Two golden figures danced beneath the pond's crystal surface.
Their elegant movements were no longer the wild flops of newborns. The golden Magikarp, belonging to Skylar and Misty, now moved with purpose—synchronized, graceful, strong.
Skylar watched them from the edge, his arms resting over his knees.
"They've come a long way," Misty said, kneeling beside him.
Skylar nodded. "They're more than ready."
Misty tilted her head. "What'll you name yours?"
Skylar smiled. "Haven't decided. Feels like… the name has to come during the journey."
She nodded. "I get that."
The pond rippled with soft waves as both Magikarp leapt out of the water, landed with perfect timing, and continued swimming.
"They're already moving like Gyarados," Misty whispered. "One day… they'll be unstoppable."
Inside the house, Skylar's PokéGear buzzed with an incoming call.
Dad – Flint
Skylar tapped the screen—and his father's familiar face appeared, a wild mess of red hair under a dusty bandanna. The backdrop looked volcanic, as always.
"SKYLAR!" Flint boomed. "Just the boy I was hoping to catch!"
Skylar chuckled. "Let me guess. Fire-types, ash fields, and danger?"
"Every day," Flint grinned. "But this call's not about me."
He turned the camera.
Arcanine filled the screen—towering, mane flowing like an inferno, eyes shining with focus.
Skylar straightened. "Whoa. He's grown so much."
Flint nodded proudly. "He's been training alongside me. Sparring with my Infernape. Burning paths through mountain passes. He's not the same pup you raised, Skylar… but he never forgot you."
Just then, another voice chimed in—soft, playful:
—"That last fire spin was incredible. You weren't kidding about his control."
The camera turned slightly, and Skylar's eyes widened.
—"Serena?"
She waved from beside Flint. Her soft honey-blonde hair was tied with a ribbon, and her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Hi, Skylar," she said warmly.
Flint grinned in the background. "She's been traveling with your mom for the last few weeks. Says she wants to master contest performances and learn from the best."
Serena nodded. "Your mom's been teaching me so much. Her Glaceon is amazing—so elegant. I had no idea how much went into coordination until I saw her in action."
Skylar smiled. "Yeah… I did."
His voice softened, and he leaned back slightly, falling into a brief flashback.
Years ago…
A small Skylar stood in the hallway of his family's home, staring at a long shelf filled with shimmering trophies and colorful silk ribbons.
"Mom… what are those?" he'd asked.
His mother, dressed in an apron and brushing flour off her hands, walked over and knelt beside him.
"They're memories," she said. "Every one of them is a moment I shared with my Pokémon on a stage, performing our hearts out."
"Were you… a winner?" he'd asked, eyes wide.
She'd smiled gently. "I wasn't just a winner. I was someone who made people feel. That's what real coordination is."
He'd touched a blue ribbon, awe in his voice.
"I wanna do something like that one day."
Her fingers brushed his hair. "And you will."
Back in the present, Skylar blinked, the memory still warm.
His mother appeared on screen behind Serena. Calm. Proud. Still radiant.
"You've come far, Skylar," she said softly. "And you're just getting started."
He smiled. "Thanks, Mom."
She stepped aside as Arcanine barked at the screen again, tail sweeping back and forth.
"He's already been transferred to the Pokémon Center near the northern gate," his mom added. "He's waiting for you."
Flint gave one final thumbs up. "Take care of him. And take care of yourself."
Skylar nodded. "Will do."
Just before the call ended, Serena leaned closer to the screen and winked.
"Say hi to Misty for me."
Skylar blushed as the call cut out.
A few hours later, Misty stood outside her family home, her backpack slung over one shoulder. Her Magikarp swam in a small travel tank behind her.
Her mother hugged her tightly, whispering, "Be careful. And eat something green at least once a week."
Her sisters took turns giving her teasing advice—Daisy even tucked a tiny perfume vial into her bag.
"For emergencies," she said with a smirk. "Or dates."
Bryce, ever the stoic father, gave Misty a firm nod as he handed her a sealed envelope. "Read it when you're alone."
She hugged him with quiet strength.
Then she turned—ready for the road.
Skylar stood just outside Cerulean's northern gate.
He held a Poké Ball in hand.
With a flick of his wrist—
Flash. Roar. Fire.
Arcanine burst forth, his presence thunderous, his mane wild, tail curled like a flame whip.
He sniffed the air—paused—and spotted Skylar.
His eyes lit up.
Then charged.
Skylar had just enough time to brace before Arcanine tackled him to the ground, licking his face rapidly.
"Hah—okay! Okay! I missed you too!"
Skylar managed to push himself up, running his hand through Arcanine's fur.
"You've grown stronger."
Arcanine let out a proud growl and nudged his trainer's chest.
Misty arrived just in time to see the joyful reunion.
Her eyes widened. "That's… him?"
Skylar stood, brushing off dirt and grinning.
"Meet the newest member of our travel team."
He climbed onto Arcanine's back, then extended his hand.
Misty took it and climbed up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"Where to?" she asked.
Skylar looked out toward the distant mist-covered hills of Lavender.
Then down at his partner.
"Arcanine—let's ride."
With a mighty bark, Arcanine shot forward.
Wind rushed past.
Cerulean City faded into memory.
And ahead—
The path twisted through mystery, spirit…
And something far darker.