Sunlight streamed through the windows of the Viridian City Pokémon Center, painting golden stripes across the lobby. Team Origin gathered at a large table near the cafeteria, their Pokémon settled around them in various states of wakefulness.
Gamma was practically bouncing in her seat. Abra remained motionless on her head, somehow not falling off despite her movements. "I can't believe it's only our second day here. It feels like we've been in this world for weeks."
"That's because we've packed about a month's worth of experiences into thirty-six hours," Omega observed, scrolling through notes on his phone. Gastly floated beside him, peering at the screen with interest.
Alpha stretched, wincing slightly as his shoulder popped. Khan sat beside him, her injuries from yesterday's battle already healing thanks to Nurse Joy's care. Kanga munched happily on a berry in her pouch. "My whole body hurts. But it's a good hurt. The 'I learned something' kind of hurt."
Beta smiled, Aurora coiled elegantly around his shoulders. The Dratini had insisted on being positioned to catch the morning light just right, and was currently basking in a sunbeam like a reptilian royalty. "Dr. Octavian said we made excellent progress yesterday. He wants us to start learning about medicinal plants today."
"That's great, Beta." Gamma beamed at him. Then her eyes caught something across the cafeteria. "Uh... guys?"
They looked up.
Four figures were walking toward their table, and every single one of them was familiar.
Lex Arthur led the group, his Rhyhorn stomping heavily beside him. His sharp eyes locked onto Alpha immediately, a competitive spark igniting.
Ariel Delzel walked beside him, Milotic gliding gracefully at her side. She spotted Gamma and waved enthusiastically, her smile warm and genuine.
Testarosa "Tess" Avrik bounced along behind them, Chikorita trotting to keep up. She spotted Beta and her face lit up. "BETA! We're eating together! This is perfect!"
And bringing up the rear, Alexander Brex strolled with casual confidence, Absol padding silently beside him. His gray eyes found Omega's immediately, and that smug smile appeared.
"Well, well," Alex drawled. "Fancy meeting you here."
Omega's eye twitched. "You followed us."
"I absolutely did not. This is coincidence. A delightful one." Alex slid into the seat across from Omega without waiting for an invitation. "Move over, Gastly. I'm sitting here now."
Gastly's eyes narrowed dangerously. It did not move.
"Gastly," Omega said quietly. "It's fine."
The Gastly floated back slightly, still glaring, but allowed Alex to sit.
The others arranged themselves around the table—Lex beside Alpha, Ariel beside Gamma, Tess beside Beta. Their Pokémon settled nearby, creating a menagerie of creatures that drew curious glances from other Center patrons.
Gamma looked around the table, her eyes wide. "So... you all know each other?"
"We're Team Dusk," Ariel explained, her voice warm. "We formed about a year ago, right after the energy surge started settling. Lex is our battler, Tess is our medic, Alex is our researcher, and I handle... well, everything else."
"Everything else meaning pageants and diplomacy," Tess added cheerfully. "She's the reason we don't kill each other."
Lex grunted. "Debatable."
Alex ignored them, his eyes fixed on Omega. "I told them about you. All of you. Team Origin, from... somewhere else." He stressed the last words meaningfully.
Omega tensed. Gastly moved closer.
"Relax," Lex said, his voice surprisingly gentle. "We're not going to expose you or experiment on you or whatever you're worried about. We're Adventure Teams. We explore mysteries. You're just... a really interesting mystery."
"A mystery we want to help solve," Ariel added. "Not exploit. There's a difference."
Beta looked at Tess. Tess nodded firmly. "We're friends, Beta. That's not conditional on where you're from."
Gamma felt tears prick her eyes. "You're all so nice. It's suspicious."
Ariel laughed. "We're not nice. We're practical. The world changed. We're all figuring it out together. Why wouldn't we help each other?"
"Because humans are generally terrible," Omega muttered.
Alex snorted. "Cynical. I like it." He leaned forward. "Look, here's the deal. We each have things we're good at. You each have things you're learning. Today, we split up again—but this time, we work together. Lex trains Alpha. Ariel helps Gamma. Tess works with Beta. And you and I—" He grinned at Omega. "We have a special appointment."
Omega's eyes narrowed. "What kind of appointment?"
"The kind that involves Professor Oak."
The table went quiet.
Gamma's jaw dropped. "Professor Oak? The Professor Oak? The Pokémon professor guy?"
"The very same." Alex's grin widened. "Well, technically his grandson, Gary. He took over the Viridian Research Centre after his grandfather retired. And he's agreed to meet with us."
"Us?" Omega repeated.
"Us. You and me. Because your research interests align with mine, and because—" Alex's voice dropped. "Because he might have answers about the surge. About where it came from. About why you're here."
Omega stared at him. Gastly stared at him. Even the yellow Rotom in Omega's phone seemed to be staring.
"Why would he meet with two junior researchers?" Omega asked.
Alex shrugged. "Because my family has connections. Because he's curious about new perspectives. And because—" He pulled out his phone, displaying a message. "I told him about you. About your... unusual background. He wants to talk."
Omega felt a chill run down his spine. "You told him I'm from another dimension?"
"I told him you might have information relevant to surge research. He drew his own conclusions." Alex's eyes were serious now. "Look, I know you're cautious. You should be. But Professor Oak—both of them—they've dedicated their lives to understanding Pokémon and the world they inhabit. If anyone can help you figure out why you're here, it's them."
Omega looked at his friends. Gamma nodded encouragingly. Alpha gave a thumbs up. Beta smiled softly.
"We trust you," Gamma said. "Go. Find answers."
Omega took a breath. Then he looked at Alex.
"Fine. Let's go meet a professor."
---
Gamma's Segment: Fashion and Accessories
The Pageant Hall's accessory boutique was a riot of color and sparkle.
Gamma pressed her face against the glass display case, eyes wide. Ribbons, jewels, scarves, and items she couldn't even name glittered under soft lighting. Each one seemed designed to make a Pokémon shine even brighter.
"How do you choose?" she breathed. "There's so much."
Ariel laughed beside her, Milotic gliding gracefully behind them. "You don't choose based on what looks good. You choose based on what feels right for your partner."
She gestured at Milotic, who was currently examining a blue ribbon with interest. "Milotic prefers items that complement her natural elegance. She won't wear anything flashy—it distracts from her inherent beauty. But a simple ribbon, perfectly placed? That enhances what's already there."
Gamma looked up at Abra, still motionless on her head. "What about him? What would he want?"
Ariel considered. "Your Abra is all about stillness. Presence. Intentionality. He doesn't need accessories that demand attention. He needs accessories that invite attention—that draw the eye without requiring movement."
She led Gamma to a display of small, subtle items. Simple bands in soft colors. Tiny crystals that caught light without shouting. Minimalist designs that whispered rather than screamed.
Gamma picked up a small silver band with a single, tiny moonstone. It was understated. Elegant. Peaceful.
Abra's ear twitched.
Gamma's heart skipped. "You like this one?"
Another twitch. Definitely approval.
Ariel smiled. "There it is. That's your first lesson in accessories—listen to your partner. They'll always tell you what they want. You just have to learn to hear them."
Gamma carefully purchased the band—her new Adventure Team credentials apparently included a stipend for supplies—and gently placed it on Abra's tail. The silver against his golden fur was perfect. Subtle but present. Exactly right.
Abra's eyes remained closed, but something in his posture softened. Contentment.
"He loves it," Gamma whispered.
"Of course he does." Ariel linked her arm through Gamma's. "Now let's find you something. Trainers need to shine too, you know."
---
Alpha's Segment: Type Matchups
The training grounds were busier than yesterday, but Lex had claimed a quiet corner near the edge. Rhyhorn stood beside him, motionless and patient.
Alpha arrived with Khan and Kanga, feeling nervous in a way he hadn't felt since his first day of combat training back home.
"You're late," Lex observed.
"By two minutes."
"Late is late." But Lex's eyes held amusement, not criticism. "Sit down. We need to talk before we train."
Alpha sat on a nearby bench. Khan settled beside him, Kanga watching everything with curious eyes.
Lex pulled out a tablet and displayed a chart. "Type matchups. This is the foundation of Pokémon battling. You need to memorize this until it's instinct."
Alpha studied the chart. Fire beats Grass. Water beats Fire. Grass beats Water. The patterns were almost musical—a rock-paper-scissors game with seventeen options instead of three.
"Khan is Normal type," Lex continued. "Normal is strong against nothing and weak to Fighting. That means she'll struggle against Fighting types and have no natural advantage against anyone."
"That sounds... bad."
"It's challenging." Lex's eyes were serious. "But it's not hopeless. Normal types are versatile. They can learn a wide range of moves. And Kangaskhan specifically has access to moves that can cover her weaknesses."
He pulled up another screen. "Here's a list of moves Khan can learn as she grows and trains. Crunch for Ghost types. Earthquake for Rock and Steel. Fire Punch for Grass and Ice. You need to build a move set that compensates for her type disadvantages."
Alpha studied the list, mind racing. "So I need to think ahead. Plan for what she'll face."
"Exactly." Lex nodded approvingly. "Battling isn't just about strength. It's about preparation, strategy, and knowing your partner's capabilities." He stood. "Now, let's practice. Rhyhorn, use Rock Tomb—slowly."
The Rhyhorn's horn glowed, and rocks began to rise from the ground, forming a loose circle around them.
"Khan, I want you to move through them," Lex instructed. "Don't break them—just navigate. This teaches precision and control."
Khan looked at Alpha. He nodded. "You can do it."
The Kangaskhan moved carefully, stepping around rocks, shifting her massive body through narrow gaps. Kanga watched from her pouch, occasionally reaching out to touch passing stones with wonder.
"Good," Lex murmured. "Now faster."
They drilled for hours—type matchups, precision movements, basic combat strategies. By midday, Alpha's brain was full and his body was tired, but he felt something he hadn't felt yesterday: progress.
"Same time tomorrow," Lex said as they finished. "We'll start working on specific move training."
Alpha nodded, breathing hard but smiling. "Thank you. Really."
Lex's almost-smile appeared. "Don't thank me yet. Training's going to get much harder."
"I'm counting on it."
---
Beta's Segment: Medicinal Plants
The greenhouse behind the Pokémon Medical Center was a riot of green life.
Beta stood in the center of it, Aurora coiled around his shoulders, and felt more at home than he had since arriving in this world. Plants everywhere. Growing, thriving, living. He could almost hear them breathing.
Tess bounced beside him, Chikorita at her feet. "Isn't it amazing? Dr. Octavian grows most of his own medicinal supplies here. Everything from basic healing herbs to rare ingredients for specialized potions."
"It's incredible," Beta breathed. "The variety. The health. Someone's put tremendous care into this space."
"That someone would be me."
They turned to find Dr. Octavian approaching, a basket of fresh-cut herbs in his hands. His severe expression softened slightly at Beta's obvious appreciation.
"You have experience with plants, Beta?"
"Back home—" Beta caught himself. "Where I'm from, I had a greenhouse. Carnivorous plants, mostly. But I learned to care for all kinds."
Dr. Octavian's eyes sharpened with interest. "Carnivorous plants require precise conditions. Specific soil compositions. Careful feeding schedules. That's not casual knowledge."
"It wasn't casual. It was..." Beta hesitated. "It was everything."
Aurora's tail tapped his shoulder gently. It's okay. You can share this.
Dr. Octavian studied him for a long moment. Then, unexpectedly, he smiled—a rare and genuine expression.
"Good. Then you'll appreciate what I'm about to show you."
He led them through the greenhouse, pointing out plants and explaining their uses. Oran Berries for basic healing. Pecha Berries for poison. Rawst Berries for burns. Cheri Berries for paralysis. Beyond berries, there were herbs Beta had never seen—silver leaves that glowed faintly, moss that seemed to pulse with energy, flowers that changed color when touched.
"These are the foundations of Pokémon medicine," Dr. Octavian explained. "Berries for immediate care. Herbs for ongoing treatment. Specialized plants for rare conditions. Learn them. Understand them. They'll save lives."
Beta absorbed everything, asking questions, making mental notes. Aurora watched with interest, occasionally pointing at plants with her tail when she wanted more information.
Tess worked alongside him, Chikorita helping with harvesting. The little grass-type was surprisingly skilled, its vines gentle and precise.
By afternoon, Beta had helped prepare three different types of healing salves and two potion bases. His hands were stained green, his mind was full, and he'd never been happier.
"Same time tomorrow?" Tess asked as they finished.
Beta smiled. "Same time tomorrow."
---
Omega's Segment: Professor Oak
The Viridian Research Centre stood on a hill overlooking the city—a modern facility of glass and steel that somehow still felt connected to the nature surrounding it. Solar panels gleamed on the roof. Gardens filled with research specimens surrounded the building. Pokémon of various species wandered freely through designated areas.
Omega stood at the entrance, Gastly beside him, Alex at his shoulder.
"Nervous?" Alex asked.
"Researchers don't get nervous. We get... anticipatory."
Alex snorted. "That's nervous. But sure."
They walked inside.
The lobby was bright and welcoming, with displays showcasing recent discoveries and information about ongoing projects. A receptionist directed them to a lab on the third floor, and they rode a elevator in comfortable silence.
The lab doors slid open to reveal a workspace that made Omega's heart skip.
Equipment everywhere. Computers displaying complex data. Shelves of samples and specimens. And in the center, a young man with brown hair and confident eyes, surrounded by Pokémon—a Blastoise, an Umbreon, and a small green dinosaur with a seed on its back.
"Alex!" the man called, waving. "Good to see you. And you must be Omega." He approached, hand extended. "Gary Oak. Thanks for coming."
Omega shook his hand, assessing quickly. Confident but not arrogant. Intelligent but not condescending. Someone who'd grown up around genius and carved his own path anyway.
"Thank you for seeing us," Omega said. "Your research on the energy surge is... impressive."
Gary's eyes lit up. "You've read my papers?"
"All of them. Your hypothesis about cascading energy nodes is particularly compelling."
"I thought so too!" Gary glanced at Alex. "You were right. He's good."
Alex grinned. "Told you."
They settled around a central table, Gastly floating near Omega, Absol lying quietly at Alex's feet. Gary's Pokémon arranged themselves around the room, watching with interest.
"So," Gary said, leaning forward. "Alex tells me you might have information about the surge that isn't... locally sourced."
Omega chose his words carefully. "I'm from somewhere else. Somewhere very far away. And I arrived in this world at approximately the same time the surge occurred."
Gary's eyes sharpened. "Approximately?"
"The timing is difficult to measure precisely. Dimensional travel isn't exact."
"Dimensional travel." Gary repeated the words slowly. "So you're saying you came from another dimension entirely. Not another region. Another reality."
"Yes."
The room was quiet for a long moment. Gary's Pokémon exchanged glances. Absol's eyes were fixed on Omega, unblinking.
Then Gary smiled—a wide, genuine smile.
"Fascinating. Absolutely fascinating." He pulled out a tablet, fingers flying across the screen. "Can you describe the travel process? Any sensations, visual phenomena, energy readings? Did you experience anything that might correlate with surge data?"
Omega blinked. "You're not... surprised? Skeptical?"
"Oh, I'm both." Gary's eyes sparkled. "But I'm also a researcher. Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and right now, you are the evidence. The surge readings from three years ago show dimensional anomalies—rips in reality, energy signatures that don't match anything in our world. If you arrived then, your arrival might be the surge. Or part of it."
Omega felt his mind racing. "You have data on dimensional anomalies?"
"Terrans of it." Gary stood, gesturing for them to follow. "Come on. I'll show you everything."
---
Hours passed in the research centre.
Gary pulled up years of data—energy readings, spatial anomalies, eyewitness accounts. He showed them recordings of the exact moment the surge occurred, captured by equipment across multiple regions.
Omega watched, transfixed, as the data painted a picture of reality bending.
"There," he said suddenly, pointing at a spike. "That pattern. I've seen it before."
Gary leaned in. "Where?"
"During our transit. When we passed through the dimensional corridor. The energy signature was identical."
Gary's eyes widened. "You're sure?"
"Positive."
The implications hung in the air.
"The surge wasn't just a random event," Alex breathed. "It was a door. Something opening between dimensions."
"Or someone," Omega added quietly. "Someone—or something—trying to connect our worlds."
Gary was already typing, cross-referencing, theorizing. "If you're right, then the surge wasn't an accident. It was intentional. A bridge being built."
"But why?" Omega asked. "What purpose would it serve?"
"I don't know yet." Gary looked up, his expression intense. "But we're going to find out. Together. You, me, Alex—anyone who wants to understand the truth."
Omega looked at Gastly. The Pokémon's eyes held something new—hope, maybe. Or determination.
"We'll help," Omega said. "My team and I. We'll help find the answers."
Gary grinned. "Then welcome to the research team, Omega. This is going to be fun."
---
Evening Reunion
Team Origin gathered at their usual table in the Pokémon Center as the sun set over Viridian City. Team Dusk joined them, creating a lively group of eight humans and their Pokémon.
"How was everyone's day?" Gamma asked, practically glowing.
They went around the table, sharing stories—fashion and accessories, type matchups, medicinal plants, dimensional research. By the time they finished, laughter filled the air and connections had deepened.
"Same time tomorrow?" Ariel suggested.
The response was unanimous.
As the evening wound down and Team Dusk departed, Team Origin sat together in comfortable silence.
"We're really doing this," Beta said softly. "Building a life here."
"We are." Alpha smiled. "And it's pretty amazing."
Gamma leaned against him, Abra still on her head. "I miss home. But this... this is good too."
Omega was quiet, scrolling through notes on his phone. Gastly pressed against his side.
"Omega?" Gamma asked. "You okay?"
He looked up. For a moment, his expression was unreadable. Then, slowly, he smiled—a real smile, rare and genuine.
"I think," he said, "that for the first time in a long time, I might actually be okay."
Gastly made a soft, approving sound.
And together, Team Origin watched the stars appear over Viridian City, ready for whatever came next.