Valeria bursts through the Baxter Building's grand doors, her utility belt jingling with Poké Balls and fresh supplies from Pokémon Home. Excitement propels her steps as she heads straight to the family lab, her mind racing with Orion's urgent Berry seed mission. She releases Beldum and Lunatone in a flash of light, the metallic Pokémon floating silently while the crescent-shaped Lunatone rotates with serene curiosity. Valeria explains the seeds' purpose to her Pokémon partners, her voice bubbling with determination to rally her family for the greater good. Beldum hovers close, drawn by her passion, as Lunatone pulses faintly in quiet support.
"Alright, team," Valeria announces, gesturing to an empty workbench. "Orion needs our help with something huge. It's about planting these special Berry seeds."
Beldum responds with a series of sharp magnetic clicks, a sound that Valeria has learned indicates its analytical interest. Lunatone rotates a bit faster, its single red eye glowing with focused attention.
"We need to spread them all over the city," Valeria continues, picturing a vast green landscape. "This will attract more wild Pokémon to our dimension."
The enticing aroma of Aunt Sue's famous lasagna drifts in from the kitchen, mingling with the subtle hum of the lab equipment. It signals that dinner is almost ready. Valeria knows this means the whole family will gather soon.
"And you know what that means, right?" Valeria asks her Pokémon, a grin spreading across her face. "More Pokémon for everyone."
Beldum executes a small, excited spin, its psychic energy causing a few loose papers to flutter gently. Lunatone, in its quiet way, emits a soft, golden light that briefly illuminates the room. They seem to understand the excitement.
"I'm going to need the entire family's help to plant these," Valeria explains, carefully scooping a handful of iridescent Berry seeds into a clear vial. "These aren't just regular seeds; they need specific conditions to grow properly across the city."
[BEEP BOOP]
H.E.R.B.I.E.'s voice chirps from the intercom, cutting through the quiet hum of the lab. "Valeria, dinner is ready. Ms. Storm-Richards requests your presence at the dining table immediately."
Valeria caps the vial and smiles. "Perfect timing."
She returns Beldum and Lunatone to their Poké Balls with swift motions, the devices clicking shut.
"I'm coming," Valeria says, already heading for the lab exit.
The Fantastic Four gathered around the dining table. Sue's lasagna steamed invitingly, alongside Johnny's questionable flame-grilled vegetables. Lunatone drifted silently into the room, its crescent form rotating slowly, crimson eye sweeping over the scene. Everyone paused, forks mid-air.
Reed, ever the scientist, tilted his head. "A new specimen, Valeria? From Pokémon Home, I presume?"
Johnny dramatically shielded his plate with a hand. "Whoa there, space rock! You're not getting any of my flame-grilled gourmet, this stuff's too good for sharing."
Ben, however, let out a soft, approving rumble. "Heh, finally, someone who gets my aesthetic. You're a real chip off the old block, pal."
Valeria beamed, thrilled by the varied reactions. "It's Lunatone! I won it in the lottery. It's a Rock and Psychic-type, and it can levitate, obviously." She gestured to the floating Pokémon. "It's Beldum's strategic complement, a really strong support Pokémon."
Franklin, who had been quietly eating his lasagna, suddenly perked up. "Wait, another Pokémon? How come Valeria gets all the cool new ones? I barely convinced you guys to let me keep Ralts!" He gestured toward his own Poké Ball, a hint of envy in his voice. Ralts, sensing Franklin's feelings, emitted a soft, reassuring ping from inside its ball.
Sue, ever the calming presence, gave a gentle smile. "Franklin, dear, we're still learning about Ralts. And Valeria, another Pokémon so soon?" Her concern was evident, a mother's worry for her daughter's expanding responsibilities. "Are you sure you're ready for two?"
Reed, always analytical, tapped his chin. "Indeed, Valeria. The bio-energetic signature of this 'Lunatone' is quite… unique. How precisely does it interface with your current Pokémon's abilities?"
"It's amazing, Dad! Its Psychic-typing helps with strategy, and its Rock-typing makes it super resilient," Valeria explained, her words rushing with enthusiasm. "Plus, the Owner told me about this huge mission. We need to plant these special Berry seeds all over the city." She leaned forward, eager to share the grand vision. "It'll transform the ecosystem, bring in more wild Pokémon, and make the city even better for everyone!"
Valeria finishes explaining Orion's mission, her voice filled with an infectious excitement about the new ecosystem and the arrival of more wild Pokémon. She emphasizes the positive transformation, envisioning a vibrant city teeming with diverse creatures. Lunatone floats silently nearby, its crimson eye glowing softly in agreement.
A heavy silence descends upon the dining table. Reed clears his throat, his gaze distant as he processes the implications.
"Valeria, this concept presents a significant number of… variables," Reed begins, his usual enthusiasm replaced by a profound caution. "Introducing an unknown quantity of interdimensional biological entities into an established ecosystem carries immense risks. We're talking about potential ecological disruption, the unpredictable nature of new species interactions, and a monumental responsibility for planetary alteration." He adjusted his glasses, a frown pulling at his brow. "Do we truly comprehend the full scope of the consequences here?"
Sue expresses her worry, her voice laced with a mother's caution. "Honey, remember those mutated animals just a few weeks ago? Even a small disruption can cause widespread chaos. What about our city's infrastructure, the power grid, or even just traffic? Are we truly ready for such a drastic, city-wide change?" She worried about the safety of New York's citizens.
Johnny, ever dramatic, throws his hands up in alarm. "Are you kidding me? A 'transformation'? We're gonna have fire-breathing dragons in Central Park, electric monsters shorting out Times Square, and who knows what else!" He shuddered theatrically. "This isn't going to turn New York into a vibrant ecosystem; it's going to be a giant Pokémon battleground!"
Ben, usually the most grounded, grumbled his apprehension. "Look, Val, I get that these Pokémon are neat and all, but where are they all gonna go? We got people, buildings, hot dog stands! We can barely fit us, let alone a whole new zoo of critters. And what happens when a giant rock monster decides to take a nap on a subway station?" His brow furrowed with concern for the safety of innocent people. "Who's gonna be responsible if things go sideways?"
Franklin, however, is captivated by the idea. He insists that more Pokémon mean more friends and more adventures.
"This sounds amazing, Val!" Franklin exclaims, bouncing in his seat. "More Pokémon means more friends, right? And more adventures for me and Ralts! I can help you plant the seeds!" His eyes shone with the innocent excitement of a child dreaming of a new, fantastical playground. Ralts, sensing Franklin's boundless energy, lets out a happy chirp from within its Poké Ball.
Valeria, undeterred by her family's concerns, stands firm. "Owner assured me that Pokémon and humans can coexist in harmony, just like in their world. This transformation will be positive. We can manage any challenges that arise," she declares, confident in her ability to lead the charge. "Pokémon can bring so much good, and I truly believe in Orion's mission."
Valeria, though a bit frustrated by her family's skepticism, stands firm. She passionately defends Orion's vision, reminding them that Pokémon are not just creatures but intelligent partners. She argues that the city's future would be brighter with the added diversity and unique abilities Pokémon would bring. She emphasizes the potential for new scientific discoveries and the chance to integrate into a broader interdimensional community.
"Pokémon aren't just creatures; they're intelligent partners who can enrich our lives in countless ways," Valeria insists, her voice clear and unwavering. "Imagine the scientific breakthroughs, the new energy sources, the sheer diversity they'll bring to our world. We could be at the forefront of interdimensional integration, and Beldum and Lunatone are just the beginning of that potential."
Reed, however, remains unconvinced. He gently, but firmly, shakes his head. "Valeria, your enthusiasm is admirable, truly. However, an undertaking of this magnitude requires meticulous planning and rigorous scientific oversight. We cannot simply introduce a new biological classification into our ecosystem without comprehensive data and a thorough risk assessment." He sets down his fork, his gaze sharpening. "I would need to personally assess Mr. Oak, the Pokémon, and the entire 'Pokémon Home' operation." Reed looks at his daughter with a slight smile. "We will arrange a formal meeting with Owner. It is a scientific necessity."
Sue supports Reed, her expression soft but resolute. "I share Reed's concerns, honey. As the Invisible Woman, I'm often the first line of defense against unseen threats. The thought of an influx of unpredictable creatures, no matter how well-intentioned, fills me with unease." She reaches across the table to squeeze Valeria's hand. "Meeting the Owner, Orion Oak isn't just about science, it's about a mother's desire to ensure the safety of her children and our city. This isn't a dismissal of your dreams, but a responsible step to ensure everyone's well-being."
Johnny, surprisingly, aligns with Reed and Sue. He dramatically points at Valeria with a half-eaten breadstick. "Look, Val, I love a good show, but random Pokémon popping up all over New York could lead to some seriously chaotic situations." He gestures wildly. "We're talking accidental property damage, unforeseen 'clobberin' times' that even Ben might struggle with!" Johnny crosses his arms. "A face-to-face with Owner is essential. We need ground rules, maybe even a 'no-fire-type-in-Times-Square' policy."
Ben, ever the pragmatist, nods slowly. "He's got a point, kiddo. I want to look this 'Owner' fellow in the eye and gauge his intentions for myself." He grumbles, picking at a loose crag on his arm. "While I trust you, Val, some things are just too big for even the Fantastic Four to handle without proper intelligence gathering. I'd prefer to meet this 'Oak' character over a cup of coffee rather than in the middle of a Pokémon-induced city-wide incident."
Franklin, catching the serious tone of his parents and uncles, attempts to interject. "But Owner is a good person! And Pokémon are inherently kind!" A stern glance from Sue silences him. He retreats, but his eager expression hints at his continued support for Valeria and the Pokémon mission.
Valeria, seeing the united front, sighs in resignation. "Fine, I'll arrange it," she says, her voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. "But I expect you all to keep an open mind. Once you meet him, you'll understand my excitement. And remember, Beldum and Lunatone are proof that Pokémon can be safely integrated into our lives."
***
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