The lights in the demonstration hall stabilized, and the air that had been thick with tension moments before began to settle. Screens flickered back to life, their polished animations of Flygon wind farms and Heliolisk solar panels glowing brightly once again. The soft hum of the energy grid returning to normal filled the hall, a subtle reassurance that the crisis had passed.

  At the center of it all, Liana Korrin stepped forward, framed by the stage lights that reflected off her perfectly tailored attire. Her sharp gray eyes scanned the room, her calm demeanor drawing the attention of every onlooker. If the earlier chaos had rattled her, there was no sign of it now.

  She raised a hand, signaling for quiet, though the murmurs of the crowd had already begun to fade. “Thank you all for your patience,” Liana began, her voice clear and composed. “What you witnessed today was not an obstacle, but an opportunity—a chance to demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of our system. Challenges like this are inevitable in any groundbreaking endeavor, and it’s through collaboration and innovation that we overcome them.”

  The audience, composed of corporate executives, journalists, and curious researchers, broke into polite applause. Some exchanged impressed glances, clearly taken by Liana’s ability to spin what could have been a disaster into a glowing testament to progress.

  Isabelle, standing near a pillar at the edge of the room, crossed her arms and leaned back slightly. Oh, she’s good. Real good. She smirked faintly, watching as the applause grew louder. I can already hear the checks being written and marketing slogans being brainstormed.

  Liana’s tone shifted slightly, adopting a more conversational cadence that still maintained her polished professionalism. “This demonstration is more than just a display of technological advancement. It’s a vision of what’s possible when we work together—humans, Pokémon, and innovation in harmony. Today, we saw the challenges of dynamic Pokémon energy firsthand, and we also saw how quickly our teams responded. That is the essence of progress: not perfection, but the ability to adapt.”

  The applause swelled again, and Isabelle couldn’t help but roll her eyes. And now, everyone’s eating out of her perfectly manicured hand. But despite her sarcasm, Isabelle felt a grudging respect for Liana. The woman wasn’t just delivering a pitch; she was commanding the room, turning chaos into confidence with an ease that was almost unnerving.

  While Liana handled the public with grace, émile and his team worked quietly near the control panel, wrapping up their diagnostics. Bernard flipped through his well-worn notebook, his brow furrowed as he reviewed the energy logs.

  “No anomalies at Photon Glade, but their Flygon wind farms reported minor fluctuations,” Bernard said, his tone thoughtful as he updated the team. “They’re running secondary diagnostics just in case.”

  Nadia was seated on a nearby stool, her tablet glowing as she rapidly navigated through graphs and data streams. “I’ve sent our logs to the engineers over there,” she said without looking up, her focus razor-sharp. “If there’s a pattern, they’ll find it.”

  Collette stood nearby, her arms crossed as she scanned a series of calculations displayed on her own tablet. “Whoever—or whatever—caused this was careful. There’s no signature, no trail.” Her sharp tone carried an undercurrent of frustration.

  James Porter leaned casually against a stack of cables, his usual easygoing demeanor providing some levity amidst the tension. “Well, at least we didn’t blow a fuse,” he said with a faint smirk. “That’s a win in my book.”

  “Let’s not jinx it,” émile muttered, running a hand through his thinning hair. He turned to glance at Isabelle, who had drifted closer to the group. Her gaze was skeptical as she took in the quiet buzz of activity.

  “Is it really under control, or are you all just pretending it is?” Isabelle asked, raising an eyebrow.

  émile gave her a tired but reassuring smile. “Under control enough.”

  “Comforting,” Isabelle deadpanned, tilting her head toward Bernard and Nadia. “You all looked like you were one step away from a meltdown back there.”

  Bernard chuckled, slipping his notebook under his arm. “Your dad’s being modest. He handled the crisis like a pro—kept us grounded when things were dicey.”

  “Guess you’re not just good at making spaghetti, huh?” Isabelle quipped, glancing at her father with a faint smirk.

  émile chuckled, patting her shoulder lightly. “You’d be surprised how far a good plate of spaghetti can get you.”

  As the team finished their wrap-up, Isabelle noticed Azzy’s Pokéball jiggle again at her hip. Her hand instinctively moved to steady it, but the tiny Pokémon was persistent, bouncing out with a determined chirp.

  “Azzy, what’s your deal?” Isabelle muttered, catching the Azurill in her arms. The little Pokémon’s large, beady eyes darted around the room, her tail bouncing restlessly.

  Collette noticed and raised an eyebrow. “Is she always this fidgety?”

  “No,” Isabelle said, her tone laced with unease. She held Azzy closer, her fingers brushing over the Pokémon’s smooth, rubbery tail. “She’s been like this since we got here. It’s… weird.”

  James shrugged, coiling a cable with practiced ease. “Pokémon are sensitive to stuff we can’t feel. Maybe she’s picking up on something we missed.”

  “Great,” Isabelle muttered, glancing at the now-stable screens. Just what I need—my Pokémon acting like a walking alarm system.

  The demonstration hall hummed with residual energy, both literal and figurative. The screens displayed glowing grids of stabilized energy outputs, and the crowd buzzed with conversations. Liana Korrin stood at the center of the stage like an emblem of control, her polished demeanor untouchable despite the earlier crisis. Isabelle, standing just outside the spotlight, watched her father gesture for her to follow him. Her steps faltered slightly as her stomach churned with uncertainty. She wasn’t exactly eager to meet two of the most important people in the room.

  “Come on, Izzy,” émile encouraged gently, his tone warm but insistent. “It’s just a quick introduction.”

  Quick for you, maybe, Isabelle thought, adjusting Azzy in her arms. The Azurill chirped softly, her big eyes darting around the bustling hall. Isabelle gave her Pokémon a reassuring squeeze. “Fine,” she muttered, trailing after her father.

  Liana Korrin’s sharp gray eyes locked onto émile as they approached, her posture as perfect as her pristine white blouse and navy pencil skirt. The custom VireBand on her wrist glowed faintly, reflecting the high-tech environment around her. Despite the chaos earlier, her poise never wavered. She extended a hand to émile, her professional smile curving with just the right amount of warmth.

  “émile,” she greeted, her tone calm and authoritative. “Your team performed admirably today. Handling unexpected variables with such efficiency is no small feat.”

  “Thank you, Liana,” émile replied, shaking her hand firmly. “I’d like you to meet my daughter, Isabelle.”

  Liana’s sharp gaze flicked to Isabelle, her curiosity evident. “Isabelle,” she said, extending her hand. “It’s a pleasure. Your father has mentioned you.”

  Oh great, Isabelle thought, forcing a smile as she shook Liana’s hand. “That’s not embarrassing at all.”

  Liana’s lips quirked slightly, her polished exterior softening just a fraction. “It’s clear you’ve inherited his wit. We could use more honest voices like yours in this field.”

  “Honest voices?” Isabelle repeated, tilting her head slightly. Her tone was skeptical, but her heart beat faster under Liana’s piercing gaze. “Are you one of the ‘honest ones’ you’re talking about?”

  Liana chuckled lightly, a sound as composed as the rest of her. “It depends on who you ask,” she replied smoothly. “But my work speaks for itself.”

  Isabelle crossed her arms, her smirk becoming more thoughtful than sarcastic. “That’s a very corporate answer.”

  “And yet, it’s the truth,” Liana countered without missing a beat. There was no defensiveness in her tone, only a quiet confidence that made Isabelle both admire and distrust her.

  Before Isabelle could respond, Liana shifted her attention back to émile. “She’s sharp,” Liana said, her praise directed at Isabelle but clearly meant for her father. “If she ever decides to step into this field, let me know.”

  Before Isabelle could process Liana’s words, a familiar, grounded presence approached. Professor Elara Ardene, her tailored lab coat brushing the floor as she walked, carried a warmth that stood in contrast to Liana’s sharp professionalism. Her auburn ponytail swayed slightly as she stopped next to Liana, her piercing green eyes softening as they landed on Isabelle.

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  “So, this is Isabelle,” Professor Ardene said, her tone kind but precise. “It’s good to finally meet you. Your father has spoken highly of you.”

  Isabelle flushed slightly, looking down at Azzy in her arms. “Has he?” she asked, her voice quiet. “He really doesn’t have to do that.”

  émile chuckled softly, resting a hand on her shoulder. “I only tell the truth.”

  Ardene’s smile widened, and she crouched slightly to look at Azzy. The tiny Azurill chirped curiously, bouncing on her tail. “And this must be Azurill,” the Professor said warmly. “She’s a beautiful partner. You’ve clearly taken good care of her.”

  “Uh, thanks,” Isabelle muttered, suddenly hyper-aware of how awkward she felt. Her grip on Azzy tightened slightly. “She’s... great.”

  “You’re still getting used to Lumora City, aren’t you?” Ardene asked gently, her tone more a statement than a question.

  Isabelle nodded slowly. “Yeah. It’s... a lot. Big city, new people. I’m still figuring out what I’m supposed to be doing.”

  “That’s natural,” Ardene said, straightening. “Every Trainer’s journey is different. Some start with a clear goal, while others find their path along the way. There’s no right or wrong way to begin.”

  Isabelle hesitated, her voice dropping to a near whisper. “What if I don’t figure it out?”

  Ardene’s green eyes softened. “You will. And if you have questions or need guidance, my lab is always open. We can talk about your journey, your goals—whatever’s on your mind.”

  Azzy chirped again, nuzzling against Isabelle’s chest as if to echo Ardene’s encouragement. Isabelle looked down at her Pokémon, her lips twitching into a small smile. “Thanks,” she said, her voice steadier now. “I might take you up on that.”

  “I hope you do,” Ardene replied, stepping back. “I enjoy working with new Trainers. Seeing how you grow will be as rewarding for me as it is for you.”

  Professor Ardene’s green eyes lingered on Isabelle for a moment longer, the kind of look that seemed to peel back layers without being invasive. It wasn’t judgmental, just patient. Isabelle felt as though the Professor saw more of her than she intended to show.

  Then, from across the hall, a voice called out, interrupting the moment.

  “Professor Ardene!” A man in a crisp suit approached, flanked by two assistants clutching tablets. His tone carried the weight of urgency, his sharp eyes flicking toward the Professor with unspoken demands. “The delegation from Kairoku City is waiting for you to review the regional Pokémon habitat proposal.”

  Ardene’s shoulders lifted slightly, as if bracing herself. “Of course,” she replied, her voice steady but not without a trace of weariness. She turned back to Isabelle, her expression softening once more. “It seems my work calls me elsewhere. But I meant what I said—come to my lab when you’re ready. I’ll make time for you.”

  Before Isabelle could fully respond, Ardene was swept into the orbit of the delegation. She watched as the Professor disappeared into a cluster of people, their voices blending into the background hum of the hall.

  Isabelle adjusted her hold on Azzy, who squirmed slightly but didn’t attempt to escape. The Azurill’s round eyes gazed up at her Trainer with a quiet curiosity, as if sensing the storm of thoughts brewing in Isabelle’s mind. They walked alongside émile as they left the demonstration hall, the chatter of the dispersing crowd fading into a dull roar. Afternoon sunlight spilled across the polished pavement, but to Isabelle, it didn’t feel as warm as it should have.

  Her mind was stuck somewhere between Professor Ardene’s parting words and the encrypted data drive sitting in Milo’s hands. The data. That stupid file. Isabelle bit her lip. It had been sitting like a rock in her thoughts ever since Milo started digging into it. Forces of Nature. Beacon Keys. Atmospheric disruption. The phrases buzzed like static, a persistent hum in the background of her mind that refused to fade.

  And now, Professor Ardene’s offer loomed like a fork in the road. What does she even mean by ‘stop by’? Talk about my journey? Isabelle glanced down at Azzy, who chirped softly, her tail swaying in a slow, comforting rhythm. I don’t even have a journey.

  Other kids her age had journeys. They got their starter Pokémon, packed their bags, and hit the road with the kind of confidence that made it look easy. They challenged Gyms, caught Pokémon, and lived the dream. But Isabelle wasn’t like them. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

  The thought twisted uncomfortably in her stomach. Could I even do it? Traversing the sprawling landscapes of Virelia, from Verdantia’s windswept hills to Lumora City’s crowded streets, all while trying to make a name for herself? It felt impossible. She was just Isabelle Moreau—no grand aspirations, no big plans, just a girl with a sarcastic wit and a tiny Azurill who still occasionally fell asleep mid-battle.

  émile’s voice broke through her thoughts as they reached the van. “You okay, Izzy?” he asked, unlocking the door and glancing at her.

  “Yeah,” she said quickly, climbing into the passenger seat. She settled Azzy on her lap, the Azurill curling into a soft, round ball. “Just… tired.”

  “You’re always tired,” émile said with a chuckle as he started the engine. The hum of the van filled the quiet as they pulled onto the main road.

  Isabelle let out a faint sigh, staring out the window at Lumora City’s sprawling skyline. The streets were alive with activity, neon signs flickering against the encroaching dusk. Trainers walked with their Pokémon, laughter and conversation floating through the air. To her, it felt like an entirely different world—one she wasn’t sure she belonged to.

  The van rolled smoothly through the city as émile spoke again. “You’ve got a lot on your mind. Want to talk about it?”

  Isabelle shrugged, staring out at the cityscape. Neon lights glowed in the distance, towering buildings reflecting their vibrancy. “Just... thinking.”

  “About today?” émile prompted, his tone gentle but curious.

  “Yeah. I mean, the demonstration was... a lot,” Isabelle replied vaguely, her fingers idly stroking Azzy’s fur. “But it’s not just that.”

  émile didn’t press immediately, letting her find her words. The van slowed slightly as they approached a quieter stretch of road, where the bustle of the city gave way to more residential streets.

  “It feels like everyone has it all figured out,” Isabelle said finally. “Like they know exactly what they’re doing, what they want. And I’m just... me. Stuck. Not knowing if I even want to try.”

  Her father’s expression softened, though he kept his eyes on the road. “Izzy, you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. It’s okay to take your time.”

  “Yeah, but that’s easy to say when you’ve got your life together,” Isabelle muttered, her voice tinged with frustration. “You’re out there crunching numbers, fixing energy models, doing all this big important stuff. Meanwhile, I’m just... drifting.”

  émile chuckled softly, shaking his head. “If you think I had it all figured out when I was your age, you’re giving me way too much credit.”

  Isabelle glanced at him skeptically. “Really? You didn’t have some grand plan to become a math whiz at VireTech?”

  “Not even close,” émile admitted, his tone tinged with humor but carrying an undercurrent of gravity. “Back then, my plan was simple: survive.”

  Her eyebrows lifted slightly, surprised by his candor. “Survive?”

  émile’s gaze remained fixed on the road. “Survive,” he repeated. “That was my plan. When I was about your age—or younger, actually—things weren’t as stable as they are now. There were… events happening, things people didn’t talk about openly. You won’t find most of it in history books, and even today, the full picture isn’t something the public is allowed to see. It was there, though. Quiet. Growing. Changing everything.”

  His voice lowered slightly. “My father… he left home when I was eight. Said he was going to help ‘put things right’ and that he’d be back soon. But he never came back.”

  Isabelle blinked, caught off guard. “He… never came back? What happened?”

  “That’s the thing,” émile said, his tone almost bitter. “No one knows. Or at least, no one’s saying. A lot of what happened back then was buried—sealed away in files no one outside the League or the military has clearance to touch. I didn’t understand it at the time. All I knew was that I had to keep a promise.”

  “A promise?” Isabelle asked softly.

  He nodded. “He made me promise to take care of my mother, your grandmother. Jezel. She worked so hard after he left—two, sometimes three jobs, doing anything she could to keep food on the table. And me? I did what I could too. Back then, there weren’t a lot of protections for kids like me. Child labor wasn’t illegal, not in the same way it is now. So I worked. Factories, fields, whatever paid, no matter how little. Then I’d come home, study by candlelight, and hope that someday, things would get better.”

  Isabelle clutched Azzy a little tighter, her heart sinking. “That sounds… awful.”

  “It wasn’t easy,” émile admitted, his voice softening. “But it taught me a lot. Responsibility. Perseverance. And most importantly, that even when the world feels like it’s falling apart, you can find strength in the people you love.” He glanced at her briefly, offering a small smile. “That’s why I do what I do now. I worked hard to get into VireTech, to make sure I could provide for all of us. Your grandmother’s retired now, living in Ryme City. And you…” His smile grew a bit warmer. “You’re here, with every opportunity I didn’t have.”

  Isabelle shifted in her seat, guilt gnawing at her. “I guess I don’t have much to complain about, huh?” she muttered.

  émile shook his head firmly. “Don’t do that, Izzy. Don’t downplay your struggles just because someone else had it worse. Every generation faces its own challenges. Mine was survival. Yours… yours might be finding your place in a world that’s constantly changing. That’s no less important.”

  Isabelle frowned, still unconvinced. “But you’ve been through so much. And here I am, complaining about… nothing.”

  “It’s not nothing,” émile said gently. “The world you’re growing up in is different. It’s bigger, louder, and faster than the one I knew. Virelia’s thriving on the surface—technology, industries, the League expanding its reach. But stability is an illusion. There are cracks if you know where to look. Tension, unrest, decisions being made behind closed doors. I don’t want you to feel like you have to navigate all of it alone.”

  Isabelle hesitated, glancing out the window. The residential streets of Lumora City passed by, the glow of streetlights casting soft halos against the encroaching dusk. “You make it sound so simple,” she said quietly. “Like I can just… figure things out eventually.”

  “Because you can,” émile replied, his tone unwavering. “And you will. I promised myself, long before you were even born, that I’d do everything I could to make sure you never had to face what I did. And that means being here for you, every step of the way.”

  His words hung in the air, heavy with sincerity. Isabelle felt a lump form in her throat, but she swallowed it down, her fingers brushing Azzy’s soft fur for comfort. “Thanks, Dad,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

  “Always, Izzy,” émile said with a small smile, his eyes flicking to her briefly before returning to the road. “No matter what, I’ll be here.”

  The van pulled into the parking lot of their apartment building, the hum of the engine fading as émile turned off the ignition. Isabelle sat quietly for a moment, staring at the worn leather dashboard.

  As they stepped out of the van and headed towards the stairs, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her father had lived through more than he let on. And yet, he carried it all with a quiet strength she could only hope to emulate someday.

  Azzy chirped softly in her arms, her round tail bobbing with each step. Isabelle glanced down at her partner, a small smile tugging at her lips. Maybe she didn’t need to have it all figured out yet. But for now, that was okay.