Alexander entered the guest code into the keypad and waited. The brief pause before the gate began to open always made him question if he’d input the number correctly. The gate glided to the side revealing another world, the world of the affluent. Alexander drove his car into the private gated community, passing million-dollar homes without envy.

  Imagine the cleaning schedules.

  He parked in front of his brother’s mansion and steeled himself for another potentially humiliating family gathering. A printed sign reading 'Welcome! Come on in!' adorned with colorful party balloons greeted him. Taking a deep breath, Alexander mentally recited multiplication tables to calm his nerves, preparing to face a house full of seven-year-olds. Overcoming his trepidation, he opened the door.

  The entryway featured twin staircases sweeping left and right—an artistic display of redundancy. Beneath the right staircase, an arched hallway led to the chaotic sounds of children squealing and arguing over childish games. Under the left staircase stood a magnificent Steinway concert grand piano. While the mansions and fancy cars left Alexander unmoved, the piano stirred a bittersweet feeling. Alexander didn’t linger long and moved through the archway toward the gathering.

  As he approached the crowd, a hand grabbed his shoulder and squeezed.

  “Alex! So glad you could make it today!” Julius exclaimed. “Here, let me take that for you,” he said, taking the gift Alexander had brought for his nephew Jaime. Just then the birthday boy ran up to his father.

  “Another present?! That’s soooo many presents!” Jaime exclaimed, his infectious grin matching his father’s when he was young.

  “Yes, it is! It’s from your Uncle Alex. Have you said hi to him yet?” Julius asked.

  Jaime glanced at Alexander, then ducked behind Julius’ leg before Julius ruffled his son’s hair. “No hiding!”

  Jaime darted off toward the other children, shouting “Hi!” as he ran.

  “That little brat,” Julius said, smiling and shaking his head. “So, how’s work with the orcs going? That’s gotta be really dangerous and exciting!”

  Alexander felt the oncoming onslaught of questions from those with exceptional social skills.

  “I made one my assistant yesterday and he managed to pass the temporary residency test. So expect to start seeing them around town soon,” Alexander updated with pride. “Many of the orcs still fight daily among themselves, but we’ve begun to manage it by leveraging their love for action movies,” he explained. “Withhold their viewing privileges, and they fall right into line.”

  Now following the social patterns, he knew he was supposed to reciprocate by asking about Julius’ life, but before he could formulate a question, Julius seized on the pause. “Fascinating. Do you think this will give you more influence within the company?”

  “I believe it is doing just that. Public relations is very pleased with our quick response and—” Alexander began.

  “Julius,” a sharp voice cut through the room.

  Alexander turned to see their mother, Janet Brewton, approaching. She had thick horn-rimmed glasses and her hair was pulled back into a tight bun. She looked fully ready to organize some bookshelves at the library, shushing every child that made a sound along the way.

  “Mother, Alex was just telling me about the orcs that joined his workforce,” Julius said.

  “Oh, those fanciful creatures come to life. It’s all such a whirlwind. Next thing we know, these childish party decorations will come to life. These… Pokémon,” she said with disdain.

  Julius rolled his eyes. “Yes, well, since Jaime is a child, I think childish suits the party theme rather well.”

  Alexander glanced around, noting the Pokémon-themed cake, banners, and games. The squealing from the hallway was a chorus of children shouting “Pika” and other nonsensical phrases tied to the theme.

  “Are you not afraid this will lead to an unbalanced interest that could sidetrack Jaime’s career choices?” their mother asked, her tone sharp.

  “Mom, in the early 1800s, they worried about young people getting addicted to chess, books, and theater plays. I think we’ll survive,” Julius countered.

  “I’m not so sure…” their mother began, but Julius interrupted.

  “He’s reading at a third-grade level, has a natural interest in piano which we foster, and gets along well with his classmates. What more could I hope for at this point?”

  Janet shrugged with resignation. “Yes, yes, well, we’re very proud of him. Jaime will grow up to be a fine young man, so long as his tastes mature.” She surveyed the room as if she were eating something sour then turned on Alexander.

  “Alexander…” she said, her expression searching. “How are your fish?”

  “They’re in fine health, Mother. How are your flowers?” Alexander replied.

  “Well-tended and in full bloom.”

  “As I’d expect,” Alexander said flatly. “Oh, look, I see some chips that look rather tasty. I’ll have to try some.” He turned and walked to a bowl of chips labeled “Charmeleon Chips,” featuring a cartoonish red wingless dragon. He picked one up and sniffed it.

  “Spicy Doritos,” Julius said, leaning on the counter beside him.

  From his posture, Julius was preparing to offer what he’d call counsel, but Alexander would call preaching. Julius’ genuine concern was frustrating. As a cardiac surgeon who now led a large nonprofit, Julius had built a fortune. Alexander had checked the numbers—unlike most nonprofits, where less than 15% of the budget served the stated cause, Julius’ organization allocated over 70% to delivering older-model medical equipment to impoverished nations and training locals in basic medical procedures. The rest was manpower overhead. He was an infuriatingly good person who felt compelled to encourage Alexander.

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “Do you notice how Mom’s been freer with the ‘p’ word lately? I think you should talk to her,” Julius said.

  “What, proud? You know I’m not invested in her approval of my life anymore. You saw to that quite thoroughly,” Alexander replied.

  “Yes, I suppose I did. I don’t regret it, though, and I’d do it again for your sake. But I didn’t mean to create a decade-long rift between you. I wish I could heal it.”

  “We’re not as helpless as your third-world orphans, Julius. Just keep doing what you’re doing, and you’ll be fine,” Alexander said.

  “I don’t see myself doing things the same way moving forward. Things are changing too quickly and I may have to change with it. We have a family meeting after the party, so no skipping out early,” Julius said.

  “I never skip out early. Everyone knows that once the cake is dispensed, you can leave without social recourse,” Alexander replied. “Also, I have a second surprise for Jaime after his friends have left, if you don’t mind.”

  “That would be great. I can’t wait to see what you’ve cooked up. Also, please forgive Jaime if he can’t yet appreciate your fine taste in gifts. If you got him another painting model…”

  “I provided a gift receipt,” Alexander interjected.

  “…I’m not letting him return it. I’ll make him ask Uncle Alex to help him paint it,” Julius said with a sly grin. Alexander growled softly, and Julius chuckled.

  Alexander paid closer attention than usual during the gift-opening, taking Julius’ threat seriously. He noted potential Christmas gifts for Jaime, with Lego sets seeming the most mentally engaging. A medieval castle set could spark interest in history, architecture, and fun—though dragons might be involved…

  I suppose that the study of dragons will be an occupation going forward.

  He felt a twinge of nerves as Jaime opened his gift. Last year, the boy had whined about wanting a blue hedgehog, which he received later. Jaime’s mother, the picture-perfect Talia, stood over his shoulder, diligently noting gifts for thank-you cards. As Jaime tore off the wrapping, a World War II Sherman Tank model with a mini painting kit was revealed. Jaime looked confused, but Talia whispered to him, and he shouted, “Thank you, Uncle Alex!” Alexander nodded, deciding against conjuring illusory spiders in Jaime’s cake this year. He supposed his second gift was well earned by the boy’s composure.

  At least Jaime responded better to his gift than to their mother’s—a copy of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1, Op. 23 sheet music, which she deemed appropriate since Alexander and Julius played at a similar level at Jaime’s age. She received a perfunctory thank-you.

  The party wound down, and most guests had left. As Alexander helped clean up cake smeared into the carpet, Julius called everyone to the living room. “Come over here and take a seat.”

  Talia joined Julius, wrapping her hand around his arm. He paused, looking at his wife, who squeezed his arm reassuringly. Their sappy love story involved volunteering together in Nigeria and saving a child with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. Their mother took a seat on the couch and Julius sat, playing with one of his Poké Balls.

  “Before I start the family meeting, Alexander said he had another surprise for Jaime,” Julius shared.

  At the word “surprise,” Jaime looked up at Alexander expectantly. He immediately forgot his Poké Ball and sat up straighter on his best behavior. Alexander had hesitated but, after seeing the theme of the party, he decided this was a perfect fit.

  He looked at his nephew and shared, “I, your Uncle Alexander, am now a Pokémon Trainer.”

  Jaime looked incredulously at his uncle, who he felt was making fun of him. Alexander buried his embarrassment and continued the ruse.

  “Go, Flick!” Alexander threw his arm, a bit stiff on the delivery, but close enough to what the kids were doing.

  Flick jumped out of his shadow and spun in a circle. Unsurprisingly, his mother squealed and fell out of her chair. Talia leaned back and covered her mouth in shock.

  Jaime, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with delight.

  “IT’S A POKéMON!” Jaime screamed, surprising Flick as he lunged forward to hug him.

  Flick sank into Jaime’s shadow before he could reach him. In turn, his nephew looked around confused as Flick appeared behind him and jumped on his back, pushing him forward onto his knees in a play fighting maneuver.

  “What in the world is that thing!” Talia exclaimed, but Julius grabbed her hands comfortingly.

  She looked up at Julius to see tears in his eyes. Alexander and Janet looked at Julius, confused by his response to the situation. Julius stood calmly and carefully walked toward Jaime and Flick, both of whom had discovered a game of catch-the-shadow.

  Julius dropped to a knee and Flick looked over at him.

  “Are you on of the first?" He whispered. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I hope you will look out for our family in the future,” Julius said sincerely, bowing his head.

  Flick bowed to Julius, causing Alexander to drop his jaw wide open in disbelief.

  Julius stood back up and took a seat to watch Flick and Jaime play. Flick was playing pretty well with Jaime, ducking into the shadows and popping out in random places. Julius whispered to his wife and she visibly calmed down. Alexanders mother marched over to Alexander.

  "What is this lizard?"

  "It's a dragon, obviously." Alexander said nonchalantly, "Or for Jaime's sake I guess it's a Pokemon.

  "Tomfoolery boy. Where did you find it and why did you not turn it into animal control?"

  "It is someone's pet and I am just pet sitting until I get a chance to return him. He was purchased initially from a pet store so everything should be above board." Alexander said, amused rather than intimidated for once. Frustrating his mother might be a new form of therapy for him.

  She settled down and finally took a seat, glaring at the beast like it had trampled her flower bed.

  After a few minutes Julius got everyones attention is this.

  “I have an announcement,” Julius began, chuckling at the absurd situation he found himself in.

  “As you know, the world has changed dramatically this past month. Monsters emerging from portals, humans gaining supernatural powers, and of course Alexander’s new friend and companion. It will keep changing. The new races, somewhat contained now, will engage with society, bringing opportunities and problems.”

  Alexander nodded, recognizing the social implications he often overlooked.

  “My family has decided to sell our house and downsize. I will be quitting my job and traveling for my new venture.”

  “What is this new venture?” Janet asked, suspicion climbing back into her chair with attempted dignity.

  “I’m going to attempt to network together the most powerful people in the world.”

  As Julius walked Alexander out, he attempted to console his son.

  “I am sure you will get to see your favorite Uncle and Flick again soon.”

  Flick chirped his affirmation from the top of Alexander’s head.

  “I am his only uncle, so ‘favorite’ in this case seems disingenuous.”

  “Oh, believe me, right now ‘favorite’ is the perfect descriptor.”

  Jaime, still sobbing, tried to wipe his eyes free of tears.

  “Come see me soon, Uncle Alex,” he said with puppy-dog eyes.

  “Of course. I’m pretty handy in a move, so let me know when you need me.”

  “Go on to your mother, Jaime. It’s way past your bedtime.”

  Jaime hesitated but obeyed as Julius chuckled and looked up at Flick.

  “You are quite the party animal.”

  “Me or Flick?”

  “Yes.” Julius laughed. “But I do have something I need to share. It will likely be illogical and I won’t have an explanation, but you need to hear it because it’s important. Okay?”

  Alexander was confused but nodded his head.

  “You need to save Alice.”

  “Who is Alice?” Alexander asked.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Then why do I need to save her?” Alexander asked, a touch more frustrated.

  “I don’t know, but I get the feeling our safety depends on it.”

  “Ours?” Alexander gestured at himself and Julius’ family.

  “Ours, as in the planet’s.”