It was close to midnight when I made it back home. The porch creaked beneath my steps, stirring our family Herdier, it lifted his head, blinked at me, and let out a huff and settled back down. He recognized it was only me. But, after a few moments, he perked up again, started to growl, and began barking. I looked around, scanning the area, trying to figure out what could have set him off. Then it hit me, I had to stop myself from facepalming as I remembered.

  “Of course. You’re with me.” I murmur, running a hand through my hair. ‘Swing.’ The floating sword Pokémon cheerfully cries, even though it was being barked at. I didn’t get a chance to calm our Herdier down before the lights in the porch opened, and I heard footsteps approach from inside.

  The door swung open, and out came my parents.

  My father, Marlon Bey, was a tower of a man, broad shouldered, carved from years of farm work. The same chestnut brown hair crowned our heads. But he had piercing green eyes. Farm life had done wonders for his physique, he was all solid muscle.

  And, my mother, Sonya Bey, was a beautiful woman, She looked not a day over twenty-five, even if she was well in her thirties, Her long brunette locks flowed down to her lower back, and her hazel eyes tint with alarm, as she scanned the outside.

  Both of them visibly relax as their eyes landed on me. Without a word, Mom had walked up and wrapped me in her embrace, Dad only sighed and ruffled my hair. I was already a head taller than Mom, and a head shorter than Dad.

  Herdier barked out again, and all their attention landed on the Pokémon with me. ‘Shhing.’ I had much to explain.

  And explain I did. We were sitting at the dining room table, It took the better part of two hours, and I omitted our horrid encounter with Cyrus and his men. Instead, telling them how the sword Pokémon called out to me. Apparently, everyone in Twinleaf, except for me, had known about Lake Verity, and the hidden grotto, and the sword. I was given a spare Poké ball to officially capture and claim ownership of the sword Pokémon.

  “So, Drury’s girl took ya’ there, ey?” Dad’s gruff voice voiced out. I nodded in response. He knew of Morgan’s dad before the incident.

  “Is she your girlfriend?” Mom teases, a sly smile tugging at her lips. Averting my gaze, opting to shake my head in disagreement. Dad just laughed a hearty chortle.

  We laughed with him, his laughs were always contagious. It took a few moments for us to settle down, and my parents' attention floating back to the sword Pokémon. ‘Shwing.’ It looked back curiously at them.

  “It’s still unbelievable that you pulled it out.” Dad said, his voice mixed with awe and disbelief.

  “Well… I didn’t exactly pull it out,” I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck. “It just popped out.” I explained.

  I hesitated for a second, but added. “It also did this.” I said, revealing to them my now ghostly white arm. My mom gasped, and my Dad’s eyes bulged in worry. “It doesn’t hurt or anything. It’s just… White.”

  “Arceus above! Start with this.” My mother quickly rising to her feet, as she starts fussing over my arm. Dad stayed where he was, he sat in silence, as if contemplating something.

  “So, what are your plans now?” Dad’s voiced cut off my mom’s worried scolding. Now she was staring at me too, curiosity written all over her face.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  The old me would have said I was staying, no matter what. They tried, vehemently, over and over to get me out my shell. But now? Things have changed. Morgan and I needed to warn the authorities about the strangely uniformed men, and about Cyrus. I wanted to help Morgan reach her dream of seeing the other two lakes. And maybe, somewhere along the way, I could figure out what I’d want too.

  “I’m going.” I said, determined for the first time since I dreamt of being Sinnoh’s Champion, astonishing both of my parents. “I don’t know what I want for myself yet.” I admitted, “but I know I won’t find it by staying here.”

  They stayed quiet for several minutes, glancing at each other, like a silent conversation was happening between them. I waited, my heart was beating faster with each passing second, unsure of what they’d say.

  On one hand, I had been stubborn, imprudent even about my refusal to leave home, and go on a journey. But things have clearly changed in the brief but terrifying evening I spent with Morgan. They hadn’t known what we experienced, and they wouldn’t know for a long time, they only needed to know that something had clicked within me in that small timeframe.

  “Are you signing up for the Gym Challenge?” My father asked, breaking the silence. Mom turned to look at me too, eyes filled with expectation.

  “I will,” I declared, the words coming out steadier than I expected. Dad gave a firm nod, and Mom had one of the brightest smiles I’ve seen. ‘SHING!’ the sword chimed in. It sounded excited. “I’ll be stronger, I’ll prove it to you!” I shouted.

  “Momma.” A sleepy girl’s voice pulled our attention towards the hallway. A little girl stood there rubbing her eyes, holding a stuffed Buneary toy.

  “Tris, you woke your sister.” My mom chastised, shooting me a look. “‘Lia, dear. Come sit.” Mom softens immediately, scooping her up and sitting her on her lap.

  “Did you hear what we were talking about?” Dad asked. Dahlia frowns, and shakes her head.

  “Your big brother is going on a long journey.” She explains, emphasizing on the word long, as she brushes her hair. “He’s taking on the eight Gyms.” She says excitedly.

  “Will he face Champion Cynthia?” Dahlia asks curiously, her voice soft and slurred, still clearly half asleep.

  “Well…” Dad began, leaning back slightly. “He will need all eight badges, and he has to win the Conference at the end of this year’s Circuit.” My father explained, even if his tone was soft and calm, a hint of pride still managed to find its way out.

  ‘SWING!’ the sharp cry cut through the conversation. The sword Pokémon shimmered, it’s eye wide, and it’s sash flowing like crazy. It was practically radiating its energy at the mere mention of battling.

  Mom burst out laughing, Dad shook his head in amusement, and Dahlia’s eyes widen with astonishment. “Right, I haven’t introduced you two.” I said, scratching the back of my neck. “This lil’ guy’s gonna be my partner. Uh- still not exactly sure what Pokémon it is.” I nervously chuckle.

  “Well, it could use a nickname.” Mom surmised, and Dad nodded in agreement. “You’ll learn all about it once you sign up for the Circuit and receive your Pokédex.” He added.

  “How about ‘Art’?” Mom suggests, tilting her head as she studies the blade. “It’s intricately, and beautifully designed, and your first meeting is reminiscent of the 'King Arthuorn' from Galar.” She explains, with a knowing smile. Dad was wholeheartedly in agreement.

  “Big bro is gonna be a king!” Dahlia shouts, all her drowsiness gone from all the revelations. “That’s so cool!”

  “Then ‘Art’ it shall be.” I agreed, it just felt right. “What’you think buddy?” I asked the now named Art.

  ‘SWING!’ It seemingly leaped in the air in excitement, clearly adoring its new name. Art hovered around my family in pure joy. I look at the happy scene before me. Dahlia’s words repeating in my head.

  ‘To be king, huh?’ I thought, a determined smirk tugging at my lips. ‘Let’s see where this journey takes me.’

  A heart-to-heart with the Bey Family. And a double chapter.