First of all, let's just get that disclaimer out of the way. I own nothing but the random twists I decide to put into the novelization. Credit for the game and the parts of the plot that I don't tamper with goes to the Pokémon Company and Chunsoft.

Alright! Here we go! I've been wanting go write something like this for years, and now I finally have my chance! For this novelization, I plan to expand on certain aspects of the game that I felt weren't explored enough as well as add a few original ideas. Also, with any luck, this story will be darker in tone than the game already is. I hope you all enjoy this story.

"Whoa! Wh-wh-whoa!

"Are…Are you okay?!"

"No! Don't let go! Just a little longer…Come on! Hang on!"

"N-n-no! I can't…hold on…!"

A loud cry pierced the air, awakening a Pokémon in his cliff-side home. He walked over to the opening in the cliff, peering outside. He saw nothing but heavy rain and flashes of lightning. Suddenly, a loud clap of thunder sounded, scaring the Pokémon away from the opening with a terrified yelp.

As the sun rose the next morning, a lone Pokémon laid unconscious on the beach.

Darkness. That was the first thing she could see. At first, she could hear nothing. She could feel nothing. She couldn't even move. Slowly, her senses came to her. She felt as though she were soaked. Her throat stung and her head was pounding. Suddenly, she heard a faint voice.

"….okay?"

She found the strength to open her eyes. She was momentarily greeted by a bright light and resisted the urge to snap her eyes shut.

"Where am I?" she muttered to herself. Her voice was hoarse.

As her eyes adjusted, she could make out a blue figure in front of her. She looked up. Staring back at her with a concerned expression was a Riolu. He smiled. She inwardly flinched. For all she knew, this Riolu could be bad news. Even more worrying to her was that she did not yet have the strength to stand. Also, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. She felt different somehow, but was too groggy to place it.

"Great!" the Riolu said in a rather cheery tone, "You're awake!" She was taken aback by this Pokémon's friendliness. However, she still didn't let her guard down. She quickly glanced around, examining her surroundings. The ground was sandy, and she was standing near ocean water. Bubbles floated through the air.

"You weren't moving at all. I was seriously worried! Do you remember how you ended up unconscious out here?" the Riolu continued. Suddenly, something occurred to her. A Riolu was talking to her. She knew that she should have been surprised as humans and Pokémon can't normally communicate, but she wasn't. Something about this just felt natural. Her thoughts turned to what the Riolu had just said. She tried to remember what had happened before she ended up unconscious, but she was drawn a blank. A wave of panic swept through her. She couldn't remember anything. She tried to slow down her breathing in order to calm herself.

"I'm sorry," she said, "I don't remember a thing." The Riolu gave her a sympathetic look.

"Well, I'm Riolu," the blue Pokémon said, "Glad to meet you. And who are you? I've never seen you around before."

"I don't doubt that," she replied. "I think that you would remember a human walking around here." She may not have remembered much, but she knew humans were rather rare. They were practically mythical creatures to Pokémon. Riolu looked shocked.

"What?!" he exclaimed, "You say you're a human? You look like a totally normal Eevee to me!" She blinked, processing his comment. Bracing herself, she looked down. Sure enough, instead of human hands, she had little brown paws. She jumped up on her back legs, only to collapse. Mentally, she scolded herself for panicking. That was the worst thing that she could do at the moment.

(How did this happen?) she thought, (I don't remember anything.) She stood up again, slower and on all four legs this time. Her legs felt wobbly. Riolu was giving her a strange look.

"You're…a little odd," he said, "Are you pulling some sort of trick on me?"

"N-n-no," she said attempting to get over her earlier panic, "Not at all."

"You're telling me the truth?" Riolu asked. She quickly nodded. He seemed to think for a moment.

"Alright then," Riolu said, "Your name? What's your name?" She gulped. That little bit of information was fuzzy, just like all her other memories. Taking deep breaths, she attempted to calm herself down and clear her head.

"Right," she said slowly, "My name."

(Even if I could remember my name, would it be wise to tell this Pokémon? It probably wouldn't hurt.) After a few moments of thinking, a spark went off in her head.

"Xaira," she said instantly, "My name is Xaira."

"Oh," Riolu said, "Your name is Xaira?" Xaira nodded.

"That's what I said," she replied.

"Okay," he continued, "Well, you don't seem to be a bad Pokémon at least." Xaira raised an eyebrow.

(Of course, I couldn't expect him to trust me right away, but it was an awfully strange comment.) She thought.

"Sorry that I doubted you," he said quickly, "More and more bad Pokémon have been turning up lately, you see! Many Pokémon have gotten aggressive lately. Things have grown somewhat lawless."

"Don't worry about it," Xaira said, "That just shows that you have a bit of common sense." Before he could answer, two Pokémon, a Koffing and a Zubat, approached Riolu, pushing him down before she had the chance to warn him. Xaira noticed that a grey stone that was a little larger than her paw had fallen to the ground.

"Well I do beg your pardon," the Koffing said. Riolu stood up.

"Hey!" he shouted, "Why'd you do that?" The Zubat laughed.

"Can't you figure it out?" he asked, "We wanted to mess with you! Can't face up to us, can you?" Riolu stepped back.

"Wh-what?!" he stuttered. The Zubat glanced at the small grey rock.

"That's yours, isn't it? He asked.

"No! That's-" Before Riolu could finish, Zubat scooped up the stone. (How, Xaira had no idea. Zubat aren't really known to have hands)

"Sorry kiddo," he said as he did. "I'll take that." Riolu stood frozen in place, staring in horror.

"Not gonna make a move to get it back?" Koffing taunted, "What's the matter? Too scared? I didn't expect that you'd be such a big coward!" Xaira grit her teeth, annoyed at the two's juvenile insults.

"Let's get out of here," the Koffing said.

"See you around, wimp," Zubat said. With that, they headed into a nearby cave.

Xaira glanced at Riolu, who was looking rather down.

"Wh-what should I do?" he asked, tears welling in his eyes, "That's my personal treasure. It means everything to me. If I lose that…" It was clear that he was holding back sobs. Xaira shifted uncomfortably, unsure of what to do. Riolu sniffed, shaking his head.

"No!" he said, "There's no time to waste! I've got to get it back!" He then glanced at Xaira. "Hey, can I get you to help me?" She was taken aback at his sudden request. Thinking quickly, she weighed her options. For all she knew, this could be a scam.

(If I just left now, I could stay out of trouble. This had nothing to do with me anyway. On the other hand, I did watch it happen, and to simply ignore this Pokémon would be somewhat cruel. Also, if I helped this Pokémon out, I could possibly gain an ally, which would be rather useful given the situation I'm in.) Xaira made her decision.

"Alright," she said, "But we need to make it quick." Riolu lit up.

"R-really?" he asked, "You'll really help?" Xaira nodded.

"That's what I said," she replied.

"Th-thank you! Let's go quickly!" They rushed into the cave. Once inside, Xaira glanced around. The dim light was much easier on her eyes. The cave appeared to be made out of stone and coral. Seaweed was scattered across the pale cave floor. Pools of water were spread throughout the area. Xaira approached one of the pools and stared at the unfamiliar reflection in the water. She couldn't help but notice that she looked rather scrawny for an Eevee. She also noticed three fresh, parallel gashes that ran diagonally from her right ear down to her jaw. Luckily, the looked as though they were already healing, but she knew they would likely scar. Her right ear was slightly torn. For a moment, Xaira wondered what could have caused those injuries.

"Are you alright?" Riolu asked, standing at her side.

"I'm fine," Xaira replied with a sigh, "It's just so strange." Riolu opened his mouth to say something, but he didn't get the chance. A low growl filled the room. Xaira stiffened, glancing around to detect the source of the noise. From the shadows stepped a Kabuto and a Shellder. Xaira was worried.

(How am I supposed to defend myself when I'm not even used to this new body yet?") Xaira quickly decided to attempt to talk her way out of the situation.

"Could you please stand aside?" Xaira asked, "We have somewhere important to be. If you refuse, the consequences will be harsh." The Pokémon just stared at her. Suddenly, the Kabuto launched itself in her direction in an attempt to attack. Reacting quickly, Xaira sidestepped it.

"These are some of those aggressive Pokémon I told you about, Xaira," Riolu said, "They usually don't listen to reason."

"Which only leaves us with one option," Xaira said.

"What would that be?" Riolu asked.

"We fight," Xaira said.

"A-are you sure?" Riolu asked, "I'm not that strong, and you used to be human. Do you even know how to battle?"

"I'm an Eevee now," Xaira said, attempting to get into a fighting stance, "I guess I'll have to adapt." Riolu stared at her for a few moments before nodding.

"Alright," he said, "I'm ready." Xaira leapt at the Kabuto on the left, but it dodged with ease. She attempted the attack again, but with the same result. The Kabuto flew at her, scratching her shoulder and causing her to stumble. Xaira was becoming frustrated. Suddenly, as if by instinct, she threw herself at the Kabuto with much more force than she had previously. It was a direct hit. The Kabuto staggered backwards. Xaira smiled, delighted in her success.

"That was a great Tackle!" Riolu exclaimed as he dodged and countered an attack from the Shellder, "Do you think you can do it again?" Xaira nodded.

"Hopefully," she replied.

Clearing her head, Xaira unleashed the same attack from before, once again hitting the Kabuto. Reacting quickly, the Kabuto took another swipe at her, which she barely avoided. Xaira took a few steps back, glancing around to see if there was anything that she could use to her advantage. Xaira quickly noticed a small yellowish orange seed on the ground. Something inside of her told her to eat it. Quickly, she rushed to it, scooping it off of the ground with her mouth. Xaira chewed on it for a moment. It was incredibly spicy, and it felt as if a fire was growing in her mouth. She spat it out. However instead of a seed, Xaira spat out a decently sized fireball which flew at the Kabuto, knocking it out. She glanced over at Riolu to see how he was doing. Xaira watched as he unleashed a Quick Attack, causing the Shellder to faint. He stared at Xaira for a moment.

"You," he said, trailing off for a moment, "You were amazing! Are you sure that you haven't done something like this before?"

"I wouldn't remember if I had," Xaira replied.

"Oh," he said smiling sheepishly, "Sorry."

"It's fine," Xaira said, "Let's get going. Those two shouldn't be too far ahead." The rest of the journey through the cave went with very few incidents. Riolu and Xaira gained few minor injuries, but they were nothing to be worried about. As they navigated the twists and turns of the cave, Xaira couldn't help but feel that there was something off about the place. Eventually, they reached an area where light was allowed to shine through. Here, the ground was made from sand, and water filled the area. Large, pinkish rocks were scattered in various places. Xaira took a brief moment to appreciate how pretty everything was. Standing at the far end of the area were the Koffing and Zubat from earlier.

"Uh," Riolu said, breaking the silence, "Hey!" Koffing and Zubat turned around.

"Well, well," Koffing said, a smug smirk on his face, "If it isn't our old friend, the big chicken." Riolu cringed taking a few steps back.

"Give me…" He gulped, taking a few steps forward. Taking a deep breath, he shouted, "Give me back what you stole from me! That's my personal treasure! It means everything to me!"

"Treasure, you say," Zubat asked, "So that thing really is valuable, huh?"

"It could be worth more than we hoped for, I'd say," Koffing said, "We ought to try selling it. Who knows? It might make a good price." He laughed. "All the more reason not to give it back!"

"What?!" Riolu exclaimed stepping back once again.

"If you want it back so badly," Zubat said, "Come and get it!" He flew at Riolu, knocking him to the ground. Koffing flew at him. Thinking quickly, Xaira knocked Koffing aside before he could land a hit. Riolu stared at her.

"Y-you just-" he stammered.

"Stand up," Xaira said, "Quickly."

"A-alright," he said, "We'll do this together." Xaira launched herself at Koffing, knocking him back. Riolu attacked Zubat, knocking him to the ground. Before Koffing had a chance to recover, Xaira tackled him once more, knocking him back even further. Zubat attempted to fly up once more, but Riolu prevented him from doing so with a Quick Attack.

"Owowow," Koffing groaned.

"Ugh," Zubat grumbled, "We got roughed up."

"B-blast it, Koffing muttered, "How'd we get beat by wimps like them?" They both resumed floating in the air.

"Bah!" Zubat exclaimed, "Here you go. Take it then!" He threw the stone at Riolu.

"Whoa-ho!" Koffing laughed, "Don't think you're so awesome! Your victory was a fluke!"

"Yeah," Zubat agreed, "You just remember that!" The two fled.

"That was…" Riolu trailed off.

"Pathetically easy," Xaira said with a shake of her head.

"Oh!" Riolu exclaimed, turning around and picking up the stone, "It's my Relic Fragment!" Xaira noticed that the stone was attached to a cord and watched as Riolu placed it around his neck.

"Am I ever glad," he said as he did so, "I actually did manage to get it back." He turned to face Xaira, tearing up a little. "It's only because you agreed to help me, Xaira." Suddenly, he ran forward, wrapping his arms around her. Xaira stiffened, not knowing how to respond to the gesture. "Thank you Xaira!" Riolu exclaimed.

"No problem," she said awkwardly, still embarrassed from the embrace. Noticing her embarrassment, Riolu quickly released her.

"Oh," he said, "Sorry about that. I got a little carried away there."

"It's alright," Xaira said, glancing around the area to make sure nothing else was there, "Let's get out of here."

"Thank you!" Riolu said as soon as they were outside, "Seriously!" Xaira simply nodded, deep in thought.

(I only helped because I happened to be there…Was that the right thing to do?) Xaira glanced at Riolu taking note of his happy expression. She smiled slightly. (I guess so. This Pokémon is clearly grateful. It's nice to be appreciated.) Xaira stared at the ocean. It was an amazing sight. Reflections of light from the evening rays danced across the surface of the water. It was odd. Xaira felt as though she had never seen anything like it before, not that she would remember. However, Riolu didn't mention it nor did he seem to be too impressed, so Xaira assumed it was a common occurrence.

"Here's what they stole," Riolu said, interrupting Xaira's thoughts and removing the stone from his neck, placing it on the sand. Xaira sat down to get a better look at it. Riolu did the same.

"This is a Relic Fragment," Riolu said, "Well, at least, that's what I started calling it. But this Relic Fragment…It's my precious treasure. You see, I've always liked legends and lore." Riolu lit up as he spoke. "I always get excited when I hear tales from the past! Don't you feel the same way? Hidden troves filled with treasure and strange relics, uncharted territories veiled in darkness, and new lands just waiting to be discovered! Such places must be full of gold and unimaginable treasure! And history! Wouldn't it be amazing to make historic discoveries? That's what I always dream of. It's all exciting to me. So one day, I happened to come across this Relic Fragment. I admit it looks like junk, but take a closer look. See? That inscription forms a strange pattern doesn't it?" Xaira looked closer at the Relic fragment. What Riolu said was true. Carved into the fragment was an odd pattern. White swirls and jagged lines circled around the center. As Xaira stared at it, she couldn't help but feel that this stone was very important.

"I've never seen a pattern like this," Xaira commented as she stared at it, "Although, I wouldn't know if I have."

"There must be some significance to this pattern," Riolu gushed, "The Relic Fragment must be the key to legendary places! To areas where precious treasure lies! At least that's the feeling I get. This fragment must fit into something somewhere! I want to discover where that is. That's why I want to join an exploration team. So earlier I tried joining an exploration team as an apprentice… But… I chickened out." Riolu sighed before looking up at Xaira. "What about you, Xaira? What are you going to do now? You lost your memory. And you somehow transformed into a Pokémon. Do you have anywhere to go and stay after this? If not, can I ask a big favor? Would you be willing to form an exploration team with me? I'm convinced that I can form an effective team with you, Xaira. So will you? Please?"

For a moment, Xaira was stunned into silence. Recovering from her shock, Xaira considered Riolu's offer.

(I have no idea what an exploration team is nor do I feel comfortable agreeing to something that I know nothing about. On the other hand, what Riolu said was true. I have nowhere to go nor do I have any clue what I should do next. From what Riolu said, being in an exploration team sounds like it involves traveling, so it could possibly lead to something that could help trigger my memory. I have nothing to lose in joining either, and Riolu seems like good company. Also…I feel as though this Pokémon can be trusted. Besides, if this exploration team thing doesn't work out, I could simply quit and be on my way.)

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to team up for now," Xaira said finally. Riolu lit up.

"Yes?" he asked, "Really?! You'll form an exploration team with me?"

"For now anyway," Xaira replied with a nod.

"Yes!" He exclaimed, "Thank you! We're going to be a great combination! Let's make this work! First, we should go to Wigglytuff's place and sign up as apprentices. That's where we need to train to become a first-rate exploration team. I'm sure that training will be really tough… But let's give it our best, Xaira!" He placed his Relic Fragment around his neck.

"I'll lead the way!" he said, "Let's go!" He ran off in the opposite direction of the cave they exited.

"Hey!" Xaira called, running after him, "Wait up!"

Xaira and Riolu rushed along the path to Wigglytuff's Guild. Little did they know that this was the first step into a journey that they would never forget.

Alright, that's it for the first chapter. Reviews are most Welcome. Also, please notify me of any mistakes. I've read through this more than a few times, but I'm still not sure that I caught everything!