After helping out at the café for a while, I followed the Alcremie to prepare a batch of "Peach" snacks—recipes inspired by memories of my past life. The limited-edition treats flew off the shelves as enthusiastic customers snapped them up.
Once the busy rush passed, despite it being a holiday, Mom reminded me to make use of the time for my own things.
Back in my room, I sat at my desk and glanced over the neat schedule taped to the wall. The red circle marking the start of school loomed close.
Nyx busied herself on the soft cushion beside me.
Bang.
A strange little creature popped onto the mat—and just as suddenly, Nyx disappeared into the shadows.
"Nyx? Nyx!" She fluttered out, cheeks faintly pink, looking embarrassed by her failed illusion. With a quick gesture, she erased the decoy as if nothing happened.
I didn't call her out. Instead, I smiled faintly and returned to writing.
Eventually, Nyx grew tired of practice and slipped out the window.
"Be safe and come back early," I called without looking up.
"Mis~" came the distant, carefree reply.
Her mischievous spirit never faded.
Later, I stretched and approached an old machine—the single-player intermediate energy cube maker my father gave me on my twelfth birthday, after I aced my junior breeder exam.
Years of use had left it worn, and as I worked, it creaked and hummed softly.
"I need to prepare tomorrow's food and Nyx's dinner too," I muttered, hands moving with clockwork precision. "Her appetite's really picking up. Might be time to upgrade this machine and tweak recipes."
Though my motions lacked the grace of top breeders, my speed, accuracy, and mental coordination were nearly mechanical—a gift from the strange powers fused in me.
Energy cubes formed in neat boxes, and I packed them carefully, saving just two small boxes for myself.
"Haha, you're really good at this," I told myself with satisfaction.
As the sun dipped, a dusty, muddy Nyx floated stealthily into the room.
"Why the mud again?" I asked with mock sternness.
"Mis~" she chirped, then leapt into my arms, smearing my shirt.
"Well, you're a little dirty monkey. Bath time before dinner!"
I wrapped her in a warm towel, and her hum of comfort filled the room.
In the bathtub, Nyx splashed wildly, soaked but happy. I patiently cleaned her with a soft brush until all the dirt vanished. She clung to my hand, reluctant to let go, her attachment beyond words.
Dinner was lively.
Nyx, wrapped in a handkerchief cloak, ate voraciously, occasionally snatching food from my bowl, making me laugh.
Mom sipped soup and supported Nyx warmly. Nearby, the Alcremie and Milcery eagerly enjoyed the elf food and energy cubes I prepared.
"Mis~!" Nyx puffed up proudly, feeling bold with Mom's backing.
Dad sat across, quietly watching the news, sharing the room with his trusted companions—Aegislash and Braviary. I heard from my mom, that back in those good old days when Dad was full of youth and spirit, he participated in the Lily of the Valley Conference and secured Runner-Up Position thrice in a Row, before quitting Trainer Profession to pursue his interest in Research and Mythological Studies. In his younger days, Alongside Aegislash and Braviary, He also had Breloom and Sigilyph as his partners. Now Breloom and Sigilyph live at Breeding Facility of Lumiose University, where my father works, to train and breed offsprings for talented Youth Trainers. My Father also receives certain privilege and extra income, for helping the University in its Trainer and Battle Programs Exchange. Though old, Aegislash and Braviary had cared for me since my birth and now continue to care for Nyx in the same way, since she first arrived.
Dad put down his fork. "You're scheduled for the intermediate breeder's assessment tomorrow. How are your preparations? Before I came back, the university chairman asked if you're interested in continuing your studies at Lumiose University after graduation—trainer studies or breeder studies. Your grades are more than good enough."
Mom cut in, frowning, "Kevin, don't discuss that at dinner."
He smiled at her and resumed eating quietly.
"I'm ready for the test and have everything prepared, including fees. As for college, I'm still undecided—can I think about it a bit more?" I answered honestly.
"Of course," Dad said sincerely. "We just want you to know the options. Lumiose University's trainer and battle programs are excellent. But it's your choice. You can explore other paths if you want."
Mom nodded, and the family's respect for each other's opinions filled the room.
After dinner and some reading, I prepared for bed.
"Nyx, you've got to get up early tomorrow. No playing around," I reminded.
"Mis~" she nodded, though a spark of mischief glinted in her eyes.
The room darkened, and soon only steady breathing remained.
Nyx, nestled on my shoulder beneath the quilt, slipped quietly out the window. Despite her young, fragile foundation, her combat power was nearly equal to a typical gym apprentice's official Pokémon—thanks to two years of tireless training, care, and carefully selected moves.
Though not officially a trainer then, I poured my heart into her growth—energy cubes, top-tier food, and skill discs like Protect, Hex, and Thunder Wave.
Nyx often sneaked out at night to spar with wild or stray Pokémon near the beach and woods, building strength and trust in herself.
As she floated away, I opened my eyes, checked the time, and set an alarm.
I knew her training came with risks—battles sometimes left injuries. My massage and healing skills kept improving, but I wouldn't stop her. She deserved to reclaim her life.
The next morning, Nyx and I left early for the Shalour Branch of the Breeders Association.
Under sixteen, I could only take the junior breeder exam. Now, having passed that and earned my trainer license, I was here to register for the intermediate breeder assessment—the gateway to becoming a "real breeder."
Intermediate breeders could open small pharmacies or breeding houses and work as consultants. But the exam was tough and rare, only held in large cities like Lumiose.
At the quiet registration desk, I handed over forms and the hefty 100,000 Alliance Coin fee—a steep price reflecting the profession's prestige and costs.
"Fred, intermediate breeder assessment? You think you can clear this on your first try? I think you are too full of yourself to think of it as an easy assessment! Well, Goodluck boy....," yawned the clerk, Richard.
He took my entry box of primary energy cubes—the official formula sold to institutions.
"My cubes will fetch 20-30% higher prices on the market," I said proudly.
"Alright, you're set. The test is April 8th. School will have started by then—you'll need leave to go to Lumiose City."
Richard raised an eyebrow but shrugged.
"Thanks, Mister Richard," I smiled and left as the quiet office began to fill with people.
At 2:30 pm in the downtown park, Tina, my longtime friend, teased me, "You're so hard to pin down after the holidays!"
"Sorry, I've been busy finishing that script you asked for," I said apologetically.
Tina laughed, "I'm a generous lady. But Mark has something else to tell you.
Mark stepped forward, handing me a notice.
"The Kalos Academy Youth Championship registration is out. You topped theory and simulation. If your battles go well, you'll have a spot. Mr. Thornton says you must train with the combat department next semester—no slacking off with Nyx."
Nyx floated up sleepily, just like any student bringing their Pokémon to school.
Mark warned gently, "Don't let Nyx sleep all day."
Tina teased Mark, "Fred's been the top student two years running—no need to worry."
I smiled, feeling the weight of their faith, and nodded firmly.
"Alright, back to business—how's the graduation script coming?"