet it could beat every Pokémon in town!"
Bob hunched his shoulders, wishing he could melt into the ground. "Yup. Fantastic. Definitely blending in."
Gardevoir's voice wavered in his thoughts, soft and hesitant. {Should I… hide?}
He looked at her quickly, shaking his head. "No. Not unless you want to. You're with me. That's what matters."
Her blush deepened, a tiny flicker of warmth flowing through their bond. She said nothing more, but her presence steadied, the nervous fidgeting easing.
Aqua, of course, wasn't done. {OH, WHAT'S THIS, FOLKS?! Berry Bob actually has a moment of sincerity! He supports his towering Alpha partner, calming her nerves with the smooth confidence of a man who has absolutely no idea what he's doing! Give it up, give it up — the crowd goes wild!}
Bob's eye twitched again, his voice low and murderous. "…I will find the system mute button. I swear."
{Sure you will, champ,} Aqua teased, her voice smug. {Right after you figure out how to stop looking like a complete tourist.}
Bob dragged a hand down his face as they walked further into Pallet Town, every villager staring like they'd just seen a legendary. Some whispered, some pointed, some simply froze in place. And all the while, Aqua's narration hummed in the background like the world's worst laugh track.
{And here he is, folks! Berry Bob, striding boldly into Pallet Town with all the grace of a man who has no idea what he's doing! Watch the villagers gape! See the children clutch their toys! Smell the faint aroma of sheer panic as this rookie parades his seven-foot-tall psychic girlfriend straight down Main Street!}
Bob muttered from the corner of his mouth, "I'm going to uninstall you with a brick."
{You wish,} Aqua purred. {Look at this crowd! Pure shock and awe! That farmer just dropped his hoe! That old lady clutched her pearls! I think that shopkeeper's broom handle snapped in half. And ohhh, would you look at that — three kids in the back are already planning how to brag about this at school tomorrow!}
The truth was, Aqua wasn't exaggerating much. People really were gawking. A woman balancing a basket of laundry had frozen mid-step, white sheets dangling limply from her arms as her eyes locked on Gardevoir. Two men repairing a fence nearby had stopped hammering altogether, nails clenched awkwardly in their fists as their gazes followed every glide of the Alpha's gown. Even the Mareep in their pens bleated nervously, pressing against each other as though sensing something beyond their comprehension.
Bob hunched his shoulders, sweat prickling at the back of his neck. He muttered again, "Yup. Definitely blending in."
Beside him, Gardevoir's aura wavered. Her hands twisted together at her waist, sapphire eyes darting away from the stares that followed them. The flush in her cheeks deepened as more whispers filled the air, brushing his mind with her discomfort. {Bob… they will not stop looking.}
"I know," he whispered back. "It's just… you're kind of impossible to ignore."
They rounded a corner, and that was when Bob's heart gave a lurch. Because standing in front of them, garden tools in hand, was a woman he recognized instantly. The neat brown hair, the soft eyes, the warm but sharp presence. He had seen her countless times before — in episodes, in games, in memes online.
His jaw nearly dropped. Mrs. Ketchum.
And if she was here, then this house — this quaint, red-roofed home with the tidy herb garden and the open curtains — this was it. Ash Ketchum's house.
Bob's chest tightened. His inner fanboy screamed even as he fought to keep his face neutral. I'm standing in front of Ash's place. THE Ash. The one who never ages, the one who fights gods with a Pikachu. Oh my god…
Mrs. Ketchum looked up from her herbs, basket still in hand. She blinked at the sight of Bob, her eyes traveling up — and then up further — until they landed on the towering Gardevoir at his side. For a split second, she froze. Then she managed a polite smile, though it wavered at the edges. "Well… good morning. You're new here, aren't you?"
Before Bob could answer, Aqua shrieked in his head like a game-show host. {NPC interaction! NPC interaction! Folks, Berry Bob has stumbled into the house of legends! That's right, standing before him is none other than the mom of the soon-to-be greatest trainer alive! Will our awkward protagonist blow it with a dumb line? Place your bets!}
Bob's eyebrow twitched. He forced a smile at Mrs. Ketchum, lifting a hand in an awkward half-wave. "Uh… morning. Just passing through."
Mrs. Ketchum's gaze lingered on Gardevoir, her smile still polite but tight. "That's… quite a partner you have there."
Bob rubbed the back of his neck, cheeks heating. "Yeah. She's… something."
Gardevoir, meanwhile, was practically folding in on herself. Her aura buzzed with nervous energy, her blush deepening as Mrs. Ketchum's eyes stayed fixed on her. She edged closer to Bob, gown brushing his arm, her voice quivering through their bond. {Bob… too many eyes. I do not like this.}
He looked at her, then at the growing cluster of villagers whispering nearby. His chest ached with sympathy. Leaning closer, he whispered, "Do you want to go in the ball? Just for a little while, until we get to Oak's place. You can still talk to me through the link. No one will stare at you in there."
Her sapphire eyes flicked up at him, wide and uncertain. For a moment, she hesitated. Then, slowly, she gave a small nod.
"…Alright."
Bob smiled faintly, lowering his voice to a gentle murmur. "Your choice. Always." He held the ball out, and she touched it with delicate fingers. In a flash of red light, she vanished inside, the ball rocking once before settling at his belt.
Almost immediately, her presence pressed softly against his thoughts. {I can still hear you.}
Bob's lips twitched into a small smile. "Good. That's what I wanted."
Mrs. Ketchum, still watching him curiously, tilted her head. "Strange pair, aren't you?"
Bob let out a short, awkward laugh, tugging the strap of his pack tighter. "Yeah. Story of my life."
He gave her a polite nod and moved on, boots crunching against the dirt path as Oak's lab gleamed faintly on the hill above. Villagers' whispers trailed behind him, but with Gardevoir hidden from sight, the weight of their stares felt easier to bear.
Of course, Aqua couldn't resist.
{And there it is, folks! The towering Alpha retreats to her Poké Ball, the villagers breathe easier, and Berry Bob struts on toward destiny! Oak's lab ahead, awkward encounters behind, and somewhere in that very house he just passed… the sleeping chosen one of Kanto snores her way into history! Stay tuned!}
Bob's eyebrow ticked again. "…I swear, if you don't shut up…"
{You love me.}
He groaned into his hands. "I hate my life."
By the time he lowered them again, the crowd had started to disperse. Whispers still drifted behind him like smoke, but one by one the villagers went back to their chores, children were ushered inside, and the tension that had choked the street began to fade. Only the lingering memory of a hundred stares clung to Bob's skin as he trudged up the road, Oak's lab gleaming like a beacon at the top of the hill.
The climb felt longer than it should have. His sneakers crunched on the packed dirt, the path weaving between tilled fields and small white fences. From here, Pallet stretched out like a painted map behind him — neat, clean, ordinary — and yet he couldn't shake the absurdity of it all. Him. Bob. Walking straight toward Professor Oak's lab.
{Cue the drumroll,} Aqua's voice sang, bouncing around his skull like a bad carnival announcer. {And here comes our hero, folks, the berry-chomping, sarcasm-spitting rookie of the year! Will he get wisdom from the great Oak, or just trip on the front step and humiliate himself in front of history? Stay tuned!}
Bob muttered, "If I trip, I'm dragging you down with me."
{Promises, promises.}
Finally, the wide steps of Oak's lab came into view. The white walls loomed larger up close, the glass panes of its windows gleaming with reflected sunlight. The turbine above creaked faintly as its blades turned in the warm breeze. For a moment, Bob just stared at the door, heart pounding harder than he wanted to admit.
He lifted a fist, hesitated — then knocked.
The sound echoed through the quiet lab, a hollow thump that carried further than expected. He adjusted his hoodie, shifted his weight from one foot to the other, and waited.
The door cracked open.
And it wasn't Professor Oak.
A young woman with auburn-brown hair and gentle eyes stood framed in the doorway, sunlight catching on the edge of a neat green headband that kept her hair tucked back. She blinked once, then smiled politely.
Bob froze. …Wait. Who?
"Good morning," she said warmly. "Can I help you?"
Bob blinked again, brain fumbling. He had been braced for Oak's stern-but-kind face, not… this. He cleared his throat, forcing his words out. "Uh… yeah. Sorry. I was actually looking for Professor Oak. Is he in?"
Her smile brightened. "He is, yes. But he's in the middle of some work at the moment."
Bob rubbed the back of his neck, scrambling for something coherent. "Right. Uh… well, I kinda… traveled a long way to get here." He forced a laugh that came out more awkward than he'd meant. "My relatives told me I needed to register as a trainer here, with him. You know… paperwork, official stuff."
The young woman tilted her head, studying him with a curious but kind expression. "You came here just to register?"
"Yeah." Bob nodded quickly, clinging to the half-baked cover story like a life raft. "All the way here. Long road. Definitely didn't almost get flattened by parade floats and chased by psychic death monsters, nope. Just… a regular guy, trying to get his license."
{Smooth,} Aqua snorted. {Really smooth.}
Bob ignored her, smiling thinly at the woman, who looked unconvinced but far too polite to call him out.
"Well," she said gently, stepping back to open the door wider, "in that case, please come inside. I'll let Grandfather know you're here."
Grandfather.
Bob's brain clicked a second too late. Wait… Oak's granddaughter?
He stepped inside cautiously, eyes darting around the lab's entry hall — rows of shelves, faintly humming machines, and the faint smell of paper and metal mixed together. The woman closed the door behind him, her movements calm, practiced, almost serene.
He finally cleared his throat. "Sorry, I didn't catch your name."
She turned back toward him, her smile sweet. "Oh. Daisy. Daisy Oak."
Bob blinked, the realization crashing in all at once. Oh crap. This is Gary's sister.
Aqua squealed in his head like a gossiping fangirl. {Ohhhh ho ho! Look at that, folks! Our boy Berry Bob has stumbled not into Oak's hands, but into Daisy's! Sweet, gentle, beautiful Daisy Oak, standing right in front of him! Forget the professor — is this the start of a new love subplot?! Stay tuned!}
Bob's eyebrow twitched. "…Kill me now."
----
Daisy's footsteps were soft against the polished floor as she led him deeper into the lab. Bob followed, his sneakers squeaking faintly with every step, his eyes darting everywhere at once.
The air inside carried a faint mix of paper and polish, old wood and faint ozone from the lab equipment humming in distant corners. The walls, however, pulled his gaze and refused to let go.
Lining the corridor were trophies gleaming under the light, their golden plates engraved with names and dates Bob couldn't fully process at first. Framed certificates and photographs decorated the walls between them, each one a frozen slice of history: a younger Samuel Oak shaking hands with officials, holding championship medals, posing with teams of Pokémon whose eyes seemed to burn with power even through faded ink.
Bob slowed, his mouth falling open despite himself. "…Whoa."
Daisy glanced over her shoulder, then followed his gaze with a knowing smile. "Grandfather doesn't talk about those much anymore." She gestured lightly toward a framed photo of Oak, years younger, standing on a podium with a trophy in hand and a Dragonite at his side. "Before he was a professor… he was a trainer. One of the best. In fact, he was Champion once."
Bob blinked, his brain stuttering. "Wait. Champion? That Champion? Like… the Champion Champion?"
Daisy chuckled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Yes. For a time. He battled across regions, faced opponents many thought unbeatable. But eventually, he stepped down. Retired from competition. He said the future belonged to younger trainers. That was when he devoted himself to research… and to guiding the next generation." Her eyes softened, pride lingering in her tone. "That's the man you'll meet today. Not just a professor, but someone who's walked the path himself."
Bob stared, caught between awe and disbelief. His eyes drifted along the wall again — another plaque, another medal, another painting of Oak beside a proud Arcanine, its mane blazing like fire even in oil strokes.
{Ohhh, look at Berry Bob, starstruck like a kid in a candy store!} Aqua crowed in his skull, her voice booming like a stadium announcer. {Eyes wide, jaw slack, brain officially fried! Somebody get this man a napkin before he drools on the floor!}
Bob muttered under his breath, "I'm gonna break you into floppy disk pieces."
{Pfft, empty threats. Face it — you're fanboying so hard right now, your inner twelve-year-old just fainted.}
He ignored her, dragging his gaze back to Daisy, who was waiting patiently, amusement flickering in her gentle eyes. Bob scratched the back of his neck. "Sorry. It's just… a lot to take in. Where I come from, you hear about him as… y'know, the professor. The guy who gives you your first Pokémon. Not… all this."
Daisy smiled faintly. "That's what most people know him as now. And he prefers it that way. He'd rather be remembered as a guide than a Champion. But those who knew him then… never forget."
Bob swallowed hard, the weight of it sinking in. He was about to meet not just Professor Oak, but a man who had stood at the peak before choosing to pass the torch.
And for the first time since arriving in this world, he felt something new stirring under his sarcasm, his irritation, his constant confusion.
Respect.
Bob kept following Daisy, the polished floor clicking softly under her shoes while his sneakers squeaked faintly with each step. The walls of Oak's lab stretched out around him like a gallery of history — medals, framed certificates, team portraits of Pokémon that looked like they could tear through entire leagues. Every step he took was shadowed by the legacy of someone who had already lived a dozen lifetimes.
For a few blessed minutes, Aqua was quiet. No snark. No announcer voice. Just silence, letting him drink in the history of the place. He almost forgot she was there.
Then her voice returned.
Not the playful, teasing voice that had mocked him since he arrived. Not the sarcastic commentary that had painted every scene like a bad TV special. This time, her tone was lower. Steadier. Serious.
{Bob… before you meet him, there's something I need to tell you. Something I should have explained earlier.}
Bob slowed his pace, brows furrowing. Daisy hadn't noticed, still gliding ahead with calm, practiced steps. He muttered under his breath, "That tone can't mean anything good."
{It isn't,} Aqua admitted. {When I brought you here… I had to adjust you. Reset you in a way that made sense for this world.}
Bob frowned. "…Adjust me how?"
{Think about it,} she pressed. {In your old world, you've looked the same for years, haven't you? People around you aged, changed, but you… you didn't.}
His chest tightened. "…Yeah."
{That's because I de-aged you. You're eighteen now. That's the age trainers start their journey here. You blend in. Nobody questions why you're just beginning. It's the safest way to give you a place in this world.}
Bob froze mid-step, his brain stuttering like a computer crash. "…You did what?"
{De-aged you to eighteen. You still look like you — just… reset to the right starting line.}
His voice came out sharp, louder than he meant. "You de-aged me without asking?!"
{Would you have said yes if I asked?}
"Of course not!"
{Exactly,} she shot back, tone cool. {So I didn't ask.}
Bob pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning. "I swear, if you weren't in my head I'd strangle you."
{Save it, Bob. This isn't just about you being cranky. You need to listen to me, and I mean really listen.} Her voice dropped even lower, every word deliberate. {You cannot tell anyone you're from another world. Not Oak. Not Daisy. Not anyone you grow close to. Ever.}
Bob's brows furrowed. "…Why the hell not? If I tell Oak, maybe—"
{Stop.} The single word hit his mind like a hammer. {The last one thought like you. He trusted people. Told them he wasn't from here. At first, they didn't believe him. But when he proved it… the government found out. They locked him up. Ran tests on him like a lab rat. Dissected his life piece by piece.}
Bob's stomach twisted. "…Jesus…"
{He begged me to undo it, to erase their memories, to fix it. But by then, it was too late.} Aqua's voice faltered for the first time, and Bob could feel the weight behind it. {The only mercy I could give him… was to delete his world. Strip it from existence. Send him to the afterlife.}
The hallway felt colder. The plaques and trophies loomed heavier on the walls. Bob's throat went dry as he whispered, "You're serious."
{Dead serious,} Aqua answered quietly. {So don't be stupid. Don't slip. Smile, nod, play along. That's how you survive.}
Bob dragged a shaky breath through his nose, running a hand down his face. "…Great. No pressure."
{There's more.}
Bob groaned. "Of course there is."
{You've been given an identity. A legal one. Birth records, trainer registration, all forged clean. It's tucked away in your inventory.}
He stopped dead in the middle of the hall. "…I have an inventory?"
{Oh. Did I forget to mention that?}
His eyebrow twitched so violently it hurt. "Yes. You. Did."
{Whoopsie!} Aqua said with faux cheer. {Well, you do. Check it later. Your name, background, all the boring details are in there. Nobody will question you if they look you up. You're covered.}
Bob clenched his fists. "Do you enjoy withholding critical life-changing information until the most inconvenient moment possible?"
{Immensely.} Then her voice softened again, serious once more. {But I'm not kidding, Bob. Don't tell anyone about the system. Or me. Or where you came from. This isn't a game where everyone just smiles and nods. People here aren't ready for that truth.}
He swallowed hard, forcing his legs to move again, catching up to Daisy before she noticed he'd stopped. His voice came out low, bitter. "…So what you're saying is… I'm basically cosplaying normal life while a death sentence hangs over my head if I screw up."
{Exactly,} Aqua said bluntly.
"…I hate my life."
{And yet, you're welcome.}
Bob groaned, shoving his hands deep into his hoodie pocket as they reached a set of heavy double doors at the end of the hall. Daisy paused, smiling back at him, unaware of the storm raging in his skull. "He's just through here. I'll let him know you've arrived."
Bob nodded numbly, his pulse still thudding with Aqua's warnings as Daisy slipped inside.
Behind that door was Samuel Oak — the man, the myth, the Champion-turned-professor. And for the first time, Bob wasn't sure if he was ready to face him.
The heavy doors creaked open, and Daisy gestured for Bob to follow. His sneakers squeaked against the polished floor as he stepped into the heart of the lab.
The space was bigger than he expected — cavernous, high-ceilinged, with light flooding in from tall windows. Long tables stretched across the room, cluttered with machinery that hummed faintly, glass vials filled with strange liquids, and stacks of notes scrawled in handwriting so precise it felt clinical. The air smelled of metal, ink, and faint ozone, like a storm had just passed through.
And there, at the far end, stood Samuel Oak.
The man looked exactly like Bob remembered — and yet not. His hair had gone mostly silver, his face etched with lines of age, but his posture was still straight, his movements precise. Even doing something as mundane as flipping through papers, Oak carried himself with the weight of someone who had seen entire eras of trainers rise and fall.
Bob's heart slammed against his ribs. That's him. That's really him.
Oak looked up, his gaze cutting across the room with sharpness honed by decades. His eyes landed on Daisy first, and his face softened with warmth. "Ah, Daisy. Back so soon?" His gaze shifted, catching sight of Bob standing awkwardly in the doorway. His brows lifted slightly.
"Oh? And who's this you've brought with you?"
Before Bob could open his mouth, Oak's expression shifted — narrowing just enough to put Bob on edge. He clasped his hands behind his back, leaned forward slightly, and in a voice that carried the weight of every overprotective father figure in history, asked:
"…Is this your boyfriend?"
The world tilted.
"WHAT?!" Bob practically yelped, his hands shooting into the air as if he'd just been accused of grand larceny.
Daisy's face turned crimson, her hands flying up in protest. "Grandfather! No! He's not—don't just say things like that!"
Oak arched a single eyebrow, utterly unruffled. "I think it's a fair question. You bring a strange young man into my lab without explanation, and I'm not supposed to assume anything? That would be irresponsible of me."
Bob sputtered, waving his hands frantically. "Nope! Nope, nope, nope! Not a boyfriend! Not even close! I'm just—look, I came here to—this is not what it looks like!"
{OH HO HO!} Aqua's voice exploded in his skull, louder than ever, dripping with glee. {And here it is, folks! The legendary Oak himself, Champion of Kanto, master of research… delivering the classic Dad Vibes™! Our poor Berry Bob is squirming like a Magikarp on land! Ten out of ten awkward points! Crowd goes wild!}
Bob's eyebrow twitched so violently it felt like his forehead might split. He hissed under his breath, "I hate you so much."
Daisy pressed her palm to her forehead, groaning. "Grandfather, honestly. He's here because he wants to register as a trainer. That's all."
Oak's sharp gaze lingered on Bob for a long moment. Then, slowly, he nodded, his voice shifting back toward professional warmth. "Ah. I see." He straightened, stroking his chin as though measuring every inch of Bob where he stood. "So you've come to register. Hm. Not unheard of. Travelers do pass through now and again seeking to begin their journey here."
Bob swallowed, forcing his voice to stay steady. "Yeah. My relatives… told me to come here. Said this was where I needed to register."
Oak's eyes flicked briefly to the belt at Bob's waist — to the Poké Ball holding Gardevoir. "And I notice you've already bonded with a partner."
Bob tensed, his hand brushing instinctively against the ball. "Yeah. She, uh… found me, I guess."
Oak hummed thoughtfully, his gaze unreadable. "Curious. Most new trainers begin here with their first partner gifted to them. But the world has its own ways of arranging bonds."
Bob tried not to visibly squirm under the weight of his stare. Every second felt like Oak could see straight through him, peeling back the layers until the lie was bare. Don't slip, Aqua's warning echoed in his skull. Smile, nod, play along.
Oak finally let the silence break with a small chuckle, turning back to Daisy. "Well then, Daisy, you've brought me quite the surprise. Not a boyfriend after all, hm?"
"Grandfather!" Daisy groaned again, hiding her face in her hands.
Bob muttered, "Kill me now."
{Absolutely priceless,} Aqua laughed. {Dad Oak unlocked! This man is grilling you with the "I'll be watching you" speech and you're not even dating his granddaughter! Comedy gold!}
Oak adjusted his lab coat, then gestured toward a chair near his desk. "Very well. Sit, young man. If you've chosen the path of a trainer, then let's get you registered properly."
Bob shuffled over to the chair like a man on his way to the gallows, every step heavy with the realization that his cover story had better hold.
And as he sat, Oak's eyes never left him — sharp, curious, patient. The gaze of a man who had once stood at the very peak of the world and now chose to guide those who followed.
Bob exhaled slowly, gripping the edge of the chair. Great. I'm about to lie straight to Professor Oak's face. Fantastic. No pressure at all.
Bob sank into the chair, the leather creaking under his weight. The desk before him was covered in neatly stacked papers, pens aligned with surgical precision, and a large wooden stamp that looked older than Bob's entire apartment complex back home. Daisy hovered nearby, folding her hands in front of her, while Oak sat opposite him, posture straight, hands folded like a judge preparing to hear a case.
The silence stretched for a moment. Oak's eyes studied him carefully, weighing, measuring, stripping away layers Bob didn't even know he had.
Finally, Oak spoke.
"Every trainer who begins their journey must pass registration," he said, voice deep and steady. "That includes paperwork, yes, but also an aptitude test. It is not enough to hold a Poké Ball. One must understand what it means to be a trainer."
Bob's mouth went dry. "…An aptitude test?"
Daisy gave him a reassuring smile, as if to say don't worry, it's not that bad. But Oak didn't smile. Oak leaned forward slightly, elbows resting on the desk, and folded his hands together.
"Tell me," Oak began, "what is the most important responsibility of a trainer?"
Bob froze. His brain scrambled for an answer — textbook, safe, something smart-sounding. But nothing came. His gut lurched, and before he could stop himself, words tumbled out.
"Uh… not being a jerk?"
Oak blinked. Daisy's mouth twitched like she was fighting not to laugh.
Bob cleared his throat quickly. "I mean — your Pokémon are choosing to stick with you, right? They're trusting you. So… don't be a jerk about it. Don't treat them like tools. They're partners."
Oak leaned back, stroking his chin. His expression didn't change, but something flickered in his eyes. "Bluntly put… but not wrong."
{Ha!} Aqua cackled. {Look at you, Professor Sarcasm! Turning a life-defining question into playground wisdom! 'Rule number one: don't be a jerk.' Classic!}
Bob ground his teeth. Shut up.
Oak continued, his gaze never leaving Bob. "Second question. If a wild Pokémon attacks you — unprovoked, aggressive — what do you do?"
Bob hesitated, then answered, "Depends. If I can get away without fighting, I do that. If not…" His hand brushed the Poké Ball at his belt. "…I fight back. But I don't fight to kill. Just to get out alive."
Oak tilted his head, regarding him closely. "Interesting. Most answer that they'd simply command their Pokémon to battle. You consider retreat before force."
"Yeah, well, I like living."
Daisy coughed delicately into her hand, though Bob could swear her lips were twitching.
Oak pressed on. "Third question. What would you do if your Pokémon disobeyed you in a dangerous situation?"
Bob stiffened, his mind flashing back to Gardevoir's nervous fidgeting outside, to the way she'd leaned into him for reassurance. He let out a breath. "Then I'd trust them. If they're refusing, it's probably because they know something I don't. Forcing them could get us both killed. So I'd trust their judgment."
For the first time, Oak's lips curved faintly upward. "A rare answer."
{Ohhh, look at him go!} Aqua whooped like a cheerleader. {Berry Bob, speaking from the heart! Forget memorized lines — this man just winged it and nailed it! Somebody get him a medal! Or at least a participation trophy!}
Bob muttered, "I'm going to uninstall you with a shovel."
Oak clasped his hands again. "Last question. What matters more in battle: winning… or protecting your Pokémon?"
Bob didn't hesitate this time. His voice came firm, clear. "Protecting them. Every time. Winning doesn't matter if they get hurt so badly they can't fight again. Or if they stop trusting me."
The silence that followed was heavy. Oak's eyes searched his face, reading every line, every twitch of muscle, every flicker of doubt. Then, slowly, he nodded.
"…Not polished," Oak said at last. "Not rehearsed. But honest. And honesty carries further than any manual."
He reached for the wooden stamp, pressed it into an ink pad, and brought it down firmly on the paper before him. The sound echoed like a gavel.
"Congratulations. You are now officially recognized as a registered Pokémon trainer."
Bob let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. His shoulders sagged with relief. Holy crap. I actually pulled it off.
And then Oak leaned back in his chair, his sharp eyes twinkling with just a hint of mischief. "Still," he added, "if you were Daisy's boyfriend, I would expect the same answers."
"Grandfather!" Daisy's cheeks flared red as she threw her hands up in exasperation.
Bob slammed his forehead into the desk with a groan. "…Kill me now."
{BWAHAHA!} Aqua howled, her laughter filling his skull. {Dad Oak strikes again! The boyfriend bomb never fails! Oh, Berry Bob, you'll never live this down!}
Bob's muffled voice came from the wood.
Forty-five minutes crawled by like hours. The test was over, his registration had been stamped, but Oak wasn't done yet. There were still forms to fill, signatures to scrawl, little boxes to tick off. Daisy had set a stack of documents in front of him, and Bob hunched over the desk, pen in hand, tongue poking slightly from the corner of his mouth as he tried not to mess up.
The room was quieter now. Oak busied himself with his own notes, Daisy moved gracefully between shelves, and for a rare moment, Aqua had fallen silent, apparently bored with paperwork.
Bob sighed, tapping the pen against the page. "Name… check. Birth date… uhh, guess that's in the system now, thanks to Aqua. Place of residence…" He mumbled under his breath, filling in each line with care. "Feels like I'm applying for a damn loan, not becoming a trainer."
The pen scratched across the last line when it happened.
BAM!
The lab door slammed open with a force that rattled the hinges. Papers on the desk fluttered, a few test tubes on the nearby counter clinked together, and Bob jumped so hard the pen left a jagged streak across his form.
"Gramps!"
The voice was loud, brash, overflowing with arrogance. Bob turned in his chair just in time to see him stride in — spiky brown hair, smug grin, jacket collar popped like he thought it was the latest fashion.
Gary Oak.
Bob's jaw tightened. Oh, great. Him.
Gary spread his arms as if announcing himself to a stadium. "Guess who's here to get his starter Pokémon? That's right — the future number one trainer in the world!"
Daisy rolled her eyes but didn't comment. Oak looked up from his notes with a sigh that carried decades of patience. "Gary…"
Gary smirked, flashing his teeth. "Don't worry, Gramps, I'll make you proud. While the other rookies are fumbling around with weaklings, I'll already be crushing gyms left and right. Nobody's gonna stop me."
Bob muttered, "Subtle as a brick to the face."
{OHHH,} Aqua's voice burst to life again, gleeful as a child at a circus. {And here comes the rival, folks! Cocky, loud, and dressed like he fell out of a Saturday morning cartoon — wait, oh right, he did! Look at him, strutting in like he owns the place! Cue the eye roll! Cue the dramatic music! It's Rival Time™!}
Bob pinched the bridge of his nose. "Of course you'd enjoy this."
Gary finally noticed him, his smirk faltering just a hair. His sharp eyes flicked from Bob's hoodie to the stack of papers on the desk, then narrowed slightly. "And who the heck are you?"
Bob opened his mouth, then paused, weighing his words. "…Just a guy. Registering."
Gary scoffed. "Hah! Figures. Some nobody getting in the way while real trainers prepare to shine." He flicked his hair back with a practiced motion and smirked again. "Better take good notes while I'm around, pal. You might learn something."
Bob's eyebrow twitched. "…Do all Oaks come with built-in arrogance, or just you?"
Gary froze, his smirk faltering for the first time. Daisy let out a soft snort, quickly hiding it behind her hand. Even Oak's lips twitched, though he quickly coughed into his fist to cover it.
{OHHHH,} Aqua squealed, voice dripping with amusement. {First blood to Berry Bob! Rival Gary walks in swinging, and our boy counters with the sass of a thousand suns! Folks, this is already shaping up to be fight of the year!}
Gary glared at Bob, his jaw tightening. "Tch. Whatever. Don't think this means anything. Once I get my Pokémon, I'll prove I'm the best. And you? You'll just be another rookie I leave in the dust."
Bob leaned back in his chair, smirking faintly. "Yeah, sure. Can't wait."
Oak finally cleared his throat, stepping in before the tension could snap. "That's enough, Gary. You'll have your chance soon enough. For now, let's focus on the task at hand."
Gary huffed, crossing his arms, but didn't argue further. He threw one last glare at Bob before turning away, muttering under his breath.
Bob sighed, dragging a hand down his face.
Aqua giggled.
The last form finally slid across the desk with a soft scrape of paper. Bob set the pen down like it weighed a hundred pounds and leaned back, exhaling in relief. His handwriting looked like a crime scene in places, but every line was filled, every box checked. Daisy flipped through the stack, her neat eyes scanning for mistakes, and gave a small nod of approval.
"Everything seems in order," she said softly, smiling at him. "I'll handle the next step — processing your Trainer ID."
Oak gave her a nod. "Thank you, Daisy. Please see to it." He turned his gaze back to Bob, sharp but not unkind. "As for you, young man, come with me. There's more to being a trainer than papers and stamps. You'll want to see this."
Bob blinked. "More tests?"
Oak's lips twitched faintly. "Something like that."
Bob groaned under his breath. "I hate my life…"
{Cheer up,} Aqua chimed in, smug as ever. {Maybe you'll get a free cookie. Or a pat on the head. Or — ooooh — a sticker chart! Professors love sticker charts!}
Bob ignored her, pushing himself out of the chair and trailing after Oak. The professor's steps were steady and measured as he led the way down a wide corridor, his lab coat swishing faintly with each stride. Bob followed, hands jammed in his hoodie pocket, eyes darting across every strange piece of machinery they passed.
They emerged into another section of the lab — this one brighter, more open, with rows of counters and equipment neatly arranged. And at the far side of the room, bouncing on his heels with a cocky smirk plastered across his face, was Gary Oak.
"About time!" Gary said loudly, crossing his arms. "I've been waiting forever, Gramps. Thought you'd forgotten about your future number one trainer."
Oak sighed, but there was patience in his tone. "Patience is part of being a trainer, Gary. You'll learn that in time." He stepped to a counter where three Poké Balls rested neatly in a row. His hand hovered briefly over them, then selected one. "As promised, here is your starter. Squirtle."
He pressed the release, and in a flash of red light, the small turtle Pokémon appeared, blinking up at its new trainer. Its shell gleamed under the lights, its tail curled like a question mark. It tilted its head, curious.
Gary grinned, crouching down to meet its eyes. "Heh. Perfect. You and me, Squirtle, we're gonna leave everyone else in the dust." He scooped it up confidently, turning to Bob with his smirk returning in full force. "Starting with him."
Bob blinked. "Wait, what?"
"You." Gary jabbed a finger at his chest. "C'mon. Let's battle. Right here, right now. My Squirtle against whatever scrub you've got. We'll see who's really trainer material."
Bob exhaled slowly, dragging a hand down his face. "Look… I know the rules. I know what a trainer battle is. But trust me, this isn't a good idea."
Gary scoffed, hair flicking with practiced arrogance. "What, scared? Don't even know how to battle yet? Figures. You don't look like a trainer."
Bob's brow twitched, but he held his ground. "I'm not scared. I'm being honest. It wouldn't be fair to you."
Squirtle blinked up at him curiously, while Gary's smirk faltered into a scowl. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Bob tapped the Poké Ball at his belt, his tone low but firm. "The partner I've got? She's not some rookie-level catch. She's strong. Too strong. Sending a level-five Squirtle against her would be like throwing a kid into a boxing match with a pro heavyweight."
Gary's smug expression cracked for the first time. "Level… five?"
Oak's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze drifting to Bob's Poké Ball. His voice was measured, calm, but edged with curiosity. "So… your partner is at a high level already."
Bob swallowed, careful with his words. "Yeah. She's been through a lot. More than I can explain right now. If I sent her out here, she'd crush that Squirtle without trying. And I'm not about to humiliate a brand-new Pokémon on its first day."
For a moment, the room was quiet except for the faint hum of machinery. Gary shifted uncomfortably, Squirtle tilting its head at him as if sensing the tension.
{OHHH,} Aqua chimed in, her voice gleeful but tinged with mock seriousness. {Berry Bob dropping the truth bomb! 'My waifu could beat up your turtle' — ten out of ten for honesty, minus ten for delivery!}
Bob muttered under his breath, "Not helping."
Oak finally broke the silence with a small nod. "A wise choice. Knowing when not to battle is as important as knowing when to fight. That restraint is rare in new trainers."
Gary sneered, arms crossed, Squirtle flexing its little arms beside him. "Heh. Figures. Probably just an excuse. Bet your Pokémon's weak and you're afraid you'd lose in front of Gramps and Daisy. Better to pretend she's some unstoppable monster than admit you've got nothing."
Bob's eye twitched. He inhaled slowly through his nose. "That's not it."
Gary smirked wider, sensing blood. "Sure, sure. Classic coward move. Talk big, refuse to prove it. Guess you'll be just another trainer I leave in the dust."
Bob pinched the bridge of his nose. He was seconds away from walking out when Aqua's voice burst into his skull, high-pitched and theatrical.
{OHHHHH, you're just gonna take that, Berry Bob? Really? This punk's calling you weak, calling Gardevoir weak, basically spitting in your face! I mean, wow, if it were me, I'd stomp him so hard his grandkids would feel it!}
Bob hissed under his breath. "Shut up."
{Nooo, don't shut up! Listen to him, calling you scared! Calling your partner a weakling! Are you really gonna sit there and take it? C'mon, Bob, where's your pride? Where's your fire? Where's your anime protagonist energy?!}
Gary snorted, clearly enjoying himself. "Figures. Can't even answer. Guess that makes me right."
That was it.
Bob slammed his palm against the desk, making Daisy jump and Oak raise his brows. "Fine!" he snapped. "You want a battle? You've got one."
Gary's grin split wide as Squirtle pumped its tiny fists. "Finally!"
Oak gave a slow exhale, rubbing his temple. "Really now…"
Daisy looked worried, glancing between them. "Grandfather—"
But Oak lifted a hand, calming her. His eyes lingered on Bob, sharp and thoughtful, before softening. "If he's chosen to accept, then let it play out. Every new trainer must learn lessons the hard way sometimes." He met Bob's eyes deliberately, silently asking are you sure?
Bob's jaw tightened, but he gave a short nod. "Yeah. I'm sure."
Oak sighed, then nodded. "Very well. Let's take this outside."
---
The sun hung low in the sky as they stepped out into the field behind the lab, the grass rippling gently in the breeze. A small group of villagers had already begun to gather — word traveled fast in Pallet, and Oak's backyard battles were the stuff of local gossip.
Gary strutted across the grass, Squirtle jogging proudly at his heels. "Alright, mystery man. Don't cry when you lose. Squirtle and I are about to make history."
Bob exhaled slowly, unclipping the Poké Ball from his belt. His fingers lingered on it, his pulse steadying. He brushed his thoughts against hers, speaking through their bond. Gardevoir… I'm sorry. I didn't want you to have to battle yet. Not like this. Not against a child and his first Pokémon. But the backtalk pushed me too far. I'll make it up to you, I promise.
Inside the ball, warmth pressed against his mind, her quiet voice soft as silk. {If it is what you want… I'll fight. For you.}
Bob smiled faintly....Yeah. You know now that I think about I should give you a namen. You deserve one. Not just "Gardevoir." From now on, you're Diana
There was a pause, then a ripple of emotion — shy joy, gratitude, and something warmer that made his chest tighten. {Diana… I like it.}
Bob raised the ball high, his voice firm. "Come on out… Diana!"
The ball split open in a blaze of red light, energy swirling upward like a pillar before it burst apart, revealing her towering form. Shiny, radiant, graceful — her pale gown shimmered in the sunlight, sapphire hair cascading over her shoulders. She landed softly on the grass, eyes glowing faintly as she looked back at him with the faintest smile.
The crowd gasped.
Gary's smirk evaporated instantly. "Wh—what the hell…" His Squirtle squeaked, shrinking back slightly.
Daisy's hands flew to her mouth, her eyes sparkling with awe. "She's… beautiful."
Oak's eyes widened, the calm mask slipping for the first time as his gaze locked on the Alpha. His breath caught in his throat. "…Extraordinary."
Bob pointed across the field, his voice steady. "Alright, Diana. Let's do this."
Diana nodded, her smile growing just enough to show she was ready.
Gary gulped, sweat beading at his temple. "S-Squirtle… get ready!"
The two trainers stood across from one another, partners at their sides, the air thick with anticipation.
The first real battle of Bob's new life was about to begin.