The Kamisato Estate was livelier than ever.Lanterns lined the walkways, shimmering silk banners fluttered in the wind, and the gardens were filled with tables, decorations, and carefully arranged flower bouquets.
Today was special—
The first birthday of Ayato Kamisato.
The heir of the Kamisato Clan.The baby who melted hearts everywhere he went.The child watched over by a shiny Gardevoir and an Alolan Ninetales like he was a deity.
Inside the main hall, Ayato sat on a soft cushion, dressed in a small, elegant kimono patterned with Gible silhouettes. His hair had grown thicker over the year, and his bright blue eyes were as lively as ever.
Cynthia, Juniper, and Caitlin sat around him like personal attendants.
Cynthia tied a ribbon in his hair.Juniper fixed his collar.Caitlin smoothed out his sleeves.
"He looks perfect!" Cynthia declared proudly.
"The most adorable birthday boy ever," Juniper added seriously, checking him like a tiny professor.
Caitlin nodded softly."He's like… a little prince."
Ayato blinked at them.
I'm literally one year old… How did I end up with three attendants?
Ninetales curled behind him elegantly, forming a snowy-white backrest.Gardevoir floated beside him, adjusting decorations with psychic precision.
The Guests Arrive
The first major guest arrived in a black vehicle with a Sinnoh emblem.
An elderly man stepped out, bearded, wearing a researcher's coat with a gentle smile.
Professor Rowan.
Shiro hurried forward, bowing slightly."Teacher, thank you for coming."
Rowan chuckled deeply."How could I not? This is the first birthday of my most promising student's son."
Cynthia and Juniper ran up to greet him enthusiastically.
"Professor Rowan!""Hello, sir!"
Rowan smiled at them warmly, but when he saw Ayato sitting between Ninetales and Gardevoir, his eyes widened.
"So this… is Ayato Kamisato."
Ayato lifted his small hand—
And waved.
Rowan froze for a second… then laughed.
"Hahaha! He even greets like a proper gentleman!"
Shiro puffed his chest with pride.
More Guests — Hana's Invitations
Not long after, elegant music welcomed the next honored guests.
A tall, beautiful woman with pale blonde hair stepped gracefully into the hall, wearing a white dress and an aura of confidence. Beside her came a calm woman with glasses and purple hair.
Lusamine and her assistant, Wicke.
Hana greeted them warmly.
"Lusamine, I'm so glad you came."
Lusamine smiled."When Hana Kamisato invites you, you must attend. Especially for something as precious as Ayato's birthday."
Wicke bowed politely."Thank you for having us."
Cynthia, Juniper, and Caitlin went wide-eyed.
"That's Lusamine?!""The founder of Aether's early research division?!""She's so… beautiful."
Ayato stared at the famous woman from Alola.
She looked young.Elegant.And—
Single?! Lusamine hasn't married anyone yet? She's not even a mother right now?!
Ayato's little mouth opened slightly.
Then—
He waved.
A tiny, adorable wave.
Lusamine froze.
Her golden eyes widened ever so slightly.
"…Oh my. Hana, how did you create such a perfect child?"
Hana smirked lightly."He takes after me."
Wicke softly gasped."He's incredibly adorable…"
Caitlin proudly puffed her cheeks."He's our friend."
Lusamine kneeled gracefully, lowering herself to Ayato's level.She cupped his cheek gently.
"Ayato… you're going to grow into a heartbreaker someday."
Ayato blinked.
I didn't even do anything!
Gardevoir floated forward protectively, but Lusamine smiled warmly and stepped back.
"I mean no harm. He's simply… enchanting."
The Birthday Celebration Begins
Shiro clapped his hands to gather everyone."Thank you all for coming to celebrate Ayato's first birthday."
Ayato was placed in a cushioned chair, the center of attention.Cynthia held his hand.Juniper adjusted his bib.Caitlin sat quietly behind him, making sure he didn't fall.
A special cake was brought out—a soft, fruit-based, baby-friendly one decorated with a miniature Gardevoir and Ninetales.
Ayato's eyes sparkled.
Hana giggled."Of course he likes it."
They guided Ayato's small hand to the candle.
A single flame flickered.
"Make a wish, Ayato," Hana whispered.
Ayato didn't understand, but he squeezed his eyes shut, thinking instinctively—
I want to get stronger.
Everyone watched as he opened them again.
Cynthia leaned forward."He wished!"
Juniper nearly cried."The developmental significance—!"
Rowan laughed heartily."He's a healthy boy."
Lusamine simply smiled with a soft warmth."What a precious child."
Ayato felt warm inside. Surrounded. Loved. Protected.
After the Party — An Odd Realization
As night approached and guests mingled, Ayato sat on Ninetales' back, watching everyone.
Cynthia and Juniper were feeding him tiny pieces of fruit.Caitlin gently fixed his hair.
Lusamine watched from across the room.
Her eyes were focused.
And… thoughtful.
Wicke leaned close."President Lusamine, something on your mind?"
Lusamine whispered quietly,"He resembles someone… but I can't place who."
Her gaze lowered to Ayato.
"And… why do I feel like fate has something planned for this child?"
Ayato sneezed adorably.
Cynthia screamed in cuteness.Juniper dropped her notepad in shock.Caitlin caught it with psychic power before it hit the floor.
Lusamine covered her mouth, smiling.