Waking Up To Pokemon

by Bane145

This is the story of an OC SI(self-insert) in the world of Pokemon. This Pokemon world is more dangerous and difficult for trainers but some times you just have to get the job done no matter how difficult. Rated M to be safe may have violence and swearing.

10. Chapter 9

Waking Up To Pokemon Chapter 9: Earning My Start

Last Time

"When we get back I will want to start conditioning my body for better endurance and was thinking that a good way would be to start running each morning and afternoon as well as regular exercise like push-ups and sit-ups. I also considered looking for a martial arts class or instructor for a different exercise as well. What do you think?"

"Good idea and it will definitely help you. I know I probably haven't expressed this enough but I am proud of you and your work. I also see you going far as a trainer so let's see how far you can go."

2 Years Later (About 3 Months Before The New Season)

Much changed in the two years since the camping trip with Brody when we got attacked by the family of geodudes, gravelers, and the golem. The years have been good and I did as I told Brody I wanted to with my physical training. I found that anime logic does somewhat apply if even not in that way many would think. A couple months of training did not turn me into an 11 year old with six pack abs and rippling muscles that no preteen could ever have but with two years of dedicated training and what I believe to be aura, a near thirteen year old could have the strength and endurance equal to an older teenager athlete. Now this does not mean I or anyone else that puts in the littlest of effort will become an Aura Guardian but that humans just like pokemon have some amount of aura in our bodies that make them a little tougher and stronger that humans in my old world and if trained can reach greater heights of physical ability. This means that I am a near 13 year old with the physical abilities of a 16 year old high school athlete.

As Brody said a long time ago and at the end of our camping trip he helped me greatly. He helped me with my physical training, finding a martial arts teacher, camping practice and the practice for the TLT. With my dedication and his help I improved greatly, achieving the physical fitness of an athletic teenager, about a brown belt in martial arts, passing my Survival course with a perfect score and getting my practice TLT score up greatly. My last practice test came back with a score of 99% making me positive I would pass but the question of getting Professor Oak's sponsorship is still up in the air. So it is with great anxiety that I wait for the results of my test to come back, which should be happening any day now. I am confident that I will score in the mid to high ninety's on the test even with how I tend to blank out on some of the questions that I know. The problem with this is that while mid to high ninety's will present my knowledge and skill greatly it cannot guarantee the Oak sponsorship as it is given to the top three of the TLT for each year and a few years back the top three scores were all an astonishing 100%.

When I found out this my hopes of scoring in the top three drastically fell and even Brody's words of encouragement did little for a while. When I realized that worrying about something I had little control over was futile I started looking more into individual sponsorships while hoping for the best with my score in the TLT. As I found out when I first woke up in this world, trainers can be sponsored in many different ways and to different extents. As I had initially planned as a backup I could apply for an individual sponsorship from Professor Oak but that would require me being able to offer something special to Professor Oak by way of research or I could try for a sponsorship from a company or gym leader. As luck would have it I am confident that I have at least a better than average chance to get Professor Oak to individually sponsor me due to something that happened over the last two years and at worst I would be able to get Brody to sponsor me on behalf of the Cerulean Gym, though the how will come up later as suddenly I am startles from my thoughts as Wave, Brody's gyarados, lets out a roar of, "'DOOSSS" as I am scrubbing his scales in the surf of the lagoon in the back of the gym.

Looking behind me up to the back door of the gym I see Brody walking down the stairs holding what looks like an envelope in his hand. I quickly finished the scale I was scrubbing before walking back to the beach and towards Brody. As I get closer and closer to Brody my anxiety grows and my eyes remain locked to the while envelope that I know in my gut is my test results. Before I know it I am standing in front of Brody with my eyes locked on the white envelope which I can now see the Pokemon League logo on.

Brody just gives me a reassuring smile and hands me the envelope that contains the results that will decide my future, surely knowing that I am too worried and anxious for the trading of words. Knowing that putting off my opening of the envelope would change nothing I take the envelope and rip the seal open before looking at the letter and see:

Dear Mr. Alexander Polaris,

I am pleased to inform you that you have passed the Pokemon Trainer License Test with a 97.6%. As such you will be able to start your Pokemon journey at the beginning of the next season starting on July 15th. Below you will find ….

Best of luck,

Charles Goodshow

President of the Pokemon League

As I keep running through the contents of the letter in my mind I wordlessly hand the letter to Brody. I am rapidly thinking and planning as he reads but I keep coming back to the same conclusion.

"Well, congratulations Alex!" Brody says with a smile before continuing stating my main thought aloud. "The practice certainly paid off and you should definitely be in the running for Professor Oak's sponsorship but as I am sure you know there is no guarantee that you will get it and it still depends on the others test score."

I nod still a little shocked and unsure what to feel. While I am happy that I did well and will become a trainer, even though I had little to no doubt that I would pass, I have a foreboding feeling in my gut that despite how well I did it would not be enough.

Something must have shown on my face as Brody continues with a comforting smile on his face. "Knowing you, you probably are thinking that you will miss out on the sponsorship and will be even more upset as you would have been so close but I want you to know that I and everyone at the gym are proud of you and even if that happens you have proved yourself to us and the Cerulean Gym will sponsor you." Holding up a hand to forestall anything I may say he continues, "You have done better than any pre-trainer that has worked here and even scored better than all the gym trainers I have had here did on their test so be proud." With a smirk he adds on, "And that's an order!"

I force a smile on my face and respond, "I am proud and and thankful for everything you did for me. Unfortunately I have this foreboding feeling in my gut that I will be missing out on the top three sponsorships. While I am honored that you would offer and I mean no offense but if I don't get the top three sponsorships I have one more shot to possibly get Professor Oak to sponsor me. It may only be a long shot but as proud as I would be to have you as my sponsor Professor Oak is able to offer more. I …."

Brody cuts me off with a raised hand and says, "Alex, don't worry I have always understood your goal and I would have to be a fool not to know that Oak can offer more but I want you to know you have an option. Besides, you may still get one of the top scores." he finishes with a shrug and a smile.

"Thanks. I know there is nothing I can do but wait right now so I will get back to Wave, can you drop off the letter in my locker?" Brody turns and with a flippant wave over his shoulder and calls out, "Sure, but don't forget that Oak is coming to the gym in two days for that speech to the little kids about being trainers. While he will probably not have an idea on the top scores yet as there is still about 3 months before the new season starts and there are sure to be tests that haven't been graded yet he may be able to give you some advice and you never know."

I smile and give a two finger salute before going back to Wave.

2 Days Later

"... and remember. A world of dreams and adventures with Pokémon awaits! I hope to see you later!" Professor Oak finishes his final address after the questions he answered at the end of his speech.

After the room clears of young kids and their parents Brody and I come up to Professor Oak. Brody smiles at Professor Oak as he extends his hand saying, "Thanks for coming around Sam. The kids love it and they always leave inspired."

Professor Oak smiles good naturedly at us and says, "Brody, it is I that should thank you for allowing me to give my speech at your gym. I also think that I may enjoy it even more than the kids as they take the information I give them and dream of the future journeys they will have, allowing those dreams to inspire them. I, on the other hand, am inspired just by seeing those smiles on their faces." As he finishes with a smile that tells he believes every word he just said with a far away look in his eyes that makes you feel as though he is seeing each and every kid he has ever inspired looking back at him.

While I am looking at Oak seeing a man that probably feels that he has never had to work a day in his life as he enjoys his job so much that it doesn't feel like work, Brody is shaking his head with a bemused smile as if he has heard this many times before , which he may have, and says, "Whatever Sam. Anyway, you may remember Alex here from your speech a few years ago or from helping out the last few years. Alex here wanted to have a word in private with you if you are free at all."

Professor Oak smiles at us and nods, "As it happens I am free for another hour or two. I always want to leave some time after a speech in case they run over and to just let the exuberance of kids sink in and inspire me to continue on. So, what did you want to talk about Alex?" Oak asks, turning to me.

After taking a breath to try and compose myself from being put on the spot, I nod to both Professor Oak and myself as a way to let him know I am ready and to encourage myself at the same time. "Professor Oak, thank you for talking to me. As you may be able to tell I am of the minimum age to start my journey and have already passed the Trainer License Test. As I am an orphan and in my research of the requirements for becoming a successful trainer I learned that one of the biggest challenges new trainers face is understanding the true dangers of training and having proper funding to keep going and having the right equipment. As such, after my research I came to the conclusion that though my parents left me enough money that I could at least start my journey I would not have enough money to face unexpected challenges. This led me to the knowledge of sponsorships and the methods to gain them. As I am sure you know the ideal sponsorship is your own for the top three spots on the TLT but I have always had difficulty on tests and while I was sure I would pass I was not as confident that I would get one of the top three spots. This led me making a backup plan which led me to getting the job at the gym to both raise more money and perhaps earning a sponsorship from the gym that would be the next best option available to a starting trainer. This has led me to today, with Brody's help I passed with a very high score of 97.6% but after my research telling me that last year the top three all scored 100% I am worried that I won't make the cut. As such, I am hoping that you may know whether or not I made the cut so that I can plan further."

As Professor Oak gives me a much different smile that he had for the most of the day I feel my hopes drop and know that my gut instinct from when I read the letter was right. It was with an absent mind that I heard his words. "While I am sure Brody is proud of your dedication and successful result as you should be as well and I am as well to be honest but unfortunately from the current ranking scores you are not in the top three. While the rankings will not be announced until the final month before the new season starts to let as many test takers and re-takers try and pass, I receive a constant updated ranking so that I can plan as well. As such, it may be hard to hear that currently your score is ranked as the fourth highest. I am sorry but you will not be getting the sponsorship unless someone denies it which has only ever happened once before and is unlikely to happen."

I can't help but frown at the confirmation of what my gut instincts told me. Taking a second to compose myself before shaking my head to literally shake me out of my funk as having a pity party won't help anything. As I look back at Professor Oak and I see that he is generally sorry for me even though he probably has had to break this news to many before but that he still sympathizes with those that don't quite reach their desired results.

Taking a last breath to prepare myself for my last chance at a Professor Oak sponsorship with my pitch I take the plunge. "Professor Oak, while I am disappointed that I did not get the top three sponsorship I knew it was a longshot with my difficulties in test taking. As I said I planned ahead and as such have some backup plans. One is what I have to ask and was always another far off plan that would depend on luck more than anything else."

Here I see that both Professor Oak and Brody are looking a little confused. While they are probably guessing at what I mean, I decide to cut to the heart of the matter.

"This far-fetched backup plan is to seek individual sponsorship from you, Professor Oak, based on research and/or new discovery. I came across this in my research and I know that you have done it in the past either after the season starts or before it. In one of the testimonials I saw from years past the trainer discovered a rare migrated pokemon before the league started allowing him to not only get a sponsorship but a starter pokemon from you. So my question is if this is still a possibility?"

It was probably only because I was looking so intently at Professor Oak that I noticed the widening of his eyes in surprise when I asked about the individual sponsorship and commented about the specific example. While I waited for his answer, no doubt fidgeting as well, I picked up on Brody's body stiffening and anticipation as well. But before the anxiety got too bad Professor Oak composed himself and answered me.

"First of all, I must say that I am very impressed with your research and planning. In addition to your test score and the few comments I have heard form Brody over the years your planning shows you are not only ready for your journey but I suspect you have a very bright future ahead of you. As for the individual sponsorship, while I do sponsor people on occasion it is rare and is only under amazing circumstances usually. While I would be willing to take a look if you believe you have a discovery that would be deserving of the sponsorship it must be something extraordinary. In addition I would not be able to provide a traditional Kanto starter with so little time left. The case you were referring to was brought to my attention over a year ahead of time and as such I was able to plan ahead and request the starter from the breeder I use. While I could provide a different starter pokemon it would be based on what I could find available. However, as I said it depends on if you have a discovery that would be deserving of the sponsorship."

He looks at me with a serious but questioning stare. I gulp and compose myself as this is the moment of truth. Feeling that it was now or never I square up my shoulders and stare him directly in the eyes as I answer.

"While my discovery is not something like a new species of pokemon or a legendary pokemon I believe that I have discovered a rare phenomenon in a pokemon who I have bonded with, trained and has agreed to be captured by me as soon as I am able. My main reason for not contacting you earlier was my concern that someone may wish to take him away before he could officially become my partner in addition to wishing to earn one of the top spots as both Brody and I put so much effort into achieving that goal. As that goal is now beyond my reach and I had the luck to stumble across my friend, this is now the best option if you are able to address my concern, so … can you?"

Brody looks shocked by what I have revealed before suddenly having a spark of realization in his eyes. "Is that why you have been spending so much time out at the beach and cliffs after your workouts?"

I nod to Brody while keeping my eye on Professor Oak as his answer will have a huge effect on what I decide to do because I will not abandon my little buddy just for the sponsorship.

Professor Oak looks at me seriously having taken in everything we had said before replying. "While I cannot make any promises without knowing the specifics, based on what you have said already it is clear you have a bond with this pokemon. If when you show me this pokemon what you have alluded to is true and you have a bond with it then it is unlikely the league would seek to take any action to prevent you from being partners. The only exception is really that you cannot control the pokemon and it is a clear and present danger to yourself or others. In fact, if you really have a strong bond and the pokemon is unique enough that I choose to sponsor you I will allow you to capture it on the spot and fast track your license. So, if that is true then you have nothing to worry about on that front. Does that answer your concern enough to move forward?"

I nod with a cautious smile on my face before I respond. "It does. As Brody guessed, we need to head towards the end of the beach near the cliffs if you still have enough time to go now."

Both Brody and Professor Oak nod and give confirmation so I start leading them out as Brody lets some people know that he'll be out on our way.

20 Minutes Later

As we come to the end of the beach and approach the cliffs I see Professor Oak looking around every so often and I can't help but wonder why, so being as curious as I am at times I break the silence of or walk and ask, "Professor, why do you keep looking around like that?"

Professor Oak turns to me and shrugs before saying, "It has been a while since I have been outside but near the walls of Cerulean City. While I am sure you know that most large towns and cities have protective walls, many small towns do not and my home town of Pallet Town does not. It is easy to forget what it is like to have the beauty of nature on one side and the daunting protectiveness of the city walls on the other, especially when I tend to teleport in for many of my trips. Can I ask you how much further it is, as while I enjoy a good walk as much as anyone this is a little longer than I expected?"

I nod along with his explanation having forgotten that Pallet Town may be small enough that they may not have the same walls I have become used to seeing these last few years. "Sorry about the long walk, I am usually running for my workout on my way out here and am either too tired or deep in thought on my walks back to take account of the time the walk takes. We will be there in a few minutes. It is just over the cliffs there. There is an inlet with a cave in the cliffs where my friend lives."

As we come to the crest of the cliffs you can see a rocky path going down if you look for it where it leads to a rocky beach with tidepools. If it had been a sand beach this would be a great getaway spot for parties or couples but with the rocks and water slamming against the cliffs it is just not so. I led Brody and Professor Oak down telling them to watch their step and as we get to the beach I ask them to wait while I go to get my friend which they agree to after I explain that the cave is his home and it wouldn't be right to bring others in without his consent so I will have him come out. As I explain this I can almost see the respect growing in Professor Oak's eyes for considering my pokemon friend's feelings.

In no time at all I am back with Brody and Professor Oak on the rocky beach with my friend nowhere in sight because let's face it, I want to make a show of this so I can impress the Professor and get sponsored. Facing the two of them I say, "I will have my friend come out in a minute but I just want to make sure you are both ready and will not over react when he makes his appearance."

Brody shakes his head, surely thinking this is one of my antics to make the reveal more impressive than it would otherwise be and Oak gives a smile that to me would be seen on a grandfather indulging a young grandkid and says, "Go ahead Alex, we will be fine."

"Okay, if you're sure."

I take a deep breath and yell, "JOR, COME OUT AND MEET MY FRIENDS!"

Brody and Professor Oak both give me a deadpan look that practically scream 'REALLY' but before a word can leave their lips the water in front of us erupts into a tower of water for a second before revealing my little buddy who announces himself with a earth shattering roar of "DOOOOOSSSSS!"

Both Brody and Professor Oak take an involuntary step back as their jaws drop to the floor as they look at my 'little' buddy, for rising out of the water is the towering form of a gyarados. Yes, a not quite 13 year old's friend is the atrocious pokemon gyarados in a world where people can fear an upset growlithe puppy. Now while that can be impressive by itself it is in no way the phenomenon that I promised with the hope of getting a sponsorship. No, what made Brody, a water pokemon gym leader and master and Professor Oak, one of the foremost pokemon researchers and former league champion, drop their jaws is the phenomenon that will hopefully get me the sponsorship. 'Jor' as I call my friend is not just a gyarados but a titanic red gyarados.

As Brody and Oak stare at Jor's massive form with either no thought or too many thoughts going through their heads I wave Jor over and for every foot he moves closer they take a step back until they bump into the cliff walls waking them from there haze and while they literally try to shake their senses back by shaking their head Brody also starts reaching for a pokeball before stopping himself thankfully. As one they turn to me and speak together through what they say is totally different. "Where did you find him?" "What the hell Alex!"

I take a breath but can't get the smile off my face and answer. "Professor, I found Jor stranded in a tidepool here about a year ago as a magikarp. From what I could figure out over time he probably got stuck in his hurry to escape a predator that thought he was just a big shiny meal. As luck would have it there was no predator still on his tail so I was not going to have to call out Admiral Brody's golduck for a fight. After helping him back to the water I tried to talk to him and found him to be a very good listener if not a great conversationalist. During my talk I explained that I was working out to get stronger for my journey and I could swear Jor's eyes glowed with passion and he started jumping and splashing all around. Long story short, we formed a friendship over wanting to get stronger and as I explained my hope of sponsorship I just knew that he may be special enough to get an individual sponsorship if I didn't get in the top three. Besides I would be a terrible friend if I didn't help him with his dream when Brody was helping me with mine and he could help me if my goal fell through. After securing a safer place for Jor to avoid predators until he was strong enough to fight back we began training. While this went on I did some research on the pokenet on not only how to train magikarp, which there is surprisingly little, but training in general and Jor's different coloring and size. While finding articles on different coloring is easy and therefore I knew he was a 'shiny' I found little on his size besides that pokemon can be born bigger and can also gain size with training and age depending on the species. While the size explanation could explain pokemon like Wave who are strong I found it hard to believe for Jor as he was not strong or trained at that time and was far more than twice the normal size as I found in a few articles theorized about a rough birth size. After about two months I stumbled across an article that suggested that there were pokemon out in the world that exceeded the doubling effect of extra large pokemon and would exceed three to four times the normal size at birth and could maybe even reach five times as big. This article offered three possible names for this phenomenon which were giant, king, or titan pokemon. With this information I felt that I found my golden swanna that would get me a sponsorship if I could not get in the top three, as if I could only find one mention of this phenomenon in all my searching it must be unique." Taking a breath I stare directly into Professor Oak's eyes and ask, "So, was I right?"

Professor Oak looks right back at me with a huge smile and says those words I have been dreaming of for years and dying to hear.

"Yes Alex. You have most definitely earned your sponsorship."

Chapter Word Count: 4899