"Aoki, why are you here?"
Just as Aoki was preparing to leave after storing the last of the Trapinch colony, a familiar voice called out from a short distance away.
He turned and immediately recognized the figure jogging toward him.
Tetsuya.
They had met several times throughout the regional circuits, often crossing paths during Trainer challenges. Aoki paused for a second, feeling a slight pang of guilt. After all, the last time they'd met, he had quietly claimed Tetsuya's Shiny Beldum—an incredibly rare Steel/Psychic-type Pokémon—from the wild before Tetsuya could find it.
But Aoki, rational as always, felt it was the right thing to do. Given Tetsuya's inexperience and his lack of a strong control aura, there was a real risk he would've been hurt by the aggressive Beldum. At least, that's what Aoki told himself.
He offered a calm nod. "Turns out it's you, Tetsuya. Long time no see."
Despite the theft, Aoki had no personal animosity toward him. Tetsuya, younger and still a bit naïve, had a decent heart—just not enough luck or strength to match his ambitions.
Tetsuya, breathing slightly heavier from the run, stepped closer. "Yeah, I didn't expect to run into you either. I was actually looking for the big ant Pokémon. You haven't seen any Trapinch, have you?"
The younger boy's hopeful eyes sparkled with determination.
The term "big ant" was his nickname for the Trapinch species—a Ground-type Pokémon native to harsh deserts like this one. Its final evolved form, Flygon, was a Dragon-type powerhouse with tremendous speed and utility. Not quite on par with pseudo-legendaries like Salamence, but still a valuable asset for any aspiring Trainer.
Aoki glanced sideways at Kamizrei, who gave him a subtle smirk.
He suppressed a chuckle. This poor kid just couldn't catch a break. First the Shiny Beldum, now the entire Trapinch colony—hundreds of them, including several high-grade Vibrava and Elite-tier Flygon—had been scooped up by Aoki and sent directly to Professor Birch's Research Institute for safekeeping and analysis.
"I haven't seen any Trapinch around here," Aoki said smoothly. "I was just passing through. Didn't plan on catching any."
He wasn't going to admit that he'd just wiped the entire area clean of the Pokémon Tetsuya was desperately searching for.
"Really?" Tetsuya frowned, clearly disappointed. "Last time it was the Beldum… I really hoped this time I could catch something strong for my team."
Aoki's face remained neutral. "You'll definitely find something worthwhile soon. Just stay persistent. You've got potential."
Tetsuya nodded reluctantly, accepting the vague encouragement. His tone, however, held a trace of bitterness. "The Beldum from before… you caught it, didn't you?"
Aoki maintained his poker face, though he knew full well Tetsuya already suspected the truth.
"I heard someone else caught it," he replied ambiguously. "But you never know… There are always more opportunities. Don't give up."
"I won't." Tetsuya straightened, though there was a faint crack in his confidence. "I'll find my own Flygon. I'll keep searching this area."
He turned and began combing the desert once more, unaware that he was now searching through an empty field.
Kamizrei watched him leave, then sighed. "He really doesn't have good luck, does he?"
"Not at all," Aoki said, shaking his head with a smirk. "First the Beldum, now the Trapinch. It's just bad timing… for him."
Aoki didn't feel too guilty. He knew how critical it was to claim rare Pokémon early—especially when building an organization or training elite-tier partners. It was simply the law of survival in this world.
"Alright," he added, checking the time. "Let's move out. We'll try to cross the desert by nightfall and reach the forest on the other side. It'll be easier to rest there."
"Got it."
Kamizrei quickly fell into step beside him. The oppressive heat of the desert was wearing thin, and she looked forward to the cooler shade of the forest.
By nightfall, the pair reached the forest's edge. Tall trees lined the perimeter, casting shadows under the dimming sky. Aoki sighed in relief.
"We'll camp here for tonight," he said. "Dinner first, then I'll do a bit of fishing by the lake."
Kamizrei's eyes lit up. "I'll help prepare dinner!"
She eagerly assisted, playing the part of a capable partner—cheerful, proactive, and quietly nurturing. Aoki couldn't help but glance at her warmly.
"Then I'll count on you."
Blushing slightly, Kamizrei set to work beside him. They shared a quiet, efficient rhythm, cooking over a low fire and chatting occasionally.
After the meal, Aoki retrieved two rods from his storage unit and headed toward the nearby lake, Kamizrei trailing behind.
While their Pokémon trained nearby—Ralts refining its psychic projection, Boss Lairon practicing Iron Defense, and Trapinch undergoing focused burrow drills—Aoki cast his line.
He didn't expect much, but fishing served dual purposes: relaxation, and the chance to discover rare water-type Pokémon that could be trained or distributed to trusted allies later.
Kamizrei watched the water in silence. The rhythmic sounds of the forest and the occasional splash were calming. Still, after a while, she leaned her head gently on Aoki's shoulder.
"I'm getting sleepy," she murmured.
Aoki didn't mind. Her presence was warm, and for once, he allowed himself a rare moment of peace.
Suddenly, Kamizrei straightened. "The rod! It's moving!"
Aoki quickly pulled the line—out flew a wriggling Magikarp, its scales dull and lackluster.
He clicked his tongue. "Not even close to evolving potential. Back you go."
The Magikarp flopped back into the water.
Kamizrei giggled, then leaned in again. "I don't mind even if we don't catch anything. It's nice like this."
Aoki nodded, pulling her slightly closer. "Yeah. It is."
The moonlight bathed them in silver as they sat by the lakeside—two Trainers resting between storms, the future ahead full of opportunity.
But in Aoki's heart, the real work was only just beginning.
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