The sun had barely risen over Jubilife City as the golden light filtered through the Jubilife Condominiums' windows. Jun had spent countless hours looking through the catalogs of Pokémon in his SystemDex, comparing their strengths, weaknesses, and movepools. Yet, as he sat in front of his laptop that morning, he still felt the weight of indecision hanging over him. He had finally narrowed down the list to just 2 pokémon, Orbeetle or Rabsca. He mulled over the options, his eyes flitting between the names and details beneath.
Finally, after a night of restless deliberation, Jun made his choice, Blipbug would be his starter. Despite both the Blipbug line and Rellor line possessing telepathy, compared to the more offensive option of Rabsca, he felt that the more defensive option of Orbeetle would be a better partner. Adding onto the fact that his SystemDex stated that the Blipbug line was highly intelligent and enjoyed collecting data, this would fit his prospective role of researcher quite well. The SystemDex also mentions the fact that Orbeetles were known to be able to act almost like a radar, able to sense everything in a 10km radius with its extraordinary psychic potential, which would be of tremendous help during field study when tracking down specific pokemon. Rabsca did have the novelty of being from the still recent addition of the Paldea region and also learning the rather unique move of Revival Blessing, but overall Orbeetle was clearly the best choice.
At the Rowan Laboratory, he clasped his notebook tightly in his hands as he approached Professor Aria’s office. The air was crisp, infused with the scent of fresh paper and the subtle musk of older tomes. Professor Aria's office was a sanctuary of knowledge, lined with bookshelves packed with old texts and recent studies. The professor’s deep appreciation for the world of Pokémon manifested in both his scholarly pursuits and the soft plush toy representations of numerous species scattered throughout the room.
“Jun, you’re here early!” Professor Aria said, adjusting his glasses as he looked up from a thick volume, the muted morning light casting shadows across his gaunt features. His Gardevoir stood graciously beside him, her elegance radiating warmth and reassurance.
“I…I've made my decision, Professor,” Jun stammered, the weight of his revelation pressuring his chest. “I want Blipbug as my starter Pokémon.”
Professor Aria smiled, a spark of approval igniting in his anxious eyes, but before he could voice his enthusiasm, he continued, “That’s wonderful, Jun! However, as I've mentioned yesterday, the lab’s reserve doesn’t currently possess any Blipbugs.”
Jun felt a slight pang of disappointment. “Oh… I was thinking…”
“Fear not,” Professor Aria interjected spiritedly. “I have a proposal for you. There has been a proposal for a field study in Galar, but none of the assistants have applied so far. This study was in-fact proposed by yours truly a few years back. I had heard of several branching evolutions in Galar when they joined the Pokemon Alliance, some regional form of Slowpoke I believe, but I haven't had the opportunity to travel there myself. If you wish, you could take on this task and capture several specimens, and in the process, you could engage with the local Pokémon and possibly find a Blipbug!”
“Really?” Jun’s heart soared at the thought of actually searching for his starter. “You mean I could really go to Galar?”
“Yes! With the proper forms and permissions.” Professor Aria began scrolling through documents on his computer. “And Gardevoir has graciously agreed to act as your chaperone.” He gestured to her as she stood gracefully, her eyes shining with encouragement.
Jun felt his nose sour. “Thank you, Professor. Thank you Gardevoir. This means a lot!” The warmth of being cared for by an elder coursed within him, an unfamiliar feeling in this life. “What do I need to do?”
“First, let’s fill out the necessary forms.” Professor Aria led Jun into a cluttered backroom filled with papers and odd gadgets. As they filled out the paperwork, Professor Aria explained the procedures with soft-spoken clarity, his passion for the subject shining through. Jun listened carefully, attempting to absorb every word, the thrill of anticipation growing.
Once the forms were finished, Professor Aria handed Jun Gardevoir’s PokéBall with a cautious yet reassuring expression. “Take good care of her, and she will take good care of you. I’ll manage here without her, although I must admit I’ll miss her presence tremendously.”
Jun looked at the PokéBall, feeling both excitement and a sting of guilt at separating the two. “Are you sure you’ll be okay without Gardevoir?” He clutched the PokéBall as if it contained a fragile promise.
The Professor opened his lab coat and plucked another PokéBall from a hidden belt. Releasing its occupant, an elegant Froslass swirled into existence, her icy form contrasting against the warmth of the office.
“I will be fine,” Professor Aria said, a warm smile breaking across his face. “Froslass will be my companion during her absence. I have faith you’ll do splendidly in Galar. The first adventure is always unforgettable.”
As the day wore on, Jun found himself straddling the line between anxiety and eager anticipation. After a few parting words with the professor and witnessing his fond farewell to Gardevoir, Jun finally made his way home, his mind racing with possibilities.
He first sent an email to Alyssa, informing her about his trip to Galar, who would've thought he would be the first to leave the region. He then spent just over half of the field research budget on getting himself a nice durable tent and sturdy sleeping bag, along with a relatively cheap model of a backpack with expandable space and several packets of assorted freeze dried berries just in case. Along with several changes of clothes, he was now ready for an adventure.
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The following morning came too soon, the sun was barely over the horizon and the dimly lit sky felt full of promise. Jun had packed the night before, as he stood at the edge of Jubilife City, his stomach fluttered with excitement. This was the beginning of his journey, and he couldn’t wait.
With a decisive nod, he cast Gardevoir’s PokéBall into the air. A burst of energy and light later, she stood before him, serene and ready.
“Gardevoir, are you ready for this adventure?” Jun grinned, feeling both nervous and exhilarated.
Gardevoir responded with a calming hum, her expressive eyes speaking volumes of encouragement. She took his hand and with a flash, they disappeared.
The bustling port of Canalave City was filled with trainers and their Pokémon buzzing with energy. Jun approached the ferry terminal to confirm his travel arrangements, following the instructions given by Professor Aria. After a few moments, a practical-looking ticket emerged, adorned with vibrant images of Galar’s landscapes.
“Here we go!” he announced, clutching the ticket tightly.
Jun took a deep breath, inhaling the salt-tinged air of Canalave City as they settled into their designated area for departure. A cacophony of voices mingled with the cries of Wingull overhead, creating a vibrant symphony that underscored his excitement. He checked his watch, two minutes until boarding. Jun couldn’t help but quiver with excitement. The ship would take at least a week before arriving at Galar, he wondered if he would be able to get a chance to *observe* some new species along the way. Maybe the sailors would have some exotic pokémon.
As he approached the ferry, the enormous ship loomed large before him, its hull gleaming beneath the midday sun. Passengers and crew members bustled about, loading luggage and preparing for the week-long voyage across the sea to Galar. A shiny PokeBall dangled from his belt, a reminder that he wasn't completely alone on this trip. Gardevoir, entrusted to him by Professor Aria, would be his companion throughout the research expedition.
At the mention of Gardevoir, Jun turned his head. The elegant Pokémon floated beside him, her usually graceful demeanor appearing slightly more subdued. She wrung her delicate hands together, her expression betraying a hint of anxiety. Jun couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for her; Professor Aria had mentioned Gardevoir's aversion to the sea.
“Are you alright?” he asked gently.
Gardevoir gazed at him, her large eyes shimmering with a mixture of duty and reluctance. ‘I just get sea sick easily.’ she replied subtly, her voice soft yet tinged with apprehension. It sounded more like a polite invitation for Jun to understand her plight.
“Ahh…” Jun fidgeted guiltily. “If you’d prefer to stay in your PokéBall for the journey, I understand.” he tried to sound reassuring
After a moment of contemplation, Gardevoir nodded, floating over to her PokeBall and gently tapping it. With a flash of red light, she disappeared inside. Jun reached for the ball before clipping it securely to his belt, acknowledging that this was just as much Gardevoir's journey as it was his.
As the ferry pulled away from the dock, Jun found a spot on the top deck, the wind whipping through his hair. He leaned against the railing, watching the coastline recede into the horizon, colorful buildings of Canalave blending into the sapphire sea. He felt a little pang of homesickness, but the thrill of adventure soon quashed it.
The first few days passed in a blur of routine. Jun awoke early, spent his days observing the rhythmic waves, and studied Professor Aria's research notes and past papers on branched evolutions. Each wave seemed to carry the promise of exciting new Pokémon, yet Jun was surprised by the lack of activity. Occasionally, he caught a glimpse of a Wingull gliding past or saw a distant splash from a Water-type diving beneath the surface, but nothing could truly capture his attention.
“Guess I should’ve expected this,” he murmured to himself, occasionally peering over the railing. “The ocean doesn’t yield its secrets easily.”
As boredom threatened to overtake him, he turned his focus to the sailors. Despite their hustle and bustle, he noticed their faces were set in determined concentration. It was clear to him they were used to long voyages; their minds were occupied with checking routes, repairing equipment, and ensuring passenger safety. Realizing they had their own lives and concerns, he decided it was best not to disturb them.
Yet as night fell, Jun found himself filled with curiosity about life on board. After finishing his evening meal, he walked along the deck, gazing at the star-speckled sky. Each constellation was strange and exciting, illuminating the night sky like sentinels. However, just as he was heading back to his quarters, he overheard a couple of sailors laughing heartily nearby.
“Not a single Magikarp has been spotted this trip!” one sailor joked, and the crew erupted into laughter.
“Might just be their vacation, eh?” another chimed in.
Jun couldn’t stifle his smile. Even amidst his boredom, the camaraderie among the crew was infectious. Maybe he was just too wound up, even though this was a research trip, it shouldn't prevent him from enjoying the journey. He resolved to make the best of his opportunity.
The next day, the sun rose bright, promising yet another day of tranquil monotony. However, Jun faced it with renewed enthusiasm, spending his time reading about Pokémon habitats in Galar and scribbling names of locations down in the hopes of encountering Blipbugs or Galarian Slowpokes.
As morning turned to noon, he approached one of the resting sailors, cautious and curious, “What kind of Pokémon do you usually see on these trips?”
The old sailor squinted against the sun, folding his arms. “Depends on the season, lad. Jellicent sometimes floats nearby if we’re lucky. Closer to Galar’s shore, we get Dewgongs and Mantine showing up, sometimes even Wishi-Washi schools if we cross their migration route.”
“That’s amazing!” Jun exclaimed. He shared his knowledge about branched evolutions and the sailor listened, nodding appreciatively.
Empowered by his newfound friendship, Jun gathered every bit of information on Galar’s aquatic Pokémon, each snippet amplifying his excitement for the adventure awaiting him.
Daring to venture to the edge of the deck later that afternoon, Jun peered over the railing, the gloom of the water beneath him beckoning like a tide. “Maybe I’ve lost sight of why I got into this in the first place,” he whispered to himself, taking a deep breath of the sea-salted air.
With Gardevoir resting safe in her PokeBall, he felt his own resolve strengthen. This journey, however uneventful, was a piece of a much larger puzzle, each wave and ripple setting the course for countless new encounters.
As the days passed, the friendship between Jun and the sailors deepened. Sharing tales and laughter turned the mundane into excitement, each sunset feeling like a promise of new adventures on the horizon. He realized that every trip could be filled with discovery, not merely of Pokémon but of connections formed and lessons learned.
Finally, as the silhouette of Galar began to rise out of the sea, a spark of exhilaration coursed through him. With Gardevoir by his side, now ready to join him, and new friends waiting to be made, he understood the journey had just barely begun, and Galar carried whispers of hope, adventure, and research ahead.
As the ship glided smoothly toward the harbor, Jun grinned, feeling the weight of expectation lift as the waves murmured and the sky began to blush with the promise of a new dawn.