Pokémon: Life Finds a Way

Grandpa John leaned back in his chair, the firelight reflecting off his glasses as he regarded me thoughtfully. "You've done well so far, Owen. But I think it's time we talk about the next step. With the PokéCapsule, Ingen is off to a promising start. But if you're serious about the kind of work you want to pursue—advanced research, experiments, and development—you're going to need a dedicated facility."

I looked up from my tea, curious. "You mean like a lab?"

"Not just any lab," John said, his eyes gleaming with purpose. "A space that's entirely yours. A place where you can conduct experiments, design new technologies, and work without interference. Somewhere secure."

I mulled over his words for a moment, the idea immediately appealing to me. But I also knew there were risks. Ingen's existence was still a secret to all of the Hammond Foundation executives, and I wanted to keep it that way for now. If word got out that a sister company existed—and that I was its sole owner—it could cause complications I wasn't ready to face.

"That sounds perfect," I admitted, setting my mug down on the table. "But… I'd prefer if it were somewhere remote. Isolated. I don't want anyone stumbling upon it or asking too many questions. The fewer people who know about Ingen right now, the better."

John nodded thoughtfully, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I expected as much. You've got a good head on your shoulders, Owen. Privacy is a valuable commodity, especially in the current times."

He reached for a thick folder sitting on the table between us. Its leather cover was worn and cracked, the kind of document that had clearly seen decades, if not centuries, of use. Sliding it across to me, he said, "This is a list of all the properties under the Hammond name. Take your time and see if anything catches your eye."

I opened the folder, my fingers brushing against the aged parchment within. The first few pages were a mix of estates, farmland, and forested areas, most of which I had heard of in passing. But as I flipped further, the entries became more intriguing.

"Wow," I murmured, running my finger down the page. "I had no idea we owned this much land."

John chuckled, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "The Hammond family's reach extends far, Owen. Over the centuries, we've accumulated properties across regions. Some of it has been in the family since the days of kings; other parcels were acquired more recently for strategic reasons."

I paused, marveling at the sheer scope of it. Properties in Sinnoh, Johto, Hoenn, and even the far-off Unova region. It was like uncovering a treasure map, each name hinting at a story I hadn't yet heard.

As I continued flipping through the records, one entry made me pause. "Bellflower Haven?" I read aloud, tilting my head in curiosity.

John leaned forward, his interest piqued. "Ah, that takes me back. Bellflower Haven was the original name of what's now called Lily of the Valley Island."

I blinked, taken aback. "Wait. You mean the Sinnoh League headquarters?"

He nodded, his expression calm but proud. "That's the one. It was part of the Hammond Empire centuries ago. When Caspian Hammond helped establish the Pokémon League, he offered them the island as their base of operations. They renamed it, of course, but its history is still tied to our family."

I sat back, stunned by the weight of that revelation. Lily of the Valley Island was iconic—a symbol of the Pokémon League itself and the annual Sinnoh League Championship. To know it had once belonged to my family felt surreal, like uncovering a hidden chapter in a story I thought I already knew.

"That explains the family's influence in the Sinnoh League," I muttered, still processing the information.

John smiled, his expression thoughtful. "It's a legacy built on trust and service, Owen. The Hammonds have always been about more than just wealth or power. We've sought to create foundations for growth, for progress. Caspian understood that better than anyone."

I nodded, turning my attention back to the folder. There were more properties to explore, and my curiosity had only grown. As I flipped through the pages, another entry caught my eye—this one marked by a yellowed deed and a piece of paper that looked even older than the rest.

"What's this?" I asked, pulling the documents out carefully.

John leaned in, adjusting his glasses as he examined the papers. His brow furrowed in concentration, and then his expression shifted—something like recognition mixed with surprise.

"Well, now," he said, his voice tinged with intrigue. "This is from the era of kings. It's… quite old."

The document I held was a deed, its ink faded but still legible. Attached to it was an ancient map, the edges frayed and the surface worn. The map depicted an island chain, though much of it was obscured by swirling patterns, as though shrouded in mist. Only one island was marked clearly, its name etched in bold letters: Verdantis.

"Verdant Veil," John murmured, almost reverently.

I looked up at him, puzzled. "What's Verdant Veil?"

"It's an island chain," he explained, his eyes still fixed on the map. "It belonged to the Hammond clan centuries ago. It lies northwest of Iron Island, southwest of Fullmoon Island. Verdantis is the largest island, but the rest…" He trailed off, tracing the faded swirls on the map with his finger. "The rest have been lost to time."

I stared at the map, captivated. An entire chain of islands, steeped in mystery and history. My mind raced with possibilities, the allure of the unknown pulling at me.