Returning to the Safari Zone after his day off, Arin felt the world had shifted beneath his feet. The revelation of his Viridian power and the deepening bond with Echo, his Zubat, had changed him. The days of simply surviving and blending into the background were gone. Now, every hour seemed to carry new meaning and purpose.
He sat on his bunk that first evening back, notebook in hand, and revised his schedule. Mornings and afternoons would remain dedicated to his usual responsibilities: inspecting habitats, helping with repairs, and ensuring the Pokémon under his care were fed and safe. But now, every evening, he reserved a block of time for Echo. This was more than a routine-it was a promise, both to himself and to her.
Getting from the Safari Zone to the Pokémon Center had always been a hassle, but Arin found a solution. Nurse Joy, noticing his dedication, offered to rent him a sturdy city bicycle for a small fee. The bike made all the difference, slicing his travel time in half and freeing up more precious minutes for Echo. He quickly grew fond of the ride, weaving through Fuchsia's streets as the sky turned gold and the city's lights flickered on.
He also never arrived empty-handed. Each morning, before heading to work, he stopped by Mrs. Varma's shop to pick up a fresh packet of the special Zubat food she'd begun preparing just for Echo. The blend-rich in iron, fortified with blood supplement, and sweetened with a hint of honey-was tailored for a recovering Zubat. Mrs. Varma always handed it over with a stern warning not to spoil his Pokémon, but Arin could see the pride in her eyes. She'd even started experimenting with new ingredients, determined to make each batch better than the last.
Work at the Safari Zone felt different now. The staff had fully accepted Arin as one of their own, greeting him warmly each morning. He found himself more focused, more energetic, and more optimistic. There was a sense of anticipation to his days, knowing that every evening would bring him back to Echo. Even the Pokémon he cared for seemed to sense the change in him; the Nidoran family he fed each morning had grown particularly friendly, and a curious Sandshrew had started following him on his rounds.
Despite the pull of the lake and the mysterious Dratini he knew waited there, Arin resisted the urge to visit. He'd made up his mind: not until Echo was by his side, strong and healed, would he attempt to approach the rare dragon again. With his newly awakened Viridian power, he couldn't predict what effect his presence might have on Dratini or the other wild Pokémon. It was better to wait, to be patient, and to honor the bond he was building with his partner.
Every evening, after his shift, Arin would pedal through Fuchsia's winding streets, the cool air brushing his face, the city's sounds fading as he neared the Pokémon Center. The Center had become a second home, a place where he could set aside the pressures of work and focus on nurturing his bond with Echo.
Their time together was both comforting and quietly profound. The Viridian power allowed Arin to sense Echo's emotions and simple thoughts, though complex ideas were still out of reach. Echo couldn't grasp abstract plans or technical details, but she understood feelings: happiness, curiosity, gratitude, and a lingering thread of sadness that gradually faded with each passing day.
"Today was good," Arin would say, sitting beside her recovery perch as she nibbled at Mrs. Varma's blend. "The Nidoran family is getting used to me. I think the little male is starting to trust me. Maybe you'll get to meet them soon."
Echo would reply with a soft chitter, a wave of contentment flowing through their connection. Sometimes she would share flashes of memory-dark tunnels, the flutter of wings, the warmth of being surrounded by her family. Other times, she would simply listen, eyes closed, soaking in the sound of his voice.
Arin found himself talking about everything: his hopes for the future, his worries about the world, even the little frustrations of daily life. Echo didn't always understand the details, but she understood the emotions behind them. She offered comfort in her own way, sending gentle pulses of reassurance and affection through their bond.
Nurse Joy noticed the change as well. "She's recovering faster than I expected," she remarked one evening as she checked Echo's wing. "It's not just the food or the medicine. She's responding to you, Arin. The bond you're building is helping her heal."
Arin smiled, feeling a quiet pride. "She's special," he replied. "I think we both needed someone."
The days blurred together, each one a small step forward. Echo's wing grew stronger, her appetite returned, and her chittering became more lively. The sadness in her eyes faded, replaced by curiosity and a growing confidence. Nurse Joy began reducing the brace on her wing, and soon Echo was able to flutter short distances within the recovery room.
One evening, as Arin prepared to leave, Echo reached out with her mind, sending a pulse of gratitude and affection that left him smiling for hours afterward. He realized then that he wasn't just caring for a Pokémon-he was building a partnership, one built on trust, empathy, and the promise that they would face the future together.
Arin's coworkers at the Safari Zone began to notice the change in him. He was more focused, more energetic, and more willing to take on new challenges. Takeo, the veteran maintenance supervisor, commented on Arin's improved work ethic. "You've got a spark in you now, kid," he said one afternoon. "Whatever you're doing, keep it up."
Even Mrs. Varma, though she would never admit it directly, seemed pleased. She started including little notes with the Zubat food-reminders to check Echo's wing, suggestions for training exercises, and the occasional recipe for a new treat. Arin treasured these notes, seeing them as another sign that he was building a life for himself in this world.
As Echo's health improved, Arin began planning for the future. He researched training regimens for Flying and Poison types, made notes on move combinations, and even started sketching out ideas for their first real battle together. He knew they still had a long way to go, but for the first time, he felt truly hopeful.
He also kept a careful eye on the lake, watching for any signs of Dratini. He resisted the urge to approach, reminding himself that patience was key. When the time was right, he would return-with Echo at his side and the Viridian power as his secret ally.
For now, he was content to focus on the present. Each evening spent with Echo was a reminder of how far they had both come-from the chaos of the cave to the quiet sanctuary of the Pokémon Center, from loneliness and loss to partnership and hope.
One night, as Arin prepared to leave, Echo fluttered up to his shoulder for the first time, balancing carefully and nuzzling his cheek with her tiny nose. The gesture was simple, but it meant everything. Arin laughed, feeling a surge of joy and pride.
"Ready to fly soon?" he asked softly.
Echo chittered in response, her eyes bright with anticipation.
Arin left the Pokémon Center that night with a sense of peace he hadn't known in months. The world was still uncertain, filled with challenges and dangers, but he was no longer facing it alone. He had a partner, a purpose, and the promise of new adventures ahead.
And somewhere, waiting patiently in the hidden depths of the lake, was a Dratini who would one day join them on their journey.
For now, Arin was content. The future could wait. Tonight, he had everything he needed.
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