Vol. I, Part 1: Chapter 4

  “Nate, make sure you and Hugh are ready. Professor Juniper should be calling any minute now,” Mrs. Blake said.

  Nate and Hugh gathered around Delilah, who was seated at the computer. It had been almost a week since Nate and Hugh dealt with Team Plasma. When Nate's dad mentioned that Professor Juniper had put in the order for Mareep wool, Delilah immediately decided to call her old friend.

  “How exactly do you know Professor Juniper?” Hugh asked.

  “We went to school together. She was brilliant back then,” Delilah explained. “I'm not surprised she's now working at the University as a Pokémon Professor. It's been so long since we've seen each other.”

  When Delilah was in school, she and Aurea Juniper were best friends. They drifted apart after graduation. Juniper pursued a career in Pokémon research, while Delilah became a nurse at a Pokémon Center.

  When Delilah reconnected with Juniper, they spent a long time catching up on their lives and careers. Delilah told her about marrying Jonathan, Nate’s father, and her work at the Aspertia Pokémon Center. Naturally, the conversation turned to Nate. She spoke about his passion for Pokémon and how he and Hugh had graduated at the top of their Trainer School class.

  When she mentioned their encounter with Team Plasma, Juniper was intrigued. She was impressed by their actions and mentioned she was looking for members for her new Field Research Team. She wanted to interview Nate and Hugh.

  “Just remember, she is a Professor, so don't forget to refer to her as such,” Delilah instructed the boys.

  “We know, Mom. Don't worry, we won't embarrass you,” Nate said.

  The computer rang, and Delilah answered the video call.

  “Aurea! Hello again,” she said.

  “Hey Delilah! How are you?” Juniper replied. She wore her lab coat, and behind her stood a young girl with blonde hair.

  “I'm doing very well. I have both Nate and Hugh with me. Say hello, boys.”

  Nate and Hugh stepped into view and greeted Professor Juniper.

  “It's nice to finally meet you both. I wanted to say thank you for your help with the Mareep wool,” Juniper said.

  “It was our pleasure,” Hugh replied.

  “Professor, what exactly are you using the Mareep wool for?” Nate asked.

  “I'm glad you asked. We've learned that Mareep wool is excellent for storing electric charge. It requires special treatment before it can be used for clothing, but that stored energy creates a perfect environment for Electric-type Pokémon to recover. We plan to make beds out of the wool for the sick Pokémon in our pasture,” Juniper explained.

  “Wow, that is pretty neat. I'm glad our hard work is going to help sick Pokémon,” Hugh remarked.

  “Indeed it will. Now, I've heard you two are quite the trainers. Are you interested in joining my Field Research Team?” Juniper asked.

  “Definitely!” they both replied.

  “Professor, what exactly does the Field Research Team do?” Nate asked.

  “The goal is to travel to specific locations and study Pokémon in their natural habitats. We can only learn so much in the lab. The research we can gather by studying Pokémon up close in the wild is invaluable. Of course, it can be dangerous, which is why I need experienced Trainers. From what Delilah told me, you two were top of your class. Is that right?”

  “Yes, ma'am,” Hugh said.

  “Wonderful. Also, Delilah told me how you both saved an Ampharos from Team Plasma. Going after criminals to save a Pokémon shows me you are dedicated. Tell me, what sort of Pokémon do you have?”

  Nate and Hugh looked at each other.

  “I have a Tepig that I raised from an egg. I also recently caught a Psyduck,” Hugh said, then glanced at Nate.

  “Sorry, Professor, I still haven't had my first Pokémon yet,” Nate admitted nervously.

  Professor Juniper smiled. “That's alright. Bianca here can help with that.” She pointed to the blonde girl behind her. “Oh, I forgot to introduce her. This is Bianca, she's part of the Field Research Team and my personal assistant.”

  “Hello Nate, Hugh! It's so nice to meet you,” Bianca said, waving.

  “As for you boys, I can officially register you as part of the Pokémon Research and Development department. Once we get the administrative work done, I can have Bianca set you up at the University. And for you, Nate, we will get you your first Pokémon. No need to worry.”

  Nate's heart jumped. His first Pokémon? The thought of officially becoming a trainer made his mind race.

  “Thank you, Professor!” Nate said.

  They discussed the logistics of enrollment, and Bianca emailed Nate and Hugh the necessary forms. She explained that once they were registered, she would pick them up and bring them to the University in Nuvema Town.

  That night, Nate lay in bed, buzzing with excitement.

  I'm finally going to live out my dream.

  He was officially going to be a trainer under the region's best Professor. He wondered what Pokémon he would get. Maybe something cool, or strong. Whatever it was, he would be happy.

  Several weeks passed before they heard back from Bianca. The application process was slow, and the distance from Nuvema Town didn't help.

  While they waited, Nate and Hugh spent their days at the ranch. They wanted to be around Pokémon as much as possible. Mr. Carrington appreciated the help, and the boys spent their time working with Nate's dad and Mr. Orville, or playing with the Herdier and Riolu. Ellie's Ampharos grew attached to them as well.

  The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  “She reminds me a lot of Tammy,” Hugh said one day while watching the Herdier.

  Finally, Bianca sent the confirmation email. They were officially on the team.

  “Yes! We're in, buddy!” Hugh said, reading the email on his phone.

  “Nice. I can't wait! What else does it say?” Nate asked.

  “She's asking for a date to come get us in Aspertia. The semester starts in August, but we need to be at the University earlier to set up our dorms and tour the campus,” Hugh explained.

  “I'm ready to go whenever you are,” Nate replied.

  “Alright, we'll tell her as soon as possible. There's also a note about your first Pokémon. Professor Juniper has two available: a Tepig and an Oshawott.”

  Tepig sounds pretty cool. Hugh's Tepig is very friendly.

  “Imagine both of us with a Tepig. That would be pretty neat,” Nate said.

  “But if you had an Oshawott, that would be a greater variety for the team. Plus, water beats fire. You'll probably need all the help you can get when battling me,” Hugh teased.

  “Ha! In your dreams! Although, you have a point. We already have a Tepig. I think I'll go with Oshawott,” Nate decided.

  Nate and Hugh scheduled a date with Bianca. Later that night, she replied confirming she had arranged everything and would meet them the following week.

  Wow, next week? That was quick.

  Nate and Hugh spent their last few days at the ranch training with Tepig and Psyduck. Ellie offered Ampharos as a sparring partner, and even the local Herdier joined in.

  “We've got to be in our best shape for Professor Juniper’s team,” Nate told his dad.

  “I see you are very excited. I'm proud of you, Nate. I'm glad you and Hugh are following your passion,” Mr. Blake said.

  The night before Bianca arrived, Nate and his parents sat down for their last dinner together.

  “And Mom, thanks for talking with Professor Juniper for us,” Nate said.

  “Oh, Nate. I'm happy to help. But you've earned this. Don't forget that,” she said.

  “When is Bianca meeting you?” his dad asked.

  “It should be before noon at Aspertia Heights. She'll take us to Virbank City, then we catch a ferry to Castelia and drive to the University.”

  “Sounds like a busy day,” Delilah said.

  “Should be. I don't care. I'm just excited to start my adventure.”

  “Nate, before you leave, would you stop by the ranch one last time? I have something for you. It won't take long,” Mr. Blake said.

  “Yeah, sure Dad. It's on the way to Virbank so I'm sure Bianca won't mind.”

  Nate was restless. He lay in bed thinking of the journey ahead, the places he'd visit, and what it would be like to raise an Oshawott. He was too excited to sleep.

  In the morning, Nate got up quickly despite his lack of sleep. His dad had already left for the ranch. He went to say goodbye to his mom.

  “I'm so proud of you, Nate. Please promise you'll call every once in a while? I'm always here if you need me,” she said.

  “Of course, Mom! I won't forget about you!” Nate said.

  She hugged him one last time before he headed out the door. He grabbed his luggage and backpack, deciding to leave his bike behind since he wouldn't be returning soon.

  When he reached Aspertia Heights, Hugh was already sitting on a bench overlooking the city. It was a beautiful morning. The sun shone on the landscape, and the lake sparkled. In the distance, the Floccesy Ranch windmill turned slowly.

  “I'll miss this view,” Hugh said as Nate approached.

  “It's okay, we'll have plenty more sights to see. Unova is our Cloyster,” Nate said.

  “I guess. Still, I'll miss home. And Tammy, of course.”

  “She'll be alright. She's old enough not to need her big brother around all the time,” Nate said.

  “I'm not worried about her. I just wish I could be there to watch her grow up, y'know?”

  “I get that.”

  I guess I'll never know what it's like to be a big brother. Hugh really loves her.

  They sat together in the cool breeze until a blonde girl wearing a green beret came up the stairs.

  “Hey guys! It's so nice to finally meet you!” Bianca said cheerfully.

  “Hey, Bianca! Nice to see you too!” Nate said, standing up.

  “Wow, it's so pretty up here!” Bianca said, looking at the view. “No wonder you wanted to meet here.”

  “I figured if you're going to visit our small city, you might as well see the view,” Hugh replied.

  “Well, it sure is beautiful. You've both lived here all your lives?”

  “Yup. Born and raised,” Nate said.

  “Have either of you visited other places in Unova?” she asked.

  “Not really. I've gone to a few places, but not many,” Nate said.

  “Same. Neither of us has traveled much,” Hugh added.

  “Well, that's definitely going to change! We have lots of places planned for our research,” Bianca said.

  “With lots of interesting Pokémon, no doubt,” Hugh said.

  “Exactly. Speaking of which,” she reached inside her coat and pulled out a container. She pressed a button, revealing a Poké Ball inside. “Ta-da! Your first Pokémon partner, Nate.”

  This is it.

  Nate grabbed the Poké Ball, inspecting it. It looked standard, nothing out of the ordinary.

  “Go ahead, call Oshawott out!” Bianca said.

  “Alright. Come on out, Oshawott!”

  Nate released the Pokémon. A white and blue Oshawott appeared, about the size of a small toddler. He looked around, sniffing the air with his large brown nose. Nate bent down to greet him.

  “Hey, Oshawott, it's so nice to finally meet you,” Nate said.

  Oshawott looked at Nate, confused, then turned to Bianca.

  “It's okay, Oshawott,” Bianca encouraged. “Nate's your new Trainer. Don't be shy!”

  Oshawott stepped toward Nate. He took the scalchop off his chest and hesitantly offered it to Nate, awaiting approval.

  “Hey, your scalchop looks really nice. You must take good care of it,” Nate said, holding it up. It shined in the sun, free of dirt. He handed it back to Oshawott, who looked happy at the compliment. Oshawott nodded, giving his approval of Nate.

  “Yup, looks like Oshawott is ready to be your partner!” Bianca said happily. “Now then, shall we get going? Virbank is waiting.”

  “Bianca, if it's not too much trouble, can we stop by Floccesy Ranch? It's close by. I want to visit my dad before we leave,” Nate asked.

  “Absolutely! We're in no rush!”

  Nate and Hugh packed their luggage into Bianca’s van and drove to the ranch. When they arrived, Mr. Blake and Riolu were waiting outside.

  “Hey Dad! This is Bianca. She's a member of the Field Research Team,” Nate said.

  “Hello Bianca! I've heard Professor Juniper talk a lot about you. She says you've been a great assistant,” Mr. Blake said.

  “Thank you, sir! It's been my pleasure,” Bianca replied, blushing.

  “Anyway, Nate, before I say goodbye, I have something for you.” He reached into his pocket and handed Nate a Poké Ball.

  “A Poké Ball?” Nate asked, confused.

  “Not just any Poké Ball. This is Riolu's,” Mr. Blake explained.

  “But Dad, I thought Riolu was a wild Pokémon.”

  “He was, until recently. As much as I love having Riolu help at the ranch, I think its time he was properly looked after. We discussed it, and we think it's best if he becomes your partner. So, I caught him for you.”

  “Dad…” Nate couldn't believe it. Riolu was an incredible Pokémon, and his dad was gifting him Riolu because Riolu wanted to be Nate's partner.

  “Take him, Nate,” Mr. Blake said.

  Riolu gestured to Nate, signaling he was ready to return to his ball.

  “Riolu. Are you sure?” Nate asked.

  Riolu thrust its arms out, showing he was ready to go.

  “Alright, then. Let's be partners, Riolu!” Nate held out the Poké Ball and returned the Pokémon. He clipped the ball to his belt next to Oshawott.

  “Take good care of Riolu, Nate. He'll be an invaluable partner to you. Just like he was for me.”

  “I will, Dad. I promise.”