Prologue

A Buneary and her Trainer

Bonjour, tous le monde. Bienvenue à la région de Kalos. That's French for, "Hello, everybody. Welcome to the Kalos region." This is but one of the many places in our world... a world widely inhabited by wildlife called "Pokémon," short for Pocket Monsters. These mysterious creatures can be found in every corner of our world... Some run across the plains, others fly through the skies, and others still swim in deep oceans.

We humans live alongside Pokémon, at times playing together as friends, and at times helping one another out. And sometimes, we just like to have fun battling others like us! But as close as we are, we don't know everything about Pokémon. In fact, there are still many, many mysteries surrounding Pokémon.

But I'm getting ahead of myself. My name is Brianna... Brianna Bellerose. I've lived here in Lumiose City, the capital of Kalos, almost my whole life. I was told that I was born in the Hoenn region, but I was too young to remember living there. So to me, Kalos has always been my home.

My mother... and you might have heard of her... happens to be the Kalos region's Pokémon League Champion. Her name is Diantha Bellerose. Not only that, but she's also a world famous actress. I've seen all of her movies, and personally, my favorite was when she played the girl from "Beauty and the Blastoise." Elegant with a dignified presence, the all around splendid leading lady. Mom has always been a real inspiration to me, because despite her stardom, she's always able to partake in a Pokémon battle, friendly or otherwise. I wanted to be just like her, but I was never quite sure how, mostly because I'm a poor actor. I can fake a character for so long in a school auditorium, but not on camera or on public stage.

This is what my story's about...

It was early one morning in Lumiose. I laid in bed, sound asleep. And what a beautiful dream I had, too. I was in a field, playing with the starter Pokémon of my region. Chespin, the Grass-type... Fennekin, the Fire-type... Froakie, the Water-type... I knew that eventually I'd have to pick one, but for some reason, I couldn't make up my mind. Anyway, when that time came to do so,something terrible happened. The field started to catch fire with a green flame. We tried to run, but the flame had circled around us. They grew closer and closer...

...until I woke up screaming. I fell out of bed, and there at my feet stood Gardevoir, one of Mom's Pokémon. I was so mad when I saw her. "I thought I told you not to wake me up with Dream Eater!"

"Gardevoir..." she replied.

As Gardevoir helped me up, I heard mother's voice from downstairs. "Brianna! Almost time for breakfast!" That was always her half-hour warning, which was more than enough time for me. After a brief, rejuvenating shower, I dried my face as best I could, then I put on my makeup. I don't use too much, just some light mascara on my eyelashes, some clear lip gloss, and a touch of blush on my cheeks.

After I left the bathroom, I went to my closet to dress myself. A light blue dress covered my torso, and I donned a pair of white thigh-high socks over my legs. My favorite pair of Mary Jane's waited for me by the closet door. And lastly, my hair... I had somewhat pale blonde hair that draped down to my thighs. I brushed it down and added the final touch to the back of my head: a blue clip-on hair bow. (Call me a girly girl all you want. I like to think of it as embracing my inner lady.) "All set," I remarked, full of confidence.

And just in time as well. I walked downstairs to the dining room, and there was my mother with a pan full of scrambled eggs. One look at me, and I could see some tears in her eyes. "Oh, my... you look so beautiful."

"Mom, stop it. You're making me blush," I replied.

She placed the pan on the table. "I know, sweetie, but I can't help it. My little girl is starting her own Pokémon journey today."

"I understand..." I came over to her and began to wrap my arms around her. "But this isn't gonna change anything. I'm still your daughter... Mommy." I haven't used that term lightly since I was maybe six. I just said that to make her happy.

Not too long after breakfast, I decided it was time to begin. Mom came to the door and handed me my purse. "If it wasn't for my film shoot today, I would probably come with you." She always was busy as an actress, but she would almost always put that aside to spend time with me. "Don't worry. I'm not gonna pull that 'overprotective mother' stuff on you. I'm just gonna ask two things of you... One: get in touch with me every so often and let me know if anything exciting happens."

"I will. I promise," I replied. "And two?"

"Have fun!"

I laughed. "Bien sur!" After a goodbye hug, I stepped out the door and began for Sycamore Labs. A brief walk down Estival Avenue, and I was on the outer rim of the city. After that was just a hop, skip and a jump to the lab.

Once there, I was greeted by one of the Professor's assistants, and I told them why I had come. "I'm sorry. The professor had to run an errand on the other side of the city. He won't be back for a little while, but you're welcome to wait here until then." I gladly accepted their offer. Why turn down their hospitality?

I waited in the main lobby, drinking some of the tea they had offered. All the while, a heard a noise from behind me. On a TV screen, there was a video they had made to explain their primary field of research...

"Mega Evolution: a powerful form of Pokémon evolution that is part of Kalos region lore. Some wonder if mega evolution might be a kind of test for the bonds between people and Pokémon. There are so many questions yet to be answered. Does mega evolution occur with all Pokémon? We still don't know everything about these mega evolved Pokémon, who unleash dormant powers and change their shapes, which allows them to become stronger and more magnificent."

Mega evolution... I had heard about before, but had yet to see it for myself. I knew Mom could mega evolve her Gardevoir, but I had yet to see it myself. She only used it if the situation demanded it, or in an official battle for her title of Kalos Champion. I also knew a few of the basics of mega evolution... that it requires two certain stones: one for the Pokémon, the other for the Trainer. I began to wonder if my choice for a starter Pokémon could mega evolve as well.

A few minutes later, I decided to get some fresh air, so I went out back. There were many Pokémon out there, and a lot of them seemed very friendly. Perhaps they were domesticated before they had arrived here?

Anyway, I would've played with them, but something else happened. I noticed that one Pokémon in particular was in trouble. A Buneary sat up in a tree, cowering as a trio of angry Houndour were jumping at its base, barking at it. I quickly rushed over and shouted at the Houndour. "No! Shoo! Bad Pokémon! Go on, get out of here!" Then I looked up the Buneary. "It's okay. They're gone. You can come down now."

But it didn't. Naturally, it was too in shock to do anything. So instead, I clambered up to the little one and carefully pulled her off the tree branch. The Buneary clung to me, shivering, thinking there were other Houndour still after it. "Oh, you poor thing..."

I carried the Pokémon inside and cared for it like I did with an old baby doll I once had. There weren't any Poke Puffs or other treats nearby, so I improvised. On my way to the lab, I bought a chocolate bar and got a second for free, so I let it nibble on the free one I had. It really seemed to like chocolate. After a little while, the Buneary was relaxed. It wasn't scared anymore... at least, not of me.

We played for a little while, until we heard the front door open. A thin man with black hair and a lab coat walked in and saw us. "Oh! Forgive me. If I had known we'd have company, I'd have finished my errands sooner."

"You must be Professor Sycamore," I replied. "It's a pleasure to met you. I've been waiting to get my first Pokémon."

Then, the professor noticed the Pokémon I was playing with. "Looks like Buneary has taken a liking to you," he stated. "This is a little unusual. She's actually a bit timid, especially around humans."

"Well, I've kinda become her hero while you were away..." Then I told him what had happened outside.

When my story was finished, the professor grinned. An idea I wasn't expecting came to him. "Would you like to keep her?"

"Keep her? Really?" I was surprised, but pleased nonetheless.

"Sure... I'm not one for giving away Pokémon I'm using for research, but you two together seem to have a certain je ne sais quoi. I have a good feeling about this."

The Buneary hopped into my arms. She really liked that idea as well. "Oh, Professor, thank you!" I exclaimed.

"And if you want, you can also give her a nickname."

"A nickname, huh?" I thought for a brief moment. Different names came to mind... I even debated just calling her Buneary. Then, the perfect idea hatched. "I know. How about I call you Cocoa? Seems quite fitting since you like chocolate."

The Buneary smiled and hugged me. 'Cocoa,' it was.

After receiving her Pokéball and proper care instructions, Cocoa and I left the lab and decided to go home. This was quite a bit of excitement, and I knew this was just the beginning. After a short walk, I heard someone running toward us. It was Professor Sycamore. "I almost forgot..." He chuckled and handed me what looked like a red card. "This Pokédex is for you. It contains information on all Pokémon, in Kalos or otherwise. It also includes our knowledge on mega evolution so far. If you ever get into a Pokémon battle, knowledge can be power."

I grinned and accepted it. "Merci, professeur."

Before going home, we went a little out of the way and arrived at the local Pokémon Center. Inside, we saw Nurse Joy at the counter. "Good afternoon, and welcome to the Pokémon Center. How may I help you?"

"I would like to register for the Kalos League, s'il vous plaît."

"Okay then," She than gestured to the counter in front of her. "Please place your Pokédex on this panel."

I did as Nurse Joy instructed and let the machine do its work.

Brianna Bellerose from Lumiose City
You are now registered to enter the Kalos League.
Current number of Gym Badges in your possession: zero.
We wish you the best of luck.

"You're all set," said Nurse Joy as I retrieved the Pokédex. "As a bonus, here is an official Kalos League Badge case for you." As she finished her sentence, her assistant Pokémon, Wigglytuff, came in behind her and handed me my case.

I grinned and accepted it. "Merci." I looked at Cocoa, and she smiled at me. The die had been cast. And so officially began my journey as a Pokémon Trainer. Little did I know back then that Cocoa and I would have a series of grand adventures waiting for us... with a certain young man, seeking new dreams and new adventures, as his journey continues...

Pokémon XYZ - Brianna and the Order of Kalos

Part 1 - X

DISCLAIMER

Aside from myself, all characters and places are © Pokémon. Also, regardless of following the basic story line... none of this is canon, so you can relax.