Pokémon: The Unlikely Trainer - Ayato's Academy Challenge

Lesson[2] First Time Caught

I watch Eevee nibble on a small treat as I go over my class notes for today. It's funny—watching Eevee eat never gets old. The way her little ears twitch with every bite, the way she gets totally lost in the food, like nothing else exists in the world but that snack. A faint smile tugs at my lips as I flip to the section on combat strategies. 

Today, after combat class, there's a science lecture. It's a mix of general basics and, of course, the Pokémon-related stuff they expect us to know. I never really cared much for Pokémon-specific studies, to be honest. Sure, I know enough to get by, but I've always been more interested in the broader concepts. Still, knowledge is knowledge, and there's no harm in picking up a few new things.

Kegawa is sitting beside me, his partner Pokémon—Poochyena—lounging lazily by his feet. The guy's got this whole "fur master" reputation, a bit of a running joke among our class. He's always so meticulous about grooming and caring for his Pokémon's fur. I guess you could say he's obsessed. But here's the thing I don't get: out of all the fluffy, majestic, fur-covered Pokémon he could've picked, he went with Poochyena? It's a scrappy little Pokémon, sure, but "fluffy" isn't exactly the first word that comes to mind.

I glance over at him, curious. "Hey, Kegawa," I say, lowering my notes for a moment. "Since you're, you know, the so-called fur master and all, why'd you pick Poochyena? I mean, no offense, but there are fluffier options out there."

He smirks, not offended in the slightest. In fact, he looks like he's been waiting for someone to ask. Leaning back, he crosses his arms and looks down at Poochyena, who's now giving him an expectant look as if waiting for praise.

"Poochyena may not be the fluffiest," he begins, his voice taking on a sort of prideful tone, "but he's got spirit. It's not just about the fur, Ayato. A lot of people think that just because I take care of fur, I'd go for something like a Furfrou or an Altaria. But it's about the bond, the energy. Poochyena's fur might not be as soft as some of the others, but it's wild, untamed. It matches his personality—fierce, loyal, and always ready for a challenge."

He pauses for a moment, running his hand down Poochyena's back. "Besides, grooming a Pokémon like him teaches you patience. It's not just about making him look good—it's about building trust, understanding what he likes, and learning how to bring out the best in him. Fur care is about connection, not just aesthetics."

I blink, somewhat taken aback by how deep his explanation goes. I guess I never thought of it that way. Kegawa isn't just about the fur; he's about the bond, the trust, the deeper connection with his Pokémon. There's more to him than the jokes about being obsessed with grooming.

"Wow," I say after a beat, letting his words sink in. "I didn't realize there was so much to it. I always thought you just really liked the fluffy ones."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "Fluff's nice, sure. But there's more to being a fur master than that. You'll see, Ayato. You'll see."

I nod, feeling like I just learned something new, not just about Kegawa but about Pokémon care in general.

"Really?" I say, raising an eyebrow. I'm trying to keep my tone casual, but Kegawa's passion has me genuinely curious. For a moment, I almost start to admire his dedication.

But then, with a sudden gleam in his eyes, he pushes his glasses up the bridge of his nose in that classic anime style—his whole demeanor shifting. The light reflects off his lenses, giving him that "mad scientist" vibe, and before I know it, he's launched into an even more detailed breakdown of Poochyena's fur.

"Oh, you think that's all there is? No, no, my friend," he says, a grin spreading across his face as he leans in, clearly relishing the chance to lecture. "Poochyena's fur is fascinating! Most people don't realize it, but it's more than just a rugged, scruffy coat. It's adaptive, designed to handle harsh conditions, especially in the wild. You see, the outer layer has this rough texture, almost bristle-like, which helps repel water and dirt. But underneath, the undercoat is surprisingly soft—perfect for insulation! It keeps him warm during cold nights and cool during hot days. And let me tell you, grooming that undercoat is a challenge, but it's worth it when you get it just right. The balance between toughness and softness is a metaphor for Poochyena itself: hard on the outside, but with a loyal, warm heart on the inside."