Welcome to the region of Safria! Here aspiring trainers must first attend the Pokémon Academy for one year. There they learn all about the world of Pokémon and prepared for the trials they may face. Once they graduate the students don't get a standard starter, instead the graduating class gains access to Starter Park. This park is owned by the school and stocked with stage one Pokémon of all kinds, allowing the students a variety to choose from for a starter. Equipped with a Starter ball – able to catch any stage one Pokémon, a map, and whatever rations they student chooses to bring; they have one day to find their first partner on their Pokémon journey!

The next graduating class was gathered outside the park gates. A group of thirty ten-year-olds all eager to meet their first Pokémon. None more excited than Tala. They stood at the front of the crowd with their best friend, Astrid, in tow.

Tala had short brown hair and brown eyes with purple glasses over them. They were originally from Unova, but moved all over, eventually ending up in Safria. They wore a dark purple shirt, basketball shorts, and rainbow tennis shoes. They had the latest model of the Pokedex in their front pocket, and a black backpack on their shoulders. Their parents were more than eager to send them to the academy. While their parents claimed it was for Tala's benefit, they couldn't shake the feeling it was to get rid of them… Tala had a secret, one they've only shared with their family and Astrid.

Astrid was not as thrilled as her fellow classmates. Astrid had long blonde hair and bright blue eyes. She was from Alola, but her parents, in a rare moment of agreement, decided this would be good for her. She wore a blue tanktop and jean shorts with a pair of flipflops – which she called slippers – along with an old tan shoulder bag filled to bursting. She didn't care much for being a trainer though travelling sounded nice. At least she could get a few water types before she "retired" back home and stayed on the beach all day. That didn't mean she wanted to be at the front of the group, but she couldn't slink off with the iron grip Tala had on her wrist.

"Welcome, students," the headmaster began, everyone fell silent, "or should I say trainers!" He paused while everyone cheered. "Now, I know you all want to get going and meet your first Pokémon partner," more cheers, "but," he waited until everyone calmed down, for a group of ten-year-olds that was a trial. "I need to explain the rules of the park. Everyone was given a map and a Starter ball at breakfast. Starter balls work differently than other Pokéballs, they aren't a one-time use. If they fail to capture a Pokémon you can pick it up and try again. They only stop once a capture has been registered. Understand?" A resounding 'yes' was his answer. "However, that does not mean you can keep throwing and hope for the best. Not all Pokémon are willing to be caught so easily. That is why before entering the park you'll receive one normal-type Pokémon in case you need to battle. They will be given at random." He gave a look to all the students before he continued. "You will have until 8:30pm to find your starter Pokémon. Finally, battles between trainers aren't allowed until after graduation tomorrow. Now please make two lines at the gate to receive the borrowed Pokémon and good luck!" The kids rushed to the gates before he finished.

Astrid blinked and suddenly was at the gate, just before the hoard of new trainers. She shot a look at Tala, who, despite the eagerness on their face, was sweating.

"Not necessary," Astrid whispered. Tala didn't care, they were first in line and first in the park, with Astrid still in tow.

The two of them had made plans at breakfast on where they should go first once in the park. Straight towards the river to find Astrid's starter then wander around for Tala's. They both released their borrowed Pokémon. A Starly landed in front of Tala, he took one look at them, stuck one wing out and bowed to them. The Rattata that Astrid released did the same to Tala. It was common enough for Pokémon to act that way.

"No need for that," Tala said and motioned for the Starly to sit on their shoulder. Astrid made a face at Rattata, but smiled in the end.

"My mom would be so angry if I caught one of you," she said. Rattata cocked her head then jumped at Astrid. She flinched back but Tala shot a hand out to catch the purple rat.

"She's not quite use to Pokémon just yet," Tala said. "Do you mind giving her a little space?" Rattata nodded and jumped back on the ground.

"Thanks," Astrid smiled.

"What attacks do you two know?" Tala asked.

"I know Quick Attack, Wing Attack, Growl, and Tackle," Starly said.

"Quick Attack, Tackle, and Bite," Rattata answered next. Tala relayed Rattata's moves to Astrid.

They all continued into the park, the river flowed between a forest and meadow. A herd of Skiddo grazed in the grass, a few noticed the two soon-to-be-trainers and alerted the others. They all bowed towards Tala. Tala waved awkwardly as they passed.

"Any ideas what you're looking for yet?" Tala asked.

"No," Astrid sighed. A Magikarp leapt out of the river. "Not that…" she said.

"Fair," Tala nodded, "they would be hard for a starter and–"

"An Eevee!" Astrid shouted. "Rattata, Tackle!" Rattata shot forward and tackled the startled Eevee.

The brown fox retaliated with Swift that sent Rattata flying backwards.

"Tackle again!" Astrid shouted. The Eevee used Quick Attack to dodge then turned and wagged his tail at Rattata. "Come on! Tackle!" That one hit and while Eevee was down Astrid threw her Starter ball.

Whack!

The ball went sailing into the bushes.

A Farfetch'd stood in front of Eevee, posed with his leek behind him. He straightened up and went marching off, chanting: It's been decided.

Eevee ran off.

Astrid stared, dumbfounded, at the spot Farfetch'd had been. Tala tried not to laugh… they really did. A ding brought them back to the present.

Both exchanged looks before walking over to the bushes. Astrid's Starter ball showed a successful capture. She picked it up and released the Pokémon. A pink sloth laid on the ground, his tail curved up and tipped white.

"Slow," the Slowpoke yawned. Astrid's eye twitched. Tala didn't bother to hide their laughter. Rattata and Starly joined in.

"At least… he's a… water-type!" Tala said between laughter. Astrid returned Slowpoke and started to walk off. Tala calmed as they followed after her.

Astrid didn't speak until lunch… a miracle for her, but she was annoyed. They stopped at the lake at the center of the park to eat the bentos provided to them. A few other people had the same idea.

"See any Pokémon that "speak" to you?" Astrid asked.

"Well… yeah," Tala grinned. "Over there and there, oh and there." They pointed to every Pokémon in their line of sight. Astrid threw a clump of rice at them.

"You know what I mean," she huffed. Her Slowpoke was beside her, staring at the oran berry in front of him.

"Not yet," Tala sighed, "maybe after lunch, I'll… hello?" A small blue jackal came up to Tala's side, he placed a timid hand on their knee and inclined his head.

"Perhaps, I may be your Pokémon?" the Riolu asked.

"Really?" Tala blinked. "I didn't think there were Riolu here."

"If it's not an imposition," Riolu bowed his head again.

"Sure," Tala sat their food down and stood up. "Would you like to battle first?" Riolu nodded then leapt backwards and struck a fighting pose.

"Starly, go!" Tala shouted. Starly cried as he flew forward. "Wing Attack!"

Starly's wings glowed white at he sped towards Riolu. Riolu jumped, boosted with Quick Attack then shot towards Starly with a glowing silver fist. Starly took the hit, but got Riolu with a Wing Attack as well. Both Pokémon went flying backwards. Riolu made a three-point landing while Starly got control of his flight pattern. At Tala's shout Starly and Riolu used Quick Attack.

"Dodge and Wing Attack!" Tala shouted. Starly slipped to the side of Riolu, pulled a u-turn, but not the move, and slammed his wing into Riolu's back.

The moment Riolu landed Tala threw their Starter ball. It pulled Riolu in and rocked once… twice… three times… ding!

Tala cheered, as did the small crowd that had gathered.

"That was so cool!" Some kid said.

"I've got to step up my game!" Someone else said.

Tala picked up their Starter ball and released Riolu. They grinned as they passed an oran berry to Riolu.

"Welcome to the team," Tala said. "Can I give you a nickname?"

Riolu nodded as he finished his berry.

"I was thinking Luke? You look like a Luke," Tala said.

"Fine by me," Luke nodded. "Though I've only ever looked like a Riolu."

Tala laughed and walked back over to Astrid.

"Am I going crazy or has prolong exposure to you allowed me to understand Pokémon?" Astrid asked.

"I am using aura to make myself understood," Luke answered. He sat beside Slowpoke as the trainers finished their lunches.

"Astrid, Luke. Luke, Astrid," Tala introduced.

"Oh yeah… you can give Pokémon names…" Astrid looked at her Slowpoke for a long moment.

"Your name is now Lightning," Astrid nodded.

"I… okay," Tala nodded.

Graduation took forever, really it took about an hour and a half, but that was like forever.

Astrid and Tala made their way outside of the auditorium and were immediately accosted by two other students.

"Astrid," Sora Miki called. She dragged a timid boy behind her and a shiny Gastly floated by her head. The Gastly gave a nod towards Tala. "Let's battle!"

"Um…" Astrid made a face.

"Yeah!" Tala cheered. "A double battle!"

"Yes!" Sora nodded. Tala took Astrid's arm and joined Sora in dragging their friends to the battle fields.

Sora's family came from Kanto, noticeable from her tan skin, black hair, and dark brown eyes. She dyed her bangs bright green and wore a mismosh of clothes. A flower headband, a blood red skull shirt, white washed jeans with rips in them, and combat boots. She had a backpack in the shape of a cheeseburger. An Ekans skin poked out of it.

The boy, which neither Tala or Astrid recognized, looked like he came from Sinnoh. He had black hair that puffed up like a little afro, his eyes a bright brown. A single facial hair poked out over his lip. He wore a green shirt with a Pokéball design on it and dark jeans. A large, overstuffed blue backpack sat on his shoulders and looked ready to topple him over.

"Okay! Double battle, first side to lose both Pokémon loses!" Sora yelled. "This is Ken by the way!" Ken waved nervously.

"Go, Spoopy!" Sora pointed forward, her Gastly floated forwards. Ken through his Starter ball. In a sparkle of light, a shiny Ralts landed on the field. She bowed once she noticed Tala.

"How did you both get shiny Pokémon?" Tala asked, distracting them from Ralts' bow.

"I gave him snacks!" Sora said.

Ken murmured something. Sora nodded solemly.

Tala and Astrid exchanged looks then threw their Starter balls in unison.

"Luke! Lightning! Go!" They shouted.

"Go for the Slowpoke! The Riolu shouldn't have anything effective!" Sora called. Ken nodded in agreement.

Ralts melted into shadows while Spoopy floated towards Lightning, his tongue hung out ready to Lick.

"Lightning move!" Astrid shouted, her arms flailing.

"You have to call out attacks!" Tala said. "Luke! You know what to do!"

"Hypocrite!" Astrid glared at Tala.

Ralts began to form behind Lightning just as Spoopy got to him. Their attacks hit at once… but Lightning disappeared. Spoopy Licked Ralts and Ralts used Shadow Sneak on Spoopy. Paralysis set in on Ralts and in a flash crackled over Spoopy as well. Lightning appeared behind them just as Luke slammed his body into Spoopy, boosted by Quick Attack.

"What!" Sora screamed.

"Foresight!" Luke called as Spoopy floated, unconscious.

"Forgot about that," Sora sighed. She returned him and cheered Ken on.

Ralts spun around, nodding towards Ken as if he said something, then teleported next to Luke. She built up a pulse of Confusion as Luke readied a Bullet Punch.

"Lightning! Use a water attack!" Astrid shouted.

"Really?" Tala gave her a look. "Did you even –" They were cut off as Lightning released a high pressured wave of water. It slammed into both Ralts and Luke. When it stopped Ralts was out cold, while Luke held on, breathing heavily.

"Endure," he huffed. "We win." His knees buckled and he collapsed.

Tala returned Luke as Ken returned Ralts, then turned to Astrid.

"Did you know Lightning could do that?" Tala asked. At her look Tala shook their head. "Did you even scan him with your Pokédex?"

"Uh…" Astrid scratched her head. "Whoops?" She tried. At Tala's glare she sighed and dug out her Pokédex. It was last year's model with a blue casing. The screen slid up to have two screens and a scanner/camera was positioned on the center of the back and on the top screen forward.

"Slowpoke, the dopey Pokémon," the Pokédex started in a monotone female voice, "Slowpoke's tail is delicious. There are no nerves in the tail allowing it to fall off or be bitten without Slowpoke feeling any pain. While often lost in thought, Slowpoke have been shown to be excellent fishers. This Slowpoke is female and has the ability Regenerator. She knows the attacks: Amnesia, Teleport, Hydro Pump, and Psychic."

"That is an O.P. Slowpoke," Sora said. Her and Ken now stood next to the others. Everyone nodded.

"Oh!" Sora smacked Astrid's arm in excitement. "We were wondering! Do you two want to travel with us? Strength in numbers and all."

"Yeah!" Astrid cheered. "Four is way better than two." Tala nodded in agreement.

"But first!" Sora thrusted a finger into the air. "To Nurse Joy!"

How Sora and Ken met their Pokémon:

Sora was so ready to catch a Pokémon and become a trainer with cool new friends and… oooh shiny. Sora squatted to pick up a sparkling stone then she noticed an Ekans shedding just a ways away. That would be awesome to have. The stone went in her pocket and the shedding draped over her neck. This pattern of finding things on the ground continued as she made her way through the park, unknowingly heading into the creepy part most people avoided.

"Hey a marble," Sora said.

"Gas?" A Gastly floated over to her.

"Hey a Gastly," Sora stood to look at him. "Wanna see the marble?" She held it out to him.

The Gastly turned upside down as he examined the marble then he proceeded to lick it. He pulled back and righted himself to look at Sora expectantly. Sora brought the marble to her face and licked it too. Both her and Gastly nodded – or what could be counted as a nod from a Gastly – before they started walking further into the forest.

"Hey… wait a minute," Sora looked closer at Gastly who grinned back at her, "you're not the right kind of purple." The Gastly tilted to the side in question. "Gastly smoke is more of a dark violet, but yours is a blue-gray. Your core too! It's purple not black… I like purple."

"Gastly," he nodded again. "Gas gastly?"

"Yup, I noticed," Sora went back to walking. She found a cool stick and gave it to Gastly, who promptly dropped it as he didn't have a tangible body.

"That's a good place for it," Sora nodded. "Do you want lunch?" Gastly made an excited noise that sounded vaguely like a muffled scream.

"Cool," Sora dropped to her knees and proceeded to pull out an array of small snacks and bentos from her bag, as well as a picnic blanket and portable DVD player. Gastly watched in amazement and curiosity.

"Have you ever seen this show? It's called Beartic's Café." Gastly shook his head. "What!? This must be rectified!" She pressed play and they spent the next several hours watching TV while eating.

A buzzer sounded, snapping Sora and Gastly out of their show.

"Attention students! It is now 8:15. Please begin to make your way back to the front of the park."

"Wait… where are we? What was I doing?" Sora asked. It took a moment but she remembered and pulled out her Starter ball. "I forgot to capture a Pokemon!" She looked around frantic.

Gastly bumped into the ball and was sucked in. The ball clicked and let loose a ding to signify capture.

"Oh… thanks!" Sora let Gastly out and packed up before heading back. "I think I'll call you… Spoopy." Gastly had no problem with that.

Ken was a quiet, meek boy, so while everyone else charged into the park, he meandered in and kept to the paths. No Pokémon really caught his attention as he walked.

Around lunch time he took a seat on one of the benches spread throughout the park and pulled out a sandwich. He took a bite and watched as a group of screaming kids ran past, their Starter balls were all primed as they frantically searched for something.

"Where's the shiny?" Someone yelled.

"I saw it go this way!" Someone else yelled out.

Ken pointed in the opposite direction and those who saw him took off, the others followed thinking they saw something.

"They're gone," Ken said. A blue Ralts poked her head out from his shadow then teleported onto his lap. "Want some?" He offered half his sandwich.

"Thank you," the Ralts telepathed to him. She looked him up and down as she nibbled the sandwich. "You will do." Ken cocked his head as his Starter ball was levitated out of his pocket. Ralts sat the sandwich on his lap before letting the ball tap her forehead. She disappeared in a flash of red, the ball rolled once and clicked followed by a ding. Ralts let herself out and continued to eat.

"Okay," Ken nodded and finished his food.

A few minutes later the group of kids came back, all of them screamed when they spotted Ralts. Ralts stuck her tongue out and returned herself before coming back out.

The kids groaned and parted ways to search for another Pokemon.

"Good," Ralts said. "Shall we go?" Ken shrugged and Ralts took that as a go ahead. She teleported them out of the park… well she tried. She was still young after all. She managed to get them to the gate, but she took it was a win.