The last five days have been spent reading the book by our beloved Professor Oak. This has given me an insight into why trainers are, well, trainers, apart from the obvious military might of course, which is more of a Unovan thing as I read.

While aura is not a common topic, the Professor says that humans, like Pokémon, have TE (type energy) running through their bodies, which we cannot manipulate in the same way as Pokémon, but which affects both our health and creates a symbiosis with our Pokémon.

This symbiosis is what makes the bond with our Pokémon so important. Through this bond, we gain abilities, and they gain more power to evolve. Let's put it this way: A Fire-type specialist will gain more heat resistance and a faster metabolism than a normal human whose TE is inactive.

Pokémon, on the other hand, gain a greater amount and control of their TE through the exchange of energy, allowing them to grow and evolve further than their wild counterparts. Not to mention that Pokémon are generally as intelligent as humans, but not as resourceful, so our goods and easy access to food sources tend to tempt them.

This answers the question I have had since I ate a Magikarp here: Why can we catch this thing in bulk and not get wiped out by an angry mob of Gyarados?

Fully evolved Pokémon are rare in the wild outside of certain communities that are closely guarded by the Rangers of each region or the Rangers Guild in less established places, and the social studies class didn't talk much about them.

He also theorises that some people may be born with a weakness for certain TE, which could be the cause of the psychics, and could explain why some people become uncomfortable or sick in the presence of certain types of Pokémon.

This all goes back to why some specialists are so rare, as dark or poison TE can be harmful to those who don't have preparation or a certain affinity.

Now that my thoughts are in order and my grades are stable, I can finally think about how to get a starter. And I have the perfect victim here at my side.

"Right, Alan. Alan?" I asked to my side, but Alan was nowhere to be found.

I scanned the classroom for him, but to no avail. That changed my plans, so I'll settle for the second option, Mr Ivan, or as I would say, if the bell hadn't rung and the old man hadn't run away with unexpected agility for his age.

What now? Sophia will be drinking with Mia by the time I get back and I would rather not disturb Mrs Harper. There is Roxanne, but will she be in her office? I'm not losing anything, I suppose.

So I head for Roxanne's office, still feeling guilty about the aegirine. I should pick up a book on minerals, not a difficult task considering where I live. I knock on the office door as soon as I arrive.

"Come in."

"Excuse me."

I enter the room to find her concentrating on marking some papers. She glances at me before continuing.

"Marcus, how can I help you?" She asks without stopping what she is doing.

"I finished Prof Oak's book and wanted to thank you." Well, that got her attention as she stopped to look at me, her eyes widening in disbelief.

"Really?"

"Yes, his findings on the adaptive nature of the human TE have put my doubts to rest."

"I see, but it is a heavy book. I hope it didn't get in the way of your studies."

"Not at all, I may have problems with it when I arrive, but now I am top of the class." What wonders a little planning and discipline can do.

"I'm glad you take your studies so seriously, is that all?" She asks, looking proud.

"No, I couldn't find Mr Norton, so I came here to ask you something besides thanking you."

She gestures for me to continue.

"How do I get a starter?"

"There are several ways, why do you ask?" She seems curious, why? Many children must ask this question.

"Because of my situation, I assume the school has been informed."

"Oh yes, sorry." She looks guilty now. My stomach turns. She has done nothing wrong.

"Don't worry."

"*cough* As I said, there are several ways to get a starter Pokémon, the most common being graduating from a trainer school."

"That's it?" Figure.

"Yes, as long as you graduate at the age of 16, the League will give you a starter Pokémon from the most common species in the region."

"Makes sense, what are the other methods?"

"Along the same lines, if you excel academically, the local gym leaders may choose to sponsor you, with one of the benefits being a starter."

I notice that education is given the importance it deserves in this world.

"But if you are one of the top 3 students in the region academically, you get a royal starter and the chance to become a lab trainer."

This tells me that nepotism is a hell of a tool. If we count the various protagonists.

"Of course there are other ways to get a royal starter, but those are more situational."

"That's fine, but what is a royal starter?"

"That term refers to 3 types of Pokémon that are rare in the region and usually have great potential. In our case, they are Torchic, Treecko and Mudkip."

"Why do these species get this treatment?"

"They are chosen for this thanks to two factors: the first is that each region has a fire, grass and water type with great potential as royal starters to give their trainers a safer journey as those who are chosen have great expectations of them, and the second is to protect this species as they are heavily regulated by the League due to concerns about their population."

"Are they in danger of extinction?"

"No, thanks to the League's efforts, but they were in a bad way before this system was introduced."

"How many people have benefited from this system? I think the most common method is still for your parents to get you one."

"More than you think. It's true that if your parents are trainers or breeders, but the vast majority of civilians only have domestic Pokémon, so that may not be ideal for getting a starter from the wild."

"Doesn't everyone get a journey?"

"Traditionally, but not everybody wants to be a trainer, it's common for people not get the sixth badge."

"That's why.”

"Since the war, the number of trainers has decreased."

"War?"

"Yes, you'll learn about it in class, don't worry."

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

That makes me curious.

"I hope I can clarify the matter."

"Yes, but I assume you didn't just mean in terms of grades."

"Actually, to be in the top 3, you have to earn enough merit."

"And how do you do that?"

"It's a long process, but the most common way, and a big part of the reason for the offer to become a lab trainer, is that in the fifth year you can become a professor's intern."

"That's a long time."

"It is important to have a good foundation, it is not easy to get that chance".

I guess the time has come to enjoy school life for a while.

"Tell me Marcus, what do you do after school?" and that?

"Apart from studying I am pretty free, why?"

"Would you like to volunteer at the gym?" Oh

"Aren't I a bit young for that?"

"Normally, but you have a good head on your shoulders, and if what you tell me about your grades is true, you are also disciplined."

More like numb to years of paperwork, but I'll take what I can get.

"In that case, I accept."

"Good, I need to finish these papers, so come and see me tomorrow."

"Thank you, Ms Roxanne." I bow slightly to emphasise the point.

"As a teacher it is my duty to help my students achieve their goals."

"See you tomorrow then, goodbye."

"Goodbye."

I leave the office and go outside to find a place to sit down. I don't want to work, but this might be my chance to get a royal starter in the future.

"Marcus." I turn to see Alan coming towards me.

"Alan, where have you been?"

"Where have you been? You are dazed for a moment. I go to the toilet and then you disappear."

"Yes, that sounds like me. I was in Mrs Roxanne's office."

"Why, are you in trouble?"

"Nah, let's go to the park, I'll tell you on the way."

-------

So here I am, standing in front of this ugly building that serves as a gym and, let's say, my workplace for the time being. I mean, as reluctant as I am, only an idiot would turn down this opportunity.

"Let's go, I'll introduce you to everyone." Roxanne says.

"Yes."

And so began this new phase of my life: learning about the care and habits of Pokémon, feeding them and grooming them.

Helping the trainers in the gym with anything they needed.

I was bossed around by Roxanne when she wanted to teach me something before she bored me to death with her talk about rocks and fossils.

Cleaning the facility and learning how to clean because I suck at it.

Keeping up with my studies and entertaining Sophia while falling for Cloud's pleading looks.

Watching Alan and Sunny train while getting juicy gossip from him, like the fact that the reason Roxanne and Ryan had a fight was because he tried to hit on her.

Spend the day with good old Officer Nathan, who Mrs Harper loves like a son.

See how much of my knowledge is shared and what I can do to take advantage of it.

Among other things. It was exhausting but rewarding.

And just like that, 3 years went by.

"Marcus, did you feed the Geodudes?" Mark asks me.

"Yep, I'm done for the day."

Mark was a portly man with short hair, and as you would expect from a stone specialist, he was one of the gym trainers here.

"Man, when Roxanne came up with the idea of integrating the school kids into the gym activities, I had my doubts, but you have been a solid help. Unlike Tommy."

"Hahaha, tell him and Josh I'm off, see you"

I was debating whether to go and see Alan or bother Sophia for money before I saw a certain redhead enter the school and I could feel my heart rate rising.

Thanks to the news, I learned that Team Rocket's operations in Kanto have been ramped up in the last 2 years, and with no Red in sight, I came to the conclusion that this is the anime world, or some sort of variant. So, with the caveat that this is the last season of the current normal-type leader before he passes the torch to Norman Maple.

I know that the events of Hoenn are coming up soon, and if that redhead belongs to who I think it does, there is a chance that I can take advantage of the whole situation, the question is whether I should.

[MAXIE POV]

The Rustboro School exhibit is always a sight to see. The rocks, fossils and ancient artefacts made it a worthwhile trip every time I needed to clear my mind.

Now that the plans are in place, all I have to do is find a way to awaken Groudon and finally create a place where humanity can live without relying on Pokémon.

Sailing... It's a shame Archie can't see the reason for it, has he forgotten? What our dependence has cost us in the face of war. The helpless realisation that without Pokémon, we are nothing, that they are our life and death. That is why we need a new land where humans can grow, so we can defend ourselves when the Pokémon grow tired of us.

So that we can become MORE. And never again suffer for such a needless war.

A step draws my attention from my thoughts. A boy, he looked at the exhibit before stopping at my side.

He has light brown hair that reaches his shoulders thing that matches his outfit that consists of light brown trainers, trousers and jacket breaking the scheme only his white shirt and his green eyes.

"Interesting, isn't it?" The boy asks.

"What in particular, there are many things here."

"The artefacts, of course, and the fact that there were once civilisations capable of creating life and controlling legendary Pokémon like nothing else is fascinating, it puts human potential into perspective."

This young man is promising.

"Human beings are full of potential, but where do you learn about the legendary? There are many who deny their existence.”

"Reading mostly, apparently the Draconids have records of two orbs that allow control of Groudon and Kyogre."

What?

"Do you know anything about them?" This is it.

"Ah, yes, according to the myth, the orbs were given to a family of Guardians to keep the Draconids from turning to Rayquaza."

My mouth dries before I ask.

"Which family?"

"I don't really know.

Then I calm down, of course such a thing would be too convenient.

"But given time, I think I can find out."

"How interesting, what is your name, young man?"

"Marcus Poplar, sir."

"I'm Maxie Matsubusa, a pleasure."

"I know you are the leader of Team Magma, I admire the work you do helping people rebuild after disasters."

That makes things easier.

"We are first and foremost an ecological organisation for the welfare of the people."

"That's great, I am currently collecting merits to become a lab trainer, as an orphan this is my way to get ahead, but if my circumstances were different I would love to join."

"A laudable goal, perhaps it is too early for you to join, but I would like to sponsor your efforts."

"Truly!"

"Yes, nurturing the new generation is important, I just ask for one small thing."

"What?"

"I have a passion for history, so I would like to know about the Guardian Family or the orbs, they are relics of humanity after all."

"Just that? No problem, I will investigate as soon as I can."

"Here, take this card. Call me for whatever you need."

"Huh?"

"At my age, you know that hobbies are essential for a fulfilled life, so don't hesitate if you need anything for the investigation. Like I said, I would sponsor you."

"Tha- Thank you."

"Don't mention it."

"Sir Maxie." Silent as always, she arrives.

"Courtney, it's time."

"Yes."

"Well, young Marcus, our time together ends today and I await your call."

"Goodbye, sir."

Courtney and I leave the school, leaving an exited Marcus behind.

"Courtney, this boy is Marcus Poplar. Get all the information you can on him, he is vital to our plans. If he calls, make sure his needs are met. Inform Tabitha of this."

"As you wish."

[MARCUS POV]

I can't wipe the smile off my face, that was hook, line and sinker. I just have to figure out how to get out of my reckless actions in one piece.

That's a problem for the future Marcus. Now I have the means to put my life aside for a while. After all, Ash, Steven and Archie won't let Maxie succeed.

"Marcus. I see Roxanne calling me with a smile on her face.

"What happened, you look happy."

"Today I got something special that I have been waiting for."

"Nice, what is it?"

"A present, you have been a great help and have kept up with your studies, so I think you deserve it."

“This!”

She stretches out her arm and opens her hand to reveal a Pokéball, which I see expand.

My vision blurs and I hyperventilate.

“Marcus!”

I barely heard her as she broke my fall.

"Are you all right?"

"Yeah, just let me breathe."

Still clutching me, she pulls back a little.

"Sorry, I was just overwhelmed. I am fine now."

Don't apologise, it's not your fault. She reassures me, but the worry on her face is still palpable and it feeds my guilt.

"Thanks, I just couldn't believe it, can - can I see it?"

"Of course you can, it's yours now." She regains a smile.

I carefully take the Pokéball out of her hand before looking at it for a moment. Then I open it.

"Rith?"

It was an Anorith.