P.S.: Guys, I'm very sorry for not updating yesterday. So, for this chapter, it will be a special one—around 4,300 words. Enjoy!
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Allen could only stare in a daze as the dam stood fully repaired—or was it?
After all, these were Pokémon. Could they really restore the dam as effectively as humans? But if the question were reversed—could humans repair it better than Pokémon?
Even he couldn't say for sure. All he could do was construct scenarios regarding Pokémon intelligence:
1. Pokémon that act purely on instinct – These Pokémon rely entirely on their natural behaviors, responding to stimuli without deep thought. Wild Pokémon and many lower-evolved species fall into this category.
2. Pokémon that wait for instructions – These Pokémon possess intelligence but require guidance, often looking to their trainers or partners for direction. Most battle-trained Pokémon operate this way, showcasing learned behaviors rather than independent decision-making.
3. Pokémon with intelligence comparable to humans – These Pokémon can think critically, make independent decisions, and adapt to complex situations. Take Shaymin, for example—it instinctively knew where to channel its power, using its plant roots to bind the wood, clay, and other materials together seamlessly. And then... Absol?
He snapped out of his thoughts as he saw Shaymin leading the other Pokémon to inspect the dam.
The small Pokémon, the one that had led the efforts, nodded in satisfaction. It climbed back onto the shore of the artificial lake and gazed out over the water. Then, stepping into the shallows, it shivered slightly at the temperature difference between the warm air outside and the chilly mountain-fed stream.
Bidoof and Bibarel followed, leaping in happily without hesitation before lazily paddling around.
Meanwhile, the group of Graveler and their Geodude companions had decided it was time to move on. They knelt slightly before the little Pokémon in a respectful gesture.
In response, the small Pokémon hopped forward, offering its thanks for their contribution before watching them vanish back into the rough and rocky landscape of the mountain.
Allen couldn't help but wonder how many similar colonies of Pokémon existed just out of sight—perhaps hidden in caves or tucked away in clusters of trees, ready to spring into action when needed.
'No wonder I haven't seen any Pokémon in this cave until now...' Allen thought.
With the final hurdle crossed, the dam stood strong once more.
Soon, it was time for Bidoof and Bibarel to leave as well. They bid their farewells, following the current and swimming away.
After one last glance toward the dam, the small Pokémon flared with a faint comet of Grass- and Flying-type energy before vanishing rapidly into the distance.
Allen stared in the direction that the comet had disappeared in. "Well." He finally said, somewhat stunned. "That was…" He trailed off, seeming unable to finish the thought.
'Very unexpected...'
Looking over the edge, he could see what the shaymin had really done to the dam. The tree that they'd grown from seeds had integrated itself fully with the clay and branch wall that was the dam, branches reaching into and through.
A network of wood, adorned with leaves and the occasional branch poking out of the dam's surface, covered most of the surface. The rest of it was coated in a thick layer of grass, which appeared, for the moment, to be resisting the erosion of the water pouring over it.
Still, he couldn't imagine the grass lasting forever—eventually, it would wash away too. However, the Shaymin had drastically increased the dam's strength and durability.
'I guess when the professors come, they can complete the finishing touches,' he thought.
With his backpack secured on his back, Allen was about to turn around when a sudden heaviness washed over him. Before he could react, his vision blurred.
From afar, a bipedal Pokémon resembling a tapir closed its eyes, emitting psychic waves that gently pulled him into sleep.
Nearby, a Pokémon Ranger who had already freed himself from the bindings Allen had tied earlier cursed under his breath. "Who the hell is this kid? And what is he doing here?!"
When he first regained consciousness, the ranger had been shocked to find his hands and feet bound. But he was no rookie—he was a seasoned ranger with years of experience. It hadn't taken him long to break free.
What truly unsettled him, however, was realizing that every single person around him was still unconscious. A chill ran down his spine. He needed to get out of here.
'The Pokémon egg first,' he thought.
But as he turned toward the tent, his heart sank—it was empty. Panicked, he reached for his backpack, only to find nothing behind him. His backpack was gone too!
"Fucking thief!" he cursed.
Thankfully, every holster in the military unit had hidden compartments known only to their members. He quickly reached for the concealed slot, pulling out a small ball. As he gripped it, the ball expanded in his hand—if Allen were here, he would recognize it instantly.
A Pokéball.
He threw it, and with a flash of light, a Drowzee emerged. The Pokémon had tired-looking eyes, a short trunk above its mouth, and triangular ears with brown interiors.
"Drow~~" Its voice was a low, heavy grunt.
"Protect me," the ranger ordered.
Finally, he spotted the culprit—a small kid standing near the dam. A strange one, too, with clothes wrapped tightly around his head, concealing his face. Only his height and small frame indicated he was just a child.
What enraged him the most was the backpack slung over the kid's shoulders—his backpack. And through a brief glimpse, he could see a noticeable bulge in it. The Pokémon egg was inside.
Fury boiled within him. He gave the command without hesitation.
"Drowzee, Hypnosis!"
"Drow~"
Drowzee closed its eyes and emitted psychic waves toward the child.
Allen barely had time to react before a sudden drowsiness washed over him.
And the kid collapsed.
He wanted to step forward, but before he could, the two Absol watching from afar saw Allen collapse and immediately sprang into action. Their horns glowed white as they slashed forward, shocking the ranger.
"ABSOL?! Two of them?!"
Greed instantly flared in his heart, but before he could act—BOOM!
He barely had time to react before trying to give a command. "Drowzee, use—"
BOOM!
Drowzee fainted instantly, making his face harden. "Shit," was all he could mutter before quickly recalling Drowzee and tossing a smoke bomb, using the cover to make his escape.
Since they were in a cave, the smoke didn't disperse easily. The Absol could only stand guard near Allen, who was already snoring.
Time passed, and soon they heard—
"This is the location. Altaria, use Whirlwind!"
Not long after, the two Absol heard a swooshing sound—then, with another swoosh, the smoke quickly dispersed. The Absol were initially alarmed, but upon seeing a familiar figure, they calmed down.
It was Grandma Wilma with her Altaria, followed by Professor Rowan, Professor Oak, Professor Carolina, and Grandma Dracelia.
"ALLEN!!!"
Grandma Dracelia was alarmed when she saw Allen unconscious, but she soon sighed in relief upon hearing him snore.
She was so worried about Allen that she didn't even register the presence of the Absol near him. Only after ensuring he was okay did she finally notice them.
She was about to step back with Allen, but seeing the Absol standing protectively by his side, she reconsidered.
"Thank you," Grandma Dracelia said before bowing her head slightly in gratitude.
Unlike Grandma Dracelia, who had Allen's safety as her first concern, Professor Oak and Professor Rowan stood frozen, completely stunned by the sight before them.
"What the hell..."
Thick vines coiled around jagged rocks, moss blanketed the once-barren walls, and delicate flowers bloomed in the dim light. It was as if the entire cave had been transformed into a lush, hidden paradise. The change was so unnatural, so impossible, that it defied all logic.
Oak adjusted his glasses, his hands trembling slightly as he plucked a flower to examine it. His boots squelched against the newly softened ground, rich with fresh earth and greenery.
"This is... incredible," he murmured. "A phenomenon like this—it shouldn't be possible."
"Not in this environment, and certainly not in mere moments," Rowan added, his sharp gaze scanning the scene. "This isn't just accelerated growth—this is something beyond conventional."
While the professors were captivated by the spectacle, Professor Carolina and Grandma Wilma had been more focused on Allen, ensuring he was unharmed. But once they turned their attention to their surroundings, their expressions shifted from concern to astonishment.
They exchanged a look, shaking their heads. They were doing it again.
Had Oak and Rowan already forgotten why they were here? Their priority should have been protecting the group from any lingering threats.
Even if Allen assured them that the threats had already been neutralized, could they really afford to let their guard down? No one could guarantee that there were no lingering dangers.
Soon, after assessing their surroundings, they too stepped into the dam area—and just like the others, they were left speechless.
"This is..." Grandma Wilma muttered under her breath.
Professor Carolina, on the other hand, swallowed hard. Unlike Oak and Rowan, she wasn't a biologist who specialized in Pokémon ecosystems or behavior. Her field was history, and what she saw in front of her was enough to make her legs nearly give out.
It wasn't just the waterfall—it was what stood beside it.
Two massive statues of Dialga and Palkia loomed over the cascading water, their immense forms carved with stunning detail. They weren't just decorations; they were monuments—historical relics, perhaps even proof of something ancient and forgotten.
Her mind raced with possibilities. The sheer research value of these two statues alone was immeasurable, not to mention the significance of Mt. Coronet itself.
With this, Allen's contributions had grown to four: first the dam; second defeating the criminals; third discovering whatever else lay hidden within this mysterious cave; and fourth the evolution of Milcery.
Allen remained in a groggy state for two hours, and when he finally woke up, he was met with a blinding light that made him wince. The sudden brightness was overwhelming, and he instinctively turned his head away, his body still sluggish.
Only after forcing his eyes open did he finally see it—the sun.
That could only mean one thing.
He was outside the cave.
"Grandma—"
But before he could continue, he felt himself being pulled into a tight embrace.
"Oh, child..."
His grandma's voice trembled as she held him close. It wasn't just a simple hug—it was relief, worry, and love all wrapped into one.
She had never left his side. Even in his groggy state, Allen could tell. She must have been sitting there the whole time, waiting, watching, making sure he was okay. The moment he woke up, she wasted no time pulling him close.
"...Grandma," he mumbled, his voice softer than he intended.
"Hush," she whispered, gently smoothing his hair like she used to when he was little. "You're safe now. That's all that matters."
Allen could feel her hands trembling slightly, but she held him as if she never wanted to let go. He swallowed, guilt creeping in. He hadn't meant to make her worry. He hadn't meant for any of this to happen.
"I'm okay," he reassured her, his voice quieter this time.
Unlike Grandma Dracelia, who stayed by Allen's side, Grandpa Drayton had no time for that.
He had stationed himself right at the cave entrance, standing like an immovable wall, arms crossed, eyes sharp with barely contained fury. He wasn't waiting for Allen to wake up—he was waiting for every last criminal to be dragged out by the police.
And every single time one was escorted past him, his reaction was instantaneous.
His nostrils flared, his fists clenched, and he stepped forward, lifting his sleeves as if preparing to personally deliver justice.
"HOW DARE YOU ENDANGER MY GRANDSON, YOU—!"
"Ah! No, no, please—no violence here! Even if they're criminals, there's still the law to—oh for the love of—GRANDPA, PUT YOUR FISTS DOWN!"
Officer Jenny, who had long since given up on reasoning with the old man, groaned and rubbed her temples. With a sigh, she turned to her supposedly reliable partner—Arcanine—who was lazily sprawled on the ground, basking in the sun.
Officer Jenny nudged it with her foot. "Hey, it's time to work. Why are you such a lazy bum?"
"Rwwrr~?"
Arcanine lifted its head slightly, blinked, and then—with the most unbothered expression—flopped right back down.
Officer Jenny's eye twitched. "You absolute freeloader—!"
"I swear, just ONE punch—"
"NO PUNCHING!!" the officer yelled.
Finally, Officer Jenny had enough. She threw her hands up. "Hey! Someone drag him back! I'm done!"
And with that, she left her supposed "loyal" Pokémon behind.
Arcanine? Still pretending to be asleep.
The criminals had been apprehended, and when the police searched the cave, they quickly realized that this little kid had already done most of the work for them.
All around, officers exchanged glances before collectively giving Allen a thumbs up.
"Kid, you're a natural," one of them muttered in admiration.
He had **subdued the culprits, confiscated their Poké Balls, and left them with little to no resistance to deal with—**making their job so effortless that some officers started wondering if they were even needed here.
One officer leaned closer to Officer Jenny, lowering his voice. "Chief, why not recruit him?"
Officer Jenny's mouth twitched. Recruit a six-year-old?
She stared at her subordinates as if they were the dumbest lifeforms to ever exist.
Since Celestic Town didn't even have a police station, the achievement would be recorded under the jurisdiction of the Eterna Police Force. And given the sheer convenience Allen had handed them, there was no way they wouldn't reward him for this unexpected act of service.
A free reward for doing all their work?
Yeah—Allen would definitely be getting something for this.
Allen, still rubbing his eyes groggily, reached into his backpack and carefully pulled out two eggs.
The moment they were out in the open, the entire area fell dead silent.
Then—
"IS THAT A POKÉMON EGG?! TWO!!!"
Like a flock of hungry Pidgey spotting free breadcrumbs, every single person in the area suddenly swarmed around Allen and the eggs.
Professor Oak, in his excitement, nearly tripped over himself trying to get a closer look. "Wait, WAIT, kid—where did you get those?!"
Another person, practically vibrating with excitement, gasped. "Do you even know what species they are?! Those could be rare! Oh my Arceus—"
The fact that the criminals conducted an illegal excavation here...
Grandma Dracelia, immediately protective, pulled Allen closer. "BACK UP."
Officer Jenny, already exhausted from the day's chaos, crossed her arms. "Alright, calm down, people. They're just eggs."
The crowd collectively rolled their eyes. 'How dare she say just eggs?!'
But Officer Jenny ignored them. She walked up to Allen, knelt to his eye level, and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Hello, Allen. My name is Jenny, and I'm the chief officer from Eterna City. Before you can officially become the guardian of these eggs, may I know what Pokémon species they contain?"
Allen was curious about Officer Jenny, but even more so about why they needed to know what Pokémon were inside. 'Did they want to take the eggs away from him?'
Seeing Allen's suspicious expression, Officer Jenny coughed and quickly explained, "We need to make sure these eggs don't belong to an endangered species or contain Pokémon that are too dangerous for a beginner—especially a child like you. Some Pokémon require a special license or permission from the League before you can officially own them."
'Is that so?' Allen thought, relaxing slightly.
"Fine, then." He handed over the eggs with a dramatic sigh. "They're dead anyway."
Officer Jenny blinked. "…What?"
Allen shrugged. "The criminals already did something to them. I don't know what exactly, but I heard them talking about it."
"…"
Everyone stilled. Then—rage.
How dare they!
Officer Jenny's relief at Allen's cooperation quickly turned into a deep frown at the revelation. "Bring me the equipment to check the eggs!" she barked.
The tools she was referring to were actually the ones confiscated from the criminals. The police quickly retrieved them and set up the diagnostic device, the same one Allen had used earlier to check the eggs' condition.
Silence.
No signs of life.
The crowd, once buzzing with excitement, immediately lost interest. Only Professor Oak, Professor Rowan, and Professor Carolina remained, still inspecting the eggs, trying to figure out if there was any hope left. But even they couldn't do much.
Officer Jenny sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before shaking her head. Since the eggs showed no life signs, they would no longer be categorized as Pokémon but rather as artifacts or treasures.
She turned back to Allen, giving him a reassuring look. "You don't need to worry about ownership. According to the Pokémon Association's regulations, specifically Article 21, Section 6b—"
Article 21, Section 6b
"Any individual who first discovers a valuable object, including but not limited to Pokémon Eggs, ancient artifacts, or hidden treasures, holds the primary ownership rights over the discovery."
Meaning:The discoverer has the right to keep, care for, or trade the discovered object, as long as it complies with applicable laws. If the discovered object is a Pokémon, the discoverer has the first right to capture and train it, unless it is classified as a protected species under conservation laws.
Exceptions:
If the discovered object has historical or cultural significance or belongs to an endangered species, ownership may be transferred to the Pokémon League, a museum, or a research facility, with appropriate compensation for the discoverer.
If the object is found within private property or a restricted area, ownership may be subject to local regulations.
If multiple parties claim to have discovered the object simultaneously, the rightful owner will be determined based on valid evidence (such as video recordings, witness testimonies, or research data).
Disputes can be resolved through mediation or, if necessary, through Pokémon Court.
Officer Jenny lowered the handbook and smiled. "Since you were the one who found these eggs, they legally belong to you. Congratulations, kid."
Allen stared at the handbook, his eyes widening slightly.
'Law Handbook?'
The books in his aunt's collection were mostly about basics, lore, and children's stories. This was the first time he had seen something that could actually be useful for him in the future.
"Officer Jenny, may I see that?"
Officer Jenny blinked, surprised. "This?" She raised the handbook in question, and Allen nodded in response.
After a moment of thought, Officer Jenny handed the book to Allen. "Then you can keep it. I think it'll be useful for you."
"Then I thank you, Officer Jenny," Allen said, naturally happy with the gesture.
1st Exchange: Helping Apprehend the Criminal for the Two Pokémon Eggs.
After seeing that the eggs still showed no signs of life, Allen sighed in relief. He then turned to everyone present and the others who had gathered around.
"Do you know what I can do with the eggs?" Allen asked, holding the two Pokémon eggs carefully in his hands.
Officer Jenny thought for a moment before responding. "At this point, you can either sell them to a collector or a research facility for further study."
Professor Oak, who had been eagerly rubbing his hands, nodded in agreement. "That's true. In fact, I'd be willing to purchase the eggs for 60,000 PokéDollars each. Of course, the purchase would come with the understanding that they'd be used strictly for research purposes. They will be well taken care of and studied by the best experts," he said while pointing his finger at himself.
Allen glanced at Professor Oak weirdly before looking down at the eggs. He then looked back up. "I understand the value of these eggs in the world of research," he said slowly, then shook his head. "But I don't want to give up on the Pokémon eggs."
"What do you want to do?"
"I want to save the eggs."
Everyone around him froze for a moment, taken aback by his determination. Professor Oak wanted to say something but, in the end, he couldn't bring himself to.
Allen's expression was serious. "Professor, is there any way to save the Pokémon eggs?"
Professor Oak and Professor Rowan exchanged a glance, both sighing heavily. Yeah, he was still just a kid, after all.
Owning a starter Pokémon was a dream for many young kids who could only play with domesticated Pokémon at home, and these eggs probably held a special meaning for him, especially since it was the first Pokémon egg he found, after all the struggles.
Professor Rowan, feeling pity for him, softened his tone. "It's better to use them for research. But, it's also fine if you want to keep them. It's your choice." He paused, thinking for a moment before continuing, "Usually, if something happens to the Pokémon egg, we soak it in Incubation Fluid, as it's nutrient-rich and infused with healing properties to keep the egg in optimal health."
"Galar Association will be willing to support two Incubation Fluids."
Out of nowhere, an old voice rang out, and everyone instinctively turned to see Professor Magnolia walking with her cane.
"Oh, Magnolia, what are you doing here? Who's guarding the base?"
The "base" referred to the emergency tent set up to investigate Milcery and Alcremie evolution in Celestic Town.
"Don't worry about that," Professor Magnolia replied with a reassuring wave before turning to Allen. "The Sinnoh Association has agreed to allow Alcremie to be registered in the Galar Pokédex. At least, this is what I can offer you. So, what do you think, kid?"
Allen didn't respond immediately. He pondered for a moment before asking, "How long does the Incubation Fluid last before it needs to be replaced?"
Professor Magnolia was surprised by the question. She hadn't expected such thoroughness from the boy.
"Well," she began, "the fluid can last anywhere from four to six months past its expiration date, as long as the container remains unopened. However, once opened, it should be used within four weeks to ensure it stays sterile and hasn't been exposed to contamination."
Allen nodded. "Then I thank Professor Magnolia for the support," he said as he bowed.
2nd Exchange: Two Incubation Fluids for discovering Alcremie's evolution.
"Done!"
Before anyone could say anything, another voice was heard, this time young and fresh.
Nurse Joy cheerfully announced as she walked over with her Chansey waddling alongside her. The pink Pokémon had a large basket full of medical supplies, and it gave Allen a big smile, almost as if congratulating him.
Allen's eyes lit up as he watched the scene unfold.
"Is the Absol okay, Joy?" Officer Jenny asked, her tone filled with concern.
"Yes, the injury was severe," Nurse Joy replied, her voice steady, "but thankfully, with a Full Restore, it's back to normal. Although..." She trailed off, looking helplessly at the two Absol standing at a distance, watching them with cautious eyes.
Chansey, sensing the tension, took a step forward and gave a soft "Chan~sey!" as if asking, 'Why are you two just standing there by yourselves?'
The two Absol flinched. The pink, bubbly Chansey was just too much for them. They exchanged a quick look, and before they knew it, they both shook their heads furiously.
If it weren't for their injuries, they'd definitely have kept their distance from this overly eager, marshmallow-like Pokémon.
Seeing their discomfort, Chansey sighed in defeat, clearly disappointed.
Nurse Joy burst into laughter and turned to the Absol. "It's okay, you can leave if you want to," she said, her voice filled with understanding.
Her Chansey was indeed different—too extroverted, too clingy.
The tension in the air was palpable, with everyone around them holding their breath at the appearance of the two Absol. Their presence, always marked by an eerie calm, made the moment feel even more surreal.
Professor Rowan instinctively took a step forward, his fascination with the rare Pokémon evident. "Fascinating..." he murmured, eyes locked on the Absol.
But as soon as the Absol noticed Professor Rowan's approach, they grew alert. With a swift hop, they retreated into the shadows and disappeared as quickly as they had come.
Allen, still focused on the communication between Chansey and the Absol, soon realized he had forgotten to thank the Absol, but by then, they had already disappeared.
After the Absol situation was settled, everyone's attention turned back to the dam.
The engineers from the Pokémon Association had finally arrived, and they immediately got to work inspecting it.
The lead engineer, a burly man with a hard hat, approached the dam with his team, checking every crack and crevice. As they worked, they shared their findings with the group.
"This dam is not just decades old; it's probably been here for over a hundred years," the lead engineer said, carefully inspecting the weathered stone. "It's definitely showing its age. The structure is severely deteriorating. There's evidence of wear that could cause major problems if not addressed soon."
Another engineer, taking measurements nearby, added, "There's no active alarm system here, which means if the dam fails, there won't be any warning."
Everyone fell silent as the gravity of the situation settled in.
"It's a miracle it hasn't failed yet," Professor Rowan said, looking concerned.
Professor Carolina, upon hearing the news, became serious.
Celestic Town was her hometown, and the thought of anything happening to it was unbearable. She gently patted Allen's shoulder.
"Well done. Because of you, we've discovered this problem before it turned into chaos. Also, the historical site—it means a lot to Grandma. Allen, if there's anything on your mind or anything you'd like to ask, Grandma will do her best to help."
3rd Exchange: Discovery of the dam problem + the statue, exchange for...?