After the deafening explosion, dust filled the air. The leader of the Big Needle Bee was thrown back by the impact of the Onix, leaving a massive crater in the ground. The Onix, in turn, suffered two deep puncture wounds from the leader's needles, and both Pokémon lay defeated.
"Onix!" Ben cried out, rushing toward his fallen companion. He was filled with determination. "Hang on, Onix!"
At this moment, the sight of their leader's defeat sent the surrounding swarm of insects into a frenzy. Sensing the vulnerability of the Onix, they charged toward Ben again. The Venomoth sprinkled sleep powder before the Beedrill launched another poisonous needle. Ben felt his body go numb, and his vision blurred as he tried to find Onix.
"Dragonite! Use Tornado!"
Dragonite? Who is that...?
As darkness enveloped him, Ben collapsed beside the Onix.
"Hey, kid? Boy?"
Kid? Who are you calling a kid?! You're the one who looks like a boy!
[Ding! The battle is over! The Onix and the Leader of the Wild Big Needle Bee are tied! You earn 3 training points, and since it was a leader-level encounter, you receive an additional 10 training points, as well as a significant experience boost. The Onix has leveled up to level 20!]
…Fine...
Littleroot Town, the least populated area in the Hoenn region, lies by the sea to the south and is surrounded by lush greenery on all sides. The only route leading north is along Route 101 to Oldale Town, while a railway station is being constructed to the northwest but remains closed for now. This town is a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, closer to nature.
In his previous life, it was praised as "a rural town untouched by the chaos of modernity."
Being the starting point in the Hoenn region's adventure, it's home to Professor Birch. His research focuses on "Pokémon Habitat and Distribution," and he often ventures into the wild for field studies, which sometimes leads to encounters with wild Pokémon.
Professor Birch's research facility is located in the southern part of Littleroot Town, featuring a vaulted building with smaller structures on either side. The right side houses an empty room and a medical bay.
At that time, in the medical bay, Professor Birch, dressed in a white lab coat with a bushy beard, was collaborating with a tall, middle-aged man in a grey uniform as they analysed data from the medical equipment. On the monitor displayed the status information of the Onix.
Meanwhile, Ben slowly regained consciousness on a hospital bed. "Hiss!" As he attempted to sit up, a tingling sensation coursed through his body, preventing movement.
"It's best not to get up just yet; you need to rest," Professor Birch advised, examining Ben's condition. "You inhaled Sleep Powder and were hit by the poisonous needles from the Beedrill," he explained, gesturing to the man beside him.
"Thankfully, Investigator Pierce was nearby and was able to rescue you in time."
Investigator? Could it be the one from the Pokémon Centre in Oldale Town?
"Thank you, Investigator Pierce," Ben expressed, feeling grateful for his timely intervention. Without him, he might have succumbed to poison long before.
"It's no trouble at all, kid. You fought very well! As a newcomer, handling an attack from wild Pokémon especially a leader class is quite impressive!" Pierce's deep, rough voice conveyed a sense of reliability.
"Uh, thanks! But… Where's Onix? What about Nuzleaf?" Ben asked anxiously.
Professor Birch smiled reassuringly and gestured toward the equipment nearby. His eyes lit up as he spotted the Nuzleaf resting on the electronic apparatus, while the Onix lay coiled peacefully on the floor, enveloped in various medical instruments. "Don't worry; I've already administered an antidote to both of them. The Nuzleaf was just startled and a bit weak. As for the Onix, I checked, and aside from the wound on its head, everything else looks normal."
Ben let out a sigh of relief but was interrupted by Professor Birch's ongoing explanation. "However…"
"However?" Ben asked nervously.
With a smile, Professor Birch continued, "There may be a crack on the top of the Onix's head that won't heal completely, but it won't affect its health."
Hearing this, Ben felt a wave of comfort wash over him. If anything, the scar could serve as a badge of honour for his Onix something to signify its strength in battle.
"Thank you again, Mr. Pierce and Professor Birch!"
"No need to be so formal, kid! Aha!" Pierce chuckled heartily, while Professor Birch returned to his workstation. "Now that you're recovering, let's get your trainer registration sorted. Please share your information, and then focus on resting!"
"Right! Doctor, I'm Ben Young from Dewford Town. I'm 10 years old, and my first Pokémon is Onix…"
Professor Birch tapped away at the computer. "So, Ben Young from Dewford Town... and John Young, Jane Young… All of you meet the criteria!" He stood up and approached the hospital bed again. "Congratulations on becoming a rookie trainer, Ben!"
"That's amazing! Thank you!" Ben beamed.
"Thank you, Doctor!"
"Now, go ahead and rest. Once you're fully recovered, come to me for your new trainer benefits!" After giving Ben a reassuring nod, Pierce turned and left the medical room.
"Take care, kid!"
Watching him exit, Ben relaxed back onto the hospital bed, reflecting on the battle he had just experienced. With a gentle sigh, he looked at the peacefully slumbering Onix. Scars only add to its overwhelming presence! I just hope the Onix doesn't mind it.
With that thought, the tingling in his body returned, and he drifted back to sleep.
The following day, sunlight streamed through the window, and when Ben awoke again, it was already noon. Feeling fully alert, he realized he could finally sit up.
"Onix~"
"Hey~"
"Ha! Onix! Nuzleaf! Are you both feeling better?!"
Seeing his two companions looking healthy again filled Ben with joy. He rushed over and hugged the Onix tightly. "I'm so relieved you're okay!"
"Roar!" The Onix responded with a nod, clearly glad to be well.
"But that scar on your head..." Ben said, guilt creeping in as he examined the X-shaped crack. While he acknowledged that it added a certain rugged charm, he felt it was his responsibility as a trainer to ensure his Pokémon's well-being and happiness.
"Onix~" The Onix shook its head reassuringly, lowering its head to nuzzle against Ben.
"You really don't mind?"
"Onix!" It nodded again, sharing a moment that reinforced their bond. They were partners who had grown together through thick and thin.
"Okay, I get it!"
"Onix!"
"Nuz!" Nuzleaf chimed in, tilting its head curiously as it watched them.
Encouraged by their healthy recovery, Ben turned and walked into the hall of the research institute.
The space was much larger than he had anticipated. Research instruments and tables lined the sides, with various researchers busy at work. In the center of the hall stood a long counter where Professor Birch and Pierce were engaged in conversation, accompanied by a mother and her child.
Among the staff and trainers, families were present, helping their children register for their trainer licenses.
"Yo! You're awake, kid!" Pierce called out as he noticed Ben emerging. "You seem to be doing well!"
"I feel great, Mr. Pierce!" Ben replied, smiling. His eyes caught sight of Professor Birch releasing a Pokémon from a Poké Ball. His excitement peaked it was a Treecko, a starter Pokémon!
The Treecko stood upright; its vibrant green body, with a bright rose-red belly and large, expressive yellow eyes featuring lizard-like vertical pupils, the Treecko was quite the sight. Its hands and feet boast three rounded fingers, adorned with tiny thorns, allowing it to climb, hang upside down, or walk upright effortlessly. Two undulations crown its head, and it possesses a plump tail reminiscent of dark green, curly leaves.
Pokémon: Treecko (Lv. 5) - Wood Gecko Pokémon
As Ben gazed at the Treecko before him, he felt a wave of emotion. He knew that eventually, this Pokémon would evolve into a powerful Sceptile, and even have the potential for Mega Evolution with dragon attributes! However, his dream of becoming a master of Ground and Rock types remained unchanged.
"From now on, I'll take great care of you, Treecko!" he declared excitedly. With everyone watching, the young boy returned his newly acquired Pokémon to its Poké Ball, grabbed his Pokédex, and left the institute as a proud new trainer of the alliance.
"Alright, Ben, it's your turn now!" Professor Birch said, picking up the Pokédex along with six gift Poké Balls he had prepared from the computer. He handed them over to Ben, adding, "Congratulations! You're officially a trainer now! I didn't have your starter Pokémon ready since you didn't schedule an appointment with me earlier, but it seems like you've made up for that."
"Well, I guess I can manage without it," Ben replied with a grin, feeling a rush of excitement about his new adventure.