"With all these trees and grass outside to eat, you still come to steal from my garden. How bold!" Cole said angrily.
"Pu... pu~"
"Pu pu..."
The two Caterpie squirmed, trying to break free from his grip while attempting to shoot silk at him.
Unfortunately for them, Cole held them by the napes of their necks, so their silk only landed on the ground, unable to reach him. With their tiny strength, they could only submit to his handling.
"You're nothing but trouble!" Cole carried the Caterpie out of his small orchard and released them in a distant grassland, "Don't come back, or I won't be so nice!"
After returning to his small orchard, he took out a pair of scissors and began trimming excess branches from the saplings.
"Hello, young one." A voice called from outside the orchard.
Cole looked back to see an elderly man of small stature riding a Gogoat.
Who could this be? He walked over and asked politely, "Hello, grandfather. Can I help you?"
After persistent effort, Cole could now communicate smoothly with others, no longer stuttering like before. He had shown quite a talent for language.
The elderly man pointed at the saplings in the small orchard and asked with surprise, "Did you plant all these?"
"Yes, is something wrong?" Cole grew wary, though the man looked kind and gentle.
The elderly man laughed heartily, "No, no, I'm just impressed that such a young child could take such good care of these fruit trees."
"Hehe~" Cole rubbed the back of his head, feigning simplicity, "I just plant them for fun — it's nothing special."
The elderly man waved his hand, "No need to be modest. This old man still has an eye for talent. Young one, do you enjoy planting fruit trees?"
Cole, who usually tried to imitate children's behavior to avoid standing out, put his hands on his hips proudly, "Of course! I'm going to become a berry tycoon in the future!"
"Hahaha~ Good, good!" The elderly man's hearty laugh rang out again, "Not bad — young in age but big in ambition! Little one, how old are you, and what's your name?"
"My name is Cole Sage, and I'm eight years old." Cole said seriously, his handsome and cute appearance matching his words perfectly.
"Only eight? So young?" The elderly man's eyes widened in surprise, "Remarkable, truly remarkable!"
"Grandfather, you know who I am now, but you haven't introduced yourself." Cole said curiously.
"You can call me Grandpa Ra. I must go now, but do visit me at the Coumarine Gym when you have time."
Coumarine Gym? Cole's heart leaped. Could this be the Coumarine Gym Leader, Ramos?
Though he appeared younger than expected — in Cole's memory, Ramos should have been in his sixties or seventies, yet this man looked no more than fifty.
With those parting words, the elderly man rode away on his Gogoat.
Cole rushed from the orchard to find Meili.
"Director Meili, what do you know about the Coumarine Gym?"He asked eagerly.
Meili, pausing her work washing Claire's clothes, replied, "Of course! The Coumarine Gym isn't far from us. Look over there..."
She pointed toward a mountain, though the gym itself wasn't visible.
"And the Gym Leader — do you know who that is?" Cole pressed.
"Why, that's Mr. Ramos! He's quite famous here in Coumarine City, and he often walks past our orphanage." Meili's voice carried clear admiration.
"I just met someone in the garden who invited me to visit him at the Coumarine Gym. He told me to call him Grandpa Ra."
"That must be Mr. Ramos!" Meili exclaimed, "He always asks children to call him Ra or Grandpa Ra."
She marveled at how Cole had caught the Gym Leader's attention. But glancing at the thriving saplings behind the house, she understood — Ramos shared the same passion for gardening.
He had been quite the heartthrob among Coumarine City's young women in his youth!
So that's his full name — Ramos! Cole thought with sudden clarity.
"You should definitely go, since Mr. Ramos invited you." Meili said thoughtfully, "He's a wonderful person who could teach you so much."
Children from the orphanage faced more challenges than most, having to work harder to succeed. With Ramos's guidance and support, Cole's path forward would be considerably smoother.
She felt truly delighted for him.
When Cole first began planting trees behind the house, she had dismissed it as child's play. She never imagined he would show such skill at gardening — even she, as an adult, might not tend the trees as well as this child did.
"When you visit the Coumarine Gym, be well-behaved, listen carefully to Mr. Ramos, and learn everything you can from him — don't just play around." Meili earnestly instructed.
"I understand, thank you, Director Meili!" Cole ran off excitedly after she finished speaking.
The Coumarine Gym and Ramos presented a valuable opportunity. Cole desperately needed knowledge about this world, including both Pokémon training and cultivation. Such resources were beyond what the orphanage could provide.
The Coumarine Gym was different!
Having made up his mind, Cole decided he must build a strong relationship with Grandpa Ramos.
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The next day, Meili escorted an energetic Cole to the Coumarine Gym.
Just as she had mentioned, the gym lay close to the Blue Bird Orphanage, separated only by a mountain peak. They needed to pass through a mountain tunnel to reach it, which explained why Cole had never noticed it before.
While the orphanage sat on gentle, open slopes, the Coumarine Gym was nestled among steep mountain peaks. Thankfully, modern facilities — including an elevator — meant they didn't have to scale the cliff faces themselves.
Cole stood in awe at the gym's entrance. The entire facility was built upon a massive tree, with wooden staircases winding up its trunk and buildings visible among the canopy.
After Meili spoke with a gym apprentice about Cole's appointment with Ramos, she headed back to the orphanage while the apprentice led him forward.
"Hello, I'm Chaise, an apprentice here at the gym. You're Cole, right? Are you also joining us as an apprentice?" Chaise asked while guiding him.
Cole shook his head, "No, Grandpa Ra just invited me to visit."
"Oh, I see..." Chaise's surprise was evident — he had assumed the kid was Ramos's newest apprentice, "If Grandpa Ra invited you personally, he must really like you."
Cole simply smiled in response.
They soon reached a garden at the center of the great tree's trunk, and he was immediately captivated by the colorful scene before him.
Beautiful flowers of every hue filled the garden. A dozen Hoppip and Skiploom danced through the air, while Bellsprout twirled on the ground and Weepinbell hopped about, creating a lively atmosphere.
Truly fitting for a Grass-type gym.
Hearing their arrival, Ramos rose from among the flowers, scissors in hand, and greeted Cole with a warm smile, "Young one, you're here!"
After Chaise departed, Cole approached the old man, "Grandpa Ra, your place is so beautiful! Could you teach me how to grow flowers?"
Ramos gave him an amused look, "Weren't you aspiring to become a berry tycoon? Do you really just want to learn about growing flowers?"
Cole scratched his head sheepishly and said with a smile, "Well, if you're willing to teach me other things, I'd definitely want to learn those too."
"Clever little fellow." Ramos chuckled and patted his head, "I'm too old now to teach you."
Hearing this, Cole's mood visibly dampened.
"Don't worry, follow me." Ramos continued.
Cole followed behind him, puzzled.
Under the old man's guidance, he arrived at a study, where his eyes widened at the sight of countless books lining the walls.
This must be as big as a proper library!
"What do you think?" Ramos asked with pride, "These are all books about cultivation and Pokémon. No place in all of Coumarine City has a richer collection than mine!"
Seeing Cole's awestruck expression, he looked quite satisfied.
"From now on when you visit, you can come here to read."
Though initially disappointed by Ramos's refusal to teach him, Cole brightened at this new offer.
His excitement quickly turned to embarrassment as he admitted, "Um... um... I can't read..."
Ramos fell silent, then asked in surprise, "Aren't you eight years old? Haven't you been to school?"
Cole explained that he had only recently rejoined human society, and that learning to speak a new language in just a few months was already quite an accomplishment — reading would be too much to expect.
Inside, he felt devastated. In his previous life, he had been a scholar with a master's degree. Who would have thought that after transmigrating, he would become illiterate?
Twenty years of scholarly pursuits, all gone!
"Alright, I understand. Come with me." Ramos led him to a computer in the study.
The study was thoroughly modern, equipped with both physical and electronic books. Of course, being illiterate, Cole couldn't read either version.
But where there's a will, there's a way — if he couldn't read text, he could watch videos. The computer contained numerous educational recordings.
"You can start by watching videos to learn, and once you can read, you'll have access to all these books."
Ramos had taken a liking to this young boy who seemed simple on the surface but showed glimpses of intelligence beneath. He wanted to give him a chance to grow.
Whether the child would seize this opportunity was up to him.
"Thank you, Grandpa Ra. I will definitely repay your kindness in the future." Cole said sincerely. This opportunity meant everything to him.
"Good, but don't make me wait too long." Ramos joked with a smile, "Take a look around first, and if you need anything, you can find me in the garden. You remember the way, right?"
"Yes, I know. I remember."
After Ramos left, Cole eagerly dove into the computer's wealth of knowledge.
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The collection was so rich that he lost himself in study until Ramos returned.
"Little one, shouldn't you be heading home?"
Cole quickly checked the time, realizing it was already noon.
"Your director is waiting for you outside." Ramos added.
"I'm sorry, Grandpa Ra. I lost track of time." Cole apologized.
Ramos waved his hand dismissively, "It's nothing. Being eager to learn is good, but remember to balance work and rest. That way, your studying will be more effective."
"I'll be more mindful next time." Cole nodded obediently.
"Alright, let me walk you to the entrance."
When they reached the Coumarine Gym entrance, Meili was waiting there.
"Director Meili, you don't need to come pick me up in the future. I can return by myself." Cole said apologetically.
"That won't do!" Meili protested, "I'd be too worried. What if something happened to you?"
"I'll have Tropius take him home from now on, Director Meili." Ramos offered, "There's no need to worry."
With a gentle whistle, he summoned a robust Tropius, which flew down from the treetop canopy and landed softly beside them.
"You can ride Tropius back today."
After thanking him, Cole and Meili climbed onto the massive Pokémon's back. Flying with Tropius was a new experience for both of them.
The Pokémon's gentle temperament and steady flight made them feel completely at ease.
"How was your time with Mr. Ramos today?" Meili asked during their journey, "Did you learn anything?"
"Grandpa Ra is so kind to me." Cole replied excitedly, "He's even letting me read all the books in his study!"
"That's wonderful, truly wonderful. This is such a rare opportunity — you must cherish it." Meili beamed with joy.
Cole suddenly turned to her, "Thank you, Director Meili. Thank you for taking care of me, for letting me grow fruit trees, for supporting my studies with Grandpa Ra..."
Caught off guard, Meili asked, "What brought this on?"
"Nothing." Cole said, shaking his head, "I just think you're really kind."
Since leaving the island, he had encountered nothing but kindness, and his heart overflowed with gratitude.
"Oh, you sweet child." Meili said, both amused and touched by his earnest tone.
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After returning home, the children gathered around Cole, eagerly asking about his experience at the Coumarine Gym. He patiently answered each of their questions.
During lunch, Meili turned to him, "Cole, now that you can communicate well, would you like to attend school with Alfred?"
Having worried about learning to read, Cole immediately brightened at her suggestion.
"Yes, I'd like that."
Meili nodded, "I'll take you to the school soon to discuss the arrangements."
Paul, upon hearing this, complained with a pout, "What? Big brother Cole is going to school too? Then we'll be the only ones left at home!"
Meili gave him a stern look, "You're nearly old enough yourself, and you'll be going when the time comes. Stop fussing."
"Oh..." Paul ducked his head and returned to his meal.
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After lunch, Bunnelby came rushing to tell him that the two bugs from yesterday had returned.
Cole hurried to the orchard and, sure enough, found the two Caterpie from yesterday perched on a sapling, munching away at the tender leaves. The sight made his blood boil.
"You two again!" He stormed over, reaching for the Caterpie.
The two Caterpie tried to flee at the sight of him, but they were too slow and were once again caught by the napes of their necks.
"Didn't I warn you not to come back? Yet here you are! Do you think I won't do anything about it?"
Cole marched out of the orchard and, after returning home, found two sturdy pieces of string. He tied one end to each bug and hung them from the eaves, leaving them to sway gently in the wind.
"Pu~ Pu pu..."
"Pu pu pu~"
The crying sounds of the two bugs drew the children, who all came running to see.
"Big brother Cole, are these Pokémon?" Norman asked, his crisp voice full of curiosity.
Cole nodded, "That's right, they're called Caterpie. They are the ones who can evolve into Butterfree."
Though the children hadn't seen many Caterpie, they knew the Butterfree that often fluttered around in the grass, so these weren't completely unfamiliar to them.
"They're quite cute." Lily said, "Big brother Cole, why did you hang them up?"
Cole explained, "They snuck into the garden to eat the fruit tree saplings. I let them off yesterday, but they dared to come back today."
Upon hearing this, Lily's sympathy vanished, "Then they deserve to be punished! Just hanging them up is too lenient!"
The Pair of Little Thieves: (┬┬﹏┬┬)
The Caterpie, who had been hoping the little girl would plead their case, became teary-eyed.
"Hehe~" Even little Claire found the Caterpie's expressions amusing.
Cole instructed the children, "Keep an eye on these two — don't let them escape. If they don't learn their lesson now, they'll never understand."
Charlie and Paul responded in unison, "Mission accepted!"
After dealing with the Caterpie, Cole turned to Bunnelby, "You did well today. I should properly reward you."
Bunnelby's eyes lit up at hearing this: Will I finally be set free?
Having worked for this human without pay, it had long hoped this slave driver would release it.
"Let me give you a spa treatment!"
Though initially disappointed, Bunnelby's curiosity was piqued. It had wondered what Cole meant by "spa treatment" and whether it was truly as pleasant as claimed.
But he wasn't left in ignorance for long...
No creature can escape the law of "true fragrance", and Bunnelby was no exception.
When Cole gave the bunny the spa treatment, its reaction was like this: (￣▽￣)~
This... this is what a spa treatment is? It feels amazing!
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In the afternoon, Cole continued studying at Ramos's place until Tropius brought him home near sunset.
Upon returning home, he found the two Caterpie still hanging listlessly from the eaves. Lily and the others had kept careful watch, preventing any escape.
Cole untied them from the string, carried them to the grass outside, placed them in the bushes, and gave them one final warning.
"Don't come back again. There's plenty of grass to eat here, isn't there? Stop damaging my fruit trees!"
With that, he went back home.
That night, Cole lay restless in bed, too excited to sleep. He got up and sat beside Daisy, eagerly sharing his day's experiences at Ramos's. He spoke of all he had learned, explaining how precious this opportunity was, and shared his dreams for their future together.
He talked until he drifted off to sleep mid-sentence.
Daisy gently lifted him, carried him to his bed, and tucked him in.
Looking at his young face, she felt a wave of emotion: This is the child I raised, and without realizing it, he's grown so dependable...
Listening to Cole tonight, everything became clear to her. When her son first arrived in the human world, despite his confusion and worry, he had remained hopeful. Through it all, he had never wavered in his determination to build their future.
Though they weren't wealthy now, her son was working tirelessly to change that.
While he labored for their family's future, she had only complained about his pushing her to train.
The simple environment had shaped Daisy into someone who rarely thought deeply about things. After her son grew clever, she had stopped thinking altogether, simply following his lead.
Now, finally understanding her son's vision for their future, she felt deeply moved. Perhaps it was time for her to take initiative and support their son.
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Early the next morning, Daisy went out, announcing she was going to train with the Battle Training Company of Fearow and his Spearow brothers.
Cole, still unaware of his mother Gardevoir's attempt to change, was puzzled by her behavior.
Has the sun risen from the west today? Why this sudden enthusiasm?
Though puzzled, he didn't dwell on it. He had something important to do today — inquire about attending school.
After finishing breakfast early, Cole, Meili, and Alfred set out together.
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