Pokémon Mini-Theater
The two Charizards returned to their nest and looked toward the Secret Realm's exit. With a helpless shake of their heads, they turned back toward home.
But when they entered, they realized not only had their home been looted clean, another Pokémon Egg was missing as well.
Pokémon language follows:
Charizard Wife: "Why's everything gone? And where's the other child?"
Her husband, suddenly looking world-weary: cigarette.jpg
"Sigh… our kids are grown now. Maybe it's better they go out into the world with a Trainer, instead of staying cramped in this little corner like us."
Charizard Wife: "???"
She rushed forward and pounded her little fists angrily against his chest.
"You bastard! They're still just eggs!"
Charizard Husband: "Stop, stop—fine, we'll just have another one."
A pink, romantic aura seemed to rise in the air. The two Charizards gazed at each other with deep affection.
Then—suddenly—noisy voices came from outside.
"Eh? Is this the place? I'm pretty sure the fireworks went off here."
"Yeah, yeah, this is it. Look—that's the Secret Realm exit."
"Ha! So it is."
The Charizards' pink atmosphere shattered.
They looked at each other.
"Does that count as provoking us?"
"Yeah."
"Crush them."
Both dragons charged out ferociously.
Moments later, the sound of tragic human screams echoed from outside.
Having sold off everything he didn't need, Auron Vale remembered the Pokémon Egg still in his backpack, along with some important items he had kept.
He lifted his gaze toward the Secret Realm's exit, worry flickering in his eyes. That so-called Church man, Flyan… what if he came out and saw him? Would he demand the egg back?
Of course, there was no way Auron would hand it over. Once something was in his hands, how could he give it up?
Better to leave before Flyan appeared. If Flyan couldn't find him, then he truly couldn't find him.
Auron smirked quietly to himself, then asked the group,
"We're heading back first. I need to put this Pokémon Egg into an incubator right away. What about you guys?"
Serena Elm hesitated.
"I should stay and wait for my dad. He went into the Secret Realm. I'll stay here for him."
Tim Wynn shrugged.
"Same here. Right now there's only one Dragon Fang—hard to split. I'll wait a bit and see if another one turns up."
Lena Greaves tilted her chin toward the stage.
"See? My dad's still up there. Once this fuss is over, we'll head back together with him."
The group lifted their heads toward the platform.
The thin man dressed in black standing there must be Lena's and Simon's father.
As if sensing their gaze, he turned, smiled faintly, and looked their way.
They waved back politely.
Then Auron beckoned to Jace Rowan.
"Alright, let's head out first. Bye, everyone."
"Bye!" ×3
Auron and Jace said their goodbyes and left.
Not long after they departed, Flyan finally emerged from the Secret Realm.
He stood on the platform, scanning for Auron's figure—but he was a step too late. Auron was already gone.
Yuming Da frowned.
"If you're out, move along. Don't block the way."
Flyan arched a brow and turned.
"What? I—"
Before he could finish, his eyes landed on the intimidating Pokémon floating beside Yuming Da, along with a grinning Gengar baring its fangs.
Startled, he changed his tune immediately, voice meek.
"O-of course, I'll be on my way right now. No need to be so fierce."
He bolted down from the platform without another word.
His expression darkened.
"Tch. Just my luck."
He sidled up to a blue-robed Church member guarding outside and asked in a low voice,
"Anyone come out?"
"Yes, my lord. Four or five. They've already returned to one of our bases."
Flyan nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. And the tribute?"
"Yes. Already exchanged into points."
Within the Church, there was hierarchy, but also a points system. Points could be earned through missions or by submitting items.
And those points were invaluable. They could be exchanged for rare items, Pokémon Eggs, or even knowledge. Points could also be used to hire superiors for training, personal instruction, or even to assist in completing missions.
Flyan's eyes lit up.
"Any Pokémon Eggs among them?"
The blue-robed man replied dutifully,
"No, sir."
Flyan rubbed his chin. So the white-clad member had followed his instructions and brought the egg directly to him. That was good—otherwise he would've had to waste points to redeem it back. Not bad. He's clever.
Pleased, Flyan clapped the man on the shoulder.
"Good work. Keep watch here. I'm heading back. Oh—and send a message. Tell all Church members to gather at the Pigeon Plaza base tomorrow."
"Yes, sir!"
Flyan whistled happily as he left. After all, his car was parked outside.
(Why not just fly back? Because the city has no-flying regulations, of course.)
Meanwhile, Auron and Jace had already gotten into a taxi heading back into the city.
"Southside Pokémon Shop, please," Auron said.
"Got it," the driver replied.
As the car rolled on, Auron leaned toward Jace and murmured,
"First, I need to grab two incubators from my mom to put these eggs in. Then I've got some questions for my dad."
"No problem," Jace nodded.
Soon, the driver dropped them off. With the new Secret Realm opening on the outskirts, business was booming—taxis had no shortage of customers today.
Inside the shop, things were unusually quiet.
"Mom, where's Dad?" Auron asked.
Elise lay sprawled lazily over the counter, voice weak.
"No idea. Probably went out."
"Alright then. Mom, could you get me two incubators?"
She didn't even look up.
"They're in the back. Get them yourself."
"Okay."
Auron nodded and led Jace into the storeroom.
On the way, Jace asked curiously,
"What's wrong with Auntie? She looks like she has no energy."
Auron chuckled.
"The Secret Realm opened today, remember? Everyone went there. Hardly any customers came to the shop. No income—of course she's not in the best mood."
Jace smirked.
"Fair enough."
They grabbed an incubator. Then Auron asked,
"I'll wait here for my dad. What about you?"
"I'll head back, rest a bit, and sort through what I brought out."
Jace stretched with a sigh. "Didn't do much in the Secret Realm, really. Fell in the water as soon as I got in—that kind of shock takes a toll, you know?"
"Alright. Bye, then."
But Jace gave a mysterious smile, pulled a large box from his backpack, and pressed it into Auron's hands.
"Not so fast. Here—take this. When your kid hatches, remember to have him call me godfather, alright?"
He waved cheerfully and strolled off, leaving Auron standing there, holding the box in bafflement.
"…What's that supposed to mean? He's speaking nonsense again."
Curious, Auron opened the box.
('')
"What the—Jace, you bastard… Huh? But what does this have to do with my kid?"
Still confused, Auron closed the lid, scratching his head.
(End of Chapter)