"Mishi-mishi! (This is seriously the best thing I've ever tasted!)"
Carbink's sapphire eyes crinkled into happy crescents as it nibbled on a small, violet-colored Pokéblock. The flavor was a blend of iron-rich minerals and sweet Pecha berries, specifically formulated for a newborn Rock-type.
"Glad you like it, little gem," Julian said with a warm smile, adjusting his grip as they walked away from the Nursery. "This was just a quick batch I whipped up because I had a feeling you'd be a Rock-type. When we get back to the hotel, I'm going to set up my portable kitchen and make a whole flight of flavors. We'll find your absolute favorite!"
"Mishi-mishi? (What's that giant metal beast?)" Carbink gestured with one of its long, rabbit-like ears toward a rumbling off-road vehicle passing by on the dirt path.
"That? That's an SUV. It's a tool humans use to move faster over rough ground," Julian explained patiently. "But remember, Carbink, never stand in front of one. They're very heavy and move much faster than they look. You'd get a real headache if you got hit!"
"Mishimishi? (And that? The green thing with the spinning tail?)"
"That's a Windmill. It catches the breeze to make electricity—that's the stuff that keeps your incubator warm and the lights on at night."
Facing a constant barrage of questions from the curious newcomer, Julian didn't show a hint of annoyance. He was enjoying the role of a guide, blissfully unaware that the "Senior Four" following behind him were engaged in a silent, high-speed debate involving a lot of tail-wagging and ribbon-gesturing.
As they reached a crest in the trail overlooking a sprawling emerald meadow, Julian stopped. The scenery was breathtaking—the endless prairie met an azure sky so clear it looked like a polished mirror. Fluffy white clouds drifted by, some shaped like the wings of an Altaria, others looking like round Swirlix.
"Oh, right! Carbink, we need to take a picture!" Julian exclaimed.
"Misi? (Take a picture? Is that a type of berry?)"
"Haha, no. It's a way to freeze time," Julian said, reaching into his pocket to scratch Carbink's snowy-white, cotton-like beard. The texture was exactly like a high-end marshmallow. "It means we record today so we can look back on it years from now and remember exactly how it felt when you joined us."
"Misi... (Memories...)" Carbink repeated, looking thoughtful but still a bit confused.
"You'll see. It's a family tradition," Julian said, giving the beard one last scruff before turning to the others. "Alright, everyone! Formation! Let's take a proper welcome photo for our fifth member!"
"Floette-flo!" "Fly ah!" "Jia gei!" "Woof!" (Ready!) x4
The four little ones, who had been deep in their gossip session, jumped nearly a foot into the air when Julian turned around. They quickly scurried into their "official" photo spots, hoping Julian hadn't sensed their earlier laughter at his expense.
"Let's see... this spot is perfect. Floette, I'm handing the camera duties to you again. You've got the best eye for framing!"
Julian set up the tripod on a flat rock while Floette hovered over the viewfinder, her eyes glowing with a faint blue Psychic light as she adjusted the settings.
"Sylveon-fly! (Julian, move your leg closer! You're creating a gap!)" Sylveon complained, using her ribbons to tug on Julian's trousers until he was sitting cross-legged on the grass.
"Okay, okay! Bossy as always," Julian teased. "Togetic, fold your wings in a bit, you're casting a shadow right over my nose. And Floette, don't tug on my hat so hard, I'm not going anywhere!"
"Floette-flo! (Then stop moving your head! I can't focus the lens!)"
"Woof! (My spot is the best, clearly,)" Growlithe barked, settling himself down diagonally in front of Julian's knee, looking like a majestic, miniature Arcanine.
Carbink sat in the center of Julian's lap, looking around with wide eyes. "Mishimishi! (Taking a picture is so lively! Is the world always this loud?)"
After ten minutes of bickering, adjusting ribbons, and fixing hats, they finally achieved the perfect pose.
"Alright, Floette! Hit the timer and get in here!"
Floette tapped the button with a spark of psychic energy and zipped over to perch on Julian's head just as the shutter clicked.
Click!
The image was perfect: Julian in the center, a look of pure contentment on his face, holding a sparkling Carbink. Sylveon was draped over his shoulder, her ribbons forming a heart shape. Togetic was fluttering just above his ear, and Growlithe was looking noble in the foreground.
"Alright, let's head back! The sun is starting to dip," Julian noted, glancing at the orange hues beginning to bleed into the horizon. "If we hurry, I can have the 'Grand Welcome Feast' ready by seven!"
"Floette-flo! (Dinner! Move out, Julian! High speed!)" Floette began tapping on his head like a tiny drummer, urging him forward.
"Woof! (Meat! Tell me there's meat!)" Growlithe stuck his tongue out, rubbing against Julian's leg and nearly tripping him in his excitement.
"I'm going, I'm going!" Julian laughed, packing the camera into his bag. He scooped up Carbink, who was unusually quiet now.
"Misi... (I'm so sleepy...)" Carbink let out a massive, gem-shattering yawn, its sapphire eyes drooping.
"Aw, it's been a big day for a baby," Julian whispered, poking the fluffy beard gently. "I actually haven't officially captured you yet. The Nursery just handed you over since you were my egg. How about it? Do you want to sleep in a Poké Ball for the trip back? It's much more comfortable than being carried over bumpy roads."
"Misi! (Mhm!)" Carbink bounced slightly in his arms, clearly liking the idea.
Julian knelt down on the grass, placing Carbink on a soft patch of moss so they were at eye level. He pulled a fresh Luxury Ball from his pocket—black and gold, the highest quality—and held it out.
"Well then, Carbink... please take good care of me from now on. I promise to show you the whole world."
"Misi~ (Please take good care of me, too~)"
Carbink leaned forward, its cold, hard diamond forehead clinking gently against the metallic surface of the ball.
Click.
The red light enveloped the gem Pokémon, and the ball landed softly in Julian's palm. It didn't even shake once.
Ding... Ding... Ding... DONG!
The star pattern of the Luxury Ball flashed gold, confirming the bond. Julian picked it up and pressed the cool metal to his forehead for a moment, closing his eyes.
"Welcome to the team, number five. We're going to do great things."
"Floette-flo! (Congratulations, Mommy! I mean—Julian!)"
"Sylveon-fly! (Another little one to look after! Our group is getting big!)"
"Toge~! (Finally! I'm not the youngest or the smallest anymore! I'm a senior member now!)" Togetic puffed out her chest proudly.
"Woof! (As long as it doesn't try to use me as a mattress, we're cool,)" Growlithe added, though he was wagging his tail.