Hello, my loves!

Regarding that poll I posted a while ago on whether or not you guys wanted to see Alice travel Unova with Hilbert/Black/Touya and Hilda/White/Touko, and you guys said yes! Thus, this story was born.

I won't be updating this regularly; I've just decided to post it in celebration of my 17th birthday today. Yay! :)

Tell me what you guys think so far! And yes, I know, it'll be a bit slow in the beginning. Sorry!

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing relating to Pokémon. I only own my character, Alice.

1 - Arrival to Unova

"I want to go to Unova."

The words tumble out of my mouth so fast and so unexpected I barely have time to bite my tongue. I've always had that habit, speaking my mind without thinking first. It's gotten me into a whole lot of trouble in the past, and other times, it causes people to think I'm stupid. A child.

From my side, Pikachu looks up at me, his black eyes full of confusion and surprise. "Pika?" I ignore him and keep my blue eyes fixed on my mother in front of me.

She freezes in her place in front of the kitchen sink and looks over her shoulder at me, her eyes reflecting in the room's dim light. "Why would you want to go there?" she asks, her voice calm. Soapy water drips off her soaked hands, pooling in bubbly puddles at the corners of the sink.

I take a deep breath, blinking my eyes furiously. "It's been a little while since I've traveled a region. I've gone through Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and even Sinnoh. I'm eager to try something new."

Her blue eyes—so much like mine—are locked tightly on my face. They move slightly as she drinks up my image, finally sighing before she grabs a nearby towel and turns around fully. She wipes her hands clean and dry before tossing it back into the counter.

"Sweetie, I love that you're interested in the outside world and want to explore, and I respect that, I really do. Your aunt was just like that. But you do know...he left for Unova, right?"

"I know."

My voice sounds a little cold when I respond, but I don't care. I truly want to travel to Unova; I don't want Mom's decision on whether or not she allows me to go to be based on the fact my father left Kanto for Unova when I was two years old.

"But I don't really care. I actually want to go."

She flinches slightly, but lets a soft smile tug at the corners of her mouth. "I understand, Alice. But you can't just leave right now, you know," she adds with a teasing edge to her tone. "We'll make arrangements and all at dinner, okay?"

I part my lips to protest, but snap them back together. I'm lucky she's agreeing to let me go—I shouldn't backtalk her or say anything smart or fresh.

"Okay."

Mom's voice takes me by surprise, but I quickly recover and look up at her from my plate of breaded cutlets. She eyes me carefully, a wide smile stretching along her pretty mouth.

"What do you have in mind for Unova? What do you plan on doing once you get there?"

I blink twice, straightening up in my seat. I have to be careful about this answer, or she may rethink her decision of letting me go. "I want to challenge the Gyms there and enter the Pokémon League. I also wanna catch a lot of new Pokemon, too."

She nods, like she expected just as much from me. "Of course. I should've known. Ever since you came home from Sinnoh you've acted a little bit...differently," she finally says once she's searched and found the right word.

I can't help it, though. My best friend, Dawn, had traveled with me all throughout Sinnoh. We were as tight as could be, and Pikachu and Piplup, her own Starter Pokémon, were best friends, as well. But our journey had come to an end eventually, and I'd returned to Kanto while she stayed behind in Sinnoh to continue her Contest training as a Pokémon Coordinator. We frequently kept in touch, though, sending letters back and forth to each other through the post offices in Viridian City and Sandgem Town.

"And what about friends? Or will it just be you and Pikachu?"

My eyes trail upwards toward the ceiling in thought. I haven't thought about this, to be honest. Except for Dawn, I've never traveled with friends in any of the other regions I've visited before. Sure, I've had a couple rivals here and there, but I've never had a true traveling partner. I'm not so sure I would want one to begin with, since Pikachu and I are so used to traveling at our own speed. Dawn and Piplup were an exception, as they were just starting out, and we clicked so well in the beginning anyways.

"I'm not sure," I finally answer, meeting her warm, motherly eyes once more. "Maybe Pikachu and I will just travel like we always have."

"I understand," she says. "And I take it you'd like myself and Professor Oak to take care of your other Pokémon?"

"...If you wouldn't mind, yes."

"Of course," she chuckles, leaning back in her chair. "When would you like to leave, sweetie?"

A wave of dark red color stretches along my neck and face as I answer, "As soon as possible." I hope she doesn't think I'm too pushy or demanding.

But her smile lingers on her face, and she gives a small nod. "I'll check the flights in Vermillion City for tomorrow afternoon. We can drive up there in the morning, and get an early start. In the meantime, start packing up anything you may need. I take it you plan on staying in Unova for quite some time, then?"

"That's the plan," I tell her with a smile.

"Pika pi!"

After dinner, I retreat to my room, where I sit at my small desk. Pikachu flicks on the desk lamp as I grab a piece of paper and a pen. In not-so-elegant writing, I scrawl out:

Dawn,

My mom's letting me go to Unova! I can't believe it, since my dad left to go there a long time ago. Mom doesn't exactly have a friendly relationship with that region.

By the time you get this, I'll probably already be in Unova. Pikachu's with me, so I won't be alone. We're gonna challenge the Gyms and enter the Pokémon League. I'll try to write to you once we get there, and I'll send it as soon as I can!

I wish you could come along with us! Send Piplup my best, and good luck with your Contests! I love you!

-Alice

I grab an envelope from the desk drawer and fold the letter. I write Dawn's name and address on the envelope before slipping the letter inside, tucking the envelope's flap underneath.

When I look back, Pikachu already holds a Poké Ball. I smile as I take it, giving him a pet on the head, to which he coos. Then, I open the Poké Ball.

A flash of white light erupts in front of me, and my Staraptor appears on the desk, his wings tucked in. He rubs against my cheek affectionately, cooing like the tiny Starly I raised him from.

"I need you to take this to the post office in Viridian City, okay? It should still be open."

Staraptor chirps and grasps the envelope in his talons. With a caw, he lifts himself up and flies out through the open window.

"Okay, I'm ready."

Slung over my shoulders is my trusty brown backpack. It's filled with my pajamas and a spare set of clothes, snacks, and other supplies I might need on the road. The zippers are accessorized with little keychains—a Pikachu on one and a Piplup on the other, which I bought in Sinnoh.

My outfit's simple: a royal blue T-shirt under a white jacket with sleeves that reach my elbows. I'm clothed in a slightly frilly black skirt that stretches down to the area just above my knees, as well, and wear a pair of white boots that reach up to my ankles. A blue and white hat with a Poké Ball design rests on my head, hiding some of my messy black hair.

Staraptor is now safely back in his Poké Ball, having returned last night before I went to bed. The letter was gone, so I can only assume he'd succeeded in his task.

Mom nods at me, giving me one final hug. "I'll miss you so much, sweetie. Don't forget to call from time to time, and remember to do your laundry and change your underwear every day."

"Mom," I grumble against the fabric of her pink sweater, my face exploding with heat. "I know all that. You don't have to baby me anymore—I'm a big girl now."

She pulls away from me and stares into my eyes, a sad smile sketched across her face. "I know, I know. It's just...my little girl's all grown up and about to go on another journey. I have to remind myself you don't need my help now as much as you did a few years ago."

A light blush brushes over my face, but I smile anyway. "I'll be okay, Mom. Don't you worry. And I'll call you when we get to Unova. I promise."

A few minutes later, Pikachu and I are settled in our assigned seats near the windows, and the plane surges forward, finally lifting off into the air. I press the palm of my hand against the cool glass, tracing my fingernail over a light stain as I watch the airport dissolve into a tiny dot on the ground as the plane lifts higher and higher.

"Pika?" Pikachu's voice slightly startles me, causing me to jump in my seat. But I recover quickly, and meet his soft, concerned look with a smile.

"It's okay, buddy. I'm just a bit nervous about leaving Mom home alone again."

"Pika pi, pikachu?"

"I actually wanted to go to Unova in the first place," I reply, my voice a bit edgy when I respond. "I couldn't care less about the fact Dad left for Unova when I was two." Why does everyone suspect I want to go because of him? Why can't I go on my own desires and beliefs?

Pikachu eyes me closely, his dark brown eyes melting into my blue ones, before shrugging and finally laying down on my lap. A soft puff of breath escapes his parted lips as he shuts his eyes, snuggling into the slightly frilly material and laces of my skirt.

"Okay, buddy," I chuckle, running my hand along his back. "I'll wake you up when we get there." Unova's only around a two hour flight, so what harm could it do to let him sleep for a little while?

But as I lean back in my own seat and stare out at the large and lazy cotton-colored clouds, I feel my eyelids begin to droop, and soon enough, my soft breaths meet those of my partner's as I drift off into a dreamless yet peaceful sleep.

"We are approaching Virbank City in approximately ten minutes. Please prepare yourselves for landing."

Although they protest, I force my eyelids to lift up, allowing pale sunlight and blue sky to slip in. I crane my neck forward, wincing slightly as I feel the muscles strain and stretch under my skin. As I shift in my seat, running my tongue along my dry mouth, Pikachu's ear twitches, and he suddenly sits up.

"Pika pi?"

"We're almost there," I answer him, yawning as I do. "A few more minutes, and then we're officially in Unova."

I reach down and unzip my backpack, pulling out the small catalog of Unova my mother gave to me just before I left. I lean back in my seat and start flipping through it, feeling the shiny and slippery pages pass through my fingers.

"Oh, look!" I point to a small section of the page, and Pikachu looks up, his eyes meeting the typed letters on the slippery surface. "It says there's a place in Virbank City called Virbank Complex, and you can find a lot of Pokémon there! I'll bet Unova's got hundreds of Pokémon we haven't even seen yet! We should check it out, right, buddy?"

"Pikachu!"

Once the plane lands, and the people start standing up and filing out of the aircraft, I yank the shutter down on the window. I want to see Unova for myself through my own eyes, and not just through a slightly-stained airplane window.

Pikachu and I are the last people to get off the plane. But when we do, I throw up my clenched fists in the air and shout at the top of my lungs:

"Unova, here we come!"

"Pikachu!"

Ignoring the stares some people give me, I rush off the steps and onto the pavement, my eyes scanning the city in front of me. Buildings not tall enough to be considered skyscrapers reach up towards the clouds, their surfaces dotted with tiny windows. Stretches of dark gray pavement formed into roads lead into the city, and both kids and adults alike are perched either on or beside the roads.

"This must be Virbank City," I say to Pikachu, who's taken it upon himself to perch himself on my shoulder.

"Pika pika," he answers, rubbing the side of his face against my cheek.

"But first thing's first: we've gotta find the Gym. Right?"

"Pikachu!"

And with that, the two of us run into the city, and immediately, we're slapped in the face with a cool, crisp breeze. Shivers dance up and down my spine as we race down the streets, turning at every sharp corner and slipping past strangers as we do so. Pikachu's tiny yellow paws tighten their grip on the sleeves of my shirt and jacket, and he starts shaking slightly with excitement.

We finally skid to a stop when my eyes catch the familiar sight of the Pokémon Gym logo—a slanted Poké Ball that looks like it's been sliced in half. The logo's plastered onto the rugged metal door of a small purple building, thin paint chipping off the surface. Excitement pulsing through me, I reach for the doorknob, shaking with anticipation, but freeze once I see a piece of paper on the door.

Held up by a small piece of tape, hastily-written scribbles formed into letters dance across the page. Looking closer, I read the note with a sinking heart.

Sorry, dudes and dudettes. But I'm on a small tour in Sinnoh with my band for now, so I won't be back until the end of the month. Sorry for the inconvenience, but I promise I'll accept any battle challenges as soon as I get back. Hang tight, fans!

-Roxie

"Well, this sucks," I sigh heavily, hanging my head. I reach up and rest my right hand on my hip, shutting my eyes. "And we were looking forward to our first Gym battle, too..."

"Pika pika."

Then what's the use of staying at the Gym if it's Leader-less? And what good's a city or town if it doesn't have a Gym Leader to battle?

"I guess we could look around," I mutter to Pikachu. "I'm sure there's stuff we can do before we find the Pokémon Center, and I can write to Dawn. " I suddenly gasp as an idea flashes like a lightning bolt in my mind. "Maybe we can look in Virbank Complex for some Pokémon! C'mon, buddy!"

Dawn,

We've arrived in the Unova region! We haven't seen much of it yet, though, and we're only in Virbank City so far.

Pikachu and I went to the Gym, but it's closed for now. The Gym Leader, Roxie, I think her name is, left a note, saying she and her band were on a tour throughout the Sinnoh region. If you think of it, has their been any band from Unova performing in Sinnoh lately?

I'm sorry if this letter's so short. I'll try to write to you in a few days. Right now, Pikachu and I are going to Virbank Complex to catch some Pokémon!

Wish you were here! I love you! Best wishes to you and Piplup!

-Alice

Smiling, I wrap the letter up in an envelope and scrawl out Dawn's address on it. I stand up and walk over to the Pokémon Center counter, where Nurse Joy is waiting for me, Pikachu perched on the counter.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," she apologizes, that famous sweet smile laced on her lips. "But I'm happy to report your Pikachu's in great health!"

"That's a relief." Pikachu cheers and jumps onto my outstretched arm, climbing up to my shoulder, and then to my head. "Nurse Joy, if you don't mind me asking, is there a post office in Virbank City? I need to send this letter to my friend really quickly."

"No," she answers, holding out her hand, "but you can just give it to me. Sometimes I send out letters and packages to the post office in Accumula Town, which is quite a trek from here."

I give her a grateful smile, handing her the letter. "Thanks, Nurse Joy. You're always such a big help—you and all your sisters." A shy chuckle escapes her mouth at my words. "One more thing: would you mind telling me where Virbank Complex is?"

"Not at all. Just keep going straight, take the second right, and you're there! You can't miss it; Trainers flock there all the time."

"Thank you very much!"

"Pika pika!"

It's not long before Pikachu and I arrive in the Complex. Little bundles of tall grass decorate the patches of field next to the stone paths and roads. Staircases stretch up to a small maze of orange and amber-colored railings up above, and some fellow Trainers are perched up on the railings, some battling while others simply sit and enjoy the passing breeze.

"Now, where's a good place to catch some Pokémon...?"

A rustle in the leaves causes me to snap my head to the right, where I see a small gray shape move out of the tall grass. Its feathers tucked into its sides, it pecks at the ground repeatedly. It suddenly throws its head back and, unfurling its wings, cries out.

"Pidove!"

"Pidove, huh?" I whisper. Smirking, I nod to Pikachu, who jumps off my shoulder and positions himself into a pounce, ready to spring. "Go get 'em, buddy!"

"Pika!"

Small sparks erupt from his red cheeks as he lunges for the tiny gray bird. Cooing in surprise, it spreads its wings and lifts itself up, and Pikachu lands on the ground instead of the bird. Growling to himself, he sends a glare up at the Pidove, who gladly returns it.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt—!"

"Purrloin, Fury Swipes, let's go!"

Suddenly, a small and sleek purple shape bursts out from the bush behind Pikachu. He cries out in shock as the creature, who looks like a cat, soars over him, sharp claws outstretched.

The "Purrloin" swipes at the bird, who screams in pain as its wing is clipped by those razor-sharp claws. The Pidove then flies up and flaps its wings together, sending a powerful gust of air towards the catlike creature.

"Use Protect!"

Still in the air, the Purrloin curls itself up slightly, and a bright blue shield forms around it. The gusts of air can only collide into the blue shield, bouncing off as the catlike creature is unaffected by the attack.

The Pidove is startled, which allows the Purrloin's unseen Trainer to throw a Poké Ball at it. The Ball taps the Pidove, sucking it inside. The Ball drops to the ground, shaking before clicking shut.

Anger bristles off me like lightning from a Raichu's cheeks. "That was my Pidove, you know!"

At my words, a teenage girl steps out of the bushes, and Purrloin slinks over to her side. With long black hair, dark brown eyes, and a smirk on her face, she wears a forest green skater dress with black leggings and boots reaching up to her knees. She pulls her hair back into a bun, eyeing me suspiciously.

"It was a wild Pidove," she scoffs, tightening her hairband. "It wasn't reserved for you."

Pikachu growls, and his fur bristles as he turns towards Purrloin. The catlike creature's lip curls up into a nasty snarl, and she unsheathes her sharp claws.

I puff out my red cheeks, determined to win this argument. "You saw me trying to catch it!"

"You didn't attack it once," the girl sighs, crossing her arms. "I don't want to hear it."

"That's not the point!"

She rolls her eyes before shutting them. "Are you serious right now? Like, really? No one cares who started attacking who first. This is Unova, sweetie. You should know that. Wait," she says, raising her eyebrow, "are you even from Unova?"

I clench my hands into furious fists, despising the reprimanding tone she's using with me. "I'm from Kanto, and my name's Alice. Yours?"

She bursts out laughing, bending over as she squeezes her sides. Tears begin leaking out of the corners of her eyes, and not too long after her, her Purrloin begins snickering, as well.

"I'm sorry," she wheezes in an uncaring tone. "It's just, I didn't expect you to be from Kanto, of all places! I mean, with your attitude, I'd have guessed you were from Sinnoh or Johto, but I guess I wasn't too far off."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I fire back, beginning to shift into my 'battling stance'. "I happen to know very nice people from Johto and Sinnoh!"

"Of course," she pants, straightening herself up. "You would think that. I'm Raven, by the way. Alice, huh? And you've got a Pikachu? I should've known you came from Kanto."

"Shut up!" I scream, glaring daggers at her. "Don't talk that way about my home region like that!"

She seems a bit taken aback by my outburst, but plays it cool as she responds. "Protective of your home, huh? Let me guess, you're from Pallet Town, right?" When I don't answer, she smirks. "Oh, I see. And you've done all the basics a Trainer your age should've done by now, right? You've trained, battled, won Gym badges—"

"Actually, I'm itching for a battle right now!" I screech as Pikachu jumps in front of me, growling. "I challenge you to a battle, your Purrloin against Pikachu!"

Raven looks surprised, but quickly masks it with a smirk. "Alright, then. I accept your challenge."

The two of us are now positioned on opposite ends of a nearby battlefield in the complex. It's perched behind a large building, and a small playground rests next to it. A few kids hang out on the swings to watch the battle.

Raven smirks and points to the field. "Purrloin, get out there and show he what you're made of!"

With a battle cry, the purple catlike creature races ahead. She takes her place in front of her Trainer, baring sharp white teeth that remind me of tiny knives.

But we'll win this. I know we will.

"Ready, Pikachu?" I ask him. He growls and nods before jumping off my shoulder. "I choose you!"

Pikachu roars and leaps over to the field, planting his yellow paws in the ground. His red cheeks explode hostilely with small electric jolts.

"I'll make you regret saying those things about Kanto!"

"Pika!"

"Is that so? If you can't take a few insults, don't come to Unova. We don't have time for the easily-offended."

"Purr—loin!"

I grit my teeth before yelling out, "Pikachu, start off with Thunderbolt!"

My Electric-type vibrates with thunderous energy, finally expelling that built-up power in the form of a strong bolt of lightning.

"Protect, let's go!"

A protective blue shield forms around Purrloin's crouched form, blocking the bolt from reaching her. As his attack bounces back harmlessly, Pikachu lands on the ground, groaning. A thin layer of sweat slicks down his yellow body.

I growl under my breath. If Purrloin knows Protect, we can't use long-distance attacks! Close-range fighting is our only option.

"Now, use Iron Tail!"

"Fury Swipes, Purrloin!"

Pikachu races forward, his tail glowing with powerful steel. But just as he prepares to strike, Purrloin lunges to the side, my Pokémon whizzing right past her.

With speed that rivals lightning, Purrloin's claws reveal themselves, glimmering against the sun. She slashes at Pikachu's side, coaxing him to scream out and tumble, landing on his stomach.

"Pikachu!" I bite my lip fiercely. He can't be done yet!

But my buddy's strong, and he proves it by pushing himself up to his paws in no time, sending me a reassuring smile.

"That's my boy!" I yell to him. He holds his chin up proudly, basking in the praise.

"I have to say," Raven shouts to me, "your Pikachu's not half bad. At least, it's more...intriguing than other Pokémon from Kanto."

My teeth hurt from grinding against each other so much. "I agree Pikachu's the best, but don't insult Kanto's Pokémon!

"I'm not insulting them. I'm merely stating my opinion."

"Whatever! Pikachu, use Quick Attack!"

Pikachu paws at the ground before charging for Purrloin at an incredible pace, slivers of silver air trailing behind him. Luckily, Purrloin's frozen in her tracks, and Pikachu's head slams into her side.

The catlike creature shrieks and staggers, her paws wobbling. Pikachu bounces back, smirking proudly.

Raven's eyes flash in the sun, as sharp as her Purrloin's claws. "Don't give up, Purrloin. Retaliate with Shadow Claw!"

Purrloin shakes her head and hisses, her right front paw glowing purple. She lunges for Pikachu, her jade eyes glinting with determination and evilness.

"Volt Tackle, let's go!"

Pikachu charges straight for Purrloin, a coat of electricity enveloping him. His paws thunder against the ground, his radiant voice filling my ears.

The two Pokémon collide, and at the explosion, I cross my arms over my face to shield my eyes from the smoke. But once I'm sure the worst of the smoke has passed I unveil my eyes once more.

Pikachu stands there, panting heavily, as Purrloin lays at his paws, black swirls for eyes.

We...won?!

"Well played, I guess," Raven calls to me, shaking her head.

I swallow the pride that wells in my throat as I run to Pikachu, picking him up. I hug him tightly, burying my face in his yellow fur.

"You were great, buddy," I whisper to him. He coos, nuzzling his red cheek against my own.

When I open my eyes again, Raven kneels down, holding her fallen Purrloin. The catlike creature glares at me and Pikachu, but her Trainer merely wears a smirk.

"You won for today, Kanto girl," she says, standing up. Purrloin slinks up to her shoulder, wrapping her sleek purple form around her Trainer's neck. The smirk still on her face, Raven holds out her hand. "But next time will be different."

I raise my eyebrow before shifting Pikachu to one arm, and I grasp her outstretched hand in my own. "Thanks, but I don't think so. You see, us Kanto Trainers are quite defensive of our home."

"I can see that. However, it's only your first battle in the Unova region. It's about to get a whole lot tougher in the real world, kiddo. Personally, I can't wait to see how long you last out there."

A glare conquers my features, and I grip my new rival's hand tighter before yanking my own back. We'll just see about that, now won't we, Raven?

As you might've guessed, Raven was based off my original OC for Best Wishes, who was also named Raven. Intended to be Ash's cousin, she was going to travel the Unova region with him, Iris, and Cilan, as well as her own Pikachu, Sparky. She was such a Mary-Sue, now that I think about it.

And no, this story does not tie in with Best Wishes at all. This Raven is not the same one mentioned in A Tasteful First Date, and there is absolutely no Sunsetshipping, unfortunately. This story will be mostly focusing on the games' plot, with a few filler chapters thrown in here and there. Everything's different - even Alice's outfit is mixed up a bit!

Again, let me know what you think! Or not, it's your choice. But anyway, thanks for reading! I love you! :)