The next morning, sunlight spilled over the clearing just outside Pallet Town, filtering softly through the trees and painting the grass in shifting patterns of gold and green. Alex stood at the center, Rena perched lightly on his shoulder, her small form glowing faintly in the morning light. Today was the day they would begin proper training.
With a calm exhale, Alex activated his Divine Eyes. The world around him sharpened—the tiniest movements, the faintest pulses of energy, all came into perfect clarity. And there she was: Rena, his first Pokémon, radiating a power that made even the strongest trainers' hearts skip a beat.
Her delicate form belied the overwhelming force coiled within her. A mere misstep, a flicker of uncontrolled energy, and the entire town could be leveled in an instant. The thought made Alex's pulse quicken, but he stood steady, meeting her trusting gaze.
"Rena," he said, voice firm yet gentle. "During training, I want you to limit yourself. Only use power equivalent to an Elite-level Pokémon."
Rena tilted her head, curiosity mixing with concern. "But Master… that's barely a fraction of my strength…"
"Exactly," Alex replied softly. "Control is just as important as strength. If you learn to temper your power, to strike with precision rather than force, then nothing—not even those stronger than us—will stand in your way."
Her eyes glimmered with understanding. For a being born with unimaginable power, this challenge was rare—a chance to learn discipline and mastery, to shape her potential rather than let it shape her.
They spent hours together. Rena moved with surprising grace, her strikes controlled and precise, energy flowing through her in measured pulses. Alex guided her every step, teaching her the subtle difference between raw, unbridled power and focused, deliberate force. The forest around them echoed with quiet thuds and gentle blasts of psychic energy, but nothing ever came close to harm.
By afternoon, they were both sweaty and flushed but satisfied. Alex gave a final nod of approval, and Rena twirled in the air, a delighted hum escaping her.
Later, he made his way to Ash's house to assist Delia with the garden, as had become his daily routine. The week had passed in a comforting rhythm: training with Rena, helping Delia, observing wild Pokémon, and occasionally playing with Ash and Gary. Each day was a thread weaving them deeper into the quiet life of Pallet Town, a life that felt like home more and more with each sunrise.
Exactly a week after his arrival, Alex's quiet routine was interrupted by the soft chime of his computer. A message blinked insistently: an email from Professor Oak.
Subject: Summer Camp Departure & Essentials
Departure Time: Tomorrow, 10:00 AM
Location: Oak Laboratory
Required Items: Clothes for a week, Pokéball (if applicable), notebook, basic gear.
Note: Be punctual. No Pokémon battles during the journey.
Alex leaned back, a small smile tugging at his lips. So soon… tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll meet her… Serena.
Excitement bubbled through him, mingling with a quiet anticipation. He began packing immediately, carefully folding clothes, arranging light gear, and placing Rena's Pokéball—the pendant she'd chosen to rest in when needed—securely among his things.
Rena floated beside him, watching with her usual wide-eyed curiosity. "Master… why do you look so happy?"
Alex laughed softly, brushing her hair gently. "It's nothing, Rena. Just… summer camp starts tomorrow. That's all."
Her head tilted, a small, knowing smile on her lips. "Then I'll help!"
Together, they prepared the last of his things: a notebook, snacks, and essentials. Once packed, Alex moved to the kitchen, determined to keep a promise he'd made. Carefully, he baked a chocolate cake—the one Rena loved most—its rich aroma filling the small house.
That evening, as the sun dipped behind the hills, Alex curled up in bed with Rena nestled on his chest, her warmth grounding him, her gentle hum a lullaby of comfort.
He closed his eyes, letting his thoughts drift to the future. Serena… tomorrow, I'll see you. Just a little longer…