(A/N):
(I'll be honest—I've been thinking a lot about the direction of this story. After reading a ton of other Pokémon fanfics, I realized that no matter how I approached it, it could easily turn into the usual "Kanto journey" format.
Either it would be too simple or to fast.
And if I followed an Ash-like route, it would end up feeling cliché and boring.
So instead, I want to try something different—something that stays true to the Pokémon world but explores a new kind of storyline.
I'm considering shifting focus toward the Paldea Region and little time travel.
What do you think?)
Anyways let's begin
The greenhouse was quiet.
Warm sunlight filtered through the glass, reflecting softly off leaves and petals.
An Alakazam stood still, eyes narrowed.
"How… can a human possess this much draconic and psychic aura?"
Its gaze remained fixed on the child.
"Even before awakening… it leaking to the point where only non psychic type pokemon except the dark type wouldn't be able to tell him apart. ."
It turned slightly toward its trainer.
"Pops."
The old man misunderstood the question entirely and chuckled.
"Oh, old friend—that's my grandson."
He smiled warmly.
"Looks just like me, doesn't he?"
"…."
The Alakazam said nothing.
Instead, it glanced around… then gently lifted a small Hattrem and placed it in the old man's arms.
Then it pointed—
first at the child…
then at the Pokémon.
Pops blinked.
"Oh… you want me to give her to him?"
He looked at the little Hattrem, his expression softening.
Years ago, when he was young and full of fire, he had rescued a pair of Hattrem and Abra from poachers.
They had stayed together like siblings—
until time slowly took its course.
The Hatterene had passed away years ago.
And recently… something worse had spread.
An illness.
Random.
Unpredictable.
It had taken many Pokémon across regions.
Even his own had not been spared.
Pops exhaled slowly.
"…Alright, old friend."
He smiled faintly.
"I'll give her to my grandson."
A pause.
"And I'll make sure he grows into someone worthy of her."
From the side—
chaos.
James was enthusiastically explaining something.
"My dream is to become the greatest collector of shiny and rare Pokémon in the world!"
He pointed dramatically.
"I'll catch them all!"
Pops and Granny exchanged a look.
…and sighed.
Satoru tilted his head.
"What… are shiny?"
James lit up immediately.
"They're super rare Pokémon with different colors! Way cooler than normal ones!"
Meanwhile—
on the other side—
gifts were being prepared.
An hour later—
Satoru frowned slightly as he was pulled away from the greenhouse.
More specifically—
away from the egg he had been guarding like his life depended on it.
"Gift opening time!" Granny announced cheerfully.
James and Satoru both paused.
"…What?"
Satoru looked genuinely confused.
"You already gave us gifts yesterday."
James chuckled under his breath.
(That egg is probably a dud anyway…)
Granny smiled.
"That was just a welcoming gift."
Pops stepped forward, holding two ornate boxes.
"These are your real presents."
The boxes were handed to them.
Satoru opened his.
Inside—
a small pink-and-white figure shifted.
The moment the lid lifted—
the Hattrem hid deeper into the cotton, reacting to his presence.
At the same time—
"AHHHH—I'VE LOST MY SIGHT!"
James shouted, stumbling around wildly.
"Don't grab my eyes! I won't be able to see!"
He spun—
and promptly walked straight into a wall.
Thud.
Pops and Granny watched.
"…There we go."
Satoru, unfazed, picked up a card from the box.
"What is this?"
Pops answered casually.
"One million PokéDollars."
A small smile.
"That's what James received on his fifth birthday as well."
Satoru looked up.
"Granny… Pops…"
A small pause.
"Can I become a trainer like you?"
For a moment—
Pops hesitated.
Then he smiled.
"Of course you can, lad."
His voice was warm.
"You're a bright one. I can already tell…"
"…people will be talking about you in a few years."
James suddenly jumped in.
"Then let's compete!"
He pointed at Satoru.
"Whoever catches more shiny Pokémon before we turn 25 wins!"
Satoru blinked.
Then—
for the first time—
his eyes showed a faint spark.
The Hattrem slowly climbed onto his hand and then shoulder
After Alakzam shot her a glare.
From a distance, the Alakazam watched.
Silently.