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A few weeks had passed since our encounter with the buizel, and our progress continued steadily toward our goals. Juno had managed to tap into her flying-type energy and learn Wing Attack.

Our current objective was mastering Aerial Ace by melding her signature move, Quick Attack, with flying-type energy, alongside our ongoing efforts with Feather Dance. Progress was steady, if slow.

"Alright, girl, one more time. I can feel we're getting closer. Soar high and prepare!" Juno took to the skies, diving down with precision as she locked onto a pair of red and blue frisbees I had poised for throwing. As she committed to her trajectory, I launched both discs in different directions. Mid-flight, I called out, "Blue!" prompting Juno to skillfully adjust her flight path to intercept the blue frisbee. With each attempt, our accuracy improved, though refining the transition from normal to flying-type energy remained a challenge.

Following a series of tries, I allowed Juno a moment to rest, turning my focus to my own physical exercises. Deciding to conclude our training session, we prepared for the next phase of our day.

Morning routines flowed seamlessly into busy days as we engaged in various tasks. After our sunrise training, we smoothly transitioned into assisting Belle with her Pokémon care and data collection endeavors. This work wasn't just a routine; her insights were invaluable, especially considering her current assignment to study the evolution patterns of her starly flock, including Juno and a few other starly assigned to young trainers.

Upon reaching Belle's workplace, we immediately immersed ourselves in our tasks. My focus centered on caring for the young birds—feeding and tending to their needs. The experience was serene and satisfying, offering Juno the chance to interact with her fellow Starlys as we went about our duties.

"Belle?" I called out to grab her attention. "Did Juno and her group inherit the specific gene you've been studying?"

Belle's attention shifted from her current activity to our conversation. As she handed a berry to a Starly she had just examined, she replied, "Hmm, not entirely. I'm still working on unlocking the potential within the Staraptor line. While Juno does exhibit signs of a slightly larger build compared to the average Starly, it's not quite the significant growth indicative of insular gigantism."

Leaning against a nearby table, I observed her closely. "But you managed to enhance the size of the Kanto-based Pidgeot line from the Orange Islands, right? How did you accomplish that?"

Belle let out a sigh, her brow furrowing. "The challenge lies in the fact that different species respond differently. While Juno and her group are promising in terms of increased size, it hasn't reached the threshold for the gigantism phenotype. It could be due to various factors, including genetic variations within the Staraptor line and the complexities of growth mechanisms."

I watched Juno hop around, interacting with the other Starlys. "So, you're getting close, aren't you? Juno might be onto something?"

A faint smile curved Belle's lips. "Absolutely. Even though Juno's group hasn't hit the exact target, she's displaying potential. Sometimes, breakthroughs emerge from unexpected avenues. We just need to continue refining our approach and analyzing the outcomes."

With a playful tone, Belle suggested, "How about you tackle the coop cleaning duty? You'll be pleasantly surprised by the positive response the broods have shown to their new diet."

I let out an exaggerated groan and muttered under my breath, "Ugh, great, leave the grunt work for the rookie."

Belle chuckled and playfully scolded me. "Well, that's what assistants are here for, aren't they?"

Reluctantly, I embarked on the task of cleaning the coop, attending to the mess left behind by the birds.

Evenings brought a change of pace. After Pa's work hours, we'd tackle odd jobs around town. Pa's stories from his ranger days flowed freely during these times, as well as an opportunity to offer me lessons on survival, self defense, and awareness as preparation for my future journey.

These lessons seamlessly integrated into our town activities, which frequently involved tending to various needs. This ranged from addressing pests that posed a threat to crops, gently guiding Mareep and Miltanks to their barn shelters, to patrolling the town's outskirts for pests.

As the days flowed by in a gentle rhythm, I found myself caught in a routine that was both comforting and reassuring. On one such day, no different from the rest, I had just wrapped up assisting Belle with her fieldwork. The sun hung lower in the sky, casting a warm and golden hue over the landscape. With Belle engrossed in a meeting, I had tackled the tasks on my own, as Juno decided to play with her fellow nest mates, the slow pace allowing me to appreciate the serenity that enveloped the surroundings. As the sun began to set I gathered my tools and walked toward our home. Upon reaching the door I decided to announce my arrival in a boisterous manner, my voice echoing through the walls. "Belle, I'm back! What's on the menu for dinner tonight?".

Belle's attention shifted from the screen to me, her expression a mixture of warmth and understanding. "Don't worry, Lucas. We just wrapped up a moment ago. Actually, it's perfect timing that you're here. There's someone I want you to meet," she said, her eyes lighting up with anticipation.

As I approached, my curiosity piqued, and I recognized the familiar visage on the screen. "Is that really Professor Rowan?" I blurted out, unable to contain my excitement.

"The very same," the professor responded with a friendly grin. "Word has reached me of your efforts and as an invaluable asset to Belle's research. It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."

My heart raced with exhilaration as I absorbed the fact that I was conversing with a prominent figure in the field of Pokémon research."Incredible! It's truly an honor to meet you, Professor. I greatly admire your work, especially your recent study on Magnezone evolution."

Belle's musical laughter tinkled through the room, and she turned toward the professor. "See, Professor, Lucas here is just as much of a research nerd as I am. I think he'll fit right in."

The professor's chuckle resonated warmly. "It's quite evident, my dear Belle." His gaze shifted to me, his eyes kind and inquisitive. "It warms my heart to know that my research has sparked inspiration in the next generation of brilliant researchers like you. On that note, I've been discussing with Belle the prospect of you participating in my week-long program for young trainers."

"I'd love to!" The words tumbled out of my mouth before my brain had a chance to catch up, and I felt a rush of enthusiasm. Swiftly, I composed myself and felt a blush rise to my cheeks, and turned to Belle. "I mean, if that's alright with you, of course."

Belle's laughter danced again, and she answered with an affectionate grin, "Of course, silly. Who do you think suggested it first?"

The professor paused, a knowing twinkle in his eyes. "I'm delighted to hear that. The arrangements have been finalized, and I eagerly await your participation, young man. And Belle, take care. We'll be in touch." With a nod, he signed off.

"Belle, you didn't tell me you knew Dr. Rowan!" I exclaimed, my surprise evident in my tone.

She responded with a chuckle, her amusement palpable. "You never asked, silly."

"But I did ask! You just said a prominent doctor was heading the project," I protested with a hint of mock frustration.

Her eyes twinkled mischievously as she leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "A girl's got to have a few secrets, don't you think? Besides, he's not the only well-respected figure this household knows."

My curiosity piqued, and I pressed further. "Who else?"

"Ah, those are surprises for later," she teased, her laughter dancing in the air. "Now come on, let's order some pizza for when Pa arrives."

Right on cue, Pa strolled into the room, his presence accompanied by a hearty greeting. "Someone called my name?"

"Perfect timing, Pa," Belle said as she picked up her phone to make the order. "I've just shared the news with Lucas here. Isn't that right, Luke?"

"That's great. I just finished talking to Brianna, she agreed to help for one of your next birds" Pa announced as Belle gave a thumbs up as she ordered our usual pie.

I furrowed my brows, processing the information. "Brianna? The lady who supplies our feed?"

Pa nodded as he removed his boots with a huge sigh of relief sitting on his favorite recliner. "You got it. She's got quite the impressive collection of flying types and happens to be Solaceon's very own Flying-type Ace."

A thought struck me, and I couldn't help but muse aloud, "So that's why her hair's always windblown."

Pa erupted in laughter. "Haha, yeah! She's never been a fan of flight caps. Goggles are her trademark, she swears by them."

The evening settled into our familiar nightly routine, and soon it was time for each of us to wind down and prepare for rest. As I entered my room, my eyes were drawn to the little fluff ball perched by the window. I greeted Juno with a warm smile.

"Hey there, girl," I murmured, reaching out to stroke Juno's feathers. She nibbled my fingers gently before allowing herself to be groomed.

"Can you believe it? THE professor Rowan asked for US" I thought aloud as Juno whistled her agreement, not really knowing who this Rowan Fellow was but no less excited."In just a few days, we'll be heading to Sandgem Town. Guess we'd better start packing, huh?" Juno whistled in agreement, her tiny head bobbing as she started to drift off into a well-earned sleep. I chuckled softly at her sleepy nod before making my way to my own bed.

Lying there in the quiet of the night, I couldn't help but think about the path that lay ahead. This journey with Professor Rowan was the first tangible opportunity to find a way back home, back to my own world. As I closed my eyes, the anticipation of the near future danced in my mind, making sleep elusive.