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Episode 1 – Off to Sandgem Town!

"See ya, Mom! Dad! Love you two!" I exclaimed like, for the hundredth time already before finally skipping away with the baby Eevee in my arms. Looking back, my parents were non-stop waving at me as they probably thought of their daughter leaving them for another journey for the second time already.

I look down on the furry creature locked in my arms, grinning like a madman. He turned his head to look at me with his freaking adorable huge puppy eyes, and returned the grin. My heart melted as soon as I've seen this… He's so adorable I could squish him anytime!

As I continued my pace down the road, the sight of houses became fewer. Black, my Eevee's nickname, wriggled out of my arms and hopped on my shoulder, with my black backpack supporting the little thing from the back so that he won't fall. I caught up a view of some trees here and there, and also some Starlies. After a few minutes of walking, I noticed that I was already passing through the entrance of Route 201, where a mini forest is located. It wasn't until I reached the part where the path was separated into two; one to the left, and one to the right. On the left, there was a signboard saying "Lake Verity". Since that path would most likely lead me to where a certain legendary Pokémon resides, I turned to the right one.

But before taking another determined step, I inhaled a huge chunk of air before blowing it all out and fist-pumped the air.

"Alright! Bring it on, Sinnoh! Prepare your history books for I shall dominate the League and become the best Pokemon Trainer you could ever imagine!" I proclaimed, my voice echoing within the woods, jumping back from one tree to another. Oops… that provoked some of the Pokemon living here.

To top it off, Black climbed up on my head and barked the loudest thing I ever heard from him. I could imagine him waggling his tail with the silliest puppy grin. But before I could put him down back on my shoulder, a large flock of Starlies went straight towards us, scowling profusely.

"Uh-oh…" I mumbled to myself before getting pushed down on the ground by the wild Starling Pokemon. I landed with a 'thump', but I wasn't exactly worried about that. It's Black. He was knocked off of my head!

"Black!" I got up from the ground and frantically searched for the Evolution Pokemon. Hearing a whimper from the back, my eyes landed on the Eevee who was in a dazed expression. Right. He never got in a battle before, nor getting into a situation like this. From my peripheral vision, the Starlies were about to use Tackle and Peck again, so I quickly went to my Eevee and crouched down to protect him from the incoming attacks. I tightly shut my eyes, anticipating for the pain to arrive on my back. But it never came.

I opened one eye and noticed my Swampert violently using Surf on the flock, sending them away a few distance from us. The wave subsided as I stood up, carefully picking up Black. Ao, as I decided to call my Swampert since I first got him in my Hoenn journey, turned to me and tackled me down for a hug, catching me off-guard, "Swampert-pert! Swampert!"

I gave him a glare, "Ao! You should stop getting out of your own Pokéball without me telling you to do so. You just hurt those innocent Pokemon!"

The blue Pokemon growled happily and nuzzled my neck before going back to the confines of a his Pokeball. Until now, I still wonder how he always manages to do that without my command. Whenever I'm in danger, or one of his teammates is, he suddenly breaks out on his own and destroys those things, whatever they may be, that intent to cause harm to us. He's like the protective type of Pokemon I never had, but I'm worried about the fact that it doesn't matter to him as long as that danger is really wiped out.

Black broke out of my hold once again and scurried off to the direction of the wounded Starlies. I stood up and followed him, until I saw a single Starly laying on the ground, soaking wet. Wait, weren't there about six of them? Maybe they flew away before the wave reached them? A few puddles of water were scattered here and there.. All because of Swampert's Surf… this is what I'm worried about. It doesn't matter to him even if he could possibly kill this little creature!

"Oh my gosh," I quickly knelt down to it before grabbing some HP-recovering berries from my bag and handing them out to it, "I-I'm so sorry! It was my fault for disturbing your peaceful home, a-and then-"

Sighing, I relaxed my shoulders as I watched it eating the berries I gave. Its feathers clung to its skin because of the fact that its whole body is drenched. A pang of guilt hit me, the thought of me being the cause of this bothering my sub consciousness.

"Star, Star…" it approached me, and my heart melted again at the sight of its adorable eyes. I couldn't handle cute Pokémon, especially birds! Gah! I need to get out of here before I squeeze them to death!

However, instead of running away like I should be, I composed myself and grabbed a towel from the bag, placing it on top of the Starly. Black just sat there and tilted his head.

The Starly draped itself inside the towel and lied back on the ground, poking its head out. I tried to control myself but my hands instinctively reached out to it and snuggled it close to me. At first it became wary and hostile, though the little thing eventually ceased its efforts and chirped with its voice shaking, "S-Star…."

"It's okay, Starly," I hushed, my warm breath hitting its forehead, "I really am a reckless person."

"Eevui," Black stated beside me. I glanced at him.

"Yeah, but Ao has always been like that. It isn't his fault either."

"Eevuuuiii," the fury creature shook his head at me, then turned to look at the Starly. The little thing fell asleep, probably, with its eyes closed and all.

I stood up with the Starly still snuggled under the towel in my arms, "Hey, Black? You wouldn't mind walking, ain't ya?"

As I started my pace down the dirt path, the Eevee shook his head and walked beside me. I stared down at Starly while I continued walking, "I guess we have to bring this little guy to the Pokemon Center before releasing him back to the woods. I mean, we wouldn't leave him all vulnerable back there, right?"

"Eevui!" Black beamed, as if saying 'yeah!'. Smiling, I thought of how he seems like my partner Pokemon even though I only got him this year. During me and my brother's 14th birthday, we each received a gift from my father. Aries got a baby Alolan Vulpix, while I got an Egg. Dad said he accidently left his partner Pokemon Glaceon along with a male Persian in Solaceon Town's Daycare, and they found an egg. You already know the rest of the story.

Eversince then, Black and I were inseparable, partners in crime. His personality was an exact replica of mine, and I don't even know why. I didn't give him any Evolution Stone because I want him to evolve only when he's ready. So, he's either going to be an Espeon or an Umbreon. Or maybe even a Sylveon? Who knows.

I left my mind wandering to endless thoughts as we made our way to our next destination: Sandgem Town.

"Thank you, Luna," I bowed my head in respect after the lady in pink healed Starly. He flew around the building, happy at the fact that his strength came back. Black played along too, waggling his tail as he ran around wherever Starly was flying.

"Don't mention it," she smiles, her eyes fluttering close for a second. When she was about to turn to the other Trainer on the other side of the counter, her eyes widened and her movements came to a halt. She suddenly turns back to face me and slammed her hands on the table, "Aria-san?! Is that you?!"

I spread out my arms as I flip my hair, "The one and only!"

"Holy macaroni, I mean, wow! You've changed, like a lot! I didn't recognize you immediately!" she gives me a warm Ursaring hug, then released me after a while. Her face has this look of surprise and awe, and was non-stop smiling at me, "I was really shocked there for a moment when you called me Luna. Everybody calls me Nurse Joy, except for you, the Professor, and my little brother!"

"You know, I think we should kinda talk later. There's another Trainer waiting for your assistance over there," I grinned sheepishly before gazing at the boy who was impatiently tapping his fingers on the counter. Oddly enough, that boy looks so familiar, but I just can't put my finger to it.

"What, Aria? Don't tell me you don't remember him anymore? He'll be fine there even if I won't tend to his Pokemon," Luna said, giving me a look that somehow says 'are you kidding me?' I tilt my head to the side and furrowed my eyebrows.

"Uh, no?"

She dramatically shoves her face into her palm, shaking her head in disappointment, "Oh Arceus, help this child."

"Oh Arceus, hopefully Nurse Luna would tend to me already!" a third voice butted in, sarcasm clear from the way he said it. Luna and I instinctively turned to the owner of the voice, eyes landing on the boy instead. Something about his personality, voice, and appearance, seems very familiar. Just who is he..?

Luna laughed and went to him, gave him a hard pat on the back, took his hat, and messed up his black hair, "Come on, Lucas! Why won't you let your big ol' sister have this wondrous reunion with a childhood friend?"

When she said his name, hundreds of blurry memories came surging into my mind. A little boy, running around a grassy plain along with his Turtwig. The same boy who I used to watch Pokemon battles with me back then. That little boy who cried when my brother and I left for Hoenn. Lucas, Lucas, Lucas… Right, Lucas! Luna's younger brother!

"Lucas?!" I blurted out his name, staring at the boy with wide eyes. I ran towards him and gave him a quick hug. Last time I saw him, he was so… tiny. But that was four years ago, and he's probably eight that time. Now he looks so different! And even surpassed my height!

"Hey, Aria-san," he greeted, waving his right hand. Even his voice was deeper! I remember him reaching higher notes than me when we were kids!

Luna theatrically heaves out a sigh of relief as she flails her hands in the air, "Gosh, finally, you recognized him. Oh…" her lively expression dropped at the sight of several trainers suddenly swarming inside the Pokemon Center. She snatches all of her brother's Pokeballs and gave them to the Audino beside her. Lucas jumped back at his sister's sudden action.

"Aria, I would love to accompany you in your stay in Sandgem but since I'm a busy woman, I'd have to leave that job to Lucas," she smiles before giving Lucas and I a quick push, "Lucas, just come back for your Pokemon later. For the meantime, have fun with Aria!"

"Since I also want to hang out with her for a while, then okay," the boy replied, putting his hat back on. I called out to Black and the wild Starly before we all left the building.

Lucas and I, along with Black and Starly, have been walking around Sandgem Town for a while now. We talked about a lot of stuff to catch up on either one's updates in life. Turns out, Lucas didn't manage to beat the Sinnoh League, too. He couldn't even beat the first of the Elite Four! I simply couldn't imagine how tough the Champion is. Neverthless, no matter how strong they may be, I still vow myself to beat them.

Lucas turned to me with his hands on his back, "So, what brings you back to Sinnoh? I thought you went for the Hoenn League."

"You wouldn't believe it. Five years in the Trainer's School and two years in the oh-so-prestigious Pokemon University wasn't enough for a wimp like me to win a league on her first time."

"Hey, don't say that. You're doing great! Besides, nobody has ever won a League on their first try… except for Red... and Cynthia."

"But I want to be the first one to do it, after Red! And Cynthia! Too bad that won't happen anymore," my eyes dropped sadly. Lucas gave me a sympathetic look, unable to respond to my statement.

Finally arriving upon the gates of a certain Professor's famed Laboratory, my blood fueled up with excitement. During my two years of studying in Pokemon University, I was a constant visitor to this lab. This was also where I received one of my prized Pokemon- a Togepi, who's now a Togetic. Lucas may be Professor Rowan's assistant, but he already set out on a journey during that time, so I never got to see him until now.

On impulse, I zoomed inside the gates and found myself inside the laboratory itself, most likely faster than the fastest Pokemon ever known. The scientists who were inside yelped in surprise as soon as I broke the doors open, just like the first time I got here. At the very rear wall of the laboratory, more devices were scattered, and a man with white hair and beard stood there with wide eyes and mouth slightly gaped open. My eyes stretched wide as I grinned excitedly.

"PROFESSOR ROWAAAAANNNNNN!"

"What in the-" he wasn't able to finish as I instantly gave him a huge Ursaring hug, squeezing the life out of the old man.

"Ughh, p-please let me go… can't b-breathe.."

"Oh, ahaha, sorry Prof," I freed the poor man from my death grasp, backing away a bit. He regains his composure and straightens his coat to prevent wrinkles. After this, he turns to look at me, smiling a bit.

He still looked the same, like how he was when I last saw him: short, spiky white hair, white beard, white eyebrows, and those grumpy-looking eyes. The Professor's like my second dad, since he's been there for me during my studies in the University. I became his assistant while Lucas was gone, and he's the one responsible for the training my first two Pokemon went through. I owe him my skills as a Trainer.

"Ah, Aria. I'm glad to meet you again. No wonder why the whole lab suddenly felt so uplifting today."

"I guess it knows I'm coming for another visit," I scratch the nape of my neck, the grin never fading away from my face. Rowan looks behind me, particularly at Lucas. The said boy took notice of this and flashes the professor a quick smile to also acknowledge his presence.

"Look at how much you've changed. You look more like a strong Trainer now! Good for you," Rowan gives me a pat on the head proudly, like I was his student and now I finally learned to take care of things on my own, after leaving the nest. I blush at the compliment, and taking this as the right opportunity, I came up with a decision to boast about my progress.

"Professor Rowan! Professor Rowan! Let me show you my team! Please give me some critics about them, and I'll be sure I'll bring out the best in them!" I beamed, jumping up and down. He chuckled.

"Alright, alright. Let's see what you've got during the past year."

"Yes! Thank you, Professor!" I hug him again before taking all the tiny Pokeballs that were attached on my bag, throwing them out into the air

"My glorious Pokemon, come out now!"

The four capsules opened as a red light flashed from each one, revealing four Pokemon in a battle stance. There stood a Metang, a Swampert, a Togetic, and a Roselia. Black let out a battle cry too and joined them in, crouching into a defensive position as he tried to growl as menacing as possible. Starly hopped off of Lucas' shoulder and went beside Black as it has this confused expression on.

"Well?" I turned to the Professor while anxiously waiting for his reaction.

"…Impressive. Clearly shows how much strength you've developed during your journey in Hoenn," he remarks, a small smile visible in his features. My heart skipped a beat at the comment.

"Th-thank you!" I grinned, bowing politely to show gratitude.

"I see that you added an Eevee and a Starly to your team, too. Good for you, since you still got two empty slots for your team," Professor continued on with his statement.

"Eh? Oh, it's only Black… er, my Eevee," I corrected him, and then held the Starling Pokemon in my arms, "I only brought Starly here because he was injured when I found him in the forest."

"She's going to release him once she's done with her little visit here, Prof," Lucas added, butting in.

I thought I saw the Professor's surprised expression for a moment, but in a blink of an eye he was back to his old stoic self. Starly wiggled out of my lock and flew on to my shoulder, nuzzling my neck while chirping happily. Professor Rowan gazed at him.

"Oh? Too bad, though. He seems to take a liking to you now," he said before beginning to examine my other Pokemon. Metang had a hard expression plastered on his face, Ao was looking as confident as possible, Roselia had this 'bish don't mess with me' face on, and Togetic was smiling while flying gracefully through the air.

While they were being observed by the Professor, I glanced at Starly. I don't think he's become that attached to me yet, like how the Professor has said. The Pokemon's gaze met mine as he chirps gleefully, and then looks outside the window. It's like he's waiting for something important to happen while he's staying with me. I don't know, but I feel like that's the reason why he looks like he's attached to me as a Trainer already.

"Ah, yes. You two, I remember you," I was snapped out of my thoughts when Professor Rowan suddenly spoke, his eyes fixed on Metang and Togetic while a tiny smile tugs at the corner of his lips, "You're lucky you got Aria by your side. She's done well with taking care of you two. Never would've thought she'd even add you both to her winning team."

"I stick to all of my Pokemon, Professor. I'd never leave them lonely in a PC box with artificial surroundings," I replied. The Professor gives me a bewildered expression as his shoulders slightly jump back at what I just said.

"What do you mean? You're actually saying that these six are the only Pokemon you ever caught?" he questions, his tone rising a little at the end.

Lucas fakes a cough, "Correction, Professor Rowan: only five. She didn't capture that Starly, well, at least not yet."

"And I don't intend to," I said, shaking my head.

"But what about your Pokedex Project? You won't fill it up?" Lucas adamantly argues.

"Yeah, what about it?" I snap back.

"Then your Pokedex is useless. You should at least try to fill it up a little to thank the Professor for giving you the device."

"No, capturing more and more poor Pokemon would only make things worse. Why fill it up when it's already completed? I thought that Red kid already did it?"

"Don't make it look like you're the one who's correct."

"But I am."

"Then-"

"Enough babbling, both of you!" Rowan's voice suddenly booms throughout the laboratory, causing the other scientists to gape at us, specifically at the Professor, in surprise. I look down in shame and regret, as so did Lucas.

"Didn't I tell you before that arguing is prohibited inside the laboratory? How many times do I need that to get to your thick heads?" Professor Rowan hisses, making me shudder in fear.

I mumbled, just a notch above a whisper, "I-I'm so sorry, Professor. I won't do it again…"

"I apologize t-too, Professor," Lucas utters as his voice was shaking. The whole lab suddenly felt like it was melting. All that was heard was some sort of grinding from a machine somewhere, the bubbling sound of a chemical solution, and our own whimpering breathing. I feel a pair of glowing gray orbs sinking deep into my soul, taking away my existence ever so slowly. Everyone around me was melting.

Yep, Rowan's got that kind of effect on us.

He sighs, slouching over to his swivel chair as he lays his face against the palm of his hand, "Apologize to each other."

"I'm sorry, Aria-chan," Lucas bows his head in front of me, his shoulders tensed up. I glance at him before apologizing back.

"I'm sorry, too. I was a little taken away by my own thoughts that I just lashed out."

"Well, now that it's settled," the Professor said as he rotates his chair to turn to the black-haired boy, "Lucas, I almost forgot that I actually have something I need you to do. Investigate the ruckus on Route 202. Heard there were some shady people coming after a family of Eevees, especially since there are also shinies."

"Understood, Professor," Lucas immediately nods at him, turning his heel. However, when he was about to head out of the lab, he faces back at us and grins, "Oh, and Aria-san?"

I look up, raising my eyebrows, "Yeah?"

"Welcome back," was all he said before turning his back once again and finally disappearing outside the doors of the lab.

"Thank you!" I beamed, waving my hand into the air as a goodbye. I'm going to miss that kid.

Luna and Professor Rowan stood behind me, ready for my departure. I made sure the straps from my backpack were perfectly adjusted so that I could walk along comfortably with it on my journey. Black jumped up and down, whining for me to carry him. I chuckled and gladly took him into my arms.

When Lucas left to do an errand for the Professor, his sister suddenly showed up into the lab and persuaded me to spend some time with her for the whole day, since according to her "she never got the chance to hang out with me" even during the three months that I stayed here in Sinnoh doing nothing. So yeah, that's exactly what happened next. She gave me a tour around the town, showed me the new stuff that weren't in the town back then, and gave me a part-time job of being a "Nurse Joy". And I got to wear a pink wig too!

It's already about five o'clock now in the afternoon, so I politely told them I have to get going.

"Well, I guess that's it then," Professor Rowan shows one of his rare smiles through his white beard, placing both hands on my shoulders, "Good luck out there and don't forget everything that I've taught you."

"Yes, Professor!" I chirped, immediately giving him a salute. Luna chuckled.

"Are you sure you won't be keeping that Starly?" the Professor gestures over to the Starling Pokemon hovering above us. I shook my head, sure of my decision.

"If that's what you really want, then I can't force you. Then, I'll be off to do my job. We'll see each other again, child," he said before turning around and walking away.

After he left, I set my gaze on the tall black-haired woman in front of me. Why black hair though, if she's a Nurse Joy? Don't get me wrong: Luna only wears a wig during her job, since she isn't one of the "Nurse Joy Daughters". She just really wanted to help out Trainers and Pokemon, just like that one lady in Unova who worked in Pokemon Centers even if she wasn't a Nurse Joy.

"So are you going to give me a sappy farewell message or what?" I asked, turning to her. I was a bit confused when she didn't reply for a long while, and just stood there, until I heard a sniff. Is she crying?

Well, duh Sherlock.

"Luna, are you okay? Did I do something wrong? Don't tell me your eyes are just sweating, I've heard that before," I tried to console her as I rubbed her back. She takes out a pink handkerchief and blows her nose.

"I-I don't want…. I don't w-want you to leave yet," she mumbles between hiccups. I held back a laugh. She really does cry over little things. I told her that before, but I only received the cold shoulder for a whole week.

"Eh…? But I have to go now, Luna-san. The sun's already setting, and I have to go into the forest and search for some place to camp out for the night," I gave my statement, hoping she'd understand my point.

There was silence for a while, and I was worried at what she would do next. However, she suddenly removed her hands from her face and stood up straight, pointing out her index finger into the air, "Ah! I know!"

"What do you know?" I slightly tilt my head to the side.

"What if you stay here for the night?" she suggested as she looked into my eyes with that anticipating expression. I quickly shook my head at the idea.

"What? No! I have to save up money first before wasting it to check into some inn-"

"No, not that!" she cut me off, then cleared her throat as she began to speak into a forced Pueblonian accent, "I shall offer thee the cleanest, most exquisite room in the Pokemon Center!"

/A/N: Pueblonia – more like the England in their world. Aka the peeps that live there have British accent XD

I literally dragged my face into my hand for an exaggerated facepalm, "Don't say it like the Pokemon Center is a five-star hotel."

"But it is," she argued before changing the topic, talking in a Pueblonian accent once again, "So therefore, young lady. Is it a yes, or a no?"

"You seriously have to work with that accent."

I look off into the the setting sun by the town's port, then to Route 203 that's slowly being engulfed by the darkness. Wrinkling my eyebrows, I shut my eyes as I think deeply of my decision.

"So?" Luna asked me again. I sighed.

"Since… it's kind of late right now, and I need a good night's rest before training my team tomorrow, then I guess it's okay…"

"Yay!~" she cheered, squeezing the life out of me in another one of her Ursaring hug. Because she's much taller than me, she begins to carry my form up and up until I couldn't feel the ground beneath me anymore. Her death hug slowly becomes tighter as the Eevee I've been holding yelps out in annoyance.

"Eevuiii! Eevui Eevui!" Black's muffled voice alerted Luna to release me quickly before Black does a Tackle on her.

"Oh... I'm so sorry," she smiled sheepishly, scratching her nape. The Eeveelution Pokemon growled angrily at her before tucking his head back into my arms and finding comfort.

Starly yelps out too, "Star! Starly…"

I'm guessing that means he wants to take a rest already, so we start making our way towards the Pokemon Center.

Black leapt out of my arms and happily mingled with Starly. The two decided to play with each other while we were walking on the sidewalk, and I of course would often look behind Luna and I to check on the playing Pokemon. A moment later, we finally arrived by the huge doors of the building. The smell of ammonia and disinfectant surrounded the area. My eyes found themselves landing on the same boy I had an argument with earlier.

"Oh, hey there nee-chan… and Aria-san, you're still here?" Lucas acknowledged our presence. Luna recognized her younger brother through saying, "Yeah yeah."

I also greeted him along the way, waving a hand with a smile, "Your sister managed to let me stay for the night, but as soon as the sun shows up, I'm leaving."

"Then I'm telling my Infernape to use Sunny Day right now so you could shoo shoo," he joked. I just smiled, rolling my eyes as Luna and I walked past him, with his older sister intentionally bumping herself unto him which caused the boy to hit the wall beside him.

"Hey! That's not something a Nurse Joy would usually do!"

"Once again: it's just a part-time job, bro!" Luna reminded her brother, storming back towards him and playfully hit him on his shoulder, "And you should be the one to shoo shoo!"

"Wait, whaa-" before he could even finish his sentence, he was pushed outside the building by his sister and the girl casually walked back to me as if nothing ever happened. I only giggled at how close they were, obviously taken from the way they treat each other in a playful manner.

As soon as the other Nurse Joy, who was working for now in place of Luna, finished tending to the young Trainers on the other side of the counter, she gracefully turned to us and gave us a vibrant smile, making us feel at home, "Luna, you're here! And what may I get for this lovely lady beside you?"

I mentally cringed at the address given to me, but I took note of myself that I shouldn't lash out straight ahead and instead react a little politely to it, "Uh, please, anything but 'lovely lady'. Makes me feel… meh."

Yep, I totally failed on that polite part. "Haha!" Luna patted me hard on my head like I was some sort of puppy Pokemon, and then turned to face Nurse Joy, "For this 'lovely lady', show her to the cleanest, most extravagant and exquisite suite the Pokemon Center has to offer!"

"Roger that! Right this way please, ma'am!" the pink-haired girl jovially obliged to Luna's commands and stepped out of the premises of the counter, with Luna replacing her. As she strolled upstairs where the rooms were located, I turned my back and crouched down to call out to Black and Starly.

"Black! Come here, little cupcake," I mumbled sweetly, easily grabbing the Eevee's attention. He barked as he swiftly rushed towards me, rubbing his snout against my outreached arms. I cradled him while also calling out to the Starling Pokemon, "Starly, let's go."

"Ly? Star Star!" the bird Pokemon chirped, flying over to me and landed on top of my head.

Standing back up, I ran to the disappearing figure of Nurse Joy with hastiness in order to catch up with her. As I was trotting along, I didn't forget to turn towards the direction of the main counter and gave Luna a sweet farewell and goodnight, because I'm aware that I wouldn't be able to tell her that tomorrow since I'm leaving early. Well, way too early.

"Bye bye, Luna! Good night!" waving good-bye, I told her with my voice raised so that she would be able to hear me through the distance. The girl turns around and returned the warm smile, waving as well. It wasn't long enough before more and more trainers start to swarm inside the building again, mostly looking for a place to stay for the night. With this, I turned around to face what's ahead of me as I followed Nurse Joy to the "most exquisite" suite in Sandgem's Pokemon Center.

"Here it is, Miss Blue. If you need anything, Luna and I will happily be there for your care," she bowed her head politely, her hands by her back.

I nod at her, "Thank you, Nurse Joy."

However, as I was about to step inside the room, something important suddenly tugged on my mind, reminding me what I needed to ask, "And oh… haha, um, how much is this room, by the way? Since Luna gave me the best one and all, it must be pretty expensive. Need to make sure I got some budget with me before checking in."

Feeling pretty embarrassed with myself, I placed my hand on the back of my neck, giggling sheepishly.

Nonetheless, Nurse Joy shook her head and acted as if it was totally nothing to her, "Don't worry, Miss Blue! Luna told me to give the musician in front of me free of charge for tonight. Just make sure to sleep well for your adventure tomorrow."

Dumbfounded, I tilted my head before eventually bowing it to show gratefulness, a grin adorning my face, "Really? Thank you!"

"Don't mention it! Well, please excuse me now. I have to go back and help Luna out," she muttered timidly. Chuckling, I shrugged my shoulders and told her it's fine with me. She then walked off, her hands still clutched together behind her.

After closing the door and locking it to prevent intruders from coming in, I closely observed the room's appearance, and what made it the "most exquisite" room in the Pokemon Center. I immediately understood why; the room was basically sparkling from the cleanliness, every furniture was put in order, it's larger compared to the other Pokemon Center rooms that I've been to, it has its own bathroom, there's an air conditioning unit, a patio, and the floor was polished. Well, everything is.

I stopped gawking at the remarkable appearance of the room and decided to actually do something. Releasing Black to do whatever he wants to do on the tiled floor, I gently removed my backpack and leaned it against the wall. I took out a pair of sky blue pajamas it and scurried to the bathroom. After taking a half bath, I went back to the room once again, and then grabbed some Poffin and a limited-edition cup noodles from my bag (it's full-duty!).

"Vui!" Black obviously caught up the smell of food and rushed over to me, excitedly jumping up and down. Starly tilted his head to the side in an astonished way, wondering what I was holding and why it made Black react so thrilled.

"Star?"

Giggling, I took out the six shallow containers that were neatly stacked from a cabinet, placing them on the tiny table at the foot of the large bed. Black had his tongue out and was still jumping up and down as I was opening the plastic bag that contained the Poffin that Mom prepared. I poured out the Poffin, equally dividing it to each plate. Without any second thoughts, Black swiftly wolfed down the Poffin on his plate while Starly was watching him from above.

"Go on, Starly. Have some," I gestured him over to the food, and he slowly inched closer towards a plate, hesitation clear in the expression that he's wearing. I don't blame him, though- I won't just eat some food given to me by someone I just met today either.

He eventually took some bites from the Poffin, at first eating slowly but gradually scarved it down just like how Black did. I grabbed the four Pokeballs that were in the small messenger bag I was sporting, and threw them into the air as each capsule opened up and revealed four Pokemon encompassed by the red light the Pokeballs just emitted.

"Roselia…"

"Pert! Swampert!"

"Me me! Metang!"

""Toge?"

"Have a nice dinner, you four," I spoke, giving each of them a soft pat. Togetic had the most adorable reaction though; she snuggled her face into the palm of my hand right after patting him!

They went to their respective plates, enjoying the meal with a pleased look on their features. I went to my own aid and scooted towards the mini kitchen the room has, preparing for the noodles. When the kettle boiled, I ravished in the sweet aroma of the food and indulged myself into the noodles itself.

My Pokemon and I, including Starly, were hanging out for sometime before I thought it was already time to go to bed. Turning to my bed, I noticed that there was extra foam lying underneath the mattress, so I tugged it out and lied it down on the floor. The room was really spacey so my Pokemon should fit on it. I got myself an extra bed sheet and covered the foam, to which my Pokemon happily responded by popping themselves on to it and rested their bodies. Yeah, I let them out of their Pokeballs during the night. I mean, I don't want them to be trapped inside the confines for too long…

"Swampert, Pert Pert? Swampert?" Ao sat up from the mattress, most likely inquiring me of the training they're supposed to get tonight. Well, when I was still having my journey in Hoenn, I'd often train them in rather harsh places during the night to avoid being distracted.

Shaking my head, I responded, "Nah, but tomorrow -early morning to be specific- we'll be working our butts off. So get some rest tonight, okay guys?"

They all cried out in agreement and determination before finally drifting off to sleep, with me switching off the lights. I washed the plates and threw out the empty noodle cup, went to the bathroom, and brushed my teeth. When I came back, Togetic, Black, and Starly were all snuggled up on the bed I was supposed to sleep on. Black was flailing his paws around as if he was in a dream. The rest made cute noises while asleep. Oh my gosh they're so adorable~~~ *^*

Good enough, they still left some space for me to sleep on the bed, but I didn't go straight there and doze off- at least, not yet. Instead, I silently tiptoed towards the patio as to make sure I won't wake up the sleeping Pokemon. I rest my arms on the rail, looking up to the stars.

There were countless of them spread over the blanket of darkness, illuminating the night. As they were shining brightly and twinkling endlessly, my mind commenced on a journey to wander around and throughout my memories and thoughts.

It has been a wonderful life for me so far; how I managed to get up from all the bullying I got during childhood, how much I've recently grown and changed as a better Pokemon Trainer, and how life has been treating so far. I mean, nothing's perfect, but I should always be grateful and satisfied for what I currently have.

My dreams are not that far for me to reach anymore.

I still remember what that strange man told me after I got defeated by Wallace, the Hoenn League Champion, during the end of my first Pokemon journey. My mind was so blurry with anger and confusion back then that I didn't know what he meant.

"You may have trained to the full extent, but you're still missing something very important."

My shoulders stiffen as a third voice was suddenly heard inside the arena. Darkness was looming over the bleachers, so I couldn't see very much of who it was. But I've located his voice, and now my body was facing towards his direction.

Sniffing, and mustering up with the remaining confidence that I had, I asked him what it was that I was lacking. His only reply was:

"You didn't experience real adventure."

I've always wondered what he meant by that. Didn't experience real adventure? What's that supposed to mean? I traveled the Hoenn region for an entire year. Isn't that enough to be considered as a real adventure? Or, maybe he just meant that I have to travel like, five regions before finally becoming a Champ?

"Ah, I'm really confused right now," I shook my head momentarily.

Before I decided to head back and sleep though, I took one last glace at the stars, my eyes gleaming at the wonderful sight sprawled in front of me, "I wonder if there are other people who are looking at the same stars as me right now?"

Meanwhile, somewhere out there up in the mountains and far away from Sandgem Town, another story unfolds.

Someone's POV

It's all the same, every year- it's all the same. Everybody in the Kingdom would greet me a happy birthday, give me gifts that are too expensive and fancy, which I hate the most. It's not like I hate all these nice gestures, but in fact I am grateful for their kindness. The only thing that's bugging me is that I know they're only doing this because I'm the Princess, and the only offspring left of Queen Alicia and King Ferdinand Chance.

Everything else in here is too fancy and elegant for me to handle. All I wanted is some adventure in life. I want to follow the footsteps of my brother. My older brother… Rowe. I stared at Alexandria, my Jolteon, sadly. She looked up at me as she caresses my arm with her paw, as if she knows what I'm feeling. I actually think she does. Ever since that day, all I had was Alex, and all she had was me. We both share the same pain.

I gazed outside the window, where a vast blanket of stars covered the entire sky. Below, the city lights shimmered against the dark contrast of the night, a jolly vibe emitting from them. And right there, far beyond the premises of the Kingdom, are the black and green hues of trees from the forest, where Pokémon trainers have journeyed.

Alex growled softly under my hand, a spark forming on her fur. I smiled at her, "I know you've been itching for a battle for too long, Alexandria. But don't worry, someday… we'll get out of here."

Finished 3/28/2017, unedited

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A/N: holy macaroni I didn't expect this chapter to be THAT long. The chapters I write usually have about 3000 words but this thing reached MORE THAN

THOUSAND! Lol see what I just did there? XD

Okaayyy imma be taking my leave now, I hope you enjoyed reading this and give this fanfic lots of love and support~! 3

XOXO, nixnax707