AN: Yeah. I know...I really shouldn't be posting a new story when I have so many other stories in the works, but here we are. A Pokemon/Loud House crossover story. This story was heavily inspired by SilverNugget's Pokemon Loud Version series.

A couple things I want to go over before we get started. First off, I decided to turn the Loud's home state of Michigan into it's own pokemon region, the Micha region. I did this because I wanted to try something slightly different from sending Lincoln or the Louds to one of the pre-existing regions (though I suspect it has been done before. Haven't read all of the LH/Pokemon stories). The other regions will exist in the story, however, which means Alolan and Galar forms will be available, if very rarely found. I haven't finalized what kinds of pokemon could be found where, but I can work on that as I go.

Second order of business: possible romantic partner for Lincoln. Yes, it will most likely happen (nothing set in stone presently). However, I don't plan to use any pairings that I have done before, so no Ronnie Anne and possibly no Christina (as she is a possibility in another fic of mine). I also will not be putting him in another polyamorous relationship. There can be only one. Most of the characters canon to the Loud House will probably appear, so place your bets, ladies and gentlemen. Will it be one of the minor characters from the series? An OC (will try to avoid this)? A humanshape pokemon? Even I don't know yet. Just one little request of mine: PLEASE don't spam me with requests for your favorite pairing.

However, if you would like to request to see certain Pokemon in any other the main characters' teams, let me know. Just don't make it the only thing in your review if you put it in the review section please. I can't promise I will use it, but I will say Lincoln will have at least one of each type of pokemon (dual types using their main type as one), so it may happen. And on that note, I will be placing a poll in my profile around the same time I'll be posting this story with the following question: What type do you think Lincoln's starting pokemon should be? I already decided with the other characters, but with Lincoln, he could go in pretty much any direction with his choice. So I decided to give you all the chance to pick what he starts with. Simply cast your vote on the poll and, if you'd like a specific initial stage or baby non legendary pokemon, let me know in the reviews or in the PMS (just don't make it the only thing in your message, please). You'll have plenty of time to cast your vote, as I don't plan to take it down until I finish and post one of the two chapters I'm working on for Tales from Grimwood. Once the poll is closed, I'll take the top three type choices, along with a select number of pokemon (which will include fan picks, a pick from me for each type, and all available starters if fire, water or grass are selected), and pick one at random. Winner is Lincoln's starter.

I think that's all from me for now. If I forgot anything, I;ll edit the author notes, or simply put it at the start of the next chapter. With that out of the way, sorry for the long winded not and enjoy the story.

It begins pt 1

"Ladies and Gentlemen, viewers from all over the Micha region and beyond!" A woman with long brown hair dressed all in yellow declared, holding a microphone in her right hand and wearing an almost forced smile on her face. Behind her was what looked like a battle arena built to look like a wizard's study, complete with a bubbling cauldron set to the side, near some floor to ceiling bookshelves. At either end of the circular chamber were large openings, covered by deep purple curtains covered in sparkling stars. Near the entrance to the arena was a cocky looking teen girl with blonde hair done in pigtails, wearing a pink jacket with a black crop top underneath it, with denim shorts and pink go go boots. Standing near the exit was a middle aged woman with curly, silver hair, wearing a star speckled light purple robe and cloak and a matching witch's hat, holding a crystal ball in one hand and a red and white ball in her other hand. "Katherine Mulligan here, bringing you the first battle of the Elite Four for the Pokemon League season. Ready to battle for a chance to earn herself a spot in the Micha Region Pokemon League Tournament is Elenor Mikias," The reporter/commentator gestured toward the young lady in pink, who was lightly tossing a pink ball with a heart upon it in her hand. "And her first opponent, the mystical mistress of psychic pokemon, Xythia!" She pointed back toward the woman in the robe and hat.

"Miss Mikias, I welcome you into my inner sanctum," Xythia said in a soft, gentle tone. "It was no doubt a long, arduous journey to collect the eight badges-"

"Ugh. Cut the speech, lady," Elenor rudely cut her off, her fingers clenched on the ball in her hand. "I've got better things to do today than listen to you ramble on." The silver haired woman just looked at the crass teen girl with an almost blank expression before she shrugged.

"If that is what you wish, then let the battle begin," she responded, not the least big perturbed by her rudeness. "I will start with...Hatterene, come forth." She gently tossed the ball in her hand forward, which burst open and unleashed a bright flash of light. When the light faded, before her stood a blue, pink and white creature that looked somewhat like a witch and an alien, with a clawed tentacle extending from her pointed hat.

"Hmph. This should be easy. Go, Haxorus!" Elenor called out, hurling her own spheroid in front of her. The ball burst open and from it spawned a large yellowish green dragon with black legs and underbelly, and sharp bladed tusks sticking out the sides of its face. The draconic creature leered at Hatterene, trying to frighten her despite being a foot shorter than her. "Haxorus, obliterate that freaky thing with Outrage!" Haxorus roared toward the ceiling, its fists being surrounded by fiery energy before it charged the mysterious, witch like being. She stood without fear in the face of the drake as it swung its fist at her face. It hit her dead on, the draconic energy exploding on contact, but the attack didn't seem to hurt her much. In fact, it had absolutely no effect on Hatterene. "What!?"

"Miss Mikias, Hatterene is part fairy type," Xythia explained to her, shaking her head in a disappointed way. "Dragon type attacks do no damage to fairy pokemon."

"Bull****!" Elenore spat, her swear bleeped out by an unseen sound editor. "Dragons are the most powerful pokemon in the world! They're unbeatable!"

"Dragons are, indeed, very powerful creatures. However, they are far from invincible. Allow me to demonstrate. Hatterene, Dazzling Gleam, if you please." The witch like fairy pokemon nodded, her eyes glowing as she released a kaleidoscopic array of light upon Haxorus. Unlike its opponent, the dragon looked like it was in terrible pain as the colorful light washed over it. Elenor was forced to cover her eyes from the brightness, and when she felt it was safe to look again, she was greeted to the sight of the dragon face down on the floor, unable to fight any further.

Watching the battle from a television screen, a nine year old girl with messy brown hair and large glasses on her face was frowning deeply, as if personally offended by what she was witnessing. She was wearing a white lab coat over a green turtle neck, brown pants and brown shoes. She was standing within what looked like a science laboratory, with a variety of animal like creatures wandering about, playing, eating or sleeping wherever they decided to. She wasn't alone either; on a small window in the corner of the screen, a shadowed figure seemed to be shaking its head. "A crying shame, Professor Loud…"

"Isn't it though, Champion?" The young professor agreed with a frustrated sigh. "You would think a trainer with skill enough to accumulate eight gym badges would know about fairy types immunity to draconic assaults."

"Not to mention the complete lack of respect," The shadowy champion continued, just as Elenor called forward a Druddigon. "It seems to me there has been a significant drop in the skill level, manners and maturity of trainers entering into the Pokemon League, and especially attempting to defeat the Elite Four."

"Indeed. I've noticed that too," The brilliant girl said as she adjusted her glasses, turned off the pokemon match and brought up a series of charts and statistics. "In the last few years, there has been an alarming downward trend in all of these areas, which has also led to a sharp decline in viewership of Elite Four battles, as well as the end of season Pokemon League Tournaments."

"That is distressing...If interest in the league declines any further, it could be the end of the competitive pokemon league in the Micha region," The unknown figure in the window sighed sadly before continuing. "I don't suppose you have any theories as to how this has come about?"

"Naturally, though it is a suspicion I don't like thinking about," She answered grimly. "Namely, that some of the gym leaders may be going easy on challengers...or perhaps accepting bribes."

"I see what you mean...that is a terrible thought," The unseen champion admitted.

"Indeed, but how else do you explain how a trainer can complete the badge challenge, yet only has the knowledge and skill of a trainer lacking any badges? The attitudes, I cannot attest for, as there have been a great many trainers with plenty of talent, but horrible attitudes, but I digress," The brown haired genius said before a yellow and brown pokemon vaguely shaped like a human, save for a short tail, appeared out of seemingly nowhere, sitting down beside her and handing her a letter. "Ah. Thank you, Abra," She told the psi pokemon, patting it on the head. "Anyway, I admit I don't have any evidence this is the case however...at least, not yet."

"Safe to say you have a plan to obtain this evidence?"

"Presently, I do not. However, I will make it a-" The young professor said before she looked down at the letter in her hand, her eyes widening and a smile appearing on her face. "-On second thought, I think I may know someone, or someones, who may be able to assist in this matter."

"Great. Here's hoping that nothing comes of this," The Champ in shadows said to her. "Well, I hate to cut this conversation short, but I have a previous engagement to attend."

"Of course, Champion. The remainder of new business was simply about some ruffians causing a ruckus down in the Hazeltuckey area."

"Nothing out of the ordinary then," He said with a soft chuckle. "Anyway, see you around, Lisa." The chat window closed, leaving Lisa alone with her Abra and the other pokemon in the lab. She just smiled lightly as she opened the envelope she had been handed and removed the small greeting card within.

"You are cordially invited to the eleventh birthday party of Lola Loud and Lana Loud at 1216 Franklin Avenue, Royal Woods, Micha Region…" She read the letter aloud, her smile growing.

On the other side of Royal Woods, in the suburbs, a small multistory known to the community as the Loud House was abuzz with activity. The front of the house was decorated with pink and blue streamers, balloons, and a large banner that stated 'Happy Birthday Lola and Lana', as well as 'Congratulations on getting your trainer's license'. Unlike many other League regions in the world (which usually get trainers started at ten), children who turned eleven years old can apply for and take a test to earn their trainer licenses in Micha. With these permits, they would be legally considered Pokemon trainers, and would be granted permission to begin their pokemon journeys. Naturally, this was a big moment in every child's life growing up. Some children would even jump right into the test the very day of their birthday, and the twins were no exception. This meant the family could get the house ready for their party while they were away. Their parents, Lynn Sr and Rita, were hard at work in the kitchen, getting all the food cooked, decorated and ready for the two of them. This was a taller order than normal, as the twins each had different requests for what they wanted to eat (though both agreed they wanted a chocolate cake, so that was easy at least).

Fortunately, they weren't alone in this venture. The family pokemon (Growlithe, Purrloin, Pidove and a particularly small Dedenne) were helping where they could, as well as their only son, Lincoln Loud, and their youngest daughter, Lily. The now sixteen year old boy was carrying arm loads of refreshments to the living room, followed by six year old Lily, carrying the punch bowl in both arms. Lincoln had grown quite a lot since he was eleven; he was almost as tall as Lori was at seventeen. However, he was still kind of scrawny, though he never let that bother him. He still wore mostly his favorite orange polos, with different colors of pants every day. Lily was also growing like a weed, just a hair shorter than the twins were at her age. She was wearing a black shirt with a little pale purple blouse and a matching skirt, with black shoes. The large glass bowl was a little big for her, but goodness knows she was trying. She almost tripped and fell with it, but fortunately, a purple gloved hand caught her and helped stabilize her. She breathed a sigh of relief and smiled up at the hand's owner, Luna. "Thanks Luna."

"No thanks necessary, little sis," She told her with a big smile in return, helping her bring the punch to the table. Her brown hair was a little more wild than it was a few years back, now hanging over one eye. She wore a purple leather jacket over a black muscle shirt, a knee length checked purple skirt, and shin high leather purple boots. Her body didn't change a lot from her teen days, but neither had her passion, energy and overall chill outlook on life.

"Some gentleman you are, Linc…" His more athletic, adult sister teased him with a smirk as she was setting up another banner over the fireplace mantle. Unlike her brother, she didn't really grow much taller with time, leaving her shorter than her little brother (which irritated her to no end). However, what she lacked in size, she made up for in muscle and attitude. She started to wear her hair down more than in the old days, but still wore her favorite jersey and shorts. "...letting such a little girl carry that big, heavy thing." The white haired teenager just looked at her with a bored, unamused expression, carrying trays of food in both hands and another tray on his head.

"Sorry. I haven't perfected the ability to grow extra limbs at will," He replied sarcastically.

"Aww, she was just ribbing you, bro," Luan told him, pausing in the act of inflating balloons to poke him in his ribs. Lincoln shuddered a bit, causing the trays to shake as he held back chuckles.

"Luan! Not the time!"

"Hahaha. Sorry, Linc," She responded with a giggle, returning to the balloons. Luan was still as big a joker as she was as a teen, but adult age had mellowed her somewhat. Time had probably been most kind to her (compared to her other teenaged sisters at the time), physically speaking. She was fairly tall, curvier than before, and with a bust size just below Lori's. She still wore her hair in a ponytail, but the ponytail extended all the way down to her hips. She still wore her usual outfit of a white button up blouse with a yellow skirt, and her old squirting flower. She gave him a big smile, revealing her braces were long gone. The one son sighed and set the trays down on the table. Still, he had to admit he was happy to see his sisters again. Most of them had already left on their own paths as pokemon trainers and, with their own jobs and lives, visited infrequently. In fact, Lori and Leni (the two oldest sisters of the eleven children) were unable to attend the party. However, they did send heartfelt wishes to the two birthday girls, as well as their gifts. About the only one who didn't leave to go on their adventure was Lincoln. It wasn't because he didn't have his license; he passed the test on his first try, like most of his family. However, even though it would have been just Lucy, Lana, Lola, Lisa (though she spent most of her time at her Pokemon Lab), and Lily to take care of, he knew they could be handfuls on their own. Add in that both their parents worked and Lincoln felt they would need an extra pair of hands. He didn't mind at all, though. He loved all of his sisters (headaches and all), and knew his help was appreciated by his folks. However, every now and again, the call of adventure would beseech him, and right now, it was calling like a siren song.

"So, bro…" Luna started, turning to look at Lincoln as she organized all of the twins' presents. "...you put any thought into striking off on your own?"

"Actually, you read my mind, Luna," He replied, gathering up the empty trays after he arranged the plates and bowls.

"It's about time," Lynn commented with a soft, somewhat harsh laugh. "I mean, it's been five years since you got your license."

"Lay off, Lynn," The raven haired Lucy said suddenly from nearby, startling all her sisters and her brother. She had been quietly sweeping up while they were talking, her favorite pokemon, Golbat, watching her from the banister. The now thirteen year old still followed the goth lifestyle and was a big fan of vampires, the occult, witchcraft, etc. However, she wasn't as much doom and gloom as she used to be. She still had black hair (which was longer now) which covered her eyes, but she wore different colored clothes too, even though they were all dark colors still. Today, she was wearing a blood red jacket over a midnight colored t shirt and jeans, with dark brown shoes, wearing a VOM pin and a Princess Pony pin over the right chest pocket. "You know he did it to help Mom and Dad."

"Yeah, yeah. I know. But still, five years is kind of a long time, ya know?"

"Yeah, I get it, Lynn," He answered, somewhat exasperatedly. As annoyed as he was, he knew she was right. And with only one child left in the house (two in the rare times Lisa left the lab), it should be easier for his parents. Perhaps the time has come. He'd need to talk to his parents about this, the sooner the better. When he returned to the kitchen, trays in hand, he thought this would be the time. To his surprise, his parents looked to be having a conference of their own in the kitchen. He set the trays down on the counter, which got their attention. "Mom, Dad-"

"Lincoln, could we have a quick word with you, please?" His mother interrupted him, making him blink in surprise.

"Oh. Sure thing," He said, slightly taken aback.

"Son, we've been very grateful for your help for the last few years," The Loud patriarch started off, looking toward the white haired young man. "A few times, I don't think we would have managed without you being here...like during the field trip incident."

"Oh yeah...that was a disaster…" Lincoln responded, rubbing the back of his head as he remembered that time.

"You were an absolute lifesaver that day," Rita continued on. "And you've made things significantly easier for us; watching your little sisters, getting them to school, picking up the slack on the home chores, caring for them if they got sick. But…"

"...Lincoln, we think it's about time you go on your own trainer's journey," His father finally finished their train of thought. The one son just stood there, staring at the two of them. He could hardly believe it; it was like the stars aligned right in his favor.

"Now, Lincoln...it's not like we're forcing you to go if you don't want to-" Rita started to say.

"No, no. It's fine, Mom," He said, a smile coming to his face as he made a hold on gesture with his hands. "That was actually what I wanted to talk to you two about."

"It was?"

"Yeah. Great minds think alike, eh?" He added with a chuckle.

"Well, isn't that a coincidence?" Lynn Sr commented with a soft laugh as he started to load more food onto the trays his son returned. "Are you going to be travelling with Lola and Lana when you go?"

"I'll put that up to them." The white haired boy replied as he picked up the trays (only two this time as that was all that was left). "If they want me to go with them, I'd be more than happy to. Otherwise, I can go my own way." He returned to the living room with a big smile on his face, noticing there was a new face in the room; his super genius little sister had just teleported in alongside her Abra. "Hey, Lisa."

"Good day, elder brother, elder sisters, Lily," She said in salutation, a small smile on her face. "Good to see you on this momentous occasion. Have Lola and Lana returned yet?"

"It's rocking to see you too, Lees," Luna answered, walking over to give the brainiac a big hug. "And no. They should be back any minute though."

"Good. Good," She responded, hugging her musically inclined sister in return. Much like how Luan mellowed with age, Lisa had eased up a little as well. She didn't act as emotionless as she used to, though she was still working at being in touch with her emotions. Still, it was progress with her. Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"That's them!" The family comedian said as she sprang over the table of refreshments and rushing over to the door past Lucy. She threw open the door, but instead of the twins, Clyde was standing on the other side. Much like his best friend, the african american boy was taller than he was a few years back. He had also forsaken his glasses in exchange for contact lenses. He was wearing a dark blue long sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and had six pokeballs set into his belt. In his hand was an invitation.

"Hey everyone," He called to the assembled Louds, a smile on his face. His voice was a little deeper as well. "Hope I'm not late."

"Not at all, Clydesdale," Lynn responded with a small smile. "Come on in."

"Hey Clyde!" Lincoln called out, setting the trays down again and running over to give his friend a hug, followed by their best friend handshake. "It's been a long time."

"Way too long, buddy," His fellow nerd agreed with a smile. "What have you been up to?"

"Helping out around the house, mostly," The white haired teen admitted, though his mood didn't falter at all. "How about you?"

"Keeping busy," Clyde answered vaguely. "I got lucky I got the chance to attend the party."

"What exactly do you do, Clyde?" The ever curious Lily asked, her head tilted slightly. Lincoln had to admit he was quite curious too. He had never asked what it was that kept his best friend so busy for so long. The once bespectacled teen started to sweat slightly, but before anyone else could make any further inquiries, the door burst wide open. Lola and Lana had come charging into the room, screaming with excitement while waving their training permits in the air.

Lana was fortunate enough to be the taller of the twins, if only by about five inches. Her handyperson work gave her a better muscle structure than Lola as well. She was still a tomboy, wearing t shirts and jeans with boots. However, she was much cleaner than she used to be. She still wasn't afraid to get her hands (or any part of her) dirty still, but she didn't enjoy staying filthy as much as she used to. Her favorite hat was still on her head, over her messy blonde hair, put into two braids instead of pigtails. Lola, on the other hand, was more petite in size and body type, and still put a lot of emphasis in personal beauty. She wore a pink blouse with a sparkling pink skirt that hung below her shins, with white stockings and pink heels on her feet. Her clean, bright blonde hair hung down to her back. Lola didn't have her favorite tiara on her head, but that was because she saved that (as well as the rest of her jewelry) for when she appeared in pageants. Her temperment hasn't improved with age either and, though she looked dainty, anyone who knew her knew she was a force to be reckoned with, especially when she was angered. However, she looked positively ecstatic right now, just like her taller twin sister. "We passed! We passed!" They cheered in unison.

"Congratulations you two," Clyde said, beaming at the two of them as they danced around, hugging each of their siblings and their guest as they got near them. "And happy birthday."

"You took the words right out of our mouths, Clyde," Lynn Sr told him as he and Rita entered the room, each embracing the twins lovingly in turn. "We're so proud of you, girls."

"Well done, Elder Sisters," Lisa spoke up as soon as Lola and Lana were freed from their parents' hugs. "Today will start your grand journey into the world of Pokemon. Where you go from here, that will be entirely up to you. But that is a matter that can be discussed later. For right here and now, enjoy your birthday and the party which, unless I missed my guess, should be starting soon."

"It will. We just need to wait for the rest of the guests to arrive," Rita confirmed, looking up at the clock. "Go get ready, Lana, Lola."

"Yes Mom!" They shouted in unison, rushing upstairs to prepare for the party. As everyone else was getting the final preparations done, Lincoln tapped his super intelligent little sister on the shoulder.

"Hmmm? Is something on your mind, Lincoln?" She asked, turning to face him.

"Actually, I just wanted to ask you something," He responded, kneeling down to her level so he could talk quietly. "You're going to be sponsoring the twins on their journeys, right?"

"If they intend to take on the League challenge, then yes, though I will be providing them with their pokedex and their starter pokemon either way."

"...got room for one more?" Her ever helpful older brother asked with a bit of a smile. The science enthusiast blinked in surprise, then smiled at him.

"Finally going to start on your own path in the world of Pokemon, are you?" She asked in reply. Lincoln nodded to her. "That's fantastic. And of course. I would be more than happy to sponsor you as well."

"Thanks Lisa," He said, throwing his arms around the little mastermind. "But don't go telling anyone else just yet. This is Lana and Lola's day, after all."

"Of course, elder brother."

It didn't take long for the rest of the guests to arrive, as they were just waiting for Pop Pop, Myrtle, and Lana and Lola's friends. For their safety, Golbat and Abra were sent upstairs to play with Charles, Cliff, Geo and Walt, as the house was more congested than usual. With the return of the twins, the party really began. Lynn took control of the party games, with the music in Luna's capable hands, and Luan kept all the guests entertained with jests and magic. Along with Lynn Sr's amazing food, the party was a big hit for everyone, especially for the kids. Unfortunately, Clyde had to leave early, but not before he gave the twins their present from him: a portable camper kit (a device that creates and packs up a campsite complete with tents, sleeping bags, and a cooking pit at the push of a button). He bid everyone farewell, stepped outside and, after making sure no one was watching, summoned forth a red and gray hawk pokemon with a black tail and wing tips. The two shared a quick look before the bird pokemon took to the air, swooped back down and scooped up the young man, the two soaring off into the distance.

As the party started to wind down, it was time for the twins to open the rest of their presents. In addition to the usual toys and clothes they got, they also got a lot of practical gifts for their upcoming adventure; pokeball holders for belts or bandoliers, potions and other medicines, pokemon food, Pokemon clothes and accessories for Lola, a pokemon care guide for Lana, and, of course, a supply of pokeballs from their parents. The party finally came to an end as the sun started to set, with all the guests (outside of family) heading home and the Loud family starting to clean up. Before Lola and Lana could head upstairs to wind down and Lincoln could really start helping, Lisa called all three of them over to her and her psychic Pokemon assistant. "While I'm sure you both are quite tired after your party. and I realize there is quite a bit of work to do to clean up..." The young professor started, looking to her older sisters and only brother in turn. "...there is still much to accomplish before you can all begin, so I must ask for a little bit more of your time back at my laboratory."

"Will it take long, Lisa…?" Lola asked, yawning a little bit.

"I will endeavor to make it as fast as humanly possible, but it is quite important."

"Alright, if you're sure, Lisa," Lana responded with a shrug.

"Excellent. If you would all join hands with me and Abra, we can get started." As instructed, the blonde twins and Lincoln all held hands, with Lincoln taking the psi pokemon's hand in his free hand and Lana holding Lisa's free hand.

"Huh? Hey! Where do you think you're going, Lincoln!?" Lynn snapped, right before the five of them vanished into thin air. "This place is still a mess!"

In the blink of an eye, the four Louds and one pokemon appeared right in the center of Lisa's own pokemon lab. Lincoln had been here once or twice before to bring his little sister home, but this was a first for the twins. They both looked around with the endless curiosity of youth. In one corner of the lab, there was a small room completely surrounded by blast resistant glass with all of LIsa's chemistry equipment, with signs on the door warning unauthorized individuals and pokemon to keep out. Opposite that was a sprawling greenhouse area that was almost as big as their house. Inside were various types of plants, a few rare trees and herbs, rows upon rows of berries, and a couple plant type pokemon. Closest to the front door were several rows of bookshelves, surrounding a few small tables and chairs. Directly in front of them were a wide array of computer and electronic equipment: Several server banks, a machine Lincoln had seen before in a Pokemon Center when they had to bring Charles in when he got sick, an odd looking device that looked like a giant pokeball with two elbow pipes on either end of it, a laptop computer, and more computer monitors than even a family would need, to name a few. Each computer screen had something different on display: news from the Micha, Kanto, Galar and Hoenn regions, coverage of Pokemon League gym and Elite Four battles, and strings of data and numbers that only made sense to the mini mastermind herself.

"Quite impressive, isn't it?" Lisa commented with a proud smile. "I would offer to give you the tour, but I promised to make this quick, so here goes. As I said back at home, today is when the three of you will be forging your own destinies in the world of Pokemon-"

"Three of us?" The prissy twin interrupted, looking up at her older brother. "You mean...Lincoln's FINALLY going on on his own pokemon journey?" The white haired young man frowned a bit, mildly insulted at the emphasis she put on the word 'finally'.

"Is Linc gonna be travelling with us?" Lana asked, sounding kind of hopeful.

"If you want me to, sure.. It's up to you two." He responded, turning his attention to the tool savvy twin and gently patting her on her hat.

"...if I may continue?" A bothered nine year old said, her arms crossed in front of her. "...as in life, the path of a pokemon trainer isn't a single beaten path, but a winding, interconnected web of highways and byways. Whichever path you wish to take is purely your choice. You could take on the Pokemon League challenge, become a professional pokemon breeder, a gym specialist, a pokemon doctor, entertainer...the sky is literally the limit in this case."

"Well, I know what I'm going to do!" Lola exclaimed proudly, smiling broadly. "I am going to compete in the Pokemon Contest circuit!"

"Somehow, I had a feeling you would," Lisa responded without a trace of surprise on her voice, though she was inwardly pleased that her sister was sure of what she wanted to do in life so early.

"I'm...not really sure myself." Lana admitted, looking a little saddened by that. "Pokemon breeding sounds cool, but so does pokemon battling…"

"That's just fine, elder sister. After all, part of the reason for going on the adventure is to help find your purpose," The young girl with the large glasses explained, patting the tomboy twin on the shoulder to console her.

"She's right, Lana. I mean, I plan to try my hand at the League challenge, but I don't know if I'll become a professional competitive battler," The middle Loud said.

"Quite so. If I may recommend, why don't you partake in the challenge as well? Perhaps it could help you decide on your path, much like Lori." Lana tapped her finger against her upper lip as she pondered this suggestion for a few seconds.

"Well, why not?"

"Excellent." The young pokemon professor smiled as she turned her back to her siblings and walked over to the table holding her laptop. Sitting beside it was a trio of what looked like large, red smartphones. "But no matter what you choose to do, there are two things you will need. The first are these: your own personal pokemon encyclopedias, known as the pokedex," She scooped them all up and handed them out to each of her siblings. "Admittedly, these aren't the latest versions, which is enhanced by the introduction of a Rotom to its inner workings. However, these are still quite useful, for in addition to a wealth of pokemon information, they can also act as an advanced smartphone: it can make and receive phone calls, stream music and videos, perform video chat, etc."

"Cool!" Lana exclaimed, taking hold of the pokedex with an intrigued grin.

"Indeed. Please do not attempt to dismantle it, Lana,"

"Ah, you're no fun…"

"I am aware of that. Anyway, now all you are missing is the most important element: Your first pokemon,"

"Yes! This is the part I was waiting for," Lincoln said, his own excitement building along with his younger sisters'.

"Under normal circumstances, you would be offered a choice of a few basic starter pokemon," Lisa said to them as she strolled over to a large metal security door, tapping on a keypad beside it. "However, my lab has collected a wider variety of pokemon, all of which as new to the world as you three are to training pokemon," Once the code was inputted, the door slid open, revealing what looked like an armory full of pokeballs. One look inside was enough to make Lola, Lana and Lincoln's jaws drop in awe. They had never seen so many pokemon containment devices in one place before. "Go ahead and pick any one you like."