Hello all! Due to the remakes of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl coming out soon, I have randomly had inspiration to write a story based on Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Whilst it will be following the storyline, I will be taking some liberties with the storyline, such as OC's taking the place of established characters and certain events not happening yet and others that have already happened. Also, the Pokémon encounters will work like the anime. There will no version exclusives.
I have a few ideas about how I can include the DLC in an organic way but the main thing would be how the story flows. For example, I'm not going to have my characters doing the challenge and suddenly they're on the Isle of Armor or in the Crown Tundra. Also, I will be incorporating Gift Pokémon, Max Raid Battles (which will work like the games), the Pokémon Box Link and certain NPC's.
Anyway, here's the first chapter: The Slumbering Weald
I had just finished watching Chairman Rose give a speech about the world of Pokémon before an exhibition match between Raihan the Gym Leader and the current Champion of the Galar Region; David.
They had just released their Pokémon; a Duraludon from Raihan and a Charizard from David, which according to his profile, was given as a gift to him as a Charmander by the previous Champion, Leon.
As everyone was expecting, they both instantly recalled their Pokémon and flicked their wrists slightly, causing five beams of energy to release from the bands on their wrists and engulf the Poké balls, causing them to grow into larger than normal Premier Balls.
They threw the balls behind them, re-releasing their Pokémon, who instantly grew extremely tall and had changed form slightly, into their 'Gigantamax' forms.
Charizard had just inhaled when the video shrunk and my cousins face filled the screen. I jumped a little but smiled and told the Rotom that lived in my phone that it was alright to accept the call.
"Hey Louis, what's up?" I asked.
"Meet me at Wedgehurst as soon as you can. David's got our Pokémon." He told me.
"I'm on my way." I said, hanging up.
I quickly rushed upstairs and grabbed my wallet and hat. I put on my thin coat and was just about to leave when I heard two voices. I turned around and looked down, seeing my mum's Pokémon; a Munchlax which was her first caught Pokémon (don't ask me how that was possible) and a Meowth she got from a friend in the Kanto region.
"I'm going to Wedgehurst. I'm getting my starter Pokémon today." I told them.
They both smiled and waved me off, both giving me a Repel each. They both had the ability Pickup which was useful in these cases. But when they found things like Mushrooms and Evolution Stones, it was a little impractical.
I opened the door and stepped out into Postwick. It was a quaint little town that we had recently moved to from the Kalos region and the peace and quiet was definitely worth it. I took two more steps and the Budew and Roselia that preferred to stay in the garden called out to me.
"I'll be back later. Can you look after my mum until I get back? I'll even have a surprise for you all." I said to them.
They both nodded and I finally left the garden.
With the two grass types outside as well as Meowth and Munchlax, it was a wonder my mum didn't hear me leave.
The small path to the edge of town was lined with a long stone wall that always seemed to stay strong even with the odd wild Wooloo rolling into it.
This was the first time that I was travelling to Wedgehurst without Meowth or Munchlax keeping me company. Or even any Pokémon. I was a little nervous today, but I know that the end result will be worth it. Besides, even if it preferred to stay in my phone, I just had a feeling that Rotom would leave the phone and protect me.
An hour later and I was in Wedgehurst. I had no problems, even with a few Pokémon eyeing me up. To pass the time, I walked past the Pokémon Centre and train station and headed to the small berry shop. I bought four Rawst Berries and four Oran berries. That way, the four Pokémon at my house could have one each. I call it a 'thank you' for them.
Ten minutes later and I left the Wedgehurst Boutique wearing an orange T-shirt under a blue hoodie with a new pair of jeans and an orange Scally cap.
I walked back down to the train station and saw a crowd had formed. I approached the back of the crowd when I saw a familiar head of bold blue hair.
"Louis!" I called. Louis turned around and pulled me to the front. "What's going on?"
"Somehow, they found out David was coming here and everyone wants to see the Champion." He sighed.
I was soon deafened as everyone began to cheer. Louis and I looked at the station door as Louis's brother exited. For a split second, I saw him have an expression that screamed 'Crud'. He gained composure and raised a hand. The crowd instantly quietened as he spoke.
"Whilst I do appreciate the effort you have all shown to welcome me to Wedgehurst, I'm afraid that I am on a tight schedule and I must keep to my appointments."
The crowd moaned and began to disperse. Louis and I both stayed put, knowing that we were the appointment he was referring to.
He signalled us to follow him and we made our way back down Route 1 towards Postwick. Half way down the route and after catching up with us, he took off his rucksack and pulled out a foldable stand and a large stainless steel pot and several other things.
I never understood how the bags could fit so much in but I wasn't going to question it. David released his Pokémon; the Charizard I had seen on my phone, an Inteleon, which I believe was his starter Pokémon, a Ferrothorn, a Blissey, a purple Pokémon with blue spikes going down its back (He told me it was called Toxtricity) and a Togekiss.
Togekiss instantly flew down and gave both Louis and me a hug. I couldn't help but laugh at Togekiss' behaviour.
"Still affectionate then?" I teased.
"He's focused when he's battling though." David affirmed.
This was just like him. His Pokémon were outgoing with emotion and he was the serious one. Inteleon sat by Louis whilst Toxtricity, Charizard and Blissey began setting up the pot and deciding on some food.
"Hold on guys, let me give Gordon and Louis their Pokémon." David said, just as Charizard turned to light a fire.
"You actually managed to find them?" Louis asked.
David smirked as he threw three Poké balls a small distance into the air. Small beams of light formed into three different Pokémon. A green monkey, a white rabbit with orange accents, and a blue Pokémon that looked like an amphibian of some sort.
"Okay guys, meet Grookey, Scorbunny and Sobble." David introduced. "Don't worry about the third Pokémon, I'll train them myself."
Once David had told us what Pokémon we were being given the choice of two months ago, we instantly began to think of the best choice for us and we both decided. And on different Pokémon too, so that made it easier.
"I'd like Sobble."
"And I'll have Scorbunny."
I watched as Louis hugged his new Pokémon. I looked down at my feet and noticed the reserved behaviour of my chosen Pokémon.
I knelt down and sat on the ground. I held out my hand as a show of faith. Scorbunny looked at my hand and back at me. I smirked and opened my arms for a hug. Scorbunny smiled and jumped into my arms.
"Don't worry Scorbunny, I'll be your friend, if you want." Scorbunny looked at me and nodded quickly, clearly happy with my word choice.
I looked over at Grookey being soothed by Togekiss as it wasn't chosen by Louis or myself. "I feel bad for Grookey." I whispered to Scorbunny.
Scorbunny nodded in agreement and called out. Grookey came over to us and Scorbunny instantly hugged Grookey. I saw a few tears in Grookey's eyes but I knew that David said he would take care of Grookey himself.
Grookey did seem to calm down when one of Ferrothorn's vines wrapped around Grookey in a hugging fashion. I couldn't help a smile crossing my face.
"Hey, why don't you two have a battle?" David suggested.
I looked down at Scorbunny, who was looking back at me. A slight nod from Scorbunny was all I needed. I nodded back and saw that Louis and Sobble seemed to have the same idea.
"Let's do it." I agreed.
Louis and I walked away a small distance so our battle wouldn't disturb the area. Sobble and Scorbunny stood a small distance apart facing each other. Louis stood behind Sobble and I stood behind Scorbunny.
"Scared Louis?"
"You wish." He replied, full of confidence. And I could see why.
"Scorbunny, I'm not going to lie." I told my partner. "We're at a disadvantage but I've seen fights where typing isn't everything, so we'll just have to do our best."
Scorbunny nodded and seemed determined to prove itself.
I took out a coin and called to Louis. "Heads or Tails?" I flipped the coin as Louis called out 'Heads'. The coin came up Tails but I decided to go second. "Your move Louis and Sobble."
"Sobble, use Bubble!" Louis quickly called.
Sobble ran forward and spat out several small bubbles of water. Scorbunny jumped into the air and only its feet got caught by the bubbles. Whilst they didn't seem to do any damage, it did throw off my Pokémon's jump and caused it to fall and land on the ground.
"Are you alright Scorbunny?" I called. Scorbunny stood up and seemed even more determined to win. "Great. Now jump into a Tackle attack."
Scorbunny ran towards Sobble and just when Sobble seemed ready to dodge, Scorbunny jumped into the air, did a forward roll, landed behind Sobble and threw itself into Sobble before it had a chance to dodge.
"Sobble, Growl then use Pound!" Louis countered.
Sobble took a small breath and called out its name. it stung my ears slightly, but it seemed nothing compared to what poor Scorbunny was hearing since it brought down its ears in an attempt to quieten the sound. Before Scorbunny knew what was happening, Sobble slapped Scorbunny on the cheek, knocking it off balance before following Louis's suggestion of a second Bubble attack.
Scorbunny tried to get up but its arm slipped and it fell onto its back. I raised my arm up and called off the battle. I could see that we had lost.
I picked up Scorbunny who seemed to be upset. "Don't worry. This just wasn't our battle. There will be plenty of other times for you to shine."
Scorbunny smiled slightly as Louis approached me with Sobble in his arms. "That was a good first battle."
"You did well too." I smiled.
We walked back to David just as he was pouring out some food into bowls. He looked at us and smiled as Blissey came over. Scorbunny and Sobble jumped out of our arms and Blissey pulled out the egg from her pouch and threw it gently towards them. A light shone over them and they seemed to gain back some energy.
"Thanks for that Blissey." Louis smiled.
David, Louis and I and our Pokémon all enjoyed the Sausage Curry he had prepared during our first battle. After a further twenty minutes of talking and our Pokémon playing, we decided to pack up and carry on home to Postwick. Scorbunny wanted to stay out for a little longer and I couldn't say no. Despite the extra weight to my shoulder, it seemed quite easy for me to walk with Scorbunny hanging on.
I saw the border of Postwick and reached up to Scorbunny. "Not long now." I told the rabbit.
Ten minutes later and I was standing in my front garden, and since Budew and Roselia weren't in their usual places so I could only assume that they were inside. I reached for the door handle and slowly opened the door. Scorbunny held its breath, not knowing what could happen. I placed Scorbunny on the ground and called out.
"Mum? Meowth? Munchlax?"
No answer.
I signalled Scorbunny to follow me upstairs. It seemed too quiet. I came to my bedroom door and heard a small noise I recognised instantly. I groaned slightly and opened my door.
"Munchlax, I've told you to stop chewing on my pillows."
My mum, Meowth and Munchlax were in my room. The sound was indeed Munchlax, but it was chewing on a large bun.
"What are you doing?" I asked my mum.
"Getting your bag sorted." She replied. "David phoned me when he was on the way to Wedgehurst."
"So where were you when I went there?" I asked.
"I was just having a nap. Munchlax only woke me up after you'd gone." She answered. "I asked Meowth to keep an eye on you from the shadows." It was then she noticed the extra Pokémon in the room. "And who's this?"
I looked down and smiled. "This is Scorbunny. My first Pokémon."
Scorbunny waved slightly, clearly nervous about the situation. Meowth approached Scorbunny first and seemed to be gauging whether Scorbunny was trustworthy or not. Meowth smiled and greeted Scorbunny like a friend.
Munchlax seemed to get a half eaten apple from somewhere and offered it to Scorbunny. It made a face and seemed to decline the offer. Munchlax shrugged and decided to eat the apple instead.
"So, when are you going on your journey?" my mum asked.
"I was thinking of waiting until tomorrow." I answered. "I know it's still earlyish but it may be best if I wait until tomorrow morning. Then I can start on a fresh day."
"If that's what you want." She agreed. "It also means I have more time to get some necessities."
I suddenly remembered my shopping. I took two Oran Berries and two Rawst Berries out of my bag and gave one each to Meowth and Munchlax.
"You spoil those two you know." My mum teased.
"Where's Roselia and Budew? They weren't in the garden." I asked.
"Try the greenhouse in the back." She suggested. "They tend to spend a few hours there each day." I nodded and instantly went to the back garden.
There were two large trees in the bottom corners where, in exchange for some shelter in the greenhouse during harsh weather, they would leave a few berries in the trees for us to use. I went to the greenhouse and could see two green blurs inside.
I slowly opened the door and saw that Roselia and Budew seemed to be resting. I quickly and quietly placed the berries in front of them and went back into the house. My mother had given Scorbunny a meal along with Meowth and Munchlax.
I slowly opened the door and saw that Roselia and Budew seemed to be resting. I quickly and quietly placed the berries in front of them and went back into the house.
"Were they in the greenhouse?"
I nodded. "It looked like they were resting. I locked it up but left their Poké-Door open."
"Thank you." She said.
Later that night, my mother had given Scorbunny a meal along with Meowth and Munchlax as we ate our own meal.
"Have you thought about what you're going to do?" my mother asked.
I looked at her. "Honestly, I was just going to travel." I answered. "It's not like I can do the Gym Challenge."
"Why not?" she asked.
"I need an Endorsement remember?" I prompted. "And I don't know many people who are qualified to give me one."
"Why not David?" she asked. "I'm sure if you asked him, he'd give you one."
"And give me the chance to beat his brother in the Challenge?" I scoffed. "Not likely."
She nodded in agreement. "Still, you could always ask him. He might say yes."
"Well, I'm supposed to be meeting him tomorrow in Wedgehurst for something anyway." I thought. "I could drop a hint then."
"There you go." She smiled. "You get nowhere without asking, now why don't you and Scorbunny go to bed and get some rest for tomorrow. You're going to need it."
I agreed and stood up from the table as a loud crash rang through the house. The three Pokémon looked around in a panic.
"What on earth was that?" my mother asked as I looked outside.
"The gate's broken." I said.
"What gate?"
"The one to the Slumbering Weald." I answered, walking to the door.
I opened it and walked out into the dusk. The gate was not as broken as I thought, but it did seem to have its lock broken. I took a step in when I heard Scorbunny calling out. I looked down to see its irritated face.
"Sorry." I apologised.
I looked back at the gate and saw a tuft of wool. I pulled it off and saw another small tuft a little bit further in. I suddenly had a terrible thought. A Wooloo had Tackled the gate and gone into the Slumbering Weald.
"I think a Wooloo's gone in there." I gulped. Scorbunny make the gesture to go in. "No-one's supposed to go in there. They say it's full of strong Pokémon and protected by two invincible Pokémon."
"Gordon!" Louis came running up to me. "What happened?"
"I think a Wooloo went in there." I said.
"How do you know?" Louis asked.
"There was a tuft of wool on the gate," I showed him the piece, "And there's another piece a little further in. It's only a guess but…"
"I'm thinking so too." Louis nodded. "Are you going in?"
"I was thinking about it." I admitted.
Louis stood by my side. "You've heard the stories. We're not supposed to go in there."
"What can we do?" I asked, not expecting an answer.
I looked down at Scorbunny and made my mind up. I picked it up and walked past the gate. I heard a footstep behind, then nothing. I stopped and smiled. Of course he wants to help too.
"Fine, you can come if you want."
The footsteps quickened and I saw Louis by my side. "It may be better if there's two pairs of eyes looking."
Together, we entered the Slumbering Weald. The atmosphere changed instantly. It felt as though someone was watching me, watching us. For its own safety, I put Scorbunny in its Poké ball and noticed Louis checking his belt, clearly confirming to himself that Sobble was there.
We walked cautiously onward, listening for any sign of a Wooloo. As far as I was aware, there were never any Wooloo in here but that doesn't mean there isn't.
Whilst it was easy for someone to get lost, if you looked to the floor there was a path that can easily be followed.
"This way." I said to Louis and he instantly followed.
We made our way over an old bridge that still seemed strong. After battling a Rookidee and a Skwovet, both Scorbunny and Sobble wanted to stay out of their balls and I was relieved at their insistence.
As we made our way further in, the fog seemed to thicken. Both Sobble and Scorbunny jumped onto myself and Louis so they wouldn't lose us.
Eventually, the fog became so thick that we could barely see each other.
"I can't see." Louis said.
"We're okay Louis. We'll just go back the way we came." I said.
"And which way is that?" he asked.
I looked to the ground and saw that the path was blocked by the fog. I made a noise and then heard a sound. I looked around and saw nothing.
"Did you hear that?"
"Hear what?" Louis asked, followed shortly by a similar sound, though not the same. "What was that?"
"I don't know, but that wasn't the same sound I heard." I replied.
I suddenly felt a chill down my back. I slowly turned around and saw the fog part as a large creature slowly approached me. "Louis? We're in trouble."
"I know." He said.
I turned my eyes slightly and saw another creature facing Louis. "There's two of them? Are they Pokémon?"
"What do we do?" he asked.
I looked at the two large creatures and only had one thought. "Scorbunny, try an Ember on that one." I pointed to the mostly red creature.
Scorbunny jumped forward and spat out a few small fireballs. My confidence fell when I saw the flames pass through its body. I looked behind me as Louis ordered Sobble to use Water Gun. As with Scorbunny's Ember and the red creature, Sobble's Water Gun passed through the blue creature.
"What are these things?" Louis was starting to panic.
"Don't panic. We'll figure something out." I said, suddenly finding my eyelids dropping.
I heard a shuffle from behind me and saw Sobble had fallen asleep. Louis lowered himself to the floor and Scorbunny had also fallen asleep. I knew it wouldn't be long before I fell asleep too. I made reach for my phone, but realised I had left it at home.
I fought against the upcoming slumber for as long as I could, but I definitely saw the questioning look on the creatures face as it slowly approached me.