Pokemon: The Wandering Guardian

The next day Lan woke up feeling completely refreshed.

He didn't fall asleep till late but that was not a problem because he spent most of the night pondering a plan for the future.

He figured out that his Research license allowed him to be one of the few people who can carry more than six pokemon at one time. This, in turn, means that there is a distinct advantage for him over other trainers.

He didn't want to waste an opportunity like what he was given. He knew from what he saw on Research exhibitions that to become a strong and respected trainer one had to fully commit to travel and explore. Lan never like doing things halfway. Even though he was lazy at times he knew that he had the determination to succeed in the things that he did.

It was a little different for becoming a trainer because he did not really have any assurance if he committed mistakes. In research making mistakes where part of the game and at worst one would just spend time and money while following a wrong path. But becoming a trainer meant he could really mess things up if he didn't have a plan.

Lan's current research opportunity with Professor Oak would not allow this opportunity to travel as much and become an elite trainer. Before Lan arrived at Kanto he had the intention to return to Hoenn and work at his Old Man's Lab which is effectively not following his own path. But now to the current him, that wasn't an option.

He had decided to tell Oak that he was going to wrap up his stay at the Lab. He had very much enjoyed his stay and he learned a lot about many different subjects. He was quite fascinated by Ancient legends and historical events. Some of them where region-specific so generally only local researchers tended to study a singular legend or event. If he wanted to pursue what he wanted to research he had to build connections along with travel. The best way to do this would be to become an elite trainer and study these topics when he traveled. He needed to make connections and become a strong trainer. Two things that currently did not describe him.

Since he had spent time with Professor Oak he had a better grasp on all the small details that came with taking care of the pokemon and researching. Even more so than at home because Professor Oak made him continually write observations of how some of the Pokemons interacted, what they ate in addition to many other minor details. His observations and revelations ended up growing larger thus helping many different research topics at the same time.

He was sure if he were to be given a breeder exam he would pass. He also took an interest in creating different Pokefood and continually tried to experiment with different tastes and ingredients.

Even though he had many fond memories at the lab the thing that he regretted was not getting to know Daisy better. She left a couple weeks after he arrived which didn't allow him much time. Lan didn't know how he felt about her but he enjoyed her company and the atmosphere she seemed to create.

Because of his thoughts, many things became clear to him. He wanted to travel the Kanto and become an elite trainer so that he could help his Pokemon reach their maximum potential.

...

"Arooo"

While Lan was recounting his thoughts Growlithe woke up.

"Good Morning sleepy head. Are you ready for breakfast?"

"Aro" Growlithe immediately perked up

"Alright get ready."

Lan and Growlithe immediately got off of the bed. Growlithe started to stretch while Lan dressed himself.

Lan put on a yellow Poke shirt along with some athletic shorts. He then began to rummage through his backpack to find Growlithes Pokeball.

He looked back to see Growlithe trotting over to him. Lan turned and patted him on his head asking " Do you want to go inside of your Pokeball or stay out?" Growlithe shook his head and Lan could feel that he did not like his Pokeball.

"Okay sounds good to me. But after breakfast, we will need to go to the store and buy some things." Lan just now realized he didn't have anywhere to easily store Growlithe's Pokeball because he had no trainer belt.

Lan only had a small traveling backpack from Hoenn which was about to break from holding two changes of clothes, two repels (for his trip back) and the three empty Pokeballs given from Professor Oak. He also had his ID Card along with his Pokedex in his pocket. He knew something like this might come up so it wasn't that big deal to him in the beginning.

After Lan and Growlithe left their room they passed the second floor which was filled with many trainers and their pokemon. There was about double the amount of people than Lan saw yesterday during the Pokecenters peak hours. He mumbled, "I guess there is something big going on".

After the duo ate breakfast provided at the center they headed towards the shopping district.

Growlithe kept looking around taking in the new sights and smells. He seemed really happy and even started to run around and chasing some of the Pidgy and Ratatta that were along streets. Lan just smiled at his Pokemon's antics and preceded to enter into one of the local shops.