AUTHOR'S NOTES BEFORE READING:

This story is a follow-up to my other stories. Usually, I like to write most of my stories (even follow-ups) with new readers in mind, but two of the main characters have so much background that I think it's gonna be hard to write it in that way (I'll still do my best). I recommend reading my stories that came out before this to sort of get a complete understanding of these characters. That said, you can probably still read this and go back and read those when you have time.

I recommend reading these stories: Healing in Hoenn, Awakening Alola (and then A Nightmare Prism), Awakening Johto, Overcoming the Orange Islands, Kickin' It In Kanto, and Alola Awakened!

I can't promise that they're technical masterpieces, but I am proud of the characters and the stories that I wrote.

A NOTE ON POKEMON CAPITALIZATION:

I don't want to be a part of the small war that's happening in the community. I've decided to capitalize the way that I want to. I own countless official Pokémon storybooks that I read to kids, and they capitalize Pokémon names and certain establishments, i.e. Pokémon Centers. I don't care if you do or don't. I don't care if it's wrong or right. Don't waste your time reviewing that aspect of my story. However, feel free to review my comma usage, any improper punctuation, and areas that could make do with more description, as I want to become a better writer and am always open to genuine constructive criticism. Debating over something as arbitrary as whether or not to capitalize Jigglypuff isn't gonna do that. Thank you!

Shining In Sinnoh

Chapter 1

Part 1 - Omurice

Hoenn - Littleroot Town

Summer was finishing in Hoenn, but the weather was still blazing hot. The sun rose quickly on Littleroot Town, and the townsfolk started their day.

Professor Birch and his assistants fed the Pokémon that stayed at his lab. The coffee shop owner baked fresh scones to sell to her customers. And in the northwest of town, the flower shop lady put out her first pot of flowers for the day.

She was in her thirties, but she did a good job to take care of herself. She had long black hair that she pulled back and tied up nicely. Her skin was pale, as she made an effort to avoid the Hoenn sun. She wore a white apron over a simple black t-shirt and a long khaki skirt.

She received help from two of her children, a boy aged 14 and a girl aged 13. Her youngest daughter stayed in bed, as was to be expected.

"It's good to have you all home, even if it's only for a couple of weeks," Yuriko Kawahara stated while gesturing to a heavier pot of flowers.

Her son picked it up and moved it outside where people could see it. He hoped that it'd sell quickly so he wouldn't have to move it anymore. However, he spent weeks moving it in and out of the store.

"Honestly, after years of being away, it's been relaxing to come home. It's been a nice way to clear my mind," Haruto said. He was similar to his mother, as he liked to take care of his appearance, even early in the morning. His pitch-black hair had been stylized and spiked to the right. He wore a dark blue unbuttoned shirt over a black t-shirt and expensive athletic shorts.

"After your devastating loss at the Indigo League, you have no choice but to relax," his sister, Yui, exclaimed before sticking her tongue out. She had short hair that had been dyed brown, and her skin was as pale as her mother's. She was thin, and she wore a pink tank top with a white mini skirt. It wasn't her usual style, but when she wasn't out journeying or in front of other trainers, she liked to dress simple.

Haruto sighed. "At least I made it to the finals in my tournament. How far did you go?"

Yui froze. "Top 8."

"Nothing to be ashamed of," Haruto said. He then grinned. "But nothing to be proud of either. You shouldn't have come home."

Yuriko looked at her kids, and she smiled. "Even if you're bickering, it's still nice to have you around. Masquerain, can you wake up Yurie? She'll sleep all day."

A Pokémon perched on a rack above all of the plants trilled before she flew off into the house and up the stairs. She came to her trainer's door and slowly pushed it open. Her trainer was buried under thick blankets, only allowing one barefoot to stick out. Masquerain flew forward and bit down on the blanket. She tried to pull the blanket up, but her trainer reached out and pulled the blanket back down. The two fought, and the trainer never once opened her eyes. When the tug of war became too much, Masquerain blasted wind from her wings, giving her the pulling power she needed. She ripped the blanket from her trainer's hands and threw it into the hallway.

"Fine!" Yurie Kawahara screamed as she quickly stood up. "I'm on vacation! I should be able to sleep all I want!"

Yurie changed out of her red pajamas and into jean shorts and a simple black t-shirt. Her Torchic followed her downstairs while she lazily brushed her thick brown hair.

"How have you traveled for two years straight and you still can't wake up early?" Yui asked. She had begun to mix chopped-up green peppers, onions, and carrots with rice that her mother had prepared earlier.

Yurie stretched her arms out above her head and popped her shoulders. "My bed is comfier than anything on the road. Let me rest."

"I'm actually on Yurie's side," Haruto said. He was on the right side of the stove, slowly cooking eggs into a thin omelet. "Pokémon Center beds suck. But, if you don't get up and move, you'll get fat."

Yurie slumped into her chair while her Torchic slowly waddled to her feet.

"Omurice?" Yurie wondered.

"Mom suggested it," Haruto said as he put some of the omelets onto the rice mix. He handed over a plate to Yurie, and although she was hungry enough to dig in and finish it within seconds, she held back and waited for everyone else to sit down.

After their mother finished handling the morning customers, she came back inside, washed her hands, and then sat with her family.

They sat and ate in silence for a few minutes. It was the last time that the four would be together for a while, as Yui, Haruto, and Yurie were all leaving for their next adventures after breakfast.

"So, when is your plane?" Yurie asked her brother.

Haruto finished his bite of omurice and then stuck out a finger. "At one. It seems like it'll be about a seven-hour flight to Alola. And yours?"

"Sinnoh is only a couple hours away by plane, but I kind of enjoy ferries, so it'll take a day," Yurie answered. "It's too bad that we can't go together, Yui!"

Yui shrugged. "The easiest way to Kanto is by bullet train. Unfortunately, I have to go to Rustboro first."

"I never imagined the day that all three of you would leave at the same time," their mom said. "It's heartbreaking, but also heartwarming."

"Alola?" Yui wondered. "You gonna do the island challenge?"

Haruto shook his head. "I'll take on the gyms, but I'm mostly interested in getting a collection of Z-Cystals. I think that if I mastered them, I'd be unstoppable."

Yurie took a bite of her food and looked down at her Torchic. Haruto was always focused on becoming a stronger trainer at any cost. He was strict about his training, but seemingly nothing else. Yui, in many aspects, was the opposite.

"I think this is my year," Yui said. "If Yurie can get to the finals in a grand festival, then I see no reason why I can't!"

"You crack under the pressure," Haruto said. Yui responded by punching him in the shoulder. "Hey, I'm just trying to give you reasons why you can't make it to the finals!"

"I wasn't asking for your opinion!"

"Maybe that's another reason? You're a bit too self-absorbed. If you'd listen to other people's advice, maybe you'd get farther."

Yui punched Haruto once again.

"Haruto is learning from other people! The entire reason that he's going to Alola is because of another trainer," Yurie said with a wink.

Haruto glared at her. The trainer that she was referencing was the boy who defeated him in the Indigo League. He had used many Z-Moves and mastered many different techniques.

Their mother sighed and then looked at Yurie. "And you? Gonna keep trying contests?"

Yurie finished her plate, much faster than anyone else could, and then stood up. "I have two goals!"

Everyone stopped eating, intrigued by Yurie's sudden enthusiasm.

"One, I want to visit Michika's teashop! I promised that I'd drop by if I ever went to Sinnoh," she said while holding up a finger.

Haruto rolled his eyes. "You can achieve that in a week. I'd hardly call that a goal."

"You're just jealous because Yurie and Michika are friendly rivals. None of your rivals like you," Yui exclaimed. "Maybe if you were nicer, you'd have friends."

"I don't need friends," Haruto snapped back. "My goal is to be a champion!"

"And how many championships have you won so far?"

"Shut up."

Yurie cleared her throat to get her family's attention. Haruto continued to mope into his rice.

"And my second goal! I'm gonna eat all of the food in Sinnoh!" Yurie stated. She held out her spoon and smiled wide.

Haruto shook his head. "My sisters are dumb."

"So, no more contests?" Yui wondered.

Yurie avoided her gaze and then shrugged. "I can do contests along the way, but some things are more important than battling and winning."

When everyone was finished, the three trainers went to their respective rooms and started to prepare their things. Yurie packed a red turtleneck sweater, a black knee-length skirt, and some warm leggings. Sinnoh was much colder than anywhere else she had ever traveled, and she needed to be prepared.

She put her collection of ribbons from Hoenn and Kanto on her dresser and put some Poké Balls and healing items in her bag. The last thing that she packed was a notebook that she would use to document her journey and the food in Sinnoh. When she was finished, she returned downstairs to find her mom and siblings preparing to leave.

"You ready?" her mom asked.

Yurie pulled her mom in for a hug, and her siblings joined in. When she pulled away, she looked up and smiled, fighting back tears.

"Mom, I'd like to leave my Wartortle and Bellossom with you," she said while handing over two Poké Balls. "Of course, I'll be taking Torchic with me."

"Tor-Torchic!" the Pokémon responded joyfully.

Yurie looked at Yui. "And, I'm taking my Minun, because she always reminds me of you!" The two had captured a duo of Plusle and Minun together in Yurie's first year as a trainer.

Haruto looked away and shook his head. "You're too sentimental."

"I'm taking Eevee with me because she hatched from the egg that you gave me!" Yurie said with a reassuring smile. She knew that Haruto felt left out but didn't want to show it.

Haruto bit the inside of his cheek and then raised his eyebrows. "That's sweet. Thanks."

"This is it. I mean, for a while. Another year, yeah?" Yui said. "Let's all do our best. Let's all come back as champions! Haruto, win and win and win! I'll do my best and come back as the strongest coordinator in the East! And, Yurie."

Yurie perked up.

"Eat everything."

Yurie laughed, hugged her older sister one last time, and then pulled away. She looked to the south. She had to walk to the docks of Littleroot Town. Her siblings were both going north.

"I'll see you," Yurie said.

She exchanged two more long hugs with her sister and mother before exchanging a weak hug with Haruto. She then turned around and walked south, doing her best to not turn around and look at them. She was nervous that if she did look back, they'd already be gone.

But this was the life of a Pokémon trainer.

She looked down at her Torchic, who led the way even though he didn't know where he was going.

Within roughly thirty minutes of walking, they were at the docks. Other passengers and trainers were also getting aboard. She bought her ticket and then walked onto the ship. She found a small seat near the back of the boat where she could gaze at Littleroot Town.

She sat down and waited as other people loaded their cars into the lower deck. She could no longer see her house, but she could make out Professor Birch's laboratory if she squinted.

On the speakers, they announced that they would soon be moving, and in a few minutes, the boat started to do just that.

Yurie watched as her hometown slowly became smaller. She loved Hoenn. She loved Littleroot Town. And, if someone had asked her if she saw herself continuing to travel after her first initial year as a trainer, she would have said no.

But the friends that she had made over her journey, and seeing how traveling around the country and the world had impacted their lives, it made her more curious to step out of her comfort zone. This time, she was doing it by herself. She had her Pokémon, but she had to rely on her friends before.

She took a deep breath as Littleroot Town slowly disappeared and she could only see water. She sat back and closed her eyes.

"You were twelve when we first met," she muttered. "You were so independent already. I can do this."

"Torchic?" her Pokémon wondered.

Yurie smiled and pulled out a small notebook and a pen. "No better time to start than now, right?"

"Tor?"

"Dear Logan."

Part 2 - Loco moco

Alola - Melemele Island

Summer in Alola was just as hot as anywhere else in the world. Even though the summer season was coming to an end, nothing much would change until winter. Kids would still go to the beach, trainers would still battle their Pokémon, and a certain mother would make dinner for her son every night without fail.

"Cyan, dinner is ready!" Ms. Kokura called from the porch.

Cyan Kokura stood on the beach, letting his feet get wet. He stared out at the open sea, lost in his thoughts. To his right, his Galarian Slowking and retired Oranguru discussed philosophy. His Primarina and Kabutops played in the water with wild Pokémon. Behind him sat his Venusaur, whose flower was big enough to provide shade to his Vulpix with purple eyes.

He slowly stood up and signaled to his Pokémon to follow him. Usually, if his mother called him, he ran as fast as he could, as he didn't want the food to get cold. But today, he took his time, and his Pokémon noticed. They followed silently, looking curiously at their trainer.

Cyan was a boy aged 14 years. His skin was tan from sunbathing, he had pitch-black hair, and his eyes were brown. He had been born and raised in Kanto, but after moving to Alola, he quickly adjusted. He considered the islands his home, and the thought of leaving them unnerved him.

So, why couldn't he stop thinking about leaving?

Cyan walked in through the front door and took a whiff. "What'd you make? It smells meaty!"

"Loco moco!" his mother exclaimed.

She placed a plate of rice on the countertop table. She slowly slid hamburger meat covered in dark gravy from the pan to the rice and then looked up at Cyan.

"Fried egg?"

"I'll take one!"

She gave him two.

Cyan picked up his chopsticks, put his hands together, and said, "itadakimasu!"

Then, the feast began. He quickly ate his mother's food. He wanted to enjoy every bite, but the way that the gravy complimented the hamburger made it almost impossible to eat slowly.

"Your sister told me that you had something on your mind. Wanna talk about it?" Ms. Kokura asked.

Cyan stopped. He could now enjoy the taste of the food while he tried to find the words to say to his mom. He slowly swallowed and then put his chopsticks down.

"Well, it's hard to talk about. I'm having a lot of fun back in Alola. Ever since I battled with Kaarina, I've felt so relaxed. I don't have anything else to prove," he said.

"But?"

"But, maybe I need to find something to strive for. I need to find something to keep me busy!" Cyan exclaimed.

Ms. Kokura nodded. "Well, it sounds like Hala is looking to retire as the Island Kahuna. Maybe you'd make a good replacement for him?"

"You think that I'd be good enough for that job? They can't wait until Kala gets back?" Cyan wondered. Kala was his first-ever traveling companion so many years ago, and she was the granddaughter of Hala, who was getting on in years.

"She's decided to go traveling the world," his mother answered. She sighed and then looked back down at her food. She momentarily played with the rice before taking a bite.

"Would you be upset if that's what I wanted to do too?"

She didn't answer.

"I know that you'd prefer it if I were here. And, I promise that when it's over, I'll come back to Alola, and I won't leave. But, I'd like to go on a regular adventure," Cyan said. Up to this point, he had traveled and adventured a lot, but his experiences were traumatic. The stories that he told his mother left her anxious.

"Where do you want to go?" she asked.

"Maybe to the East? But, not Kanto," he said. "I want to go somewhere that I'll have no clue what I'm doing! I want to get lost in the adventure!"

She sighed.

"But, in a safe way!"

She took another bite and slowly chewed. "You never finished your journey here in Alola, and everything that you did on the Orange Islands and the Isle of Armor was to train. You haven't gotten your big journey yet. You've earned it. I'll pay for a plane ticket."

"Really?!"

"Yeah, but you promise that you come back, young man!" she said, fighting back tears. "No more getting involved in anything dangerous! Our family has been through enough."

Cyan wanted to cry for many reasons. He was delighted that he'd get one last chance at an adventure, something that every kid dreams of. But also, he hated leaving his mother alone. He knew that it broke her heart.

"I'll be back. I promise," Cyan said. "Nothing dangerous this time. I just want to travel and try new things."

His mom nodded and then looked down at her food. "The East and not Kanto? How about Johto?"

Cyan had been to Johto once before. It was straight to Mt. Silver on a search and rescue mission for his sister.

"Maybe not Johto," he said with a slight crack to his voice.

"That leaves you with two more options. Hoenn or Sinnoh. Hoenn may be similar to Alola. It has beautiful beaches," Ms. Kokura said.

"Sinnoh?" Cyan wondered. "After my battle, Kaarina mentioned that Urshifu might have origins in Sinnoh. You think there's any truth to that?"

His mother shrugged. "I don't know, but I'm also not the champion."

"Maybe I can take Urshifu back home? I'm sure that he doesn't want to lounge around all day," Cyan said. He turned and looked at his Pokémon who was sprawled out on the sofa, asleep.

"It's a fun idea, but it's only a hunch. Also, Sinnoh is freezing. Do you think you can handle the snow?" Ms. Kokura asked.

Cyan loved the heat. He loved tanning. He loved going to the beach.

He had seen and touched snow when he lived in Pallet Town. However, he did not like the cold. He didn't like bundling up in clothes. He didn't like staying inside.

"Maybe it's something to reconsider," he said as he looked down at his food. "Wait. No! I can do it! I've been face to face with more difficult challenges than snow! If it means taking my buddy back home, then I can do it."

His mother smiled. "If the biggest challenge you face on this journey is the cold, then I'll be the happiest mother in the world. I'll buy you some warmer clothes for you to take. Take a big backpack with you. And warm underwear."

"Mom."

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

It's a simple start, but it's a start. So, yes! This story's main characters are both Yurie and Cyan. I've been super excited to write this, and I'm finally getting to it after roughly two years of waiting. I'm sorry to all that have waited, but here we go!

They will be joined by another character in a few chapters. He's new and based off of one of my oldest friends on Fanfiction.