The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting, a warm glow across Kieran's room. He stirr. He let out a quiet yawn as he stretched his arms. The familiar surroundings of his childhood bedroom brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia as he recalled the day he first fell in love with Pokemon. In the corner, Twilight, his loyal partner, lay curled up in her green circular bed, the rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing a soothing sight.

Kieran slipped out of bed, careful not to disturb Twilight as he passed his teal-colored nightstand where his belt carrying his six Pokeballs sat and smiled as he thought about how his current team of six had fair in the league. He then entered the bathroom and took a quick morning shower. He then came back out dressed in his usual attire of his blue jacket unzipped with a white shirt and black jeans. 

His eyes then moved to his desk, where a small package was placed near his teal backpack, and he recalled the present his father sent. He walked over and read the note on top.

"For my son, a reminder of my love despite never being around. Love, Dad."

Kieran unwrapped the gift to find a Pokeball-themed wristband. It was simple yet elegant with miniature replicas of pokeballs embedded on it. A smile spread across his face as he slipped it onto his left wrist, feeling a surge of warmth at the thoughtful gesture his father had for never being around because of Team Rocket though they had a few encounters during his journey in Johto.

Heading downstairs, he found his family already gathered for breakfast. The table was laden with fresh toast, eggs, and fruit. His mother, Jennifer, and stepfather, Jameson, greeted him with smiles while his younger siblings, Liam and Emma, chattered with each other. Paws lounged, watching the proceedings with a lazy gaze.

"Morning K-man!" Liam called out grinning."Nice wristband."

Kieran chuckled."Thank you, it's from my father," He said.

"So that's what you got this year," Jennifer said, looking at her son's wristband as Kieran sat down and began eating. 

As soon as he was done eating, he called out to Twilight," Let's go for a morning stroll," He said, glancing at Twilight, who had just finished eating." Paws, see you later, and make sure Luxray eats and not wandering off training because of his disappointment in how the battle turned out back at the league. I do wonder how Ash did," he said as he walked out the kitchen with Twilight following. 

"He probably finally beat Paul," Twilight mentally said to Kieran as they left the kitchen.

Kieran put on his comfortable blue sneakers and stepped out into the fresh morning air of Cherrygrove. The streets were peaceful, with a soft sound, the wind rustling the leaves of the trees. The city had always been a blend of tranquility and quiet activity, a perfect place to collect one's thoughts.

As they walked, Kieran spotted a young girl practicing by the water's edge. She had peach skin, shoulder-length pink hair, and blue eyes. She wore a blue dress over a blue skirt, purple leggings, and pink boots. By her side was a Meowth, the Pokémon concentrating intently as the girl guided it through a routine. Kieran recognized the moves as practice for a Pokémon Contest, a popular event in Johto where trainers displayed their Pokémon's beauty and skills.

Just as Meowth attempted a leap, it miscalculated, slipping off balance and tumbling toward the water. Instinctively, Kieran extended his hand and, with a subtle movement, used his hydrokinesis to form a cushion of water that gently caught the Meowth and placed it back on the ground. The girl hadn't noticed the intervention, too focused on her training, but Kieran smiled to himself, feeling a quiet satisfaction in helping.

"That was a close one," Kieran said to Twilight, who nodded in agreement.

As they continued, their Kieran mood was feeling lighter and calmer from the recent events of the Lily of the Valley Conference. However, his mood shifted as he noticed a woman leaning against a tree was watching him intently. She was in her mid-forties to early fifties, with short dark brown hair and brown eyes. She wore black glasses, white earrings, and a necklace with a white triangle pendant. Her outfit was a gray buttoned-up blazer with a matching skirt, light brown tights, and black shoes. A light pink shirt peeked out from under her blazer. She had an air of authority about her.

'Who that she does seem like someone from around here. She dressed like someone with a lot of authority, though, but who is she, and where she is from.' Kieran thought, confused about who the woman was and why she was watching him.

The woman approached with a measured stride."Your abilities are intriguing," She said, her voice smooth and controlled."I know where your powers could be useful, care to hear more?" She asked. 

Twilight's ears twitched, sensing something uneasy about the woman."Something is up with her, don't trust her," Twilight said to Kieran.

Trusting Twilight's instincts,   Kieran put his guard up and chose his next move with caution. He shook his offering to the woman with a polite smile."I'm sorry,  but I should get back home, don't worry, my parents."

As he turned to leave, the woman watched him intently, her expression inscrutable. She seemed to consider something more but refrained. As Kieran and Twilight walked away She muttered under her breath," We will meet again soon, Kieran."

Unknown to Kieran, as he continued to walk, the woman stepped back into the shadows of the trees. Her body shimmered and transformed, revealing her true form. She now had blue skin, red hair that cascaded over her shoulders, and striking yellow eyes with black irises. A yellow triangular gem was set upon her forehead. Her attire changed to a white sleeveless but long dress with a purple skin-tight suit underneath, matching white boots that reached her thighs, and white fingerless gloves.

●●●●

Meanwhile, in another part of Cherrygrove, the Blackbird, a sleek jet landed discreetly. Then three figures exit the jet: Charles Xavier, Storm, and Logan.  The trio made their way to the quiet streets of Kieran's home, where they were greeted by Jennifer and Jameson.

"Hello, Professor Xavier, it 's been four years since we last met You," Jameson greeted as he shook the Professor's hand."Are you here to talk to Kieran and who are these two?" He asked.

"I'm Ororo Munroe, and yes, we came to see your son, Kieran," Storm said, introducing herself.

"Logan," said the gruff man, nodding."So where is the boy?" Logan said.

"Kieran went out for a walk with his partner Twilight, but please come inside and have some tea while you wait for him to return," Jennifer offered, letting the trio inside the house.

As they entered, they noticed Liam and Emma playing around with Paws, who was trying to sleep near the windowsill. Logan shook his head at Purugly's clear annoyance of being disturbed yet the two kids didn't seem to get the message. Storm's attention was then drawn to four different pictures on the wall, each depicting Kieran with various Pokémon.

The first was a ten-year-old Kieran with short wavy aquamarine hair stopping above his ears and teal eyes. He wore a turquoise jacket over a white shirt with a Pikachu on it, teal pants, and comfortable blue sneakers. In his arms was an Eevee, and around him were shiny Ninetales, Drowzee, Persian, Sandslash, and Raichu. The next photo featured an eleven to twelve-year-old Kieran, wearing a blue and black hat, with a slightly different style of shirt, pants, and jacket, accompanied by an Espeon, Houndoom, Slowking, Sunflora, Sneasel, and Dragonite. The third picture showed a thirteen-year-old Kieran in a short-sleeve jacket, standing with Espeon, Sceptile, Dustox, Delcatty, Salamence, and Walrein. The final picture featured a fourteen-year-old Kieran with Espeon, Luxray, shiny Gallade, Infernape, Yanmega, and Purugly.

"Are these all the Pokemon Kieran captured on his journey?" Storm asked, intrigued.

Jennifer smiled warmly. "He captured more than these, but trainers can only carry up to six at a time. The rest usually stay either with the Pokémon Professor, who gave them their trainer license, or, in Kieran's case, some stay on our ranch in the back since we have the space. He just needs to adjust the transport system to which place he wants. Each picture represents the final team he used during his Pokémon League challenges."

Charles nodded in understanding."It's a notable way to document achievements in his journey as a trainer."

Liam, with childlike enthusiasm, shouted, "K-Man's the best!" Paws growled at the noise, prompting Liam and Emma to run off before the Purugly decided to retaliate.

At that moment, Kieran and Twilight entered the house, and he saw a blur of his younger siblings running upstairs. Kieran then turned towards the living and looked puzzled at his parents."What did Liam and Emma do to Paws?" he asked, seeing the annoyed expression on Paws' face, before noticing the three guests. "Who are they?"

Sensing Kieran's uneasiness, Twilight nuzzled against his leg.

Charles wheeled forward in his wheelchair, calm and reassuring. "Hello, Kieran. My name is Professor Charles Xavier, and these are my colleagues, Ororo Munroe and Logan. We'd like to talk to you about your abilities."

Kieran narrowed his eyes slightly, "My powers, how do You know about that?" He questioned.

"Come sit, Kiri, so we can talk," Jennifer said gently.

Kieran nodded and took a seat in the armchair while his mother and father were in the loveseat with Ororo and Logan on the couch.

"So what do you three want?" Kieran asked."How do you know about only my family and best friend because they were there when it first happened?"

"Kieran, do you remember how you came back four years ago and we told you someone was looking for you?" Jameson asked.

Kieran narrowed his eyes in thought."Yeah, sort does recall that my mind was more focused on the fact I got past the top 16 in my first league," He murmured as he faintly recalled that memory."Anyway, what about my abilities?" He asked, snapping out of his thoughts.

"You have wonderful gifts and we would like to help you learn more about them and being a mutant," Ororo stated.

"Mutant?" Kieran questioned.

"A mutant is someone born different from baseline humanity with enhanced genomes that give them special gifts," Charles explained."Like your ability to communicate with Pokémon and manipulate water."

"The thing is, we run a school where there are others like you, and we want to help you learn to control your powers," Logan stated.

Kieran processd their words with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. He had heard and learned about Aura guardian's and Psychic abilities and even met a few people with them, but he never met anyone that had possibly even other strange and odd abilities like his water manipulation."A school..where is it?" He asked unsure.

"It's in Bayville,New York. We offer a safe environment to explore your abilities,  understand them and grow," Charles explained. "You will also be receiving a normal education at Bayville High alongside your training. You have potential,Kieran let us help you master your powers."

'I would have to go away from home if I chose to go what should I do Twilight?" Kieran asked stroking Twilight who was studying the three intently. 

"Kieran,this is a wonderful opportunity for you. I know it might change your path,but me and your mother think it will be good for you," Jameson said.

"It's your decision,Kiri," Jennifer chimes in. 

Kieran looked down at Twilight who gazed back at him."I know that you goal has alway been to become a elite four or gym leader,but they seem genuine maybe you should take a break from Pokémon journeys and let them train you to understand your powers," Twilight said as she gazed into Kieran eyes.

Kieran gazed at the pictures of him and his Pokémon as he stood up."I...don't know it's a major change from my especially going back to school in person in life as a trainer most classes were online," He murmured."I will need to think about this not only for myself, but  for my friends," He said walking over and gently scratching behind Paws ear.

"That's fine , we 'll be here for another few days awaiting your answer," Charles said as Storm and Logan took their leave.

Kieran gazed at the pictures of him and his Pokémon as he stood up."I...don't know it's a major change from my especially going back to school in person in life as a trainer most classes were online," He murmured."I will need to think about this not only for myself, but  for my friends," He said walking over and gently scratching behind Paws ear.

"That's fine , we 'll be here for another few days awaiting your answer," Charles said as Storm and Logan took their leave after thanking Jennifer and Jameson for their hospitality.

Kieran watched them leave before turning back to his parents,"I'm heading over to Kaiyo's place for a bit before lunch," He said, heading back out feeling the eyes of Paws his Purugly on his back.

"This might be a hard choice to make,but you know the right path to make the answer will come," Paws said mentally causing Kieran to nod as he heard the message in his head  and chuckled softly at how deep a voice Purugly has for a female.

"Alright see you later!" Jennifer called out. 

As Kieran stepped out the house he took a deep breath as he breathed in the fresh air. He started making his way to see Kaiyo and talk to him and see what he thinks he should do. Twilight close by his side as mental support. 

He soon came across a familiar figure of Kaiyo, his best friend on a speeding shiny Arcanine towards Route 1. 

"Hey Kaiyo can we talk?" He asked.

Kaiyo glanced at Kieran from his position on his Arcanine."Yeah sure, I was going to talk to Professor Elm about my plans for Unova, but we can find somewhere private to talk about whatever is on your mind."

Soon they ended up at the usual spot to chat in a clearing near a beautiful waterfall where wild Quagsire lives. Not many people came here so it was a good place to have their conversations without being bothered.

"So what's on your mind?" Kaiyo asked, climbing off his Arcanine.

Kieran took a deep breath."I had some visitors today. They know about my abilities and offer me a place at their school in Bayville,  New York. They think it would be a good opportunity for me to understand and control my powers."

"That is a wonderful opportunity. It will provide you with an environment where you need to master your abilities without fear of being judged."

"I know," Kieran said rubbing the back of his neck."It's just..so different from what I'm used to. I have always been a Pokemon trainer, and the thought of leaving that behind is unsettling."

"Sometimes, a change in path can lead to unexpected opportunities to grow. If you feel like it is something that can help you grow and better yourself, it is worth considering at least that what my mom Amber would say," Kaiyo said with a smile.

"I appreciate your advice," Kieran said." I'm going to consider the thought and make my decision and of course I call you and let you know as well."

Kaiyo nodded."Sounds like a plan," He said getting back on Arcanine and rode off.

Kieran then headed back home and ate lunch with family then the rest of his day he spent his time in his bedroom thinking, before eating dinner hours later and then lifting off to bed with Twilight by his side as he reflected on his conversation with Kaiyo.

●●●●

The next morning, Kieran woke up with a sense of resolve. He knew he needed to make a decision and he felt ready to move forward. After breakfast, he decided to go for a walk with Twilight and Voltage by his side, deciding to bring Voltage his Luxray this morning with him.

He then spotted Charles, Ororo,and Logan sitting outside at a local Cafe drinking coffee and eating breakfast. Kieran approached and stood near the table."I've thought it over and I decided to accept the offer, but I have a few conditions.

Logan looked up."What are they kid?" He asked. 

"First I would like my own room at the school. I prefer not to have a roommate, unless I trust them to respect my boundaries," Kieran stated firmly.

Storm nodded."That's reasonable. I believe we can accommodate that request."

"Second, i'd like at least six pokemon of my choice to come with me on my new path," Kieran continued as Voltage nodded in agreement."I won't go without at least having six of them with me especially not Twilight she been my support through thick and thin."He said stroking Twilight head and Voltage's head as well.

Logan grinned."I'm sure we can make arrangements for them right,Chuck?" He said looking at Charles. 

"Finally," Kieran added."I would like to be allowed to travel with Mt Pokémon occasionally, when not training or at this new high-school you mentioned."

Charles smiled warmly."We can certainly make these conditions work, Storm here will take you home so you can pack and say bye to your family and then she will bring you to the Blackbird so we can head back to Bayville," Charles said, nodding his head at Storm to take Kieran home.

"Let's go," Storm said.

When Kieran and Storm arrive at home for Kieran to pack his things he would be taking along with him. Soon as everything was packed and had Twilight and his other five Pokémon ready to go he decided to keep the six he used in the league as the ones coming along.

"Bye take care Kiri," Jennifer said, hugging her son goodbye.

"I will watch my other Pokémon and tell them that when I can I come visit them but I will make sure to call with the new phone you are giving," Kieran said as he took a Rotom phone from his stepfather.

"That exactly from Elm he was grateful for your help at the lab at times and wanted you to have this. He ordered it from Galar. It works as well as any other phones in those places around the world where Pokémon aren't common," Jameson explained.

"Anyway thanks I love you both, be nice to the Pokémon," Kieran said, kneeling and hugging Liam and Emma.

"Please make sure to call K-Man," Liam said. 

After his final goodbyes he quickly call  to Kaiyo's house and leaves a message with his mother saying he is going to be leaving for a while and to tell Kaiyo to call him at his number on his new rotom phone. He then heads to the Blackbird with Storm where Logan and Charles were waiting for him once board they take off back to Bayville with Kieran looking at Twilight in his lap knowing this was the beginning of a new path.

It was around almost early evening as Kieran arrived at the sight of a beautiful mansion below them as the Blackbird was slowly down. Kieran narrowed his eyes. I thought he needed to adjust to the time since it is fourteen hours behind from back in Japan.

As the Blackbird landed in a hidden bunker, Kieran was then led by Storm and Logan to meet the others, while Charles prepared Kieran's room.

He was then brought into the living where he was soon introduced to three people the first was a teenaged Caucasian girl with an athletic, tall, stature. Her hair is red and often is left freely that goes down her back though only tied up if the situation calls for it, she also has green eyes. The second handsome teenage Caucasian boy with a tall and lean frame, given his nickname of "Slim" is very fitting. He is very masculine shaped with a V-shaped torso, broad shoulders, square jaw, and clearly defined muscles. Scott has clean-cut brown hair and though his eyes are hidden by his ruby quartz glasses, they are thought to be green or brown. Scott usually wears a blue sweater over a pale yellow shirt, tan pants with a brown belt and light brown shoes, and red shades. The last one is a teen covered in blue fuzzy, two toed feet and three finger hands, yellow eyes, pointed ears, Fang like teeth,and prehensile tail he was wearing a brown coat. 

"That Jean, she has telepathy and can move things with her mind," Storm explained, pointing at Jean. 

Kieran nodded and shook Jean's hand, before Storm introduced the next person."That Scott,also known as Cyclops, his eyes released a destructive blast."

"The elf is Kurt Wanger, also known as Nightcrawler. He has the ability to teleport," Logan explained. 

"Cool, nice to meet you," Kieran said, shaking hands with Scott and Kurt."So everyone has a code name?" He asked.

"Yes," Charles said as he wheel into the room."I have your room ready and there is a box on your bed,before you settle in do you have a name in mind?" He asked.

"Aqualink,"Kieran replied. 

"I think that suits you," Jean said.

"Thanks well if you don't mind showing me to my room Professor," Kieran said walking over to the Professor with Twilight by his side.

As they finally arrived at Kieran's bedroom and his eyes beautiful sight it was a lovely underwater themed bedroom complete with furniture and gave him a feeling of comfort of the ocean at how realistic it seemed.

"This is beautiful," Kieran said in awe as he studied the room before moving his eyes to the box on his bed and opened it to see a beautiful blue suit."This rock's design really suits my style and taste," He commented. 

"Good you like it made it different from the others based on why your mother said it would be to your liking," Charles said."Welcome to the X-Men Aqualink ," Charles said with a smile leaving the room.

 To be continued...

Well here we have chapter 2 of The Rise of Aqualink published. In this chapter Kieran finally ends up joining the X-Men after having an encounter with Mystique. Though it wasn't an easy choice to make, I now know the beginning of a new path. He gets to meet Jean,Scott,and Kurt as well as see his new room and uniform.   I hope you enjoy the chapter. 

Thanks for reading!

Question of the chapter: What did tou think of Kieran's conditions and how are you liking rhe story so far?

Word count: 3779