The sun had already dipped below the treeline when Leyn and Pikachu started walking back toward the lab. The path glowed faintly orange from the lingering sunset, and the quiet hum of evening crickets filled the air.
Leyn's hands were in his pockets, his brow slightly furrowed. "Pikachu… about those Fearow and Spearow Professor Oak mentioned earlier…"
Pikachu turned his head curiously, tilting his ears. "Pi?"
"I was just thinking," Leyn continued, "what if they come closer to town? Shouldn't we… I don't know, help somehow?" He sighed. "But I don't even know what to do."
Pikachu gave a thoughtful chirp and then scampered ahead, his tail wagging as though saying, *We'll figure it out when we get there.*
Leyn smiled faintly. "Yeah, maybe you're right."
When they reached the lab, the lights inside were still on, but the air felt calm and quiet. Most of the aides had gone home. Through the open door, Leyn saw only Rhea, waiting near one of the tables, her lab coat draped over her arm.
"Ah, there you are," Rhea said gently, smiling when she saw them. "Your father and Professor Oak are still finishing something important. Let's head home first."
Pikachu hopped up to her shoulder, nuzzling her cheek affectionately. "Pika!"
Rhea giggled softly. "You're quite affectionate tonight."
"Pika pi~" Pikachu said proudly, leaning closer—
Zap!
A tiny static spark popped against her cheek, making her flinch with a laugh. "Ow! A gentle one this time, at least."
Leyn laughed, shaking his head. "He really likes you, Mom."
"Apparently so." She stroked Pikachu's head before setting him back down. "Be a good boy and help the Professor, alright?"
"Pika!" Pikachu saluted playfully.
Rhea smiled and took Leyn's hand as they stepped out into the night air. "Come on, let's go home before it gets too dark."
---
The road to their house was quiet, lined with the faint glow of the street lamps. Rhea carried a small folder of notes from her day, and Leyn walked beside her, still thinking about the Fearow.
"Mom," he said softly, "about the Fearow and Spearow… are they really that dangerous?"
Rhea's expression softened. "They can be, under certain circumstances. Spearows are very protective in groups, and Fearows are territorial. Normally, they stay far from towns, but lately… well, something's bothering them."
"Professor Oak said they're coming closer," Leyn murmured.
Rhea nodded. "That's right. And that's why you have to be careful, alright? If you see one, don't try to approach it. Just stay calm and move away slowly. They only attack if they think you're a threat."
"I will," Leyn said quietly. "Promise."
She smiled. "Good boy."
---
By the time they arrived, the smell of cooked rice and grilled vegetables filled the air. Rhea quickly got to work setting the table while Leyn helped pour water into cups. The door opened not long after, and Gerald stepped inside—his shoulders heavy, his coat slightly wrinkled.
"Welcome home," Rhea said softly. "Rough day?"
Gerald sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. "You could say that." He sat down, stretching his arms before glancing at Leyn. "How was your day, champ?"
"Good!" Leyn grinned. "We saw a Vulpix hatch! And Professor Oak taught us a lot."
Gerald's eyes softened. "That sounds wonderful."
As Rhea brought the food to the table, Leyn leaned forward, curiosity sparking again. "Dad, about the Fearow—what's going on with them?"
Gerald chuckled tiredly. "You really don't miss anything, huh?"
Leyn shook his head. "Nope. I wanna know."
Gerald exchanged a glance with Rhea, then smiled faintly. "Well, we were thinking about what to do with them. The team came up with some early plans to help calm their territory instead of forcing them out."
Leyn tilted his head. "Why not just… defeat them and throw them far away?"
Rhea stifled a small laugh, but Gerald only smiled patiently. "That's not how it works, son. We're people who live *with* Pokémon, not against them. We help each other. Fearows might be scary, but they're not evil. They're just reacting to something."
Leyn nodded slowly, thoughtful. "I get it… so helping them helps us too."
"That's right." Gerald ruffled his hair with a grin. "That's what being a good researcher—and a good trainer—means."
Rhea chuckled. "He's already asking about Fearow strategies and Pokémon eggs. I think we've got another lab assistant in the making."
"Ha! He's got your curiosity, that's for sure."
The room filled with laughter and the clinking of dishes, warmth chasing away the tension of the day.
---
Meanwhile, at the Maple Residence
In another part of town, Leaf sat at her dinner table, practically glowing with excitement.
"And then the egg started cracking—crack, crack!—and this little white Vulpix came out! It sneezed snow, Grandma! Real snow!"
Mrs. Maple chuckled, her kind eyes crinkling at the corners. "That must've been a sight."
"It was!" Leaf grinned wide. "And Pikachu was there too, and he said—well, not said, but like, you could tell he was saying the Vulpix was his junior!"
Her grandmother laughed softly, gently patting Leaf's head. "You've had quite the day, haven't you?"
Leaf nodded eagerly, already taking another bite of her meal.
Mrs. Maple looked thoughtful for a moment before saying, "Oh, by the way, your parents called earlier."
Leaf paused mid-bite, eyes widening. "My parents?"
"Yes," Mrs. Maple said with a smile. "They'll be arriving tomorrow afternoon. Seems they have a short break from work."
Leaf's eyes sparkled. "Really?! Are they gonna live with us now?"
Her grandmother's smile softened. "That, I don't know yet. Their jobs keep them quite busy. They just said they'll talk to us about it tomorrow."
Leaf's shoulders lowered a little at that, but she still smiled faintly. "So… they might not stay long."
Mrs. Maple reached over and brushed her granddaughter's hair back gently. "Maybe not for long, dear. But they're coming. That's what matters."
Leaf nodded, her smile returning, brighter this time. "Then I'll tell them all about the Vulpix! And Leyn! And Professor Oak! They'll be so proud!"
Her grandmother chuckled softly. "I'm sure they will."
Outside, the soft wind rustled through the trees, carrying the sounds of laughter and quiet hope through Pallet Town.