I had been utterly devouring every book I could find on Aura, bonds with Pokémon, and the history of the world I now lived in. The more I read, the more I realized the incredible depth of this world. There seemed to be no end to it! From the small progress I had made into the towering colossus that is this world's history, I understood that there were even more worlds contained within this one—secret, dimensional spaces where Legendaries lived, maintained their own realms, and harbored their chosen. And there were also ghastly places, filled with distortion, menace, chaos, and disorder. For every light, there was darkness, and every shade of gray in between.

I had become particularly fascinated by one tome that spoke of the 'Chosen.' Thinking back to the look my grandfather had given me when he made that softly spoken comment... I had no doubt that the signs in my short life had already marked me as one. It was a disturbing and humbling thought. The realization gnawed at the edges of my sanity as I delved further into the tome, deciphering passages written in Unown-based script, which bore a similarity to the English of my previous life, yet felt utterly alien.

'...the role of the Chosen throughout time is a highly chaotic part of our shared history. The earliest record of a Chosen is simply known as "The First," over 10,000 years ago (note—the exact date remains unknown). The First partnered with the progenitor of all Pokémon, Mew, to bring order to the chaos that engulfed humanity and Pokémon at the time. Together, they forged bonds and friendships between both species, laying the foundation for countless kingdoms and empires throughout the ages. Other Chosen emerged in times of great disruption to the natural order. For instance, Alteryx of the early Draconid people (circa 225 CE) closed the Fae Portals, halting the Kalosian invasion in its tracks despite the significant weakness Dragon types had against Fae. This act solidified Draconid control over Hoenn.'

I had written a summary of the timeline that was quickly turning into a small essay. I glanced back over my notes, highlighting particular areas I wanted to dive into more deeply in the future, such as The Age of Guardians around 7,250 BCE or The Mystics and Founding of Sinnoh around 5,500 BCE. There was just so much to study and see! That train of thought led me to daydreaming about the day I would be strong enough to actually explore the world and all of these alien places. One day, I promised myself.

A knock on my bedroom door pulled me from my fantasies, and I called for whoever it was to enter. My grandfather walked in, a gleeful look on his face. "Gio! Come, it's time!"

Time? I thought to myself, then it dawned on me—my starter Pokémon! I jumped up and almost fell as my legs tingled from sitting on the floor too long. Quickly rubbing feeling back into them, I stumbled after my grandfather, who was already striding toward the courtyard—another of my favorite places at the Oak compound. The Sitrus and Pecha berry trees, the small pond, and the stone garden made it a perfect place to sit and feel connected to the world.

My grandfather was waiting for me, a smile on his face as I hurried to stand before him. He held out a Poké Ball. I noticed it was a mix of Apricorn craftsmanship and newer technology—the invention of Poké Balls was still quite recent.

My hands trembled as I took it. I wasn't concerned with which Pokémon was inside; I only cared about building a strong bond. I knew any Pokémon could be powerful if nurtured right, and I wanted to honor mine by giving it my all. I looked over the small ball, noticing a glass square I recognized as an Aura reader. Pressing my thumb on it with intent caused the Poké Ball to enlarge to its full size. I pressed the release button carefully, almost dropping the ball as a red beam shot out, forming into a small, familiar shape—an Abra!

I stood there in awe, watching as Abra slowly looked around until it noticed me. Its eyes opened slightly. I remembered that Abra had sensitive eyes that didn't fully develop until evolution. A small wave of psychic energy washed over me, and I reached out with my Aura, allowing a connection to form.

"Hello, Being-Who-is-Bright," a voice echoed softly in my mind. "This one is Star-Seeker."

I smiled and kneeled before Abra. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Star-Seeker. I love your name. My name is Giovanni. What do you mean by 'Being-Who-is-Bright'?"

Star-Seeker stared up at me. "You shine as brightly as the stars!"

I felt my face grow warm, blushing slightly. "I'll take your word for it, my friend… or, at least, I hope you'll be my friend, Star-Seeker." I reached my hand out, and without hesitation, Abra grasped it with its tiny hand. The connection between us formed instantly—something indescribably beautiful in that moment.

My grandfather watched on, a nostalgic look on his face. "This young one hatched just a few days ago from my Alakazam's mate. Born at night under the constellation of Jirachi, the Wishmaker."

I barely registered what he was saying—I was too engrossed in the bond forming between Star-Seeker and me. It felt pure, radiant. I smiled widely at the small Abra, overwhelmed by the emotions surging through our connection. It reminded me of holding my children for the first time in my past life—an innocent, perfect love. Tears filled my eyes as I pulled Abra into a gentle hug, which she quickly returned, a soft sound of contentment escaping her.

Through our bond, I could feel knowledge passing between us—her likes, her fears, her curiosity. She had an eidetic memory and an incredible mind already forming. For a moment, I worried she'd see my past life, all of my flaws, but a gentle wave of reassurance from her washed away my fears. She accepted all of me—just as I accepted her. In that moment, I knew I trusted her more than anyone, and I let my guard down completely.

"I'll leave you two to get acquainted," my grandfather said softly. "Come find me around noon, and we'll have lunch and discuss the next steps. The bond between you two… it is humbling. I've rarely seen anything so pure." He patted our heads gently before turning away, his footsteps fading toward his office.

I nodded and sat down on the warm courtyard grass, pulling Star-Seeker into my lap. We sat quietly, basking in the connection between us. It felt exultant—we were two beings, but our minds were joined, shared. We talked through the bond, sharing abstract feelings, emotions, and dreams. For the first time since I had woken in this world, I had someone I could talk to fully about my previous life and the horror and trauma of my awakening in this world. I had someone to truly share everything with—my fears, my past, my hopes for the future.

I told Star-Seeker about my desire to be strong—not for dominance, but to be free, to go explore anywhere, to travel beyond limits, even beyond the stars! Star-seeker was very cutely happy about that last one. The first thing she had seen when she was born was Jirachi's Constellation, and the stars called out to her, beckoning her to come and seek them out. Thus her Father entitled her Star-Seeker.

Glancing at my watch, I saw it was almost noon. I placed Star-Seeker on my shoulders, and we made our way to my grandfather's office. She loved the ride, giggling through our bond as we entered the room. My grandfather looked up from a stack of papers—reports from the local Guardian patrol. Kanto's Guardians were the defenders of harmony, pushing the Oak family's agenda of coexistence between humans and Pokémon.

I reached up to lift Star-Seeker off my shoulders, but she floated herself down with psychic energy, grinning cheekily. I grinned back, sending her a wave of fondness through our bond.

"I'm glad to witness such a bond," my grandfather said, his eyes shining. "It reminds me of your mother and her Nidoran, Queenie. Those two were inseparable." His voice wavered, the sadness of old memories surfacing. "Grandfather, could you tell me more about my mother sometime?" I asked.

He nodded, eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I will, Gio. I'd love to share those stories with you." He turned away briefly, regaining his composure. "I love you, Gio. I always will. No matter what happens, you can count on me." He hugged me tightly before returning to his desk.

From a drawer, he took out a sleek black device, about the size of a smartphone. "This is a prototype developed by your uncle and his associates. It's the culmination of research by the best minds from Kanto, Sinnoh, and Fiore. Sam calls it a PokéDex," he said, rolling his eyes. "The name could use work, but it functions as a communicator, a personal computer, and—most importantly—it can scan and measure yours and your Pokémon's growth. I've made a rookie trainer ID for you. Normally, you'd get this at eight years old, but… well, you're not exactly typical, are you?"

He gave me an inscrutable look, then opened the device and pressed a few buttons. A small blue beam shot out, scanning me. My picture, trainer ID, and stats appeared on the screen, which he showed me, giving a quick rundown of how to use it. I took the device and scanned Star-Seeker, adding her name. I was surprised by the detailed information—she was dual-typed? Psychic and Ghost. I looked at my grandfather, puzzled.

He smiled knowingly. "It's important to match your starter to your Aura. My Alakazam has a Sableye as a mate. When I saw the type combination of their egg, I knew exactly where she needed to go. Funny how things work out, isn't it?"

I sat in quiet astonishment before shrugging—perhaps it was fate, but I wasn't about to overthink it.

"Now," my grandfather clapped his hands together, "about the future! Focus on building your bond. You're already doing everything else you can at your age—I've seen how you've been devouring the library."

I nodded, feeling a bit bashful at the praise.

"I have a few things to take care of over the next few days, so I won't be around much. If you need anything, call for Bob." I gave him a questioning look, and suddenly, in a flash of light, a large yellow-furred being appeared. "This is Bob."

Hello, Giovanni! Hello, daughter!* Bob telepathically greeted us, and Star-Seeker teleported into his arms, receiving a warm hug.

"Bob is here to help you while I'm away," my grandfather continued. "I also have a trip to Saffron City planned in a week. Your uncle has asked for you to come along. In the meantime, focus on your studies and your bond. But for now, let's have lunch, and afterward, I'll teach you how to meditate—it'll be essential for building your bond. Bob will help us."

We had a light meal of stir-fried mushrooms and vegetables, followed by Sitrus Berry sorbet. Star-Seeker loved the icy treat and eagerly asked for seconds. Sitrus Berries were nutritious, and I had no problem giving her more.

After lunch, we settled in the courtyard beneath the Sitrus tree. "The first meditation is best done as a guided one," my grandfather instructed. "Get comfortable, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Bob will help push you into a meditative state."

Star-Seeker and I followed his directions, inhaling deeply through our noses and exhaling slowly through our mouths. I felt a wave of psychic pressure emanate from Bob, drawing me deeper into myself. I could feel the bond with Star-Seeker—an extension of myself. We were free, floating together in a tranquil space. I felt Star-Seeker take my hand, and we moved deeper, sensing something beyond our bond. Two orbs of light—silver and black—appeared, complementing each other. We reached out, submerging ourselves in their energy. It was pure power, something so overwhelming that we could've easily lost ourselves forever.

After what felt like an eternity, we were shaken awake. Opening my eyes, I saw two perspectives of my grandfather—one from my own eyes, the other lower down. Star-Seeker and I had been unified, our consciousness intertwined in mind and body.

Shaking my head, I returned fully to myself, noticing how low the sun had sunk in the sky. "Wow, that was incredible!"

"Indeed," my grandfather agreed. "It will take time for you to reach that state on your own, but I believe you can do it, Gio." He looked at me with pride.

"Now, it's getting late. Go get cleaned up for dinner. It'll be time for bed soon, and after that trance, you must be exhausted." I nodded, feeling the fatigue settle into my bones. Picking up Star-Seeker and placing her back on my shoulders, we waved goodbye to Bob and my grandfather before making our way to my room.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow, Star-Seeker. We'll spend as much time as possible meditating and learning. It's our first step, but it's important." Star-Seeker nodded, her agreement clear in our shared thoughts.

We're going to be the strongest, we're going to be free! That was my last thought as Star-Seeker and I cuddled up in bed, our shared thoughts slowly quieting as we drifted off to sleep.