Stroll

Chapter 1: A Beginning

POV - JAKE

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 had known. 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 just standing 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 well, more trees. Jake sighed and began a cautious descent down the hill, guided only by the direction of the wind. He trod 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 rubbed his temples, trying to process the sudden shift from classroom to wilderness. His school was smack in the middle of a city, surrounded by concrete and traffic. Parks, sure, but nothing that even remotely resembled this vast, unfamiliar landscape.

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

Relief turned sour as Jake took out his phone, cursing 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, a bit surprised to find Pokémon Black Version 2 still open. He hadn’t finished it yet. Normally, he preferred the newer games with their flashy graphics, but his friend Josh always swore the older ones were more fun. Lately, Jake had been diving into the earlier games, partly because they were easier to play on his phone, and he was close to finishing off the last of the pre-3DS Pokémon games.

Distracted by his phone, it took Jake a moment to realise 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 flickered in its gaze, as if it were as puzzled by Jake as he was by it.

‘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.

"This ain't that kind of movie!" Jake quipped, eyeing 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.

Jake stood there, completely bewildered, watching in amazement as the strange creatures fled. They must think I’m some kind of threat or predator, he mused, though he couldn’t imagine many Earth animals capable of preying on such enormous insects.

‘Well, to live, we 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 solemnly, the surreal nature of the situation starting to get to him. “Perhaps we’ll meet again,” he added, uneasy under the gaze of a bug that seemed to understand him all too well.

He needed to find something normal, some sign of civilisation. Carefully stepping around the insect, Jake quickly made his way through the woods.

I must be hallucinating... or losing it. Talking foot-long bugs? What even is this? A twisted maths class? Virtual reality? Technology’s sure come a long way. Is this some weird Bug’s Life adaptation? That’d be kinda cool, actually.

‘Log off’

‘Menu’

Time for the nuclear option.

‘CTRL+ALT+DEL’

Nothing. Shaking off the absurdity of the situation, Jake kept moving, deep in thought. After a while, the trees began to thin, and he could hear the gentle sound of running water. Realising how thirsty he was, he quickened his pace and soon reached the edge of a serene creek.

“Bliip.” A high-pitched chirp sounded close to his left ear. Startled, Jake’s heart nearly jumped out of his chest. 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 small birds no bigger than sparrows flitted about. Their deep blue plumage appeared almost black in certain light, with streaks of white on their underbellies and wings. Their large, round eyes, a brilliant shade of red, stood out starkly against their dark feathers. They were unmistakably Rookidee, flying-type Pokémon from the Galar region. They were not 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 gaze returned to the blue bug, a Blipbug, he now realised. What had first seemed 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 Jake seemed curious and cautious in equal measure. Some even appeared to be stifling giggles, likely amused by his power slide.

Finally pulling himself out of the water, Jake gave a theatrical bow, playing along with the imaginary applause from his unexpected audience. Though he was still struggling to wrap his head around the situation, he couldn’t help but notice even more Pokémon scattered throughout the clearing. Pidove circled overhead, while Caterpie and Metapod clung to the trees.

Suddenly, a bold Pokémon darted to his feet, barking a cheerful “Yamp!” up at him. It looked like a corgi, but with a bright, sunny-yellow coat accented by brown patches on its ears, eyes, and the base of its tail. Large, triangular ears stood straight on its incredibly friendly face, revealing a soft brown interior, and a fluffy, deeper yellow collar encircled its neck.

Jake knelt down carefully, scratching behind the puppy’s ears. The Yamper hummed with pleasure. The softness of its 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, seeing the friendly interaction, seemed to relax and went back to whatever they had been doing.

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 from earlier had once again perched on his shoulder, quite pleased with its chosen spot. Jake took in the idyllic, peaceful scenery around him.

The clearing bustled with Pokémon activity, the creek's refreshing waters drawing various species, most of them seemingly indifferent to Jake's 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 muttered to himself. “But with all these Pokémon around... Maybe Satoshi Tajiri found this place first and got the idea for the games?”

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, barked up at Jake.

“Little attention seeker, aren’t you?” Jake said, scratching the Yamper behind its ears, sending the puppy into bliss.

Did I... die? From sheer boredom in class? Old age? Jake wondered. Sure, Miss McAuley’s lessons often felt endless, but he’d survived them before. And old age? At fourteen, that seemed a stretch unless he was secretly Benjamin Button...

And I don’t recall any trucks either...

Jake rummaged through his pockets and pulled out his phone. A muttered curse slipped out when he saw it was drenched and looked beyond repair.

“I can’t let this get to me,” he murmured, taking a deep breath to steady himself. “There’s got to be a town nearby. I’m sure someone there can help.”

His mother’s advice came to mind: “Jake, adapting to new places is like learning to ride a bike—shaky and uncertain at first, but keep going 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 a renowned child psychologist, Jake figured she knew what she was talking about.

Setting the Blipbug gently on the ground, Jake 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 hopefully.

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

“Bliip,” chirped the Blipbug.

“Yamp,” barked the Yamper in agreement.

Taking their cues as a positive sign, Jake smiled warmly. "Follow the creek then? Sounds like a solid plan." He crouched down once more, extending his hand in thanks, which the Pokémon nuzzled 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 abruptly, but with the quiet understanding that each had their own path to follow.

Jake felt a twinge of disappointment as he watched the Pokémon go. Part of him—a big part—wanted to stay, to live out the adventure he’d always dreamed of. 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 began to follow the creek, its waters clear and burbling. He couldn’t help but stare in wonder. Fish-like Pokémon, possibly Magikarp or Goldeen, swam beneath 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, he thought.

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 shot through Jake's ankle. A strangled cry escaped his lips as he crumpled to the ground, a cold metal grip clamping mercilessly around his leg. His vision blurred with tears as he forced himself to look down.

A bear trap.

Nausea surged as he saw the jagged teeth buried in his flesh. The pain was overwhelming, a tidal wave threatening to pull him into unconsciousness. He could barely think through the agony. Through his blurry vision, he noticed the trap seemed to be alive. Moving by itself. Slowly, torturously, the jaws were extracted from his leg, revealing large, round, yellow eyes.

Realisation hit 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 caught 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 throbbing with pain.

Wincing, Jake examined his injured leg. A choked gasp slipped out as he saw the severity of the wounds. Blood oozed from the punctures, but fortunately, the metal hadn’t reached bone. It seemed the Stunfisk had restrained itself once it realised he was human. He hastily removed his light-grey hoodie, wrapping it tightly around his leg in an attempt 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 play by 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 passed, shadows lengthened, the light dwindled as the sun dipped below the horizon. Dusk gave way to an impenetrable night that blanketed everything, and Jake found himself exhausted, starving, and in desperate need of rest. Moving carefully, he sat down under a particularly large riverside giant, the best shelter he could find.

Trying to relax under the tree, Jake’s leg throbbed with a persistent, nagging ache, but he managed to keep his cool. He thought about what might help 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, Jake thought. Rest up for a bit, and cobble together some kind of camp. Good practice—just like those outdoor school projects, only this time, it’s no joke.

As he leaned back, he recalled 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 a hopeful eye out 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 of these home, I'd revolutionise A&E, he mused.

But as he scanned the bushes, he couldn’t find any more of the miraculous Oran Berries. Although an ache remained, he could walk, albeit with a limp. He pocketed several Chesto Berries for the journey ahead. Feeling more 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 fallen, and for an Emolga, it was time to embrace the skies. Her fur, a blend of matte black and pristine white, rippled in the moonlit breeze. Large, rounded ears perked up, and her big, expressive eyes scanned the surroundings. The 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.

After painstakingly climbing one of the tallest trees, Emolga perched herself on a lofty branch. Her heart pounded in her chest as she shuffled as close to the edge as she dared.

Why should I, born to soar the skies, fear heights? This time I will conquer! she mentally rallied herself, her face scrunched in resolve, sparks flickering from her cheeks. Despite her fierce determination, the result was only to make her look even more adorable.

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

There is nothing to be afraid of. I just won’t look down. She looked down. She 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.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Shaking her little head, she pushed away 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! She clenched her paws.

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a faint ember glow moving along the river. But she was too focused on her mission to give it much thought. 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, Emolga muttered, rubbing her head. That didn’t go to plan at all.

She found herself sitting on a funny-looking bipedal creature. She remembered her mother’s stories about these beings. They came with powerful Pokémon and tried to catch others with strange spherical devices.

None of the Pokémon Emolga knew had ever been captured, though her father loved to brag about once defeating one of their mighty companions. She had her doubts about that story; her father liked to act all cool and serious, but he was such a goofball that she wasn’t sure it could be true.

In their playful battles, Emolga often bested both her parents and siblings when she managed to catch them. She might not be confident in her flying, but she sure packed an electrifying punch, as this creature had just discovered.

Refocusing on the unconscious being beneath her, Emolga realised she’d never encountered one of these creatures personally, given how secluded her part of the forest was. Rumours spoke of a big group of them living in a den further down the river, but considering her flying troubles, she’d never ventured that far.

The creature stirred slightly, beginning to wake up. Emolga panicked, unsure of what to do. She felt responsible for its current condition, though in her defence, it really should have gotten out of the way.

What do I do? What do I do? Emolga thought frantically, her wide eyes darting around for anything that might help.

POV - JAKE

Jake’s consciousness slowly seeped back. His head felt foggy, and his body seemed distant. Letting out a groan, he tried to gather his scattered thoughts. His limbs felt numb, so he tentatively wiggled his fingers and toes, hoping sensation would return. Memories came rushing back, and his eyes flew open, only to find himself staring up at the very Pokémon responsible for his predicament. His gamer’s instincts kicked in: Emolga, an electric-flying type, aptly demonstrated by the aerial volt tackle to the face.

The creature leaned forward, its large round eyes wide, a mischievous spark in its innocent curiosity that seemed almost comical given the circumstances. Its rounded ears twitched at sounds Jake couldn’t hear. The trademark yellow patches on its cheeks, thankfully, weren’t 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 conveyed its sentiments so clearly.

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

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

“Emol, emol!” it exclaimed, as if to say he should’ve watched where he was going.

“I seem to remember you had your eyes shut the whole time,” Jake retorted, though the sight of this Emolga pouting in indignation made it hard not to grin.

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

“E-emol,” the Emolga mumbled, glancing guiltily at the ground, clearly ashamed.

Jake wasn’t entirely sure, but it seemed the Pokémon was apologetic. Now, seeing the Emolga up close, Jake noticed it appeared younger than most of its kind. He couldn’t quite put his finger on why he thought that, having never seen a real one before, but its behaviour hinted at youth and inexperience.

“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, recalling the paralysis-healing berry from the games.

Emolga’s expression brightened, glad to be of help, and it scampered away on all fours, noticeably avoiding its usual gliding motion. Jake remained still, his initial shock fading as he began to regain feeling in his extremities, though he knew it would take some time before he was back to full strength.

Soon after, Emolga returned, placing a cherry-like berry into Jake’s hand. 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 warmth grew into a comforting heat that loosened his stiff muscles and encouraged deeper breaths.

The warmth spread across Jake's body, bringing with it a wave of relief as the stiffness in his muscles began to fade. He noticed his breathing becoming deeper and more even as his diaphragm relaxed, hinting that the berry might contain some anti-inflammatory properties or natural muscle relaxants. His fingers and toes twitched, then moved at his command—a sure sign that the berry’s restorative powers were taking effect.

It wasn’t an instant fix, but a gradual reawakening, allowing him to slowly reacquaint himself with movement. Eventually, Jake managed 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. Emolga enjoyed the touch for a moment, her eyes widening in surprise at the affectionate gesture. Then, realising what Jake was doing, she stiffened briefly. However, she quickly relaxed again, succumbing to the blissful sensation. Her tail wiggled happily, and her cheeks sparked softly as she melted into the delightful scratches, nuzzling Jake’s hand with a tiny, delighted emol.

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

Emolga nodded eagerly, pointing at Jake and raising a single finger, indicating that he was the first human she’d encountered. Jake’s eyes widened in amazement. He knew Pokémon were intelligent—the games and anime had always suggested they had cognitive abilities on par with humans, and he recalled the Blipbug he had encountered. But seeing it in action, in real life, was something else entirely.

“Name’s Jake,” he said, introducing himself.

Emolga responded with a cheerful “emol, ga!” pointing at herself and proudly saying her own name.

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, he began to realise that this Emolga was a girl. Her sulkiness when teased reminded him of his own spirited younger sister—though he mused that Emolga might not take kindly to such a comparison.

Remarkably, Emolga seemed to understand Jake without any trouble. Although Jake couldn’t fully comprehend her in return, she had a knack for getting her thoughts across with animated expressions and motions. She would point, nod, roll her eyes dramatically, and make adorable little gestures, ensuring he got the message every time. Jake couldn’t help but think how smart she was, even if a bit cheeky.

“How come you were out flying so late?” Jake asked softly, aware that he might be treading into sensitive territory.

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

With a hint of melancholy, she gestured towards the branch and then cast her gaze downward, covering her eyes as she muttered, “Emol, emol, ga.”

Jake took a good look at Emolga, thinking how she kind of reminded him of a Pikachu, with her cheek patches, size, and electric typing. But Emolga had her own unique thing going on with those wing membranes she used to glide. She didn’t fly like a Pidgey or a Spearow; it was more like she surfed the air currents, sailing around treetops and such.

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

“Emol!” Emolga protested, patting her belly indignantly; she was nowhere near as fat as a rat like that!

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

Jake couldn’t resist. He launched into a tickle attack, his fingers expertly tickling Emolga’s belly. She let out little squawks that quickly turned into giggles, squirming and wriggling under his relentless tickling. Her cheeks sparked softly with each laugh. Jake’s grin grew wider with every giggle, thoroughly enjoying their playful exchange.

After enduring the tickling, Emolga deftly slipped from his grasp and scampered up to perch atop his head.

Jake looked up at Emolga as she tried to regain her composure. Gazing down into his eyes, her head tilted upside down, she wagged her finger in playful reprimand.

“Emol, emol!" she chattered, asserting her authority—she was in charge here and wouldn’t tolerate such indignity.

Jake chuckled and slowly rose to his feet, mindful of his leg. Emolga’s eyes widened at the sudden change in altitude. She wobbled and flailed her arms before toppling from his head. Swiftly, Jake reached out and caught her, cradling her gently.

“Is it that bad?” Jake asked, peering down at Emolga as he gently lowered her to the ground.

Emolga drooped for a moment, her fear of heights momentarily dampening her usually vibrant spirit. But resilience sparked within her almost instantly. With a bright cheer of emol! she clenched her small paws with resolve. A soft buzz of electricity hummed in her cheeks as she pointed her nose toward the sky, flapping her wings with determination. She wasn’t going to let a minor detail like that bring her down.

Jake admired the young Pokémon’s ability to retain such enthusiasm despite what must be a debilitating condition for an Emolga.

Suddenly, a wave of tiredness hit Jake; it had to be past midnight by now. His exhaustion was 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 slightly. He needed to rest soon; the berries only acted as a stimulant, keeping him awake but doing nothing for his physical exhaustion.

“Know any place around here where I could crash for the night?” Jake asked his new friend.

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. Despite the pain, Jake followed her lead, limping along as she zipped off with surprising speed across the ground. Even if she wouldn’t fly, she was quick 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 questioningly.

“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 him a look, as if she could sense the joke behind his choice. But quick as a flash, her expression brightened.

“Emol!” she chirped, pleased with her new name, and with renewed energy, Trixie—no longer just any Emolga—buzzed ahead, leading the way.

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

“Emol?” she chirped, playful yet quizzical—What’s taking you so long?

“I was always terrible at the one-legged race,” Jake remarked dryly.

“Emol!” Trixie waved her paw dismissively, as if to say, No excuses!

Definitely like my little sister, Jake thought wryly.

Pokémon continued to be a constant presence. In the background, the rhythmic tapping of Pikipek echoed through the trees. Occasionally, a pair of eyes would peer out at Jake from the tangled vines of a Tangela, making him realise just how strange some of the Pokémon designs were when seeing them in real life. Foongus, in particular, struck him as bizarre. He struggled to contain his laughter at the sight of what was essentially a live waddling shroom, though he was careful to avoid its spore. Trixie, meanwhile, acted quite literally as Jake’s guiding light in the darkness, and it seemed they were nearing the end of their trek.

Emerging from the dense trees, they arrived at a shadowed grove where a faint 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 wasn’t overly lush or dense, with open spaces allowing shafts of moonlight to filter through the leaves and dapple the forest floor.

At its centre, a sturdy oak tree rose 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 sky squirrels darting in and out.

Follow me, Trixie seemed to say with a flick of her tail, darting toward the central tree. Two Emolga dropped from the leafy canopy above, spiralling around her with delighted chirps. They were clearly her kin—her cheeky siblings, Jake mused, watching their playful antics with a smile.

Jake paused to take in the playful pair, their distinct personalities shining brightly compared to the generic versions he remembered from the games. One was the ultimate show-off, with a tuft of fur standing up defiantly between its ears, giving it a cute, rebellious punk-like look. Meanwhile, its sibling was more reserved, keeping a little distance from the boisterous one that zipped around Trixie, chirping non-stop.

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

“Emol, emol!” the larger of the two uttered seriously, its sparks intensifying as it eyed Jake warily.

Jake instinctively took a small step back, keen to avoid another shock.

Trixie zipped in front of Jake, positioning herself protectively between him and her parents. She stretched her arms out wide, a determined look on her face. Her siblings, caught up in the moment, glided in and latched onto their parents' backs. Their eyes, wide with excitement, were fixed on Jake, hoping something interesting would happen.

Chirping animatedly, Trixie launched into an explanation, addressing the elder Emolga. She recounted her encounter with Jake, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade as she reluctantly admitted her fear of heights once more to her family.

As Jake watched Trixie’s bold stance and listened to her spirited chatter, his appreciation for her—and Pokémon in general—grew immensely. He realised 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 of 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. This was worlds away from the scripted, predictable behaviours of game characters. These were living, feeling creatures, each with their own quirks and braveries.

After Trixie’s heartfelt pleas, her parents’ demeanour softened. They regarded Jake with less suspicion and eventually gave him a nod—a silent approval for him to come closer.

At the signal, Trixie’s siblings erupted into a chorus of joyful chirps, taking to the air and swirling around Jake’s head in a flurry of excitement. Their curiosity was palpable, bubbling over as they explored this new presence. One particularly spirited mon, with that rebellious tuft of fur, caught Jake’s eye. It zoomed right up to his face, its eyes sparkling with a bold, cheeky gleam. Jake had a hunch this one was a boy, his spunky attitude a dead giveaway.

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

The creature tilted its head, seemingly 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.

He turned back to the lively one. "I think I’ll call you Punkie," Jake said with a playful grin. "A real adventurer, I bet!"

Punkie responded with a cheeky smirk, letting out a defiant emol before flipping through the air, radiating rebellious energy as he revelled in his new nickname.

Nearby, Punkie’s sibling hovered with a thoughtful expression. Her fur had a distinct orange tinge, different from the usual bright yellow, and even her electric patches were orange.

"And you must be the thinker, right, Amberie?" Jake said softly, casually assigning her a name as well.

Amberie responded with a sweet, gentle emol, inching closer with her big, curious eyes, clearly showing her friendly nature.

Meanwhile, Trixie began to grow jealous, her cheeks puffing up like little balloons.

"Emol, emol!" she huffed, hopping onto Jake’s shoulder, eager to reclaim his attention from her siblings.

But her siblings were too busy flying around Jake, completely ignoring her sulking.

Frustration started to bubble up inside Trixie, and sparks began flickering from her cheeks. This finally caught her siblings’ attention, who just giggled before quickly whizzing off towards their parents, who watched with amused smiles.

Trixie noticed all of this, feeling even more upset. She slid off Jake’s shoulder and plopped herself right in front of his face, emoling loudly to demand his attention.

“You’re not jealous, are you, Trixie?” Jake chuckled, amused.

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

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

“They’re just like a normal family, aren’t they?” Jake thought, a grin spreading across his face. It was 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.”

With an agreeable emol from who seemed to be Trixie’s mother, Jake, with Trixie still perched on his shoulder, wearily followed her around the oak tree. They arrived at a spot you could hardly call a shelter—more like a cleverly hidden nook with a leafy makeshift roof and a floor of dirt and twigs. Just enough space for one person.

Not exactly luxury, but it’ll do, Jake thought, surveying the simple yet clever setup. He expressed sincere thanks to the Emolga family, who chirped back playfully before zipping up to their den at the top of the tree.

Jake took in the shelter, noticing a little alcove inside that seemed perfect for someone Trixie-sized. Her fear of heights must be so deep that she can’t live with her family up in the trees, he thought.

“This your pad, Trixie?” Jake asked, glancing at her as she remained on his shoulder.

“Em. Emol.” Trixie nodded, but with an imperious air, 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 comfort.”

A light, sweet emol sounded behind him. It was Amberie, 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 with relief. He had been seriously worried about his leg, but now he could push the trauma of the Stunfisk encounter to the back of his mind. Compartmentalise, he reminded himself. That’s the key.

Amberie 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 briefly wandered over the day’s surreal events. He had stepped into another world, encountered Pokémon for real, and now here he was, taking shelter with one. It was a lot to process, 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 unexpected 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 woke up, the first thing she noticed was a lovely warmth, making her feel cosy as she shook off sleep. Her eyes blinked open sleepily, and she let out a cute yawn, stretching her tiny body until every muscle relaxed. Sunbeams peeked through the leafy canopy above, creating a patchwork of light and shadow all around her. Next to her, Jake was still sleeping soundly, his breaths like a peaceful lullaby. She looked at him with curiosity and affection in her small face.

Her thoughts wandered back to their first meeting. Jake had seemed so strange back then, a creature with two legs and smooth skin, so different from the usual sights of her forest home. But his eyes were full of kindness, and he had a gentle presence that softened her sense of isolation. It wasn’t that she didn’t love her family—she did, even if her siblings could be really annoying. But since she couldn’t fly like them and join them in the treetops, Trixie often felt left out among her own kind.

Trixie’s parents, and likely her ancestors, had lived in this forest for generations. It was an idyllic habitat for Emolga, with little need to venture far. Because of this, most of her family weren’t interested in the world beyond the trees. But Trixie was different. She was always curious, and if it weren’t for her fear of heights, she probably would have flown away to explore beyond their cosy woods.

With Jake, though, she found something special. He made her feel like she belonged, something she never quite felt with her treetop family. His presence filled a hole in her heart, bringing a friendship she hadn’t known she needed.

Finished with her daydreams, Trixie decided to have some fun. She mischievously jumped onto Jake’s tummy with the excitement of a playful sprite. Her light body landed with a surprising thud. But to her surprise, Jake didn’t wake up. The big sleepyhead kept snoring.

Puffing her cheeks out in frustration, Trixie leaned in closer, her cheeks sparking with a tiny Nuzzle.

That definitely got a reaction. Jake woke up with a start, sputtering and gasping, his eyes wide with shock. “What in the—?” he exclaimed, confused. His gaze fell on Trixie, and for a second, he looked completely bewildered, as if he had forgotten where he was. Then, with a shake of his head, he seemed to remember, his expression softening into one of amused resignation.

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

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

“Yeah, thanks for that,” Jake replied with a mock grumble, though his smile betrayed his true feelings. “Guess alarm clocks aren’t needed with you around, huh?”

Trixie didn’t know what an alarm clock was, but Jake’s tone was light and friendly. She responded joyfully, hopping from his hand back onto his chest, ready for more playtime.

Jake rubbed his eyes, still a bit dazed from the sudden wake-up. Trixie noticed a change in his expression. He looked around her den, deep in thought, his eyes seeming far away, as if he was pondering something important. The air felt tense, like Jake was worried about something big—something beyond her understanding.

But then, a loud growl came from Jake’s stomach. Trixie giggled at the sound, her eyes sparkling with amusement. She was about to tease him when her own tummy growled even louder.

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

“Let’s find some breakfast!” Jake said.

POV - JAKE

Jake stretched, feeling refreshed and pain-free, though he’d never eaten so many berries in one sitting before. Breakfast with Trixie and her family had been a delightful affair. Trixie’s dynamic siblings, Punkie and Amberie, buzzed around with mischievous energy, cheekily snatching berries from Jake’s plate or nuzzling him just as he was about to take a bite.

At first, Jake laughed along, but soon decided it was time for a little payback. He waited for the perfect moment, watching as Punkie reached out for another berry. In a smooth sleight of hand, Jake swapped the sweet Pecha Berry for a spicy Tamato.

Trixie’s giggles were the loudest among her family as Punkie’s face turned bright red, a mix of surprise and delight at the trick.

Still sporting a hint of red from the spicy berry, Punkie playfully darted around Jake’s head, letting out a series of energetic emols—cries full of mock indignation.

Meanwhile, Amberie, more reserved, hovered near Jake, performing a series of graceful aerial flips and letting out gentle emols, clearly amused by Jake's prank.

Jake chuckled as he offered Amberie a sweet berry. She cooed softly and nuzzled his hand affectionately.

Noticing this, Trixie, seemingly struck by another pang of jealousy, leapt in to nudge Amberie away from Jake. She then positioned herself in front of him with a possessive “Emol!” as if to declare, ‘This is mine!’

Jake lay back, leisurely digesting his berries, and mused on how well the Emolga had adapted to their surroundings. Their unique combination of agile flying and the ability to harness electricity meant they likely had few natural predators. Bird Pokémon like Hoothoot, Pidove, and Rookidee would sensibly steer clear of them.

In a vast forest like this, the chances of encountering many rock or ground types were low, which likely allowed these Emolga to enjoy 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 the seasonal weather made it even more conclusive: he must indeed be in another world. How could this have happened? He had often read 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—just Jake.

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 my family, I 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 couldn’t 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 to get home could likely only be found with the help of the Creation Trio: 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 encountered so far, Jake figured he was probably in Galar. It was ironic, in a way, that this detail made the most sense—that he was in a place that mirrored his home country on an alternate Earth. However, the fact that he hadn’t landed in Wyndon suggested that this world didn’t 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 I find the Creation Trio, what would I even do? Why would—or should—they help me? And what if this was a one-way trip? The questions kept coming, each more absurd than the last. Maybe I’ll discover I’m the chosen one, or maybe I’ll 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, one thing at a time. My priority hasn’t changed: find a human town first. But 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, Jake knew nearly every Pokémon that existed, and he understood that some wouldn’t be as friendly, with powers that could seriously harm him. He didn’t know how far the town was, and if he encountered any of the more dangerous Pokémon, his survival would be uncertain. Jake eyed the Emolga who had been so quick to trust him, thanks to Trixie.

He looked at Trixie, who, perhaps sensing his emotions, began to gaze at him with a mix of curiosity and 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. Within them, he sensed an undercurrent of profound loneliness.

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. But this was something far deeper. He couldn’t deny the connection that had come to exist between them. In that moment, Jake understood that leaving Trixie behind wasn’t an option. No, he simply couldn’t—he wouldn’t leave her.

“Yes, Trixie, I need to go,” Jake said, pausing as he saw Trixie’s face fall, her expression despondent. “But I don’t want to leave you,” he added sincerely.

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, expecting such a young Pokémon like Trixie to leave 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 would 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 sister. The thought of leaving her behind, 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 Poké Balls, so it’s not like I can, you know, ‘catch’ you or anything.”

He scratched the back of his head, not quite sure what else to say. “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 such an uncertain journey. The games 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 affectionately.

Trixie pulled back slightly; her eyes gleaming mischievously. She tilted her head, puffing out her chest in a proud gesture and chirped, “Emol emol!” 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?” he asked with mirth, matching her lively spirit.

Trixie bounced excitedly, her voice almost singsong as she chanted, “Emol, emol, emol!” which in Jake’s mind translated to ‘Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!’

Jake’s attention was drawn to a subtle movement at the edge of his vision. Turning, he saw Trixie’s family watching them, all looking rather amused as if they had known this would happen.

But still, Jake knelt down respectfully. “I know it’s a big ask, but would it be okay for Trixie to join me on my journey?” he asked.

Mama Emolga didn’t hesitate; her eyes were understanding as she gave an 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’ll definitely take good care of her,” Jake promised, meeting the family’s gaze. Mama Emolga nodded, her eyes full of trust, while Papa Emolga gave a cool, serious nod—more subdued, but carrying weight. He had that calm, collected demeanour that made Jake think, This guy’s got everything under control. 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. This, Jake mused, might be the fundamental distinction between trained Pokémon and their wild counterparts.

While wild Pokémon were far more intelligent than typical Earth animals, they still seemed to act primarily on instinctual behaviours. They likely didn’t possess the nuanced understanding or ability to impart complex skills like flying to their young if they weren’t born with it. Pokémon trainers, on the other hand, 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 emols rang out from Trixie’s family as they bid her farewell, each one carrying a tone of affection and well-wishes for their new adventure in this strange new world.