Chapter 4

Northbound

The smell of fresh bread drifted in through the open inn window as Ravina stretched beneath the blankets, blinking blearily as morning sunlight spilled across the room.

"...Morning already?" she asked as a familiar weight rested against her side.

Cinder, the little Fire-mouse was still asleep, curled into a warm ball against her hip, tiny paws twitching occasionally as he dreamed which made her smile.

"I guess someone wore himself out yesterday." One crimson eye slowly opened as Cinder yawned dramatically before climbing onto her stomach with absolutely no regard for personal space.

"Oof, Good morning to you too." Ravina commented while He chirped happily.

After breakfast, Ravina stepped back into the streets of Cherrygrove. The town had transformed overnight, merchants were opening their shops, fishing boats were returning to the harbor and Cyclists weaved between pedestrians.

Somewhere nearby, a Wingull stole a pastry from an unsuspecting customer and was immediately chased down the street by an irate baker.

Cinder watched the entire spectacle with fascination.

"Welcome to city life." Ravina commented as she soldered her satchel “but we have more road to walk today”

Route 30 left the bustle behind surprisingly quickly. Stone roads became dirt paths, houses grew sparse, The sound of waves gave way to rustling leaves and birdsong.
Morning dew still clung to the tall grass bordering the trail as a wooden sign read simply:

ROUTE 30
North to Mr. Pokémon's House

"...Almost there." Ravina commented as Cinder nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

Not ten minutes later.

"Hey!" A voice called from ahead. Alerting Ravina to a teenager who waved enthusiastically from beside the path. He couldn't have been much older than Ravina with a baseball cap sat crooked on his head, and a Rattata perched proudly on one shoulder. "First time on Route 30?"

"It is."

"I'm Joey!" He proudly pointed to his partner. "And this is Rattata!"

The little purple Pokémon puffed out its chest.

Ravina smiled. "I'm Ravina."

"Cynda!"

"And this is Cinder."

Joey crouched. "Oh wow, a Cyndaquil, you don't see many of those around here."

"He was Professor Elm's."

"...Seriously?"

"On loan."

Joey whistled. "Guess that means you're starting the Gym Challenge?"

"...Eventually, maybe, today's just an errand."

“Haha, maybe in the future then~” He laughed as he scratched the back of his neck. "...So..."

Ravina tilted her head. "So?"

"You wanna battle?" There it was, her first challenge, just another trainer asking a perfectly ordinary question.

She looked down at Cinder. "What do you think?"

Cinder stepped forward before she'd even finished speaking, the tiny flames on his back flared to life.

Joey grinned. "I'll take that as a yes."

The battle took place on a small clearing beside the road, with just the two trainers standing opposite one another.

Joey pointed dramatically. "Rattata!"

The Normal-type rodent leapt into the grass in response. "Ready!"

Ravina took a slow breath. Everything Professor Elm had explained yesterday suddenly seemed much more real.

She swallowed. "...Cinder." The little Fire-mouse glanced back. "You've got this."

He gave a confident chirp. Somehow that calmed her nerves more than his.

"Begin!" Joey called out as Rattata exploded forward.

"Quick Attack!" The purple blur crossed the field in an instant.

"Cinder!" he barely managed to brace himself before the impact knocked him backwards. Cinder rolled once, Twice then sprang back onto his feet.

Joey blinked. "...Nice recovery."

Ravina exhaled. "right, to stay calm..." She thought quickly.

"Cinder!, don't chase him."

Joey smiled. "Good luck with that." Rattata was already circling, Fast, Far faster than Cinder.

"If we can't outrun him..." She started as she thought fast "Then make him come to us."

Cinder looked back, understanding flickered in his eyes as he planted his feet and waited.

Rattata darted closer then away again. Testing responses and looking for another opening.

Joey frowned. "...What's she doing?" Rattata lunged for an attack.

"Now!" Ravina called, the instant Rattata committed. "Smokescreen!"

Black smoke erupted across the clearing and Rattata disappeared into the cloud.

Joey's eyes widened. "What?"

From inside the smoke came a surprised squeak as Rattata stumbled out, blinking furiously.

"There!, tackle!"

Cinder erupted from the smoke and spear tackled Rattata cleanly in the side. Rattata yelped as the attack connected and was knocked to the side. The smoke drifted away as Joey recalled his partner with a smile.

"...Nice."

Ravina blinked. "...That's it?"

He laughed. "Yeah, Rattata's done, You won."

For a moment, she simply stood there. "...I..." She looked toward Cinder. "We won!."

Cinder bounded across the clearing. Instead of celebrating himself he jumped into her arms.

She laughed as she caught him. "You were amazing." He made a pleased little trill, nuzzling into her shoulder, the warmth from the flames on his back seeped gently through her shirt that she found comforting.

Joey walked over, returning Rattata to his shoulder. "You've got good instincts."

"I was mostly guessing."

"So was I when I started." He reached into his pocket. "My number?"

Ravina looked surprised. "...Your phone number?"

"My Rattata's gonna become the strongest one around. When he does..." He grinned confidently. "I'm calling everybody."

She laughed. "...Deal."

They exchanged Pokégear numbers and Joey waved goodbye and continued south toward Cherrygrove, Ravina looked down at Cinder.

"...First battle." He nodded proudly. "...First win." Another nod as She smiled.

"...I definitely think I picked the right partner." Cinder froze, then looked up at her. For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. It wasn't because she'd praised his strength, It was because she'd quietly acknowledged something neither had said aloud since leaving New Bark.

He wasn't just Professor Elm's Cyndaquil anymore, He was her partner. The little Fire-type leaned forward and gently bumped his forehead against hers as Ravina closed her eyes and returned the gesture.

"Come on, partner." She stood, adjusting her satchel. "Mr. Pokémon is waiting."

Joey watched Ravina disappear down the road. Waiting a few more moments before he looked at his Pokégear then looked at Rattata. And held a long pause.

"...I got her number."

Rattata squeaked excitedly.

"I KNOW!"

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 3

15/08/2026 Failsy

OC's Ravina's Pokemon Adventure

Chapter 3

The Road to Cherrygrove

Travel Journal — Day 2

Professor Elm said the walk to Cherrygrove should only take a few hours.
Cinder has already stopped three times to investigate bugs.
We've travelled approximately twelve minutes.

The road west from New Bark was quiet and peaceful.

Stone walls separated fields of tall grass from narrow walking paths, while rows of trees swayed gently beneath the spring breeze. Somewhere in the distance, a flock of Pidgey scattered into the air before settling again only a little farther away as Ravina adjusted the strap of her satchel.

"So..." She looked down. "It's just us now."

Cinder trotted happily beside her, he had insisted on walking after only a few minutes in her arms and every now and then he'd wander a little ahead, nose twitching as he explored some fascinating smell only Pokémon seemed able to detect.

Whenever he got too far… he'd stop, look behind himself, confirm Ravina was still there, only then would he continue.

Ravina smiled. "Making sure I haven't wandered off?"

Cinder chirped back.

"I'll take that as a yes."

Travelling turned out to be very different from what Ravina had imagined. The road wasn’t dangerous, but it demanded attention. Roots crossed the path, bird pokémon nested overhead, signs warned travelers not to disturb certain patches of woodland during breeding season.

Several times they stepped aside for Rangers mounted on large Pokémon, who were patrolling the route with practiced ease.

Each offered a friendly wave and one noticed Cinder.

"First partner?" One Ranger smiled as she passed, to which Ravina nodded back.

"It shows."

"...Does it?"

"He hasn't taken his eyes off you."

Ravina looked down and sure enough, Cinder was watching the conversation rather than the scenery.

The Ranger laughed. "Don't worry, that's a good sign."

Not long afterward the road gave way to stretches of taller grass. The wind rippled across it like waves.

Cinder slowed and cocked his head towards the grass. Ravina noticed immediately. "You hear something?"

A soft rustle answered, then another. Several small shapes darted through the grass before vanishing again. Wild Pokémon were watching from the camouflage, curious at what was stepping through their territory.

Ravina found herself lowering her voice without realizing. "They're following us." Cinder nodded once. His flames remained unlit telling her that he wasn't alarmed, but she could tell he was alert.

For several minutes the unseen audience remained. Occasionally a flash of brown fur appeared, sometimes a tiny pair of eyes reflected sunlight from within the grass. Whenever the Pokémon drifted too close Cinder would simply glance in their direction and they'd retreat again.

Ravina found the whole thing oddly reassuring. "...Professor Elm was right." Cinder looked up.

"I would've walked straight past all of that."

He puffed his chest out proudly.

"You've got much better ears than I do."

Around midday they reached a shallow stream crossing, a smooth wooden bridge arched over the water.

Ravina stretched. "My feet are already complaining." groaned as she gazed over the stream. Cinder immediately wandered toward the water's edge and sniffed cautiously. Then jumped backward when a Magikarp suddenly splashed near the surface.

Ravina burst into laughter. "Oh, brave guardian."

Cinder looked deeply offended and made a tiny grumbling noise.

"Dont worry, it startled me too." She reassured as she got and and knelt beside the stream. "Let's eat."

Lunch consisted of simple sandwiches prepared by Nostus that morning, Ravina offered Cinder a portion. He sniffed it before he accepted it, then quietly carried his piece several feet away before eating.

Ravina watched with curiosity. "...You're making sure nobody steals it?" Cinder nodded with complete seriousness. "...Fair enough."

After lunch they rested beneath the shade of a broad oak.The afternoon had grown pleasantly warm. Cinder wandered back over and settled beside Ravina with a contented sigh.

She leaned against the trunk and without thinking her hand drifted toward him, Slow strokes along the smooth fur heat the back of his neck.

He closed his eyes, the tiny flames on his back flickered lazily.

"...Comfortable?" A happy little chirrup answered.

Ravina smiled to herself. Yesterday, he'd been Professor Elm's Pokémon.

Today he'd already started feeling like hers, because he'd chosen to trust her. and that thought sat warmly in her chest.

The first glimpse of Cherrygrove came from the crest of a gentle hill. Red rooftops, A harbor glimmering beneath the afternoon sun, The distant cries of Wingull drifting inland from the sea, Smoke curled lazily from chimneys.

The town was far larger than New Bark, bustling and alive.

Ravina stopped walking. "...Wow."

Cinder climbed onto a nearby stone and stared as well.

"It really is a city."

Ravina crouched beside Cinder. "What do you think?"

He looked toward the harbor, then back at Ravina and gave an excited little squeak.

"I agree." She laughed. "I think we're going to like it here."

Together, Trainer and Pokémon began walking down the hill. Unaware that before the next day was over they would meet a collector of strange Pokémon, Encounter one of the world's most famous Professors and Receive an unexpected second research assignment.

And start a chain of events that would change far more than either of them could possibly imagine.

For now, however, Cherrygrove City waited and it was getting late, they needed a place to stay.

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.5

15/08/2026 Failsy

OC's Ravina's Pokemon Adventure

>> Nostus Belongs to @forgottenjade over at: https://bsky.app/profile/softsheepewe.bsky.social

Elm took a few moments to explain the route before she left. She had to go from New Bark to Cherrygrove first then north, Mr. Pokémon lived farther along the road, outside the city proper.

"If you keep a reasonable pace," Professor Elm said, "you should reach him well before evening."

"And if I don't?"

"Stay in Cherrygrove." Mrs. Elm added that part immediately. "There are inns near the Pokémon Center."

Professor Elm nodded. "Yes. Don't try travelling unfamiliar roads after dark."

Ravina glanced toward Cinder. He had decided the floor was no longer interesting and was now sitting beside her foot. "You really think it's that dangerous?"

"Not usually." Professor Elm chose his words carefully. "But a partner Pokémon isn't only for battling other trainers." He added as he glanced down at Cinder. "They watch things you don't."

Cinder perked up like he was being addressed. "They hear things first."

Ravina followed his gaze. "And if something decides I'm lunch?"

Professor Elm smiled faintly. "Then hopefully Cinder convinces it otherwise." The little Cyndaquil puffed himself up.

Ravina laughed. "Look at you." Cinder looked very pleased with himself.

Professor Elm handed Ravina a small parcel. "This is for Mr. Pokémon."

She turned it over. "What's inside?"

"Research notes." Elm paused. "Mostly."

Nostus looked sharply at him. "Mostly?"

"Nothing dangerous."

"Professor."

"Nothing dangerous."

Nostus continued staring.

Professor Elm sighed. "I'll give you the inventory sheet."

"Thank you."

Ravina watched the exchange with concern. "Do I want to know?"

"No." Both of them answered at once.

There were no Poké Balls in her bag, nor trainer kit, stack of potions or a badge case. Ravina wasn't beginning a Gym Challenge. Not yet.

For now she carried water, food, the parcel, a few emergency supplies, her Pokégear… and one Cyndaquil.

That was enough.

At the laboratory door, Nostus stopped her. "Ravina."

She looked back as her mother's teasing expression had softened. "Check in when you reach Cherrygrove."

"I will."

"And don't rush."

"I know."

"If Cinder gets tired, stop."

Ravina glanced down, Cinder was already pawing impatiently at the ground. "He seems fine."

"For now." Nostus smiled. "Several hours is different from several minutes."

Ravina nodded. "I'll look after him."

Nostus's gaze shifted toward Cinder. "And you." The little Pokémon looked up at her. "Look after my daughter."

Cinder stared for a moment, then gave one determined little chirp.

Ravina's eyebrows rose. "Traitor."

Nostus laughed. "Good boy."

Outside, the road stretched west, beyond New Bark's last houses, the landscape opened into green fields and distant woodland.

Ravina adjusted her bag as Cinder stood beside her and for a moment neither moved.

This was ridiculous, She wasn't embarking on some grand adventure. She was delivering a parcel, that was it.

Still… Something about standing there made it feel larger than that, Ravina thought as she looked down. "You ready?"

Cinder looked up for a moment, then marched forward.

Ravina laughed. "Apparently." then started walking.

From the laboratory window, Nostus watched them disappear toward the edge of town as Mrs. Elm joined her. "You don't seem worried."

Nostus folded her arms. "Oh, I'm worried."

"Then why send her?"

"Because she's eighteen."

Nostus watched Ravina pause as Cinder became distracted by something near the roadside. Ravina waited for him instead of calling him back and eventually he hurried after her.

Nostus smiled. "And because if I'm standing beside her every time something happens… she won't find out what she can do without me."

Mrs. Elm nodded. "That's difficult."

"Extremely."

There was another pause before Mrs. Elm glanced sideways at her. "You know, for someone who's spent the morning threatening my husband's filing cabinets..."

Nostus looked over.

"...you're surprisingly sentimental."

"Don't tell anyone."

Mrs. Elm laughed.

Farther down the road, Ravina hadn't gone ten minutes before Cinder discovered tall grass, Specifically… that things lived inside it.

Something rustled causing Cinder to freeze.

Ravina stopped. "What?"

Another rustle and a Rattata burst from the grass. Ravina jumped in surprise and the wild Pokémon jumped too. For one confused second, both sides simply stared at each other. Then Cinder moved, He stepped directly between Ravina and the Rattata, Flames erupted along his back.

They were not enormous. But the sudden and bright flare caused the Rattata to recoil. Its ears flattened as Cinder gave a sharp little warning cry.
The wild Pokémon took one look at him...and fled back into the grass and silence returned.

Cinder remained planted in front of Ravina, flames crackling. Ravina stared for a moment before she slowly crouched behind him. "Cinder?"

He glanced back, The flames immediately shrank.

"...Were you protecting me?"

He perked up a bit and Ravina smiled as the last flames disappeared. She reached down and scratched behind one of his ear nubs. "Good boy."

Cinder leaned into her hand as Something warm settled in Ravina's chest.

Not the fire. Something else, They had known each other less than an hour and already he'd stepped between her and something he thought might hurt her.

Ravina scooped him up and Cinder immediately settled against her. "Alright." She started as she resumed walking. "You can ride for a bit.”

Cinder made absolutely no objection.

Back in New Bark… A red-haired boy watched the laboratory from across the road.

The girl was gone, The professor's assistant was busy and Professor Elm had disappeared deeper into the building.

The boy's eyes settled on the window. Behind it… Two Poké Balls remained.

He stared at one in particular, the one containing Totodile, then he stepped away from the road and vanished around the side of the laboratory.

Ravina never saw him.

She was already well beyond New Bark Town... Walking toward Cherrygrove with Cinder asleep against her chest... Completely unaware that by the time she returned, everything at Professor Elm's laboratory would have changed.

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.4

14/08/2026 Failsy

OC's Ravina's Pokemon Adventure

>> Nostus Belongs to @forgottenjade over at: https://bsky.app/profile/softsheepewe.bsky.social

The first Pokémon appeared in a soft burst of light to reveal a Chikorita. She landed neatly on the floor, blinked once, then looked up at Ravina in a Calm and Curious manner as the leaf atop her head swayed gently.

"Oh." Ravina crouched. "Hello."

Chikorita stepped closer and sniffed at her fingers for a moment, before deciding Ravina was acceptable, she gave a cheerful little chirp.

Professor Elm nodded proudly. "She loves attention."

The second Poké Ball opened and a blue shape erupted from it.

"Totodile!" an animalistic cry called out as Ravina barely had enough time to register teeth before the little Pokémon bounded across the room. He circled Professor Elm and jumped against a chair, nearly knocking it over.

Mrs. Elm caught it with one hand as Totodile skidded to a halt in front of Ravina and stared up at her. A huge grin stretched across his snout.

"Very probably."Professor Elm laughed as Totodile snapped his jaws happily.

Then came the third ball.

Professor Elm hesitated for just a moment. "This one might take a little patience." he added as the Poké Ball opened.

A small Cyndaquil appeared, who immediately seemed to regret being visible as he lowered himself close to the floor and his eyes narrowed into cautious little slits.

No flames nor chirping, Just a watchfulness as Ravina and the pokemon looked at each other.

Professor Elm rubbed the back of his neck. "He's always been a little shy."

"With everyone?"

"Most people."

Ravina crouched, causing Cyndaquil to tense.

She stopped, she didn't reach toward him or call him over. She simply rested one hand on her knee.

"That's alright."

His nose twitched as Ravina waited. Behind her, the adults went quiet until eventually… One small paw moved forward, then another as Cyndaquil approached slowly. Every few steps he stopped and watched the human in front of him, considered for a moment, then continued.

Ravina didn't move until he reached her, He leaned forward, sniffed her fingers and decided to stay there. Which made Ravina smile.

There was one small turn of his head in response. So she very slowly turned her hand palm-up to let Cyndaquil sniff again. And then placed one tiny paw against her fingers.

Something about the gesture hit Ravina harder than she'd expected. It wasn't dramatic, He hadn't leapt into her arms, He hadn't instantly decided she was his favorite person in the world.
He'd just decided she was safe enough to touch.

Ravina gently brushed one finger along the side of his paw.

"You're nervous, aren't you?" she asked as his nose bumped against her hand. She laughed softly. "Yeah, I think I like you."

Cyndaquil lifted his head, and for the first time, a tiny line of flame flickered along his back.

Professor Elm raised his eyebrows in surprise, Mrs. Elm smiled and Nostus said nothing as she observed.

Ravina scratched gently beneath Cyndaquil's chin, His eyes closed like he was enjoying the attention, the flames stayed, warm and steady, they didn't seem agitated in a defensive manner.

"I think that's your answer." Professor Elm's spoke up in a softened tone.

Ravina glanced up. "My answer?"

"Which Pokémon you should take?"

She looked back toward Cyndaquil, the little Fire-type had leaned farther into her hand. "...I haven't met them properly."

"You don't always need long." Mrs. Elm smiled. "Sometimes they decide."

Ravina considered that for a moment then carefully slid both hands beneath Cyndaquil. She waited a moment for resistance. But none came, he allowed himself to be lifted to her body, Once against her chest, he curled instinctively toward the warmth of her body.

Ravina blinked for a moment, then smiled.

"Well." She started as she looked down at him. "I suppose you're coming with me."

Cyndaquil made a tiny sound in agreement, and Ravina laughed.

"You're going to need a name."

His eyes opened as she studied him, the little flames had died away again but she could still feel the warmth through her clothes.

"...Cinder." The Cyndaquil stared at her as she repeated. "Cinder?"

He gave another curious head turn, then he pressed his nose under her chin.

Mrs. Elm laughed. "I think that's approval."

"Cinder it is." Ravina grinned

Nostus finally stepped closer. She looked down at the Pokémon in Ravina's arms. Cinder looked up at the new shadow, and up. and farther up, then the tiny Fire-type stiffened.

Nostus noticed immediately and crouched but was still taller than most people would have been standing.

"Hello, Cinder."

He stared at her as Nostus offered one finger. Cinder sniffed it, then glanced back toward Ravina as if checking. Ravina smiled.

"She's alright." she confirmed with a nod.

After a moment, Cinder touched his nose to Nostus's fingertip and Nostus grinned. "Good."

Then, turned her attention to Ravina, "Try not to lose him."

"Mum."

"I mean it."

"I'm not going to lose my Pokémon."

"Excellent." She clapped as she stood. "That's one item off my list."

Ravina groaned.

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.3

14/08/2026 Failsy

OC's Ravina's Pokemon Adventure

>> Nostus Belongs to @forgottenjade over at: https://bsky.app/profile/softsheepewe.bsky.social

Inside the laboratory, Professor Elm was excitedly pacing. "Ravina!" He called as he hurried over the moment she stepped inside. "Perfect timing!"

Mrs. Elm appeared from a side room carrying a tray. "Good morning dear."

"Morning." ravina replied, looking a little wary at the professor's manic disposition.

"Tea?"

"Please." the smaller girl nodded

Mrs. Elm smiled as she glanced at her husband, "Professor Elm has had three cups already."

"I needed them." he protested

"You forgot the first two existed."

"...That too."

From somewhere deeper in the building came a filing cabinet opening before Ravina heard Nostus's voice. "Professor?"

Professor Elm froze. "...Yes?"

"Why is there a grant application from three years ago inside a textbook?" He looked thoughtful. "...Which textbook?"

Nostus appeared in the doorway holding both items. "That isn't the part I'm concerned about."

Mrs. Elm smiled as Ravina accepted her tea and added. "I've decided this is going to be my entertainment while we're here."

Nostus pointed at her with the folder. "Go have your adventure."

"I'm going." Ravina retorted

"Good."

Professor Elm cleared his throat. "Actually, about that." He motioned for Ravina to follow him. "You shouldn't travel the route alone."

Ravina frowned. "I'm eighteen."

"That's not what I mean." Professor Elm's tone changed, just enough that Ravina noticed.

"The main roads around New Bark are safe, comparatively speaking. Rangers patrol themand other travelers use them."

He opened a door leading into one of the laboratory's smaller rooms. "But they're still wild routes."

Ravina looked inside and saw three Poké Balls that rested on a padded tray.

Professor Elm continued. "Most wild Pokémon avoid people." He picked up one of the balls. "Most."

Mrs. Elm leaned against the doorway behind them. "You don't need to be frightened of them."

"No." Professor Elm shook his head. "But you do need to respect them."

Ravina's eyes drifted toward the Poké Balls. "So you're lending me one?"

"Wait, if your lending me one, why not just give me one of your Pokémon." Ravina asked pointedly at Nostus who’s first response was a raised eyebrow.

"Ravina, my team is a pack of monsters..."

"Exactly! You have six!"

"Six veteran Pokémon who've spent years developing very strict opinions about whose orders they'll follow."

Ravina folded her arms. "...I'm your daughter."

"Which means they love you." Nostus smiled. "It doesn't mean they respect you as a trainer."

Ravina's ears lowered. "...Rude."

"Besides, they're all girls. It's not as though I've got spare Eggs lying around."

"Then what am I supposed to do?"

Nostus nodded toward the ball in Professor Elm's hand

"Start where I did."

Ravina puffed out her cheeks.

"...Fine."

Nostus grinned.

"There's my little Pokémon Master."

"Don't patronize me."

Professor Elm smiled. "Ahem, now that's sorted." He set the ball down again. "These three have been raised here as part of my research."

"On evolution?" Ravina asked, still looking at the trio of pokeballs.

"Among other things." His expression softened. "But they're not laboratory equipment."

Ravina turned away from the balls to look at him quizzically

"They need partners."

That surprised her. "You mean... permanently?"

"If both of you are comfortable with it." Professor Elm smiled. "Pokémon partnerships aren't supposed to begin with paperwork…" From behind the small girl, Nostus cleared her throat, causing Professor Elm to wince. "...Although apparently they do involve paperwork."

"They absolutely do." Nostus folded her arms. "Especially when the professor providing the Pokémon hasn't updated his transfer forms since-"

"Nostus." Mrs. Elm gently touched her arm. "Let her meet them first."

Nostus looked at Ravina and then smiled. "Fair."

Professor Elm gratefully turned back toward the tray. "Right." He picked up the first ball. "Let's start here."

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.2

14/08/2026 Failsy

OC's Ravina's Pokemon Adventure

New Bark was already awake when Ravina stepped outside, she noted that the town looked different in morning light.

Yesterday it had been somewhere she'd arrived, today it felt more like somewhere she might actually be staying.

Shopkeepers rolled awnings over their windows. A cyclist passed with a basket full of parcels strapped behind his seat. A pair of children hurried toward the shoreline carrying fishing rods twice their height.

Ravina took the road toward Professor Elm's laboratory, whistling as she walked. She was almost there when she noticed the boy.

He stood outside the fence, red hair, dark clothes, arms folded, He wasn't watching the road, He was watching the laboratory, More specifically...one of its windows.

Ravina slowed, he didn't look like a local, at least, not one she'd seen yesterday.

His eyes snapped toward her, they were sharp, guarded.

That made Ravina stop as she glanced toward the laboratory and then back at him.

His expression hardened.

She shrugged.

Ravina blinked.

He looked away, indicating that the conversation was finished.

Ravina considered trying again but decided she didn't care enough, then started walking toward the gate.

The boy said nothing.

As she reached the front door. she could feel his eyes follow her, but only for a moment. then he returned his attention to the window.

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.1

13/08/2026 Failsy

OC's Ravina's Pokemon Adventure

Chapter 2

The First Partner

Travel Journal — Day 2

Mum said Professor Elm only needed one small favour.

I've learned that when adults say “small favour,” they usually mean something that somehow takes the entire day.

Still... I get to meet one of Professor Elm's Pokémon today, So I suppose I can't complain too much.

Morning came quietly to New Bark Town.

Ravina woke to gulls calling somewhere beyond the houses and the low, steady hush of waves rolling against the coast.

For several seconds she simply stared at the unfamiliar ceiling before she remembered.

Johto, New Bark, Professor Elm, and whatever mysterious errand her mother had volunteered her for.

She groaned softly and rolled onto her side from downstairs. She could hear the unmistakable sound of cupboards opening, ceramic touching ceramic, and someone moving around with far too much energy for this early in the morning.

That could only be Nostus.

By the time Ravina reached the kitchen, her mother was already dressed for work. Her white coat hung open over her clothes, a mug of coffee rested in one hand, and several thick folders had somehow appeared across the dining table overnight.

Each one had been labeled, Some had colored tabs, One even had a handwritten index taped neatly to its cover.

Ravina stopped halfway into the room. "...You've been awake for how long?"

Nostus glanced toward the clock. "Long enough."

"That's not an answer."

"It's the only one you're getting."

Ravina wandered toward the cupboards. "You've been here one day."

"An Astute Observation."

"And you've already reorganized Professor Elm's paperwork."

"Not reorganized." Nostus took another sip. "Triaged."

Ravina stared. "That sounds worse."

"It is."

She found some bread and dropped two slices into the toaster. "So how bad is it?"

Nostus's expression became very still. "...There is a drawer in his office labeled 'Important Things.'"

Ravina waited. "And?"

"It contains receipts, three research proposals, an expired ferry ticket, half a sandwich wrapper and a birthday card he forgot to send four years ago."

Ravina snorted. "You like him already."

"Professionally, he terrifies me."

"Same thing."

Nostus's mouth twitched. "Mrs. Elm asked if you'd come by once you're ready."

"For the errand?"

"Mhm."

"What am I actually doing?"

"Professor Elm can explain it."

Ravina narrowed her eyes. "You know."

"I do."

"And you're not telling me."

"I am practicing restraint."

"That's very mature of you."

"I thought so."

Ravina retrieved her toast and then paused. "How far am I going?"

"Several hours if you walk at a sensible pace."

That got her attention. "...Several?"

"Mr. Pokémon lives beyond Cherrygrove."

Ravina stared at her. "You neglected to mention the part where the 'small favour' involves leaving town."

"I assumed the travelling part would improve your opinion of it." Nostus smiled over her coffee. "You came to Johto to see Johto, remember?"

"I came because you came to Johto."

"Details."

Ravina sighed dramatically. "Fine." She took a bite of toast. "But if I'm eaten by something in the woods, I'm haunting you."

"I'd expect nothing less."

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 1.3

13/08/2026 Failsy

OC's Ravina's Pokemon Adventure

>> Nostus Belongs to @forgottenjade over at: https://bsky.app/profile/softsheepewe.bsky.social

That evening, mother and daughter settled into the small house the League had arranged for visiting researchers.

It wasn't large. but it was comfortable. Two bedrooms, a modest kitchen, a small study that Nostus had already claimed as her temporary office, but even with that half the dining table was covered in binders from Elm's laboratory.

Ravina stared for a long moment, assessing the small mountain before sitting down next to her mother. "...You've been here four hours."

"I'm making progress." Nostus mumbled as she scanned another document.

"You're nesting."

"I'm organizing."

"That's what nesting is." her daughter whined, dramatically waving at the pile.

Nostus simply smiled without looking up as she continued to make sense of the paperwork mess.

Dinner was a simple order of take out from a local fish and chips shop which afterwards, Ravina helped unpack the last of the boxes while Nostus continued reading through Elm's files before her mother decided to catch her attention.

"Ravina."

"Hm?"

"Professor Elm mentioned something today."

"Oh?"

"He needs someone to pick-up something from an old colleague tomorrow."

Ravina looked up from a box. "...Me?"

"He asked if you'd be interested." Nostus replied, with a tone that parents use when their not really asking.

"I've been in Johto for exactly one day." her daughter responded with raised eyebrow.

"Which means you're uniquely qualified."

Ravina laughed. "I don't think that's how qualifications work."

"No?"

"No."

Nostus finally closed the folder she'd been reading. "Professor Elm is looking for some trainer assistants for his pokemon research"

"Yes? and?"

"He'll probably offer you one."

“One what?”

“A pokemon.”

“What, really?”

“probably.”

"...Probably?"

"He seemed to think so."

Ravina blinked.

"...Wait."

Nostus rested her chin in her hand. "You're going to be here for months while I rescue his laboratory from administrative collapse."

"Mhm."

"So… You could spend every day sitting in this house…” She shrugged. "...or you could see Johto."

The room grew quiet as Ravina looked toward the dark window, the lights of New Bark shimmered beyond the glass. She'd only expected a long vacation, maybe a little sightseeing.

Now...She might be leaving town with a Pokémon. She smiled despite herself. "...I suppose one errand couldn't hurt."

Nostus returned the smile. "I had a feeling you'd say that."

That night, while Ravina drifted off to sleep, the sound of waves rolled gently against New Bark's shoreline.

Tomorrow would begin as an ordinary errand.

Neither Ravina nor anyone else in New Bark yet realized that before the sun set again, one young Pokémon would find his partner, another would be stolen into the wilderness, and the quiet little town would become the starting point of two very different journeys.

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 1.2

12/08/2026 Failsy

OC's Ravina's Pokemon Adventure

>> Nostus Belongs to @forgottenjade over at: https://bsky.app/profile/softsheepewe.bsky.social

Professor Elm's laboratory stood on the edge of town.

The building itself was respectable, but the office...was not. as Ravina discovered as she stopped in the doorway with her mother as she looked around at the space inside of the lab.

Every available surface supported a stack of papers, Books sat open on the floor, Folders leaned at impossible angles, Sticky notes clung to filing cabinets like migrating bird flocks and somewhere beneath the avalanche sat Professor Elm.

"Oh!" The professor looked up from behind a tower of documents. "You must be Nostus!"

"I sincerely hope so, Professor Elm?" Ravina’s mother replies, holding out a hand.

He hurried over, nearly tripping on a cardboard box labeled Evolution Survey 3... Maybe?

"Ah, yes! It's wonderful to finally meet you." He enthusiastically shook Nostus's hand. "I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you accepted this assignment."

Nostus glanced around the room, slowly and methodically appraising her surroundings as she made sure her professional smile never disappeared.

"...How long has your filing system looked like this?"

Professor Elm blinked. "My filing system?"

"...Yes."

"...Oh." He started with a pause as he looked around his office. "...Long enough that I don't really notice anymore."

"I see." She replied as she looked at Ravina. "I may be here longer than anticipated."

As ravina attempted to come to terms with that statement, Mrs. Elm walked into the lab carrying a tray with tea only a few minutes later. Unlike her husband, she looked as though she'd been expecting this exact reaction.

"I'm terribly sorry."

"You don't need to apologize."

Mrs. Elm laughed softly. "No... I probably do." She looked toward Elm as the professor had already become distracted by a notebook he'd apparently rediscovered. "...He's brilliant."

"I've noticed."

"But he forgot to submit three quarterly reports."

"I've noticed."

Mrs. Elm sighed with practiced patience. "Thank you for coming."

Nostus smiled warmly. "I'll get him sorted."

The afternoon disappeared beneath the unending mountain of paperwork.

Fur the adults at least, for Ravina. She wandered outside after helping carry a few boxes and then realized she'd mostly been moving the same papers from one table to another.

The breeze carried the scent of the nearby lake, driving further that this place was Quiet, Peaceful, and Dreadfully uneventful as she sat beneath a tree overlooking the water.

"So..." She sighed dramatically. "My exciting vacation begins."

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 1.1

11/08/2026 Failsy

OC's Ravina's Pokemon Adventure

Chapter 1

A Vacation That Wasn't

>> Nostus Belongs to @forgottenjade over at: https://bsky.app/profile/softsheepewe.bsky.social

The train eased into New Bark Town Station beneath a bright spring sky.

Ravina Shales leaned against the window, watching the little town drift past. White fences. Well-kept gardens. Quiet streets. Beyond them, rolling green hills faded into dense forests that stretched toward the heart of Johto.

It certainly wasn't home.

Across from the pale girl, her mother, Nostus, chuckled while folding away another stack of paperwork she'd somehow managed to organize during the journey.

Ravina crossed her arms with exaggerated disappointment.

The train gave one final hiss as it came to a stop and Nostus stood in a single smooth motion, slinging her satchel over one shoulder. The white lab coat draped over her athletic frame caught the breeze as the doors opened.

New Bark Town was peaceful.

Children chased each other through quiet streets while elderly couples tended flowerbeds. A fisherman repaired nets beside the shoreline. Somewhere nearby, the smell of fresh bread drifted through the air.

Compared to the bustle of the larger cities Ravina was used to, New Bark felt like somewhere people actually knew each other's names.

FailTrolls

Category: Failtrolls StoryTime

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 4.1

Chapter 4

Northbound

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The Road to Cherrygrove

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.5

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.4

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.3

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.2

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 2.1

Chapter 2

The First Partner

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 1.3

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 1.2

Ravina’s Pokémon Adventure (HGSS) Chapter 1.1

Chapter 1

A Vacation That Wasn't

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