Professor Oak tapped his clipboard thoughtfully, the sound of fluttering wings echoing faintly from outside. "Alright, you two," he said, turning toward Leyn and Leaf, "since you handled feeding so well, let's move on to something a little more interesting."
Leaf tilted her head curiously. "More interesting than a Thunder Shock?"
Oak chuckled. "Oh, much more. Let's talk about Pokémon moves in general."
He led them toward a large open window overlooking the grassy field behind the lab, where a few Pokémon were playing under the sun. A Rattata darted between the grass, tail flicking, while a pair of Pidgey circled lazily overhead.
"See that Rattata?" Oak said, pointing toward it. "It may look small, but its Quick Attack is fast enough to surprise even experienced trainers. That's a basic example of how Pokémon specialize in their natural strengths."
"Speed," Leyn said quickly.
"Exactly," Oak said with a smile. "Every Pokémon has something unique about it. That's why it's important for trainers to understand what kind of move suits them best. Take those Pidgey, for instance— they're built for mobility in the air. But if you go to other regions, you'll find all sorts of bird Pokémon that fill the same niche."
"Like what?" Leaf asked eagerly.
Oak nodded approvingly. "Good question! Johto has Pidgey's relative, Hoothoot, who's nocturnal and much better with sound-based moves. Hoenn, on the other hand, has Taillow, a bold little fighter that rarely backs down. Sinnoh has Starly, Unova has Pidove, Kalos has Fletchling, and so on. Different regions, different skies, but the same idea: Pokémon evolve to fit their environments."
Leyn's eyes gleamed. "That's so cool… so they all started different but fill the same role?"
"Precisely!" Oak said, beaming. "Nature finds its own balance."
He stepped back, arms crossed thoughtfully. "And just like that, every region has its own group of starter Pokémon the partners young trainers begin their journey with. Fire, Grass, and Water types always in balance."
"Like Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle?" Leaf said.
Oak nodded. "That's right. Kanto's trio. Hoenn's are Torchic, Treecko, and Mudkip. Each region's Pokémon reflects its land and history."
Leyn raised his hand slightly, hesitant but curious. "Then… which one's the strongest, Professor?"
Oak smiled knowingly. "Ah, that question never gets old." He knelt down, resting a hand on the table. "Strength depends not on species, but on growth. A Pokémon raised with care and trust can surpass even those born powerful. It's the bond that truly decides it."
He paused, eyes distant for a moment. "But… there are Pokémon whose very lives revolve around battle. Some are born to fight, driven by instinct, pride, or purpose. They live to test their strength."
Leyn's gaze sharpened, fascinated. "Pokémon like that… are they rare?"
Oak nodded slowly. "Very. And often, they're the reason we study them so deeply. Which brings me to something rather important…"
Leaf leaned forward, intrigued. "What is it?"
Oak smiled faintly, eyes glinting with something between pride and secrecy. "A place where young trainers from every region come together to learn about Pokémon properly— their moves, behavior, and bonds. A place meant to prepare the next generation of great trainers."
Leyn blinked. "You mean—"
But Oak glanced toward the window, noticing the sun already dipping toward the trees. "Ah… I think that's a story for another time. It's getting late."
"Aw, come on!" Leaf pouted. "You can't stop there!"
Oak laughed warmly. "Patience, young one. You'll know soon enough. For now—Leyn, why don't you walk Leaf home? Take Pikachu with you this time."
Both Leyn and Pikachu froze mid-motion.
"Wait—me? With Pikachu?" Leyn said, eyes wide.
"Pika?!" Pikachu squeaked, equally surprised, tail sparking slightly in excitement.
Oak chuckled. "Yes. You've earned a bit of responsibility. He's been eager to spend time outside the lab, haven't you, Pikachu?"
Pikachu tilted its head, then nodded enthusiastically. "Pika-pi!"
Leaf giggled. "You've never gone out with him before?"
"Nope," Leyn admitted. "He usually stays here to help Professor."
"Well," Oak said with a smile, "then consider this his first outing with you as his partner, even if just for the evening. Just make sure he's back before dinner, alright?"
Leyn saluted jokingly. "Yes, Professor!"
"Good lad," Oak said, still smiling as he turned back toward his desk.
As Leyn and Leaf walked out of the lab, Pikachu bounded beside them, tail swishing and cheeks faintly glowing with excitement. It dashed ahead, sniffing flowers, then turned around to run circles around the two kids.
"Looks like someone's happy," Leaf laughed, watching Pikachu leap up and chase a drifting leaf in the wind.
Leyn grinned. "Yeah. Guess he's just as curious as we are."
Pikachu jumped onto his shoulder, balancing perfectly, and squeaked proudly, "Pika!"
The warm breeze carried their laughter down the road as they walked side by side, the setting sun painting the path in golden light.
Perfect — this continuation flows naturally from the previous ending and keeps the tone light, funny, and full of warmth. Here's the full extended continuation of Chapter 17 with your exact direction followed faithfully:
Chapter 17 – The Lesson Beneath the Sunlight(continued)
The evening breeze was soft as the three of them strolled down the path toward Leaf's home. Pikachu walked ahead with its tail swaying proudly, occasionally stopping to inspect a flower or chase a drifting dandelion seed.
Leaf clasped her hands behind her back as she walked beside Leyn. "So," she said with a grin, "if you could choose any of the starter Pokémon the Professor mentioned, which one would you pick?"
Leyn hummed thoughtfully, kicking a pebble along the dirt road. "Hmm… probably Charmander. Fire types are cool—and strong. Plus, they look awesome when they evolve."
"Charmander, huh?" Leaf nodded approvingly. "That's a good choice. I think I'd go with Bulbasaur. It's calm and cute—but it can still be tough when it needs to be."
"Bulbasaur fits you," Leyn said with a smile. "You both like plants."
Leaf giggled, brushing her hair aside. "Well, someone has to keep the world green."
Before Leyn could respond, Pikachu suddenly leapt onto his shoulder, puffing out its chest proudly and pointing to itself with both paws.
"Pika! Pikachu!" it declared, sparks flickering slightly from its cheeks as if to say pick me!
Leyn blinked, then burst out laughing. "Huh? But you're not part of the trio, Pikachu!"
"Pika…" Pikachu's ears drooped dramatically, clearly pretending to sulk.
Leaf laughed softly behind her hand. "Aww, don't say that! Maybe one day Pikachu will be part of the trio. Imagine a trainer choosing between Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle… and Pikachu!"
"Yeah," Leyn said, grinning as he scratched Pikachu's head. "That'd be kinda cool. I'd still pick you anyway."
Pikachu perked right back up, eyes gleaming. "Pikaaa!"
They both laughed, the moment light and easy as the sun dipped lower on the horizon.
By the time they reached Leaf's home, the windows glowed warmly in the evening light. Mrs. Maple, Leaf's grandmother, was waiting by the porch again, watering her flower beds with a gentle smile.
"Welcome back, dear," she said, turning to Leaf before spotting Leyn and Pikachu. "Oh, and you too, Leyn. Seems Pikachu decided to join the fun this time."
"Yes, ma'am," Leyn replied cheerfully. "Professor Oak said Pikachu could come with us."
"Well, that's nice of him," Mrs. Maple said with a fond smile. "It's good to see you two getting along."
Leaf waved goodbye. "See you tomorrow, Leyn! And you too, Pikachu!"
"Pika!" Pikachu waved back energetically with both paws.
"Yeah, see you!" Leyn called, waving as he began to step back onto the road.
Once the house was behind them and it was just the two of them again, Leyn stretched his arms with a grin. "Alright, Pikachu, ready to head back?"
"Pika!" Pikachu nodded confidently, sparks flickering slightly around its cheeks like it was already hyped up for something.
Leyn smirked mischievously. "Okay, how about this—whoever reaches the lab first is the winner. The loser… has to carry the winner's snacks for a week!"
Pikachu's ears shot up, and it narrowed its eyes like a rival accepting a challenge.
"Pika… pika-chu!" it said, nodding firmly.
"Alright then," Leyn said, crouching slightly and grinning. "On three. One… two—"
Before he could finish, Pikachu darted forward in a blur of yellow lightning.
"Hey, you cheated!" Leyn laughed, immediately taking off after it. His sneakers pounded against the dirt path as Pikachu zipped ahead, tail wagging triumphantly.
"Pika-pika!" Pikachu called back teasingly, glancing over its shoulder with a cheeky grin.
"Oh no you don't!" Leyn said, pushing harder to close the distance. The lab was already in sight up the hill. "I'm not losing to you that easily!"
But just as he gained a few steps—
ZAP!
A sudden jolt of electricity ran up his arm, not painful but enough to make him yelp and jump in surprise.
"Wha—?! Pikachu!" he shouted, his hair puffed up slightly from static. "That's cheating times two!"
Pikachu looked back with an impish grin, cheeks sparking again as if laughing. "Pikaaa~!"
Leyn laughed despite himself, shaking his head as he sprinted after the mischievous Pokémon. "You little sparkball—wait till I catch you!"
Their laughter and shouts echoed down the path, the orange glow of sunset wrapping around them like a warm blanket.
And as they raced toward the lab, the sight of a boy and his Pokémon running side by side would make any people smile.