Hello, one and all! I'm excited to announce this project, which is a departure from what I'm normally used to writing. It's definitely a different vibe, and I'm going to warn you, this story might make some people uncomfortable (to an extent, that's by design, but you'll see what I mean by that soon), but I think that there's a lot to share from this story, and I hope that you come to appreciate it for what it is. If you have questions or concerns, let me know, either by PMs or Reviews. I hope you enjoy!

-Paladin

"Has he moved at all?"

"Not one bit." Officer Jenny replied, staring at the monitors in front of her. "I don't think he slept last night either."

"I'm not surprised, a lot has happened in the last couple of days. This entire situation is just terrible, but, it's almost strange as well."

"What?"

"He doesn't strike me as the criminal 'type', you know?"

"That's what I thought too." Officer Jenny sighed. "If I hadn't seen him do what he did with my own two eyes, I wouldn't have believed it myself."

"I still can hardly believe that Cynthia got involved. Usually, she'll just send me or one of the others to handle situations like this. We haven't seen her active this much since Team Galactic."

"Huh, I hadn't thought of it that way." Officer Jenny stated. "She's coming to the hearing today as well, right?"

"I believe so."

"I see, on that note, I'd better get going." the officer responded, standing up. "I appreciate you being here to help me walk him over to the courthouse, I'd hate for him to try and run again, but, why do you need his pokemon?"

"Flint and I were asked to keep an eye on them, in case there are any other problems we need to look into. I'm positive it's nothing, but we can't be too sure. "

"Of course."

"I'll be outside dear. If you need me, just holler."

"Of course ma'am." Officer Jenny responded, grabbing the door to let the woman out. She sighed as the door closed behind her, and she began walking slowly towards the hallway extending out of the office. She turned left, stepping down a dimly illuminated staircase, as a singular lightbulb flickered slightly. She reached for her keys, unlocking the door at the end of the stairs. She pulled the door open, stepping towards the cell directly in front of her.

A young man sat silently on the cot, looking down. His face was obscured by longer hair hanging down from his face, his breathing silent. His knuckles were white as they gripped the edge of the cot tightly.

"Come on," Officer Jenny muttered, inserting a key into the cell door. "Time to go."

The young man looked up, a glazed look in his auburn eyes.

"Stand up please, and don't try anything-" she continued.

"I won't."

"We're having a member of the Elite Four come with us, so be on your best behavior." When no response came, she turned the young man around and placed handcuffs around his wrists. She heard him mutter quietly. "What was that?"

"H-have you found her yet?"

Officer Jenny frowned. "Let's go."

"Please, I have to know." he pleaded desperately.

"Don't make me get Stunky out," she warned. "I'm sorry, but you're not calling the shots here. Not anymore."

They walked silently away from the cells.

Many Years Earlier…

"Welcome, young man." Professor Rowan greeted. "How can I help you?"

"Hey, I'm here to pick up my starter pokemon." the boy responded cheerfully.

"I see, give me just a moment here." The professor reached for a drawer, extracting a small form. He reached for his pocket, tapping the outer portion. "Where did I leave that-"

"Do you need a pen?"

"I had one just a moment ago," he grumbled

"Here, I have one." the boy replied, pulling off his bag. He pulled a small pen from the front compartment, passing it to the professor.

"Thank you." Professor Rowan replied. "Let's see…Are you a boy, or a girl?"

"I'm a boy," he replied.

"Alright, what's your name?"

"Ivan, sir."

"Very good, Ivan, I'm Professor Rowan," he replied softly.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, sir," Ivan commented.

"You're looking for a pokemon, right?

"Yeah, I'm in the right place for that, right?"

"Yes, of course, come right this way." The professor led the child back towards a table. "Here we have a few options. Do you know what they are?"

"Yeah, Chimchar, Piplup, and Turtwig."

"That's correct, very good." the professor continued. "A fire, water, and grass type pokemon respectively. Would you like to see them?

"Well, with all due respect professor, I know which one I'd like already."

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I would like Chimchar please."

"Are you sure?"

"No, I'm Ivan." the boy quipped back.

The professor looked at him puzzledly for a moment but then let out a mix of a sigh and chuckle. "I suppose you're right about that. You'll have to excuse me, it's a policy to ask."

"Sorry professor, I don't mean to make fun of you. I really appreciate you helping me choose a pokemon."

"Not a problem, you seem to have a good head on your shoulders. Let me write this down here." the professor commented, jotting on the paper.

Ivan began idly gazing around the room. The most prominent feature was the table holding the pokeballs, with a small, brown notebook partially dangling over the side of it. Books were scattered across the room, and a large bookshelf lining the back of the room, as well as several certificates.

"Professor, you have a lot of books."

"Hm? Oh, yes. I quite enjoy researching pokemon."

"Why?"

Professor Rowan paused. "Well, I suppose it boils down to the idea that I like to learn. There are lots of things in the world that we can learn about, and many more things we have yet to discover, and if I study them thoroughly, I can understand them better."

"I see."

"I hope that by learning what other people have to say, I can improve my own ideas. That's why I collaborate as much as I do with others, I find what they have to say to be insightful. Everyone has messages they're trying to convey, and all books contain those messages. Whether those messages are explicit and hidden, they can impact us in profound ways." the professor glanced back up at the trainer before him. "Enough about that though," he said, standing up, and making his way to the table with the pokeballs on them. "I'm pleased to show you your new Chimchar."

Professor Rowan lightly tossed the pokeball. A bright flash illuminated the room as a beam emerged from the ball. Below them both stood a small, chimp-like creature, with bright orange fur, and fire emerging where its tail would've been. The Chimchar looked up between the two humans in the room. "Chim?"

"Hey there, little guy," Ivan said, crouching down. "It can understand me right? I'm Ivan, nice to meet you."

"Char?"

"Yeah, I'm trying to be a pokemon trainer, maybe even a pokemon master, but I'd like a buddy to come along with me, or specifically, I'd like you to travel with me. It may not be easy, but if you're by my side, I'm sure that there's nothing that can stop us. What do you say, you wanna come with me?

"Chim-Chim-Char!" it exclaimed excitedly.

"That's great! I'm glad to have you on board!" Ivan laughed as Chimchar jumped onto his shoulder, careful to ensure that the flame behind him didn't touch the human in front of him.

"I'm glad that this worked out." Professor Rowan stated. "I'm sure that the two of you have a bright future ahead of you."

"Thanks professor, I appreciate it."

"Is there anything else I can do for you two?"

"I don't suppose you have some pokeballs I could use, do you?"

"Hmm, I suppose I might." Professor Rowan hummed. He walked back over to his desk, poring over the contents carefully. "Aha! Here are a few." The professor walked back over, handing four small pokeballs to the trainer.

"Thanks so much, I appreciate it! I'd get some myself, but I'm a little short on money."

"It's no trouble." the professor replied.

"Well, I think that's everything," Ivan stated. "Thanks again for everything professor!"

"Of course, take care, and good luck to both of you!"

"Alright Chimchar, we have to be smart about this."

"Chim-Char!"

"I'm glad that you just learned Ember, but personally not super big on grass pokemon, so I don't think we'll do a ton of battling right now. Is that okay?"

Chimchar nodded in response.

"Maybe we might be able to find some stuff here in the forest that might be useful, like berries, I'll check some of the bushes over here, while you check some of those trees around here. Sound good?"

"Char!"

"Awesome, don't go too far!" Ivan walked towards the bushes, pushing leaves apart to examine the contents. "Nothing here-" he muttered quietly. He suddenly heard his pokemon call above him. Ivan looked up, seeing the chimp hanging upside-down, holding a few, small berries. "Wow, that was quick."

The pokemon hummed its name in reply.

"Alright, keep up the good work, the more we find, the better!" Suddenly, a shriek filled the forest air. Both Chimchar and Ivan both jumped at the shrillness of the cry. "Did you hear that? That doesn't sound good at all!"

"Chim-Char!"

"Someone might be hurt, I think it came from this way!" Ivan said, letting Chimchar jump back on his shoulder. "Come on!" he cried, running into the deeper part of the forest. Ivan dodged past branches and charged through the tall grass. The shrill cry echoed through the forest again, Ivan slightly adjusted his course.

He stopped when he came to a small patch of grass between several large trees. The head of an Arbok poked proudly through the top of the shrubbery, it's long tail wrapping around a small, obscured pokemon. Ivan stepped forward. "Hey, leave that poor pokemon alone!"

"Ar!" the pokemon hissed menacingly.

"Alright Chimchar, guess we're gonna have to battle after all. Ready?"

"Char!" the pokemon replied, jumping down from Ivan's shoulder.

"Use Scratch!"

Chimchar lunged forward, swiping at the head of the Arbok. The Arbok leaned its head away, evading the attack. The snake hissed as it released the pokemon in its grasp, facing the pokemon right in front of it.

"Use Scratch again!" Ivan ordered.

Chimchar jumped, delivering its attack from above. Arbok attempted to move out of the way again but was struck by Chimchar's attack. Arbok hissed angrily at the pokemon. "Ar-Bok-Ar!" It opened its mouth, and small needles shot out at Chimchar.

"Dodge it, and use Scratch again!"

"Char!" his pokemon called, evading the attack. Chimchar swiped the snake again, making direct contact.

"Ar!" the snake bellowed

"Well done Chimchar!"

Arbok glared at the Chimchar, but its angry look suddenly faded into a menacing grin. It slithered forwards, duck its head into the tall grass. At first, the grass seemed to give a silhouette showing where it was, but soon the grass gave no distinction as to its location.

Ivan looked at Chimchar concernedly. "Where'd it go?"

"Chim?"

"Did…Did it flee?" Ivan wondered aloud. Suddenly, Arbok erupted from the grass behind Chimchar, lunging furiously at the pokemon. "Watch out!" Ivan called.

Chimchar turned around just quickly enough to see Arbok bite down hard into it. Chimchar yelped as the pokemon used Crunch, then threw it into the side of the tree.

"Ar-BOK!" the snake cried as it spit up an oozy, purple liquid against Ivan's pokemon. Chimchar cried out again as the move made direct contact. Chimchar was slumped against the tree, struggling to get up.

"Chimchar!" Ivan yelled anxiously. He glared back at the Arbok, which began slowly making his way towards the Chimchar. It hissed tauntingly, leering its massive size over the small pokemon. "Chimchar, you have to get up now!" he cried out. Ivan looked down, grabbing a small rock, and throwing it at the large snake. Arbok hissed again, glaring at the trainer when the rock bounced off of it.

"Chim-Char!" the pokemon muttered, using Ember right in front of the snake. Arbok bellowed as the move made direct contact. It slithered backward, glaring at the noticeably stumbling, but still standing pokemon and its trainer. It began to duck back down into the grass again.

"Quick, use Ember to get rid of some of the grass so it can't hide again! Don't hit the other pokemon though!"

The pokemon threw small Embers into the tall grass. Arbok popped its head out again when grass began to burn.

"Scratch again!" Ivan commanded.

The pokemon lunged at Arbok, scratching its face. Arbok growled in pain, diving towards Chimchar again. Before it could get there, a small pokeball bounced off of its scales. Arbok was pulled into the pokeball, and Ivan rushed towards his pokemon.

"Chimchar, I'm so sorry, this Arbok is way tough."

"Char-" it mumbled weakly.

"That pokeball won't hold it for long, let's grab the pokemon and run. Hop on!"

Chimchar climbed onto his shoulder, and Ivan ran towards where the other pokemon lay. He looked at it curiously for a moment, then picked it up, and began running through the forest. The pokeball behind him released Arbok, which let out a long, furious hiss. It looked around, searching for its opponents, only to find them running the opposite way. "Ar!" it called out, chasing after them. He tossed a pokeball at the pokemon again but was frustrated to see Arbok knock it aside, and continue giving chase.

"Hang on!" Ivan told Chimchar. Ivan began ducking through trees, changing his steps in an attempt to juke the pursuing Arbok. He looked behind him to find Arbok gaining ground between them. Ivan pulled his leg out of the way as Arbok lunged at it. Ivan finally broke out from the trees, screeching to a halt as he came across a long ravine in the side of a large mountain. Ivan gazed below, noticing a small river leading alongside the route. He turned around to see Arbok slow, chanting its name. "Ar-Bok-Ar!"

Ivan growled slightly, looking between the ravine and the pokemon in front of them. Suddenly, he paused, a glint in his eye appearing. "Chimchar, just play along, okay?" he whispered.

"Chim?"

"Alright, that's it, you caught us!" Ivan exclaimed.

"Ar!"

"Yeah, you totally did. We lost, fair and square, we can't fight anymore, right Chimchar?"

"Chim?!"

"Yep, sorry we even bothered trying to stop you from attacking, and probably eating, this poor pokemon in arms here, though I'd be darned if I knew what kind of pokemon this was."

"Bok!" the pokemon hissed angrily.

"Relax! Relax!" Ivan urged, setting the strange pokemon in his hands down. "I'll leave the pokemon here if you let us go. Sound good?"

The Arbok paused for a moment, then seemed to nod complacently at the request.

"Tell you what Arbok, I'm so impressed by your incredible ability, that I'll sweeten the deal for you. If you're down for a second course, I'll let you have my Chimchar as well."

"CHIM?!" the small pokemon shrieked. The snake looked at the Chimchar, with a curious but earnest look.

"Yeah, that's right, you want him?" Ivan jeered. "I'm sure that he tastes fantastic, HOWEVER-"

"Ar?"

"I'll only let you have my pokemon under one condition. You have to break out of another pokeball. I don't really have a choice, you see, I need you to show Chimchar here how to do it, because I don't think it's ever done that before, have you Chimchar?"

"Ar!" Arbok growled.

"Yeah, that's right," He said, pulling the last pokeball out of his pocket. "YOU," He emphasized his point by pointing to the pokemon. "have to show Chimchar how to break out before you can have him." He kept pointing at the Arbok and the pokeball. "It's way important, you know, science stuff, am I right? So what do you say?"

The pokemon paused briefly, "Ar-Bok-Ar!"

"Okay," he said, pulling out another pokeball. "Here it comes." he lightly tossed it, and the pokemon went into the pokeball. When the pokeball landed on the floor, its classic red glow illuminating from its core, Ivan rushed forward, picking it up immediately. "Sorry Arbok, meat's off the menu!" As he said that, he threw the pokeball away from him, towards the ravine. The pokeball fell quickly down the cavern and disappeared out of sight. Ivan slumped to his knees. "I cannot believe that worked."

"Char?"

"Sorry about that buddy, I needed some way to convince him to get back in the pokeball for a minute."

"Chim-Char!" it exclaimed weakly. As it tried to jump, it clutched its stomach and fell down to the ground.

"Chimchar!" Ivan exclaimed. "Oh man, we have to get you to a pokemon center right away." He grabbed Chimchar and turned towards the pokemon he had set down, picking that one up as well. He looked down, noticing that the other pokemon had its eyes barely open, watching him as he rushed back into the forest.

"So, as you can imagine, I've had quite the long day," Ivan explained, laughing slightly.

"I can see that." a woman responded on the phone. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, I swear. I just need to not bite off more than I can chew, or I might just end up being some pokemon's lunch. I can't blame them though, I'd probably taste delicious."

"Ivan, be serious sweetheart." the women explained. "You just got your pokemon today, and you need to understand what your limits are! You could get seriously hurt."

"I know, mom, sorry."

"I just worry about you, that's all."

"I know," Ivan replied. "Is dad there?"

"He's still out at the moment, sorry dear."

"No worries. Like I said, I'm just glad I could help."

"What was the pokemon you saved?"

"To be honest, I don't know, I've never seen it before," Ivan explained. "It was small, and kind of green and white-ish, you know? It also had kind of pink horns, or discs on its head, sticking right up the middle."

"Hmm, that almost sounds like a Ralts, give me a minute." Ivan's mom muttered, typing something into her computer. With a few clicks, a picture appeared on the monitor. "Was this the pokemon?" she asked.

"Yeah! What's it called?"

"It's called Ralts. I'm surprised, it's saying here they usually don't go up on the surface very often, and are mostly seen in the Grand Underground."

"That is odd."

"Well, either way, it sounds like it was super lucky to have you show up when you did. Just try and level up your Chimchar a little bit, so it can handle problems like that better next time, okay?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Anyway, sorry, I have to get going."

"No worries, Nurse Joy is calling me over too, I think," Ivan responded.

"Do you need anything?"

"Actually, if you could forward a bit of money to my account, I'd appreciate it."

"Alright, I'll see what I can do when your father gets back."

"Thanks, mom, I really appreciate it."

"Of course, sweetheart, take care!"

"Love you! Bye!" he said, hanging up the call. Ivan stood up from the computer, walking towards Nurse Joy. "Any luck."

"Yep!" Nurse Joy responded. "I'm happy to tell you that your Chimchar is fully healed."

"That's great!" Ivan said. "What about that other pokemon I brought in, that Ralts, right?"

"It's healing quite nicely as well."

"Would it be alright if I go visit it?"

"Sure thing, follow me." Nurse Joy replied. Ivan began walking with Nurse Joy down the long hallway. "You're very lucky that you brought that Ralts in when you did, it was greatly injured, and Arbok venom can be particularly harmful to small, basic-stage pokemon. You've done a great service today."

"I'm just glad I came when I did."

"Of course, and here we are." Nurse Joy led Ivan into a small room. Ivan looked at the small pokemon sitting on the table in the room. It had small bandages wrapped around its slim limbs. "Hello Ralts, you have some visitors." Nurse Joy announced.

Ivan stepped forward. "Hey there, how're you feeling?

"R-Ralts." it cooed.

"It looks like Nurse Joy really bandaged you up. I'm sure you'll get better in no time."

"Ralts-Ralts."

"Do you mind if I sit here?" he asked Nurse Joy, pointing to the spot next to Ralts.

"If Ralts is okay with it, then sure."

"Ralts." the pokemon agreed.

"Awesome!" he said, hoisting himself up. "So, I was just talking with my mom, and she says that you normally live underground, is that true?" Ralts shook its head side to side, muttering its name. "No? You just live in that forest?"

"That sometimes happens, Ralts can sometimes be found in routes near Jubilife City." Nurse Joy added.

"I see, that's interesting. I'm glad you're recovering though, you just keep resting until you're all better, okay?"

"Ralts."

"Awesome, well, thanks for the fun time, I'm glad I got to meet you-" Ivan tried to move, was stopped when Ralts clutched onto his arm.

"Ralts-Ralts-Ralts."

"Hey, what's up?"

"Ralts-Ralts."

"Huh?"

"It looks to be quite taken with you." Nurse Joy responded. "Ralts can sense feelings, so it must notice that you care about it a lot."

"Well, I do. I'm glad it's safe." Ivan replied. Suddenly, he looked back down at Ralts. "Wait a minute, Ralts, I have a question for you."

"Ral?"

"Would you like to travel with me and Chimchar?" he asked. "I mean, you seem really cool, and we'd love all the help we can get. We're trying to get better, and we'd love it if you could come along. What do you say?"

"R-Ralts?"

"Sure, we'd love to have you."

Ralts paused, but then hugged Ivan even tighter. "Ralts! Ralts!"

"I think that's a yes." Nurse Joy responded.

"That's great!" Ivan replied. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his last pokeball. He gently tapped it against Ralts's forehead and watched as it was sucked inside. After a few quick wobbles, the pokeball clicked shut, and Ivan smiled happily. "Thanks again for everything, Nurse Joy, I appreciate it."

"You're welcome anytime. Day or night, we'll be here."

"Thanks, I think we'll get going now though, but take care, okay?" Ivan continued, stepping towards the door.

"Of course, take care, and have a great evening!"

"You too, bye!" Ivan called.

Ivan began walking down the hallway towards the exit. As he approached the doors, he paused, releasing both of his pokemon.

"Chim-Chim!"

"Ralts!"

"Hey guys," Ivan muttered, crouching down. "Chimchar, Ralts is going to be traveling with us for a while."

Chimchar looked at the new pokemon, nodding in agreement as it muttered its own name.

"I'll be honest guys, we had kind of a rough start today, but as long as we work together, I'm sure we'll be able to get through it. Let's just promise to stick together, no matter what, okay? If we do that, there'll be nothing that can stop us, sound good?"

"Chimchar!"

"Ralts-Ralts!"

"Cool, well, let's get going!" Ivan said, standing up. The three of them stepped outside of the Pokemon Center, with their confidence and hopes higher than ever before.