Four days had passed since Umbreon had officially become part of our little family, and I was already completely wrapped around her tiny grey paws

  The Pokéball clipped to my belt next to Mightyena's was proof of that decision. Even after she'd chosen to stay with us, the idea of a Pokéball had sent her into a panic attack that took an hour of gentle reassurance to calm down from.

  It wasn't until I'd managed to calm her and explain why she needed one did she accept it. Umbreon however was stubborn about not going in her ball. She really didn't like it in there.

  Which led to our current situation.

  "Umbreon," I said, crouching down to meet her eyes as we stood at the entrance to Petalburg's main shopping district, "you really need to work on building up those paw muscles. The bandages came off, remember? Miss Joy said you're cleared for normal activity."

  Umbreon's response was to give me the most heartbreakingly pitiful expression I'd ever seen in my life. Those wide, dark eyes seemed to grow even larger, and she tilted her head in that way that made her look like a lost puppy. Her ears drooped just slightly, and she made a soft sound that somehow managed to convey both hope and devastating sadness.

  It was weaponized cute, pure and simple. And it was completely unfair how effective it was.

  "That's cheating and you know it," I muttered, even as I was already reaching down to scoop her up. "You know at this rate you will become a professional guilt-tripper."

  The moment my hands touched her, Umbreon's entire demeanor shifted to pure contentment. She practically melted against my chest, her head nestling into that favorite spot against my shoulder. Her tail, which had been tucked nervously between her legs, gave a small, satisfied swish.

  From beside us came a sound that could only be described as canine amusement. Mightyena was sitting on her haunches, her mouth hanging open in what was definitely a grin. Her eyes were bright with what looked suspiciously like laughter, and her tail was wagging slowly against the pavement.

  "Don't you start," I warned, adjusting my grip on Umbreon to make sure she was comfortable. "You're supposed to be the good influence here."

  Mightyena's response was to let her tongue loll out slightly, the canine equivalent of a smirk. She'd figured out Umbreon's act within the first day and found the whole thing endlessly entertaining. The fact that I fell for it every single time must have made it funnier to her.

  "Traitor," I said, but there was no real annoyance in my voice. Truth was, I didn't mind carrying Umbreon when she asked for it. The weight was something I was used to and she was warm.

  Besides, the pleading look really was impossible to resist. I have no idea how anyone could.

  The shopping district was busier than I'd expected for mid-morning, with trainers and locals moving between various shops and stalls. The stares were still there, they probably always would be, but they seemed less hostile than they had been earlier in the week. Progress, even if it was small. Exposure is bound to shift opinion at some point. It is a slow method though.

  A few people actually nodded politely as we passed, and one elderly man with a Skitty perched on his shoulder even smiled and said good morning. The Skitty, interestingly enough, seemed more curious about us than afraid.

  "See?" I murmured to her as we walked. "Not everyone is scary. Some people are actually decent."

  Umbreon made a soft sound that might have been agreement, though she didn't lift her head from its hiding spot. Mightyena snorted, she didn't seem convinced. That or she sneezed. We did walk past flowers at that moment.

  The Pokémart looked exactly the same from the outside, but the moment I walked through the automatic doors, I knew something had changed. The atmosphere was different. Behind the counter where the previous bigoted clerk had stood, was a young man maybe a year or two older than me looking down at a magazine.

  He looked up as we entered, his gaze taking in Mightyena, then Umbreon in my arms, before settling on my face with a professional smile. Even if it seemed to make him fidget.

  "Good morning! How can I help you today?"

  Just like that. No frown, no suspicious glare, no immediate dismissal. Just a normal greeting like we were any other customers. Aside from the nervous tic it was an improvement.

  "Just some food, maybe a potion or two," I said, still half-expecting this to be some kind of setup.

  "Absolutely, what type of food are you looking for?"

  I glanced down at Umbreon, then over at Mightyena. "High-quality food for Dark-types, if you have it. Two Pokémon."

  The clerk nodded and gestured toward an aisle near the front. "It's right over there." I look to where he gestures and it was right near the front. Pretty close to the register. Odd spot for it considering where the rest of the food is.

  As we made our way to the potion aisle, something caught my eye. A new sign mounted prominently on the wall, printed in bold letters that were impossible to miss:

  "POKéMART POLICY: Prejudice and discrimination based on Pokémon type, trainer background, or regional origin will not be tolerated from customers or employees. All trainers with valid licenses will receive equal service. Management reserves the right to refuse service to those who violate this policy."

  I stopped in my tracks, reading the sign twice to make sure I wasn't imagining it. Mightyena bumped against my leg, looking up at me with a questioning expression.

  "Well I'll be damned," I said quietly. "Something was done. Progress."

  I picked up a few potions, which I honestly should have picked up before now. These things are future tech that modern day America would kill to have. I mean wonder medicine that can heal damage in seconds instead of days? Yep, that's pretty cool. The label says humans shouldn't use it. The possibility that there is a human version isn't zero.

  The food selection was better than I'd expected. After picking up two potions, and Umbreon sniffing at one of them clearly curious I stop by the food and glance at Mightyena. She had been inspecting the food bags. Inspection by her was a lot of sniffing. She sat down in front of the one she wanted. Looking down at the prices it's nearly double the one we had been using currently. Why was that?

  A moment of reading the ingredients and I understood. This was made completely all natural. Probably way better for their health. Odd that this isn't the one we were given at the Pokemon Center. I push that thought out of my head. There is likely a reason I don't know. I shouldn't ever bad mouth a Joy. I had to set down Umbreon to pick up the extra large bag.

  "Your Pokémon will love that choice," the clerk said when I brought my selection to the counter. "Wyndon Foods sources all their ingredients from organic Pokémon ranches. Much better than the processed stuff most companies use."

  Wyndon? It must be a place I don't know of. It's obviously foreign. Probably from a region I've never been to in game?

  "That'll be 847 Pokédollars," the clerk said, scanning the last item.

  "Actually, do you have any grooming kits or would I have to go elsewhere for that?"

  The clerk's face scrunches in thought. "I think we might have something..." He walked a few steps his left and rummaged in a cardboard box. He walked back with a bare bones kit. "This is about as basic as it gets but it'll do the job until you get a better set. Grooming is more prominent in citys and towns with contest halls. The good kits can be found there."

  "I'll take it. It's better than not having one. Got to keep these two looking good." I handed over my Pokédex, and he processed the payment without comment. Professional, efficient, and completely free of the prejudiced bullshit I'd experienced just about a week ago.

  "Thanks," I said as he bagged up my purchases. "By the way, what happened to the previous clerk? The older guy?"

  The young man's expression darkened slightly. "Terminated for violating company policy. The guy had a real problem with Ghost and Dark type Pokémon."

  I nod just managing to get the huge bag of food into my bag. Umbreon was practically glued to my leg her eyes locked on the clerk. She wasn't shaking but she was still wary of him.

  "The League sent a pretty clear message with his termination too," the clerk replied with a slight grimace. "I heard he was fined heavily and can't work for League sanctioned businesses anymore."

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

  I slowly nodded, letting my mind collect that information. Working at a Pokémart is like working for the government. Fuck around and eventually you'll be fired.

  As we prepared to leave, the clerk called out. "Hope to see you again!"

  Outside the Pokémart, I took a moment to process what had just happened. A normal shopping experience. It actually would be pretty nice to stay here in Petalburg a while longer. However without being sponsored, I'd definitely run out of money quick. Can't have that happen. Gyms and trainer battles will likely be my only source of income.

  "Progress," I told Mightyena, who was looking particularly pleased with herself as she trotted beside me. She was likely more happy about the new food than what I was saying. "Slow, but it's happening."

  Umbreon pawed at my pants and I scooped her up into my arms again. I could only handle one of those cute attacks a day. Anymore and I'd probably die of cute overload. She didn't tuck her head into my neck immediately. She started to look around at the busy street. She was still nervous around crowds, but her panic responses had decreased a bit. She still buried her face in my chest or neck when someone got too close but she was coming out little bit by little bit.

  We'd made it maybe two blocks from the Pokémart when I spotted the familiar blue uniform approaching through the crowd. Officer Jenny was walking with purpose, scanning the faces of passing trainers until her gaze locked onto mine.

  "Lazarus!" she called out, raising a hand in greeting as she approached.

  I stopped and waited for her to come over, noting that her expression seemed more excited than official. That was either very good news or very bad news, and I really couldn't tell which.

  "Officer Jenny," I said as she reached us. "Business or casual?"

  Her professional mask slipped for just a moment, and I caught a glimpse of what might have been amusement before it snapped back into place. "Business, I'm afraid, though not the kind you're probably expecting."

  "Please tell me Mrs. Marsh hasn't filed another complaint," I said, earning a snort from Mightyena. "Because I swear, I haven't talked to any more kids about Pokémon since last time."

  "No, nothing like that," Jenny assured me, though her mouth twitched like she was fighting back a smile. "This is actually good news. I received a call from my sister in Oldale this morning."

  Her sister. Right, all Officer Jennys were related somehow. Family business, apparently. Same with the Joy family. It was weird but I could accept it.

  "Turns out the League bureaucracy moves about as fast as you'd expect," Jenny continued, pulling out her notepad. "Slower than a Magcargo, until the right person notices then it goes faster than a Rapidash.

  Kinda like American bureaucracy, really. Not exactly what you'd call efficient, but once the right people take notice. Things tend to happen and fast.

  I raised an eyebrow. "What kind of things?"

  "The kind that involve Champion Steven Stone personally requesting a meeting with a certain trainer." Her look was insinuating that the trainer was me.

  I blinked. Then blinked again. "I'm sorry, what?"

  "Champion Steven Stone," Jenny repeated, clearly enjoying my reaction. "You know, the champion. Silver hair, super rich, collects rocks, probably the most powerful trainer in Hoenn? Ring any bells?"

  "I know who Steven Stone is," I said slowly, my brain still trying to process this information. "What I don't understand is why he wants to meet with me. It's not like I'm a powerful trainer or anything... I've been doing this for like two weeks at most."

  "According to my sister, your situation caught the attention of some very important people. Plus he likely has questions only you can answer." Jenny shrugged. "That last part is more speculation, but he's coming."

  I started stroking Umbreon's fur gently. "I suppose that is good news."

  "It is good news," Jenny confirmed. "The Champion doesn't usually take personal interest in individual trainers unless he thinks they're worth his time. This is a huge opportunity for you."

  "What kind of opportunity?" I asked, continuing to pet Umbreon who has finally started to peek at Officer Jenny instead of hiding her face.

  "I don't know but any trainer he shows an interest in ends up doing well. He will tell you when he gets here. Just be as you have with me and my sister and you'll be just fine."

  A thought occurred to me. "When exactly is he supposed to arrive?" I hope I have time to prepare for his arrival.

  Jenny checked her watch. "About three hours. It's a good thing I caught you before you left town. I heard from Joy you would likely be setting out now that Umbreon is feeling better."

  Three hours. That gave me enough time to process this development and figure out what the hell I was going to say to the Champion of the Hoenn region. What do you even talk about with someone like that? It isn't like I have any experience actually talking to important people like Champions. I only know how to beat them in battle in a video game.

  "Where's this meeting supposed to take place?" I asked.

  "The Pokémon Center," Jenny replied. That was rather obvious but it was still good to ask.

  After Jenny left, I found myself standing in the middle of Petalburg's main street, holding a traumatized Umbreon and trying to figure out what a Champion could possibly want with me. Mightyena seemed to sense my confusion, bumping against my leg and looking up at me with a tilted head.

  "I have no idea either, girl," I told her honestly. "But I guess we'll find out soon enough. Hopefully it isn't anything too out there."

  We spent the next hour wandering around Petalburg, partly to kill time and partly because I needed to move and think. Umbreon remained in my arms despite my occasional suggestions that she might want to try walking. She'd curl up a bit and nuzzle into my chest, shutting down the suggestion.

  Mightyena had taken to walking slightly ahead of us, her head held high and her posture confident. She seemed to be ignoring the other people around. We only stopped when she wanted to sniff at the ground or she found something interesting to look at.

  We eventually found ourselves back at the Pokémon Center with two hours left. The lobby was relatively quiet, with only a handful of trainers scattered around the seating area. I claimed a corner spot where we could observe the room without being the center of attention.

  Umbreon had finally agreed to sit on the cushioned bench beside me rather than staying in my lap, though she kept one paw pressed against my leg at all times. Contact was clearly still important to her sense of security, but she was making progress toward independence. Baby steps.

  Mightyena had sprawled across the floor in front of us, positioning herself as our personal guard dog. Her ears were constantly moving, tracking every conversation and footstep in the room. Anyone who looked like they might approach us got a steady stare that usually convinced them to find somewhere else to sit. Once again, dog is gonna dog.

  "So," I said quietly, "Any ideas as to what he could want?"

  Mightyena's ear flicked in my direction, but she didn't turn around. She was listening, but her attention remained focused on the room. A simple huff was all I got as an answer from her.

  I'd been running through possibilities in my head for the past hour and coming up with nothing that made sense. Champions dealt with serious threats – illegal organizations, legendary Pokémon incidents, major disruptions to regional stability. Someone like myself regardless of my strange circumstances and ability to piss off narrow-minded people really compares.

  "Nah," I said aloud, shaking my head. It couldn't be that.

  Umbreon who had laid her head on my thigh cracked her eyes open to look up at me. She made a soft sound, getting me to look down at her.

  "Just thinking about meeting someone important later," I told her. "Nothing for you to worry about."

  The automatic doors whooshed open, and my attention was immediately drawn to the figure stepping through them. I'd seen Steven Stone plenty of times in the games and anime, but seeing him in person was different. He was taller than I'd expected, with that distinctive silver hair and impeccable suit that somehow managed to look both formal and practical. The guy moved with quiet confidence, the kind that came from years of dealing with situations most people couldn't even imagine. I was going to have to deal with talking to him. I'm so screwed.

  But what really caught my attention was how every conversation in the lobby immediately died. Not from fear or hostility, but from respect. This was clearly someone important, and everyone here knew it.

  Steven's gaze swept across the room before settling on our little corner. Those steel-gray eyes took in Mightyena's protective stance, Umbreon pressed against my side, and my own cautious expression. Then he smiled, a genuine expression that completely transformed his face from intimidatingly official to surprisingly approachable.

  "Lazarus Hunter?" he asked, though his tone suggested he already knew the answer.

  "That's me," I replied, resting my hand on Umbreon's back as he approached.

  "Mind if I join you? I have a feeling this conversation might take a while."

  "Sure," I said, settling my nerves to the best of my ability. "Though I have to admit, I have very few ideas as to why the Champion of Hoenn would want to talk to me."

  Steven claimed the chair and leaned back, his posture relaxed despite the formal setting. "Several reasons, actually." He pulled out a Pokéball and his Shiny Metagross appeared setting up a Psychic barrier. It likely was to keep our conversation private. "A Displaced is rather important... Sebastian is in charge of reporting them but he was rather occupied when the report came in. It got to my desk a lot slower than it should have. I would have come immediately had I known."

  I nodded at that, it made sense. After all a otherworlder just popping up out of no where. Knowing things they shouldn't know is rather dangerous.

  "Also, I got a report about a possiby abandoned and abused Umbreon being taken care of by a said Displaced person. Along with a Mightyena who was caught in an illegal trap. I would have come far sooner if your discovery of the traps didn't have to be handled immediately."

  Huh. It seems Steven leans towards the hands on approach to handling things in his region. It makes sense because in the games he fights with you against team Aqua and Magma if I recall.

  "Okay. That makes sense. My situation is a bit less important than catching the people who hurt Mightyena."

  Steven nodded. "Yes. Poachers and the like are a problem Hoenn has had for a while now. It was something the previous champion was negligent about. However, you are definitely interesting. I had reports being sent to me once I knew of your existence. You are a anomaly when it comes to Dark type Pokémon."

  He gestured toward Mightyena, who was still maintaining her protective watch but had relaxed slightly at his non-threatening demeanor. "A Mightyena who trusts you completely despite being trapped and injured when you found her. An Umbreon who went from feral terror to willing partnership in less than a week. Three young trainers who sought you out for advice because they could see you understood something they didn't."

  "That's just basic human decency," I protested. "Treating Pokémon like living beings with feelings instead of just tools or collections."

  "Basic human decency," Steven replied dryly. "Trust me, I've seen enough trainers to know the difference between someone who genuinely cares and someone who's just going through the motions. You aren't just being decent to them or they wouldn't be this attached to you."

  He pulled out what looked like an official document from his jacket pocket. "Which brings me to what I'd like to offer you."

  I felt my stomach drop. "What kind of offer?"

  "We want you to consider taking on a assignment. Something that would put your particular talent with Dark type Pokémon. If you can connect with these two, odds are you can connect with other Dark-type Pokémon. I'd like to see if that is the case."

  The document he handed me looked official as hell, with the Pokémon League seal at the top and multiple signatures at the bottom. I scanned through it quickly, catching phrases like "special consultation," "Dark-type rehabilitation specialist," and "League sponsorship." Meaning I'd be getting paid for my time and I'd get to see if what Steven suspects is true and I have a gift pertaining to Dark type Pokémon.

  "You want me to be what, exactly?" I asked, looking up from the paper. "I get the gist but I'd like to hear it."

  "A consultant," Steven explained. "Someone who can work with Dark-type Pokémon for the League. Plus you have knowledge. Knowledge about our world that is dangerous in the wrong hands. Alakazam couldn't tell us exactly what it saw but it could tell us you know things. Things that have yet to pass."

  The offer was way more than I'd expected. However it's likely what I know that they want more than what I'm capable of.

  "What's the catch?" I asked suspiciously.

  Steven's smile widened. "Smart question. The catch is that you'd have to share any relevant information to Hoenn that you know of."

  "Hoenn relevant...what specifically are you looking for?"

  "Mainly? Any threats to region stability or locations of interest pretaining to legendary pokemon." Steven said tapping a finger on the table separating us. He definitely is the son of a business tycoon. He wants the most out of this and giving me funding to basically go around and help Pokémon I likely would have helped anyway.

  "That seems fair. You get a safer region and I get paid to stop Dark type unrest and prejudice in the region." Steven nods agreeing with what I am saying. "I take it this is a ongoing project? Considering the date on this paper this isn't the first time you've tried this?"

  "Most consultants quit within six months. The few who stick it out longer usually end up requesting transfers to less challenging assignments." Steven's expression grew more serious. "We have attempted it before. We even considered asking other regions for Dark type specialists but they either declined or asked for far to much in exchange."

  "I see... And the Pokémon I help or calm. What will come of them?"

  Steven blinked, "I'd assume that you'd add them to your team. After all they would be comfortable with you. If you can keep them as docile as these two are," He gestures to Mightyena who has been staring down Steven but hasn't moved an inch. Then to Umbreon who was curled into my side watching him as well, peering over the table. "Then it would be a testament to people that Dark types aren't something to be feared but respected instead."

  "So I'd be a poster child for Dark types in the region. Like Karen in Jhoto, and Grimsley in Unova. Obviously I wouldn't be on the E-4 level of power but according to this you'd have me participate in the Ever Grande Conference if possible?"

  Steven nodded again. "Yes, I'd like for you to become strong enough to participate. Should you show mastery of Dark types on a large stage it will show that there is merit to having Dark type Pokémon. They can be just as strong and loyal as every other Pokémon. As of now there is nine months before the next conference. Getting eight badges before then might be difficult but I believe you have the ability to do it. Even if it will be difficult. I will authorize you to use League teleport pokemon to get you wherever you need provided it isn't used too much."

  Transportation, money, and helping Pokémon in exchange for what I know about Hoenn and it's future. Telling Steven about what will happen with teams Aqua and Magma would definitely be something good.

  Especially since the waking up of Groudon and Kyogre caused untold levels of damage. Then their is the approaching meteor that is big enough to damage Hoenn, and the appearance of Deoxys. The need for Rayquaza to mega evolve and shoot the Meteor into space dust. It is stuff that Steven should be told about.

  I will sign this. Steven's offer is good. I could prevent some of those events by telling him what is going to happen. Obviously telling him will have a butterfly effect should he act. Things go differently from how I know it to happen once he does. Especially given how fate works. It's even more probable if a certain someone exists in this world.