Orion polishes his Poké Ball cane behind the front desk, the lobby humming with quiet chatter. Pikachu snoozes on a stool. Latias, in human form, hands a bag of Poké Blocks to a customer with a warm smile.
He pauses, feeling a ripple in the air—like something big's brewing. Sanctuary returnees linger, faces thoughtful, not buzzing with joy.
The portal whooshes. Daisy Johnson and Rayshaun Lucas step through, dusty and grinning. Rufflet perches on Rayshaun's shoulder, wing good as new, feathers fluffed proudly. Trapinch trundles beside Daisy, jaws clicking contentedly.
"Welcome back," Orion says, eyes lighting up. "Looks like you found partners."
Daisy kneels, scratching Trapinch's head. "This little tank stuck with me through a rockslide. Wouldn't leave."
Rayshaun nods at Rufflet. "Saved it from some Geodude. Earned my spot."
Latias claps softly. "Wonderful! Premier Balls for the bonds?"
Pikachu stirs, zapping awake with a spark.
Orion slides over two Poké Balls. "On the house. Ready to make it official?"
Daisy grabs a Poké Ball, turning to Trapinch.
"You sure about this, big guy? Partners for real?"
Trapinch stares up, jaws parting in a firm nod. "Traaa-pinch!"
Daisy grins, determined. She aims the ball. Red light beams out, pulling Trapinch in smooth. The ball shakes once—click—locks tight.
"Trapinch's yours now," Orion says. "Official partner."
Rayshaun takes his ball, kneeling by Rufflet. "You ready to fly with me, buddy?"
Rufflet chirps sharp, wings fluffing. "Ruff-let!"
Rayshaun's face softens. He tosses gentle. Light engulfs Rufflet, ball snaps shut—click.
Orion claps his hands. "Congrats, Daisy Johnson and Rayshaun Lucas. You're official Pokémon Trainers now. Partners for the long haul."
Daisy pockets Trapinch's ball, smirking. "Thanks, man. This little guy's tougher than he looks."
Rayshaun nods firm, clipping Rufflet's ball to his belt. "Thank you. Means a lot."
Orion's smile fades into a firm line. He straightens, cane tapping the counter once—sharp, deliberate.
"Congratulations again, Daisy Johnson. Rayshaun Lucas. You've taken the first step toward true partnership."
Daisy clips Trapinch's Poké Ball to her belt. Rayshaun adjusts Rufflet's beside his shield.
Orion leans forward, voice steady and measured. "I know who you represent. SHIELD. An organization with keen interest in Pokémon—their abilities, their potential as assets."
Daisy's eyes narrow. Rayshaun tenses, hand hovering near his shield.
"Understand this clearly," Orion continues, tone unyielding. "Pokémon are not tools. They are living beings with hearts, wills, and unbreakable bonds. If Trapinch or Rufflet suffer mistreatment, exploitation, or harm at your hands—or SHIELD's—I will intervene."
The air thickens. Orion closes his eyes a moment, exhaling slow. Blue aura flickers faint around him—unseen, but felt. Pressure builds, like gravity doubling, pressing on shoulders, chests. Not crushing. Warning.
Latias steps closer, golden eyes glowing soft. Her psychic hum joins Orion's aura, amplifying it. The lobby dims slightly, air heavy, charged with serene power. Papers rustle on the desk. Pikachu's ears twitch upright.
"You would lose them," Orion says. "I would reclaim Trapinch and Rufflet. Ban you both from Pokémon Home. And extend repercussions to your entire organization. No exceptions."
Daisy shifts her weight, gauntlets humming faint. Rayshaun grips his shield strap tighter.
Orion holds their gaze, aura pulsing steady. "Their trust is sacred. Honor it—or face the consequences."
Latias nods once, pressure lingering like a held breath.
Pikachu sparks, eyes locked on the pair.
Daisy wipes a bead of sweat from her brow. Rayshaun almost takes out his shield, feeling the prickle crawl down his back. The weight in the air presses harder—Orion's aura, Latias's hum, Pikachu's sparks. They lock eyes, a quick nod passing between them. No words needed. This guy's dead serious.
Daisy straightens first. "We get it. Loud and clear."
Rayshaun nods sharp. "No exploitation. Partners only. We'll treat 'em right—scout's honor."
Orion holds the stare a beat longer. The pressure fades, air lightening like a storm passing. He smiles faint, aura gone. "Good. Then we're square."
Latias relaxes, golden eyes dimming. Pikachu hops down, tail flicking casual.
Orion taps his cane lightly. "Poké Blocks? Moomoo Milk? Gotta keep those partners fueled."
Daisy nods. "Yeah, load us up. Whatever works best for these two."
Rayshaun pulls out his wallet. "Sweet and spicy for Rufflet. Make it two bags each."
Latias rings them up quick, sliding over colorful cubes and creamy bottles. Daisy grabs the goods, clipping the bag to her belt. Rayshaun does the same, turning for the door.
They step toward the exit. The Sanctuary portal hums open behind the desk.
A tiny green glow zips through—small as a fist, pulsing urgent lights: green-red-green, fast flickers like Morse code.
It hovers dead-center before Orion, bobbing insistent.
Orion's eyes widen. "Zygarde? What's the alert?"
Daisy freezes mid-stride. "Whoa, what the hell is that?"
Rayshaun leans in, shield arm tense but curious. "Never seen a Pokémon like it. Glowing core? Some kinda drone?"
Zygarde pulses sharper—blue flashes now, weaving patterns. Pikachu perks up, ears twitching. Latias tilts her head, listening close.
Zygarde's glow intensifies, pulsing urgent patterns only Orion catches. Intruders in the Sanctuary core. Disruption detected. Immediate response required.
Orion's face hardens. He nods once at the core, message clear.
He spins back to Daisy and Rayshaun. "Hold up—urgent business calls. Won't take long. Latias'll ring you up."
"Pikachu, with me."
Pikachu leaps off the desk, sparks crackling, and bolts after Orion.
Daisy crosses her arms. "Everything cool?"
Rayshaun eyes the glowing orb. "That thing—what is it?"
Latias smiles smooth. "Just a Sanctuary guardian. Nothing to worry about. Poké Blocks ready?"
Orion doesn't break stride. Zygarde zips ahead, portal flaring open. He steps through, Pikachu at his heels. The whoosh seals behind them.
Daisy grabs her bag. "Weird. But yeah, let's pay."
Rayshaun clips Rufflet's ball tighter. "Partners first. Whatever that was, hope it's quick."
Latias scans their items. "Total's $150. Cards?"
They pay up, glancing at the portal. Daisy pockets the change. "Thanks. We'll be in touch."
They head out, door chiming shut.
Inside the Sanctuary, Orion emerges into thick forest shade. Zygarde bobs ahead, lights frantic. Pikachu tenses, cheeks glowing.
"Lead on," Orion mutters. "Show me the trouble."
Zygarde dives into underbrush. Orion follows, cane gripped tight. Branches snap underfoot. Pikachu darts beside him, ready.
They push deeper, air humming with tension.
***
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