The silence in Kenji's room was almost palpable. The dim light from the lamp cast dancing shadows on the walls, accentuating the tension in the air. Kenji sat on his bed, his heart pounding in his chest. The moment had come. He had to tell his parents the truth.
He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves. He knew this wouldn't be easy. His parents had always been protective, concerned for his well-being and safety. The idea of telling them about his adventures in the Forbidden Forest, the dangers he faced every day, and his connection to that unknown creature would undoubtedly terrify them.
But he also knew he couldn't keep hiding his secret. His parents deserved to know the truth—they deserved to know the real Kenji, the boy who had found something unexpected in this new world. Moreover, he needed their support, their blessing, to move forward with his dream of enrolling in Ryūsei Academy.
He stood up from the bed and walked into the living room, where his parents awaited him with a mix of curiosity and concern in their eyes. The atmosphere was heavy, charged with expectations and fears.
"Mom, Dad," Kenji said, his voice trembling. "I have something important to tell you."
His parents stepped closer, taking his hands in theirs. "What is it, son?" his mother asked gently. "Are you okay?"
Kenji nodded, trying to smile. "I'm fine," he said. "But I need you to listen carefully. What I'm about to tell you is hard to believe, but it's the truth."
He began his story, explaining his experience during the summoning test and his subsequent disappointment. Then, he told them about his secret trips to the Forbidden Forest, his training, and the battles he had fought. However, when it came time to talk about the creature, he hesitated.
"And… and then," Kenji said, his voice trembling, "I discovered that, despite everything, I could summon a beast."
His parents looked at him in disbelief. "What do you mean, son?" his father asked, frowning. "The labs said you had no summoning power."
"I know," Kenji said, his voice shaking. "But… this is different. I don't know how to explain it. It just… happened. I found a way."
"And what kind of beast is it?" his mother asked cautiously. "Is it dangerous?"
Kenji hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to scare them with details about Charmander's strangeness—his flame-tipped tail or his elemental power. He just wanted them to understand that he had found something special, something that gave him hope.
"It's… different," Kenji said, searching for the right words. "It's unlike any of the beasts you know. I don't know where it came from or why I can summon it. But it's strong, and it's loyal. It has protected me from many dangers."
"Is that why you've been sneaking out to the forest every night?" his father asked, his voice filled with concern. "Are you training this beast in secret?"
Kenji nodded. "Yes," he said. "I want to get stronger. I want to prove that I can enter Ryūsei Academy."
His parents exchanged meaningful glances. Ryūsei Academy was every young warrior's dream in Kazehana. It was the place where the nation's greatest fighters were trained—the gateway to fame and fortune. But it was also dangerous, reserved only for those with exceptional power.
"You're saying… that you want to become a beast warrior?" his mother asked, a mix of surprise and admiration in her voice.
Kenji nodded. "Yes," he said. "I want to prove that I can be someone in this world. I want to protect you. And I want to find out where this creature came from."
A long silence filled the room. His parents looked at him with an intensity he had never seen before. He knew they were processing the information, weighing the risks and opportunities.
Finally, his father spoke. "Son," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "We know you've been through a lot. We know you've felt lost and frustrated. But we have never doubted your potential. We have always believed in you."
His mother nodded, her eyes filled with tears. "We just want you to be happy, son," she said. "We want you to follow your dreams. If you feel this is the right path for you, we will support you in every way we can."
Kenji felt tears welling up in his eyes. He had expected the worst but received the best. His parents loved him, understood him, and supported him. It was all he could ask for.
"Thank you," Kenji said, his voice trembling. "Thank you for believing in me."
His mother stepped forward and hugged him tightly. "We'll always be with you, son," she said. "No matter what happens. And now… we want to meet this Charmander!"
His father joined the embrace, forming a circle of love and protection. In that moment, Kenji knew everything would be okay. He had his parents by his side, and he had Charmander. Together, they could face anything.
"Really?" Kenji asked, his face lighting up with joy. "I can show you Charmander right now?"
His parents nodded eagerly. Kenji took out a Pokéball and tossed it into the air, releasing Charmander into the living room.
Charmander looked around curiously, adjusting to his new surroundings. His bright eyes sparkled as he saw Kenji's parents.
Kenji's parents stared in awe at the creature. They had never seen anything like it. His bright orange color, the flame on his tail, and his playful expression made him seem like a being from another world.
"He's… adorable," his mother said with a smile. "I never imagined a beast could be this cute."
"And powerful," his father added, observing the flame on Charmander's tail. "I can feel his energy. It's impressive."
Charmander approached Kenji's parents, sniffing them curiously. Then, he smiled and rubbed against their legs.
"He's so friendly!" his mother exclaimed, petting Charmander's head. "I like this little one."
Kenji felt relieved. His parents had accepted Charmander, and that meant everything to him.
After spending some time with Charmander, Kenji's parents decided to go shopping to get him new clothes and proper accessories for the academy. They wanted their son to be prepared for any challenge ahead.
"We need to get you some decent clothes," his father said with a smile. "You can't go to the academy wearing those rags."
Additionally, Kenji wanted to get a belt to carry his Pokéballs, just like he remembered from the anime and games. Even though he could store them in his system inventory, this was something he saw as fulfilling a dream.
Kenji smiled, feeling the love and support of his parents. He knew he had a long road ahead, but he wasn't alone. His family was by his side, and that made him invincible.
They walked together through the streets of Kazehana, visiting clothing stores, armories, and markets. Kenji picked out a comfortable, durable outfit—perfect for training and battle. He also found a special leather belt with multiple compartments, ideal for safely and discreetly carrying his Pokéballs.
As they walked, Kenji felt a wave of gratitude toward his parents. They had accepted his secret, supported his dreams, and loved him unconditionally. He couldn't ask for more.
Kenji walked hand in hand with his parents, feeling happier and more confident than ever. He had revealed his truth, received the embrace of acceptance, and found the belt that would accompany him on his adventure. The road to Ryūsei Academy was full of challenges—but also of promises.