Echoes of Hōseki

The world of pokemon....It is a place to learn...to make friends, battle against each other and live with pokemon. Hop into the world in the Hōseki region.

It was bright and warm as it was around ten in the morning. The sun is still and the clouds are slowly moving.

A young man around the age of sixteen lays on the ground in a meadow surrounded by flowers, his green T-shirt flutters with his black scarf around him. His dark green short hair slightly bristles as he's taking a nap, his hands directly behind his head.

A small rustling sound comes from nearby bushes, followed by the curious chirping of a Pidgey.

As he naps, flashing images of a fire burls inside his mind. A building - a mansion of sorts - on fire raging. He seems to be out of the building crying like he was around ten or so.

"Mommy! Daddy! Sister!!" His childlike voice in his dream calls out

He jolts awake so fast sitting upright slightly panting.

"Same dream again Zoah?" Asks a white haired girl about sixteen with a black T-shirt, a green sleeveless cardigan, jeans and a green gem pendant.

"Hey Azari." Zoah says

The Pidgey flies off startled by his sudden movement. Azari stands a few feet away, her green eyes showing concern.

"You were shouting in your sleep again. The same nightmare?" Azari asked

"I haven't had this nightmare in a while." Zoah brings his legs up crisscrossing them.

She sits down beside him, crossing her legs too. The pendant on her necklace catches the sunlight.

"Maybe being in the meadow triggered it. The peaceful surroundings can be deceptive sometimes." Azari looks at him

"It does huh?" Zoah chuckles lightly

Azari chuckles back and boops his nose, "There are ways forms of trauma can happen....but know this Zoah. Your not alone. Not anymore. My parents helped take you in after all that and you became part of my family."

He rubs his nose where she booped, a small smile forming despite the lingering dream's effects.

"I know. I'm grateful for that. For you and your family. Though sometimes I wonder if I'll ever fully shake those memories." She says

A gentle breeze makes the flowers sway around them.

"You know..." Azari stands up and turns to face Zoah and leans down, her pendant dangling as she smiles.

"Know what?" Zoah asked looking at her as she smiled cheerfully with a giggle.

"Let's do what we promised together when we were younger....a journey." Azari smiles

His eyes widen slightly at her suggestion, the memories of childhood promises coming back. He stands up too, dusting off his pants.

"A journey? Like... a pokemon journey? With me?" He asked

She nods enthusiastically, her white hair bouncing.

"Yes! We were so excited about it back then. We can start training and catch our first pokemon. Just like we talked about in your old room." Azari says

He looks at her with a mix of nostalgia and hesitation, touching his scarf unconsciously, "That was before... everything changed. I haven't trained in years."

"Okay, and? We can start fresh and new. Get a pokemon starter from any of the other regions from Professor Sakura in Saphiro town." Azari says while putting her hand out. "So...would you take that step with me?...Come on a journey with me through Hōseki?"

He stares at her outstretched hand, then at her determined face. The thought of adventure and new beginnings stirs something in him.

After a moment of internal struggle, he takes her hand firmly, "...Yeah. Let's do it. A fresh start. But you better not leave me behind, Azari."

She grins widely, pulling him up properly., "Never! We're partners in this. I'll make sure you catch up if you fall behind. And I'll make sure you smile more too."

She starts walking toward the path leading to Saphiro town, still holding his hand, "Come on! We should get there by tomorrow if we hurry."

"Umm...Azira?" Zoah stops as she stops and turns

"Hm? What is it?" Azira asked

"Shouldn't we go tell your parents first and get supplies before we go?" Zoah asked and said on how worried her parents would be.

"Oh, right! Yeah! That would be a wise idea." Azari says redirecting the way to get to her family farm.

They change course, heading back to the farm. The farmhouse comes into view, with her parents likely working in the fields.

Her mother spots them approaching and waves, wiping sweat from her brow, There you two are! Dinner's almost ready. Where were you planning to run off to?"

Azari exchanges a glance with Zoah before speaking up, "Mom, we want to tell you something. We're going on a pokemon journey together. To Saphiro town to get a starter pokemon from Professor Sakura."

Her mother raises an eyebrow, setting down her farming tools, "A journey? Just like that? You're both still young. Have you thought this through?"

"Hun, pokemon trainers usually start at eleven." Azari 's father says to his wife.

"Yeah and?" The mother says back

"They're both sixteen and can handle themselves. They're perfectly fine." The father is done attending the Galarian Tauros they have.

*The mother sighs, looking between her daughter and Zoah.*

Azari's father: "They've been friends since childhood. Let them have their adventure. We were young once too."

The mother crosses her arms, still concerned but slightly reliant, "At least take proper supplies. Food, camping gear, pokéballs. And you'll check in regularly."

"Hun, they don't need to check in all the time." The father gives a heavy sigh. Azari relieved her father is on their side.

"Great Arceus, relax mother." Azari says with a hint of a fierce attitude.

The mother narrows her eyes at Azari's tone. "Don't 'relax mother' me. I just want to know my daughter is safe. And Zoah, you'll look after her, won't you?"

She directs the last part at Zoah, a protective look in her eyes.

"Most of the time she looks after me." Zoah says

"You got that right mister." Azari says with a smirk.

"Most of the time she looks after me." Zoah says

"You got that right mister." Azari says with a smirk.

"Don't you start with that smirk on me Azari." Zoah says as she does it with a sneer and leans up close to Zoah.

"Oh? You mean like this?" She side smiles with those eyes of hers.

"You're impossible." Zoah feels flushed and huffs looking away.

The mother watches their interaction with a mix of amusement and concern, "Just... both of you be careful. And for Arceus' sake, be responsible with your choices."

The father chuckles at their banter, "Let them have their fun, sweetheart. They'll be fine. We raised Azari to be tough."

Azari sticks her tongue out playfully at Zoah, enjoying getting under his skin.

Zoah's face turns slightly redder, clearly embarrassed by the teasing in front of her parents, "I-I do not! Stop that!"

"Nuh-uh. Nope. I love this shy flustered side of you." Azari chuckles poking Zoah's cheek.

The father laughs louder now, enjoying the dynamic, "They're young and full of energy. Let them be. Now come on inside, dinner's getting cold."

The mother shakes her head but can't hide a small smile, "Fine. Dinner first, then we'll help pack supplies."

She heads toward the house, muttering something about 'young love'. Azari loops her arm with Zoah's, still grinning mischievously as they follow her parents inside.

Inside, the table is set with home-cooked food. The aroma fills the cozy kitchen. Azari pulls Zoah to sit next to her at the table, still keeping close.

The father takes his seat at the head, serving himself, "So, what pokemon do you both want to choose from Professor Sakura? Any preferences?"

Azari lets go of Zoah to grab a plate, but stays near him.

Azari thinks and then says, "I want Fennekin as a partner."

Zoah thinks for a moment, "Azari is going with a Kalos starter... I'll go with a Hoenn starter, Treeko."

Azari perks up at Zoah's choice, "Treeko? Good choice. Grass-type against my fire. We'll make a balanced team."

The father nods approvingly, "Hoenn starter vs Kalos starter. Classic rivalry."

The mother serves soup into bowls, "Just don't forget the type advantages and weaknesses when you battle each other."

At the side, the television then airs with a women with yellow and black pixie cut hair, black sports bra, yellow sleeveless collared open coat.

"Hello all and welcome again! Tis I, Nora Oak as your host, this is a new beginning of a new season of the Hōseki Yano Pillar Quest! The four Pillars spread throughout Hōseki! Beat the guardian there, obtain a Gem and come back for the Yano Pillar Tournament!" Nora yells

"And as usual, our last years reigning champion Lucio Varran will be there."

Everyone turns to look at the TV, recognizing the announcement. Lucio Varran is a well-known trainer in Hōseki, having won multiple tournaments before.

"Lucio will be there? The tournament again?" Azari wondered

The father watches intently, being a fan of the tournament himself.

"And let's not forget the rules! You can form teams of two to obtain the gems if you do wish so and if you do your max party of both combined is six! So those with a partner, they must have three pokemon." Nora continues. "Sign ups start tomorrow at your nearest town!"

Azari looks at Zoah with excitement in her eyes, "Partner teams! We could do that. Get the gems together."

The father strokes his chin thoughtfully, "That could be quite the challenge. Those gems aren't easy to obtain, especially with the guardians."

The mother sets down the last bowl of soup, "And with the tournament coming up, it'll be even more competitive."

The broadcast continues showing footage of previous tournaments and guardians.

"The Yon Pillars...prove your worth against the guardians, gather their gems....and bring them to the city of Sharrow where the tournament will be held!" Nora says for a finish

Azari leans forward, watching the footage with determination.

The footage shows powerful pokemon guarding the pillars, each one unique and formidable. The city of Sharrow is shown in the background, bustling with trainers preparing for the event.

"Those guardians look tough. But we could be the ones to beat them." Azari says

Zoah watches silently, taking in the information about the tournament and the challenges ahead. The pressure of becoming champions seems to weigh on his mind, remembering he hasn't trained in years.

"Azari..." Zoah looked over to her as Azari looked up at him.

"Yeah? What's up Zoah?" Azari asked

"We'll get there....together." Zoah says

She smiles warmly at his words, reaching for his hand under the table, "Together. We'll train hard. You'll catch up to your training quickly, I know it."

The parents exchange glances, seeing the determination in both of them. The father gives a small nod of encouragement.

As the day goes on, after dinner and resting for the rest of the day and sleeping till the next day to come.

On that next day as the sun rises from the horizon, Zoah and Azari walk out of the farm house.

Azari smiles all cheerfully, "You ready for the brand new dawn of a journey?"

Zoah stretches, adjusting his scarf and backpack, "As ready as I'll ever be. Let's head to Saphiro town first thing."

The morning air is fresh and cool, perfect for traveling. The farm is quiet except for the sound of Pokémon in the distance.

Azari waves back as she and Zoah walk off, "Bye mom! Bye Dad! See you!" She giggles off and then turns and grabs Zoah's hand.

"Wha-? Wait!...Azari!" Zoah yells as he gets dragged into the run as Azari bolts off.

"They grow up so fast don't they?" The mother says waving as she glanced over at her husband that's balling tears.

"My baby girl has grown all up! Waaahhhh!!" The father says as the mother just shakes her head.

"Always the sensitive one." She mumbles.

The father continues sobbing dramatically while the mother pats his back.

Meanwhile, Azari is laughing as she runs, pulling Zoah along the path to Saphiro town.

"Come on slowpoke! The town isn't going to wait for us!" Azari says

The path leads through fields and small forests, the journey ahead just beginning.