Changing the tide

The release of the Pokémon Center had become an international sensation. News stations around the globe were abuzz with reports on the groundbreaking technology unveiled by the Reid family. The doubts and slander previously cast upon them were now buried under the overwhelming excitement and curiosity about the new Pokémon Center. For Kj Reid, this was a bittersweet victory—his reputation was mending, but new challenges loomed on the horizon.

Kj was currently meeting with Ana, the brave young woman who had been the first to trust the Reid family's new machine and allow her Eevee to be healed. She had shown courage and faith in a time when doubt was rampant, and Kj wanted to reward her appropriately.

"Now, I'll give you two choices," Kj began, his tone serious but kind. "Option one is to receive a rare Pokémon, and we will cover all of its expenses for five years. Option two is to join a new branch under the Reid family, which will be known as the Joy family."

Ana looked at Kj, her eyes wide with surprise. "The Joy family?"

"Yes," Kj continued. "By accepting this role, you will receive great benefits. All I need from you is to head the Joy family and remain loyal to us. The Joy family will be responsible for overseeing the Pokémon Centers, ensuring that they run smoothly and provide the best care for both Pokémon and their trainers."

Ana looked thoughtful, her gaze dropping to her Eevee, which was nuzzling her hand. "Umm, I'll need some time to think about this. It's such a big decision to just choose this fast."

Kj nodded, understanding her hesitation. "No rush. I'll give you up to one week to make a choice. It's a significant decision, and I want you to be sure."

With that, Kj left the event, making his way back to his home. As he walked through the bustling streets, the excitement in the air was palpable. People were talking about the new Pokémon Center, and Kj couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in what he had accomplished.

Arriving home, Kj let out each of his Pokémon. He enjoyed these moments of quiet reflection and bonding with his team. He checked their stats, noting their progress and strengths.

**Articuno**

- Type: Ice/Flying

- Height: 1.5m

- Weight: 122.1 lbs

- Aptitude: 7-star

- Status: Level 9

- Abilities: Air Slash, Ice Beam, Blizzard, Brave Bird

**Metang**

- Type: Steel/Psychic

- Height: 1.2m

- Weight: 446.4 lbs

- Aptitude: 7-star

- Status: Level 29

- Abilities: Tackle, Psychic, Takedown, Metal Claw, Confusion, Bullet Punch, Teleport

- Comprehensive Battle Strength: Second Tier

**Riolu**

- Type: Fighting

- Height: 0.74m

- Weight: 44.5 lbs

- Aptitude: 6-star

- Status: Level 27

- Abilities: Aura Sphere, Force Palm, Blaze Kick, Ice Punch, Quick Attack

- Comprehensive Battle Strength: Second Tier

Kj felt a swell of pride as he looked at his Pokémon. They had come a long way together. Riolu had increased by four levels, now arriving at the upper limits of the second tier. Metang, the strongest of the group, had finally crossed a significant barrier, reaching level 29. To advance to the top tier, it would need a significant push. Articuno, the baby of the group, had surprised Kj the most. As a legendary Pokémon, it improved quickly, rising from level 1 to level 9. It just needed a little more time to break through the novice level.

Kj's reverie was interrupted by a call from Nami.

"Kj, we've gathered more evidence against NovaTech. We've got recordings, documents, even a few witnesses willing to testify. We're ready to go public."

"Great work, Nami," Kj replied. "Let's set up a press conference for tomorrow. It's time we clear our name and expose NovaTech for what they are."

The next day, Kj stood in front of a packed press room. Reporters from every major news outlet were present, their cameras and microphones poised to capture every word.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Kj began, his voice calm and composed. "Thank you for coming. Today, I have some important information to share with you. For the past few weeks, my family and our company have been the targets of a malicious smear campaign. False reports have been spread, claiming that we were cooperating with foreign countries in ways that undermine our integrity."

He paused, letting his words sink in. "We have discovered that this campaign was orchestrated by a rival company, NovaTech. We have obtained irrefutable evidence of their involvement."

Kj held up a stack of documents and a USB drive. "These contain recordings, emails, and documents detailing NovaTech's entire plan to discredit us. They paid off media outlets, fabricated stories, and used every dirty trick in the book to harm our reputation and business."

The room buzzed with murmurs and flashes as reporters scrambled to capture every word.

"I am making these available to all of you," Kj continued. "The truth needs to be known. The Reid family has always operated with the highest standards of integrity and innovation. We will not let these baseless attacks go unanswered."

Kj stepped back, allowing the reporters to bombard him with questions. He answered each one patiently, knowing that transparency was key to rebuilding trust. By the end of the day, the news of NovaTech's deceit was everywhere. The media had a new scandal to cover, and the Reid family's name was being cleared. Sales began to stabilize as customers regained their trust in the Reid brand.

Back at the Pokémon Center, Kj found a moment of quiet in his office. The battle was far from over, but for now, they had won a crucial victory. He thought about the future, about the new inventions and innovations that would continue to define the Reid family's legacy.

His phone buzzed again. It was a message from Nami.

"We did it, Kj. The truth is out. NovaTech is scrambling to control the damage."

Kj smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "Thanks, Nami. I couldn't have done it without you."

"Anytime, Kj. Let's keep moving forward."

Kj put his phone down and looked out the window at the bustling Pokémon Center below. The future was bright, and with his loyal team by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As the sun set, casting a golden glow over the city, Kj knew one thing for sure: the Reid family would always rise above the storm, stronger and more resilient than ever. The next chapter of their story was just beginning, and it was one of hope, innovation, and unwavering integrity.

---

A week passed quickly, and Ana returned to Kj's office, her expression determined.

"Mr. Reid, I've made my decision," she said, standing tall.

Kj looked up from his desk, intrigued. "And what have you decided?"

"I want to join the Joy family. I believe in what you're doing, and I want to be a part of it."

Kj smiled, extending his hand. "Welcome to the family, Ana. Your bravery and dedication will be invaluable to us."

Ana shook his hand, feeling a sense of pride and excitement. She was ready to take on this new role and help the Reid family bring their vision to life.

Over the next two weeks kj went into seclusion.

One evening, as Kj was training with his Pokémon in the private gym at his estate, he received a call from Nami.

"Kj, we've got a problem," Nami said, her voice urgent.

Kj's heart sank. "What is it?"

"There's been a breach at one of our labs. Some of our research has been stolen."

Kj clenched his fist. "Do we know who's behind it?"

"We're still investigating, but it looks like it might be NovaTech again. They're desperate after the scandal and might be trying to steal our ideas."

Kj nodded, his mind racing. "Alright, we need to tighten security at all our facilities. I'll head to the lab now and see what I can find out."

As he made his way to the lab, Kj couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. NovaTech was proving to be a persistent thorn in his side, but he was determined to protect his family's legacy.

Arriving at the lab, Kj was met by Nami and a team of security personnel. The lab was in disarray, with evidence of forced entry and missing equipment.

"We're conducting a full inventory to see what's been taken," Nami said, leading Kj through the wreckage.

Kj nodded, examining the scene. "We need to find out exactly what they stole and how they got in. This can't happen again."

Over the next few days, Kj and his team worked tirelessly to piece together what had happened. They discovered that NovaTech had indeed orchestrated the break-in, using hired mercenaries to infiltrate the lab and steal valuable research data.

With this information, Kj knew he had to act swiftly.