AN: Chapter last updated 2/2/2021

A shorter chapter for once. Remember to review regardless!

Topaz and Donut have added a new friend and ally to their group, the fearless and reckless Lou, a Grubbin. He has come a long way from his home in Alola to join them in Sinnoh, snatched away from death's door. Some say would call this luck, others the work of fate. The trio care for neither as there are more important topics to focus on. We resume on Route 222 right after the recruitment of their new ally.

~Topaz~

Watching Lou revel in his new name was refreshing so while he did that I decided to take out my Pokedex and evaluate his data. What appeared though was a bit troubling.

"New Pokemon discovered, congratulations! Grubbin the Larva Pokemon, registered!"

'Regional Number N/A (National ?)

Typing: Bug

Gender: Male

Height: 1'06" (Average ?)

Weight: 8.4 lbs. (Average ?)

Egg Group: Bug

Ability: Swarm - Increases Bug type attacks when low on health.

Moves: Vice Grip, String Shot, Mud Slap, Bug Bite, Spark, Dig.

Entry: ~Data Not Found

Evolution: ~Data Not Found

Data Updated.'

How is it going to say 'Data Updated' when it just said it could not find data? Ugh, there's barely anything here to read in the Pokedex about them either. I guess it makes sense, Alola doesn't have an official Pokedex and Professor Rowan hasn't even added the Unova Dex to the National Dex yet. I wonder if there is information I just need to update this thing or get clearance. At least it was able to get the barebones… until I fill it in!

I began typing away at my screen to fill in their entry. Apparently at Professor Rowan's lab he and his associates scan the data of Pokemon all over Sinnoh. There are some tidbits they are not privy to due to privacy laws, but they did read the uncensored data. While I could write what I know about Lou, it's obvious he's not the general norm so for this I had to write something less biased.

"Written Entry: When attacked by enemies they use their sharp mandibles to strike back. When agitated they can become aggressive and on rare occasions leave their underground hovels to chase away pests.

-Would you like to submit this data to Rowan Labs?"

"And… sent," I smiled as I updated Grubbin's data file. I don't know if Professor Rowan will see it as he most likely sees Pokemon caught all over the world, but at least Unova and Kalos Pokemon showed up in the dex with something. Pretty sure the Dex managed to hodgepodge information from an old textbook in order to give me what little it gave me.

"Grub?" Lou poked my pant leg curiously causing me to lean down to talk to him more equally.

"I'm updating your data into the Pokedex. It's a machine that tells us all about Pokemon so we can raise them to our very best. It doesn't have much on Grubbin, but I'll change that soon enough. Anyway, it's getting late and you two should go to the Pokemon Center. You look wiped out, Lou."

Lou would never admit it, but I could see after all this conflict he was ready to sleep. Of course since I caught him it would also be nice for a check up. Luckily the Pokedex didn't pick up any diseases on him, but I was worried it might have missed some. I held out my Pokeball to return him and he gave it a dirty look.

"Come on now don't be like that, this is a Luxury Ball, it has the most comfortable interior. Plus it's only for a little bit, you have to get healed. Not to be mean, but you look like you've been hit by a plane."

He stopped scowling, wait no. He never truly stops scowling, I noticed. The Grubbin in Alola tended to have lax expressions, but Lou's face was stuck in angry mode and I wasn't sure how okay that was for him. At least he seemed a bit relaxed at my statement and allowed himself to be recalled without issue. That or his exhaustion was begging for a reprieve in any form.

I clipped his Pokeball onto the first lot of the left side of my belt, adjacent to Donut's ball on the right. I smiled at the sight before putting away my Pokedex and making my way to the center.

Once I had gotten to the center I was greeted by the usual cheerful Nurse Joy with a Happiny dozing off in a stroller in the background. While I was a bit surprised she could sleep in such an active environment she didn't seem to mind at all.

"Welcome, how may I help you- Oh, hello Topaz, good to see you!" Nurse Joy stated happily. Volkner worked closely with her to improve the equipment in the main Sunyshore Center. There's multiple as it's a city, but the primary one is where the most trainers go to after their battles against him or to stay the night. Safe to say they needed a bit more than the typical care. I remember when she came to the gym herself, stopped him mid battle and demanded more for the Pokemon Center. Judging by her serene expression and the holographic monitors her demands were satiated.

"Hello Nurse Joy, good to see you too. I just caught a new Pokemon and he's… a bit odd. He's native to the Alola region and I just wanted to make sure he was doing well here. He's also had some rough battles-" he was nearly eaten alive "-today so can you make sure he's alright (not going to die from some random trauma) please?"

"My pleasure, please place them in the tray," She asked, offering me a ball tray. I placed them inside, I let her scan my Trainer ID and watched as her eyes scanned Lou's icon a moment before nodding and turning to a Chansey who eagerly took the ball tray.

"Fortunately Lou's species is not uncommon in other regions so our medical data on them is well equipped. He's in safe hands. As for Donut, is he still eating an exorbitant amount of sweets?"

"If I try to stop him he shocks me," I answered honestly. "He has two weaknesses: Mud and pastries."

"Of course he is, the little mouse. He's fortunate to have a trainer who ensures he gets enough snacks and enough training. It sounds like he's doing well, but a checkup on this one never hurts."
"Thanks Nurse Joy," I smiled as I made my way to the waiting area except before I sat down I went to one of the calling stations. It took a few seconds for Kukui to reply, but he did. It looked like he was at his house judging by all the books behind him.

"Alola cousin, how ya doin' with the trainer life?" Kukui waved cheerily wearing his favorite hat and glasses. Still an aversion to wearing shirts normally though.

"Alola. I'm living my best life, but I do have a question. I caught a Grubbin in Sinnoh. Do you have data for my Pokedex you can send to me?"

"You caught a Grubbin!? In Sinnoh!?" Explanation time. I gave him the gist of what happened before he just stroked his chin. "This Lou definitely doesn't sound ordinary at all. I've gotta say, I'm invested. If you want more data I can give you more data. I've been working on my own Pokedex for a while now and luckily I've got most of the initial data I want recorded. The local professor is helping me out with it since he thought it was such a good idea, so even though this is beta information your Dex AI should update properly with Vikavolt line DNA. You're at a Pokemon Center right? Input your Pokedex into the machine and I'll upload the data."

"Will do," I said as I took out my Pokedex and inputted it into the machine. On the other end Kukui was typing away at something I couldn't see before my Pokedex glowed a bit and dinged. "That's it?"

"It's all done! Check it out!" He leaned in eagerly. I'm guessing this is his first time doing this. He must be honored to have his work within a Pokedex.

"New update registered for Grubbin the Larva Pokemon!"

'National Number 736 (Alola)

Typing: Bug

Gender: Male

Height: 1'06" (Average 1'04")

Weight: 8.4 lbs. (Average 9.7 lbs)

Egg Group: Bug

Ability: Swarm - Increases Bug type attacks when low on health. Grubbin's only known ability causes them to become much more aggressive when near the brink of collapse. Beware their dangerous Bug Bites if you wish to keep your hands.

Moves: String Shot, Mud Slap, Bug Bite, Spark, Dig.

Entry: Their strong jaw enables them to scrape trees and slurp out the sap. They typically live underground. They often gather near places frequented by electric type Pokemon in order to avoid being attacked by bird Pokemon.

When handling Grubbin be sure to avoid getting too close to their mandibles until suitable trust has been formed. While it is important to keep a watchful eye out for their predators in the wild, this species is actually quite capable of defending themselves and escaping from threats.

Evolution: Charjabug (Natural Growth)

Data Updated."

"Now this actually tells me something, you rock, Kukui," I smiled back at the screen. He looked exceedingly pleased.

"Don't worry about it, I'm just glad to see my work in action already! Not many Grubbin have ever been found in Sinnoh so we don't have a regional number for them, but I've been able to get national numbers for all the Alola Pokemon before any other region decided to add their Pokemon to the Dex! It's important to do as many as you can at the same time or you'll end like Kanto with evolutions all over the place."

I was honestly really proud of Kukui. He'd been working a long time to do this and sure Alola is just a tourist destination to some, but to me it's so much more than that. It made me proud to see my Alolan heritage gradually develop and to eventually become more open to the world. Now I could represent them with their Pokemon.

"I'm glad to hear it. I'll be sure to live up to my Alolan blood and train Lou to be the best he can be. No, even better than that," I pounded my chest in pride.

"I would love to meet him and your starter one day. I have total faith in you, cousin. Until then, good luck."

"Good luck to you too. Can't wait to see the Alola dex added in," I smiled before we ended the call.

He's always in a good mood. It's contagious.

Shortly after Nurse Joy informed me that my Pokemon were good to go. She told me that she gave Lou all initial check-ups just to be absolutely sure as well as some vaccines just in case. He's a bit underweight, but that seems to be due to his former aggressive lifestyle in the wild. Lou didn't strike me as the type to gorge on food all day if he could help it.

Over time he will begin to fill out and should gradually adapt to a more domestic life due to living inside a human home, but every Pokemon reacts differently and some never truly adjust. Lou seemed adamant on living and training and part of me wondered if it was because I made it sound like he'd just suffer in stagnation for the rest of his life living in Route 222.

Huh. When I say it like that I sound like Jade. Or Volkner when he's being jaded. Heh. Jaded.

For a while now I've been wondering if the way I've been recruiting Donut to my team was a bit manipulative and I went and did the same thing to Lou. I asked Donut about it some time ago and he brushed me off as being overly sensitive, but Lou is harder to get a read on.

I'd prefer to not be one of those trainers that has to release a rare Pokemon because they were inept. It's a pride thing. If I am going to catch a Pokemon, it's because we see the potential in our bonds. I don't make these decisions lightly, I'm playing the long game. It worked with Donut and Lou I have high hopes for.

Regardless after collecting them both I released Donut from his Pokeball and he launched himself right into my backpack as usual. I decided to save Lou till we got to the gym. Didn't want anyone harassing me because I've got a 'rare' Pokemon even though they are everywhere on Melemele Island.

I suppose you could call it rare like how wild Glameow is only found in Sinnoh near Canalave, but they aren't exactly uncommon.

Once I got to the gym I had to wait for Volkner to finish a battle. Judging by the trainer's defeated expression as they left it was another win for Sunyshore Gym. I made my way to the lounge area where I found Volkner tuning one of his guitars on the sofa with Froberge lying close by on the ground. Froberge looked up and gave a greeting purr which Donut returned with a wave and a cheerful 'Pichu'. I on the other hand went to my belt and showed Volkner a Pokeball.

"Guess who caught a rare Pokemon today. You get 3 guesses and if it takes you more than one I am disowning you as my uncle."

"Tempting." He asked nonchalantly, vaguely paying attention as he tested out a string.

This'll grip his focus.

I pressed the button and out popped Lou. He looked around confused a moment, but he wasn't hostile. When his eyes fell upon the watchful Froberge he immediately took a battle position, but Donut squeaked something at him and he calmed down. Froberge just continued staring, but made no move to attack.

"A Grubbin? In Sinnoh? Did you trade someone for him?" Volkner's attention was caught completely.

He can tell he's a boy just with a glance?

He put down his guitar to marvel at Lou who looked up at him with his angry eyes. "I don't remember them always looking so angry. If he bites my fingers off you're doing all my paperwork."

"Oh that's just his face. This is Lou, he was leading a bug group in the forests of Route 222. He wasn't getting any stronger back there so he's here to train with us. Lou, this is my uncle Volkner and Froberge the Luxray. Volkner is the strongest gym leader in Sinnoh and an electric type user. Your primary typing is bug, but electricity is a major part of your line."

Lou seemed exceedingly interested in that and chirped a greeting at Volkner and Froberge. Well, I say chirp, it sounded like one. Bug type sounds were always hard for me to put a name to.

"Yo," Was all Volkner said while Froberge gave him an equally simple greeting. "So Topaz, are you planning on becoming an electric specialist or is this just a tease? You've got a Pichu and now a Grubbin who evolves into one. I figured you were a bit more independent than that, but I can't say I'm disappointed."

"You're jumping to conclusions. It was fated for me, an Alolan, to catch an Alola Pokemon as my first even when I live in Sinnoh! He just happens to be a future electric type as well."

"Hmmm, well you can think about it. Maybe I'd let you become a Gym Trainer if you became an electric specialist," He nonchalantly stated.

"...seriously?" This had me invested. To be a gym trainer I'd be able to help Volkner on missions and take care of the Pokemon here. It'd also be a consistent way to make money without having to fight all the time, even if I lose against challengers.

"Lucian said I should make the gym more accessible, so I've started taking on junior gym trainers to train as electric specialists," He groaned in annoyance. "You're still a bit too green for me to let you take on challengers since most people fight us last. If you get to a decent level and past the entrance exam then I'll let you become one."

Lou looked a bit lost, but Froberge spoke up to give him a quick rundown I assume and immediately he was looking up at me in expectation. He was all for it. Donut simply yawned, it was his typical ambivalent answer. In other words it was my choice and he'd be down for it.

"That settles it. I'll be a gym trainer then! It'll give me a major head start when I begin training other Pokemon too. Can we still hang out at the gym though even if I don't technically work here?"

"As if anyone could stop you. There's a lot of work to do around here as you already know, but you should focus on raising your own Pokemon first before others. Get used to your team, grow up a bit and eventually you'll be able to help around for real," Volkner said as he went back to tuning his guitar. "There's also the Little Cup Tournament coming up at your school right? It's cute they have little events like that for you rookies. Be prepared for that as well. Until then, I'm thirsty, can you get me a soda?"

"Grrr," Froberge grunted.

"Froberge wants milk," Volkner translated. I rolled my eyes and made my way to the fridge and got them their beverages.

The Little Cup… I had forgotten about that. By the time that comes around Jade would have his starter and be able to put up a challenge. Hmmm.

Little Cup matches are battles using only first stage Pokemon. They tend to be smaller scale and for rookies mainly, but if you prepare for it properly it can be just as complex as grown fights. Little Cup tournaments are good ways for lots of Pokemon on the same level to spar with each other and people find them less difficult to watch than the more extreme high level battles. I am confident in Donut's and Lou's skills, but I shouldn't get complacent. I do want to win after all.

It's not for a while though. I shouldn't start overthinking it now when I haven't even known Lou for a day. Introductions first.

We spent the rest of our time at the gym introducing Lou to Zachary and the other gym trainers. Lou was slowly becoming more accustomed to people, but the complexities of the gym were lost to him. The rotating gears simply angered him causing him to gnaw on one till I pulled him off.

Some of the gym Pokemon took an interest in him. While he was smaller than most of them he made sure they knew he was not some bug to be stepped on or not taken seriously. I have no clue what he said to the Pokemon, but half of them looked inspired to do better and the other half looked afraid.

Donut was invaluable in reining him though. He seemed to have ample respect for his teammate. It may also be because Donut left him on a very long leash; only until he was about to attack someone would he speak up.

When it was finally time to go home I was able to introduce Lou to my grandparents. Granddad was proud of me and began talking about how another member of the Beacon family was walking down the path of electricity meanwhile Grandma wanted to take pictures of us and send them to my family in Alola (we relented). Lou was initially apprehensive of them, but once I explained who they were and that we'd be living with them he calmed down quickly. As the day went on I noticed how quickly he adopted Volkner and my grandparents as friendlies meanwhile everyone else he was still a bit on edge with.

I checked the Pokedex for information on Bug types and apparently it might be due to their hive minds. Grubbin isn't necessarily a hive Pokemon, but he was used to being in groups. By stating them as my kin he deemed them non threats or at the very least decent people. Others had to earn that right.

Another interesting thing to watch was how marvelled he got by human environments. He didn't know what to make of the carpets, the counters, television or anything. He was a 100% wild Pokemon which would take a while to train out of him, but since we aren't traveling I wasn't too concerned.

Some Pokemon never get used to domestic life, but I'm hoping due to his small size he will even though he's anything, but domestic. I'm not sure how old he is, but I had a feeling his personality was not going to change even via evolution.

Watching him eat his Pokemon dinner was funny too. Grandma made it for him and he was hesitant to touch it. When I told him Donut ate it fine it didn't seem to help him at all. Course Donut has broad tastes so I can't say I blamed him. I actually had to command him to eat which felt weird, but he did dutifully and enjoyed himself.

Eventually came nighttime. Donut and I went through our routines as usual, informing Lou along the way of how we got ready. When we entered my room he was obviously intrigued, but looked comfortable and very tired.

"Welcome to the General's quarters, Lou. It's been a long day. I'm surprised you haven't collapsed already," I said pulling over the covers. "Tomorrow we can start your training though. I know you're looking forward to that, Lou."

Lou nodded vigorously at the mention of training while Donut yawned even louder.

"Donut tomorrow we'll be focusing on Lou, but that doesn't mean you won't be helping. One extra member of the team won't suddenly mean you can just lounge around and do nothing."

Donut did not seem to get the memo till now because he groaned in annoyance before sighing in surrender. He crawled into his bed and got comfortable which caused me to realize I didn't have another bed. Lou was looking at the ground with dangerous curiosity.

If my memory recalls, Lou's species sleeps in the- oh he better not dig a hole in the floor!

"Lou, buddy, friend, pal, little soldier bug, do NOT dig a hole in the floor. If you want you can sleep in your ball, on my bed or with Donut. Just don't dig in the house."

Lou took a second to think before Donut huffed and positioned himself to allow ample space for Lou to fit in.

That was highly unexpected. I figured he'd fight tooth and nail to sleep alone… maybe he's finally accessing his social Pichu instincts.

Lou saw the signal and crawled into the Pokemon bed as well. They were about the same size and weight and the bed was made to handle slightly heavier Pokemon than that so they were still quite comfortable. It was a touching sight to see my two Pokemon all cozy, sleeping.

Donut wouldn't even ride my shoulder a month ago. He's changed a lot in the past month. With Lou we can grow even more.

As I reached to turn off the lamp I remembered something. I reached into my bag lying by the side of my bed and took out The Fool card I had gotten a month ago. Lou and Donut stared at me curiously before I showed it to them.

"Lou, this is The Fool tarot card. Donut and I found it the day he got his nickname and we became a true team and it's been sort of like our team's good luck charm. I wouldn't call it an initiation per say, but I felt like you should see it."

Lou stared at with huge eyes of wonder before gently touching it with one of his mandibles. He cooed (?) softly afterwards, seeming pleased to be included in our little secret. I smiled before putting the card safely away and turning off the lights.

"Good night, team."

I had sweet dreams that night.

~Chapter 8 Fin~

Question: If you were a gym trainer who would you want to work for?

Trainer: Topaz Heart

Age: 10

Class: Youngster

Gear: Pokedex (001-493), 4 Luxury Balls, 3 Potions, Escape Rope, Phone, The Fool card.

Funds: ¥3,500.

Team: Donut (Pichu), Lou (Grubbin).

x

Donut (Pichu )

Moves: Thundershock, Thunder Wave, Mega Punch, Tickle, Headbutt, Defense Curl.

Ability: Static Chance to paralyze opponent upon physical contact.

Likes: Sweets, naps, relaxing, quiet.

Dislikes: Bitter food, stress.

Tactics: Maneuver (Feints taking in hits in order to get in close and tickle).

x

Lou (Grubbin )

Moves: Vice Grip, String Shot, Mud Slap, Bug Bite, Dig, Spark.

Ability: Swarm Powers up bug type moves when at low health.

Likes: Bugs, war, battling.

Dislikes: Birds, bullies, condescension.

Tactics: Anti Bird (His sheer hatred of birds has caused him to perform reckless acts few would dare).

x

Author's Note

A shorter chapter. I had a lot more planned, but I really didn't want something simple to turn into another 10,000 word spiel. At the same time I believe more chill, bridge chapters are important in a story.

Regardless though PLEASE review! I like reading nice reviews and they get me motivated to write! I'm just curious what people think about the world, the characters and all that jazz.