We've hit 200 favorites and almost 300 followers! Thank you so much for the support! It's week 6 and I'm only a little late with this chapter. Anyways, thank you for reading so far!

Daniel left the Pokemon Center with Lazuli. He still sensed the angry Salamence despite the growing distance. It was like heat to match the sun. The street warmed his bare feet as he made his way to the market.

I hope I don't have to see that dragon again.

Daniel made his way through the narrow, cobbled streets of the town. Devoid of cars, the streets bustled with bikes, mopeds, carts, and people riding Pokémon. As he approached the dock market, the colorful wooden buildings grew to two stories. While Daniel had been filling out paperwork, the town had roared to life.

A large ferry sat conspicuously at the largest pier. Tourists littered the streets, snapping pictures, dining at delicious-smelling restaurants, and browsing the open stalls at the market. Daniel easily distinguished the locals from the tourists. All the locals wore traditional Japanese clothing - the men in simple solid-colored pants, sandals, and robe shirts; the women in bright, flowery kimonos, often orange and black. In contrast, the tourists sported decidedly Western wear: sneakers, sunglasses, shorts, t-shirts, Hawaiian shirts, sundresses, and even jeans. Daniel felt horribly underdressed. Worse, people gave him a wide berth as he passed.

Don't let them get you down, Daniel.

A tourist couple approached Daniel and the man spoke to him.

"Here you go, man" He handed a bill to Daniel.

Daniel hesitated, then took the bill. "Thanks"

The couple went on their way, leaving Daniel a little flustered. He was so used to doing things himself that it felt wrong to receive charity. The more he thought about it, the more he disliked receiving it. He wasn't helpless, he could find food and shelter when it came down to it. But at the same time, he wasn't going to just refuse the money.

A free five dollars is a free five dollars.

Daniel didn't know if that was a lot of money. He looked at the prices of the food and goods around him.

Shave ice and ice cream for 50 cents each? Ramen and soba for a Dollar? What the actual fuck?

Those prices were outrageously low! And that man gave him so much money! Back home, Daniel couldn't get chips and a drink from the gas station for less than four dollars.

And these are tourist prices. What do the prices at this world's equivalent of McDonald's look like? And... oh my god.

Daniel had reached the market and spotted the prices at a stall selling handmade pokeballs.

500 dollars for one pokeball. This shit is pay to win.

The stall had steel cases filled with wooden pokeballs. They were lacquered, and painted with intricate geometric designs. The old man running the stall looked at Daniel, then dismissed him. A man looking like that couldn't possibly afford anything at this stall. Daniel approached anyways.

Maybe I can sell this tumblestone to him. Now how can I confirm its worth?

"Can I help ye?" the stall owner said rudely.

"Um, yeah. I have a question" Daniel pulled out the unused tumblestone from his pocket. "Can you tell me what this is?"

The gruff man's eyes bulged, though he tried to play it cool."It's just a stone laddie. A pretty one though. My wife makes things out of things like that so I could take it off yer hands if ye would like."

"You're not fooling me. This is a tumblestone. It's used to catch Pokemon." Daniel responded candidly.

The owner leaned closer to Daniel and spoke in a hushed tone.

"Alright laddie, ye from the mainland guild? Why are ye here? Where did ye find that?"

Daniel chose his next words carefully. "I found it on the island I was shipwrecked on. There were plenty of apricorns there too. As for why I'm here, I need some cash."

The stall owner weighed Daniel's words. "Alright lad, how far is this island?"

"It took one night on a fishing boat"

"Who's boat?"

"Now that, is going to cost you," said Daniel. The stall owner scowled.

"I'll sell you this tumblestone and tell you the name of the boat that saved me for 100 dollars."

The stall owner rubbed his chin, then responded. "I'll do it for 50"

"80"

"60"

"Meet in the middle? 70," said Daniel.

The stall owner continued rubbing his chin. "How do I know ye ain't lying about this island?"

"The way I see it, you're buying this stone, and the info is a bonus."

The Stall owner reevaluated Daniel and then spoke.

"65. That's all I'll give ye."

"Sold." The two exchanged goods.

"So who saved ye?"

"It was a fisherman called Mister Ryoshi. He has a Gyarados."

"Wha- Ken Ryoshi? Why didn't you just say so!" The Stall owner smiled a gap-toothed grin. It was a jarring transformation.

"Yer telling me that Ken is here?" The stall owner said excitedly.

"Well, he left right after dropping me off here. He said his wife would get mad at him or something if he didn't return soon"

"Alright, I'll have to give that bastard a call! Oh and take this." The Stall Owner handed him another 5 dollars.

"We'll go with your price."

"Thanks. Good doing business with you."

"If ye find anymore, I'll gladly take them off yer hands. The name's Gantetsu. You can find me here or at my workshop. The locals know where it is."

"Ok. I'll let you know." With that, Daniel left to browse the rest of the market.

The dockside market harbored many stalls. Some peddled exotic fruits and fried foods on sticks, tempting Daniel. Though hungry, he resisted buying anything. He could always find food later. Lazuli proved less restrained. Daniel caught her slinking under tables, foraging ingredients from the stalls. After multiple scoldings from Daniel and angry shouts from one crabby vendor, Lazuli finally fell in line.

"I know you might be hungry, but things here are different. You can't just take whatever is lying around. This is civilization." said Daniel. Lazuli nodded like a scolded child.

A stall selling local clothing caught Daniel's eye - kimonos, pants, and "hippari," the robe-shirt garments. The elderly lady running it looked at Daniel with concern.

"Oh laddie, you need some clothes!" she exclaimed, radiating a motherly air.

"I do. How much for a Hippari?"

"For you? Only 20 dollars. But first, come! Try on the one you like most."

She energetically motioned for him to enter the tent behind her. Inside, clothing racks stood neatly organized - women's on the left, men's on the right. Drapes divided the tent, and mirrors were stationed in each section. Daniel moved to the men's side, which offered only three colors: grey, dark blue, and black. He selected a dark blue hippari and tried it on.

"Oh, ye look so much better properly dressed, lad!"

"I'm not so sure."

As he donned the hippari, a mirror gave Daniel his first proper look at his body. Tan and muscular, his legs and arms were well-defined. Though lacking a six-pack, no belly fat obscured the shape of his abs. Oddly, his chest appeared normal-sized.

What kind of exercises make your chest bigger?

"If yer referring to yer muscles lad, I can say that ladies prefer a clean man."

"Well I'm working on that"

"Oh pardon me. That was rude." The old seamstress bowed.

"It's ok. Daniel tied the hippari closed. It felt nice to wear clean clothes.

"I think it would look better with matching pants." Said the old seamstress.

"How much?"

"35 for the set, lad"

That'll leave me with 35 dollars. I wonder...

"Do you also sell underwear?" Daniel asked.

The old seamstress blinked. "Underwear? Ye want a fundoshi?"

"I'll take anything new and clean."

"Huh. I tell ye what, lad. I'll have ye a few pairs tomorrow."

"Ok. Sounds good."

Daniel emerged wearing a sturdy set of dark blue clothes. The hippari's wide sleeves ended right below his elbows and the pants ended a few inches above his ankles. The seamstress assured him that it wasn't small, it was the local style. He held his old clothes, just his shorts, in one hand. He wore his old belt over his new clothes. The leather and metal clashed with the traditional-looking cotton, but it was better than holding everything in his hands. He stuffed his old shorts in his belt. Lazuli sniffed at Daniel's new clothes, then eyed his bare feet.

"Yeah. That's next."

The old seamstress had directed him to a stall that sold sandals. He got a pair of rope ones with socks. They sat securely on his feet as any pair of sneakers. At the end of his shopping spree, he had 10 pokedollars left.

I guess I should think about getting more cash in the Berry Forest

Daniel wandered to the food section of the market. It was lunchtime judging by the bustling crowd. The massive pavilion with rows of tables was so packed, people stood and ate. The smell of grilled meat and fried food filled Daniel's nostrils.

Okay, I can't take it.

To keep her out of trouble, Daniel placed Lazuli atop his shoulders. He found the stall with the shortest line which sold grilled and smoked fish for a dollar each. Only locals queued up. Daniel bought four. As the middle-aged vendor made change, he asked Daniel a question.

"I don't think I've seen ye around lad. Who ye visiting? Oh let me guess. Yer Himegawa's son. He used to have a nice beard back in the day."

"Oh I might not look it, but I'm not from here. In fact, I'm from really far away."

"I see. Ye look good going native." He handed Daniel his change.

"Thanks"

Daniel took his food to the edge of a nearby pier. The sun was high and burning hot, which was probably why no one was on the uncovered wooded planks. He sat down and divided the fish onto two paper plates. Lazuli devoured hers while Daniel took his time with a plastic knife and fork.

You know what. Never mind.

Daniel devoured the fish with his hands, breaking off pieces with his fingers and popping them into his mouth. The smoky, salty, flavor instantly improved his mood. He felt like he could take on the world. It had a nice texture too. A dry, crispy outside and a tender, moist inside. When they were done with their meal, Daniel took a long drink of water from a water fountain. Daniel resumed his search for a berry vendor. It didn't take long to find one. The stall had neatly organized baskets filled with myriad berries. Lazuli eyed them hungrily, but a stern look from Daniel dissuaded her from rash action. As he got closer, Daniel noticed that the berries were getting old. Many were shriveled or discolored. The old lady sitting at the stall looked up, clearly distraught.

"Oh. Hello lad. Say, are ye Himegawa's son? I could use a Pokemon trainer right now."

"Well I'm not Himegawa's son, but I am a Pokemon trainer." Sort of. "I'm Daniel. How can I help you?"

"My mistake Daniel. I'm glad there are good lads like you who visit home. But yes I need some help gathering berries."

Well, it's my lucky day. Arceus must be looking out for me.

The old lady continued. "I'm Hana and my husband is out with a fever. He usually takes his Houndoom into the berry forest to forage, but he needs his bed rest. This usually wouldn't be a problem, but one of our best customers, the resort on One Island, is coming for their berries soon."

"So you want me to gather some berries? That sounds like something I can do."

Hana beamed. "Truly, lad?"

"Yeah. Of course." I get the feeling that looking like a local really helped me out here.

"Wonderful! Do ye know yer berries, lad?" Hana asked gleefully.

"I know some. Oran, Sitrus, Rawst, Lum."

"Aye. Those are common ones trainers use. Ever hear of the Topo Berry?

Daniel had absolutely no idea what that berry was. In fact, he wasn't sure it existed in the games.

"No."

"Well, it's a wonderful little thing. Comes in big bunches. A little sweet and sour, and very smooth. They use it for deserts you know!"

"Ok. What does it look like?"

"Oh! Let me show you."

Hana fetched a book from below the table. It was a large, leather-bound book titled "Berries of the World 4th edition". She flipped to a page with a bookmark. She pointed to a picture of a round, reddish berry with a distinctive triangle marking.

"This here's a topo berry."

"How many do you need?"

"As many as ye can get. Fill this basket up to bursting!"

"Alright. Now how long do I have?"

"Until tomorrow morning."

Daniel stumbled. "Tomorrow? I'm not sure if..."

Hana cut him off. "I'm just so happy that such a strapping young lad is willing to help a lady in need like me". She batted her eyelashes.

Wow, she's really laying it on thick. It's not like I have much else to do today.

"Ok. Whatever. How much will you pay me?" said Daniel, annoyed.

"Is helping out an old lady from your hometown not enough?"

"No," Daniel said decisively.

"Oh fine. I'll give ye 5 dollars per berry."

Daniel raised. "8"

Hana called. "7"

"Fine." Daniel extended his hand and Hana shook it. He turned to leave.

"Wait! Ye will need this." Hana proffered a wicker basket with some Chesto berries in it.

"The forest is filled with Hypno and Drowzee. Munch on those whenever they're near."

"Ok." Daniel took the basket and continued on his way.

It wasn't hard to find directions to the Berry Forest. The locals knew where to point him and were surprised Daniel didn't know the way. He was really blending in now with the new clothes. He kept Lazuli close until they left the market, ensuring she behaved.

They passed through the bustling town square - a large cobblestone plaza dotted with shops, stalls, flowers, and trees. Stone benches offered respite amid the lively atmosphere. At the square's center, a towering fountain depicted a Lapras spouting water. Sunlight caused the mist to shimmer golden.

People and Pokemon of all kinds filled the square. Tourists stopped to photograph the Lapras fountain. Children and Pokemon chased each other around the plaza. Lazuli longed to join them, but Daniel kept her focused. Families dined under awnings at the square's edges. Some locals waved at Daniel, mistaking him for one of them. Daniel returned the gesture and soon, the two exited the lively plaza. Navigating the streets, they reached the town's edge and found the paved road leading to Bond Bridge.

The road, a gray ribbon cutting through the rocky landscape, wound its way up the gently sloping hillside. On either side, scrubby grass and shrubs dotted with yellow and purple wildflowers grew between outcroppings of weathered red stone. The sky above was a clear, piercing blue, with wisps of clouds casting wandering shadows on the hillside below. As the road continued upward, a forest of tall evergreens came into view, their dark green needles rustling gently in the breeze. The trees lined the road on either side, filling the air with the refreshing scent of pine. Patches of dappled sunlight dotted the pavement, casting shifting patterns as the branches swayed above. The road began to level off as it approached the crest of the hill, with taller trees now giving way to meadows of golden grass that rolled out to the horizon. In the distance, the yellow glint of Bond Bridge came into view. There was a cabin on the Berry Forest side, and the bridge seemed to be populated with people. Fishermen judging by their stationary posture.

As Daniel broke in his new sandals, his thoughts couldn't help but wander. After taking in the breathtaking views of Three Island, He thought about Wilson. The memory resurfaced, unbidden. Daniel saw Wilson's mangled body spat out and left on the beach. The image replayed over and over in Daniel's mind, each time stirring fresh waves of pain, anger, and guilt. Wilson had been his first Pokemon, his original companion on the island. The oddish had stuck by him through thick and thin, even saving him from nightmares. Wilson had been brave enough to suggest fighting the rampaging Salamence, despite having every reason to flee. And yet, Daniel had been unable to protect him, unable to avenge his death. Wilson didn't deserve such an end, crushed by the jaws of a maddened beast. He deserved a long life filled with joy and adventure. But instead, his life had been snuffed out in an instant, thrown away as a hazard to be disposed of. The injustice of it burned within Daniel. Anger built at both the Salamence for its cruelty, and at himself for his powerlessness.

I should have done more. Crafted a spear, thrown rocks, plan better. Because of me, he's gone.

Daniel did his best to remain outwardly stoic. It must have worked because Lazuli didn't notice Daniel's pain. She was slithering between the sides of the road, inspecting every new plant and rock. Despite everything, she was the same, innocent, curious, and happy child. Daniel breathed deeply, centering himself. He focused on the here and now, with Lazuli beside him. There was nothing that could change the past, but today he had a task.

Bond Bridge was an old wooden structure painted yellow, sitting on concrete foundations. It provided a straight shot to Berry Forest. Local fishermen perched on stools along both sides, hands on rods, chatting away. The men looked to be in their fifties and sixties - definitely retired. One waved at Daniel as he approached.

"Ahoy lad! Come to try yer luck in the forest?" He pointed at Daniel's basket.

"Yeah. I'm helping out Hana."

"Aye. Good helping out the folks of yer hometown. Good luck!"

That confirmed Daniel's suspicions. He really did look like a local, specifically the son of one. All the locals except for that girl in the Pokemon center were middle-aged or older, so he fit right in as a visiting son. It made sense to play into that assumption. Everyone was treating him better because of it. After three months of isolation, it felt good to be included in a community. Especially one so tight-knit as Three Island. The town was small by Daniel's judgment. There weren't too many houses outside the town proper. Most of the inhabitants made their money from tourists. No doubt cruise ships and ferries from the other islands frequent this one. Daniel reached the other side of the bridge and passed the cabin there. The road forked into a series of dirt trails. A sign was posted at the first fork.

Berry Forest Trainer Route

Pokemon level: Yellow

Environment Hazard: Green

Trail Difficulty: Green

NOTICE:

This route is inhabited by Hypno and Drowzee. Please make the necessary preparations.

I should have thought this through better. I don't have any water. Someone approached Daniel from behind.

"Excuse me. Sir?" She didn't sound like a local at all.

Daniel turned to see a Pokemon Ranger in an orange uniform jacket printed with the name "Beth", a matching hat, gray shorts and hiking boots with tall socks. She was maybe in her late twenties.

"Yes?" Daniel responded.

"Are you planning on entering the forest?" Beth asked with an air of authority.

"Yes." Daniel waved for Lazuli to join his side.

"May I see your Trainer Card?"

"Uh. Did you get a call from Eddie?"

"So you don't have a Trainer Card," Beth said firmly.

"No, it's processing. If y-"

"Sir, I cannot let you into the forest without proof of your trainer status. Do we have an understanding?"

"Okay. But do you know Edmund? The one at the Pokemon center?"

Beth raised an eyebrow.

Daniel Continued. "He said he would give you a call about me. Granted, I don't actually know when he was going to do it, but he said I could pass."

"Is that so? So you don't mind If I give him a call."

"Please do."

"Wait here." Beth took a Pokeball from her belt and released a Bellsprout from it. "If he tries to enter the forest, Tangle him up."

The Bellsprout nodded and fixed its gaze on Daniel as Beth entered the cabin. After waiting a few minutes, Daniel decided to take a seat on the bridge. He found an empty stool and looked toward Beth's cabin. The door stood open, and the Bellsprout still watched him.

As he sat there letting Lazuli wander nearby, the minutes stretched on endlessly. Lazuli even began napping. Daniel's eyes wandered to the water under the bridge. Several fishing lines dipped into the blue, but the old men seemed unconcerned about losing a catch.

Daniel concentrated on the hooks. No fish were visible, yet he was sure they lurked below. He tried sensing their aura but didn't know how.

I've done it before, sensing aura. I even punched that Salamence. It has something to do with emotions. But do I have to feel hurt every time I use it?

Daniel didn't think so. Whenever he sensed the aura of others, he felt something move within his core, like a pool of water being stirred by a paddle. Daniel closed his eyes and concentrated. He imagined a liquid pool of energy within him moving. He imagined a spoon stirring the contents of a pot, gently so it wouldn't spill. In his mind's eye, he saw Lazuli coiled up at his feet and napping, the fishermen chatting a few yards away, fish nibbling at the bait on their hooks, and the lights that were their aura.

I-I can see them!

The fish below the hooks glowed with auras resembling candle flames. Their halos outlined swimming forms. The fishermen emanated steady, bright auras. To Daniel, they looked like men made of light. Lazuli's aura flickered brightly as a campfire, with licks of flame tracing her shape. The Bellsprout's aura concentrated around its head in a flame-like cluster. Daniel made out the outlines of non-living things too. They appeared as wireframes composed of pinpricks of light. The farther he looked, the dimmer the auras became. Through the cabin walls, Daniel glimpsed Beth's aura. A phone pressed to her ear, she browsed at her desk. High in the sky, he could just discern a small ball of light.

What is that? It feels like a bunch of Pokemon balled up together.

The Aura Sight began to dim as Daniel's aura slowed to a halt, despite his efforts. He opened his eyes to a familiar world. He looked up at where the floating ball of Pokemon was. It looked like a bunch of pink Pokemon clumped together.

Pink? What, is that a bunch of flying Jigglypuffs?

"Excuse me, sir?"

"Geh!"

How did she sneak up on me? I would have thought sensing Aura would make that difficult.

"Yes?" Daniel said, startled

"I didn't mean to scare you. But anyways, Eddie confirmed what you said. You may enter the forest."

"Alright. Thanks!" Daniel tapped Lazuli awake and began walking towards the forest.

"Excuse me? Not so fast there." Beth said authoritatively. "Are you adequately prepared?"

Daniel looked at the basket in his arms. "I've got some chesto berries. Those should keep us awake if any get too close."

Beth looked him up and down, unsatisfied. She sighed.

"Read this." Beth handed Daniel a pamphlet. It was titled "The Sleep Status and You". She continued. "Be sure to check in with me when you're done in the forest. If I don't hear from you in 24 hours, I will have to search for you."

"Ok," Daniel replied.

Beth nodded and returned to her cabin. Daniel continued into the forest, Lazuli sticking close behind.

You know, I plan these chapters out now, but I still can't get everything I want in time. Daniel getting new clothes and receiving a quest took way longer than I thought it would. But now I can give Berry Forest the attention it deserves. I also need to figure out when I can do the next Azalea chapter. Thank you for reading!