“TITAN!”

“MUDSBRAY!”

“ARE YOU REA—

“WALTER O’BANNON IF TITAN BREAKS ANYTHING ELSE IN MY HOUSE YOU WON’T GO ON YOUR JOURNEY UNTIL NEXT YEAR!”

“SORRY MOM!” Walter says rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. “Well Titan this is it time for us to set out.” Reaching out he runs his fingers through Titans mane. It has the texture of course sand so it is an interesting experience. For him though it is a soothing feeling. His father’s Mudsdale had once sheltered him from a wild Pokemon attack. Well Walter always said it was an attack but really it was just a pidgey he startled swooping at him. But Mudsdale, his father never named him because “You can fix perfect” whatever that meant, stood over him. Head held low so his mane would cover the young Walter. He ran his fingers through His mane and knew two things. The first was that he was absolutely safe, and the second is that he wanted a Mudsbray as his starter.

He had since learned just how wrong that first statement was. In the wonderful world of Pokemon there were very few single Pokemon that could keep you completely safe, and good luck catching Arceus. Not that he would, that would be blasphemous. Though it was still hard to go wrong with a stronge Mudsbray by his side. While they could be found in the wilds of Galar still not everyone can afford the upkeep of a Pokemon as large as a Mudsdale. So there were always jobs posted at local Pokecenters for travelling trainers. The Leauge even gave people tax breaks just for using giving traveling trainers work. Walter is lucky that his family is sponsoring his journey for at least his first year. Thanks to raising Mudsbray his family has plenty of space to house his Pokemon. However he would have to prove himself as a trainer first. For every badge he earned his parents would house two Pokemon for him. If he makes it all the way to the Rookie Finals of this years gym league they will house as many Pokemon as he can make a good argument to have. They would also pay for all of his and his Pokemons necessities. Though again anything beyond that would require him doing well and proving himself. Not to say they wouldn’t help him out, but one of his father’s ‘nuggets of wisdom’ was that “Everything feels better when you earn it”. He seemed rather proud of that one. So he would also get TMs, battle items, or training equipment for earning Gym Badges or getting so many wins. Walter didn’t mind too much because his father would gladly get him anything he wanted if Walter put in the effort. It drove him to do better, he would be the best trainer he could. Walters traveling Compainion, Rory, would have the same deal. Which made sense, Bruce and Richard their fathers, started and co-owned Haunted Carriages. Galars premier Carriage service. Not everyone had Pokemon and not everyone liked to teleport. That’s where haunted Carraiges came in. They used Mudsbray and Mudsdale to pull them While most services use the Growlithe line as guards, Haunted Carriages used the Greavard line. Along with Litwick line for lighting, their ghostly flames ideal for not destroying night vision. Making them ideal for night watch companions. So there was a little pressure for Titan to do well, just a little. But if they ca—

“Bray.” Titan nudged Walter bringing him out of his thoughts. “Thanks bud, let’s get going.” Picking his Silph Co. Bag up of the bed slinging it over his shoulder. It really was a marvel his messenger bag can carry thousands of items with no weight. That alone probably cost as much as it did to run the farm for a year. And with the 8 mating pairs of Mudsdale that was not cheap. Putting his bucket hat he took one last look in the mirror at 17 he was already about 6 foot tall. Working on the ranch has kept him in good shape he didn’t go to the gym but he felt reasonably prepared to the physical challenges of travelling across Galar. His black hair had been cut short for ease of care while traveling in the wilds. Other than that he looked like his normal self perfectly average. Together with Mudsbray he stepped out of his room for possibly the last time. Journeying through the wild areas of Galar could be treacherous. Even the areas patrolled by rangers could be dangerous. Not to mention the less explored areas. Walter paused as he closed the door.

“Hey Titan, it’s like we are closing the door on our childhood.” Titan’s only response was to snort. His meaning was clear though, “Obvious”. “Yeah I know you figured it out already it just felt right to address it Mr. I’m too cool to let my trainer enjoy a big moment.” Titan’s tail playfully swatted Walter in response to his teasing. A playful slap from a Mudsbray was still enough to send him stumbling. Due to coating his body in mud the end of his tail and mane tended to get caked in mud. A good coating of mud and sand is good for them but they needed to be washed every so often so they can get a fresh layer. It increased their connection with earth type energy or TE. He didn’t understand how it worked but trusted his parents years of experience with them. Finally closing his bedroom door he made his way to the kitchen to have breakfast.

“Good moring Mom, Dad.” Opening the door so Titan could go out and have breakfast with his family. Sitting at the table he piled his plate high before enjoying a peaceful breakfast with his family. “So Walter” his dad, Bruce, began “today is the big day. I’ve seen the work you have already put in with helping Titan with his moves. I know you have what it takes to make a great trainer. I’m proud of you.” Before he had a chance to respond his mom, Candace cut it. “Did you pack all of your new underwear? What about shirts, socks, clothes for all occasions?” Walter shuddered at the flashback to all of the clothes he stuffed into his bag. “Yes Mom, it’s a good thing I have a Silph bag or I would never be able to carry that mountain of clothes.” Candace snorted, “You will thank me when you vist those fancy trainer parties. You don’t have to just rely on us you know. When you get invited to parties like that you can make a lifetime of connections it’s how your father and I made it so big as Mudsdale breeders. When a profesor says that you breed peak Pokemon it helps. You never know who you will meet, but remember it’s not a one way street. Be kind, help others when you can.” Walter’s face hardened into a resolute expression. “Of course! That is a trainer’s duty!”

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Walter was raised on the ideal of a trainer that helps where they can. A trainer who steps up when they see injustice. He knew better than to stick his nose into anything dangerous until he had a much stronger team of Pokemon around him. His goal was to become an Ace Trainer. They were the League's elite trainers. They were given training as rangers and in subduing criminals. They roamed the region rooting out poachers and worse cults.

Reading her sons thoughts on his face Candace embraced him. “Oh Walter, I can see it in your eyes. Be careful out there and don’t jump into danger. I know you want to go after the people from Cult Abyss, but please wait until you have at least 6 Pokemon with you. They are dangerous people even one on one, and we know they never fight fair.” A few years back members from the cult started robbing and beating people in town. It went on for a while with the police a local Aces cracking down harder and harder, with the cult getting more violent in return. It was a self-perpetuating cycle that came to a head one evening. 20 cult memembers stormed the local Mall, ordering their Pokemon to attack people. Nigel, Candace’s father, stepped up along with some other trainers in the crowed to hold them off until the local Aces could arrive. Unfortunately he was killed a long with a few others before the Aces arrived. The time they bought however saved the lives of multiple people. Their were now two plaques in the mall for that day. One for the innocent lost. The other for the heroes who lost their lives defending the defenceless, there he would go and touch his grandfather’s name. Saying a prayer for his grandfather to be at peace and thanking him for stepping up that day.

“I will Mom. I know I’m not ready, but one day my team and I will grind Cult Abyss into dust. Their members will be the ones afraid to walk the streets.” Walter’s eyes hardened remembering how afraid everyone was the weeks following the attack. The haunted looks of the survivors. No one ever told him exactly what happened beyond the cultists ordered their pokemon to attack humans. He was glad not to know. Continuing down the path he was on Walter knew he would one day see it happen. Like he said to his mom, he wasn’t ready.

CLAP! “Alright, alright enough of this somber mood! This is a good day. So I guess it’s time to tell you that along with Rory’s parents we have one last surprise for you. We don’t want to waste too much daylight that’s why we did the sappy stuff yesterday.” Bruce began shepherding his family toward the door. “Alright close your eyes and let me guide you out.” Bruce’s smile was genuine and his face warm with love. Something didn’t sit right with Walter but he went along with it anyway. Bruce loved pranks, but they were mostly harmless. Over the years it had become training for them. Traps that ended with Alcream covering his face. As Walter got better at finding them it became a war. Candace had to end up banning all trap pranks from the house. As Bruce was guiding him out the door Walter grumbled. “You bring in one spinarack to set a web.”

“What was that honey?” Candace asked, her tone a little icy. Letting Walter know she heard him perfectly clear.

“Ugh, just that it’s a good thing we don’t have stairs? Yeah, I wouldn’t want to fall.”

Bruce began laughing boistorously and slapped him on the shoulder before pulling him to a stop. “Good try son, but I’m going to save you once again. Good morning Richard, Lisa Rory. Are you ready to show the boys their last surprise?”

After calming from his own laughter, after all every man knew the pain putting their foot in their mouth with their mother. “Good morning O’Bannons, I can’t wait to see the look on their faces. Walter opened his eye and his mouth dropped open. Before him was their Celebrity Carriage. Mudsdale stood at the head already rigged up and eager to travel. The Mudsdale line took pride their stamina already. But the ones they bred and raised took it to another level. They would compete with each other for who could pull the heaviest loads through the toughest terrain the smoothest. Even going so far as to taking vacations to compete against each other. Mudsdale though was the king of the herd. He was powerful and took pride in it. He made it to the top four in the Galar League. Titan is actually his son, when Walter was given the egg he knew what it’s name would be. Every single one of his offspring has become a titan of their species. So what better name for his son. The charage was work of art itself themed like a haunted forest it is made from heavy dark wood. Carved with depictions of Phantump, Trevenent, Morelol, Shinotic, Pumpkaboo, Mimikyu, Gourgast, Impidimp, Morgrem, and Grimmsnarl. The interior just as intricatly designed with perches placed inside for Litwick, Lampent and Chandlure. Plush chairs and couches with refrigerated storge. Elegant sliding wood shutters for privacy. With a ride that is so smooth and interior so well insulated from weather inside that it’s side you could ride through a blizzard and never know. Which is frankly preposterous. You will definitely feel the wind rock the carriage, but that’s about it.

“We decided to take a year off and follow your gym Circuit.”