One Month Later
The morning sun rose over Viridian City, painting the sky in shades of gold and rose. Team Origin stood outside the Pokémon Center, their belongings packed, their Pokémon gathered around them, and a month of memories behind them.
Gamma clutched her new Adventure Team gear—a sleek backpack, a belt with empty Pokéball clips, and a small device that hummed with quiet energy. "I can't believe we're actually leaving."
"We knew this day would come," Beta said softly, Aurora coiled around his shoulders as always. The Dratini had grown slightly in the past month, her scales even more luminous, her presence even more commanding.
Alpha adjusted his own belt, checking the Pokéballs clipped there. Khan stood beside him, Kanga peeking from her pouch, watching the city they'd called home for thirty days. "It feels right, though. Time to see what else this world has to offer."
Omega was quiet, scrolling through his phone one last time. Gastly floated beside him, the three young Rotom—Spark, Volta, and Watt—bobbing nearby in a small carrier Beta had designed. The yellow Rotom in his phone pulsed gently.
"It's official," Omega announced. "Our Adventure Team registration has been fully processed. We're now recognized explorers with all associated rights and privileges."
Gamma pumped her fist. "Yes! Team Origin is legit!"
"More than legit." Omega held up his phone, displaying their credentials. "We've also been granted starter gear—Pokéballs, a Storage Simulation Unit, and access to regional support networks."
Beta examined the small device Omega indicated. "The SSU? Dr. Octavian mentioned those. They're incredible—they create a simulated environment where Pokémon can live, train, and interact while stored."
"Like a virtual habitat," Gamma breathed. "So we can carry more Pokémon than just our partners?"
"Exactly." Omega nodded. "We'll need it eventually. One Pokémon each won't be enough for the challenges ahead."
Alpha looked at Khan. The Kangaskhan gazed back steadily. "I don't think she wants to be stored, though."
"None of them do," Omega agreed. "The Pokéballs are for future captures. For emergencies. Our partners—" He looked at Gastly, who pressed against his side. "They stay with us."
---
The Capture Ceremony
Nurse Joy had arranged a small ceremony at the Pokémon Center's backyard—a peaceful garden where trainers could formally capture their starter Pokémon. It was tradition, she explained, even when the bond was already formed.
Team Origin stood in a circle, their Pokémon before them.
"Capturing a Pokémon isn't about control," Nurse Joy explained gently. "It's about commitment. When you use that Pokéball, you're promising to care for that Pokémon, to travel with them, to be their partner in all things. The ball is just a symbol—the real bond is what you've already built."
Gamma stepped forward first. She held out a standard Pokéball, its surface smooth and red, and looked at Abra.
The yellow fox was on her head, as always. Eyes closed. Doing nothing.
"Abra," Gamma said softly. "I know you don't care about ceremonies or symbols or any of this. But I want you to know—I'm all in. You chose me in that forest, and I choose you back. Every day. For always."
Abra's ear twitched.
Then, slowly, he opened his eyes.
Gamma's breath caught. In a month, she'd seen him fully awake maybe three times. His dark eyes held hers—ancient, knowing, utterly calm.
He teleported.
For one terrifying second, Gamma thought he'd left her. Then she felt a weight on her outstretched hand. Abra had reappeared directly on her palm, his small body somehow balanced perfectly, his eyes still holding hers.
"Abra," she whispered.
He touched his nose to the Pokéball. It clicked open, red light engulfed him—and then released him immediately, the capture complete.
Abra was back on her head before the light faded.
Gamma laughed through tears. "I love you, you ridiculous creature."
Abra's ear twitched. That was enough.
---
Alpha approached Khan with Kanga in her pouch. The massive Kangaskhan watched him with those patient, protective eyes.
"You've trusted me with the most important thing in your world," Alpha said quietly. "Your baby. Your life. Your partnership." He held up the Pokéball. "I'm asking you to trust me with this too. Not because I want to control you—because I want it official. I want the world to know you're mine and I'm yours."
Khan studied him for a long moment. Then she reached out with one massive hand and gently pressed the Pokéball's button herself.
Red light. Capture. Release.
She stood before him, unchanged but somehow different. Official. His.
Kanga waved from her pouch. Alpha waved back, grinning.
---
Beta approached Aurora with gentle steps. The Dratini was coiled elegantly on a garden stone, her scales catching the morning light, her pearl glowing softly.
"Aurora," Beta said. "You've taught me so much this month. About confidence. About pride. About being seen." He smiled. "I used to hide. Used to fade into the background. But with you, I can't—you're too magnificent, and you refuse to let me be anything less than worthy of you."
Aurora's eyes gleamed approval.
"I'm worthy because you chose me," Beta continued. "And I'll spend every day trying to deserve that choice. Will you—" He held up the Pokéball. "Will you make it official?"
Aurora lifted her head regally. Then, with deliberate grace, she pressed her nose to the ball.
Capture. Release.
She coiled around his shoulders again, settling into her favorite position. But now she pressed her head against his cheek, just for a moment.
Beta closed his eyes, feeling the warmth of her scales, the weight of her trust.
"Thank you," he whispered.
---
Omega approached last. Gastly floated before him, its permanent grin somehow soft, its eyes curious.
"A month ago, you didn't trust me," Omega said. "You had every reason not to. I was a stranger, an intruder, a potential threat to everything you protected."
Gastly's eyes flickered—acknowledgment.
"But you gave me a chance. You let me follow you. You let me help with the young Rotom. You let me—" Omega's voice caught slightly. "You let me in."
Gastly floated closer.
"I don't know what happens next. I don't know why we're here or what we're meant to find. But I know I want you with me for all of it." He held up the Pokéball. "If you'll have me."
Gastly looked at the ball. Then at Omega. Then at the young Rotom, who were watching with bright, hopeful eyes.
It reached out with a wisp of gas and touched the button.
Capture. Release.
Gastly floated back to Omega's side, pressing against him like always. But now there was something new in its eyes—belonging.
Omega placed a hand near it—not touching, just close. "Thank you, friend."
Gastly's grin widened. It was the happiest Omega had ever seen it.
---
Departure
An hour later, Team Origin stood at the edge of Viridian City, Route 2 stretching before them. Nurse Joy had come to see them off, along with several other Center staff who'd grown fond of the strange newcomers.
Team Dusk arrived just as they were about to leave.
"Thought you'd sneak away without saying goodbye?" Alex called, jogging up with Absol at his side. "Not a chance."
Lex approached Alpha, Rhyhorn stomping behind him. "You've improved. Don't let it go to your head."
"Wouldn't dream of it." Alpha grinned. "Same time next month? For a rematch?"
Lex's almost-smile appeared. "I'm counting on it."
Tess threw her arms around Beta, Chikorita adding a vine-hug for emphasis. "You'd better write. And visit. And send samples of any interesting plants you find. And—"
"I will," Beta laughed, hugging her back. "All of it. I promise."
Ariel embraced Gamma warmly, Milotic gliding gracefully beside them. "You're going to be amazing. Your Abra is going to stun audiences everywhere."
Gamma wiped her eyes. "Only if I can stay still enough for him."
"He'll keep you still. That's his gift to you." Ariel pressed a small package into Gamma's hands. "Accessories. For your first pageant. Make us proud."
Gamma couldn't speak. She just nodded, tears streaming.
Alex faced Omega, their gazes locking.
"A month ago, I thought you were just an interesting rival," Alex said. "Now I know you're something more. Someone more." He extended a hand. "Find the answers, Omega. And when you do—come find me. We'll figure out what they mean together."
Omega took his hand. "I will. And you keep researching. Keep questioning. Keep being insufferably right about everything."
Alex laughed. "Always."
They stood together for a moment—eight friends who'd become something like family, their Pokémon gathered around them, the road ahead calling.
Then Team Origin turned and walked toward Route 2, leaving Viridian City behind.
Gamma carried Abra on her head, the silver band on his tail catching the light.
Alpha walked beside Khan, Kanga waving at everything they passed.
Beta had Aurora coiled around his shoulders, her scales gleaming.
Omega led the way, Gastly at his side, the young Rotom bobbing behind in their carrier.
Behind them, Team Dusk waved until they disappeared from sight.
Ahead of them, the world waited.