Morning came once again as the loud horn blared, causing Watt and Hydro to jolt from their slumber. Watt rubbed his eyes, and looked over at Hydro, "Good morning, Hydro."
Hydro let out a yawn, "Good morning, Watt." he noticed the handbook was open right in front of him. "I guess I fell asleep while reading."
"I didn't expect someone like you to take much interest in that. It mainly just outlines the rules and procedures we follow, so it shouldn't be that attention-grabbing."
Hydro smiled, "You're talking to the pokemon who read an entire encyclopedia just out of curiosity." he said jokingly.
"True, I guess," Watt replied while stretching out his back.
"I've also been thinking about something," Hydro added.
Watt rested his paw on his chin, "What is it?"
Before Hydro could answer, Miel called out to them. "Come on you two! Get up already!"
"I'll tell you later." Hydro said, before both of them got up and left the tent.
Everyone once again grouped up in front of Mago. "Good morning everyone. I would like to announce that I'll be giving you all a break today."
"A break? But why?" Miel asked, "We need to gather as much information for our first report, don't we?"
Mago nodded, "Yes, our plan was to initially work as hard as possible, however, due to yesterday's events, I believe it would be in our best interest to take a breather and figure out what we're going to do under the new circumstances."
"I do feel a little sore from yesterday, so a break would be nice." Slink said.
"Haven't you forgotten!? Today is the day our first report is due, and if our findings are not valuable we will lose funding, and-" before Miel could finish his sentence, Flora covered his mouth with her paw.
Mago sighed and muttered under his breath, "At least someone got him to be quiet..." he cleared his throat and spoke normally again, "Yes, I understand that. However I doubt we'll find much else before our report is collected."
"Miel, I know you're passionate about this, however, we needed a break at some point," Watt added.
"But... but..." Miel raised one of his stingers before lowering it, "...fine."
"For now, enjoy your time off." Mago ended off his announcement and headed straight for his own tent.
Watt turned his head towards Hydro. "I guess now would be a good time to tell me what's on your mind. We could also work on that note you need to write."
"Alright," Hydro replied, as the two of them headed back to Watt's tent. Both of them sat down on their hay piles.
"It seems like you've been reading my handbook a lot, is it something about that?" Watt asked.
"Kind of." Hydro nervously tapped his fingers together. "I want to get your opinion on something."
"What is it?" Watt titled his head to the side.
"I've been thinking... I made it all the way here on my own, and I've met so many new friends like you."
"I know. What about that?"
Hydro looked nervous, "Well, maybe it's time for me to move on. I needed to leave home at some point, and maybe this was the time to do that."
Watt was caught off guard and looked confused. "Why? It seemed like you wanted to go home so much."
"I know I did, but now all I want to do is help you all. After seeing and reading about all the things you do, making discoveries about the world and spreading the knowledge you gain to help pokemon across the world, it's such an amazing thing."
"I see. I believe I know where you're going with this."
"It is kind of obvious, but I'll say it anyway. I want to become a researcher like you."
Watt paused and then asked, "Wouldn't your parents wonder where you are?"
"I know, that's why we'll still write the note, to tell there where I am and what I'm doing."
"Hydro... you know Mago is not going to approve of this, right?"
"I know he probably won't, but it's worth a shot." Hydro moved closer to Watt, "Listen, ever since I asked you about what it's like to be a researcher, I realized that this is what I want to do. I know I wanted to become an explorer before, but I know I won't be able to help everyone if I go that route." He looks outside through the tent flaps and thinks of all the pokemon he has met and the ones he may meet in the future. "Maybe if I do this, I could help everyone."
Watt took in everything Hydro had so eloquently said in such a short amount of time. He thought about everything they went through in the few days they knew each other, and then realized something. Hydro seemed so wise for someone his age, so full of potential with a strong spirit for doing good no matter what the cost.
He wrapped his arm around Hydro and smiled. "Hydro, I wanted to be a researcher for those same reasons. Knowledge is the true path to creating a better world. My father was the one who guided me in that direction, who showed how discovery lead to peace and prosperity. He inspired me to follow in his footsteps. I want to live up to expectations of him and the rest of the world, to inspire others like he did with me and make the world a better place."
Hydro wrapped his arm around Watt while also smiling. "You were the one who showed me the way, so you're already living up to those expectations."
"Thank you, Hydro. I'm happy I could do what my father did for me." Watt got up and headed towards the exit of the tent.
"Where are you going?" Hydro asked.
Watt turned towards Hydro, "I'm going to tell Mago what you told me."
"Why's that?"
"Maybe he'd give you a chance to become a researcher. However, I'm not completely positive it will work. Though, if this is really what you want to do, I'll try to help you achieve that goal."
Hydro was stunned, he couldn't believe that Watt was actually going to try to do this. "Watt... thank you so much!"
"You're welcome." Watt turned to leave again.
"Wait! One more thing." Hydro called out.
Watt turned around once more, "Yes?"
"M-May I come with you, please?" Hydro asked.
Watt nodded, "Of course you can."
"T-Thank you again." Hydro walked up to Watt. The two of them held each other's paws as they headed for Mago's tent. As they proceeded, they both began to get nervous about what Mago would say, especially Hydro. What if Mago saw this as letting Hydro throw himself into more danger?
Watt walked up to the tent, "Sir, Hydro and I would like to speak with you."
Mago walked over to the tent flaps and pushed them aside. "What is it about?"
"It's about Hydro, this is important," Watt replied.
"Alright, you may come in." Mago opened the tent flaps and got out of the way, letting the two walk inside.
Mago sat down on his hay pile, "Please be brief, I have a lot of work to catch up on."
Watt proceeded to explain the small discussion they had together. Mago as usual, listened intently, refraining from interrupting him from speaking.
When Watt finished, Mago looked over at Hydro. "Is this true?" he asked.
Hydro nodded, "Yes, all of it is."
Mago paused, "Hmm." he maintained eye contact with Hydro. "It seems like you're passionate about this, however, I'm not sure we can do this."
"Huh? Why's that?" Hydro asked.
"It's because your parents are still searching for you. If we took you under our wing, we'd might as well be kidnapping you."
Watt spoke up, "Well, we were planning on sending a note to them telling them where he was and where to find him. The two of us were going to ask for permission for him to join us as well."
Hydro smiled at Mago, "So if my parents do agree, you'll let me join you guys, right?"
"Maybe. However that's only if they say yes. There's another barrier as well."
"What could that be?"
"Not just anyone can join the Geo Research Foundation. It only allows those who are truly capable of fulfilling the demanding job to join. Not only must you be able to cope with the workload, you must also be extremely knowledgeable about scientific processes and specific areas of science such as geology and biology."
Watt nodded, "Yes, despite the name we don't only focus on the physical structure of the planet."
"I understand that. However, I'm willing to do whatever it takes if it means I can make the lives of others better."
"Be mindful, it's easier to say you can do it rather than to accomplish it," Mago warned.
Hydro nodded, "I'm confident in myself, sir."
"I must also tell you that you cannot be a fully fledged researcher yet. However, you can enroll in our Junior Researcher program."
Hydro tilted his head to the side, "What's that?"
"I can explain, I was a part of the program before," Watt said, turning towards Hydro. "In simplistic terms, it's a program designed for those interested in becoming a researcher, yet are below the minimum age of eighteen. They provide all the training and knowledge necessary for this line of work."
"That sounds great!" Hydro exclaimed in glee.
"It is a wonderful thing. However there is rigorous testing for all the core skills and, of course, understanding the laws of principles about how our world functions."
"I think I can handle that." Hydro said.
"Are you sure?" Mago inquired, "This isn't a decision that should be made lightly."
"I am sure. Nothing's going to change my mind." Hydro had determination in his eyes. He knew he would try his hardest to achieve whatever he needed to.
Mago took a moment before replying, "Alright, if you're parents agree, I will find a way to get you a registration form."
"Wait... you're really going to help?" Hydro was surprised by his answer.
Mago nodded, "Yes, we could always use more talent in the field or in the labs. After hearing about what you've done, I believe you have potential. However, my previous warning about not charging into danger or disobeying orders still applies."
"T-T-Thank you so much!" Hydro exclaimed, barely able to keep himself from dancing around the tent.
"My pleasure. You'd better get the note done quickly though, the mail carrier should arrive fairly soon."
"Don't worry, we will." Hydro grabbed Watt's arm, "Come on! Let's hurry!"
Watt smiled, "Of course." the two of them headed back towards Watt's tent.
The two of them immediately got to work on the note. Watt knew they didn't need to make it long, they just needed it be able to communicate the message effectively. He also suggested they omit the parts about Hydro throwing himself in danger to keep his parents from becoming more concerned. About thirty minutes later, Hydro read out the note to see if it would be good.
Hydro cleared his throat.
"Dear mom and dad,
I'm sorry for running away. I know you and the rest of the family are worried about me. However, I am safe. I've traveled so far from home all by myself, but I was found by a group of mystery dungeon researchers part of the Geo-Research Foundation which works in the Joydel Province. One of my friends apologized for not telling me earlier as we worked on this note. They let me stay with them, and I've been living at their camp over the past few days.
Over time, I got to know all the members, especially Mago, the head of the expedition, and Watt, who's become my best friend at the camp. They've been extremely kind to me and have kept me safe throughout my time here. I'm so happy I got the chance to meet them.
As my time here continued, I became more interested in becoming a researcher myself. I've even read through a fair chunk of the handbook. They help pokemon, but through the discovery of how the world works rather than by stopping outlaws. I've become some fascinated with it and I feel this should be my path.
Mago is planning to sign me up for the Junior Researchers Program, but only if you are fine with me staying. If you are not, the map in the note will show you where I am so you can get someone to bring me home.
I'm fine with whatever option you choose. I will still love you either way.
Love, your son, Hydro."
Hydro looked up from the page and to Watt. "So, did we do it right?"
Watt nodded, "I believe we did. This letter should be ready." The two took an envelope they had gotten from Mago, put the letter inside, and then sealed it.
Around an hour later, a pelipper with a large mail satchel landed in the center of the camp. He took off a small bell that was attached to the satchel and rung it to announce his arrival.
Everyone walked outside their tents. Mago walked out carrying a bundle of papers under his arm and shook the pelipper's wing.
"It's an honor to meet you, Mago." the pelipper said as he saluted, "Sadly I cannot stay here to chat. Do you have those papers that were requested of you?"
"Right here," Mago said, moving them out from under his arm and into the wings of the pelipper. He put them inside the satchel.
"Thank you kindly. I should get going, I really don't want to be late."
Hydro walked up to the pelipper with the map and letter in hand. "Excuse me, would you mind delivering something for me?" he asked politely.
The pelipper turned towards him, "I'd be happy to! What is it?"
"It's a letter for my parents," Hydro said.
Watt walked up next to Hydro, "Yes. You see, he's lost, and we're trying to help his parents find him."
"Oh you poor soul!" the pelipper exclaimed, "I'll deliver this as soon as possible."
Watt handed him the map, "This shows roughly where they live, it's a small village nearby a Stone-Arch falls." he said, pointing to the red circle showing where the village could possibly be found."
"Gotcha!" the pelipper replied, slipping the map into his pouch alongside the note. He turned to Mago, "We thank you and the rest of the Geo Research Foundation for your continued support of the Joydel branch of the Pelipper Mail Service." he saluted once again before he flew off.
Mago turned to everyone, "Return to what you were doing before." he said before walking back to his tent.
Everyone else did the same. Watt and Hydro went back inside.
