The first light of morning spilled over Cinnabar Island, painting the Gym in soft gold. Smoke from previous fires lingered faintly, a reminder of the chaos we had survived. From the balcony, I watched the forest edges, aware that every shadow could hide danger—or opportunity.
"Infernape, stay close," I said, releasing him immediately. Flames curled along his wrists, a gentle reminder of his readiness.
"Morning already?" Lila yawned, hugging Arcanine's massive head. Her posture was still small, but there was an unmistakable spark of confidence in her eyes. "I… I guess we start rebuilding?"
"Yes," I said. "And this time, we do it properly. Every Pokémon, every trainer, every action matters. Theo, Mira, Jax, Rina—we're counting on your teams today."
Theo grumbled but released Quagsire obediently. Mira sent out her Leafeon and Roselia, ready to assist in regrowing damaged flora. Jax theatrically released Charmeleon, flames curling proudly, while Rina's Umbreon glided silently from her Poké Ball, poised for precise support.
Kai bounced forward, Electivire sparking faintly. "Can I help with the electricity stuff this time?"
"Exactly," I said, nodding. "Controlled, precise. No random sparks, got it?"
"Got it!" he said, releasing Electivire fully, who landed with a controlled thrum of power.
We began at the Gym entrance, where scorched wood and collapsed walls needed immediate attention. I sent Infernape ahead, flames carefully heating tools and bending metal frames where needed. Hydreigon and Garchomp patrolled the perimeter, eyes scanning for structural hazards or wild Pokémon that might wander into danger.
"Leafeon, help stabilize that beam," I instructed Mira's Pokémon. It moved gracefully, vines entwining the scorched wood, anchoring it as Jax's Charmeleon heated adjacent supports.
Lila and Arcanine worked together, directing displaced wild Pokémon away from falling debris. Arcanine's massive form shielded a small family of Oddish while Lila guided them gently back toward the forest.
Kai directed Electivire carefully, powering temporary lights and tools. Sparks hissed along metal edges, precise enough to cut through damaged supports without harming anyone.
Theo, surprisingly focused, used Quagsire to transport minor debris and assist where physical strength was needed. "Hey, I'm… useful," he muttered, wiggling under a heavy plank.
"You're more than useful," I said quietly. "You're essential."
By midday, the Gym floor had taken shape. Mats had been replaced, training zones marked, and firebreak systems installed for emergencies. I gathered everyone to observe the progress.
"Good," I said. "But this isn't just about rebuilding walls. It's about creating a hub—a place where Pokémon and trainers can grow, where we can respond to emergencies, and where we can operate as a team."
Mira nodded, adjusting her notes. "We'll track Pokémon behavior and recovery rates during training sessions."
Jax flexed dramatically. "And I'll make sure the battle zones are… spectacular."
Rina's Umbreon moved silently to monitor the perimeter. "We need discipline," she said calmly. "Even minor chaos can cascade if not contained."
"Exactly," I said. "Which is why Pokémon must be active, visible, and coordinated at all times."
The afternoon brought the first test. A small group of wild Pokémon—Pansear, Houndour, and Oddish—wandered too close to the construction site.
"Arcanine, flank left," I instructed Lila, releasing him fully. Infernape darted ahead, flames creating a safe boundary.
"Leafeon, Roserade, help guide them back!" Mira called, commanding her Pokémon.
Electivire sparked along the temporary barriers, sending gentle pulses that guided the wild Pokémon without harming them. Theo maneuvered Quagsire to block stray debris, moving in tandem with the other teams.
Even Jax's Charmeleon assisted, shooting small, precise flames to signal boundaries.
Within minutes, the Pokémon were safely redirected, construction uninterrupted. I exhaled, satisfied. "Perfect execution," I said. "This is how the Gym will operate—a living system, every Pokémon, every trainer, every sibling working in harmony."
As evening approached, the Gym stood rebuilt. Scorched wood had been replaced, training zones marked, and emergency systems active. Lila hugged Arcanine, proud of the day's work, while Kai leapt next to Electivire, beaming.
Infernape stretched beside me, flames curling lazily around his wrists. "Good work today," I murmured, letting him settle.
From the Gym balcony, I surveyed the island. The fires were gone, the Gym fully operational, and the team stronger for the experience. The siblings had grown visibly today, learning the importance of strategy, trust, and teamwork.
Tomorrow, visitors would arrive. Trainers from other regions would test the Gym, but I was confident. With this team—core Pokémon, siblings, and supporting trainers—the Gym was no longer just a building. It was a hub, a fortress, and a school all in one.
And for the first time in a long time, I allowed myself a small smile. This was just the beginning.