Chapter 1: Welcome To Leazon

The Leazon region, a vast region composed of many separate islands both large and small. Leazon is a heavily populated land with both humans and Pokemon calling it home; plenty of cities, towns, and even small villages scattered across its many islands. In the world of Pokemon, many regions were also home to something called a Pokemon League, a challenge for those who would call themselves trainers. The premise was simple; beat eight gyms, specially designed buildings scattered across the region focused on specific types or gimmicks. After that, you qualify to take on Victory Road, one last gauntlet before reaching the league headquarters itself. And THEN once you reach that...

"Travis, are you done yet? I've been reading this email over for like an hour." Gladys sighed boredly. She closed the email that she and her brother had received from the League association yesterday since they had simultaneously registered to be trainers. "Honestly, you shoulda just let mom pack for you." she joked as she typed at her computer. A few of her friends were on! Guess she should brag while she waits.

Gladys and Travis were residents of Pemolo Town. A relatively peaceful town in the middle of lower Leazon. Despite its small town and quiet atmosphere it was actually a very important piece of the region. Because of its placement in the very center of the lower of the two main islands, it had a lot of traffic going through it, and thus many restaurants, stores, and inns along its multitude of roads. One of said inns belonged to their parents.

As stated before, Gladys and Travis were both beginning their journeys and official careers as Pokemon trainers. At the same time, in fact! For the two would-be trainers were actually twins. It was because of this that not only did they agree to register at the same time, but also set out for their adventure at the same time too. The Professor even agreed to take them both at once.

Although now that Gladys was just sitting around waiting, she was half-heartedly regretting the decision. She was much more passionate (read: impatient) than her brother was, always so punctual and thorough.

"Almost, Gladys, just wait. The Professor isn't even expecting us for another hour." Travis chided, holding up his sketchbook before slipping it into his bag. "Let's see... some extra pencils... can't forget the tablet." he muttered to himself as he slipped the small device into a separate pocket in his bag for EXTRA extra safekeeping.

"You gonna bring that thing too? Mom'll be upset if ya don't bring it and keep up your practice." Gladys giggled as she continued typing away, telling aaaall her friends about her trip.

"Oh, I almost forgot about it, thanks!" Travis rushed to his bed, pulling out the small case and sliding it into his bag as well.

"...Ugh." she cleared her throat, hiding a laugh. If you asked Gladys, she'd tell you her brother's kind of a dork. But one of those cool dorks, she'd clarify! Sure he played an instrument no one ever heard of, but he played it pretty good!

"...Oh hey, check out this funny video Katie sent me!" Gladys waved at her brother.

"Kind of busy." Travis sighed, folding his (other) spare shirt. "Cellphone, check. Glasses case, check. Now just need to get the food..."

"Come on, it'll only be a sec! It's funny!" Gladys turned to her brother, giving a bit of a pout.

Travis stared at his sister, before giving a sigh. "Fine, what did Katie send?" he asked, going to Gladys' side and looking over her shoulder. Gladys grinned up at him before replaying the video.

The most immediately obvious thing to Travis was the Pokemon, a Jigglypuff sitting on a stump surrounded by several other Pokemon. It was singing, and quite badly at that. Enough to make the Pokemon surrounding it wince visibly.

Suddenly however, a Wigglytuff jumps in and kicks the Jigglypuff off 'stage', saying something that Travis could only imagine is about its 'talent'. The surrounding Pokemon are left dumbfounded before the short video ends.

"...Well, I guess that was kind of funny. What, uh, was that exactly?" Travis rose an eyebrow, looking at Gladys for answers.

"It's part of this web series called Odd Adventures. See that Oddish there?" she put the video back to a random point in the middle, pointing to the blue-green grass-type sitting with its back to the camera. "That's the main character! It's a bunch of short clips showing off a ton of different Pokemon and silly cute stuff!"

"...Right." Travis crossed his arms, straightening up. "I'm gonna go prepare the snacks for the road."

"What, it's funny!" Gladys complained. "Let me show you one of the earlier episodes." she offered, but her brother had already left.

Travis sliced the cuts of sandwiches, preparing a handful for the road. He had already plotted the first and probably best destination, of course. He didn't know how long it would take to get there but estimated that a few days would be enough, especially since he'd just be coming back home afterward.

"Oh, Travis dear, you getting ready to go?" a tender voice spoke, Travis turning to see his mom. "Sigh... are you sure you wouldn't want to stay with us instead?" the woman asked, of course not really meaning it.

"Erh... yeah, mom. Sorry, but you know how we've been looking forward to this. I'll still call and visit though!" Travis defended himself, rubbing his head.

The mother of two frowned a little, before giving a defeated sigh. "Yes yes, I understand. Staying cooped up at the inn isn't much fun for either of you. Just make sure you take care of your sister."

"Y-yeah, mom, of course..." Travis gave a confident nod.

"Oh, and Travis, sweetie?"

"Yeah?"

"At the very least, you could have let me prepare the food for you! Goodness, child, trying to do everything on your own! You may be starting your adventure, but you need to tone down all that independence!"

Travis went a little red, hiding his face in his scarf. "Sorry mom. I just want everything to be perfect for today..."

The older woman gave another wistful sigh. "Fine, fine. Listen, it's about time you go over to the Professor's lab, isn't it? Why don't you get your bag and sister and start going. Once you get everything, come back and I'll have some REAL travel food before you set off. I have a few more things to give you anyway."

Travis frowned. "Are you sure, mom? Isn't it busy at the inn? I mean, I can-"

"Travis, the time." His mom very quickly pointed to the digital clock on the counter.

"...It's 12:50 already!? W-we're supposed to be there in 10 minutes!" Travis went wide-eyed in shock, giving his mother a kiss on the cheek before rushing upstairs, calling for Gladys.

The elder watched her son run off, giving another sigh. "At least they have each other."

Upstairs Gladys was in the middle of packing up her laptop, the very last thing she needed to. She hefted her bag over her shoulder and brushed her hair down, looking at the mirror and admiring her look. "Totally ready." she gave a confident nod before Travis bumped passed her and grabbed at his bag. "Oh, hey Travis, I was just about to go. Did ya bring my snacks?"

"Mom's making them." he said quickly, tugging the strap of his own bag over his shoulder. "Come on come on, the Professor's waiting!" he pushed his sister towards the stairs.

"Uh, yeah, I know." she rolled her eyes as Travis practically forced her down the stairs and out the door. "I was waiting on you this whole time." she turned her head and called out, "Mooom, we're going! Bye!" before they left.

Finally, their journey would officially begin.

The two stood in front of the wide building that was the Pokemon Lab, situated near the northeast corner of Pemolo Town. Quite the imposing building, but of course it was fitting due to all the important work done there.

Pokemon Professors are, obviously, those who are experts on Pokemon, although that explanation was particularly vague. To be specific, they worked as researchers who tended to study a specific field or topic on Pokemon and due to their work happened to be officially acknowledged by National Associations and, as a result of this, are given the express permission and responsibility for distributing Pokemon, licenses, and anything else needed to aspiring new trainers in their area (after giving them a look over and approving their applications). Overall, to reach the title of "Pokemon Professor" was to reach the pinnacle of recognition in your field.

Leazon had its own Professor, and luckily for the twins she happened to reside right in their hometown. This Professor was known as Professor Spruce, and she was the one they were supposed to meet today.

Gladys checked her phone, noting the time. "Well since you made us actually run over here, looks like we're right on time."

"Good! We have to make a good first impression!" Travis adjusted his glasses before smoothing out his vest, taking a few deep breaths to steady his nerves before turning to his sister with the best look of confidence he could muster. "How do I look?"

"Trying too hard." Gladys noted, snickering. "Honestly, it's not like we haven't met the Professor before. She knows us! Just don't go in and say something stupid like 'I hate Pokemon!' or 'I changed my mind!' and things will be fine."

"Eheh... Yeah, I guess you're right." Travis scratched his head a little in embarrassment, his posture relaxing considerably as he watched Gladys approach the building first before quickly following and keeping pace at her side, the doors opening on their own as the two entered the lab.

The interior had a calmer atmosphere than what most would call a 'lab' however. The lobby itself was adorned with various plants along the corners and photographs of Pokemon on the walls. The twins stepped in and took in the scenery, both showing equal amounts of excitement over what was to come.

"Ah, there you two are, I was just coming out to wait for you." a voice alerted them to turn their attention to a doorway, a brown haired middle-aged woman standing there to greet them. She was dressed in 'traditional' lab attire; a simple white coat over more casual clothes, with her hair in a bun.

""Professor!"" the twins said in unison as the researcher approached with a smile.

"Mmhm, hello, Travis," she nodded towards the boy, "Gladys." she turned and nodded to the girl. "It's good to see both of you. And how are you two?"

"Pretty good!" Gladys grinned. "Pumped up!"

"Me too." Travis let out a nervous chuckle. "Today's the day after all."

"Indeed it is!" the Professor chuckled. "I shouldn't keep you. I'm sure you'll both be jumping right into your adventures, after all." she motioned towards the doorway she came from. "Come with me, then."

The two smiled to each other, following the Professor as she began to walk. The corridor was short, having a few open spaces on either side. The contents of this corridor seemed to be the main 'labs' if the walls of equipment, computers, and other researchers walking around was any indication. Further along however opened up to a particularly wide room that seemed to be more like a play area than a place of research. Of course here it was both.

"As you two know, I am a Professor, officially recognized by the National Pokemon Association." Spruce smiled towards the open room where a variety of Pokemon were socializing. "This ultimately means I have two jobs, do you know what they are?"

"Yes ma'am!" Travis began excitedly, causing both eyes to look to him, "You research Pokemon Natures and how they affect a Pokemon's being and interactions with others!"

The other two looked at each other, before Gladys began to giggle and the Professor smiled towards Travis. "My, indeed. Someone did their research."

"Eheh." Travis began to blush, rubbing his head. "Well, no, it's not like I was preparing for today, I just happened to like your work. I read your books and they were really thought-provoking-"

"AHEM." Gladys cleared her throat loudly. "Aaanyway." she began, "your second job is to help those who want to become trainers, right? They register and then the Professor has to look at their profile and see if they got what it takes to raise Pokemon themselves and go out on their own and stuff."

"Goodness, you two!" the Professor chuckled. "At this rate you'll give my speech for me." she smiled towards the twins who both sported wide grins. "Yes yes, correct again. Now, normally I would do my second job and that's that. Since you two don't have Pokemon of your own, I'll be giving one to each of you." the two looked at each other excitedly before turning back to the speaking woman. She nodded. "However, this is a bit different. Usually my first job doesn't tend to get involved with the second, but because I know both of you personally, I'd like to ask a special favor."

"A favor?" Gladys asked, raising an eyebrow. "What, like, an errand?"

"Indeed, Gladys!" Spruce nodded, motioning the twins to follow as she began walking the two back down the corridor to a different room, one much more appropriate for a 'lab'. "I'd like to ask you both to assist in my research, simply put."

"It'd be an honor!" Travis exclaimed, "But, what would we do exactly?" it was his turn to question.

"Well, to put it best, I have two requests for the both of you. And don't worry, this of course won't get too much in the way of your own journies, hopefully. In fact, I'd like to believe that it will enhance your adventures throughout the region of Leazon." she stopped at a table, picking up two matching devices. They were both red in coloration, and reminded Travis a bit of his own tablet. "These are Pokedexes; Encyclopedias and a sort of database for all the Pokemon you may encounter in this world."

As she said this, she handed one to each youth, both of them looking the tablets over and turning them on. "I've already registered both of them to you two. I'd like you to take these with you." she chuckled. "And I'd also like for you both to use them."

"Use them? Like, actually write entries in?" Gladys asked as she went through the many empty 'pages' of the Pokedex.

"Are you sure about that, Professor? I mean, it seems like a big responsibility, and it's not like we'll know much about the Pokemon when we write..." Travis added, sharing his sister's doubts.

"Oh, don't worry about that." Spruce chuckled. "You see, these handy little things will scan and keep track of the different species of Pokemon you find all throughout the region. The task I have for you both is simply to encounter as many different Pokemon as you can on your journey." she nodded. "Apart from their natures, it's also important to us to see just what Pokemon live on this region with us. Leazon is a big place, after all, so an official record is important."

"Ah." Travis nodded, looking down at the pokedex. "So rather than write new entries, you want us to just see what entries are relevant to Leazon?"

"Indeed. And as well as that... for my own research, I would also like you to catch as many Pokemon as you can." Spruce continued. "A larger amount of Pokemon to study personally would greatly help my research. Of course, I won't hoard your Pokemon, so don't worry about that. I just ask that you allow me to get a look at those you aren't using so I can obtain an even bigger sampling of Pokemon."

The two twins looked to each other, before simultaneously nodding in understanding.

It was a reasonable enough request, especially since they were being given something as useful as a functioning, easy to use encyclopedia on anything they might find. And the thing about 'logging all the different Pokemon'... well, they were planning on exploring the whole region anyway, so it didn't really change anything! Except perhaps how much they planned on spending on Pokeballs.

"Alright, professor, we can do that!" Travis said confidently, his sister nodding in agreement.

"I'm happy to hear that, you two. Now, as for my other request, this one is perhaps a bit trickier." Spruce began. "As you are aware, usually unless there is a shortage I would prepare a selection of Pokemon for you to pick to be your first one, however, on my assumption that you would indeed decide to help me with my research, I pre-picked both of your Pokemon. Of course, this is entirely up to the two of you."

"You picked our Pokemon for us?" Gladys questioned. "How would that help your research?"

"Do you want us to study those specifically?" Travis added.

"Yes indeed, Travis. But to answer Gladys' question." she addressed the girl. "What Travis said is correct, I do research Pokemon Natures, but another field I expert in that is a bit less forward is variances between Pokemon. Specifically, members of the same species."

""Variances?"" the twins repeated questioningly.

"Quite. From behavior, personality, and "Nature", to physical attributes such as size and coloration." she explained. "Pokemon are like humans. Each one is unique in their own way. I'd like to look at that more closely, to put it simply."

"Aah... I get it!" Gladys nodded understandingly. "So from what you said... you picked out both of our Pokemon cuz you want us to have the same one, but you want us to look at them and tell you how they're different?"

Professor Spruce chuckled. "Indeed. Goodness, you two are quite clever. Perhaps I should have asked you to be my assistants sooner."

"Well, if Gladys is fine with it, then so am I." the boy nodded to his sister, who gave a nod back (along with a playful shove). "We'll take the Pokemon you chose for us, Professor!" he spoke.

"Excellent! Well then, let's not keep you two waiting any longer, I've kept you here for enough. First, here are your Trainer IDs, printed out and ready for both of you." she handed the two cards to the corresponding twins who eagerly grabbed them and looked them over as she wandered to a console and began to type. "Congratulations Gladys, Travis. You two are officially identified Pokemon Trainers."

She smiled towards the two as a small shelf with a glass dome over it slid out from a nearby machine, two Pokeballs sitting within the opening case. "But of course, what are two trainers without a Pokemon of their own?"

-End of Chapter 1-