“Are you alright, dear?” Mr. Pokémon’s voice broke through her thoughts, startling her. She hadn’t even noticed him approaching.
“Yes…,” she responded distantly, but then her eyes brightened with sudden realization. “Yes! Do you know a researcher who works with the Pokémon School? Or at least, he should be acquainted with it.”
“Well, the only school around here is Earl’s Pokémon Academy, and yes, I’m quite familiar with the place,” he replied, a gentle smile spreading across his face. Graisey’s spirits lifted. “Do you think you could take me there and introduce me? I really need to find him.”
“Of course!” Mr. Pokémon agreed with a nod. “I’m not sure exactly which researcher you mean, but we’ll figure it out together.” His encouraging smile reassured her.
Feeling a renewed sense of purpose, Graisey joined Mr. Pokémon as they finished up at the PokéCenter, thanking the staff for their care. Eduard reloaded the jeep with her belongings, including the Ranger Tent. Before long, she found herself back in the familiar backseat, the hum of the engine providing a soothing rhythm as they drove.
Eduard and Mr. Pokémon chatted animatedly in the front, discussing the events at Dark Cave and the audacity of the media. Graisey, meanwhile, took the opportunity to gather her thoughts. She reflected on the whirlwind of experiences from the past few days—Cyndaquil, the farm, training with Kaiy, capturing Ledyba, the battle at Mr. Pokémon’s house, and now, Dark Cave.
“The life of an adventurer,” she mused with a small smile. Her mother’s voice echoed in her mind, reminding her that she could always return to the Pokémon Nursery in Olivine City if things became too overwhelming.
Lost in thought, Graisey barely noticed the cityscape passing by. Instead, she busied herself scrolling through her PokéDex, feeling a sense of pride as she reviewed her collection. The entry for Cyndaquil was the most detailed, followed closely by the one for Stars, her Ledyba. She flicked through pictures of Persian, the Bulbasaur evolutionary line, Hoothoot, and even Carkol, each entry a memory to her journey so far.
The jeep came to a gentle stop, pulling her back to the present. Mr. Pokémon was already stepping out, gesturing for her to follow. Eduard parked the jeep in the shade of a lush tree next to the road. Graisey read the plaque by the picket fence as they approached the entrance:
Earl’s Pokémon Academy - Pokémon School
Where Earl once showed you all there is to Pokémon!
A small cobblestone path led to the door, splitting two grassy patches, likely used for Pokémon battles. Mr. Pokémon moved with purpose, pushing open the door to reveal the school’s dim, musty interior, filled with the excited chatter of children. A kind-looking receptionist greeted them warmly.
“Hello, welcome to the school! Hello, Mr. Pokémon. Cream and one sugar?” The woman, whom Graisey guessed to be in her early forties, stood up from behind her desk.
“Yes, please, Hellen. Is Dervish around?” Mr. Pokémon asked as she busied herself preparing his coffee. Hellen’s eyes fell on Graisey, and she smiled.
“Certainly! A new scholar?” She asked, dialing a number on her desk phone without breaking eye contact with Mr. Pokémon.
“Oh no, we’re here for a consultation,” Mr. Pokémon replied, his tone polite but firm, signaling the end of the conversation. Turning to Graisey, he whispered, “Hellen’s very kind, but very nosey.” He chuckled softly, widening his eyes for effect.
Before Graisey could respond, a voice called out, “Herro, Mr. Pokémon and fren!” A man with a broad, childlike grin waved energetically at them as he approached. Where Mr. Pokémon radiated calm control, Dervish exuded boundless joy, his enthusiasm almost overwhelming.
“What bring you to my beautifur school? You want enroll girl? What your name?” Dervish stood uncomfortably close to Graisey, his shirt buttoned incorrectly, his energy palpable.
“It’s Graisey, sir. Nice to meet you,” she managed, stepping back slightly and offering her hand. Dervish grabbed it with both of his, shaking it enthusiastically.
“Wercome, wercome!” he repeated, continuing to shake her hand as if waiting for an answer.
“Well,” Graisey stammered, still shaking, “I’m looking for a researcher.”
Dervish released her hand and spun on his axis, his movements almost comical. “Forrow me to da brightest of mind!” he declared, leading them up a wooden staircase to a room above. He threw open the door with dramatic flair, practically shoving them inside.
“These da researchers, good ruck with them!” he announced before spinning on his heel and leaving as abruptly as he’d arrived.
Graisey stood in the room, momentarily stunned by the encounter. She looked to Mr. Pokémon, who sighed softly before stepping forward to greet the people in the room. Around ten adults, all dressed in white coats, stopped what they were doing and gazed upon the two new arrivals. Graisey felt their piercing eyes studying her while she tried not to blush or panic. The gentleman he was, Mr. Pokémon tapped his cane to break the tension, Graisey could breathe again.
“Greetings, everyone. This is Graisey, and she’s looking for a researcher. Her sources mentioned that this person might be part of this school. Could you help her out?” Mr. Pokémon’s calm voice filled the room, and Graisey felt a wave of anxiety as all eyes turned toward her. She tugged nervously at her shirt, trying to straighten it as heat crept up her neck.
“Well, um, yes, thank you, Mr. Pokémon,” she stammered, the words feeling thick on her tongue.
“I’m looking for a researcher who often helps the Pokémon Rangers.” Her voice was barely above a whisper as she scanned the room, hoping for someone to step forward. But the researchers merely shrugged and returned to their work, leaving Graisey standing awkwardly in the center of the room.
“I think you’re looking for me.” A deep voice spoke from behind her. Graisey turned to see a man with a deep tan and striking seafoam green hair that contrasted vividly with his dark skin. His hair was tousled as if he’d just come from the beach, and his eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“Dervish sent me up,” the tan man inspected Graisey with a weary look, “Who are you again?” he asked, his tone friendly but direct.
“Hello, sir. I was sent by a Ranger named Kaiy. Do you know…?”
“Ah, yes.” he interrupted, snapping his fingers, “Commander Marshal called me earlier this week. Come, we can talk in my study. Care to join me for lunch?”
Graisey eagerly accepted the invitation and the prospect of food.
“I’ll leave you in the capable hands of Mr. …” Mr. Pokémon paused for the man to fill in.
“Doctor Hano Mahina,” Hano added with a polite smile.
“Yes, thank you. I’ll see you downstairs in an hour or so, Graisey. No need to hurry.” Mr. Pokémon said, already heading toward the door.
“Follow me, Graisey,” Hano Mahina said, guiding her out of the room and into his study. The other researchers barely noticed their departure.
As they walked, Graisey felt a surge of excitement. She’d just achieved a personal victory—speaking up and holding her ground in a room full of strangers, something she had always dreaded.
The school cafeteria had a childlike charm, decorated with colorful, handmade crafts that spoke of spring. Graisey guessed some of the younger classes were doing a seasonal project. The walls were dotted with paper flowers and cutouts of Grass-type Pokémon, and in one corner, a large cardboard sun hung cheerfully, its yellow rays inscribed with encouraging messages like, and Hano guided her toward a modest food counter, where students could fill their plates or bowls to their liking. Graisey grabbed some bread and a selection of sweet spreads, while Hano’s plate held an assortment of steamed vegetables.
They settled at a small table with mismatched chairs—worn from years of use but comfortable.
“So,” Hano said, gently breaking the quiet as he adjusted his coat and picked up his chopsticks. “What can I do for you, Graisey?”
She hesitated briefly before answering. “I’m traveling with Ranger Kaiy. His superiors asked me to check in with you—for an examination.”
Hano gave an understanding nod as he began to eat. “Ah… indeed, I spoke with Commander Marshal not too long ago. This is about a Talonflame.”
He set his chopsticks down and rubbed his hands together thoughtfully. “So, where is this Talonflame now?”
Graisey froze. “It’s… still with Kaiy. In Goldenrod City,” she admitted, her voice trailing off. Her cheeks flushed pink.
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
Hano tilted his head slightly. “Graisey?”
She looked up, startled.
“It’s perfectly fine he’s not here,” he said, his voice calm and reassuring. “Let’s exchange numbers, so you can contact me when he returns.”
He pulled a sleek PokéGear from under his coat, and Graisey mirrored him with her own.
“There we go,” Hano smiled. “When he’s ready, give me a ring. I’ll handle Ranger business with the Ranger.”
Then his eyes sparkled just slightly, and he added with an inviting tone, “But now… I’d like to handle the Trainer business—with you.”
Graisey blinked. “Trainer business?”
Hano chuckled softly. “Join me on the battlefield, Graisey. I’d like to see where you stand in your journey.”
His tone was warm, not commanding—but somehow, it left no room for refusal.
The afternoon sun hung high, casting golden warmth over the grass patches beside the academy. Graisey squinted up at it and made a mental note to look for a hat later. The battlefield had seen better days; scorch marks and permanent water damage indicated the heavy usage. Although rather small, the grassy patches had benches beside them. Graisey imagined them full of students cheering on their classmates.
Hano brought a tray with Poké Balls, and he placed them on the empty bench with care.
“Before we begin,” he asked Graisey, walking over to her, “can I consult your PokéDex please?”
A little shy, Graisey handed it over. The doctor handled the device with swift familiarity, muttering softly as he scanned through her data.
“Hmm…. Good, interesting.” He returned the Pokédex with a nod and reached for a Poké Ball. “Let us begin!”
“Go Sentret!” Hano called, releasing the Scout Pokémon with a confident smile.
“I choose you, Cyndaquil!” Graisey’s voice held a spark of energy. She could feel it—just a little confidence building in her chest.
“Cyndaquil, use Ember!” Cyndaquil’s flame spots burst to life. Three little fiery orbs erupted from his mouth, flying to their mark.
“Quick Attack into Slam!” Hano countered, his tone lively. Sentret dashed forward in a blur, ducking under the embers and twisting midair to slam its tail down hard on Cyndaquil’s back. The Fire-type staggered for a second, taken by surprise. Graisey flinched—but then stepped forward, fists clenched, determined.
“Cyndaquil, start running—then use Smokescreen!”
Cyndaquil darted across the field, releasing thick plumes of smoke behind it. Flames doused, the Fire-type vanished into the haze.
“Foresight Sentret!” The Normal-type squinted, searching, then launched itself with another Quick Attack.
“Now Cyndaquil! Ember!” From the fog came a surprise barrage of flames—a direct hit! The charging Sentret tumbled across the grass and didn’t get back up. Doctor Hano returned it calmly, placing the Poké Ball back on the tray.
“Well done, Graisey,” he said, clapping lightly. “You read the battlefield well. But now…”
His eyes gleamed with intrigue. “Let’s see how you handle !” From beneath his coat, he drew a Great Ball and released it in a smooth arc. A swirl of light blossomed into something unfamiliar—sleek, glowing, serene. A Pokémon hovered effortlessly above the ground, tail curled beneath it like a psychic surfboard. Graisey blinked, caught off guard. Her Pokédex chirped.
Alolan Raichu, the Electric Surfer Pokémon. An Electric and Psychic type.
Alolan Raichu rides on its tail using psychic power to levitate and glide across the ground—or even over water. It uses psychokinesis to control electricity, attacking with star-shaped thunderbolts. When you rub its cheeks, a sweet fragrance wafts out—but beware, it may also give you a light shock!
She barely heard the rest. Something about its graceful motion, its poised calm, unsettled her. This wasn’t just a new type matchup—it was a whole new rhythm.
“Ride the wave Raichu!” Hano called out, the Electric-type drifted forward with lazy elegance, but its eyes gleamed with precision.
“Spark, let's go!” Raichu then sprang to life. Graisey had no response, she just braced for the impact, and Cyndaquil froze with her.
The Fire-starter took the hit—but it wasn’t punishing. Not quite. Still, the force behind it had Graisey flinching more than her Pokémon did.
“Excellent—great results! Raichu, come back to me.” As Raichu glided smoothly to his side, Graisey stood motionless. Cyndaquil exhaled first. She didn’t know what just happened. The rhythm of the battle had slipped through her fingers before she could catch it.
“Tell me, young Trainer,” Hano said, approaching gently. “What just happened?”
Graisey was struck for words, is the battle over?
“You didn't finish the fight,” Her answer left her even more puzzled “But why?”
“I never intend to finish the battle.” he added, a faint smile curling at the edge of his mouth.
“I’m not here to beat Trainers,” he explained, voice low and kind. “I’m here to understand them. To see where they are on their journey.” He gestured to the field behind them. “And I’ve seen enough. You have strong instincts. You battled well earlier. But something changed.” His eyes found hers, thoughtful now. “I’ve seen the Cherrygrove footage,” he said. “I saw how you stepped forward when it mattered. How you moved without hesitation to help others. So where—” he tilted his head gently—“is that Graisey in a battle?” The words sat heavy, but not unkind.
Graisey felt her throat tighten slightly. She turned her gaze to the grass, then to Cyndaquil again, who tilted its head at her as if echoing the question.
“I guess… I knew what to do then,” she said slowly. “In Cherrygrove, there wasn’t time to doubt. But now, with Raichu… I didn’t know what I was facing.”
“Aha,” Hano said softly. “Familiarity gave you confidence. The unknown stole it away.” She nodded quietly.
“You didn’t fail, Graisey,” he said, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. “But you didn’t win either. You were given a question—and you didn’t yet find your answer.”
She looked at him again, eyes a little wide, unsure.
“That’s why I want you to visit Sprout Tower. The sages there… they don’t just teach how to battle. They help Trainers understand themselves. And I think you’ll find what you need there.”
Mr. Pokémon dropped Graisey off at the Violet City PokéCenter once again.
“You still look a bit shaken, girl. Do you want me to stay for a while? I could join you on your walk.”
His kindness warmed something deep in Graisey’s core. She could use some company—just not his. Not now. How could she say that without disappointing the man who had helped her so selflessly?
“Sure… I mean, thanks, I—”
“I understand,” the gentleman cut in gently, sparing her the guilt. “You have my number. If you need my help again, don’t hesitate. You’re a kind girl, a capable Trainer, and a loyal friend—superb qualities. Outstanding values.”
He tipped his hat with a warm smile, spun his cane, and turned to leave. Graisey watched him climb into his jeep, Eduard already at the wheel.
And then they were gone.
For the first time in days, she was truly alone.
Without Kaiy beside her, everything felt... quieter. Emptier. The weight of uncertainty pressed against her chest. She had direction—stay in Violet City, train at Sprout Tower—but direction wasn't the same as purpose.
First things first: Cyndaquil needs treatment.
She stepped through the sliding doors of the PokéCenter—and nearly collided with someone on their way out.
“Hey!” The voice carried a familiar ring. “Cyndaquil, right? Cool shirt!”
A boy in a red hoodie grinned at her, his backpack heavy with travel gear, a rolled-up sleeping bag tied to the back. Behind him, a Croconaw trotted confidently.
“Oh—hi, yes, I picked Cyndaquil,” Graisey returned the smile, a little caught off guard. A little in awe.
“Totodile evolved, I see. Congrats!”
“Haha, yeah—thanks! I just beat the Gym Challenge, too!” He held up the Zephyr Badge, pride glowing in his eyes—but not arrogance. Just genuine joy.
Graisey’s smile faltered for a moment. That sting in her chest again.
“That’s really something,” she said sincerely, brushing past the ache in her heart. “I’m heading to Sprout Tower to train.”
“Oh wow, I didn’t go in. My friends weren’t really into it,” he said, glancing toward the bistro across the street where a handful of Trainers—his friends—were chatting while waiting for their friend.
“We’re heading down Route 32 next. One of us got a Good Rod, so we want to try our luck at fishing. You should come with us!”
For a heartbeat, the invitation tugged at her. That feeling of belonging, of being part of something.
But she already had a partner. Even if he wasn’t here now.
“That’s kind of you, but I’m already on a journey with a friend. He’s not here at the moment, but… he’ll be back.”
“Cool! Wanna exchange numbers? Maybe we can battle sometime?” He pulled out his PokéGear with a hopeful grin.
Graisey nodded, pulling hers from her bag. The screens blinked, registering each other.
The name “Eli” appeared on her display.
“Well, nice to meet you—again—Graisey. You’ll have to tell me the story behind that shirt next time.”
He waved and jogged back to his friends, Croconaw happily bounding alongside him.
Graisey stood there a moment longer.
He had evolved his partner already. Earned a Gym Badge. Made new friends.
And she had… she had instructions.
Her thoughts lingered in that quiet place between admiration and envy.