Ashwin stood at the edge of the new structure that had taken form on the eastern side of his farm. Crafted from sustainable wood with gentle curves echoing nature, the Pokémon Care & Adoption Center was both humble and serene—a place for healing and new beginnings.
This wasn't just another building.
It was the start of something profound.
But before it could open its doors, Ashwin faced one final obstacle: scrutiny.
Two distinct groups had arrived at his farm.
The first, led by Guild-certified Master Breeder Inya Serel, represented the Breeder's Guild. Tall, silver-haired, and with a gentle but shrewd glint in her eyes, Inya was known for rooting out unregistered breeders operating on the fringes of legality.
The second group was from the Regional League Authority, led by Inspector Marlowe and his assistant Juna. Their job was simple: verify credentials, review Ashwin's license history, inspect the property, and assess the suitability of his facility for handling adoptions.
They left nothing unchecked.
Inya walked through the facility with deliberate steps. "Hygiene protocols?"
Ashwin gestured to a fully automated sanitization system, a system developed with the help of his Rotom partner.
"Diet management for recovering Pokémon?"
A wall panel slid open to show the separated cold storage units—each designed for a different Pokémon type.
"Security?" Marlowe added, glancing at a camera post.
"I've installed perimeter sensors. Pokémon from the farm guard the entry at night."
Juna nodded toward a terminal. "Let's run a check on your trainer records and prior infractions."
Ashwin remained calm as his entire identity was reviewed—gym challenges from his youth, his academic scores from the Regional Breeder School, and his recent activities in the outskirts.
After an hour, Juna looked up from her device.
"No red flags. Quite the opposite. Your rehabilitation work with injured Pokémon has spread. We've even received unofficial reports from nearby Ranger units praising your efforts."
Inya gave a single approving nod. "Not many your age are bold enough to start something this genuine. You've got our backing. We'll issue your Breeder Rank upgrade."
Guild Recognition: Breeder Tier-C Advanced GrantedLeague Approval: Licensed Pokémon Adoption Center – Provisional for 6 Months
Three days after the green light, the Adoption Center opened.
Among those who came was a determined young trainer named Riku. He had heard whispers of Ashwin's rescued Pokémon and sought a partner that wasn't "caught to win"—but to heal with.
Inside the open hall, two Elgyem sat quietly—rescued from the psychic colony afflicted by the spore. One, a male, observed Riku carefully.
Ashwin looked at the boy. "He chooses you. But I won't just hand him over. You'll train together. Prove your bond. Return in three weeks. One battle. That's the deal."
Riku bowed his head. "Deal."
Riku stood at the practice field, slightly older in posture if not age. The Elgyem hovered beside him—calm, no longer shaking at the wind.
Ashwin stepped forward with a Spoink. A fair challenge.
What followed was a simple yet elegant match. Elgyem's moves had structure, guided not by command but intent. Their synchronization spoke volumes. Even Spoink gave a chirping nod of respect after the battle.
"You've earned him," Ashwin said, handing over the official adoption certificate.
System Notification
✅ Quest Complete: A Bond Beyond Words
Milestone Achieved: First successful adoption trial.
Rewards:
+10% trust from regional trainers
Permanent Adoption Permit granted
"Trainer Progress Tracker" unlocked
Psychic-type Pokémon training efficiency increased (+10%)
Later that night, Ashwin walked behind the barn, drawn by a subtle shift in the wind. His breath caught.
A glimmer shimmered above the lake. Silhouetted against the moonlight, wings flowed like velvet water.
Cresselia.
The Lunar Pokémon hovered, silent but radiant. She didn't speak, but Ashwin's mind filled with warmth, a single word settling into his heart:
"You care... as we once did."
And just like that, she vanished.