Chapter 5 – Finally

Pokémon Rangers Headquarters, Age 14

Life at the Pokémon Rangers HQ was hectic.

Upon arriving, I was rushed to the HR department where I was questioned about my motivations. I knew lying to these law enforcers would be a bad idea, so I told them I was here to get physically stronger in preparation for a long journey. Surprisingly, they readily accepted my answer, as they loudly replied that I was in (They made a show of stamping a big ACCEPTED on my application form), I was then literally pulled to the infirmary, where they took my measurement for my trainee uniform, as well as a complete physical. After that, I was shown my room which had just enough space for a futon, a closet, and a rectangular chabudai. Bathrooms and toilets were shared and divided by genders. Meals were provided in the cafeteria and was opened twenty-four-seven since field officials had different, often unpredictable, schedule. For example; it was not uncommon for a ranger to return from a mission in the middle of the night.

My own schedule went something like this; early mornings, I had to wake up at four for a jog or a run, depending on my fitness level. If I couldn't run anymore due to fatigue, I had to walk with weights attached to my ankles. I would continue to do so until six. At that time, I would head to the cafeteria and was given a big nutritious breakfast. After I finished eating, I was required to rest for an hour or so. Then I went to another training field for calisthenics and parkour until lunch, which was also substantial. Following that, and a quick shower, I went to a class on laws and regulations; while there were a few differences between the regions, the ones enforced by the Rangers applied globally. The lecturer was from the International Police, who worked in close ties with the Rangers.

Late afternoon, after class, I went to a private lesson of my choosing; kenjutsu. A ranger, who also mastered the katana, had tested me to see if I was worth his time. When I informed him, I'd been doing this for years, he was pleased with my level of skill and accepted me as his apprentice. I would learn from him whenever he was available which was usually once a week. He told me, in no uncertain terms, that if I didn't keep practicing during his absence, he'll know and stop teaching me. I made a lot of progress with the sword under his tutelage.

Eevee would accompany me during those times, either exercising beside me or napping while I was busy. There were no practice grounds for Pokémon battle since this training camp was for humans. A ranger had to be able to do their job by themselves. They could ask Pokémon for help, with or without the stylus, but they were strongly encouraged to solve problems with their own abilities first.

I had Sundays off, which I used to video chat with my grandparents and Bulbasaur. The latter would speak animatedly with Eevee and I, while my grandmother would tell me what he did lately. Curiously, sometimes during the week when I was busy with my training, Eevee would sneak into my room, turn on my PC, and call home on his own. He and Bulbasaur would talk about things only Pokémon could understand. Many were impressed at my Pokémon's ingenuity. I was convinced it was due to the lessons to improve their intellect that resulted in this unusual skill.

Another thing; I now had more opportunities to spend time with my dad. Whenever he had the chance, he would join me in training, often showing off his physical prowess to me, and helping me to achieve a similar level of fitness. In addition, for the first time since I can remember, we celebrated my birthday on the day itself, instead of waiting for the weekend, or when he had some time off. Those moments we spent together were the happiest I ever saw him, so it made this whole trip worth it.

Months of these intensive training resulted in me being able to accomplish feats that I never thought would be possible. I was reminded that humans in this world had also adapted to Pokémon in their environment, and thus have developed several traits that would be considered superhuman in my previous life. Humans were a bit like Pokémon; with enough dedication, training, and practice, we grew stronger at tremendous speed.

Before I knew it, seven months had passed, I had completed my training, and the time for me to leave had arrived. As I was packing my stuff, I received a package from my dad, who was on a mission at that time, with instructions that it would be delivered to me on my last day. It was in a long lacquered wooden box. Opening it, I found a brand-new katana. I knew how much one cost, and was wondering how much work my father had to take to be able to afford it. I sent him a video message to thank him, and confidently stated that this was the second greatest gift I'd ever received in my entire life. The first was Eevee, of course.

With my new partner in hand, I returned home.

Bulbasaur's POV

I yawned loudly.

Life in this place was so peaceful. The house was cozy and warm. The garden was beautifully built, especially considering it was made by human hands. Before I met Kenta and his family, I was convinced humans were incapable of seeing the true beauty of nature. However, after spending so much time with Yui, I had to accept that there were humans who could in fact see that truth.

These two elderly humans were as peculiar as my master. Yui, the gentle female, was wonderful to be around. It helped that she exuded a subtle grass type aura, evident with how happy she was when her hands were covered in dirt and fertilisers. She loved all plants and the plants loved her back. As a grass Pokémon, I wasn't indifferent to her presence.

The other one, Kansuke, was gruff. He had no tolerance for foolishness. For some reason, I sometimes got an urge to challenge him to a staring contest. I used to do that with the other Bulbasaurs when I was growing up in the shelter. It was one of the few things we could do to ascertain who was at the top of the hierarchy. Most of the time I won, but not here. That human was able to stare at me for hours, without so much as a twitch. Even when he blinked, his eyes didn't waver, this elderly man had earned my respect.

My only complaint was the lack of coffee. Kansuke and Yui only drank tea, matcha most of the time. I did not dislike matcha. I doubted there could be any grass Pokémon that could hate matcha. When my trainer told his grandparents to occasionally reward my good behaviour with coffee, Kansuke adamantly refused.

"As long as he's under my roof, he will eat what he's given, nothing more, nothing less. We will not spoil him like you did with your Eevee" he chastised a while ago. Kenta could only bow his head in shame. I was amazed how someone as powerful as him could behave so humbly with someone.

"I'm home" I suddenly hear a familiar voice.

Before I realised it, my body was moving on it's own. Standing at the entrance was my trainer. I proceeded to jump in his arms.

"Hahaha, hi Bulbasaur, I missed you too" he said cheerfully as he hugged me. Eevee, who was standing next to him, was laughing at my reaction, I ignored him.

I closed my eyes, focusing on Kenta's scent and touch. He was definitely stronger now, I could feel his strength from his arms and torso. My experience with my former trainer had been disappointing to say the least. I kept wondering how my life would have been had I remained with her, a human who had little interest in bettering herself, and was expecting me to provide her with something that I couldn't possibly deliver. The difference was so clear, it was mind-blowing. I was also surprised by my own behaviour. I always considered myself to be aloof when it came to young humans, even my own trainer, but it's only at this moment that I realised how much I've missed him. Perhaps I've changed far more than I thought, at least in regards to him.

Normal POV

My homecoming was quite dull. My grandparents prepared my favourite foods for lunch and dinner, there were no decorations or banners. Then again, I didn't expect those, my grandfather detested over-the-top knick-knacks. My room was as I left it, my grandmother kept it dust free, and aside from his initial reaction, Bulbasaur remained the same. I imagined he was trying to make me forget his unusual display of affection. I thought he would be okay with us spending time apart, but now I've started to feel a little guilty to have left him behind. Maybe I could have switched him with Eevee from time to time. However, I didn't think he would have liked the camp considering I wasn't even allowed outside. Field works were for full agents, not new recruits.

Anyway, I spent the next few days with him alone, with Eevee's blessing, to reconnect. We went near the Viridian Forest to battle some wild Pokémon. He showed me the move he improved as well as how well he maintained his fitness by himself. I approved completely and made it clear to him how proud I was of his independence. He tried to hide his blush, but I could see it. Overall, we easily returned to our usual dynamic, except now I felt a little more confident in myself, and more trusting of him. I could also tell he felt the same way towards me.

As for my journey, I had gone to the Pokémon Center to register for the Indigo League. I received my Pokédex a few days afterwards. I also spent some time visiting old acquaintances. My neighbours were happy to see me again. They kept asking me lots of questions that old people loved to ask such as what I've been doing lately or even if I got a girlfriend. They already knew the answer to their questions, since they often spoke with my grandparents, but they wanted to spend time with me, so I indulged them.

There were a few of my former classmates, from Trainer's School, who subtly mocked me for not having accomplished anything. After all I was someone who everyone thought would be amazing and I've done nothing so far. I just smiled and nodded at them, not bothering to reply. Many had started their journey when they were ten years old, none of them managed to make it very far. Either they were still traveling, in Kanto or other regions, or they came back home and started pursuing further education or working. No one talked down on them though, since the success rate for Pokémon trainers were low, so there wasn't a lot of expectations. I was simply one of the rare exceptions, which understandably bred resentment.

In any case, I was patiently waiting for the right time to start my journey. It came a few weeks after my return. One early afternoon, it started raining profusely with the occasional thunder and lightning. My instinct told me that this was it, the true start of everything. I went in my garden with an umbrella, with Eevee on my shoulder, staring in the direction of Pallet Town. Bulbasaur was skipping around, enjoying the water, and splashing on the muddy puddles. I waited for a while, until I saw a bright yellow flash of light on the other side of the hill separating the town from my city, accompanied by a deep, albeit distant, rumble of thunder.

"Finally" I said excitedly. My Pokémon stared at me, wondering what I was thinking at this moment.

I kept looking in the same direction, thinking about my plans for the very near future, when I saw something unexpected. A bird Pokémon, flying in an unusual way, like it was injured. I could see some light static, indicating it was paralyzed. As it got closer to my location, it started falling. I immediately left the house and set off to the direction it fell. I instructed my Pokémon to help locate the bird, and eventually we found it. It had completely fainted. I picked it up with the towel I brought, cradling it gently in one arm, held my umbrella in a way that will stop it from getting wet any further, and hurriedly walked towards the Pokémon Center.

"Don't worry. You'll be okay" I said in a gentle tone of voice.

"Spear…" it replied weakly.