Orion leaned back against his reception desk, his Poké Ball cane resting near his hand, a picture of calm. Latias, in her human guise, moved gracefully as she helped a customer. Pikachu, ever alert, perched on the counter, his ears twitching at the low hum of conversation and the soft ding of the shop bell. Pokémon Home had a peaceful, busy feel, a quiet energy that Orion observed with a soft, knowing smile.
May bounced in, her eyes immediately finding Pikachu. A big grin spread across her face. She walked right up to the counter, reaching out a small hand.
"Pika!" Pikachu chirped, a friendly greeting.
May gently scratched behind Pikachu's ears, a familiar, comfortable moment between them.
"Visiting the Sanctuary today, May?" Orion asked, his voice warm.
"Yep!" May beamed, confirming her weekly trip. Her visits had become a cherished part of the routine for Orion, Latias, and Pikachu.
Suddenly, the grand doors of Pokémon Home swung inward with a whoosh, revealing a burst of color and energy. The Fantastic Four, in their iconic blue and white uniforms with the big '4', strode into the lobby. Heads turned. May, along with the few other customers, watched with wide-eyed surprise.
Valeria, her voice bright and full of purpose, rushed forward.
"Owner, these are my parents, Reed and Sue Richards, and my Uncle Johnny and Uncle Ben." She gestured to each one as they stepped up, a mix of scientific curiosity and cautious apprehension on their faces.
Orion, recognizing their legendary status, offered a polite smile.
"Welcome, Fantastic Four," he said, a subtle acknowledgment of their presence in the United Superverse.
The Fantastic Four returned his greeting, their collective gaze sweeping over the bustling Pokémon Home, taking in every detail.
"We're here to talk about these Berry seeds, Orion," Reed stated, his expression serious. "And the broader implications of these Pokémon arriving in our world."
Pikachu gave a small nod, almost imperceptible, confirming the seriousness of Reed's tone. Orion returned the gesture with a calm smile.
"Of course," Orion said, his voice smooth and inviting. He motioned toward a door tucked away in a quieter corner of the lobby. "We can discuss this in private. Latias, could you manage things here?"
Latias, ever efficient, nodded in her human form. "Certainly, Orion. The front desk is handled."
Orion led the Fantastic Four, along with Valeria and Franklin, into a comfortable, well-appointed room. Once everyone settled, Reed and Sue immediately launched into their questions.
"What exactly are these Berry seeds, and what are their precise planting requirements?" Reed inquired, pulling a sleek, futuristic device from his uniform pocket. It hummed softly as he aimed it at a small, crimson seed Orion had placed on the table. "Our initial scans indicate unusual energy signatures, entirely unlike any known terrestrial flora."
"And the logistical demands for this... influx?" Sue added, her gaze sharp with concern. "What scale are we truly anticipating? How many of these creatures are we talking about?"
Orion calmly retrieved a handful of the iridescent Berry seeds, presenting them to the Fantastic Four.
"These seeds are vital," Orion explained, his voice unwavering. "They prepare the world for a coming transformation, a necessary step to welcome an influx of wild Pokémon. The arrival of these Pokémon is an unalterable fact, a natural phenomenon that cannot be stopped."
He spread his hands. "For the seeds to work, we need a vast, uninhabited expanse of land. The more we plant, the more effectively the world can adapt."
Reed's device glowed brighter, its data readout scrolling rapidly as it processed the seed's unique composition.
"Unalterable?" Reed repeated, a hint of scientific skepticism in his voice. "Every phenomenon has a source, a mechanism. What are the repercussions of such a massive influx of interdimensional creatures?"
"Our primary concern is public safety, Mr. Oak," Sue added, her voice firm. "We've already seen instances of disruption. How do we ensure New York's citizens remain secure with hundreds, possibly thousands, of new species suddenly appearing?"
Orion met their gazes with calm conviction.
"Please, call me Owner and you perceive it as a threat, but to me it is a blessing," he assured them, his voice holding a deep, quiet certainty. "It's an opportunity for humanity and Pokémon to coexist in harmony." He reiterated, "The arrival is inevitable. Cooperation is the wisest course of action, for their presence is a boon, not a burden."
Reed adjusted his glasses, a frown etching lines on his face.
"Orion, we appreciate your optimism," Reed began, his scientific caution overriding his polite demeanor. "But a sudden influx of uncatalogued species presents significant ecological risks. We could be looking at invasive species, new pathogens, or disruptions to existing food chains."
"Think of the lawsuits alone," Sue added, her arms crossed. "And the panic. People just aren't ready for hundreds of wild creatures appearing in Central Park, no matter how 'harmonious' they might be."
"Yeah, and what if some of 'em are tough?" Johnny chimed in, eager for a challenge. "I mean, I love a good scrap, but we can't have Pokémon battles erupting in Times Square every Tuesday."
Ben grumbled, his rocky form shifting in his seat.
"And where are we gonna put 'em all, pal?" Ben asked, gesturing broadly with a massive hand. "New York ain't exactly known for its open spaces, ya know? We got enough trouble with pigeons."
Valeria stepped forward, Beldum floating calmly beside her.
"But Dad, think of the scientific potential!" Valeria countered, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "New forms of energy, new biological structures, entirely new fields of study! And the bonds, the connections you can form, are incredible."
Franklin nodded enthusiastically, Ralts peeking out from behind his leg.
"Yeah, and they could be awesome friends!" Franklin added, a wide smile spreading across his face. "Like, new playmates for everyone! It's gonna be amazing!"
Orion listened patiently, his gaze sweeping over each member of the Fantastic Four.
"The benefits far outweigh the risks, if we approach this with an open mind and proper planning," Orion stated, his voice calm yet firm. "The transformation will bring a richer, more diverse world. We simply need to prepare the land."
Reed sighed, his scientific curiosity battling his inherent caution. Sue looked from Valeria's determined face to Franklin's hopeful one. Johnny, surprisingly, seemed to be considering the "awesome friends" angle. Ben, despite his grumbling, had a soft spot for kids, and he could see how much this meant to his niece and nephew.
"Alright, Orion," Reed said, a reluctant acceptance in his voice. "We'll help. But finding an uninhabited expanse of land vast enough for these seeds will be challenging. Our government contacts might be able to help, but it's far from a guarantee."
"Our resources are substantial, but even for us, acquiring such an area is a complex endeavor," Sue clarified, a hint of worry still in her tone.
"It's the thought that counts, right?" Johnny shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "We'll do what we can, Owner."
Ben nodded, a rumbling sound in his chest.
"Yeah, we'll give it the old college try, pal," Ben agreed. "For the kids."
Orion smiled, a genuine warmth in his eyes.
"Your support is a valuable asset," Orion said, acknowledging their commitment. He paused, a thoughtful expression on his face, before looking at the team. "Now, the Fantastic Four, would you be interested in acquiring your own Pokémon partners?"
***
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