Morning sunlight washed across Pallet Town, spilling gold over the rooftops and swaying fields. Pidgey calls echoed softly, and the faint hum of the wind brought with it a kind of peace that only mornings could hold.
At Tharion's villa, the air was alive with quiet excitement. Nina stood near the front door, her bag packed neatly, her Poké Balls secured to her belt. She wore a light blue jacket with white trims — a gift from Selene, embroidered with a silver crescent moon over the heart.
Her brother, Tharion, stood before her with his usual composed smile, though his eyes held pride and the faintest touch of sadness. Selene sat comfortably on the couch, one hand resting gently over her rounded stomach, her glow unmistakable even at nine months pregnant.
Nina looked up at them both. "It's really time, huh?" she said softly.
Tharion nodded, his tone calm but gentle. "You've trained long enough, little one. You're ready. The world's waiting for you."
Selene smiled warmly. "And remember — every battle, every catch, every new friend… it's not about being the strongest. It's about finding yourself."
Nina nodded, her eyes shimmering with determination. "I know. You both taught me that."
Before she could say more, a chime rang at the villa door. It was Professor Oak, holding a slim red device in his hand — the latest Pokédex model.
"Well, well," Oak said with his usual kind smile, "seems my most hardworking apprentice is finally setting out."
He handed her the Pokédex. "This will record your journey — every encounter, every discovery. I expect great things from you, Nina."
Nina took it reverently, bowing lightly. "Thank you, Professor. I'll make you proud."
Oak chuckled. "You already have."
Moments later, outside the villa, the goodbyes began.Nina hugged Selene carefully, smiling as her sister-in-law brushed a strand of hair from her face.
"Take care of yourself," Selene said softly. "And don't forget to call when you reach Viridian."
"I won't!" Nina promised.
She turned to Tharion, who crouched down slightly to look her in the eyes. His voice softened."Remember your training — but more importantly, remember your heart. That's what'll guide you better than any move or command."
Nina smiled bravely. "I will, big brother."
She turned, ready to walk down the path — but then—
Selene gasped sharply.
Her hand clutched her stomach. The Poké Ball on Tharion's belt clattered as he spun around instantly, panic flashing across his face.
"Selene?" he said quickly, his voice suddenly tight. "Selene, what's wrong?"
She took a sharp breath, grimacing. "Tharion… I—I think it's time."
Everything froze for a second. Then — chaos.
"WHAT?!" Tharion's usual composure shattered in an instant. "NOW?! You mean—wait—already?!"
Another contraction hit, and she winced again, gripping the arm of the sofa. "Tharion, now!"
Tharion's aura flared subconsciously — panic, energy, and confusion all bursting out at once."Right! Okay—uh—hospital! No, wait—Professor Oak's lab! It's closer! Okay—okay, breathe, Selene! Don't move—no, wait, move a little—oh Arceus, what do I do—"
Nina's eyes widened. "Big brother! Calm down! You're scaring her more!"
"Right—right!" Tharion took a deep breath, his military-like tone suddenly crumbling into pure nervous husband mode. "Okay. Gyarados, Noivern—no, no, no, they're too big. We'll—carry her!"
Nina sighed, half-panicked, half-amused. "You trained dragons and fought champions, but this makes you nervous?"
"THIS IS DIFFERENT!" he blurted, already wrapping his arms around Selene with utmost care. "Battles don't come with contractions, Nina!"
Within minutes, they were at Professor Oak's lab, Tharion moving faster than he ever had before.
Oak's eyes widened as the doors flew open. "Tharion? What—oh dear heavens—Selene!"
"Yeah—yeah—she's—uh—having the baby!" Tharion managed, voice stumbling over itself. "Where's Nurse Joy?! I need—uh—something! Towels? A potion? A—uh—"
"Relax!" Oak said, motioning toward the back room. "We've already prepared the medical wing! Nurse Joy is here!"
Sure enough, Nurse Joy was already in the back, wearing her medical uniform, calm and professional as ever.
"Mr. Tharion, please wait outside," she said firmly. "We'll take care of her."
"Wait outside?" Tharion blinked, panic flashing again. "No, I can't—she needs me! What if—"
Joy smiled knowingly. "Trust me. The best thing you can do is not faint in the delivery room."
Selene laughed softly despite the pain, looking up at him. "Go, love. I'll be fine."
He froze for a heartbeat — then nodded, brushing his forehead against hers for a moment. "I'll be right outside. I promise."
As the door closed, he stood there — pacing back and forth, hands running through his hair, muttering to himself.
Nina and Oak watched from the bench.
"She's strong," Oak said reassuringly. "Everything will be fine."
"I know," Tharion muttered, still pacing. "I just—Arceus, I've fought Titans, gods, legendaries, and now I can't even think straight."
Then the lab door opened again — this time it was Delia Ketchum, Ash's mother, carrying a small basket.
"Oh my!" she gasped when she saw Tharion's face. "You look like you've seen a ghost!"
"Delia—she's—she's in there!" he stammered.
Delia smiled kindly. "Relax, dear. I've seen this before. Many times. She'll be fine. Come, sit down."
But Tharion didn't. He couldn't. He stood there, fists clenched, staring at the door as if willing it to open.
Minutes turned to an hour. Every sound made him flinch.
Then finally — a cry.
A small, powerful wail pierced the air.
Nurse Joy stepped out, smiling. "Congratulations, Tharion. It's a boy."
For a moment, Tharion didn't move. Then — he exhaled, trembling slightly as all the tension broke.
"A… boy," he repeated softly, his eyes wet with emotion.
He followed Joy inside, where Selene lay weak but smiling — a small, swaddled bundle in her arms. The baby's hair was soft and dark, faintly curling, and when his tiny eyes opened, Tharion felt something inside him break and mend all at once.
Selene smiled through tears. "He looks like you…"
Tharion laughed softly, voice unsteady. "He looks… perfect."
He reached out, gently brushing the baby's tiny hand with his finger. The child gripped it instantly, his aura — faint but bright — brushing Tharion's senses.
Oak stood quietly in the doorway, Delia and Nina smiling beside him.
Nina whispered softly, eyes shimmering. "He's… beautiful."
Tharion turned to her, his expression melting into a proud, gentle smile. "Meet your nephew, Nina."
Selene looked up at him, her voice barely above a whisper. "What should we call him?"
Tharion thought for a moment, gazing down at the small boy who had just entered their world — the light of a new beginning.
"Aster," he said finally. "Like the flower that means new beginnings."
Selene's eyes softened. "Aster… I love it."
And as little Aster's tiny hand clung to Tharion's finger, a new chapter began — one where the boy who had come from a broken world finally held something truly whole.
Outside, the sun shone brighter over Pallet Town, as if even the skies celebrated the birth of new life — and the dawn of two journeys:One of a young girl named Nina, setting out to carve her path in the world…And one of a new soul, Aster, born into peace and love.
The sun hung softly over Pallet Town — warm, gentle, and golden, a perfect morning for a day of celebration.
Inside Tharion's mountain villa, now freshly decorated with flowers and streamers, the sound of laughter and the scent of sweet Oran cake filled the air. Selene sat in a soft cushioned chair near the balcony, her silver hair tied neatly, cradling a tiny bundle in her arms — the newborn boy who had brought a new dawn to their lives. His name… was Aster.
Tharion stood beside her, still in disbelief that such a small, delicate being could make his heart so full. His usual calm and confident presence, the same aura that intimidated countless champions across three regions, had melted into something gentler. Every time he looked at his son, a smile tugged at his lips almost instinctively.
"It still feels surreal," Selene said softly, brushing her finger across Aster's cheek. The baby stirred, a tiny yawn escaping him before he nestled closer.
Tharion chuckled, crouching down beside her. "It feels like just yesterday we were standing in the Hoenn League finals, and now… look at us. A family."
Selene leaned her head against his shoulder, eyes shimmering. "You were panicking so much that day… poor Professor Oak had to keep telling you to breathe."
Tharion turned slightly red. "In my defense, someone was screaming in pain and I was told I couldn't do anything but wait."
Selene giggled softly, holding his hand. "You did fine. You were right there the moment Aster cried."
He smiled faintly, the memory vivid — the cry that had shattered his fear, the way Selene had looked at him through tired eyes with a smile that said we did it.
A knock came at the villa's front door. Then a shadow passed over the sunlight.
Outside, a familiar roar echoed through the sky — deep, proud, and resonant.Charizard.
Nina grinned widely as she descended, riding atop the blazing dragon. The wind whipped through her long hair as she landed gracefully in the yard. "We're here!" she shouted excitedly, her Gardevoir appearing beside her with a soft teleport shimmer.
Tharion was already waiting at the door, grinning as he waved. "Took you long enough."
"Blame Charizard," Nina said with a smirk, hopping down. "He insisted on circling Viridian City three times just to show off."
Charizard snorted proudly, flames flaring slightly from his nostrils.
Tharion laughed and patted his old friend's snout. "Some things never change."
Behind Nina, her team appeared one by one — Gigalith, stoic and gleaming under the sunlight; Luxray, prowling protectively by her side; Gengar, floating mischievously and waving at Selene through the window; Bulbasaur, cheerful and curious; and Gardevoir, graceful as ever, bowing politely before entering.
Selene smiled warmly as they all gathered inside. "Welcome home, Nina."
Nina's eyes softened as she saw the baby cradled in Selene's arms. "So this is… little Aster?"
Selene nodded. "Would you like to hold him?"
Nina hesitated — for all her battle experience and confidence, the thought of holding a baby made her nervous. But she nodded anyway, carefully taking Aster in her arms. He blinked, staring at her curiously with bright golden eyes that mirrored both Tharion and Selene.
"Hey there, little one," Nina whispered. "You're gonna be just as strong as your mom and dad, huh?"
Aster cooed softly, gripping her finger with surprising strength. Nina chuckled, her heart melting.
Tharion watched them quietly — the scene of family, of warmth, of peace. Something he once thought he'd never have again.
Soon the villa filled with guests — Professor Oak, smiling proudly as always; Delia Ketchum, who had helped during the delivery, bringing a basket of freshly baked Poké Puffs; Charles Goodshow, the League Committee Head, attending as a family friend; and even a few familiar faces from Tharion's and Selene's League days, including Steven Stone and Cynthia, who had come to personally congratulate them.
"Congratulations again, Tharion," Steven said, shaking his hand. "Looks like you've conquered the toughest challenge yet — fatherhood."
Tharion chuckled. "Yeah, and this one doesn't come with a victory badge."
Cynthia smiled, leaning toward the baby. "He's beautiful. You two should be proud."
Selene smiled softly. "We are."
As the day went on, laughter filled the air — Pokémon playing outside, guests sharing stories, music floating through the villa. At one point, Tharion lifted Aster up toward the sunlight, his son giggling as small sparks of golden aura flickered around his hands — faint, yet familiar.
Selene's eyes widened. "Tharion… did you see that?"
He nodded, a faint smile forming. "Yeah. It seems… he's got something special too."
For a brief moment, their eyes met — an unspoken realization that Aster carried more than their love or legacy. He carried something beyond, something born from the very souls that had once fought across worlds.
Nina watched them from the side, smiling. "Guess this family's never gonna be normal, huh?"
Tharion laughed softly. "Normal's overrated anyway."
As evening fell, lanterns illuminated the villa. The naming ceremony began, with Professor Oak giving a short blessing — a traditional wish for good health and strength for the newborn.
When Tharion stepped forward, holding Aster in his arms, the crowd quieted. His voice carried both pride and warmth.
"This is Aster — named after the star that guided us through the darkest nights. May he always find his own light, and never lose sight of the ones he loves."
The applause that followed wasn't just for the baby — it was for everything they had become, for everything they had survived.
Selene reached for his hand. "He's going to change the world, Tharion. I can feel it."
He smiled, looking down at his son. "Then we'll make sure the world he grows up in… is worth it."
And as night fell over Pallet Town, the stars above shimmered — brighter than usual, almost as if celebrating the arrival of the one named Aster, the child of two souls who had once crossed worlds just to find each other again.