The first light of dawn broke over the village of Nahir as Daniel flew toward it, high above the earth on the back of a majestic Corviknight. The Pokémon's powerful wings cut through the crisp morning air, each beat sending gusts downward that rustled the trees below. Its dark feathers shimmered slightly in the early light, the steel-like texture glinting as they glided over the landscape.
As they neared the village, Daniel could see the townspeople already gathered, waiting in anticipation for the day's journey. He had prepared them for this moment the last time he was in town, and the villagers were eager to see the forest for themselves.
Descending smoothly, Corviknight let out a soft, commanding caw, announcing their arrival. Daniel leaned forward slightly, feeling the powerful wings beneath him shift as they prepared for landing. The villagers below began to stir with excitement, pointing up at the enormous bird Pokémon that carried Daniel.
With a gentle thud, Corviknight landed in the village square, its talons gripping the ground with ease. Daniel slid off its back and gave the Pokémon an appreciative pat. "Good work, Corviknight," he murmured softly. The large, intelligent bird blinked slowly in response, showing no signs of strain from the flight.
As Daniel turned to greet the crowd, the townspeople waved and smiled, clearly excited to see him. The council members stood at the forefront, including the youngest councilman, Eamon, who would be joining today's expedition.
"Good morning, everyone," Daniel said, his voice calm but carrying authority. "I trust you're all ready for today's journey."
There was a murmur of agreement from the small group of adults that had been chosen to visit the forest. Most of them were villagers who had been curious about Pokémon ever since the stories from Captain Valen had spread, and today they would finally have their chance to see these creatures up close. Eamon, the youngest of the council, stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"We've been looking forward to this, Daniel," Eamon said, grinning. "The whole village has been buzzing since your last visit."
Daniel returned the smile before turning to the carriage that had been modified according to his instructions. Before he left previously, he requested that one of the carriages should be modified with a stable bar attached to the top, strong enough to suppord the entire carriages weight. The metal bar over the top gleamed in the sunlight, reinforced to allow Corviknight to easily carry it through the air.
"Before we head out," Daniel began, "I just want to remind everyone that this visit is about learning and understanding. The Pokémon you'll meet are more than just creatures—they're intelligent beings, and they can become more than even that... if you're lucky."
The villagers nodded eagerly, some casting curious glances at Corviknight, who stood nearby, silently observing.
"Now," Daniel said, gesturing to the carriage, "Everyone, please get into the carriage. Corviknight will carry us to the entrance of the forest."
With a few exchanged glances of excitement, the group of adults climbed into the carriage, settling into the comfortable seats inside. Daniel took a spot near the front with Eamon sitting directly across from him.
This was a larger wooden carriage, it was big enough to have two compartments, being able to fit 10 people inside with Daniel among them.
Once everyone was inside, Daniel signaled to Corviknight, who flapped its wings and moved into position above the carriage. With a swift, practiced motion, the bird Pokémon gripped the metal bar on top with its talons. The villagers gasped slightly as the ground suddenly fell away beneath them, the carriage lifting smoothly into the air.
"Hold on tight," Daniel said with a chuckle. "Corviknight is a skilled flyer, but it's always best to be cautious."
As Corviknight ascended into the sky, carrying the carriage with it, the village shrank beneath them. Not long after, the vast expanse of the forest came into view. The people inside the carriage pressed themselves to the windows, their eyes wide with wonder as they watched the treetops blur by. Daniel, with a mental communication to Corviknight, guided the Pokémon toward the newly constructed entrance of the forest.
The flight was short but exhilarating, and before long, the thick canopy of trees parted to reveal the entrance to the forest. Corviknight descended slowly, setting the carriage down with surprising gentleness at the start of the pathway that Daniel and the Pokémon had built.
As the carriage touched down, Daniel got out of the carriage, offering his hand to the residence within. A few took longer than others. Obviously the flight, no matter how exilerrating, had given some motion sickness considering they hadn't flown once in their entire lives.
They quickly recovered however, taking in the intriguing sight before them.
The entrance was even more impressive now that it was completed. The archway, made of intertwined branches and stone, seemed to grow naturally out of the forest itself, welcoming visitors while also maintaining a sense of protection. Beyond the entrance, the path stretched into the heart of the forest, winding through the trees like a ribbon of light.
"This is where our journey begins," Daniel said, motioning for the group to follow him as they stepped onto the path. "The forest is vast, and the Pokémon here are thriving. As we walk, you'll see different areas where certain Pokémon prefer to live. But remember, there are some parts of the forest we won't be visiting—those areas are home to more powerful or territorial Pokémon."
Eamon stepped beside Daniel, his face a mixture of excitement and nervousness. "This place is... incredible," he said, his voice filled with awe as he looked around. Even with out seeing these so called Pokémon, the forest itself had such a clean yet mysterious feel to it.
Daniel nodded in agreement, his gaze sweeping over the trees. "It is, and it's only going to get better as we continue."
The group walked along the pathway, taking in the sights and sounds of the forest. The Pokémon were curious but cautious, watching the visitors from a distance. A few brave ones, like tandemouse and nidoran, couldn't help their curiosity of the newcomers and came forward, earning a plethora of reactions from the group.
Eventually, they reached the clearing where Daniel's cabin stood, nestled peacefully among the trees. Beside it, the first room of the library was completed, the foundation was solid, and the walls sturdy.
"This is where you'll find me," Daniel said, gesturing to the cabin and the library. "If you have any questions about the Pokémon or if anything happens, this is where you can come. The library will be eventually filled with information about every Pokémon you might encounter, and you'll be able to use it as a resource. Though it's not finished yet. You can come to me if you have any questions."
The villagers nodded, clearly impressed by the progress Daniel had made.
Eamon spoke up, "I can see why you wanted to build this place," he said, glancing around the clearing. "I can't wait to learn more about these creatures."
"That's the goal," Daniel replied. "I want this to be a place where both humans and Pokémon can coexist and learn from each other."
After a brief moment of silence, Daniel continued, "Now, you're free to explore the forest on your own. Follow the paths, and you'll encounter different Pokémon along the way. Just remember—if you stray from the path, I can't guarantee your safety. I reccommend not traveling deeper untim you have a Pokémon of your own to guide and protect you. There are Pokémon deeper in the forest that you can not afford to upset."
The group exchanged glances, a mixture of excitement and caution on their faces.
"Be back by sunset," Daniel added with a smile. "That's when Corviknight will fly you back to the village."
With that, the group dispersed, each person choosing a different direction to explore. Most stayed close to the path, heading Daniel's words, but some still ventured off the path a little, their curiosity getting the better of them
Daniel watched them go, a sense of pride swelling in his chest. This was the first step toward something bigger—a world where Pokémon and humans could live together, support each other, and grow stronger side by side.
As the villagers disappeared into the forest, Daniel turned back toward his cabin, only to hear footsteps behind him. Eamon, following behind Daniel, spoke up his voice laced with curiosity. "Daniel, do you mind if I visit your library? I would love to learn more about these Pokémon and how different they truly are when compared to other creatures we know of."
Daniel was about to reply positively but his thoughts interrupted him. This was the perfect chance to learn more about this world. He had come to the realization this past week that while it was good of him to focus on teaching others about Pokémon, he can't forget to learn for himself.
This is not Earth, where he was from. This was a hole new world. It had different laws, traditions, views, and many more things that Daniel had yet to discover. If he wanted to build a good reputation and foundation for himself here, then he needed knowledge. And this was a perfect opportunity.
Turning to Eamon, Daniel nodded, "There's no problem with that. In fact, how about we make a deal. I teach you more about Pokémon, and in turn, you answer some questions for me."
Not even batting an eye, Eamon agreed, "Of course. I may be the youngest councilman, but I'm still a councilman none the less. I'm well informed when it comes to matters that involve the town, or even the kingdom." He said in self confidence.