It's been five days since Pokémon Camp started—and so far, I've managed to keep my little secret hidden. In that time, I've also had the met Ash Ketchum and Gary Oak.
Yep, Gary Motherfu*king Oak.
I was surprised, honestly. I thought kids in this world matured quickly, but Ash? He acts like a five-year-old—maybe even younger.
I should've expected it, though. The guy doesn't age in the series. Sure, he seemed a bit more mature in XYZ, but his age never actually changed. And let's not even talk about his childish behavior in most of the other seasons.
Anyway, on to life at camp. Every time I change clothes, I ask Serena to step outside, and she always does. When it's her turn, I return the favor—even though she once told me I could stay. Uh, no thanks! Atleast not now, don't know about the future though.
Oh, and speaking of camp conveniences—there's a portable toilet and shower here. Modern tech in the Pokémon world is next-level, and honestly, I'm loving it.
.
Today, I also asked Serena to leave because I was going to change my clothes. I had been wearing a frilly dress, and I didn't want it to get torn in front of everyone, especially since we were heading into the jungle.
Every day, we just observe Pokémon from a distance and never go near them. We haven't even entered the forest before.
So today, I changed into pink shorts, a matching top, a red jacket, and red ankle-length boots. And I must say—I looked absolutely stunning in them.
But when I stepped out of the tent, Serena was nowhere to be seen.
After searching around and asking a few of the girls I've become friendly with (from all over different regions, by the way), one of them mentioned seeing Serena heading into the forest. Seriously?! I told that girl to alert one of the adults, then ran off myself.
"Chesnaught, come out!" I called, tossing my Poké Ball.
My mom had given me her Chesnaught in case of emergencies and this definitely counted.
"Chesnaught!" he nodded, then picked me up like it was nothing and bolted into the woods.
.
After some searching, we finally found Serena. She was sitting on the ground, weeping and clutching her leg. As soon as she saw me, her eyes welled up again.
"Len... sob... sob…"
"It's okay, I'm here. Let me see what happened," I said, kneeling beside her.
It wasn't a major injury, but blood was trickling down steadily. I'd seen enough anime to know to bring a first aid kit with me. I started cleaning the wound with cotton.
"Ow! That stings!"
"Hold still unless you want it to hurt more."
"Okay…"
Once I'd cleaned and bandaged it, I gave her a look. "So? What were you thinking going into the forest alone?"
"I just wanted to do some sightseeing... but I got lost and then hurt."
"Well, I'm kinda glad this happened."
"What?! Are you saying it's good I got hurt?"
"Yup. Now you'll think twice before doing something risky like this again."
"You're so mean! I'm hurt and you're bullying me!"
"Yeah, yeah. Come on, let's go back."
"I don't think I can walk…"
"Oh please, it's just a scratch!"
"It hurts!"
Sigh.
"Fine. Stand up—I'll help."
She tried, holding onto my hand, but lost her balance and accidentally fell into a hug.
"Auugh... it still hurts!"
"Chesnaught, can you carry Serena?"
"Naught," he said, stepping over and picking her up—then scooping me up too.
"Wait, if you carry both of us, won't your arms get tired?"
"Chesnaught ches," he replied confidently.
"Okay, okay. I trust you."
.
As we arrived back at camp, the adult in charge gave us both a long lecture for being reckless.
"Ah, a Chesnaught!"
Professor Oak walked over, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"If I'm not mistaken, that's the final evolution of the Kalos royal starter Pokémon, Chespin," he said.
"Yes, Professor," I replied.
The whispering started. Of course it did. It's not every day you see a final evolution from a different region casually show up at a kids' camp.
"Is it your Pokémon, young lady?" Oak asked.
"No, it's my mom's. She gave it to me for emergencies."
"I see. It's in excellent condition. You don't often see Kalos Pokémon around Kanto."
More kids gathered around, buzzing with curiosity.
"What's your name?"
"S—Len." Oops. I almost blurted out my real name.
"Well, Len, would you mind letting the other campers see Chesnaught up close? It would be a great learning opportunity."
"I don't mind as long as Chesnaught is okay with it. What do you say, buddy?"
"Naught!"
"As long as he's cool with it, sure."
"Chesnaught chesnaught naught."
"Chesnaught says he's good with it."
"Wonderful!" Oak beamed. "Thank you, Miss Len. And thank you too, Chesnaught."
"Anytime, Professor."
"Chesnaught!"
Professor Oak gave a whole lecture about Chesnaught that lasted nearly an hour. Afterward, some of the younger kids swarmed around, wanting to play. Poor Chesnaught looked... overwhelmed.
"Hey, Chesnaught. Having fun?"
"Naught... chesnaught..." he grumbled. Yeah, that's a nope.
"Alright kids, time to let Chesnaught rest," Professor Oak stepped in. "It's important to learn how to interact with Pokémon respectfully."
"Thanks, Professor. Chesnaught, return!"
He vanished back into his Poké Ball, probably relieved.
"They might be kids, but if they want to become Trainers one day, they need to know how to treat Pokémon right." Said professor Oak
"Exactly, professor" I said
And just like that, another wild day at Pokémon Camp came to an end.