As the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, Akg woke up with a sense of purpose. Today was the day—the start of the summer camp.
He moved quietly, not wanting to disturb Rena, who was still curled up peacefully beside him. The intense training sessions they'd shared over the past week had taken a toll on her stamina, even with her immense power. She deserved a little more rest.
After a quick wash and change, Akg stepped into the kitchen and prepared a light yet nutritious breakfast. The aroma wafted through the house, and once everything was ready, he returned to the bedroom and gently nudged Rena awake.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," he whispered with a soft smile.
Rena blinked her eyes open slowly and gave a small yawn, still nestled in the warmth of the blanket.
"Mmm… morning, Master," her voice echoed sweetly in his mind.
"Come on, breakfast is ready," he said, helping her up.
They sat together and ate quietly, enjoying the peaceful start to what would soon become a very eventful day.
As Akg glanced at the clock, he saw it was nearing 10 AM—the bus would be leaving soon. He stood up and turned to Rena, who had just finished the last bite of her favorite berry slice.
"Rena," he said, his tone now more serious, "it's time. I need you to go inside your Pokéball now, alright?"
Rena looked up at him, a little reluctant but obedient as always.
"There'll be many people at camp. I don't have my trainer license yet, and I can't let anyone see you just yet," he continued gently. "But I promise you… once I have it, you'll walk beside me proudly."
Rena smiled softly and nodded.
"Okay, Master. I understand."
With a shimmer of red light, she returned to the Pokéball hanging securely around Akg's neck like a pendant.
Akg took a deep breath, made one final check of his bag, and stepped outside. The air was crisp, filled with the sounds of chirping Pidgey and rustling leaves. He adjusted the strap on his backpack, the Pokéball around his neck lightly tapping against his chest, and began walking toward Professor Oak's laboratory.
Each step brought him closer not just to the summer camp, but to a moment he had long awaited—his first meeting with Serena.
"Everything is about to begin," he thought, a quiet smile forming on his lips.
Soon, Akg arrived at Professor Oak's laboratory, where a crowd of parents and children had gathered, buzzing with excitement. Among them, he spotted Ash standing beside his mother Delia, both chatting with a few familiar faces.
With a smile, Akg walked over and greeted them.
"Morning, Aunt Delia. Morning, Ash!"
Delia turned with a warm smile.
"Oh, good morning, Akg! All ready for camp?"
"Yeah, I'm really looking forward to it," he said, his eyes scanning the growing number of kids assembling around the entrance.
Moments later, a large blue bus rolled to a halt in front of the lab. The doors hissed open as Professor Oak and his assistant stepped out.
"Attention, everyone!" Professor Oak called out. "All children attending the summer camp, please form a line and begin boarding the bus. Parents, you may say your goodbyes here."
Ash turned to his mom and gave her a quick hug.
"Bye, Mom!"
"Be good and listen to the professors!" she called after him, waving cheerfully.
Akg also gave a respectful nod to Delia.
"See you soon, Aunt Delia."
She smiled back. "Take care, Akg."
Once on the bus, Akg, Ash, and Gary took the last row, laughing and chatting with the other kids around them. The energy on the bus was vibrant—filled with curious chatter, new introductions, and the occasional argument over who would become the strongest trainer.
After a while, the bus rolled through a forested path and came to a stop in front of a large, modern structure surrounded by nature. Several other buses were already parked outside.
As the children began disembarking, the gates opened, revealing a sprawling camp filled with colorful domed cabins, training fields, and open areas teeming with excited kids. It looked like a small Pokémon city designed for exploration and learning.
Professor Oak's voice boomed once again, this time through a mic on the main stage that stood in the center of the camp.
"Welcome, everyone! This year's summer camp will be special. Not only are Kanto's young trainers here, but children from other regions will be attending as well. Make new friends, learn, and most importantly—enjoy yourselves!"
A loud cheer erupted from the kids.
Akg scanned the crowd with a small smile. He could feel it—Serena must be somewhere among them.
He clutched the Pokéball pendant gently resting on his chest.
"Rena, we've taken our first step. Let's see what this world truly holds for us."