Marriage didn't change the world.
It changed rhythm.
Aren woke before sunrise out of habit. Liora woke moments later, as if their breathing had already learned each other.
Outside, the city stretched awake—delivery drones, early trainers, Pokémon vendors opening shutters.
Charizard lay curled on the rooftop garden, wings folded neatly. The two Suicune rested nearby, close enough that their ribbons brushed.
No ceremony had bound them.
Yet everything felt… aligned.
Aren brewed tea. Liora watched him with a quiet smile.
"This feels right," she said.
He nodded. "That's how I know it is."
Chapter 22 – Shared Space
They moved into a modest apartment near the river.
Nothing luxurious.
Nothing hidden.
Just wide windows, reinforced floors for large Pokémon, and quiet neighbors who minded their own business.
The handheld device helped subtly—suggesting spatial layouts, Pokémon rest zones, and environmental balance.
Never intrusive.
Never commanding.
Their Pokémon adapted quickly.
Charizard took to the balcony.
The Suicune phased in and out of visibility, choosing when to exist fully.
At night, the apartment felt… full.
Not crowded.
Complete.
Chapter 23 – Pokémon Bonds Deepen
Something changed among the Pokémon.
Not sudden. Not dramatic.
Charizard began spending more time together—training less, being more.
They shared heat.
Shared rest.
Shared instinct.
Aren noticed the shift immediately.
Bond Status
Partner Affinity: Confirmed
Growth Modifier: Shared
He showed Liora.
She smiled knowingly.
"We never taught them that," she said.
"No," Aren replied. "We just didn't stop it."
The Suicune watched approvingly.
Chapter 24 – The City Doesn't Ask
Months passed.
No League inspections.
No suspicious trainers.
No legendary rumors.
Peace endured because Aren and Liora didn't disrupt it.
They worked normal jobs—data analysis, urban planning consulting.
They paid taxes.
They smiled at neighbors.
Power unused drew no attention.
And yet, their strength quietly grew.
Not explosively.
Efficiently.
Chapter 25 – A Quiet Choice
One evening, Liora stood by the window longer than usual.
Aren noticed.
"You okay?" he asked.
She nodded slowly. "I think… I'm ready."
He didn't ask for what.
The handheld device vibrated gently on the table.
Life Path Update Available
Advisory Only
Aren took her hand.
"No rush," he said.
She smiled. "I know. That's why it feels safe."
Outside, the river reflected city lights like a thousand quiet futures.