Togepi and Wobbuffet: (^^)(^0^y)
John woke early in the morning to find the two little creatures playing video games in the living room. Delibird was enjoying his day off, perched on the nearby sofa with his legs crossed, cracking sunflower seeds like a retiree watching television.
In the kitchen, Hariyama was busy preparing breakfast. To celebrate John's homecoming, it was making Hamburgers again today,a household favorite.
The rest of John's Pokemon had settled back into this familiar setting, each doing their own thing. Gardevoir handed John a glass of steaming hot water prepared with Scald.
After accepting the near-boiling water, John sat next to Togepi, watching it gleefully mash buttons on the controller.
During the days when John and his battle-ready Pokemon were away from the villa, Togepi had grown accustomed to playing with friends rather than alone. Being able to monopolize the huge TV and play any game wasn't nearly as exciting without companionship.
Delibird was better off, it usually delivered food at the university but flew back every night. Even with the late supper that Blaziken specially prepared, it occasionally felt the sting of loneliness.
Seeing Togepi so happy now, John considered something, stood up, and approached the two Pokemon with an outstretched hand.
"I'll rarely be coming back to Riverstone University in the future. Would you both like to come with me to my Gym?"
Togepi and Delibird, who had been happily gaming just moments ago, froze in surprise.
Togepi quickly glanced at Delibird with hopeful eyes, it didn't care where it went as long as it could be with friends!
Delibird, however, frowned deeply, looking from Togepi to John with concern.
"Don't worry," John continued. "I've already found a role for you there. I have a ranch where you can help raise Pokemon. I'll even pay you a salary. What do you say?"
Delibird contemplated the offer before finally placing its wing in John's hand. "Deli deli! (I accept your employment offer!)"
"Toge-priiiii!!" "Wobbbb-uffet!!!" Wobbuffet and Togepi celebrated joyfully, they could play together again!
John breathed a sigh of relief. Having Togepi and Delibird join him at his Gym brought him peace of mind. Without Togepi's cheerful "Toge-priiiii" echoing through the living room daily, something essential would be missing.
Especially for Wobbuffet, gaming alone was nowhere near as fun as playing with friends.
John realized he'd come to regard Togepi and Delibird as important family members. Whether they'd eventually become his battle Pokemon was secondary.
"Remember to stop by the university cafeteria to resign properly!" John stood and patted Delibird on the head.
"Deli!" Delibird nodded earnestly before flapping its wings and heading off to find the cafeteria manager of Riverstone University. Even though it was leaving soon, it wanted to thank the boss for the opportunity, and collect its final paycheck, of course.
Watching Delibird disappear into the distance, John stretched his back. Time to begin today's adventures.
It had been too long since he'd done some Surf training! Why waste such a perfect day?
John ran to the beach where Greninja and Gyarados were already riding the waves, while Tyranitar played happily in the sand, building elaborate castles. John suspected it had been there since the previous night!
A nearby Palossand trembled. (Didn't this human disappear? Why is he back again!)
"You two, let me join your Surf session," John called, grabbing his racing board and greeting his Pokemon.
Two hours later, John changed into formal attire and arrived at the principal's office.
Opening the door, he found mountains of books stacked on Principal Badman's desk. The elderly man had one hand inside his Gengar's mouth, rummaging for something, while stroking his white beard with the other, muttering, "That detailed explanation of rare Grass-type Pokemon habits should be in here somewhere..."
"Mentor, what exactly are you doing?" John felt a sudden sense of dread.
"Ah, John! Have a seat. I'm just gathering the books you'll need to read this year," Professor Badman said, turning to acknowledge John's presence. "Hmm, why isn't it here? I remember putting it here after reviewing it last time."
"Gengar, do you remember?"
Gengar shook its head sheepishly, mouth still agape...
"Isn't it in your stomach? How could you not know?"
Gengar looked utterly confused, was it supposed to keep inventory of everything it swallowed?
John silently surveyed the books covering the table. Good grief, there had to be at least a hundred volumes.
"Principal, are these desk books the ones you want me to read this year?"
John breathed a sigh of relief.
"Besides the books on the table, I've already packed two boxes for you." Saul Badman, kicked the cardboard boxes beside the desk for emphasis.
John's face immediately drained of color.
There were hundreds of books on the table, and at least that many more in the two cartons...
And Saul still looked like he wasn't finished gathering materials.
Was he expected to read one book per day? No, judging by Saul's enthusiasm, that wouldn't be nearly enough.
"Mentor, I suddenly don't want to graduate early anymore," John said weakly.
Seeing John's mournful expression, Saul burst into laughter. "Just kidding!"
"These are simply books I think you might find useful. I'll sort through them and select about fifty essential texts for your current stage. You'll only need to read one book per week."
"However, you should thoroughly digest what you read. If possible, review each one several times."
"I'll also evaluate your progress during the New Year break!"
Only then did John release the breath he'd been holding. If he really had to read over 300 scholarly books, he'd be lugging a library everywhere he went.
"Teacher, your joke was terrifying."
"Terrifying? When I was your age, fresh into Riverstone University, I always had a book in hand, even while training Pokemon! I read at least two or three hundred books annually." Professor White sighed, speaking earnestly. "Not everyone has your natural talent. Don't waste it!"
John blushed. He didn't consider himself particularly talented, it all came down to having advantages others didn't.
Though, thinking about it, perhaps being the only person in the world with his particular... advantages... could indeed be classified as talent.
"I've put your diploma on the table."
"The books you'll need, I'll have them sent to you tomorrow."