Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. If I did, we'd be getting tons of details on Sun and Moon already.

Chapter 1

Alita ran down towards South Boulevard, the clap of the soles of her shoes echoing throughout the empty street. The canal beside her glittered with the reflection of the sunrise, the normally grey stone of the manmade structures around her lighting up in hues of orange and yellow. All she could see was what was ahead, her shadow racing by her right, with her back turned to Prism Tower. She already knew what it would look like if she turned back, glittering like an evolutionary stone or precious gem, reflecting light. But still she ran.

As she arrived to the final stretch towards her destination, she stopped to a walk, looking around. Slivers of light turned grey stone gold, some buildings still snug in shadow. The lights of the Pokemon Center sign was still lit, twinkling merrily as Nurse Joy started to prepare for the day. She walked past, giving a curious look at it before walking past.

A few Trainers were clearly awake, dressed in worn, practical yet fashionable clothes. Pokeballs, the staple of every Trainer, hung at their belts. Most had barely three, others a full six. Though they were every child's heroes, she did not stop to admire the travel worn teens and adults. She merely walked past, head held low as she avoided their gaze.

Alita snuggled closer into her grey hoodie, the baggy item hiding her body from the biting cold of morning. As was expected, considering fall drew nearer and nearer. She had already gotten dressed, unlike other times she visited Prism Tower in nothing but her pajamas. Including the hoodie, she wore a comfortable white t-shirt that was soft against her skin, grey trainer pants specially designed for journeys, and running shoes the color of the afternoon sky on a clear day.

Soon her destination came into view, an iron gate swung open between two tan columns of stone topped by carvings of Pokeballs. A simple walkway led up to the steps of what would be the beginning of what was set before her. There was no going back now, not that she now stood before Sycamore Labs.

Gathering what little courage she had, Alita hesitantly walked forward, huddling her hoodie closer as though it could hide her within its folds. Her pale pink slipped around her like a shield, a bang slipping over her left eye of the color of roses. Shyly, she opened the door, looking at what was before her.

Her parents, Alicio and Leona Bellerose, stood there next to Professor Sycamore. Their stares, her father's of sea green and her mother's of rose red, were cold, a sharp contrast to the Professor's warm blue eyes and smile. They were dressed in trainer clothes only the wealthiest could afford, a sign of their status as Elitist Trainers. She knew it was most likely the man who would give her first Pokemon had heard of them, their reputation gained from their short stint as members of the Kalos Elite Four well-known.

Instead, the Professor completely ignored her parents, offering a wide smile. "Glad to see you could make it! I nearly thought we would have to get started without you." He shot her a teasing wink, eyes lit up playfully. He turned and started to walk down the hall, turning back at its entrance and quickly motioning her to follow.

"Come, come!" he said excitedly. "We should get started, no?" She hesitated, her sky blue running shoes firmly on the ground before quietly walking forwards, her right eye peeking at him shyly.

"O-ok." Professor Sycamore beamed, walking down the hall with her following. The walls were painted a shade similar to her own right eye, the shades of green almost soothing. Pictures of different Pokemon were held up in frames, from tiny Weedle and Scatterbug creeping along forest floors to mighty Salamence and Hydreigon soaring over mountains. Alita felt something odd creep into her heart. Would she be able to go to places like that, see all those beautiful things? Maybe a journey wouldn't be so bad…

She was broken out of her thoughts by the creak of wheels, quickly looking up in confusion to see a large draconic Pokemon pushing a cart that was tiny in comparison into the room they had entered. "Garrr." It growled, abandoning the cart and hobbling over to the Professor. It nuzzled him, somehow purring.

"Thank you for your help, Garchomp." The Professor said warmly, stroking the Garchomp with a warmth Alita had never seen before. She didn't know whether to shrink with fright at the Dragon type or say hello. Like that, it turned a golden eye towards her, eyeing her with curiosity. Fear pooled in her stomach.

Garchomp padded towards her, lowering its head and sniffling her. She froze, closing her eyes as she started to shrink back…

"Gar…" Her eyes popped open as she realized Garchomp was nuzzling her and purring. Professor Sycamore laughed at the look of wide eyes she gave him. "It appears Garchomp likes you. She's a big softie that couldn't even hurt a Flabebe!" Alita shyly looked at the Dragon type, whom was staring at her with big golden eyes, as frightening as they were.

Garchomp purred even more loudly as she started to pet her, hands smoothing hard scales and scratching the itching spots behind her horns. What did her in was a scratch under the chin, where she turned into a Goomy. Alita let out a startled laugh at the sight, her visible sea green eye lighting up with joy for the first time. The Professor smiled at the two, taking exactly what he needed from the cart.

"Alita." Said girl looked up, eyes widening at the familiar device being held out to her. "This is a Pokedex, which will allow you to scan and gain information on the different Pokemon you'll encounter throughout your journey." He informed her, grinning now. "Why don't you use it to scan Garchomp?" With wider eyes, she took up the red rectangle of metal, a patch of clashing black metal running down the middle similar to the design on a Pokeball. She held it up to Garchomp, where it slid open to reveal clear blue glass and a display of a fiercer version of the Pokemon.

"Garchomp, the Mach Pokemon, and the evolved form of Gabite. It flies at speeds at equal to a fighter jet plane. It never allows its prey to escape." The Pokedex chimed in a feminine voice, the image of the Garchomp reverting around to give a full view of the Pokemon. A shiver of fear ran down Alita's spine at the entry. She knew that the Dragon type was nice, but still…

"Incredible, isn't it?" The Professor asked, eyes lighting up at the image on the screen. "To have all the information you need, right at your fingertips. Most don't use it often, but the Pokedex can also scan for typing, ability, and moveset. If you've caught the Pokemon, you can also see its stats." Alita blinked numbly in confusion.

Professor Sycamore laughed and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "I guess I should inform you, then. You most likely already know about typing, abilities, and movesets, so that leaves stats. Stats are a slang word for the different values a Pokemon has on its own. There are several of these that we've found, that being HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. These change as your Pokemon grow and develop, of course, but they're what makes your partners stand apart in battle." Alita nodded, sinking at the mention of 'battle'.

The Professor's eyes softened a little at little Alita crouching down to pet Garchomp, and quietly made his way back to the cart. Grabbing three very familiar and important items, he pressed their buttons and threw them into the air.

Alita's head snapped up at the sound of Pokeballs releasing the Pokemon inside, three happy cries calling throughout the room. Her eyes widened at the three little Pokemon standing in a row, looking up curiously at her.

"May I introduce the starting Pokemon of the Kalos region," Professor Sycamore said with grandeur. "Chespin, the Grass type," It was bipedal and short, standing on feet that looked like it was mainly two long claws each, holding up a pudgy yet slim brown body. It had darker brown arms and similarly colored markings along its face, black eyes looking at her with mirth while his pink nose wiggled cutely. A green 'hood' covered the rest of its head outside of its face, green spines popping out his head. The green continued down his back, where his short tail perked up, tipped with pink. It overall looked adorable and determined.

"Fennekin, the Fire type," This Pokemon looked like a little fox, a soft fiery yellow in color. The bottom half of its face was white, with a snout tipped by a black nose and fiery orange eyes. Its ears had large tufts of fur, which were similarly colored to it eyes. Wing-like tufts of fur extended out of her haunches, helping to cradle the large bushy tail tipped with the same color as her eyes and ear tufts. It overall looked sweet and shy, with a fiery streak.

"And last, but not least, Froakie, the Water type." It was a blue frog, with large yellow eyes that bulged out of his head, and two little bubbles as some semblance of a nose. A streak of darker blue ran through the middle of its face, hiding in the large cover of bubbles along its neck and back. It also had white 'gloves' on its hands, finishing the look. It gave her a glare and Alita knew Froakie didn't like her. It probably wanted someone strong…

The Professor had a knowing glimmer in his eye, grinning ear to ear at the sight of the three Pokemon. "From these three, one will be able to travel with you throughout the world. A companion to enjoy your adventures with! The choice is yours." Alita nearly started hyperventilating at that. Her vision narrowed and blurred. She couldn't do this! How was she to choose one of them, to force them away from their home?! Why-

"Fen?"

Her vision returned to normal, and she blinked the tears that had been starting to form in her eyes. Blinking in confusion, she looked down, shaking as she realized Fennekin had put its paw on her knee. Its fiery red eyes were the epitome of innocence, looking at her curiously with its head perfectly tilted. She felt a little tug in her chest, and, shaking, hesitantly reached out and scratched the little fox behind the ears.

Fennekin squeaked in pleasure, leaning into the touch as its eyes closed blissfully. Alita felt a small smile tug at her face, and she persisted in her scratching. The little Pokémon squeaked happily, leaping into her lap and nuzzling her chest. Its eyes begged for more and in that moment that little tug grew even stronger. A laugh bubbled in her chest and she giggled, probably for the first time in months. She scratched its chin next, making its head tilt up and eyes closed in a sort of smile.

Professor Sycamore broke the moment, a small smile on his face and a soft look in his eye, as though he were going over old memories. "So you'll take Fennekin along with you?"

Alita blinked, at him first, then looking down at the Fennekin happily lying there on her lap. The Fire type looked at her hopefully and her chest tugged. She found herself trapped in the gaze, something swirling there that she couldn't place. Slowly, she nodded.

"Y-yes… I… I'd love to take Fennekin along."

The elder man beamed. "Tres bien! Excellent! I have no doubt you two will get along quite well!" A little burst of happiness bubbled in her chest. Maybe the two would get along well…

Next was the tug of inspiration. "I-is it o-okay I give you a ni-nickname?" Fennekin tilted its head before nodding happily. "Fen!"

Alita held up the Pokedex. "I'll h-have to sc-scan you first." The Pokemon nodded and held still as the device unveiled her new partner.

"Fennekin, the Fox Pokemon. As it walks, it munches on a twig in place of a snack. It intimidates opponents by puffing hot air out of its ears." As though to prove her point, the little fox sneezed, causing a sprinkle of embers to burst from its ears. She giggled softly. Pressing a few more buttons, its data was revealed.

Gender: Female

Ability: Blaze

Moveset: Scratch, Tail Whip, Ember

"So you're a girl…" Alita whispered softly, stroking the now-known female Pokemon. "H-how about Pyrrha?"

The fox blinked in confusion. The new Trainer blushed as she realized that wasn't really a name Fennekin knew. She looked down and carefully scratched her ears.

"I-I, I read about it once," Alita admitted. "In a story from a l-long time ago. It-it means flame. Y-you don't h-have a nickname i-if you want…" Fennekin seemed to contemplate it, before nodding happily.

A small smile came back to her face, stroking the Pokemon with care. Professor Sycamore couldn't help but ask, "Why do you want to give your Pokemon a nickname?" This caused her to look down shyly.

"I-I h-heard fr-friends g-give friends n-n-nicknames…" His gaze narrowed in suspicion, but kept the smile on his face. He didn't need the new Trainer nearing another panic attack.

"Well, that's wonderful." He said honestly. "Very few of the new Trainers that come in ever nicknamed their starter. I believe you and Pyrrha will get far on your journey together." Alita certainly didn't think so, but she kept that to herself. She didn't want to let the Professor down.

"O-ok." Pyrrha chirped in agreement, a small shower of embers popping from her ears. Professor Sycamore grinned.

"Now, back to business!" He began. "Your parents have suggested you to help with my research by traveling. Do you happen to know what I do, right?" Alita nodded shyly.

"M-mega Evolution, r-right?" She asked. "I-I heard y-you c-could d-do it with y-your Pokemon." She added, twiddling her fingers as her blush brightened.

He nodded in confirmation, a smile already set in place. "That I can, with Garchomp in fact!" Her eyes widened and she whipped her head towards the now dozing Pokemon in awe.

The Professor withheld a chuckle, and nodded to let her know it was true. "But, there's more to it than that. I'm hoping to learn how it works beyond the basics, how and where it came from, what connection does it have with the world around us? So many questions!" He threw his hands in exaggeration, eyes bright.

"That's where you come in! You'll help by learning what you can during your journey, and sending the data back to me." Alita blinked as a thought popped in her head.

"H-how will I d-do that? M-my Po-pokedex?" He chuckled.

"You can send me messages through the Pokedex, it has a connection to the Worldwide Web and is part of the main computers here at the Lab." He explained. "You might have to give verbal reports, however, but every Pokemon Center contains video callers."

She nodded in understanding, both she and Pyrrha wearing matching serious looks, though hers faltered a moment. He saw it, that little flash of hesitation and fear. It was gone as quickly as it came, and she nodded firmly.

He nodded back, his smile now small. "Now then, let's set you off, shall we?" He walked forward and held his hand out, his smile still held on his face. Her hand was tiny compared to his, smaller than even those who had been before her. She truly was tiny, extremely short for her age.

A hand and arm was clasped around her Fennekin, an equally tiny Pokemon for its kind. Most stood at a foot tall, but this one was even shorter. Most before her had noticed this fact and always seemed to choose the others, no matter how sweet she was. They were going to go far, he knew it.

She quietly followed the Professor back down the hall, her eyes not wandering back to the beautiful pictures. Fennekin did so, eyes wide with awe as she watched from the cradle that was Alita's arm.

Her parents were still standing there in the lobby, their posture cold and proper. Her mother's eyes narrowed at the sight of Pyrrha.

"So, you have your Pokemon now?" Her father was the first to break the silence. His voice held no emotion as he observed her. He never did.

Alita nodded shyly, not meeting his eyes. She held Pyrrha closer to her chest. "I've chosen Fennekin." She was careful to not whisper or reveal how she felt, that always led to yelling later. A Bellerose always showed themselves as the great people they were, their strength.

That's what she was always told.

"It's a bit small, but it'll due. Fire types are regarded as strong for reasons, after all." Her mother stated, the insult as obvious as day. She knew the little fox was tiny, even Alita knew that. She'd grown up secretly watching the new Trainers attempt to battle Clemont and fail, a few had Fennekin much taller than hers.

She nodded, though Pyrrha wiggled at the insult. A subtle hand soothed the Fire type, feeling her relax under her fingers. She nearly missed the bag carelessly tossed to her by her father, blinking at the worn white material weighed down.

"Your mother and I have taken the liberty of packing your bag for you. Inside you'll find everything you need for your journey." Her father stated, giving her a callous nod. "Good luck." Don't lose.

She knew the underlying message. It had been drilled into her head for years.

They left silently, not even the swish of clothing as they walked out into the now more lively city. The Professor smiled knowingly.

"Well?" He asked. Alita felt something anchor in her jumble of thoughts.

"Th-thank you." With that she walked out, Pyrrha held to her chest like a stuffed toy and the old white messenger back slung on her shoulder.

The streets were now more alive than earlier, many more Trainers and city folk wandering the streets. A few Gogoat riders ferrying paying passengers and even a taxi driver waded through the crowd. A shiver of fear ran down her spine before she slipped in the crowd, shrunk in herself.

Bodies pressed against her as the current pushed her towards Route 4, where she would make the journey towards Santalune City. There would the first badge lay.

The large grey gates were impressive, beautiful architectural designs dancing along the stone. As she stood before them, pure fear froze her in place at the realization.

Oh dear Arceus, she was leaving home.

Though her parents were certainly not welcoming, this place had always held a firm place in her heart. It was where she befriended Clemont, and oh Arceus, she wouldn't see Clemont in a long time. Only for her fifth badge, if she could even make it before the League season ended. Of course, he'd convince her to stay a bit longer, but still…

"Ready to go?"

She whipped around, eyes widening and mouth dropping in shock as Clemont sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. He was in his old jumpsuit from his days of traveling, signature backpack on his back. She was quick to hug him, though.

He huffed in surprise, quick to return the embrace. "You really thought I'd miss you going out on your own journey?" She quickly nodded, trying to hold back tears.

He stood back, still gently holding her shoulders. He let out a soft laugh, Alita didn't really realize the impact on those she had around her, did she? He genuinely cared for her like a little sister, though not as much as Bonnie. It shouldn't be a wonder he decided to come out to send her off. Speaking of which, he brought something…

"Clemontic gear, on!" Alita blinked as the Aipom arm extended from the backpack-like machinery. Within its grip was a bundle, within which was…

She breathed in sharply at the sight of the items before her as she set down her Fennekin, taking the items in her arm. An old hoodie was folded up, the familiar insignia of the Volt Badge peeking out. This was his old hoodie, a part of a matching set with Bonnie. Never would she think he'd be willing to give it away.

There was also a few packed lunches, hidden in the folds of the hoodie. They were most likely to help her get by the next few days, and no doubt filled with Clemont's homemade cooking. A few Potions and an odd gold bottle of medicine also sat there hidden within, alongside a Pokeball and an odd piece of technology. But that wasn't what made her blanch in shock.

A golden medallion sat there, hanging from a red ribbon clearly meant to go round someone's neck. She instantly recognized it, an Amulet Coin. She knew that it was meant to double up the money she received from battling, a useful tool when she needed the money. But, still…

"Are-are you s-sure I should t-take this?" Alita whispered, hesitating. Clemont merely smiled and nodded.

"I thought I could at least be of some help for your journey, even if I'm not there." He explained, adjusting his glasses. "The sweatshirt indicates you're in association with the Lumiose Gym, it'll be useful in situations which require you to interact with Pokemon League members and keeping you warm. The Potions will keep your Pokemon healthy and the Full Heal will cover the status conditions the Potions can't cover. The Pokeball will allow you to capture a new partner in which you'll befriend, and I snuck in one of my inventions to help you. I call it the Puzzle Figure-Outer 2.0!" She nearly fell to the ground at the sheer silliness of the name. He still was that bad at naming things?

"Anyways," Clemont continued, sweatdropping as he noticed Alita's subtle reaction. "You'll need funds to buy supplies, but unfortunately Prism Tower and parts of the city need the funds for repairs and updates to their structures. But, the Amulet Coin will get you double the Poke you win in a battle as long as Fennekin or one of your future Pokemon wears it as they enter battle."

Alita felt tears well up, but she blinked it down, quickly hugging her best friend. He didn't huff in surprise this time, merely wrapping his arms gently around her tiny frame. She burrowed her head in his chest, shaking.

Pyrrha, though small, jumped up onto her back, using Clemont's arms as leverage to get on her shoulder. She lifted her head up, the duo blinking at the small Fire type. She merely chirped, nuzzling her partner's cheek sweetly before looking up curiously at the Gym Leader.

He blinked in return, looking confused at her appearance. The two stared, before Pyrrha's face scrunched up.

"Fe-fe-fen… NEKIN!" She sneezed, sending a small sprinkle of Embers out of her ears. They caught in the light, shining like stars before fading away just as half of the Embers brushed her cheek. Alita could feel the warmth and a faint sting as it disappeared. She looked and suddenly found herself in that same stare from earlier.

Ruby eyes met mismatched eyes of sea green and the hidden matching ruby, the gaze held. Something tugged inside her, the strain feeling odd. An idea brushed her mind, but it left as quickly as it came. The two blinked as Clemont waved a hand between the two, looking concerned.

"You two alright? You were just staring at each other for so long." He asked. Alita blinked, gaining back her senses. She nodded hesitantly.

"Y-yeah. I-I'm okay." She lied. Alita knew something was happening between Pyrrha and herself, but she knew she needed to figure this out for herself. Besides, she didn't want Clemont to be pulled into this…

He nodded hesitantly, not entirely convinced. He let her go, stepping back carefully. He looked awkward there, hesitant to leave. She offered a smile, though it was a bit forced. "I-it's okay. I-I sh-should go on." He nodded solemnly, looking down.

She gently took up Clemont's gift, holding it close to her chest and adjusting the strap of her bag. Pyrrha leaped down from her shoulder, tail wagging in hopes of cheering the group up. She softened at her little partner, nodding to her.

She started trotting off into the gate for Route 4, Alita hesitantly following. She could Clemont's gaze as she left for the world beyond her home, full of regret.

So there we are, the newest chapter! I focused on her inner turmoil, and was careful to showcase the bonds of those around her. She may seems Mary-Sueish, even I see that, but I'm balancing that out with her personality and future team. I hope I pegged this right, this was all rare moments in English class where I had access to the laptops and then sudden word barf late one day. But still, nearly four thousand words! I'm pretty proud of myself!

OCs will appear later on in Santalune City, though a few. There's a clue that will appear much, much later. And sweet Arceus sexily posing on a cinnamon roll, did you guys give me some great characters! I really genuinely love them all, and can't wait for more. I'm a bit sad I didn't get any reviews for the prologue though…

Also, there's going to be a certain theme to the nicknames of each Pokemon. Let's see if anyone figures it out!

Please Follow, Favorite, and Review, they're the blood that flows through the heart, aka my mind, and gives me the inspiration to write for you guys!

~Oly In Flight