The examination room door hissed open, releasing a cloud of cool, sterile air into the hallway.
Master Miller stepped out first, wiping his glasses with a handkerchief. Behind him came Julian, carrying the newly hatched Carbink with the kind of cautious reverence one might afford a porcelain vase that happened to weigh as much as a bowling ball.
"The diagnostics are solid," Miller said, glancing back at Julian. "I can't give you a precise percentile compared to other Carbink newborns—mostly because they aren't exactly common in Sinnoh—but compared to other high-density Rock-types and the recent data on Fairy-types, this little one is exceptionally healthy. Its mineral density is off the charts."
He paused, looking at the sparkly gem-rabbit. "If you're still nervous, you should probably head to Kalos eventually for a specialized screening. Their professors are the ones who literally wrote the book on this species."
"I understand! Thank you so much for taking such good care of Carbink," Julian said, though his gaze was drifting toward the little blue eyes looking up at him.
"Misi~ (Thank you~)" Carbink chimed in, its voice ringing like a crystal bell. It didn't know much about the world yet, but after Julian's hushed explanations during the check-up, it realized this old human was the one who had kept its "shell-home" warm and safe.
"Haha! Don't mention it," Miller waved a hand, a rare spark of genuine excitement in his eyes. "I should be thanking you. It's not every day an old researcher gets to see a dual Rock and Fairy-type from another region hatch right in front of him. The data I gathered today is worth more to me than any fee."
As they reached the lobby area, Master Miller stopped in his tracks. He looked at Julian's original four Pokémon—Floette, Sylveon, Togetic, and Growlithe. They were sitting in a perfect, disciplined row, looking like the honor guard of a royal palace. Not a single beaker had been knocked over; not a single button had been pressed.
Miller turned to Julian, his expression shifting from scholarly interest to deep respect. "You know, your Pokémon are remarkably well-bred. I've been in this business for decades, and while I'm a hatching specialist, I know a well-trained team when I see one."
Julian blinked, a bit caught off guard. "Oh... thanks?"
"I'm serious," Miller continued, his voice lowering. "Even with my experience, I'm not sure I could get a group of diverse species to maintain that level of discipline while their Trainer was in another room. Especially a high-energy Fire-type like that Growlithe. To have them behave like this... your breeding and training skills are incredible."
He pulled up Julian's registration on his tablet. "It says here you only started your journey a few months ago? You're a Rookie Trainer? It's hard to believe."
"You flatter me, Master Miller," Julian replied humbly, though he shot a side-eye at the "disciplined" squad. [If only you knew they were rolling on the floor laughing at me ten minutes ago, you'd probably take that back.]
"No, I'm not just being polite," Miller said, his eyes narrowing with a sudden, sharp intent. "The level of health and mental stability in your team is on par with the masters who work in our Nursery's elite divisions. So, I have to ask... are you interested in a career change? How would you like to join the Solaceon Nursery as a professional Breeder?"
Julian's jaw nearly dropped. He had expected questions about Aura or maybe an inquiry into his Pokéblock recipes, but a job offer?
"With your natural talent and your age," Miller pressed, "I'm confident that after a year or two of formal study, you'd become a Master Breeder. You'd be famous, Julian. People would travel across the world just to have you raise their eggs."
Julian didn't even have to think about it. He gave a small, respectful shake of his head. "I appreciate the offer, truly. It's an honor. But... becoming a Breeder isn't my goal."
"Are you sure?" Miller asked, gesturing around the facility. "Travel is expensive. The life of a wandering Trainer is filled with financial stress and uncertainty. As a Master Breeder here, you'd have no money worries. You'd meet Trainers from every corner of the globe and see the rarest Pokémon without ever having to sleep in a tent."
"That's exactly why I have to decline," Julian said, his voice turning firm and clear. "If I stay here, the world comes to me, but I don't go to the world. My dream is to see those landscapes with my own eyes. I want to meet Trainers on the road, witness the unique bonds they have with their partners in the heat of battle, and see Pokémon in their natural homes. I want to see the sunrise from the top of Mt. Coronet and the sunset over the Johto sea."
He paused, a flicker of something knowing crossing his face. [And there are only two years left before the big events start... the journey ahead is going to be the most interesting period in history. No way am I missing that.]
"Of course," Julian added with a wry smile, "if I happen to become a Champion along the way, I wouldn't complain!"
Master Miller stared at Julian for a long beat, then let out a booming laugh that echoed off the cave walls. "Is that so? What a pity... but perhaps that's exactly the kind of fire a young man should have! I'm getting old, Julian. I've forgotten what it's like to want to see the horizon."
He reached into a drawer and pulled out a crisp, embossed business card. "If you ever get tired of the rain and the mountain air, take this and come back. The offer stands."
"Thank you, Master Miller. I won't forget your kindness." Julian took the card and bowed.
"Hmph! Enough sentiment," Miller grunted, turning back to his monitors. "Go back the way you came. I have a batch of Magby eggs that are about to get fussy. And don't forget to settle the bill at the front desk! Your 'Extreme Pressure' incubation package was not cheap, kid!"
Julian laughed and waved at the old man's back, signaling for his team to follow him.
The Secret Communication
As they walked back through the corridors toward the lobby, Julian was focused on Carbink, whispering to the little rock-rabbit about the different types of berries it would soon get to taste.
Behind him, the "disciplined" squad was engaged in a silent, high-stakes conversation of their own.
Sylveon flicked a ribbon toward Julian's back, then mimicked the laughing face she'd made earlier. (Do you think he realized we were making fun of him?) 🎀
Floette floated closer, looking nervous. She patted her stomach and made a "starving" face. (Probably not? If Julian knew, he'd have threatened us with 'The Salad Dinner' already. The fact that he's still talking about treats is a good sign.) 🌸
Togetic shrugged, her tiny wings buzzing. (It's just one meal. Even if he finds out, I can live with it. It was worth it to see his face when Carbink said 'Mommy'.) 🥚
Growlithe, however, was the picture of confidence. He wagged his fluffy tail so hard it brushed against Julian's leg. He tapped his own soft belly with a paw and gave a smug wink. (I'm not worried. If he gets mad, I'll just pull the 'Puppy Belly' move. I'll roll over and let him huff my fur—he can't resist it. I've got him wrapped around my paw!) 🐕
Floette and Togetic exchanged a dark, side-long glance.
Ever since Julian's "fluff obsession" had been dragged into the light, Growlithe had developed a bit of a manipulative streak. He knew he was the "Primary Fluff Provider," and he was starting to use his status to escape discipline.
Julian, sensing the shift in the air behind him, didn't turn around. He just felt the corner of his mouth twitch.
[Oh, Growlithe... you think your belly is a 'Get Out of Jail Free' card? Just you wait until bath time tonight. I've got a new 'Super-Foam' shampoo that takes two hours to rinse out. Let's see who's laughing then!]
"Alright, everyone!" Julian announced as they reached the front desk. "Let's pay the bill and get back to the hotel. We have a new friend to celebrate, and I think a special 'Welcome Home' dinner is in order!"
"Woof!" "Fly ah!" "Floette-flo!" "Jia gei!"
As they stepped out into the fresh afternoon air of Solaceon Town, the sun was shining, and the future felt as bright as the diamond on Carbink's head.