The next day was the last day of school.
A small celebration was planned, and for once, Pokémon that were human-sized or smaller were allowed inside. Because of that, I didn't exactly blend in, not with Lopunny and Meowscarada walking beside me.
When I handed in my report, my teacher went quiet.
She read every word slowly…
The purpose was simple, but big:
Travel the world.
Study Pokémon in their natural homes.
Record environment, behavior, and development.
A Pokémon Researcher.
"Ryan…" she breathed, her voice soft and warm. "This is… wonderful."
"A Pokémon Researcher," she repeated, smiling. "In all my years teaching, I've never had a student choose this path. It's difficult… demanding… but it helps the world understand Pokémon better. It brings people and Pokémon closer."
Her expression softened even more.
"It's important work."
I swallowed, suddenly feeling shy under the weight of her words.
"…Thank you," I said quietly and gave a small, awkward smile… but real.
---
By the time the celebration started, I sat with Bran at one of the tables while our Pokémon stood or sat beside us.
His Nidorina had evolved into Nidoqueen- stronger and more confident.
Bran grinned at me.
"Congratulations, Ryan. A Pokémon Researcher… honestly? That suits you."
"Thanks," I said, laughing softly. "So… what's next for you?"
Bran took a slow deep breath.
"Today, I'm going to register with the League."
I paused, then shook my head.
"Don't register directly with the League."
Bran blinked. "Huh? Why not?"
"Go through Professor Oak in Pallet Town instead."
His eyebrows rose. "Who?"
Right now, Professor Oak isn't well-known among regular people… but soon, after he appears in interviews, even thick-headed people like Bran might know his name.
Now that I think about it, I only know his name because of my memories from my past life…
Am I thick-headed too?
Shaking my head, I continued,
"He's a researcher," I explained. "And trainers who register through him might receive a Kanto starter Pokémon."
As I continued explaining, Bran stared for a moment, then slowly nodded as excitement began to spread across his face.
"…Thanks, man. That helps a lot."
I leaned in a little closer.
"And there's something else, something most trainers forget."
His eyebrows pulled together. "What?"
"When your Pokémon is close to losing… there's strength or power you can rely on."
Bran frowned slightly. "STRENGTH OR POWER?"
I nodded.
"It's called BOND.
The stronger the trust between a trainer and their Pokémon… the farther that Pokémon will push past its limits."
Bran looked down at his newly evolved Nidoqueen, eyes softening.
"…I'll remember that," he said quietly.
We bumped fists.
"Good luck, Bran."
"You too, Ryan."
---
The next morning… Everything finally felt real.
I packed my field gear, my notebooks, my tablet, and my Pokédex.
My Pokéballs clicked neatly into place along my belt.
Before I could say anything, Mom pulled me into a hug, tighter and longer than any before.
Her eyes shimmered with tears.
"Take care… and remember to call us from time to time," she said, voice trembling.
Beside her, Butterfree fluttered sadly.
"Freeee… free…"
It wasn't just a cry, more like a soft goodbye.
Dad stepped forward and placed a firm hand on my shoulder.
Machop stood beside him.
"Machop! Mach!"
Dad nodded once.
"Make us proud."
I swallowed and nodded back.
"I will."
Mom looked at Lopunny and Meowscarada.
"Please… take care of Ryan."
Lopunny straightened and placed a paw over her chest.
"Lop…unny."
Meowscarada lowered her head respectfully, tail swaying behind her.
"Meow…"
There wasn't anything left to say.
So I turned, took a breath… and stepped forward.
My journey had finally begun.