[Discovery Timestamp Recorded: October 3rd, 18:47]
[Estimated Review Time: 2-4 weeks]
A system notification appeared:
[ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED: Published Researcher]
[REWARD: +50 GP]
[Current GP: 75]
I leaned back in my chair, satisfied. The article was submitted, the discovery was timestamped, and Gible's status as the first documented Prism Pokémon was now official.
Day 1:
The first morning after submitting the article, I established a routine. Wake up, check email for any responses, then spend the day with Gible.
Breakfast was high-quality Dragon-type food that Oak kept stocked in the lab's storage. Gible ate with enthusiasm, and I watched as the little dragon's energy seemed to build with each bite.
After eating, we went to the terrarium, not for battles, but for grooming and care. I used a specialized brush designed for Dragon-type scales, working methodically across Gible's body. The crimson scales gleamed under the artificial sunlight, and Gible practically purred with contentment.
'This feels nice,' Gible said through our mental connection. 'I could never reach those itches before. You're the best.'
[+15 GP: Quality Care]
[Current GP: 90]
Day 3:
We spent the afternoon exploring the terrarium's various biomes. Not for training, just observation. I wanted Gible to see the diversity of Pokémon species, to understand that the world was bigger than the restricted tunnels where it had spent its first six months.
We watched a family of Sentret playing near a stream. Observed a Combusken sparring with a Machop on the training grounds. Saw a Milotic surface in the deep pond.
Gible stayed close to me, occasionally asking questions.
'Why do some Pokémon fight and others don't?'
"Some are naturally aggressive or competitive. Others are more peaceful. It depends on species, personality, and environment."
'Will I always want to fight?'
"I don't know. That's up to you. I'll never force you into battles you don't want."
Gible considered this, watching the Sentret family chase each other playfully.
'I like fighting. But I also like this. Just being here with you.'
"Then we'll do both," I promised.
[+20 GP: Bonding Activity]
[Current GP: 110]
Day 5:
Evening. I was reading research papers aloud—a habit I'd started because Gible seemed to enjoy listening even when it didn't understand all the terminology.
Tonight's paper was about Garchomp evolutionary patterns.
"'Garchomp exhibits exceptional ground speed, reaching up to 60 miles per hour in short bursts,'" I read. "'The species' signature move, Earthquake, demonstrates remarkable control over seismic energy. Adult specimens have been observed creating localized tremors with precision targeting.'"
'Will I become like that?' the little dragon asked, looking up at me.
"Eventually, yes. When you evolve into Gabite, and then Garchomp."
'Will I still be red? Still be Steel-type?'
I closed the paper and met Gible's amber eyes. "Honestly? I don't know for certain. But I believe you'll keep the Prism characteristics. The transformation wasn't temporary—it's who you are now."
'What if I change? What if evolution makes me different inside, not just outside?'
The question surprised me with its depth. Gible was worried about losing itself in the transformation.
"You'll always be you," I said firmly. "Evolution changes your form, your power, your capabilities. But your core—your personality, your memories, your bond with me—that stays the same. I promise."
Gible seemed reassured by this, settling down to sleep with its head resting against my leg.
[+25 GP: Emotional Support]
[Current GP: 135]
Day 7:
One week had passed. I checked my email and found a response from the Research Consortium:
[ARTICLE UNDER REVIEW]
[Reviewer Assignment: 3 Peer Reviewers]
[Estimated Completion: 5-7 days]
Elara had started observing from a distance. I'd see her in the terrarium's observation areas, tablet in hand, watching Gible with the intensity of someone taking detailed notes.
Gible noticed her too and growled softly whenever she appeared.
'She's still here. Still watching.'
"She's doing her job," I said. "Observing, documenting. She's keeping her distance as I asked."
'I don't like her.'
"I know. But she apologized. She's trying to respect your boundaries."
'Apology doesn't erase what she said. What she wrote.'
I couldn't argue with that. Trust, once broken, took time to rebuild.
[+20 GP: Daily Care]
[Current GP: 155]
Day 10:
Physical training without battles. I'd set up an obstacle course in one of the terrarium's training zones—boulders to push, rock walls to climb, barriers to weave through.
Gible attacked the course with determination, and I watched as the little dragon's conditioning improved.
Breathing became steadier. Movements became more controlled. The 80-pound body that had seemed cumbersome at first was now moving with purpose and precision.
"Again," I called out as Gible finished a lap. "Faster this time."
"Gib-gib!" Gible charged back to the starting point, ready for another run.
[+30 GP: Training Session]
[Current GP: 185]
Day 13:
Nearly two weeks had passed. I was sitting in the backyard of the Oak Estate, reading through responses to my article submission.
The Research Consortium had fast-tracked the review given the nature of the discovery. Three peer reviewers had examined the paper:
Reviewer 1: "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, but the documentation provided is thorough, and the physical changes are undeniable. Approved for publication."
Reviewer 2: "The 'Prism Transformation' nomenclature is appropriate and descriptive. I look forward to seeing if additional cases emerge. Approved."
Reviewer 3: "This discovery has significant implications for genetic research. The author should be commended for detailed documentation and prompt reporting. Approved."
[ARTICLE APPROVED FOR PUBLICATION]
[Publication Date: October 17th]
[Official Discovery Credit: Samael Oak]
I closed the email and looked at Gible, who was resting nearby in the shade.
"It's official," I said. "You're the first documented Prism Pokémon in history."
"Gible," the little dragon said, sounding pleased if not fully understanding the significance.
[+20 GP: Daily Care]
[Current GP: 205]
Day 14: Morning
I woke to the smell of breakfast cooking downstairs.
Gible was already awake, nudging my arm persistently.
'Good morning.'
"Thanks," I said, sitting up and stretching. "Finally, I can apply for my Trainer License."
'And old enough to start the real journey.'
"Soon. I need to submit the application today, then wait another two weeks for it to arrive."
Gible's expression shifted, becoming more focused.
'Samael... can we fight today? I've been resting for two weeks. I'm ready.'
I looked at my partner carefully. The crimson scales gleamed in the morning light filtering through my window. I could see the muscle definition that hadn't been there two weeks ago. Gible stood taller and moved with more confidence.