Pokemon-Aster

30 Minutes Later

After struggling a little, I finally got out of the tub and went to bed. I glanced at the time—it was around 8 PM. Normally, I would've snuck out of my room by now, but since Mom was still out, I couldn't risk it.

With a reluctant sigh, I forced myself to sleep.

Lorelei's POV

Today, I heard Aster talk about his dreams—what he wanted to be. Something about the way he said it made me feel... proud. I didn't fully understand these emotions, but there was something undeniably warm about knowing he was finding his own path.

As I wandered through the stores, I found myself picking out clothes for him—practical, comfortable, suited for a growing trainer. But something still felt missing. Then, a thought struck me.

Maybe… I should get him a Pokémon.

Aster had been watching battles, absorbing everything with those sharp eyes of his. He was serious about this, and what kind of trainer starts without a Pokémon of their own?

The only problem was that ice-types—my specialty—were rare in rescue shelters. I searched, hoping to find something fitting, but came up empty-handed. Eventually, I started looking at water-types. There were quite a few good choices, but then… I saw it.

An Eevee.

I had always admired Eevee's ability to evolve into different forms. As a child, I had once dreamed of raising a Vaporeon—a powerful water-type that could adapt to any situation. Seeing this Eevee brought back those memories.

It was a good choice. Flexible, strong, and capable of becoming a great partner.

The shelter clerks were hesitant at first—maybe because I looked like some shady woman hanging around the Pokémon pens so late at night—but after I flashed my ID, they relaxed and handed over Eevee's Pokéball.

As I walked back to the hotel, I felt… different. The city's lights seemed brighter, the atmosphere more alive than usual. Was it just me? Was it the feeling of doing something for someone else?

Before I knew it, I arrived back at the hotel. The large fountain at the entrance shimmered under the artificial lights, and I took a moment to take in the view.

I checked my watch—11:00 PM.

Aster should be asleep by now.

Smiling to myself, I clutched the Pokéball a little tighter. Tomorrow. I'll tell him tomorrow.

Aster's POV

The moment my eyes cracked open, I felt something was different.

I pulled myself up, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, and dragged myself to the bathroom. After washing my face, I stepped back into the room—and immediately noticed something.

There were bags on the table that weren't there before.

And among them… sat a Pokéball.

I froze. My mind raced. My heart pounded.

Was this—?

Without wasting a second, I grabbed the Pokéball, my fingers trembling slightly as I pressed the button.

A flash of light burst forth, and suddenly, standing in front of me was a small, brown-furred Pokémon.

An Eevee.

The Pokémon tilted its head, studying me with wide, curious eyes. It didn't run. It didn't panic. Instead, it took a hesitant step forward, sniffing the air as if trying to figure me out.

I grinned. This is it. My first Pokémon. My first step toward becoming a trainer. Toward my future.

Kneeling down, I slowly extended my hand. "Hey there," I whispered, barely able to contain my excitement.

Eevee's nose twitched before it inched forward, pressing its tiny head into my palm. Its fur was soft, warm. A happy laugh escaped me as I gently scratched behind its ear, feeling an immediate sense of connection.

I hadn't expected it to trust me this fast.

"We're gonna do great things together," I murmured. "I'll get stronger… and so will you."

The Eevee let out a soft "Vee!" in response, its tail wagging eagerly. Warmth spread through my chest—I had done it. I had my first Pokémon.

Ding!

[Quest: Befriend a Pokémon – Complete]

Reward Unlocked: Healing Touch

[Healing Touch –

Allows the user to heal wounds and restore energy to injured Pokémon.

Grants the ability to sense a Pokémon's emotions and experiences through touch.] 

A strange, comforting sensation washed over me, like a quiet hum in the back of my mind. I clenched my fists, feeling a newfound strength—like I was meant for this.

Looking at Eevee, who gazed back at me with bright, curious eyes, I could already see it—battles, adventure, standing on the grand stage as a real trainer.

This was just the beginning.

Lorelei's POV

A soft rustling woke me. Blinking the sleep from my eyes, I turned to see Aster sitting on the floor, a small Eevee curled up in his lap, both looking completely at ease.

For a moment, I just watched. He was smiling, his eyes bright with excitement.

It reminded me of myself, years ago, when I received my first Pokémon—Seel. I still remembered how small and unsure I'd been, how I had held Seel's Pokéball in my hands, heart pounding. How that moment had shaped the rest of my life.

And now, I was watching my son have that same experience.

A deep warmth spread in my chest.

"You're awake early," I finally said.

Aster turned to me, eyes still filled with excitement. "Hn. I saw the Pokéball."

A knowing smile tugged at my lips. "Did you see what Pokémon it is?"

He nodded. "Hn. An Eevee."

I sat up, adjusting my glasses. "Eevee might be a little unsure at first since it came from a rescue shelter. Try giving it some food—just let it eat while you sit with it."

Aster glanced down at Eevee, who was now looking up at him expectantly. "But I don't have any Pokéfood or berries."

I chuckled, reaching into my bag. "That's why a trainer should always carry some." I tossed him a small bag of food. "You never know when you'll need it."

As Aster opened the bag and poured some food into his palm, Eevee eagerly nibbled at it, tail wagging. I watched the scene with quiet satisfaction.

He was already bonding with his Pokémon.

He was already thinking ahead, toward the future.

And I had no doubt—he was going to be a great trainer.