As a proper example, Elm got Rotom to scan Sprigatito too since the cat was clearly owned by Joe.

#0906 Sprigatito

Gender: Female

Height: 1' 02" (Below Average)

Weight: 3.8kg (Below Average)

Moves: Scratch / Leafage /

Ability: Overgrow

A vibrant green aura creates leaves made of energy that float on the wind.

Sprigatito was smaller than average. Joe expected that. Sprigatito was a fearful glutton. She only had scraps until now. Hadn't grown properly. Joe would fix that. She could have all the food she wanted.

"I brought the Johtonian Partners, but do you think you need a starter Pokemon?" Elm asked. Held up a hand before Joe could answer. "Better yet, did you know your Sprigatito is a Partner Pokemon? She's from Paldea."

Joe didn't known that. Just yesterday he finally learned one of her moves. He assumed Leafage. Joe wasn't surprised his cat was from another country. People loved cats as pets. Easily domesticated. All breeds were exported around the world. Same as dogs. "Sprigatito is a pet, not a fighter. But I have Absol."

"And that's why you're a beginner. If Absol is your only combatant then I highly recommend taking another Pokemon with you. Absol seems experienced. You are not."

A fair point. Joe didn't think about the situation correctly. Absol's an expert. They may have teamed up, but Joe should only take control of Absol when he had no other options. He needed to experience and understand what it was like to raise a Pokemon from the beginning. He looked at the bundle of joy in his lap. Cyndaquil looked up. It squirmed in excitement.

"Then I'll take this Cyndaquil if you don't mind."

"Good choice. It's already taken a liking to you."

Joe understood that as another test. One he passed. Bonding is part of the Trainer experience. If he had aimed for Chikorita or Totodile then he would've proven how beginner he really was. He had enjoyed his little interactions with Cyndaquil and it liked him. He'd already bonded with it. Nurturing the bond that had already started would benefit them both.

Elm stood. Joe mimicked him. Elm held out a bundle of six Pokeballs. Pointed to one. "This is Cyndaquil's. The other five are for personal use."

"Thanks." Joe took them. He knew that teams consisted of six Pokemon, although that was only a rule for the Gym Challenge and the League. He could have as many Pokemon on hand as he wanted. He went to pocket the orbs when Rotom dove into his jeans. It would be there whenever Joe needed assistance. It would take Joe some time to get used to having a flying phone. Joe put the balls in the other pocket.

Elm held a hand out. "You're all set for your journey now. It was nice meeting you…"

Joe shook. Realised he had a weird tendency of not introducing himself. "Joe. Thanks for the help, Professor. Good luck with your work."

Joe left the building, but not before catching a stray comment from Nia. 'Bye, Flex.' He was never going to live that down. Hopefully he never ran into Nia again.

But onto brighter pastures. Joe's Pokemon Journey. Sprigatito on his shoulder, Absol by his side, Cyndaquil in his arms. Joe had heard of the Pokemon Journey. Usually it was for late teens. A cross-country adventure. A journey of self-discovery. Some people approaching adulthood didn't know what to do with themselves, so they went on an adventure to figure it out. Maybe someone would find they really like the sport of battling and aimed to master it. Or perhaps they helped a Pokemon groomer by chance and decided they wanted to assist in fashion. Researcher, carer, explorer, even firefighter. A chance encounter changed people's lives. Helped them find their role in life.

Even if someone steered away from battling, they typically earned the right to enter the League by collecting eight Badges. So the League was like a final send off for those people. One last series of battles before retiring from combat. Go out with a bang.

Everyone's Pokemon Journey was unique. Joe wondered where he'd find himself in a year, long after he'd saved Raikou. He was excited to find out.