The Rising Volt Tacklers were always excited to gain new members. So when Liko and Roy befriended you in Paldea, they were more than happy to let you aboard. You only had one pokemon still, a fidough you'd bonded with, but you worked extra hard to be a team player.

Friede had watched you run around with the other kids and their pokemon. You seemed less interested in battling, more captivated by the science of pokemon. You even took the time to slip notes under Dot's door, which Murdock was very grateful for. Friede didn't know the complexities of your life. And he firmly believed that it wasn't his place to know. But he couldn't help but worry when you'd mention something mean your family said in passing, or how you never got messages from them.

And how any time Liko or Roy were talking about their families, you'd find a reason to leave the room.

Friede waved off the team's concerns, telling them that he was simply a curious friend and it was his job as leader to look out for you. But he knew none of them bought it. Mollie especially, often referring to you as "his kid". Friede would scoff like it was an annoying joke, but he was finding it harder to deny the pang of affection when he saw you having fun.

The team had settled down for supper one evening, and you were handing fidough its bowl. You scratched your partner behind the ears as it started devouring Murdock's food. Friede gave you a little nudge and sat a plate in your usual spot at the table.

"Thanks, dad," you chirped, not even thinking about it.