Following the investigation, Miss Drevelle left the orphanage after she packed up all her personal belongings, with Miss Marin taking over the position temporarily while still being Staff Manager. Angelina and Marsha received full credits on their Internship Reports before ending their internship the next day, signed by the former owner herself. Unfortunately, they didn’t have time to say goodbye to Nicholas, which made it a sad departure. When the pup was given the news by Synthia, he was very sad. They told the infant that maybe he’ll see them again one day. 

The timetable was relaxed for the sake of flexibility for all the orphan children, they no longer had to worry about arriving at a certain time for meals. Wearing the uniform was optional and no longer strictly enforced, the children were happy that they didn’t have to worry about the uniforms. The cooking staff didn’t mind changing their schedules to fit the different meal times.

Miss Mabel was promoted to Head Teacher of the facility for her bravery in exposing the illegal financial management that was done by the former owner of the orphanage. But she couldn’t take all the credit, mentioning that Nick had a slight paw in helping reveal everything behind the scenes. She created a new curriculum for Early Education since the orphanage didn’t have one. The one rule was that students had to be two months old before lessons could begin, she didn’t want a repeat of what the former owner did with the pup. 

Groundskeeper Jenkins was given more tools to help maintain the facility grounds, such as a new lawn mower to help keep the grass trimmed. This included new farming tools and plenty of flower seeds to plant different types of flowers like Petunias. This man didn’t mind Miss Marin being the new owner, and thought it was a nice change in ownership, even if it was only temporary.

Ever since she was fired, Miss Drevelle found a job working as a Cashier at Pearl Mart. She was hired on by Pearlie, as long as she promised to serve customers in the best way she could. The gothitelle even started working on making friends with Representative Milla. For the moment, they are acquaintances. 

Mayor Reinhardt visited the Orphanage after the investigation, and was pleased to see that things were doing better with the staff manager acting as the temporary owner. Even inviting the audino over for dinner at the Fancy Food Boutique.

Unknown to the young pup, there was going to be a surprise waiting for him. One that would change his life forever, and live within his own memories!

June 22nd

1995

8:30 A.M.

Miss Marin was in her office, organizing some paper folders that contained documents of children that were previously adopted or taken in by the Orphanage itself. She was about to put a few folders away when she heard the office phone go off. 

“Who could that be?” asked the audino as she went to answer the phone. “Hello, and thank you for calling Blisswood Orphanage! You are speaking to Miss Marin, acting owner of the facility. How may I assist you today?”

“Hello, Miss Marin! We’d like to adopt a child by the name of Nicholas! Me and my husband talked it over for a few days, and we agreed on the decision!” said a female voice. 

“That’s great to hear! May I have your name for the record so I can cross-check it with the local citizen’s database?” the audino asked.

“Ranae Marbette, my daughter Angelina, was an intern for the orphanage,” said Ranae. 

“Thank you… one moment please!” said Miss Marin as she opened the local citizens database. This computer was connected to this database for the purpose of looking up individuals and cross-checking them before anyone adopts a child. The audino performed a cross check with Ranae Marbette, and discovered the file on a list of trusted citizens. Her identification had a picture of a Serperior with reading glasses, listing her husband as Lonstan. A Gallade. 

“Thank you for the wait, you’ve been verified as a trusted citizen. I’ll fill out the paperwork, and make a copy for you to keep. When will you be coming to pick him up?” the audino asked as she stamped the adoption papers with a green stamp that said ‘Approved!’ in capital letters. 

“Actually… Can you bring him to Undella Town Beach? We want his adoption to be a surprise! We’ll be waiting there ahead of time!” said Ranae.

“Ooooh… I see what you’re planning! Not a bad idea! We can do that!” said Miss Marin. “We’ll see you later, and I’ll make sure to bring a copy of the adoption papers. We’ll take a bus there!”

“Thank you so much, we’ll be so happy to see our new son!” said Ranae.

The call ended shortly after, allowing the audino to make a copy of the adoption papers, placing a green approval stamp on them. She then put it away into an empty paper folder that she planned to take with her. 

10:30 A.M.

Activities Room

Nick was spending time with his friends, painting on large pieces of white drawing paper. The pup was using his left paw to paint, since he didn’t grasp the idea of using a brush. He was using these three colors for his painting: green, yellow, and red. Liam looked at the painting, curious about what he was doing.

“Looks like Nick is making a tye-dye painting, based on the shirt he is wearing right now,” said the young squirtle. 

“I’m painting some mountains in a grassy area,” said Tom. 

“I’ll be painting a smiley face, except it will be a bright pink!” said Rossie. 

“Those look wonderful children! I’ll be hanging them up on the wall later!” said Miss Mabel as she looked upon the other paintings on the walls. Nick’s way of painting was rather interesting, using his paw fingers allowed him to blend a different assortment of colors. 

While they were busy painting, Synthia and Miss Marin entered the room. The seamstress was holding three cloth swim diapers in her arms, while the staff manager had her white diaper over her arms. There was a paper folder inside of it. The children stared at the two with curiosity. 

“Good morning children! How would you like to visit the Undella Town Beach, and soak up the sun?” asked Miss Marin.

Upon hearing that question, both Liam and Nicky shook with excitement as sparkles formed in their eyes. This was an opportunity to visit the beach, and actually see it in person. Especially since the young squirtle had never seen a beach in his life. 

“We’d love to! Yes please!” shouted the three children in unison while the infant pup let off some excited coos and babbles as he wagged his tail with anticipation. 

“Okay kids, follow us upstairs to the bathroom. We need to get the younger ones changed into swim diapers, don’t need your regular diapers being waterlogged.” said Synthia as she chuckled. “Tom, I also have a bathing suit that you’ll like the most!”

The children were escorted to the large bathroom upstairs, where they would get changed into their swim-wear. The younger children wore white cloth swim diapers with silver button fasteners, while the older boy wore a pair of black and blue swim trunks. Both Rossie and Liam were also put in white t-shirts while Nick was allowed to keep his current tye-dye shirt. 

“Wow… these are really comfy diapers…” said the young squirtle who was surprised by the coziness. Nicky purred from how soft the cloth diapers felt around his bottom and front side, showing that the young pup enjoyed them as well. 

“They have extra padding in the front and back, meant for long-term comfort during long trips,” said the seamstress. 

“I’m loving it, I’m really loving it!” the meditite happily exclaimed.

“Very good, because comfort is the most important priority!” said the audino.

When they were properly clothed, Miss Marin made sure that the children had sunscreen on before they stepped out. She didn’t want them getting sunburned while playing on the beach. Even though the pup had fur to cover his skin, he was given sunscreen anyway. Better safe than sorry!

Once prepared, the group headed outside where a small blue city transport bus was waiting for them. This was the main bus line for Straiton City, it was called Skyway Bus Service: This transport service served the entirety of the city, and also traveled to other locations like Undella Town and Driftveil City! However… It cost twenty pokedollars to travel to other places. Liam decided to bring his beach-ball with him. The teacher was holding the pup in her arms. 

The male bus driver opened the entrance door and said “Good day folks, are you all ready to go?” The audino nodded as she led everyone onto the bus. With everyone on, she’d take twenty pokedollars from her purse and drop it into the money slot located near the driver. Sitting next to Liam shortly after. 

“Thank you ma’am, off to Undella Town Beach!” said the driver as he put the engine into ignition and drove off to Undella Town. 

While they were on the highway, Nicholas stared out of the bus window. He was observing all the vehicles passing by, and was rather intrigued by them. The pup cooed at a vehicle with no roof, wondering what it was. Miss Mabel said to him “That’s a convertible, sweetie. Vehicles that can remove their roofs with the push of a button, allowing the occupant to feel the nice weather. These are popular vehicles, often being sold at expensive prices.”

“Yeah, they are pretty cool!” said Liam who was listening to the conversation.

“They are nice cars, but they can be pretty loud…” said Rossie.

“That can be a downside, not many people like vehicles that produce a lot of noise…” said Synthia.

11:35 A.M.

Undella Town Beach

After half an hour of riding in the bus, they arrived at their destination. Liam and Nick shook with excitement as the bus pulled into the parking lot of the beach. People in swimsuits and fancy sunglasses walked by, talking about hitting the waves.

“Here we are folks, enjoy yourself! I’ll be back in four hours…” said the bus driver as he opened the door. Nick would be carried out by the teacher, with the others following behind. 

“Oh boy, the beach! Here we come!” exclaimed Liam as he walked with Synthia, holding onto his beach ball. 

When they made it to the main area of the beach, the squirtle paused and marveled at the warm sand beneath his feet. It was the first time he ever felt sand touch his little feet, a moment he’d cherish forever! The pup was intrigued by the sound of the ocean, watching as the waves gently crashed upon the surface of the sand as people walked around.

“Before you go and play, we’re going to find a spot to put our stuff! Make sure to follow closely!” said Miss Marin. 

“Yes Miss Marin.” said Rossie as she moved her feet around in the sand before moving along.

The gang began looking around for a good spot to put their stuff down, Nicky curiously stared at all the people that they walked by, with some beach-goers waving to him or giving him surprised glances. It was rare to see a shiny riolu in the Unova region. Miss Mabel made sure to hold onto him, she didn’t want to lose the pup in a crowd of people. 

After a while, they’d find an open spot on the beach where it had four beach lounging chairs. It was a perfect spot to put their stuff down. Aside from the usual supplies, the audino also made sure to pack some towels as well. Just in case anyone got wet while playing in the shallow part of the ocean water.

“Okay children, before you go and play… I must tell you three important rules: Don’t stray too far, don’t trouble any other beach-goers, and don’t trust strangers if they ask you to come with them!” said Miss Mabel.

“Yes Miss Mabel!” said the three children.

“Very good, go ahead now!” said the teacher as she watched the children head off to play on the beach. The infant pup was allowed gently placed on the ground, feeling excited as he felt the wet sand beneath his paws. He’d crawl over to Rossie and Liam who were playing with the beach-ball. The two saw the pup approaching them excitedly, giggling at him as his tail gave off some excited wags. 

“Ready to play with the beach-ball, Nickster?” asked the young squirtle. 

The pup gave off a nod and cooed happily, which meant he was ready to play and have fun at the beach! The squirtle nodded in return as he pushed the beach ball towards the infant, watching as he then pushed it to Rossie. Miss Mabel, Marin, and Synthia spoke amongst each other while they watched the young children play. 

“I’m glad things have turned out well… it’s just like a happy ending in a fairy-tale.” said Miss Mabel.

“I am glad the young pup was adopted. I’ll miss seeing him around the orphanage,” said Miss Marin. 

“He’ll have a family at last, one that he’ll cherish for the rest of his life!” said Synthia. 

Twenty-five minutes later, Angelina arrived at the beach with her parents. They were making their way over to where the staff members were sitting. The grass snake was excited to see Nicky again, she felt a few tears welling up in her eyes. This was an emotional moment for her!

Miss Marin turned around for a moment and then noticed the three coming towards them in the distance, she’d wave her arms in the air to help indicate where they were sitting. 

“Hey you three, good to see you here! The kiddos are having fun on the beach!” said the audino. “Good to meet you, Ranae and Lonstan!”

“Hey Miss Marin, good to see you as well!” shouted Angelina. 

Upon hearing the voice of Angelina, the pup stopped in his tracks as his ears perked up. He then turned around and got excited as he spotted the snivy, crawling towards her while wagging his tail happily. Liam and Rossie watched with confusion, wondering what was happening. He let out some happy-sounding coos as he approached her. 

“Aww…. he’s such a cutie!” said Ranae. 

“Quite an energetic little fella,” said Lonstan. 

“Come here little brother!” exclaimed Angelina.

The grass snake gently embraced the pup and picked him up, giving the infant a gentle hug. Both the seamstress and teacher watched with smiles as the two hugged each other. It was a wonderful moment to be had!

“Nicky… we have amazing news for you! You’ve been adopted into our family! You are my little brother, while I am your big sister!” said the grass snake as she showed him to her parents. “This is your new mommy and daddy!” It took a moment for the infant to process this information, but once he got it… he babbled and cooed happily as he wagged his shiny tail around.

The three children heard the news while standing on the wet sand, it was very surprising! With that news, they were in jubilation to hear that Nicholas had a family of his own. Liam, Rossie and Tom approached the family and gave them a round of applause. 

“Congratulations Nickster! You finally have a family!” exclaimed Liam.

“I’m so happy for you!” said Tom.

“Congratulations!” said Rossie. “May the rest of your life be well!”

“You’re such a cute little bundle of joy, come here little Nicky!” said the Serperior as she carefully took the pup from Angelina using her vines, and held him up to her head, cuddling with the baby. Nicky hugged his mother instantly, ecstatic to have his own family! “We’ll take good care of you, and protect you from danger! You’ll be given lots of love and affection!”

“Come on over here, sport!” said the husband as his wife gently handed the infant over to him, gently holding the pup in his hands as he gave his little belly a tickle. Nicky laughed a bit as Lonstan placed him over his shoulders. 

“When you’re gone, I’ll miss being your big brother…” said the squirtle as he cried a little. 

“You were a wonderful infant, all the children cared about you… we didn’t expect this moment to come so soon,” said the meditite. 

“Yeah, I wanted it to be a surprise for the Nickster. It made this a special moment to be cherished forever!” said Angelina as she gave the squirtle a gentle pat on the head, smiling towards him. “I appreciate how protective you and the rest of the orphan children were. Perhaps you’ll see him again in the future.” 

Miss Marin walked up to them, holding a paper folder in her hands. She’d gently hand them to Lonstan saying “Here’s a copy of the adoption papers, for the purpose of documentation. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time raising him. He’s quite a curious and energetic child.” 

“He’s also a wonderful student as well… even if he started way young,” said Miss Mabel as she approached the group with Synthia. “I suppose this is goodbye, I’ll miss teaching you how to walk, but you did a good job with doing your best!”

“Don’t worry ma’am, we’ll take it from here. Thank you for giving him a head start!” said Ranae. 

“You’re welcome, I am glad I could teach him!” the teacher said to them. “Take care dearie!”

While the pup was happy to be adopted into a proper family, he felt saddened by the fact that he was leaving all those he knew and began to tear up a bit as he whimpered. The gallade noticed this and held him in his arms, saying “It’s okay Nicholas, it’s going to be alright! They’ll always be in your heart. Maybe you’ll see them again.” 

“Looks like Nicky is going to miss us as well… What a cute little pup!” said the audino. 

“We’d love to stick around, but we have a lunch reservation at the Fancy Food Boutique to celebrate the occasion!” said the serperior.  

“I’m sorry you can’t stick around for a while longer… Please take care of the pup!” said Miss Mabel.

“Don’t worry, we’ll do our best!” said Lonstan as the pup began quietly crying. He felt bad for the infant as he gently rubbed his back to calm him down, knowing how it felt to leave your friends. The gallade then noticed the pacifier around his neck and gently popped it into his mouth. Nick suckled on it as he calmed down. 

“Farewell everyone, and thank you so much!” said the serperior. 

The family of four began making their way off the beach, heading back to the parking lot as the others waved to them. The squirtle smiled as he thought to himself “Goodbye little brother! I hope you have a great life with your family, and perhaps one day… we’ll see each other again!”

Once the family found their bright-blue minivan in the parking, the husband unlocked the car doors and opened them up. He’d put the young pup in a baby seat, making sure to buckle him in. Angelina sat in the seat across from her baby brother, watching as he napped for the moment. After everyone was in the vehicle, Lonstan got into the driver seat and pressed a button that closed the passenger doors automatically. In the trunk of the car was a light-blue diaper bag with supplies, baby toys, and even new baby clothes!

With everyone ready to go, the family drove away from the beach and made their way back to Striaton City for their scheduled lunch at the Fancy Food Boutique. While the little pup would miss his orphan friends, they wouldn’t forget about him. The infant that brought a friendly aura to the orphanage.