As Lucas and the Torchic stared at each other, a silent conversation seemed to pass between them. The Torchic, with a mix of curiosity and caution, peeped softly, "Torchic?" and glanced back at Professor Rowan for reassurance. With a confident nod from the professor, the small Pokémon ventured closer, sniffing Lucas's outstretched hand. After a moment of hesitation, it threw caution to the wind and barreled into Lucas's chest, its tiny body vibrating with excitement. Lucas couldn't help but laugh, wrapping his arms around the warm, feathery body of his new friend.
"Well," Professor Rowan remarked with a smirk, observing the instant bond between boy and Pokémon, "Looks like you've got yourself a new friend there." Lucas stood up, still cradling Torchic in his arms, as the professor handed him the Poké Ball. “Yup!” Lucas agreed, and Torchic chirped in affirmation, “Chic!” They grinned at each other, a silent agreement of partnership and adventure already forming between them. Growlithe, having watched the scene unfold, barked happily and leaped forward, resting its front paws on Lucas's legs, leaving small smudges of dirt on his jeans as it sniffed the new companion.
"Now that that's all sorted, follow me into the next room, and I'll get you set up with all the paperwork regarding the benefits of being a sponsor of the Lab," Professor Rowan said, turning and gesturing for Lucas to follow. This caught Lucas off guard; sponsorship was a concept unfamiliar to the traditional Pokémon game and anime narratives, yet he followed, intrigued by this unexpected development. 'I suppose this is where the screen would cut to black, and we'd have a short conversation with him wishing me good luck on my journey,' Lucas thought wistfully, imagining the streamlined process often depicted in the Pokémon universe.
As Lucas followed the professor into the next room, he couldn't help but steal glances at him. Professor Rowan, with his towering stature, exuded an aura of wisdom and authority. His hair was a stark white, not just from age but from years of dedication to the field of Pokémon research, contrasting sharply with his deep, thoughtful brown eyes. The professor's usual lab coat was pristine, a testament to his meticulous nature, despite the chaos that often comes with handling Pokémon.
Lucas felt a surreal thrill observing the Professor Rowan in person, a figure he had admired through the screen for so many years. The professor's presence was imposing, yet there was an underlying warmth to him, especially noticeable in the slight twinkle of his eyes when he looked at Torchic bonding with Lucas. However, this warmth momentarily shifted to a look of slight annoyance when he glanced at the clock, reminding Lucas of his tardiness.
The professor cleared his throat, bringing Lucas back to the moment. "It's quite unusual for someone to arrive at this time," he remarked, with a note of disapproval that made Lucas inwardly wince. "However, it seems Torchic has taken a liking to you, and that's what truly matters in the end."
Lucas could feel his cheeks heat up with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. Being in the presence of one of his childhood heroes, even under less-than-ideal circumstances, was a moment he would never forget. He mentally kicked himself for being late, vowing to manage his time better in the future. Despite the professor's initial annoyance, Lucas sensed a forgiving nature behind those scholarly eyes, and he was determined not to let this opportunity slip through his fingers.
Lucas, feeling the weight of his tardiness and the discomfort of being reprimanded by someone he admired, took a step forward. He bowed deeply, hands outstretched in front of him, mimicking the gesture he had made earlier at Lake Verity—a sign of respect and apology ingrained in him from his martial arts training.
Professor Rowan, observing the gesture, couldn't help but let a small smirk escape. "Playing the part of a martial artist, are we?" he commented, his tone lightening, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Straightening up, Lucas met the professor's gaze, a spark of determination in his eyes. "Actually, I am a martial artist," he retorted, pride in his voice. In his mind, he made a mental note, 'That's it, a new outfit and gi are definitely going to the top of the 'to-do' list'. This journey was not just about becoming a Pokémon Trainer; it was also about embracing and showcasing his identity.
Professor Rowan simply nodded, seemingly satisfied with Lucas's response, and turned to walk into the next room, signaling for Lucas to follow. The brief exchange, though light-hearted, reinforced Lucas's resolve to not only embark on this new journey with his Pokémon but also to stay true to himself, no matter how unexpected the path might be.
However, reality proved more cumbersome. The professor's office was a stark contrast to the orderly lab, with paperwork piled high, almost threatening to consume the room. Lucas's initial impulse was to flee from the daunting sight, but Professor Rowan, sensing his trepidation, gently guided him to a seat. The chair, though worn, offered a surprising comfort, a small reprieve from the overwhelming sight of the paperwork. The fact that Torchic just sat in his lap comfortably and with Growlithe lying down with a yawn to nap beside his chair calmed his nerves a little but he still stroked Torchic's head to try and get his mind off the daunting task ahead of him.
"Don't worry, that's not all for you," the professor chuckled, noticing Lucas's nervous glance at the mountain of documents. He handed Lucas a yellow folder, its contents significantly less intimidating than the towering stacks on his desk. "I have your papers here. Just need you to read through and sign at the bottom where I've highlighted." With a relieved sigh, Lucas accepted the folder, grateful for the simplicity amidst the expected chaos of starting his Pokémon journey.
As Lucas delved into the details of his sponsorship contract, Professor Rowan demonstrated an impressive mastery of paperwork that belied his academic exterior. The professor, seated behind his large, cluttered desk, was surrounded by stacks of documents, research papers, and various forms related to his extensive work in Pokémon biology. His desk was a testament to the chaotic, yet somehow orderly, nature of academic research, with papers that seemed haphazardly stacked but likely had a system known only to Rowan himself.
CONTRACT HIGHLIGHTS:
* Name: Lucas Elderhurst
* Age: 15
* Weekly Stipend: 3000 Pokédollars, with increases based on achievements.
* First Badge/Ribbon: +500 Pokédollars
* Subsequent Badges/Ribbons: +1000 Pokédollars each
* Eighth Badge: +2500 Pokédollars
* Final Ribbon: +1500 Pokédollars
* Note: Increases for badges and ribbons are cumulative and not separate.
* Pokémon Carry Limit: 6 on person, with flexibility for adjustments. An additional 8 Pokémon can be accommodated at the Lab, totaling 14 Pokémon.
* Requirements:
* Must respond to calls for aid and follow the directives of authority figures.
* Cannot commit crimes or tarnish the Lab's reputation.
* Must undertake at least 3 Lab requests and report any external sponsorships for approval.
* Breach of these terms allows the Lab to withdraw support and demand repayment with interest.
After reading through the contract and thinking for a few minutes he looks up at Professor Rowan and says "What about tournaments?" The professor raises an eyebrow and Lucas continues "If I were to enter a Tournament and win what happens to the prizes? Do they go to me or the Lab?" The professor gives Lucas an appraising look before smirking "If you wish we can add a clause that states that if you win any prize in a tournament then you will have full rights to it and the Lab won't be able to take it from you".
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With a nod Lucas looks down at the paper again and after a moment he looks up and says "And what about Pokemon eggs?" With a bit of a frown the professor asks " What about them?" Lucas continues "Do pokemon egg's count towards my carry limit? I mean they aren't technically a pokemon but they will be one once they hatch so do they count towards it or not?" Now that appraising glint is back in the professors eye and Lucas gulps a little.
"Hmmm" the professor hums "I suppose that could be allowed" with another nod the professor says "We can add a clause saying you are allowed to carry an egg along with your 6 pokemon" when Lucas was about to thank the professor the professor held up a finger to motion he wasn't finished and continued "But once it is hatched any data you collect on it will be sent to that Lab and you must send a pokemon back to us once the Pokemon has grown up enough to enter it's first official battle, unless of course you get an increased carry license in which case you will be able to keep them with you".
Lucas thought about that for a moment before nodding and sticking out his hand which the Professor shook with an amused look on his face. After that the professor printed out the revised contract and Lucas watched as the Professors, with the contract in hand, demeanor shifted from that of a distinguished Pokémon researcher to a seasoned administrator, navigating the complexities of legal and financial documents with ease. He donned a pair of reading glasses, the frames slightly askew, indicating years of use and countless hours spent poring over texts. His eyes moved quickly, scanning each clause and subsection with a trained eye for detail, ensuring everything was in order and that the terms were fair and clear.
He then showed Lucas the revised clauses at the bottom of the contract:
* Tournaments: Lucas retains full rights to any prizes won.
* Pokémon Eggs: Eggs do not count towards the carry limit, but any data on hatched Pokémon must be shared with the Lab, and one Pokémon must be sent back after its first official battle. (This is only under the condition the trainer has not had his carry limit increase permitted)
After reading it all through one last time, Lucas signed the revised contract.The professor then says "Your first payment will be made into your account at the beginning of the season on January 1st so in 1 weeks time. He then reaches into a draw and pulls out an object the Lucas would recognize anywhere "A Pokedex!" He exclaimed in a moment of pure joy, "Yes yes a Pokedex" the professor said with a roll of his eyes.
"This will act as your trainer ID as well and is already linked to your Poketch and bank account so you can use it to purchase things if you wish" Rowan then handed it to Lucas who trembled with a mix of excitement and pure joy he continued "Now if you scan a pokemon in the wild it will give you the basic data such as height or sex and a little about the species" Lucas nodded dumbly still staring down at the device in his hands "But if you catch said Pokemon in a pokeball it will give you much more data, for example; moves, personality, type, and even abilities it possess, this data will also be sent to the Lab to help us with our research".
Seeing that Lucas is only half listening while he's explaining he sighs and says "Why don't you give Torchic a Scan to see what I'm talking about" Lucas's Face absolutely lit up at that and whilst fumbling with Torchic's pokeball manages to point it at the snoozing fire chick in his lap and return him in a flash of red light. As Lucas held the pokeball up to the device and clicked the scan option he saw a whole bunch of information pop up on the screen:
Torchic:
* Species: The Fire Chick Pokémon
* Height: 0.4m
* Weight: 2.5kg
* Sex: Male
Abilities:
* Blaze: Powers up Fire-type moves when the Pokemon's HP is low.
* Hidden Ability (Not Active): Speed Boost: Gradually boosts the Speed stat in battle.
Moves:
* Ember: A basic Fire-type attack that may inflict a burn.
* Growl: Lowers the attack of opposing Pokémon by letting out a growl.
* Scratch: A normal physical attack.
Egg Moves (Currently Un-learnt):
* Peck: A Flying-type physical attack.
Personality Type: Loyal and warm-hearted, with a tendency to be fiercely protective of its Trainer.
Description: Torchic has a place inside its body where it keeps its flame. This Pokémon breathes fire of over 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, including fireballs that leave the foe scorched black. Torchic is covered all over by a fluffy coat of down. Giving it a hug will feel incredibly warm.
After looking over the information Lucas has a very satisfied look on his face and gives the Pokedex a nod. He turns to thank the professor with his martial arts bow. The professor just waves him off and states "Enough of that now off you go, it's just gone 3 and you still haven't eaten!" And hands him another 6 shrunken empty pokeballs and a belt to store them on. As if waiting for that que a loud growl emanates from his stomach and his cheeks turn beet red at the Professors booming laugh.
After a quick round of the Lab to fill his and his pokemons stomachs with all the leftovers from the buffet the professor had set out for the new trainers and their pokemon. He quickly said goodbye to the professor thanking him again for everything and he steps out through the doorway, that seems far less imposing now, releasing his brand new partner "Come on out Torchic!" "Tor chich tor!" The little chick exclaims excitedly, with the ever patient Growlithe still at his side he sets off back to route 201 to head back home to see his parents, introduce Torchic and drop off Growlithe. With grins plastered to each of their faces Lucas begins to jog over to the signpost with Torchic jumping up to sit on his shoulder and Growlithe happily bounding alone beside them. Only for Lucas to slap a palm on his face and cry "Oh for fuck sake I completely forgot to ask for information on team Galactic!!" He glances forward to the entrance of route 201 and then back to Rowan's Lab and shrugs, "Well I'm sure I can just look up stuff on my Poketch while we wander on home, I need to look up some important stuff anyways like if Ash is a real person or if this is more a game type world". Torchic and Growlithe both shake their heads at his antics and with a quick peep and bark they move off with Lucas back towards home.