Itinerant Trainer

by Twilight Quasar

Waking up in Pokémon ruins was not on Axel's to-do list, but he's here with a mysterious Rowlet and a million questions. As cosmic entities drop hints and Pokémon battles get intense, Axel realizes getting home might just be the hardest thing he had done yet.

Chapter 1 - Lost

Darkness. Then pain—a sharp, splitting headache pulsed through his skull as he groaned, barely conscious. Am I… dead?

Axel blinked rapidly, trying to clear the fog from his vision. Above him, there was no sky. Instead, weathered stone arches rose high, etched with symbols he couldn't quite make out. His whole body ached like he'd been hit by a truck. Oh, wait—he had been.

He bolted upright, his heart thudding painfully in his chest. "Oh, God," he muttered, clutching his head. "I'm dead. I'm actually dead."

The stone beneath him was cool, rough against his fingers. He staggered to his feet, barely keeping his balance. His jeans were torn, and his t-shirt—ironically enough, a Pokémon one—was covered in dirt. "This... this can't be real." He looked around, the room looming in shadow except for a soft glow that flickered from bizarre stones lining the walls. The stones were giving off energy, making the air hum with something… otherworldly.

Instinctively, his eyes followed the carvings on the walls—large, intricate murals that seemed to depict two enormous creatures. He squinted. "Is that… Dialga? Palkia? Wait—this looks like some kind of temple dedicated to them."

Axel's breath hitched. "No way. No freaking way."

His first thought was that this had to be a dream. His second thought was, if this was a dream, it was the most detailed, vivid dream he'd ever had. "So, either I'm dead and in a bad impression of heaven or hell, dreaming as I am now in a coma, or in some kind of insane Isekai scenario. Great."

He let out a humorless laugh. "And of course, I don't even get to wake up in a peaceful village with a starter Pokémon. Nooo, I get ancient ruins and giant Pokémon gods that make me question my sanity."

The stones continued to glow, casting eerie shadows on the engraved Pokémon. For a second, it felt like they were watching him.

"Okay," he said to himself, trying to steady his breathing. "Let's not freak out yet. Just… think logically. I'm dead. I ended up in a Pokémon world. And there's weird energy stones around me. Totally normal, Axel. Totally normal. Now all I need is some creature jumping out from the shadows wanting to eat me"

He took a hesitant step forward, heart racing. Then another, his eyes scanning for any sign of danger or life. But the only sound was the faint hum of the energy pulsing through the room. It was silent. Too silent.

"Right," he muttered. "First things first—find out where the heck I am, and pray to Jesus…wait no I guess it should be Arceus that I don't run into anything that wants to eat me."

With a final glance at the giant, watching engravings of Dialga and Palkia, Axel began to move deeper into the ruins. His thoughts jumping from wondering what he would run into to hope of possibly returning to his own world.

'I hope I can find Arceus or Dialga…or Palkia and maybe can convince them to send me back to my world, if I don't die…again before meeting them. As happy as I am to maybe be in the Pokemon world and have the chance to be a trainer…I don't want to leave my mom, dad and little sis alone.' Axel prayed.

Axel's sneakers echoed softly on the stone floor as he ventured deeper into the eerie ruins, his heartbeat slowly settling into a rhythm that matched the pulse of the glowing stones. Every step felt like it was taking him further from the world he knew—and further into one he could barely comprehend. He stopped for a moment, running a hand along the carvings, tracing the familiar forms of Dialga and Palkia. Despite the strangeness, there was an odd sense of comfort in seeing these legendary Pokémon etched into the stone, almost like old friends in an alien world.

"Great," he muttered under his breath, glancing warily over his shoulder. "Just me and some cosmic dragon gods hanging out in a temple. Totally normal."

As he moved forward, the faint humming sound in the air grew louder, more pronounced. It felt like the walls themselves were vibrating. Axel paused. His skin prickled, an almost electric sensation crawling over him. The glowing stones flickered, casting erratic shadows that twisted into bizarre, unrecognizable shapes.

A low rumble came from ahead, making Axel stop in his tracks. He swallowed hard, his mouth suddenly dry.

"Okay, this is fine," he told himself, trying to shake off the growing sense of dread. "Just some ancient ruins sounds. Nothing to freak out about." But his feet remained rooted to the spot, unwilling to move.

Forcing himself forward, Axel crept toward the sound, his nerves buzzing. The corridor opened up into a massive chamber, its ceiling lost in darkness. At the center stood a stone platform, its surface etched with more symbols. Surrounding it were massive pillars, each one decorated with murals of ancient Pokémon battling against the forces of time and space.

But it wasn't the carvings that made his breath catch in his throat—it was the figure standing at the center of the platform.

It was humanoid but taller than any person Axel had ever seen, its body shimmering with an ethereal light. Where its face should have been, there was only a blank mask, featureless and smooth. A cloak of stars draped over its shoulders, shifting and twinkling like a living night sky.

Axel's mind raced, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. "What... is that?"

The figure didn't move. For a long moment, Axel thought maybe it was some kind of statue, part of the ancient ruins' bizarre decor. But then, it turned its head ever so slightly, as if acknowledging his presence.

Instinctively, Axel took a step back. "Uh, hi?" His voice came out as a squeak. "I don't suppose you know the way back to... Earth?"

The figure tilted its head, and suddenly, Axel's mind was filled with a voice—cold and distant, like the echo of a dream.

"You are not meant to be here."

Axel's stomach dropped. "Yeah, no kidding," he muttered. "So, if you could just point me in the direction of home, that'd be great."

The figure stepped forward, its form rippling like water. The air around it grew colder, and Axel felt a sharp pain at the back of his skull—like a distant memory trying to break through. He staggered, clutching his head. Images flashed before his eyes—blinding lights, the screech of tires, and then darkness.

"Your world is beyond reach now."

The voice wasn't loud, but it filled Axel's head completely, drowning out his thoughts. He gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stay upright. "Beyond reach? What do you mean?"

The figure stopped at the edge of the platform, its empty gaze locked on Axel. "Time fractures. The path you walked has crumbled. The world you came from exists no longer in the way you knew it."

Axel's heart sank. "That... that's not possible. People don't just... disappear. I can't just be stuck here forever!"

The figure remained silent for a moment, then slowly raised a hand. Light poured from its fingers, forming a swirling vortex of energy in the air between them. Within the vortex, Axel saw glimpses of worlds—some familiar, others completely alien. He caught sight of a street corner he used to pass on his way to school, then a landscape that looked like it belonged in a fairy tale.

"All paths are open, but few can be traversed." The voice echoed, softer now, almost like a whisper. "Your presence here disrupts the balance. You are an anomaly."

Axel blinked, trying to make sense of the words. "An anomaly? What does that even mean?"

The vortex vanished, and the figure stepped back, its cloak swirling around it like a galaxy folding in on itself. "You must choose," the voice continued. "Remain here and face the consequences, or find your way through the fractures of time."

Axel stared at the figure, his mind whirling. "Fractures of time? So you're saying... there's a way back?"

The figure didn't answer. Instead, it slowly began to fade, its form dissolving into stardust. As it disappeared, the temperature in the room rose again, the oppressive cold lifting.

"Wait!" Axel called out, stepping forward, but the figure was already gone. The chamber was silent once more, save for the soft hum of the glowing stones.

Axel stood there for a long moment, his head spinning with questions. What had that thing meant? Fractures of time? An anomaly? And if his world was "beyond reach," what did that mean for him?

With a deep sigh, he rubbed his temples. "Okay, Axel, think. You've just had a conversation with a spooky cosmic ghost... thing. No big deal. You can handle this."

But the truth was, he had no idea how to handle any of it. For the first time since waking up in these ruins, he felt truly lost. His sarcastic bravado faded, replaced by the cold realization that he was in way over his head.

He turned to leave the chamber, but a faint glow caught his eye. On the platform where the figure had stood, something shimmered in the low light. Axel approached cautiously, his heart racing once more.

It was a small, spherical object, resting in a shallow indent on the stone. Axel frowned, reaching out to pick it up. The moment his fingers touched it, a surge of warmth spread through him, and the object pulsed with light.

In his hand, he held what looked like a gemstone—glowing softly, with swirling colors that shifted between blue, purple, and gold. It was beautiful, almost mesmerizing.

But more than that, it felt... important.

He slipped the gemstone into his pocket, feeling a strange sense of purpose settle over him. Maybe, just maybe, this was the key to figuring out what the hell was going on.

Axel took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders. "Alright, ruins, time fractures, cosmic anomalies... let's do this."

With one last glance at the now-empty chamber, he turned and headed back the way he had come, the glow of the stones guiding his path.

Axel's footsteps echoed once again as he retraced his path through the ruins. The flickering stones that had once felt ominous now seemed less threatening, though the air still buzzed with that strange energy. He kept his hand in his pocket, fingers brushing against the gemstone's smooth surface. It was warm to the touch, and though he had no idea what it actually was, it felt important—like a piece of a puzzle he hadn't yet put together.

As he walked, Axel's mind kept drifting back to the figure on the platform. "Time fractures," it had said. "Your world is beyond reach." The words swirled in his head, sending a chill down his spine. Was that it? Had he really died and been thrown into some alternate dimension, never to return home again?

He thought of his family—his mom, dad, and little sister. Were they mourning him right now? Did they even know what had happened to him? The thought made his chest tighten. He wanted to believe there was still a way back, that this was all just some twisted dream he'd eventually wake up from. But the cold, empty feeling in his gut told him otherwise.

"Okay, Axel, focus," he muttered to himself, shaking his head. "Standing around moping isn't going to get you anywhere."

He continued through the hallway until he came to a large, arching doorway he hadn't noticed before. It looked older than the rest of the ruins—cracked and weathered, with vines creeping up its stone frame. Beyond it was a long tunnel that seemed to stretch endlessly into darkness.

Axel hesitated, peering into the black void. "Do I really want to go down the creepy, ancient tunnel of doom?"

His feet, however, had other plans. With a resigned sigh, he stepped forward, the glow from the stones slowly fading behind him as he entered the tunnel.

It was colder here, the air damp and thick with the scent of earth. Axel wrapped his arms around himself, trying to ignore the growing sense of unease crawling up his spine. The further he went, the more the tunnel seemed to narrow, the walls pressing in like a living thing. His breath came out in shallow puffs, the darkness ahead almost swallowing him whole.

And then, without warning, the ground beneath him shifted. Axel stumbled, his heart leaping into his throat as he barely caught himself on the wall. "What the—"

The floor lurched again, this time with more force, sending a deep, rumbling sound through the tunnel. Axel looked down and realized, with horror, that the stones beneath his feet were starting to crumble.

"Oh, come on!"

He bolted forward, sprinting through the narrowing tunnel as chunks of stone began to fall around him. His sneakers slid across the uneven floor, his arms flailing to keep his balance. The rumbling grew louder, the entire tunnel shaking like it was about to collapse.

"Not how I wanted to die—again!" Axel yelled, dodging a large stone that crashed down beside him.

He kept running, pushing himself harder than he ever had before, his lungs burning with every breath. Up ahead, he could just make out a faint light—the end of the tunnel. Hope surged through him, fueling his legs as he made a final dash toward the exit.

With a final leap, Axel threw himself through the doorway just as the tunnel behind him gave way, the sound of crumbling stone echoing in his ears. He landed hard on the cold floor, gasping for breath, his body trembling from the adrenaline.

For a moment, he just lay there, staring up at the ceiling, his heart pounding in his chest. "Okay... okay," he panted. "Still alive. That's... good."

Slowly, Axel pushed himself to his feet, dusting off his jeans. His legs wobbled beneath him, and he leaned against the wall to steady himself. When he finally looked up, he realized he was in another large chamber, though this one was very different from the last.

The walls were covered in strange, glowing symbols, but these weren't like the ones he had seen earlier. They seemed to move, shifting and twisting like they were alive. In the center of the room was a pedestal, and on top of it, another glowing object—a stone, similar to the one in his pocket, but larger and more radiant.

Axel's eyes widened. "Whoa..."

Cautiously, he approached the pedestal, his heart still racing from the tunnel collapse. The stone pulsed with light, casting long, eerie shadows across the chamber. It was mesmerizing, almost as if it was calling to him.

Without thinking, Axel reached out to touch it.

The moment his fingers brushed the stone, a shock of energy surged through him, and the room around him dissolved into light. Axel gasped, stumbling back, but there was nowhere to go. The light swallowed him whole, and for a brief, terrifying moment, he felt like he was falling—falling through endless space, through time itself.

When the light finally faded, Axel found himself standing in a very different place.

Gone were the stone walls of the ruins. Instead, he was standing in what looked like a lush, overgrown forest. The air was thick with the scent of moss and wildflowers, and sunlight filtered down through the dense canopy above. Birds chirped in the distance, and the gentle rustle of leaves filled the air.

Axel blinked, disoriented. "What... just happened?"

He stepped cautiously into the clearing, scanning the underbrush for any signs of movement. His pulse quickened again when he spotted a small, round figure perched on a low branch—a Pokémon. Its brown feathers blended into the foliage, but its large, curious eyes gave it away.

Axel blinked. "A Rowlet?"

The tiny owl Pokémon tilted its head, watching him intently. Axel stood frozen for a moment, unsure what to do. Then, without warning, the Rowlet spread its wings and fluttered toward him, landing lightly on his shoulder.

Axel let out a breathless laugh. "You're… okay with me?"

Rowlet cooed softly, its warm, feathery body a comforting weight. Axel reached up to gently stroke its head. "Guess you're my partner now, huh?"

The little owl blinked at him, as if agreeing. Axel smiled. "Alright, then. Let's see where this adventure takes us."

With Rowlet perched on his shoulder, Axel felt a new surge of determination. Whatever this place was, and whatever challenge lay ahead, he wouldn't face it alone. He took one last look at the ruins behind him before setting off deeper into the forest, his thoughts turning to the figure's cryptic message.

"Alright," he muttered to himself. "Guess we're doing this."

Axel skidded to a stop, his breath catching in his throat.

Grow stronger. You must be ready for the dangers to come.

That faint voice felt like it was coming from everywhere around him but when he tried to find the source, he saw nothing. The only living being other then himself was the particularly relaxed Rowlet on his shoulders who seemed too busy enjoying the wonders of nature while the occasional peck on his ears.

"Did you hear that Rowlet?"

"Coo?" The slight tilt of the head and puzzled look in those rather large round eyes gave him his answer.

"Do Pokemon fully understand human speech?" Axel thought aloud. He turned to look back at the grass type and couldn't help but wonder if whatever that cosmic ghost was somehow knew that Decidueye was his favorite Pokemon so somehow miraculously gave him it as his starter. "Maybe just a giant cosmic coincidence like ending up in the Pokemon world."

Axel decided to end that thought process as everything he experienced felt like it was going to destroy what brain cells he had left.

Axel took a deep breath as he stared at the small Rowlet perched on his shoulder. The weight of the little owl Pokémon felt reassuring in an otherwise chaotic situation. The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting dappled light on the ground below. Rowlet shifted its wings slightly, letting out a soft coo as Axel smiled.

"Well, buddy, I guess it's you and me now," Axel murmured. He turned to look at the grass-type Pokémon and scratched its head gently. Rowlet's round eyes blinked up at him, seemingly content.

He paused for a moment. "What kind of moves do you know?"

The question made sense. In all the games and shows he'd seen, moves were essential for battles, and if Axel was going to survive in this new world—assuming it was the Pokémon world—he needed to know what Rowlet could do. He glanced down at his companion, hoping for some sort of response. Rowlet blinked again, tilting its head as if trying to understand what Axel was asking.

"Okay, maybe this isn't as simple as asking directly," Axel chuckled. "I guess we'll have to figure it out together."

He stepped onto a worn path through the forest, the crunch of leaves and twigs beneath his sneakers grounding him in the moment. Rowlet chirped and shifted on his shoulder, flapping its wings before settling again. Axel felt a rush of excitement despite the confusion and lingering fear from earlier. He was really here, in a Pokémon world. The dream of many fans, and it was happening to him.

"So, Rowlet," he began, "I know you're a grass and flying type, so you probably know Leafage or maybe Peck, right?"

He grinned to himself. "Leafage was always one of your starting moves in the games… let's see if we can test it out."

Finding an open spot, Axel stopped and gestured to a nearby patch of tall grass. "Alright, Rowlet, use Leafage!"

The little owl hopped off his shoulder and onto the ground, spreading its wings as it let out a determined hoot. Green, glowing leaves materialized around Rowlet and then shot forward, striking the grass and sending a small flurry of foliage scattering.

Axel let out an impressed whistle. "Nice! So, you do know Leafage. That's awesome!"

Rowlet puffed out its chest with pride, giving Axel a satisfied look before hopping back to his shoulder. It felt surreal—this world, the Pokémon by his side, the very fact that Rowlet had just performed a move he'd only ever seen in a game.

The thrill of his new reality started to set in. He was really doing this—training a Pokémon, living in this incredible world.

"Alright, let's keep going, see if we can find any wild Pokémon," Axel said, excited at the thought.

As he walked, his thoughts wandered. How had he ended up here? His last memory before waking up in the ruins was the accident. The screech of tires, the impact, the blinding pain. It was all so vivid, yet now, he was here. There was no denying this world felt real—more real than any dream ever could.

Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes ahead caught his attention. Axel froze, his heart rate spiking as he stared at the movement.

"Could that be a wild Pokémon?" he whispered.

Rowlet's eyes sharpened, its head swiveling toward the sound. Axel braced himself, his mind racing. He didn't have any Pokéballs or supplies, but he had Rowlet, and maybe they could handle whatever was hiding in the bushes.

The rustling grew louder, and Axel crouched, trying to stay as quiet as possible. His nerves buzzed with a mix of excitement and fear. What if it was something dangerous?

With a sudden burst of movement, a small, black and grey Pokémon darted out from the underbrush. Axel recognized it immediately—Starly. The tiny bird flapped its wings furiously, chirping in surprise as it noticed him.

Axel grinned. "A Starly! This is probably Sinnoh. Okay, Rowlet, let's show it what we've got! Use Peck!"

Rowlet launched itself from Axel's shoulder, wings spread wide as it homed in on the Starly. Its beak glowed and heavily elongated as it prepared the attack, and with a swift motion, Rowlet struck, sending the wild Starly tumbling backward.

"Nice job, Rowlet!" Axel cheered, fist-pumping the air.

Starly, disoriented but not defeated, flapped back to its feet and took off, flying deeper into the woods. Axel watched it go, his adrenaline still pumping from the excitement.

"Well, that was fun. I wonder if we can find something else—"

Before he could finish his thought, a low grunting sound came from behind him. Axel turned to see a round, beaver-like Pokémon waddling toward him.

"Bidoof," Axel muttered, stifling a laugh. "Of course. Sinnoh's favorite little menace."

Bidoof stared at him, its large teeth chomping at the air as if it was sizing him up.

"Okay, Rowlet," Axel began, but before he could give another command, the Bidoof charged.

Axel barely had time to react before Rowlet swooped in, meeting the Bidoof head-on with another Peck. The wild Bidoof was knocked off course, skidding to a stop before turning tail and running off into the forest.

Axel exhaled, his heart still racing. "Man, that was close. Thanks, Rowlet."

Rowlet flapped back to Axel's shoulder, looking just as calm and collected as before.

Axel continued walking, feeling more confident now that he had gotten through his first wild Pokémon encounters. The forest began to thin as he made his way toward what he hoped was the edge of the woods. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the ground, and Axel felt a wave of exhaustion settle over him. He hadn't realized how tired he was.

Eventually, the trees gave way to a dirt road, and in the distance, Axel spotted a small town.

"This is…," he wondered as he looked around before noticing a large signboard that said 'Welcome To Sandgem Town!' "This is Sandgem town of the Sinnoh region which means Professor Rowan's lab should be around here somewhere!"

He quickened his pace, eager to find the Professor. If anyone could help him understand what had happened, it would be Rowan. After all, the man was a legend in Pokémon research, especially in Sinnoh.

As Axel entered the town, he couldn't help but notice the curious looks he was getting from the townspeople. He glanced down at his clothes—torn jeans, a dirty T-shirt with a faded Pokémon logo, and worn sneakers. He probably looked like a mess. But apart from curious looks it was nothing else. They probably got frequent visitors, particularly traveling trainers

"Yeah, I don't exactly blend in," he muttered.

Ignoring the stares, Axel made his way through the town, following the signs that pointed to the Professor's lab. Soon enough, he found himself standing outside a modest building with a large sign that read: Professor Rowan's Pokémon Research Lab.

"Here goes nothing," Axel said to Rowlet. He stepped up to the door and knocked.

After a moment, the door opened, and a stern-looking assistant greeted him. "Can I help you?" the assistant asked, eyeing Axel suspiciously.

"Uh, yeah. I'm here to see Professor Rowan. It's kind of important."

The assistant frowned. "Do you have an appointment?"

"Not exactly, but—"

Before Axel could explain, a deep voice came from inside the lab. "Let him in."

The assistant stepped aside, and Axel found himself face-to-face with Professor Rowan himself. The older man's expression was serious, but there was a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes. It was not everyday a battered individual with torn clothing and a Pokemon that was clearly not native to Sinnoh came knocking on his door. It was because of this interesting grass-flying type that should only be found in Alola that raised his curiosity and he wanted to see what this man had to say.

"Come inside," Rowan said, gesturing toward the lab.

Axel followed the Professor into the building, feeling a bit out of place among all the high-tech equipment and shelves lined with Pokéballs and research papers. Rowan led him to a small sitting area near the back of the lab.

"Now," the Professor began, sitting down across from Axel, "you must have a good reason for seeking me out. What is it that you need?"

Axel hesitated, unsure of how to start. His mind was still spinning from everything that had happened in the last 24 hours. He was sitting in front of one of the most famous Pokemon professor's labs, but then again, this whole situation was absurd. Dying, waking up in ruins, meeting a mysterious cosmic ghost, getting Rowlet, his favorite Pokemon line as his partner and then somehow ending up in Sandgem Town. None of it made sense. Yet, here he was.

He scratched the back of his head nervously. "Well… it's a long story, but the short version is—I'm from another world."

Rowan raised an eyebrow but remained silent, waiting for Axel to continue. While nearing the top of someone of the craziest things he had heard, given his long life and the things he had seen, it was not enough for him to dismiss this man as someone with screws loose.

"I know it sounds crazy, but I'm not from this world," Axel explained. "I was in an accident, and when I woke up, I was in some ruins, and… well, now I'm here. And I don't know how or why, but I'm not from here."

For a long moment, Rowan said nothing. His eyes studied Axel intently, as if weighing the truth of his words. Rowan then leaned forward, eyes sharp with curiosity. "You say you're from another world," his deep voice making Axel feel like he was under a microscope. "That is…quite the claim."

"I know I sound like a lunatic who just escaped from a mental hospital but…its the truth." And so, Axel told Rowan about the accident, about waking up in the ruins, about the strange figure he had encountered, and about how he was certain this was a different world from the one he came from. Rowan listened carefully, not interrupting once.

When Axel finished, the Professor leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "What you're describing is… difficult to believe," he said at last. "However, I've seen many strange things in my time as a researcher. It is not beyond the realm of possibility. Although it is rare for such anomalies to occur, but it is not impossible. In Sinnoh's long history, there have been…rumors of disturbances in time and space, especially with Dialga and Palkia involved." He looked at Axel, his gaze intense.

Axel let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "So, you believe me?"

Rowan shook his head slowly. " I will need proof if I'm to help you further."

Axel frowned. "Proof? Like what?"

"Your memories," Rowan said. "There are ways we can confirm your story, but it will require the assistance of a Psychic-type Pokémon. If you're willing, we can delve into your memories and verify the truth of what you've told me."

Axel swallowed hard. The thought of someone poking around in his head was a bit unsettling, but if it meant getting answers, he was willing to try.

"Alright," Axel said, nodding. "Let's do it."

Rowan paused for a moment, half expecting some resistance. Most did when they either had something to hide or simply at the fact of having their privacy invaded. Axel almost showed…desperation? He called over one of his assistants, who soon returned with an Alakazam. The Psychic-type Pokémon's eyes glowed faintly as it approached Axel, its spoons hovering slightly in the air.

"Relax," Rowan instructed. "This won't hurt, but you may feel a slight uncomfortable sensation as Alakazam reads your mind."

Axel closed his eyes and took a deep breath, bracing himself. A moment later, he felt a strange, tingling sensation in his head. It wasn't painful, just… odd, like someone flipping through the pages of a book in his mind.

Images flashed before his eyes—his family, his friends, the accident, the ruins, Rowlet perched on his shoulder. Everything he had experienced since waking up in this world played out like a movie.

After what felt like an eternity, the sensation faded, and Axel opened his eyes. Alakazam stepped back, its spoons lowering as the glow in its eyes dimmed.

Rowan studied him closely and the Psychic type seemed to send whatever it had seen in Axels mind to the Professors.. "Alakazam has confirmed your story," he said quietly. "You truly are from another world. It's incredible…another world entirely run on technology and science…there are animals which seem to be like Pokemon but they do not have any supernatural abilities apart from the similar stronger physical bodies. To think that Pokemon in your world is just a game like the ones the young children play here. Truth be told…observing all that felt more like I was watching a bad movie made by an equally incompetent director but…I know your memories are not fake."

Axel let out a shaky breath, relief washing over him. "So… what now?"

Rowan stood, his expression serious. "Now, we figure out how to help you. You may be from another world, but you are here now. If you wish to survive in this world, you'll need to become stronger—both you and your Pokémon. Especially, since whatever those ruins were and that entity was…I suspect there may be something significant happening. Those ruins are dedicated to the god of space and time…it's something that I have never encountered before. Those ruins seem to have brought you here but also seem as they do not exist in this plane of existence."

Having seen Axel's memories and able to analyze them from an objective point of view, it was easier for Professor Rowan to deduce many things, something that Axel missed due to being driven by emotions during that time.

Axel nodded. "I want to become a trainer. I want to be ready for whatever's happening. I don't think I have seen the last of that ghost yet and when it comes for me again…I need to be strong enough…to go back to my home world."

Rowan's gaze softened slightly. "Then I will do what I can to aid you. But know this, Axel—you are venturing into unknown territory. The path ahead will not be easy."

Axel met the Professor's eyes, determination burning in his chest. "I understand. But I'm ready."

"I'm sure you are but…have you considered the fact that you may not be the only dimensional traveler from your world?" Rowan asked.

Axel couldn't help but fall silent, his mind racing at the potential aspect that he may not be the only person who got sent to the Pokemon world. 'It can't be…others could have gotten the budget isekai package too?'

"I didn't meet anyone else in the ruins…"Axel voiced out rather quietly and with hesitation coating his words.

"If everything you saw was real…do you think cosmic entities would place all their hopes on the success of one individual or would you do everything in your power to increase your chances of success." Rowan questioned, his hands resting on the table as he leaned forward, his eyes piercing through Axel as if he could see through him.

"I guess they wouldn't be that stupid. Heck if it was up to me…I would not choose me to save the world." Axel knew there was nothing special about him. As much as he would love to believe he was and that this world was like in his fantasies where he caught Pokemon left and right, legendaries through themselves at him to be apart of his team, having a harem of hot girls and beat every single trainer left and right while looking badass, he had to be realistic.

"Now, now. No need to put yourself down like that." Rowan chided, his gaze and facial features softening. "That fact that you were brought here shows that…"

"I am stupidly lucky?" Axel interrupted.

"AHEM." Professor Rowan cleared his throat with an accompanying eye-twitch. Clearly he was not happy at being interrupted. "Shows that you have potential. As much as you would like to believe otherwise, do you truly believe entities that are able to control the laws of Time and Space that govern this universe and all universes in existence would make such a dumb mistake to leave the fate of their existence in the hands of someone they deemed unworthy?"

Axel shrugged, his face clearly screaming at how much he believed it. "Even cosmic deities can make mistakes…"

"Coo. Coo." The Rowlet that had been silent the entire time and gazing off into the void seemingly came back from lala land and looked up and down as if nodding its head.

"..."

"..."

"Thanks for the boost in confidence Rowlet. I'm sure I'll lead this world to its doom in no time at all." Axel's voice was quite flat and emotionless.

SIGH Rowan pinched the skin between his eye-brows. "You need to work on that confidence young man. It can influence Pokemon around as well…" With a shake of his head, he decided to move on before the atmosphere became anymore depressing. "Anyways, as you mentioned before, you should become a Pokemon trainer and get the strength necessary to eventually return back to your home world. For that, I am willing to help you."

Axel blinked before nodding his head. "Thank you Professor but…what's the catch for that help?"

"Well…prevent the destruction of this world?" Rowan coughed a bit before composing himself. "Just provide regular vlogs about your training, any new methods you feel that you have discovered regarding raising Pokemon or just something interesting you feel others may have not thought of before. You are not from this world and I feel like your fresh new perspective on training Pokemon may provide valuable insights that we as natives of this world may not have thought of before."

"Easy enough. Not the world savior part but recording myself talking bulls…talking about training sounds quite simple." Axel responded, his eyes glittering with the prospect of becoming a trainer

'I will become a Pokemon trainer. A legit freaking Pokemon trainer!'

"Wonderful. Let's get started on first registering you with the Pokemon League and getting you an ID before I certify you for your Trainers License and sponsorship."

"Sponsorship?" Axel questioned.

"Of course. The rules your world assumes about the world of Pokemon is quite…idiotic to say the least. Sending 10 year old children out into the wild where they may be killed by Pokemon to become trainers. It's like everyone in your world thinks that people are simpletons like the ones who thought up those rules. No. Not everyone is that stupid. In order to become a trainer, you need to be assessed by the league, a certified professor or a trainer school and be judged competent in handling Pokemon and raising them with the proper care required and have reached the legal adult age of 18. And apart from that raising Pokemon is not just a matter of catching them, training and battling. You require a large amount of resources to take care and nurture Pokemon properly, not limited to the proper food, medicines, training equipment, and specific items that certain Pokemon require for proper growth. And that's just the beginning, certain evolutions require specific items or conditions, you need TMs to teach your Pokemon certain moves, Pokeballs to catch Pokemon in the first place which again, even the simplest Pokeballs are not cheap. You can't catch Pokemon left and right, however many you wish. Even obtaining a full party of six is difficult and needs to be planned out."

"I need some advil…" Axel commented. Just hearing about that put a fissure through his fantasy.

Even if Professor Rowan had heard him, he ignored it. "So, please lose all your previous notions about catching Powerful Pokemon left and right, becoming strong enough to defeat the champion in the span of a year. Even completing the regional gym circuit in your first year as a trainer would speak volumes of your capability and talent in raising Pokemon and battling. Regions have gym circuits and temper powerful trainers because good quality trainers are the backbone of a region. The military force incase something ever occurs that requires the league to call upon them. Champions are champions because they are not only geniuses of the highest caliber but have trained their Pokemon to a point where they can go toe to toe with the lower legendary Pokemon."

"I understand Professor. Let me register for my ID. In the meantime I will familiarize myself with this world." Axel sighed, clearly affected by Professor Rowan's long lecture. It was childish of him to think everything would be as simple as beating the bad guy and getting the hot girl at the end.

Axel sat at the wooden desk inside Professor Rowan's lab, his fingers hovering over the sleek computer interface. The hum of machinery buzzed in the background, mingling with the faint chirping of wild Pokémon outside. He took a deep breath, trying to ground himself, though the reality of everything still weighed heavy on his mind. He was in the Pokémon world, and now, he had a task that seemed so mundane in contrast: filling out an application for his Trainer ID. It felt surreal, yet grounding at the same time.

"Alright, let's do this," Axel muttered to himself, glancing at the small Rowlet perched on the edge of the desk. Rowlet, blinked at him curiously, its round eyes reflecting the glow of the screen.

He focused on the form displayed in front of him:

Trainer ID Application

- Name: Axel Orr

- Date of Birth: March 14th

- Place of Origin: Sandgem Town

Axel paused, staring at the text box. Sandgem Town, he repeated to himself. Not exactly where he was from—he was from a completely different universe—but for now, it was home. This would be his starting point.

He continued typing:

- Preferred/Provided Starter Pokémon: Rowlet

His smile returned as he filled in Rowlet's information. The little owl Pokémon cooed softly beside him, clearly enjoying the attention. Axel reached out and gave it a gentle scratch under the chin. "Yeah, you're the best, buddy."

The next section was trickier:

- Trainer Certification: Certified by Professor Rowan.

That part still blew his mind. Professor Rowan, one of the most respected researchers in Sinnoh, had not only believed his insane story…through some memory reading…but was personally certifying him as a Pokémon trainer. Axel leaned back in his chair, exhaling a slow breath. The weight of the moment pressed down on him, even as excitement bubbled underneath. He hit "Next" on the form.

Now came the questions about experience:

- Previous Pokémon Experience:

He bit his lip. What was he supposed to say here? "Played every Pokémon game, read every Pokédex entry?" Somehow, he didn't think that would fly. He typed, "Extensive theoretical knowledge of Pokémon behavior, battling, and care. No formal hands-on experience prior to certification."

That was honest enough. He scrolled through the rest of the application, skimming through questions about safety protocols, emergency contacts, and regions of interest. Axel paused again at a question about goals as a trainer.

- What are your aspirations as a Pokémon Trainer?

The cursor blinked at him, waiting. Axel stared at the words for a long moment, his mind swirling with all the possibilities this world offered. Back home, it had been a dream, a fantasy. But now… this was his reality.

He typed: To discover the full potential of my Pokémon and explore this world to its fullest.

With a satisfied nod, Axel hit submit. The form blinked away, and a confirmation message appeared:

Application received. Await processing by the Pokémon League.

"Done," Axel sighed, leaning back in the chair and stretching his arms. Rowlet flapped its wings and let out a soft coo of approval. "Thanks, little buddy."

Rowlet fluttered onto Axel's shoulder, a familiar perch it had taken to quickly. Axel smiled, feeling the warmth of the Pokémon against his neck. It was strange, but despite everything that had happened, Rowlet's presence made him feel… safe.

"I guess that's that for now," Axel said, rubbing his eyes. "But man, there's so much to learn."

He opened another window on the computer, accessing the research archives Professor Rowan had generously provided him. Axel's fingers flew across the keys as he searched for information on the world he now called home. This was his chance to truly understand how things worked here. As much as he knew from the games, this was real life—there was no restart button if things went wrong.

Axel clicked through articles and research papers, diving deep into the intricacies of Pokémon biology, battling strategies, and the ecosystem of Sinnoh. Every now and then, he'd glance at Rowlet, who occasionally pecked at his hair or nuzzled his cheek.

The grass-flying type let out a soft trill, its eyes half-lidded in contentment.

"Yeah, I'm with you, buddy," Axel muttered, not taking his eyes off the screen. "There's a lot more to this world than the games ever let on."

He paused on an entry about Pokémon habitats. Apparently, Pokémon were far more complex than he had realized. They had intricate social structures, migrations, and breeding patterns. Some were even more intelligent than he had thought—more like companions than tools for battle.

"And here I thought training was all about moves and type matchups," Axel murmured. "I've got so much to learn."

The hours slipped by unnoticed as Axel continued to read, his mind becoming more and more immersed in the details of Pokémon training, care, and evolution. There were sections on berries, technical machines, and even the role of a Pokémon's personality in battle.

"Man," Axel said, eyes wide as he read about the unpredictable nature of Pokémon. "Battling Isn't just about strength, it's about trust. You have to know your Pokémon inside and out, not just their moves but what they feel."

Rowlet's soft snores interrupted his thoughts. Axel chuckled, noticing that his partner had fallen asleep, tucked into his neck.

"You're adorable, you know that?" Axel whispered, careful not to wake the little Pokémon. He gently adjusted Rowlet on his shoulder, making sure the small owl was comfortable.

A soft knock at the door pulled Axel from his focus. Professor Rowan stepped in, carrying a tray of food in one hand and a set of neatly folded clothes in the other.

"Ah, good, you're still up," Rowan said, setting the tray down on the desk. "I figured you might be hungry."

"Thanks, Professor," Axel said, his stomach growling in response. He looked down at the spread of food—simple, but hearty. His hands shook slightly as he picked up a sandwich, the reality of everything catching up with him again.

"And these should fit," Rowan continued, gesturing to the clothes. "Once you've eaten, feel free to clean up. It's been a long day, I'm sure."

Axel nodded, grateful for Rowan's kindness. He watched as Rowlet roused itself from sleep, blinking at the bowl of Pokémon food Rowan had placed next to his meal. The little owl let out an excited chirp before hopping down to eat.

"Looks like we're both starving," Axel said with a chuckle.

Rowan smiled. "I'll leave you to it. Get some rest when you're ready. Tomorrow, we'll begin more formal preparations for your journey."

With that, Rowan left the room, the door clicking softly behind him. Axel ate in silence, his mind still buzzing with everything he had read. His body, however, was starting to feel the toll of the day. The fatigue that had been lurking in the background now began to creep in.

After finishing his meal, Axel changed into the fresh clothes Rowan had provided—simple, comfortable, but clean. He made his way to the small adjoining bathroom, splashing cool water on his face. As he stared at his reflection, it hit him again: I'm really here.

His fingers lingered on the edge of the sink as he closed his eyes. He had dreamed of being in the Pokémon world for so long, but now that it was real, it felt overwhelming.

"I'll figure this out," Axel whispered to himself. "I have to."

He returned to the room, where Rowlet had already settled back on the bed, its round body puffed up in contentment. Axel smiled and joined his Pokémon, sliding under the covers. The bed was plain but surprisingly comfortable, and the warmth of the blankets immediately eased some of the tension in his body.

As his head hit the pillow, Axel glanced at Rowlet, who had nestled close by, its soft breathing barely audible in the quiet room.

"Goodnight, Rowlet," Axel murmured, his eyelids growing heavy. The little owl let out a drowsy coo in response, and soon, the rhythm of its breathing lulled Axel into a deep, dreamless sleep.

The next morning came sooner than expected. Sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow across the room. Axel stirred, feeling more rested than he had in days. He stretched lazily, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.

Rowlet was already awake, perched on the windowsill, watching the birds outside with rapt attention.

"Morning, Rowlet," Axel yawned, sitting up. "Ready for another day?"

The little owl turned to him, blinking in response before hopping down to the floor. Axel laughed, feeling a sense of comfort in the routine they were beginning to establish. After a quick wash, he dressed and headed downstairs, where Professor Rowan greeted him with a nod.

"Good morning, Axel," Rowan said. "I trust you slept well?"

"Yeah, like a rock," Axel replied. "Thanks again for everything."

"No need to thank me. You've got quite the journey ahead, and it's my job to make sure you're prepared." Rowan's gaze was sharp but not unkind. "Now, I assume you'd like to test out your Rowlet's abilities?"

Axel's eyes lit up. "Definitely."

Rowan led him out to the back of the lab, where a wide, open field stretched out toward a line of trees. The grass was slightly dewy from the morning mist and the sunlight gleamed off the leaves. It was the perfect place for a Pokemon to stretch its wings - and for Axel to finally get a sense of what Rowlet could do in a real battle. Although it had fought off a few stray Pokemon during their trek through the forest after exiting the ruins, the challenges and battles he would face in the future would be far more intense and dangerous then those few scruffles.

"Let's start things off with Leafage again!" Axel commanded.

The Grass Quill Pokemon immediately flared its wings, causing a flurry of glowing green leaves to materialize around it before shooting forward with surprising speed. The leaves cut through the air before striking a nearby tree. The impact was sharp, the leaves splintering against the bark and causing a few branches to sway from the force.

"Nice!" Axel grinned. "That was even better than yesterday! You're getting stronger already."

Rowlet puffed out its chest, clearly pleased with the praise.

"Alright, let's try out one of your other moves that you should know. Try using Shadow Sneak!"

Rowlet chirped in response as its eyes held a very faint dark purple, almost black ethereal glow. Axel observed intently and saw the shadow of the same tree which had been struck earlier, quivering as if coming alive. Not a second later, a fierce bolt of energy burst forth from the shadow, hitting the tree with a powerful strike, shattering the bark and branches to shake.

'Wouldn't that be an incredible way to sneak attack opponents when they least expect it? If I remember, Shadow Sneak is a priority move so it's incredibly fast. Maybe I should try and train Rowlet to use Shadow Sneak without me commanding it so that his opponents are caught off guard.' Axel couldn't help but strategize.

"You're amazing." Axel said, reaching out to give Rowlet a quick pat. "Alright, now let's try Astonish."

Rowlet tilted its head as if considering the command for a moment before nodding. The little owl flapped its wings, its body shimmering with an eerie glow. Axel watched as Rowlet's eyes narrowed as it focused on the tree it struck earlier. In a flash, Rowlet swooped towards the rock, letting out a sudden, ghostly cry. The force of the move caused the tree to seemingly tremble, leaving Axel both impressed and slightly unsettled by the haunting sound.

"Whoa," Axel said, his voice low with aw. "That was…intense."

Rowlet fluttered back to his side, looking as calm as ever, but Axel could see the determination in its eyes.

"You're full of surprises, aren't you?" Axel laughed, rubbing Rowlet's head affectionately. The little Rowlet cooed in contentment.

"Rowlet is indeed quite something. It knows a variety of useful moves and seems to be quite enthusiastic about battling. Why don't you consider giving it a nickname." Professor Rowan suggested as he observed from the side before heading back into his lab.

Rowlet cocked its head, blinking curiously.

"Nickname huh. I always did give my Pokemon nicknames in the games. I guess it's only fitting to give you names…after all you are living breathing creatures. Let's see…how about…uh, Arrow?" Axel suggested, thinking of Decidueye's archery skills. Rowlet let out a small, unimpressed hoot.

"Okay, not Arrow," Axel muttered, rubbing his chin. "Hmm…maybe something cooler, like Phantom?"

Rowlet flapped its wings in apparent disagreement.

"Wow, tough crowd," Axel said, laughing. "Alright, let's see…how about…Spectre?"

The little owl paused, then hooted softly, as if considering the name before giving a slight nod. Axel grinned. "Spectre it is, then."

The name felt right–mysterious, with a hint of the unknown. It reminded Axel of the cosmic ghost he had encountered in the ruins, and it seemed to fit Rowlet's quiet, observant nature.

"Spectre," Axel repeated, testing the sound of it. "Yeah, that works."

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Axel couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. Spectre perched on his shoulder again, the two of them watching the world come to life around them.

"Ready to take on the world, Spectre?" Axel asked, feeling more connected to his new partner than ever.

Spectre cooed in response, and together they would be prepared for whatever lay ahead.

Axel woke up early each day, with a sense of urgency that drove him out of bed before dawn. As soon as the first rays of light filtered through the curtains, he was already on his feet, ready to make the most of every moment. In the days following his arrival in the Pokémon world, Axel had developed a strict regimen. Every minute mattered. There was so much to learn, and he had no intention of wasting time.

He began his mornings with research, studying the intricacies of this new world. Professor Rowan had granted him access to a vast archive of information, ranging from Pokémon biology to battling strategies. Axel's fingers moved quickly across the screen, absorbing the wealth of knowledge like a sponge. His mind raced with theories and ideas, constantly trying to piece together the best methods to train and grow stronger.

Yet, research was only one part of his day. Axel had Spectre and the two spent hours together in the field outside the lab, training relentlessly. Axel would watch every movement Spectre made, studying the way it attacked, dodged, and recovered. His observant nature kicked in, and he quickly realized that battles weren't just about brute force or type advantages. It was about finesse, timing, and creativity.

"Alright, Spectre," Axel called out one morning, standing in the middle of the field with a notebook in hand. "I want to see how fast you can transition between Leafage and Shadow Sneak. Let's try to catch opponents off guard."

Spectre hooted softly, tilting its head as if contemplating Axel's request. The little owl took flight, launching a barrage of glowing green leaves toward a distant tree. Almost immediately, it took control of the shadows, striking the tree with a swift Shadow Sneak.

Axel's eyes lit up as he scribbled furiously in his notebook. "That's it! We can use Shadow Sneak as a follow-up to disorient the opponent. It's quick enough that they won't see it coming."

Professor Rowan had been quietly observing from a distance, arms folded as he watched the duo train. He approached Axel with a look of mild surprise. "You've been thinking strategically about Spectre's abilities," Rowan commented, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Combining moves in such a way… not many trainers consider that at the start of their journey."

Axel smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I just figured... if I can use Spectre's speed and surprise attacks to our advantage, we'll have an edge in battles."

The professor nodded, his eyes glinting with approval. "Your approach is refreshing. Most young trainers focus too much on raw power. You're thinking beyond that."

Spectre landed gracefully on Axel's shoulder, cooing softly. Axel glanced at his partner and grinned. "We've still got a lot to learn, but we're getting there."

For the next few days, Axel continued pushing himself and Spectre harder. They practiced using Spectre's moves in different combinations, sometimes battling wild Pokémon in the nearby forest to test their strategies. Axel wasn't afraid to experiment, often coming up with unconventional tactics.

One afternoon, as they practiced in the field, Axel had an idea. "What if we used Astonish after Shadow Sneak? If the opponent is already disoriented, that scare might hit harder than usual."

Spectre hooted in agreement, and they set up a mock battle scenario. Spectre launched Shadow Sneak, then immediately followed up with Astonish, letting out a ghostly cry that echoed through the trees.

Professor Rowan, who had been observing them more frequently, couldn't help but be impressed. "You're thinking about how to maximize every move. That's… remarkable for someone so new to this world."

Axel looked up from his notebook, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I guess I just really want to get stronger. I don't know how long I'll be here, so I can't waste any time."

The professor watched Axel for a moment, then gave a small, approving nod. "That kind of diligence will take you far."

Several days passed, and Axel received a letter from the Pokémon League. His application had been approved, thanks in no small part to Professor Rowan's recommendation. The letter was formal, embossed with the League's insignia, and Axel's hands shook slightly as he opened it.

"Dear Axel Orr,

We are pleased to inform you that your application to the Pokémon League has been approved. You have been registered as an official Pokémon Trainer, effective immediately. Enclosed you will find your Trainer License and ID, as well as a League-issued phone, which contains a Pokédex, battle app, and access to your trainer bank account. Additionally, you will receive a monthly stipend of Pokémon Dollars, courtesy of Professor Rowan's sponsorship.

We look forward to witnessing your progress in the field.

Sincerely,

Sinnoh Region Pokémon League Administration."

Axel stared at the letter in disbelief before looking up at Professor Rowan, who stood nearby with a rare smile on his face. "You did it," Rowan said, handing him a sleek new phone.

Axel grinned. "This is really happening." He flipped the phone over in his hands, noting the sleek design and the League emblem etched on the back. The device was more than just a phone—it was a lifeline for trainers. He quickly activated it, the screen lighting up with various apps and features. The Pokédex icon caught his eye, but what intrigued him most was the battle app.

"The battle app will track all of your battles, deducting or depositing winnings based on your performance," Rowan explained. "It's how trainers manage their finances and track their progress."

Axel nodded, flipping through the phone's features. "It's… a lot more official than I thought."

Professor Rowan chuckled. "Being a Pokémon Trainer isn't just about battles. There's a lot of responsibility that comes with it. Speaking of which, as my sponsored trainer, you'll receive a monthly stipend. It's not much, but it will cover your basic needs—Pokéballs, potions, and other supplies."

Axel's grin widened. "Thank you, Professor. I promise I won't let you down."

Just as Axel was about to say more, the door to the lab swung open, and in walked two familiar faces. Barry, with his usual boundless energy, practically burst into the room, while Dawn entered with a calmer, more composed demeanor.

"Yo, Professor!" Barry shouted, jogging over. "I'm here for my starter Pokémon! Let's get this show on the road!"

Dawn shook her head, smiling at Axel as she approached. "Sorry about Barry. He's a little… overexcited."

Axel chuckled. "I can see that."

Barry, finally noticing Axel, did a double take. "Whoa! Wait a second, who's this guy? And why does he have a Rowlet on his shoulder?! Don't tell me you're already a trainer!"

Axel rubbed the back of his neck, trying not to laugh at Barry's exaggerated reaction. "Yeah, I guess I am. This is Spectre."

Barry's eyes widened. "Spectre?! That's such a cool name! Man, I gotta step up my game now."

Dawn smiled politely. "It's nice to meet you, Axel. I'm Dawn, and this hyper guy is Barry. We're both here to get our first Pokémon."

Axel nodded, offering a friendly smile in return. "Nice to meet you both. Looks like we'll be starting our journeys around the same time."

Professor Rowan stepped forward, holding three Pokéballs. "It's time for you both to choose your first partner Pokémon. Remember, this decision is important, as this Pokémon will be with you for your entire journey."

Barry, bouncing on his toes, suddenly stopped and motioned for Dawn to go first. "Ladies first!"

Dawn blinked, surprised by Barry's sudden display of chivalry. "Oh, um, thank you, Barry." She stepped forward and carefully selected the Pokéball containing Chimchar.

Barry wasted no time, grabbing the remaining Pokéball with a grin. "Piplup, let's go! We're gonna be unstoppable!"

Axel watched the two new trainers, amused by the contrast between them. Dawn was calm and collected, clearly thinking about her decision, while Barry was all energy and enthusiasm, already bouncing with excitement.

After they chose their Pokémon, Professor Rowan gave them a brief speech about the responsibilities of being a trainer and the challenges they would face. "I recommend you stop by the Pokémon Mart before setting out on your journey. Stock up on supplies—Pokéballs, potions, and a travel kit."

Barry, of course, couldn't wait. "No time to waste! I'm going to the Mart right now!" He bolted out the door before anyone could stop him, shouting back, "I'll fine you if you're late!"

Dawn sighed, shaking her head. "He's always in such a hurry. I don't know how he has that much energy."

Axel chuckled. "I don't think anyone knows. Good luck keeping up with him."

The three shared a laugh before Dawn excused herself to follow Barry. As they left, Axel looked down at Spectre, feeling a new sense of purpose. He was officially a trainer now, with a license, a Pokémon partner, and a whole world to explore.

As Axel glanced toward the horizon, he couldn't help but feel excited for what lay ahead. Spectre cooed softly on his shoulder, and Axel grinned. "Looks like the adventure's really about to begin."

Axel stood outside Professor Rowan's lab with Spectre, his newly-named Rowlet, perched proudly on his shoulder. He couldn't help but smile as he pulled out his phone to scan his partner using the Pokédex app. The sleek device whirred to life, displaying detailed stats as he pointed it toward Spectre.

Rowlet - The Grass Quill Pokémon

By day, Rowlet stores up energy through photosynthesis, and by night, it silently glides in search of prey, pelting them with swift, powerful kicks. This Pokémon can launch dagger-sharp feathers with precision from a distance and feels most relaxed in tight, dark spaces, where it sometimes nests in its Trainer's bag or pocket.

Gender: Male

Type: Grass/Flying

Ability: Long Reach - enhances the range of all moves

Moves Known: Leafage, Peck, Astonish, Confuse Ray, Roost, Double Team, Shadow Sneak.

Axel's eyes widened as he read the moves. "That's a solid moveset, Spectre. We're gonna make a great team."

Spectre cooed, ruffling its feathers proudly. The excitement bubbling inside Axel was nearly overwhelming. His first Pokémon battle was looming, and he was more than ready to test his skills.

Just then, Dawn appeared from the lab, waving to Axel with a smile. "Heading to the PokéMart?"

"Yeah," Axel replied, his heart picking up slightly as she approached. Dawn's calm, collected demeanor gave off an aura of maturity, yet her bright smile showed she hadn't lost her enthusiasm for Pokémon. Her outfit—a classic white beanie and a pink mini-skirt—was a stark contrast to Axel's casual look. He couldn't help but notice how effortlessly she carried herself, his teenage hormones reminding him that, well, she was beautiful.

"Wanna come with?" she asked, catching him looking a little too long. Axel snapped back to reality, trying not to look embarrassed.

"Uh, yeah, sure," Axel said, scratching the back of his neck. Spectre hopped down onto the ground as the two began walking toward the Pokémon Mart. Axel glanced over, hoping Dawn hadn't noticed his lingering stare. She seemed unfazed, talking animatedly about her plans as a Coordinator.

"So, you're planning to compete in contests?" Axel asked, genuinely intrigued as Dawn detailed her aspirations.

"Yeah! My mom's a top Coordinator, and I want to follow in her footsteps," Dawn explained, her eyes shining with determination. "But I want to surpass her. That's the dream."

Axel chuckled. "That's awesome. I've never really thought about Pokémon contests, but I bet they're as intense as battles."

"They are!" Dawn nodded excitedly. "It's not just about power. It's about creativity, beauty, and strategy. There's so much to consider with how a move looks, not just its strength."

As they walked into the Mart, they spotted Barry already rushing through the aisles, arms full of items. He was in full-on whirlwind mode, grabbing potions, Pokéballs, and anything else he could find.

"Of course he's already here," Axel muttered with a smirk.

"Watch this," Dawn whispered with a giggle as she cupped her hands and called out, "Hey Barry, slow down or you'll knock something over!"

Barry's head snapped toward them, nearly losing his balance in his rush. "No time to slow down, Dawn! I need to get ready! Battles are waiting, and I can't keep people waiting!"

Axel laughed as he grabbed a basket and began calmly picking out supplies. He tossed in some Pokéballs, a handful of potions, and even some antidotes. Dawn, on the other hand, was more meticulous with her shopping, examining each item carefully before adding it to her basket.

"I never thought shopping for supplies would be this detailed," Axel admitted, watching Dawn pick out a set of berries designed to improve a Pokémon's performance in contests.

"You'll get used to it," Dawn replied. "Being a Trainer is more than just battles. You need to take care of your Pokémon, plan ahead, and always be prepared."

As Axel continued shopping, he picked out a standard traveling kit that included a tent, sleeping bag, and other basic survival tools. He also grabbed a backpack and a belt for his Pokéballs. The highlight of his purchase was a portable storage device—a sleek device that stored various clothes for different environments, which could come in handy during his journey.

He ended up choosing his go to travel outfit. Around 4 pairs black sweat pants and a nice and comfortable plain white shirt both of which had features of being waterproof and tear resistant. To finish it, he got a single red jacket that reached his mid thighs. It was light weight, carried clips for his pokeballs, several pockets and had a sleek but cool red and black design scheme. To finish his look, he got a simple black and red hat.

After filling his basket with food for both himself and Spectre, he joined Dawn at the register, garbed in his new outfit as he would just pay for all of it along with the items in the basket..

"That should cover everything," Axel said, as the cashier began ringing up his items.

"Looking good Axel." Dawn complimented.

Axel blushed and simply gave a thanks as a response.

Once they left the Pokémon Mart, Barry burst out behind them, arms laden with bags of supplies. "I'm ready to go! What's taking you two so long?"

Dawn rolled her eyes. "Barry, there's more to being a Trainer than just rushing around. You need to plan!"

"Pfft, plan? I've got Piplup! What more do I need?" Barry puffed up his chest, grinning. "In fact, Axel, how about we test our skills right now? A quick battle!"

Axel grinned at the challenge. "You're on."

The trio headed outside to a clearing just on the outskirts of town. A few townspeople gathered, curious to see the battle unfold. Dawn stood to the side as the impromptu referee, while Barry and Axel faced each other across the field.

"Alright, let's do this! Go, Piplup!" Barry tossed his Pokéball, and his little water-type materialized in front of him, looking eager to battle.

"Let's show them what we've got, Spectre!" Axel called out. Spectre leaped from his shoulder and landed gracefully in front of him.

Barry smirked, full of confidence. "Piplup, let's start things off with Pound!"

Piplup rushed forward, ready to strike Spectre with its tiny flippers. But Axel was quick. "Spectre, use Double Team!"

In an instant, Spectre's image multiplied, confusing Piplup as it swung wildly at copies. The crowd murmured in surprise at the clever tactic.

"Now, Leafage!" Axel commanded. Spectre's real form launched a barrage of glowing green leaves, hitting Piplup head-on. The water-type stumbled back, surprised by the sudden attack.

"Piplup, shake it off! Use Bubblebeam!" Barry shouted. Piplup fired a stream of bubbles toward Spectre, who nimbly dodged out of the way.

Axel's mind raced. He needed to end this quickly. "Spectre, follow up with Shadow Sneak!"

Spectre's eyes glowed faintly as it connected with Piplup's shadow. Before Piplup could react, Spectre attacked from behind, delivering a sharp blow that knocked it off balance.

Barry's face turned serious. "Not bad, Axel, but we're not done yet! Piplup, hit it with another Pound!"

Axel smirked, his strategy already set in his mind. "Spectre, Astonish!"

Just as Piplup closed in for the attack, Spectre let out a ghostly cry, startling Piplup and causing it to freeze in place.

"Now finish it with Leafage!" Axel called. Spectre summoned another storm of leaves, striking Piplup once more and sending it tumbling to the ground.

Piplup struggled to get back up but eventually collapsed, too weak to continue the battle. Barry stood stunned for a moment, unable to believe he had lost.

The onlookers erupted into applause, impressed by Axel's tactics and quick thinking. Dawn smiled from the sidelines, clearly impressed.

Barry returned Piplup to its Pokéball, scratching his head with a sheepish grin. "I guess I underestimated you, Axel. That was awesome!"

Axel smiled back. "Thanks, Barry. You and Piplup put up a good fight."

Spectre cooed proudly, flapping its wings as it returned to Axel's shoulder. Dawn approached, clapping him on the back. "Nice job, Axel. That was some great strategy."

"Thanks," Axel replied, feeling a surge of pride. "Spectre and I have been working on some combos, and it looks like they paid off."

Barry crossed his arms, clearly eager for a rematch. "Next time, though, I'm gonna win! You better watch out!"

Dawn laughed. "Of course you are, Barry."

The three of them shared a laugh as they made their way back toward the center of town, the adrenaline of the battle still coursing through Axel's veins. He couldn't wait to see what other challenges lay ahead. Axel glanced at Spectre perched on his shoulder. "We've got a long road ahead of us, buddy," he said softly, "but I think we're ready for whatever comes next."

"Dawn, you can go on ahead with your journey. Frankly speaking, I plan to travel alone and still have a few things I need to complete here before I leave Sandgem town."

Dawn's eyebrows raised a bit in surprise for a bit before relaxing. "I understand. I wish you all the best on your journey Axel. Hopefully, we'll meet again soon." Dawn extended her hand.

Axel met her hand and grinned. "We will."

—

Axel went back to Rowan's lab, for one to just get familiar with everything he just bought and organized and the other, to plan out what he wanted to do during his journey and figure out just what Pokemon he wanted to catch. He analyzed the map of Sinnoh and immediately noticed the similarities and difference compared to the map he was used to. First of all, the borders employed by the games did not exist here. There were in fact plenty of small areas beyond the roads that connected the various cities and towns resulting in more areas for trainers to explore and more places for Pokemon to inhabit and to be found.

Furthermore, the distance between each town and city varied but it was not something that could be covered in the span of minutes like in games or just a day or so like in the anime. Just the trek between Sandgem Town and Jubilife City would take a minimum of 3 days of non-stop traveling.

This did open up all sorts of possibilities as Axel tried to come up with a decent choice on Pokemon to fill his party but he did not rely on his knowledge of competitive battling or stats from his previous world. It was something he discussed with the Professor during the past couple days. Yes, Pokemon with the title of Pseudo-legendary were in fact quite powerful but equally required a large amount of resources and training to reach that potential. Apart from that, many Pokemon had the potential to become very powerful depending on the competency of the trainer.

Thus, Axel decided to look at Pokemon to fill his party from a different perspective. He did not only go after power but versatility, adaptability and incredible potential, at least according to his crazy thought process in ways certain moves could be used and battles could be fought.

That was how Axel found himself standing in front of the forested landscape of Route 202 as the sun began to hang low in the sky, casting long shadows everywhere. Spectre, perched on his shoulder, watched their surroundings with quiet vigilance

"This is going to take a while," Axel muttered under his breath, adjusting the straps of his bag. "Jubilife Isn't exactly around the corner."

He glanced at the horizon, where the tips of distant mountains poked above the treeline. Oreburgh City lay beyond those peaks, but first, there was Jubilife. The route stretched out ahead of him for miles, and Axel figured it would take at least three days to make it there on foot. He sighed, mentally preparing for the trek.

"Alright, Spectre, let's keep moving. We've got a long way to go."

As they walked, the sound of rustling leaves and the occasional chirp of wild Pokémon filled the air. The path meandered through dense patches of trees, and every so often, Axel would pause to glance at the map on his Pokédex, making sure he stayed on course. His thoughts, however, weren't on the path—they were on his next potential catch. He needed a second Pokémon. Spectre was strong, but one Pokémon wouldn't be enough to handle everything this world threw at him.

"Hopefully I can find some Slowpokes around nearby bodies of water," Axel mused aloud, his eyes scanning the brush for any signs of wild Pokémon. "Based on what some trainers said, a few water types including Slowpoke tend to live around them."

He remembered reading about Slowpoke back in his world. They were Psychic and Water types, with the potential to evolve into either Slowbro or Slowking. The idea of having a Pokémon with such wide type coverage was appealing—Water, Psychic, and with the right moves, even access to Ice, Fire, or Electric-type attacks through TMs. That was not just for the wide variety but the different ways those moves could be used. Axel planned to evolve Slowpoke into a Slowking in the future and that meant he may need to catch a Shelder and get a Kings Rock.

"If I can find a Slowpoke, I could train it to use Psychic powers to manipulate water in battle," Axel thought, his mind already running wild with possibilities. He imagined commanding Slowpoke to create waves with its psychic abilities, turning the battlefield into a tactical advantage. It wasn't just about brute force—it was about control. "Psychic powers could give me a lot more options in battle."

Axel's thoughts spiraled further, as they often did. He pictured himself facing a Gym Leader, using Slowking's Future Sight to send an attack to the future while controlling the battlefield with its Water-type moves. Or maybe even Telekinesis—what if he could teach Slowking to levitate objects or Pokémon? The possibilities seemed endless.

His overthinking was interrupted by a soft coo from Spectre, who had spotted something. Axel followed the direction of Spectre's gaze and saw it—a small pond nestled between the trees. The water shimmered in the fading daylight, and beside it, lying lazily on the bank, was a Slowpoke.

Axel's heart skipped a beat. "No way," he whispered, excitement bubbling up inside him. "That's it. That's what I need."

The Slowpoke looked oblivious to his presence, its half-lidded eyes staring blankly at the water. It was everything Axel imagined—slow, unassuming, but brimming with potential. He crouched down, motioning for Spectre to stay quiet as they approached.

"Alright, Spectre," Axel murmured, his mind already whirring with strategy. "We need to be careful. Slowpoke's Psychic powers might be a problem if it decides to fight back. Let's start with a ranged attack—use Leafage, but keep your distance."

Spectre flared its wings, summoning a flurry of glowing green leaves that shot toward the unsuspecting Slowpoke. The attack hit, rustling the Pokémon from its daze. It blinked slowly, its dopey expression unchanged as it turned to face its attacker.

Axel tensed, watching closely. "Come on, Slowpoke… what are you going to do?"

For a moment, Slowpoke did nothing. Then, with deliberate slowness, its eyes glowed faintly with a purple light. A ripple of Psychic energy pulsed through the air, and Axel could feel the pressure building. It was like standing near a low hum, the psychic force just on the edge of his senses.

"Some Psychic attack incoming," Axel muttered, his mind racing. "Spectre, dodge it!"

But before Spectre could move, Slowpoke's Psychic power wrapped around Spectre, causing it main as it sent a powerful force both on its body and mind.

"Shadow Sneak!" Axel commanded.

Spectre's eyes took on a ghostly glow, the power emanating from him releasing the hold Slowpoke had on his body. It took control of the shadows behind Slowpoke in an instant, striking the water-psychic type for a significant amount of damage

"Now's our chance!" Axel pulled out a Pokéball, feeling the familiar weight in his hand. "Let's go!"

He threw the ball with precision, and it struck Slowpoke in a flash of red light. The Pokémon was drawn inside, the ball shaking on the ground as Slowpoke struggled against the capture. Axel held his breath, watching as the ball wobbled once, then twice.

Then, with a final click, it stilled.

Axel let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Gotcha."

Spectre fluttered back to his shoulder, cooing softly in approval. Axel retrieved the Pokéball, holding it up in the fading light. Slowpoke was his now, and with it, the potential to grow into a powerhouse. His mind immediately began racing with ideas—training it to focus its Psychic powers, teaching it Water-type moves to control the battlefield, and of course, evolving it into Slowking for even greater versatility.

"This is going to be fun," Axel said, his excitement bubbling over. "With you and Spectre, we've got a real shot at taking on these gyms."

He glanced at the pond, the water rippling gently in the twilight. The world around him was quiet, peaceful, but Axel's mind was anything but. He was already thinking ahead, planning his next move, overanalyzing every possible tactic he could use with his new partner.

But for now, he had what he needed. A second Pokémon, and a plan.

"Come on, Spectre," Axel said, turning back to the path. "Let's find a place to set up camp for the night."

As they walked, the last rays of sunlight dipped below the horizon, leaving the world bathed in twilight. Axel's heart raced with anticipation. His journey was just beginning, and now, with Slowpoke by his side, he felt more ready than ever to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

When he found a small clearing in the middle of the forest, he decided it was as good a place as any to set up camp. Taking out the traveling kit from his backpack, he followed the instructions it generously provided, pressing a few buttons on the kit resulting in an inflatable tent ready for him to enter and sleep and it was filled to the brim with all the necessities trainers would need when traveling. It was quite state of the art and the latest model of its kind.

Though it did make him cry when he bought it. The cost of the traveling kit and the travel outfits and its storage drained over half of his wallet with the other half spent on food for himself and his Pokemon and a few accessories like a belt to hold his Pokeballs, a first aid kit and basic potions.

"Spectre, help me gather some firewood." The owl hooted before flying around and grabbing a few twigs here and there before dropping them in the area Axel had marked. A few minutes later, they had a nice fire going to keep them warm for the night.

"Now let's greet our newest member." Axel said, taking out Slowpoke's pokeball.

Spectre perched itself on Axel's shoulder as it watched the water-psychic type materialize a couple feet away from them.

Axel analyzed his newest companion and all he got in return was a few blinks…before giving a big and giving an exhausting long yawn that was contagious to both him and Spectre. Axel quickly got out a basic potion and stepped forward before spraying it on the smal bruise that formed when Spectre had attacked Slowpoke with Shadow Sneak.

"So Slowpoke…I'm your trainer now." Axel paused, unsure of what to say next. Was he supposed to promise something about making it the strongest Pokemon ever? Looking at the dopey pokemon…he did not feel as if that goal would have much appeal to it. "Although I am not sure about how you feel about being captured by me, I see you as a valuable partner. I can promise you that we will explore the world and become very strong trainers."

"Slowwwwwww…" The long drawn out word was all he got for his short but sweet sales pitch.

"Soooooo…" Axel almost imitated Slowpoke and caught himself. "Would you like a nickname?" Silence reigned apart from the occasional sound of Kricketot and Kricketune all around them. "Well, seeing as you are filled with so much enthusiasm for a nickname, let me think of one."

He went through one name after the other but all he got for his effort was a blank stare that seemed to penetrate his body and look deep into his soul. It was tiring to rack his brain for names to give his newly caught Slowpoke but he kept on persisting.

"Uhh…how about Veil?" Slowpoke blinked. "YES! Wonderful. Veil it is! Welcome to the team Veil! Now let's eat! I'm sure you are hungry!" Axel hurriedly said, excited about getting a response from the Pokemon! It was a blink but when for the past half an hour all he got was a blank stare paired with a derpy expression of being high…well it got Axel excited to finally get the naming process over with. Thank god…Arceus that he was not planning to catch Pokemon left and right and carefully construct his team. Otherwise, goodness knows how long he would have to continuously rack his brain to come up with names.

"Let's see what moves you know."

Slowpoke - The Dopey Pokemon

Slowpoke spends its days lazily lounging by the water's edge, often fishing by dipping its tail in to lure prey with its sweet sap. Incredibly slow and absent-minded, it rarely feels pain immediately and is so oblivious that it may not even notice if its tail is bitten or broken off, as it will simply grow back over time.

Gender: Female

Type: Water-Psychic

Ability: Regenerator: Passively increases the rate at which Slowpoke heals from wounds and recovers its energy and stamina

Moves: Confusion, Water Gun, Yawn, Disable, Belly Drum

Axel saw the stats and ability and couldn't help but be happy despite knowing he had a lot of work to do to turn his currently weak Pokemon into true powerhouses. But for now, he decided to get a nice long rest before starting bright and early on training.

—

Axel was somewhere between bliss and disbelief. Standing atop a mountainous plateau, his victory against Sinnoh's champion lingered in his veins like pure adrenaline. The cheering crowds, the applause of past champions—he was the Pokémon Master of Sinnoh, his journey crowned in glory.

But it didn't stop there.

In a blur, Axel's path unfolded: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn—one by one, he bested each champion with his loyal team by his side, crossing boundaries and shattering expectations. News spread of his success, and soon, crowds across regions celebrated his victories. He was, without question, the Pokémon Master of the world.

At the height of his triumph, the sky darkened, and the ground trembled beneath him. A sinister, shadow-like creature loomed in the distance, its form shifting like smoke with red eyes that seemed to pierce Axel's very soul. It was the being that had torn him from his own world, plunging him into the ruins where his journey began.

"Face me," Axel muttered, fists clenched. "I'll take you down once and for all."

With his Pokémon by his side, he charged forward, his heart racing as he shouted commands. His team responded with unyielding precision, each move landing with deadly accuracy. And finally, in a burst of light, the creature shattered, disintegrating into nothing. Silence blanketed the scene, and Axel fell to his knees, exhausted yet triumphant.

Above him, the skies cleared, revealing Dialga and Palkia. The twin gods of time and space descended, acknowledging his feat. Their powers flowed through him, ancient and vast, as they offered him a way home. He took it without hesitation, a world's worth of effort finally bearing fruit.

In the blink of an eye, Axel found himself on familiar ground. He was home. Tears welled in his eyes as he saw his family standing there, faces full of love and relief. He stumbled forward, his mother pulling him into a fierce embrace. The years of struggle, isolation, and longing melted away as he held them, his heart finally at peace.

But the peace was short-lived. The ground beneath him started to shift, his family's faces fading like mist. In an instant, the warmth and familiarity of home evaporated, leaving him alone in a pitch-dark void. The cosmic ghost reappeared, its laughter echoing through the darkness.

"You're not ready," it hissed, its voice cold and unrelenting. "You need more strength. Far more."

"No," Axel whispered, reaching into the darkness, desperate to hold onto the life he'd fought so hard to reclaim. "No, please… I just got back…"

The ghost's eyes narrowed, and the void shifted into the ruins where he'd first awakened. Axel was alone—no Pokémon, no path out, only the ghost's mocking gaze and the weight of endless isolation. He ran, but every corridor led back to the same haunting chamber.

Days passed.

Weeks.

Years.

An eternity.

And then he screamed.

Axel jerked awake, gasping for air. Cold sweat drenched his skin, and his chest heaved as he tried to shake the nightmare. Tears pricked his eyes, a hollow ache in his chest as reality settled in. He wasn't home. He was here, trapped in a world he'd once thought would be his dream.

A soft coo pulled him back to the present. Spectre, sat beside him, tilting his head in concern. Axel reached out, patting his partner's feathers as he tried to steady his breathing.

"Sorry, Spectre," he whispered, forcing a small smile. "Just…a bad dream."

Spectre nuzzled his hand, and Axel's heart lightened a bit. Pulling himself out of bed, he steeled himself, focusing on the task ahead. If he wanted to go home, he couldn't waste time wallowing in what-ifs. He had to get stronger.

He quickly went through his morning rituals, gathering his supplies and heading outside. Today was a training day, and he was determined to make every moment count. Spectre chirped with excitement, sensing the shift in Axel's mood, and as they reached the open field, Axel released Veil, his Slowpoke, from her Pokéball.

"Alright, team," he began, clapping his hands to get their attention. "Let's start with some basics."

For the next hour, Axel drilled Spectre on his moves, focusing on speed and precision. Leafage, Peck, Shadow Sneak—he had Spectre switch between them seamlessly, each move faster than the last. The little Rowlet's determination matched his own, and Axel couldn't help but grin as Spectre completed each set with increasing skill.

"Great job, Spectre," Axel praised, giving his partner a well-deserved pat. "You're getting better every day."

Next, he turned to Veil. Though her responses were slow, he was determined to help her improve. He guided her through each move, Water Gun and Confusion, repeating the commands until the delay between his words and her action lessened.

"Come on, Veil, focus," Axel encouraged, watching as she finally managed to fire off a Water Gun with only a slight delay. He tried to work on Veil's Confusion move, challenging her to lift a small rock and hold it in place. It was no easy task—Veil's concentration would waver, and the rock would drop—but Axel remained patient.

"That's okay, Veil. You're getting there," he said with a soft smile, patting her head. He knew that mastering Psychic moves would take time, but he believed in her.

After hours of drills, mobility exercises, and move practice, Axel called an end to the session, allowing Spectre and Veil to rest. He felt a surge of pride watching them; they were his partners, his team, and together they'd grow stronger.

—

Recording #1: Training Notes – Leaving Sandgem Town

"Alright, so here's day two on the road to Jubilife City. I'm trying to keep track of where Spectre and Veil are at, what's working, and what needs more time. Honestly, these two are coming along better than I could've hoped, even with the curveballs.

So, let's start with Spectre. He's mastering quick transitions between Leafage and Shadow Sneak—to the point where I hardly need to say anything, and he's already switching up. I had this idea to use Shadow Sneak as a follow-up when the opponent's retreating, like making Spectre's shadow a surprise attack. But here's where it gets interesting—I wonder if we could throw in Double Team just before he uses Shadow Sneak, allowing Spectre to both have some degree of safety and a surprise element to follow up with Astonish. I'm starting to see this strategy as a way to keep us one step ahead in any battle, and Spectre seems to love the challenge.

Then there's Veil. She's still got that delay with Confusion, but instead of pushing her to be as fast as Spectre, I've been trying to use that timing to our advantage. Like, if we time it so that the delay kicks in after a hit, it actually works for us—making it seem like she's finished, then landing the attack when the opponent's not expecting it. I'm also trying to get her comfortable with lifting small objects using Confusion, and right now, we're working on holding a ball of water steady in the air. It's tricky, but I read online that some trainers start with balancing simpler things, like small stones or leaves, to build control. If she can master this, it'll make learning Psychic later on a lot smoother.

Now, for the long term, I want to teach Spectre some advanced moves once he's got these basics down. I was thinking about Razor Leaf for a stronger attack and Spirit Shackle will come naturally when he evolves to his final form but its way down the line—but it's one of those moves that could totally change a fight. For Veil, I've been doing some research on Water Pulse. Apparently, it's good for practicing control over water without too much energy, so if I can get her confident with Confusion, Water Pulse might be next. But all of that's a ways off; first, I've got to get her to be smooth with Confusion.

Alright, that's it for now—tomorrow we're trying some new training spots on the route. Signing off."

—

The journey continued, and a few hours later, Axel encountered his first challenge—a young trainer, barely older than himself, with an eager glint in his eyes.

"Fancy a battle?" the trainer asked, sizing up Spectre and Veil with a smirk.

Axel shrugged, a grin forming. "Sure. Let's put some money on it. How about…two hundred Pokémon dollars to the winner?"

"Deal." The trainer released his Starly, the small bird Pokémon chirping confidently as it took to the air. Axel quickly sized up his options and sent Veil out.

"Veil, Water Gun!" he called, watching as Veil readied her attack after some delay. The trainer, quick to respond, commanded a Wing Attack, but Veil's Water Gun landed a split-second before due to the time it took to reach Veil, hurting Starly due to the force from the jet of water and soaking its feathers, forcing it to shake itself dry.

The trainer wasn't giving up, though. "Starly, Quick Attack!"

Starly darted forward, landing a hit on Veil before she could react, but Axel was ready. "Now, Confusion!"

The delay was still there, but Veil managed to focus especially since there was a delay in her sense of pain. Veil sent a wave of psychic energy that enveloped Starly, disorienting it and knocking it to the ground. Starly was down, and the trainer's face hardened as he released his next Pokémon—a Shinx.

Axel recalled Veil and quickly called out Spectre. He hadn't called him out for the battle against Starly due to the typing as Spectre only had Leafage and that would not do a lot of damage. All his ghost type moves would be out of the question for use due to the typing.

"Spectre, use Leafage!"

Spectre flared his wings, sending a flurry of leaves at Shinx. The other trainer countered with a Charge, boosting Shinx's electricity in anticipation of its next move. Axel's heart pounded as he assessed his options, determined to keep Spectre safe from the impending electric attack.

"Quick, use Shadow Sneak!" he called.

Spectre's shadow stretched across the ground, materializing behind Shinx in an instant. Before Shinx could react, Spectre struck with a powerful hit, forcing it to stumble. The trainer called for Spark, Shinx's body crackling with electricity as it charged Spectre. But Axel was faster.

"Dodge with Double Team!" he shouted.

Spectre blurred, creating multiple illusions of himself, confusing Shinx as it charged through an empty copy. The real Spectre emerged, and Axel seized the chance.

"Peck, now!"

Spectre swooped in, landing a decisive hit with the white glowing, heavily elongated beak that brought Shinx to its knees. The trainer sighed, admitting defeat, and handed over the prize money. Axel pocketed it with a smile, pride swelling in his chest.

"Good job, Spectre," he murmured, ruffling the Rowlet's feathers. Spectre hooted happily, their bond growing with every battle. He then looked at Veils Pokeball. ""Wonderful work Veil."

Axel's journey to Jubilife City was marked by a string of victories. He faced off against several trainers along the route, his winning streak unbroken as Spectre's agility and Veil's unexpected resilience proved too much for the newbie trainers he encountered. In total, he won around 2,000 Pokémon dollars, each battle sharpening his skills and deepening his understanding of his team.

With every victory, Axel identified areas for improvement, analyzing his moves, adjusting his strategies, and refining his command timing. Each opponent revealed new insights, and he soaked it all in, determined to be ready for any challenge that lay ahead.

After several days of travel, the sprawling city of Jubilife finally came into view. Its towering buildings and bustling streets stretched out before him, a stark contrast to the quiet, forested paths he'd grown used to. Axel took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his journey so far settle in.

Spectre perched on his shoulder, watching the city with wide eyes, while Veil strolled beside him, her expression as calm as ever. Axel couldn't help but smile; they had come a long way in just a few days.

"Well, guys," he said, taking in the city's grandeur, "we're here. First big city of the journey."

His heart swelled with a mixture of excitement and determination. Jubilife City was just the beginning—there were still battles to fight, challenges to conquer, and a long road to becoming strong enough to face whatever brought him to this world. And with Spectre and Veil by his side, he was ready to take it on.

Axel quickly made his way to the Pokemon center so that they could be healed up. Thankfully, they were all just exhausted and spent a short half an hour in the healing machine they had before being handed back to him.

Following a hot shower and an equally hot and delicious meal for both himself and his Pokemon, Axel found himself in his room, snoring away as Spectre and Veil whom he let out earlier, found a place for themselves and fell asleep.

—

Recording #2: Training Reflections – Jubilife City Pokémon Center

"Quick update here from the Jubilife Pokémon Center! We finally made it, and after a rest, I'm back training with Spectre and Veil at the center's training area. These last few days have been pretty full-on, and it's paying off. I can actually see how much they're improving—it's insane.

Starting with Spectre, the real win has been perfecting Double Team with Shadow Sneak—it's exactly what I hoped. Now he can slip into the clones, tricking the opponent before striking. If we can add Astonish just after Shadow Sneak, that'd give him this scary ghostly edge, almost like he's hiding in plain sight. And honestly, he's moving faster in the air, so I think next, I'll work on him dodging while airborne. I've read some trainers start with weaving through targets to build aerial agility, and I can't wait to see if Spectre picks that up as quickly as everything else.

Veil's making solid progress, too. Her Confusion is so much better—the delay is basically gone now. I've had her balancing small rocks to get more control, and I think this could be a good foundation for learning Water Pulse down the line. I'd love to work with her on shaping the water while using Confusion, like maybe creating small waves or bursts as an early move toward Psychic. Right now, though, just being able to hold something steady is progress, and I can tell she's getting more comfortable with each session. I'm thinking that because Water Pulse can cause confusion if it hits a target, their might be an Psychic element to the attack. Maybe using Confusion while trying to form the Water Pulse to better control the attack may let her grasp it better? I'll try to explore it.

Once they've got these moves nailed, I want to add some advanced moves into their routine. For Spectre, learning Razor Leaf would give him the ability to do more damage than from that, I'll try to work on his agility, and with how Spectre likes to outmaneuver his opponents and hit them when they least expect it, that'd be perfect for him. Veil, though, has so much potential with the right Psychic moves, and I'm excited to see where we can take it. With Confusion coming along, maybe moves like Disable and Yawn would add even more flexibility—definitely a mix of strategy and timing. I'll have her continue to practice those.

So, yeah, we've still got work to do, but I'd say we're on track for Oreburgh. And for once, I'm excited to see what new ideas we come up with out in the field. Alright, signing off for now. Axel, out."

The path to Oreburgh City wound through forests thick with trees, their leaves filtering the sunlight into patches of warm, dappled light on the trail. Axel walked steadily, enjoying the rhythm of his footsteps as he trained his Pokémon on the go. Spectre, flitted alongside him, launching Razor Leaf at scattered boulders as they went. He was visibly getting the hang of the move, the leaves sharpening in accuracy and speed with each attempt.

"Great work, Spectre! You're hitting harder and faster every time," Axel cheered, watching as Spectre flared his wings in pride. "It's all about practice, right?" he added, smiling. "Why not try to target some of the falling leaves with your Razor Leaf attack. It will alow you to increase your precision as you attack."

At his side, Veil, his Slowpoke, blinked in response, looking as mellow as ever. Axel stopped, gesturing to a puddle nearby. "Alright, Veil, let's keep at it. Water Pulse!"

Veil tilted her head, concentrating hard. A faint, shimmering blue orb formed at her mouth, rippling as she prepared to launch it. Axel held his breath, hoping this attempt would be the one, but after a few seconds, the orb fizzled. Veil looked disappointed, her slow tail flicking at the ground.

"Hey, don't worry!" Axel crouched down to pat her, offering a reassuring grin. "You're getting closer each time. We'll keep at it, okay?" Axel was happy to see that Veil had warmed up to him and was showing more determination in her training as well as more affection.

"Just an idea, like how you trained your Psychic powers by trying to control a ball of water, maybe you can use Confusion to try and get better control of the water pulse?"

Veil let out a soft "Sloooow…" and nudged him, clearly appreciating the encouragement and maybe perhaps thinking over the advice? It was hard to tell given the range of facial expressions the dopey Pokemon could display was not exactly broad.

They continued on, Axel mentally going over different training routines and strategies he could try. It wasn't long before the forest trail opened up into a view of Oreburgh City, and his eyes widened as he took in the sprawling buildings and mountainous terrain beyond.

"Woah, check this place out! The place looks straight out of a Rock Pokémon gym leader's dream," Axel said with a grin. Spectre cooed, equally impressed by the sight.

As they moved deeper into the city, however, Axel noticed a growing crowd gathered at the edge of the city square, where Roark—the Gym Leader, he recognized instantly—stood in a heated discussion with a few worried citizens. The crowd's faces were tense, and the atmosphere felt charged.

"What's going on here?" Axel muttered, moving closer to hear the conversation. He caught snatches of words: "unstable rocks," "underground disturbance," and "wild Pokémon blocking the road."

The details became clear as he listened: recent excavations had disturbed some wild Pokémon, which were now blocking the entrance to the Oreburgh Mine. The Pokémon weren't causing serious harm, but they were riled up and wouldn't let anyone through. If anyone got close enough, all of them would immediately attack.

Roark turned to address the crowd, his voice calm but firm. "I need everyone to stay clear until this situation is resolved. The mine is off-limits until we can relocate the wild Pokémon safely."

Axel's mind raced. 'If I help him out, maybe Roark will agree to battle me sooner,' he thought, stepping forward. It was a fact that there were constantly challengers wanting to battle gym leaders which usually ended up with long queues that lasted even over an entire week.

"Roark!" Axel called, moving through the crowd toward the Gym Leader. "I'm Axel, and I'm here for a Gym battle, but if you need help with the wild Pokémon, I'd be happy to lend a hand."

Roark raised an eyebrow, clearly sizing Axel up. "Helping out with wild Pokémon, huh? You don't look like you've been through this kind of situation before." Axel was young and most trainers that came by here were newbies.

"True," Axel admitted, "but I know my Pokémon well, and I'm good under pressure. I think I can help especially if it's a bunch of rock types guarding the mine's entrance since I have a grass and water type that should be effective against them."

Roark regarded him for a moment before nodding. "Alright, Axel. If you're up for it, let's head to the mine's entrance. I'll see if your confidence holds up."

A buzz of anticipation shot through Axel as they made their way toward the mine's entrance. Veil shuffled along under his arms, looking a little out of it as usual, while Spectre perched on his shoulder, keen-eyed and ready.

The mine entrance was a massive, gaping hole in the rock wall at the edge of the city, surrounded by dirt paths and marked with mining signs. Near the opening, a few Geodude and a particularly grumpy-looking Onix were blocking the way, their eyes fixed on anyone who tried to approach.

Roark crossed his arms, assessing the situation. "They're definitely agitated, but it's not typical behavior. They're usually much calmer around people."

Axel squinted at the Pokémon. He noticed the way the Geodude were positioned, practically barricading the entrance. His mind raced, quickly running through the possibilities. 'If they're just guarding, maybe they're protecting something—or someone—behind them.'

"Maybe they're not just blocking the entrance," Axel murmured, thinking aloud. "What if they're guarding something in the mine? Considering the fact that they are not actively attacking people or pokemon around the area, it may be safe to conclude that there is something these rock types value inside the mines hence why they refuse to move despite the disturbance caused by the mining having already settled down now."

Roark glanced at him, a thoughtful look on his face. "Not a bad theory. But getting close enough to check it out won't be easy with these Pokémon here. Any ideas?"

Axel thought it over, considering his options. "I'll try drawing them away," he decided, "and maybe that'll give you enough time to check inside. Veil and Spectre can work together to get their attention."

Roark looked impressed. "It's risky, but it might just work. Go for it."

Axel stepped forward, his heart racing as he faced Geodude and Onix. Spectre leapt off his shoulder, landing a few feet ahead, while Veil watched the Pokémon with her usual placid stare. He took a deep breath, hoping his plan would work.

"Spectre, let's start with Razor Leaf!" Axel called.

Spectre flared his wings, sending a flurry of sharp leaves slicing through the air toward several of the Geodude. A good number of them promptly fainted due to their significant weakness to the typing and the incredible hours of training Spectre put into perfecting its moves and increasing their power and accuracy , turning to glare at the small Grass-type.

"Veil, back Spectre up with a Water Pulse!" Axel added, giving Veil a nod of encouragement.

Veil blinked slowly, then concentrated as a shimmering blue orb formed in front of her. She released it with a sluggish but determined push, sending it toward the nearest Geodude. The move wasn't quick, but it managed to hit the Geodude square on, knocking it backward and drawing even more attention from the others.

Axel watched as the Rock-types fixated on Spectre and Veil. 'Alright, they're focused on us…' he thought, glancing back to see Roark quietly slipping into the mine entrance.

The Onix, however, wasn't fooled so easily. It let out a low growl, slithering forward with a dangerous glint in its eye.

Axel's brain raced, analyzing his options. 'Onix is Rock and Ground, so Spectre and Veil both have the advantage, but it's also strong and resistant to some attacks. Given its large size and bulk, would it still be affected by the small attacks? Many things are not as the same as protrayed in the anime nor are they same as in the games. What's my best move here?'

Overthinking was creeping in, but he shook his head, focusing. "Spectre, get ready to dodge then use Razor Leaf again! Veil, I need another Water Pulse as soon as you're able!"

Spectre darted around as the Onix lunged, weaving through the air to avoid its strikes. Veil took aim, charging up another Water Pulse, and when the Onix slithered close, she finally released it, hitting the massive Rock-type with a solid splash of water.

The Onix growled, clearly hurt but still standing. Axel clenched his fists. 'ome on, think! It needs a bit more to back down…'

"Spectre, but aim for its eyes this time!"

Spectre complied, sending another flurry of sharp leaves straight toward the Onix's face. The Onix roared, reeling back and shaking its head in irritation. It twisted away from them, heading back toward the mine as if to retreat.

Axel let out a sigh of relief, patting both Spectre and Veil on the head. "Nice work, you two! That was a tough one."

Just then, Roark emerged from the mine, looking triumphant. "You were right, Axel. They were guarding a nest of Geodude eggs. Looks like the vibrations from the mining were disturbing them and they wanted to stop the mining but they had to bring them along to prevent any other Pokemon from harming the eggs.."

"So, they were just protecting their own," Axel mused, glancing back at the Geodude, who had settled down once more.

Roark nodded, his eyes filled with approval. "Good thinking, Axel. You figured that out fast—and your team worked well together under pressure. I think you've earned that Gym battle."

Axel grinned, excitement sparking inside him. "Awesome! Let's go!"

"Not just yet. I have to take care of matters here before the gym battle. Give me a few hours please."

"Sure. I'll see you there."

Axel went to the Pokemon Center for a bit and booked his room while asking Nurse Joy to take a look at his Pokemon to see if they were in good condition. After resting a bit, Axel decided to go over his strategy to defeat Roark. He had a significant type advantage with both of his Pokemon and while Veil was not exactly very skilled in battles due to her limited mobility, her two water attacks plus Confusion could make up for that.

He planned to abuse Spectre's speed, and ability to switch between attacks. His starter was even getting the hang of using attacks it saw fit without his commands because instincts were definitely faster than vocal commands.

After enough time passed, he went to the Oreburgh gym where he saw Roark waiting in the arena. The rocky terrain was laid out in a rugged battlefield, ideal for Rock-type Pokémon. Roark took his place on the opposite end, holding two Pokéballs in his hands.

"This'll be a two-on-two match," he called. "Are you ready?"

"Definitely," Axel replied, nodding to Spectre and Veil. "Let's do this."

Roark threw his first Pokéball, releasing a Cranidos. The small, blue dinosaur Pokémon stomped its feet, giving Spectre a determined glare. Axel steeled himself, quickly running through his strategies.

"Spectre, you're up first! Start with Razor Leaf!"

Spectre flared his wings, sending a barrage of leaves flying toward Cranidos. The attack hit hard, forcing Cranidos back, but it quickly recovered, baring its teeth.

"Cranidos, use Headbutt!" Roark commanded.

Cranidos charged forward, its head lowered, moving faster than Axel expected. Spectre did not try to dodge but quickly used Double Team, creating multiple copies of itself, scattered all across the battle field..

"Hang in there, Spectre! Use Shadow Sneak. Strike its legs!" Axel called, hoping to hit Cranidos' weakness. He saw that the rock type built up lots of momentum during that Headbutt attack which if it had hit Spectre, may have knocked him out in one strike.

"Now, Razor Leaf again!"

The copies attacked simultaneously, sending a flurry of sharp leaves toward Cranidos from all directions. This time, the onslaught was too much, and Cranidos fell back, unable to continue.

Roark recalled Cranidos, nodding in approval. "Not bad. You're handling this like a pro. But let's see how you fare against my next Pokemon." He threw his second Pokéball, releasing Onix.

Axel swallowed, a flicker of anxiety returning. 'I know Veil's Water Pulse isn't perfect yet, but she does need the experience.'

"Spectre, come back! Veil, it's your turn!"

Veil blinked up at the towering Onix with her usual unhurried expression, unfazed by its massive size. Axel had to resist the urge to laugh at her calmness. Most Pokemon would be frightened from facing such a massive beast. Hell even he felt intimidated. If only he could borrow some of that dopey power.

"Alright, Veil, let's try Water Pulse!"

Veil concentrated, the shimmering blue orb forming in front of her. Axel held his breath, willing her to release it faster this time.

Roark, however, wasn't waiting. "Onix, use Rock Throw!"

Onix picked up a large rock, hurling it toward Veil. Axel's heart leapt. "Veil, move back—quickly!"

Veil slowly shuffled backward, but clearly was not fast enough to dodge that rock throw. 'She's going to need time to fully charge that Water Pulse...

"Lift that boulder off you with Confusion! Then use Disable on Onix!"

Veil blinked at Onix, her eyes glowing faintly, quickly lifting the boulder off of her before gazing at Onix. The effect took hold as her eyes changed from the pinkish glow to a more silvery one, and Onix's Rock Throw was disabled. Roark looked momentarily thrown off, but he quickly recovered. He hadn't encountered a newbie trainer like Axel before that was so quick to think on his feet and think of combinations.

"Alright, Onix, switch to Bind!"

Onix lunged at Veil, wrapping itself around her with a powerful squeeze. Axel gritted his teeth, his mind racing. 'Think, think… How can I get her out of this?'

"Veil, hang in there! Use Yawn!" he called.

Veil let out a slow, drowsy sound, her eyes half-closed as she yawned toward Onix. It was good that for whatever reason, her pain receptors worked in delay. The effect was immediate—Onix's grip loosened slightly as it began to succumb to the Yawn's sleepy effect.

"Perfect! Now, Water Pulse, one more time!" Axel urged.

Veil struggled free, concentrating as the blue orb finally formed in front of her. She launched it, hitting Onix directly. The Rock-type roared, its energy draining as it collapsed, knocked out cold.

Roark recalled Onix, a smile spreading across his face. "Well done, Axel. You used your head and stayed calm under pressure. Here." He held out a gleaming Coal Badge. "You've earned this."

Axel took the badge, his face breaking into a grin. He looked at Spectre and Veil, pride swelling in his chest. "Thanks, Roark. This means a lot."

Roark nodded. "Keep training, Axel. With quick thinking like that, you'll go far."

Axel left the Gym, feeling triumphant. His journey had just begun, and with his first badge in hand, he felt ready to take on whatever lay ahead.

—

There is chapter 1. If you notice any errors or have any feedback for improvement, I would greatly appreciate it.