Pokemon: Champion's Path

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The Pokémon Egg had a crimson base, suggesting a possible connection to Fire-type Pokémon, while the black-grey stripes added an air of mystery.

Despite Eric's extensive knowledge of Pokémon from his previous life, he couldn't identify the species this egg belonged to.

Curiosity burned within him, but so did the question: why was Mrs. Juniper so keen to entrust him with this egg?

Eric voiced his doubts, and Mrs Juniper sighed softly, her gaze drifting to the egg she cradled with care.

"My son is an explorer," she began. "He found this egg during one of his expeditions in the Sinnoh region. He intended to raise the Pokémon once it hatched, but no matter how much time passed, the egg never showed signs of hatching."

Her voice faltered momentarily before she continued.

"Carrying the egg everywhere became a burden during his adventures, so the last time he visited, he left it with me, promising that once it hatched, he'd take over running this store."

A faint, bittersweet smile crossed her face. "But the egg remains unhatched, no matter how long it stays here. Even when Nurse Joy checked it, she confirmed the Pokémon inside was alive. It's no dead egg, but it's still dormant."

She paused, meeting Eric's gaze with a mix of hope and desperation. "I've seen your Pokémon, Eric. They're strong, and they trust you deeply. Maybe, just maybe, you'll succeed where we've failed. You might be able to help this little one finally come into the world."

Eric looked at the egg in her hands, feeling the faint warmth of life radiating from it. It wasn't just an object it was a fragile, waiting soul.

His mind wavered between logic and emotion. On the one hand, the egg was an unknown, enigmatic gamble. The species and hatching timeline were completely uncertain, and it could demand time and resources he wasn't sure he had.

On the other hand, it felt wrong to leave this tiny, waiting life in limbo. Mrs. Juniper's earnest hope and the unspoken promise of the egg itself weighed heavily on his heart.

After a long silence, Eric finally spoke, his voice steady. "I can't promise it'll hatch, but I can promise to do everything I can to help this little one come into the world."

"That's all I could ask for," Mrs Juniper replied, her wrinkled hands brushing the egg gently as she handed it over. Her eyes glistened with gratitude.

"If it hatches, let it help you on your farm," she added with a wistful smile. "That would be enough for me."

"Deal," Eric said firmly.

---

Leaving the seed shop, Eric found himself carrying more than he had anticipated. What had begun as a simple errand now included a Pokémon Egg cradled carefully in his arms, alongside the seed packets he'd purchased earlier.

He walked slowly, his mind buzzing with questions. A quick search on his phone didn't reveal any matches for the egg's unique pattern. It seemed like identifying the species would require more expert input.

But even before that, he'd need to purchase hatching supplies. Pokémon Egg incubators were notoriously expensive, though he was fortunate to still have the one he'd used for Dragonite's egg.

The bigger concern was the specialized nutrient formula required to support the egg's development a cost he remembered all too well from his early days as a trainer.

By the time Eric finished his errands, including buying fertilizer and grass seeds for the farm's pastures, the sun had begun to set.

He arranged for the heavier items to be delivered and made his way back home, savouring the cool evening breeze.

---

When Eric returned to the farm, the stars were already beginning to twinkle in the darkening sky. Moonlight illuminated the newly cleared fields and outlined the broken wooden fences surrounding his property.

As he approached the gate, six pairs of glowing eyes greeted him, his loyal Pokémon waiting in silence; Luxray stood at the forefront, its golden eyes gleaming like miniature suns, while Aegislash's blade flickered faintly with ghostly fire.

Warmth filled Eric's chest at the sight. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he could always rely on his team.

He quickened his pace, reaching the gate. Serperior's piercing gaze swept over him, pausing on the egg in his arms. Its eyes narrowed slightly, almost as if it were questioning his judgment.

"You're late again," its expression seemed to say, though it remained silent.

Eric chuckled. "Don't worry. I'll explain everything inside," he said, gently patting the egg.

Dragonite fluttered closer, concern etched into its usually cheerful face. It inspected the egg with care, its tiny wings flapping anxiously.

Satisfied that it hadn't been damaged, it wrapped Eric in a cautious hug, careful not to jostle its fragile cargo.

Eric smiled and scratched its head. "Thanks for taking Arven home safely."

"Droooo~"

Dragonite chirped softly, then turned to watch as Mimikyu shuffled closer, its presence so faint that Eric might not have noticed it without effort.

"Mimikyu, come on," Eric called gently. "Let's head inside."

At his words, Mimikyu's tattered cloak perked up, and it practically skipped forward, joy radiating from its small, hidden form.

Meanwhile, Luxray's sharp eyes caught the interaction, and its confident demeanour wavered. It prided itself on uniting the team, but Mimikyu's faint aura constantly eluded its efforts. The electric Pokémon vowed silently to try harder next time.

Eric carried the egg inside, his Pokémon following close behind. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, he focused on one thought:

This egg was his responsibility now, and he wouldn't let it down.

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Don't forget to drop some Power Stones!

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