A/N: Happy New Year everyone, on this auspicious day I have published my original novel. You can find it by searching 'Arcane Script'. Due to being in vetting phase it is not yet visible in my author profile. Show your love and leave reviews.
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I woke up early the next morning, the pale light of dawn filtering through the curtains.
No alarms.
No emergency calls.
No government briefings.
Just… a plan.
I stretched, rolled out of bed, and went through my routine on autopilot—wash, brush, light workout, shower. By the time I stepped out, the villa was already awake in its own quiet way.
Pikachu was waiting near the window, tail swaying lazily.
"Pika."
"Morning," I said, rubbing her head.
From the couch came a small, determined sound.
"Happi!"
Happiny waddled toward me, stone clutched tightly, eyes bright and expectant. She'd clearly already decided something.
I crouched and looked at her properly.
"Today might be noisy," I warned gently. "Crowded. Unfamiliar."
She nodded.
"Dangerous sometimes."
Another nod.
"And you'll see Pokémon get hurt."
She hesitated… then nodded again, slower this time.
Chansey stood a short distance away, watching the exchange closely.
I looked up at her. "I want to take her with me today."
Chansey studied Happiny, then me.
After a few seconds, she smiled and nodded once.
"Chan…sey."
(She needs to see the world.)
That settled it.
Preparing the Team
I packed light.
Medical pouch—extra potions, berries, basic bandages.
Pokéblocks.
A few repels.
No unnecessary gear.
Today wasn't about fighting recklessly.
It was about exposure.
I recalled my team one by one.
Pidgeotto.
Mankey.
Grookey.
Rhyhorn.
Pikachu.
All into their Pokéballs—except Pikachu, who immediately climbed onto my shoulder like it was her rightful throne.
Happiny, of course, refused the ball entirely.
She curled comfortably in my arms, stone resting against her chest like a badge of honor.
Chansey walked us to the gate.
"Don't worry," I said softly. "I'll bring her back before sunset."
Chansey placed a gentle hand on Happiny's head, then looked at me with that familiar, calm seriousness.
"Be careful."
I nodded.
Always.
On the Road
I called a cab instead of driving myself. Sometimes it was easier to let someone else handle the road while my mind focused elsewhere.
The driver glanced at Pikachu in the rearview mirror.
"…Is that safe?"
Pikachu stared back.
"Pika."
He swallowed. "Right. Of course it is."
Happiny waved cheerfully at him.
That seemed to help.
By the time we reached Apoorv's place, Pikachu had already claimed the window seat, and Happiny was fascinated by traffic signals.
Apoorv Joins the Party
Apoorv opened the door before I could knock.
Fully dressed.
Shoes on.
Backpack ready.
I blinked.
"…Who are you and what have you done with Apoorv?"
He grinned. "I have a Pokémon now. Responsibility unlocked."
Piplup popped out immediately, standing beside him with crossed flippers and an attitude that said yes, this human is mine.
Happiny gasped softly.
"Happi~!"
Piplup stared.
Then puffed out her chest.
The two Pokémon sized each other up in silence.
I cleared my throat. "Alright, introductions later."
Apoorv grabbed the car keys. "We're picking up Arpit and Neha first, right?"
"Yep."
He nodded, suddenly serious. "They're nervous."
"That's normal," I said. "If they weren't, I'd be worried."
Picking Up the Team
Apoorv drove.
Which meant I kept one eye on the road and one hand ready to grab the steering wheel.
We picked up Arpit first.
He stepped out of his building with a cautious expression, eyes immediately locking onto Pikachu and Happiny.
"…So it's really happening," he muttered.
"Yes," Apoorv said proudly. "And if you faint, I'm not carrying you."
Neha was next.
She didn't say much—just nodded, adjusted her backpack, and quietly took in everything. The kind of calm that came from observation, not confidence.
When she noticed Happiny, though, her expression softened.
"She's… adorable."
Happiny beamed.
I took that as a good sign.
Rolling Out
With everyone inside, the car felt different.
Heavier.
Not physically—but emotionally.
This wasn't a solo run.
This wasn't a controlled government operation.
This was four teenagers stepping into a zone together.
I looked at them in the rearview mirror.
"Listen carefully," I said. "Today isn't about proving anything. No heroics. No rushing. You follow instructions, you observe, and you leave space for Pokémon to decide."
Apoorv nodded.
Arpit swallowed and nodded.
Neha met my eyes and nodded once, firmly.
Happiny shifted in my arms, eyes wide with excitement and curiosity.
Pikachu flicked her tail.
Somewhere ahead—
Zone M-17 waited.
The car slowed as we approached the perimeter.
Concrete barriers.
Temporary fencing.
Camouflage netting stretched between trees.
And soldiers.
Two armed personnel stepped forward immediately, rifles lowered but ready. One raised a hand sharply.
"Stop the vehicle."
Apoorv hit the brakes.
The soldier leaned down, eyes flicking over us—four teenagers, a Pikachu on my shoulder, a Happiny in my arms.
His expression hardened.
"This is a restricted Pokémon zone," he said firmly. "Not a place for children. Turn around and leave immediately."
Arpit stiffened.
Neha instinctively tightened her grip on her bag.
Apoorv glanced at me nervously.
I didn't argue.
Didn't explain.
I simply shifted Happiny slightly, reached into my jacket, and took out my badge.
I held it up calmly.
The insignia caught the light.
The soldier's eyes dropped to it.
Then widened.
He straightened so fast his boots scraped the ground.
Behind him, the second soldier snapped to attention as well.
"—Sir!"
Both of them saluted sharply.
"I–I'm sorry for not recognizing you, sir," the first one said quickly, posture rigid. "We weren't informed about your arrival."
I nodded once. "That's fine. This wasn't a scheduled visit."
The soldier hesitated, then glanced at the others in the car again—clearly confused.
"Sir… permission to ask—are they with you?"
"Yes," I replied simply. "They're under my responsibility."
His gaze flicked briefly to Pikachu, then to Happiny, who waved at him cheerfully.
"…Understood, sir."
He turned and barked an order. "Open the perimeter. Clear the checkpoint."
The barriers were moved immediately.
As we drove through, Apoorv let out a slow breath he'd been holding.
"…Bro," he whispered, "they called you sir."
Arpit muttered, "That was terrifying."
Neha, quieter than the rest, said softly, "That badge… it carries weight."
I looked ahead, eyes already on the treeline beyond the perimeter.
"It's not the badge," I said. "It's responsibility. That's what they're saluting."
The forest loomed closer now—denser, darker.
I felt Happiny shift in my arms, peeking out with wide, curious eyes.
"This," I said calmly, "is where you start learning what that responsibility actually means."
The car rolled forward.