Welcome to the world of Pokemon! It's a wonderful and wild place, where the impossible becomes possible and children are free to explore to their heart's content… As long as they're accompanied by a Pokemon of course! Pokemon are the mysterious creatures that inhabit this planet… Some keep them as pets, others train with them to become experts at Pokemon battling… Some trainers even create stunning spectacles using their Pokemon's moves, in an event called a Pokemon Contest!

For many centuries now, Pokemon and humans have worked side-by-side, to create a peaceful and healthy environment. Pokemon live anywhere and everywhere! In the fields, in the mountains, the skies and the seas! There are even Pokemon said to come from space, or from different dimensions altogether!

A common goal among Pokemon trainers is to challenge a regions Pokemon League Tournament, for a chance to become that Regions champion! The champion is the most powerful trainer in the Region, and besting one in battle is considered an ultimate sign of strength.

However, not all is peaceful on this planet. There have been many accounts of villainous organizations trying to take over, or even end the world! Thankfully, all the attempts are usually stopped dead in their tracks. But that doesn't stop these ruffians from showing up every now and again…

But enough jibber-jabber, you're here for the story!

This is the tale of a young girl, as she embarks on a journey to win a Pokemon League Tournament and become a champion, accompanied by her cherished Pokemon friends. This won't be like the other stories you've read, no world-ending scenarios involved here, folks! You can rest assured that there's absolutely nothing out of the ordinary going on behind closed doors! Nothing at all!

Please, sit back and enjoy.

Pokemon - The Farod Region!

Chapter One - A Special Day

Ignoring all the hustle and bustle around her, Twelve-Year-Old Makani Skylar rushed through the city gates towards the giant greenhouse-like building in the center of it all. The Farod Regions Pokemon Research and Rehabilitation Center. Today was a very special day for Makani. Her birthday had been 4 months ago, and after making some arrangements with the Head Professor, Professor Begonia, her parents had managed to secure her a Starter Pokemon for when the newest batch had finished hatching. The last group had hatched two days ago, and once the Professor had sent the message out to all the other new trainers who had reserved a Pokemon, Makani had rushed right over to Foundation City as soon as she could.

Running a little bit behind her was her nerdy childhood best-friend-for-life, Matthew Wilson, or 'Matty' as Makani liked to call him. His birthday was a few months before hers, and just like her parents, Matty's parents had also reserved him a spot. When Makani had first moved to the Farod Region, and arrived in Cape town, she was very shy, and didn't know how to approach people. But when she met Matty, that all changed. Makani and Matty became fast friends through their love of watching Pokemon battles, and their interest in the Pokemon League Tournament. When they were around 7 years old, they had made a promise to each other to face one another in the League Tournament one day.

And today would be the day that they would finally get to set their plans in motion.

The city was a blur around them, and while she would've loved to take in the dazzling scenery around her, Makani had other things on her mind. In just a few moments, she'd be holding her own Pokemon in her arms… Then she could take the time to bask in the scenery. Those thoughts pushed her forward even more.

Makani glanced behind her, seeing Matty still trailing close behind, his red-orange hair getting messed up by the wind. Grinning, Makani shouted behind her,

"Hey Matty! Last one there has to water old man Larry's plants for a week!"

This seemingly grabbed his attention, as next thing Makani knew, Matty zipped past her, wheezing and panting as he tried to stay ahead. She couldn't blame him, honestly. Old man Larry was a cranky old hoot, and watering his plants was like trying to do your homework with an ursaring breathing down your neck. Suddenly, Matty was on the ground. He had tripped on a crack in the concrete, and tumbled to the ground. Makani laughed as she passed him again. She knew he'd be fine, he always was. He never let a little fall upset him.

There was a small crowd gathered around the Greenhouse. There was a stage set up, and a tall, tan man with curly black hair and a beard was giving a speech. He was wearing a lab coat, so Makani assumed he was one of the Professor's lab assistants. Makani slowed down as she approached the crowd, gently pushing her way through it so she could reach the front. Glancing around, she spotted several other kids who looked to be around her age. These must've been the other new trainers!

She jumped as someone tapped her on the shoulder. Spinning around, she saw Matty, arms crossed with an unimpressed look on his face.

"I'm gonna get you back for leaving me behind, 'Kani." He mumbled, staring up at the man giving the speech. Makani grinned sheepishly, rubbing the side of her head.

"Sorry Matty. But I beat you fair and square! Guess you're gonna be watering old man Larry's plants for a few days." She grinned at him, smugly.

Matty opened his mouth to respond, but one of the adults standing behind them bent down and told them to be quiet and listen. The two friends turned their attention to the man.

"-And so the day has finally arrived! Two days ago, The last of the newest batch of Starter Pokemon hatched, and all are in tip-top shape and ready to go, thanks to the excellent efforts of our expert Pokemon breeders!" He waved his hand to the side, and everyone turned to stare at a group of around five trainers, wearing matching bandannas and overalls. There was a round of applause, before the man continued speaking. "Now that all our Starters are ready to go, it's time to distribute them to the new trainers! To do the honors of introducing our fine selection, please welcome to the stage, the Farod Regions own Pokemon expert, Professor Begonia!"

There was another round of applause as the man left the stage, and a woman who looked to be in her early thirties stepped up onto the stage. She had long brunette hair with blonde highlights, and there were small pale patches dotted around her dark skin. Her lab coat was a pale pink color, and in her hair, she had her namesake flower. She had a sweet smile on her face as she scanned the crowd, mainly the children at the front. Clearing her throat, she tapped the microphone attached to her headset.

"Greetings, everyone!" She held up her arms. She was… Quite jovial. "My name is Professor Begonia, and It's that time of year again! As head professor of the Farod Region, one of my many duties includes handing out Starter Pokemon to new trainers. However, I only have 26 Pokemon I can give out at a time. Parents usually reserve a Pokemon for their children ahead of time, so I'm going to ask the children who have a Pokemon saved for them to come up and pick their Pokemon first!"

Begonia pulled a crippled piece of paper out of her coats left pocket, and gently unfolded it. "Ahem. It appears that there are 16 people on this list! Children, if you hear your name called out, please come up onto the stage!"

Makani could barely contain her excitement as the woman began calling out names. Matty's name was one of the first called out, and he gave her a thumbs up and a grin as he ran up onto the stage. She tapped her foot in eagerness, counting in her head. 7… 8… 9…

Until, finally…

"Makani Skylar!"

Lucky number 13! Letting out a small squeal of excitement, she dashed up onto the stage, standing next to Matty. The last three names were called out, and then everyone turned their attention to the other side of the platform, where a small Maractus was wheeling a cart full of Pokeballs onto the stage. The Pokemon stopped next to Begonia, who bent down and gently pet it on the head. "Thank you, Mara."

Standing back up Begonia grabbed a few pokeballs off the cart. "Now, It's time to introduce our selection! Thanks to Professor Magnolia from the Galar Region, we have three more options than we do last year!"

Clearing her throat, Begonia tossed the first five Pokeballs into the air. In a burst of white and blue light, five Pokemon emerged. Begonia stood next to them, a pleased expression on her face. "Native to the Kanto Region, it's Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Charmander, Pikachu and Eevee!"

The five Pokemon looked around at the crowd, before facing the new trainers. Pikachu, Eevee and Charmander looked very curious, but Squirtle and Bulbasaur seemed indifferent. In fact, Squirtle was hiding behind Bulbasaur, shivering. Poor thing must've had a case of nerves.

Picking up three more Pokeballs, Begonia released the next batch. Totodile, Chikorita and Cyndaquil, native to Jhoto. Makani looked over at Matty, and she saw that his eyes were transfixed on Cyndaquil, who was sniffing the ground around it.

The next two sets were released… Treecko, Torchic and Mudkip from Hoenn, and Piplup, Chimchar and Turtwig from Sinnoh. Makani stared at Piplup. It was standing up with it's chest puffed out, a look of confidence on its face. It looked so cute, and Makani was instantly drawn to it.

The next three sets came out, until finally, the last set was introduced. "And finally, from the Galar Region, a first time distribution in our lovely Farod Region, Sobble, Grookey and Scorbunny!"

Makani would admit, she liked the looks of all the starters… But her eyes were still transfixed on the Prideful Piplup.

Finally, selections began. One trainer ran over to the Treecko, and a few moments later, they were spinning around in circles happily, their new partner in their arms. A small girl approached Squirtle, gently offering it her hand. Makani watched as Matty walked over to Cyndaquil, bending down and petting it on the head. She smiled at the two as he stood up, holding Cyndaquil above his head. The Pokemon chirped happily. "You're coming with me, little guy! We're gonna become champions, you and I!"

Makani sighed, brushing a lock of her brown hair out of her face. She slowly approached Piplup. She she drew closer, she could feel her heart pounding. She imagined herself and this Piplup, going out into the great unknown together. Becoming league champions, making a mark on the world somehow. Makani had wanted a Pokemon for so long, and now that she was finally going to obtain one, her emotions were running wild. Excitement, Joy, Nervousness… Fear… What if she messed up somehow…? Shaking her head, Makani pushed those thoughts to the back of her head. This was a special day, there was no room for negativity today.

Piplup turned to look at her. Their eyes met. Despite being a water type, Makani could see a fire burning in this Pokemon's eyes. Taking a deep breath, Makani bent down so that she was eye level with the Penguin Pokemon. "H-hey there…" She started, twirling a lock of her hair nervously. "My name is Makani… And I think you have a lot of potential to become big and strong and a wonderful partner! I'd be honoured if you'd… If you'd be my first Pokemon!"

Having lived in Alola for a few years before moving to Farod, Makani had been raised on an Alolan tradition that you had to allow your partner Pokemon to choose you as well. It was believed that if both human and Pokemon chose each other, their bond would be much stronger, and as a result, would become more powerful together. This was a big deal in her family, seeing as her older cousin, Maria, and her partner Decidueye, completed the entire island trial within a few months, and even partook in the first Alolan Pokemon League. They never had a single argument, and they seemed to be in perfect sync with one another. Makani aspired to be that cool one day… She wanted to make her cousin proud. And she wanted a bond with her partner that was just as strong, if not stronger.

For a moment, it felt like they were in their own bubble. The conversation and excited chatter of the other new trainers droned on in the background, but it was all gibberish. Makani and Piplup stared at each other, neither one faltering. Makani's breath hitched, it felt like they had just been staring at each other for what felt like hours. But suddenly, she snapped back to reality. There were eyes on her. All the other trainers who had reserved a Pokemon had picked their partners, and now everyone was just waiting on her. There were a few impatient coughs in the crowd, and some of the new trainers in the front of the group had looks of irritation on their faces.

Suddenly feeling anxious, Makani figured it was a lost cause, and she should just pick something else. She began standing up…

But was suddenly knocked over by Piplup, who had flung itself into her arms, chirping happily!

Makani couldn't believe it. Piplup had actually chosen her! Quickly scrambling to her feet, she held Piplup up so it was face-level with her. A goofy grin spread across her face. "Piplup, you and I are gonna be great friends, I promise! We're going to win the Pokemon League one day!"

"Pip pip!" Piplup cheered back. Makani held it close to her chest, and trainer and partner hugged. The young girl could feel it… Their hearts had somehow connected. There was no going back now, and Makani had absolutely no regrets. This Piplup would be her most cherished partner, through victory and loss, through good times and bad times, through thick and thin. They would be champions.

The group of trainers who had reserved Pokemon began leaving the stage, and the remaining trainers came up and began to choose their partners. Makani escaped the crowd, still holding Piplup close to her chest, and began looking around for Matty. She spotted him over by a cafe, waving at her. His Cyndaquil was perched on his shoulder.

"Hey 'Kani! Over here!"

Makani darted towards him, smiling from ear to ear. "Can you believe this Matty?!" She squealed. "We finally have our starter Pokemon!"

Matty nodded, pulling Cyndaquil into his arms. The two friends were silent for a moment, letting everything settle in. To them both, it felt surreal. They were finally holding their very own Pokemon. Soon, they'd be leaving their home town and going on a journey. Receiving their starters was like a rite of passage. They were now free to head out into the big wide world if they so wished, and they could barely contain their excitement.

Makani and Matty soon settled down, and had taken a seat at one of the outside tables at the cafe. The employees had been serving free drinks, sandwiches and Pokemon food to the new trainers and their Pokemon as a way to congratulate them, and the two were currently just enjoying each others company. Down on the ground next to them their pokemon were scarfing down their meals.

Matty took a sip of his orange juice, before looking down at his Cyndaquil. "Y'know, Makani… We should totally give our partners nicknames!"

Makani looked up at him from her sandwich, and with her mouth still full, she responded, "Oh yeah, we should!" She quickly swallowed, looking down at Piplup. "My cousin Maria told me that trainers that give their Pokemon nicknames tend to be closer to them!"

Matty pushed his glasses back up onto his face, as they had been slipping. He reached down, gently petting his Cyndaquil. It's fur was surprisingly prickly, but he had grown used to it. "How about it, buddy?"

Cyndaquil looked up, tilting its head to the side, a surprised look on its face. "Quil…?"

Matt beamed, lifting it up off the ground. "How would you like a nickname, one all your own?"

This seemed to catch the fire mouse's attention, as it began waving its arms around enthusiastically. Matt chuckled. "I'm going to take that as a yes, then!"

Placing Cyndaquil back on the ground, Matty placed a hand on his chin and stared deep into his orange juice, lost in his mind. Makani stared at him for a moment, before looking back to Piplup, who was still stuffing its face. She ran some ideas through her head, wondering what she should name her partner. Her Piplup acted very prideful… Piplup's final evolution was Empoleon, right?

Makani's eyes widened and an ecstatic expression crossed her face. She had two ideas, but first, she had to ask Piplup something…

Piplup turned to look at Makani after its new trainer had tapped it on the shoulder. "Pip? Piplup..?"

"Hey buddy, I have a question to ask you. I have an idea for a nickname for you but first I have to be sure of something."

Piplup gazed at Makani, a confused look in its eyes. "Piplup?"

"Are you a male? Or female? Shake your head if your a boy, nod if you're a girl.

Piplup nodded.

"So you're a female?"

Piplup nodded once more.

Makani's grin grew even wider. She stood up from her chair, bending down to look at Piplup. "How do you like the name, Empress?"

Piplups beak opened in shock. A nickname? For her? She ran the name through her head. Empress. Empress. Empress…

Makani made a squeaking noise in shock as Piplup flung herself at her again, chirping joyfully. Makani pet her head, her heart soaring. "So I'm guessing you like it?"

Empress nodded in response, puffing out her chest like she did earlier. Empress… It sounded powerful. Powerful like she'd one day be. A force to be reckoned with.

Makani clapped, elated. "Wonderful! From this day forward, your name is Empress!"

Matty watched them, mouth slightly opened. That was quick… He looked down at Cyndaquil, who was looking at him expectantly. Cyndaquil was a fire type… Maybe something related to volcanoes would fit? Snapping his fingers, Matty picked up his Cyndaquil. "What do you think of the name, Vulcan?"

Vulcan nodded his approval. "Cyn, Cynda!"

"Then Vulcan it is!"

Makani and Matty looked at one another. They had only had their partners for about an hour, but they already felt inseparable.

The sound of approaching footsteps caught their attention, and they turned their heads… Only to find professor Begonia standing in front of them! She had a pleased smile on her face. Putting her hands into her pockets, the professor examined the Pokemon. "Those are some lovely names you've chosen for them. I'm certain now, they're in good hands!"

Makani was at a loss for words. "P-professor? What are you doing here?"

"Well, now that mostly everything has calmed down, my assistants and I are going around to all the new trainers asking them to meet me at the lab next week."

Matty and Makani exchanged a confused stare, before turning back to the professor. Matty ran his fingers through Vulcans fur, before asking, "Why?"

Begonia crossed her arms. "So we can properly register everyone as Pokemon trainers of course! You may have Pokemon now, but nothing's official until the paperwork is done. You won't be able to sign up for the league tournament without the documents."

Matty groaned. "Paperwork? Isn't there any job in the world that doesn't involve paperwork?!"

"Afraid not, child." Begonia mused. Her partner Maractus, Mara, approached Empress and Vulcan, and the three began a small little conversation of their own.

"Anyway, stop by the lab on Tuesday next week. We'll get you two properly registered, give you your pokedexes, and then you'll be free to go!"

"Wait… Pokedexes?" Makani asked, suddenly standing up. A Pokedex was a super important piece of equipment… To be entrusted with one was a huge deal! Begonia grinned. She liked this child's enthusiasm.

"Yes dearie, a Pokedex! We got a large shipment of them, and we're distributing them to all the new trainers! It's an easy way to obtain information on many different Pokemon. All data recorded in the Pokedex, will instantly be added to the databases back at the lab. Quite efficent, huh?"

"That's amazing!" Matty exclaimed. "I can't believe this… I'm gonna be getting a Pokedex! Ohhhh man, I've wanted one of those forever!"

Being a massive nerd, Matty loved all things technological. Since he first heard about them, he had been absolutely obsessed with them. The world's single largest Pokemon encyclopedia… A device that recorded all your captures and accomplishments… Matty was on cloud nine alright!

The boy was drooling, staring into space with a blank expression on his face.

"Is… Is he alright?" Begonia asked Makani, a concerned look on her face. Makani nodded, smacking Matty in the face. Which snapped him out of his daze, and sent him tumbling to the ground.

"He does that a lot, Mrs."

"The zoning out or the getting smacked?"

"Hm." Makani hummed. "Both. Falling over is also common. He'll be fine. He's always fine."

Matty groaned from where he was on the ground. Vulcan nuzzled his face in concern. Mara and Empress looked incredibly unimpressed, and after bidding farewell to Empress, Mara returned to her trainers side, tugging on her lab coat. Begonia rubbed the side of her head.

"Right right, I know Mara." She smiled at Makani. "Well, I trust you and your… Friend there… To take good care of your partners. The fact that you've already given them nicknames and bonded with them is a clear sign that you're going to go a long way together."

Empress climbed up onto Makani's shoulder, and the young girl looked at her partner with a clear fondness. "Thanks professor."

She looked back at Begonia, clenching her fists. "We're going to do our absolute best, so don't worry!"

"I know you will. I'll see you next week!"

With that, professor Begonia left, Mara following close behind. Makani decided that she liked the professor. She was nice and outgoing, she kind of reminded her of her mother. Her partner Pokemon was also very sweet. She was an old Pokemon, but still appeared to be going strong. From what she knew about the professor, she was very close with that Maractus. Apparently she had been her best friend since childhood. Mara was Begonia's most cherished friend.

Speaking of cherished friends, Makani figured she should probably help Matty of the ground. Once he was on his feet again, he dusted himself off, running a hand through his now dirtied redish-orange hair. If looks could kill, Makani knew she'd be dead. Maybe this time, the fall had upset him. Oops.

Matty growled, pointing a finger at her. "You! I've fallen on the germ-tainted ground TWICE today because of you!"

"Well to be fair, the first time was a race." Makani retorted. "You could've just… Slowed down, y'know?" She put her hands behind her head. Whistling. Empress made a little noise that sounded like a laugh.

"Cyn, Cynda!" Vulcan yapped, running in front of his trainer.

Matty blinked. And something in his brain clicked. "Hey Makani!"

Makani narrowed her eyes at him, sticking out her tongue. "What?"

Grinning, Matty called Vulcan to his side. He pulled out Vulcan's Pokeball, and held it out. Makani was confused by this, but she very quickly understood. Empress seemed to understand the gesture too, and knowing what was coming next, she lept off her trainer's shoulder, taking a fighting stance. Vulcan responded by blowing smoke out of his nostrils.

Matty pushed his glasses back up onto his face, they had began to slip again.

"Makani Skylar, as your best friend and first rival, I challenge you to a battle! Loser has to water old man Larry's plants until Tuesday next week!"

Author's Note -

Hooooo boy, my nerves are racking me silly! I'm no stranger to writing, but this is my first time publishing something for the whole world to see! Nonetheless, I'm excited to finally be working on this! I've had the idea in my mind for a while, but was always too busy with school to do anything with it. Now that things have begun to calm down, can finally make headway on this project!

Reviews and Criticism are highly appreciated!