The train hissed and rattled, accompanied by a slight vibration, but this did not distract Eichi from watching the scenery outside the window.
Last night, Eichi had watched the outside for two hours before returning to the Pokémon Center to call his father. They chatted, and although his father only asked routine questions, Eichi could sense his loneliness.
This morning, Eichi immediately transferred 300,000p to his father, hoping to alleviate some of his solitude through material means.
The scenery outside the window continuously receded. Beside the train were endless stretches of forest where various Pokémon could be seen hunting, playing, and resting; everything appeared harmonious. Only while riding the train could one truly appreciate the vastness and splendor of nature.
The train soon arrived at Violet City. Eichi got off the train, exited the Train Station, and walked onto the streets, taking a deep breath. The air in every city had a different smell, though all were fresh.
Eichi first went to a restaurant for lunch. After a short rest, he began his journey out of the city. The City Gate was busy with people coming and going, full of the vitality of human activity.
He walked to a secluded corner, set down his backpack, and pulled out a large item that looked like a bicycle. It was, indeed, a Folding Bicycle that Eichi had bought when he went to Silver Academy.
Eichi proceeded to unfold it. He then took out a box from his Backpack, removed the remaining necessary components, attached them, and applied Lubricant to the wheels. He then gave it a shake, confirming it was operational.
Finally, a beautiful Mountain Bike was assembled. Eichi patted the seat, mounted the bike, and set off. He pushed off with his feet, and the bicycle moved, slowly disappearing down the road.
A few hours after Eichi left, Azuma got off the train at the Train Station. I should go find my Senior Brother first and catch up with him, Azuma thought. Then, we can go back to the Dojo tomorrow on his car.
***
Meanwhile, at Silver Academy, several cities away, Tetsu looked rather downcast. I'm so tired, he thought. Now that Eichi is gone, helping Kelly manage the class is exhausting.
Eichi had only been gone for two days, and Tetsu already missed him. Eating with others during recess felt strange, and now he was the Vice Class Monitor, helping Kelly manage the class. Tetsu did not possess Eichi's level of authority. When Eichi was present, everyone behaved well, but with him gone, everyone felt free, and the class was beginning to become disorderly.
Tetsu can only do his best to manage the class. Eichi, when will you return?
Of course, Eichi knew none of this. Even if he did, he would simply say Tetsu deserved it, telling him he was idle before, so now it was good for him to have something to do.
By this time, Eichi had been riding for a long time. When he got tired, he stopped to rest before resuming his journey.
He pulled a map out of his Backpack. The distance to Muramasa's Dojo was still considerable. Eichi checked his location and estimated that with his cycling speed, if he rode quickly, he could arrive in about a week. If he took his time, it would take around two weeks.
Once he was rested, Eichi released his three Pokémon. They stretched their joints after emerging from their Pokéballs. "Beedrill, Scizor, Heracross," Eichi said. "Come out and move around. You must be bored inside your Pokéballs so follow me."
With that, Eichi got back on his bicycle. The three Pokémon followed him. Heracross, sensing the smell of tree sap, suddenly flew off into the forest. Scizor, having been cooped up in its Pokéball for a long time, also flew into the forest to play on its own. Beedrill also disappeared, but Eichi knew it was following him in the nearby trees and would rush out immediately if Eichi was in danger. Eichi didn't worry about the other two Pokémon; he knew Scizor and Heracross wouldn't get lost and would catch up eventually.
The scenery around him was refreshing. This is truly wonderful, Eichi thought.
***
In the evening, Eichi noted that the sun was setting. I'll stop here for today, he decided.
He continued a little further until he found a suitable location, where he stopped and began setting up his Tent. After a while, Scizor and Heracross returned one after the other. Eichi instructed them, "The three of you, go gather some dry Firewood nearby." Scizor and Heracross vibrated their wings and flew off. The Beedrill hiding in the trees instantly disappeared as well.
After Eichi finished setting up the Tent, the three Pokémon returned with a large amount of Wood. Eichi collected a few rocks and built a small, temporary Stove. He then had Scizor use Hidden Power. A fire was started, and Eichi could begin cooking.
He took a small Table out of his Backpack and started chopping vegetables.
His movements were smooth and practiced. While cooking, Eichi began to release his Bug Force. The surrounding Pokémon gradually sensed it, and most of them started moving toward Eichi's location. Scizor and Heracross sat beside Eichi, waiting. After a few minutes, a rich aroma wafted from the pot.
Suddenly, Pokémon cries were heard from the bushes. Eichi smiled. They've arrived.
Sure enough, several Pokémon ran out: Sentret and Furret. Then, several more Pokémon came from another direction: Ledyba and Ledian. Various other Pokémon followed, totaling about two dozen. Eichi brought over the Pokémon Food he had prepared and placed it in front of them. The famished Pokémon immediately began to devour it.
Suddenly, Scizor turned its head to stare at a tree, then instantly vanished from its spot. Eichi and Beedrill both noticed this. Eichi was curious to see which Pokémon had arrived to attract Scizor's attention.
A moment later, Scizor returned, and surprisingly, it was accompanied by two other Scizor and three small Scyther. Eichi's Scizor used its hands to pick up its own Pokémon Food and offer it to one of the other Scizor. It then looked at Eichi. Eichi instantly understood and took a large bag of Pokémon Food from his Backpack, pouring it into a Feeding Bowl for them.
The three small Scyther looked newly born. As soon as they saw the food, they rushed toward it. Their parents didn't stop them and joined in the meal. Eichi's Scizor smiled when it saw this. Eichi felt it was worth it. He hadn't seen Scizor smile in a long time. This is truly nice.
After everyone finished eating, the Scizor family went back to the forest, and Eichi's Scizor followed them. The other Pokémon gathered around the Campfire and fell asleep. Eichi, meanwhile, gathered some of the smaller, younger Pokémon and brought them close to him to sleep.