Wild Rattata appeared

"She said yes," his dad repeated. 

"You're telling me this wild Pokémon… just bonded with you?"

"Exactly that." Ayan gave a sheepish smile. "Strange, I know. But hey, sometimes the universe works weirdly."

His mother finally set the spatula down, stepping closer with wide eyes.

"She's beautiful," she murmured, bending slightly to meet the Pidgey's gaze. "Can I…?"

"Only her head," Ayan warned gently. She reached out and carefully ran a finger over the soft feathers atop Pidgey's head. The bird trilled, leaning into the touch.

"Oh my god," his mom whispered. "She's actually letting me. She's so soft!"

"Welcome to the family, little one!" his dad grinned. "What does she like Seeds? Berries? Do we need to buy a perch or something?" 

"Relax, Dad," Ayan chuckled. "I'll handle her care. But if we have fruit—like apples or berries—she'll probably love that." This was the truth. This world didn't have the Poke cubes and he had read the information of the Poke cubes on the OakNet yesterday night. A single Poke cube was enough for normal sized Pokémon to last for 4 to 5 days. Only Pokémon with huge body like Onix, Dragonite, Snorlax and others would need more regular Poke cubes. 

He had already fed Charmander and Pidgey yesterday and thus they weren't hungry, but any Pokémon would like any home made food or fruits. Within minutes, Pidgey was seated on a small cushion at the dining table, being offered bits of cut mango and apple slices by both parents, who were now entirely enchanted.

"Pidgey" (hmph! This is how I should be treated. Food and adoration. Those stupid younglings)

"She's got good manners," his mom said approvingly as Pidgey carefully pecked at the fruit without making a mess. "Unlike you at that age."

"I'm still that age."

"Exactly."

Ayan didn't know what to say. If these people gave so much attention to each of his Pokémon, how would they feel if they saw Charmander coming out of his other Poke ball. The reason why he didn't bring Charmander out was because he might not be able to explain his existence. 

Pidgey was fine as it was quite common in the area and though it was very difficult to catch them because of their speed, it was still acceptable if any wild Pokémon just decided to follow a human. But Charmander was a rare Pokémon, especially in a place like Shillong which was among the mountains and receives huge amount of rainfall throughout the year. 

And after seeing how his classmates reacted to just a Pidgey following him, he was more sure of hiding his cards. Only after the first mandated Pokémon would he show his cards bit by bit. After lunch, Ayan leaned back with a sigh, arms stretched behind his chair. He was full, Pidgey was dozing peacefully on her cushion, and the morning's excitement was finally wearing off.

"I'm going to take a nap," he announced.

"You've earned it," his mom said without looking up from where she was scrolling through an article titled "Top Ten Pokémon Nesting Habits and What They Mean." While she looked at her mobile Leavanny and Machamp helped with the dishes. They were very happy to see a new addition to the family and doted on her, almost instantly. 

"Don't wake me up unless the house is on fire."

"Noted," his dad called from the kitchen.

Ayan was back in his room and he took the Pokémon into the Heal Ball. He could only take a nap of around 1 hour or so, more than that his parents might get suspicious and ask to open the door. Thus he didn't have much time and had to work accordingly. After taking the Heal Ball and the other Poke Ball, he vanished from his room and soon found himself at the same place he had previously stood the previous night. 

But unlike the daytime of the previous travel, it was now dawn here and the sun seemed to be coming out any minute now. He understood that the time difference was almost opposite to his time on Earth. After putting an alarm on his PokeDex he carried on forward.

Ayan walked a short distance into the clearing near Route 1 before finally pausing. He took a deep breath and unclipped Charmander's Poké Ball.

"Alright, buddy," he whispered. "Come on out."

The ball popped open with a soft chime, and in a small flash of light, Charmander emerged. The little Fire-type stretched the moment he landed, tail flame flickering brighter as he took in the cool air of the early morning.

"Char?" he blinked, then looked up at Ayan.

"Hey, I'm sorry I didn't call you out earlier today. I know I told you we'd be together. But… I had to be careful." Charmander tilted his head.

"You're a Fire-type. Pretty rare in that world, especially in Shillong," Ayan continued. "If I had shown you to my parents or at school, it would've been impossible to explain. People would ask too many questions, and I don't want to risk anyone trying to take you away."

Charmander crossed his small arms and looked down, thoughtful. Then after a second, he gave a short grunt and nodded.

"Char."

"You're okay with it?"

Charmander gave him a thumbs-up.

"Char charmander!" (Once I'm strong enough, I'll protect you. I don't mind waiting. So let's get stronger)

"You're the best."

Just then, the Pidgey popped out from the Heal Ball again on her own—seemed like she had grown more used to him already. She took her place on his shoulder as if she'd never left.

"All right, team," Ayan said, standing upright. "Let's get moving."

They moved through the wild grass slowly, Ayan's steps light and careful. The morning air carried the sounds of chirps, rustling leaves, and the occasional cry of distant Pokémon.

Just ahead, the grass shifted and a skittish Rattata emerged. The Rattata's sharp eyes darted toward them. 

Wild Rattata – Level 2. 

Ayan narrowed his eyes. He remembered both Pokémon well from the games, but here in the wild, they moved with instinct, unpredictability, and depth.