Sorren
"I can't thank you enough, Nurse Trista!!" I say, bowing slightly as I take my Poryphone back into my hands.
She laughs gently, waving it off. "I am just glad it was found quickly and without any damage."
"Well, aren't you lucky?" Brock says with a grin as he adjusts the egg in his arm, he has taken the full responsibility off my hands acting as its godfather . "Things like that usually vanish if not found by the right person."
"Yes!" I reply a little too enthusiastically, hugging the device to my chest for a second before slipping it into my pocket.
I had told Brock everything last night. About the strange trainer. About the Charizard that looked nothing like any I had seen before. About how my heart nearly jumped out of my chest when the Poryphone started talking on its own. Brock had listened patiently and grounded me with logic. He said we could look it up together in the morning. I felt calmer after that.
Apparently, Nurse Trista had been faster.
The morning sunlight pours through the large windows of the Pokémon Center, warming the polished floors. Outside, Pasio is already awake.
The girls aren't with us today. They decided to spend the day together in Centra City, something about shopping and cafés. Brock and I had planned the same thing, just in a slightly less enthusiastic way.
"Nurse Trista," I ask, curiosity finally winning. "Can I ask where you found it?"
She tilts her head slightly. "Oh, I didn't find it myself. Alain did."
"…Alain?" I repeat, blinking.
The name doesn't ring a bell. I stare at her for a second, trying to place it, and then my breath catches.
Oh.
"The same trainer you saw last night?" Brock murmurs, leaning closer so only I can hear.
I nod slowly, still processing it. Confused, yes, but also oddly relieved. Whoever he was, at least my Poryphone hadn't been crushed or left in the forest.
I thank Nurse Trista once more before moving to one of the chairs near the counter. Brock sits beside me, as I turn the screen on. The first thing I check is my contact list. My stomach drops.
Alex. Missed call. Received call.
"…He answered it," I mutter under my breath.
Brock raises an eyebrow. "That bad, huh?"
I lean back against the chair and stare at the ceiling, already imagining the lecture waiting for me. "Yeah," I sigh. "I am definitely going to hear about this."
"You want to meet my brother?" I ask, rubbing the back of my neck. "I should warn you in advance. He can be…a bit much. And he gets really cranky when I am around other guys."
Brock chuckles softly, unfazed. "I would be happy to meet him. Is there a reason he worries so much?"
"Don't ask," I reply quickly. "Just let him be. I will call him now." I press the call button, silently praying he doesn't virtually destroy me in front of Brock. The call connects, but the screen stays black. A low, unmistakable snoring sound fills the air.
"…Alex?" I say carefully.
Brock leans closer, eyebrows raised. "Is he not awake by now?"
"That shouldn't be happening," I mutter, frowning. "He is an early riser. Alex, are you awake?"
"Sorren?!" A loud shout bursts through the device. A moment later, there is a heavy thud and an even louder, "Oww!" I squeeze my eyes shut.
He is absolutely going to embarrass me.
The screen finally flickers on, revealing Alex far too close to the camera, hair completely messed up. His mouth opens, clearly ready to unleash a lecture, but I react fast and shove my Poryphone toward Brock.
Brock straightens instantly, posture polite and calm. "Hello, Sorren's brother. My name is Brock. I am from the Kanto region, and I am part of Sorren's team."
Alex squints at the screen.
"Another guy? Really?" he snaps. "I let you go on a journey and your device ends up in some man's hands, and it hasn't even been a week. Sorren, you know you get weird around older guys—"
I grab the Poryphone back and glare at the screen, whisper shouting. "We don't talk about that! It was a one time thing, and Brock is dependable! And the team isn't just Brock. There is Misty and Rosa too. They are just not here right now."
"As if," Alex scoffs. "And that guy from last night. What was his name again? Alan?"
"Alain," I correct automatically.
He freezes. "Wait. How do you know his name?" His eyes widened straight away. "I swear to Arceus, if you meet him, I am coming there right this instant!"
A sudden flash of light appears behind him. Before he can finish his sentence, Toxicroak jabs him straight in the stomach and drags him backward out of frame.
"Thank you, Toxicroak," I say sincerely as I end the call. I let out a long breath and lower my Poryphone.
"So," Brock says after a brief pause, smiling gently. "That is your brother, huh?"
"Yep. That is Alex alright," I reply, rubbing my temples. "I am sorry if he made you uncomfortable."
Brock laughs, shaking his head. "I get it. I have nine younger siblings myself."
"Nine what?" I stare at him. "How do you even manage that?"
He grins knowingly. "Only I know."
He gestures toward the exit. "Come on. Let us head to Centra City. We might run into Misty and Rosa in the crowd."
I nod, following him out, taking the egg from him as I hope some fresh air might help it feel the world around it.
❦
"How is it even possible for me to get lost?" I mutter to myself as I stare back at Luxray-Pikachu duo, the egg resting carefully in the incubator on my lap.
After a call with Brock, who apparently found the girls, I learned that I am on the complete opposite side of Centra City. He insisted on coming to get me, but the girls were busy shopping, and I didn't want to interrupt their fun. So I told him I would be fine on my own.
I pat Luxray's head as she lets out a soft coo, lowering herself closer to the egg as if guarding it.
Honestly speaking…I don't feel fine at all.
At least the bench I found keeps me away from the crowd. A tall tree above shields us from the blazing sun. But if I don't spot someone familiar soon, I will—
A familiar voice drifts in from my left. I turn my head, squinting slightly at a tall figure near an ice cream stall. Then realization hits. It is Aunt Cynthia. Right in front of the stall, calmly studying the flavors. Typical of her.
I stand up quickly, putting the incubator in my bag as Pikachu stands on Luxray's fur and Luxray rises smoothly beside me. We walk toward her, and just as expected, she notices us before we are even close.
"Sorren."
She says my name as a simple statement, yet it settles naturally between us. She may be my aunt, but she is also here as the Champion of Sinnoh. Her presence always carries that quiet authority. She glances back at the vendor, her expression thoughtful as she studies the menu.
"Need help, Aunt?" I ask as I step beside her, looking over the flavors. Vanilla. Chocolate. Strawberry. Mint chocolate chips and plenty more…
"A double scoop of cookies and cream, please," Cynthia says calmly, her tone polite but firm. She then looks at me, just slightly, a silent offer that whatever I order will be on her.
Before I can answer, Pikachu leaps off Luxray's back and hops onto the edge of the stall, pointing eagerly at the chocolate ice cream.
"Pika!"
I sigh softly. "One scoop of chocolate in a cone," I say, glancing at Pikachu, "and one scoop of vanilla in a napkin, if that's possible."
The vendor nods politely and hands Aunt Cynthia her order before passing the cone to me. I immediately give it to Pikachu, who begins licking the chocolate eagerly, little happy chirps escaping him between bites. I take the napkin with the scoop of vanilla and step further under the shade of the tree, crouching down so Luxray can enjoy hers comfortably. She leans forward, taking careful licks as if savoring every bit.
"What are you doing here alone, Sorren?" Cynthia asks, "What about the teammates you were with yesterday?"
"Umm…don't make fun of me but I…" I hesitate, rubbing the back of my neck. It probably is my fault. If I hadn't been distracted by something flying in the sky and wandered off to follow it, I wouldn't have been separated from Brock. "…got lost."
To my surprise, Cynthia lets out a soft chuckle. "Isn't it like the time you got lost in Eterna Forest and Garchomp ended up finding you?"
Luxray finishes her share, and I crumple the napkin before tossing it neatly into a nearby trash can. Pikachu hands me back the cone since he has no interest in the wafer part, and I stand up, biting into it while pouting at her.
"I was a kid back then!" I protest. Cynthia simply smiles faintly and ruffles my hair as she finishes her ice cream. "I was following a sweet scent."
"Because you thought the scent belonged to Shaymin… Elijah and his big mouth, he tells you all kinds of stories, doesn't he?"
I shrug in response. Pikachu suddenly hops onto Cynthia's shoulder. She steadies him with ease before lifting him into her arms, holding him close as he nuzzles against her chest. With her free hand, she tosses a Poké Ball into the air. Garchomp materializes in a flash of light, standing tall and imposing in front of me.
Without thinking, I rush forward and wrap my arms around her. She lets out a pleased rumble and lifts me clean off the ground, playfully chewing on my head the way she used to. I pat at her arms, laughter bubbling out of me as she continues her affectionate assault. Even after all this time, she hasn't changed.
When she finally sets me down, Luxray steps forward and releases a thin, controlled line of electricity across Garchomp's body in greeting. Garchomp huffs approvingly.
"You should get something to protect your head—Oh. What do you think of buying accessories for your Pokémon and yourself?" Cynthia suggests thoughtfully.
Both Luxray and Pikachu perk up at that. Pikachu immediately jumps from Cynthia's arms back into mine, while Luxray nudges her head against my leg.
Cynthia chuckles softly. "Looks like that's a yes. You will find a shop if you walk straight ahead. I would accompany you, but people may crowd you if you are seen with me." She pauses slightly, her gaze softening just a fraction, "Will you be fine, Ren?"
That nickname. No one has called me that in a long time. I made sure of it. I told everyone not to. But Aunt Cynthia is the only exception. She says that sometimes the names we run from are the ones that help us remember who we are.
I nod quietly.
She pulls me into a brief but warm hug before stepping back. With Garchomp at her side, she walks away.
❦
The shop Cynthia mentioned is impossible to miss.
It sits at the corner of the street, its windows lined with bright ribbons, glittering pins, patterned scarves, hats, and neatly displayed collars in every color imaginable. A wooden sign above the door reads "Comet Accessories" in looping golden letters, and a small bell chimes the moment I step inside. People are walking here and there to choose something for themselves or their partner.
Pikachu perks up immediately in my arms. Luxray follows closely at my side, her tail swaying with quiet curiosity.
The inside is even brighter than the outside. Shelves stretch from floor to ceiling, filled with neatly arranged accessories for trainers and Pokémon alike. Mirrors line the walls, and soft instrumental music hums gently in the background.
"Well hello there!" a cheerful voice rings out.
I blink as a woman with sparkling eyes and a wide smile practically bounces toward us from behind the counter. She looks at Luxray first, then Pikachu, then at me.
"Oh my goodness, what a lovely team you have! Are we shopping for something special today?"
I suddenly feel very aware of myself.
"I…um…" I shift Pikachu in my arm who tilts his head at me. Luxray nudges my side gently as if encouraging me.
"I want something for them," I say quietly. "And maybe…something for me too."
The lady clasps her hands together in delight. "Oh how adorable! Matching accessories perhaps? Or coordinated colors? We have seasonal ribbons, battle bands, charm clips, gemstone pins, custom collars…"
Her enthusiasm makes me shrink a little, but she doesn't seem overwhelming. Just genuinely excited.
She kneels in front of Luxray first. "May I?" she asks. Luxray glances at me. I nod, and she lowers her head politely.
The lady studies her fur thoughtfully. "Deep blues would complement her beautifully. Something elegant. She has such a regal presence." Luxray lifts her chin slightly, clearly approving of the compliment.
"For Pikachu," the lady continues, turning her attention to him, "We could do pins. Is there anything he likes? The pins wouldn't deter his speed."
"He likes…um, berries"
"Pika!" Pikachu chirps, bouncing from my arms onto the counter to inspect the tray of pins that the lady pulls out from one of the drawers.
I slowly walk closer, staring at all the options. There are leather wristbands for trainers, simple pendants, braided bracelets, and even ear cuffs.
"I don't want anything too flashy," I admit softly. "Just…something nice."
The lady smiles knowingly. "Something that feels like you."
She gestures for me to follow her to another section. This shelf is calmer in color. My eyes land on a single black hat with a lightbolt drawing at the front right end. I pull it out and put it on my head. "Does it…look good?"
"Suits you," she says gently. "Simple, and bonds you stronger to your Pokemons."
For Luxray, she selects a light blue bracelet. When the lady helps her to wear it on her front right arm, Luxray stands taller, as if fully aware of how refined she looks.
Pikachu finally chooses for himself. He drags over a bright red pin with a tiny razz berry charm attached to it. The lady helps clip it on his left ear and moves his ear proudly.
The lady steps back, admiring her work. "Perfect. Coordinated without being overwhelming. You all shine in your own way."
I feel my ears grow warm, but I cannot stop the small smile forming on my face. "Thank you," I say sincerely.
As I pay and prepare to leave, Luxray brushes her head lightly against my hand, and Pikachu climbs back on my shoulder, finding his perfect place to show off his charm. I tug at my hat, feeling a little more confident and being part of the crowd.
❦
"Yeah, we can meet back at the Pokémon Center in ten minutes. See you then." I end the call with Brock and stretch my arms above my head. That should be enough time. When I try to pat Pikachu's head, my hand meets nothing but air. "…Pikachu?" I glance around. The space beside me is empty. Luxray immediately lowers her head and begins sniffing the ground with focus.
"You have got to be kidding me."
I hurry after her as she follows the faint trail through the crowd. People brush past us, voices overlapping in a blur, but then I hear it.
"Pika!"
Relief and panic hit at the same time.
"There you are! Pikachu! Sorry, excuse me…" I mumble apologies as I squeeze between people, trying not to bump into anyone. Luxray is far faster than me, weaving through effortlessly as she chases after my very sneaky Pikachu.
What did he even see?
Suddenly Luxray skids to a halt. I nearly crashed into her, barely managing to stop in time. I bend forward, hands on my knees, catching my breath.
Luxray growls low in her throat. The sound makes me look up. At first all I see is a tall figure, his face partially shadowed by the brim of my newly bought hat as it slips down into my line of sight. I quickly push it aside. Then I see him clearly.
Pikachu is perched comfortably on his shoulder, nuzzling his cheek as if they have known each other forever. Beside him stands a Charizard, wings folded but presence unmistakably powerful. The man himself looks calm, composed, his expression serious as if pikachu doesn't bother him.
Alain.
The same Alain I saw last night training with relentless focus. The same one who found my Poryphone.
"A-ah…"
Brilliant. That is all I manage to say. He is looking directly at me, sharp blue eyes unreadable, and suddenly my brain refuses to function.
Think, Sorren. Think.
Luxray steps forward, placing herself slightly in front of me. Her growl grows louder, electricity faintly crackling along her fur. Charizard responds instantly with a deep roar, heat radiating from his body. But Luxray doesn't back down. If anything, she is showing she isn't scared of anyone.
Charizard narrows his eyes, clearly surprised by her boldness, and Alain lifts a hand lightly, a silent signal. Charizard quiets, though his gaze never leaves Luxray.
Alain gently steadies Pikachu with one hand to keep him steady. Pikachu only chirps happily, completely unaware of the tension building between the two fully evolved Pokémon.
"He ran straight toward me," Alain says evenly, his voice low and controlled. "I assume he is yours."
I nod quickly, finally remembering how to speak. "Yes. I am so sorry. He is friendly." I whisper the next part, "Too friendly at times…"
Luxray's growl softens slightly when she notices I am not in danger, though she keeps her position. I gently place a hand on her back.
"It is okay," I whisper.
Pikachu finally hops down from Alain's shoulder and runs back to me, looking very pleased with himself. I scoop him into my arms before he can escape again.
"I am really sorry," I repeat, forcing myself to meet Alain's eyes. "And…thank you. For last night too."
"No problem." Silence settles between us. It isn't exactly awkward, but it isn't comfortable either. Alain stands straight, Charizard looming steadily at his side. Then he speaks again. "Sorren, isn't it?"
"H-Hmm?" The sound that leaves me is strained and embarrassingly high. I clear my throat and straighten my posture, trying to recover some dignity.
"Your name. It's Sorren, isn't it?" he repeats evenly. "Nurse Trista and…your brother—"
"That's right! Alex!" The words tumble out of me before he can finish. "You picked up the call, didn't you? Oh my Arceus, was he a bother to you? I am so sorry on his behalf! Whatever nonsense he sprouts, forget it all…he is uhh…"
"Protective over you?" Alain finishes calmly. My face warms instantly.
"Yes," I admit under my breath.
"You have a good brother."
His words are clipped and direct. No unnecessary embellishment. He doesn't seem like someone who says things just to please others.
Luxray suddenly steps forward toward Charizard, lips curling slightly as she bares her teeth in a low snarl. In response, Charizard releases a powerful roar, wings spreading wide with a heavy gust of air.
"Luxray—"
"They are sizing each other up," Alain says, his tone steady. "They are not trying to fight. They are acknowledging each other."
He walks closer to Charizard and places a firm, reassuring hand against his back. The dragon settles, though his eyes remain sharp. Alain then extends his right hand slowly toward Luxray.
She pauses, sniffing the air cautiously. After a moment, she allows him to rest his hand against her head.
"She is brave," he says.
I look down at the ground, not trusting my expression to remain neutral. "Come here," I murmur as I recall Luxray in a flash of red light. Pikachu hops lightly onto my shoulder instead, waving one paw cheerfully at Alain.
Right on cue, my Poryphone begins to ring. The Pokémon Center. I am supposed to meet Brock.
"I have to go," I say quickly, glancing back at him. "Thank you again for everything…Alain."
He gives a small nod. Just a simple acknowledgment.
I turn and begin walking away, Pikachu settling against my neck as the crowd swallows us once more. Quietly, so softly that only my Pokemon and I can hear, I whisper, "I hope we can meet again."
❦
As soon as I step inside the Pokémon Center, someone blocks my path. A man with spiky white hair, red glasses, and an outrageously extravagant white coat stands before me.
Doesn't he feel hot in that?
He raises an accusatory finger and points directly at me. I glance over my shoulder. No one there. I look to the side. Still no one. He is definitely pointing at me. I decide to ignore it.
Clutching Pikachu closer to my chest, I attempt to walk around him, but a large, broad shouldered man steps into my path while a purple haired woman moves to block the other side.
"He is talking to you," the man says, his voice deep and strict, as though he doesn't tolerate nonsense.
Great.
I slowly turn back toward the white haired stranger. "Hey you!" he calls, "You, in the shady hat." I instinctively grab the brim of my newly purchased hat and pull it down slightly. "You have got some serious nerve, waltzing in here wearing an eyesore like that."
"…Do I know you?" I blurt out, tilting my head in confusion. Pikachu mirrors the motion perfectly. He completely ignores my question.
"You certainly do not belong on any island I own."
The island he owns?
"Who exactly are you?" I ask again, genuinely lost.
The purple haired woman and the bulky man both gasp softly as if I have committed a grave offense.
"Did you just—" The white haired man inhales sharply, then straightens with theatrical composure. "I can't believe there are still people on this island who do not know who I AM."
Can he really blame me? I have been here for one day.
"I am Lear!" he declares proudly. "It was I who created Pasio, the magnificent artificial island you now stand on, and I am the one who founded the Pokémon Masters League!"
Oh. So he is royalty. What am I supposed to do? Bow?
"And it is I who shall be its Champion!"
That is…ambitious. Considering the number of Champions currently visiting this island.
"You would do well to remember my name," he finishes sharply.
The purple haired woman steps forward casually. "Uhh, not like anybody asked, but I'm Rachel. See ya around."
The large man folds his arms. "Sawyer. Anyone who disrespects the young master will have to answer to me."
Bodyguards. Definitely bodyguards.
Lear strides forward and deliberately bumps his shoulder against mine as he passes, offering a smug smirk. I blink after him.
"Weirdos…" I mutter under my breath before finally stepping further into the Center. And then I spot them. Brock, Misty, and Rosa are gathered around a table near the back.
"Brock! Misty! Rosa!" I call out, relief washing over me as I hurry over. I carefully place my bag on the table and sink into a chair.
"Looks like you had quite the adventure—Oh." Brock pauses, studying my face and then Pikachu. "You look different. In a good way."
Pikachu jumps straight into Misty's arms. Both she and Rosa immediately start fussing over him.
"He looks so cute!" Rosa squeals as she gently touches the small dangling Razz Berry charm attached to the red clip. Pikachu beams proudly at the attention. I laugh softly, leaning back in my chair.
"Sorren, look at what we brought!" Misty says excitedly.
The girls empty their shopping bags onto the table, revealing small trinkets, accessories, and snacks they picked up. The atmosphere quickly fills with chatter and laughter.
After running into Alain and then being confronted by the self proclaimed prince of Pasio, sitting here with my friends feels grounding.