Quiet Calculations, Silent Promises
Alex stepped out of the private dimension.
The room returned to normal.
No warped time.
No divine Pokémon.
Just the soft silence of night.
He lay back on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
"…Tomorrow."
Tomorrow was the day.
Beginner Pokémon Quota Day.
In the canon—
Alex received a stunted Torchic, mocked by everyone. Leon received an Elite-level Aron.
With Leon's luck and stolen opportunities, that Aron would eventually evolve into a Champion-level Aggron.
Alex exhaled slowly.
"Not this time."
He closed his eyes, recalling the canon clearly.
Leon's final team:
Aggron ❌ (will be cut off tomorrow) Metagross ❌ (already cut off) Gardevoir ❌ (already cut off) Charizard (Elite at best) Noivern (Elite) Goodra (Champion, gifted by Lunaria)
Alex's lips curved slightly.
"Three out of six already gone."
"That's more than enough."
As for the rest—
He didn't care.
Strength built on stolen luck always collapsed.
A Quiet Presence
The door opened softly.
Alex didn't notice.
Someone stood there silently, watching him.
Chris Vinyard.
She leaned against the doorframe, observing him quietly.
The way his brows furrowed when thinking.
The calm behind his eyes.
The loneliness he tried to hide.
Alex suddenly turned his head.
"…Chris?"
"When did you come in?"
She smiled faintly.
"When you were thinking."
Alex felt a rare hint of embarrassment.
"…Sorry."
She walked over and sat beside him.
"Don't overthink," she said softly.
"You have a family to look after."
Alex nodded.
"…You're right."
He hesitated for a moment, then spoke.
"Chris."
"Yes?"
"When my company is established… do you want to join?"
Chris froze.
Then—
She leaned forward and gently kissed his forehead.
"I've been waiting for you to ask."
Alex laughed quietly.
"Then… welcome to my company."
Chris laughed with him.
Something Real
Alex pulled her into a hug.
"…Thank you."
"For staying."
Chris stiffened for half a second—
Then relaxed, resting her head against his chest.
"Always," she replied.
They stayed like that.
No ambition.
No plots.
No systems.
Just warmth.
Eventually, exhaustion took over.
Alex fell asleep first.
Chris looked down at him, eyes soft.
She raised her hand, brushing his cheek gently.
"I'll always be there for you," she murmured.
"Even in death."
She hugged him closer—
And slept peacefully.
Outside—
Fate prepared another turn.
Tomorrow—
Luck would be stolen again.
But tonight—
Alex was not alone.