Chapter 14: Camping Trip

Update Times: Monday/Friday

Pokemon Speak - []

Under his grandfather Shane's guidance, Tyson and Larvitar embarked on training to master the move Sandstorm, a precursor to Larvitar's development of the Sand Veil ability. As the weekend neared, their efforts bore fruit; it took three days for Larvitar to grasp the move's fundamentals, now able to conjure a 10-foot sandstorm. Pleased with their advancement, Tyson anticipated the upcoming journey with his grandfather, recognizing it as an opportunity to acquire essential exploration skills. Despite his aspirations to join Coronet Academy, Tyson learned through his research that the academy's students often ventured off-campus to fulfill point-earning assignments or prepare for upcoming tasks.

- Trainer School - Friday Evening

Tyson stood outside the school building with Eric and Sophia, chatting away when the sound of footsteps announced Shane's arrival to pick him up. They had planned to venture into the forest, and Tyson suggested they meet after his classes to set off earlier. Shane agreed but insisted they meet at the trainer school as he would prepare everything needed for their trip. "Enjoy your camping trip, Tyson, and tell us all about it," Eric said, his voice tinged with boredom from his ongoing 'jail time.' "Will do," Tyson replied promptly. The two had bonded over their love for learning, and Eric often suggested online games they could play once his punishment was over.

On the other hand, Sophia, albeit shy, spoke up next. "Um, why not take Trapinch with you? It usually stays in the forest with the others once the weekend arrives." This revelation surprised Tyson, as he had assumed Trapinch was always with Sophia except during class. Sophia noticed his surprise and elaborated, "I wanted this little one to stay with me at the ranch, but my dad mentioned that its species prefers dry environments and rocky terrain, which our ranch lacks. That's why I usually meet it at school and provide food and water for the little guy. I'm not quite sure what he does when he's alone, so how about having him accompany you? It would give him some company for the weekend." Sophia finished, prompting Shane to immediately reply, "Sure thing, I'm quite experienced with the Trapinch line, and having one around will feel like old times to me."

Observing Trapinch, Tyson knelt and said, "Well buddy, looks like we're spending the weekend together," which brought a smile to Trapinch's face. After saying goodbye to Eric and Sophia, the pair ventured into the Southern Celestic Woods, with Trapinch trailing behind. As they traveled through the forest, Tyson glanced at his grandfather and noticed that aside from a backpack, he carried no other items. 'That must be a spatial backpack,' Tyson mused, recalling what he had read and seen in games and anime, which showed that such backpacks could hold numerous items. Indeed, the spatial backpack was a technological wonder, utilizing Pokeball technology to allow a plethora of items to be stored in its compartments without burdening the wearer with excessive weight.

As they approached a familiar clearing, Shane glanced at Tyson and asked, "So, kiddo, is this the place?" Tyson nodded, as the area was still showing signs of their recent skirmish with Skarmory. Tyson then suggested, "Grandpa, why don't we set up camp here? Normally, animals avoid areas where large conflicts have occurred, so it should be safe." Shane laughed and replied, "You're mistaken, my boy. There are numerous instances where two Pokémon battle over territory, and sometimes both perish in the conflict. Scavengers then come to take whatever remains, and these scavengers are often aggressive. Dialogue may grant you time or safe passage but never a place at their feast. Even so, there are instances where a trainer overcomes the local leader of an area, resulting in their expulsion or capture. This can slightly disrupt the environment, as the region is left without a group leader. To facilitate recovery, it is generally advised that trainers avoid camping in these areas to avoid cases of additional captures or killings, allowing the ecosystem to heal and a new leader to emerge. Remember this when entering unfamiliar territories. As for our camp, we should find a spot close to water and inhabited by more docile Pokémon, like Budew, Magikarp, Wooper or Wurmple."

Heeding his grandfather's advice, they ventured further south until they found a small stream and decided to set up camp nearby. As his grandfather unpacked, Tyson was astonished by the amount of gear that had been brought along: tents, lighters, pots, utensils, and various other small tools. 'The capacity of each backpack varies with its size, but given that grandpa has a mountaineer's backpack, I suspect he hasn't shown me everything he's packed,' Tyson mused while helping his grandfather with the tents. Once they finished, Tyson let Larvitar out and instructed him to scout the area, avoiding any conflicts with the local creatures. Eager to guide, Trapinch waddled up to Larvitar, smiling and saying "Trap, Trap, Trap" [Hello brother, it's great to see you again. Let me introduce you to the locals; they're quite friendly], to which Larvitar nodded and followed.

Approaching Tyson, Shane handed him a pot and instructed him to collect water from the nearby stream while he searched for sticks to build a campfire. Tyson agreed to his grandfather's request, took the pot, and headed to the stream. At the water's edge, various Pokémon could be seen frolicking and soaking up the evening sun. As Tyson knelt to fill the pot, an unexpected event unfolded. A small head emerged from the water, and two eyes fixed on Tyson. The creature was a fish-like Pokémon with a light brown body and dark, irregular spots. It had large, deep-set eyes and prominent, pink lips. "A Feebas?" Tyson murmured, his thoughts racing as he stared back at the small fish. 'These are usually very rare, and if I remember correctly, they evolve into Milotic.' Milotic had been one of Tyson's favorite Pokémon for its elegance and strength, famously known as the ace of Hoenn Champion Wallace. Locking eyes with him, Feebas shifted its focus to the pot in Tyson's hands, swimming closer to observe his actions.

Seeing this Tyson smiled at the small fish as he continued to gather water swiftly. Standing up, he reached into his pocket and took out a small bag filled with Pokemon Food. 'I usually carry a small bag for Larvitar to snack on during lunch, but since we're in the forest for the weekend, we'll be snacking on berries and whatever grandpa and I find, so let's give some to this little guy,' Tyson thought. He poured a few pieces of Pokemon food and extended his hand towards Feebas, saying, "Here's some food; I normally have some for my Pokemon, but you can have it." Watching Tyson, the Feebas hesitated, wary of the human. Tyson, with a wry smile, thought, 'It's cautious, which is understandable,' and placed the food by the stream's edge before turning to leave. Once Tyson was a decent distance away, several Pokemon eyed the food, ready to pounce, but Feebas quickly swam up, snatched the food, and dove back into the stream. As Tyson began his walk back to the camp his thoughts he began thinking of his various experiences since coming to the world, both the dangerous and none. These experiences reinforced his desire to explore the world more, from the mountainous lands to simple forests like this he wanted to see it all.

- With Larvitar

After departing with Trapinch, Larvitar encountered several groups of Pokemon, some familiar like Staravia, who now led a small flock of Starly. Upon their reunion, Staravia and others expressed gratitude to Larvitar for his help with Skarmory, even offering berries as a token of thanks. However, Larvitar declined the offer, stating he was merely aiding his trainer at the time. As they continued their journey, Trapinch often initiated discussions, detailing the forest's layout and the various Pokemon colonies within. Observing Larvitar's silence, Trapinch inquired, ["You don't seem much for conversation, brother"]. Glancing back, Larvitar replied, ["I just don't like pointless conversation. For now, I need to familiarize myself with the forest layout; that's all Tyson wanted me to do"].

["It's good to follow your trainer, but is there anything you want to do? On the way here, I noticed that you stayed in that ball until he called you out at the camp"] Trapinch inquired. ["That's because I choose to remain in there... Until he needs me, I will observe from inside"] Larvitar replied, his face taking on a complex expression. Hesitating for a while Larvitar soon continued ['After my birth, my parents were attacked by the rival mountain overlord. The fierce battle caught the attention of nearby humans, including Tyson's grandfather, who was their leader. He discovered my injured mother holding my egg. The details that followed are unclear, but he took me under his care. He and Ms. Bertha nurtured me from the moment I hatched, providing food and shelter. Once I matured, they entrusted me to Tyson, and our stories aligned from that point. When my partner was in peril, I was helpless; when my family was under siege, I couldn't intervene. I must become stronger to protect Tyson—I cannot fail my family again']. Upon hearing these words, Trapinch fell silent, his eyes reflecting a hint of pity.

The two continued to traveled in a complete circle in relative silence, with Trapinch occasionally asking questions about the campsite, until Larvitar spoke up again. ["We should return; I have a good understanding of the forest's layout now... thank you"] he said, his words prompting a smile from Trapinch. ['At first, I thought this guy wasn't a Pokémon person, but he's just dealing with his own issues and trusts his trainer']. As the two began their walk back Larvitar surprised Trapinch with a question he wasn't expecting ["How did you end up here...I heard that you were abandoned by your trainer but what happened?"] This was the first Larvitar had taken an interest in him or in a particular topic other than details about the forest.

Lowering his head, Trapinch spoke, ["It was a long time ago, so it doesn't matter now, but since I've asked you a personal question, brother, I'll answer in kind. It was three years ago, during the summer. My former trainer, a boy named Thomas, brought me here from the Hoenn desert. I was his seventh birthday gift from his older brother, who wanted to prepare him for his own journey as a Pokemon Trainer. Unfortunately, Thomas wasn't fond of my appearance and requested a Dratini from his brother instead"] he ended with a chuckle. ["The family was quite well-off, it seems, as a new Dratini replaced me just a few days later. Not wanting to stay, I took my Pokeball while Thomas was asleep and fled to the Celestic Woods, smashing it along the way"] Trapinch concluded, raising his head to meet the gaze of a surprised Larvitar.

["I didn't expect that"] Larvitar said, prompting a chuckle from Trapinch. ["What? That I would run away? Well, I wasn't wanted and was only fed enough to survive—if you can even call that living"] Trapinch added. ["Anyway, shortly after that, I met Ms. Sophia while wandering through Celestic Woods, and the rest is history"] Trapinch concluded his story. ['I never would have guessed he was a runaway and not an abandoned Pokémon'] Larvitar thought, gaining a bit more respect for the ant as they continued on their way.

- Back At Camp

Setting down the pot after returning to the sight Tyson noted that his grandfather had already began piling dried wood for the campfire. "That was fast" Tyson remarked as Shane replied "Well when you've done this so many times it becomes easy to spot a few pieces of wood. Besides with the help of some kind Pokemon anything is possible" catching Tyson's interest, however he chose not to ask further. Lighting the campfire Shane called Tyson over "So, grandpa what are we having today" Tyson spoke as he brought the pot over and set it down to boil. "My special soup, I found some good mushrooms and complimentary berries in the forest" Shane replied, causing Tyson to flinch as he asked "T..Those mushrooms are safe...right?". With a huff Shane said, "Of course they are boy now just wait a bit you're going to love this".

The two sat as Shane began to show Tyson the various mushrooms and herbs, he found giving him pointers on what to look out for and avoid when it comes to fungus and plant life. During this he even spoke of ways to locate civilization if lost or to mark your way along a forest path. Hearing all this Tyson was glad to be here as this practical experience couldn't be so easily found on the web. Adventurers tend to avoid sharing all their secrets to the trainer community and in turn the trainer community limited the amount of information they provided as well. 'Humans love their secrets and normally get angry when others won't share' Tyson thought as soon Larvitar and Trapinch returned. Before bed Shane told Tyson that they would be visiting the Celestic Tunnels tomorrow to explore as he planned to introduce Tyson to various environments and teach him the do's and don'ts.