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READ THIS PLEASE

~ Thank you for reading this fanfiction.

~ PMD is Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, one of the spin off games I love. This story takes place in my own PMD world! NOT Blue/Red Rescue Team, Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky, and Gates to Infinity!

~ I am bad at putting things into detail.

~ Last but not least, DO NOT COMMENT ON THIS THREAD. This thread is only for me to post on! I am serious here! If you have something to ask or tell me SEND ME A PRIVATE MESSAGE OR PAL PAD ME. My Palpad is open to anyone! You don't have to send me a friend request!

~ Enjoy the story!

The Pokemon world is a unique place; humans and Pokemon live together in peace and fight beside each other in battles against other humans and Pokemon. There is another world like this but in a different dimension. Would you like to know more about this place? *nod* Alright! OK...where to start... Oh! This other Pokemon world is inhabited with Pokemon- of course- They are not just normal Pokemon, they can talk! Some form adventure teams and explore unknown areas. They might also form rescue teams and help other Pokemon in danger. This Pokemon world is one huge star-shaped island in the middle of a sea with some smaller islands far and near. Only two towns can be seen on the maps. Both are ruled by a queen/king. Do you want to visit this other Pokeworld? *Excited nod* Great! Look! He has opened the portal for us! Ready? On the count of three! 1 ... *push* *flash*
Tehe~ Caught you by surprise! Aww, don't give me that look! Look around you. Do not be afraid of flying so high up, my bubble is strong! This is the place! Ah, you are staring at Grace Town. It's closer to the sea shore. Grace Town is a relaxing place to be! The air smells fragrant from the beautiful flowers surrounding the town. The Queen and Grace Town fit perfectly together!
If you look to your right, you will see the other great town called Moon Town. Notice how the right side of the island is darker? I wonder why it's like that... I see why Moon Town is there. The stars shine brightest in that area. It is so beautiful~! *Smiles* I hope you enjoyed this tour. Oh! I forgot to introduce myself to you! My name is Mew, you might hear from me again because I will be your guide outside of this story. *flash* *pop* Have fun in this world! Bye!!!
(And you fall to your doom! muahaha! lol)

Arceus...

What happened?

I opened my eyes, squinting from the bright sky. I felt a soft breeze blowing against my face. Slowly opening my eyes again and noticed I was lying on a bush in a forest clearing. How did I end up here? I groaned and sat up, not feeling any kind of injuries on myself. My eyes frantically looked around. This forest is quiet... Where is everyone?

Sighing, I lowered my gaze to the grassy ground. The soft grass felt nice under my feet...paws...wait, what? These are NOT my feet. I raised my hands to my face. A snout?! What is this? I ran in a random direction trying to find a mirror or something.

I came across a sea shore and quickly made my way towards the water. This water appears to be clean. When I saw my reflection I nearly had a heart attack. I'm a Riolu!

A short figure walked out of the forest. Her ruby-colored eyes surveyed the surroundings. Once she stepped on something that felt cold under the pads of her feet, she flinched. She relaxed seeing that it was a stone path leading over a treeless hill, a sign caught her attention. One arrow pointed towards the forest she was in moments ago and another arrow pointed at the hill. "Serene Forest? Grace Town?" She asked herself. "No, none of these places are familiar." She released a defeated sigh deciding to follow the path over the hill.

Even though she had many questions like, 'why she woke in Serene Forest' and 'why she was a Riolu', she chose to ignore being a Pokemon and just go get answers.

Riolu paused, her eyes widened. "This place is...beautiful!" She exclaimed with a smile. Riolu happily ran closer to the town passing the sign that read 'Welcome to Grace Town'. She couldn't stop looking at all the Pokemon and shops. Her nose twitched at the smell of flowers. "Oof!" Riolu fell back on her rump. Shaking her head she heard someone apologize frantically.

"I-I am soooo sorry! It's my fault!" A Flaffy quickly packed up her dropped berries into a bag. Riolu recovered and went to help her. The Flaffy smiled gratefully accepting the help. Once everything was in place she bowed with a smile. "T-Thank you for helping me."

"No problem, it wasn't your fault. I should have been paying attention!" Riolu chuckled nervously. Flaffy giggled before observing the Riolu.

"You are not from around here, are you?" She asked politely. Riolu nodded.

"I'm not exactly sure where I'm from. Maybe Serene Forest? That's where I woke up and have no memory of yesterday or anything in the past..." Riolu answered. She knew that she wasn't a Pokemon before.

Flaffy had a worried expression. "I think you have amnesia though you don't look hurt." Riolu checked herself for bruises or scratches and found none. But my tail is so soft... She thought, petting her blue tail. She also just realized that unlike other Riolu she had scruffy fur on her head. "Excuse me," Flaffy got the Riolu's attention, "may I get your name? Or should I just call you Riolu?"

"Oh, right. Um..." The Riolu paused. What was my name? Ah! "My name is Rin." She stuck out her hand. Flaffy smiled and placed her hand in Rin's and shook it.

"Mine's Flora!"

Rin had fun talking to Flora but the Flaffy hurriedly said she had to leave. Now; Rin continued her walk through Grace Town, the town square had a water fountain. The statue was of a Semipour and two Mudkip, water shot out from the top of Semipour's head while water flowed out from the Mudkip's mouth. Rin let the water trickle on her paws before taking a sip realizing how thirsty she had been.

She met a nice Kangaskhan who offered her some berries to eat which she happily obliged. Her baby was so cute! Rin reached the end of the town but the path continued up some steps. Her eyes trailed up to what looked somewhat like a base at the top of the mountain. Curiously, Rin proceeded to going up there. "Halt!" A voice boomed. Rin yelped once she reached the top. A bronze gate closed off any entrance to getting closer to the base. Bisharp? She looked at the two Pokemon who were most probably the guards. "State your business." They seemed to speak in unison; that must be confusing in certain situations.

Rin looked down unsure. "W-Well...I don't have any business.. I was just-" "Then you may leave!" They shooed her away before she could finish speaking. Rin wanted to protest but the Bisharp were frightening.

"Now, hold on there!" A different, but softer, voice called out. Rin looked over her shoulder.

"Audino." Both Bisharp greeted and gave a small bow before her. Rin turned and quickly copied what they did causing the Pokemon, Audino, to giggle. "We were just making this stranger leave."

She frowned. "Why would you do that? This Riolu has an innocent heart, let her through." Bisharp exchanged looks before opening the gate. Rin smiled and gingerly walked behind Audino as she went through the gate. Rin noticed that she was carrying a small treasure chest. "You wanted to explore this place, correct?"

Rin was snapped out of her thoughts by the other Pokemon's voice. "Y-Yes, ma'am. I'm not from here." Audino giggled. She pulled apart the curtains to the light green tent allowing Rin to step inside first, which she did. They were in a small room and right in front of them was a sign that read 'Emerald Castle' in beautiful writing. "Castle?" Rin questioned. Audino nodded.

"Indeed. Almost all the towns have a castle and a ruler. Come, now." Audino walked over to a trap door in the ground. She opened it revealing spiral stairs leading to the sub level of the castle. So that means this whole mountain is the castle? Wow! It just looks like a base from the town square! Rin followed Audino and carefully stepped down the stairs.

Hello! It's Mew! Told ya I would meet you again!
Are you enjoying the start of this story? *shakes head* Goo- Wha?! Aww... That's really a bummer... *laughs* Oh, you're just playing! Hehe~

Now, let us talk about our heroine!

Rin was once a human and she knows that. She has no memory of what happened before she woke up. She will be loyal to the Queen and her friends and be the best team leader she can be. She and her team-mates are each seeking something. Rin wants to know why she was sent to this Pokemon World.

Let's all stay by her side and follow her adventures!

As she followed Audino down the spiral stairs, Rin noticed that almost everything in town and in the castle were constructed with wood and maybe stones in some areas. How can Pokemon build all of this? She asked herself. The room she and Audino were in now was a decent size, it was a short hall. Rin counted six doors, three on each side. The hall wasn't empty, Pokemon stood around and had a chat.

"Excuse me, Audino?" Rin called the Pokemon's attention.

"Yes?" She questioned and came to a stop. Rin's eyes darted to the different groups of Pokemon.

"What's with all the badges, bags, and accessories?"

Audino followed her gaze and giggled. "All the Pokemon in this hall are Explorers." Rin switched her gaze to Audino.

"Explorers?" She asked, confused.

Audino poked Rin's forehead playfully causing the Riolu to fake flinch. "Have you been living under a rock? Explorers are lone Pokemon or a team of Pokemon who go out and explore Mystery Dungeons," before Rin could ask what that was; Audino added, "Mystery Dungeons are labyrinths that are home to hostile Pokemon, treasures and secrets. Which is why lots of Pokemon want to explore them but they might get into trouble. That is why we have Rescue teams, Pokemon who will go out and help them."

Rin nodded in understanding. That sounds...fun, actually. The Riolu realized Audino had already continued walking down the hall and quickly caught up as she opened another trap door which was at the end of the hall. More stairs but they were not spiraled; the wooden stairs went down then they took a left down the other one.

Rin jumped the last step, landing in front of Audino. There were Pokemon here also and the room was bigger. I wonder if they are explorers too? "I didn't catch your name." Audino suddenly said.

"Oh! It's Rin! Sorry for being rude." Rin scratched her head with a goofy smile. Audino laughed.

"Rin, what brought you here besides being curious?"

"I thought that maybe I could find some answers here..." Audino only nodded her head as she led the way without a word.

The room had a few doors, Pokemon went in and out of them except the two in the way back; double doors. Audino knocked on the golden one. "Your Highness, it's Audino." Before opening it.

"-since traveling Pokemon don't have a place to rest, I thought it would be a good idea."

Audino softly closed the doors once Rin stepped inside the room. It seemed that the queen was in the middle of listening to a Blissey and Sunflora. Rin's eyes widened when seeing her. She was a lovely Gardevoir sitting on a dark red throne that matched the carpet, a silver crown on her head. An Espeon sat near her.

Sunflora clasped her hands (leaves?) together. "I-I've met s-some traveling Pokemon who complained about not having proper c-clothing for the w-weather." She explained timidly. Gardevoir nodded in understanding before giving them a gentle smile.

"You both made good points. An Inn and clothing store would be an excellent idea." Espeon brightened. "I'll send Machoke to you tomorrow morning." Blissey and Sunflower jumped for joy.

"Thank you so much, your majesty!" Gardevoir excused them and the two Pokemon left. Rin watched after them.

Gardevoir released a sigh and slumped in her seat. "I am so exhausted, Espeon. Ten rejections and four approvals...are we done?" Espeon giggled and placed her paws on the arms of the chair.

"My Queen, we are almost done. Did you forget about River?" Gardevoir's eyes widened as she remembered.

"Oh, right. I'll get to that later." Audino finally decided to make her appearance while Rin chose to stick to the sides.

"Your highness." She greeted. Gardevoir and Espeon looked up in surprise then smiled. Audino held up the treasure chest. "I've brought it!"

Gardevoir stood up and stretched her arms up high. "Thank you for bringing the chest here, Audino, but..." Her eyes scanned the room, spotting Rin before landing on Audino, "where is the other one?"

Audino scratched the back of her head. "I lost her...I don't know how but I did." Gardevoir face-palmed and muttered to herself.

"She knows her way back." Espeon added. She rested her gaze on Rin. "Who's this?" The Riolu shyly walked over to stand next to Audino.

"This is Rin, she wanted to meet you." Audino introduced her.

Gardevoir gave a small smile. "Nice to meet you, Rin. I am the Queen of Grace Town, Gardevoir. This is my best friend, Espeon. She helps me with my duties." Espeon bowed her head. "Audino, there, is my lady-in-waiting." Rin glanced at Audino in surprise.

The double doors opened causing everyone in the room to turn their heads. "I'm sorry! It's my fault!" Ruby eyes widened. Where have I heard that before?

Flora quickly closed the golden doors behind her. When she turned around, her gaze met a pair of surprised ruby ones.

"You?!" They exclaimed in unison. Rin noticed that the light green bag Flora had was fuller.

"Oh, you two seem to know each other?" Gardevoir asked. Flora nodded and made her way to Rin's side.

"W-We met in Grace Town! What a surprise to see you again Rin." The Flaaffy grinned.

"You are not the only one. Why are you here?" Rin asked. Audino brought Flora into a tight hug.

"Goodness! Why must you get lost all the time?!" She sighed loudly while Flora whined. Audino let go. "I've been caring for Flora since she was an egg. She fetches things from Grace Town when we need them." She explained to Rin.

"I didn't know that. So you're like her mother?" Rin asked, earning a nod from Audino. Her face visibly saddened for a second before she smiled. Does that mean...Flora was abandoned by her real parents?

Gardevoir clapped her hands. "You've brought the berries and seeds I see." Flora opened the flap of the bag. It had a stitched emerald on the front of the flap. Inside the bag were Oran berries, Heal seeds, and Reviver seeds in their own pockets. "Wonderful." The queen praised, Flora smiled brightly. She really likes being praised by the queen or some Pokemon higher up. Audino brought over a tray and piled together the items then took them out of the room.

"Oi!" Someone rudely interrupted the silence of the room. Espeon rolled her eyes as everyone else turned to the visitor. A Buizel had pushed open the doors and didn't bother closing them once he walked inside. The first thing Rin noticed about him was the way he carried himself and he had his red headband wrapped around his right arm. "Am I in a team or not?"

Espeon glared at him while Gardevoir silently panicked. "O-One moment, River!" She grabbed Espeon by her tail and tugged her behind the throne, which was a slight squeeze. Rin and Flora tilted their heads in confusion when they saw the two disappear behind the chair.

"Aigh! What was that for?!" Espeon complained as she was placed on Gardevoir's lap.

"Keep your voice down." She hissed. Her red eyes glanced behind the chair. "I'm just going to say it. No one, I mean no one, wants to be in the same team as River." Espeon snorted in laughter.

"That is it?" She asked like it's no big deal.

Gardevoir sighed. "I can't let my subjects down... I need to find someone to form a team with him." Espeon looked down in thought. Her head shot up, a grin on her face. She had an idea.

"How about Flora? Exploring would be the motivation she needs!"

The queen looked alarmed. "Her and River?! A team?! He'll probably push her to do something impossible!"

"Then add in Rin and BOOM," She accidentally exclaimed before pausing once Gardevoir gave her a look of warning, she chucked and continued, "as I was saying. Add Rin then Flora won't feel as lonely or scared." Gardevoir thought about it.

"That is...a good idea. Rin might need this learning experience."

When they reached an agreement, the two girls came out of hiding like nothing happened.

Gardevoir stood in front of the three with a nervous smile. "Ahem... River... you will be in Rin and Flora's team!" She announced. Espeon nodded vigorously in agreement and approval.

"Wha?!" Rin, Flora, and River exclaimed comically. River snapped out of it and eyed his new teammates. "Heh, them? You have got to be kidding! The Flaaffy looks weak and the Riolu doesn't seem to understand anything."

Rin narrowed her eyes, fuming. "Hey! You can pick on me because it's true that I don't understand anything at the moment but don't call Flora weak!" She pointed at him and practically yelled. Flora waved her hands at them as a way of trying to stop the argument.

"N-No, I'm f-fine!"

Gardevoir and Espeon seemed to regret doing this to the poor girls but there was no other choice. The queen sighed and decided to stop them from bickering any more. "Calm down and listen," they stopped with a final glare at each other before paying attention, "the chest Audino handed to me is only brought on this occasion, bringing up a new team." Gardevoir explained, motioning to the chest on the ground in front of them. "I keep it in a safe location away from the castle, not that anyone will steal it. Now, will you be a rescue team or an exploration team?" She asked. Rin looked to Flora, who was staring at the ground and occasionally at Gardevoir or Rin. Rin then looked to River who had his arms crossed and eyes closed.

He felt her gaze on him. His eyes opened, piercing blue eyes met hers. River shrugged at her. "I wanted to be in a team, I did not say I would help make decisions like this."

Rin rolled her eyes then looked back at Gardevoir. "Exploration team." She answered. The queen gave a nod. Her eyes glowed blue. She raised her arms and the treasure chest clicked, unlocking, and opened up. Inside was a rolled up map, badges, and a brown bag.

Espeon leaped forward and turned her side to the three. She balanced a square stamp pad on her head and a blank paper on her back that had the words 'Emerald Castle, Exploration Team' in elegant green writing. There was lots of space at the bottom. "Before you stamp the paper, what will be the name of your exploration team?" Gardevoir asked, mostly Rin.

Rin looked at the ceiling in thought. I can't think of anything. I just want to know the reason for me being here... Flora and River haven't said much during the process. I feel like River is trying to find something. Flora told me that she was always curious about exploring but didn't think she was fit for it. I got it! Rin gave off determination. "Team Seekers!" Flora grinned with a quick nod, seeming interested now.

"Wonderful name!" Gardevoir smiled. "You may stamp the paper now." Rin, Flora, and River nodded. Rin went first. She placed her hand in the black ink then rested it on the middle of the blank space part of the paper. Flora let River go next, since he roughly brushed past her. His print went on the left of Rin's while Flora's went on the other side of Rin's print. Espeon carefully made her way to Gardevoir who picked up the paper. "This paper is proof of you three becoming an exploration team at Emerald Castle and Grace Town." The queen rolled it up and gripped it tightly with both hands. The paper glowed blue until it caught on fire, the flames were green, and disappeared.

Rin's eyes widened. "W-Why did you burn it?!" Gardevoir blinked in confusion before she made a face of understanding.

"O-Oh! It's not destroyed! It's how I teleport letters and other important things, do not worry." Gardevoir quickly explained. Rin let out a breath of relief. "Anyway, it's official. Team Seekers are now an exploration team." The queen clapped her hands with a warm smile.

"Congratulations!" Espeon purred.

Flora and Rin held hands and jumped happily while cheering. River reached into the treasure chest, pulling out the map and his badge. Rin followed along and got her badge. She examined the pure white badge. It was simple. The center had a shining emerald, it was the castle's signature. "Your highness, may we use my treasure bag instead of the brown one?" Flora asked the queen.

"Why not? You hardly go anywhere without it." Gardevoir giggled.

"You see, Grace Town and Moon Town are bigger and most visited than any other towns." Flora explained to Rin as they walked through the town. Audino suggested that the Flaaffy show Rin the shops and other facilities.

"Don't forget better, too." River added as he followed behind the girls. Rin nodded in understanding. I see why, this town makes me feel safe and comfortable.

"This is the Kangaskhan Storage." Rin grinned when she spotted a familiar Pokemon. Kangaskhan noticed them and waved.

"Ah! Hello, Flora and River! Rin, too?" She questioned. "It's good to see you again."

"Hi, Rin!" A small voice squeaked from Kangaskhan's pouch. Her baby popped out with cute, big eyes.

"Hello!" Rin greeted them both. After catching up, Team Seekers continued the tour.

"You can store your cash earned from missions at the bank, Sableye will guard them with his life." Flora pointed at the Sableye-shaped tent. (Kinda like the ones in PMD Time, Darkness, Sky, and Gates to Infinity) Flora led Rin and River to a building (don't know how to explain this) that wasn't a tent like most of the shops in Grace Town. They walked in and Rin saw round tables with a few chairs, some Pokemon occupied them, and a counter up ahead. "This is the Café, Munchlax cooks the best food ever!" The Flaafy explained.

Rin noticed that Flora's eyes light up when she talks about the things in Grace Town. She must really love this place. They left the café and stopped at the water fountain in the center of the town. River stood on the edge of the fountain.

"If you stand up here you can faintly make out the other facilities, it saves us the time so we don't have to walk for long." The Buizel told them.

"Oh, that's right!" Flora jumped up on the edge and helped Rin up as well. "OK," Flora looked around the view, "the tent shaped like a Kecleon is the shop, the Kecleon brothers sell lots of useful items."

"That place is Lucario Dojo." River joined in for some reason. He pointed toward a building bigger than Munchlax Café. (Imagine Marowak Dojo! I am terrible at descriptions) It was made with rocks and wood painted a golden yellow, near the entrance was a sign that read 'Dojo' with a small silhouette of a Lucario head. "Claude is unique and strong."

Flora brought her small hands to her cheeks as a red color dusted them. "A-And his fur is so golden." She added. Rin chuckled at that. So, Claude is his name? I guess in this world you either get a name or use your Pokemon name.

River rolled his eyes at what Flora said. Something quickly flew over their heads causing them to fall backwards into the fountain. "Oops! Sorry, mate!" Rin rubbed her eyes and looked in the sky seeing a Braviary with a Pichu on his back.

"We're fine, Braviary!" Flora waved at him as he gave a nod and flew off. "He runs the Transportation Center, every town has one but with different Pokemon running them. It's the easy way of getting from place to place."

"This world is very inter-" Rin was cut off with a coughing fit. "I-I think I accidentally *cough* b-breathed in some water!" River jumped out of the water and shook out his fur.

"Oh my, looks like Braviary needs to fly higher next time." A voice sighed.

"He won't, he is the only one of his kind that's afraid of heights." River told the stranger. Rin cupped her hands and slowly drank some more water, hoping to calm her cough.

"O-Oh, thank you!" Flora stuttered when the stranger helped her out of the fountain.

Rin sighed when she felt better. "Excuse me, would you like me to help you out of the fountain?"

"Hm?" Rin looked at the stranger, her ruby eyes meeting his orange ones. It was Claude, she guessed. Flora was right about the Lucario having golden fur. (BOOM, SHINY! lol) Rin couldn't help her blush and grabbed his extended hand. Claude helped her out of the water. "T-Thank you." Rin joined Flora's side while shuffling her feet.

Claude patted her head and turned to walk back to the dojo. "No problem. Have a good day you three." Rin, Flora and River waved at him as he left.

Flora giggled and lightly shoved Rin. "You should have seen your face!" Rin puffed out her cheeks.

"I don't know what you're talking about." The Riolu defended herself. They did not notice that River had walked away moments ago. River stopped in front of flattened land. There were stacks of wood nearby and Machoke was looking at a blueprint with a Blissey and Sunflora.

I wonder what they're building... He thought, it looks like it will be huge.

"River!" Rin and Flora caught up to him. "We should get back to the queen." Rin told him and started pushing him to the direction of the castle.

"Hey! I get it!" The Buizel shouted. He moved away from her so he could walk by himself.

..::..::::..::..

Espeon waited next to Gardevoir with a piece of paper in her mouth. Rin walked inside followed by the others. She bowed to Gardevoir. "You called for us m'lady?" She asked politely.

Gardevoir smiled at her. "Team Seekers, you will be getting your first mission!"

Flora's eyes sparkled. "Really?!"

"Yes and it shouldn't be too challenging for you three."

"So we're getting a lame mission?" River spoke up with a frown. "I rather fight a boss or search for golden treasures!"

"Fuf uf af affeft if!" Espeon yelled at him through the paper in her mouth. River raised a brow.

"W-What?"

Gardevoir retrieved the paper out of her friend's mouth so she could talk. Espeon cleared her throat.

"I said, SHUT UP AND ACCEPT IT!" She repeated louder.

"WHY YOU!" River and Espeon had a glaring competition. Gardevoir, Rin, and Flora gave deep sighs at the two.

"Here is your mission. Please prepare yourselves before going." The queen informed. Flora opened her bag and checked inside.

"Your highness, I have packed some berries for us so I think we're ready!"

Rin accepted the mission and scanned it with Flora and River looking over her shoulder.

I got myself lost! Someone help!
Place: Pecha Woods
Objective: Find Oshawott
Reward: ???

River scoffed. "Only weak Pokemon get themselves lost in the woods." Flora looked down sadly. She had gotten lost in the woods once...or twice...OK, more than that. Poor thing. Rin noticed the sudden change in her friend's emotions.

"Hey, don't worry. We can do this." She whispered to her, sensing her emotion growing happy only slightly. The Flaaffy gave her a nod.

"Good luck with your mission Team Seekers." Gardevoir waved as the three walked out of the room.

The Pecha Woods were northeast of Grace Town and wasn't far from it. The walk there held no trouble for Team Seekers. Flora was the first to point out that they reached their destination so they entered the small forest.

Rin picked up a Pecha berry and took a bite of it. "Mmh! It's so sweet!" She laughed with Flora. River rolled his eyes.

"C'mon, I just want to get this over with." He complained and walked further away from them. The girls exchanged looks.

"What's his problem?" Rin wondered.

Flora shrugged. "Don't know..." They quickly caught up with him only to see that River was fighting a Budew. He tried dodging the Razor Leaves being shot at him. River jumped in the air and twisted. His glowing tail shot a wave of white light at the Budew knocking it out.

"River, you okay?" Rin asked as she and Flora joined his side.

"I'm fine." The Buizel glanced at the fallen Pokemon before crossing his arms and continued walking past trees. The girls quickly followed after him. They encountered more enemies that were defeated by Flora's Thundershock and River's Water Gun. Rin tried to take on a Wurmple but she didn't know how to use a move. She felt useless at the moment as the Wurmple tried to shoot String Shots at her.

I should have practiced some moves before going on this mission! Rin panicked as she backed up against a tree. Flora looked over at her friend and widened her eyes. An orange flash zoomed past her and tackled the Wurmple away. When the enemies fled, the Buizel snapped his head toward Rin. "What was that?!" He growled. "Are you scared of a little Wurmple?"

Rin looked away with a frown. "I..."

River took a step toward her. "You, what?!" Flora doesn't know what to do when River starts yelling at Rin.

The Riolu clenched her teeth and glared at him. "I don't know how to use my moves! Heck, I don't even know WHAT they are!" River looked taken aback.

"What kind of Pokemon doesn't know how to use their own moves?"

"It's not my fault! I never even wanted to become a Pokemon or come to this world!" Rin yelled at him.

"What are-"

"I WAS A HUMAN!" Rin's voice seemed to echo. It got quiet when she said that. Rin sniffled and kept her head down. "I don't remember anything of my past...I...just want to go home..." Flora quickly moved toward the Riolu, placing her hand on her shoulder.

"Oh, Rin..."

"Excuse me?" Someone spoke up from behind River. The three looked to see who it was. It was Oshawott! "Are you guys lost too?"

River turned around and smacked the other water-type Pokemon on the head. "Idiot! WE are here to find YOU and how can you get lost in the woods?" Oshawott chuckled and rubbed the back of his head.

"O-Oh... I don't know..." He gave a meek reply. Since Oshawott found them, the team didn't need to move any further in Pecha Woods so they turned around and left. Rin walked behind them silently. Her team never noticed her shed a few tears. She cried quietly to herself. How can I survive in his world if I can't be of use to anyone? I bet deep down Flora thinks I'm useless. River was wrong about her, she isn't weak. At least Flora can use moves... Rin sighed.

"I would like to thank you for helping me!" Oshawott bowed in appreciation. They all safely made it back to Emerald Castle. Rin had long stopped her crying. She didn't want Gardevoir to worry too much about her. If she went around telling Pokemon that she was once a human they might think she's dangerous and not let her even be in the same room as the queen. "I don't have much to give you three as a reward but I hope this'll do." Oshawott handed Rin 100 PokeCash and a blue stone. The Riolu stared at the stone in confusion.

"Woah!" Espeon exclaimed and examined the beautiful stone. "Waterstones are pretty rare! Where did you get it?" She asked the water-type. Oshawott rubbed the back of his head.

"I've had it for quite some time. I don't exactly have any use for it and I couldn't bring myself to sell it."

"Waterstone?" Rin questioned and held the stone up to the small ray of light peeking through the circular window near the ceiling of the throne room. The inside of the Waterstone was a clear blue.

"It lets certain Pokemon evolve..." River told her, looking at the floor. Rin nodded and placed both the cash and Waterstone in Flora's treasure bag. Gardevoir called their attention once Oshawott left the room.

"You've successfully completed your first mission!" She cheered. "I know it must not have been too hard for you."

"Heh!" River released a small chuckle. "It was too easy! That Oshawott is the one that found us."

Flora glanced at Rin, who seemed to be lost in thought, thinking about her friend's problem. She felt like Rin would be angry at her for doing this...and feel like she can't trust the Flaaffy to keep a secret. Gardevoir was an understanding queen so maybe this won't be too bad. "I...y-your highness!" Flora spoke up with a squeak.

"What is it, Flora?"

"Rin...doesn't know how-"

Ruby eyes widened. Rin quickly snapped her head toward Flora. "F-Flora!" The Flaaffy gave her an apologetic look.

"The queen w-will understand!" She told the Riolu. River quietly listened to them. "I want you to have fun on our adventures and not feel like you don't belong in a team with River and me. I want you to explore our world to see the wonders it holds! You will find the answers you're looking for but you won't be able to accomplish it if you don't have a few friends that you can place your secrets and trust in!"

"Flora..." Rin felt herself shaking. She was afraid of being rejected by Pokemon and sent away to walk the world alone for the rest of her life. She was afraid of putting her trust in others for some reason, she can feel it in the back of her head. A voice was yelling insults at her and calling her a good-for-nothing girl. It was a man's voice...and a little bit of a woman's voice. Who were they?

"Oh Rin, all those thoughts are not healthy for you." Gardevoir smiled. "I'm not going to send you away for being a human."

"Eh?!" Rin was the loudest among the surprised yelps from everyone in the room. Espeon almost fell over.

"H-Human?"

"Queen...how..." Rin trailed off not knowing what else to say.

"I'm a good mind reader, aren't I?" She giggled before being serious. She stood from her throne, approaching the Riolu. Rin stepped back once. Gardevoir kneeling in front of her so suddenly surprised her. "Rin. I will always have faith in you. In fact, I took an immediate liking to you when you first entered this room. " The queen placed her hand on Rin's head.

Rin smiled at her. "Thank you for telling me that." Flora kept her head down during the queen's talking. She eventually lifted her head to say something.

"Your Highness...what about Rin's moves? Will she be put to training until she learns how to use them?" The Flaaffy asked. Gardevoir stood up and thought about it.

"Everyday Rin will go to Lucario Dojo and train with Claude." She announced with a bright and cheery aura around her.

If Rin was drinking something she would have done a spit take.

"T-Train with C-Claude?"

"Everyday?!" Flora questioned.

"What about missions?!" River asked angrily.

"Oh! Until Rin knows how to use at least two moves, you guys won't be going on any missions or exploring any dungeons." The Gardevoir declared, choosing to ignore the tension in the air. Rin covered her face with her hands. I get to see Claude everyday! I didn't exactly make a good first impression when we met! Flora looked at her friend and smiled lightly. She removed the hands covering Rin's face so the other girl could see the Flaaffy's smile.

"Train hard, Rin. We're counting on you; River won't admit it but he is too!" They giggled at River's annoyed expression, but he secretly smiled. He was surprised to find out that Rin was once a human, it explained why she didn't know certain things. He has to admit. The girls weren't half as bad as he thought they would be. River assumed they would cower in fear during missions and make him do all the work while they whined.

"Hey..." Rin faced the Buizel. He sent a smirk her way. "When you get stronger, let's battle." It wasn't a question but Rin gave him a nod.

"Sure." She promised. Flora brought her hands together, happy that the two are getting along.

..::.::.::..

The team found themselves inside Lucario Dojo. The inside was a circular shape with pots of water, torches against the walls, and piles of logs in some corners of the dojo. Rin stepped over the foot bridge; her eyes followed a stream of water as it came from a hole at the right side of the room, under the bridge they were on, to the other side of the room where it met a beautiful pond. Two Lotad rested at the side of the pond with content expressions. Rin loved how peaceful it was in here, Flora and River weren't that much in awe of the dojo because they have been here a few times before.

Loud thumps sounded from a door at the very end of the dojo. "R-Run for it!" A moment later, two Pokemon burst out of the door. Elekid and Scrafty zoomed past Rin, Flora, and River making the three dizzy. River shook his head and watched the Pokemon.

"Are they going to be OK?" He asked, unsure. Claude stepped out of the other door which was on the right of the one where Scrafty and Elekid came out of. At his side were a Sawk, Throh, and Meditite. Claude chuckled while his friends just laughed loudly.

"They'll be fine."

"But they look scarred for life..." River added with a sweatdrop.

Meditite huffed and crossed her arms. "THEY acted all high and mighty saying that this dojo wasn't all that hard."

"So we told the dojo helpers not to go easy on them." Throh continued for her with a fake innocent look. River snorted, it was pretty funny.

"Well...I guess, sometimes you have to deflate someone's ego a little..." Flora sounded a bit unsure about it. "Anyway, Claude. Rin-"

"No need to explain." The Lucario stopped her and walked over to them. He pointed at his own head. "Telepathy." Was all he said. Flora sighed. Am I always going to be interrupted? "I would be honored to train you, Rin." Claude placed a hand to his chest and bowed, his friends copied him. Rin blushed.

"H-Honored?"

Flora giggled and shoved River out of the dojo, he complained. "Have fun!" Rin quickly turned to face her team with wide eyes.

"Where are you two going?!"

Flora waved at her friend with a huge grin. "You're the one who has to train. River and I'll be hanging around town, we will come see you later!" With that...they left... Rin slumped in defeat.

Rin followed after Claude and the others inside the entrance the four came out of. She eyed the one to her right. "Why are we not going into that door?" She questioned.

"That one leads to various mazes, or dungeons, that Pokemon can train in." Claude answered her question without pausing in his steps. Rin glanced at the Dungeon Door (needed a name for it) and quickly caught up to them. They were walking in a rocky tunnel for a while until they stepped out to an area that looked like a battlefield. The rocky spikes on the ceiling made Rin feel nervous. Imagine that coming down at you...

"I should inform you all that only I'm responsible for Rin's training." Claude faced them. "If I need you all to help me with something then I will call you, but that is all. Do not distract Rin, got it?"

Sawk and Throh saluted while Meditite nodded her head. "Yes, sir!"

"S-So...the training's not going to be hard..right?" Rin shakingly asked. She was pretty nervous about training but she didn't want to upset the Pokemon who were counting on her. She had to do this! It probably won't be so bad. Claude smiled at the Riolu.

"At first but I know you will get used to it. I can only imagine how difficult it must be trying to figure out how to use an attack. For Pokemon, it comes naturally." He told her before shooing away Sawk, Throh, and Meditite. "Now, out you three go. I don't care what you do just look productive!" They complained but left anyway. The Lucario sighed and kneeled to Rin's height. "Are you ready to start?"

"I am! My friends are counting on me!" Rin exclaimed energetically causing a satisfied grin on Claude's face.

Claude brought out a big, light pink punching dummy. It looked like a Ditto. He set it down a few feet away from Rin. "All you are going to do is hit this dummy." He explained.

"Seems simple." Rin watched as the Lucario stepped back. She brought her eyes back to the dummy, she let out a small snort. It's face is so weird!

"Rin...just hit it already..."

"S-Sorry!" The Riolu squeaked and focused on the dummy again. Rin got into her fighting stance, she couldn't make fists with her paws so she just used her palms. "Hyah!" Rin yelled with each hit. It felt natural when her palms made contact with the dummy. Claude nodded to himself as he observed the girl.

By the time the sun set, Flora and River came back. "I wonder how Rin's training went." Flora said, looking around the room for her friend. Both her and River stocked up on supplies just in case. They bumped into Oshawott a while back. He didn't live around here, he likes Grace Town better than his own home; which was Littoral Town.

Throh noticed them come in, he flashed a smile. "Hello, you two! Here for your friend? She's in the Special Training room." Flora quickly walked through the left door, River followed behind but slower. Rin breathed in and out calmly. She's been training with the Ditto dummy since she got here. Claude never spoke, the Lucario was judging the way she moved and attacked. Rin opened her eyes and charged at the dummy. The Riolu was improvising, she started out with hitting the dummy to elbowing it then kicking it. All Claude said was to attack the dummy so she's doing just that.

"Hah!" Rin spin-jumped and kicked the dummy as hard as she could. It was very effective. Flora and River showed up in time to see the dummy slam hard and loudly against the wall beside them.

"Eek!" Flora yelped and covered her face. River froze with wide eyes before falling to his side. "W-Woah!"

Rin panted before laughing at their expressions. "T-That was so f-fun!" River recovered and cleared his throat in embarrassment.

"It's time to go."

"Oh..." Rin deflated. She didn't want to leave, but she'll be back again tomorrow. They said their good byes to Claude, Sawk, Throh, and Meditite. Rin yawned loudly. "I'm so sleepy!"

Flora giggled. "You'll get your rest soon."

"By the way, do I have a place to sleep?" Rin asked the Flaaffy.

"Yes, the castle is huge! If you become an exploration or adventure team through Emerald Castle then you get to live in the castle." She explained. As they neared the castle, River walked in a different direction. Rin came to a halt.

"Uh, River? Where you going?" She questioned. The Buizel turned his head to look at her.

"I don't live in the castle." He told her before continuing to his destination.

Flora sighed and smiled slightly at her friend. "It's fine Rin. I tried convincing River to live here but he doesn't want to... he won't tell me why..." Rin nodded and followed after her friend up the steps.

"This is my room." Rin remembered when she met Audino and saw teams of Pokemon hanging out in the 2nd floor of the castle. The 2nd floor is where the different teams sleep. The door nearest to where you first walk down the spiral stairs to the floor is where the female Pokemon sleep. Across from that is the room where male Pokemon sleep. The other doors probably led to something else.

When Flora showed Rin their room, it wasn't the room where female Pokemon slept. It was for Audino and other servants but it wasn't bad. The room was decent. A few beds placed near the walls and ladders leading up to platforms where there were more beds! "Don't tell River but...I can't sleep without Audino near me..." Flora confessed and jumped onto the closest bed. "That's why I sleep in this room." She played with the grass under her. (Instead of your average beds, the beds in this world are filled with grass or hay. No blankets or pillows. They are pretty comfortable though.) "I bet you think that's weird." She blushed a little.

Rin joined her on the bed. Ooh, comfortable! "Nah! I think it's cute!" They giggled. "Audino raised you so I'm not surprised that you want to stay by her side." Rin yawned again. Pokemon started walking inside and giving them small greetings. There was a Jumpluff, Pikachu, Buneary, Chansey, Nidorina, Vileplume, and Bulbasaur. They were all girls except Bulbasaur. Lastly, Audino arrived and closed the door behind her. She smiled when seeing her little one and Rin. "Hello, girls. Get ready for bed."

The two nodded. Rin walked over to the other bed and curled up. She watched as Audino lied down with Flora, the Flaaffy curled up next to her and quickly fell asleep. Rin felt a pang in her heart. Do I have a mom? She wondered.

..:.::.:..

Rin squirmed in her sleep.

"Get out of my sight! I don't even want to look at you!" I quickly got up off the ground and ran upstairs. Once I reached my room, my safe zone, I slammed my door shut and locked it. I dove into my bed and covered myself with my dull gray covers and cried. I thought I could go a day without them yelling or hurting me. I always do what they tell me to do, I try not to mess something up

I was in the living room, doing the laundry, father came in to get his folded shirts and pants. Mother sat on the couch, silently reading a book. The TV played a random show that we didn't care to watch. Father picked up one of his shirts and noticed a stain I missed. "Stupid girl," He growled and tightly grabbed my wrist making me drop the sock I was holding, "can't you do anything right?!" He yelled at my face. His grip on my wrist started hurting, I was pretty frail so he could snap my arm if he wanted to.

"I...I'm sorry, mother didn't show me how to get rid of those kinds of stains." I stuttered an explanation. Mother flashed me a glare before going back to her book. She never lays a hand on me, only yells and gives me dirty looks.

"Don't blame your mother! This is your fault!" He threw me to the ground roughly. I yelped in pain. "Get out of my sight! I don't even want to look at you!"

I felt my eyes drooping and finally drifted to my other safe zone, my dreams. Where I have a loving family, many friends, and a Pokemon friend. Mother and father never let me go on a Pokemon journey when I was 10. I would have picked Chimchar, but Professor Rowan had given the starters to other new trainers when my parents said 'no'. I really wanted to leave this place.

"R-Rin? Wake up!"

Rin quickly sat up with tears running down her cheeks. Her eyes remained shut. The appendages she had on the side of her head rose and shook. She sensed Audino and Flora next to her, they looked at her in worry. The Riolu opened her eyes slowly, appendages lowered, and wiped her eyes with a sniffle.

"Rin, are you OK?" Audino asked and rubbed the girl's back as a way of comforting her. "Was it a nightmare?" Rin shook her head.

"I don't know...what it was."

"You want to talk about it?" Flora asked her friend.

"No...I don't remember what it was about but I feel scared..." Rin eventually calmed down and they were ready to start the day. The two girls met up with River then went for a walk around town.

"Oh, look." River pointed at a newly built place. It was a big building with a wide open door. It looked like a cute shop. "Machoke builds fast..." He muttered.

"Our first visitors!" A Blissey cheered and twirled outside, Sunflora joined her. "Welcome to Blissey Inn!"

"I remember you." Rin smiled.

"You're the Pokemon that was with Audino yesterday!" Sunflora piped up. Rin nodded her head. "Nice to see you here."

"Come in, come in!" Blissey gently pushed them inside the Inn before going to the counter at the end of the room. There were four stairways that led up to floors that each held two rooms, which makes eight rooms in the Inn. Sunflora led them to a store next to the counter Blissey was at. Inside the store were shelves lining the walls. There seemed to be sections of different clothing. The left side of the store's shelves held Power Bands, Special Bands, Pecha Scarves, and other special accessories used for missions and battles. The right side of the store had normal clothing. I guess some Pokemon love fashion. Rin thought to herself, picking up a pink flower and examining it.

"This is my clothing store." Sunflora told them. She picked out a green scarf and wrapped it around her neck. "Since you're our first visitors you three can pick out anything you like for free."

"Thank you!" Rin and Flora smiled and looked around. River took a seat on one of the chairs in the Inn, resting his head on the square table. "I'm good..."

"Rin!" Flora called. The Riolu stopped looking through the special accessories and turned her ruby eyes to her friend.

"Hm?"

"This would look cute on you!" She exclaimed showing Rin a light pink cotton scarf with blue wave designs on the ends. Rin's eyes lit up.

"I love it!" Rin wrapped it around her neck, she felt the soft scarf with her hand. It's cute and not at all itchy like i expected. "How do I look?" Rin struck a pose. placing a hand on her hip and raised an arm in the air. Flora giggled.

"You look fabulous!" The burst out laughing. River rolled his eyes with a sigh. "Hurry up..."

Rin shot him a glare before picking out a red bow and tying it around Flora's neck. "This color suits you." The Flaaffy ran to the mirror and turned around to look at the bow. She smiled brightly.

"It does! Thanks!"

"No problem!" Rin gave her a toothy grin. "For River's sake, we're ready to go." Flora nodded. The two thanks Sunflora and Blissey before heading toward River, who decided to wait outside. He perked up when hearing their footsteps.

"Well it's about time." He muttered. Rin shot him the evil eye but he wasn't looking in her direction. No, my dear reader. He was staring at Flora. The girl was busy tugging lightly at the strap of her new bow to notice his stare. Rin looked between them, catching on. She brought a hand to her mouth to stop a giggle.

"You know...I could walk to Lucario Dojo by myself." Rin offered. Flora stopped messing with her accessory.

"Are you sure? I would like to see you off at the dojo."

Rin waved her away. "No need. Every morning we hang out for a while then I'll head toward Lucario Dojo alone. Is that fine with you?"

Flora thought about it. "Oh...I guess that's fine...have fun." She smiled at the Riolu. Rin nodded at them before walking away.

"I will. See you both later!"