Chapter 143: Sunshine Kindergarten
Blackthorn City was a quiet city nestled among the mountains. It was a large town, slightly bigger than Azalea, but not yet prosperous enough to be considered a true city.
"As you can see, Blackthorn City hasn't actually developed very quickly," Forrest explained as they rode a cargo carriage into town. "Its true foundation lies with the Dragon Tamer Clan, who live in seclusion here."
He went on to explain that the Dragon Tamer Clan had carved out this pure land for themselves hundreds of years ago to be far from war. Today, the clan had moved to a private village on the other side of the mountain, giving the original city to the Alliance to manage.
"The people of the Dragon Tamer Clan are quite exclusive," Forrest said, a bit troubled. "The only way for outsiders to reach their village is through a place called the Dragon's Den, and the requirement is to defeat the Dragon Elder who guards it." In other words, it was closed to everyone. "Don't worry," he added, "I know a few young people from the clan. Perhaps I can get them to take you in."
The carriage gradually stopped before a large double iron gate. Behind it was a miniature ecological park with lawns, a pond, and flower beds.
"This is the Pokémon Kindergarten I built, called Sunshine Kindergarten," Forrest said, pressing a button on the gate. "The children here are basically 'problem' children with some kind of physical issue."
"Nya!" Floragato suddenly tugged on Ryu's arm, pointing to a Treecko perched on a branch inside, spacing out. She stared at it for a moment, then looked at Ryu, her eyes widening as if she'd had a shocking realization.
Slap.
"What are you thinking?" Ryu patted her head.
"Nya? (Why don't I look like you?)"
"You weren't born from me, of course you don't look like me," he said, shaking his head.
"Nya," Floragato looked a bit disappointed.
"Don't worry," he said, picking her up. "Even though you're not my biological child, I'm raising you as my own daughter, and you're much cuter than that Treecko."
"...Nya!" Her face turned red, and she proudly turned her head, her disappointment gone.
An old woman opened the gate and greeted Forrest. He led them inside.
"Sunshine Kindergarten isn't an ordinary place," he said, pointing to a rock wall where an Elekid had the plug on its head inserted into the stone. "That Elekid was born in a Thunder Stone ore vein, and the Electric-type energy within its body is overly abundant. It often leaks out uncontrollably."
"This isn't a problem child at all," Ryu observed. "This is a genius!" An abundance of natural energy would make its Electric-type moves incredibly powerful, much like Ash's Pikachu when it was overcharged before the battle with Wattson.
"After these children's bodies recover," Forrest continued, "if they are willing to follow humans, I will help them get to the Pokémon League. If not, I'll send them back where they came from."
"You've done a good deed," Ryu said, giving him a thumbs-up.
"Haha, it's alright," Forrest replied. "This is also beneficial for us. Building this kindergarten cost a lot of money. Our family helps the Alliance alleviate pressure, and in return, the Alliance provides some convenience for my dad's business, like relaxing import/export quotas."
"I see," Ryu nodded. It was a fair and reasonable exchange.
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