That evening, Micah sat in his temporary room, Donny resting on the reinforced bedding designed for Rock-types, Bellatrix curled up in her usual spot near the window. The care package from Brennan sat on the desk, mostly empty now,they'd all eaten, exhausted from the day's intensity.

  Micah's tablet lay open in front of him, displaying the tournament bracket. His name was there, second place, just below Yuki Nakamura's first-place position. Second place in his first tournament, with a two-month-old Pokémon.

  It should feel like victory. And in some ways, it did.

  But it also felt like beginning,like he'd proven he could compete, and now the real question was whether he wanted to, and what that would mean for his future.

  Donny rumbled softly from his resting place, a questioning sound. Are you okay?

  "Yeah, buddy," Micah said quietly. "Just... thinking. About everything."

  He stood up, walking over to sit beside Donny. The Rhyhorn shifted slightly, making room, and Micah leaned against his partner's solid, warm flank.

  "We did good today, didn't we?"

  Donny's rumble was affirmative, certain.

  "Even though we lost?"

  Another rumble,this one more insistent. Yes, even though. Because they'd fought well, fought smart, fought together.

  Bellatrix padded over from the window, settling on Micah's other side. Her presence was steadying, grounding.

  "I don't know what comes next," Micah admitted to both of them. "I don't know if I want to keep doing tournaments, or train for something else, or just... figure it out as I go. But whatever happens, we're in it together. Right?"

  Both Pokémon responded,Donny with his characteristic rumble, Bellatrix with a soft huff.

  Together. Always.

  Micah closed his eyes, letting the stress and uncertainty of the day finally drain away. Tomorrow would bring questions, decisions, planning for the future. But tonight, they could just be,trainer and Pokémon, partners and friends, resting after giving everything they had.

  Outside, the sun finished setting, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. The tournament facility gradually grew quiet as people settled in for the evening. Somewhere in the distance, Micah could hear the faint sounds of Pokémon calling to each other, living their lives, existing in that space between wild and trained that defined the relationship between humans and Pokémon.

  He thought about everything that had led to this moment. Adopting Donny as a newborn. Those early days of learning to communicate, to understand each other. The decision to enter the tournament. The friends, the training, the struggles, the victories, the defeats. Meeting Brennan, learning from Tabitha and Granite, developing Magnitude in an impossible timeframe.

  And today's battle,the culmination of everything, win or lose.

  It had all mattered. Every moment, every decision, every challenge.

  And whatever came next would matter too.

  But for now, surrounded by his Pokémon, exhausted and proud and uncertain and hopeful all at once, Micah let himself simply exist in the moment.

  They'd proven something today. To Yuki, to the crowd, to themselves.

  They belonged here, in this world of competitive Pokémon training.

  And that was enough to build on.

  That was enough to begin.

  The morning after the finals dawned quiet and gentle, sunlight filtering through the curtains of Micah's room in soft golden bands. For the first time in weeks, he woke naturally rather than to an alarm,no training schedule to keep, no match to prepare for, just the peaceful rhythm of his own body deciding it had slept enough.

  Micah lay still for a moment, taking inventory. His muscles were sore in that distant, manageable way that came from sustained tension finally released. His mind felt clearer than it had in days, like fog lifting to reveal a familiar landscape.

  A soft rumbling snore drew his attention to the floor beside his bed.

  Donny had migrated during the night. The Rhyhorn was supposed to be resting on the reinforced bedding the facility provided,specially designed cushioning that supported Rock-type Pokémon's weight while providing appropriate firmness. Instead, Donny had apparently decided that the floor directly beside Micah's bed was the superior sleeping location, and was now sprawled there in a position that looked deeply uncomfortable but which he seemed perfectly content with.

  One of Donny's legs was stretched out at an odd angle. His horn was pressed against the bed frame, And he was definitely snoring.

  "You're supposed to be on your actual bed, buddy," Micah whispered, not really expecting a response.

  Donny's only answer was a slight twitch of his hoof and a continuation of the snoring.

  Micah smiled despite himself. This was classic Donny behavior, taking instructions as suggestions and then doing whatever felt right in the moment. Rhyhorn had his own ideas about comfort and proximity, and "proper sleeping arrangements" ranked pretty low on his priority list compared to "being near Micah."

  Careful not to disturb his partner, Micah slid out of bed. His feet hit the cool floor, and he stretched, feeling vertebrae pop and muscles protest the movement. The tournament had taken more out of him than he'd realized, not just the final match, but the accumulated stress of the entire week.

  A movement near the window caught his eye. Bellatrix was already awake, sitting in her preferred spot with her back to the wall, watching the early morning activity outside. Her tail wagged once when she noticed Micah looking at her,a brief acknowledgment before returning her attention to whatever had caught her interest outside.

  Micah padded over to see what she was watching. Outside, the tournament facility grounds were peaceful in the early light. A few early-rising staff members walked between buildings. Wild Pidgey pecked at the grass, searching for breakfast. A Oddish stretched luxuriously on a sunny patch of concrete.

  "Quiet out there, huh?" Micah said softly, crouching beside Bellatrix.

  The Houndour leaned against him slightly, her version of agreement and affection combined. She was warm, her dark fur soft under his hand as he scratched behind her ears. Her tail thumped against the floor in a steady rhythm.

  Behind them, Donny's snoring hitched, stuttered, and then stopped. A moment of silence, then a confused rumble as the Rhyhorn apparently woke up and tried to figure out where he was.

  Micah turned to see Donny attempting to stand up, which was complicated by the fact that he'd somehow gotten himself wedged partially under the bed frame. One of his legs was stuck, his horn was caught on something, and his general expression suggested deep confusion about how this had happened.

  "Hold on, hold on," Micah said, trying not to laugh as he moved to help. "Stop struggling, you're just making it worse."

  Donny froze, looking up at Micah with an expression that clearly communicated I meant to do this. This is fine. Everything is under control.

  "Sure you did," Micah said, kneeling down to assess the situation. "Okay, I'm going to lift the bed frame a little. When I do, pull your leg back and turn your head to the right."

  He got his hands under the bed frame and lifted. It was heavier than expected, solid construction designed to handle the weight of trainers who might have large Pokémon in their rooms,but he managed to raise it a few inches.

  "Now, Donny!"

  Donny attempted to follow instructions. He pulled his leg back successfully. But when he turned his head to the right, his horn caught on a different part of the bed frame, creating a new stuck situation that was somehow worse than the original.

  "No, no, the other right," Micah grunted, his arms starting to shake from holding the bed frame up.

  Donny rumbled in frustration and tried turning his head the other direction. This time, miraculously, his horn cleared the obstacle. He scrambled backward with more enthusiasm than grace, finally extracting himself from his self-created prison with a triumphant rumble.

  Micah let the bed frame down with a thump, his arms burning. "You are a menace."

  Donny shook himself, bits of dust and debris flying from his rocky hide, then walked over and headbutted Micah's leg affectionately.

  "Yeah, you're welcome," Micah said, scratching behind Donny's ears. "Next time maybe sleep on your actual bed?"

  Donny's answering rumble was noncommittal at best.

  Bellatrix, watching this entire exchange from her spot by the window, made a sound that Micah could only interpret as the Houndour equivalent of an exasperated sigh.

  After everyone had properly woken up and Micah had changed into clean clothes, the first priority was breakfast. The facility had a dining area that served both human and Pokémon meals, designed to accommodate the diverse needs of tournament participants and their partners.

  Micah loaded up a tray with scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit for himself, then moved to the Pokémon food section. This was always the tricky part,Donny's dietary needs were specific and sometimes contradictory.

  As a Rock-type, Donny needed minerals. Lots of minerals. Calcium for bone structure, iron for his developing rocky hide, trace elements that supported his unique physiology. But as a young, growing Rhyhorn, he also needed protein for muscle development and carbohydrates for energy.

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  The facility's Pokémon nutritionist had provided recommended feeding guidelines, which Micah consulted on his tablet. Donny was supposed to get a mixture of specially formulated mineral pellets, protein-rich berries, and what the guide called "supplemental earth matter",basically, clean dirt with specific mineral content.

  Micah filled Donny's bowl with the appropriate mixture, then added a few Oran berries on top because he knew Donny liked them. The berries weren't strictly necessary from a nutritional standpoint, but they made meals more enjoyable, and after yesterday's battle, Donny deserved some enjoyment.

  For Bellatrix, the requirements were simpler. Dark-types and Fire-types had relatively straightforward dietary needs,high protein, some healthy fats, minimal carbohydrates. Micah filled her bowl with the meat-based kibble she preferred, then added a small portion of Pecha berry because it helped with the natural toxins that Dark-types sometimes accumulated.

  They settled at a table near the window, morning sun warming the space. Micah ate his scrambled eggs while watching his Pokémon tackle their respective meals.

  Donny's approach to eating could only be described as "enthusiastic chaos." The Rhyhorn basically faceplanted into his bowl, crunching through mineral pellets with sounds like rocks grinding together, occasionally coming up for air with his face covered in dirt and berry juice. He had no concept of "pacing himself" or "eating neatly." Food went in, chaos ensued, and somehow the bowl ended up empty.

  At one point, Donny sneezed violently, spraying mineral dust.

  Donny looked up, completely unbothered, his face somehow even messier than before. A piece of Oran berry was stuck to his horn. He rumbled cheerfully and went back to his breakfast.

  Bellatrix, in contrast, ate with precise, almost dainty movements. She would pick up individual pieces of kibble, chew them thoroughly, and swallow before moving to the next piece. It was methodical, controlled, completely in character. She'd pause occasionally to give Donny a look that clearly communicated her judgment about his table manners.

  "Don't be too hard on him," Micah told Bellatrix. "He's had a rough couple of days."

  Bellatrix's expression suggested this was no excuse for barbarism, but she returned to her own meal without further commentary.

  Halfway through breakfast, Donny discovered that one of the Oran berries had rolled away from his bowl and was now resting near the table leg. This was clearly an unacceptable situation that required immediate correction.

  Rather than simply walking around the table to retrieve it, Donny attempted to reach it by stretching his neck as far as physically possible while keeping his feet planted. His tongue stuck out in concentration. His legs trembled with the effort of maintaining the awkward position.

  The berry remained frustratingly out of reach.

  Donny rumbled in annoyance and stretched further. His front feet started to slide on the smooth floor. His back feet scrambled for purchase.

  "Donny, just walk around the,"

  Too late. Donny's legs went out from under him, and he collapsed in an undignified heap, sliding slightly across the floor with a sound like rocks skittering across pavement.

  The berry, disturbed by the vibrations, rolled further away.

  Donny lay there for a moment, apparently contemplating the injustice of a universe where berries could escape. Then he hauled himself upright with wounded dignity, walked the five steps necessary to reach the berry, and ate it with an air of hard-won victory.

  Micah couldn't help but laugh. "You make everything so dramatic."

  Donny rumbled proudly, as if his eventually successful berry retrieval was something to boast about.

  Even Bellatrix's stern demeanor cracked slightly, the corner of her mouth twitching in what might have been amusement.

  After breakfast, Micah took both Pokémon outside to the facility's recreational area. The nurses had been clear about rest protocol,no training, no battles, minimal strenuous activity. But "rest" didn't mean Donny had to stay cooped up inside. Gentle outdoor time was actually encouraged for Rock and Ground-types, as connection to earth helped their natural healing processes.

  The recreational area was a large grassy field with scattered trees, bordered by walking paths and dotted with amenities for different Pokémon types. There was a pond for Water-types, a sandy area for Ground-types, even a small cave structure for Rock and Steel-types who preferred enclosed spaces.

  Donny made an immediate beeline for the sandy area, rumbling with excitement. The moment his feet hit the sand, he flopped onto his side and began rolling, coating his rocky hide with earth and minerals. His legs kicked in the air. His eyes closed in what looked like pure bliss.

  "He knows he's just going to need a bath later, right?" Micah said to Bellatrix.

  The Houndour, sitting beside him in the grass, huffed,her version of Your Rhyhorn, your problem.

  Micah settled onto a bench to watch, content to let Donny enjoy himself. The Rhyhorn was completely absorbed in his sand bath, rolling back and forth, occasionally stopping to rub his face against the ground, then resuming the rolling with renewed enthusiasm.

  Other trainers and their Pokémon were scattered around the recreational area. A girl about Micah's age was playing fetch with her Growlithe. An older trainer sat reading while his Geodude sunbathed on a nearby rock.

  It was peaceful. Normal. The kind of everyday existence that had been impossible during tournament preparation.

  After about fifteen minutes of intensive sand rolling, Donny apparently decided he'd absorbed sufficient earth minerals and wandered over to where Micah sat. The Rhyhorn was absolutely filthy,his rocky hide was caked with sand, dirt smeared across his face, small plants somehow tangled around one of his legs.

  "You're a mess," Micah said affectionately.

  Donny rumbled happily and attempted to climb onto the bench beside Micah, apparently not considering factors like "weight" or "structural integrity" or "the fact that he was covered in dirt."

  "Whoa, no, absolutely not," Micah said, gently redirecting. "You're not getting on the bench like that. Sit on the ground."

  Donny looked genuinely confused about why his perfectly reasonable plan to sit on the bench was being rejected, but he settled for sitting on the ground and leaning heavily against Micah's legs instead.

  This left Micah's pants covered in sand and dirt, but honestly, that was a victory compared to a full bench collapse.

  Bellatrix, maintaining a careful distance from Donny's dirt-covered state, had found a sunny patch of grass and was lying in it, eyes half-closed, enjoying the warmth. Her tail occasionally twitched, chasing away insects that dared to land near her.

  Micah pulled out his tablet, thinking he might review tournament footage or research training techniques. But the peaceful atmosphere worked against analytical thinking. Instead, he found himself just watching his Pokémon, observing their behaviors without agenda or purpose.

  Donny had discovered a small rock near the bench and was now engaged in what appeared to be a one-sided conversation with it. He'd nudge it with his horn, rumble something, wait as if listening for a response, then nudge it again. Micah had no idea what this was about, but Donny seemed deeply invested in the interaction.

  After about five minutes of this, Donny picked up the rock in his mouth and brought it over to Micah, dropping it on his foot.

  "Uh... thank you?" Micah said, picking up the rock and examining it. It was just a normal rock,nothing special about it that he could see. "This is a very nice rock."

  Donny rumbled proudly, clearly pleased that his gift had been recognized.

  "Should I... keep it?"

  An enthusiastic rumble. Yes, obviously, this was a premium rock, and Micah should treasure it.

  "Okay then." Micah slipped the rock into his pocket. "I will guard this rock with my life."

  Satisfied, Donny flopped down in the grass beside the bench, apparently exhausted from his morning activities of getting stuck under furniture, eating breakfast dramatically, rolling in sand, and gifting rocks. Within minutes, he was snoring again, that same rattling sound from earlier.

  Bellatrix, watching this entire exchange, opened one eye, looked at Micah, and made a soft chuffing sound

  The afternoon brought the less enjoyable but necessary task of giving Donny a proper cleaning. The nurses had recommended it as part of his recovery care,removing built-up dirt and debris from his rocky hide to prevent irritation or infection in the areas that had been damaged during battle.

  The facility had a Pokémon bathing area equipped for different types. For Rock-types like Donny, this meant a specialized station with reinforced floors, pressure hoses, and industrial-strength cleaning solutions designed to safely remove dirt without damaging stone-like hide.

  Getting Donny to the bathing area was the first challenge.

  "Come on, buddy," Micah coaxed. "Bath time."

  Donny, who had been happily napping in the grass, opened one eye and rumbled a sound that very clearly meant No thank you, I'm good where I am.

  "You're covered in dirt. You smell like mineral dust and old berries. You need a bath."

  Another rumble. This is my natural state. I am perfect as I am.

  "The nurses said it's important for your recovery. The scrapes on your flank could get infected if we don't keep them clean."

  Donny appeared to consider this argument, then rumbled again with an air of great sacrifice.

  He hauled himself to his feet with exaggerated reluctance, every movement communicating that this was a terrible imposition.

  Bellatrix, watching from a safe distance, looked smug. Houndour were generally fastidious about cleanliness and groomed themselves regularly. She clearly felt superior about not needing forced bathing interventions.

  Micah led Donny to one of the Rock-type stations, a concrete space with drainage grates and a variety of brushes and cleaning tools mounted on the wall.

  "Okay," Micah said, reviewing the instructions posted nearby. "This shouldn't be too bad. Just a good rinse, some gentle scrubbing on the damaged areas, and,"

  He turned on the water.

  The spray hit Donny, and the Rhyhorn's reaction was immediate and dramatic. He rumbled in what could only be described as betrayed outrage, trying to back away from the water despite the fact that it was literally just water and objectively not harmful.

  "Donny, hold still!"

  Donny did not hold still. He shuffled backward, rumbling protests, trying to escape the terrible fate of being clean.

  "It's just water! You're being ridiculous!"

  The water pressure was perhaps higher than Micah had anticipated. The spray ricocheted off Donny's rocky hide, sending water everywhere,walls, floor, Micah's clothes. Donny continued his rumbling objections, now added to by occasional sneezes as water got near his nose.

  Micah adjusted the nozzle to a gentler setting and tried a different approach. "Look, the faster you cooperate, the faster this is over. Just stand still for like five minutes."

  Donny rumbled skeptically but stopped actively trying to escape.

  Progress.

  Micah began the actual cleaning process, using the pressure hose to rinse off the accumulated dirt and sand. Donny tolerated this with an air of noble suffering, occasionally rumbling complaints but no longer attempting to flee.

  The scrubbing required more direct contact. Micah grabbed one of the stiff-bristled brushes from the wall and began working on Donny's flank, paying special attention to the areas around the battle damage. The scrapes from Mawile's attacks were visible as lighter-colored lines across Donny's darker rocky hide,superficial, but they needed to be kept clean.

  Donny actually seemed to enjoy the brushing, leaning into it slightly. His rumbles shifted from complaints to something more like contentment.

  "Oh, so now you like it?" Micah said, working the brush in circular motions.

  Micah moved the brush to Donny's back, where dirt had accumulated in the crevices between rocky plates. This was apparently a very itchy spot that Donny couldn't reach himself, because the moment the brush made contact, the Rhyhorn's back leg started twitching in that involuntary way that animals do when you hit exactly the right spot.

  "Found the good spot, huh?"

  Donny rumbled in blissful agreement, his leg twitching faster.

  Micah spent extra time on that area, then moved to Donny's other side. The whole process took about twenty minutes,rinse, scrub, rinse again, pay special attention to damaged areas, final rinse, and done.

  By the end, Donny was visibly cleaner, his rocky hide its proper color instead of dirt-obscured gray. The battle scrapes stood out more clearly now, but they looked healthy,no signs of infection or complication, just healing tissue slowly regenerating.

  "There," Micah said, turning off the water. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

  Donny shook himself vigorously, spraying water in every direction. Micah, already wet from the bathing process, just accepted his fate.

  Then Donny looked at Micah with an expression that clearly communicated mischief.

  "Don't you dare,"

  Donny immediately found the nearest patch of dirt outside the bathing area and began rolling in it.

  "DONNY!"

  The Rhyhorn rumbled with what could only be described as laughter, coating himself in fresh dirt with enthusiastic determination.

  Bellatrix, who had been watching from a dry, clean distance, made that chuffing sound again. Her expression radiated amusement at Micah's expense.

  "Both of you are the worst," Micah said, but he couldn't help smiling.

  Donny, satisfied with his rebellion, trotted back over and headbutted Micah's leg affectionately, leaving a dirt smudge on his pants.

  "Yeah, yeah. I love you too, you menace."

  Introductory Arc is officially over! To celebrate (and to keep my brain fresh), I’m looking at starting a side project. I’ve added a poll to this chapter with two options I’m comfortable posting: a Baldur’s Gate 3 LitRPG SI or a Naruto SI.

  pick a potential side project