Yes, I am not dead.

Hello, everyone. It's been a while since you've last heard about me. I have been very, uh... lackluster on this site as of late. I've been having a severe writer's block that I had no motivation on what I wanted to write.

I was also busy taking college courses and streaming, devoting most of my time into that. However, that doesn't mean I am done with this site for good. I am still VERY active through my PMs, responding as best as I can. I always have the time there.

Now, allow me to give you some insight on what to expect from me for the later half of 2022. First and foremost, I am going to make another chapter for Fall Squids: Ultimate Splatout for the Season 6 minigames, along with some extra Fall Guys lore. In addition, I am going to make a short Splatoon story starring my innocent Octo bean: Aaliyah. I have another three-chapter story idea before Splatoon 3 comes out. However, I am not going to tell you guys what it is just yet. You'll find out around late August or early September. ;)

Then this brings us to this. I am making a story based off of Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Ever since I picked this game up, it has become one of my favorite all-time Pokemon games. My co-writer for my Pokemon Brick Bronze story, sonic14612, has returned to help me write this story that we thought up of together.

First off, I would like to remind everyone there are MAJOR SPOILERS for the post game! If you haven't beaten the post game yet, I would say to step away from this story until you have. I have a new Pokemon OC that lives in Hisui to be introduced. Sonic has also made a new OC for this ancient region as well (and no, the OC's name is NOT Sonic. I already have two Sonics in my fanfic universe. XD)

Anyways, thanks for listening to my updates. Without further ado, enjoy the first chapter! ;)


The sky was hurled as a deep red color. Sparkles were littered everywhere, as the well-known void in the sky has only gotten bigger by the minute. Its black orface rained down colorful shapes and patterns as lightning strikes down at the remaining pillars remaining.

The legendary temple has become nothing but a ruined state. Statues have been cracked and disassembled until there was nothing left. Nothing but spear pillars that can stab a person straight in the heart.

A loud cry was heard as a young boy was thrown at one of the pillars. He groans as he slowly gets up on his knees. His pale face was littered with bruises and dirt, and large scabs were seen on his arms. His crimson short-sleeve kimono, with a pretty festival pattern had small rips on it, seemingly about to tear itself in half if any more damage could be onto it. Similar short rips were scatted on his blue striped trousers and crimson boots.

His short brown hair, originally straightened upright, was ruffled from the amount of damage he took. His circular eyeglasses, matching the color of his kimono, knocked off of his face. He looks down below to see his flat cap, although a lighter red, was ruined upon first glance.

His green eyes widen with fear, realization striking him in his chest. Looking over to his right, he saw a giant creature laying on the ground. It was a white dinosaur-like creature, with pink striped patterns. It was laying down on its belly, its long tail slamming the ground with a thud as the last thing it touches. The pink pearls on each side of its arm were cracked, and its eyes were swirly as it was knocked unconscious.

"N-No... this can't be... *cough*" The boy uttered as he clutches his chest. His heart started to beat so fast. He couldn't get up. His legs won't let him. He needed to get out of here. But at this rate, there was no escape for him.

A low growl caught the boy's attention as he looked in front of him. There was another creature staring right at him, forcing the boy to look up as the marvelous creature was way larger than him.

It was a dark blue. On all fours, with its hind legs way skinnier than its front legs. Its fan-looking tail sways to one side as it took a step closer, with the light blue gate around its stomach emanating a bright glare.

Its head lowers as its red eyes stare at the weakened boy. The latter grunts in pain as he falls to the floor. He musters up the last of his strength by using his arms to push himself up.

"I have... no other choice..." The boy grumbles. He reaches into his pocket as his right hand latches onto a small object enough to fit around the palm of his hand.

When he pulls it out, it was revealed to be a style to the new invention that people call "Poke Balls." Except this one was all red, glowing brightly through its hexagonal pattern. The boy stares at the larger creature, who wasn't threatened at the slightest.

"All my Pokemon fainted... but everyone is counting on me," The boy muttered, "If nothing is done about this, Hisui will continue to live in fear unlike anything ever before..."

Without saying anything more, he threw the mysterious Poke Ball with all his strength. The creature lowers its black mask as its mouth was shown. The blue diamond located on its throat began to glow as a sphere of energy began to form by its mouth.

In the blink of an eye, the creature unleashes this energy with a loud roar, as the sphere becomes a large beam aimed right at the weakened boy. The Poke Ball shatters into pieces, with leftovers of a chain clattering onto the floor.

The young boy couldn't react in time as he saw his life flash before his very own eyes. His legs couldn't continue to carry him any longer. And in a second, the beam englufs him whole, leaving nothing but his shadow seen.

"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"


"Gyah!"

He quickly sat up as his eyes shot open. He places his hands on his chest as his heart began to beat quickly again. Looking around, the boy notices that he was no longer at the broken temple. He was on top of a soft bed on the lime tiled floor.

The walls were a nice beige, bringing in a peaceful atmosphere in the small home. There was a small room in front, with a wood pattern flooring met with concret near the doorway. There was a pot above what looked like wood to a fireplace.

When the boy realized where he was, he places his hand on his forehead as his panting died down.

"It's just a dream... it's all just a dream," He told himself, "I mean, thanks to the use of the Origin Ball to stop the rampaging Pokemon at the Temple of Sinnoh... the world is saved. Everything is back to normal..."

He places his feet on the ground as he pushes himself up, standing back up with utter ease. He looks over at a small night table next to his bed, locating his cap and eyeglasses. He grabs each item one by one and puts it on, then places his shoes on his feet. He also grabs a tan satchel and wraps the small bag around his stomach.

He walks to the door and opens it, with the first thing he looks at was the peaceful bright sky. He would look across to notice that the clothing and hair style shop was back to normal and better than ever. The Ginkgo Guild members were still there, selling their rare wares like they have become known for.

However, one thing that the boy quickly saw next was someone in front of him. A young girl around the same age as him, as well as the same pale skin. Her blue hair strips scattered along well, even with most of it being covered by her white hat. Her neck was also covered by a red scarf.

Her uniform was something that the boy recognized quickly. The dazzling navy blue fit in with darker blue trousers and large tan sandals. Not to mention the yellow logo on each of the long sleeves. Her gray eyes set on the boy with a smile, causing him to show one back as soon as he noticed her.

"Good morning, Shinku." The girl greeted as she waves.

"Morning, Akari." The boy says back as he rubs his right eye. Akari looks up at the sky, feeling at ease upon the peacefulness washing over her.

"It looks like the space-time rift has vanished... the sky's gone back to normal again." She stated.

"Hah, thank goodness. The red sky last night was giving me so much anxiety." Shinku replied.

"So, you know what that means, correct?" Akari wondered. Shinku raises an eyebrow in confusion, unsure what she meany by that. The blue-haired girl continues smiling as she wraps an arm around Shinku, causing him to slightly blush.

"It means we'd better get back to our original mission: completing the Pokedex." She reminded. Shinku's blush dies down as he smiled.

"Oh yeah! I remember!" He exclaimed excitedly, "I was on edge during the battle against almighty Sinn- I-I mean... Dialga. My heart almost jumped out of my body from all those close calls I've had."

Akari pats his back to comfort him. She walks a few steps away so she can properly maintain her distance. She gazes back at Shinku, not taking her eyes off of him.

"We're going to meet in the Survey Corps office to discuss our next steps," Akari commented, "See you there soon, Shinku."

"You too." Shinku quickly said. Akari then looks back in front of her, sprinting back to the large building that was only a short walk away. Shinku kept staring at the girl until she was no longer seen upon entering the building.

The brown-haired boy reaches into his pocket, grabbing onto something. He pulls it out, revealing a white smartphone with a yellow gate on the back and two small horns that represents a similar creature. He tapped the screen a few times until he was met with the message engraved in his head from the beginning:

"Seek out all Pokemon."

Shinku turns off his phone and places it back in his pocket. He looks down at his kimono on every single side. He loves the color it gives off, and it matches well with his striped trousers. But his face scrunches as he scratches his chin.

"Hmm... I think it's time for a new change of style," Shinku thought, "After that dream I've had with Dialga and Palkia... I don't know if I can risk these clothes getting ruined. Besides, it's nice to change things up every now and then."

He looks back at the clothier, an adult woman with a purple kimono and a white apron fit with a couple yellow stripes. Her feet, fit with yellow sandals, stood on the ground as she was sweeping the floor. Shinku recognizes her well with the similar eyesglasses, but smaller and were a darker yellow. Her hair also had that similar yellow in the middle, with two brown sides surrounding it.

"I wonder if Anthe has any new uniforms in stock." Shinku said to himself. He looked back at the larger building to his right, reminding him he had to make this trip quick. And without a second thought, he walks over to the clothing shop.


*scene: Galaxy Expedition Team building, first floor*

The main door opens as Shinku walks in. His uniform now completely changed into a dark blue robe with black sleeves, accompanied by a hoodie attached to it, with red lines bordering his sleeves and his black boots. His trousers were a light gray color to differetiate the from the same color scheme with the rest of the uniform. In the middle of the uniform was a symbol that looked like a cyan pentagon with a unique sharp pattern in the middle of it, matching the same color.

Shinku would look at his uniform to the left, and then to the right. He gently touches the logo, and raises an eyebrow in curiosity while smiling.

"Huh. Never knew the Diamond Clan had such a comfortable uniform. Let alone that this was on sale now." He mumbled. He looks across the hallway to the room in front of him. There, Akari was waiting, standing next to a desk.

Seated at the desk was an older woman, pale skin and gray, stoic eyes. Her hair was short, yet curls to one side slightly. Her uniform was similar to Akari's, logo and all that. But the older woman's uniform was more of a buttoned down shirt fit with gray trousers and sandals that are similar to the ones Akari has on.

"Survey Corps member Shinku: reporting for duty, Captain Cyllene!" Shinku cheers with a playful salute. Akari giggles at the boy's playfulness. Cyllene's expression remains unchanged, looking up at him from the papers she was staring at.

"So. I trust you enjoyed yourself at the festival." She says.

"I sure did!" Shinku replied, "I've had a lot of fun! But I was also very tired."

"Indeed. That only seems natural, given the crowd." Cyllene agreed, nodding her head.

"I believe last night was the first time I've caught a glimpse of you making merry, Captain!" A hearty masculine voice chuckled. Everyone turns over to the source of the voice.

A man with dark skin and a short facial hair walked into the room. He dons on a white lab coat with a brown buttoned vest over a purple shirt, accompanied by a black tie on his white collar, and trousers matching the same brown, but with thin yellow stripes. His brown boots tap the floor graciously as he walks towards the group with a hearty smile. On top of his head was a large purple hat with a large, white puff ball at the end.

"I believe you must be imagining things," Cyllene groaned, "Now, Professor Laventon, to business. What is the current state of progress on the Pokedex?"

"I daresay we've made quite significant progress, all in all," Laventon responded as he stares at the captain, "Though, we could afford to put a little more effort into our research tasks."

Shinku would nod along to the professor's explanations, smiling all the while.

"And of course it is hard to know how far to go in pursuit of some reports," Laventon continued, "Certain Pokemon have only been mentioned in Hisui's legends, after all. Who knows if they are even real!"

"With how little we know about Hisui's history and legends, it seems like a tall order for us to tackle..." Akari reminded.

"Hmm... that's true," Shinku said, "Besides the whole ordeal with Dialga and Palkia back at the Temple of Sinnoh... I don't know what else we can look into mythology-wise."

"Pardon! Couldn't help but overhear!" A chipper male voice yelled excitedly. A tall, slender man walked into the room. He was wearing a blue uniform mostly covered by a white apron with a yellow logo, which Shinku recognized immediately. His green eyes sparkled as he gazes towards the group, even with his left eye being covered by his blonde hair. Most of his hair was also covered by a blue and yellow patterened cap. There was also a large brown packpack behind him, but the man wasn't bothered by its huge size and weight.

Shinku gleefully smiled when he saw this man walk into the room. The latter waves his pointer finger excitedly, not taking his smile off of the group.

"If it's Hisuian history and legends you want, then I'm your man!" He cheers. He steps closer to the group, his brown boots tapping along in a happy manner.

"What brings you here, Volo?" Shinku questioned. The blonde-haired man stares at Shinku, almost... too carefully.

"Why, I've spent plenty of time studying such things instead of- ahem. I mean while also tirelessly doing my work for the Ginkgo Guild," The former explained, "And I've visited many of the ruins and whatnot in the Hisui region already! I imagine I could teach you a thing or two about any Pokemon of legends in these parts!"

"Ooh! I like the sound of that!" Shinku cheered.

"Oho! Music to my ears, good fellow." Laventon said.

"Listen well, Shinku," Cyllene reminded, "You are to learn all you can from the merchant Volo and work together as needed. For the sake of the Pokedex. We, meanwhile, will continue to gather intelligence on Pokemon by other means."

"You can count on us, Captain Cyllene!" Shinku replied.

"Understood!" Volo chimed in, "I'll set up at the Heights Camp, then. Shinku, I'll be expecting you!"

"I'll be there as quickly as I can, Volo! Count on it!" Shinku chuckled. Volo shows a cheerful smile, appreciating Shinku's optimistic attitude.

"Besides, I've something I'd like to discuss with you too, so I hope you won't keep me waiting!" The older man added. He then walks back to the main entrance, exiting the building effective immediately.

"You know, Shinku," Akari said, "I noticed you've had quite a remarkable relationship with Volo. What has raised that friendship value, exactly?"

"Let's just say... he really has helped me out a lot." Shinku responded, keeping it brief. Akari smiles along, managing to earn one from Shinku as well. He adjusts his cap and eyeglasses, then makes his way out of the building to meet up with the merchant.


*scene: Obsidian Fieldlands, Heights Camp*

Shinku opens the large box at the camp, rummaging through many items. He would place some Potions inside his satchel, and double checks to make sure he has as many as he needed for his journey.

He then kneels down to the crafting table, and pulls out some apricorns and tumblestones that he found last time. His hands began to work at a quick pace, and by the time he was done, the items he had turned into mint condition Poke Balls.

Once he places the newly crafted Poke Balls in his satchel, he waves goodbye to Professor Laventon and heads out. In the corner of his eye, he looks over at a large rock formation, where the man of the hour is waiting.

"Shinku! There you are!" Volo greets.

"I came here as soon as I could." Shinku responded, which earns a nod from the taller man. He turns over to the rock formation, which reveals to have something engraved on it.

"Have a look here, if you will. A good, long, close look, please!" Volo insisted. Shinku immediately accepted the man's request, and stares at the rocks.

On the wall, there were many different ancient symbols. Several of them with different colors, yet Shinku couldn't tell what exactly this is. His eyes were filled with confusion, unsure how to respond to this, or the fact that he's never seen this.

"See these patterns modeled after Pokemon? I've come to think that they might be letters- rather like heiroglyphs, if you will." Volo stated.

"They don't look familiar to me." Shinku said, squinting his eyes to try and find some sort of clue.

"I've inspected ruins from across the region and have concluded that they all seem to tell the same tale," Volo explained, "The tale of a hero who, together with the Pokemon by his side, went on a journey to search for the fragments of an all-encompassing deity."

"An all-encompassing... deity?" Shinku repeated as he stared at Volo. The Ginkgo Guild merchant hasn't layed his eyes off of the heiroglyphs, but he nods his head.

"Yes," He replied, "An all-encompassing deity- the creator of this very universe. And its name is... Arceus."

The last word made Shinku frozen solid. His arms stood in a straight position as his legs kept him in a military-styled fashion. His eyes widened, beginning to hear voices in his head.

"Soon thou shalt find thyself in a world strange to thee... a world inhabited by wondrous creatures that humans call Pokemon."

"Seek out all Pokemon, and thou shalt find me once more."

"Hello? Hisui to Shinku?" Volo says as he was waving his hand in front of Shinku's face. The younger boy lets out a yelp as he finally adjusts back to the Fieldlands. Volo steps back a bit, smiling gleefully as ever.

"Ah, sorry about that, Volo. I must've dozed off." Shinku apologized, rubbing the back of his neck embarrassingly.

"Perhaps you've already heard this name?" Volo assumed, stroking his own chin.

"It does sound familiar." Shinku responded.

"Of course!" Volo fawned while he nods, "What else could I have expected from the hero who saved the Hisui region."

"Aww, you're too kind." Shinku said, smiling nervously despite being genuinely touched by the compliment.

"But now, let us discuss the fragments." Volo says as he gets back into a serious tone.

"What about them?" Shinku asked curiously.

"They must surely be the plates!" Volo exclaimed. Shinku raises an eyebrow at the merchant's suggestion.

"The plates?" The former repeated.

"Yes, the very plates you collected as you went about quelling all the frenzied nobles," Volo rambled, "Haven't you noticed that they all have words carved on their backs? Go on- give them a read."

Shinku opens his satchel and digs through its contents. He brings out a pink square tablet. He looks at the back of it, noticing the words engraved on it.

"This is the first one I got from Wyrdeer," Shinku reminded, "The text says... 'The Original One breathed alone before the universe came.'"

"This 'Original One' is none other than the Pokemon known as Arceus." Volo replied. Shinku smiles, placing the plate back in his satchel for safekeeping.

"Yeah. That's really good to know." He agreed.

"So, what do you say, Shinku? I think we should try to gather all the plates!" Volo suggested, "And I've got just the idea where to start our search. Join me in the heart of Grueling Grove!"

"Sure thing! I'll see you there." Shinku responded. Volo nods once with his chippy smile, then proceeds to walk off. Shinku would stare at the Ginkgo Guild merchant until he was no longer seen at this distance.

"I wonder how we're gonna be finding these plates..." Shinku thought.


*scene: Grueling Grove*

Volo taps his right foot on the grass in a musical-esque fashion. His own thoughts escaped his head when a loud caw was heard. The blonde-haired man looks up at the sky, seeing the sun covered by a large shadow of what seemed like a large bird Pokemon.

The silhouette begins diving down, revealing the Pokemon to have a dark gray body, a white outer line above its gray feathers, and has a large fluffy head fixed with a colorful mask emanating a psychic power.

In its talons holds a glider, where someone was hanging onto it to soar through the air. This someone turned out to be Shinku once Volo got a closer look. When the Pokemon gets closer to the ground, Shinku lets go of the glider and hops onto the ground.

"Thanks, Braviary." Shinku says. Braviary lets out an affirmative caw as it flies high into the air, away from the group. Shinku then stares at Volo, the latter of which smiled when he saw the young boy arrive.

"Now, Shinku, according to my own investigations..." Volo started. He took a quick pause before opening his mouth to speak again.

Before he could do so, however, he was quickly interrupted by a rustling sound. He and Shinku would step back, noting that this rustling was coming from the tall grass.

"Hm? Oh, whatever was that?" Volo questioned.

"I think someone's watching us." Shinku growled. He reaches into his satchel, quickly grabbing a Poke Ball. The rustling got louder and faster, as the Survey Corps member stood in a defensive position, his Poke Ball gripped tightly in his hand.

"Ah-!"

A grunt was heard as someone came rolling out of the tall grass. He plants his feet on the ground as he got up from his rolling position. Shinku raises an eyebrow as he noticed this mysterious boy.

The other boy stays on his knees, holding his left arm with his right hand. His pale skin glistens through the sunlight as his ultramarine eyes look away, even with his left eye covered by his hair, just like Volo.

His hair, sideswept and spiky, and a more bolder blue than his eyes, even if his hair was covered by a red flat cap. He wore a short sleeve kimono with a red and black color... almost as if they match a certain Pokemon. His trousers matched the same red seen on the volcanic-colored kimono, and they reached down to his feet, which were covered by large sandals.

Shinku looks closely at the sandals and his eyes widen, recognizing them immediately.

"I have those same exact sandals!" He thought. The other boy would look at the two for a second, who exchanged confused glances. However, he would then look away once again, not letting go of his arm.

Shinku felt something spark in his mind. Something isn't right. This poor boy was injured right in front of his eyes. So, taking quick initiative, he scurries to the boy's side.

"Hey, are you okay?" Shinku asks. The other boy didn't answer. Not a single noise escaped his lips. Shinku's eyebrows lower in sadness. Volo, still staying by the distance, places his finger on his chin, eyeing the injured boy carefully.

"It seems he must've had a dangerous encounter from the way he tumbled out of the grass." The merchant commented. Shinku gently places his hand on the other boy's arm, which instantly caused him to flinch. After a few seconds, he relaxes a little bit. But not before letting out a little cry from pain.

Removing his hand ever so slightly, Shinku's eyes widen like plates. There was a large black bruise covering the boy's shoulder. There was no blood present, but Shinku could immediately tell that this mysterious person was not in a good condition.

Shinku helps the boy up, which he instantly agrees to. His knees wobbled and he yelps as he was about to stumble and fall over. However, Shinku easily caught him before he could land roughly on the grass.

"I'm going to take you back to the campsite. We'll heal your arm from there." The Survey Corps member cooed. The other boy didn't say anything. He looks at Shinku for a moment, his eyes sparkling at the face that currently helped him. But then he looks away once again.

Shinku looks back at Volo, who was just as concerned about this whole situation.

"I'm sorry, Volo, but I'm gonna have to delay our plate searching," Shinku sighed, "I can't let this boy get any more injured in these ravenous fieldlands."

"It's quite alright, Shinku! Do what you must! I will wait for your return!" Volo assured, smiling gleefully as ever. Shinku shows a soft smile and nods once, quickly thanking him. He then begins to walk along, keeping the other boy by his side and helping him walk.


*scene: Heights Camp*

After a long, treacherous walk, Shinku and the injured boiy finally reached the Heights Camp where the former has started at. Upon arriving at the scene, Laventon finds the two boys and nearly fell over from shock.

"What happened here?!" He shouted.

"I was out at Grueling Grove and saw this boy tumble out of the tall grass," Shinku explained, "I caught a good look at his arm and saw it was badly bruised. Having no other choice, I had to bring him back to the camp for treatment."

"Oh, you made the right decision, my boy. Set him down here." Laventon suggested, gesturing towards an empty spot at the campsite. Shinku nods and helps the boy sit down. The Survey Corps member notices the injured boy looking towards Laventon, who slowly approaches the him.

"This is gonna sting a little, Aoi. This is simply to treat that nasty wound on your shoulder." The professor assured. The boy, now known as Aoi, simply nods in response, still not saying a word.

Shinku raises an eyebrow as he reaches into his satchel for his needed items.

"Professor Laventon, you know him?" He asks as he grabs a small quadrilateral packet of cream.

"Yes, allow me to explain," Laventon replied, "One day, as you were out with your research, Aoi fell out of the space-time rift in the sky, just like you. He wound up on the beach, but entered Jubilife Village where I found him."

"Wait, he also fell from the rift?!" Shinku exclaimed.

"Correct," Laventon said, "I offered to have him join the Survey Corps, but... as we can all well imagine, the villagers considered his presence to be a bad omen, rendering him as an outcast immediately. However, I offered him one of the two Pokemon you helped me catch as well as a proper place to sleep in the form of the campsites all around Hisui, as well as a new fit of clothing from the village before leaving with him."

"That's not very nice. I know people said the same about me, but they didn't force me out until the sky turned red." Shinku sighed, speaking in a concerned tone. Laventon shared the exact same saddened expression.

"I'm afraid there was nothing to appeal to any of the residents of the village," The professor continued, "However, after giving him some Poke Balls to see if he can catch Pokemon, he proved to be a natural! His quick nature has proved to me he'd be perfect to help complete the very first Pokedex!"

Laventon smiled as he explained Aoi's talents, in which the latter still didn't say a word. Shinku smiles and nods along, then gently tears open the packet.

"This will help rid of that bruise." He whispered. He then places some of the cream on his hand, and rubs it along the bruise on Aoi's arm. The blue-haired boy whimpers, tears pouring down as the stinging sensation began to overtake him.

"Th-This h-hurts!" He cried, speaking for the first time since their encounter.

"I know, I know." Shinku whispered in a soothing tone in his best attempt to calm him down. This process continued for a couple more minutes, until finally, the bruise was beginning to ease up.

Aoi lowers the kimono sleeve where his bruise was located so it can barely be seen. He looks over at Shinku, who shows a genuine smile.

"That should get rid of that bruise sooner or later," He assured, "I'm Shinku, by the way. Proud member of the Galaxy Expedition Team: researcher of the Survey Corps. It's a pleasure to meet you, Aoi."

Aoi looks away again, his face scrunching a bit. Shinku raises an eyebrow, concern washing over him once again.

"You... still don't want to say anything?" He questioned.

"Oh, dear apologies, Shinku, you'll have to excuse Aoi. He's very timid and only feels comfortable around me and his Pokemon." Laventon reminded.

"Ohh, I see." Shinku replied.

"Aoi, my boy, what happened out there that made you get that wound?" The professor asked the blue-haired boy.

"...An alpha Vespiquen spotted me," The latter said quietly, "My Pokemon tried to... hold it back, b-but... it wasn't enough until it started to directly attack me... I barely got away from it in the end..."

"Hm, I see... that is a truly tragic encounter. An alpha Pokemon shows no mercy no matter who comes across once!" Laventon exclaimed.

"I mean... I've had experiences with them before. The Vespiquen caught me off guard..." Aoi says.

"Well, you need not to weep any more, Aoi. You're safe here in the campsite." Laventon cooed, smiling as he sticks by the young boy's side. Aoi simply nods once, looking away slightly.

"Say, what do you say we head back to Jubilife Village altogether?" Shinku suggested, "I think we would be better off there than out here in the Obsidian Fieldlands. Besides, I would like to get to know more about Aoi while we get the chance."

"Hmm... I don't see why not. We'll take a break from our research and make a safe trip back to the village." Laventon agreed, nodding his head.


*scene: Galaxy Team building, Jubilife Village*

The main entrance door opens as Shinku was the first to walk in. He breathes in a sigh of relief after the long walk from the Fieldlands all the way back to Jubilife Village. Soon, Laventon stepped inside, with Aoi sticking right by him.

The latter would look around in awe, liking how big this place looks on the inside.

"Sure has been a while since you've been here, huh?" Laventon commented to Aoi. The blue-haired boy simply nods.

"Glad to hear it. Y'know, both of us are happy to have you by our side, Aoi." Shinku complimented. But once again, Aoi didn't say anything. His eyes avert away from the Survey Corps member. Looking closer, Shinku could tell at first glance there was more to it.

It was as if... maybe Aoi liked meeting him, even if it was so recently.

From across the hallway, Cyllene was at her desk. She looked up from her papers and notices the group talking to each other. She sets the papers back down and gets up from her desk, walking towards the three.

When she got within close proximity, her eyes were set on Shinku.

"Shinku." Was Cyllene's simple response to greet.

"Oh, greetings, Captain Cyllene!" Shinku greeted, "I don't have any progress on my current mission nor the Pokedex. However, during my expedition at the Obsidian Fieldlands, I came across Aoi here!"

"I'm well aware." Cyllene said with a nod. Her eyes turn towards Aoi, who looks at the older woman with a confused expression.

"Although, the hat and sandals you currently wear are a Galaxy Team exclusive brand," She pointed out, "Tell me, how did you get your hands on those?"

"I got them for him before leaving the village with him, Captain. This was my doing." Laventon chimed in, placing one arm around Aoi. The younger boy nods once, making a small noise.

"...I see." Cyllene replied. Shinku was about to speak, but his and everyone else's attention came to the left staircase, as two people walked down to the main lobby.

The first was a man. He was tall with pale skin, fit with large fuzzy hair with a unique striped pattern of dark blue and teal, as well as a large fuzzy ponytail on top to continue its diverse pattern. His hazel eyes, although a bit wide, showed how genuine he was with his smile. He wore a blue robe with black that reaches down below, gold lines adorned at the end of the black part and on his right sleeve, as well as a light gray border at the end of the robe, with three prongs on each side that sway with each step, fit with black flip flops with a blue ribbon visibly seen. His right arm was covered in bandages and he also had a small gold necklace with a dark blue diamond on it. He also had a necklace that reached down to his chest, connected by a silver penatagon.

The second person was a young girl. She had short blonde hair with a spiky bow on top of her head. Her blue eyes were mixed in with a more serious expression than the guy's. She wore a magenta and black mixed shirt along with white shorts, with a large towel wrapped around her waist and extends behind her back, revealing a mystique hot pink and white pattern. She had large pink boots and wore a light gray necklace with a pink pearl on it. She also had on three colorless bracelets fit with a blue wavy pattern: one on each wrist and the other on her left ankle.

"That festival we've had was the most fun I've had in ages!" The man cheered, "Although, it would've been fun if it lasted a little longer. If only time can slow down during gracious moments like that."

"*sigh* You and wasting time has always been your speck as the leader of the Diamond Clan." The girl groaned, shaking her head sideways.

"Hey, Adaman! And Irida!" Shinku greeted.

"Well, the Hisuian hero himself is back already. And getting his hand on a new set of threads." Adaman chuckled, causing Irida to raise an eyebrow.

"It was on sale after the whole... situation," Shinku remarked, "I just wanted to get it, and it's comfy. Anyways, what were you two up to?"

"We were having a chat with the commander," Irida replied, "After both the Pearl Clan and the Diamond Clan were revealed to have been following our own almighty Sinnoh this whole time, we're at a loss what we're to do next."

"All the nobles have been quelled, too," Adaman inquired, "But now that I think about it... Mr Professor, how has an update on the Pokedex been going along?"

The Diamond Clan leader's attention came towards Laventon, who smiled wholeheartedly.

"Oh, it's been going at an astounding pace!" He complimented, "Shinku has decided to team up with the merchant Volo in the search for answers from Hisui's legends! During which, he stumbled across Aoi, who I accompanied during his drop from the space-time rift."

Aoi shyly waves at the two clan leaders and they immediately return the gesture.

"As part of the Galaxy Team, our research has become far from stagnant," Cyllene stated, "Shinku's journey has proved to be far from over. His encounter with Aoi... it seems now it has been destined, almost."

"You really think so?" Shinku asked.

"Hm..." Aoi hummed.

"Of course! Aoi also fell from the rift, didn't he? Since Shinku did as well, of course it was destined!" Irida exclaimed.

"Our sky-fallen friends seem to have been a blessing to our region!" Adaman chuckled along.

"Then, it's decided! Aoi, how would you like to join the Galaxy Expedition Team and be part of the Survey Corps with me?" Shinku requested. Aoi let out a surprised noise, eyes widening upon the request.

"Oho! I like the sound of that already!" Laventon cheered, "This young man has shown me he can be a useful asset to our team! His skills are admirable!"

"After seeing what Shinku is capable of, I don't see why not." Irida agreed.

"Plus, that Pokedex the professor is always babbling on about may be completed faster. Two hands are always better than one." Adaman said.

"Hmm... I'll allow it," Cyllene started, "However, we do not let anyone into this team free of charge. Every new recruit must prove themselves worthy if they want to go out in the wilds and confront Pokemon head on. Which now begs the question..."

She walks a little closer to Aoi, who gulps quietly.

"Aoi, do you have a team of Pokemon on your side?" The Survey Corps captain asked.

"Yes, I do. They have been by my side for th-the longest time. Even when... the s-sky turned red..." Aoi replied, raising his voice a bit so he can be heard. Cyllene closes her eyes for a moment before nodding.

"I see," She says, "Shinku here also has a team of Pokemon that he grew alongside with. For your test, I want you to battle against Shinku. There is a training grounds in the village that has been gaining traction recently. Have your Pokemon fight against his and I will consider your worthiness to the team."

Everyone was silent. Adaman and Irida remained unchanged, yet they knew that Cyllene wasn't messing around with her first trial for Aoi. Laventon was the most concerned, sweating even in this breezy room.

"You sure you want to do it?" Shinku asked the shy boy.

"Uh... y-yes! I'll d-do it." Aoi replied, showing a determined expression.

"Very well then," Cyllene said, "Prepare your Pokemon and make your way to the training grounds as soon as possible, as Shinku will wait for you there. The rules for the trial will be discussed as you arrive."

"O-Okay." Aoi stutters as he nods once.

"You got this, my boy!" Laventon assured, "Shinku passed his first trial with ease, but it was catching Pokemon. I've heard your Pokemon like you very much and will do everything to protect you. Even if you lose, just do the best you can!"

"Good luck, Aoi." Adaman complimented.

"Get as far as you can in this trial. It'll be no easy feat, I'm sure." Irida warned. Aoi nods again, and sticks by the entire group as they all exit together.

Shinku had many thoughts popping into his head. After all the missions he's been through, he wanted to make sure Aoi will feel welcome. The Galaxy Team isn't always one to quickly accept new recruits, so this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Yet, there is no holding back.

All Shinku could think now is to make this first trial a rememberable one.


Author's Note: Whoo boy! Just about 7K words for my first time back! Seems like my writing hasn't been going anywhere! Don't expect future chapters to be this long, but we'll see! :D

Now, I'm gonna upload the battle chapter at the same time so any of you don't leave empty handed. I want to make a Pokemon battling scene, after all! I bet it'll be VERY interesting with how different PLA takes a toll on things!

By the way, I deeply apologize because I was supposed to release this earlier. I suddenly tested positive for Covid on Wednesday and had to take time for myself to recover. Thankfully, I am feeling way better now so I can get this chapter out. Ain't no illness gonna take me down at this rate!

See you guys in the battle chapter!