Chapter 1: A Trainers Heart
"Ugh... the stadium is closed due to maintenance today? Well I guess it can't be helped." I said as I head out back to the wild area.
To explain my situation clearly, I was on the run from an organization in Unova who hunts down dangerous criminals to take to jail. Being a higher-up member of the organization known as Team Plasma can put a target on your back especially if you are close to the boss himself. On a task to obtain Reshiram by the orders of N, I encountered the dragon already rampaging through villages in Unova and laying waste to people and houses alike. After a trainer tamed the beast, I was blamed for causing the dragons rampage by the Unova investigation squad and was forced to relinquish my pokemon and spent 3 years in prison. Afterward, my life turned into a living nightmare.
"Here's the sight I'll camp here today." I say as I set up my camp.
After leaving prison, the people of Unova treated me pretty horribly to a point of me almost kicking the bucket. I couldn't take it and fled to another region to start fresh. I ended up in Galar which the wonderful people here took me in to rehabilitate back into normal society again (Well without pokemon of course). I got a job at a pokemon school in Hammerlocke city to gather and write research notes of pokemon in the wild area. It's a refreshing job when you get use to the different variety of sections in the wild area.
"Alright! The tent is set up and the portable table is up. All that's left is to set up the equipment." I said as I reached for my equipment bag and start setting up the materials.
That all changed when a pokemon entered my life once more. It essentially started when I found the poor thing with some untreated wounds on their legs. After tending to the pokemon's wound and giving it the care it needs to recover, the pokemon wouldn't leave my side. This causes significant problems for me if any authority related to international law caught me with this pokemon near me. Despite the laws, I reluctantly accepted the pokemon and thus became my partner pokemon.
"All done! Alright come on out all of you!" I said as I threw three pokeballs in the air to summon my pokemon.
Shortly after gaining my partner pokemon, somehow the Unova investigation squad found out and tried to arrest me again. While trying to cuff me and to my surprise, that injured pokemon tried to protect me and get them away from me. They retaliated by sending their pokemon to attack a pokemon that can't fight back. Suddenly, someone came between both pokemon and asked a question to the investigation squad. In their response they had the balls to claim that I caused a legendary pokemon to go on a rampage even though I didn't have the item on hand to control it. The person then stated that it seemed very unlikely for me to perform such a thing based on what I said and looking into my history through sources. He then had a proposal to them: I would be on heavy surveillance for exactly one year to see how I treat my pokemon and must win at least the masters cup. They agreed because it was revealed the person I was being defended by was the chairman of Galar himself.
"How are the legs today Sunlight?" I asked as she shows struggle to keep balance.
Sunlight is the nickname I gave the Eevee that started this whole situation. The injuries on her were pretty bad enough that she can't walk for long periods. She usually lies down on her bed that I position on the left of my work table so she doesn't feel lonely. I hoping one day for her to be able to walk perfectly again since, doctors heard about me being a criminal, prevented me from getting treatment for Sunlight. Maybe it's just a rare thing but, weird people kept trying to bribe me to hand over Sunlight due to its fur color being different... I refused. Cheerful, Playful, and Gentle is the best description for her.
"Ah you seem to be making progress. Up you go!" I said gently lifting Sunlight to place her on her bed.
My second Pokemon is nicknamed Winter. She is an Amaura I received from my boss as a gift. She often has a habit of creating a small icy like snow fort to keep her body cool at all times. She also really enjoys head pats a lot when received. Winter also has a good eye for sniffing out one's personality when encountering other people she's unfamiliar with. Calm, Understanding, and Smart would be the way I'd describe her.
"Are you feeling okay Winter?" I asked as she happily creates a fort made of ice.
My third and last Pokemon is nicknamed Illuminate who is essentially my only pokemon who has good battle experience. He is a Raichu that I raised as a Pichu that I found in the wild area. The Pichu was likely abandoned by his pack and was left to fend for himself. It took a lot of work for Illuminate to warm up to me but, he became such a great help. His nuzzles hurt as little sparks come out of his cheeks nuzzling me just about anywhere in the face. He can be very competitive on top of that if it thinks of another pokemon as his rival. Energetic, Rough, and Loyal would be the way I can describe Illuminate.
"Alright! Today's research notes are gonna be simple since, it's about the basic pokemon in the rolling fields. Remember not to scare them Immuniate." I said as Illuminate nuzzles me.
Ouch! I still need to get use to his sparks. Either way, in this weather there is supposed to be a significantly rare pokemon in the foggy weather today. It may be the first pokemon that I'll catch to research the topic of pokemon that can evolve through the strength of bonding! I would love to test the thesis that Professor Maple has written multiple times and researched to the fullest.
"...Honestly, I should be training to become a gym leader! Why do I have to watch over an ex-terrorist like you?" Said an upset young woman.
That woman is Aurea, a rather talented trainer looking to take over the minor league steel gym in Galar. She was chosen by chairman Rose to watch over me during my probation period to which upsets her greatly. Aurea is also very insecure about her skill in pokemon battling after a crushing defeat given to her by the soon to be new gym leader of Hammerlocke Raihan. She felt even more insecure after losing to me in a practice battle with just one pokemon. I'm honestly trying my best to assure that her dream can come true.
"Construct your team with a strategy in mind should be a starting point for you." I said as I continue to prepare my documentation of the rare pokemon.
"...My team is fine the way it is." She said trying to sound proud.
Her team has a consistent issue of her team not being built well. She has a very consistent weakness to fighting types including her signature pokemon. I know she has the potential to become a gym leader but, with how brutal this region is when it comes to the major and minor leagues.
"You struggle significantly to best my Raichu and it's the only pokemon that I can battle with." I said raising my index finger in the air.
I can tell that her face is getting red in shame. I didn't want to poke at her flaws seeing how I ain't really the one that should be talking. A good part of me does want to help her achieve her dreams though.
"How is any trainer suppose to know the move set that your Raichu has or even what it can learn? Focus Blast, Thunderbolt, Grass Knot, and Hidden Power?" Said Aurea crying.
"Listen carefully! You need to construct your Steel team to find coverage against threats such as Fire, Fighting, and Ground types. Raichu constantly wins because you have no coverage to prevent him from just knocking out your team with Focus Blast. Klinklang, Aggron, and Bisharp are severely weak to fighting types." I explained hoping that she understands.
"...Hmph. Just do what you came here for already." Said Aurea as she sends out her Aggron to tend too.
Oh, right I was here to catch a rare pokemon in the fog today! Hopefully, I don't startle the pokemon. I should explain what equipment I use. The first would be my Pokeradar 2.0 which, lets me record the sounds of pokemon and also capture footage of the pokemon. My second piece of equipment is the medical box which carries essential medical tools necessary to treat any wild or trainers injured pokemon. My third equipment is a laptop provided to me by the school to record the information of pokemon I document in their natural habitat as well as being able to set up a live streaming platform for demonstrations of the natural habitat. My final equipment available to me is my phone for emergencies and transport.
"What is this rare pokemon you are talking about anyway? Surely it couldn't be something crazy like a mythical." Said Aurea.
"I'm planning on catching a Ralts while researching the pokemon's inhabitants. Ralts are very good pokemon to learn about telekinetic powers and the training style of a pokemon trainer. These pokemon will only show up to those with warm and positive feelings after all. There are even legends that both of its final evolutions Gardevoir and Gallade have an untapped power that can only be drawn out of a very strong bond between the pokemon and its trainer." I explained with a prideful look in my face.
"A Ralts? That isn't a rare pokemon Liam. You can even find a Gardevoir in the lake of outrage with minimal effort. Why choose a basic pokemon that can take extreme amounts of time to evolve and reach it's potential." Asked Aurea.
"You are correct that I could simply catch one in the lake of outrage and just call it a day but, I feel better raising a team from the beginning stages and bonding along the way then just catch one due to it's sheer power. I also don't wish to be chased or killed by pokemon like Hatterene or Dragapult launching their children at bullet speed towards my face now." I said as Illuminate tail rises.
Illuminate seems to have a good eye for finding out a baby pokemon due to his incredible smell and detection. His signal to me when he detects pokemon that are either powerful or a baby pokemon is by raising his tail upwards.
"Oh? Have you caught wind of a Ralts Illuminate?" I asked as he sniffs out the air.
Illuminate immediately jumps into the tall grass only to be pushed back towards me.
"Illuminate are you okay?" I asked as he got back up.
That was no doubt a psychic type attack to push back Illuminate this easily. I look back quickly to check on Sunlight and Winter. I can see Sunlight napping on her bed happily while Winter is watching what Illuminate is doing from her small ice fort. I look now back to Illuminate who once again leaps into the tall grass only this time to have revealed an angry-looking gang of Hunters. Right in my vision I can see a Kirlia shaking pretty violently and terrified while a tiny group of Ralts is hiding behind a tree.
"I have no choice... Illuminate prepare to battle!" I said as Illuminates ears perk up.
The angry Haunters prepare to rush Illuminate. I can count at least 6 of them incoming.
"Illuminate, Hidden Power!" I said as Raichu charges the power and pushes away two Haunters away.
Raichu holding hidden power Physic has given him an incredible coverage capable of taking out poison and fighting type threats. Suddenly, I see one of the Haunters use Hypnosis on Illuminate and successfully putting him to sleep. Crap!
"Illuminate! Damn it I got to help them!" I said as I recklessly run towards the Kirlia.
Suddenly, the Haunters changed course and started going towards me and start chasing me. If I get licked once its game over for me. I can't even go towards Illuminate as well since there are too many haunters. Not like this... I don't want them to die!
"Come at me! I'm not afraid of you Haunters!" I said as a last act of desperation to get them away from the camp and the injured pokemon.
Well if this was meant to be then so be it.
"Bisharp, Night Slash! Aggron, Brutal Swing! Klinklang, Wild Charge!" Commanded Aurea as her pokemon perform the said attacks defeating three wild haunters.
Only one haunter remains but is right in front of me. I'm gonna die... I thought I wouldn't be afraid of it one bit but, it is terrifying. Suddenly, the haunter stopped in its tracks with what seemed to be a horrified expression. Haunters are usually aggressive why did this one freeze up all of a sudden. I look at where Aurea was and she had a shocked expression on her face. Now's my chance to get to the Kirlia and treat it. I run until, I reach the shaking Kirlia and pick it up only to see the little group of Ralts pulling at my coat with saddened expressions.
"Don't worry! I'm going to help your friend here. I won't let her die!" I said rushing towards the setup table and the Ralts go into hiding.
"Were you crazy Liam! You could've got yourself killed!" Yelled Aurea as I place the Kirlia down on the table and reach for my medical box.
My medical box contains medicine used for serious conditions against pokemon especially dangerous pokemon like Gengar, Dragapult, Pangoro, and even Ghost pokemon like Duskull. Haunter licks are usually notorious for killing its prey very fast with its gas tongue. I only have one chance to inject the medicine in or the Kirlia's gonna die.
"Aurea! You need to hold down Kirlia so I can inject the medicine!" I asked as I open up my Medicine box to get the syringe.
"She's shaking violently. It's going to be very hard already to keep her down." Said Aurea panicking about the situation.
Kirlia's shaking started to get worse as it looks like it's starting to lose air. I hate to do this but, there's no time to argue.
"Hold her down NOW!" I commanded with anger.
Without a word she puts her hands on Kirlia's hands and holds it down. I find the syringe and take off the safety cap as I prepare to inject the medicine into Kirlia through the side of the neck. I carefully hold Kirlia's head down to make it easy to inject the medicine in. I inject the needle lightly into Kirlia as the medicine is slowly flowing inside the Kirlia's body. Kirlia slowly started to stop shaking and fell asleep to regain its strength.
"The Kirlia's gonna make it. I'd suggest a trip to the pokemon center or a credited doctor to handle Kirlia's condition." I suggested as Aurea slaps me in the face.
"You idiot! You shouldn't have been reckless! Think about the pokemon that chose you to be their trainer! You can't risk your life to defend wild pokemon all the time! You could have actually died!" Yelled Aurea waking up Sunshine immediately from her nap.
"...Your right." I said weakly.
"I... What?" Questioned Aurea as her Aggron placed Illuminate next to Winter's ice fort.
"I have no excuses for my behavior there. I was too reckless and didn't think about how my pokemon would feel entirely if I got hurt badly. I need to work better on bonding with my pokemon again even further." I said as I check on my pokemon.
She was 100% right though. It may be rough for me to get used to new pokemon again since, I lost pokemon that I bonded with deeply many years ago. I rushed in without thinking and only got out alive by pure luck which may never be the case if a situation like this happens again. It was a rude awakening, to say the least. I put the Kirlia in a makeshift bed for it to regain its strength. 4 hours later and the Kirlia's breathing has finally become normal and Aurea has gone on home.
It's starting to get late I'll just feed my pokemon and myself and head to bed. I make the food for my Pokemon and myself and after the meals were done they went to go to bed while I went to take a shower in my portable shower. After the shower I go to bed wondering if I or even my pokemon are gonna be okay.
"Solar? Is that what you want to name your partner?"
"Solar sounds adorable! Are you choosing to evolve it into a Flareon or Leafeon?"
"Solar Eh? Take good care of my baby brother now Solar!"
"Together we will explore the world together!"
"Oh? You're not going to attempt to become a champion?"
"I thought about becoming one when I'm done exploring the world. Right now I just want to explore and meet new pokemon out there!"
"I'll be waiting then, Liam!"
Solar was the best pokemon any trainer could have. Sure he wasn't the strongest, fastest, or even the smartest pokemon out there but, Solar was a pokemon you could rely on in your saddest moments. When he was taken away from me I thought no pokemon could ever fill the giant void that was in my heart.
"Hey... You look tired? Would you like some food and water?"
It felt like the impossible happened with the sheer similarities both this Eevee and Solar had. Similar health issues, a bright smile, snuggle heavy, and even the same green eyes. I knew I couldn't abandon a pokemon who likely couldn't fight back. A bond began between tears shed between a pokemon who could not battle and a human who struggled with the abyss.
"...Sunlight. A smile that will never fade."
"I'm sorry Liam... can you please accept this pokemon? No Trainer wanted to accept the poor pokemon and I can't take it in with some of the aggressive pokemon I have. I'm sure you'll take good of her."
When Winter joined my team she was rather nervous and reserved because of her past of being left in a shelter for so long before my boss gave me her. She now keeps Sunlight company and often chats up with her. Honestly, She's adorable when she's happy.
"Cherish your bonds... happiness awaits"
Ugh... I haven't had a dream like that in a long time. What changed? Eh... Why do I have so many Ralts surrounding me?
"What the hell is going on?" I yelled as I startled all my pokemon and accidentally woke them up.
All the Ralts then fly out of my tent as I get out of the tent to see something surprising. The Kirlia has seemingly disappeared from the makeshift bed. Has it gotten better that fast? The Ralts seem to be surrounding the tree they were hiding behind earlier as they cry happily. This would be a great opportunity to catch one... I should at least find the Kirlia first beforehand. Before I start the search I hear a light scream from what sounds like Aurea.
"Morning Aurea... Are you okay?" I said as I start prepping to make my pokemon's breakfast.
"G...G..." She stopped.
Huh? I looked behind me to see nothing. What is she freezing up about? I go back to my workstation to prepare the documentation notes of last night's captures. Upon booting up my Laptop I noticed a photo of my old team back when I was a trainer. It sure brings back good times but, the way I'm going and how tough the masters cup is gonna be I might not be able to keep my pokemon. I feel a sudden force slapping me pushing me out of my senses.
"Ah! What the hell... What?" I said at the sight in front of me.
A Gardevoir stands in front of me with it's intimidating red eyes and aura. The Kirlia must have evolved in the morning to have achieved this power. From the corner of my eye I still see Aurea sweating nervously about the sight of one in the rolling fields.
"You're the Kirlia from yesterday weren't you? You peaked into my dreams last night as well didn't you?" I asked.
The Gardevoir does not respond as it continues to stare.
"The Ralts will be fine since, the haunter moved back to their proper location according to the preservation team. I'll even make sure to watch over the area for the next few days." I said as the Gardevoir tilts it's head.
Er... is there something else it wants? Worth a shot to say it.
"Do you wish to join my party? I'm sure the gang would be delighted to have a pokemon like you around." I said smiling.
Gardevoir then bows as it's intimidating aura vanishes and a smile is given out.
"I appreciate you joining my party. I hope that you will be happy with your decision." I said as I throw a luxury ball at her head.
Gardevoir then enters the pokeball as it rolls around three times and ding. Gardevoir has joined my party now. I immediately summon Gardevoir out to give it a name. What name sounds perfect for a Gardevoir though is the question?
"So what are you gonna name her?" Asked Aurea.
It's a girl? I think I got an idea for a name.
"How does Moon sound Gardevoir?" I asked waiting for a response.
Gardevoir bows lightly as a sign to accept the name.
"Alright Moon it is! Welcome to the party!" I said as my pokemon come out of the tent to meet Moon.
I can see it now. A group of pokemon from troubled pasts uniting as one party. Trials that come ahead will be tough and the odds are stacked against us but, I know with the team I have here we can accomplish the impossible.
END