Alex walked slowly through the shadowed forest path, boots sinking into the soft moss with each step. The air smelled like rain and earth, and the distant calls of wild Pokémon echoed between the ancient trees. But Alex barely noticed any of it. His mind was too heavy, too crowded.
The USB drive hidden deep in his pocket felt like a curse one he couldn't share, not with anyone.If I tell them… they'll come after me. They'll come after my team.
He clenched his jaw.He could take danger. He'd already lived through plenty.But his Pokémon?Riolu, Grovyle, Charcadet, Larvesta—these little creatures had become his family without him even realizing it. They trusted him. Looked to him. Followed him into danger no one else would.
And he would never put them at risk.Not for anything.Not even for the truth.
So he walked in silence, gripping his backpack strap, listening to the soft rustle of Grovyle's steps in the trees above and the tiny crackling sounds Larvesta made on his shoulder. Riolu walked beside him, always watching, always aware. Charcadet trailed behind, flames burning calmly.
After an hour of walking, the forest began to open up. The sound of flowing water reached Alex's ears, clearer and clearer, until the trees parted completely.
Before him was a lake a wide, mirror-still sheet of blue surrounded by smooth stones and tall reeds. Sunlight glittered over its surface like scattered diamonds.
Alex let out a small breath."A good place to camp," he murmured.
His team looked at him expectantly."Yeah," he smiled a bit. "We'll rest here for the night."
He dropped his bag, set up a small tent, gathered wood, and let Charcadet light a fire. The warmth spread through the camp, and the peaceful setting calmed something inside him.
But another thought came to him as he stared at the water.Maybe I can catch a Water-type here.His team needed one. Someone versatile. Someone who could help with future gyms and battles.
He scanned the lake's surface. Nothing yet. But tomorrow morning… he would search properly.
the next day
Alex woke early, before the sun even broke the horizon. A faint mist hovered over the lake, and the air was cold enough to sting his skin. His Pokémon were still asleep, curled around the dying embers of the fire.
"Rest," he whispered to them. "I'll check the lake on my own."
He stepped quietly onto the smooth rocks, eyes scanning the water. At first, he saw nothing but reflections and ripples…
But then something moved.Something long. Graceful. Beautiful.
A serpent-like shape glided under the surface, scales shimmering like pearls. The silhouette was unmistakable.
A Milotic.
Alex's heart skipped a beat. He crouched low, watching the elegant creature swim silently beneath the lake's surface.If Milotic was here…Then Feebas must be nearby.
He swallowed.He knew very well he couldn't take on a wild Milotic—not now. He was strong, yes, but not strong enough. Not against something that powerful, that majestic.
But a Feebas…A Feebas he could catch.A Feebas he could evolve.
And one day, he would have a Milotic on his team strong enough to stand beside him through anything.
some time later
Alex searched the lake edges carefully, scanning every shadow, every small movement. Feebas were known for hiding in the most overlooked spots.
He stood on a fallen tree trunk and leaned forward—then stopped.He saw it.
A dull, brownish fish Pokémon poking its head from behind a cluster of rocks. Ugly, timid, nervous.A Feebas.
"Perfect…" Alex whispered.
He threw a Pokéball."Charcadet, come out quietly."
The Fire-type appeared, flames dim so as not to scare the Feebas.
"No attacks," Alex whispered. "Just weaken it by speed, Feint."
Charcadet darted forward, tapping Feebas lightly just enough to destabilize it without causing panic. The fish splashed frantically but didn't try to flee far.
Alex threw his Pokéball with precision.It shook once, twiceClick.
He exhaled in relief."One more teammate…" he murmured, smiling faintly. "We're getting stronger."
Back at camp, he released Feebas onto the water's edge. The little Pokémon blinked at him shyly.Alex kneeled. "You're with us now. I'll help you evolve… into something amazing."
He pulled out his Pokédex.To evolve Feebas into Milotic, he needed—"A Prism Scale…"
Alex searched his bag immediately.Potions. Berries. Rope.No Prism Scale.
"Tch."He sat back, frustrated."So I need to find one in the next town."
He looked at Feebas again.The little fish flopped closer to him, as if trying to comfort him despite being the weakest one in the group.
Alex smiled softly. "Don't worry. I'll get what you need."
He returned Feebas to its ball, stood up, and called his team."Alright. We move at noon. Next town might have Prism Scales… and we're getting one. No matter what."
His Pokémon nodded with determination.Alex tightened the straps of his backpack.
He still carried a world-shattering secret in one pocket.And in the other…A new hope, in the shape of a tiny Feebas.
"Let's go," he said.Together, they walked toward their next destination.