A week has passed since Mole Man's chaotic subterranean assault on New York City. The city, a resilient tapestry of steel and ambition, has already smoothed over the scars left by the seismic tremors and rampaging monsters. Repair crews, accustomed to the frequent whirl of villainous mayhem, had the streets looking as good as new in no time. It's just another Tuesday in the United Superverse, where even the most earth-shattering events become footnotes in the city's vibrant history.
Orion smiles politely as the last customer of the day exits Pokémon Home, a sigh escaping his lips. The man offered a perfunctory thanks, his gaze lingering on Orion with an air of thinly veiled suspicion. Orion's own smile faltered, a subtle shift in his demeanor. He couldn't quite pinpoint the man's thoughts, not yet. His mastery over Aura was still a work in progress, a nascent sense that allowed him to feel the intent behind a person's actions, rather than their exact thoughts.
He'd noticed a pattern lately. More and more people, like that last customer, visiting with the same underlying curiosity, the same probing intent. They weren't here for a Pokémon partner; they were here to investigate.
Latias, her human form radiating a gentle warmth, approached him, a cup of tea cradled in her hands.
"Is something troubling you, Orion?" she asked, her voice a soft melody. "That last visitor seemed… uneasy."
Orion chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. "Just another curious soul, Latias. It seems word of Pokémon Home is spreading faster than I anticipated. More and more people are coming to investigate."
"Is this going to be a problem?" Latias inquired, her golden eyes filled with a hint of concern.
"Let them be," Orion replied, his tone calm and reassuring. He watched as Pikachu stirred from its nap near the counter. "As long as they don't actively try to harm the shop or our Pokémon, it's fine. We're not hiding anything, after all. The world needs to know about Pokémon."
Orion's brow furrowed as he stared at the mission parameters on his tablet. "Plant and grow Berry seeds to prepare for a world transformation that will bring in more wild Pokémon." It sounded simple enough, but the how eluded him. He'd spent hours poring over botanical texts and consulting with his Pokémon, but no clear path forward emerged. A world transformation was a big deal, and he needed to be ready.
The chime of the shop bell snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked up, a polite smile forming on his lips as he saw Valeria Richards standing at the entrance. Her signature blonde ponytail was slightly askew, and she had that determined glint in her eyes that he'd come to recognize.
"Valeria! Good to see you," Orion greeted, his voice warm. "Is there anything I can help you with today?"
Valeria stepped further into the shop, her gaze sweeping over the familiar interior before settling back on Orion. "Hey, Owner. Yeah, I'm back for more Moomoo Milk and Poké Blocks. Beldum's been loving them, but…" She trailed off, a slight frown creasing her brow. "He's still not much in battles. You know, without evolving."
Orion nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. Raising a pseudo-legendary like Beldum was a long game, a marathon, not a sprint. "I get it. Beldum's got a lot of potential, but it takes time to unlock it."
Valeria shifted her weight, a hopeful expression taking over. "So, I was wondering… could I get another Pokémon? One that's, like, more immediately useful? Beldum's great, but I need someone who can actually, you know, do stuff right now."
Orion considered her request. Valeria had proven herself responsible, even with the Fantastic Four's credit card. She was dedicated to her Pokémon, as evidenced by Beldum's care. "As long as you can take care of it, Valeria, I don't see why not. Another partner can be a great addition to your team."
The cost of raising a single Pokémon, much less a whole team, weighed heavily on the minds of aspiring trainers. Specialized food, training equipment, and the sheer necessity of quality Poké Balls all added up. Even in this world of wonder, true Pokémon mastery required more than just passion; it demanded a significant financial investment. Elite trainers and those fortunate enough to secure sponsorships were the ones who could truly afford to build a formidable roster.
Valeria understood this all too well. Her family's resources, while substantial, weren't limitless, and her previous "acquisition" of Beldum had already caused a stir. She needed a Pokémon that offered immediate utility, a partner who could hold their own in a pinch, not just a promising prospect for the distant future.
Orion stroked his chin thoughtfully. "So, another partner, eh? Have you given any more thought to visiting the Sanctuary? Sometimes, a Pokémon chooses you, not the other way around."
Valeria chewed on her lip, her gaze drifting towards the shimmering portal that led to the Pokémon sanctuary. She'd spent hours in there, trying to connect with the wild Pokémon, but her approach, honed by a lifetime of scientific analysis, seemed to fall flat. They were wary, elusive, and frankly, a little intimidated by her intense focus. Convincing one felt like a monumental task she wasn't quite ready to tackle again.
"I thought about it," Valeria admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. "But… it's tough. They're not exactly lining up to be my partner, you know? Maybe I need something a bit more… guaranteed. For now, at least." She looked at Orion, a hopeful spark in her eyes. "Can I try the lottery again?"
Orion smiled, a knowing glint in his eye. He understood her need for immediate results, for a tangible partner who could join her on her adventures. "Of course, Valeria. No harm in trying your luck." He gestured towards the counter. "The tablet's right here. Just like before."
Valeria stepped up to the counter, her fingers already familiar with the cool, smooth surface of the lottery tablet. She tapped the screen, and the familiar cascade of images began to roll. Pokémon silhouettes flashed by – a blur of colors and shapes, each one representing a potential new friend, a new ally. Her heart gave a little leap of anticipation with each passing image, a silent wish accompanying each roll.
She knew the drill. The system would cycle through various Pokémon, each with its own unique strengths and potential. It was a gamble, a dance with destiny, and she was ready to see what fate had in store for her this time. The familiar thrill of the unknown washed over her as the icons began to slow, the anticipation building with every fraction of a second.
***
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