Stroll by emolkyu (Pokémon)

Latest update:January 19, 2024

Summary:Boy drops into a familiar but fantastical world. A fun meandering adventure story. OC isekai / coming of age. Cross-posting on RR.

Link:https://m.fanfiction.net/s/14318736/1/Stroll

Word count:110k

Chapters:19

Chapter 1

The dewy scent of trees was in the air, a light breeze flicked at Jake's dusty blonde hair. He was on his knees, grey-green eyes wide in astonishment.

'I could've sworn I was just dozing off in Miss McAuley's maths class. I always knew that algebra would send me insane in the end.'

Jake was most definitely not in a classroom. He viewed the scenery around him. He appeared to be situated atop a small hill, woodland stretching as far as the eye could see in every direction. The colours of the world seemed... amplified somehow — the blues deeper, the greens lusher, every texture sharper, more defined. Chirping filled the air; unlike any bird song he was familiar with. He had the strangest feeling that something, or some many things were watching him.

Abruptly, Jake brought up his palm and slapped it across his face. Nothing happened. A light burn stung his cheek.

'Well, I didn't enjoy that. Turns out, I am not a masochist, which is good to know... Unfortunately, it also means I am not dreaming'

Jake lifted his gaze to the sky, breathing deeply; it was a splendid day, the sun shining brightly above. The warm rays caressed his face, the very real sensation unnerving him. Aside from an odd chorus of unfamiliar animal calls, the scene was quintessentially woodland, as typical as any he'd known.

'Right... not much sense dawdling about here. Let's explore a little and see if I can figure out where I am'

Jake rose to his feet, searching around. There were very little obvious distinctive features aside from trees, trees... and more trees. Jake sighed and began a cautious descent down the hill, guided only by the direction of the wind. He tread carefully, sidestepping roots, pushing through the deciduous foliage. As he delved deeper into the woods, the thick canopy above filtered out the sun, darkening the shadows around him.

Jake massaged his temples, grappling with the sudden transition from classroom to wilderness. His school was deep within a city, and while there were several parks, none were expansive enough to match what he was seeing now.

Patting down the pockets of his light grey hoodie, he found his smartphone, house keys, and wallet. "Thank God" he murmured relieved.

Relief swiftly turned sour as Jake took out his phone and cursed as he realised there was an "out of service" message displayed on the screen.

"Just perfect," he muttered with a trace of irony.

Still, he unlocked the phone, surprised to see Pokémon Black Version 2 still open; he hadn't finished it yet. His preference had always leaned towards the more recent games, preferring their more advanced 3D graphics, but his friend Josh always insisted that the earlier games were more fun. He had been enjoying the earlier instalments, mainly because he found it more convenient, having them accessible on his smartphone, and Jake was close to conquering the last of the pre-3DS Pokémon games.

Distractedly with scrolling through his phone, it took Jake a moment to realise that his foot had bumped into something unexpectedly soft on the trail.

'Bliip' an odd chirping sounded.

Lifting his eyes from the screen, Jake found himself locked in the gaze of a colossal blue bug. With a head that seemed too large for its lithe body, the creature peered at him, huge eyes reflecting a startling depth of intelligence. A curious light shimmered in its eyes, seemingly scrutinising Jake with similar confusion.

'Bliip-Bliip?'

Startled, Jake jumped back from the largest insect he had ever seen, only to feel another soft lump against his heel.

'Bliip!'

Glancing around, Jake saw another blue bug, this one looking decidedly less pleased having been stepped on. In a flash, it reared back and spat a sticky white substance at him.

Reacting quickly, Jake swerved his head to the right with the gooey mixture missing by an ear.

'Not the kind of scene I'm into!' Jake quipped at the creature. Seemingly surprised by his quick reflexes, the bug hurriedly scuttled away. A loud rustling drew Jake's attention, and he turned to see what seemed like dozens of the blue critters swarming away from him.

'Bliip-Bliip,' they chirped in unison, their voices high-pitched as they ran into the undergrowth.

Completely bewildered, Jake stood still, watching in amazement as the peculiar creatures scurried away from him. They must have perceived a threat or predator, though he couldn't imagine too many animals from Earth that would be able to prey on such sizeable insects.

'Well, live and let lie, I'm getting outta here'

Turning back around, he stopped short. The first blue bug hadn't moved and was still gazing up at him curiously.

'Bliip-Bliip?' Who are you the bug seemed to be asking.

'Wait... Are you trying to communicate with me?' Jake responded aghast.

Jake had never heard of talking insects. Was this some kind of science experiment gone awry? Recalling scenes from sci-fi movies, he began to pat himself down, checking for anything unusual. He had watched too many Alien films to dismiss the potential dangers of such an encounter.

"Bliip," the creature responded, nodding its head. The gesture was surprisingly endearing, coming from a foot long bug.

'I never thought I would find a bug charming' mused Jake. 'It doesn't look like it's going to eat or impregnate me though appearances can be deceiving.'

'My name is Jake, nice to meet you'

'Bliip' Bug nodded again. Introducing itself.

'So, Bug, you wouldn't happen know where we are by chance?'

'Bliip-Bliip?'

'You are wise in your counsel' Jake nodded gravely, the surreal nature of his situation starting to get to him.

"Perhaps we may meet again, farewell.' Jake said unnerved at the stare of a bug that seemed to understand him all too well. He needed to find some normalcy. Jake carefully stepped around the insect and started to quickly stride through the woods.

'I am hallucinating; I am going crazy. Talking foot-long bugs. Is this a twisted math class? A surprise VR lesson? Why would it include bugs? Let's see'

'Log off'

'Menu'

Time for the nuclear option.

'CTRL+ALT+DEL'

Nothing. Dismissing the ridiculous notion, Jake continued to navigate through the foliage, deep in thought. After a while, the trees began to thin, a soft burbling of water could be heard. Realising his thirst, he quickened his pace and found himself at the edge of a serene creek.

"Bliip" A high-pitched chirp sounded close to his left ear. Startled, Jake's heart leapt in the air. The bug he thought he'd left behind was now perched on his left shoulder, having stealthily climbed up his back.

In his haste to shake off the bug, Jake lost his balance. His heel snagged a root, sending him sprawling backwards into the clearing. The ground sloped sharply, gathering pace, he slid down the muddy incline plunging headfirst into the bubbling creek.

Lying motionless in the water, Jake wore a blank expression. "This day just keeps getting better," he sighed.

Lifting his head, he glanced back up the bank. The blue bug, was staring at him with a curious gaze, its expression seemingly asking him, "Why did you do that?" Jake just sighed.

Having successfully quenched his thirst, Jake stood from the creek and looked at the clearing for the first time. He nearly lost his balance and tumbled back into the water from sheer shock. Surrounding him were creatures, crossing the divide of the familiar and fantastical.

In the sky, a flock of petite birds, no bigger than a typical sparrow, deep blue plumage appearing almost black in certain light. Streaks of white adorned their underbelly and wings. There large, round eyes, a brilliant shade of red, contrasting starkly with its dark feathers. Unmistakably they were Rookidee, flying-type Pokémon from the Galar region. They weren't alone.

Nearby stood a couple of chubby, squirrel-like Pokémon, roughly a foot tall on hind legs. Their backs were covered in warm, chestnut-brown fur which transitioned to a creamy beige on its belly. Especially fluffy cheeks gave the impression of stuffed pouches, hinting at its well-known appetite. Skwovet, normal-type Pokémon from the same region.

Rubbing his eyes, Jake's attention returned to the blue bug, a Blipbug he now realised. What he had first thought to be gigantic was in fact tiny by Pokémon standards. Meanwhile, the creature had made its way to the water's edge.

"This can't be real. Pokémon? What kind of drugs am I on?" Jake internally wondered.

He was acutely aware of his clothes, heavy and wet from the water, and the gentle breeze that started to dry his skin.

The Pokémon around him displayed a mix of curiosity and caution. Some seemed to be stifling giggles, no doubt appreciating his power slide.

Finally, pulling himself out of the water, Jake gave a theatrical bow, playing along with the apparent applause from his unexpected audience. Though he struggled to grasp the reality of the situation, he couldn't help but notice more Pokémon scattered throughout the clearing. Pidove circling overhead, Caterpie and Metapod clinging to the trees.

Suddenly, a bold Pokémon darted to his feet, barking a cheerful "Yamp!" up at him. It resembled a corgi but sported a sleek, sunny-yellow coat accented by brown patches on its ears, eyes, and the base of its tail. Its large triangular ears stood straight, revealing a soft brown interior, and a fluffy, deeper yellow collar encircled its neck.

Jake knelt carefully, scratching behind the creature's ears. The Yamper hummed with pleasure. The softness of the fur under his fingers made Jake think, "It's real. I can actually feel it."

"Nice to meet you too buddy," Jake said, smiling as the Yamper wriggled happily under his touch. The surrounding Pokémon, observing his friendly interaction, seemed to relax and returned to their activities.

For a time, Jake found himself seated by the creek's edge, trying to dry out in the sun. Yamper having comfortably nestled itself onto his lap. Its stubby tail wagged contentedly as he stroked its fur. The Blipbug, which Jake had encountered earlier, had once again perched on his shoulder, seeming quite pleased with its chosen spot. Jake observed the beautiful and peaceful scenery around him.

The clearing bustled with Pokémon activity, the creek's refreshing waters drawing various species. Most seemingly ignoring his presence.

Jake tried to piece together his strange situation. Just moments ago, he'd been enduring a typical school day; nothing had seemed amiss.

"Could I be in another world? No, that's impossible," he mused. "But with all these Pokémon around... Maybe Satoshi Tajiri discovered this place first and was inspired to create a game?"

Shaking off the improbable thoughts, he met the eyes of the Blipbug on his shoulder. "Bliip?" it chirped, looking puzzled.

"It's nothing, little buddy, just struggling to accept reality."

"Yamp!" Yamper, feeling left out, yamped up at Jake, seeking attention.

"You sure are lively," Jake remarked, scratching the Yamper behind its ears, sending the puppy Pokémon into bliss.

"Did I... die? From sheer boredom in class? Or old age?" Jake pondered. Sure, Miss McAuley's lessons often felt endless, but he'd made it through before. And old age? At fourteen, that seemed unlikely unless he was Benjamin Button...

"And I don't recall any trucks either..."

Jake rummaged in his pocket, retrieving his phone. A muttered curse escaped his lips; the device was drenched and looked beyond repair.

"I can't let this get to me," he murmured, drawing in a deep breath to steady his nerves. "There's got to be a town nearby. Someone there can help." Memories of his mother's advice came to mind; "Jake, adapting to new places is just like learning to ride a bike—shaky and uncertain at first, but stick with it, and you'll smooth out the ride. When you're feeling lost or overwhelmed, just stop for a moment. Take a deep breath. Find your centre." As she was a respected child psychologist, Jake figured she knew what she was talking about.

Setting the Blipbug gently on the ground, he rose to his feet. "I need to find some signs of civilisation. Do either of you know the way to the nearest human settlement?" he asked, hopeful.

The Blipbug and Yamper exchanged glances, then turned their gaze to Jake and finally to the direction of the creek.

"Bliip," chirped the Blipbug.

"Yamp," barked the Yamper in agreement.

Taking their cues as a positive sign, Jake responded with a warm smile. "Follow the creek, then? That sounds like a solid plan." He crouched once more, extending his hand in thanks, and the Pokémon nuzzled into his touch appreciatively. "Thanks for pointing the way."

With a companionable chirp and an agreeable bark, the Pokémon lingered for a moment longer before they moved towards the thicket. They paused, looking back as if to ensure he was alright, then, with a gentle rustle, they disappeared into the greenery — not with abruptness, but with the quiet understanding that each must journey onward.

Jake couldn't help but feel a twinge of disappointment as he left the Pokémon behind. Part of him — a big part — wanted to just stay, to live out the adventure he'd always imagined. But he had to get his head on straight. Top of the list was finding some sort of town, figuring out where in the world he'd landed. Dreams were one thing, but he couldn't forget the basics. He needed help, and for that, he needed other people. No use pretending otherwise.

Jake followed the course of the creek; its waters clear and burbling. Jake could not hold himself from staring in wonder. Fish-like Pokémon, possibly Magikarp or Goldeen, swam below the surface. Above, Butterfree fluttered gracefully, alighting on the blossoms dotting the water's edge, while Rookidee and Pidove flitted across the sky.

Determined, Jake steeled himself against further astonishment. "This is a Pokémon world," he reminded himself. "I need to adapt."

As Jake meandered along the expanding curves of the creek, his sense of time began to blur, stretching out in the serene wilderness. He was impressed by the demeanour of the Pokémon he encountered. Based on some of the games he had played, wild Pokémon were supposed to be more aggressive and dangerous. Which he supposed they would be if they were threatened.

Most Pokémon seemed indifferent to Jake's presence, some were curious but skittish and kept their distance. A few of the more audacious ones ventured closer, but perhaps upon noticing his lack of Poké Balls and accompanying Pokémon, they retreated. Maybe they had hoped for a battle but were reluctant to challenge an unarmed human.

'Quite the honourable characters,' Jake mused to himself.

Some of the Pokémon he encountered were more territorial. Chewtle — turtle-like Pokémon with pronounced toothed jaws — were often spotted sunning themselves by the river were notably less welcoming, growling threateningly whenever he ventured too close.

Without warning, a searing pain exploded in Jake's ankle. A strangled cry burst from his lips as he crumpled to the ground, the cold metal grip of a bear trap clamping mercilessly around his leg. Vision blurred by tears, he forced himself to look down, nausea rising at the sight of jagged teeth buried in his flesh. The pain was overwhelming, a tidal wave that threatened to drag him into unconsciousness. He could barely think through the agony, through blurry vision the trap seemed to be moving by itself. It was a tortuously slow pace, extracting itself out of his leg, revealing large, round, yellow eyes. Realisation dawned on Jake despite the pain; a Galarian Stunfisk, its natural trap mechanism cruelly sprung by his unwitting step.

The Stunfisk emitted a sharp, metallic, "Stun!" Agitated that its ambush had been sprung by unintended prey, having released his leg the creature bounced away, likely in search of a new hiding spot. Jake could do nothing but sit helplessly on the riverbank, his leg disabled with pain.

Wincing, Jake examined his injured leg. A choked gasp slipped out as he took in the severity of the wounds. Blood was oozing from the punctures, but, fortunately, the metal hadn't reached bone. It seemed the Stunfisk had restrained itself when it had realised, he was a human. He hastily removed his light-grey hoodie and wound it tightly around his leg, hoping to slow the bleeding.

As Jake gingerly stood, a raw scream escaped him with each stab of pain in his leg, pain like nothing he'd ever felt before. Panic was clawing at him, making every breath an effort, every step a battle. He limped, grimacing, toward the trees, the ground beneath him a mix of mud and betrayal.

The Yamper and Blipbug, with their friendly demeanour, had given him a glimpse of the world he'd always imagined. But now, with each throb of his leg, Jake couldn't ignore the harsh lesson he'd just learned. These Pokémon weren't just pixels on a screen—they were real, powerful, even the small ones and not all of them had friendly dispositions. The danger was real, it could hurt him, it could be worse. Much worse.

That truth was now painfully obvious. He was here, injured and alone, in a world that didn't necessarily operate by all the rules he knew. But giving in wasn't an option. He had to keep going. One foot in front of the other.

As determined as can be, yet hobbled, Jake pressed on, following the river's course. The signs of civilization remained elusive, and he worried over just how far he'd have to trek with his injured leg. Breathing deeply to calm himself, Jake was starting to think he was relying on his mother's advice way too often for one day.

The once bright day began to dim, sun setting on the horizon. Jake knew he needed to find shelter soon. For now, the towering trees lining the riverbank seemed like his best bet. He chose to press on a bit further, hoping a better refuge might present itself.

Time continued to pass, shadows lengthened, and light dwindled, the sun setting below the horizon. The dusk settled to an impenetrable night that blanketed everything, and Jake found himself exhausted, starving, and needing to find camp. With careful movements, he sat down under a particularly large riverside giant, the best shelter he could find.

Trying to relax under the tree, Jake's leg ached with a persistent, nagging throb, but brave as he could, managed to keep his cool. He tried to think what could help him in this situation. From the games he remembered berries that could work wonders on injuries — oran, sitrus, were the names. If he could spot some around here, they might just take the edge off.

First things first, though. He'd rest up for a little while, cobble together some kind of camp. It would be good practice, almost like those outdoor school projects, only this time it was no joke. As he leaned back, he called to mind those leisurely hikes and campouts he'd had with his friends. The memories helped steady him as he carefully gathered branches, a quiet determination setting in. There was a method to setting up camp, a step-by-step process he'd done before, which he now replicated, organising the wood into a neat pile. All the while, he kept his hopes up for any hint of berry bushes.

Jake continued to grapple with the mystery of his sudden presence here and the uncertainty of returning home. Jake held a lot of knowledge of the Pokémon world that offered hope. He was aware of legendary Pokémon and of their natures. However, to gain the answers to his particular situation, he would need to find at least one of Arceus, Palkia, or Dialga. Finding such beings would be a daunting, if not impossible, task on his own. The games hinted that they could be found in the Sinnoh region, but Jake's current whereabouts in relation to Sinnoh remained a mystery, as did his means to get there.

Lost in thought, Jake's mind wandered to home, his family: his parents and younger sister. They undoubtedly would be devastated by his sudden disappearance. Unlike tales of children from troubled backgrounds whisked away to other realms, Jake had a loving family. Heck, he even had close friends at school, boys and girls, who genuinely cared for him. While he wasn't exactly in the popular crowd, Jake was generally well-liked. Really, just a regular kid who liked games. It seemed an odd twist of fate that someone with such a grounded life would find himself in this predicament. He shook his head to stop his introspective spiral.

"Snap out of it, Jake," he muttered to himself. "Going down memory lane won't help. Let's find something to eat." He was ravenous after such a long time without food.

Jake crept toward a thicket, eyes looking for any hint of the familiar berries. Gone were the conveniences of the game —no floating indicators or confirmations as he reached into the brush. His mind fumbled for the memory of an oran berry's shape and hue, hunger blurring his recollection. Shrugging off doubt, he plucked a handful of mixed berries, their vibrant colours a stark contrast to anything on Earth, and they reduced his hunger with unexpected heartiness.

A particular berry, coloured in deep purple, caught his eye. It sparked a sliver of recognition—Chesto berries, known in the Pokémon games for curing sleep conditions. He sank his teeth into the rich flesh and a surge of revitalising energy coursed through Jake, dispelling his weariness. He was now wide awake. The allure of sleep fading, replaced by an urge to continue his quest to find a settlement, even if it meant traveling under the cover of night.

Jake checked the other bushes wondering if any of them could be oran or sitrus. He sampled a few, not remembering the exact colour they were supposed to be. He struck lucky, with a light blue berry. Almost instantly, the throbbing pain in his leg subsided somewhat. This must be the oran berry from the game. Removing his makeshift bandage, he was astounded to see the wounds visibly shrinking.

'If I could bring even a few home, I'd revolutionise A&E," he mused.

Yet, as he scanned the bushes, he could find no more of the miraculous oran berries. Although an ache remained, he could walk although with a slight limp. He pocketed several chesto berries for the road ahead. Energised, Jake returned to his campfire, igniting the end of a stick to light his path.

With a brisker limp, Jake made steady progress alongside the river, keeping to the tree line to evade any more potential mud traps. The night was alive with sounds—distinctive cries, roars, and chirps of Pokémon echoed around him. The cacophony reminded him of an African night safari he once took as a child, where the calls of savannah animals filled the night.

Time seemed to pass quickly, Jake kept alert for more berry bushes, boosted by his supply of chesto berries, spotting at distance some nocturnal Pokémon. Across the river, a family of the fox-like Nickit's with a larger Thievul eyed him warily before disappearing into the shadows. Silhouettes of now familiar Rookidee flitted between the trees occasionally joined by the larger form of Corvisquire.

The forest began to take on an eerie quality. Jake felt the constant sensation of being watched. Every so often, pairs of glowing eyes would emerge from the dark foliage, only to retreat when he met their gaze. The weight of the unknown eyes bore down on him, making the hairs on the back of his neck stand up and sending shivers down his spine. Feeling the increased tension of the situation, Jake gripped tighter on his makeshift torch, a slight tremble in his grasp.

"Brilliant move, Jake," he chided himself sarcastically. "Venturing into a forest in another world... at night? Even Ash might've thought twice about this one."

Yet, Jake's stubborn nature always nudged him forward. Once he set his mind to something, he was committed.

"It's just a little midnight stroll," he rationalised. "It's almost... romantic? Well, if I weren't alone." He chuckled softly. "Some folks even prefer that. Dad always said there's a flavour for every taste in this world." Though, Jake doubted his father ever envisioned "this world" being quite so literal.

Jake was jolted by the sound of the underbrush stirring, a distinct hum of energy in the distance. The noise hinted at a Pokémon duel. Seized by excitement at the prospect of witnessing his very first Pokémon battle, Jake hastened toward the source of the noise. Yet, the scene that unfolded before him was far from what he had anticipated.

POV -?

Night had descended, and for Emolga it was time to embrace the skies. She had fur that was a blend of stark black and pristine white. It rippled in the moonlit breeze. Large, rounded ears perked up attentively, and her big, expressive eyes scanned the surroundings. Circular patches of yellow on her cheeks pulsed softly, reservoirs of stored electricity. With a membrane stretched between her limbs like a cape, she was the Pokémon world's own flying squirrel, ready to glide effortlessly through the air.

Having painstakingly climbed one of the higher trees, Emolga had perched herself on a lofty branch. Her heart thudded in her chest as she shuffled as close as she could dare to the edge.

A wave of nervousness washed over her, "Why should I, born to soar the skies, fear heights? This time, I will conquer!" she mentally rallied herself. With her face scrunched in resolve, sparks emanated from her yellow cheeks. Despite her fierce determination, she only really succeeded in looking even more adorable.

She was somewhat of a late bloomer compared to the rest of her siblings who had already achieved flight moons ago.

'There is nothing to be afraid of, I just won't look down.' She looked froze. Oh no, the embarrassing truth. She, a flying squirrel, petrified of heights. The memory of her siblings' laughter when they discovered her secret made her cheeks burn.

Shaking her little head, she dispelled the negative thoughts 'No, I will not give in! My siblings will be amazed. This time I will ascend to heights never seen by Emolga before!' clenching her paws.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a faint ember glow moving along the river. But she was too engrossed in her mission to pay it any heed. ""Eyes closed, leap, and let my instincts glide me," she whispered.

Emolga closed her eyes and jumped.

POV - JAKE

As Jake homed in on the source of the electric hum, his eyes caught a flurry of movement high in the canopy. A Pokémon, reminiscent of a squirrel, cheeks ablaze with stored electricity, plummeted through the leaves. Panic etched across its face as it tried to control its rapid descent. With the ground approaching, the creature's wings beat frantically, but instead of slowing its fall, the flaps sent it spiralling, tumbling through the air chaotically.

Jake's concern mounted as he watched the scene unfold. He was internally debating whether to step in when suddenly, the Pokémon snapped out its wing-like membranes. The manoeuvre caught the air and the Pokémon shot in a beeline toward him. It was an Emolga, the electric flying-squirrel Pokémon, Jake realised, its body vibrating with frenetic energy. As the Pokémon spiralled into sheer panic, the Emolga's control over its electric charge started to falter, unleashing erratic sparks into the surrounding air.

Jake's eyes widened as he realised the Pokémon's trajectory.

"Whoa, heads up!" Jake exclaimed. To no avail. With shocking intensity, the little Pokémon smashed headfirst into Jake's face, knocking him clean off his feet. As the creature's panic escalated, electric currents bolted from its cheeks, engulfing Jake. Shocks vibrated his bones. Darkness closed in, 'Shocking encounters indeed.' his last coherent thought.

POV - EMOLGA

'Owie' the Emolga muttered rubbing her head. She was sat on a peculiar bipedal creature, which she eyed curiously. She recalled her mother's stories of these beings. They arrived with powerful Pokémon and tried to ensnare others using strange spherical devices. None of the Pokémon Emolga was acquainted with had ever been captured, although her father boasted of once defeating one of their mighty companions. Emolga harboured doubts about that tale; her father wasn't exactly a formidable Emolga in her eyes.

Indeed, during their playful skirmishes, Emolga often bested both her parents and siblings when she could reach them. She might lack confidence in her flying abilities, but her electric capabilities more than compensated for it.

Refocusing on the unconscious being beneath her, Emolga realised she'd never personally encountered one, given the seclusion of her part of the forest. Rumours spoke of a large gathering of these creatures residing in a den further down the river. However, considering her aviation challenges, she'd never ventured that far.

The creature stirred slightly, waking up. Emolga panicked, not quite sure what to do. She felt responsible for its current condition, though it really should have gotten out of the way.

Emolga did not know how it would react to her continued presence. She looked around for anything that might help her.

POV - JAKE

Jake's consciousness slowly seeped back. His head felt foggy, and his body seemed distant. Letting out a groan, he attempted to marshal his scattered thoughts. His limbs felt numb, so he tentatively wiggled his digits, hoping sensation would return. Memories of the recent encounter rushed back, and his eyes flew open, only to gaze upward to the very Pokémon responsible for his predicament. His gamer's knowledge kicked in: Emolga, an electric-flying type, clearly demonstrated by the aerial volt tackle to the face, Jake thought dryly.

The tiny creature leaned forward, its large, round eyes wide, a mischievous spark in its innocent and probing curiosity that seemed almost comical given the circumstances. Its rounded ears were twitching to sounds that Jake could not hear. Trademark yellow patches stood on her cheeks, thankfully not sparking anymore.

'Emol?' the Emolga chirped, tilting its head to one side innocently. Jake marvelled at how, even without shared language, the Pokémon's expressive eyes seemed to convey its sentiments.

'Seems like someone skipped their flying lessons,' Jake muttered, despite the residual tingling in his limbs. His light-hearted tone belied his discomfort.

Emolga's eyes widened in surprise at first, but upon grasping his meaning, its cheeks puffed out indignantly.

'Emol, mol, mol!' it retorted with fervour, as if to say he should've watched where he was going.

'I seem to recall you had your eyes shut the whole time,' Jake retorted, though the Emolga's endearing display of indignation brought a grin to his face.

The Emolga looked stunned, and Jake caught a glimpse of what seemed like embarrassment cross its features.

'Mol, emoool,' the Emolga mumbled, averting its eyes and glancing guiltily at the ground.

Jake wasn't entirely sure, but the creature's demeanour seemed apologetic. Observing the Emolga more closely, Jake felt it appeared younger than most of its kind. He couldn't quite put his finger on why he thought that having not seen a real one before, but its behaviour gave away hints of youth.

'Well, I can't really move right now, but I think I'll be okay. How about making it up to me with a cherri berry?' Jake asked hopefully remembering the paralysis-healing berry from the games.

Emolga's expression brightened, glad it could be helpful and scampered away on all fours, noticeably forgoing its species' usual gliding motion. Jake remained motionless, the initial shock diminishing as he began to regain feeling in his extremities, aware that regaining his full strength would take some time.

Soon after, Emolga scampered back, placing a cherry-like berry into Jake's mouth. He bit into the cherri berry, its tangy sweetness washing over him as a tingling warmth began to ease the numbness in his limbs. With each bite, the feeling grew into a comforting heat that loosened his stiff muscles and encouraged deeper breaths.

The warmth intensified across his body, bringing with it a sense of relief as the stiffness in his muscles began to dissipate. Jake noticed his breathing becoming deeper and more even as his diaphragm relaxed, suggesting that the berry might contain some anti-inflammatory agents or natural muscle relaxants. His fingers and toes twitched and then moved at his command, a sure sign of the berry's restorative powers at work.

It wasn't an instant fix, but a slow reawakening, allowing him to become reacquainted with movement. Eventually, Jake was able to sit up, with Emolga hopping down to sit patiently beside him.

"Thanks, Emolga," Jake whispered, lifting his hand to gently stroke the Pokémon's head. A contented sigh escaped Emolga as it suddenly became aware of the affectionate gesture. Its tail stiffened and its eyes grew wide with surprise... but soon it relaxed again, succumbing to the enjoyable scratches.

"You really enjoy that, huh?" Jake observed, smiling at the content Emolga. "Not used to people, are you?" he continued.

The Emolga nodded in agreement, pointing at Jake and raising a single finger, communicating that Jake was first one it had seen. Jake's eyes widened in amazement. He knew Pokémon were intelligent—after all, the games and the anime suggested they had cognitive abilities on par with humans, and he recalled the Blipbug he had encountered— it was strange witnessing mathematical skills in animals.

"Name's Jake," he said, introducing himself.

The Emolga responded with a cheerful chirp, "Mol, mol, emol," as if stating its own name in return.

Emolga stayed by his side as he waited for the paralysis to fully subside. Jake was amused by her occasional lack of grace but found her to be an energetic and cheerful presence. As they spent time together, Jake came to realise that this Emolga was female. Her sulkiness when teased reminded him of his own spirited younger sister, though he mused she might not take kindly to such a comparison.

Remarkably, she seemed to understand him without any trouble. Although Jake couldn't fully comprehend her in return, he managed to catch the gist of her thoughts through her animated expressions and motions.

"Why were you out flying so late?" Jake inquired softly, aware that he was venturing into sensitive territory.

Surprised by the question, Emolga hopped off from Jake's now somewhat moveable lap.

With a hint of melancholy in her chirping, "Emol, mol, mool," she gestured towards the branch, then cast her gaze downward, covering her eyes.

Jake took a good look at Emolga, thinking how it kind of reminded him of a Pikachu, what with its cheek patches, size and electric typing. But Emolga had its own thing going on with those wing membranes it used to glide. It didn't really fly like a Pidgey or a Spearow did, instead, it was more like it surfed the air currents to sail around treetops and the like.

"Being scared of heights must be rare for an Emolga," Jake commented empathetically, looking kindly at the grounded squirrel. "So, you're basically a Skwovet?" he teased.

'Mol!' Emolga was indignant at his words, patting her belly, she was nowhere near as fat as a rat like that.

Jake flashed a grin at the Pokémon. As feeling returned, he wobbled to his knees. His vision blurred briefly before he shook his head clear, looking into Emolga's inquisitive gaze. The young kit appeared intrigued, examining him with keen interest, the lack of human interaction lending her a cute innocence.

Jake couldn't resist. He dove into a tickle attack, his fingers expertly tickling Emolga's belly. She let out indignant squawks that quickly turned into giggles, squirming under his relentless tickling. Jake's grin grew wider with each giggle, enjoying their playful skirmish.

After withstanding a round of tickles, Emolga deftly slipped from his grasp and climbed up to sit on the top of his head.

Jake looked up with a grin at Emolga as she attempted to recapture her composure. Gazing down into Jake's eyes, her head tilted upside down, she wagged her finger at him in a playful reprimand. With a spirited "Mol, emol, mol!" she asserted her authority — she was in charge here, and she wouldn't tolerate such indignity.

Jake simply rose to his feet, careful of his leg. Taken aback at the sudden change in altitude, Emolga's expression wavered, and she toppled from his head. Swiftly, Jake reached out and caught her.

"Is it that bad?" Jake asked, peering down at the Emolga cradled in his hands as he gently lowered her to the ground.

The Emolga's posture drooped momentarily, the shame of her aversion to heights momentarily dampening her usually vibrant spirit. But resilience sparked within her almost instantly. With a bright chirp of "Mol, mol, emol!" she clenched her small paws with newfound resolve. A soft buzz of electricity hummed in her cheeks as she pointed her nose toward the sky, flapping her wing-like appendages with gusto. She would not let a minor detail like that bring her down.

Jake admired the young Pokémon, retaining such enthusiasm despite suffering what must be a debilitating condition for an Emolga.

Suddenly a wave of tiredness hit Jake, it must be past midnight now, his exhaustion must be catching up with him. He picked out a chesto berry from his pocket and popped it into his mouth. He felt, his mind clear, though his limbs still trembled a little. He needed to rest soon, the berries only acted as an amphetamine, keeping him awake, but doing nothing for physical exhaustion.

"Know any place around here where I could crash for the night?" Jake asked, looking down at Emolga.

With an eager twitch of her ears, Emolga scampered up to Jake, tugging at his jeans with a determined little paw. She knew just the spot. Jake, despite the pain, followed her lead, limping along as she zapped off with surprising speed on the ground. Even if she would not fly, she was fast on her feet.

As he struggled to keep up with her lively pace, a thought struck him. "I can't keep calling you 'Emolga,' can I? Especially if we bump into more of your kind." He pondered for a moment. The Emolga glanced back at him, head cocked to the side in a questioning tilt.

"How about Trixie?" he suggested. The name seemed to fit her perfectly – she was adorable, full of mischief and her tricks had quite literally knocked him off his feet.

Trixie paused, shuffling her feet as if contemplating the new name. She shot a look at Jake, almost as if she sensed the joke behind his choice. But quick as a flash, her expression brightened.

"Emol!" she chirped, seemingly pleased with her name, and with a renewed energy, Trixie – no longer just any Emolga – buzzed ahead, leading the way.

Periodically, Trixie would bound ahead and pause, waiting for Jake to catch up.

'Mol, emol?' she chirped; her tone playful yet quizzical - what the heck is taking you so long?

'I must confess, my talents do not lie in one-legged runs' Jake admitted sardonically.

'Emol, mol,' Trixie waved her paw dismissively, as if to say, "No excuses!"

Definitely like my little sister Jake thought bitterly.

Pokémon continued to be a presence. In the background, the rhythmic tapping of Pikipek echoed through the trees. Tangela occasionally allowed a pair of eyes to stare out at him from the unknown body within its vines. It made Jake realise how strange some of the Pokémon designs were when seeing them for real. Foongus were a particularly bizarre mon. Jake struggled to contain his laughter at the sight of what was essentially a live waddling shroom, though still being careful to avoid its spore. Trixie was acting quite literally as Jake's guiding light in the darkness, and it seemed they were approaching the end of their trek.

Emerging from the dense trees, they reached a shadowed grove where a faint sound of buzzing could be heard. It was clear now: Trixie had led Jake to her home.

The grove was an idyllic spot, the kind discovered by chance when straying slightly off the beaten path. It was neither excessively lush nor dense, its open spaces allowing shafts of moonlight to filter through the leaves and speckle the forest floor.

At its centre an oak tree rose stoutly from the earth, its trunk wide and strong. Around the midpoint of its ascent, where thick branches began to stretch out like arms, there was a subtle break—a natural hollow that might have gone unnoticed had it not been for the lively presence of electric squirrels darting in and out.

"Follow me," Trixie seemed to say with a flick of her tail, darting towards the centre tree. Two Emolga dropped from the leafy canopy above, spiralling around her with delighted chirps. They were clearly kin – her cheeky siblings, Jake mused, watching their high jinks with a smile.

Jake paused for a moment to take in the playful pair, their distinct personalities shining through in stark contrast to the generic versions he remembered from his games. One was the epitome of a show-off, sporting a tuft of fur that stood up defiantly between its ears, giving it a rebellious, punk-like appearance. Meanwhile, its sibling seemed more reserved, maintaining a slight distance from the more boisterous 'punkemolga,' which continued to zip around Trixie with relentless chirping.

As Jake ventured deeper into the grove, two more Emolga suddenly swooped into view, effectively blocking his path. Their cheeks sparkled with electricity, a warning sign that wasn't lost on Jake. These two were clearly larger than Trixie and her playful siblings – likely their parents.

"Emol, Mol!" the larger of the two uttered, its sparks intensifying as it eyed Jake warily.

Jake instinctively took a small step back, keen on avoiding another shock. The memory of the last jolt unsettling him.

Trixie zipped back in front of Jake, positioning herself between him and her parents. She stretched her arms out protectively. Her siblings, caught up in the moment, glided in and latched onto the backs of their parents, their eyes fixed on Jake with an unmistakable gleam of excitement, no doubt hoping something interesting would happen.

Chirping animatedly, Trixie launched into an explanation, addressing the elder Emolga. She recounted Jake's encounter with her, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade as no doubt she had to reluctantly admit her fear of heights once more to her family.

As Jake observed Trixie's bold stance and listened to her spirited chatter, he found his appreciation for her – and Pokémon in general – growing immensely. It struck him just how much more there was to these creatures than what he'd experienced in the games. Sure, the games were fun, offering a taste of adventure and strategy, but they fell short in capturing the depth of real interactions, the subtle nuances of their personalities, and the genuine bonds they could form.

He thought about the courage it took for Trixie to confront her parents, to admit her fears, and to stand up for him, a human she barely knew. It was a far cry from the scripted, predictable behaviours of game characters. These were living, feeling creatures each with their own quirks and braveries.

Following Trixie's heartfelt pleas, her parents' demeanour softened. They regarded Jake with less suspicion, eventually giving him a nod – a silent approval for him to come closer.

At this signal, Trixie's siblings erupted into a chorus of joyful chirps. They took to the air, swirling around Jake's head in a whirlwind of excitement, their curiosity palpable. The one Jake had dubbed 'Punkemolga', with its rebellious tuft of fur, zoomed right up to his face. Its eyes sparkled with a bold, inquisitive gleam. Jake had a hunch that this one was a boy, its spunky attitude seeming to be a dead giveaway.

'"Whoa, easy there, mate!" Jake chuckled, gently warding off the enthusiastic 'Punkemolga' hovering close to his face. "You've got quite the spirit, haven't you?"

Punkemolga chirped in response, tilting its head as if considering Jake's words before zipping back to join its siblings in their playful dance around him.

"Looks like I've got myself a fan club," Jake said with a laugh, watching the energetic display with a mix of amusement and awe.

Upon closer inspection, Jake noticed that the more subdued Emolga, relatively speaking, had cheeks with a distinct orange hue. "Orangemolga," he mentally nicknamed it, amused by his own naming convention.

"Hey there, 'Punkemolga'," Jake said with a playful grin. "You're quite the lively one, aren't you? A real adventurer, I bet!" His words were met with an enthusiastic burst of chirps and acrobatic flips from the Emolga, clearly liking his nickname.

'Orangemolga', on the other hand, floated nearby with a more reserved air, its orange cheeks giving it a contemplative appearance. "And you must be the thinker, right 'Orangemolga'?" Jake said softly, his smile warm. The Emolga chirped gently in response, inching closer with a curious gaze.

Trixie, meanwhile, looked visibly miffed, her cheeks ballooning.

"Emol, mol!" she protested, hopping onto Jake's shoulder in an attempt to divert his attention from her siblings.

Despite her efforts, her siblings continued their energetic dance around Jake, undeterred by her display.

Trixie's frustration soon reached a peak, and she began to emit increasing sparks from her cheeks. This finally caught her siblings' attention. They hastily retreated towards their parents, who watched the scene with amused smirks.

This entire exchange didn't go unnoticed by Trixie, who seemed even more put out now. She slid off Jake's shoulder and positioned herself right in front of his face, chirping loudly for attention.

"You're not getting jealous, are you, Trixie?" Jake chuckled, amused by her behaviour.

Trixie responded with a stubborn "Emol, emol," turning away as if scoffing at the idea. Why would she be jealous of an idiot like him?

"Oh, Trixie, don't worry. You're still my number one guide here," he reassured her, reaching up to gently ruffle the fur on her head. The gesture seemed to appease her, and her cheeks slowly deflated as she accepted the affection with a contented chirp.

"They're just like a normal family, aren't they?" Jake thought, a grin spreading on his face. It was kind of funny to see how much personality these Pokémon had.

"Nice to meet you all," Jake said, turning to the elder Emolga managing a weary smile. "I'd really appreciate it if you could show me a place to crash – I'm pretty wiped out."

Following a 'Mol, emol' from who seemed like Trixie's mother, Jake, with Trixie still on his shoulder, wearily trailed her around the oak. They arrived at a spot you'd hardly call a shelter, more like a smartly hidden nook with a leafy makeshift roof and a floor of dirt and twigs. Just enough space for a human. "Not exactly luxury, but it'll do," Jake thought, surveying the simple but clever setup. As he expressed a theatrical yet sincere thanks to the Emolga family, they chirped back playfully, then literally buzzed up to their den at the top of the trees, leaving him to settle in for the night.

Jake took in the shelter, noticing a little alcove inside that seemed perfect for something Trixie-sized. Her fear of heights must be chronic to the point she could not live with her family up in the trees.

"This your pad, Trixie?" Jake asked, glancing at her as she still perched on his shoulder.

"Emol, mol," Trixie chirped, her gestures imperious, as if to say, 'Welcome. Be honoured'

Jake smiled at her grandiose manner. "Oh, I'm fully aware of the honour, my lady" he replied playfully. "Not every day I get invited to such luxury."

An "Emol" sounded behind him. Orangemolga was there, offering a sitrus berry. "Wow, thanks!" Jake said, accepting the berry. It was deliciously sweet and tangy, and as he ate, he felt its calming effect soothing his aching leg. A wave of gratitude washed over him, his eyes dampening slightly at the feeling of relief. He had been seriously worried about his leg, but he could now put the trauma of the Stunfisk encounter to the back of his mind. Compartmentalise. That was the key.

Orangemolga zoomed off, while Trixie gave Jake's head a comforting pat before hopping down into her den. Bone-tired, Jake followed suit, squeezing into the space beside her. It was a tight fit, but he managed to make himself somewhat comfortable. Lying there, his mind wandered briefly over the day's surreal events. He had stepped into another world, encountered Pokémon in reality, and now here he was, taking shelter with one. It was a lot to take in for a day, and part of him wondered if it was all just a dream.

But the gentle warmth of Trixie nestling against him brought a sense of peace and an odd feeling of belonging. With these thoughts floating in his mind, exhaustion finally claimed him. His breathing slowed, and he slipped into a deep sleep, thus ending his first extraordinary day in a world far from his own.

POV – TRIXIE

As Trixie awoke, warmth was the first sensation that greeted her, comforting her as she emerged from slumber. Bleary-eyed, she yawned cutely and stretched her body up, feeling every muscle relax. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the leafy canopy above, casting a patchwork of light and shadow around her. Beside her, Jake slept soundly, his breathing a rhythmic lullaby of peace. She gazed at him, her small face reflecting a mix of curiosity and affection.

Her thoughts gently meandered to their first meeting. Jake had seemed so strange to her then, a creature of two legs and smooth skin, so different from the usual fare of her forest home. Yet, his eyes radiated kindness, and his touch, a gentle presence that softened her sense of isolation. It wasn't that she resented her family, and she loved her siblings, annoying as they were. But being land-bound as she was, unable to join them in the treetops, Trixie often felt like an outsider among her own kind.

Trixie's parents, and likely her ancestors, had lived in this forest for generations. It was a rather idyllic habitat for emolga, with little need to venture far. As a result, most of her kin that lived here held little interest in the wider world. Trixie had always been curious, and truly, if it weren't for her fear of heights, she would have probably seized the first opportunity to leave the nest and explore beyond their familiar woods.

With Jake, however, she found a sense of belonging that had eluded her amongst her treetop kin. His presence filled a void she hadn't known was there, bringing an unexpected companionship.

Introspection complete, Trixie decided on the most entertaining course of action available: she impishly leaped onto Jake's stomach with the enthusiasm of a playful sprite. Her small, lightweight form landed with a surprising thud. However, to her astonishment, Jake didn't wake up. The lummox snored on.

Puffing her cheeks out in frustration, she leaned in closer, cheeks sparking to a small Nuzzle.

He definitely reacted to that. Jake woke with a start, sputtering and gasping, his eyes wide with shock. "What in the—?" he exclaimed, momentarily disoriented. His gaze fell on Trixie, and for a second, he seemed utterly bewildered, as if he had forgotten where he was. Then, with a shake of his head, he seemed to remember, his expression melting into one of amused resignation.

"Oi, Trixie, you're a proper little rascal, aren't you?" Jake laughed, gently scooping her, tickling her again up in his hands. Trixie wriggled and chirped happily, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Thought you could use a wake-up call," she said with her playful demeanour, tilting her head to one side.

"Yeah, thanks for that," Jake replied with a mock grumble, but his smile betrayed his true feelings. "I guess alarm clocks aren't needed in a Pokémon world with you around, huh?"

Trixie didn't understand an alarm clock, but his tone was light and friendly. She responded with a joyful squeak, hopping from his hand back onto his chest, ready for another round of play.

Jake seemed to gather himself, rubbing his eyes, still a bit dazed from the abrupt awakening, Trixie noticed a change in his expression. He looked around at her den, pondering. His eyes clouded over, reflecting a deep, faraway thought. He seemed to be grappling with something beyond her understanding. The air grew tense, as if Jake was standing at the edge of a precipice, one that weighed heavily on him.

Just as then, a loud growl erupted from Jake's stomach, slicing through the tension. Trixie giggled at the sound, her eyes sparkling with amusement. Trixie was about to make fun when her own stomach betrayed her with an even louder growl.

Jake and Trixie looked at each other a moment before bursting into laughter.

"Let's find some breakfast!' Jake said.

POV - JAKE

Jake stretched, feeling refreshed and pain-free, though his stomach now felt overly full from the berries. Breakfast with Trixie and her family had been a delightful affair. Punkemolga and Orangemolga, buzzing around with their adorable, mischievous energy, cheekily snatched berries or nuzzled him just as he was about to take a bite. Initially, Jake laughed along, but he soon decided to retaliate. In a smooth sleight of hand, just as Punkemolga reached for another berry, Jake swapped a sweet pecha berry for a spicy tamato. Trixie's giggles, were the loudest among her family, rang out in delight at the trick, especially at the sight of Punkemolga's comically red face.

Punkemolga, still sporting a hint of red from the spicy berry, playfully darted around Jake's head, letting out a series of energetic "Emol, emol!" Cries full of indignation.

Orangemolga, more reserved, hovered near Jake with a gentle "Emol..." and performing a series of aerial flips, also amused at Jake's trick.

Jake chuckled at this and offered Orangemolga a sweet berry. In response, she cooed softly and nuzzled his hand affectionately.

Trixie, seemingly struck by a pang of jealousy, playfully leaped in to nudge Orangemolga away from Jake. She then positioned herself in front of him with a possessive air, chirping "Emol, mol" and gesturing towards Jake as if to say, 'This is mine!'

Jake simply lay back, leisurely digesting his berries, he mused on how well the Emolga were adapted to their surroundings. Their unique combination of agile flying and the ability to harness electricity meant they probably had few natural predators around. They would likely remain largely undisturbed by bird Pokémon such as Hoothoot, Pidove, and Rookidee, as any sensible ones would steer clear of them. In a vast forest such as this, the likelihood of encountering many rock or ground types was low, which meant these Emolga probably enjoyed a rather carefree lifestyle.

It was another beautiful day. Jake looked up, noting the relatively warm temperature, a stark contrast to the icy winter he had left behind at home. The sight of Pokémon freely roaming everywhere was a clear indicator, but this seasonal weather made it even more conclusive: he must indeed be in another world. How could this have happened? He had often read similar stories where characters were reincarnated into different personas or met legendary beings like Arceus, destined for greatness. But his experience was different. He had simply appeared here, out of nowhere, still as himself – as Jake. He mused that whatever force had brought him here could have at least had the courtesy to leave him near a town. But no, it had to be right in the middle of an endless forest.

It could have been worse he supposed, out of all the fandoms out there Pokémon must be one of the best places to land. If not for his family, he would be elated at being in a world with Pokémon. This was the stuff of dreams. How many kids, or even nostalgic adults would kill to be given this chance?

However, he could not help it. Although he loved Pokémon, Jake wanted to see his family again, and he would have to try. This world was one of miracles and any answers or means could likely only be found in the Creation Trio of Arceus, Dialga or Palkia. How to do that? Jake knew from the games that the most likely location of these Pokémon was the Sinnoh region.

Based on the fauna he had met so far; he was probably in Galar. It was ironic, in a way, that this detail made the most sense, that he was in the place that mirrored his home country on an alternate Earth. However, the fact that he did not land in Wyndon suggested that this world did not align perfectly with his own. If he was in Galar, but not quite the Galar he knew, what did that mean? Was this a parallel universe, a different dimension, or just a crazy dream?

If he found the Creation Trio, what would he do? Why would or should they help him? And what if this was a one-way trip? The questions kept coming, each more absurd than the last. Maybe he'd discover he was the chosen one, or maybe he'd wake up tomorrow as a Magikarp.

Jake's thoughts were starting to spiral into a ramble. Taking a deep breath to centre himself, he refocused. "Right," he thought, "one thing at a time. My priority hasn't changed: find a human town first." However, he reminded himself to approach this differently than he had the day before. In hindsight, wandering aimlessly through a forest, especially at night, hadn't been the wisest choice. Jake knew he needed to get his bearings and try to understand how this world of Pokémon actually worked.

Throughout all the Pokémon games, anime, and stories, a consistent theme persisted: the need for a Pokémon companion to protect oneself from wild Pokémon, and often, from other humans as well.

Being a devotee of the games, if not the anime, he pretty much knew every Pokémon that existed, and he understood that some would not be as friendly and had some outlandish powers that could seriously harm him. He did not know how far the town was, and if he encountered any that were more dangerous, then his survival would be uncertain. Jake eyed the Emolga's, who were so quick to give him his trust thanks to Trixie.

He looked at Trixie, who probably sensing his emotions, had started to gaze at him with a mix of curiosity and, perhaps, a hint of apprehension.

'Emol?' Trixie said. Jake could read the meaning of the question. 'Are you going to leave?'

Jake felt a jolt of surprise at her understanding of his mental state and gazed intently into Trixie's eyes. From within them, he sensed an undercurrent of profound loneliness.

Perhaps his emotions were difficult to articulate. He had never owned a dog, yet he imagined that the bond forming between them might be akin to such a companionship, yet this was something far more. He could not doubt the connection that had come to exist. In that moment, Jake understood that leaving Trixie was not an option. No, he simply couldn't – he wouldn't leave her behind.

"Yes, Trixie, I need to go." Jake said, pausing. Trixie's face fell, looking despondent. "But I don't want to leave you," Jake added with sincerity.

Trixie perked up slightly, her eyes searching Jake's face, a soft "Emol?" escaping her.

"I need to find my way, figure things out," Jake gently explained, his eyes softening as he continued, "but leaving you behind... that's not part of my plan." He paused, his gaze lingering thoughtfully on Trixie. In a tender, inviting tone, he asked, "Would you like to come with me?"

As he posed the question, Jake felt a twinge of self-awareness. He couldn't deny a certain selfishness in his request. It was a significant ask to expect such a young Pokémon like Trixie to abandon her familiar surroundings and family to accompany him. His recent experiences had taught him the value of caution; he knew well the dangers that wild Pokémon posed, and Trixie's assistance could prove invaluable. Yet, there was more to it than just needing protection. Trixie's spirit, her inquisitive nature, it all reminded him so much of his little sister. The thought of leaving her, especially with that forlorn look in her eyes, was just something he couldn't bring himself to do.

"Of course, we'd need to check with your parents first," Jake said thoughtfully, keeping his tone measured. "And maybe it could just be a trip to the next town, nothing too daunting. See?" He gestured to his empty belt. "I don't have any Pokeballs, so it's not like I can, you know, 'catch' you or anything."

He scratched the back of his head, a mix of earnestness and vulnerability in his eyes. "Truth is, I'm kind of on my own here, and I'm not really sure where I am. Your help would mean a lot to me. And hey, who knows? Maybe along the way, we could work on that fear of heights of yours, huh?"

Jake realised he was starting to ramble, a sheepish grin crossing his face. He wasn't used to asking Pokémon—or anyone, really—to join him on what felt like an uncertain journey. The games definitely hadn't prepared him for this. Seriously, what were the Pokémon Company thinking? They should have known a kid was going to be isekai'd someday.

Jake felt a sudden, soft cannonball thud against his stomach and looked down to find Trixie hugging him tightly. As he gazed into her eyes, he saw an unmistakable sparkle of pure joy. Her ears twitched playfully as she chirped, "Emol, emol," nodding with an enthusiasm that needed no translation.

Grinning widely, Jake wrapped his arms around her, returning the embrace warmly. "I'll take that as a yes then," he said, his voice filled with affection.

Trixie pulled back slightly; her eyes gleaming mischievously. She tilted her head, puffing out her chest in a proud gesture, and chirped, "Emol, mol!" as if to say, "I knew you'd need me!"

Jake chuckled, giving Trixie a gentle tousle on the head. "So, I've got myself an Emolga sidekick now, huh? Ready to show this lost sheep the ropes?" His voice danced with mirth, echoing her lively spirit.

Trixie bounced excitedly, her tail flicking with enthusiasm. "Emol, mol, mol!" she chirped, which in Jake's mind translated to, "You bet!"

Jake's attention was drawn to a subtle movement at the edge of his vision. Turning, he saw Trixie's family observing them from a distance, their faces a blend of curiosity and mild amusement.

Approaching them, Jake knelt down respectfully. "I know it's a big request, but would it be okay for Trixie to join me on my journey?" he asked.

Mama Emolga, her eyes seemed understanding, gave a slight, approving nod.

Trixie's reaction was radiant, her eyes alight with excitement and gratitude. This moment was more than mere permission; it was an acknowledgment of her readiness to venture out and become Jake's partner.

"I will definitely take good care of her," Jake promised, meeting the family's gaze. Mama Emolga nodded, her trust evident, while Papa Emolga's nod, more subdued, still carried weight. Trixie's siblings chirped joyfully, fluttering around her in a playful, affectionate farewell.

That had gone smoother than Jake expected. He speculated that Trixie's parents were aware of her loneliness, perhaps recognising their own limitations in helping her conquer her acrophobia to join them in the treetops. This, Jake mused, might be a fundamental distinction between trained Pokémon and their wild counterparts. Wild Pokémon, though much more intelligent than typical Earth animals, appeared to primarily act on instinctual behaviour. They probably didn't possess the nuanced understanding or ability to impart complex skills like flying to their young if they were not born with it. While many Pokémon trainers would have the patience and capability required for such intricate teaching.

Jake turned back to Trixie's parents, offering them a grateful nod. "Thank you for all your help and for letting me stay with you. I won't forget this kindness. We'll make sure to come back for a visit," he promised sincerely.

A chorus of heartfelt "Emol, emol!" rang out from Trixie's family as she bid them farewell, each chirp carrying a tone of affection and well-wishes for her new adventure.

Link:https://m.fanfiction.net/s/14318736/2/Stroll