being in the Pokemon world

The sun hung high above Emberhollow, casting soft golden light across the cobblestone streets. After a hard-fought Gym battle and a quiet night of rest, Alex knew it was time to move on. With Riolu and Charcadet at his side and the large egg safely packed inside his travel incubator, he made one last stop before leaving town.

He entered a small general store on the edge of the square—weathered but still well-stocked. The bell above the door gave a soft chime as he stepped in. The elderly shopkeeper greeted him with a nod. "Looking for travel supplies, son?"

Alex gave a curt nod. "Yeah. And… milk. Nutrients. For a newly hatched Pokémon."

The man raised a brow but said nothing, guiding him to the back where shelves held berry extracts, powdered Moomoo Milk, and protein supplements. Alex picked out a travel-sized milk warmer, two bottles of high-nutrient Moomoo Milk, and a small jar of crushed Oran and Sitrus berry paste. It nearly emptied his wallet, but he didn't hesitate. He paid with what little he had left from selling the dominant Pokémon loot.

"For a baby Pokémon, huh?" the shopkeeper asked, bagging the items.

Alex nodded, glancing at the egg cradled in the incubator on his hip. "Yeah. I think it'll hatch soon."

"Take good care of it," the man said. "Some bonds are born from fire."

With his supplies packed, Alex left Emberhollow behind. The path leading to the next town cut through a sparse forest trail, the earth dry and sun-warmed beneath his boots. Riolu walked beside him with quiet focus, while Charcadet moved with a watchful eye, glancing often at the egg.

Then it happened.

Just past midday, under the dappled shade of a wide sycamore tree, the incubator let out a sharp ping. Alex dropped to his knees, heart racing, as the egg shook violently.

"Riolu, Charcadet—look!"

Both Pokémon circled close. The shell cracked, thin lines spiderwebbing out. Fiery orange light pulsed from within, and with one last jolt, the egg split open.

A soft chirp echoed out as a tiny Larvesta tumbled into Alex's hands.

Its wool-like fur glowed faintly, warm but not hot. Its red horn-like appendages twitched as it blinked up at him with curious, cloudy eyes. It chirped again—tired, confused, and hungry.

Alex didn't speak. He gently unwrapped the bottle of warmed Moomoo Milk and offered it. The Larvesta hesitated before sniffing, then began to drink in small sips, its six little legs gripping his arm.

"...You're safe now," Alex murmured, brushing his thumb over its soft fur. "You're part of our team."

Charcadet knelt close, extending a hand. Larvesta sniffed and chirped, nudging into the Fire-type's side. Riolu smiled softly, resting a paw on Alex's shoulder.

They rested for a while beneath the tree.

Alex watched the little Larvesta crawl clumsily in the grass, occasionally puffing small embers. He took out a few of the berry pastes and laid them beside it, making a simple meal. The bug Pokémon eagerly nibbled at the food before curling up by Charcadet's leg, letting out a sleepy hum.

Later that afternoon, Alex stood up.

"No time to slow down. We need to train. That gym was just the beginning."

They set up camp near the edge of the trail, where the trees were thick but the ground was even. Using the last scraps of rope and broken logs, Alex made a makeshift obstacle course.

"Riolu, you're working on speed and precision. Practice Quick Attack between these trees and follow up with Force Palm. Charcadet—perfect your combos with Flame Charge and Night Slash."

Charcadet nodded and leapt into motion.

"Larvesta…" Alex knelt by the baby Pokémon. "You're not ready to fight yet, but you can practice controlling your fire."

He gathered dry leaves and placed them in a ring of stones. "Try to warm them. Not burn. Just warm."

The small Larvesta chirped and focused. A soft red light pulsed from its horns, heating the leaves until they smoked but didn't ignite.

Alex smiled. "Good. You're learning control."

As the sun dipped low and their training continued, Alex kept glancing back at Larvesta. It was weak now—but like Riolu and Charcadet, it had potential. And more importantly, it had a reason to grow stronger

By nightfall, the stars gleamed above them. Larvesta curled up against Alex's leg, asleep after a long day. Charcadet and Riolu sat by the fire, occasionally tossing berries back and forth like a game.

Alex leaned back against tree, watching them all.

He didn't speak much. He didn't need to.

They were his team. His family.

And together, they'd carve their path through this fractured world.