(Day 5)

(Elite Headquarters: Hoenn Region)

"Did you see the report?" Cynthia asks, gesturing at the documents messily scattered across the table.

Steven gives her a glance, elegantly taking a sip of his tea. "Which one?"

"What do you mean which one?! Of course she's referring to that contracted kid. He has multiple contracted according to Professor Oliver's report and he's only 13! That's crazy, I wanna meet this kid." Phoebe says, getting even more animated as she mentions that one of the kids' pokemon should be a ghost type.

"I can't believe he doesn't have parents, poor thing." Glacia says, yawning right after. The poor ice type trainer had been dealing with a situation regarding enraged Aggrons and had only gotten back a few hours ago.

"Yes, yes, that is terrible, but there is a silver lining." Cynthia says, waiting half a second to ensure she has the attention of all the elite division majors currently in the room. "It means one of us can adopt him. I think Steven is the perfect fit."

Steven Stone almost spits out his tea, just barely managing to stop himself. Swallowing, he coldly levels Cynthia with a glare. "I don't think you've given this matter much thought. I'm an elite division major, my responsibilities are far too numerous to care for a child."

"Oh, that is a problem." Cynthia says, assuming a thoughtful posture, not at all bothered by Steven's sharp gaze. Snapping her fingers, she beams. "I've got it!"

Steven inwardly groans, today is just not his day.

(Day 7)

Lucryn walks around the room, trying not to let his mind wander as he focuses on the task at hand. The past four days have basically been a nightmare.

He reported to Ice Pellet Towns Military Squadron, or rather, Professor Oliver who was with him did all the work. All Lucryn had to do was stand there and listen, which was a nightmare in and of itself with all of the eyes on him.

Professor Oliver and him had signed the contract for him to become the Professors Research Assistant, so the matter of reporting to the military more or less was Professor Oliver announcing that Lucryn would remain at his research institute the next two years and then would officially join the military unless he signed on to remain at Professor Olivers lab. The one good thing is that Lucryn got out of the three months of military training that is mandatory for all new recruits.

Following that, there were countless checkups, people asking questions and child service agents who wanted to speak to him. Lucryn refused to let anyone touch him, lashing out at those who tried, which resulted in him being tranqued multiple times for the remaining physicals. Talking wouldn't be possible even if he wanted to, so everyone received the silent treatment from Lucryn who is madly trying not to give his lost voice any thoughts. 'not yet, can't break down yet'

Aside from all the visits, he also received his Z+ Band, the band only those who have pokemon receive. The professor had tried yesterday to walk him through the setup process, but after getting through basic info, Lucryn refused to go further, not getting into the registration on the band for his pokemon. The info would only be viewable by those with authority to access it, but Lucryn didn't know anything about his contracted pokemon so how can he provide info on them? As such, giving it the silent treatment was the best option.

Today was much like the previous few days, but also slightly different as he would be meeting his new family today, something he would prefer not dealing with. He doesn't want, nor need a family. 'I don't need anyone, they'll just...'

A shudder runs through his body as he feels his heart throb. Clenching his shirt right over his heart, he grits his teeth and forces his mind to drift to another topic.

Pacing the room, he can't imagine staying in such a small room for the next two years. He'd go insane if he's not already.

The professor had given him the room, one of many in the research lab he owns. The room is bare, a small bathroom attached. The bed is covered by light blue sheets, the lights give off a warm glow, but Lucryn hates it, hates being in this room. There's a single window, one he's already managed to open, but after one attempt to climb out and wander around outside, it ended up bolted closed, infuriating him.

His Z+ Band had a tracker within it, something the professor can access as well as his future parents, which is the reason his walk in the middle of the night ended with the Professor dragging him back to the tiny room while explaining the dangers of running around at night, especially within the research facilities range, as many wild pokemon roam about, studied by the professor and his researchers.

Lucryn hates his life, the mark on his right arm flows softly, almost soothing in nature, but the warmth irritates him, causing his lips to curl down as he turns, going to the door. Waiting for his family to come is a no go, so he'll go wander again. Already he's explored almost the entire lab and a couple adjacent buildings. On top of that, he's found the library, the place he normally resided in when not surrounded by irksome people.

Twisting the doorknob, he silently walks out, feet bare, the socks and shoes given to him left in his closet to gather dust. Silently making his way down the hallway, he takes a few turns, avoiding anyone. Like a ghost he arrives at the library, walking in and scanning the room. Seeing no one, his tense body relaxes.

Running his finger over the edge of a row of books, he stops at a book labeled "Fire Type Pokemon Index". Grasping the book, he easily climbs a ladder to a small upstairs area with a small table and a few chairs scattered about. Walking over to the large window, he sits on the ledge that's just long enough for him to stretch out his legs. Opening the book, he begins reading, entranced by the many sketches and notes on fire type pokemon. Each creature is unique, the moves could form amazing combos, and Lucryn wouldn't lie and say he didn't have a growing curiosity and desire to learn about pokemon.

Feeling the warm tingle of his marks once more, he closes the book, eyes on his mark. The glow comes again, fading and returning. Lucryn sighs, shifting his position to be sitting with his one leg drawn to his chest. 'Come out' He thinks, picturing the little fire creature.

His mark glows brighter before the light vanishes, two fiery red circles appear on the ground before him, intricate writing unknown to him covering the outer ring. While the writing is unknown, his mind swiftly runs through all the languages he knows, comparing and contrasting it, trying to make sense of it. Knowing over 30 languages he finds not one is similar to this language, but he quickly memorizes what is written on the circle, later he'd write it down and begin trying to decipher it. Knowledge is power and he rather enjoys learning, so this will be a pass time for later to solve.

The circles grow bigger from a palm size to a few feet in diameter. From out of each circle a creature rises with heat emanating from them.

"Char!" "Char!"

Both cry out excitedly, watching Lucryn with their wisp like fiery red eyes. Lucryn observes them in turn. Flipping through the pages of the book, he opens to a page and shows it to the two, all without taking his eyes off of the two creatures. Showing them the book, he taps the word at the top in question. The two cry out excitedly in response. 'So this is them. Charcadet, the fire child pokemon. I summoned both when I only meant to summon one.'

Lucryn gazes at the two in deep thought, determining how to deal with them. As he thought, these two are his contracted pokemon, and based on the brown and deep purple swirls still remaining on his arm, the little shadowy pokemon is also his. Running his fingers through his dark hair, he observes the two creatures before him. They didn't feel threatening to him, but he could sense that they weren't weak. Killing him would be as simple as breathing to them.

Lilac eyes clash with two pairs of fiery red ones, the staring lasting for a few minutes. Standing, Lucryn walks right past the two, steps light, graceful in every motion.

The two Charcadets follow Lucryn, not saying anything, silence filling the library. Lucryn climbs down the ladder, the two Charcadets lightly jumping down. Lucryn glances back, noticing how their feet don't burn the carpet. Their body didn't burn as brightly as the previous time he saw them, in fact they seemed to have cooled off quite a bit. Lucryn makes a mental note that they seem to have a good grasp on their own body temperature and the heat they release.

Grasping the book he was seeking out, he swiftly climbs up the ladder and returns to the window. The two follow quietly, a single leap bringing them back up to the second story reading area. Lucryn sits, crossing his legs as he studies the book, flipping the pages.

The two Charcadets stand in front of him, silently waiting for him to do something. Tens of minutes later Lucryn turns the book for them to see. A sketch covers most of the page, depicting a fight between two pokemon trainers and their pokemon. Tapping the picture, he looks at them in question.

"Cadet!" The one says, the other letting out a similar cry. The fire on their heads burned brighter, Lucryn frowning slightly. The two instantly lower their heat levels, looking sheepish. Feeling the temperature drop back down, Lucryn relaxes. The last thing he needs is Professor Oliver after him for burning the library down.

Flipping the pages a few more times, he shows them another sketch. This one of a pokemon healing another pokemon. The two shake their heads, looking sad as their heads droop. Lucryn's lips twitch, these two are so easy to read.

Doing this process a few more times, he determines a few things about his contracted pokemon. One, these two are fighters, they prefer being at the frontline, not as defenders, but as pure attackers. Two, they have around 5 moves each, he'd spend some time later on determining their exact moveset. Third, they are pure fire types and they desire to be trained by him to fight.

Lucryn can't understand one thing. 'Why did they contract with me?'

Lucryn studies the two. Truly training them would require him to learn more about pokemon, study battles, and learn how to be an effective trainer. The one thing he's not worried about though is teaching them to fight, that he can do. The difference is that he doesn't know how to teach them to fight with their powers.

Musing over this, he notices the slightest noise of a shoe scuffing carpet. Instantly he's standing, closed book grasped in his hand. His posture is loose, but his eyes are sharp, emotionless, but they seem to stare into a person's soul.

Lilac eyes meet light steel blue eyes. The man isn't exactly tall, being 5'6, but his presence is intimidating. The two Charcadets sense Lucryn's unease, preparing themselves for battle, the flames on their heads growing brighter, their entire body heats up, the carpet blackening around them, it'll catch on fire if they raise their heat levels any more.

"Hello to you too. I'm Steven Stone, your guardian." The man says, unfazed by the two pokemon, but his eyes do scan over them, a hint of surprise flickering through his eyes.

Lucryn's eyes narrow, without even moving he returns the two to their contracted space. Two magic circles appear under the Charcadets' feet, their bodies sinking into them and vanishing, but not before they let out fierce growls at the man.

Steven is rather impressed by the little one. Looking over the child who appears only about 4'8, body slender, skin a snowy white, facial features exquisite, he can't help thinking the child looks like a little angel. It wasn't just appearance though, the child simply carried himself differently, not like how a child should act at all. 'He is 13' Steven muses.

"Come down and talk?" Steven asks, getting no response. Steven nods in understanding, walking a bit closer to the ladder. Seeing the child take half a step back after he neared the ladder, he stops, leaning against a bookshelf.

"I was requested to be your guardian and I will do so. However I have many responsibilities, I cannot be at your side too often." Steven states, his voice even and serious.

Lucryn gazes down at this man who's silver hair is a bit all over the place as if he just rolled out of bed. Lucryn's eyes study the man intently, Steven Stone, he seems dangerous, and he conceals it well, wearing a silver suit with steel cufflinks, his prim and proper appearance didn't fully fit that of a fighter.

'Hes a trainer' Lucryn is positive of this without needing to see the man's body to see if there's any marks of a contracted or to see if he has any poke balls on him. He just knows, this man is a trainer, and he's not weak.

A light nod to show he understands, having Steven around often would irritate him, the busier Steven is the better for him.

"I understand you've signed on as Professor Oliver's Research Assistant. He's a good man, you made a good call. He mentioned he's given you housing here, however I have a house around an hour from here. On the days your not working as his assistant, come and stay there, it'll offer you some space to yourself and a place to train." Stevens' offer is unexpected and very generous. Lucryn normally wouldn't agree, he doesn't really want to, but thinking of the small room without even a window that can open, he can't help but nod.

"Wonderful. I'll take you there now. The professor let me know your schedule, since it's only Friday, you have a few days to get used to your new home. I have a league meeting tomorrow, but your other guardian should be coming by tomorrow." Stevens' words received a questioning look from Lucryn. 'Other guardian?' He wasn't made aware of this.

"The professor didn't tell you? No matter, your other guardian is Lance, you can get to know him tomorrow, he's a bit fierce, but he's a good man." The latter part seems more like an afterthought after seeing Lucryn's lips curling down.

Lucryn huffs, determined not to dwell on this unfortunate matter. Perhaps both of his guardians will be busy people and he won't need to see either of them often. It would be even better if the house has a lot of windows so he doesn't feel so confined.

"Coming down?" Steven asks, not really sure what else to say. Being around children isn't uncommon for him, but most just fan over him and want to see his Pokémon before running back to their parents. None of them just stare at him with scarily blank eyes, he can barely discern anything Lucryn's thinking, and none of them have ever been his to care for. 'I shouldn't have agreed to this.'