"Mom I'll be heading out first. "
Leyn adjusted his backpack and called out a cheerful goodbye to his mother. He had promised to meet Leaf early so they could head to the lab together. The streets of Pallet Town were calm, the breeze soft and fresh, carrying the faint scent of flowers from the meadows.
When he reached the Maple residence, Leaf was already standing by the gate, tying her hair into a ponytail. She looked up when she saw him and waved, her face bright.
"Morning, Leyn!" she greeted.
"Morning, Leaf," Leyn replied, smiling. "Let's go?"
Leaf nodded, then turned back toward the door. "Let me just tell Grandma first."
Leyn peeked inside and gave a polite wave. "Good morning, Mrs. Maple!"
The elderly woman smiled warmly from the porch. "Good morning, dear. Off to the lab again?"
"Yup!" Leyn grinned. "We're going to help with the Pokémon care today."
Mrs. Maple chuckled. "Such hardworking kids. Take care of my granddaughter, alright?"
"I will!" Leyn replied.
Leaf came running back with her satchel and a small container in hand. "Let's go! Grandma said I can only stay until noon. My parents are coming this afternoon."
Leyn blinked. "Your parents are? That's great! I'll go with you to greet them later."
Leaf's face softened into a smile. "Sure. I think they'd like that."
The two walked down the cobblestone path side by side, the morning sun warming their faces. Pallet Town had that peaceful air that made even small things feel meaningful — the distant chatter of wild Pidgey, the rustle of grass, and the laughter of children near the stream.
When they arrived at the lab, the familiar sound of Pokémon filled the air — chirps, hums, and mechanical beeps from the research equipment. Inside, Leyn immediately spotted Rhea and Gerald near one of the workbenches, deep in discussion while checking notes and Poké Balls. Professor Oak stood a little further away, speaking through a videophone to another researcher.
Rhea turned when she saw them. "Oh, Leaf, Leyn, good morning!" she greeted warmly.
"Morning!" both said in unison.
Gerald smiled, removing his gloves. "You two came early again, huh?"
"Yeah," Leyn grinned. "We wanted to help with the feeding before it gets crowded."
Leaf added with a giggle, "And I'll be leaving by noon to meet my parents!"
Rhea's eyes softened. "That's wonderful, dear. You must be excited."
Leaf nodded, and even Professor Oak, overhearing from across the room, smiled proudly. "Ah, Leaf's parents, huh? They've been busy lately. Tell them I said hello when they arrive."
"I will, Professor!" Leaf replied brightly.
With greetings done, the kids made their way to the Pokémon enclosure. Pikachu was already there playing with a few lab Pokémon — its cheerful cries filling the room. It ran up to them the moment they entered.
"Pikachu!" it chirped, hopping excitedly in place.
"Hey there, buddy," Leyn said, crouching to pat its head. "Ready to help out?"
"Pika!" Pikachu saluted, making both Leaf and Leyn laugh.
They got to work right away — refilling feeders, cleaning troughs, and helping with the Pokémon care rotation. The Alolan Vulpix, still recovering, lay curled near the cooling unit. Leyn crouched beside it and gently brushed its fur. The Vulpix opened one icy-blue eye and gave a soft chirp, its breath cold and misty.
"You're looking better today," Leyn said softly, smiling as he set down a small bowl of food. "Eat up, okay? You'll get your strength back soon."
Leaf knelt beside him, brushing some frost off the Vulpix's fur. "It's so cute… I hope it gets better soon."
"It will," Leyn said with quiet certainty. "Pokémon heal faster when they're surrounded by care. Right, Pikachu?"
"Pikaaa!" Pikachu agreed proudly.
The lab was full of warmth and laughter. Leyn and Leaf worked together, sometimes competing over who could finish feeding faster, sometimes teasing each other when one messed up. Rhea and Gerald smiled as they watched the two, seeing how naturally they fit into the rhythm of the lab.
By the time the clock neared noon, Leaf was wiping her hands and glancing toward the window, where sunlight poured in warmly. "It's almost time," she said softly.
Leyn turned from where he was cleaning a dish. "You're heading off?"
"Yeah," Leaf nodded. "Grandma said my parents should arrive this afternoon. I'll come back tomorrow to help again!"
"Alright," Leyn smiled, waving as Pikachu waved its tiny paw. "See you later! I'll come by before dusk, okay?"
"Sure!" Leaf said, smiling wide. "I'll be waiting."
With that, she headed off, her brown hair swaying as she ran down the dirt path, her laughter fading with the breeze.
Leyn watched her go for a moment before turning to Pikachu. "Well, looks like it's just us again, huh?"
"Pika pika," Pikachu chirped, hopping back onto a nearby table.
The rest of the afternoon passed quietly. Leyn helped refill feeders and checked on the Pokémon again with his mother. Pikachu stayed close, occasionally curling up on the counter or helping by carrying berries with its little paws. When Leyn looked outside later, the light had turned soft orange — dusk drawing near.
"Guess I should get going," he said, setting the last bowl in place. He turned to his mother and father. "Mom, Dad, I'm heading out. I promised to meet Leaf before sunset."
Rhea smiled warmly. "Alright, sweetie. Be careful, okay?"
Gerald nodded. "Stay on the main path. Don't wander into the fields."
Professor Oak turned from his desk and smiled. "Actually, take Pikachu with you. He'll keep you safe on the way. The wild Pokémon have been restless lately."
Pikachu perked up immediately, ears twitching, and leapt onto Leyn's shoulder. "Pika!"
Leyn chuckled. "Alright, sounds good. Come on, partner."
"Pikapi!"
With that, Leyn said his goodbyes and stepped out of the lab into the gentle evening air. The sky was painted in streaks of orange and purple, the wind soft against his face as he followed the dirt path toward the Maple residence. The air smelled faintly of wildflowers, the calm before nightfall.
"Think Leaf's parents are already there?" he wondered aloud.
The forest was quiet — too quiet. The usual rustling of Pidgey had faded, replaced by a distant echo of wings. He frowned but kept walking.
When the Maple house came into view, he spotted Leaf near the fence, standing and looking toward the horizon. Her hair caught the last light of the setting sun, glowing like gold.
"Ah — Leaf!" Leyn called, raising his hand in greeting.
But before he could take another step, the air split with a piercing cry.
"KEEEAAAHHH!"
Leyn froze. His eyes shot upward. Out of the dimming orange sky came a massive Fearow, its wings slicing through the air like blades, with two Spearows trailing behind it. Their cries were sharp and furious — the sound of wildness.
Leaf turned, confusion flashing across her face — and that was when the shadow of the Fearow fell over her.
Leyn's heart stopped.
"Leaf—!!"
The world seemed to blur as he ran forward, the shriek of the Fearow echoing across the open fields, with its talon's shadow hovering over Leaf.
And in that instant…
Pallet Town's peace was shattered.