After following Icarus to the shabby house near the garbage station, Airi couldn't help but feel how desolate the place was.
It seemed that Icarus was the only one who had lived here for a long time.
"I'm back—Gloom, Pidgeotto!"
As soon as he entered, Icarus called out.
"Pidgeot~ Pidgeot~!"
Pidgeotto, who had been training its speed, immediately flew over and proudly showed off its scratched claws, clearly trying to prove how hard it had been working.
"Alright, alright—I know you've worked hard," Icarus said with a smile, taking out the newly purchased Energy Cubes.
"From now on, your meals will mainly be these."
"Spri~!"
Gloom rushed over a moment later and leapt straight into his arms.
"Hey—Gloom, you've gotten heavier again. I can barely hold you anymore."
He laughed, patting its head.
"Spri~!"
That's fine! Getting stronger means I can protect you!
---
"H-Hello…"
A soft voice came from behind.
"Oh, right—Airi, you can take off your disguise. No one's around here."
After she removed her mask and hat, Icarus turned back and introduced her.
"Gloom, Pidgeotto, this is Airi—my little sister. She just became a Trainer today. Take good care of her from now on."
Hearing this, Airi's eyes filled with emotion.
"H-Hi… my name is Airi. Please take care of me."
"Pidgeot!"
"Spri~!"
Though confused about where this "little sister" came from, both Pokémon responded warmly.
---
"Alright, you two keep training. Airi, come with me—I'll teach you how to register your Pokémon."
He led her to the backyard.
"Beep… beep…"
Following his instructions, Airi entered her information into the Poké Ball, imprinting her aura.
Click—!
Suddenly, the Poké Ball opened on its own.
"W-What?! Brother Icarus, I feel something… like a force moving inside my body! Why did it come out by itself?!"
In front of her stood Poliwag, happily wagging its tail.
"Stay calm, Airi! Don't resist it—that's your innate ability reacting. Your water control is being strengthened."
Icarus watched closely.
A faint stream of energy connected Airi and Poliwag—like a shimmering ribbon of water.
Before his eyes, her hair and pupils gradually deepened from pale blue to a richer shade.
"Polo! Polo~!"
Poliwag chirped excitedly, clearly benefiting as well.
---
After a few minutes, the glow began to fade.
The energy ribbon thinned… then—
Pop!
It burst into countless droplets, scattering onto the ground.
"Polo~!"
With a happy cry, Poliwag ran up and rubbed against Airi's leg.
"Ah—haha, that tickles! Don't rub me, Poliwag!"
She laughed, completely distracted as she played with it.
---
Icarus didn't interrupt.
He simply watched quietly.
This moment—her first bond with her Pokémon—was something every Trainer only experienced once.
---
After a while, Airi lifted Poliwag in her arms, her eyes shining.
"Hello, Poliwag! My name is Airi, and I'm your Trainer! Let's grow stronger together, okay?"
"Polo!"
It wagged its tail enthusiastically in response.
"Haha, you're the best!"
She spun around happily, hugging it.
---
"Ahem… congratulations, Airi. You're officially a rookie Trainer now."
Icarus finally stepped forward.
"Ah! Brother Icarus, I'm sorry—I made you wait so long…"
She quickly apologized.
"Haha, it's fine. I understand—it's exciting meeting your first Pokémon."
He waved it off, then added in a slightly stern tone:
"But if you keep being this polite, I'll get upset. I really do see you as my sister."
"O-Okay, Brother Icarus…"
Instead of feeling scolded, warmth filled her heart.
---
"Polo~!"
Poliwag greeted Icarus as well—it already recognized him from earlier.
"Hello, Poliwag. I'm entrusting Airi to you—make sure you take good care of her."
"Polo!"
It nodded energetically.
---
"Alright, Airi. Let's check the changes in your body."
He handed her a mirror.
"Ah—! My hair and eyes… they've become darker!"
She stared in surprise.
"Focus," Icarus said, cutting in.
"Forget your appearance for now—try to feel the changes in your power."
---
His real interest wasn't her looks.
It was that energy connection.
And what exactly she had gained from it.
---
(End of Chapter)
-------------Author---------------
Read 50 advanced chapter
👉 patreon.com/Master_fic
U can read 10 chapters ahead just for 5$