That night, I sleep on the ground instead of in my tree. Something nudges me gently while I sleep. I groan.

~Corona, it's time,~ Virizion said softly. I open my eyes and stand. Keldeo and Terrakion are a little behind her, but Cobalion is nowhere in sight. I grab the basket Virizion gave me earlier, only to find it filled with all kinds of berries, with the money now tucked inside of an additional pocket on the side; newly sewn on. Beside it was a leather sheath for my sword that I could slip over my shoulder. I pick up the basket.

~Some leavanny and sewaddle heard you were leaving, and wanted to help,~ Keldeo told me. I finger the pocket. It was carefully woven. I'm touched. They'd used their own silk to make this. I sling the basket over my shoulder and make my way to Terrakion. He nuzzles me with his blocky head.

~I'm going to miss you, kid. I remember when we all first saw you. You were so small in that blanket; dangling from Keldeo's muzzle.~ The Cavern Pokémon chuckles. ~Now look at you. You're more than any of us could've ever hoped for when we made the joint decision making rasise you that day.~ I throw my arms around his neck.

"Thank you. Don't worry about me; I'll be careful. I'll be back before you know it!"

I release Terrakion and turn back to Virizion. Cobalion now stands beside her, and they are speaking quietly between themselves. I approach the pair. "I'm ready." The deep blue pokémon steps towards me.

~Trust in yourself and the pokémon around you, and you won't go wrong, Corona. Keep your mind and body fit. I believe you can do this. Now just believe in yourself.~ Cobalion's eyes shift to my shoulder. ~Do you have your sword?~

I nodded. I'd put the rapier in the sheath so that I could carry it discretely with slicing myself.

~Good. I want you to practice what we worked on. You never know when you'll need to fight.~ He paused before adding, ~We're all going to be proud of you no matter what happens on your journey. All four of us. You're always going to be welcome with us.~

I smile, and the two of us nodded to the other. Even with silence, the meaning of his words were easily understood.

~Cobalion!~ Virizion shouts. ~Stop holding Corona up! She needs to go!~ Virizion playfully headbutted Cobalion. A warm smile curled at the end of his muzzle.

~Then I'll hold her up no more. He looked to me. ~Stay smart. Now go.~

Virizion lay on the lush grass so that I could mount her back. I got on and put my sandalled feet behind the tufts of pink hair on her sides.

~Are you comfortable? ~ Virizion asked me. ~I don't want to start until you're comfortable. We're not stopping.~

"Yes," I replied. Virizion stood on her green haunches. She took a few steps; balancing so I wouldn't fall.

Cobalion stood between Keldeo and Terrakion.

~Bye, Corona! Have fun!~ Keldeo shouted.

~Be careful! We'll all be waiting for you!~ the rock type called out.

I looked to Cobalion. He said nothing, only giving me a curt jerk of his head and his signature emotionless glance. I hold eye contact, and Cobalion's eyes soften.

~Remember who you are, where you come from, and what you stand for. Remember that always,~ he murmurs.

I grab the pink spikes behind Virizion's neck as she takes off.

Virizion is quite serious when she said she was quick. All the scenery beside me blurs together from her speed. Yet her stride is smooth and graceful. I do notice though, that we stick to forest paths. Good. The last thing we need is for some hunter or fanatic to see us, and attempt to capture Virizion. She slows before coming to a complete halt. I can see the faint outline of a town from the shadows of the trees. I slide off Virizion's back, and she nuzzles me.

~This is Accumula Town. It's here we must part." She looks at me with her big, rose-colored eyes. ~Don't fret though; you'll see me again, along with the rest of us.~ She turns towards the town. ~Go into town, and go to a large building with a red roof. You can buy any clothing or supplies you might need there.~ Virizion scans over me. ~I know you're used to clothing like that, Corona, but you'll have to get new clothes before you go to Nuvema so that you blend in. But after that, just walk south from that building. The path will take you straight to Nuvema Town.~ I hug her gently, and she takes off. I look around me, and head into town.

It's early morning, and so nobody is out yet except for a few joggers, who are too absorbed in the music they were listening to; or the street sweeper, who gives me a single glance before returning to sweeping. I turn left and go into the building Virizion had described. The Center too has nearly nobody there. A nurse is sleeping being her desk, while an Audio stands, alert. Upon seeing me, she stands up straight.

~Welcome to the Pokémon Center!~ she says cheerfully, yet softly as to not wake the nurse. She's about to wake her partner, but I stop her.

"Don't," I whisper. "I just need to know where to get some clothes and supplies for a journey." The Hearing Pokémon nods.

~I understand.~ She looks around, then back at me. ~I don't think anyone else is getting up anytime soon, nor do I think anyone will be coming in here for a while. I'll just take you to get what you need. As long as you pay, its ok.~ She walks up the stairs to the second floor, and I follow her.

"Thank you," I say after she stopped in the doorway of a shop. Audino freezes.
Slowly turning around, she asks, ~what was that? ~

"I said thank you."

~No, no, no. Did you just, respond to me?~ she asked with wide blue eyes.
"I can understand you, if that's what you're asking."

~H-How?~ I shrugged.

"I don't know." Before Audino could ask anything else, I said, "please, I need to get these things before the town wakes up."

~Alright,~ she pointed to the shelves. ~Everything you need is right here.~ I nodded my thanks, grabbing a shopping basket.

I picked out clothes that I could move quickly in. Strong, durable, and sure to last a while. I also grabbed a pair of leather gloves. They weren't necessary, but I'd have a better grip with them. Just for good measure, I tossed a potion in as well before bringing it to the counter where Audino was waiting.

~Is that everything? ~ she asked, but it was obvious she was wondering why there was so much.

"Yes," I told her. She rang up the total.

~That will be 1866 ¥.~ I dug through the silk pocket on my own basket, and pulled out the necessary amount. I mean, I know 1866 ¥ is a lot, but its a lot of clothes. Clothes that I need. Besides, I still have plenty.

~Um, are you sure? This is...quite a bit...~

"It's ok." I gave her the money, and she counted the cash before depositing it into the cash register. She put it all in a bag for me.

~Have a nice day.~

"Ah, well... Could I change here?" She nodded quickly.

~Oh! Of course, dear. Changing rooms are in the back. ~

I went to the back and took off what I was wearing. I pulled on black capris. Then I slipped a wide collared, violet shirt over my head. The material around the neck was white. Finally, I slipped on some white running shoes. I looked up.

Wow. I have to say, I've only ever seen my reflect in water, or in others' eyes. I had a narrow build, dark eyes, indigo hair that lightened to fuschia at the ends, and pale skin. I put my old clothes in the bag. I left the changing area and waved at Audino on my way out.

"Thanks!"

~Enjoy your journey.~

Running shoes are so much more comfortable than sandals, I discovered. Anyways, I just kept going straight after I left the Center. I ran through the tall grass. No problem. Soon I came into this little, quaint town. There only seemed to be three houses here, besides the big building. Sure enough, a sign read:
Nuvema Town
The start of something big!

I look to the sky. The sun was a little over the trees, so people should be getting up really soon. I backed up, but I bump into something and fell. Or rather, someone.

It was a boy about my age. He has black hair. A cowlick perked up, refusing to be tamed. He sports a bright blue jacket, and red glasses adorn his face. He holds out a hand, which I take.

"Sorry, I didn't mean that bump into you," he apologized. I shook my head.

"No, its my fault. I should have been watching where I was going."

"Well, anyways," he said. "I'm Cheren."

"Corona," I said lightly.

Cheren's fingers twitched excitedly. "Are you getting a pokémon from Professor Juniper today?"

"I don't know. I mean, I want one; but she doesn't know I'm coming..."

Cheren grinned. "There's only supposed to be two of us getting a pokémon today, but there are three starters. That works out evenly!"

"Who is the other person, besides you?"

He laughs. "That would be Bianca. She lives over there." He pointed to the house on the right. "And I live at the house on the left."

A thought crossed my mind fleetingly. Who lives in the third house in that case?

He glanced at a watch on his wrist. " Oh, crap! It's already 7:30!" I sent him a questioning look.

"What's at 7:30?" He pushed his glasses back up, then grabbed my hand.

"That's when we were supposed to meet the Professor! Come on! We have to hurry!"

"O-okay!" He pulled me towards Bianca's house. Even outside the door, we could hear shouting.

"NO, NO, NO! YOU ARE NOT GOING ON A POKÉMON JOURNEY! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU?!? NO! YOU ARE NEVER GOING ON A JOURNEY!" a man shouted.

"Yes I will, Daddy! I'm not a little girl anymore! You have to let me make my own choices! I'm going on my journey, and you can't stop me!" A girl shouted back.

Cheren chose then to knock on the door. The door opened so fast I had to jump out of the way. A blond girl wearing a green hat came out with a bag in her hand. Just as quickly she slammed the door shut. Her green eyes are puffy from crying. She didn't seem to notice me, but that was OK. She looked at Cheren and sniffed. "Sorry you had to hear that. He's being unreasonable." Cheren patted the girl, who I assume to be Bianca, on the back.

"Sh, its okay. He just wants what's best for you. You're his only child; of course he's worried."

"I don't know why he has to hate all pokémon though, and want me to stay away from them! Just because an Ursaring attacked him when he was a kid!" She sobbed. Cheren seemed really uncomfortable. He glanced at me and mouthed, "help." I went beside Bianca.

I told Cheren, "wait for us outside the lab. We'll be there really soon." Cheren nodded and left. For the first time, Bianca noticed me.

"Who are you?" She asked blankly.

"I'm Corona. I came to see if I could start a journey after I get a starter pokémon." I glanced at her questioningly. "Is your dad always that overprotective?" She nodded.

"I'm not even allowed into tall grass alone." I didn't respond. How could I? I didn't have parents, so I didn't have parent issues. I'd grown up learning how to take care of myself. Bianca rambled on. "-I don't see what his problem is. I mean, I'm sixteen; I can take care of myself!" I pulled her elbow. "What?"

"According to Cheren, you guys were supposed to see the Professor at 7:30." She gasped.

"On no! I'm late again!" She ran towards the lab, dragging me behind her.

A few minutes later, all three of us stood in front of the lab. Cheren was tapping his foot impatiently. Bianca was babbling on about something. I just stood silent. Finally, the door opened, and a tall, young, brunette woman stepped out.

"Hello! You two must be Cheren and Bianca! I look forward to giving you your first pokémon!" She let those two in, but stopped me. "And who are you?"

"My name's Corona," I said politely. "Could I, also receive a pokémon today?" Professor Juniper's face fell.

"I'm afraid there are only enough for three people, dear. One each for Cheren and Bianca, and the remaining one for my niece... If I don't give them all away, I'd be more than willing to let you have one, but...."

"It's ok, thank you," I said as I walked through the door anyways. I was surprised. For a research lab, there weren't any test tubes, tables, or tools really anywhere. Only a lot of pokémon books, and a few computers. Other than that, it looked like a normal house. Cheren and Bianca were already here.

"So today's the day you two get your first pokémon." She held out a box. "Please settle your choices civilly."

"Who goes first?" Bianca asked.

"Well, I want to go last," Cheren said. "I want to prove that I can win no matter what pokémon I use." I mentally cringed. Pokémon aren't tools to win battles with. They're living beings.

"Corona? What about you?" I just stood there. "Corona?"

"You go ahead." The box opened, revealing three red pokéballs. Each one popped open.

Oshawott; the sea-otter pokémon. Water-Type.

Snivy; the grass snake pokémon. Grass-Type.

Tepig; the fire pig pokémon. Fire-Type.

"Oh, which one?" Bianca quipped. "They're all so cute!" She reached for Tepig's ball. "Alright! You're the cutest! I choose you!" Cheren shook his head, smiling.

"Bianca... You are such a kid sometimes." She stuck her tongue out at him. He looked at me. "Corona. Your turn now."

My gaze shifted between the remaining pokéballs, then to Cheren. "I'm not getting a Pokémon," I said with a forced smile.

"Oh, I see..." Cheren responded with a lack of assurance.

"What?!? But you'll get one next time though right?" Bianca asked.

I shrugged and smiled faintly. "Better luck next time, right?"

Despite this, the Pokemon began chattering anyways. ~Pick me! Pick me!~ the otter squealed, waving a seashell.

Snivy scoffed. ~Please. Like he could take anything out with that puny shell.~ The snake glanced at me and curled her leafy tail. ~If you wanted someone who's actually going to amount to anything, you'd pick me.~ I looked back towards Oshawott. The little guy was aimlessly tossing his shell up and down. He shrugged at the snivy. His enthusiasm from a few seconds ago faded.

Just then Professor Juniper came in. "Corona, I just got a phone call. The third person who was supposed to get a Pokémon today, just received one from my father. You can pick one!" She said brightly.

~We're all going to be picked. It's her choice,~ Oshawott said softly, referring to me. ~Its great if she picks me, but if not, I'm sure the boy is just as nice.~ I pointed at the oshawott.

"I choose Oshawott," I said calmly. He stepped towards me, holding his pokéball.

~This is yours now, Miss.~ I took the ball and thanked him.

"Aww!" Bianca swooned. "That's so cute!" I simply scooped Oshawott up is my arms since he was so small. Cheren took Snivy's ball.

"That leaves Snivy for me. That's alright; I wanted Snivy anyways." Professor Juniper cleared her throat.

"Now that you've selected them, I have something else for you." She gave us each a rectangular device. "This is a Pokédex. It will record information on every pokémon you come into contact with or capture. I want the three of you to go on your journeys, and gather as much information on Pokémon as possible. Can you do that?" All three of us nodded. She also gave each of us five pokéballs.

"Yes," we said simultaneously. Cheren and I exchanged a glance. I don't know about them, but I only intend on capturing a few pokémon. Only enough to have company while I travel, and to help me. I'm not collecting them. Pokémon aren't items to collect. We thanked the professor, and went outside.

"Well, I'm going to Route 1. Wait, we should all take our first step on Route 1 together!" Bianca chirped. Before we could respond, she walked away. Cheren groaned.

"Seriously, Bianca? Seriously?" He walked to the railing on the edge of town, gazing at the sea.

"I've finally done it," he murmured. "I'm a Trainer now. I can achieve my dream of becoming the Champion now. Becoming the strongest Trainer in Unova." I was puzzled. Cheren looked back at me. "We shouldn't keep Bianca waiting, Corona. Come on; lets meet her at Route 1." He quickly walked away, so I followed behind him.

Bianca paced across the dirt border between Nuvema Town and Route 1. "You're here!" She squealed. The blond grabs the hands of Cheren and I in each of her hands. "Okay guys! This is our first step together!" At the same time, we all took a large step forward. Bianca squealed again. "Oh! This is so exciting!" She ran forward. "I'm going to try and catch some more pokémon. See you later!" Cheren sweatdropped.

"That's why her father didn't want her to come. Bianca has the attention span of a lillipup. She gets distracted so easily."

I only nodded.

Cheren noticed my silence. "Corona, aren't you going to catch some more pokémon?"

I shrugged. "Probably not. Not yet, at least. I want to get to know Oshawott better first," I told him.

The little sea-otter in my arms looked up at me with his big, navy blue eyes. ~Really?! You want to know me better?! ~ I nearly answered back, but I remembered that Cheren was still there. Normal humans don't understand pokémon...

"Oh. Alright, I suppose. I guess everyone has a different way of doing things..." He started going off in his own direction, but turned back to face me. "I'll see you when we get to Accumula then." Once he was gone, I set Oshawott on the ground gently, and sat down beside him.

"I'm going to introduce myself to you, since Cheren's gone. I'm Corona." Oshawott tilted his head.

~Its very nice of you to do this, but isn't it pointless since you can't register what I'm saying?~

"And yet I can. I hear everything you say to me."

~Wow! Really? I've never met a human who could do that!~ I laughed.

"I'm not your normal human, so it fits. Now," I pause. "Is there something you want me to call you rather than Oshawott?" He shook his head.

~No. Call me Oshawott, and then call me by my new names when I evolve.~

We talked about where we came from. Oshawott came from an egg of the female Samurott that was the partner of the senior Professor Juniper; who had originally come from the ocean just outside Nuvema Town. I told him how wild pokémon rescued me as an infant during a forest fire, and then raised me as their own in Pinwheel Forest. I didn't specify what pokémon. I told him how I wanted to help pokémon everywhere, and he told me how it was his dream to be a warrior Samurott someday; Master of the Scalchop, which was his equivalent of a sword. So we both can fight with swords. The only difference is that his sword is actually a part of him-that seashell. As we chatted quietly, Route 1 came to and end. Bianca and Cheren waved to me. Oshawott and I went silent.

"Corona! Professor Juniper is going to show us the pokémon center!"

"No thanks," I said. "I stopped in one on the way to Nuvema Town."

"And I've already been to the Pokémon Center multiple times," Cheren added. Bianca's face fell.

"Oh. Okay." She released her tepig. "Let's go, Amber." As Bianca walked away, people began gathering in the plaza.

"What's happening here?" Cheren asked.

At the center, was a man with a red eyepiece and heavy robes; surrounded by people dressed like knights. He began to speak.

"My name is Ghetsis. I am here representing Team Plasma. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you about Pokémon Liberation."

The kidnapped audino's words came back to me:
~We were stolen by men dressed like knights, who called themselves Team Plasma. They took us in the name of Pokémon Liberation... ~

Dressed like knights? I heard murmurs through the crowd.

"Pokémon Liberation?" "What?" "That's impossible!" I kept listening...

"I'm sure most of you believe that we humans and Pokémon are partners that have come to live together because we want and need each other. However... Is that really the Truth? Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans... Only assume that this is the truth?

"Pokémon are subject to the selfish commands of Trainers... They get pushed around when they are our "partners" at work... Can anyone say with confidence that there is no truth in what I'm saying?

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, Pokémon are different from humans. They are living beings that contain unknown potential. They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn. Tell me, what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called Pokémon?"

"Umm..."

"I don't know..."

"Pokémon liberation?" Someone guessed. The man named Ghetsis beamed.
"That's right! We must liberate the Pokémon! Then, and only then, will humans and Pokémon truly be equals. Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and Pokémon... And the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention." The people dressed like knights then surrounded Ghetsis, and the group marched off.

"Pokémon Liberation? That's not even possible!" A man shouted.

"People and Pokémon belong together," a little girl said, holding the hand of a patrat.

An old man looked at his foongus. "Should I release you? Would you be happier?"

Others, just released their Pokémon without another word. Many of them started crying; crying to be taken back. Their Trainers simply walked away without them though. They cried even more, but only I could hear.

Cheren shook his head. "This is ridiculous, Corona! People and Pokémon help each other!"

If you asked me, that speech had the right idea about it. I just didn't like the way that guy, Ghetsis, was trying to force his opinion on the people. And, some Pokémon actually like their Trainers. I know that now because of the three back in Pinwheel Forest. Oshawott was fuming in my arms.

~How can he just say that?!? Look around us, hear those cries! That isn't the sound of happy pokémon! Humans and Pokémon stay together because we want to, not because we're forced to! Each can prevail alone, but we are stronger together!~ He brought his dark blue eyes to my violet ones. ~Corona, we just met today, but I assure you, I will always do my best for you. I want to fight for you. I'm glad you picked me instead of that boy; and I am honored that you chose me over Snivy.~ I lower my head to him to thank him silently. I smile. I'm glad I picked Oshawott. So glad. I couldn't have found a more loyal companion who wasn't one of the Swords of Justice. With his determination, Oshawott will become very strong one day. Oshawott nuzzled closer to me.

"You..." A boy with long green hair in a ponytail and a black and gray hat strolled up to Cheren, Oshawott, and I. "Your Pokémon... Just now, it was saying..." He rambled.

"What?" Cheren said, clearly agitated. "Slow down, you talk too fast. And what's this about Pokémon talking? That's a strange thing to say." Oshawott and I connect eyes, and I silently ask him to not say anything about my ability. Not yet. Not when I don't know this guy. The green haired boy's eyes widen.

"Yes, they're talking. Oh. Then, you two can't hear it, either...How sad. My name is N."

"I'm Cheren, and this is Corona," Cheren said. "We just started our journey to collect information for the Pokédex for Professor Juniper."

N's eyes darkened. "The Pokédex, huh? So... You're going to confine many, many pokémon to pokéballs, for that then?" He shook his head. "I'm a Trainer too, but I can't help but wonder if they're really happy like that in their pokéballs."

Oshawott scoffed. ~That's why, if we don't like being in pokéballs, we somehow tell our Trainer. That way, they can just be carried around, or we can walk on our own, Stupid.~

N's eyes widen at Oshawott. "What did you say?"

Oshawott smirks. ~You know exactly what I said. Most humans can't hear us, but somehow, most of us manage to communicate in some way with them." Oshawott hops out and my arms.

N looks at me. "Well, Corona, is it? Let me hear your Oshawott's voice again!" He throws out a pokéball, and a purple and pink pokémon pops out. A purloin.

I look at Oshawott. "Do you want to battle them?" I ask him clearly. "If you don't want to, I can forfeit right now..." The blue fur on the back of Oshawott's neck rose.

~I am not quitting. We've been challenged, Corona. ~

"Alright. Go then. But be careful. There's no reason for you to get hurt. It's only a battle."

Oshawott pulls his scalchop off his stomach. ~Don't worry so much. I'll be fine!~

I've never battled before, but I've seen Trainers give commands to pokémon, and Virizion and Keldeo explained the process to me. I don't particularly care for it, but I can see why some pokémon would want to battle. They get to prove their strength. It's a matter of pride for some of them.

"Purloin! Use Scratch!" N calls out. I raise my hand.

"Oshawott, dodge, then use Tackle." Oshawott jumped to the side just before Purloin could touch him. He jumps behind the kitten and lands a hit on her back.

"More! Let me hear more of your Pokémon's voice!" N shouts out.

~Would you stop rubbing it in that you can understand me?! Arceus! Its so annoying! You wanted a battle, so battle! Corona and I will beat you though!~ Oshawott shouts at N.
"Purloin, use Fake Out!" N shouts more loudly.

"Dodge-" before I can finish, Purloin hits Oshawott, stunning him.

"Now leer." Purloin's eyes glow, and Oshawott shudders. He retaliates by wagging his tail at the cat.

"Quick, use a water move before they can attack." I really should've asked him about his moves earlier. As is, it seems he knows Tackle and Tail Whip.

~I don't know any water moves!~

"I'm not asking you to win. I'll be okay with it if you just try."

Oshawott nods and charges forward to Tackle Purloin again. Then he opens his mouth, and a stream of water flies out. He doesn't stop until Purloin falls over. He started jumping up and down, then ran over to me and hugged me.

~Corona! I did it! I learned Water Gun! I won! I won!~ Oshawott exclaims happily.

N walks to us holding some money out. "I never expected a pokémon to say such things. Here, you won."

I wave the money off. "You keep it. I don't need it. It's kind of sad that this is how Trainers make money."

"You find it troubling as well?" He asks with a raised eyebrow.

"Well, yeah," I admit. "You shouldn't pay people for attacking your Pokémon. If money weren't involved, people probably wouldn't abuse Pokémon the way some do."

N peers closer at me, and I step away. "You... You're something different, aren't you?" I stay silent, but Oshawott growls at him.

Cheren, having watched everything, comes forward. "Leave her alone, N. She doesn't want your money."

N backs away. "Remember, Pokémon can't become perfect beings as long as the are contained in pokéballs. I have to help pokémon, because they're my friends..." With that, he ran off.

After a few seconds, Cheren and I looked at each other.

"..."

"......"

"...what a wierd guy..." Cheren finally said.

I only nodded. Who is N? He has the same ability as I. He has the same opinion on battling, but he started this fight. Why is he so determined to change things? I want to get to know him better. I can sense that he isn't a bad person. That much is clear to me.

I know this was a really long chapter, but these things went together. I got Ghetsis's speech right off from Bulbapedia, and I took some of N's quotes off Bulbapedia as well. I modified some of it. Later peeps, and happy Summer!

Revised 8/8/17