The lab was alive in a way that words couldn't fully describe.
Machines hummed softly, the scent of grass and soil mingled faintly with the clean air, and Pokémon of all shapes and sizes moved freely under the watchful care of Professor Oak's assistants.
Leyn stood near the entrance, his small hands clasped in front of him as he watched a Bulbasaur nudge a small potted plant with its head. Its bulb opened slightly, basking in the sunlight filtering through the window.
"Oh I forgot to mention some of the pokemon that you took care of last time was sent away and has been adopted by trainers and a new batch of new Pokémons is here. And this bulbasaur is from the one you took care of earlier and If you really want to say hello why not wear a mask?" Professor Oak asked with a smile, noticing the boy's fascination and remembering the boy's reasoning earlier.
Leyn hesitated for a moment , glancing up at his mother. Rhea nodded encouragingly and took a mask from her Handbag, "Go on, sweetie. You already know what to do."
He took a few careful steps forward, crouching down in front of the Bulbasaur. For a moment, they simply looked at each other — one curious child and one excited Pokémon. Then Bulbasaur's vines twitched as it was suprised and one of them extended, brushing against his hand.
Leyn blinked. The touch was warm, soft. Friendly and Familiar.
He smiled without realizing it. "Hi I am Back sorry for not being here yesterday."
"Bulba!" the Pokémon chirped happily, as if returning the greeting.
Oak chuckled from behind him. "Well, it seems they're welcoming you back to the lab."
Leyn looked up, his violet eyes glimmering. "Yes and happy to be back and it seem like they know that I was sick yesterday ."
"Pokémon are quite sensitive to emotions," the Professor said, stroking his chin. "They can sense kindness and curiosity. That's why they respond to people who treat them gently."
Rhea watched her son quietly from a few steps away. It wasn't just curiosity she saw in him — it was something deeper, a new and quiet captivation. The way he looked at the Pokémon was filled with an almost wistful admiration, as if this world and its creatures carried something precious he didn't want to lose.
After greeting Bulbasaur, Leyn wandered deeper into the lab with Oak's permission. He saw several small Pokémon resting in their habitats — Pidgey perched on railings, Oddish sleeping in tiny soil pots, and a few Poliwag swimming in a glass tank.
One of the Poliwag noticed him and swam up to the glass, its round eyes blinking curiously. Leyn leaned forward, pressing his hands lightly on the edge of the tank.
"Hey there," he whispered softly, his voice barely above the sound of the bubbling water.
The Poliwag twirled happily, creating a few ripples that sparkled under the lab's lights. Leyn giggled. "You're really cute."
Professor Oak, watching from the side, exchanged a glance with Rhea. "He has quite the natural touch," he said quietly. "It's rare for young children to approach Pokémon so calmly and how was it when he was a baby."
Rhea smiled, pride soft in her voice. "He's always been gentle. Even when he was a baby, he never got scared when we brought Pokémon home from the field."
Oak nodded. "That's a good sign. Understanding Pokémon starts with empathy — something that can't be taught in any textbook."
Leyn moved from one habitat to another, his fascination unbroken. Every small movement — the flutter of wings, the sound of tails swishing, the sparkle in Pokémon eyes — drew him in. His heart felt full, almost glowing.
"...They're all amazing," he murmured again, almost to himself. "Each one feels… alive in their own way."
Professor Oak smiled at the sincerity in his tone. "That's right. Each Pokémon is unique. They all have their own thoughts, feelings, and dreams — just like us."
He knelt down to Leyn's level. "You know, Leyn, I think you have a gift. The Pokémon from last time also seems to really like you."
Leyn tilted his head slightly. "They do?"
Oak chuckled. "Why don't you see for yourself there there are new and old Pokémon there. "
He led the boy outside to the fenced field behind the lab — a wide, open area where more Pokémon were freely roaming under the care of the aides. Rattata darted across the grass, a Ponyta grazed quietly, and several Butterfree danced among the flowers.
The moment Leyn stepped outside, the air seemed to hum around him. A small group of Pokémon nearby turned their heads, noticing the newcomer. One of the Butterfree fluttered closer, circling him once before landing softly on his shoulder.
Rhea gasped lightly. "Oh my, it seems you're popular already."
Leyn froze for a moment, then smiled shyly, afraid to move too much and scare it away. The Butterfree's wings shimmered in the sunlight, their soft hum calming.
"It's warm," he said quietly. "It's like… it knows I'm happy."
Oak's expression softened. "That's because it does."
They spent the rest of the morning there, Leyn moving gently among the Pokémon while Rhea and Oak talked nearby. Every now and then, a curious Pokémon approached him — sniffing his hand, brushing against his leg, or simply staying close.
When it was finally time to go home, Leyn looked back one last time at the field. The Butterfree that had perched on him earlier fluttered up high, waving its wings as if in farewell.
He raised his hand in return, smiling shouting, "Goodbyes Butterfree, see ya tommorow."
As they walked back down the hill, the sun was warm and golden. The gentle wind rustled the trees, and for the first time since waking up from his illness, Leyn felt something clear and steady inside him — a feeling that told him this world, this life, and the Pokémon within it were all there waiting for him to grasp it and to live it.
"I'll take my own path and have an adventure with it meeting people and creating bonds with them... " Murmuring Leyn watching the setting sun.
"Hmm... Leyn what are you thinking it seems like you were saying something." Rhea asked as she noticed the leyn was muttering something and was lost in thought
"Ah? It's nothing I am just thinking on how to be able to understand the Pokémons more and to talk to them"
And he couldn't wait to see more of them.