Albert continued deeper; Rotom pinged several more times:
A Mudkip with Blue Potential, though more playful than disciplined.
Another Torchic with Indigo Potential that startled Albert briefly, but its health readings flagged a genetic disease.
"Too unfortunate," Albert muttered softly.
Finally, near the central clearing, Rotom froze midair and let out a loud, crackling beep.
"BZZZT! ALERT! Violet Potential detected! Incoming!"
The brush rustled. Out stepped a Torchic unlike the others. Its feathers gleamed faintly in the light, movements sharp and deliberate.
It chirped once, piercingly, eyes burning with challenge but caution as well.
Rotom spat out the scan:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Torchic ♂ [Light Violet]
Level: Rookie (15)
Type: Fire
Nature: Hasty
Ability: Speed Boost
Held Item: None
IV: HP (30), Atk (31), Def (24), Sp.Atk (31), Sp.Def (28), Speed (31)
Moves:
(Genetic) Counter, Crush Claw, Feint, Last Resort, Night Slash, Peck, Agility
(Learned) Growl, Scratch, Ember, Quick Attack, Flame Charge, Detect, Sand Attack
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Albert's eyes narrowed.
Light Violet Potential. Nearly flawless IV spread. Incredible egg moves. Wide move pool. One in billions.
The Torchic strutted closer, feathers puffing, daring Albert with every step.
Eevee bristled, tail raised. A low growl vibrated in her throat.
Albert raised a hand. "Easy, partner."
He crouched, gaze level with the Torchic. "You're proud. You want a trainer worthy of you."
The Torchic gave a sharp nod-like motion, eyes glittering with suspicion.
Albert felt the weight of the decision.
Blue Treecko—sharp intellect, potential strategist.
Blue Mudkip—steady, balanced, reliable.
And this Light Violet Torchic—raw power, hidden ability, unyielding pride.
The choice was very obvious to begin with.
He closed his eyes, inhaled slowly, then opened them with clarity.
"I'll take you," he said quietly, locking eyes with the Torchic.
Albert extended his hand slightly toward the Torchic, not in command, but in invitation.
The Torchic tilted its head, eyes narrowing.
Then, without warning, it flared its wings and let out a piercing cry before launching a sudden Ember at the ground near Albert's feet.
The flames roared forward, but Albert's psychic field shimmered to life, curving around him like glass.
The fire splashed against the invisible shield, heat rolling past without so much as singeing his coat.
His eyes never left Torchic's.
So, you're going to test me.
Torchic darted again, claws flashing in quick swipes meant to provoke.
Each strike met resistance—not a crushing counterforce, but a cushion, as though Torchic were striking a soft wall.
Albert was redirecting the blows with careful telekinesis, ensuring the little fire-type felt resistance without pain.
When Torchic leapt high, wings spread, attempting a diving strike, Albert caught him gently in midair with a flicker of psychic power.
He didn't trap him, only slowed his momentum, lowering him softly back onto the grass.
Eevee barked from the sidelines, hackles raised, but Albert placed a steadying hand on her head.
Not yet. This is between him and me.
Albert closed his eyes briefly, drawing in a slow breath, and extended a thread of telepathy.
His consciousness brushed against Torchic's fiery aura—wild, proud, suspicious.
The bird's emotions flared like embers: distrust, challenge, and an undercurrent of loneliness.
"I don't need obedience," Albert projected softly, letting both his thoughts and feelings flow across the link. His empathy unfurled, showing Torchic his intent—respect, partnership, equality.
"I need a partner. If you join me, we walk as equals. If you refuse, I'll respect that. But know this—I won't break, no matter how hard you test me."
Torchic froze mid-step, startled by the brush of Albert's thoughts. Its eyes locked onto his, feathers puffed, chest rising with a sharp breath.
Slowly, the distrust ebbed, replaced by curiosity… then recognition.
The little fire-type gave a sharp chirp, stepping closer. It pecked Albert's palm—not an attack this time, but a gesture of acceptance.
Albert exhaled slowly, lowering the psychic shield. "…Then come with me."
Torchic gave one last piercing cry, as if sealing the pact, before hopping beside him. Eevee relaxed, though her eyes still narrowed protectively at the new arrival.
Albert smiled faintly. He hadn't chosen Torchic. Torchic had chosen him.
Rotom crackled. "BZZZT! Candidate selected: Torchic! Choice locked!"
Albert straightened, gaze calm but steady. "Let's go."
The Torchic hopped to his side, falling into step with surprising discipline.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
When Albert emerged into the main hall, Birch was waiting. His eyes widened slightly when he saw who walked beside Albert.
"…You chose him," Birch said slowly, then smiled in satisfaction. "I wasn't sure anyone could. That Torchic has rejected every attempt before now. But it seems he's found his trainer."
The Torchic puffed proudly at Birch's words.
Albert inclined his head. "He's not just numbers. He has fire that matches the path I walk."
Birch chuckled. "Well said. Then don't forget to register him as your official Pokémon."
Albert placed the Poké Ball Birch provided against Torchic.
With a flare of light, the Pokémon was claimed.
Albert looked down at the Poké Ball, then at Eevee, who watched with guarded curiosity.
"Another partner," Albert murmured.
For the first time, Albert felt his own Pokémon team beginning to take shape.