Izuku decides once they get to town that he'd give the Wurmple to the guard who asked, after he dropped the full pokeballs off with the pasture owner (who seems to like Pokemon a lot more than the rest of the town).
Walking up to the guard, Izuku waves, "H-hey I um… caught the Wurmple that you wanted."
"Oh really?" He said surprised.
"Y-yeah." Izuku reaches into his satchel pulling out the Poke-ball, releasing the Wumple between them.
Wurmple looks around at their new surroundings, before stopping on the guard.
"You really brought me one! You must be as good as the rumours say." the guard pauses, "I'd like to name this Wurmple right away."
"Alright."
"Now, I've been told a Wurmple will evolve into a Pokemon known as Beutifly, so I should give a name with that in mind." he adopts a thinking position, "Hmmm, this is a tough decision… which do you like best: Beauticia, Beautifred, or Beaugene?"
Izuku hums in thought and looks down at Wurmple, who blinks up at him.
"I-I think Beauticia works for them." he turns to the guard.
He nods, "Yeah, I like Beauticia, too! I guess that's decided, then! I'll raise Beauticia to be a splendiferous Beautifly, Wait and see!"
Wurmple makes a happy sounding garbled croon.
"Oh and here's your reward!" The guard handed him a small bag that smelled faintly of honey.
"Oh, thank you Mister…"
"Beauregard!"
"Thank you, mister Beauregard." Izuku waves as he turns and heads into the headquarters.
Now there are a few things Izuku wants to do. Ask Captain Cyllene for a few more pouches to attach to his satchels belt, so he could hold more items because the satchel he does have is currently not big enough for what he wants to do. He plans to make the most out of all of his ventures out of the town. He also wanted to ask for a few notebooks, in case he can't purchase them from the shop in town, so he can write his own notes for the Poke-dex to share with the Professor.
He also hopes to help out around town whenever he's in it, even if they didn't really welcome him when he first got here. It's not like he's not used to it . But! This is the past, there are no quirks! Only survival and Pokemon… which he is okay with, he loves Pokemon and he always loved hearing about the journeys his father went on when he was a young teen (he loved to hear about his adventures in the gym challenges, and his time as a gym leader himself in the Unova region).
He pauses just outside Captain Cyllene's office, takes a breath and walks in gathering the attention of Cyllene.
"Do you have a progress report?"
"Y-yes ma'am."
"Very well, show me your Poke-dex."
Izuku gets his Poke-dex out with a little bit of struggle and hands it to Cyllene. She gives it a look, seeing the notes that he and the Professor added with pictures of the Pokemon on said pages.
"Hm. You have made progress. It seems you have earned yourself a star."
She stands and moves to stand in front of him, an item in hand.
"With this, you have officially attained the rank of First star in the Galaxy Expedition Team." She handed him his Pokedex back, as well as a small leather booklet with only one page, attached to said page was a white star badge with four points, and space for about nine (9) other badges.
"Have these as well. They are further recipes you'll need for crafting." She holds out a few more papers, which he takes, and puts all the stuff he's been given into his satchel.
"That a stranger like you should fall from the sky and yet flourish among us like this is a testament to your native talent and hard work." She gives a small nod, "Most people prefer it when things are simple enough to be judged on face value alone. And proving your worth by moving up through our ranks is something anyone can understand. Keep at it, and even if you did fall from the sky, people may be more willing to accept you."
Izuku felt his eyes tear up, the idea of being accepted by anyone that wasn't his family was something he had mostly given up on, even if he wanted to be a hero, or a Pokemon trainer. So the idea that he was slowly being accepted into this community, even though he was an outsider was kinda overwhelming.
"Working your way through the ranks will also be a help if you wish to make a life for yourself here. A higher rank will grant you access to more types of Poke-balls and greater rewards."
Izuk nods in understanding, blinking away the fogginess in his eyes, "Captain… May I ask you something?"
"You may."
"I was wondering if I could get pouches or something, and m-maybe a few… notebooks.." He trails off at the end, losing the little bit of confidence he has.
Cyllene looks at him for a minute, "I should be able to get some fabrics to make more pouches, the notebooks I will have to ask the merchants for but that should be easy, I will have what your requested for in a few days."
"Thank you, ma'am."
"If that is all then for today, at least, you've earned yourself a meal at the Wallflower and a good night's rest."
Izuku nods, then heads off to find the Professor and Akari to ask if they want to join him for dinner.
...
"So, Izuku, my boy!" Laventon started, "I believe a jolly good congratulations is in order! Well done on earning your First Star rank!"
"Potato mochi tastes so much better when you have something to be happy about! Still, we'll be very busy from now on between our Survey Corps duties and requests from folks here."
Izuku nods, "T-Thank you two, you've been so kind to me… I'm glad I met you two." He smiles.
Laventon smiled back, "well, my boy, I'm glad to have met you too."
"Me too!" Akari grinned.
They pause their conversation to eat a bit more before continuing.
"Which reminds me," Akari muttered between bites, "Have you already taken on that request from Beauregard?"
"He's the one that wanted a W-Wurmple, right?"
"Yeah!" she nods.
"Yeah… I got him the Wurmple."
She hums, "The people of Jubilife aren't too familiar with Pokemon, you see… so if problems arise, the Survey Corps gets called to help."
"Indeed so!" Laventon adds on, "Some people will ask you for help when you talk with them, while other requests will need to be claimed from the blackboard I keep in my lab. Speaking of which, weren't you approached with a request recently, Akari? What's it all about?"
"About that… I was thinking maybe you could handle it for me, Izuku, I was told it would require a bit of skill in battling Pokemon, so…"
Izuku blinked in surprise, 'I mean I guess I'm good at battling, but that's because I trust my Pokemon to be able to handle themselves.'
"Ah, yes. That request came from Mai of the Diamond clan, if I recall correctly?"
"The diamond clan?" Izuku questioned.
"The people of the Diamond Clan have lived here in Hisui since before the Galaxy Team arrived. If we could establish good relations, I'm sure there is much we might learn from them, including more about local Pokemon… but we can discuss all that tomorrow! For today, we should eat up and get some rest."
The three of them continued their meal, talking about menial things. Izuku made sure to save some Potato Mochi to share with Cinnamon later.
...
When Izuku woke up the next morning, it was to a warmth leaning against his side, sitting up and looking down he spotted a sleeping Cinnamon leaning against him. Smiling, Izuku gently put his hand on top of their head and gave a few scratches until they stirred.
Cinnamon chirped up at him, he smiled a little wider scratching them under their jaw before standing up and getting ready for the day, and ignoring the homesickness he felt.
Finishing getting dressed, tugging his cap on he turns to Cinnamon, "ready for the day?"
Fwoooom
Cinnamon nods and hops to Izuku as he pulls out their Poke-ball, and letting them enter it. Izuku pats his outfit down before heading out and meeting Akari outside.
Akari waves to him as he leaves his room/house, "Listen- do you have a bit of time after this? There's something I could use your help with."
"Sure, Akari. I'd be glad to h-help you."
"Thank you! I'll be waiting for you by the training grounds, then." She turns and heads off to the training grounds.
Izuku decides to follow her, as he doesn't have anything else to do.
Akari pauses in the middle of the training grounds before she turns to him, "listen- I've had an epiphany!"
"A-and that is?"
"You see, I've got a partner of my own. We may not get along perfectly, but we've got to work together to help complete the Pokedex!"
"Your partner?"
"Yes! Here-" she pulls out a Poke-ball, "this is my partner, Pikachu!" She releases a yellow mouse-like Pokemon with red patches on its cheeks and a lightning bolt-like tail.
Bigaah!
He cries out.
"When we were attacked by those Shinx, I got too scared to think straight, and… I couldn't handle battling as a team. Ever since then, my partner's refused to listen to anything I tell him… and if I'm being honest, I'm not even sure how to order him- how to guide him in battle."
Pikachu turns to Akari and lets out a cry. Izuku looks down at Pikachu, before pulling out Cinnamon's Poke-ball, before looking back to Akari.
"But when I saw how you and your Pokemon work together, I realised we needed to do more, too…"
"You know… w-where I come from, Pokemon battles are a very Popular thing," Akari looks at him, "but sometimes a trainer's Pokemon won't listen to them if they believe their train isn't a good one, or the trainers aren't confident in their partner's abilities. So maybe… you should put more trust in your Pokemon to keep you safe in the face of danger."
Akari thinks for a moment before nodding, "Y-Yeah…" she turns to Pikachu, "I should probably put more trust in my abilities if I want to trust yours."
Biga!
Pikachu cheers, Akari nods to herself before gaining a determined look, "so please! Have a battle with us. I want to learn how to fight effectively!"
Pikachu cheers as Izuku nods, and the two get ready for their battle
Izuku held up Cinnamon's Poke-ball from his side of the training grounds and smiled, "You ready Akari?"
"Yeah!"
"Alright," he threw Cinnamon's ball into the air, releasing them in a flash of light, "Hope you're ready for a battle, Cinnamon!"
Cinnamon cried out as it was released, getting ready to battle.
"Alright! Let's go, Pikachu!" Akari's Pikachu hopped into battle, "Use thunder shock!"
"Dodge it!"
As Pikachu let off a large blast of electricity, Cinnamon dodged most of it, only getting hit with the tail end.
"Use ember!"
Pikachu didn't have time to react as a ball of fire hit him right in the face, surprised and startled Pikachu let off a thunder wave, paralysing Cinnamon's front right leg, causing them to collapse briefly.
"Pikachu, use tackle!"
"Cinnamon, use ember at Pikachu's feet, then quick attack!"
Before Pikachu could get a good hit he had to move to avoid the ember, before getting tackled head on as the Paralysis weared off. Pikachu gave a meek cry as it collapsed , exhausted.
"Wow! You and your Pokemon seem to be completely in step with one another." Akari remarked as she went to heal Pikachu and Cinnamon.
"You didn't do too b-bad yourself, maybe we could do this another time."
Akari smiled brilliantly, "of course, that was fun! But me and Pikachu gotta' work on our teamwork, right Pikachu?"
Pikachu squeaks in agreement before Akari returns him to his Poke-ball.
"So you're the one? That new recruit everyone's talking about?" A female voice speaks out.
"Huh?"
Izuku turns to see a large burly red headed lady, nicely combed and trimmed, pulled into a high ponytail, very curled at the ends. Dressed in the Guards uniform, but slightly edited to her liking, with her Pokeball tied to her waist, and white fingerless gloves
"The name's Zisu. Captain of the Security Corps." She grinned, "I see you've got some fight in you. Figured I'd stop by and give what advice I could."
Akari smiles and turns to him, "Captain Zisu is a master of an ancient martial art- one that specialises in Pokemon battles."
Captain Zisu grins, "Now listen- if your Pokemon's truly mastered its moves, it can actually use them in different styles!"
"Styles?" Izuku inquired.
"Yes, styles. Now, on one hand, you can choose to deliver a move in the strong style , the move will deal more damage, but afterward it'll take longer for your Pokemon to act. On the other hand, you can choose to unleash a move in the agile style , such a move will have less power behind it, but your Pokemon can act more quickly afterward." her grin seems to sharpen, "in truly favourable conditions, it might even get out two moves before the opponent can act."
Izuku thinks for a moment, 'Didn't Cinnamon just do that in our battle with Akari?'
Zisu continues, " Strong style moves, agile style moves, and of course, regular moves… choose which is right for a given situation, and direct your Pokemon with a little nudge."
Izuku nods in understanding at the tall lady.
She pauses before smiling brightly, "Oh and one more thing- if you even need help teaching your Pokemon some powerful moves, just let me know!"
Akari smiles at Captain Zisu before turning to Izuku, "Zisu's teachings should serve you well when you're up against tough Pokemon!" She huffs gently, "Now I suppose It's time we went to meet Mai."
"Right." Izuku checks his satchel as he and Akari wave to Captain Zisu as they walk off, Izuku also stops by the crafting station to make a few more Poke-balls.
...
As Akari and Izuku made their way to the Fieldlands camp, Izuku felt a shiver go down his spine putting him on edge, 'what was tha-'
"Boo!"
"AH-!"
"HOLY-!"
Izuku's first reaction was to punch… so he did, he turned and nailed Volo right in the gut. And Volo, who did not expect that reaction, folded over like a limp noodle. Volo fell to his knees and wheezed as he held his gut in pain.
"O-Oh, Mister Volo! I-I'm sorry!" Izuku's hands hovered around not sure what to do to help.
"OH, Sinnoh! Izuku you've got a mighty swing!" Akari laughs worriedly.
"Akari!?"
Volo coughs a few times before shakily standing up, "Wow, guess I scared you." He grins, still holding his gut.
"I'm sorry Mister Volo…" Izuku apologised once more, while Volo just waved him off.
"It's alright, kid. Now onto what I actually wanted to tell you, there's a secret technique to catching Pokemon, you see." he holds up a finger and gently waves it around, " It's what I call the Secret Back Strike Technique! Hitting a Pokemon's back with your Poke-ball will surprise it, making it easier to catch or giving you an advantage once a battle starts!"
'So it did seem to help more when I hit that starly in the back during my trial…cool.'
Volo continues, "If you're part of the Survey Corps now, working to create that Pokedex as they all are, you might end up meeting every last Pokemon here in Hisui. You should know I'm already looking forward to the day you accomplish that!"
When Volo says that last sentence, Izuku feels that presence looms a bit closer to him, he swore he could see eyes staring at him from the shadows. Izuku suppresses his shiver.
"Well, I'll be on my way!" he waves as he heads off, the presence follows.
Akari blinks beside him, "well that was a strange encounter," she turns to him, " we best hurry up to meet Mai!" she hurries off with Izuku scurrying after.
He has to fight a couple Shinx who attack them on the way (Izuku decided it would be a good idea to keep Cinnamon outside their Pokeball anytime he's outside town), and gathers a few materials, but they eventually make it in one piece, crossing over a bridge into the area only 'one stars' or higher are allowed to cross, they are met with a teen and her Munchlax, a small light blue Pokemon with a peach coloured chest, bottom jaw and feet.
She waves to them," hello, I don't believe we've met, I am Warden Mai of the Diamond clan."
"N-nice to meet you Mai, I-I'm Izuku, and this is Cinnamon." He gestures to the Pokemon by his side, Cinnamon chirped up at her.
She gives a small smile to Cinnamon before turning to him and Akari, "now since you're here, I assume you're prepared to be of help?"
"Now I suppose you don't know what a Warden is, if you're new to Hisui… but such talk can wait. Right now, I'd rather we get straight to the point. I have a problem that I need solving, so the more important question is this…" she crosses her arms, "Do you feel confident that you can lead your Pokemon in battle?"
Izuku pauses only for a moment, he knows he's a lot better at communicating to Pokemon then with people, so he nods, "I do…"
Mai smiles, "That's good to hear. That Security Corps of yours wasn't up to the task."
Looking down she gestures to the Munchlax beside her, "This here is my partner, Munchlax. We were raised together like siblings, he battles at my side by choice, without using those silly little balls you use, watch and learn." she grins at him, as Munchlax growls happily.
"O-oh… you want to have a battle?" Izuku questioned.
"Yes, I have to make sure you are up to the task."
Akari grins beside him, "You can do it, Izuku!"
"A-Alright… Mai, I accept your challenge." he sees Cinnamon nod in his peripheral vision.
They separate from each other, far enough away that they won't fall victim to the battle between the Pokemon, with Akari as a referee of sorts.
Izuku starts the battle off with an ember that singes some of Munchlax's fur (he will later apologise to Munchlax for messing up it's fur), Munchlax uses rollout which hits home because Izuku wasn't able to react in time to warn Cinnamon, but Cinnamon is a strong Pokemon and gets back up ready to continue.
He looks to Munchlax who seems fixated on using rollout… good he can work with that.
"Cinnamon, quick attack to the right!" Cinnamon follows his order, he's not sure if they caught on to what he's about to do.
Looking at Mai he can suspect she knows he's plotting something… it's too late to stop it anyway as he sees Munchlax getting ready for another rollout. Munchlax kicks up dirt as it moves fast, heading right towards Cinnamon… who is standing in front of a large boulder, Mai's eyes widened as Izuku grins.
"Wait Munchlax-!"
"Cinnamon dodge quickly!"
Cinnamon dashes left just as Munchlax reaches them, and subsequently unable to stop or turn as he bashes head first into the boulder. Izuku winces as the boulder shakes from Munchlax's impact.
Munchlax staggers before collapsing on his back, the three of them hurry over to Manchlax to make sure he's alright.
"Is h-he alright?" Izuku asks Mai.
She nods, "He's fine, just knocked out."
Akari lets out a quiet, "Battle decided!" before patting Izuku on the back.
Mai pulls out two potion bottles, pouring one of the bottles on Munchlax before shuffling over to Cinnamon to heal them, while Izuku pulls out an Oran Berry from his satchel.
"Here, to a-apologise to Munchlax for tricking him into attacking a boulder." He holds out the berry to Mai, who takes it in hand.
"Thank you, I'm sure he will appreciate it."
Izuku nods before turning to check on Cinnamon as Akari turns to Mai to have a quick conversation. Cinnamon's bumps and bruises have already healed, he smiles before scratching them under their chin, "You did a great job, Cinnamon, thank you."
He smiles and picks them up before turning to Akari, Mai and the now awake Munchlax.
"You really aren't one of those usual Galaxy buffoons if you could beat my Pokemon…' She looks at Munchlax, "Well fought, Munchlax."
Munchlax growls in happiness at the compliment, Mai looks back to him.
"And I'll let you have these, you people make all kinds of things with your crafting, don't you? These should prove to be useful materials."
She hands him three Vivachokes (great for making revives!) which he has Akari help him with putting them in his satchel, 'I can't wait til' Captain Cyllene gets me more room for Items…'
Mai gives a small smile, "You and Cinnamon fought well together! You practically acted as one with them." she pauses in thought, "Rather like the legendary hero of old… the one we tell stories of to our children."
Izuku blinks… 'Is… is it really that hard for them to connect with each other? Both Pokemon and humans?'
"I think you're indeed the one for the job." she nods, "You see, I need someone to deal with an alpha Pokemon causing trouble upon Deertrack Heights. It's a large fearsome foe- like any other alpha -but you'll come, won't you?"
He nods, "O-Of course, if y-you both could explain what alpha Pokemon are…?"
"Of course, but before we continue, I must ask. Do you already know about Almighty Sinnoh?"
"Almighty Sinnoh?"
"I suppose that's to be expected, allow me to sketch out the basics… Almighty Sinnoh steers all time. It's said to have created the very universe using its power over time's flow, and this land of Hisui was born in the process. It's by the grace of Almighty Sinnoh that Pokemon can live and thrive here." She pauses to breathe before continuing, "We of the Diamond Clan are descendants of the people who originally crossed the sea and settled here in the Hisui region to venerate Almighty Sinnoh. However, it stole away from the world long ago, hiding itself from our sight… Almighty Sinnoh has only rarely been seen by any human, if the old tales are to be trusted. But there are still Pokemon here today in Hisui with a connection to Almighty Sinnoh, and it is the duty of wardens like myself to attend to their needs."
She turns to face the large slanted hill in the distance, "The Pokemon that graces Deertrack Heights is one of those honoured few. It is directly descended from a Pokemon that was blessed with Almighty Sinnoh's protection."
"Ah…" 'is that what I sound like when I mumble?!'
"Follow me, and you may understand." She turns and starts walking up to Deertrack Heights.
Izuku follows quickly after setting Cinnamon down, Akari right on his heels. He tries not to take too many detours, but he does have to have a few fights with wild Pokemon, and gather some berries. He also catches a few Kricketot and Geodudes' (he plans on releasing most of his catches when he's done writing their page in the Pokedex).
As they reach Deertrack Heights, they turn to look down the path at the sound of someone running, that someone happened to be the Professor running after them with Rowlet fluttering after him.
"Oh? so even your professor decided to join us?" Mai comments.
He stops a few feet away from them, huffing and puffing from his sporadic jog to catch up to the five (5) or them, he wipes some sweat off his brow, Rowlet landing on the ground beside him.
"Whew… Thank goodness… I got here in time…" He pulls out his camera as he finally catches his breath, "As a Pokemon researcher, I could hardly miss out on a chance to observe an alpha, now, could I?"
Mai huffs, "I suppose that is your business… Fine-as long as you stay out of the way…" she turns and looks to the wide expanse in front of them guarded by stone walls all around (well not really it just looks like it), "This is Deertrack Heights… This is where I've long come to pay tribute to a special Pokemon- a Pokemon descended from one of those ancients blessed by Almighty Sinnoh."
Just as she finishes talking a cry resounds around Deertrack Heights, both Laventon and Akari startle, and shake. Mai just stares in disinterest, but she had a bit of tension in her shoulders. Izuku jumps a bit, while Cinnamon hisses and spits off fire from their back.
De- le- le wooooooop!
A large orange Bug Pokemon ran into the centre, clacking its arms against each other.
"That's not it."
Izuku huffs a quiet laugh from the deadpanned delivery.
"That's only a troublemaker, here to disturb the peace with its racket."
The (what Izuku thinks is a Kricketune) drags its arms across each other once again creating a rumbling sound in the area, it cries out again.
"And that's what you're here for, Izuku: to drive that interloper from this place. I'll insure your Pokemon are ready for battle"
After giving a quick check to Cinnamon, Laventon seems to finally get out of his shocked state.
"Upon my word… What a large specimen! Little wonder alpha Pokemon are feared across the land if they're all as oversized as this one!" He takes a picture.
"Exactly. They're not only big, though. They are strong and may know moves that others of their kind do not, they're not to be trifled with, let me tell you. Nevertheless…" she looks at Izuku, "I believe you are stronger still than this alpha. So go show it that, beyond any mistaking!"
"Right…"
Laventon cuts in, "Be careful, Izuku. Size is a potent weapon in and of itself. No doubt this alpha is a powerful and hardy foe… If you must face it, make sure your Pokemon have some strong moves at their disposal."
Izuku nods as Akari gives him an encouraging thumbs up.
Looking at the alpha Kricketune, he decides it would be better to think of a plan for this one beforehand. Looking to the ground he notices most of it is dry dirt and loose bits of gravel…
'Don't bug types have weaker protection around their eyes… and Kricketune has rather large eyes… alright I have a plan'
Izuku gets down on one knee to whisper to Cinnamon who has been patiently waiting by their trainer's side a little anxiously. He scratches the top of Cinnamon's head to get their attention.
"I'm going to need you to pay attention to where the Kricketune is for me, as you're going to have to kick up as much dust as you can, then… and I know you might struggle but I want you to at least try, to light your back flames while you use a quick attack while rolling like how Akari showed us earlier… alright?"
Cinnamon stares at him for a minute before huffing as the back flames spark to life, they turn and get ready to go on his command.
Izuku took a deep breath, trying to cool his nerves, sure he has at least one (1) other Pokemon in his pouch… but he hasn't had the chance to talk to them and ask if they could help him if Cinnamon faints… but it will be alright he believes in Cinnamon.
"Alright…" another breath, he picks up a few rocks, "let's go!"
Cinnamon uses a quick attack to get close to attract the Kricketune's attention, which works. Kricketune turns to attack, its arms glowing with power but Cinnamon is quick to use another quick attack to kick up some dust to hide in.
Izuku pays attention to where Cinnamon's back lights up and throws a rock opposite to their position, attracting the Kricketune's attention elsewhere.
Kricketune launches its attack but only manages to clear a bit of the dust, fire sparks behind it as Cinnamon kicks off the ground barreling towards the large bug, curling in on themselves they roll mid-air towards the larger Pokemon's back, setting themselves ablaze.
The Kricketune caught unawares falls and recoils as the flaming echidna-like Pokemon slams into its back.
Cinnamon is quick to get up and causes more dust to stir in the air, the alpha Pokemon staggers to its feet and glares at all the dust surrounding it once again. Izuku runs around keeping his distance, but tries to keep both Pokemon in his peripherals, pulling out a rotten apricorn he steadies his aim before chucking it directly into the alpha's face, startling it causing it to loose focus long enough for Cinnamon to launch an ember at it.
Kricketune screeches as the flames hit its head, disorientating it more as it scrambles to get the ashes off its face, stumbling and fumbling around it gurgles and chirps in distress, slashing at random, kicking up more dirt as Cinnamon launches another ember.
"P-Professor!-" he rolls out of the way of an attack grunting as he hits his shoulder on a rock, "Do you want me to catch the Kricketune!?"
He staggers and gets out of range of the alpha to get a breather.
"Only if you can do it without getting injured, my boy!'
'Only without getting hurt… alright, I can do that.'
Izuku quickly pulls out an empty Poke-ball and calls out to his partner Pokemon, "Cinnamon! I need you to keep distracting it!"
Sparks light up in the dust as he hears Cinnamon let out a cry that causes the Kricketune to focus on them.
Rolling his shoulder to get the kinks out, he breathes deeply pulling his arm back to aim, looking over at the two Pokemon he spots the alpha starting to use a move, its arms cloaked in dark energy, breathing heavily as it attacks wildly… oh he'll have to calm it down later and apologise for this.
With one last breath he throws the Poke-ball, hitting the alpha Pokemon right in the back. The Poke-ball opens and pulls the Kricketune inside, shaking to get out.
One.
Two.
Three.
The firework shoots out from the top signifying the capture is a success, as he walks over to pick the Poke-ball up he does breathing exercises to calm his racing heart. Cinnamon trots over chirping happily a few scratches on their body but otherwise unharmed, he gives them a few headpats.
"I'll get you something nice for helping me."
Cinnamon coos in response.
Getting up the two walk over to the others, minimal scratches and Poke-ball in hand.
Akari had stars in her eyes, "That was so cool!"
Mai smirked, "You really are an impressive one, aren't you?" she pauses, "Seeing someone best an alpha like that… it truly reminds me of the legendary hero of old!"
Mai walks a bit closer, "we'd best make sure Cinnamon is taken care of after facing off against such a foe."
Pulling out a potion bottle she sets about healing the small Pokemon, as she does Izuku turns to Laventon and Akari.
"P-professor."
"Yes, my boy?"
"I'm going to need help… with uh- calming down and healing Kricketune later, so maybe… you, Rowlet and Akari can help me with that."
Laventon smiles gently, "Of course, I'll help… it would be much easier to study cooperative Pokemon."
Mai finishes up healing Cinnamon and stands up to start talking again before-
Wyeeeeeer!-
"Wh-What in the world?!" Laventon stammers, as Izuku, Akari and him look on in shock at the large white stag with golden antlers that stands on the cliff above them.
Mai smiles gently, "It's the great Wyrdeer!"
Wyrdeer turns and makes his way down the ledge gracefully, slowly walking over at his own pace. Pausing a few metres from them, he stares at them with a stern gaze, his look softening as it lands on Izuku and Mai.
"He looks upon you with kindness, Izuku…"
He bows his head lightly before turning away from the group and taking his leave.
Mai turns to Izuku, "I'd say the great Wyrdeer has taken a liking to you. That is fortunate, he is an esteemed Pokemon that can dash across the expanses of Hisui while bearing a human on his back- a human he deems worthy, at least" she pauses and looks to where Wyrdeer walked off to, "He is a blessing to us all."
'That kind of reminds me of Ponyta's and Rapidash's, and how they only allow those they trust to ride along their backs without harm.'
Laventon claps his hands, "Remarkable! Truly outstanding stuff! A Pokemon letting someone ride on it… why it's just like the Ride Pokemon of Alola!"
'Oh… that's r-right, Alola has certain Pokemon that are used for travel…'
"Oh, Izuku!" Akari exclaims.
"Y-yeah, Akari?"
"Captain Cyllene said that once you finished this, we'd be able to set up a base camp here."
Laventon hums, "Ah, about that. I know this was a joint decision by Adaman and the commander, but still-is it truly fine for us to set up more base camps like this?"
Mai turns to him, "The Hisui region is a land created by Almighty Sinnoh for the sake of its Pokemon. As long as your goal is to coexist and thrive together with the Pokemon, then I imagine you should be allowed to use this land. The great Wyrdeer has taken a liking to Izuku, as well. This is a good sign" She turns to Izuku, "You have my thanks for what you did today. Our clan leader will hear of how you added us. I'll come to show my appreciation with a proper reward as soon as I can."
"Ah, n-no it's alright Mai I don't need anything in return…"
"Nonsense, you helped a lot, you at least deserve something in return."
"Eh-"
Mai narrows her eyes
"O-okay, thank you."
She nods and waves goodbye as she and Munchlax walk off.
Akari speaks up, "If we want to 'coexist and thrive' with Pokemon, we'll need to stop fearing them and start getting to know them better. That starts with completing the Pokedex!" She looks off down the trail, "Anyway, we should be able to have that base camp set up once the Construction Corps arrives."
...
By the time the Construction Corps along with a few Security Corps it was early in the evening, it took about an hour before the entire camp was set up. Due to how late it was they decided it would be a good idea to stay at the camp for the night.
Izuku stays out a bit longer finding a few Driftloon to catch, before going into his tent. Cinnamon sits curled up on his side while he lays down, he gently scratches their head.
"Cinnamon…?"
Cinnamon shifts to look at him and questioning chirp.
"I think it would be a good idea to add another Pokemon to our team… I have a few Pokemon in my satchel that we could ask to join us, what do you think?"
Cinnamon sniffed before letting out a quiet but happy chirp.
Izuku smiled, "Thanks bud… we'll get our new friend tomorrow."
With that he rolled over and cuddled Cinnamon, the two falling asleep together.