The Bonds Between People and Pokémon

The Beginning

It was a long day. I sat, hunched over paperwork, for 5 hours straight. The top problem today was how much training you could give to a Pokémon before it becomes Pokémon cruelty. (Personally I was going with until it blacks out, but others were fighting for two or less hours.)

As assistant to the Pokémon professor, it was my job to handle small legal things like this. The region of Vera has been colonized for a relatively short time, and as such rules were still shaky. Even the name of the island chain is still up in the air - names like Alola and Haru are currently being suggested. I couldn't care less myself - as long as there's Pokémon to research I'll be happy.

I looked lovingly towards my snow colored Vulpix laying on the ground. Every day I tried to dedicate 30 minutes to training it. We still had a ways to go, but I did a good job raising it if I say so myself - as of right now it knows Ice Fang, Quick Attack, Nasty Plot and Draining Kiss. I once published a 10 page report on how Draining Kiss could be used to help people go to sleep at night. Needless to say only the bravest of people appreciated it, as the residents of Vera did not take kindly to Pokémon moves being used on them.

I heard legends of a Pokémon named Ninetales that comes from Vulpix, but I have had yet to encounter one, and no matter how much training I did Vulpix hasn't evolved.

I was suddenly brought back to reality by a tap on my shoulder. Looking behind me. I saw perhaps my favorite person in the world, my friend and research helper Aspetto, holding more papers. He was mute, but has sharp eyes, speaks sign language and is remarkably perceptive. "You okay Fiore?" he signed, cocking his head slightly.

"Yes of course, just reminiscing about when I tried to help others get to sleep easier."

Aspetto gave me the barest of smiles. "You mean that time you tried to get the entire population to kiss your fox?"

I rolled my eyes. "My fox is amazing. Would kissing it be so bad?"

Aspetto shrugged. I guess he wouldn't know, considering he refused to get a Pokémon. He told me once that Pokéballs made him uneasy. I never knew what to make of it so I just classified it as another weird aspect of my friend and moved on.

Things fell into an awkward silence between us for a few seconds until I decided to change the topic.

"What are those papers?"

He frowned. "See for yourself. I'm not sure what to make of it."

I gently took the papers from him and skimmed the contents. Lying on the top was a note from my boss, Professor Saguaro. It read: "Hello Fiore. I'm currently in bed, sick. The good side is I'll finally be able to evaluate the usage and side effects of potions on humans and the move Sweet Scent, but sadly I can't go out into the field and examine a suspicious Voltorb gathering. The electricity levels there are off the charts, and I've never seen more than three of them together in one place. Do you think you can check it out for me? They're located at the canyon on Island 4. Thanks."

Under that paper was just more meaningless letters from various residents of Vera, all eager to give their own opinions on the Pokémon cruelty debate. What I was more worried about was this outbreak - the professor didn't gave me a number of Voltorb, meaning she was unsure herself.

Aspetto awkwardly stood next to me. Exhaling a deep breath, I met his eyes. "Care to come? I'll do anything to get out of this paperwork."

"Of course. As you're always there for me, I'll be here for you." Aspetto has an annoying habit of randomly getting sappy, but in my mind it made him more adorable.

"Alright then. Get a jacket and meet me outside." Even on our island chain, it gets colder in winter. 

I have no idea what awaits me at the canyon, but as long as I can experience it with Aspetto I'll be happy.