KKD: Ok, this took a while, and I had the idea for this far in advance. However, I felt this would be a great time to post this story today. But more importantly, there is a reason for it. I wanted to make this special, and my buddy this is for reminded me of something, so I decided to make it special for him and post it today, that special day. Today is the 5th anniversary of when Pikatwig and I first became friends. For those unaware, I was working alongside Gammatron for my Sonicified version of Kamen Rider Den-O, which didn't get farther than 24 chapters for one reason or another. But funny thing, my Sonic Story, Sonic Climax Jump, actually inspired Pika to write his own take on it. GT later informed me of Pika, I reviewed his story, the two of us talked more, and the rest was history. We both saw each other through some tougher transitionary times as he got set to get into college and I was getting ready to get into the workforce. Now it's shocking how far we've come in writing and in life with Pika now in college to prepare his path of an animator while I am going through a credential program to become a Special Education Teacher. Funny how life works, huh? But still, I wanted to do something special for Pika, and with both Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon having been released this year, as well as Pika having made Kamen Rider Hero as a sort of 25th Birthday gift for me, I knew I had to return the favor in some way. As such, I made this tale based on something else we both enjoy, Pokemon. Cue disclaimers, and you'll see my thought process once we're done.

DISCLAIMERS: KKD Silver doesn't own Pokemon or anything else used/mentioned in this fanfiction. The properties belong to their respective owners including Nintendo, Game Freak, The Pokemon Company, and Satoshi Tajiri. The rest of the ideas within belong to KKD Silver, with many thanks to Pikatwig, whom this story is written for.

In a quiet beachside home, a young boy with short brown hair and gray eyes yawned as he woke up in his Pikachu pajamas, staring at the bright blue sky out his window. He wasn't sure what to expect at first before he heard a phone ring, turning to see a red and blue smartphone-like device, picking it up to see he was getting a call. He pressed the green button and on-screen popped up a short redheaded woman with green eyes behind black glasses, wearing the white jacket of a professor on top of a blue top, and wearing a purple skirt stood in front of the screen.

-Hello, are you awake there?- the woman asked, getting a nod from the boy, -Good. I just wanted to wish you a Happy Birthday, and personally thank you for joining the Pokemon League of Aldio.-

He saw the woman show a map behind her, showing the land of Aldio, which the layout made it look like a giant boot.

-Here in Aldio, you can let your wildest dreams come true in all kinds of careers that the world of training can open up to you. Oh, but where are my manners? You may not remember me, but I am Professor Cypress, the local Pokemon Professor of the region. I personally study the natures of Pokemon, how they behave and interact with each other, and how it allows them to be safe and free to live their lives,- the woman smiled before showing off a small red and white orb with a button on it with a black line separating the two halves, -As you know, there are many types of Pokemon in this world.-

The woman tossed up the ball, which popped open, and out of it came a small bird similar to a roadrunner with brown and yellow feathers, some black around the eyes, and a brown beak, the bird tweeting as it landed on her arm, looking around.

-Many people have Pokemon for companions, others train them for battles, and many others still use them for a variety of purposes here in Aldio. Personally, while I do study them, I also truly do enjoy my time with them as many can become loyal friends,- the woman replied before the bird tweeted, making her turn to see a small brown and white goat-like Pokemon with leaves on it's body, -Now hang tight, Skiddo. I'll get you and Cucurunner your meals shortly. I have business to attend to first.-

With a bleat from the goat known as Skiddo and a tweet from the bird known as Cucurunner before the two left through a door to the back pasture.

-Those two are just adorable. Well, I don't want to bore you with the details. Let's get everything in order… um… you said your name was… Kota, right? Recently moved from Sinnoh?-

"Uh… yea," the boy nodded.

-Oh good. I know your mother well, but we never talked too much about you until recently, so I'm still trying to get to know you. I'll just be sure to get things ready for your arrival. But for now, get yourself ready, and then when you can, feel free to meet me at Pearl Pier. It's just a short walk down Sapphire Shores, so I'm sure you'll make it in time. Just mind yourself, things can get a bit crazy. See you soon, Kota.-

With that, the woman hung up, leaving Kota to sigh a bit as he got up out of bed and stretched.

"Well… I did sign up for this thing. Here goes nothing," he said, going to his closet.

Gem 1: The Fiery Venom

After a bit, Kota walked downstairs, now dressed in a pink t-shirt with a light blue sweater on top, dark blue jeans, green and yellow sneakers, and his head adorned with black and light blue cap along with a pair of sunglasses. He soon saw his mom, who had short brown hair that reached her neck, blue eyes, and was wearing a pink top with white pants, and was also barefoot.

"Kota-chan!" she called out, walking over, "You already off to see Professor Cypress?"

"Yea, I am," he confirmed.

"Oh… my little boy's already growing up… I can't believe the day already came," she sighed, "Well, be free to be the trainer you want to be, son. I'll support you all the way. Good luck."

Kota just nodded as he left the house, stepping outside to see the small coastal town that he now called home. It had a few small houses next to the beach along with some shops nearby, but nothing too big. Around him, Kota saw plenty of Pokemon running around with people, enjoying the sun or working on all kinds of projects.

"LaziZuli Town… It's certainly an interesting little village… I guess," he shrugged to himself as he walked along the path near the shore, but staying inland as he walked along the path known as Sapphire Shores, seeing the pretty beach.

The path was wide enough for him to walk without worries, and not many people were there to give him many troubles. But he accidentally started to walk in the tall grass when-

"LOOK OUT!" a female voice shouted, getting his attention before he was nearly hit by a small rock-covered pup, making him nearly gasp, "Pokeball GO!"

Then the red and white sphere, similar to what Cypress had, appeared from behind him, landing in front to reveal another Cucurunner. The pup growled before trying to run at the bird.

"Cucurunner, use Mud Shot!" the female shouted, causing Cucurunner to spit out a shot of mud from its beak, making the pup stop in its tracks, but it tripped and rolled towards the source of the voice, who tossed a Pokeball at it, causing the pup to get zapped up into the orb as it dropped to the ground, shaking three times before making a pinging sound.

"Whoa," Kota panted before turning to see a blonde girl with a violet streak in her short hair, wearing glasses over her blue eyes, and wearing teal-top with a pink belt, violet shorts, and was barefoot with blue nails.

"That was close," she sighed, "You should be real careful about doing that stuff y'know."

"Uh… who are you?" he asked, blushing a tiny bit upon seeing the girl.

"Oh, sorry. Name's Yoko. I'm your neighbor next door," she introduced.

"Oh… uh, hi. I'm Kota."

"Nice to meet you. So, are you off to Professor Cypress's place?" she checked, earning a nod from Kota, "Well, I was just on my way there, too. Want me to come with?"

"Uh… sure, yea."

The two nodded as Yoko helped Kota up and they walked the path, Kota making sure not to step into the tall grass this time. After a while, they arrived at a pier where there were a few attractions, but at the end of it was a small lab and on top of it was Cypress herself. The two kids walked down and looked up.

"Professor Cypress!" Yoko called out, getting the woman's attention.

"Oh, Yoko. How nice to see you!" she smiled, "You here for your Pokemon?"

"Yea! And I brought my neighbor, too!"

"Ok. Come on inside. I'll be right down."

With that, the Professor went down the stairs as Yoko and Kota walked inside the lab. Kota gawked, seeing the many Pokemon that were free-roaming inside her lab, including the Skiddo from the video as Yoko let out the Cucurunner from before, the two interacting playfully as Cypress came downstairs.

"Good timing, you two. I was wondering when you'd show up," Cypress smiled, approaching the two, "So, today's the big day, right? The day you two get your Pokemon."

While Yoko smiled, Kota looked stunned, his face full of surprise, still amazed about the fact that he is getting a Pokemon despite knowing that he would get a Pokemon. Yoko just nodded as Cypress whistled for some Pokemon. The first Pokémon appeared to be like a cute green baby dimetrodon with a back sail that was pink but had bits of yellow to give off the hints of a hypnotic vibe. The second Pokemon had the appearance of a snake, slithering in while hissing as it looked with its yellow eyes, its mostly red body striped with yellow and purple bands in a style similar to the coral snake, with yellow bands surrounding purple while the yellow were next to red. The last Pokémon floated over on a trail of bubbles, looking like a small blue curled shrimp with cute eyes, light blue legs, and tiny pink claws.

"Wow! A Dimefern, a Nacoatl, and an Ebible!" Yoko gasped excitedly as she pulled out her red and blue phone, opening an app with a Pokeball symbol on it and used it to scan the grass type first.

-Dimefern, The Fern Pokemon. While known to be peaceful, Dimefern can eat up to twice its body weight. Its sail was said to help it absorb sunlight or hypnotize its prey.-

The dimetrodon, Dimefern, adjusted its sail to show the many colors as it shook its fern-coated Tail.

"Wow, that's cool," Yoko gawked as Kota looked wide-eyed in amazement before Yoko scanned the snake next.

-Nacoatl, The Fire Snake Pokemon. Unlike most reptiles, this snake is warm-blooded as it produces its own heat while having hunts in very hot environments. Its poisonous venom has been known to cure skin cancer and make people look vastly younger.-

"Now that's pretty crazy all things considered, but cool at the same time," Yoko notes as Kota looked at how cute the little snake, Nacoatl, acted, standing up like a snake charmer's snake would before scanned the shrimp.

-Ebible, The Tiny Shrimp Pokemon. Ebible usually travel with larger Pokemon for protection. When forced to be alone, it constantly sprays bubbles to blind its predator.-

The little shrimp just spat out more bubbles before chirping a bit.

"Wow, this is amazing," Yoko gawked as Kota looked amazed at both the Pokémon and Yoko's phone.

"I'll explain the phone thing in a bit, Kota. But since you're visiting, why don't you pick which Pokémon you want first?" Professor Cypress offered.

"Well, the hypnosis for Dimefern was interesting, but I'm sure I know what I want as a partner," Kota smiled as he approached the curious Nacoatl, "What do you say? Wanna be my partner, Flare?"

The flame-snake seemed to smile, handing Kota a Pokeball with its tail before tapping the button before getting zapped into it. The ball shook thrice before pinging, making Kota smile.

"How cute," Cypress smiled, "What about you, Yoko?"

"Well, Kota made my choice easier," she smiled, "Pal, I'd like you to be my partner if you'll let me be yours."

The dimetrodon nodded as Yoko pulled out a free Pokeball and caught the little guy, giving the professor Cucurunner's ball.

"That's good to see you both having fun. Now then, time to explain about the phone. You've heard of a Pokédex, Kota?" Cypress checked, earning a nod from Kota, "Well with some advances, Aldio has become the first to pioneer the Pokédex app for smartphones. You can download it now for free, and once you scan your ID card, you'll unlock everything you need for your Pokémon journey."

"Whoa… pretty cool," Kota smiled before downloading the app and scanning his card.

"Now then, how about a practice round between our Pokémon, Kota?" Yoko offered, "We'll head back to Sapphire Shores to practice."

"Uh… ok, I guess."

Later, Kota and Yoko stood at the entryway to Pearl Pier, staring each other down. Yoko smirked, adjusting her glasses as she held her Pokeball.

"Ok Pal, let's go!" Yoko declared, throwing her Pokeball, sending out her Dimefern, who roared before landing.

Kota nodded, preparing his Pokeball.

"Go, Flare!" He shouted, sending out his Nacoatl who kissed at her target.

Soon after, Kota opened his Pokédex app and saw it had all the info on Flare, including the three moves she knew.

"Flare, use Ember!" Kota started off as his snake hissed out a stream of fire, the Dimefern soon getting hit, Yoko seeing he already got burned.

"Growl, Pal!" Yoko called out as her partner did so, deterring Flare a bit.

"Don't back down, Flare! Use Tackle!" Kota countered as Flare leaped forward and used her head to knock into Pal's sail, making the reptile roar in pain.

"Quick! Absorb!"

The Dimetrodon's sail glowed as it began absorbing energy from Flare, making Kota gulp.

"Let's finish this! Ember!

Flare hissed out more fire, which hit and knocked out Pal, making Yoko call him back.

"Hey, not bad for your first time," Yoko smiled.

"Thanks," Kota smiled and blushed as Flare cheered while Professor Cypress came out, applauding.

"Excellent work, you two. I've never seen such teamwork between trainer and Pokémon in their first battle," she complimented, making the two kids smile sheepishly, "Come inside and I'll heal your partners."

After a bit, Kota and Yoko were given their trainer IDs.

"Now you're ready to take on the Aldio Pokemon League. I hope you're ready for what's ahead," Professor Cypress informed, "Just head East for Quarton City to get your first badge. Oh, and Kota, I just wanted to talk to you for a moment."

The two nodded as Yoko left.

"A friend of yours said he left you a present in the next town should you find yourself there. He'll meet up with you as soon as he can," the Professor informed.

"Takeshi?" Kota figures.

"Yep. He said he was in Alola helping Kukui study new moves of Pokémon from another region while also taking on the island challenge. He even said he wishes to meet you in person soon."

"Better not let him down, then."

"Also, I'd suggest you go and meet up with my assistant, Christina. She's over in Quarton City right now working on some notes near the city. If you'd like, she can accompany you while you travel around. It can help me assure of your progress since she'll update me often."

"Ok. Thanks again, Professor."

Cypress then bid Kota farewell before he left, Yoko at his side. A short while into their walk, Yoko gasped in shock.

"Something just ran over my foot!" she gasped, Kota turning to see a small brown and beige vole Pokémon with black spots on its back and large claws stop at a rock, nervously sniffing a seed.

"Hey, a new Pokémon. Looks like a tiny Rattata mixed with as Drilbur," Kota noticed, "Let's catch it, Flare!"

Tossing his Pokéball, the Nacoatl hissed at the mouse, making the tiny thing freak out with a squeak.

"Use Ember, Flare!" Kota shouted, the snake hissing out the fire which causing the mouse to dodge, "Keep it up! Don't stop!"

Flare kept blasting fire at the vole, which dodged constantly until it tripped and one blast burnt its back leg. The little Pokémon tried to move, but it kept squeaking in pain, Kota pulling out a Pokéball.

"Pokéball GO!" He shouted, the sphere hitting the mouse as it got sucked in, the orb rattling a few times until it stopped with a ping, "YEA! I caught it!"

After Yoko sighed, picking up the ball and handing it back to Kota, he pulled out his Pokedex and scanned the Pokemon inside.

-Vormadice. The Vole Pokemon. One of the more timid of Pokemon, it buries underground when even a Rattata is in the area. It thrives off roots and young sprouts and dropped seeds.-

"Huh… surprised it stuck around, but it does show off its speed. That could be useful," Kota figured.

"Well, now that that's done, shall we proceed to Quarton City?" Yoko asked.

"Yea. Let's go."

As Kota and Yoko walked off, they didn't notice a women standing nearby from the shore, watching them as the ocean waves washed over her bare feet.

"That boy… there's something… special about him," the woman muttered, unaware of the sky going dark despite it being midday.

"Ah..." a girl with a large white hat and wearing a white dress with a Pokeball duffle bag over her shoulder gasped.

She looked up to the sky with two males. The older one had tanned skin with a white baseball cap that had a rainbow on top of his neck-length hair, sunglasses over his black eyes on the face that had a goatee, wearing an opened white lab coat, grey shorts with a green belt and green sandals. The younger had a red and white baseball cap, short brown hair, a white tank top with a blue wave design on the front, blue swim trunks, and white shoes with a red backpack on his back. They had looked up to the sky as everything had fallen into darkness… for a few seconds as the sky returned to normal and a 'pew!' came from the girl's bag.

"Nebby…" the girl gulped a bit.

"You ok, Lillie?" the younger male asked.

"Yea, I'm fine Takeshi. I guess that was a solar eclipse," the girl, Lillie, figured.

"Was a solar forecast for today?" the older male wondered, arms crossed.

"I'm not quite sure, Kukui," the younger male, Takeshi, shrugged.

"Ah well, it must be some kind of good omen, yeah!" the older male, Kukui, figured.

"An omen?" Lillie asked as she and Takeshi turned to Kukui, confused, "You think something good will happen?"

"Sure!"

"I hope so," Takeshi sighed, muttering to himself, "Especially for Kota's sake. Hang tight bud, I'll be there as soon as I can."

(Cue Opening Theme: Never Surrender)

*With a shot of a spinning Pokeball, we see an image of a map of Alola and a ghostly image of a young Kota before it zoomed to Sinnoh, the image getting older before it passed and stopped on Aldio's map, zooming down to LaziZuli Town where the present day Kota stood with his partner, Flare the Nacoatl. They smiled before running off, the title shining in the sunlight*

Butsukaru tabi ni Ignition, hisoka kokoro moyasu (Every time you strike, my heart ignites and burns) *Kota had Flare practice a bit alongside Yoko and Pal, her Dimefern, the two trainers smirking as the glowed red and green auras respectively *

Ippo datte shinai ze Back Step (Don't take just one step, as it'll only take you back) *Kota then stepped back when he saw his brother step up with a grin, an Ebible floating next to him, flashes of local Pokemon being seen during the brief instrumental*

Ikari no me ga Turn Me On, Ugoki midare teru ze (Those angry eyes turn me on, I violently shake) *A woman in purple, white, and gold stood in a calming pose with several other people before she spotted Kota, and her eyes glared at him, seemingly glowing Red with the green image of a bear Pokemon behind her.*

Kanzen kakutei… Look, I'm A Winner (It's confirmed… Look, I'm A Winner!) *Kota is seen taking on various battles with Flare against this team, and then standing victorious, an image of a large blue bird Pokemon behind him*

Kachi tsudzukeru mono dake ga (Only those who always win) *Kota's Mom, Professor Cypress, and Christina looked to Kota before the last of them followed him and Yoko*

Kono sekai shihai suru no sa (Will conquer the world) *The trio stood before a female in shadows before auras of a green bear and blue bird charged and clashed*

Dare ni mo watasanai dare ni mo yuzuranai (I won't let anyone through me or down to anyone) *Flare was seen fighting off against various Pokemon, scenes shifting to see her evolve into her final stage, Kota cheering her on*

Shinji rareru no wa jibun dake (I'll believe it's mine) *Flare then posed with Kota, dancing to perform a Z move, Flare unleashing a massive poisonous fire blast*

Top kiwameru made (Until I've mastered the top) *The trainer/Pokemon duo then turned to see the Aldio Pokemon league in silhouette, ready for them.*

Dare mo ga shitagai dare mo ga hirefusu (Everyone follow me, everyone bow down) *Kota, Yoko, and Christina continued running across the coast of Aldio, turning to see Takeshi coming in with a girl, both with Solgaleo, Lunala, and Necrozma flying overhead*

Saikyou no kajitsu kono te de (Until the ultimate fruit is in your grasp) *Kota turned to see the Aldio Legendary Pokemon up ahead battling as he prepared his Master Ball*

Tsukamu made, Never Surrender~ (Grab it, Never Surrender~!) *With the transition of a spinning Master Ball, we then see Kota catch it as he posed with his friends.*

*As the opening ended, Kota was seen standing on a cliff with Flare as a Nacoatl, Yoko with Pal, and Christina, all standing above the title.*

Pokemon Lapis & Peridot

Next Time on Pokemon: Lapis & Peridot

Kota and Yoko make the hike down Sapphire Shores before arriving at Quarton City. When they do, Kota learns just how important art and freedom is to the people of Aldio. Christina shows up to help them as well, but will Kota be prepared for some unexpected visitors and Quarton City's Gym Leader?

Gem 2: Ridge and the Watch

Grab it and Never Surrender!

KKD: And there we go, the first chapter of this Italian region-based story for my buddy Pikatwig. In a similar vein to him and Kamen Rider Hero, I've asked him some questions in relation to Pokemon without bringing up why I mentioned them. I've checked with him on his preference of starter based on which Pokemon I made up, some of his reactions to certain situations, some info to fill in some details later, and much of the rest was based on some of his preferences in other material such as the theme song at the end. I hope he enjoys this story, and I hope to keep it going past this point, too. Personally, my favorite parts were just getting the chance to introduce the new Pokemon, especially the starters. Trust me, it took me SO many attempts to find good animals to use for these three. I realize Ebible isn't the best, but I was aiming for the Grass and Fire Starters to be better, personally. Also, secondary typings for later; I had some help from Pika as well. Thanks to you, bud, I was able to make this for you. Also, I realize making so many Pokémon for a region can be a daunting task on my own, so I propose to everyone a chance to help.

When you can, follow the format below, and tell me what your Pokémon is like.

Original Pokémon

Name: ? (The (whatever) Pokemon)

Type(s):

Ability(ies):

Egg Group(s):

Height:

Weight:

Stat Specialties:

Pokedex Entry:

Physical Appearance:

List of Moves:

Evolves into &/or from: (list how it evolves into & from each form)

Forms?: (yes/no, if yes, list differences between forms)

Mega Evolution?: (yes or no, and if yes, describe it)

Z Move?: (yes or no, and if yes, describe it)

Areas Likely to be found:

New Evolution/Pre-Evolution/Mega Evolution

Name: ? (The (whatever) Pokemon)

Type(s):

Ability(ies):

Egg Group(s):

Height:

Weight:

Stat Specialties:

Pokedex Entry:

Physical Appearance:

List of Moves:

Evolves into &/or from: (list how it evolves into & from each form)

Forms?: (yes/no, if yes, list differences between forms)

Mega Evolution?: (yes or no, and if yes, describe it)

Z Move?: (yes or no, and if yes, describe it)

Areas Likely to be found:

Regional Variant

Name: ? (The (whatever) Pokemon)

Type(s):

Ability(ies):

Egg Group(s):

Height:

Weight:

Stat Specialties:

Pokedex Entry:

Physical Appearance:

List of Moves:

Evolves into &/or from: (list how it evolves into & from each form)

Mega Evolution?: (yes or no, and if yes, describe it)

Z Move?: (yes or no, and if yes, describe it)

Areas Likely to be found:

KKD: I'll run these by Pikatwig and we'll determine which are the best. If you have legendary ideas, save them for later stories, but I may consider them. Hope you all enjoyed this first installment, and hopefully we can all get creative for my bud, I'll see you next time. *salutes* Jaa ne.