"A surname… she actually has a surname!"
This was the second person Logan had met in this world who had a surname. The first had been Professor Oak. To possess a surname in this world was to possess something extraordinary — either immense fame like Professor Oak, or special abilities. Here, surnames were not passed down through bloodlines like in Logan's old world. No — a surname was a mark of uniqueness.
And the little girl standing before him, known as "Yellow," had just revealed her own.
That thought made Logan's expression grow solemn. He turned to the shy, golden-haired girl in front of him and said gently but firmly, "...Next time you meet someone, don't just say your surname out loud like that. Just tell them your name is Yellow."
"Eh? Why not?"
Her innocent eyes blinked with confusion as she tilted her head like a curious kitten.
"No special reason. Just remember it. That surname might bring you trouble one day."
Logan's tone softened as he reached out to ruffle the girl's hair. She smiled at him like a squirrel offered a treat — bright and happy.
He knew what it meant to be burdened by a surname — to be hunted, hurt, and nearly killed for the powers that came with it. If not for his soul transmigrating into this world, his old self might have rotted as a forgotten corpse on some remote southern island.
This world wasn't safe. Shadows crawled beneath the surface. Logan didn't want this warm-hearted girl to fall into that darkness.
"Okay, big brother~ I understand," Yellow nodded obediently. Even if she didn't fully grasp his reasoning, her ability to sense the emotions of Pokémon let her faintly feel Logan's concern.
"Gible's body seems fine now — guess we saved ourselves a trip to the Pokémon Center," Logan said, glancing around. "But tell me, where are your parents? Why are you here alone?"
"My parents work outside of Viridian City," Yellow replied. "I live with my uncle."
"And where's your uncle now?"
"He went back to the Johto region a few days ago."
"So… you're living by yourself right now?"
Logan stared at her in disbelief. Was this world filled with unnaturally mature kids? Or were her guardians just wildly irresponsible — leaving a girl under nine to live alone?
"Yep! I've gotten used to it already. I even learned how to cook fish recently. I came here today to catch some for dinner using the fishing tricks my uncle taught me!"
She lowered her head shyly, tugging at the hem of her clothes. Unlike most girls her age who wore skirts, Yellow's attire was simple and resembled training robes from a dojo — rustic, modest, and serene.
Incredible.
Logan offered sincere praise. For a little girl to live on her own, cook her own food, and still smile like that — it was almost too much. And it wasn't as if she was orphaned or had no choice. She simply... adapted. Her maturity exceeded many adults he'd met.
"Did you manage to catch anything?" he asked, walking to the river with her. Gible trailed closely behind.
"Hehe~ Not yet. Though, I did catch a Goldeen on my first try!"
Her playful ponytail swayed behind her like bunny ears. Adorable.
"It's getting late. Things might get dangerous at night," Logan said. "Let Gible catch a couple fish for you. Consider it our thanks for healing him!"
He gave Gible a look, and the Pokémon instantly understood. It bounded to the riverbank, its fierce eyes locked on the swimming fish. With a swift leap, it dove into the water. Yellow squeaked in surprise as Gible emerged seconds later, a squirming fish in its jaws.
"Wow, big brother, that's amazing!"
Yellow jumped in delight, her innocent voice full of joy. It made Logan smile. With another snap of his fingers, Gible tossed the fish onto the shore and dove again, swiftly nabbing a second.
"These two should be enough," Logan said, placing them in the basket Yellow had brought. "Let me walk you home."
"Thanks to you, I'll get to eat fish tonight! Gible is so strong!" Yellow beamed, watching the Pokémon with admiration. But it wasn't envy over rarity or power. She simply admired the bond between Trainer and Pokémon.
"If you want, you could become a Trainer someday too," Logan offered gently. "You've got the talent, Yellow."
He still believed the Trainer path was a dangerous one, and he'd rather this girl not walk it. But seeing the longing in her eyes, he couldn't bring himself to crush her hopes.
"No, I couldn't… I'm not good at catching Pokémon. I hate seeing them get hurt. I've tried before, but I always failed."
Her head shook like a rattling gourd, full of determined refusal.
"That's okay. You don't need to be a Trainer to work with Pokémon," Logan said. "Most jobs in this world involve them in some way. With your gentle nature, I think you'd make a great doctor or nurse."
"Mm! I've thought of that too!" Yellow chirped, trailing close behind like a devoted little shadow.
She picked up her fallen fishing rod, slung her fish basket over her shoulder, and despite its weight, didn't ask Logan to help.
So considerate… Logan sighed inwardly. He had expected little girls to be clingy or bratty. But this one — sweet, thoughtful, mature — she was a rare gem.
"Is this yours?" he asked, spotting something in the grass. He brushed off the leaves and found a sketchbook.
Yellow's face flushed red as she hesitated. "...Mm, yes. I bring it with me when I go out. I like drawing when I'm not fishing."
Logan flipped through the pages curiously. The early drawings were clumsy, but as he turned page after page, her skill visibly improved. There were landscapes, Pokémon — all drawn with growing precision.
"I'm not that good!" she protested, her eyes darting nervously like a hamster caught sneaking snacks.
Logan chuckled. "I think you're great. Better than me, at least."
He closed the book and handed it back. "The sun's setting. Your home's in Viridian, right? I'll walk you back."
… … …
"Thank you, big brother~"
Yellow gathered her things, struggling slightly with the weight but refusing help. Logan didn't push her — her maturity deserved respect.
"Were you on a journey, big brother?" she asked as they walked through a patch of woods. Soon, they reached a path bustling with people.
"Yeah. I just came out of Viridian Forest. Figured I'd rest in Viridian City for a bit."
"Then…" Yellow paused, glanced up, and asked shyly, "Why don't you come to my place? As a thank-you for earlier — you saved me and helped catch the fish. I'll cook them for you! My parents always said to repay kindness."
Logan hesitated. Being invited over by a little girl was… tempting in a weird way. Especially one whose house was empty. But the thought of bathing at her place — with her just over a meter tall — made him feel undeniably dirty.
"I do want to try your fish, but I need to find a hotel first — get cleaned up. I've been in that forest for a month. I must smell awful."
"It's fine! You can wash up at my place too. If you don't mind, you can even stay over!"
"You little imp — your parents never taught you how dangerous it is to invite strangers into your home? Especially boys?"
"They did," Yellow replied thoughtfully. "But I can tell you're a good person."
"…"
I'm a good person, huh? Logan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Even a little girl trusted him without question.
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