Pokemon fascinating creatures who have walked alongside man since the beginning of time or maybe even earlier. They appear in all shapes and sizes across the globe. They could be found soaring through the endless sky or nestling in the depth of the oceans. Others reside deep in the forest while other species live on rocky mountains. Some even prefer to live in big cities!
By walking alongside these creatures, man has made many interesting discoveries. We've learned about their preferences, their nature, their fears, and their hopes and dreams.
Men discovered pokemon could:
learn,
grow,
feel.
evolve…
Yet….
There are still so many mysteries to decipher. So much to learn about the world of pokemon.
As chairman of Academy City, who works alongside the Board of Directors, we have devised a solution to solve the many mysteries surrounding Pokémon. Introducing to you, the Quest Orientation Program (QOP).
The app would be a forum where youngsters can share their knowledge on Pokémon, giving each other advice. The app would also have a quest log where researchers and non-researchers alike can submit requests for help to further advance in their studies.
There are many more features waiting to be used. Youngsters, what are you waiting for? Your hopes and dreams will become reality with QOP. Join one of our many schools to start your adventure. The journey starts today!
Of all the fucking times it just had to happen now! Kamijou gave a frustrated sigh as he fixed up his messy hair. Slightly out of breath he took a sharp turn to the right hoping that it would take him towards his destination faster.
Kamijou couldn't believe how he ended up like this. Well, he knew his misfortunes played a part in it, but he made sure that everything was set for today. The spiky-haired boy made sure his backpack was packed, his clothes were folded and dry, and his documents and ID were ready to be handed over to the administration of a certain high school.
Yet somehow, even Kamijou Touma had expected it. It began with his stupid alarm clock. Last night, he should have set the alarm for 6:30; however, he woke up to find it reading 7:45. This meant he was already fifteen minutes late for the opening ceremony. Jumping out of bed, he somehow managed to trip over himself, causing him to drop the alarm clock on his head.
The next misfortune happened to his pair of clothes he had planned to wear today.
For some stupid damn reason, he left the window open. Which, in itself, doesn't sound bad until you figure out it's Kamijou. The end result was a disaster.
They were drenched. every piece of clothing was wet from the rain. Nothing on the weather forecast said it would be raining. Or was there a pokemon somewhere who liked to bully him out of spite by performing rain dance. Whatever it could be, Kamijou felt idiotic for keeping them so close to the window. But the worst of all were his documents or better yet his application form. A Skwovet broke into his hotel room.
How? You may ask. Through the window, but that didn't concern the boy much. What concerned him was what that rodent had in its mouth. His application form.
So the most logical thing that Kamijou Touma could come up with was, spending the last twenty minutes chasing the chubby cheeked grayish brown squirrel across the room. With a torn application in hand and swollen eyes, ready to burst into tears.
While still cursing, Kamijou left the alleyway into a busy street of Academy City. Named after its purpose, this city is built around institutions and research labs. From kindergartens to laboratories, one can find them all in this city of science, housing a population of 2.3 million. Though most of the populace consists of students, adults make up approximately 45% of the total.
Zigzagging between humans and pokemon he almost bumped into a Herdier. If it wasn't for his blue fur coat, Kamijou would have completely missed the poor dog.
"Yeesh watch where you're going!"
"Are you blind? Even a Zubat can see where it's going!"
'Tch! Kids these days are always in such a hurry.'
Finally making his way through the streets filled with insults, Kamijou finally made it to a certain high school. Like many other schools around here, the structure of the said school was nothing out of the ordinary, except for its name. Whoever thought of that name was either keeping it rather simple or wasn't really that creative.
Whatever the case was. Kamijou couldn't waste more time as he climbed the colossal staircase. Pumping more strength into his legs he raced through it in record time putting even a Pidgeot to shame.
"SORRY I'M LATEEEEE!!!!!!"
His labored breath was met with silence. The school halls were empty. Getting his breathing under control, Kamijou wiped the sweat off his brow and frowned as he walked past the lockers. He wasn't that late, was he? The doors weren't locked, which meant that some of the staff should still be here.
Hello anyone there? No reply.
"I came here to deliver my application form…" Touma's voice wavered a little till a door cracked open.
"Excuse me, is there something I can help you with?"
The voice belonged to a short-haired girl who poked her head behind the door of one of the many classrooms. Her hair was light pink, just like her eyes. It reminded Kamijou of an Igglybuff. Those little pink pre-evolutions were always popular with the little kids. With their bouncing movements and singing lullabies to put them to sleep.
"….an elementary kid?"
That seemed to strike a nerve. As the little girl began to pout. Kamijou didn't seem to notice.
He said, "I was wondering if I could still sign up for QOP." Hopeful that the small glimmer of hope he had left would burn like Charizard's flame.
She frowned, giving the boy a questioning look. "I'm sorry, but it seems you were late. The sign-up ended an hour ago."
Just like that, the flame of hope had died out.
"Huh."
The new batch of students who signed up this month has already left. If you are here to begin the QOP program, it would be more preferable for you to come back next month.
"Next month huh…Just my luck."
Just when Kamijou felt ready, the world just couldn't throw him a luxury ball. Knowing that he had no one to blame but himself, Kamijou still felt bitter. There were so many things he could have prevented it from happening. For starters, he should have closed that damn window of his. He also could have had an extra copy of his papers instead of chasing a Skwovet around...nevertheless, that cheeky bastard is still going to get it.
The only thing Kamijou could do was sigh. It didn't feel right to him, but what else could he do? His mother had stated for him to be a little more responsible. The only thing he could do now was smile and walk away.
"Thanks for letting me know." Kamijou curled his lips upwards, hoping it didn't look like a Banette. The Little Girl's face distorted a bit. It made Kamijou feel a little better that she was feeling sympathy for him. Ready to take his leave. The Igglybuff girl stopped him.
"Can I see your application form?" Kamijou tilted his head sideways. Why did she need to see it anyways?
"Your application form."
"Oh ehmm here." Handling the torn pieces of paper over. Giving Kamijou a glance of gratitude. She skimmed over papers analyzing filled details, making the chespin like boy nervous.
"Your name is Kamijou-chan correct?"
'Kamijou-chan'
"Y-yeah that's me."
She gave him an angelic smile. Feeling a slight warmth on his cheeks, he gently coughed into his hand, trying his best to hide it.
"Then I welcome you to Class 1-7!"
"So you're a teacher?"
"Yes, in fact I am."
"..."
"Despite my appearance I've been teaching students for quite a while now."
"Then…"
"It's rude to question a woman's age, Kamijou-chan."
It wasn't Kamijou's fault that the gi- woman known as Tsukuyomi Komoe was a teacher. Kamijou wasn't the smartest around but was it even possible being an adult possessing a child's body!? Although there were stories of certain pokemon cursing humans by switching their souls with others.
Kamijou likely knew those rumors were fake. Pokemon, although stronger than humans, weren't gods. The legendary bird trio: Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres gained the Status legendary because their power would affect the ecosystem. Pokemon like Peliper and Torkoal could do the same to a lesser extent with the ability drizzle and drought. Another example was Celebi.
Some claim that Celebi is able to move through Time itself. Records from regions known as Galar and Johto found relics describing Celebi being referred to as a forest deity. While Celebi wasn't caught nor found by anyone. Scholars came to the conclusion that Celebi could just be an extinct species.
Making the Pokémon known as Celebi a myth. So yes, creatures known as Pokémon can perform supernatural feats. Legendary and Mythical Pokémon (if some even exist) are what humans would call god-like, but they're far from omniscient.
With that in mind. They stopped In Front of a metal door with a digital key lock. Pressing her index finger and typing a combination of numbers to door split open revealing a research laboratorium. There were some papers scattered on the desk with two seats. A bookshelf at the right corner and at last a display built in the wall. It was simplic to say the least. Urging Kamijou to take a seat she sat across from him stacking up papers,then storing them away. Komoe-sensei from what Kamijou could assume a drawer took out what seems to be a smartphone.
"Well, Kamijou-chan," she began, drawing his attention. "You were late by what seems to be an hour. You could consider yourself lucky that I was still around the school grounds."
If it were someone else, they would certainly have sent you away." Kamijou wanted to snort at that statement. Him Lucky? There's no way. An absol has even more luck than he has. "First I would like to ask Kamijou-chan. Why do you want to join this project?" Komoe questions,Leaning a bit forward. It took Kamijou a bit to answer. Why did he want to be a trainer in the first place? Was it because it was fun to battle other trainers and wanting to make his way to the top? Maybe because he wanted to be the first to discover a mystery that would shake the world as a whole?
Or was it because of his parents? Wanting to make them see that they don't have to worry about their son journeying across the region? Kamijou knew the answer that was written in his heart. A bashful smile appeared on his lips as he spoke his words.
"No reason."
"Eh?"
"No reason at all. I don't really care. Competing in the pokemon league sounds fun and all but it's not really what I want to do. Being part of a big project, like project mew, isn't my style either… I guess I just want to have fun traveling and discovering new things, make friends along the way, etcetera. I just want to be your average teenage boy, you stumble upon anywhere."
Komoe remained silent, not even uttering a word. This made Kamijou worry if he had said anything wrong. This wasn't some sort of test, right? One where you had to say something specific to pass, right? Right? A snort was heard that soon turned into giggles. Komoe's shoulders were moving up and down, making the comparison between her and an Igglybuff more apparent. She took a deep breath and wiped her tears away.
"You're an odd one Kamijou-chan. Class meetings would be fun with you around!"
Wait? class meetings?
Kamijou tilted his head to the side, indicating he had no idea what his sensei had meant. Komoe took it as a sign and cleared her throat.
"I'm sorry, Kamijou-chan. Let me explain." As he pushed the smartphone forward, he started to inspect it with questions.
"This would be your Academy City smartPhone or ACP for short. It works like a Pokedex and a smartphone at the same time." Komoe continued. Kamijou nodded, Turning the smartphone on the screen to display a filled in registration form with Kamijou's details.
"Since everything is filled in you could just tap on accept and will be able to go through it." Doing just that the chespin haired boy tapped accept. Now at the home screen. Different app icons were visible like Pokedex, maps, quest log, school message board and some other that Kamijou didn't know about.
"Firstly, let's talk about the simplest tool - the Pokedex. While there are regional ones, Academy City has a more national one with over 1000 different types of Pokémon. If you encounter a Pokémon, simply focus your camera on it for long enough. Your smartphone will attempt to identify the Pokémon you're facing. It also provides information about its type, strength, weaknesses, and some facts about the particular Pokémon."
Kamijou, seeming to understand the Pokedex. Pointed his thumb to a specific icon next to the Pokedex. "The Pokedex and the map are understandable. But what is the quest log about?"
"Since QOP was developed to advance our understanding of Pokémon," Komoe answered. "It's up to the students to collect data and help non-scholars with requests they send in for students to accept." Komoe held up her index finger. "First up are research quests, where a scientist sends in a quest for their research or experiments. Students then have the job to collect data on a specific Pokémon or item."
She raised her middle finger as she continued. "Second are open quests. Open quests are missions that don't focus on collecting data. So anyone can send them through the pokecenter. Those requests may range from finding lost items to removing Pokémon who cause trouble to the community. And then there are school and side quests."
Komoe raised her ring and pinky finger. "School quests are missions you'll get from the school itself, mostly once or twice a month. These quests will be announced on the school bulletin board. These quests may come from me as your homeroom teacher or others like Yomikawa. They serve as tests or exams to determine your growth as a trainer."
Komoe gave a pause letting the words sink in Touma's mind. "Side quests are quests you could do in your free time." Komoe smiled. The smile was so angelic. It made Kamijou feel that being under Komoe-sensei wouldn't be so bad. "But remember Kamijou-chan failing a quest means that the school reputation will drop so don't disappoint sensei okay?"
Huh where did that brightness go? Why is there a sudden pressure of responsibility!? What do you mean disappoint!? Don't tell me There's a punishment for failing one!?
"And yes you will receive a penalty from the school board for failing the quest without proper reason. Save for the side quest."
"!"
Did she just read his mind!? A slight shiver rolled down his spine.
"S-so failing quest would lead to penalties?" Kamijou gulped, hoping for whatever reason komoe-sensei was joking. Komoe-sensei nodded her head. "We as a school find it utmost important that a student does a job well. If a client isn't satisfied, the school's reputation drops which would then lead to less funds.
The boy frowned at that statement. If students fail their missions would without doubt lead to dissatisfaction to the client which ultimately make the client wouldn't accept a request from that anymore making it harder to receive funds. So a penalty would be the most logical thing to do, to prevent it from happening again.
"But if There penalties then there are also rewards for completing them?"
Kamijou brought such conclusions to the table.
"You're right about Kamijou-chan. Quest rewards are determined by the requester. They most commonly offer money or simple items like potions Which you could pick up from pokecenters over the region. but sometimes they offer rare items."
"So is that everything?"
"No, not all quests can be taken. Some quests require you to have a specific Pokémon, like Water-types for Diving or Flying-types to reach places that are unreachable on foot. Additionally, there are quests that require Gym Badges."
Kamijou gave a sigh. Gym badges huh. In academy city there weren't any gyms since it's main focus is learning. Of course there would be merits of winning a gym badge. It was a sign of recognition that a trainer has experience in the field of battles. Meaning client's will likely go for more experienced trainers. Gym leaders would also give TM drives. Giving trainers an opportunity to change their arsenal. Of course nothing in life is filled with flabébé's and floette's Losing means paying a sum of money and rules are decided by the gym leaders. Gyms are made in advantage for the gym leader not the challenger. A water type gym would most likely be built around water. Having some small islands placed to make it more fair, it's still a big advantage for the gym leader. Also Kamijou would stay far away from the flying type gym. Those birds would eat him alive.
"Kamijou-chan your shuddering. Do you have a cold?"
"I'm okay sensei, just having some bad memories."
Komoe-sensei wasn't really convinced, but she didn't question any further. Which was a good thing. Kamijou would rather forget about that hellish experience. Falling from a height of 4000 feet didn't feel fun as a kid.
Keeping the conversation going Kamijou asked a question. "I get the Quest log and the Pokedex part. The school message board should be easy to guess. With it I could communicate with other classmates and stuff right?" Komoe nodded in response.
"That would be it, minus some minor details; I assume you'll figure them out on your own."
"Then that should be everything right? The only thing I just need is a starter Pokemon."
Touma stood up, stretching his muscles. Sitting in the chair had made his muscles sore. "Well, about that..."
Huh what about his starter Pokemon? Did he miss some important detail? He understood the purpose of ACP and the Quest orientation program. So what was he missing? Was there something he forgot? Did need to fill something to get a start-
It clicked, it just clicked like a Klang as he had his mini gear back in place after firing it away. Kamijou Touma arrived late. Not just late. He was late by a whole hour. Meaning there weren't any Pokémon left for him to catch. A dark cloud hovered above his head. "Ha… ha… ha. I knew it. This Kamijou-san was born miserable… isn't…" That would be an understatement. Kamijou Touma wasn't born unlucky… He was the whole definition of it. Who needs an Absol when you have Kamijou?
"I-I didn't mean to use worry Seed! We still have one left!"
"Really!"
"...You can't just change like a Morpeko Kamijou-chan…"
The pink adult (but childlike) message her temples. She had a feeling that Kamijou would be a troublemaker. Which she didn't mind by the way. But changing moods like that did worry her a bit.
"There's one.… No one is willing to take him because he's a bit of a trouble maker."
Anxiety gripped Kamijou's heart again. Pokemon who are chosen last were considered weak by mostly anyone. Not that the boy cared about a pokemon being weak. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. That's just the basics that were drilled into him at school. everyone knows that Fire has an advantage against grass but a weakness against water and ground. On the other hand grass types are super effective against those two typings where Fire was weak against. The typing theory. Kamijou's problem was the word 'trouble maker'. Pokemon that disobey their trainers were referred to as such. Doing their own thing leads to lots of misfortune. Kamijou had enough of that already!
"Can I perhaps see the little guy?" Kamijou asked
Komoe lips curled in an awkward way. She stood from her chair, making her way to the built-in display. Komoe placed her palm against it, opening a hidden drawer. Just how secure is this place? Are all high school's that secure in handling pokemon? A simple PokeBall found its way on komoe-sensei hands. Pressing on the switch, the capsule burst open. Creating a red luminous light that took the form of a pokemon.
A little pokemon was sitting on the floor giving his surroundings a dead look. Its bright pink eyes met those of Kamijou. Having beige colored scales and a pink colored coat on its upper chest and neck. Two little tusks of lighter yellow on its upper jaw.
What stood out the most for Kamijou, was that the pokemon had a large horn on the back of its crown. Kamijou wasted no time and pointed his new smartphone at the little reptile in front of him.
Axew: The Tusk pokemon
Typing: dragon
Height: 0.6 m (2′00″)
Weight: 18.0 kg (39.7 lbs)
Evolution Chart: AxewFraxureHaxurus
These Pokémon nest in the ground and use their tusks to crush hard berries. Crushing berries is also how they test each other's strength. If a tusk breaks, a new one grows in quickly.
Kamijou's mouth fell open. He rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn't dreaming. Then a second time, then a third. An Axew! An fucking AXEW! How's it possible that no one wants it? It's a freaking DRAGON! Typings like those are hard to find across the region! AND IT'S ANOTHER THING WHEN IT IS A SHINY!?.
Kamijou couldn't believe it. No. He just wouldn't believe that he, the unlucky Pokémon trainer, the boy who started his day by stepping out of bed on the wrong foot, chasing a Skwovet and arriving at least an hour late, was getting a Shiny Axew. This had to be wrong. The author must be pulling a prank on him. This Pokémon is surely a Ditto. No doubt about it. No chance in hell would Kamijou fall for that!
"V-very funny sensei. It's no fun getting this Kamijou-san hopes up like a togetic."
Komoe gave a light chuckle. "I'm not joking, Kamijou-chan. Tatsu really is a Shiny Axe. He was an egg from the Pokémon Daycare that was sent to us as a gift." She gave the Axe known as Tatsu a light scratch under its chin. It growled in disapproval, turning its head sideways. This made both Komoe and Kamijou slightly grimace. "As you can see, Tatsu has a bit of a tendency to ignore his trainer. Sometimes leading to not listening to commands, and even refusing to move from his spot. Students who adopted Tatsu always came back the next day to return him."
Kamijou approached the shiny Pokémon. He sat in a crouched position and extended his hand. "Nice to meet you, Tatsu-san," he said. "My name is Kamijou Touma. You have a pretty awesome name, don't you?" Tatsu gave him a weary look. The little Tusk Pokémon came closer, inspecting Kamijou's open palm. The spiky-haired boy gave a slight grin. Tatsu seemed like a nice Pokémon.
!
Kamijou didn't know why, but he swore he saw a slight grin on his face. The next moment went by in an instant. Tatsu took a large, menacing bite of poor Kamijou's hand. Screaming in pain, Kamijou stood up. Tatsu still had his jaw locked around him. He was carried upwards. "You stupid reptile! Are you a Rattata by any chance? Let goooo!" Tatsu bit down harder. "Stop trying to chop my hand off!" In an attempt to free himself from being amputated, Kamijou used his free hand to grab Tatsu's tail, making the said Pokémon yelp. Finally freed from its grasp, Kamijou tended to his hand. Huffing in relief, he looked at Tatsu who returned to his Poke Ball. From a distance, the little teacher made an attempt to smooth things over.
"Tatsu is a unique one isn't he?"
"Unique one my ass! He almost just amputated me!"
"Don't be such a wimpod Kamijou-chan, it takes a bite force of 1,485 newtons to do that a axew has a bite force similar to a yamper."
"Bringing up facts won't make me feel better, sensei!" Kamijou whimpered.
"Jokes aside," Komoe continued. "Tatsu can be problematic, but he's a good Pokémon." Kamijou had his doubts. Dragon Types were mostly proud creatures, making it difficult to properly train them. If this Axew was a troublemaker to begin with... then how long would Kamijou last? Pokémon like this could lead to his death if he wasn't careful.
"You don't have to take him if you want."
Kamijou gave a sigh. The idea of having a shiny Pokemon sounds appealing to say the least. The problem of Having one would also make him stand out like a sore thumb. Those two options could lead to both disaster or salvation. Komoe-sensei please don't look at this Kamijou with those tearful eyes. You'll only make the choice much more difficult! It seems that komoe fake tears were very effective as Kamijou's willpower shimmered away.
"I-I'll guess I'll take him."
"Excellent!" And gone was that tearful expression. Handing Tatsu's PokeBall over to Kamijou. Komoe gave her new favorite student an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry Kamijou-chan but I really mean no harm. Tatsu needs to see the world for itself if he ever wants to grow stronger."
"It's fine. I don't know if I'm the right person. Though I promise you one thing, I'll do my best."
"Still... I haven't said this at the opening ceremony since it was against protocol and all. I do want to warn you Kamijou-chan." She steeled her eyes, adopting the aura of a teacher. "The world can be a dangerous place. As a school, we can track your progress. But not your location. I ask you to be careful. Especially when dealing with wild pokemon. Don't hesitate to run if needed. I would rather have my students fail a quest than complete one while dying. The QOP project, while trustworthy, can still be a dangerous place. So please. Please promise me you'll take care of yourself."
Kamijou eyes grew soft. It felt good that a teacher was looking out for its students.
Showing Komoe a toothy grin. The spiky haired boy reassured her.
"Don't worry Sensei! This Kamijou-san isn't planning on getting himself into trouble. He'll rather stay far away from it!"
"Somehow that doesn't sound reassuring to sensei."
"Isn't this the part where you say: I have complete faith in you Kamijou-chan!"
Just as he was having a cool moment, Komoe-sensei had to ruin it.
"Then Kamijou Touma. I wish you the best of Luck on your journey. I hope you'll discover many things that would help academy city with its everlasting research on pokemon."
Tightening his grip on Tatsu's pokéball, Kamijou was determined to make his journey worthwhile.
After Kamijou left, Komoe checked Kamijou's details again. The new batch of students were rare buch to say the least. Komoe had a feeling that this year would be a year like no one had expected.
"Hmmm? Kamijou? Could it be that he's a relative of Kamijou Shiina?"
Komoe-sensei would never have the chance of asking Kamijou Touma that question ever again.
Hi There Nicko here. Congratulations for reaching the end of the chapter. It took me a while to write what I wanted and at the end I felt kinda lazy so spelling errors are all over the place. Still I hope that you'll enjoy Kamijou's wholesome pokemon journey. Till next time. Nicko out.