Zorua perched on my shoulder, face nuzzled into my hair as we listened to Professor Juniper talk about her request. Apparently, she had originally planned on asking Hilda, Bianca and Cheren to fill up this thing called a Pokédex; a device that automatically records the pokemon encountered during our travels. She wanted the three of them to travel the world and meet all the Pokemon in the Unova region.

"It was just going to be the three of you... Until I heard of Kat's arrival." She turned to me and Zorua, who stared at her curiously "I figured the best way to get to know a new region was to go on a journey with Pokemon, so you can visit many new places and meet new friends and rivals; people and Pokemon alike!"

Zorua and I exchanged glances. Me? Go on a journey, with Pokemon? We'd barely moved! And I only just turned 15! Sure, most go on their journey when they turn 10... I didn't do that, and for a good reason!

"Umm... Professor?" I raised my hand, flustered when all eyes were turned to me "M-My parents don't know about this... Will they approve?"

"Oh, not to worry! I already cleared things up with them! You have their full support!"

"Huh?!"

"Anyhow, this is my request." The woman clapped her hands together and smiled "Hilda! Cheren! Bianca! Katrina! You'll go on an adventure to complete the pokedex, will you not?"

Hilda was first to answer, tickling Snivy under the chin "Of course! I've always wanted to go on a journey, I just didn't know when the time was!"

Bianca joined in "OK!" She slapped a hand over her mouth "I mean... Yes, Professor!"

"Thank you very much." Cheren bowed respectfully, Tepig doing the same as if to mimic his trainer's attitude "Because of you, I can become a Pokemon trainer... Just as I've always wished."

Suddenly, all eyes were on me again.

"Kat?" Hilda called out "What about you?"

"Um," I laughed nervously, my thumbs twiddling around each other as I spoke "I don't know."

"...You... don't know?" Cheren repeated slowly, his eyebrows furrowed "A journey is great opportunity, you know."

I nodded "I know, I'm just not sure it's an opportunity I'm ready to take... I mean, could I really be a good trainer?"

"Of course, anybody could be an amazing trainer!" Bianca exclaimed "And look! Zorua already likes you a bunch!"

It was true; the small fur ball had taken a shine to me almost instantly, and he showed it by the way he remained nestled comfortably on my shoulder. Suddenly though, his paw prodded my cheek, which caused me to turn to it in confusion.

"What's up?"

he yapped, tail wagging and eyes shining with determination as he nodded his head. I raised an eye in confusion.

"You want me to say yes?"

He barked.

"Y-You really think I could do something like that?"

He nodded again and jumped off my shoulder, now standing in front of me with determination. Was he telling me to take the first step? I'd never been urged forward by a Pokémon before, but then again I've never had to be... However, Zorua seemed confident that I had potential, and it looked like Cheren, Bianca and Hilda did too.

Well, I never was good at disagreeing with people...

So, taking a deep breath I turned to Professor Juniper and bowed my head.

"Professor... I accept!"

---

"UWAAAAAAAAAH!"

I scampered through the tall grass with a panicked Zorua at my heels, and an angry ball of fluff yapping after us.

"Kat, for heaven's sake, It's just a Lillipup!" Cheren yelled out to me after watching me pitifully run for a while. However, he didn't relax me in the slightest.

"It's angry, is what it is!" I screamed "Oh Arceus, make it stop!"

I bet you're wondering how I got in this situation. Well...

Cheren, Bianca, Hilda and I followed the Professor to route 1 after saying goodbye to our families, where she gave a brief demonstration on how to catch a Pokemon. Basic professor stuff. After she left us to go on our journey, Bianca blurted out an idea for a competition. Basically whoever caught the most Pokemon by the time we got to Accumula town won. We all agreed (Cheren took some convincing), and dove straight into the tall grass. It was all going great, until...

I stepped on a Lillipup's tail, which it didn't seem to like much...

And that brings us to now!

"Attack it! Call out an attack! Come on, Katty!" Bianca cheered from the sidelines, waving her fists around. It was stupidly distracting, but I managed to focus on my situation at hand. Fleeing from the tiny monster as quickly as I could.

"I don't know any attacks!!!" I cried out, and looked down at Zorua "Zorua, do something! Thunderbolt!"

"Arf?"

"Sing!"

*Whimpers*

"Uhhhh... Tail Whip?!"

His ears perked up in recognition, and suddenly he skidded to a halt to growl at Lillipup. He began wagging his tail in some sort of pattern. Maybe it would slow Lillipup down or--

*Chomp*

It seemed like everyone stopped what they were doing when Lillipup bit Zorua's tail...

The dark Pokemon let out a panicked howl and began running in circles, hoping to throw Lillipup off him or something. But the smaller Pokemon held on tight, which had me internally panicking. What do I do? I can't keep calling out attacks, that will only confuse Zorua even more! Maybe this was a mistake, maybe I really wasn't ready for this... Zorua deserves better, I should just--

"Snivy use Vine Whip!"

And then an angel swooped down and interrupted my crisis, saving my poor Zorua...

Snivy slammed its vines into the ground, scaring Lillipup into scampering off into the tall grass. Zorua threw itself into my arms, also startled by the sudden attack, and hid itself under my jacket. I stared down at it guiltily, wishing I had been able to do more...

"Are you alright, Kat?" Hilda asked after returning t to her Pokeball, and approached me with concern in her eyes. I nodded.

"Yeah, thanks Hilda... I'm sorry you had to swoop in."

"Not at all. Us trainers gotta look out for each other, right?"

"Oh, yeah! For sure!"

The others soon joined us, and the first thing I noticed was Cheren's obvious frown. He did not look impressed.

"Kat, what was that performance?" He scolded "How can you not know what moves Zorua can learn, didn't you pay attention in Pokemon school?"

"I-I did..." I murmured, eyes falling to Zorua in my arms "It's just that there aren't really Zorua in the Hoenn region, so we didn't learn about them..."

"There aren't?"

"Nope."

Cheren's face softened "I see, I guess you can be excused then."

"Of course she can! She hasn't been preparing her whole life to become a trainer like you have!" Bianca sassed, slapping the boy on his shoulder which had him huffing in annoyance "Anyway, look! That Lillipup chased us all the way to Accumula town! How about we compare which one of us has the most Pokemon with them!"

"Sure!" Hilda nodded, reaching into her pocket for her Pokeballs. Cheren did the same, and so did Bianca.

The catchcount, not including our starters was:

Hilda: 1

Cheren: 1

Bianca: 1

Me: 0

I blushed in embarrassment.

Hilda placed a hand on my shoulder, giving me her encouraging smile "I'm sure you'll catch one, Kat. You just haven't found the right catch, yet."

God, Hilda really was an angel! She's so bright!

"Yeah... yeah! You're right!" I beamed and looked down at Zorua, who popped his head out when hearing my enthusiasm "We can do it, right Zorua?"

He barked, happily.

"I'm off to Accumula town." Cheren declared "The professor is waiting."

Suddenly, the devices on their wrists began to ring. I assumed it was some sort of phone, as they answered it instantly with a synced 'hello'. Hilda beckoned me closer, and held the device so we were both seen on the screen.

"Hello, how is everyone doing?" It was the professor. "You and your Pokemon are getting along now, right?"

"Oh, Professor!" Bianca beamed. It was weird to hear her voice twice, since really she was right next to me.

"Right now, I'm in front of Accumula Town's Pokemon Center! I'd like to show you all around, so hurry on over, everyone!"

"Okay! The pokemon center, right!" Hilda nodded.

"See you there!"

Call ended...

"Well, I'm going on ahead." Cheren said as soon as he turned off his device.

"I'm coming too~!" Bianca sang, and the two walked off into the town. Hilda and I turned to each other, and I cleared my throat awkwardly.

"Umm, are those two..."

"Together?"

"Yeah."

"They are." Hilda smirked "They just don't know it, yet."

Oh...

Oh!

I giggled, which had Hilda's face light up like a firework "Hey, I made ya laugh! That's another victory! Anyway we should probably going, let's go!"

"Yeah!"

---

After meeting up with Professor Juniper and getting a lesson on how Pokemon Centers worked (Not that we needed it), Hilda and I excited the red roofed building only to be met with quite a commotion.

"Sounds like somethings going on in the plaza!" A teenager nearby exclaimed to an older man, presumably his father.

"Well then," He responded with a frown "Let's have a little look-see."

They both ran off in the direction of what I assumed was the plaza, which had Hilda and I exchanging confused glances.

"Should we follow them?" I asked the taller girl.

"I don't see why not."

We jogged after the individuals, until we saw a crowd around what seemed like some sort of event. A bunch of people stood like statues on the grass dressed in blue and white, and behind them stood an elderly man with green hair and golden robes. Before we could question someone, a pair of hands shot out of the crowd and pulled us in by the wrists.

"Cheren?" Hilda asked, but the boy only shushed her.

"Just listen..." He whispered.

Just as he said that, one of the cult-looking people stepped aside for the individual man, who addressed his confused audience with open arms

"My name is Ghetsis." He declared "I am here representing Team Plasma! Today, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk to you about Pokemon liberation."

A few confused mutters could be heard across the crowd, but 'Ghetsis' silenced them by clearing his throat.

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

He began pacing, hands behind his back as he spoke.

"Pokemon 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?"

More mutters reached my ears, this time unsure and even a little shocked. I glanced down at my bag, where Zorua lay resting in his Pokeball. Subject to my selfish command? There was no way... was there?

We were once again interrupted by Ghetsis, who stopped pacing to once again face the crowd "Now, ladies and gentlemen, Pokemon are different from humans. They are living beings that contain unknown potential." He claimed, clenching a fist in front of him "They are living beings whom we humans have much to learn. Tell me... what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called Pokemon?"

He seemed to smirk when seeing everyone's lost expressions, but lost it to a poker face almost instantly "We must liberate our Pokemon! Then, and only then, will humans and Pokemon truly be equals. Everyone... I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and Pokemon... And the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention."

As soon as he finished his speech, two of the silent figures picked up the banners beside them, and as a unit the lot of them moved around Ghetsis like a protective cocoon. And they left... without another word, leaving the crowd in their confusion. They all began discussing Ghetsis' words, before disbanding into the town, looking gloomy and confused.

"Kat?" Hilda called to me "You okay?"

"Hm? Oh, yeah..." I nodded, rubbing my arm awkwardly "It's just... That guy really made me think about things. I think... I'm just gonna go..."

Before they could say anything I rushed off, questions swirling in my mind as I made my way to route 2. I swore I saw a boy with long green hair approach my friends, but I didn't give them a second glance nor thought.

---

"Pokemon liberation...?" I thought out loud, kicking a stone across the path "Do Pokemon really feel trapped with us?"

A flash of light suddenly leaked out of my bag and into the path, forming into Zorua who stared up at me sadly. I was surprised, but bent down anyway to ruffle his fur "Do you feel used, Zorua?"

He shook his head sternly.

"You wouldn't feel better if I liberated you?"

"Arf!" It barked, jumping onto my shoulder as if to say "I'm staying!" I smiled slightly, but my smile faded after remembered what happened with Lillipup. I couldn't even get Zorua out of that situation... how can I even hope to help him become stronger? As I clenched my fists, the small Pokemon began licking my face non-stop making me laugh out loud.

"Zorua! Haha! Stop!" I squealed, trying to pry him off "Okay, okay you win! I'll cheer up, I promise!"

He stopped, which had me smirking slightly "Must you be so persuasive?"

Zorua let out a mischievous snigger and jumped off my shoulder, before running towards nearby tall grass and jumping up and down. I tilted my head in confusion.

"What is it?"

"Arf! Arf!" He barked and pointed to the grass with his red paw. I raised an eyebrow.

"You... want to go in... and catch a Pokemon?"

He nodded happily.

I was surprised, to say the least. After today, I was sure he'd want to stay well clear of tall grass. However, it seemed to me like he wanted to press on with our journey. And how could we without our first catch?

"Well, if you're sure..." I sighed and clutched the strap of my bag, following Zorua into the large amount of vegetation as he trotted along sniffing the ground. He was probably trying to find a nearby wild Pokemon to battle. While he did so, I stared up at the sky. It was just past noon, and already so many things had happened. A few hours ago, I couldn't even imagine being out here with a Pokemon on my own, on a journey of discovery and growth... But here I was, with Zorua; the best partner I could ask for. He had already helped me through many choices... maybe I should start doing the same for him.

"Arf!"

Suddenly Zorua scampered off, which had me panicking as I tried to keep up. I was met with an opening, but my partner was nowhere in sight.

"Zorua?" I called out.

No answer.

"Zorua!"

I began to worry. What if he ran into trouble? What would I do if he was hurt, if I couldn't find him?! What if--

"Arf Arf!"

"Purrr!"

I frowned. That sounded like...

In an instant a purple Pokemon leapt out of the grass with Zorua scampering after it, grinning mischievously as the other Pokemon hissed over its shoulder.

A wild Pokemon. I'd seen one just like it back in Accumula town. If I remember correctly, that was a Purrloin...

This was my chance!

Zorua, let's catch it okay?" I called out, receiving an approving bark in return "Then, use... Bite!"

He leapt forward and bit down on Purrloin's tail, causing it to meowl in pain before hissing at him. It began swiping its claws at Zorua, but he wasn't in reach. I grinned, mentally thanking the Professor for helping me figure out what moves Zorua knew.

"Okay, now use tackle!" I commanded, and instantly Zorua tossed Purrloin aside before ramming into it with enough force to send it rolling in the dirt. It got up pretty quickly, but I was ready for that. I was actually surprised with how much my heart was pounding. Is this what a legit battle felt like?

If so, I was loving it!

Zorua looked back at me and smirked. We seemed to share a mutual agreement as Purrloin readied itself. I extended a hand and allowed myself to call out another attack.

"Alright, Zorua use--"

"Double Edge!"

"Yes, Double E- eh?"

Before I could comprehend what happened, a brown blurr slammed into Purrloin sending it into a nearby tree. The blurr turned out to be Patrat, which snarled at us when Zorua tried to intervene. If that wasn't surprising enough, a Pokeball flew out from nowhere and collided with the weakened Purrloin, absorbing it with a red light.

It shook once.

Twice.

Three times.

My heart sank as the capsule locked. Purrloin was captured, and not by me...

A figure emerged from the bushes, whom Patrat rushed to immediately to perch on their shoulder. That person... He was wearing the same thing those Team Plasma guys were wearing! He chuckled and bent down, snatching the pokeball containing Purrloin and tossing it in the air before catching it again. As if to mock me for 'his' capture. I was confused... didn't he want to free Pokemon from trainers? If so, why was he stealing them from me instead?

Our eyes locked for a moment. His electric blue orbs were piercing and hostile as they bore into mine, and the way his hair cast a shadow over them only made him even more intimidating. He scoffed at my frozen form, and without a word began to walk away.

Wait, no!

I looked to Zorua desperately, but he too was frozen in place. I had to do something, but what? That guy couldn't just go around interrupting other battles, catching weakened Pokemon. It's like he makes strangers do the work for him!

That isn't fair!

With this in mind, I slammed my heel into the ground and yelled at the top of my lungs.

"Hey!"

He stopped.

"You stole my catch!"

The boy said nothing, but instead slowly turned around to face me. He was no longer smirking, and instead was glaring at me in such a way it made my knees begin to shake.

He was angry.

"What the hell did you say?"

Oh no...

What do I do now?