The lobby of Pokémon Home hums with its usual gentle rhythm. Customers browse the shelves, Latias, in her human guise, gracefully assists a trainer selecting Poké Blocks. Orion polishes his cane, a faint smile on his face as he watches the peaceful scene. He feels the energy of the place, a quiet contentment radiating from the Pokémon and trainers alike. Yet, beneath the calm, a subtle current flows, a sense of something gathering, a prelude to change.
He observes a few visitors returning from the Sanctuary, their expressions a mix of awe and mild disappointment. They speak in hushed tones about the Pokémon's wariness, their reluctance to form bonds with strangers. Orion nods understandingly. Building trust takes time, and genuine connection can't be rushed. The sales figures remain steady, but he notices more people exploring the Sanctuary than actually taking a Pokémon home. It's a sign, he thinks, that people are starting to understand the deeper meaning of partnership, not just acquisition.
Just then, the shop bell above the door chimes, announcing new arrivals. Orion's senses tingle. Two distinct Aura signatures enter the room, bright and clear, yet carrying an undercurrent of purpose that reminds him of those who come seeking answers, those who investigate. He looks up, his gaze falling on a young woman and a young man. They carry themselves with a quiet confidence, their eyes scanning the room with a sharp, analytical focus. They're young, he notes, younger than most who arrive with such deliberate intent.
The woman, her posture alert and observant, takes in the surroundings with a keen eye. Beside her, the young man stands with a composed, almost stoic bearing, his gaze steady and assessing. Their Aura, Orion notes, is strong, clean, and unwavering. It's the kind of energy that suggests discipline, a certain kind of training. He can't place them, but their focused energy is undeniable. They don't seem like casual tourists; they feel like operatives.
Latias, ever graceful, approaches them with a welcoming smile. "Welcome to Pokémon Home," she says, her voice like soft chimes. "May I help you find anything today?"
The young woman steps forward, her voice clear and direct. "We're looking for information. Specifically, about Pokémon."
The young man nods in agreement, his expression serious. "We've heard they are creatures unlike any we've encountered before."
"You've certainly come to the right place," Orion says with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling. "We specialize in all things Pokémon here." He gestures around the lobby. "My name is Orion Oak. And this is Latias, my assistant."
Latias offers a polite nod.
"And you are?" Orion prompts, his gaze shifting back to the two newcomers.
The young woman steps forward, her expression serious but friendly. "I'm Daisy Johnson."
The young man beside her nods, his voice calm and steady. "Rayshaun Lucas."
Flashback:
The sterile, white walls of the SHIELD briefing room offer no comfort. Maria Hill stands at the head of a polished table, her expression a mask of practiced efficiency. She's seen it all, from alien invasions to rogue AI, but this new anomaly, this "Pokémon Home," is proving to be a unique challenge.
"Alright, let's get down to business," Hill states, her voice clipped and precise. "As you know, SHIELD operates at the forefront of global security, dealing with threats both terrestrial and extraterrestrial. We are the first line of defense." She glances at Daisy Johnson, codename Quake, and Rayshaun Lucas, codenamed Patriot. "You two are among our most promising young operatives. Daisy, your seismic abilities, when controlled, are invaluable. Rayshaun, your tactical mind and leadership potential are exactly what we need."
She taps a holographic display, bringing up an image of Pokémon Home. "This facility, Pokémon Home, has recently come to our attention. It claims to be a sanctuary for creatures called 'Pokémon,' beings from another dimension. Our initial attempts to integrate them into our world have… stalled."
Hill pauses, her gaze sharpening. "Numerous SHIELD agents have visited Pokémon Home, trying to establish partnerships with these Pokémon. They've attempted every angle – scientific inquiry, tactical negotiation, even simple charm. Nothing has worked. No Pokémon has agreed to partner with any of our agents."
Daisy shifts slightly. "Director, I saw on their public feed that they have a lottery system. We could just… purchase one. Orion Oak, the owner, seems to be selling them."
Hill's lips thin. "That's where it gets complicated, Johnson. Orion Oak refused our agents access to the lottery. He insisted on the 'befriending' process in the Sanctuary, or a lottery that he personally oversees. We don't know if he's aware of your SHIELD affiliation, or if he's simply being… difficult."
Orion, in fact, knew exactly who they were. He could sense the practiced discipline in their Aura, the subtle markers of agents trained for observation and acquisition. He simply refused to allow beings of such intent to bypass the core principle of Pokémon partnership: genuine connection. Allowing them into the Sanctuary, even for a brief period, was the minimum he could offer. The lottery, for them, was off the table. It was a decision born from experience; he'd seen too many Pokémon treated as tools rather than partners.
Rayshaun steps forward, his posture solid. "We understand, Director. We'll find a way. Information is critical. We'll gain their trust, learn about these Pokémon, and understand their connection to Orion Oak. We won't fail." His determination is a quiet force, a promise of meticulous effort.
Present:
Orion smiles, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "Daisy, Rayshaun. It's a pleasure. So, what brings you two to Pokémon Home today?"
"We're interested in learning more about Pokémon," Daisy says, her voice casual, though her eyes scan the lobby with practiced efficiency. "We heard about your Sanctuary, and we were hoping to get a look inside. Maybe even try to, uh, connect with one of the Pokémon there?"
Rayshaun nods, adding, "We're not looking for anything too serious. Just curious about how the partnership process works. We've heard great things about how Pokémon and humans bond here."
Orion studies them for a moment. He can feel the carefully constructed veneer of civilian curiosity, but beneath it, he senses a deeper drive, a professional focus. It's not malice, not exactly, but a clear objective. Still, there's a spark of genuine interest there, a desire to understand, not just acquire. He's seen it before, in others who came seeking answers.
"The Sanctuary is a place of peace," Orion explains, his tone gentle but firm. "Pokémon roam freely, and connections are made through mutual respect, not force. You'll need to be patient, and kind. No violence, no coercion. Understand?"
"Absolutely," Rayshaun replies, his gaze steady. "We understand the importance of respect."
Daisy offers a quick smile. "Yeah, no rough stuff. We just want to see what it's all about."
Orion gestures towards a sleek, metallic counter. "There's a small entrance fee for the Sanctuary. It helps us maintain the habitats and care for all our residents."
Daisy pulls out a wallet, her movements precise. She pays the fee, her expression neutral, though a flicker of anticipation crosses her eyes. Rayshaun watches, his gaze thoughtful.
Orion leads them to a large, shimmering portal. "This will take you to the Sanctuary. Take your time, explore, and be open to what you find. The right partner often appears when you least expect it."
Daisy and Rayshaun exchange a look – a silent acknowledgment of their mission now officially underway. They step through the portal, their professional focus now tinged with a genuine sense of wonder as they find themselves in a world teeming with life and possibility.
***
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