Dune POV
It's been around two years since I was reborn into the Pokémon world as a Trapinch, and I still am one, just a stronger version of my former self. Now at level 15, I’ve spent these years practicing and battling alongside my trainer, James. Through our shared experiences, I've honed my skills, improved my moves, and developed a better grasp of Bug-type energy. I’m proud to say that I can use all of my egg moves, some with greater effectiveness than others. However, my progress has plateaued a bit lately; the only opponents I can find to battle are school Pokémon, and I’ve outpaced them by quite a margin. The next strongest Pokémon at the school is only at level 8, which means that I haven’t gained any new experience for quite some time.
In a way, this stagnation reminds me of the experience gained from my past world. In that realm, leveling up required more experience points as one’s level rose. This mechanic has carried over to my new life, where I’ve come to realize that higher-level battles yield greater rewards. Easy victories against low-level Pokémon barely scratch the surface of what I need. I’ve been at level 15 for several months now, but I anticipate that will change soon. James is set to go on his journey in a couple of days after graduating from trainer school, and I know that new and challenging battles await him— and me.
That isn’t the only reason James is excited, though. He recently received approval to have a royal starter Pokémon and was deemed talented enough to earn a Pokédex. The moment that letter arrived from Professor Birch, James was practically bouncing off the walls with joy. He has a special appointment to meet the professor right after graduation at the lab in his hometown. He will be receiving his starter Pokémon and Pokédex there, marking the beginning of his adventure.
As for me, I’m outside the house, diligently practicing my Bug-type moves with James. Today, we’re focusing on controlling Bug-type energy to execute a powerful move called "First Impression." James has been emphasizing the importance of mastering this technique, noting that it is incredibly effective—albeit with one significant drawback: it can only be used as the first move in a battle. Still, I understand the potential it holds for future challenges. Alongside that, I also have moves like Fury Cutter and Bug Bite that I’ve been working on.
“Alright, boy, that’s enough practice for today,” James said, getting up and brushing off his pants. He didn’t pick me up and place me on his shoulder as he usually did; instead, he simply looked down at me with a smile. “Hey, boy, how about we go for a walk?”
I nodded eagerly. A walk would be a welcome break. James opened the door, and we stepped outside. Petalburg was as beautiful as ever, with the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze flowing through the streets. The warmth of the sun felt wonderful against my sandy-colored body, and I felt invigorated by the scents of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass that filled the air.
As we strolled through town, I couldn’t help but admire the people bustling about their daily lives. Petalburg is known for its friendly atmosphere, and I have come to appreciate the kindness of the townsfolk. One of my favorite stops is an older gentleman who runs a small stall selling pastries. The sweet aroma wafting from his booth is always enticing, and my favorite treat is the donuts. Every time we visit, I find myself drawn to them. They are fluffy and sugary, with a delightful flavor that leaves me wanting more.
Our walk lasts for about fifteen minutes, and we meander past the familiar sights of the town—kids playing, trainers discussing strategies, and Pokémon enjoying their time with their trainers. I soak it all in, feeling grateful for the life I now have. Every day is an adventure, filled with small joys and the promise of new experiences.
As we approach our home, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. I may have once been human, but now, as a Trapinch, I have found my place in this world. I am excited about what the future holds for James and me, especially with his upcoming journey. The horizon is filled with possibilities, and I can’t wait to explore them together.
James POV
It’s finally here—the day I graduate from the Pokémon Trainer School and get to set out on my journey with Dune and my soon-to-be Royal starter. I could hardly believe it when I received the letter in the mailbox. The excitement was overwhelming; I couldn’t sit still for hours. My parents were so proud they even took me out for a celebration dinner that night. Now, there's just one thing standing between me and my new adventure: the graduation ceremony.
The day began like any other, but today felt special. I walked to school with Dune perched on my shoulder, his usual spot. The sun was shining brightly, and the air was filled with the soft sounds of nearby Pokémon chirping and calling to one another. I felt a buzz in the air, and not just from my excitement—everyone in town seemed to know that today was an important day.
As I approached the school, I could see other students heading in the same direction, many of them chatting about what they would do next—where they would go, what Pokémon they would catch, and what adventures awaited them. But for me, my mind was focused on one thing: the Royal starter. I was lucky enough to have been selected for one, a rare privilege granted to only the most promising graduates. Soon, I’d be holding that Pokéball in my hands, and my journey would truly begin.
The graduation ceremony was held in the main courtyard of the school. It had been decorated with banners and balloons in honor of the graduating class, and rows of chairs were set up for the students and their families. As I entered the courtyard, I spotted my parents sitting near the front, smiling and waving at me. Dunegave a small chirp from his spot on my shoulder, as if sensing my excitement.
I took my seat alongside my classmates, and the headmaster stepped up to the podium to begin the ceremony. He was an older man with a stern but kind expression, known for his deep love of Pokémon and the responsibility he felt in shaping young trainers.
“Welcome, students, parents, and Pokémon!” he began. “Today marks an important milestone in your lives. You’ve spent years learning about Pokémon, battling strategies, and the responsibilities that come with being a trainer. Now, you are ready to take your first steps into the wider world.”
As he spoke, I couldn’t help but glance at Trapinch, who looked as calm and focused as always. He had been with me since the beginning, and I knew we were going to make a great team out there.
The headmaster continued, handing out diplomas and calling students up one by one. When my name was called, I felt a rush of pride. Dunenudged my neck with his head as if to say, "We did it." I walked up to the stage, shaking the headmaster's hand as I received my diploma.
"And finally, as one of our most exceptional students," the headmaster said, pausing to give me a warm smile, "James will be receiving a Royal starter, an honor only a few students ever achieve."
The crowd clapped enthusiastically, and I felt my face flush with excitement. After the ceremony, I would be heading directly to Professor Birch’s lab to collect my Royal starter and Pokédex. But for now, I returned to my seat, diploma in hand, waiting for the rest of the ceremony to finish.
Once everyone had received their diplomas, the headmaster gave one last speech, reminding us of the importance of kindness, perseverance, and friendship with our Pokémon. And then, it was over. The ceremony had ended, and with it, our time as students. Now, we were trainers—trainers ready to face the world.
As we walked out of the courtyard, my parents came up to congratulate me. "We're so proud of you, James," my mom said, pulling me into a tight hug. "And look at Trapinch! He’s grown so much."
Dune let out a happy little sound, clearly pleased with the attention.
"Thanks, Mom. Dad," I replied, grinning. "But this is just the beginning. We’re heading straight to Professor Birch’s lab now to pick up my Royal starter!"
"Then let’s not keep him waiting," my dad said, clapping me on the shoulder.
With that, we headed toward Professor Birch's lab, where my next chapter would begin.
Dune POV
The sun was already high in the sky as James and I made our way out of Petalburg, heading toward Professor Birch’s lab. This was the moment we had both been waiting for. Graduation was over, and the excitement and nerves of the ceremony were left behind. Now, it was just us and the open road.
I perched on James’s shoulder, as usual, feeling the slight sway of his steps. His energy was electric today, buzzing through him like an uncontainable force. It was like he couldn’t walk fast enough to get to the lab. I couldn't blame him; this was it. This was the real start of his journey. No more school battles, no more weak opponents—I was ready for the real challenge too.
The road was quiet, mostly. Now and then, we’d pass a wild Pokémon rustling through the grass or see a trainer and their team walking along the same route. The air was fresh, the sky blue, and for a moment, I let myself enjoy just being in this world. It wasn’t often I thought about my past life anymore. I was a Trapinch now—soon to be a Vibrava if things went well—and honestly, this life suited me. Battling, evolving, getting stronger, it was like I was built for this.
"Think about it, Dune. We’re almost there! Professor Birch’s lab is where I’ll get my royal starter," James said, his voice full of excitement.
I could hear it in his tone, see it in the way he kept adjusting his backpack as if it wasn’t sitting right. James had been talking about this moment for months—ever since that letter came in the mail, confirming his spot as one of the few trainers to receive a royal starter Pokémon. Even I was curious about which one he’d end up with. A part of me hoped it was something strong, something that could push me to grow in battles. Not that I had any problem carrying the team so far.
We turned a bend in the road, and up ahead, I could see the edge of Littleroot Town coming into view. The lab wasn’t far now. I shuffled on James’s shoulder a little, trying to get a better look at the path ahead. This was it—the last stretch.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
As we walked, I started thinking about the journey ahead. Sure, I was strong now—level 15, stronger than any of the other school Pokémon we’d faced. But I knew there was so much more out there. Trainers with teams far beyond what we had encountered. Pokémon stronger than anything I’d faced. I was ready for those battles, and with James getting his royal starter, I felt like we were about to level up in more ways than one.
James stopped for a second to pull out a bottle of water. He took a sip and then offered some to me. I took it gratefully, letting the cool liquid soothe my dry throat. Even though I didn’t have to walk like him, being perched up here had its challenges. The sun was hot, and I could feel the heat starting to beat down.
“You know, Dune, I’ve been thinking. Once we get our new team member, we’ll be unstoppable,” James said with a grin.
I could only nod in agreement. I wasn’t much for words—not that he’d understand me anyway—but I felt the same way. We were on the verge of something big, and I could feel it in my core.
Soon, the houses of Littleroot Town came into full view. The place had a peaceful vibe to it, but I could tell James was ready to skip all the pleasantries and head straight for Professor Birch’s lab. And that’s exactly what he did. No detours, no distractions.
“Here we are, Dune,” James said, his voice a mix of excitement and nerves.
The lab was just ahead, its polished windows reflecting the midday sun. I could see the silhouette of Professor Birch moving inside. James took a deep breath, adjusted his bag one last time, and started up the steps.
The door slid open, and we stepped inside. This was it. The start of a new chapter. And I couldn’t wait to see where it would take us next.
James POV
As I stepped into Professor Birch’s lab, my heart was pounding in my chest. This was it—the moment I had been waiting for ever since I received the letter. Graduation was behind me, and now, I was about to pick my royal starter. Dune, my trusty Trapinch, was perched on my shoulder as usual, his weight a familiar comfort as I walked forward. I could tell he was as eager as I was, shifting slightly as if he couldn’t wait for what was coming next.
“Ah, James! Right on time!” Professor Birch’s booming voice greeted us as he came into view, a welcoming smile on his face. He always had that same energy, like he could barely contain his excitement for the world of Pokémon. “Congratulations on your graduation! I bet you’re excited to finally start your journey.”
“More than excited,” I admitted, a grin spreading across my face. “I’ve been counting down the days since I got your letter.”
Birch laughed and motioned me toward a table in the center of the lab. On it were three Pokéballs, each gleaming in the light. “Well, you’ve certainly earned this, James. It’s not every day I get to give out a royal starter. These Pokémon are special—not just your average starters. They come from strong lineages, Pokémon capable of extraordinary feats. I think you’ll be quite pleased.”
My breath caught for a second as I approached the table. The three Pokéballs seemed to radiate potential, each one holding a partner that could help shape my journey. This was it, the moment I’d been working for. I glanced down at Dune. He was watching the Pokéballs intently, his tiny Trapinch eyes focused on the choices in front of us. I could feel his curiosity as much as my own.
“Each ball contains one of the three Hoenn starters: Torchic, Treecko, and Mudkip,” Birch continued, stepping beside me. “But, as you’re receiving a royal starter, these Pokémon are from exceptional lineages. Their power and potential far exceed what you’ll find in the wild.”
I reached out slowly, trying to make the right choice. I’d thought about this for days, even dreamed about it, but now that the moment was here, I just had to trust my instincts. Finally, my hand hovered over the Pokéball in the center.
“I choose… Torchic.”
As soon as I said it, I felt a wave of certainty. I picked up the Pokéball and pressed the button. With a flash of red light, Torchic materialized in front of me. The little orange chick blinked up at me with its bright, fiery eyes. It chirped softly, looking around the lab before focusing on me as if trying to size me up. I knelt to its level, meeting its gaze.
“Hey there, Torchic. I’m James. We’re going to be partners from now on,” I said, smiling.
Torchic chirped again, louder this time, and hopped forward to nuzzle my leg. I couldn’t help but laugh. It seemed like we were off to a good start. Dune was watching with interest, and I wondered what he thought about our new teammate. I’d have to make sure the two of them got along, but knowing Dune, he’d warm up quickly.
“Excellent choice,” Birch said, nodding approvingly. “Torchic is a strong, reliable partner, and with its royal lineage, you’ll find it capable of truly great things. You’ve got yourself a real powerhouse.”
I stood back up, Torchic hopping around my feet. “Thank you, Professor. I can’t wait to start training with Torchic and Dune.”
Birch handed me a Pokédex and a small bag of Pokéballs. “Here you go. The Pokédex will be invaluable on your journey, and don’t forget to catch more Pokémon along the way. The world is full of surprises, and with these tools, you’re ready to tackle whatever comes your way.”
I pocketed the items, feeling the weight of responsibility now. This was real. My journey was beginning, and I had everything I needed to become a strong trainer. I glanced down at Torchic, who was chirping happily at my side, then at Dune, who seemed more alert than ever.
“Thank you, Professor. I’ll make sure to record everything,” I said, already imagining the adventures that awaited us.
We stepped out of the lab into the bright Hoenn sunlight. Torchic walked beside me, and Dune still perched on my shoulder, the three of us now an official team. I looked down at Torchic and then back at the road ahead. This was it—the beginning of my adventure.
“Well, guys,” I said, grinning, “let’s get started.”
Torchic chirped excitedly, and Dune shifted on my shoulder, ready for whatever was next. We were heading out into a world, full of possibilities, and I couldn’t wait to see what it had in store for us.
Dune POV
“What is it like being a Pokémon caught by a trainer?” the Torchic asked, his little eyes wide with curiosity.
“It’s nice,” I replied, feeling a warmth in my chest as I thought about my experiences with James. “You get taken care of, and all you have to do is battle.”
“What are trainers like?” he pressed on, flapping his tiny wings slightly as he hopped beside me on Route 101.
“They’re nice and caring, and pretty smart,” I answered, glancing at James ahead of us. He was scanning the tall grass, looking for wild Pokémon for Torchic to battle.
“How long have you been with him?” Torchic asked, his voice filled with awe.
“Two years, since I hatched. His name is James by the way.”
“Are you strong, Trapinch?” he asked, his curiosity unending.
“I would consider myself decently strong. My name is Dune by the way,” I said, puffing out my chest a little.
“Wait, you have a name? When do I get one?” Torchic's eagerness was palpable.
“Once James decides on a good name for you,” I replied, feeling a sense of pride in my own identity. I had grown into my name over the past couple of years, and I hoped he would have a name just as special.
Those were just some of the questions the little guy asked me. He was a male Torchic at level 5, and James had checked his stats and moves—Growl, Scratch, and Ember. It was clear he was eager to prove himself, even if he was still quite new to the world of battles.
As we walked along Route 101, I could feel Torchic’s excitement bubbling up, especially as James pointed out patches of grass where wild Pokémon might be hiding. For a moment, I glanced around, taking in the scenery. The vibrant greens of the grass contrasted with the blues of the sky, and I noticed the bright colors of various flowers dotting the path.
From my memories, the routes in the Pokémon games were quite short, but it had been several hours now, and we were still making our way toward the next town, which had a Pokémon Center. There were many more towns around than I remembered from my human memories. Some of them were smaller and didn’t have Pokémon Centers, but they were alive with people and Pokémon all the same.
It had taken James a couple of days to reach Littleroot Town. Along the way, we battled several wild Pokémon, but they must have been low-level because they didn’t put up much of a fight. James scanned me with the Pokédex, and I wasn’t above level 15, so I assumed those Pokémon we encountered were even weaker than I was.
“Look, Dune!” James called, breaking me out of my thoughts. I turned to see him motioning toward a patch of grass. “There’s a wild Pokémon! Torchic, this is your chance!”
The excitement in Torchic was infectious, and he bounced on his feet, ready to face whatever was lurking in the grass. “I’m ready! Let’s do this!”
I watched as James knelt, encouraging Torchic. “You’ve got this! Just focus on your moves, and remember what we practiced.”
As the wild Pokémon emerged—a Poochyena—Torchic took a deep breath, clearly determined to show his mettle. I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride for both him and James. This was the start of something great, and together, we would forge our path in the world of Pokémon.
“Go, Torchic!” James shouted, and with that, our adventure truly began.
James POV
I pulled out my Pokédex and scanned the wild Poochyena Torchic that was about to battle.
Poochyena, the Bite Pokémon. Level 4. Known moves: Tackle and Howl. Gender: Male. Ability: Run Away.
I smiled to myself. This looked like a solid battle to start Torchic’s training. I glanced down at my partner, who was excitedly hopping back and forth in front of me, his small, fluffy wings fluttering with excitement. Dune, on the other hand, was resting by my side, eyes half-closed but still alert. He seemed content to let Torchic take the spotlight this time.
I crouched down next to Torchic, placing a reassuring hand on his head. “Alright, buddy, you’ve got this. Just listen to my instructions, and you’ll be fine.”
Torchic chirped loudly, his eyes gleaming with determination. I could feel the energy building in him. This was his first real battle, and I knew he wanted to make it count. But I couldn’t let my excitement get the better of me—Torchic needed me to guide him.
The battle started with the wild Poochyena charging at Torchic, most likely using Tackle. The little Bite Pokémon was fast, kicking up dirt as it lunged forward.
“Dodge it and use Ember!” I shouted, my heart racing.
Torchic reacted quickly, dodging the Poochyena’s attack with a nimble leap to the side. He followed up immediately with a small burst of flames, sending the Ember straight toward Poochyena. The fire hit its mark, singing the dark fur on Poochyena’s side and causing it to stumble.
“Great job, Torchic!” I called out. “Now, follow up with Scratch while it’s off balance!”
Torchic didn’t hesitate. He rushed in close, his tiny claws slashing at Poochyena’s side as it tried to recover from the Ember attack. The wild Pokémon let out a low growl, clearly hurt but not ready to give up. It retaliated with another Tackle, catching Torchic off guard and knocking him to the side.
Torchic let out a small cry of pain as he hit the ground, but I knew he could take it.
“It’s alright, Torchic!” I shouted, keeping my voice calm. “Use Growl now, while it’s still close!”
Torchic quickly got back to his feet and let out a sharp Growl, the sound vibrating through the air. The Poochyena hesitated, its confidence visibly shaken. I could tell that Growl had done its job, lowering Poochyena’s attack and giving Torchic the edge.
“Alright, let’s finish this! Get in close again and use Ember, then follow up with Scratch!”
Torchic nodded and dashed toward Poochyena, unleashing another burst of Ember at point-blank range. The flames hit Poochyena square in the face, and the Pokémon let out a yelp of pain.
“Now, Scratch!” I commanded.
Torchic moved in with a flurry of Scratches, landing hit after hit as the weakened Poochyena struggled to keep up. After a few more strikes, the wild Pokémon finally collapsed, unable to continue the battle.
I ran up to Torchic, scooping him into my arms and hugging him tightly. “You did amazing, little guy! I’m so proud of you!”
Torchic chirped happily, nuzzling into my chest. I could feel the bond between us growing stronger with every battle.
After I put Torchic down, I scanned him with my Pokédex. “Looks like you leveled up! You’re level 6 now. Great work, Torchic.”
Before we left the area, I reached into my bag and pulled out a couple of Oran Berries. I walked over to the fainted Poochyena and gently placed the berries in front of it. “Here, this should help you recover.”
It’s decent trainer etiquette to heal wild Pokémon after a friendly battle, especially if they were just testing themselves or looking for a challenge. Wild Pokémon near routes are often seeking out trainers or hoping to be caught by one. You don’t have to heal them if they’re being aggressive or pose a serious threat, but in this case, Poochyena was just trying to prove itself. It didn’t deserve to be left hurt.
As I stood up and turned to Torchic and Dune, I felt a surge of excitement for the journey ahead. We were just getting started, and there were so many battles, new Pokémon, and adventures waiting for us. And ready to make it to the next town with a Pokecenter.