The early rays of dawn filtered through the dense leaves of the trees, casting golden light over the forest floor. James stirred beneath his small tent, rubbing his eyes as he sat up. His shiny Charmander was curled up nearby, softly snoring, while Eevee rested cozily on his sleeping bag. A peaceful stillness surrounded them, broken only by the occasional chirp of Pidgeys in the distance.
James stretched and let out a quiet yawn.
'Another day… closer to Saffron. Let's go.'
After a quick breakfast of travel rations and a small berry meal for his Pokémon, James began packing. His tent folded into the storage bag Nurse Joy had given him, and with practiced ease, he secured everything in place. Charmander and Eevee were both returned to their Poké Balls for easier travel.
"Alright," he muttered, opening his map panel with a thought. "Where are we now?"
[Map Panel Activated]
Current Location: Route 104 - Woodland Path
Estimated distance to Saffron City: 11.3 km.
A shortcut is available: Hidden Forest Route (saves approx. 4 km)
James grinned.
'Nice. Let's take the shortcut then.'
The Hidden Forest Route was narrow and less traveled, branches and vines hanging low and brushing against his blue coat. The only sounds were the rustle of his steps and the soft hum of nature.
But suddenly—James froze.
A tingle ran down his spine, like a gentle wave brushing through his senses. His eyes narrowed.
'What was that?'
He focused—and then realized it. His Normal Aura was acting like a sixth sense, warning him of a presence ahead.
Stepping carefully, he peered through a gap in the foliage… and spotted a small blue Pokémon sitting on a branch.
"A Wynaut?" James whispered, blinking.
It wasn't just staring at him—it was staring at the berry sash pouch on his belt.
"Ohhh… you're hungry, aren't you?" James said softly, crouching and slowly opening the pouch. "It's okay. I won't hurt you."
He pulled out an Oran Berry and held it in his palm, extending it with a gentle smile.
"You want this?"
The Wynaut's oval eyes focused on the berry. After a moment of hesitation, it jumped down from the branch and waddled over with a wobble. Taking the berry with a happy cry, it munched eagerly.
James smiled warmly.
'What a cute little guy… Wait… let's check something.'
"Appraisal," he said quietly, activating his Support Ability.
[Wynaut: Gold Potential
Moves: Amnesia, Charm, Counter, Destiny Bond, Encore, Mirror Coat, Safeguard, Splash, Magic Coat]
"What…?" James blinked in disbelief. "You… you already know every move your species can learn? Including Magic Coat?! That's not even supposed to be possible for your species to learn it!"
His heart beat faster.
'This Wynaut is insane! With proper training, it could become the ultimate defense Pokémon… like an Uno Reverse card come to life!'
Wynaut finished its berry and tilted its head, looking up at James with a smile. James reached out and gently rubbed its head.
"Hey… how about it? Wanna come with me? I can give you all the berries you want. I'm… trying to become someone who protects others. I could really use someone like you by my side."
Wynaut tilted its entire body, then put a tiny hand near its mouth in thought. After a brief pause, it cried out, "Wynaut!" with excitement.
Just then, the system chimed in.
[Psychic-Type Bond Available: "Wynaut" has chosen you.]
[Would you like to form a bond? Yes / No]
'Yes,' James thought firmly.
[Poké Ball Granted.]
A Poké Ball materialized in his hand, glowing softly. Wynaut eagerly headbutted it, disappearing into the ball. The ball rocked once… twice… and clicked.
[Bond Confirmed.]
[Psychic Aura Unlocked: Beginner Level.]
James felt a pulse inside his body—a new energy. A dark pink aura emerged alongside the familiar orange and white from his Fire and Normal types.
It was soft… yet sharp. Like clarity of mind. Like calm intellect.
He smiled. 'Three auras… I'm getting stronger.'
With a grin, he released his three Pokémon onto the field. Charmander popped out with a fiery gleam in his eyes. Eevee bounded in excitement. And Wynaut appeared with a wobble, looking around curiously.
"Guys," James said, kneeling, "this is Wynaut. He's part of the family now."
Charmander tilted his head, then smiled and walked over with a happy growl, bumping heads with Wynaut.
Eevee cautiously approached, sniffed Wynaut, and after a moment, gave a happy squeak and nuzzled it.
Wynaut spun in a little circle and shouted, "Wynaut!"
James chuckled and sat down beside them, leaning back against a tree.
"You guys are the best," he murmured.