Meanwhile, in Cyllage City…
Today was Miguel's tenth birthday—the day he'd begin his journey as a Trainer.
"I wonder what Pokémon I'll get?" Miguel mused early that morning, staring into the mirror as he imagined choosing between the three starter options.
But a worry nagged him.
He'd seen the news: this year's supply of starter Pokémon was limited. Not every new Trainer might get one.
"They wouldn't have zero left… right?"
He jammed his hat on, grabbed a sandwich from the table, and bolted out the door.
"Wait, dear," his mother called, handing him a backpack and adjusting his hat. "Safe travels."
Mumbling a goodbye, Miguel sprinted toward the lab—backpack bouncing, sandwich dangling from his mouth.
The institute wasn't far. Through the glass, he spotted Laurent scowling at a machine, while Grant idly rolled a gemstone in his palm.
That grim expression made Miguel's heart sink.
Laurent, seeing Miguel approach, felt his own stomach drop.
He stared desperately at the transporter, willing it to magically produce compliant Pokémon.
Please don't let this kid leave empty-handed.
As if hearing his prayer—the machine lit up. Five Poké Balls materialized before him.
Laurent exhaled in relief. When the door opened, he greeted Miguel with a bright smile.
"Morning! You must be Miguel. Come choose—uh…"
He trailed off.
This wasn't a gacha game. All five contained Fletchling—no Xerneas would pop out no matter Miguel's luck.
"I'm sorry," Laurent said gently. "Due to special circumstances, we can only offer Fletchling this year."
Miguel froze, gripping his backpack straps. His face gave nothing away.
"But these are specially bred!" Laurent added quickly. "Nothing like wild Fletchling from Santalune Forest!"
He hadn't actually checked their stats yet—but time was short.
"If you're unhappy, you can join Gym Leader Grant and catch your own in the mines."
He recited the standard pitch: "Fletchling is perfect for beginners! The first Gym is Bug-type—Flying has a clear advantage. And Santalune Forest en route is full of Bug/Grass-types for catching more partners."
Laurent released one Fletchling—and his anxiety vanished.
These were exceptional. He released the other four.
Grant stood, catching a Fletchling mid-air. He examined it, impressed.
"Excellent breeding. Speed and attack are outstanding—and no overleveling. They've never battled, yet meet standards."
For a naturally friendly Pokémon, this quality could replace Fennekin as a starter option.
Grant offered the Fletchling to Miguel. "What do you think? Like it?"
Miguel couldn't judge its quality—he'd never seen a Fletchling up close.
He frowned slightly… until it nuzzled his cheek, chirping softly with wide, hopeful eyes.
"This one," Miguel decided. "Thank you. Nice to meet you, Fletchling."
"Fletching!"
Pocketing the Poké Ball, Pokédex, and starter kit, Miguel dashed out.
He wasn't sad or happy—just determined.
Staring at Fletchling perched on his shoulder, he took a deep breath. "It'll be okay! We'll make it work!"
"Fletch?"
Miguel broke off a piece of his sandwich and fed it to Fletchling.
Once it finished, he checked his map and headed toward Santalune City.
---
Back in Pelican Town…
With five Fletchling gone, Ron sat back, watching the remaining flock dart around the Nursery. He stroked Ditto's head.
I hope they find good homes.
He glanced at the mysterious egg—hatching in under three days. Still no clue what it was.
If I could choose… something dexterous. Like Mr. Mime.
Just a hope.
After cleaning the hut, Ron headed out.
Today, he'd buy chickens from the Animal Shop.
Spotting his Pokémon watering crops, he walked toward the south gate—
—and saw Penny chatting with Marnie outside the ranch.
Marnie handed Jas over to Penny.
"See you this afternoon, Jas!"
"Bye!" Jas waved.
Penny smiled at Marnie and turned to leave, Jas chattering about when he'd get a Pokémon.
Marnie chuckled—then noticed Ron approaching.
"Ah, Ron! Morning," she greeted warmly. "Here for livestock?"
"Yep—chickens," Ron said, following her inside.
Marnie opened the barn door. "Here we are. Pick your favorites."
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