The feast went on longer than I expected.
Buneary stuffed themselves until their cheeks bulged like fluffy dumplings.
Budew waddled from bowl to bowl, tasting everything with innocent excitement.
Grookey—my Grookey—sat proudly on my shoulder, tapping his stick rhythmically on my back like celebratory drumming.
Murkrow stole two Pokéblocks and thought I didn't notice.
Mankey noticed.
And chased them around the yard like he was collecting overdue rent.
Chansey distributed Transparent Pokéblocks to the tiny Pokémon with the authority of a teacher handing out exam papers.
Happiny waddled around proudly showing her polished stone to every single Pokémon who would look at her.
Even Rhyhorn had joined, munching calmly on Sitrus berries like giant armored cows.
But eventually…
As the moon rose and the sky darkened to a gentle blue…
Pokémon began returning to the forest.
Oddish found themselves best location to absorb moonlight.
Hoothoot hopped toward their usual perches for night duty.
Roselia slipped silently back into the deeper thickets.
One by one…
They left the backyard until only a calm silence remained.
Only Chansey, Happiny Wigglytuff were with me.
Chansey stepped forward.
Her expression remained gentle, but her posture had the weight of responsibility behind it.
I crouched so our eyes were level.
"You did great today," I said softly. "Your leadership is why this zone feels safe."
Chansey closed her eyes, accepting the praise, then looked toward the forest.
She was already thinking of tomorrow's routines.
"I'm not here to replace you," I continued. "You'll still manage this zone. Maintain balance. Handle disputes. Guide the young ones."
Chansey nodded.
I hesitated for a moment before adding—
"And… if any Pokémon here wants a partner—a trainer—I want you to let me know."
Chansey blinked, surprised.
"I won't force anyone," I clarified. "But if someone wants to grow, travel, or fight… I'll make sure they get a human who's right for them."
Chansey studied me for several seconds.
Then she bowed.
A deep, graceful bow.
"Chan…sey."
(I will consider it.)
Happiny copied her bow, then her stone fell out and she panicked to catch it.
I couldn't help but smile.
I stepped outside the zone, waved goodbye to Ritu, and took Grookey in my arms before calling a cab.
By the time I reached home, the exhaustion of the day hit me like a truck.
But I wasn't ready for the chaos that awaited inside.
The moment the door opened—
"Aakash! You're back!"
Mom hugged me like I'd been gone for years.
Dad peered behind me.
"Who is that yellow monkey?"
Grookey puffed his chest proudly.
"GROO!"
My mother gasped softly.
"He's… so thin? Is that normal? He looks like he needs food!"
Grookey pretended to be weak instantly.
I glared.
He shrugged innocently.
Mischievous brat.
"This is Grookey," I said. "My newest partner."
Mom instantly took him from my hands like he was her newborn grandchild.
"Ohh look at him! He's so thin! You poor thing—wait, Aakash, you fed him right??"
"Maa—yes! He ate way more than me today!"
Grookey nodded sagely, confirming his innocence.
Traitor.
Dad laughed under his breath.
Then he paused.
"Aakash… this one is different from others."
"Yeah," I smiled. "He's special."
I spent the next ten minutes explaining the villa, the zone, the Pokémon, the security, and—
"—we'll be moving there in two or three days."
Mom froze.
Dad blinked.
I waited.
Then Mom slowly nodded.
"As long as it's safe. And… you'll be there, right?"
"Every day."
She let out a breath.
"Okay. Then we'll go."
Dad clapped his hands.
"Well! Time to start packing."
Grookey tapped his stick and saluted.
Mom gushed again.
I sighed.
My future was full of chaos.
But—good chaos.
By the time I reached my room, darkness had fully settled in.
Pidgeotto perchedon the tree near the window.
Mankey curled on the shelf.
Pikachu had taken over my pillow.
Grookey dragged a blanket onto the floor next to my bed, patting the spot like:
This is mine now.
I lay down.
Closed my eyes.
And sleep claimed me instantly.
_____________________________________________________
My alarm buzzed at 6 AM.
I woke up refreshed.
ed my neck, and started my morning routine.
Wash.
Brush.
Quick exercise.
Shower.
The warm water washed off last night's exhaustion.
I had barely stepped out, towel over my shoulders, when my phone buzzed insistently.
Colonel Rawat.
I answered immediately.
"Sir?"
His voice was firm, serious.
"Aakash, Parliament meeting is fixed. 10 AM sharp. They want your report on Arbok case, Aarey Zone updates, and the new Pokémon management policies."
Ah.
Finally.
"I'll be there," I said.
"Good. Don't be late. And dress properly—we are meeting the Chief Minister and several central observers."
Great.
Government officials.
Piles of reporters.
Curious ministers who still didn't know the difference between a Pikachu and a toaster.
"Understood," I replied.
He hung up without further pleasantries.
Typical Rawat.
I got dressed—formal white shirt, navy-blue blazer, clean black trousers. Not fancy, just presentable.
Mom placed a plate of hot poha and chai in front of me the moment I stepped into the dining room.
"You're going to parliament? Eat properly."
Grookey reached for my plate.
I elbowed him gently.
"Not you."
He made a betrayed face.
Pikachu stole a spoonful when I wasn't looking.
Mankey munched toast like a gremlin.
My family pretended not to notice.
After finishing breakfast, I grabbed my files, and headed to the door.
Dad placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Be careful. Government people… talk a lot, decide nothing."
I snorted. "I've noticed."
Mom adjusted my collar like I was going to my first day of school.
Grookey waved his stick cheerfully.
I gave them a small smile.
"I'll be back by afternoon."
On the Way — Maharashtra Legislative Assembly
I stepped into the waiting government vehicle outside.
Two escort jeeps followed behind.
The streets of Nariman Point buzzed with morning traffic, but as we approached Maharashtra Vidhan Bhavan, the atmosphere changed.
Barricades lined the roads.
Police units were doubled.
Media vans parked in clusters, cameras already pointed at the entrance.
Post-Merge politics had turned into a feverish circus.
Pokémon sightings.
Pokémon control laws.
Public safety.
New departments.
Everyone wanted answers.
Now they wanted mine.
The SUV slowed near the main gate.
A constable saluted sharply as the gate opened.
I took a breath.
Time to face the people who ran the state—whether competently or cluelessly.
I stepped out of the vehicle…
And the morning sun hit the giant white dome of the Legislative Assembly.
My next challenge awaited inside.
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