The Structure of Adventure
Harry sat at his desk, his quill scratching steadily across the parchment. His notebook was now divided into sections, each neatly labeled: Regions, Pokémon, Towns, and, now, Trainers. The latest video playing on his laptop focused on the structure of a Trainer's journey, starting with the all-important choice of a first Pokémon.
The Starter Pokémon
The video opened with cheerful music and a montage of Trainers choosing their first Pokémon: fiery lizards, frosty frogs, leafy dinosaurs, and everything in between.
"Every Trainer begins their journey by choosing one of three starter Pokémon," the presenter explained. "The options are always Fire, Water, or Grass types, giving each player a chance to tailor their team from the start."
Harry paused the video to jot down notes:
Starter Pokémon: First Pokémon for every Trainer.Always three types: Fire, Water, Grass.Meant to symbolize balance and choice.Examples:Fire: Charmander, Cyndaquil, Scorbunny.
Water: Squirtle, Totodile, Sobble.
Grass: Bulbasaur, Chikorita, Grookey.
Harry tapped his quill on the parchment thoughtfully. The idea of choosing a companion at the start of a journey resonated with him. "It's like how a wizard chooses their wand—or how the wand chooses the wizard," he murmured.
The Professor
The video moved on, introducing a crucial figure in every Trainer's journey: the Pokémon Professor. Harry quickly learned that these mentors were more than just guides. Each Professor was named after a tree or plant and studied a specific aspect of Pokémon.
"Professor Oak focused on Pokémon-human relationships," the presenter explained. "Professor Birch specialized in Pokémon habitats. Professor Magnolia? Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing."
Harry wrote:
Professors: Key figures in the Trainer's journey.
Named after trees or plants.
Provide starter Pokémon and Pokédex.
Example names: Oak, Birch, Elm, Juniper, Magnolia.
As Harry wrote, his mind wandered to the trees in his own life. The gnarled branches of the Whomping Willow loomed large in his memory, along with the Forbidden Forest's towering oaks.
He paused, quill hovering above the page. "Professor Willow," he muttered with a grin. "That has a certain ring to it."
The Gym Leaders
The video transitioned to Gym Leaders, and Harry leaned forward, intrigued. These were the regional champions Trainers needed to defeat to earn badges and prove their strength.
"There are always eight Gym Leaders," the presenter said. "Each specializes in a specific type of Pokémon—Fire, Water, Electric, and so on. But it's not just about their Pokémon. A good Gym Leader has a story, a connection to their town, and a reason for being a leader."
Harry scribbled furiously as examples flashed across the screen.
Gym Leaders:Always eight per region.
Specialize in a specific type (Fire, Water, Grass, etc.).
Run themed Gyms with puzzles and battles.
Award badges upon defeat.
The presenter highlighted a few Gym Leaders with detailed backstories. One had been a firefighter before becoming a Fire-type leader, while another, a Ghost-type specialist, protected a haunted tower.
Harry added to his notes:
Gym Details:Each Gym has a puzzle or challenge to complete before battling the leader.
Gym Badges symbolize mastery of a type and allow progress to the next stage.
His mind buzzed with possibilities. What kinds of Gyms would fit in a region inspired by his world? A Dark-type leader in Knockturn Alley? A Flying-type leader who used broomsticks?
The Elite Four and the Champion
The video shifted to the pinnacle of a Trainer's journey: the Elite Four and the regional Champion.
"After collecting all eight badges," the presenter explained, "Trainers face the Elite Four. These are the region's strongest Trainers, each with their own specialty. Only after defeating them can you challenge the Champion—the best of the best."
Harry jotted:
Elite Four and Champion:Elite Four: Four powerful Trainers, each specializing in a type.
Champion: The strongest Trainer in the region.
Role: Final challenge for Trainers who want to be the best.
He leaned back, considering the idea of the Champion. Someone at the peak of their abilities, both respected and feared. It reminded him of Dumbledore's quiet strength or McGonagall's commanding presence.
Harry spent the rest of the day immersed in his notes, filling in gaps and sketching ideas. By the time the sun began to set, his notebook was bursting with details. He had lists of potential Gym types, ideas for Professor names, and even rough sketches of Gym designs.
Kreacher appeared with a tray of sandwiches and tea, muttering about how Master Harry was "obsessing over silly creatures."
Harry chuckled, taking the tray. "Thanks, Kreacher."
As he ate, he flipped to a fresh page and wrote at the top:
What would my journey look like?
It wasn't just a question anymore—it was a challenge. A spark of excitement flickered in Harry's chest. For the first time in years, he felt like he was on the verge of something truly magical.