Chapter 4 : My pokemon

-------After six months----------

The next six months were filled with work and more work as an "illegal" Pokémon breeder. Initially, I thought I would fail. I wouldn't get customers because I believed people would not look past my age.

But It worked out easily with Dregen's endorsement. I thanked my past self for going ahead with my plan to contact him. I had doubts about whether his saint-like reputation was the truth or if it was just a front.

The deciding factor is the glaring difference between Earth and this world. The people here tend to be more open, but not to the point of absurdity. Perhaps, it is due to the fact they need to bond with their Pokemon, they seem to be influenced by them. Not in a metaphysical way but from the social scope. 

Simply put, everyone in this world is an animal caretaker or pet owner. 

Anyway, this point helped me to try as a chance and I succeeded. Reputation is a power of its kind. So, the customers who believe in Dregen came to me. I didn't disappoint them. As a great man once said, the rest is history.

We know where to throw history.

Now, after six months, the funds in my account had grown enough to be able to purchase my own Pokémon.

[Knowledge point: It seems every person has an account in Poke League Bank opened in their name when their birth certificate is issued.]

Dregen has decided to help me get it as per my request.

"Come on, Archer. Let's go we can come back to the house faster if we go to the city early."

Yup, I had been living with Dregen and Sam. It is just a reasonable step considering the Orphanage matrons have rules to follow. 

Luckily, Dregen despite his kind heart, frequently interacts with various violent gangs. Even, his best friend Jonathan, Jon's father is a former military man. So, he doesn't mind bending the rules as long as they don't cross his morals. 

So, I have been hitting the sack in Dregen's Household for some time.

--------Telios, the only city of Bharatsa---------

As I entered Telios, the city's hustle and bustle enveloped me. Pokémon trainers, tourists, and locals filled the streets, creating an energetic atmosphere. The air buzzed with the constant chatter of people and Pokémon cries.

As Dregen and I traversed the narrow streets beyond the bustling commerce district of Telios, the vibrant energy of the city slowly gave way to a quieter, more secluded atmosphere. 

I watched with a small smile as Dregen fed the stray Meowths and pidgeys. But I grew irritated and pulled him away when he tried to give away our lunch. I don't mind being kind, but I don't want to starve myself to show kindness. 

So, we arrived at Granny Elina's Pokémon Breeder Shop—a modest establishment tucked away in the heart of the city.

The doorbell chimed as we entered, revealing a cozy space filled with the soothing aroma of herbs and the soft hum of Pokémon chatter.

Granny Elina, a kind-looking woman with a twinkle in her eyes, greeted us warmly. She beckoned us closer, and as we approached, I noticed a peculiar list hanging in the forefront of the shop.

To my surprise, the list was comprised of common Pokémon—Pidgey, Rattata, and others. A frown came to my face at this list.

While any Pokémon can reach the top that doesn't mean all can reach it. It takes a lot of hard work for these species. Trust me when I say that it is not a joke to motivate a Rattata to reach the top with hard work.

I pondered, questioning the value of paying for a common Pokémon here when I could potentially find them in the wild on my own. I would have the option of selecting the Pokemon that meshed well with me. My position has changed much since back then. Now, I am sure Sam wouldn't mind helping me capture a Pokémon.

Granny Elina chuckled, her eyes twinkling as she noticed my frown, as if knowing my thoughts she said, "Oh, dear, that list is for our normal customers. But for a select few, we have something special down below."

With a mischievous smile, she gestured towards the stairs leading down to the basement.

Dregen, who seemed familiar with this exclusive section, nodded approvingly while he walked forward. Granny Elina led the way, and as we descended into the depths of the shop, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

To my shock, the basement turned out to be long and abnormally spacious, extending under the entire street. As we ventured deeper, the space opened up to reveal a vast area where Pokémon were kept in carefully arranged cages.

The variety was astounding—ranging from Scyther and Pidgeot to Pokémon from other regions like Shinx and even a rare Tepig.

The sight left me momentarily speechless, and a wave of shock coursed through me. I cursed internally, reminding myself never to trust others too easily. The disparity between the upstairs list and the hidden reality below was stark.

Granny Elina, noticing my reaction, offered an understanding smile. "Dear, our select collection is reserved for those who truly appreciate the reality and have the will to face it."

"Yeah, a wonderful way to express the shady Pokemon black market. I'm certain none of them are legally sold. None of these Pokémon are here voluntarily. Some are malnourished, and others seem terrified, casting fearful glances my way. Take the Scyther, for instance—it would attack the moment it's let out."

Granny Elina snorted at my comment, "If I had the channels for legal sale or talent, I would have opened a premier breeder house, brat. Not everyone possesses the breeding talent you have, kid. Take it or scram."

My eyebrows twitched at that her words. Instead of nurturing the talents of Pokémon as a breeder, it seemed Granny Elina was involved in illegal activities, selling species with higher value but at a morally lower limit.

My gaze shifted toward Dregen with an angry look, demanding an explanation for the illegal trade I had just stumbled upon. Dregen met my eyes with a calm demeanor, ready to address my concerns.

"These types of breeders are the only ones willing to sell Pokémon to underage kids. Elina only accepted after learning about your breeding talent. Don't worry; she won't know your name or write down any details about you, so you won't have any legal issues" Dregen explained, offering a justification that, while understandable, didn't sit well with me. Especially while looking at him avoiding my face. 

A trait that means he is hiding something. So, with some thought on the matter, I poked his hot air by saying, "You are the one who gave her these Pokemon."

Dregen shoulders visibly sagged under an invisible weight. For all his scary exterior, the man had a kind heart. He then went on to explain, "Might as well tell you, considering you already pieced it together. These are the Pokémon I rescued from a smuggling ring. Initially, I turned them over to the legal authorities but in a few months, I saw them in another black market."

Understanding his hidden meaning of the corrupt nature of the legal authorities, I could only sigh. I continued for him, "So, you took it upon yourself to find a good trainer for them all."

I sighed, realizing the unfortunate reality of the situation. While it might be a necessary compromise to access Pokémon at my age, I couldn't say I liked it. I am not cruel enough to be happy with the situation disregarding the truth of smuggled Pokémon victims.

Deciding to make the best of the situation, I began to examine the Pokémon in the basement, providing Elina with some pointers to watch out for regarding their health and behavior.

Despite her disdainful attitude, she begrudgingly listened to the advice, acknowledging my knowledge in breeding and care, which made me wonder just how much Dregen told her regarding me. And who else knows? 

It's just uncomfortable to know that others are informed about you without your input. 

As I continued my scrutiny, my attention was drawn to an incubator tucked away in a corner. Inside, a Pokémon egg rested, bathed in a soft glow. Ignoring Elina's voice cautioning that the Pokémon inside was unknown.

[Processing the visual data, and incubator readings.

Result obtained: ELEKID]

The AI provided a surprising revelation—it was an Elekid egg, one of thirteen eggs whose characteristics had been found by one of Professor Oak's assistants just two years prior.

It is easy to guess who that assistant is.

Taking immediate action, I seized the incubator and approached Granny Elina, determination in my eyes. "Name your price for the egg."

Considering the egg's unknown nature, Elina hesitated before quoting a low price of 200,000 Pokédollars.

"Bullshit old crone. For all I have seen regarding you, it can be pidgey's egg."

"Look here brat it was bought to me from a Pokemon hunter who sold even rare Pokemon like Zigzagoons."

"Idiot. Zigzagoons are as common as Pidgey in Hoenn."

"Yeah, as if you can go to Honen, Kid. Be happy about this low price, 200,000$"

Undeterred, I engaged in a vigorous round of haggling, driving the price down to a more reasonable 150,000 Pokédollars. Well, not considering the fact this is an Elekid's egg. But money saved is money earned.

This is the reason one must be up to date with all the latest information.

With the transaction completed, Dregen and I left the shop and headed to the nearest mall. I wasted no time in purchasing the latest Pokéblock blender, a variety of berries suitable for Elekid's Pokéblock, exercise machines, and a Silph Corp space bag for convenient storage.

Of course, the most important item- 1 year supply of MooMoo milk.

At the components shop, I tossed the shopping bags to Dregen, who obligingly held them while I selected the necessary components for Elekid's care.

"Hey, kid. What's wrong? You are silent now."

"Not now, Dregen."

 Due to his slight manipulation from him, my respect for Dregen wavered slightly. But, knowing that he did it out of good intentions for the smuggled Pokemon, I don't know how to feel about him.

Frankly speaking, it is tough for my mind to process a kind man like him. Perhaps, because I am selfish, I don't know how to face a guy like him who considers society's problems as his.

Looking at him carrying the bags, containing the best quality capacitors, converters, and electrometers, all these are for my plan to breed my future Ace-Elekid. 

Yep, it might be unfair for the rest of my team but as my first Pokémon, I plan to do everything in my power to make him my strongest, capable of facing everything. 

It's just logical considering Elekid would be the one to have the most training for me, more time, and more attachment. Yep, even in a few hours since I got its egg, I can see that I am already attached to it. Feeling my heart beating rapidly from excitement, I realized that I was going to be a Pokémon Trainer.

----------After some days-------

---------Dregen's Household----

The soft morning light filtered through the window of Dregen's household, casting a warm glow on the room.

As I slowly woke up, I noticed a bright source of light near the foot of the bed. To my surprise, there, bathed in the gentle sunlight, was a baby Elekid, cooing and waving its tiny hands.

COOO

My groggy sleepiness got scattered in an instant as a smile bloomed on my face while looking at the adorable sight in front of me.

Without hesitation, I scooped up the little Electric-type Pokémon into my arms, cradling it gently. It seemed just as curious about me as I was about it, its eyes wide with innocence. 

I only wish I was awake when it happened. I decided I would find a way to make a monitoring device/assistant that would mesh well with me. Perhaps, I can somehow find a way to have Dregen find a Rotom for me in his attacks on the Black market. I am sure, I can make a fitting Rotomdex with the help of AI.

Remembering the basics from Professor Elm's Pokémon breeding book, I prepared a feeding formula for the Elekid.

Mixing Momos milk with a slight hint of Grepa juice and a dash of iron, I ensured the little one received the nutrients it needed for a healthy start.

The baby Elekid eagerly lapped up the concoction, seemingly content in my care.

After the feeding, I couldn't resist from playing with the tiny Electric Pokémon. It waved its hands around in sheer delight, sparking a sense of joy within me. The room resonated with the innocent laughter and cooing of the Elekid.

Jokingly, I looked at the little guy and remarked, "Well, now there are two freeloaders in Dregen's house, " Counting me and him, that's two.

The realization hit me that, with the addition of baby Elekid, my responsibilities had increased. Taking care of the Pokemon in the house was already a pain in the ass. Adding this guy to the mix, I am troubled. However, it is a case of happy trouble.

As I observed the baby Elekid, something caught my eye. Ralts, Sam's second Pokémon, was slowly scooting over towards the Elekid.

As the days passed, I found myself wrestling with a twinge of jealousy regarding Sam's seemingly unending stroke of luck. From the successful training of Beedrill to the unexpected arrival of the baby Ralts, it felt like fate was favoring Sam.

I couldn't shake the envy that simmered within. It was an emotion I hadn't expected to feel, but there it was, gnawing at me.

Ralts, Sam's second Pokémon, seemed to sense the shift in my emotions. In a peculiar display of sensitivity, it immediately moved to the other side of the Elekid, positioning itself strategically to create a buffer using Elekid, between me and it.

It was as if Ralts, in its unique way, seemed to sense my warmth for Elekid and used it as a buffer.

Professor Oak's theories on Pokémon understanding and responding to human emotions flashed through my mind.

According to him, Pokémon, especially those of the psychic type like Ralts, had an uncanny ability to pick up on the emotional nuances of their trainers.

For Ralts, it appeared that the complexities of adult emotions were a bit too much. While it could perceive warmth in the emotions of children, even negative ones like anger, it seemed to sense a chill in the negative emotions of adults.

Recognizing the need to shift my focus, I decided to divert my attention. Walking over to a corner of Dregen's house,

I spotted a collection of eggshells from previous Pokémon hatching. An idea sparked in my mind – a surprise for the baby Elekid when it grew up. Hopefully, he won't curse me when he grows up. For now, I must store it.

----------------------------------------------------

In the bustling ambiance of Dregen's house, the presence of the baby Elekid brought a new energy. As it eagerly ran around, exploring its surroundings, I found joy in witnessing each tiny step of its growth.

Photos became a daily routine, capturing the Elekid's first independent steps and the brilliance of its first electrical spark. These moments were happy memories that were pure and powerful. 

I am sure, If I were in Harry Potter, I could cast a Patronus with these memories.

To cultivate Elekid's interest in Pokémon battles and power, I delved into the vast world of Pokenet-Pokémon battles, showcasing numerous battles featuring Elekid and its evolved form, Electabuzz.

The little Electric-type seemed captivated by the display of strength and strategy, its eyes gleaming with curiosity.

As Elekid charged itself daily with a carefully crafted electrical converter, I took the opportunity to share stories of resilience and growth.

I painted a vivid picture of Elekid rising above defeats, evolving into the powerful Electivire, destined to be the first of its kind in the world.

I even went to the extent of painting Electivire diagrams crushing mountains under its thunder, during its daily electrical charge, hoping to instill a sense of ambition in the young Electric Pokémon.

The electrical charge itself was a result of meticulous planning. I constructed a converter using components from the local PokéMart and insights gained from books on electrical engineering.

The process was a fusion of knowledge, creativity, and a genuine desire to provide the best for Elekid's growth. The converter delivered a controlled charge with small amps, ensuring optimal conditions for the baby Elekid's development. Stimulating the wild nurturing of the Pokemon.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. It was after three months of dedicated care and training that Elekid showcased its newfound strength.

The air crackled with anticipation as Elekid unleashed its first move – Thunder Wave. It was a moment of triumph, signifying Elekid's growth beyond its baby phase.

"Elekid, Are you ready to be my Pokémon?"

Elekid signaled his consent with electricity from his horns.

I then pressed the Pokeball on his head.

BLUR

With a bright light, my starter got sucked into the Pokeball.

Ting

I was finally here.

Ting

I am about to be a trainer.

Ting

"I caught an Elekid."

-------------Forest outskirts, Village of Plains---------

I decided to make running through the forest a daily routine for Elekid. The lush greenery provided the perfect background for our training sessions.

As we started our running races, Elekid's excitement echoed through the air, its tiny legs carrying it swiftly over the soft forest floor.

However, the routine soon evolved. Elekid, in its eagerness, began to incorporate its moves into our races. Tackle after tackle, the little Electric-type Pokémon displayed a newfound enthusiasm for physical activity.

"Tackle. Tackle and more tackle."

"ELE ELE"

It was during these running sessions that Elekid started using Thunder Wave repeatedly under my command, to make it familiarize itself with the electricity coursing through its body.

BUZZZ 

BUZZZ

BUZZZ

After an intense session, we paused. Elekid, visibly exhausted but still full of energy, eagerly awaited the daily electrical charge.

"Wait little guy, let me bring it out of the bag."

I took out the carefully crafted converter from the bag and connected it to Elekid. As the charge flowed, Elekid couldn't contain its joy, emitting shouts of delight at the tasty energy.

Looking at Elekid with a grin, "Drink up buddy, It took me two weeks of hard work to find the right amplitude and frequency for you to enjoy the charge. Drink up, we have much to accomplish."