"Why did I agree to do this!?"

"Because it's a fantastic idea!"

"Then why don't you try to carry these with those wimpy arms of yours?"

"Why would I do that when I have you?"

"Sycamore..."

"Okay okay, go on and take a break, I'll finish up here.

Sighing, Acacia Willow stomped her way to the Pokemon sanctuary of Sycamore's Lab, located in Lumiose City. For four years now she has been learning under the Kalosian Professor, travelling all over the region and a few others to aide in the man's research. For four years, Acacia has been sent around on task after task, most of which called for heavy lifting - such as this task - and others being away from home for long periods of time. Despite Sycamore occasionally treating her more like an assistant than an apprentice, she has grown happy of her opportunity there, and wouldn't rather be doing anything else. Along with her nearly complete pokemon team, Acacia has been learning more and more about pokemon every day, getting the chance to experience life with them, and the many joys they bring. Now, Sycamore has given her the task of spreading that pokemon love all across Kalos, in his idea of the biggest pokemon adoption week 'In the history of the world!' At least, that's how he would put it.

Located in the Professor's lab was a large room, specially made to suit the lives of many different kinds of lost or abandoned pokemon. They all lived a happy life there, some getting 'adopted' by new trainers every day... But it didn't match the rate in which they were coming in. The sanctuary was now packed, full to capacity with pokemon who were in need of homes and such. To solve this issuse, Sycamore has Acacia make a bold move. Along with Lumiose's press company, Acacia created a flier that was to be sent out across the region, to every town and city, for people to gather in the Professor's lab to take home their very own pokemon. The fliers in the newspapers were sent out a week ago, and many people recently have been coming by and taking in their own pokemon. Acacia thought they had a good idea going for some time... until something unexpected happened.

There had been seemingly random attacks happening across the region, a group of unknown people were going around and destroying the Day Care facilities and Breeding Grounds, effectively causing harm and homelessness to hundreds of Pokemon and Eggs. There had been no where else for them to go but the Lab, and thus, Sycamore's plan seemed to be failing soon after success was expected.

"You have a scary look on your face. What are you thinking about?" the voice of Sycamore asked. Acacia turned to see him walking up with a bottle of water for her. Giving him an eye roll, she continued farther into the sanctuary, gently placing the Egg she was holding along with the others. "I'm worried about these pokemon." she said truthfully, taking the water from Sycamore and stealing a drink. The man nodded once, looking thoughtful. "Everything will be alright. Let's just keep our hopes up that some new trainers will be eager to take some of these Eggs. We dont, afterall, know what pokemon are in these. It's quite a fun gamble for people, don't you think?"

"Professor, these are pokemon. Their live's aren't a ga-"

"Wigglytuff?"

Blinking and turning around, Acacia saw her pokemon standing behind her, looking cocerned. Smiling, she knelt and hugged the pink creature, causing her to squeal in delight.

"That's right Acacia; didn't you meet her when it seemed she had no future? Things happen for a reason. This will turn out right, just you see. And after this we can finally get back to my research on Mega Evolution!" the man said, growing more and more excited with each word. With the reassuring hug from her Wigglytuff, Acacia smiled and nodded. "Hope your right professor." she said. Suddenly a woman's voice could be heard.

"Professor? There are some more people here to recieve some new pokemon." the scientist said.

"Fantastic! Send them in! We have a bunch of Eggs here that are just about to hatch. They'll need some trainers."

[color=aqu]"Should I get the remaining Maps and Pokedex's we have in storage? There might be some new trainers that are eager to start on a journey. Might as well make sure they're prepared."[/color]

"Mhm! You do that! I'll wait for them here."

Nodding and patting Wigglytuff to come and help her, Acacia ran off in a different direction, heading for the storage room to get the few supplies they could give away to some new trainers. It was exciting, thinking that she could change the lives of some people and pokemon at the same time. It was what she loved, and why she put up with all of Sycamore's dramatics. Acacia could slowly see herself making a difference. It was small now, but she wanted it to be bigger... so big that people could say one day that she had a part to play in changing history.

"Ugh, first I need to change my clothes. I'm sweaty and smelly arent I?" she asked her pokemon.

"Wiggly..."

“Come on Remma we are almost there!!”

“Bbeeaaauuttiiifflllyy!!”

Running through the streets of Lumiose City was Ryiler or preferred name Ry, he was a 16 year old boy who recently just left for a new adventure, he had a lot of goals he want to accomplish and knowing that if he becomes a pokemon trainer it will help him really succeed in his goals. The city smelled like coffee and freshly made Galette he tried earlier…it was super yummy. This was all new to him since he was a country boy and never really been into the big city, this was all too new to him. There was even a parlor! He had to cut his own hair before leaving…

Following him was a beautifly, which perch on top of his head once they were in front of a building with two large pokeballs on it. This was it…this was his chance, he took a deep breath and pulled out a bag of pokepuffs he made back home from his messenger bag.It took him a while to make them since he really wanted them to taste amazing, he even made different varieties of puffs incase the new friend would like some more. He made them for his new friend he was going to meet, he look at the bag and took another deep breath.

“Are we ready Remma?” He asked the Beautifly with a small smile.

“Beau!!” That was probably a yes, he really hasn’t caught Beautifly yet since he wasn’t a trainer and had no pokeballs but hopefully the professor might give of some free ones so he can properly catch Remma and bring with on his journeys. He went inside the lab and looked around to see another trainers as well, this was nerve wrecking but he can do this…he can, Remma said he can do anything possible...he can do this. “Beau…”

“I know…this is scary…we can do this Remma…we can…” he said with a small smile as he pulled out a pink poke puff and feed it to beautifully which ate it happily. "Yummy right? I hope it good enough for our new friend"

"Stay close Deino"

Obviously Albert was having trouble keeping the Deino from tackling everything in range, it was in a its nature to tackle things to learn about its surroundings. That was all part of the fun Albert was having with his new Pokemon, sure a few people where knocked to the ground when Deino was intrigued by the food they where carrying but so far nobody was injured, so it was all alright in the end. It was gonna be a good day Albert hoped.

"Dei Dei"

It smelled something and it completely ignored the command to stay close, off it ran like a blind man darting left and right to find the scent and Albert running after it. It almost looked like a comedy skit and yet it was anything but, it leaped towards the source of the smell. A cup of coffee held by a rather stern looking old geezer, now most Pokemon and people would be hesitant. To attack someone who looked stern but frail but Deino was blind and it looked like the old man would be barreled over yet suddenly a gray hand pinned Deino down to one spot, it was a Machoke.

"Control your Pokemon boy" There was a obvious annoyance in the mans voice.

"Sorry Sir its just that Deino is a bit curious that's all"

"Just keep it on a leash or in a poke-ball if its causing problems" The man said as he walked off with his machoke leaving Albert and Deino behind.

Albert walked the rest of the way rather briskly he didn't like the idea of keeping Deino inside a poke-ball and it missing out on the joys of life but its nature was causing problems. The Lab peaked into view with its dual poke-ball statues outside the front, people moving into the double door entrance, definitely a Lab. Albert headed inside not knowing what to expect but he knew Deino was acting oddly quiet after that encounter with the Machoke. he sat down on the lab floor next to Deino, he honestly couldn't be asked to stand.

Diego burst into the apartment, sweat pouring down his face. He sighed in relief as the cool air of the apartment hit his face. Bliss, the Aipom, trudged in behind him trying to catch her breath. The two had gone on an afternoon jog which Diego had quickly turned into a training session. The two had spent the last hour an a half running back and forth between Jaune and Rouge plaza throwing in some body weight workouts. While Diego felt invigorated, the Aipom clearly was not as pleased.

The two were just glad to see the air conditioning was on. Apparently some torublemakers down at the power stations had caused a few short power outages throughout the city. Walking into the kitchen and grabbing a cold bottle of water, Diego then tossed a smaller one to Bliss who deftly caught it with her tail and began drinking from it thirstily. "Oh come one now, don't exaggerate. That was just a fun jog." He laughed out loud as Bliss rolled her eyes. "You know you miss the hurdle jump. Showing all those posers what a real athlete looks like." While Bliss had competed just as well as any of his other Pokemon, it was clear that she enjoyed being part of a team more than the actual events, which was why she had been the only one to deny his offer of staying back in Johto. Diego was very curious as to how she'd do in battle.

"Still though, Lumiose is nice. So much to do, there's a huge gym, oh and those Kalos women. Did you see that girl coming out of the Pokeball shop? Man I'd like to-"

"You'd like to do what exactly?"

Diego jumped as his mother walked into the kitchen.

"Um, nothing. What are you doing home, mom?" he asked as Bliss snickered behind him.

"I took the afternoon off. Today was the day you were going to go pick up a Pokemon from Professor Sycamore right? Well I'm coming for one too. With your father gone most of the week and you leaving there's no way I'm staying here alone. Besides, they're really relaxed at work about bring your Pokemon to work as long they don't get in the way. There's even a few battles at lunch time!" An excited grin spread across her face but quickly melted away as she sniffed the air. "You two reek. There's no way we're going to the lab like this. Quick go take a shower, and I'll help Bliss wash up." She looked at the Aipom, glaring "And if you get my clothes wet like last time, we won't be stopping for galettes."

*****

An hour later found Diego, an his mother and Bliss walking the streets of Lumiose each munching on a tasty Lumiose Galette. While the idea of bringing his mom with him initially seemed like a perfect setup for embarrassment, Diego had to admit she rarely did anything to embarrass him. It's not like she would butt in if he tried to talk to any of the beautiful young ladies he was sure to run into. Dad though... well, thank goodness he wasn't here.

Bliss who was situated up on Diego's shoulders pointed ahead at the lab. There was no mistaking it. Even if it didn't look exactly like the building on the flier, it was quite clearly a lab for Pokemon. Or at least a fancy Pokemon Center. Still, Diego was surprised he'd never noticed it before. Had he just not been in this area of the city yet? It was easy to get lost, and he still hadn't been living here very long.

Diego walked into the lab, surprised to find so many people there. Sure he had expected a crowd, but not quite like this. Apparently Sycamore did his job well, or whatever poor sap he had promoting this event did his job well. Diego and his mother walked off to the side, Diego watching the crowd. He looked for the girls. He looked for the trainers. He looked for the people who looked like they had a sense of purpose. Who would his rivals be? Who would he battle someday? Would any of these people be his friends? There was so much potential in this room. He wondered if any one else felt it.

When Carl was escorted into the lab, it was a bit overwhelming. There were at least a hundred other people in the lab with him. There was a sense of inquiry in him. He wondered who would be his rival, if anyone would become his friend. He hadn't had a true friend since he was given Piplup.

"Pip?" Piplup had just woken up for another nap, the sudden explosion of sound, people and Pokemon alike, was a little much, and Piplup snuck its head back into Carl's trainer bag. Carl chuckled at the action.

"Don't worry, Piplup, we'll get our new friend soon."

Carl is as hoping for a new Pokemon friend, but there was another one he didn't see coming. As he was looking around the lab, trying to spot out the end of an extremely long line, he bumped into someone.

Oh sorry! I was looking for the end of this line. My name is Carl, by the way.

He stuck out his hand for a shake, as he smiled brightly. He wanted to make friends, and hoped that bumping into hi, wouldn't ruin this chance.

"Oh! Hi! My Name is Shaylin, but you can call me Shay!" the girl said to the boy who had just bumped into her. "This is Skitty!" She pointed at the Skitty who was sitting on her shoulder, then proceeded to shake the boy's hand. Shay glanced around at the people nearby, "Is there even a line? I thought they were gonna bring us all in at once," Shay stated obliviously, "You could stand here if you want!" Shay gave a huge smile at the boy, glad to have a new friend.

"Uh-huh. Yeah. Ok, thanks Dad."

"Should I wait –"

"Nope. No, we're good. I can take it from here. Bye Dad."

"And you'll call, right? The –"

"Yeah. Bye Dad."

Cerise was not having a good day. It started off well enough, when her mom had waved her off on the train for Lumiose. It'd taken a good deal longer than Cerise would've liked, what with the older woman and her new boyfriend insisting on pictures and postcards and demanding a call every time Cerise got a new gym badge. (Cerise didn't even want to take on the pokemon league. It was just the only way her mom, a former trainer, would let her leave home. It was either the league or staying with her dad, and that was certainly out of the question.)

The train ride was long, but uneventful. Her day started to sour when she disembarked to see her dad, a beaming smile on his face. As Mr. Dahmani lived in the city, bonding time with him was both obligatory and unavoidable. He got her a galette and they walked around the city for a bit. She'd managed to avoid talking about anything personal, so it wasn't totally unbearable. Just annoying and uncomfortable. Then they'd tried to walk into a boutique (or at least, Cerise'd tried to drag her father into it) when the staff had the nerve to tell her she wasn't fashionable enough to shop there. Was… was that for real?? Her temper flared from just thinking about it. Honestly, who were they, in their tacky, overly priced outfits, to tell her she didn't have style? The nerve. She was going to file a complaint.

And now they were here, outside the pokemon lab. Cerise's dad was still buzzing around her like a beedrill, fussing over her like she was a child.

(To be fair, she still most definitely looked the part. But that was his fault. Him and his short genes.)

"And don't try to take on people you're not ready for –"

"Wasn't Mom the trainer? I'll be fine." Her dad seemed to deflate a bit at that. Cerise averted her eyes, guilt slowly bubbling up inside. "I'll call, ok?" she promised. "I gotta go now. They're gonna give out the pokemon soon." Cerise shifted a bit, knowing what she had to say but hesitating.

"…Love you, Dad. I'll see you later." Her dad's smile grew soft and he pulled her into a tight hug.

"I love you too." He placed a kiss on her forehead and Cerise pulled away as soon as she could without hurting his feelings. "Oh, before you go, I need a picture!" he announced. Desperate to finally end this chapter of her day, Cerise looked over her shoulder to see the crowd congregating inside the lab.

"Ah, sorry Dad!" she said quickly. "I see my friend there." Cerise waved her hand at a random person and turned back. "They've been waiting for me. Ok, bye love you!" With that she dashed off to the unfortunate bystander and linked her arm tightly around theirs. "Hey!" she said with false cheer. "Please just go with it," she whispered before looking back at her dad and waving. She didn't stop until her dad had finally walked away.

"Sorry," she said with an embarrassed laugh when her dad had finally turned the corner. "Just, uh… needed an excuse." She disentangled her arm from the strangers and gave a sweet smile. "Thanks, though."

As Ryi was feeding Beautifly with some pokepuffs he felt someone hugging his arm and telling him to go with it…weird but he went along with it. It was a small girl, almost the height of Remma actually, she sort of reminded her of her a bit with her dark hair and sorts...one day he would find her and they can have their journey together. It seemed like she was trying to get away from her dad but no way he want to pry into that that private stuff right there. After the father left the girl seemed relived he was gone, again it must be private matters and it will be terribly rude to well ask on what just happened. Maybe he was thinking about it too hard, he really have to stop doing that and try to go with the flow.

“No problem, not sure what really happened but no problem” Ryi smiled happily with Beautifly fluttering her wings on top of his head. “Oh my name, is Ryiler but call me Ryi this is Remma my friend! Say hi!” He pointed up to the resting pokemon on his head that was eating the pokepuff. Beautifly flew of his head and onto the girl head, a sign that she likes her.

“BEauuu! Beauuttiflly!!”

“I think she likes you already! Or that you have some berried with you.” He took out another pokepuff but this one it was green with a little pecha berry slice on top of it. He offered it to the girl, people can also eat these treats as well even though they were meant for pokemon. “Here, I made these for the pokemon but we can eat it was well. Its a good way tog et the started” Then he grabbed an orange pokepuff and took a bite out of it, it was super yummy and sweet, he love to bake when he had a chance and give it to others like the Pichu his mom have. “MMn!! Yummy!!” He said as he continued to munch on the pokepuff. Beautifly kept on fluttering her wings on top of the girl showing that she liked her already.

"Thanks for the warm welcome!" Carl had never really had friends before this and was grateful that he was making one now. He continued, "Well should we go look for someone that could help? I saw the lab assistant go this way." He turned around and was headbutted by a blonde haired boy. "Whoa!" Carl yelled as he fell to the ground from the immense force from the pace that the boy was running at. "Pip!?" Piplup too, fell from the force. Piplup rolled out of the bag, and was picked up by the welcoming arms of a stranger, with bright red hair.

"Hey, Are you alright?" Shay said, hoping that the boy, Carl, was okay.

"Yes I'm fine thank you." He replied, softly taking Piplup from her and placing him in his bag.

"Are you ok." he asked Piplup, placing him in his bag.

"Pip!" Piplup replied, nodding its head, as to imply it was fine. Piplup then turned to scowl at the boy who was still rubbing his head, sitting on the ground.

"That wasn't very nice!" Shay said to the boy, scolding him.

"Sorry 'bout that. I got a little excited. Heh, heh." The stranger cleared his throat, and then walked away.

"That was uhhhh, a little suprising." Shay laughed.

"Yeah very, interesting. So... What should we do until they hand out the Pokemon?"

"We could have a battle!" Shay smiled as she talked, then she realized she hadn't battled for 2 months.

"Sure, I love a good battle!" Carl exclaimed, excited for the battle.

Carl led Shay to a small arena inside the lab.

"Come on Skitty," Shay said nervously as Skitty hopped off of her shoulder.

The arena was a little on the small side, but was enough to to suit them. The each went onto opposite pedestals and sent out their Pokemon.

"Go Piplup!" Piplup was as enthusiastic about the battle as his trainer was. The symbiosis between them was a good thing to have in battle between trainer and Pokemon.

"Lets do this Skitty!" Shay said confidently, even though she had no idea what to do. As Skitty pranced into the field, she looked over at Carl, hoping that he would be the first to act.

"Piplup, use bubble!" Piplup ran and jumped up in the air, and sprayed down on Skitty. But the bubble was no match for Skitty's speed.

"Skitty, now, come back with a Zen Headbutt!" Skitty went on with the command. Then realized she was about to hurt another Pokemon. She did not want to, so tried to stop mid-way. This caused Skitty to roll into Piplup, causing some damage, but more to itself as it rolled into a post at the end of the Arena.

"Finish it off with a peck!" Piplup jump onto the podium that Carl was on, and jumped of, flawlessly performing a nose dive peck. Causing Skitty to roll over and faint.

Carl walked over to Shay, and shook her hand, complimented her battle and looked at the crowd that had gathered around to see the fight. At that time many wanted to challenge Carl.

"Whoa!"

A young man named Ren found himself wandering straight through the front of Lumiose City. It had been a long journey so far and this trainer was not daring to stop now. It was obvious that he had been living in the wilderness for day because of how rugged he looked. His pants were covered in grass stains, his shoes covered in mud and he had not looked in a mirror once to wipe the dirt stains from his cheek. That didn't stop Ren from looking excited. A wild-man would look similar but with one difference. The look on Ren's face spoke of nothing other than purpose. It was obvious to anyone that walked by him that he had a reason for going on.

"Hey guys were finally here!" He exclaimed as he tossed two pokeballs onto the ground and an orange fish and a yellow rabbit looking thing in a black suit emerged from the red light.

"Magi Magi." The Magikarp said.
"Bra" The Abra Said.

Both of his pokemon looked pleased with the look on their trainers face. "Let's go somewhere." He exclaimed as he picked up his Magikarp and let his Abra follow him. He did look like he was favoring Magikarp but Abra could walk and Magikarp could not so unless they were in water it could not be helped. Eventually he had to make his way to the Pokemon Laboratory but he just arrived in town. Ren felt like it was important to enjoy the sights of the city before he did anything else. After all his pokemon are what brought him this far so they should get full attention until they were ready as a team to go onto see the Professor. Soon the Ren group came upon a fountain with people sitting around it and birds landing by it for a drink. "Here you go Magikarp, have yourself a nice swim." He told him pokemon as he sat down with his Abra on his lap. Then the young trainer stared at the sky. He began to daze off about what adventures await and how he would do on this journey.

A five foot tall girl alongside an elderly couple and a Throh and a Sawk walked the streets of Lumiose City. She seemed relatively embarrassed as her grandfather grouchily fretted over her. This was the day she was going to become a Pokemon Trainer, and would receive her very first Pokemon.

"You have a change of clothes, yes?"

Sheena sighed and nodded,"Yes, grandfather."

"And the small bit of money we gave you?" he asked, crossing his arms. His Throh did the same beside him.

"Grandfather--"

"Oh, hush now, Horace," her grandmother butted in, "I have faith that Sheena will be just fine. She is her father's child, after all." Her Sawk gave a nod and what seemed like a grin as it chimed in, "Sawk!"

Her grandmother turned to Sheena and gave her a quiet smile, "Good luck, Sheena. But please. Even if it's from Pokemon Center phones, please call home now and again."

"Make us proud," her grandfather finally admitted himself.

Sheena gave a smile to her grandparents, her embarrassment waning and her intellectual, if not snide side beginning to show. "As long as my determination to become part of the International Police is burning in my chest, I will never do anything less."

Giving her grandparents a hug and watching them walk away, she turned to see many trainers around her; most with their own Pokemon even before gaining their "starters." She felt a little left out, due to not even having her first yet, but tried to shake that off, walking over to an empty place to stand, dusting off her white sweater slightly and trying to look as dignified as she could.

Running her fingers through her thin, very red hair, Kasha took a moment to stop in her tracks and breathe in the last of the salty-sea air. Truly, all throughout her trip from Kanto to Kalos, Kasha never thought that she could be rid of the smell, but now that her feet were planted firmly on land and the wharf getting smaller and smaller behind her as she continued walking, a sort of still reverie came over her as she closed her eyes and breathed in the last of the strong scent.

"Vee?"

Opening one, large amber eye after the other, Kasha turned her neck to look down at the wad of silver fur that was nestled into her neck so snugly it almost looked like a part of her except for the two very large black eyes and pointy, alert ears staring straight back at her.

Letting out a soft giggle, Kasha released her hand from it's hold on the strap of her backpack that was slung around her thin shoulder and gave the Eevee a quick scratch behind his ear, resulting in the runt-of-a-Pokemon closing his eyes shut and emitting a sound from his throat that almost sounded like purring.

"I know." Kasha said, moving her fingers around the Eevee's ear to stroke the bottom of his chin in which the Eevee lifted his head in order for Kasha to be able to reach his sweet spots a bit better. "You're just as eager to get to the city as I am. Hopefully the supplies we bought at the Pokemart are enough to get us there."

Kasha hadn't ever done this before. Being out on her own was an entirely new concept except for the two weeks she spent in Pallet Town with Professor Oak and Nurse Joy to ensure that she had all that she needed for this big-leap journey. Though she hadn't met Professor Oak before that, he was a kind, gentle and endearing man, making sure that Kasha had everything she needed as far as a backpack of different types of Pokeballs, Pokemon food and a pokedex went. It was also because of the Professor that Kasha had decided to venture to Kalos in the first place. He had just received a stack of fliers that he was to put out, advertising Professor Sycamore's grand gathering in giving away Pokemon eggs and though Professor Oak had a few of his own that Kasha could have chosen from, they both agreed that the variety and experience would be good for her. A week later she was on a ship to Kalos where she knew a whole slew of new adventures were awaiting her and hopefully... a new Pokemon companion.

Not soon after, Kasha found herself lost within the large city that was Lumiose City. Truly there was nothing else like it... and yet it was the most confusing place for Kasha to navigate.

A great handful of times, Kasha had to stop and ask someone directions to the Professor's lab, pulling out the flier she took from Professor Oak to show them what it was that she needed when her shyness took over and words failed her which happened a lot more than she would have liked. She knew that she should have stopped to phone home, knowing that her mother, father and brother would be eager to hear that she had made it safely, but she didn't want to miss the event either.

"Later. Kasha promised herself as she headed in the new direction her most recent victim in direction-asking had pointed her in. "I'll call later. Just as soon as I'm finished at the lab. I'll give them a call."

"Vee? Vee Vee!" the tiny Pokemon squeaked, nuzzling his soft head into the crook of her neck as though he were trying to be endearing.

Kasha let out a light laugh though her attention was quickly pulled away as the large building with twin Pokeballs over the top caught her attention, forcing her to stop as she realized her stomach was in a flutter of mixed emotions - though excitement was towards the top.

"Alright... here we go!" Kasha took in a deep breath, steeling her emotions and continued forward and allowed herself through the front doors.

There were already a great number of people inside, though that wasn't exactly what had surprised her. She had been counting on a lot of people to come to an event like this, but what she hadn't been expecting is that a lot of the people within the front lobby of the lab looked to be about her age. Truly... she half-expected to be in the company of ten and eleven-year-olds getting ready for their first Pokemon journey, but having the majority of the group around her age put her mind to ease, if but just a little.

It didn't seem as though the event had started yet. A lot of people were talking, there was even a small Pokemon battle happening towards the side, but there didn't seem to be any one-person addressing the group and no one seemed to be fawning over any eggs. Perhaps she hadn't missed it after all.

Wrapping her arms around herself, starting to feel small again in the company of such a large place, Kasha slid back towards one of the walls where she wouldn't bother anyone and simply waited. It shouldn't be too long now.

"Wiggly...!"

Turning around, Acacia jumped when she saw her Wigglytuff slip and fell onto her back. Quickly placing her box down, she went over and helped the pokemon stand up. Rubbing the back of it, she smiled. "Are you alright?" she asked. The pokemon looked sad and Acacia frowned. She knew that look from being with Wigglytuff for the past four years. "Hey, don't go giving me that look." she said, rubbing the cheeks of the pokemon and smiling at it. "Lets pick up these maps and put them back in the crate. Then you'll try again and go slower this time, OK?"

"Wigglytuff!"

"That's the spirit." Acacia said, kneeling and helping her pokemon pick up the spilled maps and placing them back in the clear crate. "How about some help? We've a lot of crates here." she said, looking around the large storage room. So far the two had managed to gather the crates of maps, Pokeballs, the remaining Pokedexs as well as some Holo Casters. Each of them were rather heavy, even for Acacia and Wigglytuff to carry on their own. Reaching back to unclip two pokeballs from her belt, she pushed the buttons on both of them and tossed them into the air. "Scizor, Sylveon, come out and give us some help." Watching as her pokemon appeared from their balls, they both went to her, Scizor giving her a hug and Sylveon rubbing up against her leg. She smiled and returned the loving gesture to both pokemon. "Sorry you two. I've been so busy, I may have forgotten to let you out of your pokeballs." she said.

"Zor!"

"Syl!"

After instructing the two to grab a crate, Acacia picked up her own, the one with the Holo Casters inside it. Scizor easily grabbed the one with the Pokedexs and Sylveon used her ribbon thingies to pick up the light pokeball crate. Nodding to her pokemon, she let Wigglytuff lead and they went on their way back to the pokemon sanctuary. Acacia kept looking back at Wigglytuff, a bit of sadness in her eyes as she remembered when she had found her partner. It was four years ago, just after Acacia forced herself onto Sycamore and became his apprentice. She had been going around Lumiose city, giving a survey to random people to see how strong the bonds of their pokemon were. Buried in a trach can in the middle of Vernal Ave, she saw a pokeball. Her first thought had been what everyone else had thought when they say it, it must have been a defective ball that was probably empty. No one would throw their pokemon in the trash. But after seeing a little wobble, Acacia had practically dived into the trash can, spilling the contents all over the sidewalk as she unburied the pokeball at the bottom of it.

She remembered the feeling of anger and sadness when she opened the ball and saw a tiny Igglybuff inside of it. It was terrified of her, the look in its eyes was full of fear and desperation... though it was too weak to stand or run away from her. Acacia had taken it to the lab and stayed by its side for a week as the young pokemon went through some serious rehabilitation to get better. From the observations of the nurses in the lab, she had been told the Igglybuff was hatched too soon, likely the Egg being forced open. The likely explanation then became that the trainer had been hoping for a different pokemon and threw it it away after trapping it into a ball. The cruelty of that brought Acacia to tears nearly every time she thought about it. Thankfully, the two had bonded and had been together ever sense. Though the trauma of the incident had left permanent damage to her pokemon. Wigglytuff was only half the size of others of her kind due to her under development in her Egg, many normal ones being as tall as Acacia, while hers only went up to waist height. It took some time to get her pokemon to realize it was just as strong as the others of her kind, and even now, the pokemon doubted itself when it slipped up. It was the reason Acacia had it learn Strength, to help with her confidence.

Deciding not to think about it for too long to avoid crying, Acacia ran forward and around her pokemon, encouraging them all to hurry up. When they had arrived back at the sanctuary, she saw Sycamore speaking to some scientists and laughing. The sight made her smile as she approached with the clear crates of items. "Sycamore, I found these in the storage. Thanks to my pokemon, I got them here easily." she said, praising her pokemon, who nodded in approval.

"Fantastic! Do you see all the people here? This plan is going to work Acacia!"

"Looks like it Professor." she said, rolling her eyes and reaching onto her belt to release her two other pokemon before she forgot. When she did, she was greeted with the same loving coos from Jellicent and a rather painful nudge from Skarmory. "Hey you two, go on with the others and play with some other pokemon." she told them, smiling.

"Skar."

"Jell..."

Watching as her pokemon all went off in different directions, she would turn to the Professor and wait for his instructions. "Well, I suppose since we have everything prepared, we can start here." he said, nodding at Acacia. Looking around, he would be silent for a moment. Spotting a Crustle, he would kneel and look at it. "Excuse me Crustle, could you give me a boost?"

"Crustle!" it said, nodding and allowing Sycamore to step up onto it. Acacia looked up at him with a raised eyebrow, wondering what he was planning to do. When he called the attention of everyone in the room, it fell silent and all eyes were on him. Even the pokemon who were playing around had stopped and looked at the man. It was pretty amazing, how he could gather the attention of everything in the room so easily. It was admiriable how well respected he was. Blushing and shaking her head, Acacia crossed her arms and put a pout on her face as a facade in case he looked over.

"Hello everyone! My name is Professor Sycamore, and welcome to my home. I can't express my gratitude with words at all of you who have chosen to come here today. Be it simply for your curiosity or boredom, it is all the same to me. I see heroes among all of you. Heroes who, for whatever reason, decided to come here today and change the lives of the hundreds of pokemon that call this place their home." he paused and placed a hand on his hip. "Now I know you've all heard the recent news of what's been happening lately.. but if you're not familiar, let me fill you in." Acacia's pout faded and was replaced by one of disgust. She knew what the Professor was going to address.

"Some of us don't understand the role we play here in the world." he started, a serious look on his face. "Some of us don't understand just how much of our success we owe to pokemon. Some of us think that the power we have obtained as humans is of our own will... but it is not. Without pokemon to lend us a helping had, paw, or claw, we would still be using berry juice to write our history on the walls of caves. Recently some people have forgotten that this planet does not belong to us. Despite the cities and villages we build every day for our people, we are merely guests in a world that belongs to Pokemon. It is our responsibilty, as honored guests, to treat our hosts with respect for allowing us to stay and do virtually anything we want to them, and their world." he paused and turned, looking out to the rest of the crowd. "I'll admit even I abuse this kindness for my own gain. My research would be nothing if these pokemon didn't accept becoming test subjects. That being said, I have made it my goal to create a place where pokemon can feel safe, as a way of saying thank you to all they have done for me, and people like me." he chuckled. "Now I wont go into my personal life, but I will say this. I know all of you in here have been affected by pokemon in some way. Somehow these creatures who we call our friends have brought joy to your lives. Am I right? I know I am. Though there are people out there destroying other homes of Pokemon. I dont know why just yet, or who, but all of you here are now a part of the movement to stop them." Reaching up, he unbuttoned one of the clasps on his shirt.

"Again, I want to thank you for coming. Look around you at the pokemon you see and keep in mind that today, you've made a difference and gave them all families. If that doesn't deserve the title of Hero, I don't know what else does, Am I right guys?" he said, turning and addressing the pokemon in the room. There was a loud uproar from all the pokemon in the room, and even the unhatched eggs seemed to wiggle in approval. Some of the younger pokemon started to run around and greet random trainers, tackling people with hugs and nuzzles. Sycamore and Acacia laughed at the sight. "Okay settle down for just a few more moments. My speech is done but my apprentice over here also has some things she would like to say." he said, looking at Acacia with a mischevous grin. Pouting at him, she walked over to the Crustle and switched places with him, getting a hand at stepping up. Sycamore hopped down and suddenly all the eyes were on her. She felt nervous up there, and for a moment, she stayed silent. Suddenly from the middle of the crowd, she saw Wigglytuff run over to her. Reaching down, she would help the fat pink pokemon up onto the Crustle beside her. The reassurance was enough for her to speak and address everyone in the room.

"Hey everyone. My name is Acacia Willow, the girl who plans to take Sycamore's place once he's had one too many drinks. " she said, causing a few to chuckle and Sycamore to blush. "This is Wigglytuff, my first partner. To me, the hardest part of this is... well, letting go of all these wonderful pokemon. I see them all as my family, and I cant help but feel a bit sad to see them all go. But just the fact that you all are here, makes me happy to know that they'll be with people who appreciate them as much as I do." she smiled and rubbed the back of her head. "I don't have a speech prepared or anything but, how about some direction, huh?" Pointing a thumb over her shoulder at the Eggs perched in the shade of a tree, she would speak again. "Eggs go first. People who've not yet had their first pokemon, and little children here with parents are allowed first pick. They are all close to hatching and the pokemon will be revealed in, I say an hour tops. Everyone else is allowed to go ahead and play with some pokemon that are around the sanctuary. If you have pokemon, go ahead and let them roam around and find a friend. Compatibility is important. Water pokemon will be found in and around the pond to the left. Check trees for sleeping flying types, ground types will be near the sand pit, be careful there, they like to dig holes, dont complain if you fall in. All other pokemon will likely be just roaming around or hiding. I encourage everyone to have fun. Once you've picked a pokemon, feel free to come over here and grab a pokeball if you dont have one." she was about to say that was it before Wigglytuff nudged her and pointed to the other crates.

"Last thing. For those who want it, there are Maps, Holo Casters, and Pokedexs for anyone who plans to travel around. Please dont take those if you just plan to go back home though." she paused. "All right everyone, thanks again for coming! Have fun!" she said, and that seemed to be what the smaller pokemon were waiting for as a cue to run around and find others to play with. Giggling as she hopped down off the Crustle, she helped her pokemon down too and thanked the bug pokemon for the boost.

"That was good Aca- gack!" Sycamore started to say but was interrupted by a hard slap on the chest.

"That was horrible." Acacia said, scolding him.

"Ahahaha, maybe. Though its alright, I didn't see any boys looking up that short dress of- gack!" he again was cut off by a chest slap and then she started to shake him, shouting some profanities and causing her Scizor to come over and pull her off of him. Pouting and pulling down the end of her dress, she glared at Sycamore who was just laughing.

Sam was late. He had the habit to oversleep. With his Honedge on his back, he walked into the pokemon lab building. "Hello? Is anyone there?" He said blindly as no one seemed to be in the main hall. A woman dressed in a lab coat walked into the main hall and saw Sam standing there. "Oh, hello! You must be one of the new trainers! You are a bit late, but if you hurry, you can still join the others. Here, let me show you the way." Sam nodded, and followed the woman through the many hallways. After walking a while, they ended up in a big place with more trainers and someone who was just getting on top of what looked like a rock. "Here it is, Professor Sycamore is about to start his speech. Good luck!" The woman said. "Thanks." Sam said, and joined the group of trainers. He listened to Sycamore's speech, and when they started about the people disrespecting pokemon, his face remained unchanged, but he made his hands into fists, and something in his eyes showed signs of anger. However, when Sycamore told them they were going to be heroes, the anger changed into courage and pride. He would become a real knight, and protect those in need of help. That was his goal. That was what he would be.

As the girl finished her part of the speech, Sam went towards the crates and grabbed a Town Map, a Pokedex and a Holo Caster. He then went into the sanctuary. He found a spot where a tree was at the edge of both the pond and the sand pit, and thought this was a perfect observation point. He grabbed the grip of Honedge, unsheathed him, which automaticly awoke the sword pokemon. "Were you napping in your sheath again, Honedge?" "Hone..." It said softly, half sorry but also half yawning. Sam smiled. "It's okay, a true warrior needs to make sure he has enough power for battle any time. Anyway, looks like we can find our new partner in here. How about you scout the area while I see if I can find one here." "Honedge!" Honedge said while making a jump in the air as sign of agreement. Honedge went off to find a partner, while Sam started climbing into the tree he saw earlier. There were a few flying types sleeping in the tree, but none caught his interest. He climbed all the way to the top, then looked around him. He had a clear view from where he was looking. This would be his lookout post for now. And with that, Sam first day as a real pokemon trainer started.

Ren sat at the park continuing to enjoy his time with his pokemon. These two were not the only pokemon he had ever enjoyed being around but they were what he brought with him. He chose these two not because their battle skills but because he knew them the least. They respected him like a master but he treated them like they were the friends he liked to spend time with. In truth he would have gotten to this city faster if he didn't dawdle but the moments he spent with his pokemon were worth every second he had given them. He knew by the time his journey was over that he would be terrified of leaving his pokemon behind for his net journey. But this was not the time to think bout that. This was the time where he should be there to hear Professor Sycamore and his words of wisdom before he journeyed off into his new journey. Then Ren realized something.

"Excuse me sir, do you know when Professor Sycamore's gathering is supposed to happen today?" He asked the first person he saw.

The man pulled out a pocket watch to check."Why son, that should be starting round now."

"Oh crap." Ren said as he quickly pulled out his pokeballs. "Return guys." He said as he began scanning around for the lab. Ren looked one direction and saw nothing that resembled a Pokemon Lab. Then he looked the other direction and found that he still found nothing better. "Excuse me sir, where is the Pokemon Lab?" Ren asked the same man again.

"Um lets see. You take the left turn and keep going until you see two pokeball statues."

"Thanks." Ren waved back as he begun his race against time. It was not like he had never been late for anything in his life. Now that he thought of it his parents told him to try not to take as much time. Well if he were that well known for it then maybe it was time to cut back some of his time usages. Time with his pokemon couldn't be cut back because he already doesn't get enough of that. Maybe if he trained less but then he would lose more often. The best choice seemed to be eating, sleeping, and breathing less often. It would be difficult but it was a sacrifice one must make to avoid these type of situations.

By the time Ren arrived he could see another boy go right in front of him. He couldn't be that late sine people were still piling in the door. Then he saw what looked like the Professor in the middle of a speech. It seemed that the professor thought that they owed their entire lives to pokemon. Ren agreed with that stance but disagreed at the same time. His pokemon did win his battles for him but he dedicates his time to being with them. All in all Ren would keep to the belief that we do owe a lot to our pokemon but they owe just as much to us. A partnership is the best way humans and pokemon can ever live.

Then the Professor's assistant took the stage. She looked extremely awkward and out of place. It was almost like she did not expect to talk in front of a group of people today. Ren thought it was kind of amusing but she did get her message across like it was written on a cue card somewhere. Well maybe she was not allowed make her own dramatic speech or maybe she would burst out in embarrassment from her own opinions. Either way Ren just wanted to meet some more pokemon. When everything finished he let Magikarp out into a water area. Then he let Abra do some walking around. After that Ren made his way to look at the other pokemon.

The boy Cerise'd lathed herself onto seemed… nice. She could've done without his beautifly plopping itself on her head though. She had to force herself to not jump and shoo it away, and instead shifted her weight a bit. Disturbed at the shift in its perch, the beautifly fluttered off her head.

"Cerise," she replied with a forced smile. Blinking at the offered pokepuff, she waved her hand, politely saying, "Oh, no thank you. I just ate." This was not technically a lie. She had, in fact, just eaten. Luckily, she was saved from more conversation when the renowned Prof. Sycamore… and some other girl, started talking.

Cerise really wasn't interested in the sermon part. Sure, pokemon were integral to society, blah blah, but it was getting a bit preachy for her tastes. She just needed her starter so she could get on with this and start her real journey. People immediately jumped into action once the professor's assistant gave them the go-ahead to claim an egg. Like opening a flood gate, beginning trainers and children rushed forward, and Cerise found herself pulled along with the tide.

Ideas trekked through her mind as she thought of her "journey." She'd need at least a couple gym badges and pokemon to show off to her mother, so she could keep exploring Kalos. That couldn't be that hard, right? Heck, this was something a bunch of ten year-olds did on a regular basis. A gym badge here, a new pokemon there, and her mom would get off her back about staying home in Kiloude. With her boyfriend.

She thoughtlessly grabbed an egg when she got to the front of the line, along with the requisite trainer supplies. Still distracted with how she was going to find time in her exploration and study of the regional flora for gym battling, she clutched her egg and various supplies to her chest. Being a short person in a crowd was a suffocating experience. Eager to find some escape, she fought against the tide of people until she reached the entrance to the lab. Finally out on the open street and able to breathe again, Cerise sat herself down on the steps of the lab. It was only then that she really looked at the egg she'd so carelessly chosen.

It was a tiny black thing, with bulbous white and purple splotches dotted along the surface. Her brow crinkled as she looked at it, trying to remember what sort of pokemon had markings like this. She could feel it, just on the tip of her tongue, when suddenly it gave a small shake. Cerise jumped, leaning away from the egg in surprise. Embarrassed, she glanced around to make sure no one had seen, and then leaned back in to examine the egg, new wonder in her eyes. She hadn't cared much for pokemon before, but… well, she was just about to see one hatch. Whatever this was, it was supposed to be her partner. Almost in spite of herself, excitement bubbled up inside her, like an unknown spring leaking to the surface.

A tiny, awed smile crept over her face as the egg gave another shake.

Shifting a bit awkwardly against the wall thanks to the heavy, filled-to-the-brim backpack, Kasha did what she could to pay attention to the speeches before her, though she was having a bit of a hard time concentrating as Eevee had decided that it was now playtime and kept swatting at the ends of her short hair, occasionally clipping her earlobe with it's soft, cotton-ball-sized paws.

"Eevee! Please! I'm trying to listen! Kasha hissed through her teeth as quietly as she could to keep from disturbing those around her. Her request went unheard, however, as Eevee continued to paw at the strands of hair, finding great amusement in the way the locks swung back into place before Kasha had enough and simply tucked her hair behind her ear, earning a heft huff of disappointment from the Eevee.

Before either of them knew what had happened, the large crowd began to bustle around, all seeming to migrate towards the area in which the Pokemon were kept. Kasha had managed to catch the tail-end of the female's speech. People who have not yet had their first Pokemon and little children were to go first and really, it made sense. Though Kasha was willing to bet that a great majority of those people pushing through weren't either - overcome by their own greed to want to get the best pickings first but really, who would stop them. This was a charity event after all.

She wasn't sure if she counted in the category of 'first Pokemon' or not. While she had Eevee, the Pokemon served much more as a pet than a Pokemon which she knew couldn't be said for a great majority of people here. No, here were Pokemon trainers, young, old, aspiring, new... she didn't fit in there, so she was more than happy to step aside and let those before her get what it was that they wanted.

Kasha ended up getting pushed towards the crates where the maps, Pokedex's and Holo Casters were. She already had a Holo Caster. It wasn't anything fancy but it was a requirement from her parents to purchase before she left on her journey as a way to stay in touch. She also had her own Pokedex, however hers came from the Kanto region. She refrained from taking one though, more than sure that all hers would need was a quick upgrade if anything. She did, however, take a map. Kalos was a large place and Kasha had only been able to see a very small portion of it.

As the numbers dwindled, Kasha was able to once more move on her own accord, opting to slip over to the varied terrain to have a quick look around. She wasn't sure what she wanted to be honest; unsure if she wanted the excitement, thrill and lick of the draw when it came to choosing an egg, or picking out a Pokemon already hatched and looking for a home just the same.

Stuffing her hands in her pockets, she kept walking, further and further away from the crowds without even realizing it, her large eyes happening upon more and more Pokemon as she continued.

It seemed that every Pokemon she could think of was here; save for the legendaries of course and a few of the larger evolutions. That was something Kasha knew that she didn't want... a Pokemon more experienced than her. Which meant a stage one evolution or a baby Pokemon was absolutely in order. At least that helped to narrow it down.

A quick movement caught her eye, causing Kasha to stop and turn her head in the direction she had seen. There was nothing there save for the green grass under her feet and a few large boulders that helped to decorate a small stream that ran through.

"Strange... I could have swore-"

Another movement. And this time, a pair of eyes. They were peeking out at her from behind one of the rocks but before her eyes could focus on what kind of Pokemon it was, it ducked back behind the rock - either shy or scared of being around humans or any other Pokemon. Curious, Kasha slowed her steps as she circled the rock, making sure to keep a far-enough distance away as to not spook the Pokemon.

And then she saw it.

A Charmander, small in stature and shaking with the rock it was hiding behind serving as what looked like it's very life support as it's tiny little hands were holding onto it for dear life. It's eyes were closed, tightly, as if willing for everything and everyone around it to disappear and leave it alone. Kasha didn't know a whole lot about Pokemon, but she knew that this wasn't normal behavior for a Pokemon. Why was it that she was drawn to the weak, small, sickly ones?

Looking down at her shoulder where the Eevee in question had also taken an interest in the Charmander, it's small head tilting in side curiously as it seemed to be thinking along the same thoughts as it's trainer, Kasha reached her hand around and picked the Pokemon up by the scruff of the neck. She stooped down then, squatting and set Eevee down on the grass in front of her.

"Why don't you see if you can't make a friend today?" Kasha encouraged, pushing the back-end of Eevee forward towards the fire Pokemon.

"VEE!" Eevee squeaked, turning himself around as quick as he could and gave Kasha a quick, scolding look, protesting.

"Eevee... we talked about this. You can't be my only Pokemon forever. What's going to happen when we are exploring Kalos and we come across a Skarmony? Or a Tyrantum? You are really great on taking on the Pidgey at home in the fields... but you're going to need some help, okay? Besides, you can make some good friends this way."

Huffing, clearly not amused or liking the idea, Eevee begrudgingly turned himself around to approach the Charmander who had just taken notice of the small Pokemon. It startled and ran around the other side of the rock. Eevee looked over it's shoulder at Kasha, narrowing his eyes a bit as if to say 'this is going to be impossible' before following the Charmander to the other side.