Chapter 5 – Hello Unova!
Two years have passed since I caught Rena. Today I become eligible to receive my trainer’s license. Officially marking me as an adult in this society and allowing me to participate in the Evergrande conference. Strangely enough even being an adult legally didn’t allow me to buy cigarettes or alcohol not that I was planning to. I have spent months planning out my journey calculating out expenses for food, survival gear and transport costs. If all goes according to plan, I should have no problems providing for my own needs and that of my team. And the first step to becoming an accomplished trainer begins here the Slateport Pokémon center.
“Excuse me nurse Joy I am here to receive my trainer’s license.”
“Congratulations on becoming independent! Could I have your name and date of birth please?”
What followed was an exchange of personal information. Generally, to qualify for a trainer’s license you had to attend a half-day training session and take a written test. The test was not designed to evaluate the examinee for competency but for moral character. The league didn’t want their trainers mistreating Pokémon if possible. Luckily you could take your training and test early else it would have interfered with what I was planning to do today.
“Here you are Egon from Lavaridge town. You turned ten years old two months ago and have already undergone the mandatory training and examination. Please wait a moment while I retrieve your license from our archives.”
The nurse Joy left through a backdoor and while she was gone, I started stroking the single tuft of hair on Numsy’s head.
“This is it buddy you ready for our first big adventure?”
“Num Num!”
I left Rena at home with my sister and made the journey towards Slateport city with only Numsy at my side. It was more economical this way and I need to pinch every penny if somehow, I don’t end up winning my first few battle wagers. My grandparents can transfer Rena back to me once I have my license and am allowed to use the center’s transfer system.
Over these last two years Zinnia had gotten attached to my Vulpix seeing her playing and taking care of the young fox I determined her ready for her own Pokémon. Sadly, they don’t sell dragon-types at the local pokémart. To get one you had to either catch the Pokémon yourself or somehow prove yourself to a specialized breeder. And I am pretty sure that a specialist who breeds dragon-types for a living won’t sell within the means of a part-time gym trainer’s salary. The former and most certainly deadlier option is too crazy even for me.
Climbing Meteor falls to catch a juvenile bagon was a sure-fire way to get yourself eaten by its parents. Dragons tended to respect powerful trainers and me and Numsy had gotten plenty strong in my opinion but winning a battle against a Salamence to earn the right to catch it’s offspring was out of the picture at this point in time. I could’ve just gotten her a Swablu or something but that felt like a cop-out move. More than anything I wanted to prove that I could take care of her on my own without the help of her derelict father and his backwater tribe.
“Here you go young man, a license officially recognized by the Pokémon association.”
I briefly looked at the plastic card she gave me it had my face plastered on it along with a few choice details: name, date of birth and trainer service number.
“This license grants you access to our Pokémon center’s services at no cost. This includes lodging, computer access and use of the Pokémon transfer system. Would you like us to register you for the upcoming league circuit?”
“Thank you nurse Joy but that won’t be necessary. However, would you happen to know the location of the Unovan embassy?”
----------------------------------------
Nurse Joy’s directions had been precise enough for me to locate the ambassador’s building it was placed right outside the Slateport market. Since Slateport was the biggest city and the hub of all trade flowing through Hoenn it is also the home of all the embassies from different regions. I walked up to the front door and rang the bell. After some time, the door was opened by a portly gentleman.
“Hello sir, I have an appointment Egon from Lavaridge town.”
“Yes, we’ve been waiting for you come into my office so we can discuss further.”
As I was following the man, I noted that this building wasn’t large at all basically only enough for the ambassador and his family to live comfortably. Unexpectedly I did spot a Mincinno cleaning the living room couch. The chinchilla-like Pokémon giving me a short wave before continuing with cleaning. We got into the man’s office, and he waved for me to take a seat while he did the same.
“So, how can the Unovan embassy help you Egon?”
“I want to apply for Unovan citizenship.”
“You do realize that it takes at least five years of continuous screening? And even than our ruling body may decide to cancel out your application.”
Grabbing my satchel, I fish out an old photo of my biological father. We didn’t have any pictures of him at home, but it wasn’t hard finding a photo of an Evergrande conference finalist even though it has been ten years since. Like me he had red unruly hair and grey-blue eyes luckily, I inherited most of my good looks from my mother.
“This is my father the only two things I know about him is that his name is Ranga and that he used to be a finalist during the Evergrande conference ten years ago. It was to my knowledge that the process would be a lot swifter if you’re an immediate relative to a Unovan national.”
I handed over the picture to the ambassador and briefly his eyes lit up from recognition. He took his time switching to look in-between the picture and my face before he handed the photo back to me.
“Would you mind letting a psychic-type Pokémon verify the truth of your claim?”
I was kind of surprised by the third degree. This guy must be pretty up there in terms of social standing if they deem it necessary to verify my claim to such a degree. Making the finals to any league championship tournament meant you were a skilled trainer regardless.
“Uhm yeah sure if you think it’s necessary.”
He swiftly pulled out a Pokéball from his belt and released a floating green blob that kind of resembled a cell in biology textbooks.
“Soool”
“Now don’t be alarmed Solosis here will not invade your private thoughts. She can discern the truth of spoken words based on the difference in brainwaves a person emits when they know that they’re speaking the truth or lying. First, she will have to establish a baseline.”
“What color is my desk?”
It was a mildly unnerving couple of minutes, but I pulled through eventually. Once the ambassador was satisfied, he stood up and let me know he would have to start making a couple of phone calls leaving me alone with this green blob of adorableness.
“Hey there if you wouldn’t mind can I touch your membrane Solosis? I am curious as to how it feels.”
“Soool sis”
She floats near my hand indicating to me that I could pet her body. Deciding to act quickly before her offer could be taken away, I slowly rub the surface area of her membrane like skin. If I must describe the feeling on my hand, it would be rubbery but at the same time not like rubber at all. The plasma like filling having a gel like consistency.
“You are such a cutie you know? and soft too.”
“I know.”
“Who earned a cookie for doing such a good job?”
“I did.”
While the ambassador was taking his sweet time making phone calls me and Solosis were having a good time. She completely blew the stereotype of rigid and serious psychic type Pokémon out of the water. Unlike phoebe’s family Xatu this Pokémon wasn’t afraid to discuss deep topics
“So, what came first the Pokémon or the egg?”
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
“Logic dictates the Pokémon came first of course but, many religious texts state Lord Arceus emerged from an egg in a place where there was nothing, then shaped the world.”
While I was vibing with Solosis for a good hour or so the ambassador finally came back sweaty as if he’d just ran a marathon.
“My superiors have agreed to extend an immediate probationary citizenship to you.”
He started fishing inside his drawers before finally pulling out a set of papers. Filling them out before he handed them over to me.
“This document gives you the same rights and duties of an ordinary Unovan citizen. You will need to visit a lab in Unova where a blood sample will be drawn. If you are matched to the DNA profile we have in our database a permanent citizenship will be bestowed upon Egon of Lavaridge town.”
“That’s fine and all but you look beleaguered sir. I have some bottled water in my satchel if you need it. ”
“Soool”
After finishing up at the embassy I was escorted outside the building. The first step of my masterplan is complete now all I have to do is catch a boat heading for the Unova region. During my studies I figured out Hoenn is really a terrible place for any aspiring fire-type specialist to start his journey. This region is basically an archipelago with one really big island being the mainland and even that island finds itself mostly below sea level.
There are only five known species of fire-type Pokémon native to Hoenn. That wasn’t even enough to make for a full team. Mr. Moore started his first journey in Johto because of this problem. Considering my options deeply I concluded that starting my first circuit in Unova would be for the best. As for whoever my father was it doesn’t really matter much to me. I will make my own way in this world not hang on some rich guy’s coattails. My impression of him wasn’t the worst he seemed like a typical irresponsible parent to me, and I already had one of those.
The next step of my plan is to head towards the city’s harbor and look for any ships heading towards Unova. Slateport was the biggest harbor city in the world so it shouldn’t be too hard. Convincing a ship’s captain to let me catch a ride for some manual labor would be the most difficult part of my plan.
“So, you want to sail with us towards Nuvema town squirt?”
“Yes sir! I have the appropriate documents and am a skilled cook and I won’t complain about doing any manual labor.”
He gave me a once over.
“You are a trainer, right? Do you have any strong Pokémon on ya? Ones that would be useful when we catch the attention from a nest of Gyarados?”
“Well, no… I mainly specialize in fire types, and I am just starting out on my journey.”
“First rule of the sea kid. Make sure to have strong Pokémon to protect yerself and the cargo. No one wants to become sharpedo bait.”
“So… I can’t come with you?”
“Didn’t say that we couldn’t use you. Our chief cook puts too much salt in the food and my deck is always in need of a good swabbin’. However, none of that sir or mister from you. The name’s Capt. Nelson or just Captain. We set out tomorrow morning at six. So, make sure to have all your affairs in order by then.”
“Thank you si… ehm I mean Captain!”
“It’s nothing kid.”
Finally! Tomorrow will be the first day of my journey. For now, I still had one thing left to do before I slummed it at one of the center’s bunkbeds. Being a licensed trainer, I could make use of the center’s amenities which included their transfer machine and phones.
“Big brother?”
“Heya sis can you tell grandpa to transfer Rena to the Slateport city Pokémon center? Everything came through so I am heading towards Unova in the morning.”
“…do I have to?”
“Don’t worry me and Rena will call you every day if you want us to. And I will catch an amazing Pokémon for you as soon as possible.”
“Promise?”
“If I lie, I will swallow one thousand needles as compensation.”
That evening I received Rena from nurse Joy and went shopping for supplies. Pokechow tailored specifically for fire-types and a heap of sweet and dry flavored berries. Chesto for Numsy and Pecha berries for Rena. Even though the chow tasted pretty good even I would get sick of eating the same thing repeatedly and I feel confident that Capt. Nelson would allow me to store the berries in the ship’s freezer. I went to sleep that day with Numsy lying on my feet and Rena resting on a spare pillow.
----------------------------------------
Come morning I was standing at the docks both my companions balled up. Fire types and large bodies of water don’t mix Numsy especially had developed a phobia for the stuff, unsurprising since he was also part ground-type. Cleaning him took a lot of elbow grease, a steel wool brush and lots of sand. I spotted the captain and gave him a hearty hello.
“Steward’s assistant Egon reporting for duty Captain!”
“At ease son, Rico here will show you your cabin and introduce the crew. The voyage will take us about a month so after you’ve settled down, we will begin drilling you on safety protocols.”
The SS. Mayweather is a small cargo ferry transporting luxury goods between Unova and Hoenn. Their cargo compromised mainly of poké balls manufactured by the Devon corporation. All seven types of Devon brand poké balls are here on the ship from nest balls to the extremely expensive luxury balls. So, I wasn’t surprised that the crew mostly consisted of experienced trainers who all had a circuit or two under their belt. The captain’s partner a gigantic lanturn kept the boat safe from wild ocean Pokémon a few quick flashes and a confuse ray or two were enough to discourage rowdy challengers. It’s powerful discharge and thunder are reserved for more determined threats.
Three weeks passed by relatively fast doing busywork certainly kept my mind occupied. Every member of the crew taught me something cool. The first mate showed me how to tell which direction is north based on the position of the stars and the chief cook gave me tips on how to make rations last longer. Captain Nelson taught me how to remove binacle from a moving ship. Binacle cling onto passing ships to find better nesting grounds. Ships that bring these Pokémon into harbour get fined because they tend to multiply explosively in human trafficked waters.
The most amazing thing happened about three weeks into our voyage.
“Egon move up on deck!”
“Yes Captain!”
“You are very lucky that you get to see one of the sea’s wonders right on the start of your very first Journey.”
Getting closer to the ship’s railing I noticed shimmering red lights emanating outwards from the sea’s depths. The source of the light too deeply submerged to clearly see its origin.
“Captain what are those…?”
“Staryu, they live off the coast from Undella bay but sometimes they migrate when the shore’s water gets too cold. This phenomena messes with the ship radios that’s why Undella bay is exclusively a tourist hotspot and not used for commercial purposes. You see that rainbow colored light?”
“Yeah.”
“Those come from a starmie unlike their first stage siblings a starmie’s jewel organ shines in seven different colors.”
“Seeing them now means we are not far from the coast. Make sure to pack up your things we are docking the ship in a few hours.”
Going back to my cabin I catch Rana and Numsy trying to pull apart my last box of rage candy bar. The room was a mess empty cookie boxes, unwashed sheets not to mention all the shed vulpix fur.
“Guys it’s time to clean up the room. We will be arriving at Nuvema town in a couple of hours.”
“Vuul!”
“Num Num!”
“And please don’t tear up our last box of candy bars you know we might need them for something later on.”
I started packing up. Both of these rascals got bored during the voyage and while understandable my room became so messy from them roughhousing that I completely gave up cleaning it after the first week. Vulpix walked up to me with an empty milk carton in her mouth.
“Pix”
“Thank you, princess, for being a teamplayer.”
It didn’t take long to clean up the garbage from our messy room. I returned both Numsy and Rena to their poke balls and left the cabin. The captain and crew are already standing on deck. The silhouette of the Nuvema harbor becoming clearer by the minute.
“Hey, kid it’s been fun having a young whippersnapper like yourself running this vessel with us. When it’s just us adults the Mayweather becomes too quiet for my tastes.”
“This has also been a great learning experience for me Captain! I now know a lot more about water-type Pokémon.”
“We will be rooting for you youngster. It’s extremely rare to see a kid from Hoenn like you attempt the Unova circuit with those restrictions in place and all.”
Giving my final farewell to the crew I ran off the boarding plank and made my way into town. Immediately I noticed the change in environment Hoenn was warm year-round we have a rainy season and a dry season. Unova has a more temperate climate with all four traditional seasons. Judging by the snow piling on top of the roofscape this would be the middle of winter.
‘Okay first order of business obtain a winter coat because I am freezing. Second order of business locate Professor Juniper’s lab.’ There weren’t many people on the streets due to the cold, but I managed to find a couple who helpfully directed me to the local clothing store. The familiar sound of a bell ringed as I opened the door. The salesclerk waiting behind the counter surprisingly isn’t a human being.
“Leavanny!”
“Uhm hello… so I was looking to buy a winter coat.”
Leavanny came up from behind the counter and started taking my measurements but as opposed to measurement tape the Pokémon instead used lengths of silk string. Halfway through the measuring a middle-aged woman came out of the backdoor.
“So, what are you looking to buy young man? The clothes you are currently wearing are more suited to summertime.”
“Just a regular winter coat and a pair of gloves. Something that can withstand the wear and tear of necking it in the wilds.”
“Heh so you are a new trainer then. Looking to make it in the circuit this year?”
“Yeah, among other things I still need to visit Professor Juniper’s lab to settle some paperwork.”
“Don’t you worry Leavanny here has an eye for fashion. The clothes she picks always look great in front of the camera.”
“Leaa!”
“What kind of color scheme are you looking for?”
“Anything fire-themed ”
Being a Pokémon trainer didn’t involve just catching and training Pokémon for tournaments. It is also important that you looked good in front of the cameras with the ultimate goal of attracting offers for sponsorships. Companies weren’t interested in just the skill of the trainer. Being marketable is also important. Especially to me since I no longer received my income for part timing at the gym.
I leave the clothing store with warm and comfy clothes and a hole in my wallet. The nice lady gave me directions to Professor Juniper’s lab it was just at the edge of town bordering a large radio tower. The lab itself was huge three stories tall and even has an additional greenhouse probably for Pokémon and flora that can’t stand the cold. I walked up to the front door and knocked after waiting for a while the door got opened by a dark-haired bespectacled lady with a flower ornament in her hair.
“Yes, how can I help you?”
“The name’s Egon miss. I was supposed to get some bloodwork done before I start out on my journey?”
“Oh, you must be the young trainer from Hoenn we were expecting. My name’s Fennel I work as an assistant here at the lab. It will be a while until Professor Juniper gets back from fieldwork so make yourself comfortable in our waiting room.”
She guided me to their breakroom and left me there after offering me some hot chocolate and a tray filled with pastries.
“Come on out Numsy and Rena.”
I released both my Pokémon and they quickly took a seat on opposite sides of the couch. Figuring that this would take a while I also pull out my grooming kit and give them quick once over starting with Numsy. Rena’s grooming took a bit longer though.
“No Numsy don’t eat the entire platter save some for other guests!”
“Num num.”