They all filed into the dining hall, the scent of savory rice and grilled vegetables already wafting through the air. Plates clinked as Janice set them down with practiced grace, while Michael and his friends took their seats around the modest wooden table, still chuckling over earlier banter.
Conversation flowed naturally as they recounted the day's events.
"So, today in class, Rodnick nearly fell asleep during type matchups again," Michael said, grinning.
Rodnick groaned, chewing on a dumpling. "In my defense, it was right after lunch, and the professor's voice sounds like a Snorlax humming underwater."
"And then he tried to argue that Charmander could take down a Gyarados with a lucky Ember," Sersi chimed in, snorting.
"It was a hypothetical! With strategy and terrain advantage—"
"—And Gyarados having both fins tied behind its back?" Michael smirked.
"See this why you lost to me is an a battle, even with an advantage." Micheal teased Rodnick, which made Rodnick groan.
Janice's eyes sparkled with pride, hearing her son won a lopsided battle.
She chuckled softly as she poured tea for everyone. "You did great, Michael. But don't get too confident—luck won't always be there to save you," she said, offering her son a warm smile but keeping her tone balanced. She didn't want Rodnick to feel too bad... or Michael to get too smug.
Michael beamed. "Yeah, yeah. I know."
"Asher should be here any minute now," Janice said, glancing toward the hallway. "He'll take you three to the breeding dungeon."
The table quieted slightly at the reminder.
Janice gave them all a firm look. "And since it's your first time in a dungeon—even a domesticated one—you need to be careful. It's not like a full wild dungeon, but accidents can still happen in there. I want all three of you to follow every instruction the staff gives. No wandering off. No bravado. Got it?"
"Yes, ma'am," the trio replied in unison, sitting a little straighter.
Just then, a bell rang softly—chiming above the door.
"I'm home," came a tired voice from the front hallway.
"The kids are ready, Asher!" Janice called out, her voice echoing through the house as she hurried toward the kitchen.
A beat later, they heard the shuffle of shoes being kicked off.
"Yeah, Mom, we'll leave in an hour. I'm wiped. Let me rest a bit," Asher replied, his voice muffled but unmistakably drained.
"Of course, dear. I'll bring you lunch in the living room," Janice said kindly, already bustling to the stove.
Asher, a tall young man with wild dark hair and a permanent half-squint like he was always fresh off a nap, made his way into the dining area just long enough to ruffle Michael's hair and nod to the others. Then he vanished again, groaning like a Golbat waking up to daylight.
After lunch, Michael led Sersi and Rodnick through a side door that opened into his personal training yard. A wide, fenced field stretched out before them, complete with a few high-impact sandpits, battle-worn targets, a move-simulation corner, and a climbing structure clearly modified for a very eager Bagon.
"Whoa…" Sersi breathed. "Yours is so much better than mine."
Her envy was clear, though she still managed a smile.
Her own parents had gotten her a specialized training area too—but compared to this, it was more of a spacious backyard with some obstacle props and a shallow pool for her Staryu and Ralts. Not bad, just… not this.
Victor, being the only son of the Drake family patriarch, had the full weight of their legacy and wealth behind him. Any potential trainer born to that line was practically guaranteed high-grade facilities.
Sersi came from the Minhurst family, where cousins were many. Getting her that high-potential Staryu had already stretched the family budget—there was no way they'd build a deluxe training ground for every kid.
Rodnick, on the other hand, didn't seem the least bit jealous.
"I get to train at Dad's old volcano site," he said with a shrug, hands in his pockets. "The floor literally melts if you stand in the wrong spot. So, y'know… fire types thrive. I've got heatstroke twice, but the atmosphere's nice."
Michael turned. "You say that like it's a vacation resort."
Rodnick smirked. "Hey, Charmander likes it hot."
"Too hot," Sersi said. "I still remember when your sleeves caught fire."
"Charmander was excited, okay? It was my birthday."
Just then, Asher reappeared, stretching his arms with a loud yawn.
"Okay, team," he said, cracking his neck, "I'm ready. Let's head to the breeding ground."
"Yay!" all three kids shouted at once, excitement bubbling to the surface.
Asher raised a brow. "You guys want to ride on my Dragonite together or separately on different Pokémon?"
The trio exchanged a look. Their eyes were wide, shimmering with the barely-contained thrill of choice. Sure, they'd all flown before—usually on their parents' Pokémon when they were younger—but the idea of riding something as cool as Asher's team?
It was a no-brainer.
"Separately!" Michael declared, noting the hesitant yet eager glint in his friends' eyes. They all wanted to ride solo, but didn't want to seem greedy.
"Alright then," Asher said, reaching for his belt and pressing three Pokéballs in sequence.
With three bursts of light, the Pokémon appeared,
A sleek, powerful Flygon stretched its wings and chittered with a deep hum.
A proud, majestic Staraptor landed on the nearby perch, fluffing its feathers with a warrior's poise.
And last but not least, a towering Dragonite let out a playful rumble, already nuzzling Micheal affectionately like a doting uncle.
"I'll ride Dragonite with Sersi," Asher announced. "Rodnick, you get Flygon—just don't try to steer it like a bike. And Michael, you're on Staraptor."
Sersi's eyes sparkled as she climbed onto Dragonite. "He's so warm! And cuddly!"
Dragonite cooed in response and gently flicked its tail like a cat being complimented.
Rodnick approached Flygon with a grin. "Just don't do barrel rolls, okay, buddy?"
Flygon buzzed, wings shimmering like glass as it gave a low, mischievous purr. It might do a barrel roll on purpose now.
Michael climbed onto Staraptor with practiced ease. The bird gave a shrill cry and flared its wings, proud and eager to fly.
Asher chuckled. "Alright, everyone buckle up. Destination - Breeding Dungeon."
As the wind picked up and their Pokémon took to the skies one by one, the kids let out whoops of excitement, soaring over the countryside—onward to their next adventure.
Back at the house, Janice stood by the window, watching them take off with a soft smile.
"Kids grow up so fast…" she murmured to herself, before turning back to finish cleaning up lunch.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey everyone! There will be one or two more parts to this segment before we move forward—thanks for being patient with the pacing!
The System will be making its appearance very soon, so stay tuned for that. Tomorrow's update might be a little delayed since I've got some real-life stuff to handle, but I'll do my best to get the next part out as soon as possible!
As always, thank you so much for reading my story.🥰
Let me know—how's the writing so far? Is the pacing okay? Do you like the characters? If there's anything I can improve, or if you spotted a mistake, please drop a comment! I genuinely appreciate the feedback and support. 😊
Now, real talk :
What's your favorite Pokémon?
More importantly… should Micheal catch it? (≧∇≦)ﾉ
Got a cool idea? Toss in your fav Pokémon with a backstory, quirks, weird habits—heck, even give it a dramatic slow-mo entrance if you're feeling spicy. If it fits the vibe, I'll totally try to weave it into the story!
Enjoying the ride?
Hit that Add to Library button so you don't miss the next chapter!
Got theories, feedback, or just wanna geek out about Dragon-types and dratini eggs? Drop a comment—I read 'em all.
And lastly...
POWERSTONES.💎💎💎
Feed 'em to this story like they're Rare Candies and help it mega evolve!
( •̀ ω •́ )✧