The scent of roasted Tauros flank filled the house as the sun dipped behind the Glimmerwood trees. My mother moved between the kitchen and dining room with practiced grace, adjusting spices, stirring sauces, and checking the berry rice every few minutes.
Tonight was special.
As a welcome gesture, my parents had invited our new neighbors—the fighting-type trainer Damos, his wife Linae, and their energetic daughter Kira—for dinner.
It was something my parents always did for newcomers, but this time it felt… different.
This time, I felt like I had something at stake too.
The doorbell rang just before sunset.
"Come in!" my mom called warmly.
Damos ducked slightly as he stepped through the doorway—tall, muscular, casual but proud. Behind him walked Linae, a woman with soft eyes and a calm aura that somehow balanced her husband's imposing presence. And skipping between them was Kira, all energy and wide-eyed excitement.
Koma, her Machop, trailed right behind her, lugging a small basket filled with steamed dumplings as a gift. And close behind him was Titan—their Machamp.
He didn't make a sound as he entered.
Didn't need to.
He just stepped forward and looked around once, measuring everything with calm, composed eyes. Then he made his way to the Pokémon corner of the room, where Rook and Mira already sat near a low table with food prepared especially for them.
Pidgey flapped gently and landed on my shoulder as I watched Titan take his place.
Even sitting down, the Machamp radiated sheer presence.
Dinner was relaxed. Warm.
My father and Damos shared stories from patrol routes and past trainer encounters. My mother and Linae discussed their work, recipes, and Pokémon nutrition. The sound of cutlery, laughter, and Mira's occasional chiming wove around the room.
Then, naturally, the conversation turned to Pokémon.
"You were a professional Trainer, right?" my dad asked, setting his glass down.
Damos grinned. "Used to be. I specialized in fighting-types. Competed in national circuits for nearly eight years."
My eyes widened.
I had guessed he was strong—but national level?
Kira beamed with pride. "Papa was ranked in the top fifty!"
My mother raised an eyebrow. "That's impressive."
"It was a good run," Damos said with a nostalgic smile. "Titan—my Machamp—was my ace. Carried me through more battles than I can count. We pushed hard. Got all the way to Blue Aptitude."
He paused for a moment. His gaze drifted toward Titan, who was calmly chewing dried roots next to Rook.
"We thought we could reach Purple. We really did. But Titan plateaued."
He said it without bitterness—just the quiet acceptance of a man who knew what it meant to give everything.
I followed his eyes.
Focused.
Machamp – BlueExceptional physical optimization. Near-maximum strength. Minor inefficiencies in balance and lateral flexibility.Sublevel: Deep.Hidden potential remains untapped. Recommended support training: flexibility-focused techniques—controlled movement, rotational stretches, balance alignment.
My breath caught in my throat.
There it was again.
I was the only one who could see it—the sublevel hidden within the main Aptitude. For the world, Titan was "just" a Blue. But I could see the layers underneath.
I could see what was still possible.
And yet… I said nothing.
Not yet.
As the adults continued their conversation, Kira and I moved to the living room floor near the fire. Our plates rested beside us, and Koma snoozed between us, one hand still holding a half-eaten rice ball.
"I'm gonna be like Papa," Kira said, eyes glowing. "No. Better than him. I want to be the strongest fighting-type trainer in the whole world."
I looked at her, smiling. "You will be."
She tilted her head. "What about you?"
I thought for a second.
"I want to be strong too. But not just for battling. I want to grow with my Pokémon. Understand them. Help them reach places they couldn't alone."
She stared at me. Then grinned.
"That's kinda awesome."
She held out her pinky.
"Let's train together. Every day. You and me."
I linked mine with hers.
"Deal."
Back at the dining table, Damos watched us and chuckled.
"They're already making secret pacts."
My father smiled. "Looks like they'll push each other to be even stronger."
"They remind me of someone," Linae added, nudging Damos with a knowing smile.
He laughed, shaking his head. "Let's just hope they don't break half the neighborhood in the process."
Everyone laughed.
The fire crackled gently.
And beneath that warmth, with full bellies and newly formed bonds, two dreams quietly began to intertwine.