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The Story of Daniel - Chapter 3

Daniel's eyes began to sting as they opened to the glare of bright morning light streaming through the open window. He shaded his eyes with his hand, shielding himself from the light, and tried to figure out where he was. He found that he was still wearing his clothes, although they had been washed to clean the blood and from his prone position, all he could see was a lightly painted, tan ceiling above him and the inactive florescent lights embedded in it. Propping himself up with his elbows, he was able to examine the room from a better perspective.

There wasn't much to look at. It was a small room and was not much larger than the average bedroom at a hotel. He could see his shoes next to his bed; they also appeared to have been recently cleaned. There was only one door, which probably led to the rest of the mysterious building he was in, and was set in the far side of the wall to his left. A small, square, metallic nightstand had been placed next to his bed, yet nothing rested upon it except for an empty glass. Turning his head to the right he was able to look out of the window. Beautiful, rustic scenery met his eyes and he tried to focus his blurred vision enough to examine it more accurately.

Throngs of tall evergreen trees and sloping flower-topped hills painted the countryside with a variety of beautiful, rich colors that seemed to shine brilliantly in the gentle morning light. A gentle breeze made the trees and flowers sway. The wind caressing the flora with motherly tenderness as they appeared to dance under its influence. The morning light had even created a multicolored canopy for the show as calming shades of purple and orange decorated the skyline.

It took Daniel a couple of moments for him to recover himself, wiping away a little water in his eyes. After the hell he had been through, the sight of something so...so...fantastic, well...it was just a little too much.

He found it hard to believe that he was still in Montana. The outdoors just seemed so vibrant and pure...it was almost as if he was in another world. However, he knew there were more important matters to deal with so, collecting himself, he pried his eyes away from the window to take a fresh look around him. He was beginning to recognize his surroundings as that of a hospital room. Slick, pasty white tiles lined the floor in perfect, organized columns and a round clock had been set just above eye level on the opposite wall. Daniel read the time. 8:30 A.M.

Daniel groaned, lying back down slowly. 'How long was I asleep for?'

Then Daniel realized something. 'Wait. How am I still alive?' He was certain that he was done for back in that cave. All that blood...how could he still be alive? It didn't make any sense to him. He tried to think of a logical explanation for his apparent revival. 'Could somebody have found me?'

No. He was trapped in that cave. There was no possible way anyone could have found him, especially since the entrance was so well hidden. Yet, he was alive and in a hospital. He figured that he could work out the details later and decided to examine his wound.

'I must have about a hundred stitches in me by now.' Daniel thought with a grimace of anticipation. He slowly lifted his shirt, exposing his bare chest to the cold sterile air.

He stared blankly at his bare, unmarked torso. 'Um...what the hell?' Daniel thought, more confused than ever.

However, before he could delve further into this new mystery, the door slowly opened. A man in a white medicinal coat entered the room, shutting it rather unceremoniously with the back of his foot as he approached Daniel. He had short, clean-cut blond hair and was of average height. His pale skin indicated that he had spent most of his life indoors. His coat was that of a doctor and his eyes were sharp, able to easily detect the blemishes and symptoms of his patients.

Today however, his attention was focused on the clipboard in his hands rather than Daniel. It was so close to his face that it was a wonder he could even see at all. Suddenly, the doctor rather abruptly grabbed Daniel's wrist, still not looking up from his clipboard, looking for his pulse. It was apparent to Daniel that the doctor had not even noticed that he was awake.

"Can I help you?" Daniel said rather loudly, slightly irritated by the man's lack of interest.

The man gave a startled yelp as he jumped back in surprise, releasing Daniel's wrist and dropping his clipboard with a 'clack' as it fell on the hard tile. "Holy shit!" the man exclaimed, his hand clutched to his chest, heart beating rapidly. "I'm sorry; I didn't know you were already awake."

"No, it's alright. I'm sorry for scaring you." Daniel replied, although he wasn't really sorry. He was still trying to suppress his laughter from watching the man's reaction. "Um...could you tell me how I got here?"

"Oh...um, yes..." The man replied, his composure returning as he gathered his things. "Well...that is actually what we wanted to ask you."

"What do you mean?" Daniel replied confused.

"Well...a local police officer had brought you in three days ago after finding you unconscious on the road near the outskirts of town. We were wondering if you could remember anything before then." He said all this rather hurriedly, as if he didn't know how Daniel would take the news.

"Wait...three days?"Daniel replied uncertainly. The doctor nodded, relieved that Daniel didn't appear too upset. Usually, patients waking up from comas or unconsciousness would often become confused as to their surroundings and it would take a long time for him/her to calm down.

"Damn. Well...what about the cave...and my wound?" Daniel questioned placing a hand on his stomach.

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I don't know what you mean."The doctor answered, now his turn to be confused. "There aren't any caves around here as far as I know, and as for the wound...well..." he took a second to glance at the area Daniel was referring to. "Although we did find a large amount of blood around the area, there didn't seem to be any trace of a wound being there."

Daniel's head was reeling. 'What could this all mean? Where on earth did my wound go?' He tried to remember what had happened after he passed out in the cave, hoping to remember some important detail that he might have missed. The only thing he could remember was his DS exploding into little pieces. This seemed to make Daniel even more confused. Why did his DS just...explode like that? Once more, Daniel refocused his thoughts on the hazy memory. Unfortunately, all he could remember after that was just white and...blue? Damn! He just couldn't remember!

He sighed deeply through his nose, calming himself down from his frustration. There was no point in getting angry over something he couldn't remember. Besides, it wasn't as if any real harm was done. He would be out of the hospital soon and get back to his family; then maybe things would start feeling like normal again.

"I hate to be a bother, but we really do need to continue." said the doctor, continuing his interview rather rudely.

Daniel nodded, ready for the man's question. However, he was starting to get a nagging feeling in the back of his head. 'It's been three days...shouldn't these guys already know why I'm here. Surely my parents must have told them...right?'

"Now, can you remember anything before you...um...fell unconscious?" asked the doctor, pulling out a pen and writing on his clipboard as he spoke.

"Wait...you mean you don't know?" Daniel asked, his suspicions growing. The doctor shook his head in a definite 'no'. "Well, why not? My parents should have explained everything when they got here."

"Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting them." The doctor replied. "After you arrived, there has been no one to claim you. You're parents...well...they never showed up." He finished rather quietly, looking away from Daniel.

Daniel was shocked. Didn't his parents know where he was? Was it possible that they were still looking for him? 'Actually, even I don't know where I am.' Daniel realized. He decided that he should give them a call as soon as possible, but first...

"Um...I was wondering if you could tell me where I am." Daniel asked inquisitively to the doctor.

"Oh! I'm sorry; I guess it just slipped my mind." The man said apologetically, embarrassed that he had forgotten. "Well, currently you're in Sandgem town, yet we were wondering if you were from some other town nearby since no one here seems to know you."

Daniel blinked. 'Sandgem town...isn't that from...?' "Umm...I'm sorry but, I don't think I know where that is. Could you be a little more general?" Daniel said, trying to push away the ludicrous thoughts forming in his head. 'Sandgem town...it probably wasn't THAT town...but...I've never heard of any another town by that name.'

"Well...I suppose. You mean you've never heard of Sandgem town? We're actually kind of famous across Sinnoh due to Professor Rowan's research." The doctor said, hoping this would refresh the boy's memory. 'I mean, who hasn't heard of Professor Rowan?' he thought confidently.

Daniel just looked at the man, frowning slightly. Was this guy for real? He figured that the doctor probably used this 'Pokémon fantasy' skit as some sort of ploy to calm the younger patients down. However, he felt slightly annoyed that the man thought that he was little enough to fall for such a shallow joke.

'It would be cool if it was true however.' Daniel suddenly thought. 'I almost wish I was that gullible.' Yet, this wasn't the time for childhood fantasies. After all, this was a rather serious situation and he had no time for this.

"Well as long as I'm in Sandgem town..."Daniel said sarcastically. "Could you tell me how far Ridgeway is from here? I do need to get home."

"Ridgeway? Now, I don't think I've heard of that town. Is it close to any of the major cities in Sinnoh?" the doctor questioned innocently.

"Of course not!" Daniel replied, getting even more annoyed by the doctors continued charade. "Ridgeway is in Montana, NOT Sinnoh!" He finished angrily, hoping that his outburst would stop this little game.

'Montana?' the doctor wondered. "I'm sorry; I don't think ever I've heard of that place. I'll just go and get a map. Then maybe you can point out where you live." The confused doctor said, leaving before Daniel could even respond.

Daniel just stared after the doctor disbelievingly. 'Honestly, this has definitely gone far enough. I mean really...' he thought fuming slightly at the doctor's incompetence.

He sat there for a few minutes, thinking about what to do next. He decided that since the doctor wasn't there, it would be a good time to test his strength. He felt pretty good, as if he had just gotten a good night's rest. Or several in his case.

He slowly moved his legs out from the bed sheets, placing his feet on the cold tile and shivering at the contact. Once he got used to the cold floor, he began to gently test his weight. He lifted himself up slowly, gradually increasing the pressure on his legs until he was standing straight up.

Daniel smiled, grateful that he could at least walk around. He didn't like wheelchairs or even crutches. He felt as if those items held some kind of 'finality' in them. As if he wouldn't be able to recover if he had to use them.

Continuing his inspection, he felt down his arms and legs, looking for any kinks in the muscles or sore joints. He was surprised to find neither and wondered how his body was this...well...healthy. 'Surely there must be something.' He thought, doubting he was that lucky.

However, after completely and thoroughly investigating his body, he couldn't find anything wrong. No scratches, bruises, soreness. Nothing. He was stumped. 'How could there not be anything?' Daniel pondered. He tried to think of an explanation, thinking back to the cave. Suddenly he remembered something. 'I wonder...did it have something to do with that light?'

He wasn't certain, but it seemed plausible. He could remember the sphere of light pulling him in, but that was about it. However, a person only needed to put two and two together. Before the light, he was dying and in a cave. After the light, he's alive and in a hospital. He figured that somehow, that light must have just taken him out of the cave and put him on a road somewhere. That would explain how the officer found him. But what about his wounds? How did they heal?

He tried to think only about the light, hoping for just one more piece to this puzzle. He got it. He could only just remember how his body felt in the sphere. Like it was sand, crumbling into nothingness. Daniel tried to put the pieces together, attempting to finally solve his little mystery. He went through the entire scene in his head one more time.

'Ok...first there was that light in the cave. Then I feel my body...I dunno...disintegrating? Finally, I wake up...healthy and...well...not in that cave.' It almost sounded like he was just teleported out of the cave. It sounded stupid but, maybe possible. It could even explain how he was healed. Since his body wasn't missing any pieces, his wounds could have just reconnected themselves when his molecules reassembled. Instant convalescence.

'Well...whatever the case, I'm still stuck in this hospital with nothing to do.' He began to think; a sense of boredom beginning to dawn over him.

He walked around the room for a while, stretching his legs and wondering what to do next. He ended up just sitting in a chair and looking out the window. The view was very nice after all. A large beech tree just outside his window even provided shade for him as he gazed out. Daniel gripped the window pane, lifting it up so that a calm breeze could enter the room. The subtle tang of sea salt could be detected as the breeze filled the room with its delightful aroma.

'Sea salt?' Daniel thought. 'But...Montana's not near the ocean.' He looked out the window, yet due to the tree, he wasn't able to see much, except for the forest his room was facing.

Putting it from his mind, he rested his arms on the window sill and placed his head on them. He figured that he would work it all out later; right now, he just felt like enjoying the scenery. Daniel rested like this for some time, his eyes closed as he calmly listened to the sound of trees gently rustling in the wind. He heard some flapping above him and he figured it was just some bird landing on the tree next to him so he ignored it. Suddenly, his peace was interrupted by a loud noise.

"STARRLLY!!!" some creature screamed in his ear.

Daniel nearly fell out of the window in fright. He looked up, intending to yell at whatever it was that startled him. There, on a branch almost eye-level to him, was a lone starly, laughing hysterically from the joke it pulled. Daniel's brain just about shut down right then and there. His eyes were wide open in shock and wonder as he gazed at the Pokémon, his mouth was open slightly but he didn't notice.

Daniel couldn't believe it. An actual Pokémon! It was like a dream come true. He continued to gaze at the bird Pokémon, examining its every detail. From its small black and grey feathered wings, to the curled black feather which sprung from its head. Its entire body seemed to be about as big as his head and he realized suddenly that it was now looking intently at him, his laughing fit over. The starly had an odd expression on its face, as if it was nervous about something.

The starly, calming down from the joke he played on the human, was starting to get a little unnerved. 'Man. What's with this guy? It's as if he's never seen a Pokémon before.' They both stared at each other for a few minutes, the Pokémon becoming more nervous by the minute. Suddenly, the person reached out for him. Flapping his wings in fright, the starly took off, trying to get away from the strange human.

Daniel watched as the starly took off from its perch, flapping its way back to the forest. He had tried to reach out to it. To touch it. To feel its very existence and to prove to himself that it was real. He didn't do it, but he could still feel the air move around his hand as the starly left. For him that was good enough. Slumping back down in his chair, he tried to think about what just happened.

'I saw a Pokémon. I almost touched a Pokémon.' he thought rather excitedly. Was he really here? Could this really be Sandgem town? How did this happen?

Something clicked in the back of his mind. Like the final piece of a puzzle being inserted in its place. He finally understood what had happened. 'It was the DS!' he realized with a gasp. The DS, which had his Pokémon game inside, must have teleported him to where he last saved. Sandgem town! 'Yes, that must have been what that...that altar-thing did back in the cave!'

Although this did seem a little far-fetched, it was a very large assumption with no real proof after all; it seemed even less likely that the cave just randomly dropped him off, here of all places. 'So wait...does that mean I'm in the game?' he wondered.

An image of his DS exploding into little bits flashed through his mind. 'Hmm...I guess not. If I was in the game right now, I don't think that I would even be alive.'

So where was he? Did that mean that in some way, all of this was real? It wasn't just some hallucination or dream? He pinched himself, hard.

"Well, I guess this isn't a dream." He said, feeling a little bit better. "So...the only explanation left is that this place is real...somewhere." He wasn't ruling out the possibility of alternate dimensions or parallel universes just yet. After all, who knows what that light could do?

Suddenly, the door opened. The doctor had entered again, except this time carrying a stack of atlases.

"Well, it took me a while but, I found them!" he said, rather proud of his success. "So, how about we look for this...um...what did you call it...Moontania?"

He stifled a chuckle. 'Moontania?' But Daniel knew he had a serious problem. These guys would probably throw him in the loony bin if he told them where he was really from, yet, he also needed to get out of this hospital without too much suspicion. He thought up a plan quick.

"Actually, I can't really remember where it is." He began slyly. "The only thing I can recall before the accident is that I was on my way to see Professor Rowan...to get my trainer's license. Then...well, nothing."

The doctor looked a little confused. "Wait, but what about earlier?" he began uncertainly. "When you woke up, you didn't even seem to know anything about Professor Rowan or Sandgem town. Also what about those places that you were talking about?"

"When I woke up this morning...I wasn't thinking very clearly." Daniel replied craftily. "Since I was unconscious for so long, I guess my mind was a little shook up and I just said whatever came to me at the time. The truth is, I don't even know where those places are, if they even exist, and I didn't remember Sandgem town or Professor Rowan until after you left."

The doctor nodded, slowly understanding what the boy was saying. It was possible that the boy was just on his way to get his license before he was found. Also, that would explain the strange names the boy gave. He wasn't sure if there was even a real town called 'Ridgeville' or whatever. However, he was a little put down by the fact that the atlases, which took him all morning to find, weren't even going to be used.

Not letting his disappointment show, he tried to appear happy that the boy had remembered a little bit. "Well, I'm glad that you can remember this much. But, that still doesn't solve what we're going to do about you."

Daniel frowned slightly, he had a point. Even if he could 'remember' where he had come from, they would still keep him here until he could be released by a parent or guardian. He needed a way to get out. Suddenly, an idea hit him.

"Yes I know what you mean. I suppose that I will just have to stay here until my memory returns. Unfortunately, I don't have any money or insurance to give you in repayment, so it might cost a lot on the hospital's part." Daniel worded carefully.

The doctor gulped. 'Crap, I hadn't thought of that. Since this boy has no money and no family, the hospital is legally required to care for him. Also, since he technically isn't mentally healthy, we can't just throw him to the orphanage. This is definitely going to cut into my salary.'

Daniel let his statement sink in as he watched the doctor think, letting him sweat a little at his own realizations. 'He'll jump at just about anything now, to save his paycheck.' Daniel thought, inwardly delighted. 'Man, the places may change, but money stays the same.' He thought sagely.

When it looked as if the poor man might cry, Daniel revealed his coup de grâce. "Hey I have an idea!" Daniel began merrily. "Perhaps redoing the actions before I lost my memory might help me regain it. I could go out and get my trainer's license and you could still file this as treatment for my memory without losing money on my behalf!"

The doctor blinked slowly, thinking this plan over. Could he really do that? Just let him go? He looked at the boy, sizing him up. 'Well, it looks like he could handle himself, and besides, his idea doesn't seem so bad.' The doctor thought confidently. He knew that re-enactment was the best way to remember something, and it would even save him his salary. 'I could still get that boat I've always wanted!' he thought dreamily.

"Yes, that's a splendid idea!" the man said excitedly. "It's not that it would be bothersome if you were to stick around here, but your idea is just so much better! Don't worry about a thing! I'll even get you a little money so you can start right away!" the doctor carried on with continued gusto, smiling brightly as if it was the best idea ever.

Daniel just nodded and smiled happily. He knew that the man was only trying to save his own hide, but it was working out for the best anyway.

It was around noon when Daniel finally left the hospital behind. After he had signed a few medical release papers, he was released on the grounds that he become a trainer afterwards, in order to regain his memory. Daniel just smiled and signed himself out. It didn't really matter to him. He didn't think he would be returning to the hospital again, and he didn't think that they would ever come for him either. His plan had worked to perfection and he was free to do as he pleased.

Daniel was almost giddy with excitement. He was here! The Pokémon world! It was like a fantasy come true, he didn't know what to do first. He thought on it for a moment. "Well, I guess I should go and meet Professor Rowan." He said to himself decidedly. "I can't really do much until I get my license."

So, changing course, he began to head towards Professor Rowan's research facility. It wasn't too hard to find. It was practically the biggest building around. It took Daniel maybe fifteen minutes before he finally reached the entrance. After taking a moment to calm his nerves, he knocked on the large oak door.

It took a minute, but the door finally opened, revealing the face of a young man who was only a little shorter than he was. He wore large horn-rimmed glasses and his dark hair was messy and ill-kept. Daniel realized that this must be one of the professor's aides.

"Yes, can I help you?" the aide asked pointedly.

"Oh! Um...yes. I'm here to see Professor Rowan about getting my trainer's license." Daniel asked politely.

"Hmm..." was the only reply the aide gave as he was lost in deep thought. "Alright, come on in. Just don't touch anything!" he added warningly as he moved aside for Daniel to pass.

Daniel walked in carefully, not really knowing what to expect. He entered a large room with a high ceiling, rectangular florescent lights hanging from twin bars all across it. They weren't on, since it was daytime, yet at a moment's notice, they could light the entire room with its white artificial light. Daniel stepped lightly, avoiding the clutter around him. It was extremely messy. Papers lay strewn across the floor and mounds of open books lay sprawled across several of the black lab tables in front of him. The other tables were even more cluttered with various glass instruments, each seeming to be incredibly complex and breakable. Carefully avoiding these, Daniel proceeded to follow the aide, who was guiding him up a flight of stairs.

Eventually the aide led Daniel to the door to an office. The aide knocked once. "Who is it?" A gruff voice said from behind the door.

"It's Michael; I've got another trainer here for you." Said the aide calmly to the door.

"Really? I...well, alright...bring him in." replied the voice from behind the wall, sounding slightly dejected.

The aide opened the door for Daniel as he walked into the office. The aide didn't come with him as he shut the door, leaving Daniel with the professor. Professor Rowan's features were a little intimidating at first glance. His face was well chiseled with a prominent chin and heavy brow. He had white hair yet; his eyes seemed to contain a youthful vitality within them. Stoic determination shone from his face and his broad stature seemed to give him an aura of dominance as he sat behind his desk, hands clasped together and looking intently at Daniel.

Daniel could almost feel his gaze. Staring straight through him, as if he was able to see his very soul. He was starting to get a little worried. _'Did I do something wrong?'_Daniel thought concernedly, hoping that he hadn't already done something to upset the professor. You could have cut the tension with a knife. The silence was almost deafening to his ears. Somehow he knew that if anyone with a weaker constitution than him were forced to endure this stare, then they would probably wet themselves in fear and intimidation. He felt like a bug under a microscope, but knew that he had to press on to get what he needed. Swallowing his nervousness, Daniel broke the silence.

"Hello...um...Professor Rowan. Umm...my name is Daniel Oakfield and I...er...was hoping to get my trainer's license from here." Daniel said, trying to keep his composure but finding it hard under the professor's intense stare.

Finally it seemed as if the Professor had seen enough as he quit staring, now looking at Daniel gently as he replied.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Daniel. I hope that you will forgive me for staring but I had to be certain."

"Umm...certain of what?" Daniel replied questioningly. He didn't know that he was being tested already.

Professor Rowan however, just smiled his question away. He would always do this little staring game for any trainer-to-be as a test of courage. He felt that any trainer that didn't turn and run at his intimidating gaze had to have some grit to them and was okay in his books. He was actually a little surprised. It would usually take someone a LOT longer to break his stare, yet this kid managed to fight through it in less than a minute. Oh yes, there was definitely potential here.

"Now how about we get you your license? First, I'm going to need you to..." the professor began before Daniel cut him off.

"Wait...you're just going to give one to me?" Daniel inquired, hardly daring to believe his luck. He was certain that there would be some form of test or exam.

"It's alright; you've already proven yourself to me." The professor replied calmly, still leaving Daniel in the dark.

"Now, as I was saying...the first thing I need you to do is fill out this registration form. After which, I can download you're information onto a pokedex." The professor instructed, getting out a small stack of papers and a pen. "I will wait until you are done."

Daniel took the pen and paper gratefully, still not believing his luck at how easy it was to get a license. It took him only a couple minutes to fill out the registration. Most of the information he was able to answer quite truthfully, without worry of being questioned. However, when he came to a space marked 'Town of Origin' he had to stop and think. He supposed that Sandgem town would be his 'Town of Origin', since this was technically where he originated. He just hoped that Professor Rowan wouldn't question him on it. After filling in all the answers, he handed his papers to the Professor, who took them up without a word.

"Very good. Now follow me." He said curtly, standing up from his desk and walking to the door and down the flight of stairs. Daniel followed him, re-entering the large, cluttered room. He continued to follow the Professor as he wound his way through the rubble and mess, towards a series of computers jutting from the wall. After turning one of them on, Professor Rowan only took a couple moments to enter in Daniel's data and hit the ENTER button on the console.

A series of whirring and clicking sounded from the machine as it began to process the information it was receiving. It was five minutes later that the noise finally stopped, and something small and red plopped from a compartment in the base of the computer. Professor Rowan took the small device, opening it and handing it to Daniel.

He couldn't believe it. It was his very own pokedex! He knew that he was getting one, but it just seemed so much cooler now that it was in his hands. He felt the smooth metal on his fingers and smiled as he placed it securely in his pocket. However, the Professor wasn't done yet. He seemed to be digging into his coat pocket for something. Before Daniel could ask what he was looking for, the professor withdrew his hand producing six small pokeballs from the depths of his pocket.

"These are some starting pokeballs for your journey. Try not to waste them as pokeballs are costly." He warned Daniel with a serious expression as he took them. "Your pokedex can perform a variety of functions, all which can be explained by its instruction manual, which is programmed inside. However, your pokedex also serves as your identification, and should always be taken with you. Your pokedex may also serve as a pokenav, which can pinpoint your location from anywhere and give you directions to the nearest Pokémon Center." The professor continued; Daniel hanging on every word, excited to begin.

"Normally, I would give you your starter Pokémon and you would start your journey with it. Unfortunately, I'm afraid that I am fresh out at the moment." He said looking rather ashamed.

Daniel was a little disappointed, he was hoping to get his first Pokémon, but he was certain that he would find one in no time anyways. "It's alright Professor, I'll be able to catch my own by myself. Don't you worry about me."

Professor Rowan was very surprised by this response. Usually if a trainer didn't get his starter right away from him, they would usually throw a tantrum or just simply wait for him to get a new shipment in. Yet this kid was actually planning to go and capture his first Pokémon, without any help. It sounded a little absurd, dangerous even, but something about this kid made him wonder. 'Could he do it?'

He was about to sugguest that he at least borrow one of his own pokemon for protection, but he wanted to check first. He looked into deep into Daniel's eyes. What he saw immediately swept away his doubts and allowed him to continue, conscious clear.

"Finally, and I cannot express this enough..."The professor said importantly. "Learn to treat Pokémon with respect. They are our friends and should be treated as such. If you learn to grow with your Pokémon then there is nothing you cannot accomplish with them. Now...go...and make an old man proud." He finished heartwarmingly, the glint of adventure shining in his eyes.

Daniel felt his heart swelling with pride as the professor finished. He knew he only just met the man, but he felt his words reverberating through him. He wanted to get out there. To make something for himself in this new world. At that moment, it wouldn't have mattered if the whole world was against him, he felt like he could take it all on.

Daniel began walking to the front door, trying to keep his excitement from showing. Before he left, he turned toward the professor one last time. "Don't worry Professor. I'll make you proud." Daniel said giving him a thumbs-up before finally opening the door and leaving.

Professor Rowan knew potential when he saw it. He could always see it as a small ember of light in the eyes of new trainers. Yet when he looked into the eyes of this new trainer, this Daniel Oakfield...well, he had an inferno blazing in them. Professor Rowan smirked. He couldn't wait to see what this young man was going to do. All he knew was that, whatever he did, it was going to be big.

To be Continued...