The hum of lab machines filled the air as dusk settled over Pallet Town,. The day had been long, heavy — the forest incident still lingering in everyone's minds.
Professor Oak stood near the far end of the lab, speaking with a ranger and a police officer who had arrived just moments ago. His arms were crossed, and his expression carried the restrained anger of someone who'd seen too much of this before.
"Check every report from the last two weeks," Oak ordered sternly. "Anyone suspicious entering the forest, any unfamiliar activity — I want to know. The Fearow and Spearow didn't turn violent for no reason."
The Pokémon Ranger nodded, taking notes. "We'll coordinate with nearby towns. If there were poachers in the area, we'll find their tracks."
Oak exhaled, his tone softening. "Good. And the sanctuary?"
The police officer smiled faintly. "Progress is going well. The fences are up, the feeding zones are being placed, and the first flock has already returned. It should be fully functional within the week."
Hearing that, Oak allowed himself a brief sigh of relief. "That's something, at least… those Pokémon deserve a place where they can rest."
But as he turned, his gaze fell on a familiar sight — Leyn sitting quietly on a bench near the lab's main window. Pikachu sat beside him, leaning close, while Leaf sat on the other side, watching the boy with worried eyes. The soft hum of the machines was the only sound around them.
Leyn's expression was blank, pale. His eyes were distant — not from exhaustion, but from the memory of what he had found in the woods: that torn collar, the dried blood, and the unspoken understanding of what had been done.
Leaf hesitated before whispering, "Leyn… what did you see back there?"
He didn't answer at first. His gaze lingered on his hands before he quietly replied, "It's nothing, Leaf. You don't need to worry."
Pikachu gave a small, soft chirp and pressed closer to him, its paw resting on his knee. The simple touch pulled him slightly back to the present.
Professor Oak approached quietly, his steps soft on the lab floor. "Leyn. Leaf. Pikachu," he called gently.
The three of them looked up.
"Come here, all of you," Oak said, smiling faintly. "I believe we still have something important to talk about."
They gathered near one of the worktables, and Oak looked down at them with an expression both warm and serious.
"Originally, I wanted to reward Leyn for his courage — for saving Leaf and standing up to that Fearow," Oak began. "But after today… you've done even more than that. You've helped us uncover what really happened. You helped protect many Pokémon that might have been in danger."
Leyn blinked, and now just remembered that he had still a reward. "Ah! I forgot about that ."
Oak chuckled. "Haha silly boy you're still young how come I have better memory than you."
He turned to Pikachu, crouching slightly. "And you, little one — you've done wonderfully. You fought bravely and stood by Leyn until the end."
Pikachu's ears perked up.
"Tell me," Oak said softly, "do you like staying with Leyn?"
Pikachu paused — then nodded firmly, chirping a bright, "Pika!"
Oak laughed softly, shaking his head. "I thought so." He picked up a Poké Ball resting on the table and placed it in Leyn's hands. "For now, Pikachu will still be considered a lab Pokémon. You're not of age yet to become an official trainer… but when that time comes, this Poké Ball will already be his. Consider it a promise — a symbol that Pikachu is waiting for you."
Leyn's eyes widened in astonishment. "So when I turn ten… he'll really be my partner?"
Oak smiled warmly. "Exactly. Until then, take care of him well."
"Pikaaa!" Pikachu cried out and leapt into Leyn's arms, rubbing its cheek against his. Leyn laughed and hugged it tightly, his earlier gloom melting away.
Leaf clapped her hands softly, relief washing over her. "That's wonderful, Leyn! I'm so happy for both of you!"
Oak then turned toward her. "And you, Leaf — what about your reward? Anything you'd like?"
Leaf shook her head quickly, cheeks turning faintly pink. "N-no need, Professor. Just being here and seeing all these Pokémon… that's enough."
Oak smiled knowingly. "Modest as always. Very well — I'll keep your reward for another time. You can claim it when you're ready."
---
Leyn approached Professor Oak, who was still organizing a few documents. Pikachu trotted beside him, tail swishing happily.
"Professor Oak," Leyn started, scratching the back of his head. "Can I take a few packs of Pokéfood for Pikachu? I'll pay for them."
Oak turned, mildly surprised by the boy's tone. "Pay? You don't have to worry about that, Leyn. You can take as many as you want. Pikachu needs proper nourishment after what happened."
But Leyn shook his head, a faint but firm smile on his face. "No, I want to buy them myself. If Pikachu's going to stay with me, I should learn how to care for him properly — that includes managing his food and our expenses."
For a moment, Oak just looked at him quietly, the corners of his mouth curling into a proud smile. "You really have grown up, haven't you?" he said softly. "Alright then. Do as you wish — but remember, my door's always open if you ever need help."
Leyn grinned leaving the lab as he thanked professor Oak. "I know, Professor. Thanks."
As the group reached the familiar streets of Pallet Town, the soft glow of dusk bathed everything in gold. They stopped in front of Leaf's house, where warm lights flickered from inside.
Leaf turned toward Leyn and Pikachu, a bright smile on her face. "So, you're finally taking Pikachu home, huh? He looks way happier than before."
Pikachu, perched on Leyn's shoulder, gave a cheerful "Pikaaa~!" in agreement, nuzzling his cheek affectionately.
Leyn laughed, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah. I guess he's been waiting for this too."
Leaf chuckled, crossing her arms playfully. "Well, make sure you don't hug him too much this time. I don't want to hear you got zapped again and started yelling like last time."
"Hey, that was one time!" Leyn protested, pouting.
"Sure it was," Leaf teased with a grin, clearly enjoying herself.
Even Pikachu giggled in his own way, his ears twitching as if remembering it too.
Leaf crouched a bit to pat Pikachu's head. "Take care of him, okay? He's kind of hopeless when you're not around."
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded proudly, puffing his chest out.
Leyn rolled his eyes but smiled. "You two really like teaming up on me, huh?"
Leaf laughed, stepping back toward her porch. "Maybe. Anyway, see you tomorrow, Leyn. And don't forget—try not to get zapped before breakfast!"
"I'll try my best," Leyn replied with a grin. "Goodnight, Leaf."
"Night!" she called, waving as he and Pikachu turned toward home.
---
The moment Leyn stepped into his home, he shouted, "Mom! Dad! Guess what?!"
Rhea nearly dropped a dish from the kitchen. "Leyn! What—"
"Professor Oak said Pikachu's staying with me!" he exclaimed, eyes shining. "He's still a lab Pokémon for now, but when I turn ten, I'll be his trainer for real!"
Gerald blinked, then broke into a wide grin. "Well, now. That's quite the milestone."
Rhea sighed, shaking her head but smiling all the same. "You keep getting yourself into trouble and still come home with good news."
Pikachu gave a proud chirp. "Pika!"
Laughing, Rhea crouched and scratched its head gently. "Well, you're family now too, aren't you?"
Leyn pumped a fist. "We'll be the best team ever!"
Later, after thanking Oak for the Pokémon food, Leyn returned home carrying the small bag. Rhea mentioned getting a bed for Pikachu, but Leyn grinned and shook his head. "No need. Pikachu and I will share my bed!"
Pikachu nodded enthusiastically, its tail wagging like lightning.
After dinner, the pair took a bath together — which, predictably, turned into a small water fight.
"Hey! Pikachu, stop splashing!" Leyn laughed as Pikachu shook itself like a puppy, sending water everywhere.
From outside the door, Rhea's voice rang out, half-laughing, half-scolding. "Leyn! Don't just play! Wash properly and dry up, both of you, or you'll catch a cold!"
"Yes, Mom!" Leyn called back, laughing so hard his voice echoed.
When they were finally dry, Leyn carried Pikachu to his room. The window was open, letting in the soft night breeze. Stars glittered above like scattered jewels.
He lay back on the bed, Pikachu curled against his chest. For a moment, the laughter faded, and silence took its place — gentle, comfortable silence.
His gaze drifted toward the ceiling. "Hey, Pikachu… that collar we found… do you think those Pokémon are still out there?"
Pikachu looked up, its eyes glinting softly in the moonlight. It pressed its paw gently to Leyn's chest.
Leyn smiled faintly. "Yeah. Me too. I'll get stronger — so that things like that never happen again."
Pikachu chirped softly, curling closer as its eyes fluttered shut.
The boy and his Pokémon soon drifted into sleep, bathed in the soft glow of the starlight — two hearts bound by courage, curiosity, and the quiet promise of a brighter tomorrow.