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Chapter Text

          The world of pokemon, home to the most mysterious and fascinating creatures. They can be found across the globe in many different areas whether be it the forest, the sky or the ocean. Since the beginning of time, the lives of pokemon and humans have been bounded together in friendship, trust and respect.

Some of the most thriving countries with strong pokemon are Hoshido, Nohr and Valla. Across the west sea lies the mysterious continent known as Ylisse. We will follow the journey of a young girl who will start her pokemon journey from her home Valla.

Usually, people can get a pokemon trainer’s license at the age of 10. However, our future trainer had to be held back a couple years due to her frail health. Once the doctor gave his approval of her health could she start her journey.

Our heroine was very excited to say the least and could barely have wink of sleep the day prior of choosing her starter pokemon

In a moderate sized house, a young teen was watching her television with excitement as there was show presenting the starter pokemon for future trainers. Corrin was hugging her snorlax plush with excitement as she saw Professor Gunter showing the starter pokemon that were available for choosing. A knock on the door brought her out of her stupor.

“Yes?” she called out. The door opened to reveal her mother Mikoto.

“Corrin you should be asleep by now,” the mother lightly scolded. Corrin sheepishly rubbed the back of her  head.

“I’m sorry mom, but I can’t even close my eyes,” the young teen apologized. Mikoto chuckled lightly fully understanding her daughter’s excitement.

“Your big brother was also very excited,” she commented.

“I wish Kamui was here to see me off on my journey,” Corrin pouted of her big brother’s absence. “Where is he anyways?”

“Well, his last call came from Hoshido I believe,” her mother answered.

“Soon I’ll be able to join him,” Corrin said with excitement.

“Of course you will dear,” her mother cheered. She walked up to the television and turned it off. “However, every future pokemon trainer needs a good night sleep. I doubt Silas will appreciate if you’re late because you overslept.”

“You’re right,” the young daughter admitted. The white haired teen went to her bed and slid under the covers.

“Goodnight by dear,” Mikoto whispered before pecking Corrin on her forehead.

“Goodnight mom.”

That night, Corrin closed her eyes and had a dream of her wonderful adventure waiting for her.

The next day arrived and the young mother was already up preparing breakfast for her loving daughter.

“Corrin!” Mikoto called out. “Breakfast is ready!”

Corring slowly rose up and rubbed her sleepy eyes. She let out a huge yawn and stretched a bit. She gave herself a few  light taps on her cheeks before she had a huge smile on her face. She got up and got dressed before she walked downstairs to meet her mom.

“Good morning mom,” Corrin greeted as she took her seat. She then proceeded to eat her food a bit faster than she could handle.

“Slow down dear or you’ll choke,” Mikoto warned.

“Sorry mom,” the young teen apologized sheepishly before eating at a more reasonable pace. Mikoto smiled as she watched her daughter eating her breakfast. She couldn’t believe her baby girl was all grown up for her journey. She still remembered when Kamui left for his pokemon adventure. It felt like yesterday when the young man left Valla for Hoshido.

Soon, a knock on the door brought Mikoto out of her daydream.

“That must be Silas,” Mikoto stated. She got up and opened the door to be met by said young man.

“Good morning ma'am,” Silas greeted ever so politely.

“Good morning Silas. Corrin is almost done with her breakfast,” Mikoto informed. “She should be able to join you so-.”

“I’m ready!” Corrin called out. She placed her plate in the sink and went to meet up with her childhood friend Silas. “Sorry for being late Silas.”

“You weren’t late, I was just early,” he joked. “Ready to go meet with the Professor?”

“I’ve been waiting for this moment since forever. Of course I’m ready,” Corrin answered with a huge grin on her face.

“Well Corrin, when you’ve chosen your pokemon make sure you come back here. I want to be sure and meet your first pokemon and I’ll have a couple things for you.”

“I promise mom. All right let’s go!” Corrin exclaimed. The two teens left the house and ran to the the research facility where their first pokemon awaits them.

Chapter Text

The youngsters were walking down the path talking excitedly about which pokemon they would choose first.

“So you do know which one you want Silas?” Corrin asked intrigued. He turned his face towards her and had a huge grin on it.

“I’ve had my eyes on bulbasaur for as long as I can remember. Grass type pokemon interests me a lot,” he answered. Corrin let out a small giggle before a solemn look was on her face.

“Hey Silas, I know I’ve probably said this a thousand times, but I’d like to thank you again. You could have started your journey years ago, but you delayed it for me," she thanked.

“Hey, no need to thank me. We did make a promise together that we would travel together and I intended to keep that promise.” Corrin couldn’t help the small blush creeping on her cheeks. She remembered how upset she was when the doctor forbid her from becoming a trainer when the time came. She had locked herself in her room and didn’t come out. Her mother tried to coax her, but nothing came out of it. Until one day, Silas came up to her window. She was slightly intrigued as to why he was still here and not leaving like everyone else. That’s when he told he’d wait for her as long as it takes because they made a promise and he would not break it no matter what. That cheered the young teen immensely and she was back to her normal self a couple days later.

After a little while, our energetic duo finally arrived at the Professor’s laboratory.  Professor Gunter was the one on charge of giving starting pokemon trainers their pokemon and equipment for their long journey in this area. He was a kind old man and was pretty renowned for his research about pokemon in other regions.

Corring knocked on the door announcing their arrival before coming in.

“Professor Gunter!” She called out. The two teens walked in and of assistants working at their station. Soon, an old man with a scar across his face showed up wearing a lab coat.

“Well, if it isn’t dear Corrin and Silas,” he greeted with a gentle smile. Corrin giggled and tackled the old man for a hug. “Hahahaha, excited now ar we?”

“Haha, you have no idea,” she exclaimed. Gunter smiled at her enthusiasm before slightly pulling away.

“Well then, let’s not make you both wait any long. If you would both follow me this way please,” he instructed. Corrin and Silas dutifully followed the Professor excited to see their new partners for life. They were brought in another room and on the table was the three starter pokemon.

“May I present you Valla’s 3 starter pokemon,” Gunter introduced. Corrin and Silas had big smiles on their faces as they saw the pokemon in person and not on tv.

“The first choice is Bulbasaur the seed pokemon and a grass type,” the Professor started in his introduction.

“Bulba~!” The small pokemon said with a greeting smile. If his face permitted it, Silas would have an even larger smile and adoration on his face.

“Next up is Charmander the lizard pokemon and a fire type.” Corrin watched in fascination the ever glowing flame on the orange pokemon’s tail.

“Char~!” Charmander exclaimed as he gave a small wave.

“And last, but certainly not least is Squirtle the small turtle pokemon and a water type.” The young teenage girl remembers that one with a smile as it was the pokemon her brother chose when he started his journey.

“Squirtle~!” The turtle pokemon gave the two a peace sign to greet them.

“Now then, you may take your time to choose which one you wish to have. Think carefully as this pokemon will be your partner for the rest of your life time,” Professor GUnter counseled.

“Don’t worry Professor I’ve made my decision long ago,” Silas answered as he approached the small grass pokemon. “Bulbasaur do you want to come with me on my journey?” Silas extended his hand towards the small creature.

“Bulbasaur~!” It exclaimed happily as he used one of his vines to shake his new partner’s hand. Silas gently took the tip of the vine and shook hands. They pulled away and bulbasaur happily jumped in Silas’s arms surprising him.

“Oh! Hahahaha, I can’t wait for us to be best friends Bulbasaur,” he cheered as he held the pokemon in his arms. Gunter chuckled lightly as it never got old to see the first bonding moments between a pokemon and a trainer.

Corrin watched in awe as Silas was hugging his new friend and couldn’t help a smile of her own. Now was time to make her decision. She glanced back at the two remaining pokemon who waited patiently for her decision. They were both amazing pokemon and she already knew how Squirtle was an amazing pokemon from the time she saw her brother bonding with it. However, a small thought crept at the back of her head. She wanted to have a different path from her brother and now stay in his trail. She thought long about this day and she made her resolved.

She walked towards the pokemon with the ever burning flame and extended her arms.

“Charmander do you want to be my friend?” she asked. The small lizard stared at her for a while, before a big goofy smile appeared on his face.

“Char~!” he nodded before jumping in her arms. Corring giggled as she held her first pokemon friend in her arms.

“Very nice choice Corrin,” Gunter complimented. “Don’t worry squirtle you’ll find your partner as well.” The small turtle smiled lightly at the Professor before he was recalled ot his pokeball.

“Now then,” he said interrupting the small bonding moment. “There are a couple more things I have to give you both before you set off on your adventure.” He walked to his desk and opened the drawer to take out two small devices and a handful of pokeballs.

“These are your pokedex,” he explained as he held the devices in his hand. “They allow for you to identify any pokemon you come across. They are also your ID when you wish to register somewhere.” He gave one of each to the young teens.

“Let’s test to see if they work properly. Point your pokedex at your pokemon.” They both nodded as they placed Charmander and Bulbasaur on the ground. Silas went first and pointed his silver pokedex towards Bulbasaur and soon the electronic voice of the pokedex spoke.

“ Bulbasaur the seed pokemon. It bears the seed of a plant on its back from birth and it slowly develops. Researchers are unsure whether to classify Bulbasaur as a plant or animal. They are extremely calm and very difficult to capture in the wild,” it said. Corrin did the same with her white pokedex and pointed it towards Charmander.

“Charmander the lizard pokemon. A flame burns on the tip of its tail from birth. It is said that a Charmander dies if its flame ever goes out,” it informed.

“Very nice they both work well. Next up is your pokeballs,” he continued. He handed each an equal amount of pokeballs. “As you probably know, use them to capture pokemon that you wish to acquire. Let’s give them a test too. Put your pokemon back into their pokeballs.”

Silas went first and pointed the white and red ball towards Bulbasaur.

“Bulbasaur return,” he instructed. A red beam shot out of the pokeball and soon the small grass pokemon was safely tucked inside the pokeball.

“Charmander return,” Corrin followed. The same event happened with the orange fire pokemon.

“Well done both of you,” Gunter complimented. “You are both officially ready to set out for your pokemon journey.” Corrin and Silas grinned and high fived each other.

“Thank you so much Professor Gunter,” Corrin thanked as she bowed.

“Yes, thank you very much,” Silas added and bowed as well.

“You're very welcome the both of you. Now you better get going if you wish to start your travel today.” They both nodded and ran out of the room with excitement. Gunter sat on his desk chair and still had a light smile on his face. This was one of the reason his love doing his job. Seeing the excitement of new trainers always made him happy. He remembers most of the trainers he met as Valla was not as populated as Nohr or Hoshido. Why it felt as if it was yesterday he gave Kamui his starter pokemon. He wondered what kind if adventure these two would encounter.

Chapter Text

Our two new trainers were walking back to their homes excitedly and talking about their journey.

“Did you think about where you want to go first?,” Silas asked.

“Not that much actually. I wanted to follow my adventure instinct,” Corrin answered cheekily. “But, I heard that the small country of Izumo is the place to start your travels as a new trainer.”

“That’s an excellent destination,” he commented. “I read it's actually filled of unique and exotic pokemon.”

“Really? How exciting!” she exclaimed. The two continued their conversation until they had to go their separate ways. They agreed to pack their bag and meet at the intersection as soon as they’re ready. Corrin ran down the road towards her house with a huge smile. She couldn’t wait to go on her journey and to show her new companion to her mom. She was close to her home, but something made her stop in her tracks. In front of the building was the familiar car of her doctor. Corrin stood still and started to fear the worst. She walked smaller steps towards her home with dread that in the end she would still be stuck here in this small town.

She slowly opened the door and walked inside.

“I’m home,” she called out tentatively. “Mom?”

“In the kitchen dear. Someone is here to see you,” Mikoto answered. The young teen walked towards the kitchen to see the familiar face of Doctor Yukimura and surprisingly his assistant known as Jakob.

“Hello there Corrin,” Yukimura greeted with a soft smile.

“Hi,” she replied with a small voice. “What’s going on?”

“Well, your mother told me today was the day you set off on your long await pokemon journey,” he informed.

“That’s right and nothing can stop me,” Corrin defended.

“Corrin mind your manners,” Mikoto scolded.

“No need for the scolding,” Yukimura assured. “Don’t worry Corrin, when I said you could go I meant every word of it.” Corrin let out a big sigh of relief, but she got the feeling a ‘but’ would soon follow.

“However, I still believe you should have someone come with you that knows of your medical issues. You never know what might happen during your travels and I only wish your safety,” the doctor explained. “My only condition for you to leave Valla is Jakob accompanies you.”

The young man walked forward and bowed respectfully.

“Miss Corrin, I hope to help you as much as I can during your journey,” he stated.

“Right,” Corrin responded with a bit of reluctance. Not knowing what to say  more there was an awkward silence before Mikoto spoke up again.

“Well this is very nice of you Jakob. I’m sure Corrin thinks the same,” she chimed in cheerfully. “Honey why don’t you go pack your bag upstairs and I’ll join you after saying goodbye to the dear Doctor.” Corrin nodded lightly and skipped upstairs to get away from this tense atmosphere.

The young teen took her backpack and started to get the essentials. After a short while, there was a light knock on the door.

“I’m coming in,” Mikoto anounced and opened the door. It was quiet between the two of them for a little moment. “So, you never did show me your starter pokemon.”

“Oh right,” Corrin acknowledged.

“Sweetie you can’t be this upset. Be reasonable about it,” her mother encouraged. “You’re still going on your journey. Isn’t that amazing?”

“Well yeah, but I didn’t want some sort of… Butler, to come. I thought it was only going to be Silas and I,”  Corrin retorted.

“I know honey, but I have to agree with the Doctor on this. I would feel a lot better with someone that has knowledge of your medical background,” Mikoto reasoned. “Come here.” The mother held out her hands for her daughter to take them. The young teen stopped in her packing frenzy and took her mother’s hand.

“I know this isn’t what you wanted, but in life you have to be able to do some accommodation. You’ll still have fun and you know the saying. The more the merrier am I right?” Corrin giggled lightly and hugged her mom.

“So, may I see your new companion?” Mikoto asked with a smile. Her daughter smiled and nodded eagerly before getting the pokeball.

“Charmander come on out,” she called. The familiar red beam shot out from the ball and soon the fire pokemon made it’s appearance.

“Char~,” it said.

“Charmander meet my mom,” Corrin introduced.

“Hello there little one,” Mikoto greeted and waved.

“Cha~!” Charmander replied with it’s own wave. After the introduction, the mother and daughter duo proceeded to finish packing the bag with the help of Charmander.

After they were done, Corrin recalled her pokemon and Mikoto guided her daughter to the front door to say their goodbye. When they opened the door, Jakob was there with his own backpack ready to go.

“Now, I’ll say to you the same thing I said to Kamui when he left,” Mikoto started. “Be safe on your journey and have fun my darling.” She pecked Corrin’s forehead tenderly before hugging her. “My two babies leaving the nest.”

“Mooom,” Corrin drawled. “I’m not a baby.”

“You’ll alway be my baby girl to me,” her mother joked and lightly ruffled her daughter’s silver hair.

“Love you too mom,” Corrin giggled. She gave her mother one last peck and walked away. She greeted Jakob with a polite smile and the two proceeded to go to the meeting point where Silas would be.

Corrin and Jakob were nearing the meeting place and the young teen saw her friend was there.

“Silas!” she called out with a grin.

“Hey Corrin!” he replied with his own smile. Once Corrin arrived he noticed Jakob staying ever so silent. “Uh, who’s this?”

“Oh um, this is Jakob,” she introduced. “He’s the doctor’s assistant and will be coming with us. Jakob this is my friend Silas.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Jakob stated politely before bowing.

“Oh, nice to meet you too,” Silas replied.

“I’m sorry about this,” Corrin apologized.

“Hey don’t worry about it,” he reassured. “The more the merrier right?”

“Haha, that’s what my mom said,” she giggled. “All right then gentlemen, off we go!”

Our trio walked down the path leading to the borders of Valla where amazing adventures awaited them. Many challenges will come to our young trainer’s way, but with the help of her friends and pokemon she will overcome anything in her path. Their first destination is the exotic country of Izumo. What will our young group of trainers encounter during their travel?

Chapter Text

Our trio of adventurers are heading down the path to the country of Izumo. A small region known as the Land of the Gods which connects to the three main powerhouse of the continent. Our young trainer, Corrin, is traveling with her childhood friend Silas and her doctor’s assistant Jakob.

Currently, our small group is nearing the forest which they will have to go through in order to reach their destination.

“We finally made it,” Silas proclaimed. “The Forest of Valla.” The tall trees seemed to go up forever and only small rays of sunshine could make it through.

“I wonder if we will encounter any Pokemon,” Corrin wondered.

“There is a high probability we will Miss Corrin. Most Pokemon in Valla prefer living in this forest as it offer shelter and away from humans,” Jakob informed.

“Woah, you're pretty informed about this,” Silas complimented.

“Of course, I was given the task of taking care of Miss Corrin. It is only natural that I read everything relevant to this journey for her safety,” Jakob replied stoically. Both teens slightly sweat dropped at his never changing facial expression.  “Well, I guess this turned out to be an excellent addition. Right Corrin?” Silas encouraged.

“R-right,” Corrin slightly stuttered. “Let's go!” The white haired teen proceeded to take the first steps into the mysterious Forest of Valla hoping to maybe catch her very first Pokemon.

“Man this forest is deep,” Silas observed. The group have been walking for a while now and they were currently sitting to take a break. “Are you guys hungry? I made sandwiches for the road.” He opened his bag and took out a container with generously filled sandwiches.

“Now that you mention it, I am a bit hungry,” Corrin noticed. Silas gave her a piece and she happily munched away.

“Jakob?” Silas offered. The young assistant took the sandwich and merely stared at it with an analytical stare.

“Is something wrong Jakob?” Corrin asked. He took the sandwich to his nose and smelled it lightly before putting it back in the box.

“This won’t do,” he merely stated.

“Huh?” Both teens inquired.

“This sandwich is too filled. I can see the sauce dripping from the side and Miss Corrin you have some of it on your cheek and clothes,” Jakob pointed out. Corrin eyes slightly widened before she quickly wiped it away. “Also, as I was sent here to make sure Miss Corrin’s health does not falter, too much can be bad.” He took the finished sandwich from Corrin’s hand before she could even blink and placed everything in a bag.

“Hey!” Silas exclaimed finally reacting to the fact he was just insulted. Before they knew it, Jakob had on an apron was preparing a meal a bit more sophisticated.

“From now on please be sure to pass any food to me so I may judge it’s worth,” the new self proclaimed cook ordered. Both teens deadpanned at this… butler attitude.

“Still think it was a good addition?” The young girl asked with slight sarcasm. Silas merely sighed at this new sight. “We’ll have to live with this I guess.” Soon, they were presented with a well cooked meal on their lap.

“Now then, eat up, but be warned it’s still hot,” Jakob informed. Silas took a bite and he had to admit this was damn good.

“This is great Jakob! Who knew you could cook,” Corrin exclaimed.

“I had to be prepared for anything for your sake Miss Corrin which includes your diet.” Before she could reply, they heard a sound coming from a bush and the trio were quick on alert.

“Did you guys hear that?” Silas whispered. Corrin and Jakob were quick on their feet and stared at the bush. It rustled a bit before the source of the sound finally revealed itself. No surprise, a wild pokemon appeared out of the bush attracted by the food jakob prepared.

“Poli~” it said. It saw the food on the makeshift table and it’s eyes widened in delight. “Poli!” It jumped towards the food and started to munch on it.

“Hey!” Silas called out. He walked forward to stop it, which was a mistake on his part. The pokemon did not appreciate the interruption and slapped his hand with his tail. “Ouch!”

“Silas!” Corrin said as she went beside her friend and saw a slight red patch. “That was mean!” She glared at the creature who merely gave her attitude with a glare.  “You giving me attitude?!” she challenged. “All right then, two can play at that game! I choose you Charmander!” The familiar red beam emitted from the pokeball and the lizard pokemon came out.

“Char~” Silas’s eyes widened and had a worried look. That wild pokemon looked like a water type in his eyes, which could end in disaster.  “Corrin wait!” However, it was too late as she called out an attack.

“Charmander use ember!” she ordered.

“Char!” It shouted as he let out a small ball of fire. It managed to hit the wild pokemon,  but did very little effect. It looked more irritated than anything else.

“Poli!” It shouted angrily before it replied with it’s own attack. Bubbles soon came out of it’s mouth which startled the charmander.

“Char!” It cried as it ran away holding it’s tail for safety.

“Charmander!” Corrin called out.

“Bulbasaur help Charmander!” Silas called out bringing his own partner. The grass type Pokemon soon appeared ready to help out. “Bulbasaur use vine whip and catch that wild pokemon!”

“Bulba!” The seed Pokemon shot its vines out and tried to reach the water Pokemon before it could harm the fire type. The vine whips curled themselves around the blue Pokemon stopping its attack.

“Great job!” Silas praised. Corrin ran to her scared charmander and picked it up to safety.

“Are you okay charmander?” She asked worried. The lizard Pokemon gave her a reassuring smile.

“Char,” it said in a small voice. Corrin sighed in relief and stared at the trapped wild Pokemon. She took out her pokedex to know what it was.

“Poliwag, the tadpole pokemon. It has no arms, but its tail makes it a strong swimmer,” the pokedex informed. Corrin read all the information and felt guilty for not doing this in the first place. She would have known it was a water type and wouldn’t have put her partner in danger.

“All right Poliwag,” Silas said as he stared down at the tied up pokemon. “Since I know you’re a water type, I know I have the advantage. Bulbasaur, release poliwag and use razor leaf!” Bulbasaur did exactly as Silas said and the moment it uncurled it’s vine whips, Poliwag jumped away and was now very angry.

“Bulbasaur!” It attacked with multiple leaves and Poliwag was evading every one of them.

“Don’t let up! We almost got it!” Silas encouraged. “Bulba!” Bulbasaur did not stop and Poliwag started to get tired. Soon a leaf managed to hit which led to a chain of effect.

“Nice one! Now I’ve got you Poliwag! Pokeball go!” Silas threw a pokeball and it hit the tadpole pokemon. Poliwag disappeared into the ball and it fell to the ground. The two trainers waited with great excitement as the the pokeball was shaking slightly. The blinking red light at the center stopped and it stopped trembling. Silas walked up to the pokeball to pick it up and had a huge grin on his face.

“All right! We caught a Poliwag!” He cheered. “Bulbasaur!” His partner exclaimed as well.

“Congrats Silas,” Corrin complemented still holding her charmander closely. “You caught your first wild pokemon.” Silas smiled cheekily. “I couldn’t have done it without my partner of course.” He lightly petted Bulbasaur’s head with a fond smile. The small seed pokemon smiled with pride from the praise. Silas then noticed his friend upset face and knew what she was thinking.

“Don’t worry about it,” He reassured. “We’ll find more pokemon to catch for sure and this time you’ll get it I have absolute faith.

“That’s not it,” Corrin said shaking her head slightly. “I almost put my own partner in danger. That was stupid of me to do.”

“Hey come on, don’t to be too hard on yourself. I mean we just started. You’re bound to make mistakes,” He tried to reason. “You probably got excited, I mean it is your first day on your journey.” Corrin still had a light crest fallen look and even Charmander tried to cheer her up.

“Chin up Miss Corrin,” Jakob said as he joined the conversation. The young teen looked up with a confused look. “You made a mistake which is something everyone makes. It won’t be your last that I guarantee it, but that is the fun of a journey. Learning from your mistakes and make sure you don’t repeat them with it you will gain experience.” Corrin glanced down at her partner whom was giving an encouraging smile.

“Right,” Corrin agreed. “I understand. Thank you the both of you.”

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I mean that’s why going on a journey in group is may more fun,” Silas reasoned. “You get to learn with your friends and they can help you.” Corrin nodded before turning her attention to Jakob. “Sorry for being rude to you about you coming. I think you were an excellent addition.”

“You flatter me Miss Corrin,” Jakob thanked. “Now then, let’s finish eating. We should make use of daylight as much as we can.” Both teens nodded and ate their meal with their partners. With the capture of a wild pokemon and a taught lesson on the first day, who knows what else our group of friends will experience in this long journey.

Chapter Text

After the eventful encounter with their first wild pokemon, our group of trainers are still trekking down the path in the Forest of Valla. The sun started to set and they decided to stop for the day. They ended up making camp in one of the few open clearings that showed the sky.

“I’ll prepare dinner,” Jakob indicated. “Silas you can start putting the tent up.”

“Why not have have a night under the star?” he proposed. “I checked my phone and it’s suppose to be a clear night sky. Can you imagine all the stars we’ll  be able to see?”

“I did want to have a sleepover under the night sky,” Corrin commented. “Please Jakob.” The cook slightly sighed as he thought the cold of night might not be the best idea to be exposed to. However, the pleading eyes of the young teen was starting to have an effect on him “All right, but sleep closer to the fire. Silas put out the sleeping bags then”

“That’s reasonable,” Silas piped in and started to unpack. As the two guys started to do their chores, Corrin decided to explore their surroundings. She decided to let her charmander out to accompany her during her stroll.

“I wonder if we’ll meet more pokemon,” She thought out loud.

“Cha~” her partner merely replied. She lightly smiled at the comment until she heard something.

“Huh?” she asked herself. She tilted her head slightly to try and find the source of the sound. “Do you hear that charmander?”

“Cha?” The small orange lizard held its paw to the side of it’s head.

“Come on let’s follow it,” the curious trainer said. The duo start to jog towards the noise and it became a distinct female voice. They soon reached the outer skirt of a clearing with a lake in the  middle. Someone was on the dock singing to what seemed to be another pokemon. “Woah.” Corrin and Charmander stayed hidden in the bush listening to this hypnotizing tune.

“You are the ocean’s grey waves~” the mysterious songstress sang. “Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time. The path is yours to climb~” Corrin was so enthralled by the song she started to lean forward and ended up falling on the ground face first. “Ah!”

“Who’s there?” The singer asked. She walked up to the fallen teen and she was slightly shocked for a moment. “Kamui?”

“Ouch,” Corrin grumbled as she stood up with her charmander in toe. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to startle you! I was walking in the forest with my partner pokemon when we heard something and decided to found out what it was. Wait, did you called me Kamui?” The young teen took in the appearance of this woman and she was beautiful. She had long light blue hair reaching her ankles with a single strand of her hair going across her face and mesmerizing gold eyes.

“Cha,” the small fire pokemon said to confirm its trainer’s story. The blue haired girl lightly shook her head and offered a gentle smile

“It’s all right no harm done,” she reassured. “My apology you reminded me of a friend I have. He looks a lot like you”

“Muuu,” her pokemon cried out. Corrin saw the big blue pokemon in the lake and it was as equally beautiful as this woman.

“What is that pokemon?” Corrin inquired as she took out her pokedex to analyze it.

“Lapras the transport pokemon. This intellectually advanced Pokemon is able to understand human speech. With its mild temperament, Lapras prefers to carry humans on its back, rather than engage in Pokemon battles.” Corrin was more than impressed by this Pokemon.

“If we’re thinking of the same guy, then you are probably referring to my brother,” she revealed. “He has the same hair color and his partner is a Blastoise probably.”

“So you must be Kamui’s younger sister Corrin,” the blue haired girl concluded. “I see you started your journey.” She bent down to the charmander’s level and gave it a light pat on his head. “It’s very nice to meet you young pokemon.”

“Cha~” it greeted.

“Are you heading to the country of Izumo?” the singer asked.

“Yes, with two of my friends,” Corrin added. “Oh wait! I’m embarrassed, I never asked for your name.”

“My name is Azura,” she answered. “And as you know, this is my Lapras. I was taking a break and a swim was due.”

“It’s nice to meet a friend of my brother. He doesn’t talk a lot about the people he encounters,” Corrin slightly pouted. Azura giggled thinking of her fond memories of Kamui. “He’s pretty busy at the moment. He’s quite the energetic young man,” she said.

“Can I ask how did you two meet?” Corrin asked brimming with curiosity. Before Azura could answer a voice came from the Forest. “Corrin! Where are you?” A familiar male voice called out.

“Over here Silas!” She called out to her friend.

“There you are!” he jogged over to her with slight worry. “Jakob and I were finishing up and panicked when we didn’t see you.”

“Ah right,” Corrin said with guilt. “I’m sorry I should have mentioned I went for a walk.” Silas exhaled in relief and finally noticed Azura with her Lapras.

“And who is this?” he asked thinking she was also very beautiful.

“Oh, this is Azura, I just met her and she was the singer I heard. She’s actually a friend of my brother,” Corrin explained. “And that is her Lapras.”

“It’s very nice to meet you,” Silas greeted. “That’s an amazing pokemon you have.”

“Why thank you,” she thanked with a kind smile. She took out her pokeball ready to call her pokemon back. “Come on Lapras, we need to go now.” Lapras went back into the pokeball and she started to walk away. “Well, I need to be on my way. It was nice meeting the both of you. Especially you Corrin, I’m sure your adventure will be as exciting as your older brother.”

“Thank you Azura,” Corrin blushed slightly at the compliment. The songstress smiled and walked into the depth of the Forest.

“Wow, I wonder if we’ll cross path again,” Silas wondered out loud.

“I’m sure we’ll see each other again,” Corrin confidently said. “Oh crap! She didn’t tell me how she met my brother! Darn it, I really wanted to know.”

“When we reach Izumo you can call your brother from the Pokemon Center and ask him maybe,” he proposed. Corrin nodded and both trainers along with charmander headed back to the camp. Jakob had finished cooking dinner and sighed in relief seeing Corrin safe. The small group proceeded to have a delicious meal before having their first night under the star. Corrin gazed at the night sky and she thanked all her lucky stars that she was on this journey with her close friend and newfound friends. She closed her eyes and her thought drifted to that mysterious songstress and hoped they’d meet again soon.

Chapter Text

The early rays of the sun rose waking up our group from their slumber. Corrin was still deeply asleep comfortable in the covers of her sleeping bag near the sizzling fire. Jakob was the first to wake up and started to cook breakfast and Silas was snoring away. The smell of food slowly woke up our two teens from their dreams.

“Food,” Corrin mumbled as her eyes fluttered open.

“Good morning Miss Corrin,” Jakob greeted

“Nothing beats the smell of breakfast,” Silas said with a huge smile as he woke up. “You sure wake up easily Jakob.”

“Well, being the assistant for the doctor does help. We had to be early risers at the office,” the butler explained. “Here is your tea Miss Corrin, be careful it is still a bit hot.” He handed her a cup of tea and she gently blew on it to cool it down before taking a sip.

“It’s perfect Jakob, thank you,” she thanked. The two teens were waking up and started to eat their meal to have plenty of energy for their travel across the forest.

“According to the map, we’re a day’s journey from Izumo. We should arrive at our destination by nightfall,” Jakob informed.

“That’s amazing,” Silas rejoiced. “I can’t wait to see the types of pokemon they have over there.”

“Me too!” Corrin agreed. They all finished their delicious breakfast and packed their bags before heading down the path. They didn’t have any encounter with a wild pokemon so far.

“Where are all the wild pokemon?” Silas wondered. “Are they really that deep in hiding?”

“Even I have to admit it is quiet desolate today,” Jakob observed. “The Forest of Valla is known to have a wide range of Pokemon. Perhaps today is not  one of those days.” Corrin had a pensive look about this situation. She remembered seeing pictures when her mother was younger. She was actually an active field researcher and she had amazing pictures with Pokemon who inhabited this forest. She was hoping she could meet them like her mother did. Suddenly, she heard a small whimper coming from off the road.

“Did you guys hear that?” she asked.

“Hear what?” Silas replied. Corrin stood still and closed her eyes trying to hear it again. Soon, a louder whimper could be heard. “There it is again! I think it’s coming from over there,” Corrin pointed out. She quickly ran into the tall bushes leaving her two male companions in the dust.

“W-Wait! Corrin!” Silas called out quickly following her with Jakob on his tail. The young female teen was pushing vegetation aside and soon gasped at what she saw. It was a wild eevee and his leg was tied up. It must have been a while, as the pokemon was skinny and there was irritation around the area the leg.

“Oh dear!” Corrin gasped.  She tried to approach the wounded pokemon, but eevee immediately growled and bared his teeth on the defensive.

“Wait for us!” Her childhood friend called out. Both men caught up to her and also saw the injured pokemon in the trap. Silas has a surprised look and couldn’t believe someone would do this. “Why is there a trapped eevee here?”  Jakob had a dark look as he had an idea of the group of people behind this.

“It was probably the group of poachers,” he said lowly.

“What?” both teens inquired. Jakob lowered himself to Eevee’s height trying to coax the small creature that he was nice, but the evolution pokemon would have none of it and snapped his teeth. The butler lightly growled as he was furious at the poachers for doing this.

“There is a big organization that on the surface seems legitimate, but people know that under it all they poach pokemon to get their wealth. They are known as the Anankos Group. They have been the source of controversy, but it’s almost impossible to stop them as they cover their tracks really well.”

“I’ve heard about it,” Silas said recognizing the name. “I see them on the news often, but don’t really pay attention.” He glanced at the weak pokemon and felt anger that people would do this.

“Well, whatever that group does, we have to help this pokemon now,” Corrin firmly stated. She observed the injured pokemon and tried to untie his leg, but eevee tried to bite her again. “We are trying to help you. There’s no need to be scared.” She tried to use soothing words, but the pokemon was too hurt and starving to understand her intent.

“We need to bring someone from a pokemon center. Maybe they can calm him down,” Silas proposed.

“I agree with that plan. You two go to the nearest center. According to the map, there should be one at the outskirts of Izumo,” Jakob instructed.

“No, you two go and I’ll stay here,” Corrin objected.

“What?!” both men exclaimed.

“Miss Corrin I must insist that you don’t stay out here in the cold,” the butler countered. “This could also be detrimental to your health-”

“I don’t care!” Corrin interrupted angrily. “This pokemon has probably been trapped for days by humans! It is our responsibility as trainers to help. Besides, you said it yourself, my health is not the best and I wouldn’t be able to run, but you two can. You have better stamina than I do.”

Silas had to admit she had a point, if it’s just him and Jakob, they’d be back near nightfall.

“I know as my current doctor, you have to help me,” Corrin said to Jakob who had a worried look. “But please, trust that I’ll be fine until you come back with help.” Jakob lightly frowned weighing the idea in his head, but the determined look from Corrin was unmatched.

“All right miss Corrin, I will grant your request,” He accepted. “I’ll give you a blanket to stay warm and some hand warmers.” He handed the objects to her and strapped his bag ready for the jog. “I hope you can keep up Silas, this will be a good run.”

Silas strapped his own bag tightly and nodded with confidence.

“Don’t worry about me. I can handle it,” he assured.

“We will be back at sunset with help, do stay safe Miss Corrin,” Jakob repeated.

“I will, now hurry,” she urged. Her two friends nodded and immediately sprinted off leaving her alone in the Forest of Valla.

~

Corrin was seating near, but not too close to the wild eevee as to not frighten the pokemon. She checked her phone and it was mid afternoon. She had eaten a light lunch made from leftovers courtesy of Jakob. She put some pieces in front of the eevee hoping the sent would goad the pokemon to eat, but to no avail.

“How could people do such a thing?” she thought aloud. “Pokemon are wonderful and intelligent. They should be treated with love and respect. Why would they do such a thing?!” Suddenly, Corrin felt something wet hit her nose and realized dark clouds were gathering hiding the already small rays of the sun. It started to rain and the wind started to pickup.

“Really terrible timing weather,” she grumbled. She took out the blanket and the handwarmers before wrapping herself with the blanket. She saw the pokemon was gonna get drenched and tried to approach again.

“Come here, I can shelter you,” she tried to convey her intent gently, but Eevee growled and backed away. Corrin bit her lip in frustration not at the pokemon, but the humans who made it fear to the point of refusing aid. However, Corrin was a stubborn person and still approached the brown fur pokemon. Eevee tried to get away, but was stopped by the chains. Corrin took Eevee in her arms and protected from the rain. The wild pokemon started to thrash around in her arms and started to bite her. She flinched at the pain, but did not let go.

“It’s okay,” she reassured in a low soothing voice. “No one will hurt you anymore.” Eevee was still thrashing, but she held on tightly to keep the rain and cold away. She started to hum a lullaby her mother would sing to help her sleep when she had a nightmare. Eevee slowly stopped resisting hearing the lovely music notes. He slowly calmed down in her arms and started to realize this human was truly trying to help.

“See? You’re safe now, my friends will be back soon,” Corrin cheered. She used another hand warmer and made sure the heat was on Eevee. She closed her eyes and kept the pokemon close to her as the rain was becoming harsher and harsher.

Time passed by and the weather was not letting up. Corrin had ran out of hand warmers and was trying to use her own body heat to keep both of them warm. The cold started to bite her and she started to cough.

“Vee?” the pokemon could sense that something was not right and pawed at Corrin. “Veee?!” She let out a rough cough, but still held a smile.  “Don’t worry, my friends will be here soon,” she tried to sound reassuring, but her voice was cracking and she was shaking. More coughs were shaking her body and soon blood was on her hand.

“Veee! Veee!” Eevee was now really worried and rubbed itself against Corrin trying to make her stay up. Her eyes were getting heavy and soon collapsed on the ground. “Veee! Veee!” He tried to wake her up by nudging and pulling at her. “Veeeeeeeeee!” The scream echoed throughout the forest as thunder and lightning made their appearance. Eevee continued to call out hoping something would hear his plea.

“Corrin!” A male voice called out. Footsteps were heading towards the collapsed Corrin revealing to be Jakob, Silas and someone from the pokemon center. “Oh no!” Silas saw Corrin collapsed with a very worried Eevee.

“Veeee!” the wild pokemon pleaded. Silas noticed eevee wasn’t scared anymore, but quickly acted. Jakob was by the young girl’s collapsed form taking her vitals.  “Dammit! We need to move her to  the pokemon center right now.” He took her in his arms, while Silas made quick work of Eveee’s chains now that the pokemon was more willing.

“Quick, come to the ambulance!” The woman from the pokemon center quickly sat at the driver’s seat ready to go. Silas went in the back with Eevee in hand and Jakob placed Corrin on the stretcher and tried to stop her shaking as they quickly headed to the pokemon center with worried looks unsure if they had made it in time.

Chapter Text

Corrin was sleeping soundly on the soft bed as the heart monitor was beeping cyclically. The rays of the sun was passing through the curtains and lightly illuminated her sleeping face which woke our sleeping teen as she slowly started to move and her eyes fluttered open. She covered her face as she slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes to get rid of the drowsiness. She glanced her surroundings, which revealed to be a simple hospital room from the pokemon center. She tried to move a bit and her hand found a ball of brown fur cuddling close to her. She smiled as she saw it was the eevee from the forest. His paw was all bandaged up and he seemed a bit healthier. She gently stroke him feeling very happy they both made it out. She felt her chest was still a bit aching, but nothing she couldn’t bear.

“Corrin you’re awake!” A familiar voice exclaimed. She looked up and saw Silas walking in followed by Jakob.

“Do lower your voice Silas,” Jakob cautioned.

“Right, sorry about that,” Silas apologized. “I’m so glad you’re okay. You had us so worried.” He gave Corrin a quick hug and the movement of bed woke up the slumbering eevee and saw his rescuer was awake and well.

“Veee!” He nuzzled her arm and rubbed himself against her. Corrin giggled and picked him up in her arms.

“I’m so happy you’re safe Eevee,” Corrin rejoiced.

“Veee!” The little pokemon exclaimed. He lightly licked her cheek to express his thanks.

“Hahaha, okay stop that tickles,” she giggled. She placed him back on the bed and faced her two friends. Silas was smiling ear to ear feeling joy that Corrin was okay and the eevee as well. Jakob had a tired expression, but a light smile graced his lips. “Thank you so much for saving me back there. I didn’t take in account the rain.” She lightly chuckled at her miscalculation.

“I won’t lie, I was extremely worried Miss Corrin,” Jakob said. “But what matters is that you are recuperating at a good pace. After a day of rest, it should be safe to continue your journey.”

“Hold on, don’t tell me I have to stay in this little room for an entire day!” Corrin complained. “Can I at least visit Izumo?” Jakob sighed at her demand as Corrin’s adventurous side was showing again even after succumbing to her illness. He should have expected this reaction.

“Come on Mr. Butler, I’m sure walking around won’t make her health worse,” Silas chimed in also trying to convince him. He winked at Corrin showing her he had her back which made her wink back at him. Jakob sighed and lightly shook his head at the complotting teens.

“You are definitely a high maintenance patient Miss Corrin,” he teased.

“What?! I am not high maintenance!” Corrin countered with a huff.

“All right, we can visit the area after you eat breakfast and after we bring this Eevee back to the wild,” Jakob agreed as long as his conditions were fulfilled. Corrin glanced down at eevee who was on her lap and almost forgot that he was still a wild pokemon.

“Oh right, we should bring him back home,” Corrin said with less enthusiasm. “Ready to go back?” The wild pokemon tilted his head not fully understanding what was going. She picked him up and smiled. “We are bringing you back to the forest.” Eevee did not like the idea of leaving this person who saved his life and started to get agitated.

“Ve! Ve! Ve!” he exclaimed as he wiggled in her arms.

“Huh?” She placed him down and he immediately cuddled her.

“Veeee,” he rubbed his head against her hoping she would understand he wanted to stay with her.

“I see now,” Jakob commented the ever perceptive one. “It seems Miss Corrin he wants to join you in your adventures.”

“Really?” she asked eevee. As a response eevee smiled and nuzzled her confirming Jakob’s observation. Some tears appeared on Corrin’s face as she hugged eevee close to her. “Of course you can come. I can’t wait to get to know you eevee.”

“Veee!” he exclaimed. Corrin took out a pokeball from her bag which was sitting beside her bed. She placed the ball  down and Eevee tapped the button with his nose opening it. The familiar red beem shot out and Eevee was brought into the pokeball. It lightly shook and the red dot blinked a couple times before settling down welcoming Eevee to Corrin’s pokemon team. She took the pokeball in her hand and caressed it with her cheek.

“Welcome to the family Eevee,” she said with a smile.

~

Our trio was eating their breakfast at the Pokemon Center cafeteria. Corrin had a specially made medicinal tea concocted by Jakob to help with her chest pains. Silas was eating a plate full of pancakes. Beside them, their pokemon were eating their own food. Eevee and charmander became friends very quickly which made Corrin very happy.

“So, what should we go see today?” Silas asked. “I read there are many tourists spots in Izumo.”

“There are a lot of temples and shrines where you can make wishes. Superstitious of course, but what matters is the journey you took to get there,” Jakob informed. “There is also the castle where the archduke Izana resides.”

“The archduke Izana?” Corrin asked.

“Unlike the kingdom of Hoshido or Nohr that are ruled by a king, Izumo is governed by an archduke. Archduke Izana is rumoured to be a direct descendant of a clan that worshipped Arceus, the god pokemon. History books says that gave the clan prophetic abilities that allow them to see vision of the future.” Corrin and Silas were eating Jakob’s words like candy, loving the tale.

“He must so amazing and divine looking,” Corrin thought out loud imagining some godlike person with celestial features.

“Well, everything is just rumours,” Jakob repeated. “It also says in the guide book he won… Best hair award 5 times in a row.”

“Hair award?” Silas said with doubt.

“I wanna visit his castle!” Corrin exclaimed. “Who knows, maybe we’ll run into this person.”

“The Archduke aside, the castle itself is a very nice visit. Let’s keep the castle as the last attraction. There are many other areas you both will love which are filled with pokemon.” At the mention of pokemon both teen got excited and started to devour the rest of their food. Jakob lightly sweat-dropped at the devouring teenagers in front of him. “Please don’t upset your stomach both of you.” Corrin finished her plate and wiped her mouth clean.

“All right, time to do some sightseeing!” she exclaimed.

“Veeee,” Eevee chimed in. “Cha!” Charmander added excitedly.

Our trio cleaned up their table and called their pokemon to their respective pokeballs. Corrin walked out first and took in all the sights of the wonderful kingdom of Izumo. It was sunny today and the heat was at a nice level. She glanced around and saw so many new things she thought her mind was gonna explode.

“Oh my! What is that pokemon?! He has such a long neck!” she wondered curiously. She pranced to it and took out her pokedex.

“ Exeggutor. The coconut pokemon. Also known as ‘The walking tropical rain forest’. Each coconut has a distinct face and its own character ."

“Each has their own character?” Silas asked. “Wow, wonder how they coordinate their body to move?”

“This apparently is the alternate for from the original,” Corrin read. “This one is a grass and dragon type. While the other one with no neck is a grass and psychic type. I had no idea pokemon could have alternate forms.”

“This discovery is actually very recent in years,” Jakob added. “Researchers found that certain pokemon actually have different forms, but could still be considered close family.”

“Wow, I can’t wait to see one,” the excited teen said. Jakob decided to show the group one of the most popular shrines in Izumo. In order to reach it, they had to go to the forest and walk down a path under bright orange “torii” or arches.

“Look at all these arches,” Silas said in awe.

“Do they cover the entire pathway?” Corrin asked.

“Yes they do miss Corrin, all 4 kilometres,” he answered. “This path leads all the way to the Fox shrine. It was built in honor of a deity that gave prosperous harvest. The people believed that the pokemon, ninetales, was the god’s messenger. That’s why you will see a lot of ninetales statues in the area.” As they were walking down the path, they met several grass type pokemon that liked to interact with visitors. Corrin picked a small grass type that looked like a berry and smelled very nice.

“You are so adorable and smell so nice,” she complimented.

“What are you little guy?” Silas inquired as he took out his pokedex.

“ Bounsweet, the fruit pokemon. It’s always emitting a delicious scent from its body. Lured by its scent, many flying pokemon mistake it for a berry. ”

“Haha, I can’t blame them, you do smell nice,” Corrin agreed. She lightly cuddled the little fruit pokemon who nuzzled her cheek. The trio continued their walk and soon reached the end.

“Woah!” Silas and Corrin said in awe. The temple was big and the place had several ninetales statues. The main building was moderately tall and there were other buildings a bit more recent, but still held the old style to blend in. Bounsweet wiggled out of Corrin’s arms and trotted back to the forest.

“Bye bounsweet,” Corrin said as she waved farewell. The little fruit pokemon bowed to Corrin before rejoining her companions in the forest.

“Let’s go make a wish Corrin,” Silas proposed as he pointed to the big shrine.

“Yeah!” she agreed. They both jogged to the shrine followed by a smiling Jakob that enjoyed to see them happy about the sightseeing. As the teens walked up the stairs someone passed Corrin and lightly bumped into her shoulder.

“Oh! I’m so sorry-” she apologized, but saw no one was there. “Huh? That’s weird.”

“Corrin! You coming?” Silas called.

“O-Oh yeah, I’m coming,” she responded. She jogged up the stairs and saw a wall of wooden plate that had a wish written on it. “Woah, so many of them.” She looked at one of the plate and it said ‘I wish to become the Pokemon Champion’.

“Hey Corrin, wanna make a wish?” Silas asked holding 2 coins in hand.

“Of course!” she replied. They both offered their coin to the shrine and took a wooden plate.

“Let’s see here,” Silas thought out loud “I wish to have amazing adventures on my journey to become the best pokemon trainer.” He wrote down his wisha and hung it on the wall with the rest. Corrin was still thinking about hers until one finally sprung in her head.

“I wish to meet and become friends with all types of pokemon,” she wrote. She placed it beside Silas.

“That’s a good wish and knowing you, it will happen,” Silas commented.

“I know yours will happen too,” Corrin said enthusiastically. They both chuckled happy to be together in their pokemon journey.

“All right you two,” Jakob stepped in. “It’s time to go. We have much more spots to visit.”

“Right!” Corrin exclaimed. The group left the shrine leaving behind the two wishes made by our two young trainers. As they were leaving, the man Corrin bumped into earlier was observing them leaving.

“Corrin huh,” he mumbled. He lightly grinned before also leaving the shrine of fox.

Chapter Text

The group walked back from their shrine visit ready to continue their sightseeing. Corrin stretched a bit feeling a bit more enlighten. I guess these shrine visits do kind of enlighten ones spirit and make them reflect on what they want and have she thought.

“So what’s next?” Silas asked. Jakob opened his little notebook to check what he had planned.

“There is this popular attraction known as Mozu’s Mudsdale Farm,” he said.

“Mudsdale?” Corrin repeated.

“You’ll see soon enough,”  Jakob teased. Silas and Corrin had inquisitive looks wondering what he wanted to show them. They followed the butler who led them outside of the main area and more into the countryside. Soon, they arrived  at Mozu’s Mudsdale Farm which turned out to be very beautiful. The area consisted of a giant fenced area and had dozens of big and small horse looking type pokemon.

“Woah!” Silas exclaimed and ran ahead of the group. He stopped at the fence and took out his pokedex.

“Mudsdale, the draft horse pokemon. A ground type. Mudsdale heavy mud-covered kick is its favorite attack and can easily reduce a large truck to scrap.” Silas couldn’t stop admiring the beautiful horse pokemon. One of the Mudsdale took notice and approached the teen.

“Haha,” Silas chuckled. He extended his hand showing his intent and the Mudsdale gradly pressed his nose against the palm of his hand.

“Well well, look what we have here,” a female voice commented. Corrin and Jakob who caught up saw a small girl near the mudsdale. She had dark brown hair tied in side pony tales. “You seem to have an affinity for these creatures.”

Sillas humbly rubbed the back of his head. “Not really, I just really like horse like pokemon.”

“More than that, he used to fantasized he was a knight riding a majestic pokemon to battle to save people!” Corrin teased with dramatic flares. Silas blushed at his childhood friend’s joke.

“C-Corrin! Don’t say it to the entire world,” He stuttered blushingly.

“Hahaha, no shame in that. By the way, I haven’t introduced myself. I am Mozu and I own this farm,” the farm girl introduced herself.

“It’s very nice to meet you,” Silas greeted.

“Likewise,” Corrin added. “I wouldn’t have thought that someone around our age could own such a large place.”

“Oh well, technically my parents own this place, but they decided to name it after me. I don’t have much talent, but I’m good at taking care mudsdales for what it’s worth,” she said humbly.

“Don’t say it like that. I think what you’re doing is amazing,” Silas complimented which made our little farm girl blush lightly.

“A-Anyways, I’m guessing you’re here to ride?” She asked.

“We get to ride them?” Corrin said excitedly.

“Of course silly, it’s the main attraction of this place,” Mozu confirmed. “Follow me this way.” She motioned towards a giant barn and walked towards it. Silas quickly followed up and Corrin noticed Jakob wasn’t joining up.

“Jakob are you coming?” she asked.

“Horseback riding is not my forte,” he answered. “I also have some shopping to do for our journey. Once the two of you are done here, let’s meet up at the square. We’ll go to the Archduke’s castle to finish the day.” He gave corrin two boxes that smelled nice. “Another thing, this place is known for having a nice place for a picnic. These are bento boxes I made for the two of you.”

“Wow, thank you so much Jakob,” Corrin thanked with much gratitude. Jakob merely smiled before waving goodbye and going to do his shopping. Corrin jogged towards the barn to catch up with Silas and Mozu. She entered and was awed by the number of mudsdale in their stall. “Woah, there are so many of them.” She walked down and observed all of the pokemon calmly eating their food or just resting up. She saw 2 mudsdale being saddled up by Mozu and Silas.

“Corrin, finally joined up,” Silas joked. “Where is Jakob?”

“He had some errands to run and he gave us bento boxes for lunch.” She showed him the two boxes and Silas could smell the food even with the lid on.

“Your friend knows his stuff. There is a nice place up a hill that people love to go to enjoy a nice picnic,” Mozu informed. She finished putting the saddle on the back of the horse. “Here you go, all set.”

“Same here,” Silas said smiling. “Corrin need help getting on your pokemon?”

“Yeah, I’m not a rider expert like you are Silas,” Corrin giggled.

“Hahaha, right. Here I’ll help you up.” Silas guided Corrin on how to mount the mudsdale. “All right, put your foot there and then pull yourself up. I’ll give you a push on your other foot on the count of three. One, two and three.” He pushed Corrin and she managed to swing her leg on the other side.

“All right, I’m all set,” the young female teen praised. Silas jumped on his mudsdale all ready to go.

“I recommend going to the hill located north of here. You can’t miss it, there is a lone tree at the top,” Mozu suggested. “Be back soon and have lots of fun.”

“We will, now let’s go!” Silas exclaimed. “Hyah!” With a light tap of his heels the mudsdale was already sprinting out of the barn.

“Woah, your friend knows his stuff,” Mozu observed,

“Yeah, he’s always had a talent for riding,” Corrin added. “I should follow him or else I’ll lose him.” She lightly tap her mudsdale and soon followed her friend.

Both trainers were riding freely in the open plains. It was sunny and there was only some light wind in the plains.

“Hahaha, this is amazing!” Silas  shouted with exhilaration. He felt the wind go against him and the speed was everything he imagine. “Hey Corrin make sure you keep up!”

“Oh don’t worry about me, I can keep up no problem!” Corrin called out. The two teens were enjoying the ride and soon saw the hill with the only tree sitting on top. They rode their mudsdale up the hill and the view was breathtaking.

“Woah,” Corrin admired. She could almost see the entire farm area and a bit further the edge of the city. “This view is amazing. I need to snap a picture for mom.” She took out her phone and snapped a quick picture of this moment so she could share it with her mom.

“Yeah,” Silas agreed. They both enjoyed the silence with just the breeze of the plains. “How about we eat those delicious bento box. My stomach is eager to taste them.”

“Right,” she agreed. They both got off their mudsdale and prepared their picnic. They placed a cloth to sit on and opened their lunch box. “Wow, this looks delicious. Jakob sure knows how to cook.”

“Thank you for the food,” they thanked. They started to dig in and as expected the food was very flavorful.

“Can you believe we’re in Izumo?” Silas began. “It’s so exciting to visit places like this. I can’t wait to see what Hoshido and Nohr will be like.”

“Yeah being here is everything I ever wanted. When my brother would call and tell me some of his adventures, it made me excited for my own,” Corrin shared. “I’m thankful everyday for being able to go out and explore the world. I am especially happy to be able to do this with my best friend.” Corrin smiled at Silas which made him slightly blushed. Sometime he wonders if his childhood friend realizes her words can be interpreted differently.

“I’m really happy to do my journey with you too Corrin,” he replied and tried to hide his blush as he ate more of the food. Corrin giggled and proceeded to eat her own bento box. As time went by, they finished their lunch and headed back to the barn.

“That was a fun ride,” Corrin complimented. She and Silas were taking the gear of their horse pokemon.

“Yeah, I’ll never forget this experience,” Silas added. “We should go say our goodbye to Mozu.”

“Good idea,” Corrin agreed. They finished brushing their pokemon before placing them back in their box. They started looking for the farm girl. “Mozu we’re back from the ride.” Corrin called out looking around. They saw a box where the door was open and heard Mozu’s voice coming from it.

“Mozu?” Silas inquired. They peeked in and saw the horse caretaker trying to coax a baby horse to eat the apple in her hand.

“Oh! You guys are back,” she noted.

“What is this pokemon?” Corrin questioned as she took out her pokedex.

“Mudbray, the Donkey Pokemon. Mudbray are stubborn and independent. Their daily routine includes eating dirt and frolicking in the dirt they kick up.”

“This little guy is what mudsdale evolve from,” Mozu informed. The little pokemon was leaning against the wall of the box and seemed wary of them.

“What’s wrong with him?” Silas asked.

“Although at the farm we own a lot of the pokemon here. There are a lot that are actually rescue pokemon,” Mozu answered.

“Rescue?” Corrin repeated.

“That’s right,” Mozu started. “Mudsdale are native to Izumo. You can’t find them anywhere else unless bred in captivity which is rare. Unfortunately this makes them valuable to certain people and organization. One of our missions is to save them from poachers.”

“Poachers!” both teens exclaimed.

“Yes, this little guy had it really bad. My parents saved him as poachers were capturing his herd. They tried to stop them, but these poachers seemed more organized and failed,” Mozu explained. “He’s been wary of us every since. Not that I blame him. I mostly worry about his mental health.” Silas clenched his hand in a first out of anger.

“Poachers again,” he hissed. Corrin felt the same way. She had no idea poachers were such a big problem. She didn’t remember being it that bad.

“I’ve been trying to establish a bond with him, but no success so far,” Mozu said sadly.

“May I try?” Silas asked.

“O-Oh sure,” she accepted giving him the apple. He took it and walked a few steps forward. The mudbray’s ears shifted as he was more wary of this stranger.

“Hey there,” Silas greeted with a calming and gentle voice. “My name is Silas. It’s very nice to meet you mudbray.” He sat down as to lower his height to make it less intimidating. “I heard what happened to your family and I am so sorry you had to go through that. I know it makes you wary of humans which is normal. I would be if I was taken away from the people I love.” The mudbray seemed to respond to Silas and began to be less tensed. “But I don’t think your mom and dad would be happy to see you like this. So please, become stronger for them.” he extended his arm with apple in hand. “I will make you this promise, I will find your herd again.”

Mudbray saw this human’s intense eyes and conviction to find his herd. He slowly walked forward and took a bite out of the apple.

“You did it Silas!” Corrin cheered.

“That’s amazing!” Mozu chipped in.

“Haha, I was just telling him my true feelings,” Silas said sheepishly. Mudbray finished the snack and even neighed happily. “We should go meetup with Jakob now. He has to be finished with his errands by now.” He glanced back at mudbray and gently patted his head. “Now become strong and I’ll come back to see you soon.” The young pokemon rubbed Silas gently with affection. Both teen said their goodbye to Mozu who watched them leave with a soft smile. She liked knowing trainers like them were exploring the world. They treated pokemon like equals and family. She had a feeling their adventure would be a very interesting one.

~

In the castle high up, the same man that bumped into Corrin at the shrine entered his room and glanced at his crystal ball that was on his dresser. He gave a peak and smiled knowingly.  “Corrin, I get the feeling we will be meeting soon and I have some interesting things to tell you,” he said ominously to the crystal ball. It glowed lightly showing a cloud of stars swirling slowly.