“Well, at least you’ll be doing something you enjoy.” You offer him a smile, but Ingo can tell your heart’s not in it.

Ingo hesitated, looking at your expression. He placed a hand on your shoulder to soothe your worries.

A shout startles him; it’s Emmet, urging him to hurry. They’re leaving to study trains and battling. Ingo calls back that he’s coming before turning to you.

“You’ll write to me, won’t you?” you insist. “And we can still see each other?”

“Of course,” he says, smiling awkwardly. “I’ll send you letters by Pidove mail.”

He doesn’t see you for another three years.

— — — —

“Ah. Your battle was not bad. However, we did slightly better. We would like to battle again!” A loud voice speaks to the defeated trainer. Chandelure returns to its Pokeball. The trainer thanks them before leaving.

Ingo puts Chandelure’s Pokeball away. He glances around, checking the station’s safety. He sees a familiar figure—or what looks like your partner Pokémon. He wants to approach but hesitates. What if they don’t recognize him? It’s only been five years—surely they wouldn’t forget?

He follows the figure, pushing through the crowd, and sees… a Ditto transforming into your partner Pokémon. Ingo scowls, then hears a familiar voice. Turning, he sees you.

“Anon?”