I groaned as I awoke, my body aching and my shoulder throbbing. The bright sunlight stung my eyes as I opened them. I found myself on a bed in a human-like room, devoid of electricity, fans, lights, medical machines, and nothing else. This wasn't a hospital. Where was I, and where were my Pokémon?
I scanned the room and spotted a table near the bed. My poke balls were there, and my cane rested against it. My outfit had been cleaned and patched up. I picked up my jacket and marveled at the impressive patchwork. It was so well done that I could barely tell where it had been torn.
I slipped on my jacket and zipped up the front. Then, I placed my poke balls on my balls. "It's okay, guys," I said. "Let's check out what's happening." They vibrated slightly, almost as if in agreement.
I crept towards the door and reached for the handle. Suddenly, the door opened, and I found myself face-to-face with Chansey, less than two inches away. "Wo!" I exclaimed. I leaned back, and Chansey looked at me amusedly. "Are you done? You can talk," it asked.
Chansey smiled and nodded yes. Once a Pokémon reaches a certain level of strength, it undergoes a semi-evolution. During this evolution, its ability to think and process information is greatly increased. Afterward, if it studies, it can learn to speak like any other language.
That was interesting. It raised many questions. What was the upper limit of the increase? What if the Pokémon was already smart before that point? How far would the IQ increase? What was the trigger for this evolution? Could it be replicated?
Chansey smiled, amused by my questioning. It began to explain. When a Pokémon's body reaches a certain point, usually after it reaches its final evolution after intense training, its body can no longer grow stronger. In response, its biology activates and draws on its body, causing a minor evolution. This evolution increases the Pokémon's size, hardens and densifies its muscles, and boosts its blood flow and brain activity. After the evolution, the Pokémon's IQ gradually increases, allowing them to grasp concepts like speech and critical thinking beyond battle. If a Pokémon becomes strong enough, it will eventually surpass the intelligence of its trainers. I smile and look her in the eye, realizing that it's also the trainer's responsibility to grow alongside their Pokémon and reach new heights. The Chansey leans back and smiles. You possess more spirit than most trainers who pass through here. Many trainers come and go, so she turns around and starts walking down the hall, inviting me to follow her. I keep pace with her surprising nimbleness, jogging lightly. She resumes speaking. We don't encounter many trainers here; only one every two or four years. If we do, we allow them to seek refuge and heal any wounds they may have. This is part of our agreement with the Pokémon League. You made a deal with the Pokémon League, yes? Well, many years ago, a pair of Serperior were abandoned here by their trainer. Instead of leaving the forest, they chose to stay and make it their home. Over time, using their strength, they gathered local Pokémon under their leadership and, with their knowledge of the human world, built a settlement similar to humans. They taught us how to construct it. Years passed, and they had children, who took over once their parents passed away. This cycle continued for many generations until one day, they encountered a human trainer. Instead of attacking or abandoning him, they took him in and nursed him back to health. When I returned to the League, he informed them about the settlement here, and eventually, they struck a deal. They would be allowed to continue living there undisturbed, but in return, they must assist any trainers they find, provided it doesn't cause harm to them or others. If they're injured, they must help them heal their wounds. You are the most recent trainer we have saved, the Chansey said as she settled on a bench. You have a few options: a safe passage out of the forest, finish healing, and return to fend for yourself, or stay here for a while. I narrow my eyes and sit next to the Chansey, the cool air hitting my face. What would that last option entail? She turns to look at me. "I'll be straight. It's training camp. We'll push you and your Pokémon to the limit and teach you. Once you're ready, we'll let you go back into the forest." I look at her, feeling anticipation and excitement. Anticipation races through my veins as I bow my head slightly. "Please teach me the Chansey," I chuckle and stand up, no need to thank me. Rest in the room you woke up in for the night. In the morning, someone will get you and give you a tour and show you your lodgings. Then, the training begins. Thank you, Miss." She smiles. "I trust you can find your way back to your room. I can remember the way back. I thank her one more time and start walking to my room as anticipation rises in me for the future and the new possibilities on the horizon. What awaits me? I can't wait to find out!
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I hope you all enjoy this chapter. I worked extra hard on it and believe I have an intriguing concept to explore—a Pokémon village. The potential is endless, lol! Well, I hope you all have a wonderful day and a great night.