Chapter 6: Setting Out
The week following Ethan's meeting with Professor Rowan unfolded in a whirlwind of preparation and intensive training. Each day began well before dawn, with Ethan rousing himself from fitful sleep plagued by lingering nightmares of his lost world. As he lay in bed, the first pale light of morning barely visible through the attic window, Ethan would take a moment to center himself, to remind himself of his new reality and the challenges that lay ahead. The weight of his losses still pressed heavily upon him, but with each passing day, it was balanced by a growing sense of purpose and determination.
In the inn's back garden, as the sky gradually transformed from inky black to a canvas of soft pinks and golds, Ethan and Togepi would begin their daily training regimen. The crisp morning air carried the scent of dew-laden grass and the faint, smoky aroma of distant chimneys coming to life. Ethan had carefully designed their routine, drawing upon his medical knowledge to ensure a balanced approach to building Togepi's strength, speed, and stamina without risking injury to the young Pokémon.
"Alright, little one," Ethan would say, his voice soft but encouraging as Togepi shook off the last vestiges of sleep. "Let's start with our warm-up exercises. Remember, slow and steady to begin with." He would guide Togepi through a series of gentle stretches, marveling at the Pokémon's flexibility and the way its shell seemed to adapt to the movements. Questions about Togepi's physiology constantly bubbled up in Ethan's mind - how did the shell's composition allow for such range of motion? What was the interplay between the shell and Togepi's internal skeletal structure? He made mental notes to research these questions further when he had access to more comprehensive resources.
As the sun climbed higher, painting the sky in ever-changing hues, their training would intensify. Ethan set up obstacle courses using items borrowed from Martha - cushions became hills to climb, brooms laid out as balance beams, and a small rubber ball served as a mobile target for Togepi to chase. With each passing day, Ethan noted improvements in Togepi's agility and coordination. The Pokémon that had once wobbled uncertainly over the smallest obstacles now navigated the course with growing confidence, its movements becoming more fluid and purposeful.
"Excellent work!" Ethan would praise as Togepi successfully completed a particularly challenging sequence. The Pokémon's cheerful "Toge!" in response never failed to bring a smile to his face. "Your speed is really improving. Now, let's focus on your move set. We'll start with Charm."
The training of Togepi's moves was a fascinating process for Ethan. As a doctor, he had spent years studying the intricate workings of the human body, but the way Pokémon manipulated energy to produce their various attacks was something entirely new and captivating. He watched in wonder as Togepi concentrated, a soft pink glow beginning to emanate from its body during Charm practice. Ethan felt the effects himself - a wave of affection that seemed to bypass his rational mind and tug directly at his heartstrings.
"That's it!" he would exclaim, his scientific curiosity warring with the induced feelings of endearment. "You're channeling the energy perfectly. Now, let's work on focusing it more directionally. Imagine you're projecting all that cuteness at a specific target."
Throughout their training sessions, Ethan meticulously recorded every detail in the journal Professor Rowan had provided. His notes were a blend of objective observations and theoretical musings. He documented Togepi's progress in quantifiable terms - time taken to complete the obstacle course, duration of sustained move usage, estimated intensity of attacks. But alongside these clinical notes were more speculative entries: theories about the nature of Pokémon energy manipulation, hypotheses on the psychological components of moves like Charm, and ideas for potential training innovations.
In the afternoons, while Togepi napped to recover from the morning's exertions, Ethan would pour over maps of the Sinnoh region, planning their route with the careful consideration of both a strategist and a scientist. He decided to follow the traditional path of new trainers, heading first to Jubilife City. It was the logical choice, offering opportunities for battling experience and the chance to stock up on supplies. But more than that, it would allow Ethan to observe a wider variety of Pokémon in diverse habitats, gathering data that could prove valuable in his reports to Professor Rowan.
As he traced their planned route with his finger, Ethan couldn't help but marvel at the surreal nature of his situation. Here he was, a man out of his own world, planning a journey through a land he had only ever known through pixels on a screen and ink on a page. The map before him was at once familiar and alien - the names of towns and routes known by heart, yet now imbued with a visceral reality that both excited and terrified him.
"Leaving us so soon?" Martha asked one evening, her voice carrying a hint of sadness that tugged at Ethan's heart. Over the past weeks, the kind innkeeper had become something of a surrogate mother to him, her gentle care a soothing balm to his still-raw grief.
Ethan nodded, feeling a complex mix of emotions - eagerness for the journey ahead tempered by genuine regret at leaving this temporary haven. "It's time," he said softly. "We need to start our journey properly. But Martha, I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for us. You've been..." he paused, swallowing past a sudden lump in his throat, "You've been more of a help than you can know."
Martha's eyes softened with understanding. She reached out, patting Ethan's hand gently. "Think nothing of it, dear. You and that little Togepi of yours have brought some real life to this old inn. Just promise you'll stop by whenever you're in the area. And do be careful out there. The world can be a dangerous place for a young trainer, no matter how well-prepared you think you are."
Her words of caution echoed in Ethan's mind as he lay awake that night, his last in the comfortable attic room that had been his sanctuary these past weeks. Sleep eluded him, his thoughts racing with a mixture of excitement, anxiety, and lingering doubts. The enormity of what he was about to do - to step out into a world he knew only through fiction, to take responsibility not just for his own survival but for the wellbeing and growth of his Pokémon partner - was overwhelming.
Doubt crept in on silent feet, whispering insidiously in the dark corners of his mind. Was he truly prepared for this journey? His knowledge of the Pokémon world was extensive, yes, but it was all theoretical, based on games and shows from a reality where Pokémon were mere entertainment. What if the rules here were different in ways he couldn't anticipate? What if his presence in this world, his very existence here, was somehow disrupting the natural order of things?
And what of Togepi? Was it fair to subject this young, trusting creature to the rigors and potential dangers of a trainer's journey, all because of his own desires and ambitions? The weight of responsibility settled heavily on Ethan's chest, making it difficult to breathe.
As if sensing his turmoil, Togepi stirred from its sleep, letting out a soft, questioning trill. The Pokémon waddled across the bed, nuzzling against Ethan's side with a comforting chirp. Despite himself, Ethan felt a smile tugging at his lips. He reached out, gently stroking Togepi's smooth shell, marveling as always at the warmth radiating from it.
"Thanks, little one," he murmured into the darkness. "We're in this together, aren't we? Whatever comes, we'll face it as a team." Togepi's affirmative "Toge!" was quiet but filled with such unwavering trust that Ethan felt his doubts begin to recede. They had trained hard, prepared as best they could. Now it was time to put that preparation to the test.
Dawn broke clear and crisp, a perfect day for beginning a journey. Ethan stood at the outskirts of Twinleaf Town, his backpack laden with carefully chosen supplies, Togepi perched happily on his shoulder. He took a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp morning air, tinged with the scent of pine from the nearby forests and the faint, sweet aroma of wildflowers.
"Well, this is it," he said, as much to himself as to Togepi. "Our adventure starts now." He cast one last look back at the town that had been his first home in this new world. From here, it looked so small, so peaceful - a far cry from the bustling cities he'd known in his previous life. For a moment, a pang of homesickness hit him, not for Seattle or his old world, but for the simple comfort of Martha's inn and the routine he'd established there.
Shaking off the moment of nostalgia, Ethan turned his gaze to the path ahead. It stretched before them, a ribbon of packed earth winding through lush forests and open meadows, promising adventure and discovery with every step. With a determined nod to Togepi, Ethan took his first step on the road to Jubilife City, and into his new life as a Pokémon trainer.
As they walked, Ethan kept a watchful eye out for wild Pokémon, his senses hyper-alert to every rustle in the underbrush, every flash of movement in the trees. A flock of Starly wheeled overhead, their cries echoing in the clear morning air. Ethan paused to watch them, his mind automatically cataloging their flight patterns, the way they communicated with sharp chirps and subtle changes in formation. He made a mental note to include these observations in his next report to Professor Rowan.
In a nearby stream, sunlight glinting off its surface like scattered diamonds, Ethan caught a glimpse of what might have been a Magikarp, its scales flashing a brilliant orange as it leapt briefly above the water. The sight brought a smile to his face as he remembered the many jokes and memes about Magikarp's perceived uselessness in his old world. Now, seeing the Pokémon in its natural habitat, he wondered about its true capabilities, its role in the ecosystem. Another topic to research when he had the chance.
But it was the sight of a Budew, nestled among a patch of wildflowers in a sun-dappled clearing, that really drove home the reality of his situation. Ethan crouched down, motioning for Togepi to stay quiet, as he observed the small Grass-type with wonder. The Budew was even more vibrant than he could have imagined, its bud a deep, rich green with hints of yellow and red peeking out where it was beginning to bloom. As he watched, the Budew swayed gently in the breeze, its movements almost dance-like as it absorbed the morning sunlight.
"Amazing," Ethan breathed, reaching for his Pokédex with hands that trembled slightly with excitement. The device whirred to life, its screen displaying a wealth of information about Budew's habitat, diet, and evolution process. Ethan absorbed every detail, his scientific mind already formulating questions and hypotheses. How did Budew's photosynthesis process compare to that of non-Pokémon plants? What triggered its evolution into Roselia, and how did that process work on a cellular level?
As the day wore on, Ethan and Togepi settled into a rhythm. They would walk for an hour or so, Ethan constantly scanning their surroundings and pointing out interesting plants or signs of Pokémon activity to Togepi. Then they would stop for training exercises, making use of the varied terrain to challenge Togepi in new ways.
"Remember, little one," Ethan explained as Togepi wobbled on a fallen log stretched across a shallow gully, "battles won't always happen in ideal circumstances. We need to be prepared for anything. Imagine you're facing an opponent right now. How would you balance for an attack?"
Togepi chirped in concentration, steadying itself and mimicking an attack posture. Ethan nodded approvingly, making notes on Togepi's improving balance and adaptability. He was constantly amazed at the Pokémon's intelligence and ability to understand complex instructions. It reinforced his belief that Pokémon were far more than simple animals, possessing a level of cognition that in some ways seemed to rival that of humans.
It was during one of these training sessions, in a small clearing just off the main path, that Ethan encountered his first real challenge as a trainer. The clearing was a picturesque spot, dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy above, the ground carpeted with soft moss and delicate woodland flowers. Ethan had just finished setting up a makeshift agility course for Togepi when a voice rang out from the trees.
"Hey, you!" A young boy, perhaps twelve or thirteen, emerged from the foliage, a Pokéball clutched tightly in his hand. His eyes shone with the unmistakable eagerness of a trainer seeking battle. "Are you a trainer? Wanna battle?"
Ethan felt his heart rate spike, a mixture of excitement and apprehension flooding through him. He'd known this moment would come, had prepared for it extensively, but still felt woefully unprepared. This was it - his first real Pokémon battle. Not a simulation, not a game, but a true test of his abilities as a trainer.
"I... yes, I'm a trainer," he replied, trying to project a confidence he didn't entirely feel. His mind raced, assessing the situation. The boy was young, likely inexperienced, but that could make him unpredictable. Ethan glanced at Togepi, seeing his own mix of excitement and nervousness reflected in the Pokémon's eyes. "Are you sure you want to battle? We're still pretty new at this," he added, part honesty and part strategy - perhaps underestimating them would give them an edge.
The boy scoffed, a brash grin spreading across his face. "New or not, a battle's a battle! Go, Shinx!" With a practiced flick of his wrist, the boy tossed his Pokéball into the clearing.
In a flash of brilliant white light that momentarily dazzled Ethan, a small, lion-cub-like Pokémon appeared. The Shinx shook out its blue and black fur, electricity crackling visibly around its star-tipped tail. It let out a high-pitched growl that belied its cute appearance, clearly eager for battle.
Ethan's mind kicked into overdrive, years of medical training blending with his Pokémon knowledge as he assessed the situation. Shinx, an Electric-type. Fast, with a strong special attack. Togepi, as a Fairy-type, had no particular advantage or disadvantage type-wise. Their strategy would have to rely on Togepi's defensive capabilities and the unusual moves in its arsenal.
"Okay, little one," Ethan said, kneeling down to look Togepi in the eye. "This is what we've been training for. Remember our practices. Start defensive, watch for openings. You ready?"
Togepi chirped affirmatively, a determined look in its eyes as it waddled forward to face its opponent. The contrast between the two Pokémon was stark - Shinx sleek and predatory, Togepi rounded and almost comical in appearance. But Ethan knew appearances could be deceiving in the world of Pokémon.
Ethan took a deep breath, centering himself. He called upon everything he'd learned about battling strategy, every scrap of knowledge gleaned from countless hours of gameplay and anime watching in his old life. "Togepi, start with Charm!"
The battle that followed was far from the smooth, choreographed affairs Ethan remembered from the anime. It was chaotic, unpredictable, a flurry of action that tested every ounce of Ethan's newfound skills as a trainer.
Togepi's Charm attack worked beautifully, a wave of pink energy washing over Shinx, visibly lowering its aggressive stance. The young trainer's face fell slightly as he realized his Pokémon's attack power had been decreased.
"Shinx, shake it off! Use Tackle!" the boy called out. The Shinx lunged forward with impressive speed, but Togepi, well-trained in evasive maneuvers, managed to roll aside at the last second. Ethan felt a surge of pride at the successful dodge.
"Great job, Togepi! Now, use Metronome!" It was a risky move, Ethan knew. Metronome's randomness could be a double-edged sword. But they had practiced channeling the move's energy, and Ethan hoped Togepi's growing experience would help guide the outcome.
Togepi's fingers began to glow, waving back and forth in a hypnotic rhythm. For a breathless moment, both trainers watched, unsure of what would happen. Then, with a bright flash, a burst of water shot from Togepi's mouth, catching both Shinx and its trainer by surprise. The Water Gun attack, while not particularly powerful coming from Togepi, was enough to drench the Electric-type Pokémon, momentarily disorienting it.
Ethan's mind raced, analyzing the new development. Water conducted electricity, which could make Shinx's attacks more dangerous, but it also seemed to have dampened the sparks crackling around its fur. A potential opportunity.
"Quick, Togepi! While it's shaking off the water, use Metronome again!" Ethan called out, his voice steadier than he felt. Togepi waddled forward with surprising speed fingers glowing once more, before planting a quick kiss on the confused Shinx's forehead. A swirl of hearts surrounded the Electric-type's head, indicating the onset of confusion. By a stroke of luck, metronome had resulted in the move Sweet Kiss sealing the deal for Shinx's confusion.
The young trainer gritted his teeth, clearly frustrated by this turn of events. "Shinx, snap out of it! Use Spark!"
Shinx shook its head, trying to clear the confusion, but its movements were erratic. As it attempted to summon electricity for the Spark attack, the charge went wild, arcing back onto itself. Shinx yelped in pain and surprise.
Ethan felt a pang of sympathy for the Pokémon, his doctor's instincts warring with his role as a competing trainer. He pushed the feeling aside, knowing he had to focus on the battle at hand. "Togepi, let's finish this. Use Headbutt!"
Togepi charged forward, its small body lowered like a battering ram. The attack connected solidly with Shinx, who was still reeling from its backfired electric charge. The impact sent Shinx tumbling backward, where it lay still for a moment before struggling to its feet.
For a heartbeat, Ethan thought they had won. Then, with a shake of its fur and a determined growl, Shinx regained its footing. The confusion seemed to have cleared, and there was a new intensity in its eyes. Electricity crackled more fiercely around its body.
"That's it, Shinx! Show them what you've got! Spark, one more time!" the young trainer shouted, his excitement palpable.
This time, Shinx's attack hit true. A bolt of electricity arced across the clearing, striking Togepi before Ethan could call out a dodge. Togepi cried out in pain, its small body shuddering under the electric assault.
"Togepi!" Ethan yelled, his heart in his throat. As the attack subsided, Togepi swayed on its feet, clearly on its last legs. But to Ethan's amazement and pride, it remained standing, a look of sheer determination in its eyes.
The two Pokémon faced each other, both battered and exhausted. Ethan knew the next move would likely decide the battle. Time seemed to slow as he considered his options. Togepi was too weak for another physical attack, and Charm wouldn't be enough to end the fight.
"Togepi," Ethan said, his voice calm despite the adrenaline coursing through him, "let's take a chance. Metronome, one more time."
As Togepi's fingers began to glow and wave, Ethan held his breath. Across the clearing, he could see the young trainer tensing, ready to call out a counter to whatever attack might come.
The flash of light this time was blindingly bright. When Ethan's vision cleared, he saw a swirling vortex of leaves surrounding Togepi. Magical Leaf, he realized with a jolt of excitement.
"Now, Togepi! Let it loose!" Ethan called out.
The storm of glowing leaves shot towards Shinx, too fast and numerous to dodge. They struck the Electric-type from all angles, eliciting a cry of pain and surprise. When the attack subsided, Shinx stood wobbling for a moment before collapsing to the ground, fainted.
Silence fell over the clearing. Ethan stood in shock, scarcely able to believe what had just happened. They had won. Their first real battle, and they had won.
"Shinx is unable to battle," the young trainer said, echoing Ethan's thoughts from earlier. He recalled his Pokémon, a look of disappointment on his face that quickly gave way to a grin. "That was amazing! Your Togepi is way tougher than it looks!"
Ethan rushed to Togepi, scooping the exhausted Pokémon into his arms. "You were incredible, little one," he said softly, checking it over for injuries with the critical eye of a doctor. Togepi chirped weakly but nuzzled against him, its trust and affection evident despite its fatigue.
The young trainer approached, hand extended. "That was a great battle! I'm Timmy. You and your Togepi make a really good team."
Ethan shook the boy's hand, feeling a complicated mix of emotions – exhilaration from the win, concern for Togepi's condition, and a newfound respect for the complexities of Pokémon battling. "Thanks, Timmy. I'm Ethan. You and Shinx put up an amazing fight. Is this your first journey too?"
Timmy nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! Just started last week. Shinx was my starter. We're heading to Jubilife City for our first gym battle!"
As they chatted, Ethan applied a Potion to Togepi's injuries, marveling at the medicine's rapid healing effects. He made a mental note to study the composition of Pokémon medicines when he had the chance – the implications for human medical advancements could be significant.
After exchanging tips and well-wishes, Timmy headed off down the path, his enthusiasm for the journey ahead reminding Ethan of the young trainers he'd seen in the anime. As the boy's figure disappeared among the trees, Ethan sat heavily on a nearby log, the adrenaline of the battle finally wearing off.
"Well, little one," he said to Togepi, who was already looking livelier after the Potion, "that was quite something, wasn't it? We've got a lot to learn, but I think we made a pretty good start."
As the afternoon sun filtered through the leaves above, Ethan took out his journal, meticulously recording every detail of the battle. He noted Togepi's responses to different commands, the effectiveness of their training in a real combat situation, and areas for improvement. His mind buzzed with new training ideas and strategies to try.
That night, as they camped under a canopy of stars, Ethan lay awake long after Togepi had fallen asleep. The day's events played over in his mind – the thrill of the battle, the pride in Togepi's performance, the growing certainty that this journey, as strange and unexpected as it was, was where he was meant to be.
Yet, as sleep finally began to claim him, a nagging thought wormed its way into his consciousness. How much was his presence here changing things? Would his actions alter the course of events he knew from games and anime? And if so, what might the consequences be?
These questions followed Ethan into his dreams, where images of familiar faces – Ash, Dawn, Barry – mingled with visions of Pokémon battles and undiscovered challenges that lay ahead on the road to Jubilife City.