Aster sat quietly in the corner of the room, his eyes focused on nothing in particular as his mind churned over Cedric's words. Time seemed to slip through his fingers like sand running endlessly through an hourglass—too fast, too fleeting. Cedric had been right in many ways, but the weight of those words had settled heavily in Aster's thoughts. He had a clear sense of purpose now, a goal that was his alone, yet there was still something more that kept pulling at him—something that made him realize just how fragile time could be. In this vast world, where everything felt like it was constantly changing, there was only one person who had been there for him unconditionally, and he couldn't afford to lose that connection. His mother. He didn't want to regret not reaching out to her, not sharing those small, meaningful moments with her.
Aster sat down in front of the computer, his fingers lightly tapping against the keys as the screen flickered to life. A few moments later, his mother's face appeared on the screen. Lorelei's smile was warm and comforting, and for a moment, Aster felt a sense of relief wash over him.
"Hey, Mom," Aster said, his voice steady but with a soft hint of excitement.
"Hey, Aster!" Lorelei greeted, her expression filled with affection. "How's everything going? I heard you had quite the battle with Cedric."
Aster's lips curled into a small smirk. "Yeah, I won. It was... a good challenge, but I had things under control. It was more about strategy than anything else."
Lorelei raised an eyebrow, clearly proud of her son's maturity. "I'm glad to hear it. You've always been a quick thinker, Aster. You're already on your way to becoming a great trainer. But tell me, what's next for you? Now that you've got some wins under your belt now."
Aster leaned back slightly in his chair, thinking for a moment. "I'm not sure yet. I think I've got a clear direction now, though. I've been refining my team and my strategies. But I want to keep learning—keep growing. There's a lot more out there for me."
Lorelei nodded, her smile deepening. "I'm glad to hear that, Aster. You've always had that drive. Whatever comes next, just remember that you've got a strong foundation. And don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it. I'm always here."
Aster's eyes softened. He didn't often let his guard down, but in moments like this, talking with his mother, it felt natural. "Thanks, Mom. I appreciate that."
"You've got this," Lorelei said, her voice full of confidence. "I'm proud of you."
Aster's gaze shifted to the screen, his expression more contemplative now. "I know you are. I'll make sure I keep making you proud."
They both fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, just enjoying each other's company, before Lorelei spoke again, breaking the peaceful moment.
"Now, don't forget to take care of yourself out there, alright? I know you're capable, but remember to rest every now and then."
"I will," Aster replied with a small, reassuring smile. "I'll keep an eye on things."
"Good," Lorelei said, her voice laced with warmth. "I'll be here if you need me, Aster. Just take it one step at a time. You don't have to rush."
"Thanks, Mom," Aster said quietly, feeling the weight of her words. He let out a small sigh, but it was a content one. "I'll keep that in mind."
The conversation ended with a soft smile shared between them, and the computer screen faded to black as Aster leaned back in his chair, his thoughts lingering on their exchange.
In that moment, Aster knew his journey was only just beginning. And he was more determined than ever to reach his goal—whatever that goal truly was.
With the call ended, Aster exhaled slowly, the faintest trace of a smile lingering on his lips. The conversation had been brief, but it was exactly what he needed. Despite his growing ambitions, despite the path he was carving out for himself, moments like this reminded him of what truly mattered. His mother's voice still echoed in his mind—steadfast, supportive, a quiet reassurance that no matter how far he went, he wasn't alone.
He stood up from the chair and stretched, his body finally registering the exhaustion he had been pushing aside. The battle with Cedric had been exhilarating, but it had also taken its toll. Though he had been in complete control, reading and countering Cedric's every move, it was still a testament to the older trainer's skill that the match had been anything but effortless. Aster knew that against a weaker opponent, he wouldn't have had to push Poliwhirl to evolve in the heat of battle.
Still, it had been worth it. Poliwrath had proven its strength, and Aster had walked away with another victory—not just in the Gym, but in his own development. He was beginning to see things more clearly now. His journey wasn't just about badges or championships. There was something deeper at play, something pulling him forward.
His fingers brushed against the Cascade Badge in his pocket. Another step forward.
The soft hum of the city outside reminded him that he still had time before the next leg of his journey. He turned towards the bed, deciding for once to heed his mother's advice. Tomorrow, he'd plan his next move. But for now, he would rest.
As Aster settled into his version of rest, his mind wandered to something he had only briefly tapped into before—the strange, almost instinctual ability to feel his Pokémon's emotions. It was something beyond simple observation or intuition. It was deeper, more intrinsic, like a thread connecting him to his team.
Back in the battle against Cedric, he had barely used this ability. It had surfaced at the very end, when Poliwrath had evolved, and he had felt a surge of determination and triumph that wasn't entirely his own. It had been Poliwrath's emotions, raw and unfiltered, coursing through him as if they were his own.
That moment lingered in his mind. If he could refine this ability—make it more than just a fleeting sensation—then he could strengthen his bond with his Pokémon in ways most trainers couldn't even begin to understand. Knowing how his Pokémon felt in battle, when to push forward, when to hold back, when they were at their peak or faltering—this was more than just an advantage. It was something unique to him.
Aster exhaled slowly, allowing himself to reach out, not just with his mind, but with that unseen connection. He focused on Poliwrath, feeling its presence, its energy still settling into its new form. There was strength there, but also a lingering restlessness, a need to test its limits.
He would incorporate this into their repertoire. Not just as an afterthought, but as an active part of his strategy. His ability to sense his Pokémon's emotions wasn't something to be ignored—it was another tool, another weapon in his arsenal.
With that final thought, Aster allowed himself to rest. Not because he was tired, but because tomorrow, he would need to be even sharper than today.