Chapter 5: Pokémon: Camp Without Limits
Today was finally the day of Professor Samuel Oak's long-awaited camp. We could see our protagonist on a school bus, eyes fixed on the horizon, while beside him sat his twin brother, Ash, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Their mother, Delia, had said goodbye to them that morning with a long, warm hug, as if she sensed that something important was about to begin.
"We promise to take care of ourselves, Mom!" said Ash, his smile as wide as his enthusiasm.
"Of course, Mother," replied Red, calmer, but just as resolute.
The vehicle advanced slowly along the dirt road connecting Pallet Town to the laboratory's facilities. Some children were singing, others leaning out the windows, and a few arguing about which Pokémon would be the strongest. Red, on the other hand, remained silent. He wasn't there to make friends or to win a participation medal. He was there to conquer a field of knowledge.
He knew he couldn't let emotion take over.
He knew he had to observe, analyze, and act.
The bus finally stopped at the rear of Professor Oak's laboratory, where a vast open field stretched out, specially adapted for the camp. There, tents, folding tables, canopies for outdoor classes, and demonstration areas were already set up. Everything was arranged with precision.
The central garden, for its part, served as a transition between the lab building and this training area. Several Pokémon were already moving about freely under the supervision of older assistants: Bulbasaurs sunbathing, Charmanders playing among the rocks, and a couple of Eevees curiously inspecting the new visitors.
Ash jumped off eagerly.
"Wow! This is amazing!" he exclaimed, running toward a Squirtle who looked at him curiously.
Red stepped down more slowly. Each step was a reminder of his goal.
"First impression," he thought. "Matters."
That's when he heard a deep voice, filled with experience and authority:
"Welcome to the Oak Laboratory Camp! I hope you're ready to learn… and have fun."
Professor Samuel Oak stood before them, on a small wooden platform placed in the middle of the field. Tall, wearing his classic white coat, with a kind yet inquisitive expression. Red observed him closely: every gesture, every pause in his words, the way he looked over the children. He didn't speak just to speak. He was assessing.
And Red knew it.
This camp would last a week. During those days, the children would be taught the basics: Pokémon types, physiology, capture techniques, as well as the rules every trainer needed to know and the minimal gear necessary for survival. Because yes, this Pokémon world wasn't like in the games or the cartoons. Here, everything was more real… and more dangerous.
You could encounter the most peaceful Pokémon… or the most territorial and aggressive. The difference between emerging unscathed or not lay in knowledge and preparation.
Survival was a lesson no one could ignore.
Once all the children were gathered in the central camp area, Oak raised his voice with energy, capturing their attention at once.
"Alright, future trainers!" he said, with a friendly but firm smile. "Before we begin with activities, I need everyone to organize into groups according to the color of the bracelets we gave you when you got off the bus."
Red looked at his wrist. A blue bracelet. Around him, the children began to search for others with the same color, forming small groups.
When everyone was organized, Oak continued:
"This camp is more than just a school activity. It's an introduction to the real world. And this week, you'll learn the fundamentals every responsible trainer must master. It's not all about catching and battling. Here we teach respect, understanding… and survival."
One of his assistants, a young woman with short hair and a serious expression, stepped forward holding a clipboard and read:
Pokémon types and compatibilities
Basic physiology: how to recognize signs of health or danger
Capture techniques and Pokéball handling
Essential equipment for long journeys
Trainer rules and basic first aid
And of course… battle simulations!
The murmurs of excitement were immediate.
"But also," Oak added, now with a more serious tone, "we'll explore the terrain around the laboratory, practice field observation, and learn how to act if a wild Pokémon appears. Remember: in this world, ignorance can be costly."
Red nodded slowly. Everything Oak said confirmed what he already knew. This camp wasn't a game… it was an opportunity. Data, context… real experience. Exactly what he needed.
Ash raised his hand enthusiastically.
"Professor Oak! Will we be allowed to pet a Charizard?"
Some of the children laughed. The professor smiled, but his response was firm:
"That depends. A Charizard is a temperamental Pokémon. First, you have to learn to read its body language, understand its environment, and above all, know when not to approach. If you do that, then maybe… petting it won't be so important."
Red couldn't help a faint smile. That answer… was perfect. It wasn't about affection, but about understanding. About strategy.
The week was just beginning, but for him, the board was already in motion.