The following morning, Arin requested leave from his Safari Zone responsibilities. Kenji approved without hesitation, recognizing the significance of connecting with a newly acquired Pokémon, particularly one recovering from injuries.
"Take whatever time necessary," the senior ranger remarked, his characteristic sternness momentarily softened. "Your first Pokémon creates a special bond. Establish that foundation now for future benefits."
Arin expressed gratitude before departing for Fuchsia City with specific intentions. Prior to visiting the Pokémon Center, he needed to acquire something to facilitate Echo's recovery. His investigations had revealed that while Zubats could consume fruits and nectar, their natural sustenance primarily consisted of blood from other creatures. A healing Zubat would require exceptional nutrition for proper recuperation.
He navigated toward a specialized establishment situated along a narrow street near the Safari Zone entrance. "Trainer's Edge" provided supplies for dedicated Pokémon trainers, offering premium merchandise unavailable at standard Poké Marts. A gentle bell announced his arrival, attracting the attention of a middle-aged proprietor arranging specialized Poké Ball displays.
"Good morning," the man greeted. "How may I assist you?"
"I'm seeking blood supplements," Arin explained. "For a Zubat recovering from significant injuries at the Pokémon Center."
The shopkeeper's eyebrow raised slightly as he assessed Arin more carefully. "Few trainers invest in specialized nutrition for Zubat. Most provide whatever costs least." He nodded approvingly. "Follow me."
Leading Arin to a refrigerated section at the store's rear, he unlocked a small cooling unit. "We offer premium formulations specifically developed for Poison/Flying types. Contains additional iron and nutrients supporting wing regeneration and blood cell production." He retrieved several small packets containing dark crimson liquid. "These are expensive, however. Five hundred PokéDollars for weekly supply."
Arin examined his finances and hesitated briefly. The expense would significantly reduce his savings, but Echo deserved optimal care. Proper nutrition would prove crucial for her recovery, particularly for her damaged wing.
"I'll purchase them," he decided, counting the appropriate amount.
The shopkeeper packaged the blood supplements in an insulated container to maintain freshness. "Store these refrigerated when not in use. Administer one packet per feeding, twice daily. Your Zubat should regain flight capability promptly."
Arin thanked him before proceeding directly to the Pokémon Center, carefully carrying the insulated package. Upon arrival, Nurse Joy welcomed him with a warm expression from behind the reception counter.
"Perfect timing," she remarked. "Your Zubat has been particularly active this morning. I believe she's been anticipating your visit."
"Has she consumed anything?" Arin inquired.
"We provided standard Pokémon nutrition, but she showed minimal interest," Nurse Joy responded. "Flying types often have specific dietary preferences, especially during recovery periods."
"I've brought something potentially beneficial," Arin said, displaying the insulated container.
Nurse Joy's expression showed recognition. "Premium blood formulation from Trainer's Edge? That represents exceptional quality. It should significantly enhance her recovery." She guided him along the corridor toward Echo's room. "She's demonstrated remarkable improvement overnight. The wing responds well to treatment, though complete healing requires additional time."
Inside the recovery chamber, Echo immediately displayed excitement upon seeing Arin, producing enthusiastic sounds while attempting to move her wings before the supportive brace restricted her motion. The monitoring equipment beside her platform registered her excitement with accelerated beeping.
"Careful now," Arin cautioned, approaching her. "I've brought something special for you."
Nurse Joy provided a shallow dish, and Arin carefully opened a blood packet, pouring the rich crimson liquid into the container. The aroma was metallic yet not unpleasant, enhanced with nutrients and minerals specific to Zubat requirements. He positioned the dish where Echo could access it comfortably without straining herself.
The Zubat's enthusiasm was evident as she eagerly consumed the liquid, producing satisfied sounds that prompted Arin to smile. Her entire demeanor transformed as she ingested the premium supplement, her body visibly relaxing as proper nutrition entered her system.
"She clearly appreciates your selection," Nurse Joy observed. "I'll leave you together for a while. Use the call button if needed." She indicated a small device mounted on the wall before exiting.
Arin remained beside Echo, observing as she finished the supplement. Her satisfaction was apparent, generating a sense of accomplishment within him. Though seemingly insignificant, this represented the beginning of their partnership-his first action as her trainer involved ensuring her needs were addressed.
"I obtained the highest quality available," he told her. "Premium formulation. Should accelerate your healing process."
Echo responded with chirping sounds, causing Arin to smile at her enthusiasm. As she settled back onto the platform, apparently content following her meal, he continued speaking as he had the previous day. He described the Safari Zone, outlined training plans following her recovery, and discussed the world beyond Fuchsia City they would eventually explore together.
"Once you've healed completely, we'll begin basic exercises rebuilding your wing strength," he explained. "Then we can develop your techniques. You already possess impressive abilities-Brave Bird and Hypnosis are uncommon for Zubat. We'll refine those while adding new capabilities progressively."
As he spoke, Echo's expression noticeably changed. Her initial excitement diminished, replaced by what appeared remarkably similar to sadness. She produced a series of soft, mournful sounds, her small form seeming to deflate upon the platform.
"What's troubling you?" Arin asked, leaning closer with concern.
My family... all gone...
Arin froze. Though not spoken aloud, he had clearly perceived these words in his mind, accompanied by waves of grief and loss that weren't his own. The sensation was entirely unfamiliar-neither purely auditory nor purely emotional, but direct understanding that transcended conventional communication.
"Echo?" he whispered, uncertain whether he had imagined it.
The Zubat vocalized again, producing soft sounds that should have been incomprehensible. Yet once more, Arin somehow comprehended their meaning.
The cave... collapse... humans fighting... many died. My mother, my siblings... trapped. Couldn't save them. Tried helping, became injured.
A chill traversed Arin's spine. This wasn't imagination. Somehow, he was understanding Echo's thoughts, experiencing her emotions as though they were his own. The grief felt raw and painful-losing her colony during the poacher attack had left her isolated and traumatized.
"I'm truly sorry," he said softly, gently touching the uninjured portion of her wing. "I had no idea."
Want to become stronger, came Echo's determined thoughts, cutting through her sadness with fierce resolve that surprised Arin. Never again. Never helpless. Never watch family perish.
The intensity of her determination resonated within Arin's heart. He too understood sudden isolation in a dangerous world, feeling powerless against uncontrollable forces. His arrival in this reality had rendered him equally vulnerable as Echo currently was.
"I promise," Arin stated, his voice firm with conviction. "I'll help you develop strength. We'll train and learn together. What happened to your family won't repeat with you."
Echo's gaze fixed upon him, and he felt her determination matching his own. A moment of perfect understanding passed between them, shared resolve transcending the differences separating human and Pokémon.
Promise. Together. Stronger.
Arin nodded, confirming their agreement. "Together. Stronger."
They spent the next hour in comfortable companionship, Arin sharing stories about his Safari Zone experiences while Echo listened attentively. He described various Pokémon habitats, daily routines, and cautiously mentioned the lake where he'd observed something special. Echo's curiosity intensified at that reference, though Arin maintained vague details, not prepared to share his Dratini secret even with his new partner.
Only as he prepared to leave, promising to return that evening with additional supplements, did the full reality of what had transpired become apparent to him. He stopped midway to the door, turning back toward Echo with widened eyes.
"Wait... how am I understanding your communication?"
Echo tilted her head, apparently confused by his sudden realization.
You hear me. Since yesterday. Didn't you realize?
"No," Arin responded slowly, his thoughts racing. "That's not... normal. Humans typically cannot comprehend Pokémon language."
He closed his eyes, focusing inward. Now with deliberate attention, he detected something different within himself-subtle energy flowing through his body. It had always existed, he realized, a background sensation he'd never properly noticed. But yesterday, amid the emotional intensity of discovering Echo and rushing her to treatment, something had awakened.
His eyes opened as the pieces aligned. The ability to comprehend Pokémon thoughts and feelings. The connection formed so rapidly with Echo. The strange energy he now felt coursing through him.
"The Viridian power," he whispered, the realization sending shock throughout his system.
He'd encountered references during his research-a rare ability manifesting in certain individuals, enabling them to heal Pokémon and understand their thoughts and feelings. According to legends, approximately once per decade, a child born near Viridian Forest might develop this gift. It remained incredibly uncommon, and those possessing it often became exceptional trainers through their unique Pokémon bonds.
But Arin hadn't been born in this world whatsoever, much less near Viridian Forest, making this manifestation even more extraordinary. Perhaps his transportation to this reality had somehow activated latent abilities within him, or possibly the rules functioned differently for someone from another dimension.
A mixture of emotions washed over him-shock, disbelief, and ultimately, elation. While he might have preferred psychic abilities or aura manipulation given options, the Viridian power represented an incredible gift. Beyond understanding Pokémon, the power typically made Pokémon naturally friendlier and more trusting toward its wielder.
His thoughts immediately connected to the Dratini in the lake. This ability would prove invaluable in his efforts to connect with the rare Dragon-type. What had seemed nearly impossible now appeared achievable. With the Viridian power, he could communicate with the Dratini, understand its needs and concerns, potentially forming a bond without the usual challenges of connecting with such a rare and powerful species.
Something wrong? Echo's concerned thoughts interrupted his revelation, tinged with worry that she had somehow upset him.
"No," Arin replied, a smile spreading across his face as he returned beside her. "Something very, very right. I've just discovered something about myself-something beneficial for us both."
He sat down again and explained his realization, describing the Viridian power and its implications. Echo listened intently, her thoughts revealing fascination with this development.
Special human. Lucky me. Her mental voice contained a hint of pride, as if being selected by a human with such abilities represented an honor.
Arin laughed. "Lucky us both. This changes everything, Echo. Our journey just became considerably more interesting."
Can heal too? Echo inquired, her thoughts becoming practical as she glanced at her injured wing.
"I'm uncertain," Arin admitted. "The legends indicate those with Viridian power can heal Pokémon, but I don't know how to access that ability yet. It might develop gradually, or I may need to learn controlling it." He gently touched her uninjured wing. "But I promise to try. Meanwhile, we'll rely on Nurse Joy's healing expertise."
Echo seemed satisfied with this response, settling back onto her platform with a contented sound. Rest now. Return later?
"Definitely," Arin promised. "I'll bring your evening meal and we can continue talking. Perhaps begin planning training exercises for after your recovery."
As he finally departed the Pokémon Center, his mind processed the implications of this discovery. The Viridian power would require secrecy-such abilities would attract unwanted attention, particularly in a world where Team Rocket and similar organizations constantly sought advantages. But used carefully, it would provide an edge few trainers could match.
He walked through Fuchsia City with new awareness, noticing surrounding Pokémon differently. A Pidgey perched on a nearby roof seemed to regard him with unusual interest. A shopkeeper's Meowth paused grooming to watch him pass. Even wild Rattata scurrying between buildings appeared less fearful than usual. Was this the Viridian power's effect, making Pokémon naturally drawn to him? Or was he simply more attuned to their presence now?
Arin gazed at the clear blue sky, experiencing a sense of destiny previously absent. His arrival in this world, his time at the Safari Zone, finding Echo during the poacher attack chaos-everything seemed to lead toward this moment, this discovery.
For the first time since arriving in this reality, Arin felt that perhaps he belonged here after all. The path ahead remained uncertain, filled with challenges and dangers, but he now possessed something precious: a unique ability, a dedicated partner, and clearer purpose.
As he returned to the Safari Zone, Arin mentally cataloged the books and resources he would need to consult regarding the Viridian power. To utilize this gift effectively, he needed comprehensive understanding. And no better location existed to begin that research than the Safari Zone's extensive library on Pokémon-human interactions.
The future suddenly appeared brighter than ever before.
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