The smell of disinfectant and the distant beep of machines stirred James from his sleep.
His eyelids fluttered open slowly, taking in the clean white ceiling above. The light was soft. He could feel warmth on one side and a gentle weight near his legs.
"...Where... am I...?" he murmured, voice hoarse.
As his senses returned, he noticed the white sheets covering him, the folded coat resting neatly on a nearby chair—tattered and cut in several places—and the single Poké Ball placed gently on a table beside him.
A soft snore made him look to his right.
In a small basket beside the bed, his shiny Charmander was curled up peacefully, silver scales gleaming faintly under the room's light. By his side, curled close to James's leg, was the Eevee he'd saved. Its soft fur warmed his leg like a blanket, and its ears twitched at his stirring.
They stayed... with me?
Before he could process further, the door opened with a soft click.
"Ah! You're awake!"
Nurse Joy stepped inside, holding a clipboard. She smiled warmly as she approached.
"You had us worried, young man. You were found unconscious near the forest edge with two knocked-out Team Rocket grunts nearby. The police brought you here."
James blinked, slowly sitting up. "I… I don't remember much after the flames…"
"You collapsed from starvation," Nurse Joy said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Low nutrients, barely any protein in your system. If you had arrived any later, it could've been serious. But don't worry—you're safe now."
She checked his pulse and handed him a cup of water.
"You've been asleep for nearly a full day. Your Charmander refused to leave your side after we treated it, and that Eevee hasn't moved once since you were brought in. Seems like you made quite the impression."
James looked down at Eevee, his heart warming. "I guess I did…"
Just then, the door opened again, this time revealing a woman in a blue police uniform with teal hair and a stern but kind expression.
"James," she greeted, stepping inside. "I'm Officer Jenny. I'd like to ask you a few questions."
Nurse Joy gave James a small nod before slipping out quietly to give them privacy.
Jenny sat at the edge of his bed, clipboard in hand.
"Let me start with the incident. The Team Rocket grunts. What happened?"
James's mouth felt dry. "I... I saw them chasing that Eevee. They had nets. I couldn't just watch."
She raised a brow. "And how did you stop them? They were fully armed, and you're just a kid."
He hesitated, gripping the sheets. "I used my Charmander. I… it was a surprise attack. I caught them off-guard."
'Forgive me for lying… but I can't tell anyone about Aura until I am strong enough…'
Jenny narrowed her eyes, then sighed. "Ballsy move. Brave, but dangerous. You're lucky it worked."
James managed a shaky smile. "I had to try."
Jenny flipped a page on her clipboard. "That brings us to the next question. Why did you run away from home?"
James froze.
"I didn't mention my family—"
Jenny leaned back. "We ran your ID. You're James from the Windsor family. One of the richest families in Kanto. Your disappearance is already making news."
James paled, his hands trembling. "I… I didn't mean to cause trouble. I just—"
Tears welled in his eyes as the dam finally broke.
"I couldn't take it anymore. My parents—they never cared about me. They forced me into an engagement with Jessebelle, my childhood bully. She... she enjoyed hurting me. They just ignored it. No one ever listened. I didn't know what to do… so I ran."
Officer Jenny's expression softened as Nurse Joy quietly re-entered with a small medicine tray.
The two women exchanged looks of sympathy.
Jenny spoke quietly, "I believe you. And honestly, I'd like to do something about it... but the higher-ups in the League? Many of them are under the Windsor family's pocket. If I report this, it'll be buried. Worse, they'll drag you back."
James's fists clenched.
"I don't care. I just want to be free. I want to live on my terms. I want to be someone… who can help others. Someone good."
Nurse Joy handed him a small set of pills and a bottle of juice. "You've already taken your first step. That's more than most adults can say."
James wiped his eyes and nodded. "Thank you… both of you."
Jenny stood. "We won't tell anyone you were here. But if you ever need help… find me. I'll do what I can."
With that, the two women left, giving James time to rest.
The room grew quiet again.
James looked down to see Eevee had sat up, staring at him with wide, gentle eyes.
A familiar chime echoed in his mind.
[Normal-Type Bond Available: "Eevee" has chosen you.]
[Would you like to form a bond? Yes / No]
James smiled. "You want to come with me?"
Eevee wagged her tail, ears perked up.
[Poké Ball granted.]
A fresh Poké Ball materialized beside him on the table.
He took it, gently tapping it to Eevee's forehead.
With a sparkle of red light, the Poké Ball clicked.
[Bond Confirmed.]
[Normal Aura Unlocked: Beginner Level.]
[A hero protects not just with power, but with heart.]
A white, gentle warmth bloomed in James's chest, blending with the familiar flickers of orange flame.
He leaned back, closing his eyes.
'Flame and heart… I won't waste this second chance. I'll protect what matters… as a true Type Master.'