Terrence cradled his Poké Ball in both paws, turning to face his Charmander.
"Char?"
The Charmander tilted its head, staring curiously at the unfamiliar Smeargle before it.
Once again forgetting his current Pokémon form, Terrence scampered forward on all fours, reaching out to pat Charmander's head.
"Wait! It doesn't seem to recognize you right now!" Caleb warned urgently.
But Terrence's paw was already mid-motion.
Charmander's light blue eyes narrowed slightly as white energy flashed across its claws. With one swift motion, it smacked its now-canine trainer, sending him tumbling backward.
The commotion immediately drew attention from the kitchen.
Acting quickly, Caleb retrieved two Poké Balls and recalled both Mimikyu and Charmander.
Sylvain emerged first, eyeing the disgruntled Smeargle picking itself up from the floor, "What happened here?"
Caleb helped Terrence to his feet and explained, "He just tripped and fell on his own."
Sylvain exhaled in relief, his serious gaze sweeping over Caleb to confirm the younger boy wasn't hurt before announcing, "That's good then. Lunch will be ready soon. Just wait a little longer."
"Okay," Caleb nodded.
As Sylvain disappeared back into the kitchen, Terrence looked up at Caleb with visible concern, "What do we do? My Charmander doesn't recognize me anymore..."
Caleb stated the obvious, "You're not even human right now. Of course it doesn't know you."
Terrence's expression fell, "Then what?"
After a moment's thought, Caleb suggested, "Why don't you try explaining it to Charmander yourself later?"
Terrence sighed, "I guess that's the only option."
After a pause, he asked, "Where's my Poké Ball?"
Assuming he meant Charmander's, Caleb pulled the red-and-white sphere from his pocket.
"Right here. You want it?"
Terrence glanced at it and shook his head emphatically, "No, not Charmander's. I mean my Poké Ball."
Caleb stared blankly, "...What exactly are you planning?"
Terrence shrugged, "Obviously going back inside to sleep. Whatever happens can wait until this blizzard stops."
Caleb: "..."
The Smeargle dissolved into red light as he returned to his Poké Ball. Caleb examined Charmander's ball in his hand, considering their earlier discovery.
If the move Thief could steal items from another player-turned-Pokémon's inventory... could they use the held-item mechanic to return those stolen items?
Opening Smeargle's status screen, Caleb dragged the Charmander's Poké Ball icon onto Terrence's avatar.
The ball vanished instantly. When he reopened Smeargle's information panel, Charmander's Poké Ball now appeared in its held items.
Just as he had theorized... the system allowed it...
...
Caleb quietly finished his meal of potato pancakes and creamy mushroom vegetable soup at the dining table...
As he sipped the warm broth, he contemplated his current situation.
Unlike the previous three Instances, this main quest imposed no strict requirements.
Meaning even if he stayed in this orphanage for three full years without venturing anywhere, he could still complete the objective normally.
Caleb sat clutching his empty bowl, lost in thought. He was completely unaware of the four pairs of eyes studying him intently.
Grandma Isa's heart ached as she observed the boy. From his impeccable table manners to his quiet refined eating habits, this child had clearly received proper upbringing.
For such a well-bred boy to be suddenly torn from his peaceful life and abandoned in Snowpoint City's harsh climate... the psychological trauma must have been tremendous.
Yet despite everything, he maintained perfect composure... He cooperated calmly with Officer Jenny's investigation, not even shedding a tear when he was delivered to this rundown orphanage.
The more Isa thought about it, the more her eyes stung with unshed tears.
Meanwhile, Sylvain, Elio and Nino simply beamed at Caleb, their shared thought obvious: Our little brother is so adorable!
Under their collective gaze, Caleb finally snapped out of his reverie. Blinking in confusion, he asked hesitantly, "Is there something on my face?"
Grandma Isa took a steadying breath and smiled gently, "Of course not. Terrence is the neatest child I've ever seen. Are you full? Would you like another pancake?"
Caleb patted his rounded belly. His appetite had shrunk proportionally with his body, "No thank you, I'm full." he said.
"Then how about an afternoon nap?" Isa suggested, "Your room is all ready!"
"I'll take little brother!" Sylvain immediately volunteered, hand shooting up.
Caleb: "..."
Well. They had everything planned out for him. What else could he say?
Guided by the three children, Caleb arrived at a warmly decorated bedroom. Sky blue wallpaper covered the walls, while plush white carpet softened the floor.
The furnishings were simple yet thoughtful... a child-sized bed, an electric space heater, and a cartoon-themed study desk.
A Starly-shaped alarm clock sat on the desk. One corner housed a toy chest filled with robot action figures, clearly selected with a young boy's preferences in mind.
Every detail showed meticulous preparation...
Caleb removed his shoes and stepped inside, noticing the trio didn't follow.
He turned back, eyeing them curiously, "Aren't you coming in?"
Elio grinned sheepishly, "We're all covered in mud. It's better we stay out here."
Nino nodded eagerly, "Terrykins, do you like your room? We helped Grandma decorate it all night yesterday!"
All three gazed at him expectantly, practically vibrating as they awaited his approval.
Caleb felt a complicated pang. Clearly, Officer Jenny had contacted them yesterday evening to prepare.
"Thank you. I love it," he said sincerely, then added, "Really, come on in. It's fine."
Nino shook her head, "Little brother should rest now! When you wake up, we'll take you to see the Mamoswine in the forest!"
With that, she grabbed Sylvain and Elio's hands, dragging them away excitedly.
Caleb: "..."
He chuckled softly, locking the door before releasing Dragonite, Mimikyu and Lucario.
The three Pokémon immediately encircled Caleb, their expressions unbearably tender. It was as if they were gazing at an infant.
Opening his inventory, Caleb distributed the meals Gardevoir had prepared earlier.
While Mimikyu and Lucario behaved properly, Dragonite couldn't resist ruffling Caleb's fluffy hair affectionately.
Caleb looked up at Dragonite, a giant question mark practically materializing above his head.
"Wuu~!" Dragonite immediately deployed its ultimate weapon... maximum cuteness overload.
Caleb sighed, "I give up..."