February 2017.
The incident: Chen, an S-Class fugitive on the Trainer Association's wanted list, was exposed, intercepted, and arrested by Magic City University researcher Cynthia.
Further investigation revealed that Chen had been in clandestine contact with foreign organizations, leading to additional charges of treason.
Owen lay unconscious in a bed at the Aurelia General Hospital. He had been trapped in a long, feverish dream where Eevee was consumed by the R drug, her fate hanging by a thread.
"Cough—!"
Owen's eyes snapped open. The first thing he saw was a doctor's face looming over him.
"You're in the hospital. Stay calm, you're still recovering from your injuries."
Owen's gaze was vacant for a moment before the memories rushed back like a tidal wave. The battle between Cynthia and Chen... Eevee's second berserk state... and his own attempt to reach her, which ended when Eevee, lost to the drug, attacked him and knocked him unconscious.
"Where's Eevee?" Owen rasped.
The fact that the "little brat" had actually attacked him was the least of his concerns. He only cared if she was alive.
"The Eevee..." The doctor pulled back a curtain. "She's experienced some complications, but her life isn't in danger. She's in the bed right next to yours. Rest easy."
Owen looked over and saw Eevee fast asleep. "What's wrong with her? Why isn't she awake?"
"That..." The doctor hesitated. "I can't say for sure. I'm a general practitioner, not a specialized Pokémon physician."
Owen's heart sank, but a moment later, the door opened. With the doctor's nod, a young woman with tea-colored hair and glasses stepped inside.
"You're awake."
"You... you're Cynthia."
Owen recognized her—the researcher who had stormed the lab and saved them. Cynthia looked at the pair with a gaze full of apology. "I didn't plan thoroughly enough. I let you and Eevee fall into a trap. I'm sorry."
"No," Owen shook his head weakly. "That man had already drugged her before you even arrived. If it weren't for you, we wouldn't have made it out at all. I just need to know... what happened to Eevee?"
Cynthia adjusted her glasses. "Rotom, show him the copied medical report."
A smartphone-shaped Pokémon flew out of her pocket, its electronic voice chirping: "Bip... bip... Loading complete! Examination shows a completely new gene has manifested in Eevee's system.
Her existing unstable genes have begun to 'solidify.' Additionally, her brain suffered a massive shock, resulting in a sudden, explosive spike in Mental Power.
Because we don't know when she will wake up, we cannot determine if the outcome is positive or negative, zzt-roto!"
"Are there side effects?" Owen asked, struggling to process the jargon.
"We don't know," Cynthia admitted. "This is unprecedented. Eevee's genes are usually volatile; 'solidification' is unheard of.
My only advice is to keep her away from radioactive items like Evolution Stones for now. As for the mental power, Rotom believes Eevee used a specific technique—likely related to her bond with you—to forcibly overcharge her brain to suppress the R-drug's toxins."
Owen fell silent. New genes? Solidification? Had Eevee used the "Return" training method to tap into her latent brain potential just to stay sane?
"Don't worry about the medical or exam fees; I've taken care of it," Cynthia continued. "My mentor, Dr. Qing at Magic City University, is an expert in genetics.
I'll ask her to fly down personally. Also, regarding your studies... given your paper on the Anticipation ability and this incident, I can guarantee you a spot at Magic City University without you having to take the college entrance exams. Just focus on recovering."
"Thank you..." Owen looked at Eevee, his heart a mess of emotions.
After leaving Owen's room, Cynthia encountered a group of men in white lab coats in the hallway. They were arguing with the hospital administration.
"According to our intel, that patient's Eevee has ingested a prohibited substance and is a high-risk factor," the lead researcher said, brandishing a document. "It must be transferred to the Aurelia Trainer Association immediately."
"Transferred to you?" Cynthia stepped forward, cutting them off.
"Who are you?" the lead researcher frowned.
"And if your 'investigation' finds she is dangerous?" Cynthia asked coldly.
"Then such a Pokémon is no longer fit to be a starter for a rookie. For public safety, we would 'recycle' the specimen and provide the trainer with appropriate compensation."
Cynthia's response was a single, flat word: "Beat it."
She knew exactly what they wanted. An Eevee that successfully adapted to the R drug was a research treasure that could make any geneticist go mad with greed. Using "public safety" as a shield to steal a kid's partner was a tactic she despised.
"You... we represent the Aurelia Association!" the researcher barked.
"The little girl is right. Take your 'official business' and shove it. I'm taking personal responsibility for this rookie."
A sudden laugh echoed through the hall. A man dressed like a vagrant—messy hair, tattered clothes—appeared out of nowhere.
If Owen had been there, he would have recognized him instantly: it was the old man from the alleyway who had given him the Swagger manual.
"And who are you—" The researcher started to snap, but his face went pale the moment he saw the old man's features. "Mr... Mr. Kong? We heard you were in Aurelia... if you are handling this, then we'll be on our way."
The researchers scurried away like mice. Even Cynthia bowed slightly in respect.
This was Kong Hai, the "Boar" of the Twelve Zodiacs—the elite core of the Trainer Association headquarters. He was one of the top trainers in the country and a legendary Master-level Psychic.
"Mr. Kong," Cynthia greeted.
"Is the kid going to be okay?" Kong Hai asked, picking his ear.
"He should be fine."
"Good. It would be a waste otherwise."
Cynthia hesitated. "Do you know him?"
She knew that during her fight with Chen, some foreign agents had tried to interfere, only to be crushed instantly by an invisible force.
That had been Kong Hai's doing. The "Boar" was known for being a wanderer who loved to travel the country in disguise, offering tips to talented youngsters he happened to meet.
"The kid? Yeah, he left an impression." Kong Hai grinned. Then he looked at Cynthia. "Never mind him.
You, little girl... taking down an S-Class fugitive at your age? Impressive. That guy was a handful even for pros. How about it? Want to be my disciple?"
Cynthia smiled gently. "Don't you have enough trouble with Tree (Su Shu)?"
Shu, a Master Psychic and one of the current Four Heavenly Kings of China, was Kong Hai's most famous student—a national celebrity.
"You're not a bit worse than him," the old man chuckled.
"I appreciate the offer, but I don't need a teacher right now..."
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