Keep my name out of your mouth

"Oh.. Did you take any picture?" The woman asked. 

"No," Ayan cut in quickly. "We didn't get a clear look. It was too fast. But I think it flew in that direction." He pointed off to the northeast, which was the direction the Pokémon had actually vanished to. 

"We'll check the direction you mentioned. According to the radar that Pokémon is very powerful. Please return back to your dormitories. It might be dangerous here later." The woman said. She didn't find it odd that they didn't have any pictures. A strong Pokémon would always an aura around them, which make others, who are weak, cower in fear. This was not a mental response but an actual induced fear radiated by any powerful Pokémon. 

So their response was normal. With a practiced tug on the reins, both rangers lifted off into the air again, their Pokémon taking to the skies with incredible speed. The branches rattled, and within seconds, they were dots on the horizon.

"Why did you say no photo? I was about to say yes." Neil asked. 

"Any new Pokémon which is photographed, one would get a good amount of fame when given to the Alliance. Do you believe that if you show them your picture, they won't take a copy of it and then show it to the Alliance for extra points?" Ayan asked as a matter of fact. 

"Eh.. They are Rangers. Warriors of the forest. They won't be that bad right?" Elicia asked. 

"This world only worships strength. If you don't have strength, you don't have the right to speak. They might not do it, but what if they do? Can you stop it? Stop being so naive." Ayan said. This made both Neil and Elicia, for the first time, see a side of Ayan, they had never seen before. 

He seemed very sure that they would be duped and thus took precautions. In hindsight, what Ayan said was right, but these were the Rangers they were talking about. Rangers across the world are respected and admired, and they were known for honesty. Thus it was unbelievable to someone like Neil and Elicia that they would be treacherous. 

"Don't speak a word of it to the teachers or other classmates. This picture belongs to you and Elicia, so keep it as a secret and not a word should be spoken until you reach the authorities. Is that clear?" Ayan said. 

"Wait.. This picture belongs to you too. You should also come.. " Neil found his wording to be a bit weird so he had to say that. 

"I am not. My name will not be mentioned and you will keep my name out." Ayan said. 

"What? Ayan.. Are you mad? Don't you know the fame you will get if you submit a new Pokémon? You will even get monetary rewards. Why don't you want your name to be with it?" Elicia now found it more confusing. Even her, who had a great upbringing wanted to be famous. 

But what was up with this person.

"I ain't mad. I just don't like people around." Ayan refused to speak more as Neil too hopped in and requested him to come with them to the Alliance when they go for making this discovery official but Ayan didn't even entertain that idea. 

As dusk gave way to the soft embrace of night, the trio made their way out of the forest. The trees behind them rustled with wind and memory, the encounter with Celebi still lingering like a half-remembered dream. Though none of them spoke of it further, the air between them had changed—heavier somehow, more thoughtful.

By the time they reached the dormitory campus, lights had already flickered on around the main courtyard, casting long shadows across the cobblestone paths. Other teams were already back, laughing and recounting the day's experiences under the gentle glow of lamplight.

Their coordination teacher, Mr. Raines, stood near the entrance with a clipboard in hand. A former ranger himself, and one of most respected ones of the school. 

"Team 7?" he called as Ayan, Neil, and Elicia approached.

"Yes, sir!" Neil responded, stepping forward a bit too enthusiastically.

"Let's see your results," Mr. Raines said, adjusting his glasses.

Neil handed over their mobile, and Elicia followed with hers. The professor scrolled through the entries—one by one—the images of Pokémon they had documented flickering across the screen. Heracross. Dewpider. Bidoof. Then the next day's additions: Wormadam, Swadloon, two Durants, Pinsir, Scyther, Shuckle, Marill, Surskit, Swanna, Poliwhirl. 

"Hmm.. Uncommon Pokémon documented in less than two days. Outstanding work, all of you." 

A few other students turned to look, whispering.

"You'll get special credit for this. Not many last years pull off something like this on their assignment." He looked up from the device. "Well done."

Neil beamed. Elicia straightened, her cheeks faintly pink with pride. Ayan simply nodded, eyes scanning the gathering crowd like someone already preparing to leave.

Later that night, the entire class gathered around a large fire pit at the center of the dormitory courtyard. The fire crackled and spat glowing embers into the air as students laughed, roasted marshmallows, and shared stories of narrow misses and thrilling captures.

Neil was in the middle of a very animated retelling of how they stumbled upon the fighting Swablu and Lombre, complete with over-the-top reenactments and commentary. The others students were no envious looking at the vacant look on the face of Lombre who stood beside Neil. They didn't expect one person to be so lucky. The whole team 7 now had Pokémon. 

Some of them vowed to get along with any of the three after today. Maybe their luck would be better. Eventually, the noise and heat felt like too much for Ayan. He quietly slipped away from the circle, wandering past the dormitory steps until he found an open spot on the edge of the hill that sloped down toward the forest. The night sky stretched above him, unbothered and infinite. Stars twinkled like soft signals from distant places, and a crescent moon hung low and serene.

Ayan would miss moments like these in his past life so having the chance to be at peace, wasn't something he would like to miss.